Chapter Ninety-Six: A Spotlight Performance, and a Stunning Turn in Public Opinion!

Who could have imagined it?

Bai Ling actually intended to donate all of the Crown Princess’s earnings to the school!

Who could have imagined it?

Bai Ling had already donated two million in advance.

That’s two million.

Even if Bai Ling’s popularity was soaring, as long as she wasn’t taking on endorsement deals or starring in major productions for sky-high fees, she couldn’t possibly have that much money on hand.

Two million—that’s no small sum.

And she handed it over without even blinking?

Moreover, from the situation in Zhang Ruchun’s video, it appeared Bai Ling had already given the two million, and the remaining dividends from The Crown Princess would be handed to Zhang Ruchun only after the show’s profits came in.

This meant that Ou Qianqin couldn’t even accuse Bai Ling of putting on a show.

At most, she could try to stir up a little trouble, let the rumors fly awhile.

But whether those rumors would ever land, who could say?

What could she do?

“Boss Wen, the buzz is rising again.”

“If you want to suppress it, you’ll have to spend more money.”

“Please don’t misunderstand me—I have absolutely no intention of cheating you. If you think something’s off, I can introduce your people to the companies I contacted for those internet posts.”

“You can handle it yourself, Boss Wen. Perhaps, with your resources, you’ll be able to crush Bai Ling in one swift move.”

On the one hand, Ou Qianqin wanted to prove her innocence.

She hadn’t pocketed the activity fees or failed to get results.

On the other hand, if Wen Boyi handled this himself, she could shift the trouble onto him and avoid being caught between two sides.

Wen Boyi pondered for a moment. “Fine. I’ll take charge of this matter personally.”

“Send me the contacts.”

After hanging up, Wen Boyi’s face was tinged with coldness.

Since inheriting the family business, though he hadn’t achieved any great feats, at least he’d preserved the family’s legacy.

In the business world, he’d suffered enough setbacks—well, gained enough experience.

To handle someone as minor as Bai Ling—was that even a challenge?

What a joke!

Wen Boyi reached under the desk and pulled out a photograph.

The girl in the picture resembled Wen Yan, but was a little older.

Wen Boyi stroked the photo, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

“Our daughter is as beautiful as you, and just as outstanding.”

“I won’t let anyone stand in her way!”

In truth, Wen Boyi’s affection for Wen Yan wasn’t just because she was his own flesh and blood.

It was also because Wen Yan looked strikingly similar to her mother.

Even though Wen Boyi had more than just this one illegitimate daughter, it was Wen Yan’s mother whom he truly loved.

But as he gazed at the photo, the door suddenly opened.

Wen Boyi jumped in surprise.

“Darling, what brings you here?”

“Come, have a seat!”

Wen Boyi swiftly tucked the photograph away, as if nothing unusual had happened.

His wife, Chu Wenjun, didn’t seem to notice anything amiss.

She glanced at him and said, “What, am I not allowed to visit you now?”

“By the way, I noticed the company has recently invested in the entertainment industry. Was that your decision?”

Wen Boyi nodded. “That’s right.”

He was a little displeased.

Though Chu Wenjun was a lady from a prestigious family, a renowned beauty, she’d always been involved in the company’s management.

Granted, the company now belonged to both the Wen and Chu families, but did she really need to ask about everything?

Chu Wenjun nodded. “I have no objection to investing in entertainment. In fact, I support it.”

“You did well. Recently, I’ve been following a promising young artist—her name is Bai Ling.”

“Do you know her, dear?”

Wen Boyi’s heart skipped a beat.

How could he not know?

He was the one who’d stirred up all the current public opinion.

“I’ve heard a bit. Isn’t she going through some trouble lately? Are you planning to invest in her?”

Chu Wenjun smiled. “I find the girl likable and capable. As for her recent troubles, I’ve been following that as well.”

“But the situation’s changed. Didn’t you notice? It seems the official media has commended her, imagine that…”

At these words, Wen Boyi’s face immediately fell.

“The official media commended her?”

Though Wen Boyi wasn’t sure what that meant for the entertainment world, his years of investment experience told him one thing:

If a project received official media recognition, or if certain signals were released, it meant the project would proceed smoothly.

No one foolish enough would dare to obstruct it.

This wasn’t some novel or drama; in the real business world, cunning schemes and ruthless plots were rare.

People were still at the level of crushing instant noodles, sabotaging a rival’s herbal tea, or vandalizing shared bikes.

At most, they might send a handsome man to seduce a female CEO, or a beauty to tempt an executive.

That was already the height of corporate intrigue.

But with official media endorsement—who would dare interfere?

And as luck would have it, just as Wen Boyi was about to personally suppress Bai Ling, this news broke.

He immediately opened his browser to search.

Sure enough, on the largest social forum, the Education Headquarters had specifically commended Bai Ling.

They even posted Teacher Zhang Ruchun’s video directly under the official account.

Internet trolls could report and have ordinary users’ videos deleted, but this was a video posted by the authorities—what good would reporting do?

“Actress Bai Ling has remained true to her ideals and convictions—not only writing works like ‘Ode to Young China,’ but also putting the spirit of her work into practice, making real contributions to the nation’s educational efforts. Such spirit is worthy of everyone’s admiration!”

It was only a single sentence, but the message was clear.

Below the post, countless comments rallied to Bai Ling’s side.

“Commenting for posterity—congratulations, Bai Ling!”

“Is this official recognition?”

“A joyous event for everyone!”

“Where are the haters now? Why aren’t they speaking up? Probably won’t get another chance!”

“Bai Ling did nothing wrong—in fact, she’s spreading kindness, yet she was targeted online. It’s absurd. Fortunately, justice prevails in people’s hearts!”

“What happened to those reporting The Crown Princess and Teacher Zhang’s videos? If you have the guts, try reporting this one!”

“They wouldn’t dare—this is an official media upload!”

“How strange—the haters have all vanished. Are they finally learning to keep their heads down?”

“It’s simple—someone was fanning the flames behind the scenes. Now, I suppose that person won’t dare anymore.”

“Well done—beautifully handled!”