Chapter Ninety-One: Indifference

“What’s going on?” Jiang Mingzhao asked eagerly, even more so than Song Waning herself.

Song Waning, the person involved, remained calm and replied, “I’m aware. Why do you ask?”

“I saw you in such a good mood that I thought you didn’t know about the big news at home,” Jian Anan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone gentle.

“You’re quite well-informed. The news just broke and you found out immediately.”

Jian Anan paused, then explained, “It was a coincidence. I happened to run into Song Xin while on duty.”

Only then did Song Waning recall that Jian Anan’s current role was as a security staff member—was she literally guarding the gate this time?

“Oh? And then? Are you offering to help?”

“If I had money, I’d definitely help you. After all, I consider you a friend. But I’m really not well off—unlike you, Song Waning. You have someone like Wen Shao backing you. Even if your family goes bankrupt, as long as you marry into the Wen family, you’ll still live a life of luxury.”

Jian Anan frowned and continued, “But this time, if you don’t step in, your family will suffer forever. Don’t you care about them at all?”

The livestream had just started, but a large audience had already poured in. Hearing Jian Anan’s words, many viewers chimed in.

[I was there in person and saw Song Xin crying her heart out at the gate, telling Jian Anan everything. Jian Anan was so comforting, while Song Waning didn’t act like a sister at all.]

[Exactly. Seeing Song Waning now, she feels so cold. Her family is in crisis, but she shows no reaction, not even when Song Xin talked to her.]

But there were also supporters for Song Waning.

[If the company has nothing to do with me, and everyone else is involved, even if I had money to spare, I wouldn’t help out.]

[Let’s put ourselves in her shoes. If it were you, who would really be that self-sacrificing?]

Song Waning shrugged. “You say you have no money, but do I? You’re a singer, selling your own albums. But I’ve never held a job before—this is my first variety show, my first time earning money. And I’ve handed every cent to my family. What do you expect me to help with?”

It had to be said: most undecided netizens liked to sway with the wind.

[Even if Song Waning were incredibly capable, she’s still just an ordinary person.]

[Jian Anan seems to be talking from a position of comfort, not really understanding the hardship.]

[Besides, Song Waning is still participating in the show. If she really broke down on camera, wouldn’t that be too fragile?]

…

Nan Yan looked at Song Waning with concern. “Is it really that serious? If you need it, I can lend you money!”

Jiang Mingzhao quickly added, “Me too, I’m happy to help.”

Song Waning frowned. Both were well-meaning, but to reject their kindness in public felt awkward. She could easily imagine Jian Anan seizing on that to make things worse.

Besides, neither of them knew the full story—they only knew her family owed money.

Song Waning feigned difficulty and shook her head. “No need. This is a Song family matter. I couldn’t possibly let you go to such trouble.”

Just as she expected, as soon as Jian Anan heard her refusal, she pounced, “Their families aren’t short on money. Why won’t you accept their help, Ningning? Don’t you want to help your family?”

[Exactly, why would Song Waning refuse such a good offer?]

[Not to mention, Nan Yan’s family is in pharmaceuticals, and their company is listed. Do they lack money? And Jiang Mingzhao’s family is in real estate—he’s even wealthier.]

Everyone present turned their gaze on Song Waning.

At that moment, Wen Jingxing, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up: “With me here, why would Waning need to borrow money from anyone else?”

With that single sentence, he shut Jian Anan down completely—not with words, but with overwhelming strength. Among all the families present, none could compare to the Wen Group.

[Ahhh! Their conversation felt like a battlefield, but when Wen Shao said that, why did everything suddenly turn so sweet?]

[The way Wen Shao said that, so assertive—the expression, the tone! I love it!]

[Love all you want, but it’s not your turn!]

[Hey, can’t I like them on my own?]

[Song Waning and Wen Shao are such a perfect match! Not just their personalities and sweet interactions—their looks are a perfect fit too! I’m obsessed!]

Meanwhile, Jian Anan’s face turned pale. Under the table, her hands clenched her clothes tightly as she struggled to maintain her composure.

She had thought this would be the perfect chance to embarrass Song Waning, never expecting Wen Jingxing to step in and ruin all her plans!

When Jian Anan ran into a tearful Song Xin at the gate, she hadn’t intended to get involved, but for the sake of her gentle persona, she’d offered some comfort—unexpectedly gaining a sensational piece of news.

The Song family was going bankrupt!

Song Xin hadn’t explained very clearly; all Jian Anan knew was that the Songs owed sixty million. And since Song Waning didn’t hold any shares, even if debts had to be paid, it wouldn’t fall on her as long as the others were still around. At worst, she’d lose her heiress status and have to work for a living.

The thought of Song Waning working made Jian Anan almost giddy with delight.

Still, she found it odd—how could such a prominent family go bankrupt over sixty million?

Jian Anan forced a smile, swallowing her frustration like a bitter pill. “You’re right, Brother Jingxing, I was being careless. With you around, Ningning certainly doesn’t need anyone else’s help.”

Wen Jingxing frowned. “We’re not close. Please don’t call me that—it could give others the wrong idea.”

He had no intention of sparing Jian Anan’s feelings, saying it outright.

Jian Anan’s lips twitched, barely maintaining her composure. “Of course not, it’s just a form of address…”

Jiang Mingzhao, on the side, struggled to hold back laughter. Honestly, when Jian Anan called him ‘Brother Mingzhao,’ he found it unbearable too. Only Jin Jianyi could put up with it.

[Why does Wen Shao’s line sound so familiar? I’m sure someone else has said it before.]

[He only says it to avoid Song Waning misunderstanding—who else would he worry about? Wen Shao is clearly a little henpecked!]

(End of chapter)