The matter concluded with Duan Yakun's apology and Zhao Xiaodao Studio withdrawing the lawsuit.

There was no choice. Duan Yakun was at fault, and stubbornly resisting would only lead to greater losses. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaodao, who also needs to navigate the entertainment industry, couldn't afford to leave an impression of being mercilessly aggressive, so she took a step back.

Of course, it wasn't that Zhao Xiaodao truly forgave Duan Yakun, but she knew that Duan Yakun's future was already over.

Not just Zhao Xiaodao, everyone knew that Duan Yakun was definitely done for...

The crew of "Female Doctor Mingxiang" kicked Duan Yakun out citing breach of contract, and replaced him urgently. Other shows and variety programs featuring Duan Yakun started re-editing too.

Overall, it was the first big drama of the year, causing a stir and delighting netizens, ultimately sacrificing a popular young idol.

...

The next day, Zhao Xiaodao took a few people to tour Ming and Qing Palace and Yuanming New Garden, and they said their goodbyes on Sunday afternoon.

Zhao Xiaodao flew back to Beidu, while Lu Zheng and the others drove back to Hai City.

"The young lady is nice, she even liked all my videos."

On the way home, Shen Ying cheerfully showed the video comment section to Liu Qingyan, Lin Wan, and Si Lingxi. Since she followed Zhao Xiaodao back, she could see that Zhao Xiaodao liked all her videos too, so she returned the favor by liking several of Zhao Xiaodao's videos, enjoying the fun.

Lu Zheng was driving, and as the day started to fade, he turned around to ask, "What are we having for dinner?"

Si Lingxi, sitting in the second row, replied, "I want to eat your cooking."

Lu Zheng nodded, "Ok! Let's head straight home!"

"Ding Dong!"

A soft sound announced a new message on Si Lingxi's phone. She picked it up and saw Gu Tingting asking if she was available, saying she had made great progress recently and wanted to invite Si Lingxi for a meal to express her gratitude.

Si Lingxi casually replied, "No need."

...

Meanwhile, Gu Tingting and Liu Jingqin looked at Si Lingxi's reply, facing each other in surprise.

"This girl..." Liu Jingqin clicked her tongue, "She's quite aloof..."

Gu Tingting nodded repeatedly, "Yes, her presence is remarkable. I barely dare to speak in front of her."

A few days ago, due to Si Lingxi's guidance, Liu Jingqin played an impressive "Drunken Fisherman's Evening Song", even surprising herself.

Initially, she thought that it was something Si Lingxi had studied for about ten days before suggesting, as it was indeed ten days since Gu Tingting sent her this piece.

Nonetheless, it was still astonishing!

Liu Jingqin couldn't imagine someone could advise her and thereby significantly boost her skills.

However, later Gu Tingting mentioned that Si Lingxi's response time was unpredictable; sometimes just a few seconds, other times several days, as if she often ignores her phone. But from her prompt replies, it seemed Si Lingxi barely needed to think to advise Gu Tingting.

So… Liu Jingqin stayed silent...

In the following two days, Liu Jingqin continued to familiarize herself with the piece, playing it increasingly smoothly, feeling more and more delighted. She grew curious about Si Lingxi, and asked Gu Tingting to invite Si Lingxi, hoping she could join and meet her.

Liu Jingqin had many questions for Si Lingxi, like where did she learn music, why didn't she take action after composing a timeless classic with her boyfriend, and whether she wanted to join the National Music Association or not.

She didn't expect that Si Lingxi had no intention to meet Gu Tingting at all.

"How about I mention you want to meet her directly?" Gu Tingting proposed.

Liu Jingqin's eyes flickered before shaking her head, "No, judging from the video and her recent reply, she genuinely doesn't seem to care. If rejected, it won't be easy to seek her guidance later."

"Oh, oh." Gu Tingting nodded dumbly.

"Never mind, let's discuss this later." Liu Jingqin shook her head, "Since you have her contact, nurture the relationship over time. Once you're closer, meeting up will be much more natural."

"Oh, oh." Gu Tingting nodded dumbly.

...

On the other side, on the plane, Zhao Xiaodao was chatting with her assistant about Lu Zheng and the others.

"Sister Xiaodao, Miss Si and the others are so gorgeous and elegant, they really are..."

"What do you think of Brother Lu then?"

"So handsome!" The assistant's eyes sparkled instantly and her cheeks blushed, "Effortlessly subdued the world champion of fighting, treating gunfire like nothing, such a MAN's man, give me a dozen!"

Zhao Xiaodao, "..."

"Ahem!" The assistant cleared her throat twice, "Of course, I know I'm not good enough for Brother Lu, so I've long given up."

"Why don't you try not to give up then?" Zhao Xiaodao pouted, "Such men aren't plentiful, so this situation is understandable, right?"

"But can Brother Lu handle it?" The assistant seemed to recall some unhealthy imagery, her face turning even redder.

Zhao Xiaodao grinned, "What are you thinking?"

"Nothing, nothing!" The assistant shook her head repeatedly.

"Relax, Brother Lu is very healthy; he can handle four more." Zhao Xiaodao remarked casually.

The assistant didn't know Zhao Xiaodao's skin almost returning to her twenties was due to Lu Zheng, nor was she aware of Lu Zheng's remarkable medical skills, seeing him merely as a city soldier king brimming with a sense of security.

But Zhao Xiaodao knew more, understanding Lu Zheng's capabilities well. He can concoct Beauty Pills, so wouldn't regular supplements be a piece of cake?

However, Zhao Xiaodao was also very curious about Si Lingxi and the other three women and was uncertain about their identities and what abilities they possessed.

...

That day, as the sky darkened, at around six o'clock, they finally arrived home.

Then Lu Zheng decisively started preparing food, ensuring the four women had dinner by 7:30 PM. After resting for a while, it was time to help them change and rest, and eventually, attend to them one by one.

...

Early the next morning, Lu Zheng took Liu Qingyan back to Tonglin County.

Just as he dropped Liu Qingyan off at Renxin Hall's entrance, readying himself to return to Blue Star to play a game with Shen Ying and Si Lingxi, a cloud descended from the sky.

"Sister! Brother-in-law! Sister Du!"

"Ao Qian!"

Lu Zheng, Liu Qingyan, and Du Yueyao looked up and saw Ao Qian and three other figures descending together.

"Brother Lu! Miss Liu! Miss Du!"

"Brother Ao Kuo! Miss Ao Yun! Miss Ao Run." Lu Zheng greeted with a smile, "What brings you all here?"

Ao Qian stood with her hands on her hips, pouting playfully, "Sister! Brother-in-law! We promised last year at New Year's, that you would visit East Sea often, yet I waited an entire year without seeing you!"

"Haha... just a little unexpected..." Lu Zheng chuckled, taking out a chocolate bar and handing it to Ao Qian, "Last year was quite hectic, only recently have things settled a bit. We were planning to visit East Sea this month."

"Really?" Ao Qian was doubtful.

"Really!" Lu Zheng nodded earnestly.