Chapter 85: Sit Down, Everyone, It's Just Basic Procedure

"I just found out today—so that's what rich people like."
"You don't get it, do you? What kind of tycoon could ever resist a tank with a little girl’s voice?"
"Unreal, the wealthy really know how to have fun."
The live chat was abuzz, viewers mercilessly teasing the rich fans who were showering Qiaobiluo with gifts.

Meanwhile, within the panel of judges, Chen Luo had vanished without a trace. For reasons unknown, he had quietly left the stream just moments ago. Now, only two judges remained.

Without question, Qiaobiluo’s results were annulled, and Bai Qingming rose to first place. Not only that—the three other rookie female streamers whose wealthy guilds had bought their way up the leaderboard were also disqualified, their rankings completely voided.

The dust settled. Everyone was pleased.

When Bai Qingming was finally awarded first place, not a soul objected. He had the talent—it was only right.

"Congratulations to our spiritual leader for winning first place in the Singing Friends Gala!"

"Why congratulate? This is just routine for the leader, isn’t it?"

"Sit down, everyone, don’t make such a fuss."

The screen scrolled with cheerful banter as the event concluded perfectly.

...

Ding—

[Popularity has reached 30 million. Reward: 20% shares of Louis Vuitton Company, plus one lottery draw.]

"Finally, thirty million in popularity," Bai Qingming murmured to himself.

To be fair, this reward was rather generous. Though not well versed in luxury brands, even he knew Louis Vuitton—LV for short. A world-famous brand, out of reach for most, but everyone could name it.

"Twenty percent shares, that’s got to be worth at least several hundred million, right?" Bai Qingming mused, unable to contain his excitement.

Riches—struck it rich!

Knock, knock, knock.

The door opened and Dai Xiaomei walked in.

"Congratulations! Now that you’ve won first place, shouldn’t you treat us to a late-night snack?"

"Of course! Eat as much as you want. Tonight, if you want the stars from the sky, I’ll fetch them for you," Bai Qingming replied with a laugh.

He had seen very clearly—Dai Xiaomei had spent a great deal to boost his score.

She was a true friend!

At that moment, Bai Qingming’s phone buzzed with a message.

He glanced at it—it was from the bank, notifying him that 22 million had just been deposited into his account.

Then came a message on WeChat from the operations manager at Douyu.

"Brother Qingming, all the gift money you received from the gala has been transferred to your account. Please check."

One had to admit, Douyu’s efficiency was impressive—the event had only just ended, and the money was already in his account.

At that, Bai Qingming recalled something important. He turned to Dai Xiaomei.

"By the way, do you have the WeChat IDs of PDD and the others? I want to return the money to them."

He explained that the platform wouldn’t be taking a cut from his gift money.

Dai Xiaomei was almost envious.

Not a single cent deducted, all transferred directly—such treatment was almost too good.

Once her envy had passed, Dai Xiaomei thought for a moment, then took out her phone and added Bai Qingming to their streamer group.

"Hey, the Godfather of Singles has joined the group!"

"Welcome, welcome!"

"Why only now? I've heard so much about you—been wanting to meet."

The moment he entered, the group erupted in chatter.

"Hello, everyone!" Bai Qingming greeted them. "Thank you for earlier."

PDD: "Don’t mention it. I’ve had it with those guilds for ages—finally got some payback today."

Erke: "Add me on WeChat—please accept my request."

Gold Medal Instructor Da Sima: "Qingming, I really went all out for you this time!"

Demon Sect Leader Zhixun: "Enough talk—do you dare to solo me sometime?"

She was still thinking about the time Bai Qingming soloed for Dai Xiaomei. While he didn’t know why Zhixun was so eager to challenge him, Bai Qingming didn’t refuse.

"Anytime you like."

He exited briefly to accept Erke’s friend request, then came back.

"Not sure when everyone’s free, but I’d like to treat you all to a meal and return the gift money," he wrote.

Worried they might refuse, he repeated what he’d told Dai Xiaomei, and only then did they agree.

"I’m free tomorrow."

"So am I."

"I’m available anytime."

"I’m not in Jiangcheng—probably can’t make it."

...

"How about this: tomorrow, those who can come, I’ll host dinner; those who can’t, I’ll make it up to you someday—how’s that?"

After a pause, Bai Qingming added, "And instead of eating out, if you don’t mind, come to my place. It’s big and spacious—I’ll cook for everyone."

Everyone knew Bai Qingming was wealthy, living in a penthouse worth over a hundred million. At his offer, they all agreed instantly.

Especially Da Sima.

In front of his screen, he was grinning ear to ear.

He’d been mourning the money spent on those virtual planes for Bai Qingming, but now it was fine—he’d not only get his money back but also a free meal.

A total win.

Heh heh!

...

The next morning.

Bai Qingming, deep in sleep, was awakened by a phone call.

It was from an unfamiliar number. When he answered, a sweet female voice came through.

"Hello, is this Mr. Bai?"

Hearing the title, Bai Qingming, still groggy, was taken aback.

"And you are?"

"I’m the assistant assigned to you by the higher-ups."

"Assistant? When did I get an assistant?"

He was even more confused.

But soon, he understood.

"You’re from the LV company, right?"

Aside from some surreal dream, the only people who’d call him ‘Mr. Bai’ could be from LV.

"Yes, yes, I’m from LV," the woman on the line breathed a sigh of relief, quickly replying.

Just last night, the chairman of Louis Vuitton’s board received an urgent message: twenty percent of the company’s shares had been purchased by someone named Bai Qingming, making him the largest shareholder.

The board immediately began investigating.

What shocked them was that Bai Qingming was only in his twenties, with no background, and an orphan at that.

Everyone was stunned.

Since when were orphans so terrifying?

An orphan, even if he’d been hustling since birth, had managed to buy such a large stake in LV in just over twenty years—no one would believe it, and saying it aloud might get you slapped.

Yet, it was true.

The higher-ups scrambled to get in touch with Bai Qingming.

Earlier, when Bai Qingming hadn’t recognized the call, the assistant had nearly panicked, thinking she’d dialed the wrong person. She’d almost burst into tears.

Thankfully, it worked out.

Now, hearing she was from LV, Bai Qingming instantly perked up. Sitting up in bed, he asked the question that mattered most to him.

"How much are twenty percent of the shares worth?"

The assistant was momentarily stunned.

Are you kidding me?

You bought them yourself—don’t you know?

But after a moment’s hesitation, she replied cautiously, "About fifty to sixty billion... US dollars."

"What?"

Bai Qingming was dumbfounded.

"Fifty to sixty billion US dollars—around four to five hundred billion in yuan," she replied earnestly.

On the other end, there was only silence from Bai Qingming.