Chapter 82: A Private Conversation

The underdogs were thrilled to see the two wealthiest patrons gearing up for a showdown. They clamored for the number one tycoon of Zebra, Master Burial Love, to teach Lady Piggy Third a lesson and show her who truly ruled the platform.

But Master Burial Love was no fool. He knew very well that Lady Piggy Third, this enigmatic female tycoon, was formidable and possessed astonishing financial power. She was unlike the other top patrons on the leaderboard who only showered a few favored streamers with gifts; Lady Piggy Third’s approach was scattershot, bestowing rewards on anyone she fancied. In just half a year, she had surged into the top three of Zebra’s tycoon leaderboard, her generosity erupting with remarkable force.

Moreover, it was clear she deliberately occupied the third spot. If she’d called herself Lady Piggy First instead of Third, she’d have easily claimed the top position. Her wealth was evident in her ability to choose her rank at will. Burial Love and his crew even suspected that Lady Piggy Third was an official account operated by Zebra’s staff. To avoid being tricked into foolishly squandering money, they generally steered clear of conflict with her.

Now, having once again crossed paths with Lady Piggy Third, Burial Love wisely opted for diplomacy, posting:
[Since you’re so fond of Master Cannon, I won’t compete with you. Stealing someone’s love isn’t Burial Love’s style. — Flaming Flowers Burial Love]

“Ah—!”
The audience sighed in disappointment, lamenting the missed opportunity for a spectacular battle of the wealthy.

Zhang Qiyang had hoped to witness the drama and pocket some extra cash, but seeing Burial Love back down, he felt helpless.

“Lady Piggy Third, if I remember correctly, I gave you a trophy last week, didn’t I? Do you still want this one?”
[I want it, I want them all! As long as you dare to give, I dare to take! — Lady Piggy Third]

Li Sweet laughed, “Looks like Third Sister is a die-hard fan of Master Cannon!”

Dong Huan chimed in, “Absolutely, a true loyal cannon fodder!”

Seeing Lady Piggy Third’s wealth burning a hole in her pocket, Zhang Qiyang shot a glance at Qin Xueyang, who was munching on bean sticks.
He hoped Qin Xueyang would be clever enough to use a dummy account, lavish gifts, and go head-to-head with Lady Piggy Third, seizing the chance to fleece her.

But Qin Xueyang, adorably clueless, kept licking her fingers and enjoying her snacks, utterly failing to catch Zhang Qiyang’s murderous, knife-wielding gaze.

“Stop eating! Get to work!”
Zhang Qiyang screamed inwardly, but Qin Xueyang had no idea what he meant, staring back with big, sparkling eyes and a cheerful smile, showing not a hint of cunning.

A thousand angry llamas stampeded through his mind—Zhang Qiyang was about to be driven mad by his gluttonous assistant.

After warming up the audience with a song, the special broadcast moved into an interactive interview with the two female streamers and Zhang Qiyang.

To encourage participation, the streamers chose the most frequently asked questions from the audience to pose to Zhang Qiyang.
Many of these were sharp, pointed queries.

For instance, many viewers wanted to know what really happened when Teacher Tan Zhizhong fainted. Was it true, as rumored, that Zhang Qiyang had insulted him?
Others asked whether Zhang Qiyang had bought votes and bribed the audience on “My Song.”
Some questioned whether the songs Master Cannon claimed as originals were truly his own, or if there was a team working behind the scenes.

These were the hottest topics used to smear Zhang Qiyang, likely pushed by professional trolls aiming to stir up trouble during the broadcast.

Zhang Qiyang, however, tackled all questions head-on, skillfully deflecting when necessary and standing firm when required, parrying every attack.

Watching the livestream from the highway, Li Xuan and Chen Ke marveled at his performance.

Chen Ke said, “I told you, didn’t I? He definitely has a team behind him. There’s no way he could handle these questions so flawlessly on his own. I’m really curious now—who’s backing him? I get the feeling it’s not someone from China.”

Li Xuan wasn’t so sure.
Compared to the foolish young master he once was, Zhang Qiyang now displayed a dramatic increase in emotional intelligence, as if guided by a masterful team.

But Li Xuan felt that all these changes stemmed from Zhang Qiyang himself. Though it seemed impossible, she believed his transformation originated from a shift in his own mindset—she herself had experienced something similar.

Back in the livestream, after fending off a slew of provocative questions, the viewers began asking Zhang Qiyang all sorts of bizarre queries.

Some asked about stock market trends, others about national affairs, and there were even questions about his opinion on the new football association rule requiring U23 players to match the number of foreign players.

These questions left Zhang Qiyang both amused and exasperated.

But most people wanted to know what a true billionaire’s life was like: What kind of water did he drink? What food did he eat? What cars did he drive? Did he never check price tags? Was he served by beautiful women every day, each taking turns?

“You all think I’m an emperor, huh? Picking concubines every day—there’s nothing as exaggerated as you imagine! I’m not that guy who’s always picking internet celebrities on Weibo. Driving a supercar to chase girls isn’t impressive; letting girls in supercars chase me, now that’s real skill.”

Li Sweet seized the moment, “Master Cannon, does that mean there are girls in supercars chasing you?”

“Chasing me? Who would dare chase this poisonous tea? Aren’t they afraid to die, haha.” Zhang Qiyang, tipsy, bantered happily.

Dong Huan had always avoided asking about his private life, since Zhang Qiyang had previously instructed not to touch on such matters during interviews.

But seeing him in high spirits, seemingly ready for any question, Dong Huan dared to ask the question every artist dreaded: “Master Cannon, viewers in the comment section keep asking, and Third Sister has launched several aircraft carrier fleets just to ask this—everyone’s curious: Do you have a girlfriend now?”

“No, I just answered that. What, you don’t believe me?”
Li Sweet teased, “Suddenly a thought—shouldn’t Master Cannon’s girlfriend be called ‘paoyou’?”

Zhang Qiyang nearly spat out his imported liquor, “Li Sweet, stop trying to get me trolled! Let me make it clear: I don’t have a girlfriend, and I don’t have a ‘paoyou.’ If anyone’s brave enough to be my girlfriend, come find me. But I won’t pursue any girl myself. I’m not that so-called national husband who stumbles over every pretty woman he sees.”

His words left Li Sweet and Dong Huan speechless, not daring to reply.

Zhang Qiyang was notorious for his boldness, even daring to curse Wang Dazhong to his face—something neither of them would attempt.

The comment section exploded; everyone knew Wang Dazhong and Zhang Qiyang were sworn enemies.

Wang Dazhong had always held the upper hand, but lately the tables had turned. Now, every time, Zhang Qiyang pressed Wang Dazhong so hard he couldn’t muster a response. The supporters of Zhang Qiyang rejoiced, as if liberated peasants singing their freedom, gleefully cheering him on.

[Master Cannon, you don’t have a girlfriend now, but surely you did before? Be a man and tell us—how many girlfriends have you had? — Lady Piggy Third]

Zhang Qiyang saw Lady Piggy Third’s question and laughed, “What’s up, Lady Piggy Third? Auditing my household register?”

Li Sweet played along, “Third Sister, do you have a crush on Master Cannon?”

[Are you afraid to answer? — Lady Piggy Third]