The Heiress's Game

Gu Yunjin moved the teacup half an inch closer to the center of the tea table and sat up a little straighter.

"Dad, I divided the tens of millions you gave me into three parts."

Gu Zhenxing looked up at her, but didn't say anything, waiting.

"I invested part of my funds in Zhang Zhuoran's AI project, as you know. I also invested in a purely academic research-oriented AI team that doesn't pursue commercialization but focuses on basic algorithm research. It may be valuable in the long run, but there won't be any returns in the short term."

She paused here, "The last part is that I founded a media company."

"A media company?" Gu Zhenxing frowned slightly.

"Starry Media," Gu Yunjin said, "is the company that made 'Walking with Brilliance'."

Before Gu Zhenxing could react, Julie put down the teapot in her hand.

She paused, looked up at Gu Yunjin, her expression a mixture of undisguised shock and a sudden, profound understanding.

"Is Starlight Media your company? Did you produce 'Walking with Brilliance'?"

"Yes. But usually Nanzhen is in charge, I'm only responsible for the general direction."

Julie's surprise was genuine and unadorned: "I watch every episode, and wow—Chen Cui is such a charming girl. The authenticity she exudes in front of the camera is unlike any other reality show."

You know, at my gallery opening reception last month, several collector ladies talked about "Walking with Brilliance" the entire time. I didn't dare to interrupt because I hadn't had a chance to read that issue yet.

Gu Yunjin laughed: "Then I'll have President Nan send you the source material before the next season starts, so you can grab the top spot in terms of buzz among the wives of Tibetans."

"That's great," Julie said with a smile, then shook her head, her tone filled with admiration.

"Miss Gu, you really are—well, I don't even know how to describe you."

Gu Zhenxing listened from the side, his brows furrowing and relaxing repeatedly.

Seeing Julie's reaction, then looking at Gu Yunjin, he finally asked, "Is this show very popular?"

Julie turned to look at him, her expression as if she were looking at a caveman: "Old Gu, do you really not watch TV or go online?"

This show is so popular—all the women around me are talking about it.

"I didn't notice." Gu Zhenxing picked up his teacup and took a sip, his tone slightly unnatural and muffled.

"With Brilliance" is now the number one reality show in the country in terms of viewership.

Julie spoke as if she were explaining something to a primary school student: "It's fashion-oriented. The Chen family's outfits have become a phenomenon; whatever they wear on the show sells out the next day."

Last week, VOGUE China even did a special feature analyzing Chen Cui's aesthetic system. This is the first time VOGUE has used a full issue to write about a reality show protagonist.

If you walk into any shopping mall in the city center right now and randomly grab any woman under the age of thirty and ask her if she knows Chen Cui, nine out of ten will say yes.

That's what fire is. Old Gu, your daughter has done something truly remarkable.

Gu Zhenxing fell silent.

"Dad, Julie," Gu Yunjin remembered her other purpose.

"Chen Cui, the female lead in 'Walking with Brilliance,' used to be her sister's personal assistant."

"I know, I've seen it," Julie nodded.

"My sister is very unhappy about this," Gu Yunjin said.

"She felt that Chen Cui had climbed to the top by stepping on her reputation, so she kept putting pressure on the show in various ways, trying to make it fail."

Many of the negative comments circulating online were actually fueled by her side.

I haven't told you about this because I felt that business is business, and family matters shouldn't be bothered with you.

"But I won't give up." She looked at Gu Zhenxing, her gaze open and honest.

"If what she's doing now doesn't work, she'll definitely come looking for you next."

She will tell you that the show damaged the Gu family's reputation and her own.

I need you to step in and make a decision for her, so I wanted to explain things to you before my sister arrives.

She took a deep breath: "Dad, I'm not here to complain."

I just hope that when my sister comes to you, if you feel uncomfortable, you can at least remain neutral.

If I absolutely have to take a side—I hope you'll take my side.

I built Xingyao Media from scratch; it's not just a variety show, nor is it just a company.

It is what I used to prove that I can stand firm in this world without relying on my family, marriage, or anyone else.

"Dad, I don't need your help with anything. I just beg you, please don't help my sister take it down."

Gu Zhenxing looked at her without saying a word for a long time.

Julie picked up the teapot and refilled all three cups with fresh tea, the sound of the water gentle yet clear.

Then Gu Zhenxing picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Didn't you just tell me that you've grown up, that you're independent, and that you don't need me anymore?"

Gu Yunjin's expression changed drastically in a fraction of a second—from a sincere and calm narrator to a daughter acting coquettishly in front of her father.

She lowered her head slightly, a soft, slightly embarrassed smile curving her lips, and her voice softened:

"That was just something I said in anger, it doesn't count. Wings what? There's no such thing."

Dad, I still need you.

Gu Zhenxing was stunned for a moment. He had been prepared to continue to confront her head-on, but she suddenly softened her stance, like a cat that had been ruffled for a while suddenly rolling over on its back.

He looked at her, and the anger that had been churning in his chest since earlier seemed to have been ripped out, gurgling and leaking out until only a thin layer of helplessness remained, barely holding on.

He simply picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then hummed.