Qiao Yinyin looked at the girls present, hesitated, then asked, "What should I do?"
"You want to become a big Internet Celebrity?" Jiang Cheng asked back.
Qiao Yinyin nodded firmly. "You know my major doesn't have much of a future. Unless I can innovate something even more high-tech than nano-materials, it's basically useless—but that's impossible. It could take ten or even twenty years, plus huge funding. Lots of seniors have already switched careers; I want to try something else too…"
Hearing that, Jiang Cheng smiled. "You're with me and still need a job? I'll support you."
"I know you give me plenty, but I still need something to do or I won't feel secure."
Jiang Cheng pinched Qiao Yinyin's rosy cheek.
He could see she felt a bit constrained sitting with these people today.
He also sensed she'd lost some of the confidence she used to have.
Especially when he took her out, she grew more timid each time.
Honestly, if Qiao Yinyin wanted to become a big Internet Celebrity, Jiang Cheng didn't mind helping.
Promoting his own woman was better than boosting some random little Internet Celebrity.
Except for exclusive devotion, Jiang Cheng was generous in every other way.
After all, she'd given herself to him pure; helping her realize some life value was only fair.
Everyone has the right to pursue their ideal life.
Jiang Cheng would never demand she hide at home as a trophy girlfriend.
Nor would he find it shameful for his woman to be an Internet Celebrity.
It's the twenty-first century; the Qing Dynasty is long gone.
The term "Internet Celebrity" might sound tacky,
and not as glamorous as celebrities, but at least the circle is cleaner.
Jiang Cheng preferred the vibrant girl he'd first met over a soulless vase.
He'd already sketched an idea: ride TikTok's rising wave and set up an Internet Celebrity incubator.
The company could cultivate all kinds of Streamers for every audience.
Once their personas were set and fan numbers soared,
they could seize the first wave of traffic when TikTok live-commerce launched.
Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, Qiao Yinyin's heart actually fluttered.
Who doesn't want to achieve financial freedom on their own?
At first she'd dated Jiang Cheng precisely for that freedom, to escape money worries.
Although she'd already achieved it, human greed is endless.
Back then she'd only been attracted to his wealth,
so her heart hadn't fully belonged to him.
But gradually, when she realized her feelings were tethered to him, she grew self-conscious.
The deeper she ventured into his world, the more top-tier scenery she saw.
Pretty and a good student, Qiao Yinyin came from an average family.
She never complained, always worked part-time and streamed for cash.
But after seeing the world's splendor with Jiang Cheng, she felt tiny.
Things Jiang Cheng could get with a snap were forever beyond her reach.
That insecurity grew stronger.
A man like Jiang Cheng surely had no shortage of better girls around him.
Fear of loss bred intense anxiety.
The best relationship is one of equals; she knew she could never match his height,
but she wanted enough capital to rival the other women beside him.
Though she relied on Jiang Cheng, loved him, and was willing to stand behind him,
she understood a woman still needs something of her own,
or one day Jiang Cheng would tire of her.
Who could keep loving a worthless parasite?
Jiang Cheng nodded firmly. "As long as you want it, I'll help you."
"But I can't do anything! You know I've got no talent—only eating on stream." She looked embarrassed.
Aside from studying, she'd never had the chance to learn any arts.
"There are lots of Streamer personas; just pick a type and go for it."
Jiang Cheng had already decided: make her either a comedy Streamer or a pastoral food-cooking host.
Anything relying on sex appeal for traffic was off the table.
Both genres suited her well.
The former only needed short funny clips;
the latter meant filming rustic food videos—like top Streamer Li Ziqi—cooking while exporting traditional cuisine culture.
Wang Congcong cut in, "Jiang Cheng, didn't you say you weren't interested in Internet Celebrities? I still advise you to think twice about streaming. It looks profitable, but random fines eat everything up. It's a trap."
Wang Cong, familiar with Streamers, had already recognized Qiao Yinyin.
He assumed Jiang Cheng was entering the Streamer business.
Jiang Cheng only smiled at Wang Congcong's complaint.
A big reason Wang Congcong's Chest-Hair Live never took off was lack of capital.
After all, the internet—especially live-streaming—burns the most money.
The two evergreen platforms became giants only because they're backed by Penguin Corp.
Jiang Cheng wasn't worried; even after investing in TikTok, the remaining few billion in his account could easily build an Internet Celebrity.
His focus wasn't on tips from talent or sex appeal—he wanted live-commerce.
As always, if he could earn alone, he would.
Giving Wang Zheng a few pointers in the office was fine, but inviting partners to share profits? Never.
Why cooperate when you can go solo—too much money bothering you?
He casually brushed it off: "Hey, she wants to play, so I'll throw in a bit for fun. It's not big money."
The surrounding dozen female Internet Celebrities instantly brimmed with envy.
Especially Dou-er: as Wang Congcong's girlfriend she'd looked glorious lately,
but it was only short-term gain.
Recently she'd ridden the hot search wave under Wang Congcong's name and gained fans,
yet she knew the girlfriend title was temporary,
and Wang Congcong might replace her next month.
He'd never spend money to promote her.
The deal was mutual and transactional;
if not her, plenty of other girls wanted on that big boat.
But Dou-er now thought Qiao Yinyin luckier—she'd boarded Jiang Cheng's cruise liner.
The women secretly sized Jiang Cheng up, trying to burn his face into memory.
Time was long; maybe next time, with better planning, one of them would share Jiang Cheng's bed.
Seeing everyone's envious stares, Qiao Yinyin felt a quiet sweetness in her heart…