Xu Mengyu slid down onto the bed. She hadn't reacted at first, but now she realized what was going on.

"Wait, what did Xu Lu call you just now?" Xu Mengyu squinted. She thought she heard Xiao Lu call Zheng Tianming "Dad."

Zheng Tianming didn't react either. He turned to look at Xu Lu, who was lying on the bed watching TV: "Son, your mother asked, what did you call me just now?"

Shouldn't he be calling him Uncle Zheng?

Xu Lu's face turned bright red. He usually calls him Uncle Zheng, but he was so eager to grab the TV that he blurted it out without thinking.

"Call me Uncle Zheng," Xu Lu said, then clutched the blanket over her face, feeling quite shy.

Xu Mengyu took a deep breath and sighed helplessly. She understood Xu Lu's feelings, but now she was stuck in this predicament, what could she do?

Zheng Tianming smiled, turned around, and pulled the blanket off: "Come on, call me 'Dad' properly." He had been too busy teasing Xu Mengyu.

Xu Lu's face turned as red as an apple. His lips moved, and he felt that he had thought of the word "Dad" countless times in his heart, but he was just too embarrassed to say it.

Zheng Tianming didn't make things difficult for him and reached out to touch his face.

Watching the interaction between the father and son, Xu Mengyu felt even more choked up. Reason told her she had to reject Zheng Tianming...

After the video call ended, Xu Mengyu lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She knew better than anyone the consequences of repeating the same mistake.

It's strange how people can fall in love with the same person again and again.

Zheng Tianming didn't sleep. He chatted with Xu Lu until midnight. After Xu Lu fell asleep, Zheng Tianming sat down and read the messages sent by his "teammate".

They're investigating tax evasion, but the first person they're going to investigate is Xu Mengyu. They suspect her income doesn't match her pay and that she might have a dual contract.

Zheng Tianming: [Find someone else; I can't investigate this.]

Teammate: [Aren't you right next to Xu Mengyu? What can't you investigate? Her annual film and endorsement fees add up to tens or even billions. Don't you think that's outrageous?]

Zheng Tianming: [Is it possible that Xu Sichen is her biological father?]

Teammate: [Are you crazy? Have you ever seen a father give his daughter billions? Even the world's richest man wouldn't dare do that.]

Zheng Tianming thought to himself, what a coincidence, he actually knew the world's richest man, the patriarch of the Bai family, Bai Miaomiao's father...

What's a few billion? Her daughter wanted to cover the entire car with rare diamonds from around the world. After seeing it, her father still felt it wasn't good enough for his precious daughter and gave the designer a good scolding.

Zheng Tianming: [Alright, instead of wasting your time investigating Xu Mengyu, why don't you investigate someone else?]

He could just ask Xu Mengyu, wouldn't that solve the problem? If it were before, he would have agreed immediately and then conducted an in-depth investigation. But things are different now.

Xu Mengyu was almost asleep when her phone suddenly rang. Zheng Tianming had sent her a text message.

Zheng Tianming: [Xu Mengyu, tell me honestly, have you been paying your taxes on time?]

Xu Mengyu: [Are you sick?]

Although her uncle is a businessman, he is also a university professor. Even her father, who is so arrogant, didn't dare to evade taxes. How could she?

Just kidding, even if her father doesn't lay a hand on her, her uncle will definitely teach her a lesson; it's terrifying...

After seeing this reply, Zheng Tianming remained silent for a moment: [Please investigate. Shen Mei was your agent before; she might have manipulated things. Your account balance doesn't match.]

Xu Mengyu broke out in a cold sweat. She immediately sat up and called the finance department that very night, asking them to check. Regardless of whether it was true or not, she issued a self-inspection notice overnight.

This means that the previous agent was Shen Mei, who may have manipulated the finances. If there are any dual contracts, the business partner should contact her as soon as possible, as she has already reported it to the police.

This is no small matter; tax evasion is a capital offense for celebrities.

There's absolutely no way I'll ever be able to turn things around.

This isn't something that can be solved by proving herself and turning things around; the situation has escalated to a point where even her father can't protect her.

Xu Mengyu finished her work around 3 or 4 a.m. She heated up a cup of milk for herself and sent Zheng Tianming a voice message to ask about Xu Lu's situation.

After receiving the voice message, Zheng Tianming sent Xu Mengyu a video call. Afraid of disturbing his son's sleep, he went straight into the bathroom.

Xu Mengyu sipped her warm milk and said softly, "How did you know my account balance didn't match?"

Zheng Tianming leaned against the bathroom door: [Then just leave it alone.]

Xu Mengyu rested her chin on her hand, her legs crossed: "You've really made something of yourself. If it were before, you'd be the first to jump up and execute me."

Zheng Tianming was silent for a moment: "No, I trust your character."

Although she has a bit of a temper and might throw a tantrum at any time, she wouldn't dare to do anything illegal; she's incredibly daring.

Xu Mengyu couldn't help but chuckle: "How's Lulu? Does her stomach still hurt?"

Before Zheng Tianming could answer, Xu Mengyu heard the door close. She peeked out and asked, "Dad, why are you awake?"

Xu Sichen dried his hair: "I haven't gone to sleep yet..." He had just finished taking a shower.

Xu Mengyu glanced at the time: "Dad, I sometimes worry about you. You seem to be several years older than Mom, right?"

"So filial, staying up all night to stab your dad in the back." Xu Sichen finished speaking and lit a cigarette: "Who's called Lulu?"

Xu Mengyu's palms instantly became sweaty: "You ask me everything, can't I have any privacy?"

Xu Sichen sat on the sofa with his legs propped up on the coffee table. He didn't want to get involved now that the kids were grown up: "I'm too lazy to read or care about your news. It's all consensual, but you need to respect yourself, understand?"

"I know." Xu Mengyu hung up the video call, which was one of the reasons why she didn't dare to tell her father the truth.

Xu Sichen flicked his cigarette ash: "I'll take your mother for a walk around the area this afternoon. After I finish dealing with the hotel matters, I'll head back."

Xu Mengyu walked to Xu Sichen's side, thought for a while and said, "Dad, I heard that Mom didn't like you much at first, so how did you end up together?"

"Don't ask too many questions." Xu Sichen said, putting his leg down. Some things are not suitable to be mentioned in front of children.

Xu Mengyu hummed softly twice. Having worked in the entertainment industry, she had heard plenty of stories about her father's womanizing ways. She was curious as to why he was eventually disciplined by her mother.

But every time I ask, my parents give me a cold shoulder.

“I think Zheng Tianming is a good kid. If you’re interested, consider it. If not, just tell him directly and don’t keep him hanging.” Xu Sichen stood up.

Xu Mengyu didn't understand. Her father had always said that Zheng Tianming was dark-skinned and ugly, but after looking at many options, he found Zheng Tianming the most pleasing to the eye.

After returning to the bedroom, Xu Sichen saw that Li Mirui was sleeping soundly. He carefully lifted the covers and got into bed.

Every time he saw Xu Mengyu, he felt like he was dreaming, with an unreal feeling. He was always afraid that one day he would wake up and find himself back to more than ten years ago.

At that time, he had nothing except for a brother who was very kind to him.

Li Mirui felt the familiar presence beside her, turned around and hugged him, and patted his shoulder as if it were an unconscious action.

Their children are all of marriageable age; in the past, he would never have dared to do this in his wildest dreams.

Early in the morning, Xu Mengyu put on a delicate makeup. She was going back to the studio for a meeting and would also release a video of the hotel.

Shen Yunxi's agent still wanted to compete with her, feeling a strange sense of pride, because her father had not only taken over the hotel, but also bought the land.

She ordered a delicate little cake for her mother, who was probably still in a meeting at her studio when she left.

As soon as she entered the restaurant, she saw a black card on the table. It was her father's supplementary card. She picked it up, looked at it, and then put it back.

She's already so old, but her father still worries that she won't amount to anything and won't have enough to eat...

I'll just secretly buy him a pack of cigarettes.

Xu Mengyu put on sunglasses, wore haute couture, and stepped into the elevator in eight-centimeter high heels. At the latest by this month, she was determined to make a spectacular comeback.

Hu Xiaohui was already waiting for Xu Mengyu downstairs.

As an assistant, she wouldn't do more work than required, nor would she slack off; she was clear about how much she was paid for and how much she would do.

Xu Mengyu was still observing Hu Xiaohui. She had no shortage of assistants, but she lacked an agent, and Xu Mengyu thought Hu Xiaohui was quite suitable.

After getting on the bus, she sent a message to Zheng Tianming, telling him that her parents were leaving in the afternoon and that he should bring Xu Lu home that evening.

Xu Lu lay on the bed drinking porridge: "Uncle Zheng, I don't want to go to school, I don't want to memorize texts, and I dream that they turn into monsters and chase me."

"Come here, let me introduce you to a university called Renmin University of China." Zheng Tianming showed Xu Lu the school's introduction.

Xu Lu looked on with great excitement: "Uncle Zheng, did you graduate from here?"

Zheng Tianming: "..."

Well, how should I put it? It's almost the difference between 631 and 6.31.

"Drink the porridge first, it'll get cold soon." Zheng Tianming said, then stood up, opened the window, and let in some fresh air.

When his grandfather found out about his score, he almost didn't take the bus over to beat him up.

His mother graduated from a top university, and his older sister was also a good student; he probably inherited that from his father.

"I'll try my best." Xu Lu looked at the university on the tablet and felt a longing in his heart. He also wanted to be a great hero and catch bad guys.

He also wants to wear that outfit, stand in the crowd, and have everyone look at him with admiration. Just thinking about it makes him happy.

"Memorize the text first," Zheng Tianming said, pouring cold water on Xu Lu's enthusiasm.

Xu Lu lay on the bed and memorized the text diligently for ten minutes, snoring softly. Even the nurses making their rounds were laughing.

Shen Yunxi's agent spent a large sum of money last night to buy information about Xu Mengyu's dual contracts from Shen Mei, intending to release it today. Unexpectedly, she issued a statement overnight and even called the police.

Three million yuan has gone down the drain, and Shen Mei has been taken away for investigation. She felt like she almost vomited blood.

She was in a terrible predicament when Shen Yunxi's mother called.

Shen Yunxi's agent sat on the sofa, rubbing his temples: "The company has already done everything it could. Shen Yunxi is your daughter; she earns so much money, and you're unwilling to give her a single penny?"

Shen Yunxi has twin brothers. She not only bought them houses, but also opened a restaurant for them.

Now that she's hospitalized, her family doesn't want to spend a single penny. They're either causing trouble for the company or raising money online for their daughter's treatment.

Shen Yunxi has woken up, but her condition is fluctuating. Her face is disfigured, her hair won't grow back, and her leg is broken.

Shen Yunxi's mother stood at the door of the ward: "If it weren't for the company's arrangements, Yunxi wouldn't have had this accident. Now she needs a lot of medical expenses, but you're ignoring her."

Shen Yunxi's agent suddenly realized something, and a smile crept onto her face: "[It was Xu Mengyu who harmed your daughter. Her family has assets worth tens of billions. Why aren't you going after her, but me? Even if I gave up my entire fortune, it wouldn't be enough to cover what she squandered.]"

Shen Yunxi's mother's eyes lit up: "Yunxi's medication is about to stop, you all have to think of something."

She wants Xu Mengyu's money, and she can't neglect the company either. There's also that idiot pig farmer who sends her money every month.

She asked about her daughter's condition and realized that she probably wouldn't recover. Since her daughter was unmarried and had no children, she decided to send her to a rehabilitation hospital once she recovered, where there would be someone to take care of her and the medical expenses would be cheaper.

My daughter-in-law is pregnant now, and she also has to take care of her grandson. I don't trust the nanny to take care of her, what if she mistreats her grandson?

That afternoon, Xu Mengyu released the full video from the hotel, and Shen Yunxi's agent was summoned by the company for a meeting.

She doesn't have any big-name artists under her now, and her status isn't what it used to be. Seeing that Xu Mengyu is about to make a comeback, the company will definitely have to sacrifice her to save her.

That's just how realistic this industry is.

No matter what your past achievements were, if you're not doing well now, then step down and don't occupy a position.

Xu Mengyu leaned back on the sofa. How interesting! The CEO of the rival company actually took the initiative to invite her to dinner. Why didn't he do this earlier?

The situation has now reversed online, and her reputation has improved slightly, although most people are still fixated on her.

It would be even better if there were a recording of this.

Hu Xiaohui stood to the side: "The cosmetics brand that terminated the contract with us before has already contacted us."

"Don't turn down money. Ask the other artists in the company if anyone is willing to take on endorsements." Xu Mengyu said, picking up her pen. She certainly wouldn't take it herself, but she wouldn't stop the other artists from making money either.

She cares about her reputation; how can she ruin someone's livelihood? Signed artists can't make a living just by relying on their reputation.

Hu Xiaohui really liked bosses like Xu Mengyu. She couldn't stand anyone who hated money. They would swallow their saliva at the sight of dog poop, yet act all high and mighty, saying they didn't want this or that. But she was different. She would even eat a couple of bites of dog poop when she was hungry.

"Why are you smacking your lips like that?" Xu Mengyu asked, holding a pen and looking up at Hu Xiaohui.

Hu Xiaohui: "..."

"I'm craving dog poop, does that sound like something a human would say?"

Xu Mengyu tilted her head, puzzled. This little assistant was too interesting.

After leaving the office, Hu Xiaohui spread the news. Fang Bei definitely wouldn't care about such a small gain. He was opportunistic back then, but now that Xu Mengyu is about to rise up, he's rushing to curry favor with her.

In the eyes of businessmen, this is a petty person who might collapse and ruin his business at any time.

Shao Yunhe wanted to accept the offer, but he wanted to pursue Xu Mengyu, and he couldn't risk upsetting her for such a small amount of money and just watch the endorsement slip away.

After going around in circles, no one was willing to take her. Hu Xiaohui patted her chest, exclaiming, "Money is falling from the sky! These people are like gold coins encountering obstacles, they're just dodging and weaving!"

Well, the real money-making opportunity is yet to come. This shows they're willing to forgo money for the sake of their boss's reputation; they're loyal and righteous.

Xu Mengyu couldn't help but laugh when she found out, because Hu Xiaohui's expression was all scrunched up...