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That evening, Yan Ruyu sat in the courtyard while Ma Dongmei organized the notices beside her.

The two chatted casually, and somehow the conversation drifted to that incident.

"Actually, it was your old classmate Xia Luo who did it," Yan Ruyu said.

The notice slip in Ma Dongmei's hand fell to the ground. "What?"

"Sister Na has already spoken to Aunt Qiong, and she only told Charlotte the news. The post was published that very night, and it was in the newspaper the next day. Who else could it be but him?"

Ma Dongmei stood there, motionless for a long time.

Charlotte.

I never dreamed that it was Charlotte who was stirring up trouble behind the scenes.

The Charlotte who slept on her desk every day in high school, the Charlotte she protected, the Charlotte she thought was just lazy and carefree.

Seeing that her expression was off, Yan Ruyu said softly, "Dongmei, don't overthink it."

Ma Dongmei shook her head but didn't say anything.

That night, Ma Dongmei didn't sleep a wink.

I kept thinking about it, reminiscing about those years in Xihong City...

She imagined Xia Luo sleeping in the classroom; she imagined bringing Xia Luo breakfast, only to be met with indifference; she imagined those who bullied Xia Luo not even saying thank you when she stood them up.

At that time, Ma Dongmei thought that Xia Luo was not a bad person, just lazy and immature.

But what about now? Charlotte is dressed in designer clothes, wearing expensive watches, and is a big star in the recording studio, but she's secretly messing with her old classmate.

……

The next morning, Ma Dongmei didn't tell Yan Ruyu or Su Ning.

One person went out, took a taxi across half of Beijing, and arrived at Charlotte's recording studio.

Zhang Yang saw her at the door and was taken aback. "Dongmei? What brings you here?"

Is Charlotte here?

"Yes, he is, but he's busy right now..."

"Get out of my way!" Ma Dongmei pushed Zhang Yang aside before he could finish speaking, and then walked inside with an air of dominance.

Zhang Yang chased after her, "Dongmei, don't be like this, Luo'er is really busy..."

Ma Dongmei pushed open the door to the recording studio.

Charlotte was sitting on the sofa drinking water when she saw her come in, and her expression changed slightly. "Dongmei? What brings you here?"

Ma Dongmei walked up to Xia Luo, staring at him. "Xia Luo, I'm asking you, did you have those posts published? Did you hire those reporters to write them?"

Charlotte's smile faltered. "What nonsense are you talking about? I don't have time for that."

"Stop pretending." Ma Dongmei's voice wasn't loud, but every word hit the ground. "Besides you, who else knows about Su Ning's matter? Sister Na already told Aunt Qiong, and Sister Na only told you. Then the post came out that night, and then it was in the newspaper. Do you really think I'm stupid?"

Charlotte fell silent, her face flushed red, unable to utter a single word.

Looking at Xia Luo, Ma Dongmei suddenly felt that this person was very unfamiliar.

Perhaps I never really knew Charlotte.

Back in Xihong City, Xia Luo always wasted his time and ignored everyone.

Despite her constant attempts to please Xia Luo, he not only ignored her but also couldn't get her attention, and all he could think about was Qiu Ya.

He helped Xia Luo fend off those who were bullying him, and Xia Luo didn't even say thank you.

Perhaps Charlotte didn't even know about this, because he never cared about her.

At that time, Ma Dongmei thought Xia Luo was just heartless.

Now this person is standing in front of me, dressed in designer clothes, wearing an expensive watch, exuding the air of a successful person.

But Ma Dongmei couldn't see anything in those eyes. "Xia Luo, tell me, what exactly did Su Ning do to offend you? How much money he makes has nothing to do with you? Why did you want to harm him?"

Charlotte's face flushed even redder. "Ma Dongmei, don't be unreasonable! I told you I didn't do it! Believe it or not, it's up to you!"

Ma Dongmei stared at him for a long time.

Then she suddenly nodded, turned around and left.

There was no cursing, no fuss, he just left cleanly and decisively.

Charlotte stood there, watching Ma Dongmei's figure disappear through the door, and suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.

Suddenly, I remembered another world, a world I had never told anyone about.

In that world, Ma Dongmei was Charlotte's wife.

She has a loud voice, is rude, doesn't know how to dress, and speaks unpleasantly, but Ma Dongmei never harms herself.

Even during his most unfortunate time, Ma Dongmei still followed him without hesitation.

At that time, I found Ma Dongmei annoying and embarrassing, and all I could think about was my unattainable first love, Qiu Ya.

Now that Ma Dongmei is standing in front of him, asking why he harmed people, he can't even tell her the truth.

Zhang Yang leaned over from the side and asked cautiously, "Luo'er, are you alright?"

Charlotte shook her head. "Let's go have a drink."

"Uh? Okay! I'll contact a few more hot girls right away."

That night, Charlotte drank a lot.

Zhang Yang couldn't persuade him at all, nor did he dare to.

Soon, Charlotte slumped onto the bar table, vaguely recalling Ma Dongmei's face.

I remembered the look in Ma Dongmei's eyes as she stood at the door.

It wasn't anger, it wasn't disappointment, but an unbelievable sense of alienation.

It was as if I had never known him.

Charlotte suddenly realized that she had messed up.

It wasn't just that they messed up their relationship with Suning, it was that they messed up everything.

Charlotte didn't know how to make amends, or even where to begin.

Finally, Zhang Yang dragged Xia Luo back to the hotel, threw him on the bed, and left two hot girls with him.

Charlotte glanced at him groggily, neither refusing nor saying anything.

Tonight is destined to be another sleepless night.

Charlotte is now very extravagant, and Qiuya can no longer satisfy him.

After all, many people and things are not cherished once they are obtained.

……

After the public outcry subsided, Aunt Qiong immediately arranged to meet with Su Ning.

It was still in that private club, in that same private room.

When Aunt Qiong arrived, Su Ning was already sitting there drinking tea.

She paused for a moment, then quickly went over and sat down. "Su, this was my fault. I shouldn't have said those things to Na Zi, which dragged you into the controversy."

Su Ning poured Aunt Qiong a cup of tea, saying, "Aunt Qiong, there's no need to apologize. This matter was bound to get out sooner or later, it's just a matter of time."

Aunt Qiong looked at Su Ning and secretly admired her.

At less than twenty years old, to remain calm and composed in the face of such a situation, to neither argue nor resist, and to even comfort oneself.

Aunt Qiong has never seen another person with this kind of mindset in all her years in the entertainment industry.

"Su, besides apologizing, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you today."

"Aunt Qiong, please speak."

"Although this incident didn't turn out well, it did make you famous. Now everyone in the industry knows you exist." Aunt Qiong carefully chose her words. "Those big shots don't say anything to your face, but they're all asking about you behind your back. If you're willing, I can help you make connections. I can do feng shui for those big shots, exorcise evil spirits, and make some money. With your skills, you might as well make some money."

“…” Su Ning held her teacup but remained silent.

Aunt Qiong thought Su Ning was unwilling, so she quickly added, "Of course, if you really don't want to show your face in public, then forget it. Just pretend I didn't say anything."

“Aunt Qiong,” Su Ning put down her teacup, “I agree.”

"..." Aunt Qiong was stunned for a moment.

"However, there's one condition."

"You said."

"I only accept commissions for feng shui arrangements and exorcisms. I don't do fortune telling or face reading. I don't do anything that defies fate. And I definitely don't do anything that is immoral or heinous."

"That's natural."

“Also,” Suning held up one finger, “I don’t accept cash.”

"What?" Aunt Qiong didn't understand.

"I want a share of the film's revenue."

"..." Aunt Qiong was stunned.

Su Ning explained, "Most of a celebrity's money comes from their acting fees. I help them change their feng shui, ensure their safety, and make their careers successful. They just need to share their earnings with me. It's not much, 10% to 40%, depending on their specific circumstances."

Aunt Qiong did some mental calculations.

This number is nothing to those big-name celebrities.

Small amounts can add up; if you take on a dozen or so clients, the commission alone can be a considerable sum.

What's even better is that this money is ongoing, not just a one-off transaction.

Moreover, for Aunt Qiong, this way she wouldn't offend either side and would gain favor from both. "Alright, I'll help you negotiate." Aunt Qiong stood up, extended her hand, and said, "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

Su Ning shook her hand. "It's a pleasure working with you."

After Aunt Qiong left, Su Ning sat in the clubhouse and slowly finished the pot of tea.

Actually, he didn't want to take on these things, but things are different now.

However, after Charlotte made such a fuss, the whole country knew about her.

Keeping a low profile is pointless.

It's better to go with the flow and just do what you're supposed to do.

Besides, I do need the money myself.

The courtyard house is being maintained, the car is being maintained, Yan Ruyu's acting career needs to be developed, and Ma Dongmei's work as an agent needs to be expanded.

Which one doesn't cost money? A 10% to 40% commission is definitely a good business that generates steady, long-term profits.

Moreover, I also want to experience a different kind of story.

The bizarre entertainment industry was an experience I'd never had before.

After leaving the guild hall, Su Ning did not return to the courtyard house, but went to the school instead.

Regardless of whether you want to become a broker or not, you need to finish your studies first.

……

After the news spread, the first person to come knocking on their door was not a celebrity, but a very powerful real estate developer.

The man's surname was Sun. He was in the real estate business in Beijing and made a fortune in his early years, but things have been going downhill for him in recent years.

Unable to acquire good land, the completed buildings could not be sold, and partners withdrew their investments one after another.

After hearing about Suning's situation, Boss Sun went to great lengths to find Aunt Qiong, saying he was willing to pay a high price to have a master take a look.

Aunt Qiong arranged to meet Su Ning at the Kunlun Hotel.

Mr. Sun was in his forties, chubby, and spoke in a loud voice; he clearly came from humble beginnings.

He sized up Su Ning for a long time, clearly somewhat disappointed. "Aunt Qiong, is this the master you were talking about?"

Aunt Qiong nodded, "Don't underestimate Su Ning, he saved my life."

Mr. Sun was skeptical, but since he was already there, he couldn't refuse Aunt Qiong's request. "Master, take a look at me. I've had bad luck these past few years. Is there something wrong with the feng shui?"

Su Ning glanced at him. "Is your office facing west?"

Mr. Sun was stunned. "How did you know?"

"West-facing offices get unbearably hot in the afternoon sun. People who spend too much time in such an environment become restless and irritable, making it easier to make poor decisions. Haven't your projects in recent years all run into problems in the second half of the year?"

Mr. Sun broke out in a sweat.

Suddenly, I remembered those unfinished real estate projects, those partners who absconded, and those endless lawsuits.

All of these incidents occurred in the second half of the year.

"Master, what should I do next?"

"Change offices, east or south are fine. Just don't let it face west."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"How much is it?"

"One-tenth of the profits from all your projects within three years."

"What? That's too much."

"You can do as I say first, and I'll pay you if it works. If it doesn't work, or if you think it's not worth it, I'll accept the loss. But if you have any problems someday, it has absolutely nothing to do with me."

Mr. Sun was skeptical, but he still went back and did as instructed.

He immediately moved to a south-facing office, which was spacious, bright, sunny, and comfortable.

Strangely enough, since I changed offices, my mood has improved a lot, and my temper is no longer so irritable.

Soon, Mr. Sun successfully acquired a prime piece of land, and the properties sold remarkably well, attracting a host of new partners.

Mr. Sun would tell everyone he met that Suning was a living god, and then he kept his promise and would pay generous rewards for three consecutive years.

The main reason is that Mr. Sun doesn't dare to offend Suning. If Suning were to resort to some underhanded tactics, he, with his limited resources, wouldn't be able to withstand it.

……

As the news spread, more and more people came to visit.

There were celebrities, bosses, investors, and even a few government officials.

Suning accepts all comers, but doesn't overcharge.

Everything is done according to the rules. When it comes to feng shui and exorcising evil spirits, the cut is usually around 10%.

Only those who are particularly difficult to deal with, or even those who brought it upon themselves, would ask for an exorbitant 40%.

Suning never engages in mystical practices, makes unfounded claims, or holds any fancy ceremonies.

Do what you're supposed to do, take out some key talismans, and then leave after completing those steps.

Someone asked, "Master, why aren't you performing a ritual?"

Suning countered with a question: "Would you believe their actions then?"

"..." Sure enough, the person immediately fell silent.

"Don't worry, I only pay based on results. If it doesn't work or you feel cheated, you can back out. But if there are any problems, it has absolutely nothing to do with me."

Despite Suning's constant pronouncements of "it's none of my business," very few people in Jiangxi actually dare to offend feng shui and yin-yang brokers. Not to mention, Suning's feng shui formations and exorcism talismans are quite effective.

Therefore, most clients, after seeing the results, will obediently pay the promised compensation.

……

But as Suning took on more jobs, its reputation grew.

He is unassuming, doesn't publicize, and doesn't give interviews.

Most of the people who sought him out did so through word of mouth, one person introducing another.

Soon, everyone in the industry knew that there was a student at the Beijing Film Academy who was very capable but had a strange temper and only accepted a percentage of the profits, not cash.

You have to wait in line to get things done at Suning. They'll only answer if they're in a good mood, and they won't answer no matter how much money you offer if they're not.

Some people were dissatisfied and used their connections to find Aunt Qiong.

When Aunt Qiong called to ask, Su Ning simply said three words: "We're not meant to be."

The main problem is that these people are too difficult to deal with, and some are even heinous criminals. Taking action against them would be tantamount to aiding and abetting evil.

The man was furious, but there was nothing he could do.

They're not short of money, what can you do about it?

……

Life went on as usual in the courtyard house.

Yan Ruyu has completely turned things around, busy filming every day, while Ma Dongmei is busy managing her work.

Suning spends his days attending classes, finishing classes, taking on jobs, and drinking tea.

That evening, Ma Dongmei returned home and sat in the yard for a while before suddenly saying, "Su Ning, I really have to thank you."

Su Ning was making tea when he paused, "What are you thanking me for this time?"

"Thank you for letting me come to Beijing. Thank you for giving me this job. Thank you for letting me know that I can do more important things."

Su Ning smiled and said, "That's because you've worked hard enough! Haven't you noticed that Yan Ruyu is relying on you more and more?"

Ma Dongmei shook her head.

Because she knew it wasn't because she was capable, but because Su Ning gave her the opportunity.

When she first left Xihong City after the incident, she thought that this was the end of her life.

Standing on the assembly line in a factory your whole life, earning a meager fixed salary, and then going back to your hometown to find a job to make ends meet when you get old.

Now, following Yan Ruyu, she has seen a lot of the world and learned a great deal.

Having worked my way up in the entertainment industry, I've come to understand the meaning of this job more and more.

"Su Ning, you know that Xia Luo plotted against you, right?"

"I knew from the beginning."

"Aren't you angry?"

Su Ning thought for a moment, "What's the use of getting angry? He lives his life, and I live mine. We'll go our separate ways."

Looking at Su Ning, Ma Dongmei suddenly realized that this person was truly different.

It's not because Suning is capable, nor because he's rich, but because he has a bottom line.

Do what you should do, and don't do what you shouldn't do.

Let go of what you should let go of, and pick up what you should pick up.

"Su Ning, you are much better than Xia Luo."

Su Ning laughed, "Go tell that to Xia Luo."

Ma Dongmei didn't respond, because she never wanted to talk to Xia Luo again in her life.

...(End of this chapter)