Chapter 17: Returning the Favor

The reason Chen Yanzi became so popular was twofold: first, because there were very few beautiful streamers with such exceptional looks and a reputation for crafting a sorrowful persona on the Gold Dou platform; second, it was clear she had a company operating behind the scenes.

“If she wants to ruin my reputation, I won’t let her scheme succeed! We’ll hire some online trolls to comment under her videos, questioning whether she’s acting deliberately to gain sympathy!”

“The more doubts arise, the more those gossiping netizens will become rational, and sooner or later they’ll spot her flaws!”

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, realizing he couldn’t sit idly by. If that woman treated him so poorly and he simply ignored it for old times’ sake, he’d be nothing but a spineless fool! He could admit he had a people-pleasing personality, but he definitely wasn’t a coward!

If Chen Yanzi could smear him like this, he could just as well hire trolls to question her.

“And then there’s her brother, who’s apparently about to marry Zhu Ruoxue. You might find a way to sabotage his wedding,” Gu Qingcheng suddenly chimed in.

“Yes! Chen Wei!” Lin Fan nodded, suddenly remembering Zhu Ruoxue. If his guess was right, Chen Yanzi’s signing bonus had likely ended up with Chen Wei to give to Zhu Ruoxue.

Recalling how the Chen family of four had once treated him, Lin Fan still felt a simmering resentment. Not retaliating would be a waste of his newfound status as a wealthy man!

With that, he took out his phone and sent Zhu Ruoxue a message, asking if she was interested in becoming a streamer. He offered a base salary of one hundred thousand and a share of tips.

His aim was to raise Zhu Ruoxue’s standards regarding money and marriage—in other words, to overturn her worldview entirely.

Previously, Zhu Ruoxue had asked for a dowry of three hundred and eighty thousand; now it had increased to five hundred thousand, partly due to his influence.

Inviting Zhu Ruoxue to become a streamer was meant to make her realize her own value, so she’d look down on Chen Wei even more. This way, if Chen Wei wanted to marry her, he’d have to pay an even higher price!

Soon, Zhu Ruoxue replied that she was interested. Lin Fan smoothly invited her to visit his company for a look.

The following afternoon, Zhu Ruoxue arrived at Genesis Media as promised.

Lin Fan personally greeted her. Seeing the relaxed and free working environment, Zhu Ruoxue was immediately tempted. With Gu Qingcheng and the others persuading her, she signed the contract with Lin Fan that very day.

In the evening, Lin Fan led Zhu Ruoxue and the other women out of the company, intending to dine at the restaurant across the street.

Unexpectedly, Chen Wei appeared before Zhu Ruoxue.

“Ruoxue, are you free now? I’d like to take you to the jewelry store to buy some accessories for you—as a token of our love,” Chen Wei approached, his face plastered with a smile. He looked as humble as could be.

Seeing his sycophantic demeanor, Lin Fan was momentarily stunned. Wasn’t this exactly how he once tried to please Chen Yanzi?

“Chen Wei, let’s reconsider the marriage. I don’t think we’re really suitable,” Zhu Ruoxue hesitated for a couple of seconds before voicing her thoughts.

Chen Wei was dumbfounded.

“Why? You agreed only a few days ago—why change your mind so suddenly?”

“If you have more demands, just say so—I’ll meet them all! If the dowry is too low, I can raise it! Whatever you need—house, car—I can provide it!” Chen Wei was bewildered, gazing at Zhu Ruoxue with confusion. He’d already offered so much, yet she was still dissatisfied?

“I already have a house and a car—Lin Fan gave them to me,” Zhu Ruoxue glanced back at Lin Fan as he approached, dropping a bombshell.

“What?!” Chen Wei stared at Lin Fan, incredulous.

“Why would he give you a house and a car?”

Lin Fan strode up with a smile, chin raised arrogantly. “Sorry, Ruoxue is now a streamer at my company. According to the contract, I need to provide her with a house and a car—it’s an employee benefit. Don’t overthink it…”

But the more he said, the more Chen Wei’s mind raced.

“You’re sabotaging my marriage! Lin Fan, are you even human?” Chen Wei cursed angrily.

What boss gives female employees houses and cars for no reason? Clearly, there was something hidden going on!

Zhu Ruoxue’s expression shifted, and she said coldly, “We haven’t even gotten engaged yet, not to mention received the dowry—so honestly, this marriage hasn’t even been settled.”

In other words, they had no relationship at all.

Hearing this, Chen Wei realized Zhu Ruoxue was determined to break up with him!

“But your parents agreed! Just because he gave you a house and a car, you changed your mind? You two have been together for ages, haven’t you?” Chen Wei’s face darkened, staring at them with hostility as he pressed for answers.

“Watch your words, Chen Wei! Lin Fan and I are above reproach—he’s my boss now, and I won’t let you badmouth him!”

“It was Lin Fan who recognized my worth and invited me to be a streamer. He offers a monthly base salary of one hundred thousand plus a share of tips—what I can make in a month, you might not make in a year!”

“And look at you—what can you offer? Your sister is paying your dowry, and all your expenses come from your family! You’re the very definition of lazy and gluttonous! If I married you, I wouldn’t even know how to live my life…”

Her words left Chen Wei’s face alternating between green and white, speechless.

He hadn’t expected Zhu Ruoxue to become so materialistic. She used to appreciate him, but now she looked down on him, inflicting a severe blow to his self-esteem!

Watching Chen Wei’s bewildered, lost expression, Lin Fan couldn’t help but grin slyly.

This was exactly the outcome he wanted!

Previously, the Chen family had treated him like a beast of burden, never respecting him. Now, it was Chen Wei’s turn!

He invited Zhu Ruoxue to be a streamer precisely to turn her into a gold-digger.

Now Zhu Ruoxue even believed that a dowry of a million wouldn’t be enough to marry her. Only a wealthy man like Lin Fan was worthy!

Even if the Chen family emptied their coffers, Zhu Ruoxue would never accept Chen Wei.

This was poetic justice—returning their own tactics upon them!

“A loser like you thinks you can chase Zhu Ruoxue? Go take a good look at yourself—you’re not worthy, so stay out of the way!”

“The way your family treated President Lin before, now you don’t even have the right to be his dog!” Gu Qingcheng was the first to mock him.

She had witnessed firsthand how the Chen family had looked down on Lin Fan, and with Chen Yanzi slandering him on Gold Dou, she couldn’t help but stand up for him.

The other female streamers chimed in as well.

“President Lin is the best. Every female streamer he signs gets a house and a car! Girls, from now on, let’s use his standards when picking partners.”

“That’s right. Losers who mooch off their parents aren’t good enough for us. Only millionaires or heirs to wealthy families are suitable…”