Chapter 55: The Shattered Illusion
Tian Xiaotao looked at Lin Bo and said, “But if I do that, I’ll be violating the broadcasting station’s rules and will definitely get punished!”
Lin Bo brushed back his hair again and put on a look of deep affection. “Xiaotao, we’re going to be family someday. My problem is your problem, isn’t it?
At most, it’s just a fine. I’ll pay you back double!
Right now, you’re the only one I can count on. You won’t let me down, will you?”
Tian Xiaotao smiled.
But her smile was worse than crying.
It was exactly what Su He had predicted!
Lin Bo only saw her as someone to use—there was never a shred of sincerity.
The rose-tinted filter she’d always seen him through finally shattered into pieces, stabbing her heart with every shard.
Lin Bo thought she had agreed and immediately started laying it on thick, promising to take her to the movies tomorrow.
As he was speaking, he tried to take her hand. The moment he touched her, Tian Xiaotao recoiled like she’d been stung by a poisonous bee.
Now she fully believed what Su He had said—Lin Bo was a phony gentleman, all polite smiles on the surface, but sleazy and handsy underneath.
Looking at his face now, all she felt was disgust.
Lin Bo finally noticed something was off and asked, “Xiaotao, what’s wrong?”
Tian Xiaotao didn’t want to say another word to him. She didn’t even want to see him.
She turned and ran off, not even caring about the medical expense receipt anymore.
Lin Bo frowned, thinking she was acting weird.
Then he figured she was just overwhelmed by his confession and needed time to process it.
He thought, No worries. I’ll treat her to a nice meal and a movie tomorrow. She’ll come around in no time.
Tian Xiaotao ran back to the broadcasting station, red-eyed. The moment Su He saw her, she knew she’d been right.
With how opportunistic and impatient Lin Bo was, of course he’d take advantage of someone who came to him on a silver platter.
Su He patted Tian Xiaotao’s shoulder. “Looks like I was right! Don’t be upset—it’s not that you misjudged him, it’s just that Lin Bo’s act was too good.”
Tian Xiaotao, hit where it hurt most, looked awkward and was about to throw a few barbs back. But Su He continued:
“You know, I really admire you.
Most people, even when they see the truth, don’t have the courage to cut their losses like you did.
Take me for example—after my fiancé broke off our verbal engagement, I got so worked up I jumped into the river…”
If you want to comfort someone who’s hurting, the best way is to let them know someone else has had it worse.
Sure enough, after hearing Su He’s story, Tian Xiaotao suddenly felt her own troubles weren’t that bad after all.
Embarrassed, she said, “Su He, I misjudged you before. I’m sorry.”
Su He smiled and said, “There’s no need for that between us. I’m just worried more girls might fall for Lin Bo’s act. I’ve heard quite a few are into him!”
Tian Xiaotao clenched her teeth. “Yeah! A bunch of my friends like him—completely taken in by that disgusting facade!”
Su He blinked mischievously. “Then maybe we should sound the alarm for everyone…”
Soon, the public loudspeaker rang out with Tian Xiaotao’s voice:
“Comrade Su He voiced the heartfelt feelings of our many female comrades. Now, let’s listen to her reflections once again…”
Lin Bo: “…”
He nearly exploded with rage!
I asked you to help me, not to ruin me even more!
This is just public execution on repeat!
And what the hell is “voiced the heartfelt feelings of our many female comrades”?! Doesn’t that basically confirm everything Su He said was true?!
Has Tian Xiaotao lost her damn mind?!
What he didn’t know was—this was just the beginning. Over the next few days, whether during the morning, midday, or evening broadcasts, Su He’s commentary and message would be replayed again and again…
The theme was noble, the content had been officially submitted by the Women’s Federation—no one could find fault with it.
When Su He left the broadcasting station, she and Tian Xiaotao were already fast friends, chatting about everything.
To be fair, Su He had planned to use Tian Xiaotao a little—but she genuinely liked her too.
This girl had a clear head and knew when to walk away. That was a rare trait.
Su He bounced happily out of the station and headed straight for the machinery factory.
Before stepping inside, she was full of energy, but the moment she walked in, she instantly turned into a droopy, pitiful little thing.
The men in the factory, full of righteous indignation, immediately pledged their support. Some even vowed to find Lin Bo and throw a sack over his head!
Madam Qian Huifang, who had been worried all day: “…”
She’d always known Su He wasn’t an ordinary girl—but clearly, she had underestimated her!
Just look at this whole maneuver!
No yelling, no fighting—just a dignified apology that completely destroyed Lin Bo’s reputation!
That’s a silent kill!
As for Lin Bo—he deserved it!
Of all the people to mess with, he had to pick Su He. He had it coming.
Still, Qian Huifang warned her, “Xiao He, don’t be surprised if Lin Bo, when pushed to the edge, does something reckless. Try to get home early the next few nights.”
Su He nodded. “Aunt Qian, I know.”
In fact, she was kind of hoping Lin Bo would act out—then she could take him down for good and never worry about him again.
As for her safety, she wasn’t worried. The trading hub had all kinds of items—stun batons, pepper spray, chili powder…
Just in case though, she rolled her eyes and bought a high-value personal insurance plan from the Exchange Market platform.
Looking at the huge string of zeros in the payout amount gave her instant peace of mind.
If that damn Exchange Market System doesn’t want to go bankrupt, it’ll make sure I stay alive.
A string of garbled symbols flickered across the platform screen: %￥#%￥&%&#……
