Helping My Ex-Wife Find Love Every Day - Chapter 31
The celebrity donation list is usually announced the next day, but perhaps the generosity of Qiu Qingshi startled the other celebrities, causing the news to leak prematurely.
The entertainment reporters on-site, catching wind of the news, sprang into action, racing against time to write their articles.
The big tycoons soon received the news alerts and only then understood the reason for the commotion. They felt ashamed of their loss of composure and quietly returned to eating their meal.
Yao Xiangyi gradually calmed down. She thought, “It’s only three hundred million, right? My Yao family is an established, old-money dynasty. My great-grandfather’s name was renowned in Shanghai, and we’ve accumulated generations of wealth. What’s wrong with letting my wife use it for charity? Consider it a contribution to the motherland.”
Raising her eyes, she saw Qiu Qingshi’s backstage interview being broadcast live on the wall-mounted television. She was wearing a sky-blue, high-fashion gown—low-cut, off-the-shoulder, with a slender, graceful waist.
Her long hair was coiled atop her head, and her eyeliner extended slightly beyond the outer corner of her eye, curling up a little. Amidst her cool self-possession, a touch of enchanting delicacy was added.
This version of Qiu Qingshi was only ever seen during their intimate moments.
A feather seemed to be suspended over Yao Xiangyi’s heart, teasing her with light, repeated strokes.
Such a little tormentor.
Yao Xiangyi shook her head, clearing the “naughty thoughts” from her mind, picked up her glass, and finished the last sip of champagne.
Qiu Qingshi was surrounded by the media in the interview area, smiling brightly as she faced every camera lens, under the constant, dense flashing of lights.
A female reporter was the first to speak: “Actress Qiu, since the Bazaar Charity Gala began, you have donated the highest amount of charity funds in history. Why did you decide to donate so much?”
A male reporter seized the opportunity to interject: “Last year, you donated three million, taking the top spot. Why is this year’s donation amount so much higher?”
The others immediately clamored all at once: “Yes, Actress Qiu, please answer.”
Qiu Qingshi’s dark eyes were clear, bright, and gentle. She smiled slightly and said, “This was my Xiangyi’s idea.”
With just ten characters, she fully utilized her deep-seated line delivery skills: her voice was soft and drawn out, her tone gentle and slow, like a warm breeze in early spring, slowly entering the listeners’ ears. Even her eyes were so soft that they seemed about to melt.
Her entire being exuded such sweetness.
All Reporters: Oh my god, peerless love!!
Xiao Lili was also being interviewed, but the number of reporters was sparse. Clearly, there were too many people interviewing Qiu Qingshi, and since they couldn’t squeeze in, they settled for her as the second-best option.
Pah.
Xiao Lili tried hard to maintain the curve of her lips, but having strained for too long, her facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, nearly distorting her entire face. Still, she held her ground, doing her best to answer the reporters’ questions.
The most frequent question asked was: “Actress Qiu generously donated three hundred million. What is your opinion on this matter?”
Xiao Lili’s facial muscles twitched even more violently.
Reporters, who always enjoy a spectacle, lest they have nothing to report, raised their microphones. One accidentally jabbed Xiao Lili’s recently-filled apple cheek: “Please answer.”
Xiao Lili mentally cursed their ancestors eighteen generations deep.
She answered with a hidden meaning: “I really envy Qingshi. It brings to mind that old saying: ‘It’s better to marry well than to work hard.'”
Heh, so what if she donated three hundred million? It’s all Yao Xiangyi’s money.
The reporters, armed with her response, immediately turned and sprinted towards Qiu Qingshi, shouting loudly: “Qiu Qingshi, Xiao Lili said, ‘It’s better to marry well than to work hard.’ What is your view on this statement?”
Xiao Lili: Holy sh—!
There were truly too many media personnel in front of her, and having been on the go all day, Qiu Qingshi was growing exhausted. She sent a glance to Taozi that said, “Find an opportunity to get me out of here.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a few reporters running over from Xiao Lili’s direction with a question.
Upon hearing their words, she was certain that Xiao Lili was trying to stir up trouble again.
Without refuting, she murmured the reporters’ words in repetition: “‘It’s better to marry well than to work hard?'”
Then, she lifted her chin slightly, her eyes shining with brilliant starlight, and stated firmly and proudly: “That’s right! My Xiangyi loves me so much, and I love you too, Xiangyi.”
Having said that, she pressed her fingertip against her soft, delicate lips and blew a flying kiss towards the camera.
Viewers watching the live stream online were all simultaneously struck in the heart.
[Aahhhhhhh, awsl (I’m dying of cuteness), that flying kiss is for me!]
[I hereby announce that from now on, my name is Xiangyi. Does anyone have an objection? No? Even if you do, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to take this name!!]
[The flying kiss is beautiful, I’m crying! I’ve been a fan of our jiejie (older sister) for so many years, and this is the first time I’ve received a flying kiss. Thank you, jiejie.]
[You all need to wake up! The kiss was for Yao Xiangyi! Woo-hoo-hoo, we’re not worthy of it, because I don’t have three hundred million.]
[I’m a casual observer turned fan, and I’m going to be a ‘Xiang-Qing’ CP fan! I’m not going to talk about it anymore; I’m heading over to the super-topic to check in, vote, and post now.]
[To the jimei (sisters/besties) upstairs, wait for me! Let’s go together.]
Yao Xiangyi’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment after watching the interview.
Honestly, couldn’t she just save things like that for the bedroom? Why did she have to say it in front of the entire nation? It was so awkward.
She curled her hand into a fist and pressed it against her lips, covering up with two coughs, but her eyes were filled with a nascent smile.
The big tycoons couldn’t help but be envious.
[“With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?”]
[CEO Yao, not only is Actress Qiu beautiful, but she’s also great at making money. Tonight, she’s definitely earned you a lot of face! You’re very lucky.]
[Exactly, unlike the old woman at my house—she’s fat and ugly, always bossing me around, and knows nothing but how to spend money. Forget it, let’s not talk about it. Come, drink up.]
[Was Actress Qiu’s title as the number one socialite given for nothing? Back then, she was the ideal daughter-in-law for countless wealthy matriarchs—well-educated, sensible, and an absolute culinary genius! CEO Yao, invite us to your home sometime so we can taste Actress Qiu’s cooking.]
Yao Xiangyi found the compliments very gratifying. She asked the server to refill her champagne, raised her glass to everyone, and sincerely replied, “Absolutely, absolutely.”
The topic of Qiu Qingshi’s donation continued to grow in popularity online. This was simply how she was; her every word and action could incite tremendous attention and response.
Some editors even clipped the “flying kiss” segment separately, set it to sweet music, and posted it across all major short video platforms. The “Luosifen” (Qiu Qingshi’s fan club name) feverishly reposted it, pushing it to the top of the trending topics. Yao Xiangyi also made the list, currently ranked tenth.
Discussions in the entertainment forums were also red-hot.
—Yao Xiangyi is truly the most masterful businesswoman I’ve ever seen. She’s even brilliant at picking the perfect day to donate money. With all the stars here tonight, her Yao family has gained massive popularity.
—It’s all promotion. Rumor has it that Yao Xiangyi and Qiu Qingshi will participate in a reality show. Just wait and see; the market value of the Jinghong Group is definitely going to surge.
—Some people really have to argue. Tonight was meant for charity donations. If they’re rich, why can’t they donate more? Did they donate your money?
—Please Baidu search this: the total amount of money and goods the Yao family has donated over the years is a colossal sum that you couldn’t possibly match. Why must you argue and spew negativity when they donate tonight?
—The Jinghong Group specializes in consumer goods retail, real estate, pharmaceuticals, etc. It’s incredibly diversified, with four listed companies in Hong Kong alone. The house you live in, the supermarket you shop at, the mineral water you drink, and the hotel you stay in on business trips could all belong to the Yao family. In other words, you send money to the Yao family every so often.
Qiu Qingshi, having changed out of her gown and settled into her chauffeur-driven van, was completely unfazed by this. She was busy group-chatting with her “fake-plastic friends,” determined to put them in their place.
Fake-Plastic Friend No. 1: [Qingqing, not only has Yao Xiangyi become more beautiful, but she’s also become more generous. She never let you donate three hundred million before~]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [No choice. It’s because she’s completely obsessed with me. Look, she just had to give me a stack of bank cards. It’s so annoying; I’m either spending money or on my way to spend money every day.]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [[Image]]
The friends loaded the image, showing a stack of platinum cards, diamond cards, titanium cards, and unlimited cards clutched in Qiu Qingshi’s hand, blinding their eyes.
Fake-Plastic Friend No. 2: [Qingqing, can you even spend all that? Do you need my help?]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [Sure! Tomorrow, I’m going to the Boshijia Hotel for a private jewelry auction. Everyone of significance in Hai City must have received an invitation, and I’m sure you did too? If there’s an item you like, tell me, and I’ll bid on it for you.]
Fake-Plastic Friend No. 3: [Everyone who sees it deserves a share, Qing. Why don’t you just bid on everything? We can each take a piece, hehe.]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [Don’t you all have any jewelry to wear? That’s truly pitiful. My walk-in closet is so full I can’t fit any more. Bàba (Daddy/Boss, referring to Yao Xiangyi) barely has room to step whenever she goes in. Why don’t you come to my house now and pick out some pieces you like?]
All Fake-Plastic Friends: Can’t provoke her. Can’t provoke her.
Having once again achieved a victory in “tearing up the green teas” (i.e., beating the rivals), Qiu Qingshi was in high spirits. She locked her phone, tossed it aside, leaned back in her seat, and enjoyed the beautiful music coming from the car stereo.
The makeup artist sat beside her, holding a makeup remover pad, and slowly began removing her makeup, little by little.
Taozi sat in the back, having just ended her call with Sutira. She leaned forward, placing her face next to Qiu Qingshi’s seatback: “Sis, Sister Su said the reality show producer, He Xixi, wants to ask if you have time in the next couple of days to go and sign a formal contract with their network.”
Qiu Qingshi’s popularity remained high, Yao Xiangyi’s recent trending topics continued to rise, and the two’s CP (couple) fan base was increasing daily. If they truly participated in the reality show, the ratings would essentially be guaranteed.
“I have no problem, but Yao Xiangyi doesn’t want to go. You should tell her to go talk to Yao Xiangyi about it,” Qiu Qingshi said languidly.
Taozi sniffled: “She doesn’t dare. You and CEO Yao are partners; why don’t you go home and work on convincing her?”
Qiu Qingshi crossed her arms, her expression dark and ambiguous: “She hasn’t been home these past few days.”
“On a business trip?”
Qiu Qingshi crossed her legs, and her lips moved, but in the end, she said nothing.
Taozi was still chattering endlessly: “Sis, the commercial for C-brand Jewelry has been edited. The production team reviewed the final cut, and it’s good to go. Sister Su will send it to you in a moment. Take another look and see if you’re satisfied.”
Qiu Qingshi’s makeup was nearly removed. Her unembellished face showed a hint of fatigue, and she uttered a soft “Mhm.”
The makeup artist quietly and silently packed up her makeup kit. In a momentary lapse of attention, the bottom of the box pressed down on Qiu Qingshi’s phone. She quickly picked it up, just as a WeChat message came in.
“Sis, CEO Yao is looking for you,” she said.
Qiu Qingshi perked up a little, took her phone, and looked.
Sugar Daddy Yao Bàba: [Babe, you look so beautiful donating money. Grandpa even praised you for doing a good job.]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [Oh.]
Sugar Daddy Yao Bàba: [Where are you? Are you home yet?]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [Mhm.]
Sugar Daddy Yao Bàba: [So, are you over your anger yet?]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [Not yet.]
Sugar Daddy Yao Bàba: [But I don’t want to stay in a hotel anymore. I want to come home. Is that okay? [Rose] [Rose]]
Invincible Beautiful Girl Ah Qiu: [You may.]
Sugar Daddy Yao Bàba: [I love you, babe~]
Qiu Qingshi: [Remember to bring the divorce agreement.]
Yao Xiangyi: ?????!!!!