Chapter 502: Chapter 502: Going Against the Grain

Old Mr. Gong’s face grew even darker upon hearing Lin Zhiyi’s intentions.

“Lin Zhiyi, don’t push your luck…”

“Sir, please wait and let me finish speaking.”

Lin Zhiyi interrupted him directly without any hesitation.

However, she didn’t confront the Gong Family head-on like she did years ago.

She had been in the homestay business for three years, and the first year she would confront injustices directly, always feeling this way wasn’t beneficial.

By the end of the year, when she calculated the losses, they were substantial.

Later, she learned some strategies from her business neighbors and eventually her communication skills improved.

So this time, she didn’t directly expose Zhao Xuan for plagiarism.

Not only did she not expose her, she acknowledged the work as Zhao Xuan’s own.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be interesting.

Lin Zhiyi said, “Actually, I think Zhao Xuan’s work is pretty good too, I agree with her concept.”

As those words fell, at least half of the people at the table were left puzzled.

Especially Xue Man, Bai Ruoshu, and Zhao Xuan, who were all stunned.

They expected Lin Zhiyi to accuse Zhao Xuan of plagiarism and then find nearly identical works from the files she brought.

They could seize the opportunity to claim that Lin Zhiyi copied.

But Lin Zhiyi surprisingly admitted Zhao Xuan’s design, so how could the play go on?

Zhao Xuan, unable to contain herself, said, “Lin Zhiyi, what exactly are you trying to say?”

Lin Zhiyi explained, “In mythology, there are five dragons: White Dragon, Blue Dragon, Black Dragon, Red Dragon, Yellow Dragon, corresponding to the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. You used platinum and white diamonds mainly, symbolizing the White Dragon, which originally signifies purity and kindness. Yet you embedded such a deep sapphire on the forehead.”

“So what? Purity and kindness align perfectly with the charity gala, it’s flawless,” Zhao Xuan said self-assuredly.

“A hint of darkness amid purity; those unaware might think you’re hinting at some shady dealings at the charity gala?”

“…”

Zhao Xuan was momentarily speechless.

At once, Mr. Gong’s face became extremely unpleasant.

It was well known he was somewhat superstitious by nature.

While not someone described as purely good, he couldn’t tolerate a speck of taint on his reputation.

Ignoring Zhao Xuan’s expression, Lin Zhiyi addressed Mr. Gong directly, “Sir, you also feel it’s inappropriate, right? So I designed an alternative dragon ring.”

Before she could elaborate, Zhao Xuan pointed at her and shouted, “Lin Zhiyi, you’re plagiarizing!”

Lin Zhiyi smiled, “Zhao Xuan, I haven’t even presented my design, how could you know I copied yours?”

“I used dragon imagery, so did you. What else could it be if not plagiarism?”

“Then you should sue our ancestors. And did you not hear what I just explained? Yours is mostly a White Dragon, while I designed a… Yellow Dragon. The Yellow Dragon symbolizes power, prestige, and glory.”

As she spoke, Lin Zhiyi enlarged her design on the screen.

She explained, “The material used is ice yellow jade, every piece of jade is unique, so I’ve consulted a jade carving master in advance, and selected materials that can achieve a realistic replication.”

“I didn’t connect the design end to end, instead opted for a coiled posture, better showcasing the dragon’s raised head and imposing presence.”

“Power, wealth, unrivaled dominance. Most importantly, in the five elements, Earth generates Metal.”

This was precisely what Mr. Gong truly wanted.

At this moment, Mr. Gong was rubbing his fingers, seemingly contemplating something.

He had to admit, Lin Zhiyi hadn’t wasted her time with the Gong Family, she knew well what he wanted.

Yet, despite this, he wasn’t a man to be manipulated by any woman.

Mr. Gong’s expression turned stern, he slightly opened his mouth to say something.

Suddenly, a housekeeper at his side leaned in.

“Sir, please have a look at your phone.”

Taking the phone, Mr. Gong glanced at it, a paparazzo had revealed the hardships Lin Zhiyi and Liu He experienced living with the Gong Family.

Hardships!

In short, the report made the Gong Family appear like a den of torment, continuously afflicting this mother and daughter.

Furthermore, someone exposed that years ago Lin Zhiyi indeed leaked her own affair rumors, aiming to be expelled from the Gong Family.

Alongside were the WeChat conversation contents.

Among them, Lin Zhiyi repeatedly mentioned wanting to die, at every meal subjected to Mr. Gong’s cryptic insults, sarcastic remarks.

Whether the chat content was genuine didn’t matter, what mattered was the audience’s interest.

Moreover, on the verge of the Gong Group Charity Gala, leaking such a report of mistreating a stepdaughter was akin to tarnishing the Gong Family’s reputation entirely.

Mr. Gong glared angrily at Lin Zhiyi at the front.

However, in the next moment, the housekeeper leaned in again.

“Sir, Lin Zhiyi issued a statement.”

“What? Isn’t she right here…”

Before the words fell, Mr. Gong came to a sudden realization of the entire situation.

He looked at the newly published statement.

“I, Lin Zhiyi, have not faced discrimination or mistreatment at the Gong Family, please refrain from spreading false rumors.”

However, the netizens weren’t buying it.

As soon as the report came out, Lin Zhiyi stepped up with a statement, undoubtedly odd.

“Miss, are you being coerced?”

“Her mom is still in the Gong Family, how could she speak badly of them?”

“Never expected the Gong Family to be such a clan.”

After reading the comments.

Mr. Gong looked up at the person most likely orchestrating everything.

Gong Chen.

Father and son exchanged a gaze.

Gong Chen remained expressionless, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Mr. Gong put down the phone and said through clenched teeth, “Alright, we’ll choose Lin Zhiyi’s design, expedite the production.”

Lin Zhiyi nodded, “Yes, Sir.”

Upon finishing, Mr. Gong walked away without looking back.

Zhao Xuan protested, “Sir, why?”

Mr. Gong halted, annoyed, “Because Earth generates Metal!”

Fool!

Can’t even understand plagiarism properly.

Zhao Xuan stood there, bewildered.

How could this happen?

Immediately, she turned her head, glaring at Lin Zhiyi.

Lin Zhiyi ignored her, bowing her head to tidy her things.

“What do you mean? What exactly do you mean?”

“Zhao Xuan, the Third Young Master is still here, it’s not a big deal, keep trying next time.”

Lin Zhiyi used Bai Ruoshu’s response to retort Zhao Xuan.

Zhao Xuan was at a loss for words, not daring to act rashly in front of Gong Chen.

Gong Chen stood up, adjusting his suit, his eyes coldly glanced at Xue Man.

“I’m leaving now, President Xue, don’t let there be any more mistakes.”

“…Understood.” Xue Man’s lips turned pale.

Gong Chen looked up, “Designer Lin, won’t you see me off?”

Everyone looked towards Lin Zhiyi.

Lin Zhiyi, unable to refuse, smiled lightly, “Third Young Master, this way please.”

Downstairs in the parking lot, she finally had time to check her phone.

The screen was filled with notifications.

Upon opening them, she realized that while she had been explaining on stage, the internet drama had already erupted.

“Was this… orchestrated by you?”

Lin Zhiyi looked at the man beside her.

“What do you think?”

“I could handle it myself,” Lin Zhiyi said softly.

“Superstition alone couldn’t sway him, it’s best to strike directly at the sore spot.”

Gong Chen, dressed sharply, unexpectedly spoke in such a blunt way.

He never used to be like this.

Lin Zhiyi held back a laugh, clearing her throat, “Would you say we worked from both sides?”

“Sure, mainly because you considered everything thoroughly,” Gong Chen replied.

Lin Zhiyi’s smile faded, “You noticed, did you?”

Gong Chen didn’t deny, “You were quite unperturbed about your designs being viewed, probably anticipated it early on.”

Lin Zhiyi nodded, “As soon as I returned to the studio, Zhao Xuan targeted me at every turn, yet she was the quietest when I finished my design, which was odd. But I hadn’t expected…”

“Xue Man.”

Gong Chen immediately guessed her thoughts.

Lin Zhiyi only intended to bait an entity, never expecting to pull out Xue Man too.

“I don’t understand.” She shook her head.

Xue Man shouldn’t be like this.

She had ambition, ability, even reached certain heights in the realm of fame and profit.

Gong Chen offered quiet comfort, “The realm of fame and profit inevitably changes people.”

Lin Zhiyi sighed internally.

What was she to do next?

While contemplating, noises of argument came from outside the studio.

Upon hearing it abruptly, Lin Zhiyi even thought the voice sounded familiar.