Chapter 522 - 76: The Boss and the Secretary
Chapter 522 - 76: The Boss and the Secretary
After Qu Fulan’s studio went viral, many netizens saw her appearance and couldn’t help but marvel."With looks like that, why isn’t she a star? What a pity!"
"Exactly, she’s prettier than a celebrity. Why doesn’t she act? I’d definitely watch."
"Her looks are outstanding, purely the kind that are heaven-sent. She’d definitely be a hit if she entered showbiz."
"What do you know? The entertainment industry is so messy. With such looks, she’d probably first become what those with capital are after."
"Right, it’s better not to join the entertainment industry. It’s hard to survive without a background."
"She opened her own studio, which proves she has capabilities. Not everyone is interested in showbiz."
"Beauty, don’t enter the industry. Just post more videos occasionally. We’ll all support you!"
"Please be the main character in short videos, maybe occasionally do a live stream. I’d definitely send gifts!"
...
The turn of events in entertainment was something Qu Fulan hadn’t expected.
Even Mei suggested she consider the netizens’ opinions and become a short video star in the future, but Qu Fulan declined. She still preferred being behind the scenes, letting others take the spotlight.
Pei Ji’an was aware of Qu Fulan’s situation, but since she insisted on handling it herself, he didn’t interfere.
It turned out she could handle it well, not only making a comeback but also elevating her career further.
On Qu Fulan’s end, things were going smoothly, and Pei Ji’an was nearly fully recovered, already planning for discharge.
Staying in the hospital for too long was discomforting, so he’d rather recuperate at home. After discussing with the hospital, he was allowed to rest at home, but a doctor would accompany him daily, with Pei Ji’an covering that expense separately.
On the day of discharge, Qu Fulan pushed Pei Ji’an’s wheelchair. Since she wasn’t a celebrity, she didn’t wear a mask or hat for protection, but with Pei Ji’an’s status, there were always three or four bodyguards.
Such an unusual setup attracted quite a few onlookers, some even took photos and videos and shared them online.
With Qu Fulan’s online popularity still lingering, these videos immediately stirred attention again.
"Is this man her boyfriend? So handsome! As expected, handsome men and beautiful women go hand in hand."
"This man looks very genteel, accompanied by bodyguards. Is he wealthy?"
Netizens being omnipotent, questions were immediately investigated, and it didn’t take long to find answers.
"Pei Group’s young master, truly from a wealthy family..."
"Oh my, no wonder she didn’t enter showbiz. Marrying into wealth beats putting on fake smiles in the industry!"
"Wealthy families marry within their class, right? They might not necessarily marry her, so don’t overthink it."
"Indeed, marrying into a wealthy family isn’t easy. They might just be playing around, and when he tires of her, he’ll discard her."
"How sour to say she’ll be discarded! These days, who said dating must end in marriage? Isn’t it normal to break up in a relationship? If you’re having a hard time, doesn’t mean others must be too. Cold-hearted!"
"Agreed with the previous comment, there’s too much envious criticism these days. Dating a wealthy person is either perceived as sucking up or being ditched. Why can’t a woman leave a man? We’re all born of women, why belittle them?"
"I even think getting dumped by a wealthy person is worth it. They’re generous, offering significant compensation—a large sum or a property. Isn’t that better than dating a miser?"
"Some men even sue to reclaim their spending during the relationship. If it were me, I’d rather be ditched by a rich person. At least they won’t sue."
...
The online discussions about Qu Fulan’s video went wild again.
Qu Fulan only saw the videos about her after returning home. Her close friend messaged, asking if she wanted to post a video to clarify. She refused, thinking the more you explain online, the messier things get. Better let discussions die down naturally; it wouldn’t affect her much.
If any impact occurred, it was positive for her studio. Continuous attention was always beneficial.
"Actually, a statement could be issued." Pei Ji’an was holding a tablet, seeing the netizens’ comments, some good, some bad. Naturally, he couldn’t stand the negative ones.
Comments like gold-digger, sucking up...
"No need, even if clarified, people will still have things to say. I’m not a celebrity; netizens will discuss for a while, then move on."
If she were a celebrity with significant discussions, it’d require clarification for reputation. Even if confirmed as genuine dating, netizens would say they’d break up eventually, and if married, they’d claim divorce. There’s always something to say.
Qu Fulan predicted correctly; after two days, the buzz died down. Besides, new topics attracted netizens’ attention, leaving this one unmentioned.
Her studio gained popularity, with rising traffic compared to before. Every video released immediately garnered many comments, attracting more new fans.
Qu Fulan hadn’t seen Yao Heng since either. Their paths diverged, and even if he wanted to see her, he couldn’t.
Days flew by, from autumn to winter, soon it was New Year’s.
Regarding New Year’s, Qu Fulan had her plans. She intended to spend it in her hometown with her mother, fulfilling her mother’s longtime wish. Her mother had been recuperating in the hospital and hadn’t returned to that lively hometown for a while.
Originally, Pei Ji’an planned to spend New Year’s with Qu Fulan, meeting his family elders, making things more official. But after hearing her plan, he pondered for a moment before speaking.
"When will you return?"
"We’ll stay a few days, back by the fifth or sixth."
Before she started working, she usually spent significant time in her hometown during the holidays. After starting work, her vacation time was shorter. Now with her own studio, she couldn’t take extended breaks.
She could film a video about the New Year, but that’d be tiring for both herself and her staff. So, Qu Fulan decided everyone should relax and enjoy a good New Year, refreshing themselves for work later.
Pei Ji’an didn’t comment further after hearing her.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of departure. Qu Fulan prepared early, carrying various bags and packages, all gifts for family in her hometown.
Pei Ji’an, now recovered, rolled up his sleeves to help load her things into the car. Besides what she prepared, he also had gifts for her to take back.
Honestly, the parting during New Year was always melancholic. Qu Fulan felt a tinge of reluctance, watching him load the car, wanting to say something yet holding back.
Finally, he closed the trunk, clapped his hands, "Everything’s packed, off you go."
Qu Fulan took two steps forward, raised her hand to hug his neck, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek. "I’ll miss you."
Pei Ji’an wrapped an arm around her waist. After a moment of shared breath, he released her, "Go on."
plumnovel