CHAPTER 636: 【630】ORPHAN’S COUNTERATTACK 99 (3RD UPDATE)

Three days later, their interview aired on CCTV-1, but only the first 30 minutes. The latter ten minutes were instead posted on CCTV’s forum and official website. As soon as this announcement was made, the entire internet was abuzz with excitement.

As netizens were astounded by the couple’s impressive resumes, Sina Weibo approached them and created verified personal Weibo accounts for them.

Zhou Mo, because Tsinghua’s official Weibo account had shared the CCTV interview and tagged his new Weibo, managed to attract five hundred thousand followers within just a few days.

Of course, most of those who followed him were professionals from his field.

As for Yiyi, although official Weibo accounts also mentioned her, she didn’t have nearly the same level of fame as Zhou Mo. However, thanks to her membership in the calligraphy association, she drew official attention too. Even with only one hundred thousand followers, she was quite surprised.

The biggest sensation was Lin Mu. Right after the CCTV interview and the statement was released, he shared it on his personal Weibo account.

Without saying a word, the interview said it all. Originally having thirty to forty million followers, he managed to breach fifty-three million in just one week. That was nothing short of impressive.

Those shadow-lurking, keyboard warriors behind the internet, upon realizing the two were siblings and not lovers, were naturally disappointed.

They had hoped to dig up more dirt on the female lead, but unfortunately for them, Yiyi was too clean. She was so clean that she even did charity work with Lin Mu. The fees charged by their studio were very reasonable. Just the teacher from Tsinghua University’s Computer Department, a master’s and Ph.D. holder from Columbia University—how incomparable and dazzling was her resume, leaving so many in awe?

With such a handsome husband, who would cheat? Not to mention that the supposed affair partner was her sworn brother? Please, stop making jokes.

Ever since high school, the three of them had been inseparable. This was something both sets of parents and former classmates could attest to. They simply couldn’t find any more dirt to throw.

And so, this storm passed. Yiyi, who had initially wanted to travel before the New Year, suddenly lost interest.

Instead, the couple focused on renovating the Qing University house, hoping to move in sooner after the renovations.

After a month of being secluded for filming, Lin Mu emerged and his first order of business was to dine with the couple.

At a private club, Yiyi received Lin Mu’s wedding gift for them—it was actually a three-story villa right next to Lin Mu’s own?

Yiyi was so startled that her hand shook. She quickly pushed it back, "No, brother, this is too valuable. I can’t accept it, I just can’t."

"How can you not accept it? This house isn’t just for you; in the future, we can have our parents come and live together. Our families are so close; wouldn’t it be wonderful for our uncles and aunts to grow old together with my parents? The location is within the Beijing Fifth Ring Road with sixty percent greenery, a wonderful environment for older people. You’re my sister, you even saved my life back then. All I can offer you is this house. If you don’t accept it, it means you don’t acknowledge me as your brother. Make your choice!"

Since their meeting, Lin Mu hadn’t given Zhou Mo a pleasant face. Zhou Mo, far from getting angry, responded with a sycophantic smile, which left Yiyi at a loss for words.

Lin Mu disapproved of Zhou Mo even more because of this house, "Speaking of which, you married my sister, what did you give her? Don’t even think about coveting my gift to her; this is her pre-marriage property and has nothing to do with you. Oh, and about those other properties my sister owns, they’re also pre-marital assets. You,"

Zhou Mo’s eye twitched forcibly at Lin Mu’s warning, "Hey, don’t go too far. I’ve been putting up with you, why do you keep pushing your luck? When we live in Tsinghua, the faculty will assign us a house. I may not have any property in China, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have assets. I have my investments, okay? I might not even be poorer than you. Don’t get too cocky,"

Lin Mu looked at him with disdain, "Yes, yes, you’re a famous scientist, the foreign folks cling to you, you’re in demand. But don’t forget what your primary job is. You’re a teacher, a professor. You ought to be focused on educating the next generation. Don’t waste time on irrelevant matters. Since you’ve chosen to be a teacher, act accordingly and make sure to spend quality time with my sister. If you dare disappear on her like you used to, don’t blame me for not warning you in advance!"

The meal was difficult to stomach as the two bickered childishly with veiled jabs, even though their arguments were heated. Yet, she felt that their friction reflected a true bond, the kind that gets stronger the more they quarreled.

Her love blessed by her brother was what comforted Yiyi the most.

On January 11, 2011, a day filled with "Yiyis", the two dressed in white shirts, took their marriage license photos, and registered their marriage.

Finally, they made a Weibo post to show the naysayers that they were not the so-called faux couple.

Their Weibo post received numerous blessings from official V and big V accounts, of course, with Lin Mu’s being the most eye-catching. He reposted her Weibo and added a comment.

"After nine years of pursuit, we’ve reached fruition. May my sister be blissfully happy and enjoy lifelong companionship!"

That year during the Spring Festival, Zhou Mo brought both sets of parents to the Beijing Fifth Ring Road villa. The villa had been renovated in advance, with two houses sharing identical designs and even new furniture, ready for them to move in straight away.

Celebrating the New Year with both families, Zhou Mo wouldn’t just accept this multi-million-dollar mansion. He gifted Lin Mu’s family five percent of the shares of a major internet portal.

What surprised Yiyi most was that this video website turned out to be one of the three major players in the future, particularly the most influential Penguin???

Yiyi was unsettled and looked incredulously at Zhou Mo, "When did you invest in this video website?"

Zhou Mo replied calmly, "Quite some time ago. I think they approached me from the time I went to the States. I saw it as a developing trend, so I took a ten percent stake through a technical investment. Now, I am giving five percent to Lin Mu, and I want to give the remaining five percent to you,"

Yiyi immediately shook her head like a rattle drum, "You keep it for yourself. I can’t. I’m not interested in this industry; I’m content with teaching my classes,"

Lin Mu slapped the table, "Are you crazy? A technical stake means you don’t have to deal with anything; just wait to collect the money. Others are doing the work, so why not take it? Take it. This is what he should give you. I’ve known all along this guy was capable, but didn’t expect him to be this awesome. Don’t turn it down – it’s free!"

Zhou Mo, speechless, looked at Lin Mu, "Hey, don’t go too far, or else if you corrupt my wife, I’ll hold you accountable!"

"Hey, who are you calling? I’m your Uncle, how dare you speak to me like that?"

Seeing the situation rising, Yiyi rubbed her temples and stood up to go help in the kitchen...