Ultimately, it was all about money.
Once, she had desperately craved the concern of those around her. As long as she gave them money, they would show her warmth and care.
That warmth and care were what she longed for.
Even though she knew that warmth and care came with strings attached, she willingly accepted it.
Back then, she naively believed that sincerity would be reciprocated and that they would eventually treat her as family. But after the lessons from her past life, she finally understood that falsehoods remained false.
People could show concern for you for money, just as easily as they could stab you in the back for it.
"I've already repaid the Liu family's kindness. If there's nothing else, don't contact me again."
Seeing her speak so decisively, Mrs. Liu's temper flared up, "Do you believe I'll tell the reporters outside that you're ungrateful?"
"Please, go ahead."
Click...
The call ended!
Mrs. Liu was so angry that the veins on her forehead bulged as she cursed loudly. Fortunately, there were no other patients in the ward.
Early the next morning, Zuri, half asleep, was awakened by the ringing of her phone.
"Azura!" Zuri gritted her teeth as she called out her name.
Azura ignored her friend's early morning grumpiness, "We've got a big problem. The Liu family is smearing you online. You're being bashed all over the internet. There are probably a bunch of reporters camping outside your apartment. You'd better not come to school today; if they can't catch you at home, they'll definitely go to the school."
Zuri glanced at the time, it was only six-thirty in the morning. She responded lazily, "Got it."
After hanging up, Zuri opened the web browser and quickly found the news. Starting from the initial short video, it escalated to Mrs. Liu's tearful accusations in an interview, portraying Zuri as heartless and ungrateful, milking sympathy from the internet.
Her eyes moved downwards, scanning the comments. They were overwhelmingly negative, with people calling her ungrateful, ruthless, and worse. Some comments were outright curses and personal attacks.
Zuri quietly exited the webpage, tossed her phone aside, and remained calm, showing no signs of anger, as if nothing had happened.
Oceanic City, Lake Heart Island
Azura rushed to find her uncle, knocking on his door, but got no response.
"Uncle Qin, where's my uncle?"
Butler Qin smiled and replied, "Young Master flew to the United States early this morning. He won't be back for a week. If Miss has something urgent, you can call him."
Azura stomped her foot in frustration, "It's so annoying! Just when I need you, you're not here. What's the point of having you around?"
Butler Qin chuckled, unaware of what had upset Miss Azura.
In Shanghai
In a five-star restaurant, Owen walked in stylishly. His assistant had already prepared breakfast.
As Owen sat down, the personal assistant whispered, "Owen, there's an issue."
"What is it?"
"It seems Miss Zuri is being attacked online. Someone has also exposed a lot of her personal information. She's probably having a tough time right now." Ever since Owen had shown a slight interest in the foxy young lady, the assistant had kept an eye on her.
Today, he happened to see the news while browsing.
Owen put down his chopsticks, picked up his phone, and logged into the internet. Seeing the video and the abhorrent comments, his veins bulged with anger, his expression turning grim.
Seeing Owen's dark expression, the assistant hurriedly said, "Brother, don't act impulsively. First, ask Miss Zuri what's going on."
Owen shot him a glance that clearly said, 'Do you think I'm that stupid?'
Owen was about to dial her number but then changed his mind.
It was too early; she might still be asleep.
He quietly opened their chat history and sent a message.
"Ding dong," the phone rang.
Zuri pulled the quilt over her head.
"Ding dong..."
"Ding dong..."
"Ding dong..."
The continuous notifications bombarded her.
Zuri yanked the quilt down and snapped, "Which idiot is bugging me this early?!"
She picked up her phone and saw six messages, from two people.
One from Leo.
One from Owen.
She opened them one by one in order.
Leo: [Don't worry about what's happening on social media. I've got people handling it. Stay home, and don't go to Azura's place for now.]
Leo: [Azura can help you set up a program to block calls if needed.]
Leo: [If you encounter any problems you can't solve, let me know. Don't carry the burden alone. You've helped Azura far more than this.]
Owen: [Are you awake?]
Owen: [Little Zuri, I have bad news. You're being attacked online. But don't worry, I have good news too. I can help you solve it. Happy?]
Owen: [If you're awake, reply to me. I'm waiting for you~]
Seeing the contrasting styles of concern from the two, Zuri's irritation dissipated.
She first replied to Leo, then to Owen.
In the U.S., it was late at night. Leo, looking tired, rubbed his forehead and took off his tie. His phone vibrated twice on the desk. He picked it up and read the message.
Zuri: [Thank you. I can handle this myself. If I need help, I'll talk to Azura.]
Leo read the last sentence, raised an eyebrow, and quickly typed a response.
Leo: [You can tell me directly.]
The reply came almost immediately.
Zuri: [Okay, Uncle Leo.]
Leo: ...
He felt a pang of frustration and thought perhaps Azura should be sent back to the capital.
Meanwhile, Owen was too anxious to eat breakfast, his eyes glued to his phone. When it lit up, he eagerly opened the message.
Zuri: [I'm awake. Are you planning to voice your support for me on social media?]
Owen, seeing this message, was relieved.
The little girl didn't seem affected by the outside noise and could even joke.
Owen: [That's actually a good idea.]
Zuri: [No way! I'm afraid your fans would tear me apart. If you step in, it'll only heighten the drama. So, don't interfere. I have my own way of handling this.]
Owen frowned.
Little Zuri was distancing herself from him.
His handsome face twisted into a frown.
Owen: [Little Zuri, what am I to you?]