After Kissing the World-Weary Female Supporting Character [Transmigration] - Chapter 68

Although the mother-in-law truly wished to hold both, taking both the wooden dummy  and the little squirrel  home to raise, Little Pine Nut  clung to Ji Ruyue’s clothes and wouldn’t let go. Ji Ruyue also couldn’t bear to let Xu Yan take the little squirrel, so the matter was dropped.

However, to prevent the wooden dummy from reverting to its original form and staging a terrifying scene of a living person turning into wood, Song Xingzi would regularly visit the hospital to perform a bit of “after-sales service.” Therefore, Ji Ruyue often took the little squirrel to the hospital to see the wooden dummy, using the excuse of discussing things with her mother. Once mother and daughter had agreed, they arranged a private jet to bring the wooden dummy back to the Imperial Capital  and admit it to a private hospital.

Considering the feelings of the female lead’s father, Song Xuelin, Ji Ruyue immediately sent someone to notify him and arranged for a professional psychiatrist to provide him with counseling. She also arranged the wooden dummy’s hospital room next to Song Xuelin’s, to make visitation convenient for him.

Today was the second day the wooden dummy was in a coma. Song Xuelin was finally able to accept the fact, and, leaning on a nurse, he trembled his way to the wooden dummy’s bedside.

“Xingxing—my Xingxing—my poor Xingxing,” the thin-cheeked middle-aged man threw off the nurse’s arm, stumbled, and collapsed by the bed, weeping loudly. “Open your eyes and look at your Dad! Didn’t you say you wouldn’t act anymore once Dad got better? Xingxing, don’t sleep, open your eyes and look at your Dad!”

Song Xingzi, crouching on Ji Ruyue’s shoulder, felt a profound sadness. She had been parentless since childhood and only vaguely remembered her father’s name as Song Bao, so she adopted his surname and called herself Little Pine Nut.

Song Xuelin’s sincere emotion made her very uncomfortable, even though she knew these tears were not being shed for her.

I’m right here! Xingxing is looking at you! This is Xingxing!

The little squirrel distressfully scratched at the fabric on Ji Ruyue’s shoulder, crumpling the collar of her shirt.

Only after Song Xuelin’s emotions had slightly calmed down did Ji Ruyue speak, “Uncle Song, I’m very sorry that Xingxing was hurt because of me.”

“It’s not your fault. You are just Xingxing’s boss, and you have already done so much. You’re a good boss; it was Xingxing’s good fortune to meet you. The fault lies with the person who caused the harm,” Song Xuelin gripped the wooden dummy’s hand, and his daughter’s ice-cold hand made this single father’s eyes well up again. “If Xingxing doesn’t wake up, this old man will certainly not let it go! No matter what it takes, I will get justice for my daughter! I will bring the perpetrator to justice and avenge Xingxing!”

Ji Ruyue soothed the little squirrel and solemnly gave her promise: “Uncle Song, please rest assured. I will absolutely make the Li Group pay a blood debt! And Xingxing will definitely wake up! I’m still waiting for her to wake up so I can give her the most magnificent wedding!”

Song Xuelin turned his head, asking in disbelief, “Xingxing, did she truly like you enough to save you, and not just for gratitude?”

Ji Ruyue nodded earnestly: “Yes. It was entirely my fault. A moment of carelessness allowed Li Yeběi to exploit the situation, which resulted in Xingxing falling into a coma.”

“Alas, Xingxing…” Song Xuelin sighed, wanting to say something but not knowing where to begin. Finally, he spoke wearily, “Xingxing has always been independent since she was a child. There’s nothing wrong with her falling for a girl. It’s just… Sigh. CEO Ji, please step out for a while. Let me stay with Xingxing.”

“Understood.” Ji Ruyue nodded seriously. “Goodbye, Uncle. Leave the matter of the Li Group to me. Please spend more time with Xingxing. The doctor said that having people the patient cares about speak to them often increases the chance of them waking up.”

“You go and handle your business. I’ll watch over Xingxing here.”

Song Xuelin waved her away tiredly, holding his wooden dummy daughter’s hand with tears streaming down his face.

Ji Ruyue stroked the tail of the dejected little squirrel, walked out of the ward in silence, and drove toward the company. She had more important things to do.

An accident occurred halfway through the program’s filming. No matter how much the production team tried to cover it up, within two days and one night, hashtags like #CountryWarAccident#, #SongXingziJiRuyueInjured#, #MountainRoadCollapse#, and #SongXingziComa# still made it onto the hot search. As Song Xingzi’s and Ji Ruyue’s drama was airing its climax, both possessed high public recognition. The related keywords dominated the top ten, sparking heated online discussion.

Starlight’s public relations team, following the President’s instructions, mobilized its staff and a barrage of online promoters to spread Song Xingzi’s narrative widely. In addition, celebrity directors and staff who knew Song Xingzi, especially the cast and crew of Deep Palace Chef Empress, all praised Song Xingzi as kind, sincere, and lovely. Even her former rival celebrity, He Ya, posted a blog praising Song Xingzi for her innocent and genuine heart, saying she was, as her name suggested, a person who had traversed the world without changing her pure, childlike heart.

This not only ignited the fans but also brought drama fans and ordinary passersby into the discussion, triggering a national discussion craze. Netizens either accused the program team of inaction and insufficient safety measures, or they angrily cursed the shoddy construction work and tagged the relevant authorities. A large number of netizens also genuinely sympathized with Song Xingzi, lamenting the difficult journey of the “Star-Moon” romance.

In particular, the CP fans and Song Xingzi’s fans, the “Nebulas” (Xīngyún), commented in great grief: “This path is too difficult. Wake up quickly and see your Moon!” “My heart aches for my older sister; she’s so young and in the prime of her life. Why did this accident have to happen to her?” “Star-Moon is too difficult. First, the Moon was slandered, and the company’s stock dropped, and now it’s the Star’s turn to be injured! Are their rivals even human?” “My heart goes out to our older sister. Please wake up quickly. We are all waiting for you.”…

Due to the previous cheating incident and the recent friction between the Li and Ji Corporations, the public, fully engrossed in the gossip, universally believed that the incident was sabotage and attempted murder. The ‘certain person’ was naturally referring to the ‘human stud’ Li Yeběi. In an instant, the Li Group’s public opinion plummeted to freezing point.

The Li Group naturally would not sit idly by. Their public relations team also jumped into action to whitewash the incident, and various marketing accounts rapidly forwarded and commented on relevant blog posts. The two sides engaged in a fierce back-and-forth in the arena of public opinion, neither willing to show weakness.

After several days of stalemate, the team monitored public reaction and organized a press conference today, which was live-streamed, preparing to officially bring the matter to a climax. Ji Ruyue attended in her dual capacity as the President of Starlight and one of the victims.

The host addressed the camera with formalities: “Good afternoon, distinguished guests and friends from the press. Welcome to the press conference held by Starlight Entertainment in response to the Country War accident.

“This incident has caused a huge stir online. We are grateful for the concern and understanding shown by netizens. However, at the same time, many malicious and slanderous remarks have appeared online, which we cannot accept and feel deeply outraged by. To clarify the truth and set the record straight, Starlight Entertainment Group Co., Ltd. is holding this press conference on May 26, 2028, at 13:00 sharp.

“First, please allow me to introduce the guests seated on the stage: Ji Ruyue, Chairman and CEO of Starlight Entertainment Group Co., Ltd., Lin Shu, the contracted agent for Starlight Entertainment and the agent for Starlight’s artist Song Xingzi…”

Ji Ruyue sat in the center of the dark wooden long table, with Song Xingzi seated on her lap in the form of a little squirrel. She gently tapped the table with her index finger, signaling the host to speed up.

They’re all unnecessary formalities. Why make it so complicated?

“The press conference has four main items on the agenda, which are…” The host’s body stiffened, and he quickened his pace, “First, we invite Ji Ruyue, Chairman and CEO of Starlight Entertainment Group Co., Ltd., to speak. After her speech, we will enter the first round of open questioning. Media friends, please be prepared.”

Ji Ruyue adjusted the desktop microphone, her expression cold, “There’s nothing much to say. I’m announcing two things: First, Ji Ruyue and Song Xingzi are engaged. I hope everyone will acknowledge this. Second, in my capacity as the newly appointed Chairman of the Ji Group, I announce that, effective immediately, the Ji Group will comprehensively terminate all cooperation with the Li Group. The action taken before was too lenient. Some people simply don’t learn their lesson.”

The vast press conference venue instantly fell into a dead silence, while the fans and spectators in the live broadcast room erupted in a frenzy. They simultaneously hammered their keyboards to send gifts and furiously scrolled through the bullet comments:

“Holy cow! She really lives up to her title as CEO Ji! That declaration is killing me a thousand times over! She’s so Alpha!”

“The incredibly astute CEO Ji [heart], the young and talented CEO Ji [heart], the ultimate dream of the entertainment industry [heart]”

“The absolute queen of the domineering CEO! I wonder if the mastermind regrets it so much that their guts are turning green?”

“Ahhhhh!!! Star-Moon is real!!! CEO Ji is too handsome! May the Li Group go bankrupt!”

“Ditto! It’s getting hot up here; let’s make the Li Group go bankrupt!”

Song Xingzi, sitting on the main character’s lap, was no calmer than the audience in the live room. Her little paws covered her heart, and the infatuated squirrel persona went online in her mind: Chirp! Chirp! Ji Ji is so handsome, so handsome!!! Ji Ji, I will marry you!

Song Xingzi looked up at Ji Ruyue’s chin with an expression of adoration. Just by imagining it, she could picture her Ji Ji speaking to the dense crowd with a cold, cool expression. It wasn’t asking for opinions; it was a unilateral notification! It wasn’t hoping for acknowledgment; it was you must give me your acknowledgment!

Ahhhhh!!! So handsome! So exhilarating! I love this ‘feel-good story’ plot development! Ji Ji has always restrained herself, always suppressing her affection and desires. This injury is a good opportunity for her. She is willing to act with me and gradually release her pain and disgust.

Song Xingzi scratched her head with a little paw; her big, dark eyes were exceptionally bright.

Only by venting her emotions, by venting at the person who hurt her, can Ji Ji truly be healed!

The little squirrel clumsily gave herself a thumbs-up with her paw. Just then, Ji Ruyue looked down, saw the action, and, thinking Song Xingzi was complimenting her, indulged her by rubbing her belly.

The host was anxious. Although he had been informed beforehand that the CEO would not have many lines today, the ‘new’ CEO Ji, who was completely different from what he had expected, still made him uneasy. He gripped the microphone and continued, “CEO Ji’s statement has concluded. Next is the first round of open questioning. Media friends with questions, please raise your hands and speak in an orderly fashion.”

In the bullet comments, the audience started discussing:

“I bet fifty cents the host was scared silly just now!”

“Hahahaha, I’ll add a packet of spicy strips! CEO Ji definitely didn’t coordinate her lines with the host beforehand!”

“The person above has keen eyesight. CEO Ji is drop-dead gorgeous, and I love her arrogance.”

“I’ll add my ID number! The more arrogant the Moon is, the more I love her!”

The press conference venue fell silent for a few more seconds before people reacted and began raising their hands and signs to ask questions.

These were all front-page headlines! They concerned not only the entertainment industry but also the economic sector! When gods fight, even the bystanders can be affected!

The first to raise their hand was a reporter from the Xin Nan Daily, an established news media outlet that focused on public welfare and economics.

“CEO Ji, is the announcement you just made the official statement of the Ji Group? The Ji Group and the Li Group are both leading enterprises in Huaxia (China). Once they clash, it will inevitably result in mutual losses and will have a massive impact on our country’s national economy.”

Ji Ruyue glanced at him and said coldly, “On what basis do you assume the Ji Group cannot stabilize the financial market? On what basis do you assume Huaxia’s economic system will collapse because of this?”

The audience on the live platform could feel Ji Ruyue’s rage through the screen and also joined the discussion in the bullet comments:

“Why do I feel like CEO Ji is extremely confident? Could it be that she has evidence that Li Yeběi was directly involved in the murder attempt?”

“I don’t know! My sister is awesome and hot, and that’s all that matters!”

“To be honest, I was a little worried when the reporter asked that.”

“Don’t worry! Trust the Ji Group! Trust the country! The Ji Group has stood strong for two hundred years and has always been an honest and patriotic company.”

“CEO Ji is so damn cool! I really want to see her and Xingzi in a relationship!”

“Damn that murdering scumbag, I wish him an early death and a quick rebirth!!!”

The Xin Nan Daily reporter was pressured by Ji Ruyue’s forceful counter-question and lost his nerve, mumbling, “Hopefully so.”

The questioning continued. To prevent the atmosphere from becoming too awkward, the second person selected was a reporter from Entertainment Weekly, a newspaper that focused more on the entertainment industry: “Hello, when did your engagement with Song Xingzi begin? And are the online reports about Miss Song Xingzi sacrificing herself to save you accurate?”

Hey, they’re talking about me! Song Xingzi jumped from Ji Ruyue’s lap onto the table, crouching by Ji Ruyue’s hand, peering curiously toward the camera.

“The part about her saving me after she fell into a coma is accurate. Next question.”

Ji Ruyue patted Song Xingzi’s head and nudged her forward again, to keep her from accidentally rolling off the table.

The ring on her left ring finger sparkled under the lights with an enchanting brilliance. The star-cut yellow diamond gemstone radiated a gentle glow, practically blinding the reporter who asked the question.

The people in the bullet comments who were passionately discussing the Star-Moon myth immediately plunged into a frantic lesbian squealing over the adorable creature and the ring:

“OMG, that ring!!! I remember CEO Ji wearing it before! It’s the crown jewel of the Star brand’s collection!!!”

“The Star is on the Moon’s hand! This is just so damn beautiful!! Certified fairy-tale romance!! Sob, it’s another day of crying for someone else’s love.”

“My God, is that little squirrel the one from the report? So cute!”

“I’m this old, and it’s the first time I’ve seen a wild squirrel that is so close to people! I’m crying with envy!”

“I have a bold idea: Song Xingzi, Little Pine Nut, Little Squirrel. Is CEO Ji being so gentle with the little squirrel because it reminds her of Xingzi?”

“Holy moly! A genuine CP scholar has appeared!! Where can I buy your writings?”

No matter how wild the onlookers were, the questioning in the hall continued, but it did not last long. CEO Ji, who was dominating the scene and causing countless people to swoon, quickly reached the last question.

“Time is limited, so we can only take one last question,” the host, finally accepting the brand-new CEO after being shocked multiple times by her domineering answers, said calmly. “Please welcome the reporter from the Onion Daily to ask their question.”

The Onion Daily was a very bold newspaper; their headlines were always different. For example, this time, the reporter stood up and said, “CEO Ji, may I ask if the Ji Group made this decision because the accident was not an accident but was, in fact, an act of premeditated human malice?”