"Playing games? Well, you should love what you do."
Jiang Shuiyun stretched and, watching the rapidly changing screen, changed the subject, "This computer is nice. Was it specially configured for you?"
"It's a company-exclusive model. If Miss likes it, she can take one home later. All the configurations are top-of-the-line. It's barely enough for office work, but it might not be as good as a professional gaming machine." Upon hearing this, Fu Xian assumed that Jiang Shuiyun was still a child at heart and didn't say anything more, so he changed the subject.
"Mr. Fu is too modest. Then I won't stand on ceremony. Please have someone configure one for me."
Jiang Shuiyun didn't stand on ceremony with Fu Xian. She really liked the computer's processing power. The modified computer in the villa was good, but its basic functions were a bit lacking. This one was almost there. Even if Jiang Shuiyun had to build it herself, it would only be this good.
While the two were talking, the computer screen refreshed three times, then a particular image was paused and zoomed in on, showing a man wearing a black baseball cap putting a USB drive into his pocket.
Jiang Shuiyun tapped her fingers a few more times, and the computer screen displayed many more images, all arranged in chronological order, all showing the same man and clearly showing his movements.
“This is…” Fu Xian looked at the person on the screen, frowned and examined him carefully. “He looks a little familiar, but I can’t remember him for a moment. He doesn’t seem to be someone from our company. Miss, please wait a moment, I’ll have someone check.”
The results came out quickly and were not difficult to find, because this person was the representative of Qingge Company who had negotiated cooperation with Jianghe Group some time ago. At that time, Jianghe Group had not yet run into trouble, and there were countless small companies eager to negotiate cooperation. The reason why everyone had such a deep impression of Qingge Company was because this small company was too unique and its strength was surprisingly strong. However, at the last moment of signing the cooperation agreement, it suddenly reneged.
This whole ordeal will probably stay with those who were busy running around doing nothing but ending up with nothing for next year.
"You say you've changed your mind, but is there no reason?"
Jiang Shuiyun looked at the secretary who had prepared the other party's information in just a few minutes and had to admit that she was extremely competent.
"They said they were going to start a company together, but then internal conflicts arose, they fell out, and the cooperation fell through."
The secretary answered dutifully.
Having gathered enough information and identified the person in question, Jiang Shuiyun dismissed the others and began typing rapidly on the keyboard. In no time, the computer screen had completely changed, clearly showing that it was someone else's computer.
Fu Xian stood to the side, barely daring to breathe, for fear of disturbing Jiang Shuiyun's investigation.
"The people behind them seem to be very cautious and have handled things very cleanly. This Qingge Company is now like an island with no contact with the outside world. The relevant evidence does exist on their side, but we can't find out who's behind them. They've been used as pawns."
Jiang Shuiyun retrieved the leaked information from Jianghe Group from the other party's computer. This was the key evidence that appeared in court. She also found the backup of the program that stole the information.
"This should be enough in court, but why is the other side so alert?" Fu Xian was puzzled. They had only just discovered this direction, how could the other side react so quickly?
"It's not just vigilance. This Qingge Company is a one-off for them. Whether we discover it or not, whether they succeed or not, Qingge Company will be abandoned. They already have such a meticulous plan, and they still keep this as a precaution. Who exactly did Jianghe Group offend?"
Jiang Shuiyun left the items on the computer, then erased the evidence she had left on the other person's computer, and turned her chair to look at Fu Xian.
Fu Xian didn't know if he had other concerns or if he wasn't sure, so he didn't tell Jiang Shuiyun the answer.
Jiang Shuiyun wasn't in a hurry; things had to be done step by step, and one thing had to be solved at a time.
After covering herself up completely again, Jiang Shuiyun glanced at the time and was surprised to find that it was already past six o'clock. If she went back any later, she would miss dinner.
"Young Miss, are you going to court the day after tomorrow?"
Fu Xian saw Jiang Shuiyun off downstairs.
"No, I don't have time." The day after tomorrow is the day the variety show starts filming, and Jiang Shuiyun might not be in the city tomorrow night, so it's too late for her. "Good luck to you guys."
Jiang Shuiyun had never been involved before, so it wouldn't make a difference whether she went or not this time. Fu Xian knew this too. "Then I'll inform Miss as soon as the results are out."
"Thank you, no need to see me off, it'll only attract attention." Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Jiang Shuiyun told Fu Xian to stay, then walked out and hailed a taxi on the roadside.
When Jiang Shuiyun returned to the villa, she found that Xi Rong was also there. But that was normal. Whenever she was about to go out, Xi Rong would worry like a mother hen, running around and making sure she was attentive to everything.
However, when Jiang Shuiyun walked in, she realized that the atmosphere was a bit strange. Xi Rong was the first to greet her, "Teacher Jiang, there is something I need to discuss with you."
"What's up?"
Jiang Shuiyun felt this was not a good thing.
“I got a rumor from the production team that your screen time in this variety show might be greatly reduced. They went too far. If you feel uncomfortable, Ms. Jiang, I think we can talk about it. It’s okay if we don’t go.”
Xi Rong never expected things to turn out this way. Now, the internet is flooded with negative news about Jiang Shuiyun, and the high popularity she had previously built up has become fatal. It's normal for the production team to handle things this way in order to reduce the impact. If it weren't for the contract with a penalty for breach of contract, the other party might have breached the contract directly.
It seems the impact is greater than she imagined. Jiang Shuiyun shook her head. "It's okay. If we don't go, we'll be the ones in breach of contract. I'll actually be more relaxed since there are fewer camera shots."
Jiang Shuiyun didn't care about any of that; the money was still the same, so it didn't matter.
The others who had been listening intently also came over. "Captain, don't worry, we definitely won't let anyone bully you."
"right!"
Jiang Shuiyun smiled and ruffled the head of the earnest snake. Although it was a bit childish and silly, it made her feel quite comfortable. "Okay, let's eat."
The group was finally less tense than before, and they all rushed to the dining table. Jiang Shuiyun then realized that Yi Jinbai didn't seem to be there. Just as she was about to ask, the kitchen door opened, and Yi Jinbai came out carrying freshly baked cookies. She placed them on the table and looked at Jiang Shuiyun. Although she didn't say anything, Jiang Shuiyun knew what she meant. No matter what outsiders said, they would always choose to stand on Jiang Shuiyun's side.
Jiang Shuiyun walked over and sat down next to Yi Jinbai, and heard those people still angrily talking about what happened online.
"When did esports players become like this? Aren't we always supposed to let skill speak for itself? Do we have to check our ancestors for eighteen generations before we can even play a game? This is ridiculous."
"Yeah, it's just following the trend. Some people help explain it, but others say that playing games has made them lose their brains, that they only care about their skills and not the player, and that they're setting a bad example for teenagers. It's unbelievable. Aren't we the delinquents they're talking about?"
"There's nothing we can do, the world is going to the dogs..."
Jiang Shuiyun listened quietly to their self-deprecating words. Perhaps she chose this path simply because she happened to have this job, but they truly loved e-sports. Unfortunately, prejudice still exists in the public, and this path is difficult for most people to accept. However, it doesn't matter if they are not understood, as they still have their original aspirations.
A note from the author:
Good afternoon! Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 21:01:13 and 14:50:49 on May 21, 2022!
Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: 干什么是不好 (Can't Do Anything) and 朕慕林 (Zhen Mulin) 1;
Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Akira 5 bottles; Don't Want to Change Name 2 bottles; What can relieve worries? Only sudden wealth; Bai Zhinian 1 bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 42
After dinner, as dusk approached, Jiang Shuiyun washed up and, while drying her wet hair, took out the clothes she would wear the next day from the closet. Holding the clothes in her hand, she belatedly realized that she seemed to have separated from Yi Jinbai from her room.
From sleeping on the sofa at first, to frequently using the bathroom in the empty room next door for convenience, and then to sleeping in the room next door and moving the computer to this room, step by step, like a frog being slowly boiled in water, after returning from the competition, all her clothes and toiletries were placed in this room, and she and Yi Jinbai completely separated, without anyone, including Jiang Shuiyun, not even noticing.
They seem to be drifting further and further apart.
Jiang Shuiyun slowed down her hair drying process, put down the clothes in her hands, and sat on the edge of the bed, unconsciously drifting into a daze until a phone call came in.
Coming to her senses, Jiang Shuiyun glanced at her phone; it was Shen Yunyi.
When Jiang Shuiyun was hospitalized these past two days, Shen Yunyi also rushed over to visit her. However, he was indeed extremely busy these past two days, and seeing that Jiang Shuiyun was alright, he left. He casually asked if she needed any help with the online matter, but Jiang Shuiyun declined, saying that suppressing the issue now was not something that could be resolved.
After answering the phone, Jiang Shuiyun continued drying her hair and heard Shen Yunyi on the other end sound unusually excited, "Shuiyun, the applications for several technology patents have all been submitted, and the results will be available as soon as possible. Then we can talk about 'Star Wars'. I've communicated with them, and they are still discussing it, but I'm very confident!"
"You've worked hard," Jiang Shuiyun said. She knew this day wouldn't last long, but she didn't expect Shen Yunyi to be so efficient. It seemed he had put in a lot of effort these past few days.
"Why are you being so polite with me? By the way, Xi Rong told me about the variety show. Should I go and put in a good word for him? Besides, things are getting really messy online right now. If you let it go like this, even though it will eventually pass, it will have a huge impact on you."
This was Shen Yunyi's main purpose in making the call; he was angry just looking at the comments online.
"No need, I've already found a solution. Don't get involved, or it might affect me. The variety show thing is fine too, don't worry about it. But there's something I need to trouble you with. We're going to D City to film, and Jinbai will be home alone for the next couple of days. Could you please keep an eye on her so I can make it back in time if anything happens?"
Jiang Shuiyun looked into the next room, but couldn't see anything because of the wall separating them.
"Then don't worry, there won't be any problems."
Shen Yunyi readily agreed, "By the way, I just had someone find some more sheet music, and I'll send them over in the next couple of days."
Jiang Shuiyun was surprised that Shen Yunyi still remembered this matter. She agreed and hung up the phone. She had been so busy with her own things lately that she had neglected Yi Jinbai's affairs. She was not as thoughtful as Shen Yunyi.
The night passed quickly, and everyone rested well. They got up late and dawdled through lunch before packing their luggage and getting ready to leave.
Jiang Shuiyun's belongings were as simple as ever; she brought nothing but necessities.
After saying goodbye to Yi Jinbai, everyone headed to the airport. It would take about five hours by plane to reach their destination, and by the time they arrived, it was almost dark.
Even if the production team was unwilling, there was nothing they could do. The announcement had already been issued, and they couldn't make a last-minute replacement. So they had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow the established procedure. They arranged for a car to pick up the group and take them to a hotel to rest until the official recording started the next day.
I also recorded some footage at the airport. The camera quickly panned across Jiang Shuiyun, and in that brief glimpse, the rumors about Jiang Shuiyun's screen time being reduced were completely confirmed.
The others naturally noticed as well, and immediately swarmed around Jiang Shuiyun, making it impossible for anyone to avoid their captain when taking pictures of her.
Jiang Shuiyun felt like she was being squeezed into a meat pie in the middle, but thinking that it was all out of kindness, she endured it. The production crew, seeing that there was no other way, could only take a group photo and end their work early.
The hotel arrangements went smoothly, and everyone rested for the night in the rooms prepared by the project team.
"Is this for real?"
Standing in the house arranged by the production team, everyone was somewhat stunned, and Yao Yao Ling even asked directly.
The house in front of me looked dilapidated and ready to retire, covered in dust and with old, worn-out furniture. Even in this village, it would be hard to find a second house that was more run-down.
The production crew was all in place, and the director began to direct the process: "From now on, this is your home. Please assign your rooms as you see fit, and also clean the house thoroughly before moving in."
"I thought this was a relaxing lifestyle show, but it turned out to be a survival show in the wild."
The venomous snake, without batting an eye, reached out and flicked away the spider that had landed on its shoulder, then immediately made a sarcastic remark.
The director glanced at the snakes and said, “You will all have to take care of your own food, clothing, shelter, and transportation for the rest of the day. You also need to repair and clean the houses, or you will lose your right to live there and be forced to sleep on the streets.”
"What?!"
Unexpectedly, the production team went even further. The group looked at each other in disbelief, and they could easily suspect that the production team had changed the program's content at the last minute just to prank them. After all, prank variety shows are popular now, and they didn't have to worry about upsetting the fans. It was simply brilliant.
While the others were talking with the director, Jiang Shuiyun had already looked around the house. The house was not small, and it also had a large yard. The surrounding environment was also very nice, nestled against the mountains and by the water, so there should be no shortage of food.
Jiang Shuiyun pulled back the few people who were rolling up their sleeves, ready to fight the production team, and said, "Stand still."
Jiang Shuiyun's voice wasn't loud, but as soon as she finished speaking, everyone immediately stopped talking, stood in line obediently, and waited for her next words, showing how well-trained they were.
"Now we'll divide the work. There are six of us in total. Two people will take care of the meals, and the other four will be responsible for cleaning. Who has wilderness survival experience?"
Jiang Shuiyun looked at the group of people who were looking at each other in bewilderment, waiting for the first person to step forward.
After hesitating for a while, Jian Mang stepped forward with a somewhat embarrassed expression. "Captain, I participated in a wilderness survival summer camp when I was ten years old. Does that count?"
That's it?
Jiang Shuiyun continued to look at the others, each of whom returned a well-behaved smile. Thinking about it, it made sense; what could she expect from a group of people who couldn't even cook?
"Alright then, Jianmang and I will go and take care of the meal. You four can clean up, right?"
This time, none of them dared to say they couldn't, and they nodded like chickens pecking at rice, and that was how the matter was settled.
Leaving the production crew aside, the six quickly got to work, first finding a clean spot to put their luggage, and then looking for suitable tools to get to work.
Even in a wilderness survival scenario, the production team couldn't leave without any tools. After rummaging around, they found that they had a fairly complete set of various tools, and the group started working on them.
Jiang Shuiyun remembered seeing a small river nearby when they arrived. Where there's a river, there are fish. Besides, there are plenty of edible vegetables in the fields at this time of year. They couldn't just starve to death here.
Jiang Shuiyun picked up her fishing rod, harpoon, and bucket, while Jian Mang took his small hoe for digging vegetables and a basket. The two of them walked towards their destination with firm resolve.