Chapter 26: Unknowingly Taming the Protagonists

Su Zhihan became an overnight sensation.

Previously, the Su family had shifted their business interests abroad, and their domestic status and reputation had gradually faded. Although the eldest daughter of the Su family remained in the country, everyone knew that her parents’ marriage was troubled and that they likely cared little for their daughter. Yet, seeing her now, it was clear that the young lady had not reined in her temper at all—and regardless of the circumstances, she remained the Su family’s only daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Su, far away overseas, heard about the incident from their domestic business partners. To them, this was merely a child’s tantrum. After all, Su Zhihan had always been arrogant and hot-tempered; she was capable of far worse than just verbal insults—she might have even resorted to physical violence. Thus, seeing her merely resort to snide, roundabout insults seemed like an improvement. They didn't have high expectations for this daughter.

For once, Su Zhihan received a call from her parents. She listened to their perfunctory concern and responded with equal indifference. This plastic parent-child relationship was maintained by nothing more than these few hollow exchanges. Ji Han and the others sat beside her, listening to her dismissive tone, wondering how her family had managed to let their relationship devolve into such a state.

After the call ended, Song Miaoke couldn't help but ask, "Zhihan, is your relationship with your parents not good?"

Su Zhihan replied dryly, "You really know how to ask questions; that was far too polite."

Ji Han coughed twice, pulled Song Miaoke aside, and whispered an explanation about the Su family’s situation. Song Yu also felt that Song Miaoke was a bit dim-witted, but then again, she was the quintessential "sweet and naive" heroine; it would be strange if she weren't.

Su Zhihan tossed her phone aside, reclined comfortably on the sofa, and began to demand her reward. "Everyone, the banquet matter is settled, so it’s time to settle our accounts."

The three people present looked at her, confused. "Settle accounts? What accounts?"

Su Zhihan began counting on her fingers. "First, I helped you resolve the crisis. Second, by helping you, I’ve certainly incurred the hatred of the Tang family. Third, I drew all the fire and attention, and even staked my own reputation on it." She smirked. "So, shouldn't you compensate me? Especially you two lovebirds."

She had no intention of letting this pair of "incompetent darlings" off the hook.

Ji Han, already accustomed to being fleeced by her, asked directly what she wanted. "The usual rules: no coveting my position, and absolutely no coveting my parents!"

Su Zhihan rolled her eyes and scoffed, "How stingy! Do you not understand the joy of sharing?"

Ji Han chuckled coldly, "Have you ever seen anyone share their parents? I’ll give you that villa at the resort. Does that satisfy you?" Spending a little money to appease this little demon was worth it. Ji Han had calculated carefully; he had owed her a favor previously, and he didn't want to owe her another one.

"That’s the spirit! You’re truly my good brother!" Su Zhihan loved people who were straightforward—especially those who gifted houses at the drop of a hat.

Song Yu laughed, "Since Old Ji is giving you a house, I’ll give you a car!"

Just like that, she had both a house and a car, though she wasn't exactly lacking in either. In this world, she had to stay until the end of the novel—that is, until this pair was officially married and the plot concluded. Then, she could move on to the next world. She wondered if she could convert these assets into real currency to take with her; she hoped heaven would grant her this small wish.

The Tang family did indeed harbor a grudge against Su Zhihan following the banquet, but they dared not strike at her directly, so they chose a softer target. Among the four of them, Song Miaoke was the only "soft persimmon"—after all, that was the nature of a heroine. No matter what the heroine did, she would attract hatred; in the eyes of some, her very existence was a mistake.

Sure enough, a few days later, problems arose with the business at Song Miaoke's company, and for the first time, she found herself working overtime. Seeing his girlfriend coming home late every day, Ji Han couldn't understand how such a small company could have so much work.

Song Miaoke was scolded by her boss daily and saddled with all the menial, grueling tasks. Her colleagues had already made it clear: the company’s current struggles were all because of her. "You offended someone out there, and now everyone in this company is suffering because of you. Can't you show us some pity? We're just ordinary people; we can't afford to offend those high-and-mighty figures!"

"We have a business trip in two days. You’re coming with me to apologize to them properly. If things are resolved, everything will be fine. If not, you’ll have to deal with the consequences!"

After being berated, Song Miaoke emerged with red-rimmed eyes. She couldn't fathom who she had offended. She had always prided herself on getting along with everyone—how could she have made an enemy? Tearfully, she told Su Zhihan everything.

As for her being bullied and targeted, Su Zhihan found it perfectly normal. "Offending a high-and-mighty figure? That must be because of Ji Han. He’s surely been playing the field again, and that’s why you’re implicated."

(Ji Han: "This time, it really wasn't just me!")

"Just tell him and let him handle it. If your company has problems, he can fix them with a single word. Instead of sitting there crying, you might as well go find him."

Song Miaoke hesitated; she wanted to rely on her own abilities and didn't want to depend on Ji Han for everything. Hearing this, Su Zhihan laughed in exasperation. "If you want to solve it yourself, why are you calling me?"

"Someone has it in for you; it’s perfectly normal for your boyfriend to help. If you’re going to keep everything so separate from him, why are you even dating? You might as well break up now."

It must be said that Su Zhihan’s tongue was truly venomous; Song Miaoke was so stunned by the lecture that she forgot to cry. Yet, after being scolded, Song Miaoke actually felt much better, and she realized that Su Zhihan was quite right. In her eyes, although Su Zhihan spoke harshly and unkindly, every word was the truth, and she always helped her solve her problems. Deep down, Song Miaoke felt a small sense of reliance on her. Even if she was scolded every time she called, she felt strangely satisfied.

After finishing the call with Song Miaoke, Su Zhihan immediately called Ji Han and proceeded to berate him thoroughly. Ji Han was left bewildered—what had happened now? Who had angered this ancestor this time? It wasn't until Song Miaoke told him about the company issues that he understood why Su Zhihan had called to lecture him. This crazy girl’s temper was growing worse by the day—couldn't she just speak properly?

However, even though her tongue was sharp, she had indeed solved quite a few of their problems. If there came a day when Su Zhihan wasn't so sharp-tongued, he might actually find it strange.

Without even realizing it, Su Zhihan had completely tamed the hero and heroine.