Chapter 9: Trending on Social Media

A stir rippled through the crowd. No one had expected someone to spend such an exorbitant amount on a painting by CH. Whispers drifted into my ears:

"Who is this foreigner? I’ve never seen her before."
"I wonder which wealthy family she belongs to; she’s certainly generous with her money!"
"She’s rich, but she’s a fool to spend a hundred million on a single painting! No matter how wealthy her family is, they’ll be ruined sooner or later."

Qiao Zhuxin remained indifferent to these comments. She walked onto the stage with a calm composure and claimed the painting. Qiao Yanxin, of course, could not possibly outbid her. She had the money, but she couldn't justify spending it like that for a mere painting.

As the auction concluded, Qiao Zhuxin stood by the roadside, where her assistant quickly ran over to open the car door. Just as she climbed in, Qiao Yanxin approached, her face dark with frustration.

"Little Aunt, you spent a hundred million just for this painting. Grandfather will surely have something to say about this."

Qiao Zhuxin sat with her hands folded, glancing at her with cool indifference. "I spent my own money, so why would the old man have anything to say? Do you take me for yourself?"

Qiao Zhuxin’s understated remark caused Qiao Yanxin to lose her composure instantly. "Little Aunt, what have I ever done to offend you? I don't believe I've ever done anything to wrong you. Ever since you returned from abroad, you haven’t had a single kind word for me."

Qiao Zhuxin exhaled and said something cryptic: "Qiao Yanxin, I won't yield to you anymore."

What did that mean? I was utterly bewildered, unable to grasp what she was talking about. When had she ever yielded to Qiao Yanxin? I watched as Qiao Yanxin’s expression grew increasingly sour; she didn't say another word as the Maybach sped away.

Not far off, Gu Tingchu’s parents had also arrived. After all, it was their son’s first exhibition, and they had to show their support. They were dressed in luxurious clothes, though neither their posture nor their temperament matched the finery they wore—it was clear these outfits had been provided by Gu Tingchu.

Gu’s mother walked over and grabbed Gu Tingchu’s hand with a wide smile. "Oh, my son, as expected of you! Look at the scale of this exhibition—so many people came for your first one! And I heard that at the auction just now, someone spent a hundred million on your painting!"

Hearing his parents bring up the auction again, Qiao Yanxin’s face grew visibly unpleasant. Gu Tingchu, adept at reading the room, immediately changed the subject. "Oh, Mom, don't talk about that. That money isn't for me; it’s being donated."

Upon hearing that he intended to donate the funds, Gu’s mother grew anxious. "You child, how can you be so foolish? A hundred million is no small sum. If you want to donate, a smaller amount would suffice; how can you give it all away?"

Several people passing by overheard Gu’s mother’s preposterous statement, their expressions turning vivid with judgment. Gu Tingchu’s own face tightened, and he tugged at his mother’s sleeve, signaling her to stop. Gu’s mother’s eyes darted around until they landed on Qiao Yanxin, and she finally fell silent.

Soon, everything that had happened in the gallery began trending online. The top search entries featured not only Gu Tingchu but also me.

#Qiao Yunzhou is disgusting#
#Qiao Yunzhou abuses his power#
#Gu Tingchu: Who said someone from a humble background can’t rise to greatness?#
#What kind of painting is worth a hundred million?#
#Gu Tingchu is a living Bodhisattva#

These threads were almost entirely filled with insults directed at me and praise for Gu Tingchu. Even the comments below were completely one-sided. Standing behind Qiao Yanxin, I clearly saw those malicious remarks. The only consolation was that I was dead; even if they attacked me with such vitriol, I could no longer feel the sting.

Gu Tingchu picked up his phone and pretended to be anxious. "Why is today’s event trending? It’s all my fault for inviting those reporters. If Brother Yunzhou sees this, how sad he must be?"

Watching his fingers tap away to "like" the hateful comments, I silently rolled my eyes. Qiao Yanxin frowned deeply, though her words were meant to comfort Gu Tingchu. "You can’t be blamed for this, Tingchu. Inviting the media wasn't your fault, and it’s not as if you did this to get on the trending list on purpose."

Gu Tingchu sighed and continued his charade. "Perhaps we should have the tags removed? I don't want Brother Yunzhou to see them and ruin his trip."

Qiao Yanxin hadn't been particularly angry before, but hearing Gu Tingchu’s words, her face turned livid. "I don't think they need to be removed. He did these things, didn't he? Does he expect to deny it? Netizens are merely digging up the truth. If he hadn't done those things, he wouldn't need to fear being exposed."

Gu’s mother chimed in, "That’s right, Little Chu, don't you dare remove them. This is a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself; you might even go down in history for this!"

Gu Tingchu knew full well that Qiao Yanxin wouldn't remove the tags, yet he couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Yanxin, even though Brother Yunzhou left to travel and worried everyone, I’m sure he didn't mean to. Let’s just take them down; I don't want him to be sad."

Qiao Yanxin’s face remained cold. "Tingchu, you are just too kind. If he’s sad, he brought it on himself. If he feels ashamed, he should just come back already. Living it up on the Qiao family’s money while he’s away—he’s certainly enjoying himself."

Qiao Yanxin scoffed, her words dripping with undisguised mockery. Hearing her, I felt a dull ache in my heart. When had I ever spent the Qiao family’s money? Every cent I had now was earned from selling my own paintings, yet Qiao Yanxin, without a shred of evidence, assumed I was living a life of luxury on her family’s dime.

We had been childhood sweethearts for so many years, yet Qiao Yanxin hadn't a single thought of defending me. In the end, I was branded as someone who brought his own misery upon himself. To elevate Gu Tingchu, they didn't care if I was reviled by the entire internet and my reputation utterly destroyed.

My heart felt as if it were being crushed in a fist, the pain so sharp I could barely breathe. Perhaps my death was the right choice. Looking at the relaxed atmosphere between Gu Tingchu and Qiao Yanxin, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. I should have vanished long ago; I should have made room for Gu Tingchu sooner.

Suddenly, I felt the shackles on my body lighten. I don't know how much time passed, but when I regained my senses, Qiao Yanxin and the Gu family were long gone. I had actually broken away from Qiao Yanxin!

I noticed the scenery around me had changed. It appeared to be a basement, surrounded by impenetrable darkness. Where was this? I didn't recognize it at all. The silence was absolute, a chilling, eerie stillness. I scanned my surroundings warily, pressing my hands against the wall, and began to walk step by step down a moss-covered staircase.

At the end of the path was a sealed chamber. In the center sat a blood-stained iron bed, and lying upon it was a man. My mind felt blurred, but as I drew closer, I realized the man on the bed was none other than myself.