FI CH95: Such a Lineup, Grand and Dazzling!

Xuenima paused. [Ah, you forgot your die-hard fan.]

Lin Su also froze for a second. …It really is the class president!

Chen You was still standing a few steps away, his mouth agape.

Lin Su sighed and greeted him naturally, “Class President.”

Chen You snapped back to reality! He walked over to Lin Su in a few steps, looking him up and down, his eyes wide. “You, you…” He was incoherent. “…You’re not, you’re not cosplaying, are you?”

“……”

Lin Su looked at him with a gentle, spring-breeze-like expression.

Chen You shivered and gasped. “……So, are you really the Masked Big Shot!!”

The silent gaze seemed to be a confirmation.

He turned his head again and met Pei Jin’s calm expression. “Pei God, you knew too!?”

Pei Jin nodded. “Mhm.”

Chen You was instantly struck by lightning! He grabbed his hair, meticulously recalling every little detail of the past… the countless times he had promoted the Masked Big Shot to Lin Su, and the countless times he had just missed the truth…

After a long moment, he was crestfallen. “I’m deaf and blind…”

Lin Su was speechless.

Pei Jin was speechless.

Zhou Li’s gaze darted back and forth. What’s wrong?

Chen You recovered from the intense shock and stared at Lin Su with eyes like torches. “You- you just watched me, as I searched so hard for you for so long!”

Lin Su comforted him in a gentle voice, “But didn’t I say that ‘you all’ would meet in the capital?”

He pointed a finger. “See?” I was right.

Chen You was speechless. That’s true.

He pursed his lips and said no more.

Xuenima lay on Lin Su’s shoulder. [Will the Class President hold a grudge?] Lin Su looked at the man’s lowered face, contemplating whether to say something more.

Chen You suddenly looked up, a faint blush on his face. He wiped his hands on the sides of his pants and shyly extended them.

“B-Big Shot, can we shake hands?”

The three of them: “………”

Lin Su was silent for a moment, then extended a paw.

Chen You clasped his fingertips with both hands, shaking them nervously and shyly. He then retracted his hands, looking at them as if in a dream. “Ah… the Big Shot is right beside me, the Big Shot is my classmate! I shook the Big Shot’s hand. Will I get first place in my exams when I get back?”

He looked at Lin Su with adoration. “Do you have any merchandise for sale?”

Lin Su said gently, “……There’s no such thing.”

Xuenima: [Your merchandise is all in the school’s collection hall and the Tianshi Association’s chairman’s office.]

Lin Su muted it in a second.

Chen You looked regretful, then recalled, “Right, there’s also the graduation photo. When I get back, I’ll cut you out and display you separately on my desk.”

“……”

Lin Su firmly stopped him. “Don’t do that, Class President.”

Chen You gave up with regret.

Zhou Li had been listening with his jaw dropped, amazed. “Junior, I knew you were ‘divine,’ but… to this extent?”

Chen You immediately sidled up to him, promoting, “Come, come, Senior, let me show you these few live streams. After watching them, you’ll know just how divine he is!”

Zhou Li was enthusiastic. “Ooh, ooh, ooh!”

The two of them had already started chatting over there.

Lin Su looked over with a sigh. Pei Jin seemed to smile. “Junior, I can tell you don’t know much about digital information.”

The internet has a memory.

Lin Su admitted, “I was shallow.”

Over there, Zhou Li was still letting out cries of amazement, accompanied by a clear and harmless, “Your share history has Junior Lin in it too!” Chen You froze, shattering a little.

Pei Jin couldn’t watch anymore and interrupted, “Let’s head back.”

Zhou Li reluctantly saved the videos.

The group parted ways in front of the square.

Chen You and Pei Jin were not heading in the same direction. Lin Su hailed a taxi to go back. Seeing Lin Su about to leave, Chen You called out to him again.

“Are you also nearby? Which school are you at? I’ll come find you to hang out when I’m free!”

Lin Su said, “I’m at the Capital Tianshi Academy.”

Chen You was shocked for a moment, then nodded. “…Right, that makes sense. You’re so amazing in this field, no wonder you could get into the Tianshi Academy.”

Xuenima: [He conquered the Tianshi Academy.]

Lin Su expertly held it down.

He looked at Chen You’s dreamlike expression and decided it was best not to stimulate him further. “I just worked a little hard.”

The taxi had already pulled over by the roadside.

“Class President, see you next time.”

Chen You waved. “Then I’ll come find you when I’m free!”

After returning, they each got busy.

He Zhenling directly bought the venue from Zhou Li’s family. Pei Jin personally went to the site to inspect it and contacted his team to carry out the redesign.

Everything was proceeding with great fanfare.

Other than Lin Su’s small mask dropping in front of the class president, everything went smoothly.

Within a week, the various procedures were also completed.

Bai Jiang played the move of acting first and reporting later with great skill. Only after all the procedures were done did he “announce” the news to the other prominent families—the Tianshi world was establishing a tripartite alliance.

Unsurprisingly, the prominent families were immediately in an uproar!

Those among the prominent families who sought protection or supported benign competition had no objections.

But the rest, who had their own schemes, all went to the Tianshi Association to demand an explanation.

“Why weren’t we consulted beforehand about such a major matter?”

“Do the four great families think they can do whatever they want!?”

“Aren’t the Tianshi Association headquarters and the Supervision Association enough? What’s the point of establishing a third-party alliance!?”

…

For a time, the Tianshi Association headquarters was bustling with visitors.

Bai Jiang was so busy he couldn’t even attend a single class for a week.

It wasn’t until a week later that he called Lin Su. His bright and refreshing tone was tinged with a hint of grievance. “Teacher~ I’ve swept away… sent away all those trouble-making families. It made me miss seeing you for a whole week, I really should… reflect on my actions. ^▽^”

Lin Su was speechless.

Xuenima perked up its ears. [Such an easy-to-understand subtext.]

Lin Su ignored it and comforted Bai Jiang, “Xiao Bai, you’ve worked hard. I knew I could count on you.”

The other end instantly brightened. “It’s my duty to share Teacher’s worries~*”

Bai Jiang’s tone shifted, becoming a bit more serious. “However, although I’ve temporarily suppressed the situation, they won’t give up so easily. For what’s left, they’ll probably go through public opinion…”

Lin Su said, “It’s fine, I’ve weathered great storms before.”

After comforting Bai Jiang, he hung up.

He was currently curled up on the sofa. He Zhenling, sitting next to him, glanced over.

“He’s been busy for a week and he’s already whining to you.”

Lin Su poked him. “Don’t be so harsh. The Tianshi Association really took the brunt of it this time…” He sized him up. “How come no prominent families are protesting at the Supervision Association’s gate?”

He Zhenling smiled coldly. “What would they do at the Supervision Association, give me performance metrics?”

“……” Lin Su praised, “The older the ginger…”

He Zhenling’s eyes shifted sensitively.

Lin Su changed his words. “…the better the future will be.”

He Zhenling snorted with laughter and brought the topic back. “As for public opinion, what are your plans?”

“No rush.” Lin Su held his tea and blew out a hot breath. The swirling steam bloomed before his clear eyes, his expression leisurely. “Times have changed… I prefer to strike after the enemy has made their move.”

“Let’s see how they want to jump around first.”

The four great families were busy establishing the alliance.

Lin Su still had to teach his classes on weekdays. The first person to bring the public opinion to him was, surprisingly, Chen You.

Xuenima sighed. [Masks may come and go, but he is eternal.]

Lin Su gave it a slap and opened the message to check.

Chen You: Just saw this, sharing it with you right away! [Screenshot][Web Link]

Chen You: Are you guys in the Tianshi world up to something big? How come even the internet is starting to talk about establishing some “alliance”? [Peeking]

All matters were not yet ready, so the news definitely didn’t come from Bai Jiang and the others.

Lin Su raised an eyebrow and replied: Thanks.

…Thanks for what???

Lin Su replied with “We are establishing one,” then clicked on the webpage.

On the familiar website and page, it was more of that so-called “gossip.” The alliance’s paperwork had already been filed, and the relevant documents could be found online. A screenshot of the document, paired with a few quotes from “industry insiders,” greatly increased its credibility—

‘The Tianshi world is about to break the duopoly of the two associations and establish a third-party alliance?’

‘A non-governmental organization! Unofficial!’

‘How much “water” is in this kind of private workshop? Why establish a new alliance outside of official channels? A conscientious person in the industry warns the public to be wary of financial traps.’

Metaphysics was already shrouded in a layer of mystery in the eyes of the outside world.

With intentional or unintentional fanning of the flames, this new “alliance” quickly attracted widespread attention—

Lin Su scrolled down and saw the comments:

—Feels like a huge organization, but I haven’t heard any news of its establishment. Something done in secret must have problems.

Xuenima was cold. [Heh! Then what are they hearing now, the world’s mocking laughter?]

Lin Su gave it a praiseworthy pat and continued reading.

—A private workshop? Why establish a private organization when there are official ones? Is there something that can’t be done out in the open? [If you know, you know][Smirking dog emoji]

—The industry insider already said it, the officials are trying to rake in money! [Longing]

—Boycott! XX Boycott! XX

…

At the same time, another message from Chen You popped up: So what is this organization? Do you have any inside information? [Curious kitty]

Su: It is an organization that is not restricted by prominent families and maintains order.

Chen You: Ooh, ooh, I knew I should have asked you! You really can’t just believe everything you hear outside. But you really know a lot of inside secrets, as expected of a special-privilege Big Shot… [Hehehe]

The founder, Lin Su: “……”

He replied and exited the chat.

Xuenima rubbed its paws together. [A long-awaited storm. Shall we activate battle mode?]

“Not yet.” Lin Su clicked on Bai Jiang’s chat box. The other party happened to have just sent over the relevant public opinion news. “Since the news of the alliance’s establishment has already been leaked, let Xiao Bai first issue an official clarification statement.”

He sent the instruction with a whoosh—

Then he closed his eyes peacefully and curled up on the sofa. “This is perfect, it builds momentum for our alliance.”

Xuenima savored the memory. [Such a familiar opening move.]

Lin Su: “It’s the free promotion we love.”

Xuenima had a realization. [Just like with Xiao He’s company!]

“……” Smack! Volume: 0

…

Bai Jiang was quick to act.

In just half a day, the official account of the Tianshi Association headquarters announced the establishment of the Tianshi Alliance on all major platforms.

[Tianshi Association HQ V]: After joint consultation and decision by the four great families, the two major associations, and other like-minded individuals in the industry, the Tianshi world will establish a new “third-party” alliance. The alliance aims to cultivate more outstanding talents and provide shelter for civilian Tianshis outside the prominent families. When the power of the two major associations is skewed, it will become a benchmark of fairness and justice! Attached: [Certification Documents]

The official news, once released, quickly spread!

The comments below also gradually shifted.

—Although it’s civilian, this civilian is “for the people”! I feel like its authority is in no way inferior to the official ones.

—A triangle is the most stable shape, it’s very reasonable.

—As someone related to the industry, I must say: in the current Tianshi academies, most of the advantages still go to the children of prominent families. It is very necessary to establish an academy for ordinary people.

However, there were also some prejudiced and muddying comments mixed in.

—Only coming out to say something after being exposed [laughing emoji]

—Talking about fairness and justice, who can’t talk big? Just another excuse to trick money out of the common people, right?

—You believe it just like that, so stupid. [Eye-roll emoji]

…

In front of the screen, Lin Su’s hand was itching. “Ni Ma, I really want to like this last comment.”

Xuenima’s paw was also trembling. [Ang-da.]

“Unfortunately, the blue V account is in Xiao He’s hands.”

Lin Su regretfully exited the webpage. After a long moment, he unwillingly sent He Zhenling a WeiXin message.

[Su Who Sleeps In Naturally]: When are you coming back, I miss you [heart]

Ling: Don’t mess around, didn’t I tell you I was on a business trip?

Xuenima lay by his hand. [He must be secretly pleased, but in the end, it was a misplaced affection.]

Lin Su sent a string of [heart]s and said seriously, “The blue V is a part of him too. I only want his blue V, not anyone else’s blue V. How is that not missing him?”

Xuenima looked over in amazement, then understanding. […Heh, your face is all red, just keep being stubborn.]

Lin Su pinched its little mouth shut.

It let out a hissing sound. [Then what if you don’t have an account?]

“If I don’t, then I don’t. I just wanted to scratch an itch anyway.”

Lin Su put his phone down and leaned back on the sofa. “Let the storm brew for two more days, it saves us some publicity fees. As for the counterattack… Xiao He will be back in two days, we can wait for him.”

For two days, the news of the establishment of a third-party alliance in the Tianshi world spread like wildfire, and online opinions were mixed.

Many prominent families also took the opportunity to stir up trouble and apply pressure.

But since the alliance had not been formally established, the netizens did not get a clear statement.

The hashtag hung on the hot search list, neither high nor low, for three days.

It didn’t reach a new height, nor did it fall out of the public’s sight. The gossip-loving netizens all seemed to be secretly watching, waiting to see if a new explosive point would emerge.

It was around six or seven in the evening.

Bai Jiang made a special call. “Teacher, is there anything we need to do? The hashtag is dropping. If we don’t do something within today…”

He paused. “It will probably fade from the public eye with an ambiguous nature.”

Lin Su smiled. “Then let’s make it go up within today.”

As he spoke, the main door clicked open.

He Zhenling, who had been on a business trip for two days, was back.

His neat uniform seemed to still carry the dust from his journey. When his gaze fell on Lin Su, it deepened slightly.

Lin Su hung up the phone and looked at him. “You’re back.”

The man walked over in a few steps.

He Zhenling hummed in agreement and squatted down in front of him. Lin Su was sitting on the sofa. Just as he was about to say something, an arm wrapped around his waist and pulled him into a kiss. A low voice came from between their grinding lips, “Missed me?”

He was speechless.

His breathing hitched for a second, and he leaned in for a peck.

After two kisses of a small reunion, Lin Su pulled back with a red face. He patted the seat next to him for the man to sit. “Let’s talk business.”

He Zhenling understood. “The public opinion matter?”

Lin Su was surprised. “So you surf the internet too.”

A laugh came from beside him. “What else?” With that, he handed his phone over. “Take it, the adventures of the blue V.”

Lin Su was speechless.

He took it shyly. “Sigh, you get me.”

With the blue V account back in his hands after a long time, Lin Su first rode the waves and browsed through the comments. He Zhenling watched him for a long time without making a move and raised an eyebrow. “Not posting?”

“In a bit. Let’s watch an awards ceremony first.”

“?”

Lin Su turned on the TV as he spoke.

He changed to a channel and saw a familiar figure standing on a dazzling stage.

What was being broadcast was the new “Golden Dew Awards” ceremony.

As a film, television, and music award held every four years, the Golden Dew Awards held considerable prestige. And now, two honors had fallen on the same person—

Sheng Lingyu stood in the dazzling spotlight, holding a trophy. He was still in that clean white shirt, paired with low-key, elegant trousers. Like a piece of carved jade, his luster was bright, clear, and translucent.

The large screen behind him read:
Award-winning Golden Melody: “Listening to Jade” Creator: Sheng Lingyu

Xuenima was amazed. [That song won an award!]

Lin Su put down the remote control and leaned back on the sofa. “Today is the Golden Dew Awards ceremony. The movie Xiao Sheng starred in won an award, as well as the theme song he created.”

He Zhenling glanced sideways. “So you want to…”

“I talked to Xiao Sheng. I’ll ride on his popularity tonight. After his award ceremony ends, he’ll help us post a Weibo to set the record straight.”

“You knew he would win.”

Lin Su lowered his eyes. “I took a little peek.”

As they spoke, the acceptance speech had already begun on screen.

“…Thank you, Director Cen, for the opportunity and help you gave me. Thank you to all the hardworking staff. And I want to thank my manager, Brother Xi, for walking with me through the long, dark valley.”

The camera panned, and Brother Xi’s face was covered in tears.

“Without any one of them, I would not be able to stand here today.”

As Lin Su was watching with satisfaction, the camera returned to Sheng Lingyu. The brilliant light fell on his brow. “Finally, I want to thank one more person.”

Sheng Lingyu paused, then suddenly looked directly at the camera, his gaze sincere and bright.

“The Xiao Boss of Lingsheng Group.”

“During the darkest period of my life, he single-handedly pulled me out of the mire. He didn’t ask for anything in return, only gave me the words: a dazzling starry path.”

After speaking, he bowed deeply to the screen—

…

At the same time, Lin Su’s hand vibrated!

He looked down, only to see it was He Zhenling’s phone that vibrated.

A Weibo notification had popped up. The group’s main account had been @-ed. The post had probably been edited in advance, and the studio had just released it at the perfect moment.

@SingingYu V: I wish to uphold the will of @LingshengGroupV’s Xiao Mister, and let the new Tianshi “Alliance” help more people who are deeply in trouble. Like a long-burning fire, selfless and just.

It was right when the Golden Dew Awards were being presented, at the peak of its popularity.

The moment the Weibo was posted, the entire internet instantly boiled over!

“…Wait, Xiao Boss!?”

“Isn’t this the Tianshi Alliance they were talking about the other day?”

However, before the netizens could fiercely discuss the amount of information in it, they saw a series of V accounts successively reposting this Weibo: @CelestialMasterAssociationHQ V, @Song’sGroup V, @HuiyuStudentAidFoundation V, @TianyuanResearch V…

Clicking on them, they were all officially certified blue V’s.

In addition to that, gold V’s continuously appeared in the repost list. There were production teams, directors, actors, as well as scholars and weekly magazines in the field of Feng Shui studies… all participating.

One V account after another lit up like sparks of a legacy, connecting into a dazzling expanse.

They reposted with the same text:
Like a long-burning fire, selfless and just.

Author’s note:

Kun (Sleepy): My wings! (sprinkles confetti)

Big Bird He: You have other blue V accounts… (stares)

Support me on Ko-fi