Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

Chapter 169 The Valentine's Day Arc (25) : Mr. Liu Makes His Appearance

The announcement was accompanied with loud claps and cheers. When Ai had entered this Summit, she was eyed with disdain. But now, everybody held respect for her. It seemed as if the accident that had maligned her name was washed away with her victory.

Ai thanked Mrs. Qing from the bottom of her heart. "Thank you so much."

She nodded. "You deserve it. There are areas of improvement, but if you continue like this, there is nothing that could stop you from going higher."

She bowed. "I appreciate it."

Mrs. Qing then went over to Guiying's side and talked to her. "You did well, CherryBlossom. Don't let this night dishearten your spirit. Losing here doesn't mean you lost as a writer."

Guiying smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Qing. It's more than enough that you appreciate my story."

Mrs. Qing nodded with satisfaction. As she left, Zhan Yahui expressionlessly said, "Let's go, Guiying."

"...You go ahead," she weakly said, "I will leave later."

Guiying stared at the crowd gathering around Ai, not able to understand what her mind was thinking. She felt all of her thoughts come to a silence. Yet a smile was at her lips as she approached Ai. She hugged her tightly. "Congratulations, Ai! I am so happy for you!"

Ai slightly stiffened, but she kept her smile. "Thank you, Guiying."

Some felt that CherryBlossom would feel sour about this loss but with her reaction right now, it didn't seem to be that case.

Though some thought that she was definitely acting. After all, MissImperfectlyFine was a nobody in Dream High, and she was the star. It would be a great hit that a star suddenly lost and that too with all votes. _{Bi felt emotional as she watched everybody in favor of Ai now. The Summit proved to be a resounding success for her to bounce back. She wiped her eyes that were filled with tears.}

But somebody else's eyes were filled with tears too.

Nian wanted to curse his fate.

They seem to be so close. If Zhou Ai ever tells Xing Bi of my spartan sweets training, I will be so dead! He wiped his forehead that had begun to sweat.

Xing Bi snapped her head to his side and narrowed her eyes. "Thank you for all your help. I appreciate you standing with us. But…we still need to talk."

Nian shook. The last word 'talk' had a very ominous ring to it.

Okay, this is the time I need Jin's help. Jin, where are you!? It's your time to shine now!

From the third floor, Jun was pleased at the fact that Ai won but displeased at the fact that so many people were hovering at Ai's side now. His gaze darkened at people of different publishing companies trying to poach her to join their company.

Jun eyed his cousin dangerously. "Come with me."

"Y-Yes, Bro!"

As soon as they rushed out, Yunru cleared the area around Ai and raised his palms. "Alright. Calm down, everybody. I know you are all excited to take her in but my apologies. MissImperfectlyFine is joining Sky."

Xing Bi's brow twitched seeing Yunru, and she shot a deadly glare at Nian.

Guess what meeting him is reminding me of?

Nian's smile faltered. "Hehe…hehehe…"

One of the men was clearly displeased after Yunru's announcement. "How can Sky claim MissImperfectlyFine now? Hmph!"

"Yeah, you cannot steal her now that she has won."

But the air then went still as Jun entered with the click of his boots echoing the regal but villainous aura he carried. Everybody's jaw dropped by suddenly seeing a drop dead gorgeous man arrive at the scene, especially women. People suddenly forgot how to breathe.

Ai slightly widened her eyes in surprise. She glanced at him and noticed his ugly expression at the people surrounding her. Her heart thumped at his unexpected entrance.

Nian stared at Jun in shock.

He is here? Wasn't he on a date with Shui?

Jun cast a murderous glare towards everyone. "How can Sky claim MissImperfectlyFine? You dare ask that question?"

The poachers were dumbfounded. "Y-You…who are you to talk like this?" _​

He sneered and took one dangerous step towards them to which everyone promptly took a step back. "Liu Jun. I am the CEO of Sky Publishing."

Sharp and shocked gasps were heard. It was the first time that Jun was making his presence known to everyone.

C-CEO!? The one who never made any appearance in the public!? Wait, wasn't it President Chen himself?

"And for your kind information, I was the one who brought Mrs. Qing to the stage to clarify the judging process. Otherwise, you all had conveniently forgotten about the presence of a third judge altogether. Sky apologized and compensated MissImperfectlyFine and protected her unlike you all who were still busy pointing fingers at her even after she had clarified the truth. So, back off," he quietly but threateningly warned.

The poachers coughed hard in embarrassment. His words shut them right up.

Jun then faced Ai straight and cleared his throat. "I know we had some differences in the past for which I will apologize to you once again in front of everyone. I am really sorry for all the humiliation you had to face because of me. Despite everything, Sky will be thrilled to have you as a part of its family. Will you be willing to join us?"

Ai's heart skipped a beat, and she bowed. "Please don't apologize. Like I said before, everything started because of me. Sky tried to protect me as Butterfly, and I sincerely appreciate it. It's not Sky's fault. And yes. It will be my honor to join Sky. Thank you so much."

His gaze shone with joy and he almost pulled her to hug him, but he stopped himself in time.

Fuck, when will be out of here!? He cursed.

The others could only give up in defeat after Ai also confirmed that she was indeed joining Sky.

The CEO personally invited her! So nice! The other authors couldn't help but feel envy.

Yunru smiled in satisfaction from the side. As his gaze fell on Xing Bi and he closely watched her, he frowned. Then he gasped. "Thief!!" He pointed his finger at her.

"..."

Xing Bi coldly smiled, icy flames spewing from her aura. "Thief…and ME?"

Ai blinked in confusion.

Nian snapped out of his daze and was horrified. He wanted to dig a hole and bury himself in it.

I don't want to die so soon!

He grabbed Yunru and smiled, which for some reason, didn't sit well with him.

"My dear cousin," he whispered. "Say one more word and I will end your life right here, right now."

"..."

He burst into tears. "Bro Nian, you don't know! She is-"

Nian squished his cheeks, albeit painfully. "Talk anymore, and you are dead."

"..."

Why am I suffering like this?

Everybody was confused for a moment, but they quickly ignored it. The emcee ordered the judges to be taken away. Their career was over.

The emcee finished the Summit by rewarding Ai with her award and a cash prize.

Yating, who stood at the darkest corner, smiled as he saw the smile on Ai's lips. She had won just like he wanted. Even though she didn't stand by his side at this moment, there was no doubt how happy he was for her.

His heart trembled upon hearing that Ai was joining Sky. That was the end. It brought tears to his eyes to get separated from her, whether personally or professionally.

But he vowed that it won't be for long.

His heart was hurting, but he had another important task to do. To find out who had bribed the two judges against Ai.

His eyes flashed with coldness.

The one who tried to snatch your happiness from you…I won't forgive that person. I will expose the one who dared to plot against you, Ai.

On the other side, Nian looked for his brother after bullying Yunru to his heart's content.

Where is Jin by the way?