After Transmigrating, I Joined a Dating Show with the Fake Heiress Actress - Chapter 35

Bai Man took a step back, creating some distance between herself and the reporters. Wu Xi, who had accompanied her, immediately stepped forward, spreading her arms to block the reporters from approaching. “Can’t you people think for a moment? How can anyone handle this kind of pressure?”

 

At this, the reporters finally stopped advancing, their eyes fixed on Bai Man, waiting for her response.

 

“After consulting with the Director this morning, I confirmed my withdrawal from the project,” Bai Man stated. “As for the debt, repaying what’s owed is a matter of principle.”

 

“Judging by your demeanor, you’ve already secured the funds?”

 

“We’re currently raising the funds. With Miss Shangguan’s payment for the room, we’re not far off the mark,” Bai Man replied, leaving the reporters dumbfounded.

 

The Little Princess actually paid her back? What kind of maneuver is this?

 

A seasoned reporter, microphone raised high, stood on tiptoe and asked, “The five million yuan that sparked the conflict between you and the Little Princess—do you regret it now?”

 

Bai Man’s voice rang with conviction: “Only the useless regret.”

 

“Hengjie Garment Factory collapsed because of you. Don’t you feel any guilt?”

 

Before Bai Man could respond, Wu Xi snapped back, “What kind of reporter are you? Do you even have a press pass? How can you not know that Hengjie Garment Factory went bankrupt because of Sister Man?”

 

“Ah, I see now,” Wu Xi said, her eyes widening in realization. “You’re a reporter hired by the conglomerate.”

 

Her words immediately put the questioning reporter on the defensive, but the vast majority of journalists remained focused on Bai Man, relentlessly pressing her with questions.

 

Bai Man hadn’t come out specifically to answer their questions. Her primary goals were to publicly thank Shangguan Yu for the five million yuan and to directly address the issue of Shunyang Group pressuring the bank.

 

However, given the current situation, it seemed most of these reporters had been sent by Shunyang Group.

 

“Bai Man, do you also suspect that Shunyang Group pressured the bank, causing them to renege on their agreement?”

 

Finally encountering a legitimate reporter, Bai Man turned toward the voice and saw a young man with a baby face staring intently at her.

 

Without hesitation, she replied, “When you suspect something, you first consider the possibilities, understand the motives, and then seek evidence. It’s much easier that way.”

 

“So you’re saying you already have sufficient evidence in hand?”

 

This time, Bai Man didn’t answer. She exchanged a glance with Wu Xi and turned to walk back inside.

 

The reporters surged forward, but security guards rushed to join Wu Xi in blocking their path.

 

Bai Man had just settled back into her office when Su Qingwan burst in. “Do you really have evidence?”

 

Bai Man had spotted Su Qingwan outside earlier. She rose to pour her a glass of water, replying casually, “I never make a move without having all my ducks in a row.”

 

Su Qingwan pulled up a chair and sat beside her. “So you’ve been setting this up from the start.” This was the only explanation for where her evidence could have come from.

 

Bai Man remained silent. From the moment she accepted Shangguan Yu’s five million yuan, she knew the woman wouldn’t give up. True to form, Shangguan Yu repeatedly tested her limits, pushing her further each time.

 

If she hadn’t devised an effective solution by now, all those years spent navigating the business world would have been for nothing.

 

The nature of the evidence, however, had taken her by surprise.

 

Recalling Wu Xi’s earlier whispers about the online backlash against Su Qingwan, Bai Man said, “Weighing the pros and cons isn’t wrong. Don’t let it bother you.”

 

Su Qingwan immediately understood what she meant. She shook her head. “They’re right to criticize me. I don’t deserve to be bothered by it.” Her gaze fell. “I… I can’t face Mom and Dad.”

 

Xu Mengjie, who had overheard the conversation, quickly interjected, “You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? No matter what those people online say, you’ll always be our daughter in our hearts.”

 

She sighed. “The garment factory has been declining for years. Your father and I have come to terms with it. We’ve done everything we could, but if it’s still destined to close, then that’s just its fate. We have no other wishes in this life, just that you and Manman—” she paused, glancing at Bai Man—”that you both are happy. If you’re happy, your father and I will be content. As for money, that’s just material possessions.”

 

Remembering the purpose of her visit, she turned to Bai Man and asked, “The eight million you gave us today, is it all…?”

 

“Five million is from the Shangguan Family. The other three million was originally given to the Production Team,” Bai Man replied without hesitation. There was no need for secrecy.

 

Xu Mengjie grew visibly anxious. “Then should we…?”

 

Anticipating her question, Bai Man rose to her feet and cut her off. “The whole internet saw that the five million was Shangguan Yu’s payment for the room.” She stood up. “The bank has it now. You don’t need to worry.”

 

 

Shunyang Group.

 

Shangguan Fu paced back and forth in his office, his anger palpable as he pointed at the Head of the Public Relations Department. “Is this the best your entire department could come up with? Look at the online chatter about Shunyang Group! They’re calling us lawless, claiming we rule Suzhou like emperors, with no regard for the law!”

 

The Head of the Public Relations Department stammered, “We… we truly did our best. No matter how hard we tried, nothing worked.” He immediately lowered his head. “We even threw money at the problem, but the results were minimal.”

 

“Minimal? There were no results!” Shangguan Fu slammed his hands on his hips. “Contact the press immediately. We’re holding a press conference in an hour.”

 

“What about… Bai Man?” the Head of the Public Relations Department asked cautiously.

 

“Contact her now. Let her know.”

 

Shangguan Yu pushed open the door and overheard this. She quickened her pace and stepped forward. “Brother, from what I’ve seen, that so-called evidence…”

 

Seeing her, Shangguan Fu’s barely suppressed anger flared anew. The curse words that had been on the tip of his tongue, upon meeting the Head of the Public Relations Department’s gaze, shifted into: “What are you waiting for? Get to it!”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

The moment the Head of the Public Relations Department left, Shangguan Fu lost all restraint. “Shangguan Yu, what’s wrong with your brain? Even now, you still think Bai Man is just putting on a brave face?” He pointed a finger at her, his gaze lingering on her slightly reddened eyes. He cursed inwardly and turned away. “Bai Man set this trap for you long ago, waiting for you to fall into it. It was my soft heart and belief in your lies that put Shunyang on the brink of disaster.”

 

Shock filled Shangguan Yu’s eyes. She couldn’t believe she had been manipulated.

 

To be precise, she couldn’t believe that Bai Man, that useless nobody, could have such deep cunning, capable of playing her and Mengmeng like puppets.

 

But her brother had never lied to her. If he said it was true, then it must be.

 

“From now on, you’re staying home. No wandering around aimlessly, and absolutely no unauthorized contact with Bai Man.” Shangguan Fu pressed a hand to his forehead. “As for Dad… you’ll have to explain yourself to him. You know how much he values that land. If we can’t suppress this public backlash, you…” He trailed off.

 

If things spiraled out of control, not only would Shangguan Yu face Shangguan Hong’s wrath, but he himself would be in deep trouble.

 

He didn’t even dare to imagine the punishment that awaited them.

 

Even if Shangguan Hong spared them, his uncles, who coveted the president’s position, wouldn’t let it go. They would surely blame the siblings for jeopardizing Shunyang Group’s future and demand their execution.

 

At this thought, his temples throbbed violently. He couldn’t stop regretting not investigating sooner and letting his sister run wild.

 

Hengjie Garment Factory.

 

Bai Man wasn’t surprised at all when she received a call from Shunyang Group. When Shangguan Fu asked to speak with her, she agreed without hesitation.

 

Her promptness startled Su Qingwan. “Will you still release the video?”

 

“What do you think?”

 

Su Qingwan pondered for a moment. “You’ll still release it. But if that’s the case, there’s no need to meet Shangguan Fu.”

 

Bai Man’s gaze remained fixed on the warehouse’s clothing inventory as she replied meaningfully, “We should meet.”

 

Hearing this, Wu Xi leaped up from her chair and gave Bai Man a thumbs-up. “Sister Man is truly Sister Man! Your words and actions are beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals. From this day forward, you are my idol, and no one can ever take your place in my heart!”

 

Su Qingwan felt a pang of jealousy. “She hardly needs another fan like you.”

 

Wu Xi nodded. “True, Sister Man is already a blogger with nearly ten million followers.” She clutched her chest dramatically, her voice trembling. “The thought of having to share Sister Man’s love with nearly ten million people… it breaks my heart.”

 

Hearing this, Su Qingwan felt even more envious. She hadn’t even had a chance to experience Bai Man’s affection herself.

 

Her gaze drifted to Bai Man, who was completely absorbed in her work, her eyes filled with a hint of resentment.

 

Bai Man finished reviewing the data and looked up to find Su Qingwan’s face etched with a look of grievance, her expression slightly puzzled.

 

Without dwelling on it, she asked Wu Xi, “What are the current follower counts for the three accounts?” According to the inventory statistics, the seasonal clothing had already sold out. At the current rate, after today’s broadcast, they should have only a thousand or two down jackets left, while the spring and autumn clothing would have a larger surplus, around five or six thousand pieces.

 

Their funds currently locked on the platform totaled 4.5 million yuan, and it would take at least ten days to withdraw them.

 

With the 10 million yuan they had on hand, plus the platform funds, they had a total of 14.5 million yuan. After repaying the bank loan of 12 million yuan, they would be left with only 2.5 million yuan in working capital.

 

Opening a clothing store, establishing and promoting a brand, and purchasing and producing fabrics all required money.

 

Bai Man had intended to keep her three accounts as a fallback, but with her Weibo followers still growing, she decided to sell them instead.

 

“One account has already surpassed 500,000 followers, and the other two should reach that milestone by tomorrow at the latest,” Wu Xi reported.

 

Bai Man nodded. “After tomorrow’s livestream, start looking for buyers. Ideally, we should sell to local businesses for easier due diligence.”

 

Although the followers had initially followed because of the affordable clothing, their engagement had significantly increased the accounts’ value. It was only right to ensure a smooth transition for them.

 

Wu Xi, who had been worried about this, immediately brightened up. “Understood! I’ll take care of it.”

 

With everything arranged, Bai Man glanced at her watch and stood up, looking at Su Qingwan. “Let’s go.”

 

Su Qingwan, still sulking, assumed Bai Man wanted her to come along. Her mood instantly lifted slightly, and she quickly got up to follow.

 

But when the car pulled up at Jiayue Studio, her spirits plummeted once more.

 

“Don’t let her distract you, okay?” Bai Man murmured.

 

If Su Qingwan got involved, Shangguan Fu, having found a weak spot through her, would shift his focus to Su Qingwan. Of course, this didn’t mean Shangguan Fu would necessarily target Su Qingwan directly; after all, Shangguan Yu had always resented Yu Meng’s closeness to Su Qingwan.

 

Therefore, Bai Man still needed to keep an eye on Su Qingwan.

 

Su Qingwan understood immediately. She opened the car door and cautioned, “Then be careful. Let me know when you’re done.”

 

Bai Man nodded. “Okay.”

 

When Bai Man arrived at the address Shangguan Fu had given her, she was about to step inside when she saw a girl watching a video on her phone. The words she heard stopped her in her tracks.

 

“I don’t understand why people are trying to smear Shunyang’s name. From beginning to end, Shunyang had nothing to do with my sister’s personal feud with Bai Man.”

 

“Evidence? In this age of advanced technology, videos and audio can easily be faked. If that’s what you call evidence, I could produce mountains of it myself.”

 

She sneered inwardly, thinking, No wonder they’re siblings—their words are equally brainless.

 

She strode to a secluded corner and settled in. Within two minutes, Shangguan Fu, impeccably dressed in a suit, approached her.

 

“Name your price and call it quits,” he said.

 

Bai Man casually sipped her coffee. “I am short on funds right now,” she admitted. Just as Shangguan Fu relaxed, she added, “But I also have a habit of settling scores.”

 

Shangguan Fu’s expression stiffened. “You really think partnering with Sheng Hao can bring down Shunyang?” He tapped his fingers on the table and chuckled softly. “Let me be clear: that’s impossible.”

 

“Temporarily impossible,” Bai Man corrected, a faint smile playing on her lips. “But it can reshape Suzhou’s economic landscape. The rest can be left to time.”

 

Shangguan Fu’s grip tightened on the table, veins bulging on his hand. “Bai Man, don’t be so naive.”

 

“I wouldn’t dare compare myself to you and your siblings,” Bai Man replied, setting down her coffee. “Thank you for the coffee, President Shangguan.” With that, she rose and walked toward the exit.

 

Having achieved her purpose in meeting Shangguan Fu, she no longer needed to linger.

 

Unexpectedly, news of her meeting with Shangguan Fu had already reached Sheng Hao’s ears. He was likely now pondering her motives.

 

Her intentions were simple: to show Sheng Hao that even a woman like her wouldn’t flinch in the face of Shangguan Fu, while simultaneously reminding him that cooperating with Tiansheng Group was not her only option.

 

As for the video, Bai Shanheng had told her about it. After receiving her text message, he had been speculating about her plans.

 

That’s why, when the bank president called, he had been cautious, recording not only the audio but also video footage.

 

Once in the car, she immediately sent the video and a text message to Sheng Hao.

 

Sheng Hao might harbor suspicions, but he always relished making things difficult for Shangguan Fu. Upon receiving Bai Man’s message, he instructed the Public Relations Department to push the video to the top of trending searches.

 

First, Shangguan Fu presented his “irrefutable evidence,” only to be immediately countered by a video verifying its authenticity. The slap to his face was swift and resounding.

 

It was so swift, even Shangguan Fu felt embarrassed for himself.

 

Similarly, Sheng Hao understood that Bai Man was someone better to befriend than antagonize, and he abandoned his schemes against her.

 

After returning to Shunyang Group, Shangguan Fu flew into a rage. To his further dismay, new trending topics suddenly appeared online:

 

#Shunyang Group Tax Evasion#Shangguan Rong Bullies Students, Uses Threats and Abusive Language#Shunyang Group Forces Employees Out#Shunyang Group Executives Exploit Shao Jun to Exploit Actresses#Shunyang Group Colludes with Criminal Syndicates#Shunyang Group Resolves Conflicts with Violence#

 

#Shao Jun, Backed by Shunyang Group, Runs Rampant in the Entertainment Industry#Shao Jun Drives Actress to Suicide#Shao Jun Forces Actresses to Attend Banquets#Yu Meng’s Career Entirely Dependent on Shao Jun’s Resources#The Mother-Daughter Duo of Yu Meng and Shao Jun Rule the Entertainment Industry with an Iron Fist, Leaving No Room for Newcomers#

 

Seeing these trending topics, Shangguan Fu nearly choked on his own fury.

 

Equally frantic was Yu Meng, who never imagined the fire would suddenly spread to her own doorstep.

 

Shao Jun immediately ordered the Public Relations Department to suppress the trending topics with all their might.

 

Just like with Shunyang Group, even if they managed to suppress the news temporarily, it would inevitably resurface.

 

The scandal sent shockwaves through the entire entertainment industry, but Su Qingwan remained remarkably calm when she learned of it.

 

If Bai Man could bring down a corporate giant like Shunyang Group with such ease, what chance did Shao Jun and Yu Meng, mere players in the entertainment world, stand?

 

Over the years, Shao Jun had made countless enemies in the industry. Now that he was in trouble, and his biggest backer, Shunyang Group, was under attack from all sides, many dared to anonymously step forward and expose his shady tactics.

 

The entertainment industry’s reaction was mirrored by those who had been suppressed by Shunyang Group, who now came forward to denounce the conglomerate.

 

Intuition told Su Qingwan that Bai Man’s bold move had a deeper purpose beyond mere revenge. Determined to uncover this hidden motive, she rose to leave.

 

Just as she reached the door, Su Qingyue rushed in and grabbed her arm. “Sister, you need to post a Weibo update right now! Say you were hesitant at first, but Yu Meng and Shangguan Yu forced you into it. That way, your fans will forgive you.”