Chapter 67 Confession: "Our family are multi-millionaires!"...

Chapter 67 Confession: "Our family are multi-millionaires!"...

Ye Hantao murmured, "Shooting an advertisement..."

Last night, she and her older brother talked about advertisements.

Ruihuaxiang, the company that invited her to shoot an advertisement, is still the company where Shao Rong currently works, and she also wants her older brother's autograph.

Ye Hantao shook her head at Liao Jiayue, "Wednesday won't work, I might have to shoot an advertisement that day too."

If the contract signing goes smoothly, makeup and photoshoot can be done on the same day.

Shooting an advertisement? Ye Hantao said she shot an advertisement?

Liao Jiayue didn't hide the surprise on her face. "You're shooting an advertisement? Which brand hired you?"

"The contract hasn't been signed yet," Ye Hantao replied with a smile. "I won't tell you yet."

Liao Jiayue suspected that Ye Hantao was lying.

Even if a brand does approach Ye Hantao, it's most likely some low-end, short-sighted brand that genuinely believes Ye Hantao's popularity can last.

Could it be because of Maze? Could the condition for signing Ye Hantao be that she's tied to Maze?

Liao Jiayue thought to herself, but said with concern, "You have no experience, don't get scammed when you sign the contract."

“I used to earn 5 million for a year as a spokesperson, and after ‘Frost Flower’ gained popularity, they actually wanted to renew my contract for another 5 million.” Liao Jiayue said candidly, “Fortunately, my agent is reliable and we negotiated 16 million.”

Under Ye Hantao's surprised gaze, Liao Jiayue continued, "It would be great if you wanted to be an artist in the future. I can earn about 70 to 80 million a year now, which is less than my dad's company's annual profit, but it's not bad either."

Ye Hantao kept the control group's persona firmly in mind, asking, "How much profit does your dad's company make in a year?"

Liao Jiayue: "Several hundred million."

It's a pity Ye Hantao wasn't live streaming, otherwise she could have boasted that her older brother earns 100 million a year.

"Tao Tao, when is your great-aunt coming to Yuncheng? Don't forget you said you'd take me to see her for a pulse diagnosis."

"They should be available these next few days. I'll go back and check, and then I'll send you a message to confirm the time."

Upon hearing this, Liao Jiayue secretly planned to find an excuse to bring Chen Xiaofeng along to go and find her, so that the viewers in the live stream could see the great-aunt Ye Hantao had mentioned.

After Liao Jiayue and her assistant walked away from the crowd, Cheng Zhao turned to look at Ye Hantao and asked, "Is your uncle here to pick you up?"

Ye Hantao waved her phone. "My dad said the car is stuck outside and can't get in, so he and my brother are waiting at the door."

Zhou Mingsheng returned to Yuncheng in the morning.

As a real estate agent, Ye Weizheng didn't have to work every day. He told Tao Tao that he would show clients properties in the morning and pick her up from the station in the afternoon.

As soon as he finished speaking, two girls, about sixteen or seventeen years old, came running over together, their eyes shining. "Ahhhhh, we guessed right! We knew you were coming back on this train!"

Ye Hantao noticed the paper and pens in their hands and thought of Shao Rong at the auction.

"You want my brother's autograph too?"

"Your brother? Ah! No, no!"

A girl with a ponytail handed over a pen, her face full of anticipation, and said, "Tao Tao, can you sign my name? I'm a senior in high school this year! Can you wish me luck in getting into Yuncheng University of Political Science and Law?"

The girl next to me couldn't wait to chime in: "I want to apply to Yunnan University!"

Ye Hantao was slightly taken aback.

Although she joked that she would practice signing autographs when she was invited by Director Chen to make a movie, she really didn't expect that someone would come to ask her for an autograph.

Cheng Zhao, who was originally standing next to Ye Hantao, took two steps back upon seeing this, leaving them some space.

Today is Monday, but high school seniors also have summer vacation, and school will not start until mid-August, which is next week.

How did you get in?

"We went out for tutoring, it's only two stops away by high-speed train."

The girl with the ponytail who was leading the group explained, "We were originally coming back at noon, but we thought you might arrive in the afternoon, so we bought tickets for the afternoon train."

Hearing this, Ye Hantao took out two boxes of donkey-hide gelatin, a local specialty she had bought, from her bag and handed them over, saying, "These are for you. Drinking them can help replenish your qi and blood."

The two girls happily accepted the gifts, and Ye Hantao also accepted the pen.

"Where do I sign it?"

"This...this..."

They pulled out their blue and white school uniforms from their bags, stretched out the sleeves, and gestured for them to sign.

The school uniform looks very familiar; I wore it for three years in high school.

"You are students from No. 2 Middle School."

"Yes! Senior!"

They had met Ye Hantao before she appeared on the show.

At the school anniversary celebration, Ye Hantao gave a speech as a student representative and also performed a skit with her classmates, winning the gold medal for the anniversary program that year.

"I really signed it?"

“Sign! We have two sets of school uniforms, so we don’t have to worry about the teachers scolding us.”

Ye Hantao carefully wrote on the two school uniforms her wishes that they would be admitted to Yuncheng University of Political Science and Law and Yuncheng University, and then took several photos with them.

Watching the two girls walk away, Ye Hantao was still a little dazed. "I have fans now."

When signing, the two girls mentioned their online IDs, which Ye Hantao recognized.

In the supertopic created by Cheng Zhao, she saw the same ID posting long, effusive compliments.

Seeing Ye Hantao's bewildered expression, Cheng Zhao half-jokingly said, "You'll have to wear a mask when you go out from now on."

"I won't do it." Ye Hantao cupped her face in her hands, her almond-shaped eyes curving into crescents. "You can't hide my pretty face."

Ye Hantao wore a light red dress today, which made her cheeks rosy. Her eyes were full of joy as she spoke.

It is indeed beautiful.

After three days of filming, I didn't look tired at all and still looked radiant. I wish I could stay this healthy forever.

Cheng Zhao pretended to look away naturally, but as soon as he did, he couldn't help glancing back.

"Tao Tao, are you free at 3 PM on Friday?"

"Such a precise time!"

Ye Hantao is not someone who likes to plan too far in advance, so she can only say, "Let's see when I'm free."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhao finally spoke up: "I had a friend book an appointment with Professor Zhou Shumiao for Friday afternoon at three o'clock."

It's very difficult to get an appointment with this person. Lu Yiyan was only able to get one because Zhou Shumiao asked him to come over when she was getting acupuncture treatment for an elder in her family.

But he didn't want to ask Tao Tao if she had time after he made an appointment, because he would be in trouble if Tao Tao had something to do that day.

Ye Hantao remembered Zhou Shumiao.

Dr. Ke, who was invited by the program, mentioned an old traditional Chinese medicine doctor who was very skilled in pulse diagnosis.

Unfortunately, they didn't have time to visit Dr. Ko's clinic later to watch the videos he recorded.

Ye Hantao had never searched for Zhou Shumiao online; she had only heard He Qiang mention him briefly, saying that the doctor's appointments were booked up for six months in advance.

"I've heard that Dr. Zhou is very good at treating illnesses," Cheng Zhao said, looking into Ye Hantao's eyes. "Shall we go together? I can drive you there."

Ye Hantao knew that Cheng Zhao had helped her register, and smiled, "Thank you."

Cheng Zhao said, "You're welcome."

He just didn't want Ye Hantao to have low blood sugar every now and then.

As they spoke, the two walked side by side toward the exit.

They were strikingly good-looking and attracted a lot of attention in the crowd. Occasionally, passersby would turn around to look at them, some looking at Ye Hantao and others at Cheng Zhao.

The paparazzi who were waiting at the door to take pictures of Liao Jiayue did not leave after Liao Jiayue left.

They pointed the camera at Ye Hantao and Cheng Zhao, and as soon as they pressed the shutter, a pair of sharp, long eyes suddenly swept over them through the lens.

His gaze was terrifyingly sharp, like a hawk locking onto its prey, so intense that the paparazzi's fingers froze and their cameras nearly slipped from their hands.

"Damn, how did he find out?"

"He deals with wild animals every day, so his intuition is accurate."

As the paparazzi were talking, they saw Cheng Zhao tilting his head to listen to Ye Hantao speak, a smile in his eyes, his earlier intimidation and coldness completely gone.

"..."

Double standard dog!

Ye Weizheng and Zhou Mingsheng also witnessed this scene.

Ye Weizheng: "He recognized Tao Tao?"

Zhou Mingsheng: "Is it very important?"

Judging from Cheng Zhao's appearance, whether she recognizes him or not, he'll probably stick to Tao Tao like a leech.

Before leaving the station, Cheng Zhao suddenly called out to Ye Hantao, "Where do you live? I have a gift I want to mail to you."

At noon at the guesthouse, Ye Hantao distributed the gifts she had prepared that morning to everyone: a calligraphy brush and inkstone from Teacher He Qiang, a handkerchief and perfume from Sister Shi Yue, and headphones and film from Cheng Zhao.

Cheng Zhao was already using headphones when he took the high-speed train.

The playlist inside was one he had shared with Ye Hantao.

Ye Hantao misunderstood that Cheng Zhao wanted to give her a gift in return. "I gave you a gift as a thank you for your help at Aubin and for the lucky draw by Shanfeng Bushuo. You don't need to give me a gift in return."

Cheng Zhao said, "Tao Tao, you can't favor one over the other."

Ye Hantao asked in confusion, "Who did I favor?"

Cheng Zhao lowered his gaze and stared at her. Amidst the surging crowd, he said, "Your ex-fiancé."

"……ha?"

You mean Shoushan ornaments? Those cost 12 million!

Seeing her father and older brother waving through the crowd, Ye Hantao thought for a moment and then told them the exact address of the residential complex, down to the building number.

Cheng Zhao wasn't surprised to hear the name of the neighborhood. During the live stream of the neighborhood, some viewers in the chat guessed its location.

"The gift should arrive tomorrow afternoon."

Tomorrow afternoon? Ye Hantao thought of the jade bracelet she had bought for 18.6 million yuan. The auction house also said that the three items were expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Ye Hantao emphasized, "It can't be too expensive."

Cheng Zhao smiled, "It's not expensive."

If her ex-fiancé, who's hiding somewhere, could apologize with 12 million, then this ex-fiancé, who's already trying to regain his place in Tao Tao's life, can't lose either.

Stepping out of the station, the sky was clear and blue.

Yuncheng also had a heavy rain last night, which suppressed the heat in the air.

Ye Hantao took a deep breath; it felt so good to be healthy.

Zhou Mingsheng didn't even glance at Cheng Zhao, who came out with him, and took Tao Tao's suitcase and put it in the car.

Ye Weizheng picked up Tao Tao in his recently purchased SUV.

Throughout the journey, Ye Weizheng kept making his stance clear.

"Tao Tao, your brother needs to be severely reprimanded for this." Ye Weizheng showed no fatherly affection whatsoever. "Your mother and I have been fooled by him all these years!"

He met his eldest son's expressionless gaze in the rearview mirror and winked at him.

My son.

You can hold on for now.

Who told you to be the only one in the family who knew the right path!

Ye Weizheng refused to admit that his feelings stemmed from envy.

So, the first thing Ye Hantao did when she got home was—

A joint trial by three courts.

Besides Ye Weizheng and Zhou Ti, Zhou Shumiao, the great-aunt who had just arrived in Yuncheng that morning, was also there.

She came mainly to keep a close eye on Tao Tao's health.

Ye Hantao pulled the black card out of her bag and slammed it onto the coffee table... but she didn't slam it down properly; she loosened her grip before it hit the table.

We can't ruin it.

Zhou Mingsheng knew he couldn't hide it any longer and was about to explain when, unexpectedly, Tao Tao stood up and hugged him first.

"Brother." Tao Tao rested her chin on his shoulder, her voice crisp and clear as it brushed against his ear, "You looked so cool on the court back then!"

Zhou Mingsheng's pupils trembled slightly.

Tao Tao was unaware of the reason for their concealment, assuming that he had been hiding his identity and substantial assets from his family for six or seven years—

Tao Tao hugged him first, and her first words were to praise him.

Zhou Mingsheng reached out and slowly hugged Tao Tao back.

Ye Hantao wanted to hug him in the car, but considering her older brother's deception, she kept a straight face and pretended she was still angry.

Zhou Ti and Ye Weizheng held hands, their eyes filled with relief.

After a moment, Ye Hantao released Zhou Mingsheng and sat back on the sofa.

Zhou Mingsheng sat up straight, knowing that his turn had begun.

“I checked this card online.” Ye Hantao pointed to the black card on the coffee table and said, word by word, “This black card of yours is the Citibank Black Card.”

Zhou Shumiao hurriedly took Ye Hantao's pulse.

Upon closer inspection, Zhou Shumiao was surprised to find that Tao Tao's pulse was strong and even, with a regular rhythm.

She has been practicing medicine for decades, and very few people have reached this level of health!

Seeing that Zhou Shumiao remained silent, Ye Weizheng, Zhou Ti, and Zhou Mingsheng all lowered their breathing.

Zhou Shumiao paused for two seconds, then had Ye Hantao switch to her right hand and take her pulse again.

My pulse is still strong!

"Tao Tao," Zhou Shumiao exclaimed in surprise, "What did you eat in Nancheng?"

Ye Hantao: "Great-aunt, don't change the subject for my brother."

Zhou Shumiao: "..."

Zhou Shumiao quickly said, "I'm not changing the subject, you are in very good health right now!"

Ye Weizheng and Zhou Ti exchanged a glance, their thoughts racing.

Has Tao Tao fully recovered?!

Ye Hantao couldn't explain the 48-hour health issue to her family. "I ate the same things as everyone else, nothing else. Does drinking the donkey-hide gelatin stewed by Cheng Zhao twice count?"

That certainly doesn't count.

Zhou Shumiao had prepared even higher-grade donkey-hide gelatin, but Tao Tao's condition improved only slightly after taking it.

Seeing that Tao Tao was still looking at him, Zhou Mingsheng told her all the things he had prepared.

Ye Hantao listened attentively.

In short, when his brother was 18, he had a bout of adolescent delusions and wanted to play esports anonymously, but he was afraid of being ridiculed by people he knew if he didn't achieve good results, so he created the white-haired, dark-skinned Maze.

"Our family would never laugh at you!"

"...Back then, I was just a chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) and couldn't see things clearly."

Zhou Ti and Ye Weizheng were struggling to suppress their laughter. Hearing their son, who had been acting like a little adult since he was four or five years old, utter the words "chuunibyou" (middle school syndrome) was truly a dream come true.

To everyone's surprise, Zhou Mingsheng glanced at them indifferently and said, "Mom and Dad may have had their chuunibyou phase too."

Zhou Ti and Ye Weizheng immediately stopped laughing.

Seeing that the two had behaved themselves, Zhou Mingsheng let them go for the time being and explained to Tao Tao again, "Later I realized that I was acting foolishly because of my chuunibyou (middle school syndrome), so naturally I didn't want you to know anymore. I thought it would be better to let Maze be a thing of the past."

Ye Hantao still felt something was off.

However, apart from the chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) that my older brother mentioned, I really can't think of any other reason.

"As for the black card—"

Zhou Mingsheng considered carefully and said, "Citibank has invested in HT. As the big boss of HT, it would be more prestigious for me to use a black card when I go out for business."

This area is in Ye Hantao's blind spot.

There are restrictions on being invited to apply for a black card online.

Ye Hantao wasn't sure which of her core clients, those with assets exceeding 100 million, and partners she could secure a 100% deal with.

In fact, even if Ye Hantao could find someone from Citibank to investigate, she wouldn't find anything wrong.

Because the Zhou family holds significant stakes in several private banks around the world.

Ye Hantao pursed her lips and asked worriedly, "But we still have to repay the loan. Is your annual salary enough?"

Upon hearing this, the whole family looked at Ye Hantao, wondering if it was enough.

Zhou Shumiao was prepared to take her pulse at any moment.

“You don’t need to worry about the money swiped with the black card… cough, that amount of money.” Zhou Mingsheng’s brows were sharp, but his voice was gentle. “I have an annual salary of tens of millions, I can pay it back.”

Ye Hantao: "!!!"

"Ten million?! You can earn ten million a year, bro?!"

Seeing how excited Tao Tao was, the whole family quickly looked at their great-aunt and asked for her opinion.

Zhou Shumiao took the pulse, first nodding, then shaking her head.

This means that an annual salary of ten million is within Tao Tao's acceptable range, but anything higher is not acceptable.

Zhou Mingsheng then nodded, "Yes."

Ye Hantao felt as if she had been hit by a giant pie.

"Big brother! How could you keep this a secret until now!" Ye Hantao accused, hands on her hips. "Our family could have moved back to a three-bedroom, two-living-room house long ago!"

To hide his adolescent past, the older brother huddled on the living room sofa for several years.

Zhou Ti realized that Tao Tao couldn't believe it; ten million was enough to buy a large apartment in Yuncheng.

Of course, there are also large apartments that cost hundreds of millions of yuan.

Ye Hantao laughed again as she spoke, "Our family are multi-millionaires!!!"

The fact that her older brother earns tens of millions a year kept Ye Hantao awake most of the night.

It's not that I'm physically unwell, but rather that I'm too excited.

From an ordinary family where parents earned less than 100,000 yuan a year, they have transformed into millionaires!

How could my older brother possibly keep it a secret?

If she hadn't watched Maze's match videos and heard her older brother admit it himself, Ye Hantao wouldn't have dared to dream of this.

When she was a child, she never had the worry of wanting to buy something but not having the money, because her family could always buy things that were good value for money.

But thinking about her older brother's annual salary of tens of millions, Ye Hantao still happily rolled around on the bed.

Buy a house!

I'm going to see the apartment tomorrow!

My parents have one bedroom, my older brother has one bedroom, and I have one bedroom.

Then there's my mother's walk-in closet, my older brother's studio, and my own study.

"What's the price of a six-bedroom house?" Ye Hantao was completely clueless. She got up, logged into a real estate app on her phone, and selected a house with five or more bedrooms.

Page refreshed.

Ye Hantao immediately took a liking to the first house picture that popped up.

His gaze drifted toward the price.

—1683w.

"..." worth a pair of jade bracelets.

In the living room, Zhou Mingsheng, who earns millions a year but has to sleep on the sofa for the time being, tapped Zhou Yi's chat box.

[Brother Tao: The cruise ship cannot be picked up for the time being.]

[Uncle Tao: You good-for-nothing!]

The next day, Zhou Mingsheng no longer had to pretend to go to work at the internet cafe early.

"They catch up on sleep in the morning and train in the afternoon and evening."

Ye Hantao finally understood what her older brother used to do when he worked the night shift.

"Big brother, didn't you say you could sign autographs yesterday?" Ye Hantao leaned closer. "Can I sell them for money?"

Zhou Mingsheng: "?"

"What do you want to buy but don't have enough money?" he said, pulling out his card.

This time it wasn't a black card, but a debit card.

"Don't give me the card, I just want to maintain my image as a greedy person."

Ye Hantao showed her older brother her electronic bank card, saying, "It's a 2 million yuan subsidy from the show's production team for my public image."

Zhou Mingsheng had nothing to say.

So he spent the whole morning at home signing autographs, and even under Tao Tao's supervision, he picked out some autographs to add words of blessing.

Ye Hantao served tea and water, and massaged his shoulders and hands.

Zhou Mingsheng had originally planned to sign two hundred copies to get by, but now he was drinking tea brewed by Tao Tao and eating fruit cut by her.

After signing the last remaining autograph card, he said, "Give me two more stacks of autograph cards."

-----------------------

Author's note: Congratulations to the eldest brother on his temporary rise in family status.

--Randomly dropping small red envelopes~--