CHAPTER 157: CHAPTER 155: HELLO, EX-HUSBAND BROTHER

He gradually tempted her. "With my status, countless people beg for my presence, but I turn them down. With me gracing your little exhibition, your brand’s fame will surely be more explosive than you anticipate, right?"

"Jian Xi, you want Yaowang to leap into becoming an international top-tier brand to prove yourself, don’t you?"

Jian Xi gritted her teeth. "You’re ruthless."

She was truly doing it for her grandfather’s sake.

The striking couple entered together. The vast audience and netizens watching the live stream couldn’t help but start drooling over their screens.

The wealthiest man’s on-screen appearances over all the past years combined didn’t even add up to his appearances in these past few months!

Jian Xi really was a charming woman.

The live chat erupted into a flame war.

One netizen commented, "Didn’t Jian Xi already divorce Si Yuhuan? There was a huge uproar a while ago, claiming Si Yuhuan was going to marry his childhood sweetheart and idealized love, Jiang Qimeng. Why the sudden official announcement of them appearing together? Could the divorce have been just a rumor?"

Another sighed, "On the internet, it’s hard to tell what’s true from false. Look how well the couple gets along! We should just mind our own business and support the Jian-Si couple!"

Before long, a deluge of posts from paid trolls appeared. "Jian Xi, that homewrecker, ruined the childhood sweethearts’ relationship! Jiang Qimeng, once a pioneering influencer, has fallen so low she can’t even show her face in public anymore. Shameless Jian Xi still puts on a ’talented woman’ act; who knows how sordid she is in private."

Then, a flood of photos showing Jian Xi at nightclubs inundated everyone’s screens.

A clear-headed netizen spoke up, "Ordinary people go to nightclubs to unwind. She’s the wife of the richest man, the Eldest Miss of the Jian Family—why can’t she go?"

Then, videos surfaced of Wan Yu hiring male models for Jian Xi.

The netizens fell silent.

Next, a barrage of photos appeared: Jian Xi out and about with Chu Xiao, and Jian Xi laughing and playfully arguing with Zhou Yan...

Having seen too many staged performances, people genuinely hoped to witness true affection among the elite families.

Instantly, a wave of disappointment in Jian Xi swept through the comments.

"CEO Jian, this is bad, really bad!"

Li Bin hurriedly showed Jian Xi the live bullet comments on his device.

Si Yuhuan snatched the tablet. As he read the content, his cold eyes narrowed, and an oppressive chill seemed to lower the surrounding temperature by several degrees.

He was about to order his men to track down these netizens and make an example of them when he heard Jian Xi chuckle. "It doesn’t matter. Bad publicity is still publicity. Why wouldn’t I accept the attention that fate has delivered to my doorstep?"

Lin Bin was stunned for a moment but could only comply.

Watching Li Bin walk away, Si Yuhuan couldn’t help but speak. "You’ve gained attention, Jian Xi, but your reputation is in tatters. Don’t you care about yourself at all?"

"Director Si is worried about me now?" Jian Xi sneered, her slender neck held high like a noble swan, her eyes filled with firm resolve. "How strange. Has the sun risen in the west?"

He probably doesn’t have such kind intentions, she thought. He only wants to help for Grandfather’s sake.

"I don’t need your pity, Si Yuhuan! You must always remember that there’s nothing between us anymore. I won’t accept your help. I’ll handle my own affairs and won’t trouble you. Isn’t that what you always used to say to me?"

Si Yuhuan felt as if a knife had pierced his heart.

He had said those very words to Jian Xi countless times.

It was true.

He was momentarily speechless, his thin lips moving slightly. "Do you really have to speak this way?"

Jian Xi’s heart felt heavy. Ignoring him, she walked off the stage.

Si Yuhuan couldn’t resist following her and bumped right into Jiang Qimeng, who was coming up the stairs.

"Yuhan, where are you going?"

Si Yuhuan frowned upon seeing her. "What are you doing here?"

He looked at her face, caked with countless layers of foundation, and her deep purple, high-necked evening gown that revealed nothing. Comparing her to Jian Xi’s vibrant and captivating beauty... words failed him.

"Of course, I had to attend such a grand event. Jian Xi is so capable, and it’s all thanks to your guidance. If I were as fortunate as her to be nurtured by you, wouldn’t I be just as outstanding?"

Her subtle flattery eased Si Yuhuan’s mind somewhat.

Jiang Qimeng was right, he thought. Everything Jian Xi possessed now was given by him. This woman was inextricably linked to him; there was no way she could escape his grasp.

Noticing his slightly relaxed brow, Jiang Qimeng quickly added, "Do you remember Zhou Yan? He’s also been invited as the finale guest! He’s a major domestic internet celebrity. Jian Xi is truly remarkable."

Si Yuhuan’s anger flared.

So, she didn’t care about her reputation because she had already lined up her next man! he fumed internally. No wonder she was so eager to leave—it was to be with Zhou Yan!

Downstairs, the auction for the clothes worn by the models was in full swing. Chu Xiao, his voice dramatically loud, yelled, "Five million!"

Jiang Qimeng covered her mouth, gasping. "Oh my god! It’s just an ordinary designer suit, and it actually sold for five million! The Chu Family is incredibly wealthy!"

The crowd below erupted with excitement.

The venue’s atmosphere grew feverish, and the subsequent bidding wars became even more intense.

As the hype drove prices up, Yaowang’s clothing was being hailed as top-tier luxury items.

An ugly expression crossed Si Yuhuan’s handsome face. "Such a fickle woman!" he muttered.

Watching him descend the stairs, Jiang Qimeng let out a low, triumphant sneer. Jian Xi, you think you’re so good at playing the field? Having too many men isn’t necessarily a good thing!

The exhibition continued to unfold. The escalating buzz pushed the Yaowang showcase to an unprecedented peak, with online viewership hitting ten million.

This was definitely an epic live stream event.

As the top models graced the runway, the exhibition officially began.

Spotlights illuminated even more stunning outfits. The magnificent garments, blending cutting-edge design with a technological feel, were dazzling. Yaowang’s designers and stylists were clearly world-class, and Jian Xi had spared no expense in creating a production that left the audience utterly thrilled.

The number of live online viewers continued to skyrocket.

Everyone was eager to see just how breathtaking the high-fashion items, which had fetched astronomical prices in the warm-up auction, truly were.

Upon seeing them, viewers couldn’t help but express their admiration; the designs were undeniably at the cutting edge of global fashion.

Meanwhile, netizens remained embroiled in a chaotic debate, torn between Jian Xi’s talent and her supposedly wanton lifestyle.

Zhou Yan changed into a high-end custom outfit in Yaowang’s signature avant-garde, tech-inspired style, which made him look incredibly handsome.

Tempered by time, he had matured considerably. His eyes still held a bright smile, especially when they rested on Jian Xi, sparkling with a light so intense it seemed capable of weaving a galaxy, enough to make anyone swoon.

Wan Yu, the gossip queen, sidled up. "Tsk, tsk. Has someone forgotten who the boss is? You’re not even this affectionate with me. Truly enviable."

"Sister Yu, please stop teasing me. This is my senior’s first major show. Since I have the honor of gracing the runway, I naturally want to present my best self."

"My, my, just listen to him! Such a sweet talker," Wan Yu said with a grin, slinging an arm around Jian Xi. "Fresh off a divorce and already surrounded by admirers! With Chu Xiao paving the way before you and young Zhou Yan adding his charm behind, Sister Jian Xi, you’re truly set to soar to new heights!"

Jian Xi shot her a sideways glance. "And let’s not forget your meticulous planning, oh venerable one. Otherwise, how could someone with my capabilities possibly host such a magnificent gala? More than half the credit for this belongs to you."

Wan Yu roared with laughter, doubling over. Then, she turned, saw Si Yuhuan, and her smile froze.

"Hey there, ex-hubby..." Wan Yu greeted.