"Phoenix?"

Jin Hong glanced at the phone screen, only understanding the magnificent mythical bird amidst the sea of text. "Will they help us?"

"I'm afraid it's unlikely," Hu Li, having mingled among humans for many years, had a keen understanding of human nature. "Unless someone at the boss's level speaks for us or we can offer a reward that interests them, it's hard to find someone willing to take on such a dangerous task."

Beyond the hidden mastermind, the mere involvement with adult websites implicated numerous powerful interests and transactions, including high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen.

"Master, do you recognize this emblem?" Xing Miao, who had been observing Ling Ji, noticed her thoughtful gaze on the phoenix emblem and felt a spark of realization.

"Yes, I do."

Xing Miao, initially skeptical, was taken aback. Before she could fully process Ling Ji's statement, she continued, "This emblem belongs to one of my believers. Every time she offers me tributes, many of them bear this symbol. Mu Lin said it's her... What was it? log dog."

It's "logo."

Hu Li corrected in her mind and then, reacting slowly, grasped the meaning behind Ling Ji's words.

"Are you saying the head of Phoenix Media is one of your followers?" Hu Li's voice, distorted with surprise, almost squeaked, "That ruthless and decisive Bai Luan, who can bankrupt someone with a word?"

"When I first met her, she was just a fragile, pitiful little bird. Has she become so formidable now?" Ling Ji, missing the critical point, was instead filled with pride. "Not surprising, since she's mine."

She sounded very pleased and proud.

Hu Li: "..."

Master, you seem to be missing the point, but it's not entirely wrong either. She vaguely recalled that Bai Luan had a major incident about ten years ago, something deliberately covered up. At the time, Hu Li had little interest and dismissed it as mere gossip. Now, she realized it was likely when Bai Luan met Ling Ji and received her help.

Otherwise, she couldn't have become Ling Ji's follower.

Hearing a familiar name, Zhao Jiong froze momentarily, then glanced deeply at Ling Ji, his eyes full of meaning.

Ah, so that’s why Bai Luan's gratitude to Xianmiao Village was so generous.

Donating money, building roads and schools, sending people, supplies, and food—she provided everything imaginable.

He once thought all that was to thank Mu Lin and his grandson, but now he realized it was all for Ling Ji.

Jin Hong's ears perked up completely, her face tense as if faced with a difficult problem.

Stolen story; please report.

—Oh no, another rival for Ling Ji's favor. When will her position as the number one follower be secure and unshakable?

It seemed she needed to enhance her skills further.

The calmest person was Xing Miao, who neither competed for the first follower spot nor doubted her own abilities. No matter how many people joined, she remained useful.

"In that case, let's give her a call." Zhao Jiong glanced at everyone before asking Ling Ji, "Do you have her contact information?"

"No," Ling Ji glared at him, recalling her previous confinement. "I was imprisoned in the mountains. Why would I need contact information?"

Zhao Jiong: "..."

Oops, forgot about that.

Hu Li, sparked by Ling Ji's mention of imprisonment, had a fleeting thought but was interrupted by Zhao Jiong. "Does your company collaborate with Phoenix Media? Who has Bai Luan's number?"

Setting aside her thoughts, Hu Li called Yu Zhi Yan's assistant, Fu Shaoqin. Shortly after, he sent over a number.

Holding her phone, Hu Li looked around, seeing no one else willing to make the call. Resigned, she dialed the number. "Beep... beep... beep." The phone rang four times before it was picked up. "Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, Ms. Bai, this is Hu Li from Yu Mu Film and Television." Hu Li quickly identified herself. "I have a senior who wishes to speak with you." She handed the phone to Ling Ji, whispering, "Master, this part is beyond my influence."

Ling Ji hesitated briefly before speaking on the phone. "Bai Luan, it's me."

"Screech." The signing pen left a thick, dark line on the document, ruining a contract worth millions. The signer, however, didn't care, standing up with a trembling hand holding the phone. "Is... Is this Master Ling Ji?"

"Yes, it's me." Hearing the confirmation, Bai Luan trembled, her eyes turning red. "Master..."

Her voice choked up, but she forced herself to calm down. "Where are you?"

Learning the location, Bai Luan grabbed her car keys and dashed out. "Stay there. I'm coming over."

She rushed out without another word.

Jin, Bai Luan's assistant, stood shocked as her normally composed and aloof boss stormed out, unable to believe her eyes.

What just happened? Why did her usually calm and collected boss suddenly have such an emotional outburst and run out?

"...Master?" Jin, having caught snippets, frowned in thought. Who could that be?

Twenty minutes later, Bai Luan arrived at Yu Mu Film and Television.

"Hello, do you have an appointment?" The receptionist, seeing a powerful and beautiful woman enter, stood up with a polite smile.

"I'm here for Ling Ji..." She stopped herself in time, changing her words upon seeing the receptionist's confusion. "I'm here for Hu Li."

Before the receptionist could ask more, Bai Luan added, "I'm Bai Luan from Phoenix Media. I just spoke with Hu Li."

The receptionist, having received a call from Hu Li, became even more respectful and guided Bai Luan to the elevator. "Ms. Bai, Ms. Hu is on the thirteenth floor."

Bai Luan nodded. "Thank you."

"No, thank you," the receptionist said, overwhelmed, and returned to her desk after the elevator doors closed.

Then she picked up her phone and sent a message in a staff group chat.

**[Shocking, I just saw Bai Luan in person!!!]**

**[She's even more beautiful than in the news. Comparable to our boss!]**

This message caused a stir in the previously calm group chat.

**[Finance Dept. Rich Beauty: Really? Why is Bai Luan here? Do we have a collaboration? Secretary Dept. Cutie.]**

**[Secretary Dept. Cutie: Just confirmed with the boss, no notification received. Are you sure it was Bai Luan? Receptionist Sweetie.]**

**[Receptionist Sweetie: I'm absolutely sure! She came to see Hu Li, and I took her to the elevator myself.]**

**[Logistics Dept. Angel: Whoa, Receptionist Sweetie is right. I saw Bai Luan on the thirteenth floor!]**

Seeing this, Secretary Dept. Cutie's expression changed, immediately notifying Fu Shaoqin. "Assistant Fu, Bai Luan from Phoenix Media is here on the thirteenth floor."

"She said she's here to see Hu Li," she added, watching Fu Shaoqin's stern face.

Fu Shaoqin adjusted his glasses, a sharp look in his eyes. "Got it. You may go."

He then called the thirteenth floor and the receptionist, confirming the information before knocking on the CEO's office door. "President, Bai Luan from Phoenix Media is here."

"What's her business?" Yu Zhi Yan, just packing freshly baked cookies into a box, raised an eyebrow. "Who is she here for?"

"Hu Li," Fu Shaoqin's gaze paused on the box of cookies, "but the receptionist said she first asked for Ling Ji." He stepped back, clearing the way.

"Why does she need Ling Ji?" As expected, Yu Zhi Yan's nonchalant expression changed upon hearing Ling Ji's name. "I need to check this out." She closed the box and headed out.

Fu Shaoqin, used to this, followed, raising Ling Ji's status even higher in his mind.

In a lounge on the thirteenth floor.

Bai Luan, seeing Ling Ji after years apart, hugged her tightly.

Jin Hong, having kept her eyes on Ling Ji, watched Bai Luan clinging to her and clenched her fists, ready to intervene.

"Master, why didn't you tell me you were in Pengcheng? I could have come to pick you up." Smelling the faint dragon scent on Ling Ji, Bai Luan felt like a ship finally finding its port.

"How long have you been here? Where are you staying? Are you eating well?" Without waiting for an answer, Bai Luan bombarded her with questions.

"Let go of Master Ling Ji. I can answer that," Jin Hong, unable to bear it, stepped forward. "We've been here for five days, staying at Guan Ming Garden, eating well."

"Guan Ming Garden?" Bai Luan released Ling Ji, frowning. "Why stay there?"

"The environment is average, traffic inconvenient, and the units are small. I have several newly renovated villas. Pick one, and I'll have it prepared immediately."

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