Chapter 43 Embroiled in scandals! Exorbitant breach of contract penalties!
Fu Yanshen withdrew his hand and said softly, "Good night."
"Goodnight." Xia Mian hung up the phone and stared blankly at the darkened screen.
Fu Yanshen didn't make a video call; he made a regular phone call.
She had no idea that on the other end of the phone, the man had just pretended to stroke her head in mid-air.
Exhausted, I lay in bed, but my mind was racing, pondering what Fu Yanshen had said.
He did remind her that the Fu family was at the very top of the social pyramid, and given Madam Fu's status among wealthy ladies and socialites, it was entirely within her power to host a charity donation dinner.
At the very least, we could have Master Yang and Grandma Fu take the lead in organizing it...
Xia Mian was thinking in a daze, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.
Outside the window, the torrential rain continued to relentlessly lash the earth.
When Xia Mian woke up, she opened the window and saw that the sky was still gloomy and dark, and the downpour was still going on.
She glanced at the time and realized it was already 10 a.m.
I was so tired yesterday that I slept until this time.
Awkward!
She hurried downstairs and saw Madam Fu discussing with the housekeeper the banquet for guests and the dishes and pastries to be prepared.
"grandmother?"
"Mianmian is awake?" Old Madam Fu smiled and waved to her, gesturing for her to come over.
"Come quickly and see what we're missing. We're going to hold a charity gala tomorrow night. Yan Shen reminded me early this morning to organize it. I think his suggestion is excellent."
Xia Mian was stunned. Fu Yanshen had taken care of this matter before she could even speak.
She was still considering how to bring it up with the old lady, and whether the idea would seem inappropriate.
A bright smile bloomed on the girl's face. "Grandma, since the banquet is being held at our Fu family's house, it must be made beautiful. My master will be invited too, right?"
"Of course, your master is a master of traditional Chinese culture, and her influence is extraordinary." Old Mrs. Fu smiled kindly, "You little rascal, you only think about your master."
"A teacher for a day is a father for life! And if my teacher is a woman, then she's a mother for life." Xia Mian hugged Grandma Fu's arm. "Grandma is also my own grandma! She loves me so much!"
"You! Your sweet words are so good at making old ladies happy." Grandma Fu smiled and gently tapped her forehead. "Grandma also invited representatives from LX brand and LS brand, after all, Baoqi and you are their brand ambassadors now."
"It would be unreasonable for our family to host a banquet without inviting people."
"Also, here is the list of invited guests."
"Please check if anything is missing. And the food selection—not only will there be local specialties, but also some fusion dishes, including seafood. The pastries will be mostly European-style…and the fruits will be seasonal. How about we make it a buffet?"
Grandma Fu explained these things to Xia Mian very seriously, and would ask Xia Mian for her opinion from time to time.
"As for the drinks, they are all high-end and cannot be too cheap. Everyone who comes here is a prominent figure in Mingcheng, so we cannot be impolite."
Looking at the preparations made by Grandma Fu, Xia Mian exclaimed with admiration, "Grandma is so thoughtful, it seems absolutely perfect to me."
"But...Grandma, isn't it a bit monotonous to only have this one fundraising project? Should we prepare some other activities or projects?"
"Oh? Mianmian, what are your thoughts?" Madam Fu respected Xia Mian's opinion very much.
Xia Mian shared her idea with Madam Fu, who nodded repeatedly, "Mianmian's idea is good, let's do it this way."
“We can’t just let people come, donate, and then leave.” Xia Mian’s eyes sparkled. “We have to give them something… a memory or a souvenir.”
"Alright! I support you!" Madam Fu gently patted Xia Mian's shoulder. "Grandma, how about I entrust this banquet to you this time?"
"Give it to me?" Xia Mian looked at Madam Fu in surprise. "Grandma...isn't that inappropriate? I'm just staying here temporarily, I'm not the owner..."
“If I say it’s okay, then it’s okay.” Old Madam Fu pretended to be angry. “You’re my granddaughter, why can’t it be? It’s settled then! Butler! Tell all the servants in the house that they must all obey Mianmian’s orders.”
“Yes, Madam,” the butler replied immediately.
He smiled at Xia Mian, "Miss Xia, come on, let's finalize the menu for the banquet first."
Xia Mian was forced into the situation and had no choice but to go with the housekeeper to discuss the details...
She realized that Old Madam Fu's trust in her was not just a little, but far more than that!
She absolutely cannot let him down!
While Xia Mian was busy preparing for the banquet, she had no idea that the internet was flooded with online trolls and haters who were actively insulting and verbally abusing her.
They even made her trend on social media for all the wrong reasons.
"LX brand ambassador Xia Mian bullies his adopted sister!"
"Xia Mian is a black-hearted scheming woman!"
"They're just playing the philanthropist card, riding the wave of charity, and pretending to be kind—it's all fake!"
Zhao Baoqi, holding an umbrella, ran from Hexiangyuan to Yujingyuan and went straight to find Xia Mian upon entering.
"Miss Xia isn't home. She just went out with the housekeeper," the maid who was cleaning quickly replied.
"What are she and the housekeeper doing outside?" Zhao Baoqi was speechless, she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
Who on earth is this bastard who's messing with Xia Mian behind her back?! The other party seems determined to ruin Xia Mian's reputation.
She was extremely worried.
What she fears is what if the LX brand seeks compensation from Xia Mian because of these negative rumors?
After all, the contract clearly states in black and white that during the contract period, there can be no scandals or negative press, and no one can do a lot of bad things! A good image must be maintained!
That's an astronomical penalty for breach of contract!
"Miss Baoqi, the old lady is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night. The gala has been handed over to Miss Xia for preparation." The maid poured Zhao Baoqi a glass of water. "Miss Baoqi, please have some water."
Zhao Baoqi was in no mood to drink water.
"Holding a banquet? She's really something... Her reputation is ruined, and she still has the nerve to hold a banquet. I'm impressed!"
Zhao Baoqi sprawled out on the sofa and sighed. "Where are the twins?"
"The two young masters went out to help with disaster relief after breakfast."
Zhao Baoqi persisted. "Where's my grandma?"
"The old lady has gone out, but we don't know where she went."
Zhao Baoqi collapsed onto the sofa, feeling like he was about to break down.
She simply opened her phone and continued scrolling through short videos.
When she saw the news reports about the disaster area, she immediately sat up straight and stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
"No way? This is outrageous! Has the Xia family gone mad?"
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