Chapter 21: Jealousy

“We’re no worse than his company!”
“That’s true, but in business, you have to watch out for underhanded moves behind the scenes. Let’s hold back for now. If you really don’t like him, just ignore him. After the show ends and you go home, we’ll discuss with your father and see if there’s a way to cause some trouble for Zheng Group to help you get some satisfaction, alright?”

Engaging in petty arguments won’t lead to anything good; it only frustrates oneself. But if we can create problems for their company and leave them scrambling, that’s the best approach.

Li Jiale understood this reasoning: “Alright.”

“You’re not angry now, are you? Stay calm and don’t pay attention to him. Just be happy. If you dislike Jiang Xian, then overwhelm her with money. She’s barely holding on now. If you don’t have enough funds, tell me; I’ll transfer some to you. We have to secure that Best Entrepreneur award.”

Xu Wen’s words seemed to boost Li Jiale’s confidence, instantly soothing her anger and irritation. “I understand, Mom. I was impulsive just now.”

After hanging up, Li Jiale put away her phone and walked toward the others.

Seeing Li Jiale approaching calmly, Jiang Ke knew her emotions had settled.

Jiang Ke linked arms with Li Jiale and said, “It’s fate that we all gathered here to participate in this variety show. Let’s put what just happened behind us, okay?”

The best course was indeed to drop the matter and continue filming the show, but Jiang Ke brought it up again.

No one responded, tacitly agreeing to move on, but everyone knew this was only temporary. The real reckoning would come after the show ended, and it would no longer be mere quarrels but a battle involving business, money, and status.

The group proceeded to the Falling Swallow Pavilion; they had temporarily moved past the incident, but the internet was abuzz with discussions about them.

This was the first time since the merciless tycoon variety show began that the buzz wasn’t about Jiang Xian but other guests.

“Wait, that’s it? No more fighting? Are you kidding me? I got worked up for nothing.”

“I was already recording, planning to post it online and make some waves!”

“Better to just drop it and keep things peaceful—I want to watch the show after all. If they stop filming now, my elderly and children in poor mountainous areas won’t get any sponsorship.”

“There’s no way they’d quit. These people are investing money, time, and effort to participate just to get the Best Young Entrepreneur certificate and add luster to themselves. How could they let this show die on the vine?”

Unaware of the tension, Jiang Xian leisurely finished the bird’s nest soup and the snacks on the table.

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“Ms. Jiang, you need to head to the Falling Swallow Pavilion next. It’s close to the castle, so you’ll walk there. A staff member will escort you.” The crew member responsible for filming Jiang Xian reminded her.

“Okay.”

Lai escorted Jiang Xian to the door. “Miss Jiang, take care. Lai and the castle will be waiting for your return tonight.” He bowed respectfully after speaking.

At that moment, Jiang Ke and the others arrived at the castle entrance and saw Lai respectfully seeing Jiang Xian off.

Everyone had already walked a fair distance, and with the earlier argument, their spirits were low and they felt somewhat exhausted.

In contrast, Jiang Xian, having eaten and rested well, stepped out refreshed and radiant—a stark difference.

Though unaware of the details between them, Jiang Xian could sense that something had happened; the atmosphere was off, but it wasn’t her concern.

Within minutes, they reached the Falling Swallow Pavilion, which was built over the lake and quite spacious. Walking along the long corridor, a gentle breeze blew, and the temperature was pleasant.

Liu Shenghai and Yang Feng, who had turned back midway, greeted the guests with a smile: “Everyone, did you have a good nap?”

Due to the earlier incident, no one responded immediately. Jiang Ke was the first to answer: “Yes, very comfortable.”

“This pavilion you’re in is called Falling Swallow Pavilion because swallows often rest here.”

“This afternoon’s task is simple. There are a dozen or so cats here, all free-roaming around the estate.”

A staff member carried a basket and opened the door. Dozens of cats emerged, including ginger cats, tabbies, as well as purebred cats like British Shorthairs and Russian Blues.

Cat-loving viewers in the live chat couldn’t help but squeal with excitement.

“Ah! So many cats! What should I do? I’m going to go crazy for cats. I have to pet them right now! Ugh, work is impossible today.”

“Watching the livestream at work and slacking off—now that’s what I call taking it easy.”

“No wonder it’s an estate; the free-roaming cats are all so plump.”

The cats were round and chubby, very friendly. Several began rubbing against the guests’ legs.

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Jiang Ke’s first instinct was to kick the cat away; in her mind, animals were dirty and full of germs.

But realizing the cameras were rolling, she forced herself to hold back, pretending to like them as she crouched down and smiled warmly at the cats without touching them.

Rong Fan, meanwhile, showed nothing but disdain and continuously avoided the cats.

A kitten kept rubbing its head against Jiang Xian’s calves, and she crouched down, unable to resist petting it. She loved cats and dogs dearly but hadn’t had the means to keep any before, so she usually satisfied her craving by petting animals she met on the street. “Oh, so chubby and adorable!”

Li Jiale liked cats too, but seeing Jiang Xian’s fondness, she suppressed her urge to play with the kitten and stood coldly aside. The kitten persisted in rubbing against her legs, creating a somewhat comical scene.

“Yaya, look! So fat!” Zheng Jin picked up a Russian Blue cat and held it out to Sheng Ya.

The cat meowed softly at Sheng Ya, the sound melting hearts instantly.

Yet Sheng Ya recoiled several steps, terrified. “Don’t bring it near me again. Stay away.”

Seeing Sheng Ya’s reaction, Zheng Jin lowered the cat with disappointment. “Yaya, you don’t like cats? They’re so cute.”

“I was bitten by a cat when I was little.”

Hearing this, Zheng Jin quickly stepped back. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”

With the cats moved away, Sheng Ya relaxed. “It’s fine, just don’t bring it near me.”

“They haven’t eaten all day. Your task is to fish here, and whatever you catch will be fed to the cats.”

Before Liu Shenghai finished speaking, the livestream chat exploded with excitement.