Chapter 14: Confrontation

Page 1/3

Pan Yun frowned immediately. “Is that how you interpret it?”

Lin Xiaoxian had expressed too little. Over the past two days, whenever she began to talk about the issues between her and Zhang Qidong, Zhang Qidong would interrupt her, and then silence would fall again.

Even though Pan Yun sensed something was wrong right away, she couldn’t find a way to counter Zhang Qidong.

Zhang Qidong looked over instantly. “Look closely—she’s just uncomfortable sitting, but me? I have to balance the entire seesaw. Logically, I should be standing steadily on the right platform, but I’m not. Whether it’s my position or the pressure I bear, isn’t it me who’s contributing the most?”

Pan Yun chuckled awkwardly. “I always feel like what you say is off, but somehow, it also makes sense.”

A smile appeared on Zhang Qidong’s face.

Huang Liling chimed in, “It can’t just be you talking. Xiaoxian, you should share your perspective, too. We’ve been hearing only from him these past two days—you need to express your own needs.”

Before tonight, Huang Liling probably wouldn’t have dared confront Zhang Qidong like this, given his status and social standing.

But now, Huang Liling couldn’t hold back and just wanted to say a few things to him.

Lin Xiaoxian adjusted her posture and glanced at Zhang Qidong, who returned her look with a warm smile.

“I think this photo is a piece of performance art. It came from one Father’s Day when he sent me a picture—a father’s role sweating profusely beneath, holding up a household, while above, the wife and children were playing happily. I think he wanted to express his hard work, that he’s the one supporting the family so we can feel secure at home. But when I received that photo, I couldn’t understand it at all—not quite agreeing with it either, because unlike Yun Yun, I’m not a housewife, not a full-time mom…”

As Lin Xiaoxian spoke, Xu Shujian noticed Pan Yun’s smile stiffen slightly, though she still nodded in apparent agreement.

Lin Xiaoxian continued, “I have my own job and earn money, but while doing that, I also have to spend huge energy managing the household. For example, look at this photo—I’m still in a suspended state at home. I don’t feel particularly safe inside; on the contrary, I feel more exhausted. I want to go out and pursue my own career, but mostly, I feel trapped…”

Zhang Qidong, seeing many nodding in agreement with Lin Xiaoxian, interrupted, “Well… I admit, Xiaoxian is a major star who can create significant value and wealth. But have you noticed she rarely appears on screen or on red carpets these years? Of course, that means she’s focusing more on family. But how long can such wealth or value creation last? Who can guarantee it’s sustainable long-term? Most of you have people in this circle—you know how intense the competition is.”

“Let’s say she has the ability to manage and protect that wealth—comparing everything, it’s clear I’m more suited to earn money outside, at least for now. My efforts are to first build up capital for our future life. Like that seesaw—when I return home, the counterweight on the other side will be in place. That’s my effort.”

Page 2/3

At this, Zhang Qidong looked at Lin Xiaoxian again. “Look, no matter what you do or what problems arise, isn’t it me who fills the gaps? But what about me? If there’s a pit behind me, who fills it? You always talk about your issues, but what about me? I’m the backbone for you, the family, and the company, but behind me is a sheer cliff. Who can help me?”

Huang Liling responded, “Then why don’t you go back home and let Xiaoxian come out? Maybe she’d be even better at it than you.”

It was obvious Zhang Qidong was really serious about this, and Huang Liling’s words made his expression falter, emitting a scornful laugh.

Zhang Qidong looked at Huang Liling. “Ask her—has she ever done business? Has she ever succeeded? After failure, wasn’t I the one who sorted it out for her?”

Huang Liling fell silent. When Zhang Qidong stared at someone like that, it was quite intimidating—even Lin Xiaoxian remained quiet.

Suddenly, Song Yue, who had not spoken or shown any response, let out two light laughs.

Zhang Qidong looked over, saw it was Song Yue, then turned to Xu Shujian. “Shujian, tell me—isn’t that the truth?”

Xu Shujian shook her head firmly. “No.”

Zhang Qidong turned around. “Then how is it?”

Xu Shujian was completely unfazed by Zhang Qidong’s imposing aura. She even noticed his gaze was on the guitar beside her.

Indeed, Zhang Qidong was looking at the guitar next to Xu Shujian—wondering what?

He was pondering why Xu Shujian wasn’t singing anymore.

Had his own performance not been outrageous enough?

Zhang Qidong understood why Yu Hui was a bit hesitant to face Xu Shujian directly after their exchange. That song truly crushed Yu Hui. In this setting, you couldn’t just lose your temper or cause a scene—Mango TV was a giant tree; if you want to act recklessly and sabotage yourself, you might as well quit the industry.

So Yu Hui was a little afraid of Xu Shujian, an attitude Zhang Qidong despised.

Page 3/3

Why would Yu Hui come in with so many flaws? Just to boost Huang Liling’s popularity?

In Zhang Qidong’s eyes, Xu Shujian’s song was the perfect finishing touch, elevating Yu Hui’s plan by several levels.

So why be afraid of him? Just escalate the conflict and let Xu Shujian perform a few more songs—it would create massive buzz.

Zhang Qidong was eager for Xu Shujian to sing another song, maybe even write one for himself and Lin Xiaoxian.

Is talent important? Zhang Qidong certainly thought so, but he valued his own mind more. Just like Lin Xiaoxian’s acting talent—she debuted at the peak, yet it was he who paved and planned her path.

He wanted to use Xu Shujian’s talent for his own benefit.

Xu Shujian smiled at Zhang Qidong, then reached for the guitar—but instead of taking it, he handed it to Yu Hui. “Here, Hui ge, your guitar.”

Zhang Qidong’s eyes widened.

Yu Hui instinctively took the guitar and grit his teeth. “Thanks.”

Xu Shujian chuckled twice and reached under the table to tug at Song Yue’s sleeve.

Song Yue glanced at Xu Shujian, then turned to Zhang Qidong and said, “Your reasoning doesn’t hold with me. Let me ask you one question—you say Xiaoxian hasn’t succeeded in business, but you’ve laid out so many ventures yourself—how many have truly succeeded? Or how many failures have you had behind your successes? And another question—you say you’ve covered Xiaoxian’s failed businesses, but does she have no ability to handle them herself?”

Huang Liling, who had been holding back for a long time, clapped her hands and said, “Exactly! Xiaoxian is also very capable of making money! She invests her own money in business, and even if she fails, she’s gaining experience!”