Five-star hotel, rooftop infinity pool. Under the clear blue sky, Mia and Grace were swimming leisurely in the pool, their laughter echoing lightly across the rooftop. Sunlight reflected off the water, casting shimmering patterns onto the surrounding glass walls.
Nearby, Jason Carter lay reclined on a lounge chair, sunglasses pushed up slightly as he listened to Olivia's report. Olivia stood beside him, tablet in hand, her posture straight and efficient.
"Everything has been handled. Jay is officially detained, Daniel has been charged, and Ethan and Edward are both in custody. There are no loose ends."
Jason nodded, genuinely satisfied. The shadow that Jay had once posed was finally gone. Daniel had paid the price for his schemes, and Ethan and Edward—who should have learned their lesson after CloudMode International's collapse—had instead chosen to stir trouble again. Jason had originally intended to let them fade quietly into obscurity. But since they insisted on stepping back onto the stage… then prison would do.
Olivia continued, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. "Your strategy was truly ruthless in the cleanest way possible. You removed multiple threats, seized the top MCN company in the country, and integrated it into your business ecosystem. Advertising, internal promotion, traffic circulation, brand amplification—it's a closed loop now. You didn't just win, you multiplied the win."
Jason chuckled. "I only pointed in a direction. You're the one who executed it all. Isn't this just you praising yourself?"
Olivia smiled sweetly, entirely unapologetic. "Then I'll take the compliment."
She paused, then shifted topics smoothly. "In two days, there's a Eastern Style Garden Festival in neighboring City. New Vision Media doesn't specialize in eastern aesthetics, but Infinity has someone special. Sophia. She's practically the benchmark for classical beauty. If she appears wearing a Kimono, it would be phenomenal exposure—not just for the brand, but for her personal influence as well. It could even break her out of her niche."
With the previous Infinity management completely purged and no permanent president appointed yet, Olivia was temporarily overseeing all core operations.
Jason considered for a moment, then nodded. "That's a good idea. Arrange it."
Olivia hesitated slightly. "There is… one issue."
Jason glanced at her.
"Sophia didn't start streaming for fame. She only wanted to promote her grandfather's antique shop. She's very indifferent to money and benefits and has rejected several commercial opportunities for the sake of freedom. The former executives tried many times to send her to similar events. She refused every single one."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "This time?"
"She didn't outright refuse, but she didn't agree either. After some back-and-forth, she made one condition." Olivia turned the tablet toward him. "She wants you to attend with her."
Jason paused.
Olivia continued, a trace of amusement in her eyes. "She said that if you're willing to wear Kimono and accompany her, she'll go. No appearance fee. She'll even promote voluntarily. She said your temperament is gentle."
Olivia added lightly, "I brought receipts."
Jason skimmed the chat logs, then laughed. "You're enjoying this a little too much. But… there's no harm in going. Who says a boss can't promote himself?"
Olivia nodded with satisfaction. "I'll reply to her then."
Jason exhaled quietly. Sometimes, having a secretary who was too smart wasn't a good thing. She was starting to read him a little too accurately.
Meanwhile, at another luxury hotel in the same city, Sophia sat by the window, her phone in hand. When she saw Olivia's reply, genuine surprise flickered across her calm expression. She had fully expected Jason to decline. After all, he was a man who could acquire a multi-billion-dollar company on a whim. Why would someone like that bother attending a cultural festival, let alone wear traditional attire?
Yet… he agreed. No airs. No hesitation.
For the first time, Sophia felt a crack form in her preconceived image of powerful capitalists. A big boss… but unexpectedly grounded. Her lips curved into a faint smile.
She typed a simple reply: "Alright. Since you're willing to go, I will too."
Once she gave her word, she wouldn't retract it. If Jason Carter—a man who stood above everyone—could attend without arrogance, then she had no reason to retreat. And somehow… she found herself quietly looking forward to it.
Two days later. It was still early morning, yet it was already packed with people. Tourists, photography enthusiasts, and hardcore fans crowded along the riverbanks, unwilling to miss a single moment. Normally, seeing even one well-known influencer required luck. Today, an entire gathering of them was appearing at once. Excitement hung thick in the air.
At that moment, an wooden boat slowly glided along the winding river. Small bridges arched overhead, water flowed gently beneath, and the rhythmic sound of the boatman's pole striking the riverbed made the scene feel as if time itself had reversed.
On the prow of the boat, a man and a woman sat side by side. The man was Jason Carter. He wore a ceremonial robe, its core woven from rare cloud brocade, layered with shimmering silk and accented by refined embroidery. The dominant tone was a calm sky-blue—like clear air after rain. A faint gold across the chest, while hidden dragon patterns traced the shoulders. A gilded belt clasped his waist.
He sat casually, yet effortlessly dignified. Handsome, composed, noble. Even without standing, he radiated the aura of a refined young lord from an ancient lineage.
Beside him sat Sophia. She wore a red Robe, layered with luminous silk and exquisite embroidery.
For a brief moment, the riverbanks fell silent. Then—a collective intake of breath.
"Who is that girl…?"
"She completely overshadows everyone else."
"That's Sophia, isn't it? She's even more stunning in person."
"And the man beside her—who is he? I didn't think anyone could match her aura."
"They look… unreal together."
Some people instinctively raised their phones. Others simply stared, afraid that blinking would break the illusion.
A girl with a professional camera zoomed in sharply and muttered in awe, "Don't even think about buying that outfit."
She exhaled slowly. "Just the crown alone is probably worth over three million dollars."
The crowd erupted. "Three million?!" "That's insane…"
Nearby, smaller influencers in simpler costumes exchanged bitter looks. Top-tier looks, top-tier craftsmanship, and top-tier money… how is anyone else supposed to compete?
On the boat, Sophia turned her gaze toward Jason. For a brief second, she forgot the crowd. Her mind echoed with a single line she had once read: a gentleman like jade stands by the roadside—unmatched under heaven.
She had only invited him out of courtesy. Yet she hadn't expected him to fit ancient attire so naturally. Sitting beside him, she felt an unexpected harmony. A faint warmth rose in her chest.
The boat continued drifting forward, cutting through water and time alike. And at that moment, countless cameras captured an image that would soon flood the internet.
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