These spoiled brats shared one trait: avoiding real work, playing all day, living recklessly.

Alaricka Huston recognized them – the wildest, most work-averse of the rich kids. They ignored industry and finance news, unfamiliar even with Shanghai’s business shifts, let alone the capital’s market. So, naturally, they didn’t know ByteDance or ByteDance’s Alaricka Huston. Even if they stumbled on ByteDance news, they’d assume a namesake, not her.

The woman clutched her phone, throwing Alaricka Huston a panicked glance: “I think I saw Alaricka Huston’s name in some news before – I just couldn’t recall. I looked it up now. She is ByteDance’s Alaricka Huston.”

The crowd: ?

The woman swallowed: “I thought it was a namesake, too, but I searched and saw the photo. It’s Alaricka Huston. It’s her…”

The courtyard crowd nearly petrified.

Jason stormed over, snatched the phone from her, and glared at the screen. Others crowded in, jostling and craning to see.

The screen showed a news page with a reporter’s photo of Alaricka Huston at an industry conference. The woman in the photo wore a sharp, simple suit – delicate features, bright eyes, calm expression – standing onstage, gazing coolly at the lens. It was Alaricka Huston. No doubt. Below the photo, a brief caption: Alaricka Huston, founder of ByteDance.

Jason gasped, scrolling up fast, ignoring the article, eyes darting for the news outlet. Capital News. An official media account. No mistake.

Chen Zhen instantly turned ashen, the fury he’d directed at Alaricka moments ago draining from his chest. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances. It was true. Alaricka was the founder of Harmony Glory.

In the heavy silence, Alaricka cleared her throat softly. She couldn’t deny it – their expressions of shock and disbelief, their realization that Alaricka had truly achieved this, pleased her immensely. It sent a wave of satisfaction through her.

“If you truly wish to expel me,” she said, “you’ll need to consult the Argent family. After all, Mr. Argent personally invited me. You should seek his opinion.”

Even the most oblivious among them, like Chen Zhen, had heard stern warnings from elders and peers about Harmony Glory. They’d been drilled on maintaining good relations and avoiding offense. Alaricka was precisely the person they needed to cultivate.

Chen Zhen stood frozen. Just moments ago, Alaricka had been the driver’s daughter they looked down upon. Now, she stood revealed as Harmony Glory’s founder, her achievements beyond imagination, far surpassing their own. The taste was bitter. Being surpassed by someone you once despised – no one would find that easy to swallow.

Alaricka curved her lips in a smile.

Shi Yao tugged her arm, whispering, “So… this is how you endured those days with the Argents?”

Alaricka’s expression cooled. “It’s in the past.”

Shi Yao fell silent. Long after Alaricka had dismissed the question, Shi Yao suddenly spoke, her voice low and heavy. “It isn’t.”

Alaricka’s eyelashes fluttered. “What?”

Shi Yao lowered her head, light blue eyes fixed on her. “I said these things aren’t past. I’ll remember them.”

Alaricka opened her mouth. “Shi Yao.”

Shi Yao dipped her head further. “Yes?”

Complex emotions flickered in Alaricka’s eyes, her pupils trembling slightly.

“…Never mind.” She turned away, masking her turmoil. “Let’s go inside.”

Shi Yao murmured assent.

Alaricka arched an eyebrow. “Any further questions? If not, I’ll be heading in now.”

The group exchanged more uncertain glances, looking left and right. Chen Zhen turned his face away, thoroughly discomfited, his fists clenching and unclenching. In this moment, Chen Zhen resembled a paper tiger doused with water – all his earlier bluster utterly deflated. Head bowed, he stepped aside, clearing a path. The others fell silent too, following his lead, creating a passage wide enough for two.

Alaricka raised an eyebrow at Shi Yao. “Shall we?”