Chapter 81

As the hall master for MoreMoreTea, there will be one more update, expected around 11 PM.

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After Donggua finished revising the contract, she handed the computer over. Liu Meng began to read through it clause by clause, extremely seriously, only occasionally blinking his eyes, causing his long eyelashes to flutter slightly.

Donggua couldn't help but laugh, looking at Liu Meng's serious face from the side. His dedication was truly charming, and she couldn't help but look at him a few more times, her heart racing. She scolded herself inwardly, "Thick-skinned, staring at a younger guy like this."

However, she was then a bit puzzled. Although Sanpang was two years younger than her, she didn't feel like he was a younger brother at all. He even seemed a bit like an uncle, which was quite strange.

Finally, he finished reading and handed the computer back, saying, "Alright, no problem."

Donggua breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to get up to print it, but Liu Meng held her arm and said, "Don't move, I'll print it for you."

Sanpang's attentiveness and thoughtfulness made her feel warm inside, and he didn't seem so detestable anymore.

After printing, Liu Meng signed his name in the appropriate places. Donggua took it and eagerly retrieved the company seal from her suitcase, stamped it, and handed a copy to Sanpang, keeping one for herself. She held it to her chest like a treasure and laughed heartily, extremely happy. Liu Meng also smiled.

"You even brought the seal, well-prepared indeed. Congratulations! You've finally completed your mission." Saying this, he extended his hand.

Donggua was indeed very happy and also extended her delicate hand. The two shook hands.

Donggua looked at Sanpang with a smile, feeling secretly pleased. "Heh, no matter how cunning the fox, it can't escape the hunter's net." Thinking of this, she felt a bit annoyed. If she had known that this fat guy would fall for this, she could have just pretended. She didn't need to go through so much trouble, almost losing her life. It was really tough. When she returned to Jianghai, she would definitely make Yan Hui treat her to a big meal.

"Why do I suddenly feel your smile is a bit strange?" Liu Meng suddenly asked.

Donggua tried to keep a straight face but couldn't hide her smile.

"Alright, laugh if you want to. You can have your fun for a while, I'll go make a call!"

Donggua huffed lightly. "What call? You have to avoid me?" However, she also took out her phone and called Yan Hui. As soon as the call connected, Yan Hui asked, "How did it go?"

His voice was tense and excited, even trembling.

"Mission accomplished!" Donggua replied with just four simple words.

On the other end, Yan Hui let out a deep breath, clenched his fist, and slammed it on the table with a loud thud.

Donggua didn't say anything. She knew how much effort Yan Hui had put into the financing. The pressure he had been under was unimaginable. At this moment, he needed to relax and unwind.

Pointing Lady Chinese Network had finally succeeded! It was about to become the undisputed king of web literature, with no other site able to challenge it! Yan Hui murmured to himself.

After a moment, he regained his composure and continued, "I've already had the finance department transfer 200,000 to your account. Pay Sanpang as soon as possible and return to Jianghai as quickly as you can, preferably tonight."

"I'm afraid it will take a few more days. I got a minor injury and can't move around easily right now."

Yan Hui was shocked and asked, "What happened? Is it serious? Should I fly over to bring you back?"

"It's a long story. I'll tell you when I get back. Don't worry about me. I'm staying with Sanpang. Once I feel better, I'll fly back to Jianghai. You've been working too hard lately, take a few days to relax."

Yan Hui was so surprised that his jaw almost dropped. Although he knew Donggua's character, he still couldn't help but ask, "How are you staying with Sanpang? This...?"

Donggua's face turned red, and she quickly explained, "Don't jump to conclusions. I can't explain it all to you right now. I'll tell you when I get back. Sanpang is definitely not the perverted uncle we imagined. The situation isn't what you think. I'll talk to you later, bye."

This left Yan Hui even more confused, his head full of curiosity. What was the situation? It was driving him crazy to hear only half the story.

He couldn't wait for Donggua to return and explain everything.

Unable to figure it out, he gave up and decided to relax. His brain had been under enough stress lately. He stood up and walked to the middle of the office area, where the editors were busy working.

Yan Hui cleared his throat, clapped his hands, and announced loudly, "Everyone, stop for a moment. I have an announcement."

Everyone stopped their work and waited for his news.

Pausing, he said, "Donggua has successfully signed 'Return to Ming.' This means we have finally secured funding, and we are about to become the dominant force in web literature!"

His words were powerful and inspiring.

The editors were also very happy, clapping loudly and cheering, suggesting they go out to celebrate.

Yan Hui, usually quite serious, waved his arm to quiet them down and continued, "Alright, let's celebrate tonight. Xiaomi, arrange a place for everyone to relax."

"Long live Yan Hui!" "Yan Hui is awesome!" Cheers filled the air.

While Donggua was reporting the good news to Yan Hui, Liu Meng entered the guest room to call Ye Lang. He felt uneasy not telling him, and even now, he felt guilty. Taking a deep breath, he dialed the number.

The call was quickly answered, "Hello, who is this?"

Liu Meng calmed himself and said, "Is this Editor Ye Lang from Illusory Blade Alliance? I'm Sanpang, the author of 'Return to Ming.'"

The other end of the line was immediately delighted, his voice full of joy, "Sanpang, my brother? You finally called. Have you made a decision?"

Ye Lang was a straightforward person, getting straight to the point without unnecessary pleasantries.

Taking a deep breath, Liu Meng said, "Brother Ye Lang, I'm sorry. Due to some reasons, I just signed with Pointing Lady Chinese Network. I'm calling to express my apologies. I'm very grateful for your appreciation. 'Return to Ming' wouldn't have developed so rapidly without your strong recommendation."

The other end fell silent, and Ye Lang felt very sad and disappointed. These emotions were inevitable, and he felt quite uncomfortable. However, hearing the regret in Liu Meng's voice, he realized there must be some unspoken difficulties. He quickly said, "It's okay, brother. Even though you didn't sign with us, I'm still happy that you're bringing such innovation to the web literature world. Keep it up, and don't forget to come to me for your next book!"

"Definitely!" Liu Meng's tone was more determined than ever. He didn't make promises lightly, and when he did, he always kept them.

After hanging up, Ye Lang fell into silence, lighting a cigarette but not smoking it, letting it burn. Xiao Xueqiang, who had been initially excited, then angry, saw Ye Lang's expression and knew what had happened. He confirmed, "Was that Sanpang, the author of 'Return to Ming'? Did he sign with Pointing Lady?"

Ye Lang nodded mechanically. Despite his usual carefree nature, he couldn't help feeling disappointed.

Xiao Xueqiang immediately became furious, slamming his fist on the table and throwing a magazine to the ground in a rage. "I told you not to act on impulse and replace A Chao. Now he won't renew his contract. I told you to take the initiative and contact Sanpang, but you waited for him to contact you. Now he's signed with Pointing Lady. We've lost out, and Pointing Lady will soon crush us!"

Ye Lang had his own principles and wouldn't change them just because of others' words. He understood that Illusory Blade Alliance would face tough times ahead. Despite his bad mood, he said, "I've given all the sincerity I could. If it was meant to be, it would have happened. If not, no amount of effort would have changed it."

Seeing Xiao Xueqiang's frightening expression, he added, "But Sanpang has promised to sign with us for his next book. Don't be too pessimistic. We still have a chance."

Xiao Xueqiang looked at Ye Lang as if he were a monster, as if he were meeting him for the first time, his voice trembling. "Ye Lang, Ye Lang, I used to think you were just a bit old-fashioned and too idealistic. Today, I realize you are naive, and your naivety is laughable. That was just a casual promise. When Pointing Lady offers him a better deal, do you think he'll come to our small temple? Dream on! By then, we might be out of business."

Saying this, Xiao Xueqiang stormed out, truly angry. He had been working tirelessly to make Illusory Blade Alliance the top web literature site, but his dream was shattered. Ye Lang had accelerated the process, and how could he not be angry? He had never spoken to Ye Lang so harshly before, and the harshness even scared him. He didn't know how to stay after saying those words.

Ye Lang sat there in a daze, the cigarette burning down to the filter. He didn't notice until the burning tip scorched his fingers, causing him to yelp and drop the cigarette. Still dazed, he muttered, "A man of integrity, standing tall, would never break his word. How could it be just a casual promise?"