Chapter 248

Sixty-Eighth Chapter – Final Preparations (Part Four)

“Madam Xia Lu, please forgive my rudeness before.” (sincerely)

Xiǎo Lěi exclaimed in surprise, “How submissive! Chairman’s way of addressing Xia Lu has changed!”

Although she knew that Xia Lu was the daughter of a wealthy family, she didn’t take it too seriously. After all, Xia Lu herself didn’t often mention it, and her behavior did not match the typical portrayal of a young lady from a distinguished family.

This ordinary delinquent girl suddenly moved out of a shopping mall and told me it was her family’s property. The phrase “wealth gap” became vivid, like a thousand-jin iron rod testing my endurance…

The last time I felt this way was when I first saw Sister Qínglán’s estate.

Cherry Sauce reminded me.

—“The naming of the Balance Commercial District is also related to this place. It seems that Xia family’s assets here are far more than just this building. Don’t forget, although Lin Yuhuang is the chairman of the Tianping Group, the largest shareholder is Xia Lu’s father.”—

It sounded like an existence akin to a behind-the-scenes boss. Could he be the real controller of the commercial area, with Uncle Lin merely a puppet pushed to the forefront?

—“I don’t think it’s that dark. It’s just that Lin Yuhuang’s abilities are strong, and based on trust, they entrusted him with the heavy responsibility of being chairman.”—

Why do I always encounter these second-generation rich kids?

Xia Lu also seemed uncomfortable with my humble attitude.

She retorted, “Really, is it appropriate for you to say such things? Aren’t you some kind of deity candidate? Won’t your future status be much higher than ours mere mortals?”

“Alright, stop flattering each other.”

Noticing the commotion, Lǐn Huā came over and greeted, “Xia Lu, long time no see… No, it doesn’t seem that long?”

After all, we had just met on Saturday.

“Good afternoon, Sister Lǐn Huā. You’re still sticking close to Sister Língmèng today! How come you haven’t succeeded yet?”

Xia Lu’s question was strange, but Lǐn Huā gave a thumbs up.

“Oh, I have succeeded! Not only did I get Kǎi-Chan, but I got two bonuses too!”

Xiǎo Lěi was stunned for a moment, then narrowed her eyes and shouted, “Who are the bonuses?”

“Huh? There’s progress? I bet with Zǐyè that because of Sister Língmèng’s timid and weak personality, you wouldn’t achieve anything this year!”

Lǐn Huā rebutted, “Not timid at all? Kǎi-Chan not only took the initiative but confessed to three girls at once. This kind of boldness can’t be considered timid.”

Xia Lu responded, “What? Isn’t that scum?”

Scum… It does seem like that!

Lǐn Huā talks about this to everyone, what will my reputation become?

“Sister Lǐn Huā and Xiǎo Lěi… Who’s the other person? Could it be Sister Miāomiāo?!”

Lǐn Huā replied, “No, it’s Lù Zǐ… Oh, you might not know her?”

“Huh?!!”

But she showed a considerable amount of surprise.

“You know her?”

“Um, yeah… I’ve heard about her from Sister Miāomiāo.”

Seeing her conflicted expression, she must know Lù Zǐ’s original identity.

“So, why are you here?”

“Um… I’m here to do some investigating! Secretly!”

Does she really think she’s an emperor?

Xia Lu rarely acts as the Xia family’s heiress, so most people don’t know who she is. She eats and shops like Xiǎo Lěi, and if any shop cheats in the Underground Night Market, affecting its reputation, she could even be expelled. Maintaining the brand image of old establishments is crucial.

“That’s how it is, so I’m quite busy!”

No wonder she’s holding fried pork cutlets.

Xiǎo Lěi commented, “Ah? So you’re just busy eating?”

“No, not at all…”

Just as Xia Lu was about to refute, she took out her phone and stepped aside.

“Wait, I need to make a call first.”

At this moment.

A model lady, dragging a silver-gray suitcase and wearing a long wool coat, walked out of the elevator. Her boots were worn but well-maintained, shiny and polished. With a confident chest and a catwalk step, she approached us.

—“Her walk seems more professional now.”—

The spacious underground passage served as her temporary runway, with tourists and merchants as her audience. With the crisp sound of her boots on the floor, AJ was shamelessly drawing everyone’s attention.

“Are you here for a fashion show?”

AJ smiled bashfully at my comment.

“Oh, I couldn’t resist seeing such a suitable walkway… But with so many people, it’s quite lively here, right?”

“Xia Lu just happened to meet you. But hurry up and get moving. We need to set up the cameras before they arrive.”

“Wait, what cameras?”

Xia Lu interrupted me.

She asked, “Are you filming something here?”

As the “host,” it seemed inappropriate not to answer.

We entered the rice noodle roll shop. Xia Lu greeted the owner and headed upstairs.

Though this street was old, this shop seemed new. The walls were as clean and white as the rice noodle rolls sold inside, providing a refreshing change from the yellowish, dim passages.

AJ sat down and took out a notebook, camera, decoder, and other equipment from her bag. While she adjusted them, I explained the situation to Xia Lu. I thought there wouldn’t be any major issues, but she said, “Hey, broadcasting those contents here might affect my family’s reputation, right?”

I was speechless, but her concern was understandable.

Although I couldn’t predict the impact, broadcasting such criminal transactions online could cause significant attention and spread, even if the platform censored it. That night market would certainly gain fame, but not necessarily for good reasons.

I thought our efforts would be wasted, but Xia Lu said, “All things considered, I’ll represent the Balance Food Company in this operation.”

“What? How did you come to this conclusion?”

Isn’t she supposed to drive us away?

She explained with her hands on her hips, “Since you’re making big news, standing on the side of justice can bring benefits. This is a win-win deal. Moreover, if they engage in a public battle, having a backing will make them hesitant to act aggressively.”

Indeed, the Balance Food Company represented the Balance Commercial District to some extent. With such power behind them, even the Glorious Family would face immense pressure and likely back down…

Shān Jie shook her head, disagreeing with Xia Lu’s view.

“No, the goal is to root out the Glorious Family, preventing them from exploiting smaller streamers. For them, even backing down is a dead end. Fighting to the end offers a slim chance of survival, especially since their stronghold is online, while our only battlefield is Dragon Palace Princess Yǐjī’s live stream.”

AJ clenched her fist and said with passion, “Even if the light of justice is with us, if it’s overshadowed by darkness, we may not win this battle.”

After all, the internet can easily distort the truth. Whoever controls the narrative can frame the oppressor as the victim.

Lǐn Huā was unconvinced.

“It’s fine. We have many people who can speak out. In contrast, the Glorious Family is just an unremarkable live streaming union. If they had such power, they wouldn’t stay in the middle.”

“Miss Lǐn Huā, you’re thinking too shallowly.”

Lǐn Huā was surprisingly naive. The beautiful detective shook her head and explained, “If things escalate, you won’t just face the ‘Glorious Family.’ Exposing these hidden rules means fighting the entire industry. To protect their interests, others will attack you.”

“Then what does Shān Jie think we should do?”

Shān Jie had been waiting for this question. She raised her eyebrows.

“Simple, focus on the Glorious Family. Don’t criticize the hidden rules too much. Just say you were targeted and provide evidence. You should have collected plenty, right?”

AJ nodded.

Shān Jie continued, “Live streaming unions already compete internally. If Dragon Palace Princess Yǐjī declares beforehand, other unions won’t hesitate to strike at the Glorious Family.”

Xiǎo Lěi said, “Oh, that’s perfect!”

“No, it’s not.”

AJ shook her head, “The exploitation still exists, just shifting from one union to another. They might not target Sister Yǐjī, but other small streamers will suffer for profit.”

Seeing Yǐjī’s efforts, she sympathized with the smaller streamers.

“I understand your frustration, but that’s the reality.”

Shān Jie patted AJ’s shoulder, comforting her, “To change the status quo, individual effort isn’t enough. We need a dedicated organization or platform for long-term struggle. It’s costly and time-consuming, and none of us are capable of handling it now.”

“But if we don’t act, nothing will change.”

AJ muttered to herself. Lǐn Huā warned, “Don’t have irrational thoughts. Your strength is limited. You can’t always rely on Kǎi-Chan to solve problems. She’s not your nanny.”

Her tone was cold.

AJ quickly replied, “I know. I’ll do my best within my limits. I won’t trouble Little Lingmèng!”

Despite Shān Jie’s warning, does she really want to change the live streaming industry?

I asked, “Is this for Sister Yǐjī?”

“Yes, partly. Many dream-chasers suffer unjustly. I can’t accept that. I want to help these streamers, give them motivation… On the other hand, I want a goal.”

“A goal? Are you giving up modeling?”

“To eat, I need to take jobs. Modeling is fun, and I have talent. I’m considering Miss Gērdá’s advice, but it’s not my main interest. So, I truly want to help Sister Yǐjī and other small streamers, making it my mission.”

Her words made me uneasy… But her name is Griselda. When will she remember names?

“Sister A…”

She has changed a lot recently. Three days without seeing changes can be significant. This improvement is like an Ironball driver piloting an RX-78. Is this still the same woman who lived off women?

“Sorry, I spoke too harshly.”

Lǐn Huā apologized for her previous tone.

Her pocket rang.

“…They want to meet again.”