Chapter 122: It's Hard to Avoid Fame

Xiao Yuchun fell silent, then continued: "My father said, money cannot make up for your pain, but the incident has already happened; this is the only thing I can do for you."

Seeing this, Xiao Yuchun's mood also became extremely heavy.

She was only a few years older than that boy; at such a wonderful age, he had lost his mobility, and she could imagine Tao Bo's despair.

After hearing Xiao Yuchun's words, Qiu Yueqing couldn't help but burst into loud sobs.

Xiao Yuchun's words also reached some passing medical staff and patients; everyone's eyes turned red, it was so moving.

Moreover, someone even filmed a video and posted it online; upon seeing it, netizens were moved once again.

"Surely that's the style of a big shot— that woman posted the video online, causing him to be misunderstood by netizens for so long; unexpectedly, he wasn't angry at all, and still treated that mother and son so kindly. In fact, that woman did it only because she didn't know the truth, but Xiao Ming really did suffer online attacks."

"Fate, that boy is truly pitiful— he had just gotten into college… Fortunately, with Xiao Ming around, at least their livelihood will have some guarantee; if that boy were sent abroad for treatment, he might still have a chance to recover some health."

"National father-in-law, that's how impressive he is."

After netizens ran out of praise, they simply started giving thumbs-up.

At this moment, Xiao Ming had his hands in his pockets, standing on the open-air balcony of the bedroom, letting out a helpless sigh.

Actually, Xiao Ming doesn't care at all about the online praise; he dislikes fame the most, so he has kept a low profile all these years.

However, it seems that living a low-key life from now on is impossible for him.

Xiao Ming picked up his phone again to look at the flood of news posted by netizens; they all unanimously marveled at his greatness, on one hand praising his generosity in donations, on the other wondering just how rich he really is.

The news said that just his donations alone amounted to over a hundred billion.

"Why bother reporting all this? Ah, it's hard to avoid fame."

A hundred billion is an astronomical figure to netizens; they'd be crazy not to explode over it.

He helplessly shook his head, stepped forward, placed his phone beside a flowerpot, and initiated a transoceanic video call with Louis, the overseas head of AT Company.

"Xiao." Louis asked solemnly, "Have you thought this through clearly? Are you really going to do this?"

"Mm, confirmed."

Xiao Ming calmly looked at the scenery outside the building and said, "I have prepared for this for many years; back then I told you about it, you agreed, you helped me oversee my plan, and I will repay you with wealth."

"Louis, I thank you for your help these years; I have already decided on this." Xiao Ming said firmly.

Louis sighed helplessly: "Ah, it seems I can't stop you; who made me choose bad friends? I can only go along with you."

……

After a few more days, Xiao Ming thought the netizens' enthusiasm should have mostly faded, but when he went online, he saw no sign of it diminishing at all.

His fame remained just as high; aside from praising him, all they did was praise him.

That popularity rivaled that of a top-tier movie star; I don't know where these netizens get all those words of praise.

On the bright side, something worth celebrating is that the several listed groups under Xiao Ming's name have seen their stock prices rise—not only that, they are now over twenty percent higher than before.

The hundreds of billions he had donated have now come back; thus, his daughter Xiao Yuchun, who wants to do charity, can now do so boldly.

……

Inside the president's office of Minghui Group.

After Xiao Ming visited once with his two daughters earlier, he hasn't come back since.

At this moment, he had just finished some important work; Special Assistant Xiao Feng had already reported his work, yet showed no intention to leave, his eyes troubled as he looked at Xiao Ming, opening his mouth several times but stopping himself.

After agonizing for about a minute, he finally managed to say: "President, can I get your autograph?"

Xiao Ming startled, lifted his eyelids to look at Xiao Feng, who quickly handed him a pink signature sheet and a pen.

"You've also picked up that netizens' routine?"

"Hehe, President, you're a nationwide internet heartthrob; my cousin heard my boss is you, and she's been hounding me nonstop, insisting I get your autograph no matter what." Xiao Feng said with a helpless smile, finished explaining, took the long signature sheet from Xiao Ming's hand, and left the office.

Just as Xiao Feng left, Xie Lingyu walked into the office; Xiao Ming was resting with his eyes closed on the sofa, and Xie Lingyu hugged his neck from behind.

Xiao Ming felt her breath but didn't open his eyes.

"Xiao Ming, don't you feel wonderful?" Xie Lingyu asked cheerfully, her restless hands wandering over his body.

"Huh?" Xiao Ming uttered, confused.

"You're actually a huge internet celebrity all over the net; in netizens' words, you're the object of envy for men and the dream man for women." Xie Lingyu said with a sour tone.

Xiao Ming clearly sensed the jealousy in her tone; he gave a faint smile and said, "I never felt particularly remarkable; on the contrary, I feel unable to—just stepping outside feels like countless eyes are fixed on me."

At this very moment, at the entrance of his company, there are many reporters staking out, hoping to capture him on camera, preferably digging up some newsworthy story.

Even uncovering a bit of news about this ultra-wealthy tycoon could make one go viral to the point of having no friends.

"Fortunately, that clip released by the rescue team covers your face, so your appearance can't be made out; otherwise I estimate that stepping outside would cause women to involuntarily throw themselves at you."

"Ah, what a trouble!" Xiao Ming helplessly shook his head; after a few seconds, he turned his head and softly told Xie Lingyu, "Tonight there's a family dinner—don't forget."

"What?" Xie Lingyu first blinked in surprise, then smiled.

"A family dinner?"

"Does he mean that he's also considered a member of the family?"

"You've also been working hard lately; let's have a meal together sometime, family members chatting." Xiao Ming said naturally.

"Okay." Though it's such a simple sentence, it suddenly hit Xie Lingyu's tear point, and her eyes instantly reddened.

After they chatted for a while, Xie Lingyu was about to leave when Xiao Feng came to report to Xiao Ming: "President Xiao, the secretary's side has received many calls from media outlets hoping you'll grant interviews, and TV stations too—they want to invite you to their programs, saying you can set any conditions as long as you agree."