Chapter 562: Stubborn Old Iron Shell

Although Yao Beina's matter was settled, the aftermath hadn't ended—media outlets began fabricating stories about the Principal.

They said hitting someone was wrong, that striking him in that setting disrespected Yao Beina's family and disrespected Yao Beina herself, and so on—long-winded arguments delivered with apparent logic.

They relentlessly smeared the Principal; reporters dared not confront him face-to-face but still wrote freely behind his back.

Fang Hong didn't care—he was used to their nonsense, like the daily lies about him and Liu Tianxian: either they'd broken up, or they'd married and divorced again.

People read this stuff because some were deeply upset that Liu Tianxian had a boyfriend and believed she shouldn't have one.

As for slapping You Niao, Fang Hong didn't care—what wave could she possibly stir up? She couldn't even match Yan Zi.

Of course, some reporters dared not write anything, even if openly cursed—they couldn't risk it, because Yutu had paid protection fees to certain media companies, and the unwritten rule was: don't insult him.

Insult him, and you'd lose your job.

But Yutu couldn't buy off every media outlet; today's media were countless, sprouting like mushrooms after rain, and self-media counted too.

Some accounts containing words like "news," "daily," or "online" left netizens unable to tell them apart.

So don't care about them—they're just chasing traffic and making money.

Still, almost no one spoke well of You Niao; nearly everyone cursed her, because cursing her was profitable—her reputation was simply too terrible.

With Yao Beina just deceased, cursing her was seen as righteous, stirring public outrage and gaining comments.

This affair would slowly fade, simply because neither party spoke up or cooperated in stoking the hype.

Soon, it was buried under another story: Shencheng Evening News announced on its front-page headline the establishment of the "Yao Beina Light Foundation."

Initiators included the Shencheng Care Action Public Welfare Foundation, the Shencheng Red Cross Society, the Shencheng Charity Association Xiaoming Eye Bank Fund, and the Bashu Edison Sri Lanka International Joint Eye Bank.

On that same day, Huayi Corporation condemned Shencheng Evening News for illegally soliciting public donations under the name "Yao Beina Light Foundation."

They stated Yao Beina's family and her affiliated company had never authorized the creation of this fund or its use to solicit public contributions.

The next day, Shencheng Evening News retracted its proposal for the "Yao Beina Light Foundation" and returned the two donated sums, claiming it respected the family's wishes.

In other words, the family had never agreed to any of this.

This whole affair was just a farce—someone had tried to use Yao Beina's name for charity, whether to raise money or for other motives, no one knew.

Celebrities wield great influence; using their names for charity can harvest masses of fans—someone always hatches some absurd scheme.

This had nothing to do with Fang Hong or Yutu; they'd merely collaborated with Yao Beina—just one song, nothing else.

So for Fang Hong, this matter ended here—he'd done everything he could as a friend, and before they parted, Yao's father found them again.

He brought up the private jet again, wanting to repay them, but due to limited means, could he pay part of it now?

Yao's father was genuinely honest—most people who fronted money wouldn't mention it again, and the matter would drop, but he insisted on repaying, even seeking them out specifically, clearly unwilling to owe anyone a favor.

Since the person was gone and future contact was unlikely, they needed to settle this.

Liu Tianxian initially refused outright, moved only by pity, but couldn't withstand his sincerity, so she agreed to accept it gradually, in installments, when his circumstances improved.

Only then did they persuade Yao's father to delay repayment for now.

"Yao's parents are too honest—they said no, yet still insist on giving," Liu Tianxian said.

They were at a restaurant—Liu Tianxian, Fang Hong, Zhang Jingying, Shuchang, and several close female friends were all present.

After this meal, they would part ways.

"What's this about?" Zhang Jingying didn't know yet; she leaned forward, taking a bite of food.

"The cost of the private jet for Yao Beina," Shuchang knew—it was she who'd flown along on the plane.

"Was it expensive?" Zhang Jingying was puzzled; given Yao Beina's family's means, they should've been able to afford it.

"One million," Liu Tianxian said.

"That much?" Zhang Jingying was startled.

"It was urgent then, so the cost was higher," Liu Tianxian casually explained.

"Oh!" Zhang Jingying nodded, asking no more.

"You don't understand people like him—Yao's father isn't like us; we're all worldly, but he's a cultured man, an educator—people like him care deeply about face, live for dignity, value honor above all." Fang Hong explained.

People like Yao's father usually had no financial worries; their subsidies and allowances were substantial—they never lacked food or clothing in their lives.

Put it this way: if not for their daughter's death, they'd have zero financial pressure, living comfortably, so they had no material pursuits—only cared about face and dignity, insisted on repaying every debt, refused to let others gossip behind their backs.

Owning others was deeply uncomfortable for them.

"You're the one who's worldly—you're money-grubbing and shameless," Liu Tianxian said, seeing herself as an artistic young woman, unlike Fang Hong, and not loving money.

Fang Hong smiled, saying nothing—he saw her still able to snap back, which meant she was improving; time healed everything.

"Exactly—we're all cultured people, not worldly," Zhang Jingying chimed in, laughing and chatting.

She wasn't obsessed with money either—otherwise she wouldn't have been swindled so badly by men; she was a romantic fool.

"Fine, fine, you're all good people, and I'm the bad one, alright?" Fang Hong ate his meal.

Three women made a drama—how could one man compete?

The women all laughed, the atmosphere lightening; Liu Tianxian held her chopsticks, speaking with quiet gravity: "Yao Beina's death made me realize—people must pay attention to their health; nothing matters more than your body."

"Yes, whether rich or poor doesn't matter—just stay happy," Zhang Jingying agreed.

They began discussing life insights again, but this incident had reminded them: no matter how successful your career, health matters most.

Of course, only those with financial freedom could speak like this—some had no choice but to trade their bodies for money.

"Life itself is meaningless—just eat well, drink well, keep family harmony, and maintain a cheerful spirit."

Fang Hong said this, then asked Zhang Jingying: "How are things with your boyfriend?"

He'd never asked about others' private lives before—he believed everyone had their own fate—but this incident made him think: if you can help someone, you should.

Whether for yourself, for Liu Tianxian, or for those around you, living well was a kind of happiness.

"We're fine—he's been with me over ten years. Everything I've achieved in my career is thanks to his help. He even advised me to study abroad, raise my academic credentials, so I could develop more stably in this circle."

"He also takes good care of me in daily life—once, when I got sick from getting caught in the rain during a concert, he looked after me, bought me medicine, cooked me porridge."

Zhang Jingying spoke at length—she knew everyone around her disapproved of her relationship with Feng Ke, so she explained as much as possible, hoping they'd accept him. Liu Tianxian and Shuchang listened quietly, eating without comment; they'd already tried to advise her and discussed this topic with her before.

But she couldn't resist the fact that the man liked her, and she couldn't deny that he had genuinely helped Zhang Jingying.

To tell the truth, Zhang Jingying's ability to get where she is today has a component of her own talent, but also the effect of someone guiding her in. Without that guidance, it's hard to say whether Zhang Jingying could have become famous.

Because that person was familiar with this circle, and used his own connections and relationships to let Zhang Jingying avoid many detours.

There are plenty of talented people in this world, but those who can truly develop, who can avoid detours, are few. Every industry needs someone to lead the way; without a guide, one can only waste time stumbling along.

"I'm quite familiar with you too, so let me offer a bit of advice. You listen first." Fang Hong spoke seriously.

"Mm!" Zhang Jingying suppressed a smile and nodded solemnly. The Principal being able to do things to this extent meant he certainly had his own insights.

"Emotion is emotion, work is work. You can't mix them together. Once you do, it's easy to lose yourself and lose your judgment of a person. Some people are only suited for cooperation, not for dating.

Take Xixi and me, for example. She's only suited to date me, not to get involved in my work, because she just doesn't have that material — she can't be that ruthless, she doesn't have that insight. If she weren't a celebrity, she'd be destined to work for others."

Fang Hong's words made Liu Tianxian purse her lips — he was belittling her to worthlessness, meaning if she weren't a celebrity, she'd just be a workhorse.

But Liu Tianxian didn't say anything either, knowing this was using her as an example to advise Zhang Jingying.

"What you said also makes sense. Xixi really isn't suited for doing business." Zhang Jingying agreed — she knew her best friend well.

Without this face, she'd just be a passerby. No talent, no education — what's the use of effort?

"So the two of us have always divided our work. I don't get involved in her work, and she doesn't get involved in mine. Like you've seen, giving her roles to act is only because the role suits her. When I come across a good script, I use the convenience of my position to help her out, but it's still based on a professional cooperative relationship." Fang Hong said.

Zhang Jingying nodded, indicating she understood. As her best friend, she knew this clearly — the Principal never interfered with Liu Tianxian's work outside of acting.

When there was a role, he just gave her the role to act.

"But you and Feng Ke are the exact opposite. You two are only suited for work cooperation, not for dating."

Fang Hong saw Zhang Jingying about to speak, looking a bit unwilling. He raised his hand to stop her: "Don't rebut me yet. Wait until I finish."

Zhang Jingying pressed down the agitation in her heart and continued listening to the Principal. She disliked most when people said they weren't suited for each other.

"I won't bring up the age gap between you two, or that he's been divorced and all that, but this man is an old hand. An old hand's emotional life is undoubtedly rich, and his worldly experience is also rich.

If one person says this person is no good, you don't have to take it to heart — they might have prejudice against him. But if a pile of people, a group of people, everyone around you says this person is no good, then you need to consider it carefully. This person's character must have problems." What Fang Hong didn't say was that Zhang Jingying was naive and easily deceived — those words would be a bit hurtful.

"What about you, then? Aren't you also often said to be no good? People are always cursing you." Zhang Jingying's tone was a bit heavy, clearly unhappy with Fang Hong talking about her boyfriend.

"You're talking about those people outside. At first, I was always said to be no good. Even Liu Mama was wary of me. But through my efforts, through some things, I got Liu Mama to approve of me. Has your boyfriend made any effort in this regard, to get your mother to approve of him? No, right?

It's always been you stepping up to the front, even to the point of you and your mother becoming estranged, and he never made any effort in this regard. If she truly loved you, she couldn't bear to see you and your mother at odds, and would definitely make efforts to repair the relationship between you and your mother.

Have you seen his sincerity? Has your mother seen his sincerity? Let me tell you, if a marriage cannot receive the blessing of parents and relatives, it's destined to be unhappy. Your future days won't be easy."

Fang Hong's words were a bit heavy. Liu Tianxian patted his leg under the table, signaling him to be more tactful.

In his past life, when Zhang Jingying got married, her mother and relatives didn't even come. One could imagine how bad the relationship was.

"You can go ask now about the relatives around Liu Tianxian — see who says I'm no good. You also know Liu Mama and Chen Jiaofu." Fang Hong added.

Zhang Jingying was talked into blushing, feeling uncomfortable inside, completely losing the ease she had just had.

Actually, even without asking, she knew. She could say her relationship with Liu Tianxian was even better, even surpassing people like Zhu Yawen and Tang Yan.

And she didn't know how to rebut. She admitted everything the Principal said was right and made sense.

Shuchang listened on the side, not saying a word. This kind of matter wasn't easy for her to chime in on.

Actually, these celebrities are people too. When their brains get muddled, they're even more muddled than ordinary people. Having seen more, being at a higher level, doesn't equal being able to view things and people rationally.

Just from this matter, anyone could see that man had problems. Only Zhang Jingying was stubbornly drilling in headfirst.

"He's been good to you, has helped you a lot over so many years. You can give him some money, even become an artist under him if you want. You don't have to take a share either — just maintain a cooperative relationship. My suggestion is, don't even care about the money. If it's gone, you can just earn it back.

But emotional damage — that's truly a lifelong matter. Both body and mind will be hurt."

Fang Hong could be said to have spoken with earnest and bitter words, having never been so earnest and reasonable with anyone, saying so much.

Actually, Zhang Jingying's problem was the most serious. Shuchang's wasn't that serious — she was just harmed by her cousin, and her boyfriend didn't understand. She could just find another one.

Being able to see a few people clearly through this matter wasn't bad, and nothing was lost. If work didn't go smoothly, they could all help out.

Zhang Jingying really was stubbornly single-minded, throwing her whole self into that man, wasting so many years of youth, causing her family to turn against her. It was somewhat not worth it.

As for being scammed out of money, that was a small matter. With Zhang Jingying's current fame, she could earn it back.

But using emotions — that was a bit repulsive.

These words touched Liu Tianxian deeply. Back then, Fang Hong also encountered a lot of obstacles and lack of understanding, but he proved his sincerity through one thing after another, communicated more, and let everyone understand his intentions and approach.

Only then did he achieve today's family harmony, with everyone mutually accommodating and understanding. Now whatever he does, no one stops him.

Because he has no concealment at all, being in a state of complete trust with his family.

But Zhang Jingying's boyfriend was different. In terms of emotion, he made absolutely no effort to fight for it, letting Zhang Jingying use drastic measures like turning hostile to oppose her family's objections.

If Fang Hong had acted this way back then, they absolutely couldn't have ended up together.

So Liu Tianxian also didn't approve of that man, but it wasn't easy for her to say anything. Fang Hong's emotional ties weren't that deep, so even if he spoke harshly, she could serve as a buffer.

"Principal, I know you're doing this for my good. I understand everything you said, but I feel Feng Ke is truly good to me. As long as he's good to me, that's enough. I don't care how others see him." Zhang Jingying's expression was solemn, her mood heavy. Actually, those words still put pressure on her.

"Since you put it that way, I have nothing more to say. Everyone has to be responsible for their own actions, responsible for their own future." Fang Hong spread his hands.

He also understood — even her own mother couldn't persuade her, so it was impossible for him to change her mind with just a couple of sentences.

He could only give Zhang Jingying some vigilance in her heart, let her go back and think more about it. This matter could only rely on herself.

Fang Hong couldn't possibly sink Feng Ke into the Pacific Ocean! That was obviously unrealistic. If he did anything to harm Feng Ke, Liu Tianxian and Zhang Jingying couldn't even remain best friends.

All the blame would fall on Liu Tianxian's head — not to mention it would be said that her husband ruined them.

Shuchang and Liu Tianxian both sighed deeply. This really was a stubborn iron skull — being explained so thoroughly still didn't get through.

(End of chapter)