Chapter 15: A Sense of Strangeness

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When Song Yue posed her two questions, Zhang Qidong was momentarily thrown off balance. He hesitated several times, unable to come up with a clear response, and seemed reluctant to delve deeper or argue further with Song Yue.

To an ordinary person, the dynamics between Zhang Qidong and Lin Xiaoxian might appear confusing, but Song Yue understood the underlying logic of these people and knew it was futile to argue.

Song Yue fixed her gaze on Zhang Qidong, her serious demeanor radiating a commanding presence far stronger than her beautiful and alluring appearance.

Many details could be discreetly inquired about; Song Yue had done some homework during the day.

On the surface, Zhang Qidong’s assets were indeed greater than Lin Xiaoxian’s. Early on, he had liquidated a considerable amount through a listed company they controlled.

However, he had misplaced his bets in asset allocation, investing in some hyped collectibles. His ventures in the film industry and other businesses yielded only mediocre results.

In essence, he had been living off past gains.

Lin Xiaoxian, as an artist, earned pure income, so fundamentally, the claims that Zhang Qidong was bailing her out were baseless — Lin Xiaoxian was fully capable of supporting herself.

Zhang Qidong glanced around before returning his gaze to Lin Xiaoxian. “So what do you think? Is it really like that?”

Lin Xiaoxian had been listening attentively the entire time. When Song Yue challenged Zhang Qidong, a happy smile played on her face, but when Zhang Qidong directed the question to her, she restrained her smile, pondered for a moment, and replied, “He is indeed more capable in business. My struggle is that he didn’t support me when I started; he dismissed me and doubted me. Then, when I ran into trouble, he would say, ‘See, I told you it wouldn’t work.’ His problem is that he always treats me like a kid who knows nothing...”

Hearing this, Xu Shujian gently tugged Song Yue’s sleeve. They exchanged a glance, and Song Yue understood his meaning — Old Xu was signaling that she should stop there.

Clearly, the two were close. Lin Xiaoxian’s lengthy remarks seemed to be, in fact, patching up Zhang Qidong.

Song Yue felt that Lin Xiaoxian’s real issue wasn’t about divorce; she was just a child asserting her presence in front of the “adults.” Their biggest problem was that this child had developed some thoughts and entered a phase of “rebellion.”

Song Yue gave a knowing look and leaned back into her chair.

But suddenly, she glanced at Xu Shujian, surprise flickering in her bright eyes.

Song Yue’s judgments were based on her own comparable business acumen to Zhang Qidong’s, the homework she had done privately, and her recent interactions with Lin Xiaoxian.

After all, last night she had shared a room with Lin Xiaoxian.

But how could Old Xu have made such assessments?

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Just now, he had casually contradicted Zhang Qidong. Before that, Zhang Qidong had faced Pan Yun, who had barely managed a single rebuttal, and Huang Lili, who had only held on slightly longer.

Chen Linye was quiet, listening intently, occasionally offering a smile and nod. There was also Yu Hui, who, from what Song Yue knew, had a sharp personality. Yet at this moment, Yu Hui seemed... muted by Old Xu, no longer expressing his opinions.

As for herself, it was clear Old Xu was guiding her to confront Zhang Qidong.

Song Yue pondered this, then looked toward the production crew ahead. Although unfamiliar with variety shows, she understood some of the underlying logic.

Zhang Qidong kept spouting nonsense, and her speaking up to refute him created a positive image.

Did Old Xu know this clearly? Or was it a happy accident?

She was optimizing him, so was he guiding her on how to film the show?

Pan Yun sensed the shift in atmosphere and gradually eased her previously tense demeanor, promptly responding, “Mr. Zhang, listen carefully. This is what Xiaoxian truly needs.”

Zhang Qidong immediately nodded, “I’m listening. It’s just a difference in perspective. I’m 100% on her side, but the methods and approaches have different interpretations. As the saying goes, ‘Even the best judge finds it hard to handle family disputes.’ You both have differing perceptions; what you believe may not be the truth.”

Xu Shujian hadn’t intended to speak, but hearing this, he looked over at Lin Xiaoxian across from Song Yue and smiled, asking, “Sister Xiaoxian, can I understand that all you need is for him to encourage you more?”

Lin Xiaoxian was momentarily stunned, then shook her head immediately. “No, no, that’s just one thing I can’t accept. The real issue is that he doesn’t come home now.”

Zhang Qidong frowned, “Why bring this up again? I’ve told Xiaoxian that I will definitely return to family life in the future.”

Xu Shujian asked, “Sister Xiaoxian, has he really said that?”

Lin Xiaoxian replied, “He’s said it many times, but always delays it.”

Zhang Qidong said, “Then I’ll say it again: after this show airs, I will return to family life.”

Xu Shujian smiled, “Whether we believe that or not doesn’t matter; what matters is that Sister Xiaoxian believes it.”

Zhang Qidong looked at Xu Shujian, his expression initially serious, then gradually shifted to a smile. Some words were exchanged hastily, but Zhang Qidong understood his own purpose.

Actually, it was fine. If Xu Shujian refused to give him face and didn’t let them perform a song, engaging in confrontation was acceptable. After all, he was slowly moving behind the scenes; the more outrageous, the more buzz.

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It might seem that Xu Shujian made things uncomfortable for him, but at a deeper level, these right or wrong arguments didn’t matter—what mattered was the heat!

At the right moment, he could do a farewell livestream to retire from the internet and step backstage, then hold another large-scale sales event. The more Xu Shujian confronted him, the greater his exposure would be.

Xu Shujian looked at Zhang Qidong with an equally relaxed expression, thinking this was the flaw of a conceited person.

Song Yue remained silent, suddenly realizing something. A mysterious smile appeared on her face.

She had also guessed Zhang Qidong’s plan, especially after he himself made it clear.

Song Yue believed Zhang Qidong genuinely intended to return to family life. He was merely using this show to elevate Lin Xiaoxian’s profile. But were the viewers fools? Could the onlookers not see through this?

Would anyone really buy it?

Even taking a step back, a long-standing egotist at the top—if the audience did buy it—could he really retire behind the scenes?

However, none of that was important to Song Yue; it was just an interesting matter unfolding before her.

She looked at Xu Shujian once more and truly sensed an unfamiliar aura about him.

For the first time, Song Yue suspected that she not only misunderstood him but barely knew him at all.

“Alright, alright, everyone relax a little. This is just a mutual exchange of issues between couples. We all mean well and want to help you solve your problems,” Pan Yun said with laughter.

Huang Lili added, “Right. For example, when you were talking earlier, I didn’t take it to heart. Just be happy; life goes on.”

Hearing someone respond, Pan Yun nodded brightly, pleased with her mediation. She felt she was no worse than the other female guests. Being a full-time mother gave her an advantage—only she dared to smooth things over when Xu Shujian and Zhang Qidong clashed.