Reincarnation: Multi-skilled Goddess Is So Beautiful!

391-400

Chapter 391: Does the Count Intend to Protect His Eldest Son?

"Ha!" Zi Yi sneered. "Does the Count intend to protect his eldest son?"

"He's unable to." Lu Jingye's expression suddenly turned harsh. "Since he dared to plot against you, he has to be prepared to suffer the consequences."

Ian walked over just then and looked at Zi Yi. "Don't worry. Since my elder brother is sent to the countryside, he won't have any power in his hands."

Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling looked at him at the same time.

Ian made a gentlemanly gesture towards them and said, "Dear beautiful ladies, we can chat over breakfast."

Speaking of this, he turned to Zi Yi and said, "Lu personally prepared breakfast for you. Aren't you looking forward to it?"

Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling met gazes and smiled before the four of them headed towards the table.

After they took a seat, Ian used a calm tone as he continued to speak, "According to the laws of Country X, the status as a Count is hereditary and must be passed down to the eldest son. Not only is my elder brother the eldest son, he was also born by my father with his first wife. We have never been on good terms and I am pretty happy to see him in such a situation."

The corner of his lips curled up and he used his fork to grab a dumpling and stuffed it into his mouth as he ate elegantly.

Zi Yi did not have much feelings even after hearing what he said.

After she took a sip of the porridge, she asked, "Is there any law in your country that stipulates that if the eldest son commits a mistake, the position of the Count can be inherited by the second child?"

Her words caused Ian to stiffen. He then put down his fork and grabbed a napkin as he gracefully wiped his mouth and started to ponder Zi Yi's words.

Zi Yi and the rest continued to eat.

Sometime later, Ian suddenly looked at Lu Jingye and said with slight excitement, "Lu, let's cooperate."

Lu Jingye grabbed a dumpling for Zi Yi before he looked up at him. However, he did not answer him immediately.

Ian continued to speak. "Get my elder brother to commit a grave mistake and it'll be best if he can stay locked up for a period of time. In that case, I'll be able to inherit the Count position. At that time, I'll provide your company convenience in Country X. Also... I'll gift this winery to Miss Zi. How about it?"

If Ian said to gift the winery to Lu Jingye, he would reject his offer without even the slightest hesitation.

However, since he said he would gift it to Yiyi, he now asked her for her opinion, "Yiyi, do you like this winery?"

Zi Yi thought about it for a moment. The area Ian's winery occupied was very wide and it was not a bad idea to use half of which to grow grapes for making wine and the other half to build a research base. Moreover, Ian was here to help her look after the place and she would not have to worry about random brainless people coming over to scheme against her belongings.

Thinking of this, Zi Yi smiled, her eyes turning into crescent moons and nodded at him. "I like it."

Lu Jingye looked towards Ian and nodded. "Okay."

Ian smiled in response.

After they finished breakfast, Ian and Lu Jingye headed to the study room to discuss the specifics.

Before he left, he even enthusiastically said to Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling, "Dear beautiful ladies, you can hang around wherever you like."

Not long after they took their leave, the winery manager led someone inside, and unexpectedly, it was Housekeeper Ye.

Housekeeper Ye carried two bags in his hands and greeted them the first thing when he came in. He then passed them the bags and said, "Miss Zi, Miss Dou, these are clothes the Second Young Master ordered me to prepare for you."

Dou Xiangling's clothes were stained with mud and she had changed back into the pajamas she wore last night when she returned to the villa. The moment she saw Housekeeper Ye handing over the bag, she said gratefully, "Thank you, Housekeeper Ye."

Zi Yi also took over the bag and asked, "Housekeeper Ye, did anything happen at the villa last night?"

Since killers were involved in this incident, they must have either come here for her or Ah Jing.

Housekeeper Ye was not surprised by Zi Yi's question. He said to her, "A small situation did indeed happen within the villa. However, it was soon resolved by the bodyguards."

Zi Yi nodded and carried the bag as she headed towards the guest room.

Housekeeper Ye said, "Miss Zi, I will be remaining here today. You can tell me whatever you need."

"Alright."

Zi Yi saw Dou Xiangling standing by the gates and looking into the distance after she changed her clothes. She then walked over and asked, "Cousin, what are you looking at?"

Dou Xiangling pointed at the grape field. "If only there were painting tools here. We could paint here."

Zi Yi smiled and said, "If you want painting tools, you can just tell Housekeeper Ye."

Zi Yi looked around and heard faint voices near them and walked out.

Housekeeper Ye was currently conversing with the manager of the winery.

When they saw Zi Yi making her way over, they stopped talking and looked at her.

"Miss Zi, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Housekeeper Ye, help me to get someone to deliver my cousin's painting tools over."

"I understand."

When Housekeeper Ye took out his phone to give a call to other helpers in Lu Jingye's villa, Zi Yi turned around.

Dou Xiangling smiled and said, "Thanks, Yiyi."

However, she still asked, "Why didn't you get the housekeeper to bring your painting tools too?"

Zi Yi shook her head. "We aren't in the competition right now, I don't feel like painting."

Dou Xiangling did not know whether to laugh or cry.

Not long later, someone had delivered Dou Xiangling's painting tools here.

Dou Xiangling started to paint, while Zi Yi grabbed her phone and sat there as she scrolled through her phone.

It was only 9 a.m in the morning and it was still considered pretty early. The Count had yet to release Meng He and Allen's negative news and she felt pretty bored. Therefore, she went to check up on what type of negative news they had.

Only then did she discover that Meng He was a pretty clever guy. Feiya had done everything on his behalf and even though he was slightly cold in front of other people, he had good relations with people.

As for that Allen in question, there was no lack of his negative news.

Zi Yi found it uninteresting after scrolling for some time and decided to stop looking at it.

She then started to plan for Lu Yunxiao's treatment.

Lu Jingye had gathered plenty of good medicinal ingredients and they only had to extract the essence from those ingredients using special medical equipment.

There was also treatment equipment that she had gotten Lu Jingye to custom make. She would operate the equipment when the time comes and then get someone with good medical skills to cooperate with her.

As she thought of this, she suddenly thought of Elder Tang who said that he would accept her as his disciple when she came back from military training. She softly chuckled and said, "I wonder if he would flare up and get angry at me for not contacting him all this time?"

Just then, there was an incoming video call from her phone and it was unexpectedly from Mrs. Lu.

Zi Yi answered the call and sweetly called out. "Auntie Lu."

Mrs. Lu was glad to see Zi Yi. She first asked her if she was used to staying there and some other questions to check on her wellbeing.

After Zi Yi answered all her questions, Mrs. Lu began to speak but hesitated.

Zi Yi found her behavior weird and asked, "Auntie Lu, do you have anything to say to me?"

Mrs. Lu thought about it for a moment before she said, "Little Zi, when you come back and hear someone saying something ridiculous, don't take it seriously. Jingye, that child, has never liked any other girls in the past. You are the first and the last."

Zi Yi knew something must have happened or perhaps someone was here to snatch Ah Jing from her.

She nodded and said, "Auntie, don't you worry. No one can snatch away my Ah Jing."

Chapter 392: Auntie, Don't Worry. I Will Definitely Take First Place

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Mrs. Lu breathed a sigh of relief. She did not wish for Zi Yi to overthink things and added, "Little Zi, I'm only casually bringing this up. The most important thing for you now is to concentrate on the competition and do well. Auntie shall wait for you to return with the first place position."

Zi Yi revealed a confident expression. "Auntie, don't worry. I will definitely take the first place position."

Mrs. Lu's eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled.

Zi Yi got up and walked to the door while she said, "Auntie, I've obtained a winery in Country X and the grape wine produced in the winery is very delicious. I'll bring back some for you when I return. When the time comes, I'll provide you with several recipes for dishes that utilize these grape wines. I guarantee that your skin will be gleaming with luster."

"Haha, alright then. I'll wait for Little Zi to bring back some red wine for me."

The two of them continued to chat for nearly half an hour before they ended the call.

Zi Yi put away her phone and headed towards where Dou Xiangling was painting.

Dou Xiangling set up an easel on one of the roads while she sat there and looked at the surrounding grape fields as she painted.

Seated beside her were a few young children. All of them were looking at her with gazes of admiration as they watched her paint.

Dou Xiangling chatted with them as she painted. The whole scene appeared very warm.

Zi Yi stood there and watched for some time. She did not go over and disturb them and instead, she turned around and headed towards another path.

After she had walked for some time, her phone suddenly rang.

It was an alarm and it was the sound of a warning alarm.

Zi Yi quickly connected her phone and did a check. What followed immediately afterwards was a sneer. "It just so happens that I can use you to train myself."

She had inserted several viruses into the killer organization network. As long as they dared to plot against her or Lu Jingye, she would immediately receive news of it.

This time around, someone was planning to get rid of her in Country X.

Zi Yi checked up on the hackers and the sneer on the corner of her lips deepened.

"Shadow."

Zi Yi called out and Shadow appeared before her.

Zi Yi gave him a command. "Protect my cousin well in the following two days."

"Yes, Master."

Shadow turned invisible after responding.

Zi Yi did not have the spare thoughts to continue hanging around and she turned around to head towards the villa.

Lu Jingye and Ian had yet to come down from the study room. Zi Yi called for Housekeeper Ye and asked, "Housekeeper Ye, how's the security system of the villa?"

Housekeeper Ye had received a reminder from Housekeeper Zhang before Zi Yi had arrived and knew that Zi Yi was Second Young Master's future wife. He then immediately answered.

"The security level in the villa is the highest amongst all the residential areas within Country X."

Zi Yi nodded and asked, "How many weapons are there?"

Housekeeper Ye was momentarily stunned before he gave her a number.

Zi Yi thought for a moment and decided to return to Lu Jingye's villa after he came down.

Housekeeper Ye had no idea why Zi Yi had asked for this information from him. And so, he asked, "Miss Zi, do you have any orders for me?"

Zi Yi thought about it for a moment and said, "You can return to the villa first. Ah Jing and I will most probably return before noon."

Housekeeper Ye nodded and turned around to leave.

Zi Yi walked out of the main entrance and headed towards where Dou Xiangling was.

Dou Xiangling was currently carrying a girl who appeared to be four or five years old, while teaching her how to draw.

Zi Yi waited for some time before she called out to her. "Cousin."

Dou Xiangling turned around and looked at her.

The few young children had also done the same as they turned around. One of the boys widened his eyes in shock as he said, "What a beautiful sister!"

Zi Yi's lips curved up and walked over to them and said, "Thanks for your compliment."

Dou Xiangling then said to the few young children, "I have something to discuss with this beautiful sister. You can go and play around first."

The young children obediently heeded her words and ran away to play.

Dou Xiangling looked at their backs as they ran about to play. She then asked, "Yiyi, what do you want to say to me?"

"Cousin, I'll be returning with Ah Jing to his villa shortly."

Dou Xiangling nodded and was about to stand up and pack her painting tools.

Zi Yi stopped her. "There's no need for you to pack up. You can stay in this winery today."

Dou Xiangling immediately keenly sensed something and asked, "Yiyi, did something happen?"

Zi Yi obviously would not tell her that there were killers coming for her. Therefore, she deliberately winked and said to her, "I finally managed to travel abroad, so I wish to spend some alone time with Ah Jing."

Dou Xiangling did not know whether to laugh or cry at her words. She pretended to be angry and said, "So you're finding me a bother because I'm being a third wheel?"

"Hehe."

Since Zi Yi had said that, Dou Xiangling would not insist on being a lightbulb. She could only say, "It's not good for me to stay here alone. Why don't I stay at a hotel instead?"

"What's there to be worried about? Ian should also be leaving shortly and he has already said he would give me this winery. This is mine now and what's mine is yours. What's the problem with staying at our house?"

Dou Xiangling could not find any words to refute Zi Yi. In the end, she smiled and said, "Alright then. Getting someone to pick me up early in the morning tomorrow will do."

"Okay.'

After they came to an agreement, Dou Xiangling continued to sit down and paint, while Zi Yi stood behind her and observed her.

Lu Jingye and Ian only came down to look for them when it was about to reach 11 a.m.

Zi Yi saw Lu Jingye walking over and pulled his hand. "Ah Jing, let's go back to your villa to spend some time alone. My cousin and I have agreed that she will be staying here today."

Lu Jingye noticed the hidden meaning behind her words and nodded his head.

Ian teased them and said, "You two are in the wrong. You can't possibly leave Miss Dou here alone just because you want to spend time together."

Zi Yi's lips curved up as she said, "In any case, this place will soon belong to me. What's mine is also my cousin's. What's the problem with her staying at her place?"

"..."

Ian touched his nose and said, "Alright then, but I'll also have to return to the Count's house shortly. Will Miss Dou find it boring if you stay here alone?"

"I won't," Dou Xiangling answered. "There are many children here. I like hanging around with them."

Since Dou Xiangling had said that, Ian did not continue to object.

Soon, the three of them left the winery.

After the car drove out of the winery, Zi Yi informed Lu Jingye about what she had discovered.

Lu Jingye's expression turned serious and he took out his phone as he swiftly issued several orders.

Zi Yi waited for him to put away his phone before she said, "I will upgrade the security system and the weapons in the villa when we reach there."

"Okay.'

By the time the car returned to the villa, they were just in time for lunch.

After lunch, Zi Yi took out her laptop and her fingers quickly typed across the keyboard.

Lu Jingye led his men to whichever place Zi Yi told them required strengthening. He then instructed the bodyguards to quickly modify and upgrade the equipment.

After they were done with everything, the two of them headed to the weapon storage in the basement.

When Zi Yi entered the armory, she was surprised to see the view before her. "Why do you have so many weapons here?"

"The arms restriction in Country X is not as strict as China, this is also a transit point for the Lu Family's secret forces to purchase weapons."

Zi Yi smiled as she heard that. She walked in and casually picked up a weapon to test it out. "The lethality of these types of weapons is pretty good and it has high accuracy. However, it can actually hold an additional bullet."

She started dismantling the weapon immediately after saying that and casually said while her hands moved about, "It's been a long time since I've played such games of paying back the opponent with his own scheme. When the time comes, we'll let them suffer and doubt the meaning of life.. I'll see if they dare to accept business relating to us in the future."

Chapter 393: Killers Are Used to Exercise Our Muscles

Lu Jingye looked at Zi Yi altering the weapon in all seriousness. He thought for a second and sat beside her as he also took a weapon. "I'll alter the weapon with you."

Zi Yi tilted her head and looked at him. "Don't you have to make arrangements for other things?"

"There's no need. We'll just wait for them to arrive and trap them inside here. It just so happens that they can be used to exercise our muscles."

Hearing what he had said, Zi Yi recalled the incident where he had held back the entire night. She could not help but reach out her hand and poke his arm with her finger. "Ah Jing, I'll prepare some more tonic soup for you when we return."

Lu Jingye's expression stiffened and he only responded with a hum several seconds later.

Zi Yi watched Lu Jingye skillfully dismantle the weapons and thought about how he had been disguising himself and playing the role of his younger brother all this time. "Ah Jing, has anyone noticed that it was you who pretended to be your younger brother?"

"No." Lu Jingye lowered his eyes and his hands quickly moved about. "Yunxiao isn't fond of talking. He would always wear a mask be it if he was facing his subordinates or if he was out on a mission. He specializes in using a whip, so all I have to do is to meet these few requirements."

Zi Yi thought about his appearance whenever he pretended to be his younger brother and the corner of her lips curled up. "I feel that the most similar thing in your disguises is your expression."

At that time, she did not recognize him at all.

Speaking of this, Zi Yi made a guess. "Your younger brother must be very capable and skilled."

"Yes. He's a disciple of a master in ancient martial arts and his skills rank in first place in the world master list."

"Since your younger brother is so skilled, how did he suffer from such grave injuries?"

"I don't know."

Zi Yi noticed the solemn aura Lu Jingye radiated and reached out her hand to grab his. "We'll know what happened when we save your younger brother."

"Yes."

Lu Jingye was familiar with all the weapons, but he did not possess the surreal skills Zi Yi had.

While she was modifying the weapons, she said, "I've brought along some special blocking devices that can block bullets and weapons ten meters away from the human body. I'll install the device on ten weapons and when the time comes, we'll get rid of their weapons first before we beat them up."

"Okay."

Lu Jingye listened to her in all seriousness and he could not help but marvel at her suggestion.

At 10 p.m in the evening, all the lights within the villa had been shut off and only the night lights were left to illuminate the area.

The entire villa fell into a silent atmosphere.

The wind was blowing rather strongly tonight. The branches were crackling, while the streetlamps outside the villa radiated an eerie luster.

The surrounding security system was working 24/7.

At 12 a.m, a large group of people dressed in black clothing soundlessly appeared outside the walls, surrounding the villa's courtyard. Their faces were painted with terrifying camouflage, while their movements were very agile.

None of them uttered a single word. One of the guys made several gestures to the men behind him and immediately after, the group of men quickly scattered around the wall.

Around five minutes or so later, these people had soundlessly gathered together once again.

One of them spoke in a low voice. "The surveillance system at the south wall has been controlled, we can enter through there."

The leader swiftly gave out commands. "One to 14 shall enter. 15 to 20 shall stay outside and provide aid."

"Move out!"

As soon as the order was issued, everyone quickly acted.

15 individuals quickly climbed over the south area wall and very quickly surrounded the whole building.

A minute later, six people lurking outside had received instructions. "All of you, come in."

The six of them looked at each other and flipped over the wall without the slightest doubt.

The entire courtyard was silent and there were no traces of fighting at all, not to mention a single sound.

Shortly after, the six people felt an inexplicable creepy feeling.

The sixteen people who were preparing for an ambush were extremely surprised to see the six people coming in.

The next second, the whole villa was lit up and those killers lurking in the surroundings had nowhere to hide.

An ear-piercing electric current sound suddenly sounded in the communication devices worn on their ears. Just when all of them had yet to react to the current situation, a crisp and sweet laughter sounded from the communicator. It was simply creepy.

The twenty plus killers felt their hearts chill in that exact second and they all entered a state of high alert.

A crisp, female voice sounded from the device.

"Everyone, welcome to the Lu Family's villa."

"All visitors are guests, do please come in and have a cup of tea in the living room."

Her voice sounded and the entrance of the villa was opened.

None of the killers moved, but they held their weapons in preparation for any next movements.

That crisp and sweet-sounding voice sounded once again. "Why aren't you coming in? The tea has already been prepared, it won't taste as good if it gets cold."

She seemed to get angry after that and said in an adorable voice, "Ah Jing, they aren't giving me any face!"

Another calm and heavy voice sounded. "Then we'll get the bodyguards to invite them inside."

As soon as his voice sounded, countless bodyguards flocked towards the killers lurking around from all directions.

A fierce battle instantly engulfed the villa's courtyard.

Zi Yi, who was seated in the living room and enjoying her tea, had clicked her tongue. "It's no fun. I originally wanted them to come and drink the tea I had specially prepared for them."

Lu Jingye looked at the young lady who was having fun and took the teacup from her hand before he put it down on the table. In the end, he handed her a cup of milk. "You might find it hard to sleep if you drink tea, so have milk instead."

Zi Yi took a sip and saw Lu Jingye standing up. She hastily held her cup of milk and followed suit.

Lu Jingye grabbed a gun and headed outside the entrance. While walking, he said to Zi Yi, "Just stand by the side and watch and don't get yourself involved. Pay attention to your safety lest you're accidentally injured."

Zi Yi nodded her head as she drank the milk. "Mmh, okay."

The two of them walked out the main entrance. The fight outside was rather fierce and people on both sides were very skilled. However, Lu Jingye had more people on his side and the killers ended up being surrounded.

Lu Jingye stood there and spectated the situation for a moment before he unbuttoned his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves to his elbow and said in a loud voice, "Everyone, move away."

The bodyguards quickly stepped aside and Lu Jingye made his way over.

His footsteps were very elegant, to the extent that he did not seem to be going over for a fight. Instead, it seemed as if he was going to attend a party.

The killers looked at each other and were prepared to capture him, so that they could escape.

They had already noticed that the security system in this villa was odd. Moreover, all the weapons the bodyguards had were very powerful, to the extent it had exceeded their current knowledge of them. Many of their weapons had also been destroyed.

They were unable to deal with them at all.

If they did not leave now, it was highly likely that they might suffer from a complete wipeout.

All of the killers had made up their minds to capture Lu Jingye.

However, one of the bodyguards threw him some nunchucks, when he came closer to the group of killers.

Lu Jingye took the nunchucks and waved them around as a warm up. The force that it radiated caused their hearts to unconsciously turn cold.

In particular, the aura Lu Jingye currently radiated made him appear like a killing god. It was powerful and chilly at the same time.

After the killers recovered their senses a second later, they quickly attacked.

"Attack."

However, they were horrified to discover that Lu Jingye's capabilities were simply unfathomable.

Especially since there were hidden weapons that would fly over from the side.

The hidden weapons coupled with the nunchucks made them realize that they were incapable of fighting back.

"AH-"

Chapter 394: What The F*ck?! Zi Yi is So Arrogant!

By the time Zi Yi finished her cup of milk, the fight on Lu Jingye's side had also ended.

She opened her palms to retract the circular ball she had thrown out during the confusion and clicked her tongue. "When did the killer organization worsen to such an extent? It's so boring, I've yet to enjoy myself."

The group of killers who were beaten black and blue and had no strength to fight back almost vomited blood when they heard what she said.

Never in their imagination did they expect that they had not only failed to take care of Zi Yi, but they had also underestimated Lu Jingye's capabilities. Coupled with the darts that seemed to have eyes and kept attacking them, no matter how skilled they were, they were simply similar to weak chickens under the attack from three sides.

What was even scarier was Lu Jingye's order. "Send them all to the research laboratory and brainwash them."

The complexion of the killers turned white.

This Second Young Master Lu was very cruel.

The bodyguards soon knocked out the group of killers and dragged them away.

Lu Jingye handed the nunchucks in his hand to one of the bodyguards and turned to walk over to Zi Yi. He then held her hand and walked inside.

"You still have a competition tomorrow, go to bed first."

"Okay.'

The next day, Zi Yi and Lu Jingye went to pick up Dou Xiangling first.

Dou Xiangling looked at Lu Jingye who was wearing a black suit and also a pair of sunglasses. His hair was even combed back. She could not help but look at Zi Yi and ask her with her expression: Why does Mr. Lu look like a bodyguard today?

Zi Yi somehow seemed to have understood what her gaze was asking and giggled. "Ah Jing is my bodyguard today."

Dou Xiangling chuckled and did not ask anything else.

Zi Yi told Dou Xiangling about what had happened over the internet yesterday.

Dou Xiangling had spent the whole day painting in the grape field and had forgotten about this matter.

"Allen had stolen his colleague's ideas several times and that colleague of his has already sent out a lawyer's letter. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble and also to give that colleague of his a fair judgment, the International Association of Painting and Calligraphy have canceled Allen's qualification to participate in the competition.

As for Meng He, the Count accused him of being involved in an economic case with Feiya. The economic case has involved hundreds of millions of dollars and they have already been taken away by the judicial authorities."

Dou Xiangling had a calm expression after hearing what Zi Yi said. She did not feel the slightest sympathy for those types of people.

She then thought of the Count's eldest son and hastily asked, "Was Ansel punished?"

"Ah Jing and Ian are making arrangements. He is the Count's successor and the Count would definitely protect him. To deal with him, the only way is to make the Count become extremely disappointed with him."

"Would Ian be able to inherit the Count title then?"

"He'll be able to. There are similar situations that have happened before in Country X."

Dou Xiangling was relieved to hear that.

The competition for today would start at 9 a.m.

At 8:30 a.m, Zi Yi's car arrived at the art museum.

Compared to the day before yesterday, there was even more of a crowd on the streets leading to the art museum.

It was simply a sea of people.

The number of reporters outside the art museum was more than double what it was before.

Due to the sudden scandal, related to the two people who had tied for second place, that was exposed yesterday, the International and Country X's Association had undergone a discussion. Starting from third place onwards, everyone's ranking would be promoted by one place. Therefore, the sixth place would be promoted to fifth place to participate in the final round of the competition.

The reporters had blocked the entry of the participants of today's competition outside the art museum, as they were all asking about yesterday's events.

The moment Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling alighted from the car, the reporters seemed to have gone crazy.

"Miss Dou, you and Mr. Meng are university classmates. Did you know about the incident that happened to him yesterday?"

"Miss Dou, Mr. Meng has always had a good relationship with you. Did he seek your help when he got into trouble?"

"Miss Dou..."

All the questions the reporters raised were related to the fact that Dou Xiangling and Meng He were university classmates. Moreover, both of them had competed for first place in the past. From the way the reporters had asked the questions, it seemed like they had very much wanted to dig out something.

After all, Dou Xiangling was from the Dou Family. If she truly had intentions to help Meng He, then it would be a piece of international news.

As for Zi Yi, they had seen how glib she was with her mouth and they decided not to provoke her today.

After all, when picking persimmons, they should pick the soft ones.

Dou Xiangling's face flushed red with anger when she heard their questions that were directed at her.

Zi Yi coldly snorted and directly pulled her hand out from Dou Xiangling's and stopped walking.

"Yiyi, the competition is about to start, don't.."

"Cousin, don't worry. I only need two minutes to take care of these people."

Zi Yi then stood in front of Dou Xiangling.

She was taller than her by half a head and thus, she had directly blocked Dou Xiangling from the reporters' gazes.

Zi Yi coldly looked at those reporters who wished that they could dash through the protective barrier the bodyguards had formed. She then used her mental spirit and shouted, "Everyone, shut up."

Everyone's heart clenched tight and they subconsciously shut their mouths.

The surrounding area instantly quietened down.

Zi Yi then asked in a cold voice, "Is it that everyone Meng He is acquainted with has something to do with his reckless behavior? In that case, all the more you should check with the university he is currently employed at. After all, my cousin has never met him ever since they graduated."

The group of reporters wanted to refute, but they felt a powerful pressure coming from above and none of them dared to speak out.

Zi Yi continued to speak. "Do you think that making things up out of thin air isn't something that is considered breaking the law? In that case, I'll gladly inform you that there is a law in Country X that clearly states, in the absence of evidence, if fabricated words were to hurt the other party, the party can directly sue for compensation.

Let's see, the moment my cousin arrived, you had made up so many stories that are harmful to her reputation and would affect her performance in the competition. How much should we get you to compensate?"

One of the reporters finally could not take it anymore and said, "Aren't you just relying on the Dou Family background, for you to be so fearless? As for whether Miss Dou had any contact with Mr. Meng or not, none of us would know."

"Ha." Zi Yi narrowed her eyes and a chilly glint shot out from her eyes. The words that she next said were so arrogant. "I'll make a statement here today. So what if we are from the Dou Family? I'd like to see that if we truly have the background and capabilities, does it mean we will allow you to slander us at will?"

All the reporters here were broadcasting live today.

The whole internet exploded due to her words.

"What the f*ck?! Zi Yi is so arrogant!"

"Is it okay for her to act so arrogantly? She's only a newcomer in the painting circle and any random master can instantly silence her. Isn't she afraid of her words coming back to bite her?"

"I love Zi Yi so much. A person like her deserves to stand at the top. There's nothing wrong with what she said. So what if she has a good background? That's because she has reincarnated well. After the two rounds of competition, who dares to say that she has no capabilities?"

...

There were all kinds of comments over the internet. However, the group of reporters was speechless by what Zi Yi had said to them.

Especially after Zi Yi then said, "If it weren't due to the competition that will be starting soon, I would have taken those people who slandered my cousin to court.

However, just you wait. After the competition ends, I will settle accounts with you for slandering my cousin. At that time, none of you will be able to get away."

She did not care how big of a wave her words had caused and she pulled Dou Xiangling's hand to walk towards the entrance of the art museum.

The other contestants and workers who were standing there and watching the commotion had subconsciously made way for them.

Everyone looked at Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling's back view and none of them dared to go up and approach them.

Chapter 395: Aisha Asks, "Who is Zi Yi?"

The crowd only recovered their senses after Zi Yi and Dou Xiangling had made their way inside the art museum.

"She's worthy to be known as a young lady from a good family. Her aura is no joke."

"For a moment, I thought that Zi Yi was a queen. I've never seen a woman who could control her aura to such an extent."

"Could it be that I was the only one who noticed that the bodyguard walking next to Zi Yi was particularly handsome and cool?"

"I also noticed it. Sure enough, the bodyguards around pretty people also have good-looking appearances!"

...

No matter how the outside people talked about her, the third round of the International Painting and Calligraphy Competition's finals started at 9 a.m sharp.

Dozens of world-renowned painters had released a topic after a round of discussion for the third round. The difficulty level was very high and everyone who was originally still discussing the incident had stopped.

The Chairman of Country X's Painting and Calligraphy Association announced the rules and regulations. "As the topic is of a rather high difficulty, we have decided to give the contestant a day to complete their work. The timing will be from 9 a.m to 6 p.m and the contestants can arrange their timings however they prefer. But...

All the contestants are not allowed to leave the art museum before they announce the completion of their painting. They are also not allowed to interact or get in touch with anyone. As long as you leave here, be it for eating, drinking or going to the washroom, our staff will follow you all the way."

After the Country X's Association Chairman finished announcing the rules, the International Association Chairman said, "When the time comes, we will seek approval from the painters, who win a spot in the top three places, for an auction of their paintings. A portion of the money from the auction will be donated to the World XX Association."

After they finished their speech, the competition officially started.

The number of people tuning in on the competition had already reached an unimaginable number...

On the other side in the Capital.

Ever since Aisha returned to the Lu Family's main house from Mrs. Lu's residence, she had been depressed all day. Rick took her condition to heart and was worried.

He then finally looked for the First Madam who had extended kindness to them for the past few days.

The First Madam knew that Aisha wanted to marry Lu Jingye and she treated the siblings enthusiastically on the surface. However, deep down, she was making plans to have Rick and Aisha give up on Lu Jingye and have Aisha marry her nephew instead.

Aisha had a strong background and if she married her nephew, her son would have a stronger background to compete against Lu Jingye for the position of the Lu Group's head.

Rick said to her, "First Madam, I wish to request a favor. Can you accompany my younger sister and chat more with her? She has been feeling depressed these two days and as her brother, I feel worried at heart."

The First Madam immediately agreed. "Of course, it's no problem. Aisha is such a beautiful and gentle girl, and she's someone who should be cherished and loved. How could I let her feel sad?"

Rick agreed with her and sighed as he said, "If only the Second Madam had the same thought too, my Aisha would not be feeling so depressed."

The First Madam was elated at his words, but she pretended to reveal a puzzled expression. "I've been meaning to ask, but I find it hard to bring it up. What exactly happened when Aisha went to stay at the Second Madam's house?"

"It's nothing... It's just that Aisha and the Second Madam have differing views in life."

"Ohh..." The First Madam was particularly considerate and did not continue to pry. However, she pretended to have something to say but hesitated at the last moment.

Rick noticed her expression and said, "First Madam, you can be frank with what you wish to say."

The First Madam thought for a moment and even checked her surroundings before she whispered, "In fact, I'm not someone who likes to gossip behind other peoples' backs, but it's just that I'm really fond of Aisha, so much so that I can't bear to see her unhappy... Do you know what business the Second Madam's family does?"

"Isn't her maiden family involved in the jade business?"

"That's what it appears to be on the surface." The First Madam's voice dropped even lower. "In reality, their family also engages in business for the dead."

"What do you mean?" Rick furrowed his brows.

"Tomb raiding. The business of your family is considered rather big, I'm sure you know what tomb raiding is?"

Rick fell into silence.

The First Madam continued to speak. "The lives of the family who engage in tomb raiding usually have it hard. Otherwise, why are my two nephews still single to this date despite their outstanding appearances and capabilities? Actually, it's not that they do not wish to marry, but that they do not dare to do so. They would either curse themselves or the people around them.

The First Madam's words were clear and logical. Rick thought about Lu Yunxiao who was braindead and his heart was in a flurry.

The First Madam observed his expression and stopped talking. She then smiled and said, "Rick, you don't have to take my words to heart. I'm only making an unfounded guess and perhaps that's not the case at all. How about this..."

Speaking up to here, she changed her tune. "I'll get my niece to come over and accompany Aisha. My niece is also usually fond of dancing and I'm sure she would have things to talk with Aisha about."

Rick felt that it was a good idea and said, "That's very kind of the First Madam. Then I'll have to trouble you on that, thank you."

"What's there to thank me for? You and Aisha are important guests of our Lu Family. It's our fault to have made Aisha feel bad."

After they conversed for a while, Rick then left.

The First Madam immediately called her niece and said to her, "Xiangxiang, as long as you find a way to be best friends with Aisha and introduce your brother to her when the time comes, our Chu Family would have a stronger backing. Your cousin would then have a higher chance to seize the position of power of the Lu Group."

Chu Xiang did not quite understand. "Aunt, didn't you get my brother to approach Zi Yi?"

"There's no need for that anymore." The First Madam revealed an expression of contempt. "She's merely an unwanted granddaughter of the Dou Family. Just getting a random reporter to reveal some of her past affairs would ruin her reputation."

The First Madam thought of her plan and could not help but be filled with joy. The corner of her lips curled up uncontrollably. "I got Little Xuan to approach Zi Yi with the original intention to let him add trouble to Lu Jingye's side. Right now, I feel that casually finding someone else to do it will do."

Chu Xuan thought of what her brother had done at the New Year's Eve party and felt that her brother managing to chase Zi Yi was now impossible. She then nodded and said, "Auntie, you can rest assured. I know what to do now."

The First Madam trusted her niece and so, the two of them discussed how they were to tackle Aisha. Following that, she brought Chu Xiang to meet Aisha.

Aisha had been trying hard to gain knowledge of the jade industry and only then did she realize that it was different from what she had imagined.

Difficulty was one aspect, but there were also many aspects in which she could not understand.

She was so anxious that she had no appetite for these past two days and her eyes had swelled up from staying up late at night. When the First Madam and another young lady who appeared to be around her age had suddenly shown up, she felt slightly embarrassed.

Chu Xiang glanced at the several books related to jade she had placed on the table. She asked in confusion, "You studied dance, so why are you forcing yourself to read all these books that you can't understand at all?"

Aisha's cheeks turned red from what she said and she spoke in a low voice. "I wish to get Auntie Lu's approval."

Chu Xiang clicked her tongue and said, "I feel that rather than getting her approval, it's better to get Second Brother's Lu's favor. Provided that... you can make him leave Zi Yi."

Aisha's face suddenly turned pale and her voice rose. "Who is Zi Yi?"

"Don't you know? Zi Yi is..."

Chapter 396: Last Round of the Competition; An Accident Happened

Aisha could not stay calm when she heard about Zi Yi. Chu Xian went on and told her about Zi Yi heading to Country X to participate in the Painting and Calligraphy Competition. Aisha simply collapsed from the news.

She instantly burst into tears. "Is what you say the truth? Brother Lu really fell in love with that woman named Zi Yi?"

"That's right."

Chu Xiang took out her phone and said, "Look, the International Painting and Calligraphy Competition is broadcasted live this time around and she's Zi Yi."

Aisha held her chest and her lips trembled. It was only after a long time did she speak. "She's so beautiful. Do I really have no chance anymore?"

"Not necessarily so. You are of nobler birth than her and you do not have a bad past record. The marriages of the males in the Lu Family are all decided by Grandfather Lu. As long as you can get Grandfather Lu to agree on having Second Brother Lu marry you, he won't be able to object."

"But... as to whether you can capture Second Brother Lu's heart back from Zi Yi's hands... that would depend on if you have that capability to do so."

Chu Xiang did not heed the First Madam's intention to make Aisha give up immediately. She felt that her brother would have a better chance if Aisha were to hit against a brick wall.

Even though Aisha felt that it was not good to force Lu Jingye, she had loved Lu Jingye for so many years and even in her dreams, she wished to become his wife. Therefore, it wouldn't be too much for her to use some underhanded means.

...

Zi Yi did now know what had happened in the capital.

The competition had already started and the five contestants were all seated before their easels.

The audience's eyes were all on Zi Yi's canvas and they watched her draw the outline of her painting.

Just as she drew a few lines, the netizens started mocking her.

"It's similar to other people's work. Based on her outline, I can't see how shocking her painting would be."

"Arrogant people would always get slapped in their faces. I find it funny when I think back to her last words. She's merely the Dou Family's granddaughter and Miss Dou hadn't said anything so what rights did she have to speak?"

"That's right, I don't believe she can still win first place in the last round."

"It's possible that it's because she's pretty, so she has been praised up to the skies by other people."

"Waiting to see Zi Yi flop."

...

A wave of comments waiting for Zi Yi to get her face slapped, surfaced on the internet. The members of China's Painting and Calligraphy Association were all furious as they saw the comments.

In particular, Elder Bai simply paced back and forth and constantly stomped his feet. "These people are simply outrageous. Who said that Zi Yi only has that face of hers! Clearly, besides that face, she is also a once-in-a-century genius!"

Elder Zhu then said, "Why don't we announce the news that Zi Yi is a member of China's Painting and Calligraphy Association?"

"That's right. We might as well announce it immediately and we'll see what else these people dare to say!"

The group of painting masters agreed in succession.

On the contrary, Elder Lu calmed down. He thought of something and his eyes shone. "We'll definitely have to announce it, but not right now. We'll announce it after Yiyi finishes painting. We'll like to see if these people dare to say anything else afterwards."

"That's right, it's a good idea."

...

Around two hours or so into the competition, the gazes who had been scattered among the five contestants were all attracted by Zi Yi's painting. Those netizens who were badmouthing her had also lost their motivation.

Zi Yi had finished drawing the outline and what was left was to color it in. Just as everyone was holding back their breaths and anxious to see the effect after she added the color, Zi Yi suddenly put down her pencil and said, "I'm hungry. I'll draw after lunch."

Having said that, she headed to one side.

Everyone blew up.

"How can she have lunch at this time? Can't she eat later?"

"Only the adding of the color is left. Ahhhh~ why am I so excited? Just looking at those outlines she drew has already made my blood boil. I honestly wish that I can immediately see what the finished painting looks like."

Accidents would always happen unexpectedly.

As soon as Zi Yi left the competition venue, a cat had suddenly ran over from the side.

Zi Yi heard its purring sounds and turned around to look at it.

However, that cat had directly run towards her painting and knocked over her palette. Its feet had even stepped on her painting.

Sounds of gasping could be heard from within the venue.

Zi Yi calmly looked at a few of the staff hastily catching the cat and bringing it away. The two Chairmen walked over and questioned, "What's going on, why did a cat get into the art museum?"

"Who was the one who brought the cat in?!"

The expressions of the two Chairmen were rather ugly and the others were also looking at the ruined painting.

Just then, Lu Jingye walked over to Zi Yi's side and said to her softly with his eyebrows furrowed, "That cat successfully avoided all the surveillance cameras. There should be judges who colluded with outsiders to bring it inside."

"No... that's a mechanical cat." Zi Yi looked to the side and said with certainty, "The mechanical cat is installed with a barrier that blocks all monitoring devices. Moreover, it can transform itself. It should have used another shape that would not incur the suspicion of others when it came in."

Lu Jingye's expression turned even more serious at her words.

The appearance of the mechanical cat was too unexpected.

However, the corner of Zi Yi's lips curled up and she said, "To be able to make such a mechanical cat that is capable of transforming, that person can be considered... a genius. I'd like to see what else they are capable of."

She then said to Lu Jingye, "The smallest circular ball in my bag, taking it out and releasing it will do. We'll be able to locate the person when the time comes."

"Okay." Lu Jingye did not immediately leave. Instead, he asked, "What about your painting?"

"It doesn't matter, it hasn't destroyed the painting that much and I can save it."

Lu Jingye left after feeling relieved.

Zi Yi headed to her easel.

All the cameras were on her and everyone thought that she would fly into a rage. Unexpectedly, her expression was still as cold as before.

The two Chairmen quickly made way for her when they saw Zi Yi walking over.

Country X's Association Chairman asked anxiously, "Miss Zi, your painting was ruined. What are your plans?"

The International Association's Chairman was also looking at her with concern.

Zi Yi reached out a finger and touched the painting. The footprint and paint splashed by the cat earlier were still wet. She then said, "It's not a big issue. I'll salvage it after I finish my lunch."

She then turned around and left under everyone's gazes.

For a second, everyone fell into silence before they exploded.

"The painting has been destroyed by the paint that was splashed onto it and yet, Zi Yi actually said it wasn't a big problem?"

"How conceited is she? If she can really salvage the painting, I'll stream myself drinking paint!"

"I think that she's deliberately trying to attract attention. She said it wasn't a big problem and yet, she didn't salvage it at once. It's obvious that she is unable to salvage the painting."

Be it online or outside the competition venue, everyone felt that Zi Yi was pretending to put on a façade. Moreover, it was one of those obvious façades that would cause her to get slapped in the face.

Everyone waited for Zi Yi to return. Those who planned to get lunch decided to stay.

They would like to see how Zi Yi would do what she says.

Chapter 397: Stunned

Several judges went over to take a look at her painting after Zi Yi left. All of them could not help but shake their heads.

"Miss Zi has yet to add color to her painting and that cat had ruined the painting too much. This area is not suitable to have such colors. Also, this area, the additional pigmentation..."

"Look, the cat has even scratched a hole here."

Finally, they all came to a conclusion.

"This painting cannot be saved."

"It seems like Miss Zi can only redo another painting."

"I wonder if she'll have enough time remaining?"

...

With what the judges said, those trollers instantly found a reason to badmouth Zi Yi and all of them were acting as if they could smear her in black ink.

What the trollers were unaware of was that their IDs had all been documented by Shadow and Zi Yi was just waiting to teach care of each and every one of them, after the competition ended.

Regardless of how big of a commotion it was outside, Zi Yi consumed her lunch with a few staff members accompanying her. She only returned after half an hour or so.

"Miss Zi, you mentioned that you are able to salvage this painting. How are you intending to do so?"

Everyone was waiting for her anxiously.

Zi Yi had a bottle of water in her hand and she was drinking from it. She did not answer them immediately. Instead, she walked to the easel, poured the bottle of water into a container, before she then used a paintbrush and smeared the water over the areas where the paint pigment had been splashed on.

"Miss Zi, are you thinking of diluting the paint smeared on the canvas with water? Wouldn't this cause the canvas to spoil even more?"

"Also, there's a hole in the canvas. Can you really salvage it?"

"Miss Zi, I feel that it's better for you to start on a new canvas. There's still half a day left. If you're fast enough, perhaps you'll be able to finish it on time."

"Zi..."

Zi Yi suddenly turned around and glanced at the judges. "You're distracting me."

The judges: "..."

Zi Yi then said, "Please return to your respective seats. I'll be starting to paint now."

The judges were silent for several seconds and were slightly unhappy deep down, as they felt that Zi Yi did not appreciate their kindness. In the end, they went back to their seats and sat down.

Because of this, many more trollers appeared on the internet.

"Ha, does she honestly think she's all that important? How dare she speak to the experts in that tone of voice!"

"She's so rude. I think that she can get lost from the art circle after the competition ends!"

...

Zi Yi paid no attention to how other people perceived her. After she applied water on the paint pigments that had been splashed on her canvas, she swiftly started mixing the colors she needed.

By the time she was done with it, the water on the canvas had already dried up.

Everyone else was staring at that canvas of hers.

Be it inside or outside the competition venue, it became unusually quiet once again.

Zi Yi's speed was very fast. When she painted the colors onto the canvas, she did not consider much about the proportion of each color like other painters do. From an outsider's point of view, it seemed like she was randomly painting on the canvas.

However, those who were knowledgeable about painting were all stunned by her technique.

Everyone looked at the beginnings of a magnificent painting that was slowly becoming clearer. Finally, they were all shocked to the extent that they forgot to breathe.

What Zi Yi painted was a scene of reality and a mirage. She had combined the two concepts perfectly, making whoever viewed her painting associate it to reality and dreams.

Half an hour later, Zi Yi put down her paintbrush and announced. "I'm done with my painting."

The Chairmen of the International Painting and Calligraphy Association and Country X's Association went up towards her with excited expressions. Zi Yi turned and left immediately after she spoke.

The Chairman of Country X's Association hastily called out to her. "Miss Zi, why are you leaving? You have yet to explain to us the idea behind your painting."

Zi Yi stopped walking and tilted her head as she asked, "Is there a need for me to explain my painting?"

She had already expressed her idea through the painting. As long as they looked at what she had painted, they would know what she was trying to convey.

Zi Yi intended to continue walking away after she said that.

The International Painting and Calligraphy Association's Chairman revealed a smile as he said, "Miss Zi, you should at least say a few words after you've finished?"

Zi Yi stopped in her tracks and felt that she should indeed say a few words. Thus, she walked back to her easel under everyone's stare and pointed to her painting as she said, "This is a painting that I painted. If anyone still insists that I cheated, then find me the original. Also... those trollers who were badmouthing me during the time while I was painting, I will send you a large gift shortly."

After having said that, she was about to walk away. However, just as she moved her feet, she stopped and the corner of her lips curled up. "As to what I'm going to gift everyone, you can check out the International Racing Competition held during August this year."

She did not bother to care about the crowd's confused reactions and said to the two Chairmen, "I'm heading to the rest area. Don't call for me before the competition ends."

She did indeed leave after she said that.

There were many who subconsciously went to check up on the International Racing Competition Zi Yi had mentioned.

When they saw how Zi Yi overpowered all the contestants and revealed all the people who had trolled her over the internet, everyone subconsciously reflected whether they had bad-mouthed her earlier on.

However, there were also some people who refused to believe that she would do so.

"I am exercising my right to freedom of speech. Don't tell me it's illegal to speak now?"

In the end, these people who did not believe it were immediately exposed and revealed on the internet.

These trollers were instantly attacked by the whole internet when they were exposed.

When countless trollers were cyberbullied by the netizens, the whole internet entered an inexplicable panicked atmosphere.

Everyone started guessing who was behind Zi Yi, and who would have such great capabilities to have exposed the trollers.

The rest area.

Zi Yi tapped the last key on the laptop and snorted coldly. "After I exposed and revealed these internet trollers over the net, there were even some people who said that I should learn to forgive others."

"There's no need to care for these types of people," Lu Jingye said, "These types of people are merely trying to act like moral dictators, but in fact, it's because they have never encountered such situations before themselves and it doesn't matter to them no matter what you say."

"You're right." Zi Yi nodded her head. "I don't intend to pay them any attention either. In any case, I don't know who they are and perhaps I might not see them in my whole lifetime. They can say whatever they like. If someone like that dares to appear before me, hmph... I'll let them regret having said these words."

Lu Jingye looked at the young lady who had her cheeks puffed out. He originally wanted to reach out and stroke her head to comfort her. However, at the thought of the cameras around them, he restrained himself.

Zi Yi continued to surf the web.

Lu Jingye's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and said to Zi Yi, "I'll head outside to answer the call. If I don't return, it means that I have left due to important issues."

Zi Yi nodded and looked at him as she asked, "Will you be coming back today?"

Lu Jingye did not dare to give any promises. "If I don't manage to return tonight, I'll give you a call."

Zi Yi only casually asked that question and waved at him. "Alright then, go and settle your matters. I'll return with my cousin after receiving the trophy and won't head elsewhere after that."

Lu Jingye responded with a hum and headed outside.

The competition cut-off time was at 6 p.m. Zi Yi was already waiting at the competition venue half an hour before the third round ended.

When the competition ended, the five contestants had received comments from judges and their scores would be dependent on scores from the judges and online voting.

Without any suspense, Zi Yi won first place, Dou Xiangling came in second and the third place went to a man from Country E.

Chapter 398: Zi Yi's Painting Was Auctioned Off At 880 Million.

After the International Association's Chairman presented the award to the three of them, he smiled and asked, "Before the start of the competition, I have already asked you this. I wonder if you three are willing to auction off your winning works?"

It has become an unwritten rule that in the last round of the International Painting and Calligraphy Competition, the winners would be asked if they are willing to auction off their works[1].

Of course, this was all up to their free will.

However, there were too many people who were tuning in to the competition this time round. Dou Xiangling thought for a moment before she pulled Zi Yi's sleeve and reminded her.

She then said, "I can allow my painting to be auctioned off, but I request for a full and transparent disclosure."

Zi Yi turned her head to look at Dou Xiangling.

Dou Xiangling gave her a wink.

Zi Yi also ended up nodding. "I also request for a full and transparent disclosure."

Robert, who came in third place, would certainly not reject the request to auction his painting when the other two ladies had agreed to it.

The Chairman of the International Painting and Calligraphy Association smiled and said, "Great. Then all three of you can give a starting bid for your painting."

It was not a good idea for the Association to set the starting bid on their own.

Robert revealed his starting bid. "My painting's starting bid shall be 500 thousand."

Dou Xiangling was also about to say that her painting's starting bid would be 500 thousand. In fact, this starting bid was considered very high.

"Me to-"

"My cousin's painting's starting bid is two million."

Zi Yi suddenly said a starting bid on Dou Xiangling's behalf and everyone was a little confused.

Immediately after, she mentioned the starting bid of her painting. "Mine shall start at five million."

Everyone: "...!"

Why doesn't she go rob a bank instead?!

Zi Yi lowered her eyes and looked up before she said with a confident expression, "If you find it expensive, you can choose not to bid. Don't ever let me know that there are some reckless people who are scolding me over the internet again. I'm not someone with a good temper and I love to expose people."

Everyone: "..."

She even blatantly threatened everyone!

Many of them felt uncomfortable deep down and thought that no one would bid for Zi Yi's painting when she had brought up such a high starting bid.

Only the Chairmen of the International Painting Association and Country X's Association looked at her with admiration.

Shortly after, Country X's Association Chairman seemed to have said something in the Chairman of the International Painting Association's ears and he said with an even brighter smile, "Someone has already started bidding for Miss Zi's painting."

There were many people who revealed expressions of disbelief.

"Please look at the screen."

The bidding situation of their paintings was immediately reflected on the screen.

When the crowd saw the screen, they sucked in cold air.

"The first bidder had raised Zi Yi's starting bid by tenfold. This must be fake!"

Many people wanted to say that the bidder was Zi Yi's family member or perhaps her suitor. Perhaps they did not wish for her to embarrass herself and thus, they took out the money to bid for it.

However, they were afraid that the person behind Zi Yi would expose their identities.

Since the auction had already started, the viewers who were about to leave the livestream had sat back down once again.

There were many people who felt that no one else would bid for Zi Yi's painting after the first bidder had increased the price by tenfold.

However, what happened afterwards was something they had never imagined even in their dreams. In less than one minute after the first bidder made their bid, the second bidder came.

"Sii~ Seventy million!"

The third bidder.

"Oh my freaking gosh! One hundred million!"

...

While Zi Yi's painting was being auctioned off, Dou Xiangling's and Robert's paintings were also in the process.

However, who would have the spare energy to pay any attention to their bids?

When the bidding price of Zi Yi's painting soared to 500 million, everyone was so surprised that they forgot to react.

In the end, Zi Yi's painting was auctioned off at 880 million.

Everyone spectating the scene: "..."

So much money it was almost disturbing!

Dou Xiangling's painting had also soared to 180 million.

Robot's painting was sold for 120 million in the end.

With these types of auction prices, it had refreshed the knowledge of many people who were outside the art circle.

On the other hand, there were many people inside the circle who came forward to speak.

"It's indeed deserving. I feel that Miss Zi's painting is worth that price."

"That's right. Miss Zi's painting is capable of shaking the hearts of people. That kind of shock is unable to be described in words."

...

The Association would follow up with what happened afterwards and so, there was nothing else to do for Zi Yi and the others.

There were other people who came to invite Zi Yi to a meal, but they had been directly rejected by her.

At this point in time, no one dared to say that she was being arrogant. Because of the competition, everyone is well aware that she had the capability to be so arrogant.

When Dou Xiangling and Zi Yi left the Art Museum under the protection of a group of bodyguards, the reporters standing guard outside went crazy.

"Miss Zi, your painting was auctioned off at a high price of 880 million. Do you have anything you wish to say?"

"Miss Zi, how did you manage to salvage a painting where even the judges had deemed it to be unsalvageable?"

"Miss Zi, we came to know that there have been offers for the two paintings you had completed in the first two rounds of competition. Will you agree to their offers?"

"Miss Zi, China's Painting and Calligraphy Association has officially announced that you are a member of their Association. Why didn't you bring it up before?"

"Miss Zi..."

At this moment, all the reporters were extremely enthusiastic towards Zi Yi, without the slightest doubt or disdain that was present before. Zi Yi did not reply to their questions and they wished that they could hug her legs and beg her for answers.

However, they had no other choice if Zi Yi chose not to answer. In the end, they finally shifted the microphone to Dou Xiangling.

"Miss Dou, you and Miss Zi are cousins. You have both won first and second place in the competition. Moreover, the painting you had completed was auctioned off at such a high price. Do you have anything you wish to say?"

Zi Yi suddenly stopped walking after the reporter had asked the question.

With how she had stopped walking, the reporters were instantly excited.

Zi Yi swept her gaze across all the reporters and coldly said, "If you didn't mention it, I would have forgotten. Who was the one who said that my cousin is related to Meng He who was suspected of an economic case? Why aren't you asking about that now?"

The reporters felt their hearts tighten.

Zi Yi's eyes flashed and she radiated a powerful aura. "I've said it before, after the competition, whoever maliciously slandered my cousin, just you wait.

Coincidentally, the compensation you will be forking out can be donated. I'll thank you on behalf of those who are living in dire straits."

Zi Yi left together with Zi Yi after she said her piece, leaving behind a group of reporters who were trembling in fear.

"Miss Zi is the most arrogant master painter I've ever encountered."

The group of judges who came out last could not help but comment.

"But it's good like this. Her appearance is so outstanding and if her personality were to be soft, she would certainly get bullied."

"Miss Zi's skills are truly amazing. I dare to bet that she will certainly go far on this path in the future."

...

Within the car.

Dou Xiangling looked at Zi Yi who still had a taut expression on her face. She could not suppress the corner of her lips that was curling up.

Even though it sounds slightly humiliating to be protected by a younger sister who was several years younger than herself, she thought that this type of feeling felt great.

Dou Xiangling held onto Zi Yi's hand and smiled brightly. "Yiyi, thank you."

Zi Yi looked at the gentle Dou Xiangling and said, "You should be stronger when you encounter this type of situation. Otherwise, you will only get bullied by other people."

Dou Xiangling nodded and said, "Okay."

Only then, was Zi Yi satisfied.

[1] (This is made up by the author, please do not take it seriously.)

Chapter 399: Drink as Much as You Like, I'll Take Responsibility if You Get Fat

They started discussing their following plans.

Zi Yi said, "Ah Jing and I will be heading to Country D tomorrow and I'm thinking of staying there for a few days. Do you want to follow us or will you be directly making your way back to the capital?"

Lu Jingye and her were planning to head over to the secret base and obviously, they could not tell Dou Xiangling this.

Dou Xiangling would certainly return to the capital. She had a class the first day after the national holidays and she did not have time to play.

"I'll be making my way back first then.

"Alright."

Zi Yi took out her phone and started swiping.

She had gotten Shadow to monitor the person who destroyed her painting with the mechanical cat and she planned to take care of that person after she returned home and had dinner.

Dou Xiangling thought that she was planning to buy plane tickets for her and said, "Yiyi, for the plane ticket, please get one for tomorrow afternoon. I have to visit an old friend of my father's on his behalf tomorrow."

Zi Yi checked the available tickets and said, "There are no planes headed for the capital tomorrow afternoon."

Dou Xiangling heard what she said and changed her mind. "Then get one for tomorrow morning. I'll go and pay a visit to my father's old friend right now."

She then took out her phone and called the person she intended to pay a visit to.

Dou Xiangling told the other party that she would be making her way there right now and disconnected the call.

Following that, she said to Zi Yi, "Yiyi, you can send me over there first."

"You've not had dinner yet."

"I'm fine. I'll just get some pastries after I visit my father's old friend."

Zi Yi thought about it for a second. After she got Dou Xiangling to inform the driver about the specific address, she said, "When you see a dessert shop later, stop there for a while."

The driver responded in understanding and turned the steering wheel as he drove in the direction of the location Dou Xiangling had informed him.

Along the way, Zi Yi got the bodyguard to buy some cakes and milk tea for them.

Zi Yi had a special fondness for milk tea, while Dou Xiangling clearly had never tasted such beverages that were so high in calories. She had struggled deep down with whether to drink it or not as she held the drink in her hand.

She saw that Zi Yi was drinking the milk tea so happily and asked in worry, "Yiyi, you're drinking milk while having cakes. Aren't you worried that you will get fat?"

"What's there to worry about?" Zi Yi saw her behavior of wanting to drink and yet, not daring to do so. "Cousin, just eat and drink whatever you want to. I'll write you a prescription that can slim you down and strengthen your body when we get back. I guarantee you that no matter what you eat, you won't get fat, and instead, you will become healthier."

"Then that'll be really great!" Dou Xiangling revealed surprise in her eyes. She knew that Zi Yi had superb medical skills and immediately felt relieved. "I've often seen others drinking milk tea and I could only watch from afar for fear that I would grow fat from drinking it. Because if that were the case, I wouldn't be able to wear my favorite clothes."

Dou Xiangling loved wearing cheongsam and the types of fitted clothing that had strict requirements on the wearer's figure. Therefore, she did not dare to eat many things she had wanted to in order to avoid getting fat.

Zi Yi looked at her with a sympathetic gaze and reached out her hand to lift up the cup of milk tea in Dou Xiangling's hand. "Cousin, have a taste."

Dou Xiangling took a sip and nodded. "It's nice."

"Hehe, then drink as much as you like. I'll take responsibility if you get fat."

"Alright."

Zi Yi sent Dou Xiangling to her destination.

When Dou Xiangling alighted from the car, she asked, "Yiyi, do you want to go in with me?"

"Nah, I have something else to settle. Give me a call when you're about to finish. I'll get the driver to come over and fetch you."

"Alright."

After she saw Dou Xiangling entering, Zi Yi said to the driver, "Head to Walda Street."

The Walda Street Zi Yi mentioned was equivalent to Sanyue Street in the capital, where the entire street was crowded with bars.

The driver and bodyguard were very surprised to hear the location she wanted to go to.

The bodyguard even questioned het further, "Miss Zi, you really intend to go to Walda Street?"

"Yes."

Zi Yi took out her phone and quickly swiped. "Head over to No.18 Walda Street."

"This... Miss Zi. The bar here is very rowdy and if you have something to do there, why don't you get me to do it on your behalf instead."

Miss Zi was very pretty and she would definitely encounter people who would try to hit on her if she headed there.

If the Second Young Master Lu knows that they accompanied Miss Zi to a street filled with bars, they did not know what consequences they would suffer from.

Both the driver and bodyguard did not dare to do so.

Zi Yi knew their thoughts and said, "I won't be entering any bars. Just drive the car to the street behind No.18 Walda Street."

The bodyguard and driver looked at each other and slightly breathed out a sigh of relief and they were even more curious as to what she was planning to do.

The bar streets of Country X were not as prosperous as that in the capital, but the activity level here was comparable.

The car directly went straight around the bar street and arrived at the street behind it.

The street behind Walda Street was a residential area. There was a wall between the two streets and a walkway of more than two meters wide on both sides of the wall.

The street here was a passage for trucks making deliveries to the bar every morning and when it came to nighttime, it was for customers who headed out to have some fresh air, vomit, or to find some excitement.

"Miss Zi, we've arrived."

Zi Yi heard the bodyguard's reminder and responded. However, she did not say anything else.

The bodyguard and the driver looked at each other.

The bodyguard then asked, "Miss Zi, who are you looking for? Do you need me to go in and bring them out?"

"There's no need. This person will be coming out very soon."

The bodyguard and driver were both surprised, but they did not pry any further.

The three of them quietly waited in the car.

After a five-minute wait or so, a man wearing a sweater and a cap covering his head, had come out from the back door.

Zi Yi checked her phone at that moment and said, "Bring him here."

Only then did the bodyguard and the driver realize that the feet of the guy wearing the sweater were hovering above the ground. His body was struggling in an awkward manner.

As someone who was knowledgeable about some martial arts, they immediately noticed that the man's arms had been restrained.

When the man 'floated' over, they finally saw his face clearly.

It was a man that was considered handsome, but his skin was too pale without the slightest traces of color. His dark eye circles were also extremely severe.

If this person were to walk down a street alone, those who would see his appearance would be frightened to death by him.

Zi Yi said to the driver, "Let's go."

The driver subconsciously started the car.

But when he saw that the man was following behind their car as he 'floated', the driver nearly crashed the car into the wall.

The bodyguard also had goosebumps all over his body.

Zi Yi faintly said when she noticed their reaction, "This person is being carried by my invisible robot. Why are you afraid?"

The driver and bodyguard: "..."

So embarrassing!

Before the car drove out of the street, Zi Yi said to the driver, "Turn into the next residential area."

The driver was busy steering the wheel and as the car did a turn, he drove towards the next residential area.

Compared to the bright street on the other side, there were only old, several storey buildings here. The street lights were also very dim, but the greenery here was well maintained. The car stopped after it arrived here.

The man who had been carried by Shadow had also stopped.

Zi Yi pushed the car door open and alighted. The bodyguard hastily followed along.

"Put him down."

As soon as Zi Yi said that, the young man's feet finally touched the ground. He hastily looked up at Zi Yi and traces of surprise flashed past his eyes.

Zi Yi looked at her and asked with a cold expression, "Who got you to use that mechanical robot to destroy my painting?"

Chapter 400: Zi Yi Said, "I'll Give You Ten Minutes to Escape"

The man stared at Zi Yi and his lips slightly moved. However, he did not speak.

The bodyguard said to Zi Yi when he saw the young man's attitude, "Miss Zi, it's obvious that he's the stubborn type. Why don't I make him talk instead."

The bodyguard felt that giving this kind of person a beating would do.

"There's no need. It's useless to beat him up."

Zi Yi looked at the man and a chilly smile curled on her lips. "I know who it is even if you don't answer. Bringing you out here is only to teach you which kind of person can be provoked and what kind of person cannot be provoked.

Aren't you talented with mechanics? I'll give you a chance. If those mechanical cats and dogs you made can help you escape from my sight, I'll let you off."

A light flashed through the young man's eyes at her words. He knew that what brought him out was an invisible mechanical robot. Those who were capable of making such an invisibility feature either belonged to the state or were someone like him.

For the woman before him to possess such an invisible robot, it was definitely related to the man behind her.

A woman who wishes to deal with him just by relying on the man behind her, he did not mind letting her know his prowess.

Zi Yi kept her word and said to the bodyguard behind her, "Go and pop his arm back into its socket."

The bodyguard saw the disdain within the young man's eyes and knew that he was looking down on Miss Zi. He could not help but shake his head deep down. However, when he was popping his arm back into its socket, he specially used a great deal of strength to do so.

Click!

"Sii–"

The young man's originally unusually pale face became even paler.

The bodyguard did not feel the slightest sense of guilt. After he popped his arm back in, he retreated to Zi Yi's side and stood there.

Zi Yi glanced at the current time and said, "I'll give you ten minutes to escape."

The man looked at Zi Yi and turned to leave.

He did not leave in the direction of the main road and instead, he headed towards the residential area.

Not long after he left, the pain from his arm was not as painful as before and he stopped walking. He then quickly took out a controller and pressed on it a few times.

Shortly after, several mechanical cats ran over.

The man had a thin and chilly voice as he gave out orders. "Go and take care of the bodyguard and driver next to that woman before you capture her."

A few mechanical cats swiftly transformed and their bodies stretched out as they turned into mechanical dogs. Immediately afterwards, they ran towards the direction Zi Yi was in.

A chilly smile curled up on the man's lips and he whispered, "You can only blame yourself for releasing me. How dare you try to compete with me on robots. Just wait and cry."

The man remained calm and stood there as he waited.

However, after he had waited for some time, not only did he not hear any miserable cries in that direction, the woman was not brought over either.

The man's expression changed and he was about to run away.

Yet, Zi Yi's chilling voice sounded from behind. "I've given you time to escape. Since you don't feel like running, then don't bother running anymore."

As soon as Zi Yi said that, she walked over from one of the corners.

When the man saw several 'obedient' mechanical dogs by Zi Yi's side, he widened his eyes in disbelief.

Zi Yi pointed at him and gave orders to the mechanical dogs. "Bite him."

Panic rose from deep within and he was about to run away.

However, how could his running speed match up the speed of the mechanical dogs? Soon, the man's miserable cries could be heard.

Zi Yi waited until the guy was lying on the ground and had difficulty breathing, before she walked to him before she lowered her head and looked at him coldly. "You'd better not have any thoughts of competing with me on mechanics ever again. Otherwise, I'll make you doubt the reason for living."

She turned around and left afterwards and said, "Go back and tell the person who asked you to deal with me. Since he planned to destroy my painting today. I will make him lose everything very soon."

When the man behind him heard her words, he released a sneer.

"She intends to make me lose everything? Ha, she's merely a granddaughter of the Dou Family. I'd like to see how capable she is."

His subordinates were slightly worried. "We had gotten the mechanical genius, Yaen, to deal with Zi Yi, but she had made him end up in such a miserable state. Boss, should we change our plans?"

"Change? What's there to change?" That woman is merely relying on Lu Jingye, while he relies on the Lu Family. As long as we think of a way to pull Lu Jingye down from his position in the Lu Group, he would be nothing."

His subordinate was stunned at first before he nodded in agreement. "Boss's idea is good. As long as Lu Jingye does not have the title of Lu Group's CEO, he doesn't have any authority. Without authority, what qualifications does he have to compete with you? If you wish to crush him, it is as easy as crushing an ant."

"Hahaha..." After the man had had his fill of laughter, he restrained his expression and said to his subordinate. "Go and invite Mr. Rick out for a chat. Tell him that I would like to talk to him about Lu Jingye."

...

After Zi Yi returned to the car, she continued swiping on her phone. She soon set up a small program. As long as that man contacts his buyer she would be able to receive news of it.

By the time she was done with everything, she checked the time to see that more than an hour had passed. She then said to the bodyguard. "Go and pick up my cousin."

As soon as the car arrived outside the location where Dou Xiangling had last alighted from, Dou Xiangling's call came in.

Zi Yi said to her. "You can come out straightaway."

Dou Xiangling said goodbye to the person who sent her out when she saw the car parked outside and she walked over.

"Yiyi, you didn't leave?"

She felt that Zi Yi would not have managed to resolve her issues so quickly.

"I left, and just came back."

After Dou Xiangling got in the car, the car drove away.

Sure enough, Lu Jingye did not return that particular night.

It was not until dawn that Zi Yi heard the sound of footsteps and the door opening.

She opened her eyes and looked at Lu Jingye coming in. She then called out to him. "Ah Jing, you're back."

Lu Jingye had been running about the entire night and when he saw the young lady he had been thinking about, he felt warmth spreading across his body. He walked over and kissed her forehead and said, "It's still early, get some more sleep."

"What about you?"

"I'll come and join you after I bathe and change."

"Okay."

Lu Jingye soon came out after taking a bath and changed his clothes.

Zi Yi had already moved aside and made space for him in advance. When he lay down on the bed, the young lady's soft and sweet body directly entered his embrace.

Lu Jingye raised his hand and patted her on the back. "Sleep."

"Yes."

Zi Yi lowered her eyelids and continued sleeping.

By the time she woke up again, she turned her head and saw Lu Jingye's sleeping face.

He originally gave off a very gentle feeling and his appearance after he had fallen asleep looked much more handsome and gentler.

Just like a...

"Sleeping beauty."

Zi Yi raised her hand and touched his cheeks. She intended to take some advantage of him.

However, as soon as her lips approached, they were intercepted.

After a while, Lu Jingye released the panting Zi Yi and leaned his forehead against hers as he said with a hoarse voice, "Ian and I have dug a pit for Ansel, and Ian will take care of what happens next. We'll go back right after breakfast."

Zi Yi hugged his neck and asked, "So you left last night to do this?"

"Yes."