Ghost Exorciser: Is Loved By All
Chapter 644: Manipulation-2

Chapter 644: Chapter 644: Manipulation-2

Qiao Heng scoffed.

"Your reasons are as shallow as your character. Now, leave before I lose the last shred of patience I have for you."

But instead of standing to leave, Yu Mei leaned back in her chair, her smile never wavering.

Her eyes locked onto Qiao Heng’s, a subtle, almost imperceptible glow flickering within them.

"Mr. Qiao," she said, her voice softer now, almost soothing.

"I understand you’re angry. You care about Holea, don’t you? You’ve always seen her as part of your family. But don’t you think... maybe you’ve been too trusting?"

Qiao Heng stiffened, his jaw clenching. Something about her tone made his irritation waver, just slightly.

Yu Mei’s voice grew even softer, like a lullaby.

"I know it’s hard to believe that someone you care about could betray you. But isn’t it better to know the truth, even if it’s painful?"

Her words felt like they were wrapping around his mind, gentle yet unyielding.

Qiao Heng’s sharp eyes narrowed, but he didn’t interrupt her.

"I’m not your enemy, Mr. Qiao," she continued, her tone dripping with false sincerity.

"I’m only telling you this because I care about your family. If you don’t believe me now, that’s fine. But... can you really afford to ignore the possibility that I might be right?"

Qiao Heng’s head felt strangely heavy, his usual sharpness clouded by a creeping doubt.

It was as though her words were seeping into his thoughts, planting seeds of suspicion where there had been none before.

Yu Mei leaned forward slightly, her eyes never leaving his.

The glow in her gaze was more pronounced now, subtle but undeniably present.

"You don’t have to take my word for it," she whispered.

"But think about it, Mr. Qiao. Every time Holea came to your family’s rescue, wasn’t it... just a little too convenient? Almost like she knew exactly when to act."

Qiao Heng’s brows furrowed.

"And as for Cai Bao," Yu Mei added, her tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "do you really believe it was pure chance that she was rescued so quickly? What if... what if Holea knew where she was all along?"

Yu Mei smiled faintly, sensing the cracks in his resolve.

She leaned back in her chair, her voice returning to its calm, composed tone.

"I don’t expect you to believe me immediately," she said, feigning humility.

"But I think you’ll find, with time, that I’m only telling you the truth."

Qiao Heng’s fists clenched at his sides.

Yu Mei stood gracefully, her calm demeanor unshaken. She smoothed the hem of her dress and gave him a small, polite nod.

"I will leave for now. But remember... the truth always comes out eventually."

She turned and walked to the door, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

As she opened the door, she glanced back at him one last time, her glowing eyes flickering briefly before dimming.

Qiao Heng didn’t move, instead, he shook his head and said with disappointment,

"She indeed can’t be compared to Yu Holea. Her manipulation skills are too bad. Did she truly think that I believed her words because of her superpower? Such a newbie."

Meanwhile, Yu Mei stepped out of the Qiao Corporation building, a self-satisfied smile playing on her lips. She adjusted her designer sunglasses, feeling triumphant.

"Foolish old man," she muttered under her breath. "It’s only a matter of time before he turns against Yu Holea. Once doubt takes root, it spreads like wildfire."

She got into her car, her driver waiting patiently at the wheel.

"Back to the mansion," she ordered curtly, leaning back into the plush leather seat.

........

For the next half month, Yu Holea was busy with endorsement and TV series shooting.

During her university exam, she took a break of 4 days and studied for the exam before passing with flying colors.

From an unknown actor, Yu Holea became a E-Rank celebrity.

With the help of Bright Star, Yu Holea’s resources were good.

She was called to the company one day to sign a perfume endorsement. As she was passing by, she suddenly felt a strange kind of dark energy fluctuation in the air.

It was coming from Nan Kelin’s room, an A-Rank celebrity.

Yu Holea stopped outside the room, her sharp eyes narrowing.

Just half a month ago, she had seen Nan Kelin at the company’s entrance, and his destiny ring had been golden with a touch of purple—a sign of good fortune and success.

But now, it was different. The ring around him had turned pitch black, swirling with faint traces of dark energy.

Something was very wrong.

Before she could step inside, she heard voices from the room.

"Nan-ge," Assistant Su said worriedly, "you’ve lost another endorsement. The perfume deal has been canceled too." Her voice was anxious, almost panicked. "Are you sure the acne on your face is getting better?"

Nan Kelin, sitting in a chair with his face partially hidden by a mask, shook his head sadly.

His once-bright eyes were dull, and his body language showed defeat.

Yu Holea frowned deeply.

She didn’t need any more clues. It was obvious—someone had swapped his luck, stealing his good fortune and leaving him in this miserable state.

Just as she was about to knock on the door, Assistant Su turned and spotted her. Her eyes widened in surprise before narrowing into a suspicious glare.

"Hey, you! What are you doing here?" Assistant Su snapped, stepping into the hallway.

Yu Holea smiled politely. "I just wanted to—"

Assistant Su cut her off before she could finish.

"Another crazy Sasaeng fan, huh? How did you even get in here? Security must be slacking off again!"

Yu Holea blinked, confused by the sudden accusation. "I’m not a fan. I—"

But Assistant Su wasn’t listening. She crossed her arms and gave Yu Holea a nasty look.

"Don’t even try to deny it. You’re probably here to sneak a photo of Nan-ge or something! Pathetic!"

Yu Holea’s face remained calm, though her heart sank at the rude treatment. "I really don’t mean any harm. I just—"

Assistant Su rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Oh, please! I’ve seen your type before. Thinking you can get close to a celebrity just because you’re ’different.’ Newsflash: you’re nothing special. Now, leave before I call security!"

Nan Kelin raised his hand, stopping Assistant Su mid-rant. His voice was calm but carried a hint of warning.

"Su, that’s enough. Don’t cross the line," he said, his tired eyes narrowing slightly.

Assistant Su froze, her mouth hanging open in shock. She quickly looked back at Nan Kelin, unsure of what to say.

Nan Kelin then turned to Yu Holea, his expression softening. Beneath his mask, his eyes held a pleading look.

"I’m really sorry," he said, his tone more gentle now.

"My face isn’t in the best condition right now, so I can’t take any pictures with fans. I’d appreciate it if you could..." His voice trailed off as he squinted at Yu Holea, recognition sparking in his eyes.

"Wait," he said suddenly, his voice filled with surprise. "Are you... Yu Holea?"

Yu Holea nodded politely, her calm expression unwavering.

"Yes, I am," she said softly.

Nan Kelin stood up quickly, his chair scraping against the floor. His tired demeanor shifted into one of shock and slight embarrassment.

"I’m so sorry," he said, bowing slightly to her. "I didn’t recognize you at first. Please forgive me for any disrespect."

Yu Holea smiled faintly and shook her head. "It’s alright, Mr. Nan. There’s no need to apologize."

But Assistant Su’s jaw practically hit the floor. She stared at Nan Kelin in disbelief.

"Nan-ge! Why are you apologizing to her?" Assistant Su asked, her voice high-pitched and confused.

Nan Kelin cut her off, his tone sharp. "Stop, Su. Do you even know who she is?"

Assistant Su blinked, her face twisting in confusion. "Isn’t she a Sasaeng fan?"

Nan Kelin sighed and shook his head, looking disappointed.

"No. She is an artist signed by our company."

Assistant Su’s face turned pale. Compared to other companies where seniority was everything, Bright Star had strict rules.

None of the actresses, actors, managers, or assistants were allowed to disrespect the artist signed under the company’s name.

If they find anyone disrespectful, they can make a complaint and the company will investigate the matter.

If any of the actors, actresses, managers, or assistants are found disrespecting the artist, their contract will be terminated and they will be blacklisted from Bright Star.

Nan Kelin looked at Assistant Su, his tone firm but calm.

"Su, you’ve really crossed the line this time. Do you even understand what you’ve done?"

Assistant Su’s face turned pale, her eyes widening in panic. She stammered, "I-I didn’t know! Nan-ge, I thought—"

"You thought wrong," Nan Kelin interrupted, his voice sharp.

Nan Kelin took a deep breath and turned to Yu Holea, his voice softening.

"Miss Yu, I deeply apologize for Assistant Su’s behavior. It was uncalled for, and I take full responsibility. I hope you won’t let this affect your view of me or the company."