Chapter 178: Worse Than a Bird

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Song Ling’s eyes darkened as she heard the mention of the trophy.

“Madam, what’s wrong?” inquired one of the nannies.

Observing Song Ling on the verge of fainting, the two nannies rushed to her aid.

Overwhelmed and dizzy, Song Ling struggled to stand. “No, don’t bring up the award again…”

“Yes, yes, of course. Let’s avoid discussing it any further. Madam, let me assist you to the sofa for some rest…” The nanny promptly guided Song Ling to the sofa and poured two glasses of water. “Old Master, have some water too!”

Fang Liguo found himself in an unprecedented predicament. Perplexed by Jiayi’s act of plagiarism, especially against Fang Yuan, he felt the weight of being ridiculed by everyone.

“Yuanyuan, that girl…” Song Ling couldn’t even muster a curse.

The nannies, assuming Fang Yuan had caused their distress, promptly scolded her.

“Did that ingrate upset you again? 1 wondered why Miss Jiayi returned in tears; she seemed to have endured a lot. Now I see it’s because of that ingrate!” “Indeed! What audacity! Without the care of Old Master and Madam, she wouldn’t have survived this long!”

“How heartless! Even crows show gratitude. She’s worse than a bird!”

“Enough!” Fang Liguo’s frustration mounted. “If Jiayi hadn’t plagiarized, would she have had the opportunity to embarrass herself on stage? If blame is to be assigned, it falls on Jiayi for not informing us beforehand…”

Had they known in advance, they wouldn’t have attended the award ceremony and become the center of such a humiliating spectacle.

The nannies were taken aback. Miss Jiayi plagiarized Fang Yuan’s work? Publicly humiliated on stage? The awkward expressions of the returning family suddenly made sense…

At that moment, Song Ling’s phone rang. Seeing that it was a call from Mrs. Li, she felt a surge of anxiety. “Hello, Mrs. Li…”

“Mrs. Fang, the award ceremony concluded at 12:01 p.m. today. Our official Weibo account announced Miss Fang as the spokesperson at the same time. However, shortly after, I received a call informing me that Miss Fang’s entry was accused of plagiarizing Master Qingyin’s ‘Wish’ and she was even publicly confronted by Master Qingyin?”

Song Ling understood the reason behind Mrs. Li’s call. She spoke apologetically, “Mrs. Li, please allow me to explain…”

Angrily, Mrs. Li cut her off. “The news has spread, and I only learned about it from others half an hour later. Now, there’s a widespread boycott of my piano brand. We have no choice but to delete our Weibo post. The situation has escalated, yet you haven’t provided any updates. Where is your explanation?”

Song Ling winced. “Mrs. Li, please hear me out…”

“Mrs. Fang!” Mrs. Li wasn’t interested in explanations. “Our contract is clear. Throughout the contract period, Fang Jiayi cannot be associated with any negative publicity, or she will be liable for a tenfold breach of contract penalty… As per the terms, you are required to pay me 50 million within ten days. If not, we’ll see you in court!”

“Mrs. Li…” Song Ling attempted to speak, but Mrs. Li had already ended the call. When she tried calling back, the number was blocked.

Disheartened, Song Ling pondered where she could find 50 million.

Despite Fang Liguo’s status as the wealthiest person in Haicheng City with personal assets exceeding one billion, most of their wealth consisted of fixed assets—shares, properties, cars, and the like.

Their financial situation had already been strained due to Fangyuan Capital severing ties with them, leaving them unable to access their funds. Coupled with significant losses from investments and the sale of various properties, losing another 50 million was a severe blow. Selling their shares seemed like a solution, but doing so would relinquish control of the company to Madame Old Fang and other shareholders.

Absolutely not. Selling the shares was not an option.

“All of you can leave!” Song Ling dismissed the nanny and turned to Fang Liguo with anxiety. “What should we do now? Jiayi violated the contract, and Mrs. Li is demanding 50 million yuan. We only have ten days!”

Before Fang Liguo could respond, his phone rang—an unknown number.

“Hello.”

“Is this Mr. Fang Liguo? I’m Ms. Qingyin’s agent…”

Fang Liguo was taken aback, “What? You’re seeking 60 million in compensation?”

“It’s quite simple. Miss Fang plagiarized Madam Qingyin’s work and entered the competition for personal gain. This is a serious infringement. According to our country’s laws, you are liable for corresponding civil responsibilities.”

“Cease infringing on Ms. Qingyin’s rights immediately and mitigate the damage. Following a public apology, compensate Ms. Qingyin for all her losses.”

“Considering Ms. Qingyin’s reputation, 60 million yuan is already a lenient offer.”

“If we don’t receive the compensation within three days, we will proceed to take legal action against Miss Fang, and we’ll announce it on our official Weibo…”