Chapter Forty-Six: A Debt of Immense Gratitude

Lei Hu was still boasting endlessly, his words filled with self-praise: “The Lei family is such a colossal force—how could you possibly oppose us on your own? You’ve fallen silent, I suppose your funds have dried up? In that case, kindly get off the territory of Goldfish TV. After all, this is already mine…”

Just then, the conference room, which had until now echoed only with Lei Hu’s voice, was suddenly interrupted by a clear, ringing female voice: “Old man, who said this place belongs to you?”

Ma Wu turned his head in disbelief and saw Wu Ting striding from the crowd. Today she wore a pristine ceremonial dress, her hair adorned with exquisite courtly ornaments. With each elegant, regal step, her high heels tapped out a melodic rhythm on the floor. In that instant, she shed all trace of her girlish charm, transformed into a queen.

Wu Ting sneered, “Lei Hu, whether Ma Wu can run Goldfish TV or not is none of your concern. But one thing’s certain: today, Goldfish TV is definitely not yours!”

“I hereby represent the Wu family and offer Mr. Ma Wu a sponsorship of twenty million.”

Gratitude and exhilaration flashed in Ma Wu’s eyes. He looked at Lei Hu and declared, “Eighty million. My bid is eighty million.”

Lei Hu’s chest heaved with agitation. For a long moment, he glared at Wu Ting and said, “Wu Ting, do you really want to break all ties with the Lei family?”

Wu Ting shook her head, laughing, “Haven’t your Lei family already made that move? Don’t bother with other schemes. If you’ve lost, admit it, tuck your tail, and get out!”

A naked murderous intent flickered in Lei Hu’s eyes. To lose here, and to be mocked by a mere girl—his pride had just been trampled.

Suddenly, Ma Wu heard the system’s voice in his mind:

Ding! With Wu Ting’s help, you’ve put Lei Hu in his place. Your face-slapping score increases by one thousand, hitting the maximum of two thousand.

Lei Hu stood there, breathing heavily for a long moment, then, unwillingly, waved a hand and roared, “Let’s go!” He marched his men out of the conference room.

What followed was the contract signing between Ma Wu and Jin Shan. The reporters witnessed Ma Wu and Wu Ting jointly present eighty million in liquid assets—a display of their combined wealth that left them inwardly astonished.

Even though Ma Wu was reluctant, he had no choice but to hand over the entire eighty million to Jin Shan as per the contract. However, even with the money in hand, Jin Shan wouldn’t get to enjoy it for long.

The corner of Ma Wu’s lips curled in disdain.

Earlier, noticing Jin Shan’s eagerness to curry favor—willing to sell Goldfish TV even at a painfully low price—Ma Wu had his suspicions. Perhaps Jin Shan was desperate to rid himself of this mess and flee.

Moments ago, Ma Wu tested Jin Shan, and, as expected, Jin Shan was so frightened he nearly lost his wits. Clearly, a guilty conscience.

Ma Wu would not let Jin Shan run off so easily. He had plans for Jin Shan.

With everything settled and Goldfish TV firmly in his grasp, Ma Wu’s mind rang with a system notification:

Ding! Main mission completed: Acquisition of Goldfish TV. You have received: Cupid’s Arrow and an Intermediate Skill Book.

Ding! You’ve completed the first stage of the main mission, successfully acquiring Goldfish TV. Your success value increases by three thousand, reaching the current level’s maximum.

This intermediate skill book does not allow you to choose freely; it’s a random draw—a matter of luck, in short.

Ma Wu decided not to use this opportunity yet and kept the right to draw the skill book.

With the contracts signed and Jin Shan in a hurry to make his escape, Ma Wu watched his departing figure with a cold, mocking smile.

He certainly wouldn’t let Jin Shan slip away so easily. After all, Jin Shan had ordered the super-moderator to threaten Lin Erke; Ma Wu had no intention of forgiving him.

Right in front of Wu Ting, Ma Wu called Deputy Chief Guo Yan.

On the other end, Guo Yan’s voice held a hint of surprise: “Hello, Ma Wu, what’s up?”

Ma Wu replied with a smile, “Director Guo Yan, it’s been a while. I have a case for you.”

Guo Yan chuckled with interest, “What kind of case? If you’re calling me directly, I’m looking forward to it.”

Ma Wu said quietly, “Jin Shan, the former chairman of Goldfish TV—you know him, right? He’s preparing to flee with the money. You might want to intercept him; perhaps you’ll discover something interesting.”

Guo Yan was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily. As deputy director, he craved achievements, and Ma Wu’s tip was a timely gift. “Alright, got it. Thanks! Drinks are on me next time.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ma Wu hung up.

Wu Ting, beside him, pursed her lips and remarked, “Isn’t that a bit too ruthless?”

A cold gleam flashed in Ma Wu’s eyes. “It has to be ruthless. He threatened my woman—I won’t let him off easily. Whoever dares touch my woman must be prepared to face my fury.”

Wu Ting pouted, a hint of jealousy in her voice, “Hmph, you’re always doing this and that for Lin Erke.”

Ma Wu couldn’t help but laugh. Even this little queen was not immune to jealousy before him.

He gently embraced Wu Ting, murmuring in her ear, “You’re my woman too. Anyone who dares plot against you won’t escape my wrath either.”

Wu Ting stiffened, then melted into his arms, her breath quickening as she whispered, “Really?”

Ma Wu turned her face toward him, “Of course it’s true.” Then he pressed his lips to hers.

The two lingered in each other’s affection for a while before finally emerging from the office building.

By then, all the reporters had already left. The driver who brought Wu Ting had gone as well, so Ma Wu prepared to take her home himself.

Seated beside him, Wu Ting said, “Your visit to my house wasn’t in vain this time. My father’s medicine is ready.”

Ma Wu nodded, his expression turning solemn. “I understand. Rest assured, I won’t make promises I can’t keep. As long as nothing unexpected happens and the medicine is ready, I’ll do everything I can to save your father.”

Wu Ting nestled in Ma Wu’s arms, her tone full of trust and gentleness, “I know, I believe in you, Ma Wu. With you by our side, our Wu family’s branch will surely prosper.”

Looking at Wu Ting’s small head, Ma Wu felt a wave of tenderness. He asked softly, “Wu Ting, what brought you here today?”

Wu Ting smiled, a bit smug. “Hehe, of course I was afraid you couldn’t handle that old fox Lei Hu alone. Well? I came just in time, didn’t I? Praise me quickly!”

Ma Wu leaned in close, grinning mischievously. “Alright then. Tonight, I’ll give you all the praise you deserve.”

Wu Ting caught his meaning immediately, her cheeks flushing as she protested, “You’re always teasing me!” She playfully hit him with her little fists.

Ma Wu dodged her punches and then said seriously, “Wu Ting, those twenty million—was it difficult for you to come up with?”

Wu Ting waved it off. “It was nothing. I just sold off an asset we couldn’t really use anymore. With our family’s current decline, those properties were just sitting idle. Better to sell them.”

Ma Wu sighed deeply, filled with gratitude and affection. He knew her explanation was only meant to reassure him. The fifteen million she’d given him before had already emptied her liquid assets.

And now, to ensure he could acquire Goldfish TV, she’d sold another twenty million’s worth of assets. This kindness could only be repaid over a lifetime.

That little Wu Ting—she had no idea she’d just saved his life.

After a moment of silence, Ma Wu smiled at her. “I understand. You’re amazing—my loyal and steadfast partner.”

Wu Ting’s big eyes sparkled as she grinned, “Right? I’m the most reliable!”

On the surface, Ma Wu bantered with Wu Ting, but in his heart, he placed her at an unprecedented height.

True gratitude doesn’t require words of thanks. Ma Wu was not skilled at currying favor with promises and guarantees; he would simply remember all of this, and when the time came, repay her with everything he had.

Before long, the two arrived at the Wu family estate.

They made their way swiftly to the patriarch’s mansion.

Ma Wu entered the elder’s room. The old man’s face was paler than before, his voice weak, his eyes clouded.

Sensing Ma Wu’s arrival, the old man coughed repeatedly before forcing out a sentence: “Ma Wu, my young friend, you were right. I can feel my body deteriorating rapidly.”

“I may not have more than a week left to live!”