Chapter 72

The midterm exams arrived as scheduled. This time, Aubree performed normally and ranked 48th in the grade.

After winning the bronze medal in the last math competition, several universities had extended offers to her. However, her goal was to attend Rithol University.

Technically, the bronze medal was enough for her to be guaranteed admission. Unfortunately, she had studied art for two years and only recently switched to academic subjects. On paper, she was a genius, but other than mathematics, her performance in other areas was lackluster. Rithol University even sent someone to talk to her. If she were willing to join the math department, they’d offer guaranteed admission.

But Aubree’s goal was the finance department. After a comprehensive evaluation, Rithol University didn’t offer direct admission but said that if she took the national college entrance exam, her required score could be lowered.

The Wilson family had reminded her of something. Legally, she wasn’t completely separate from them.

After entering the foster system, she’d been placed in the orphanage. When the Wilson family adopted her, only the adoption procedures were done.

Now that she was of legal age and had purchased a home in Rithol City, she planned to visit the orphanage director to inquire about becoming legally independent.

She bought some food and supplies, handed them over to the director upon arrival, and was warmly received.

At first, the director thought Aubree had come back just to visit. Seeing that she looked well-off and healthy, her eyes were filled with relief. “Looks like you’re doing well after returning to your family. I was worried you might not be treated well since you were an adopted daughter,” the director said.

The director was a good person.

Though Aubree’s time at the orphanage wasn’t the most comfortable, it had been a happy period. Before she left, the director had warned her kindly to be obedient in her new home, but also to know when to protect herself and to recognize whether people were truly family.

Aubree’s eyes stung. It was clear that even back then, this kindhearted elderly woman had worried about what her life would be like after being taken away by the Wilson family.

She said, “Director, I’ve already left the Wilson family. I made some money on my own and came back to see you.”

“Oh, is that so…” The director seemed momentarily stunned, then held Aubree’s hand. “That’s okay. This place will always be your home. If you ever feel wronged out there, come back home.”

“Yeah.” Aubree’s voice was hoarse, and she held back her tears. “By the way, I want to become legally independent. I need to terminate any remaining guardianship records.”

The director said, “That’s not hard to do. The only trouble is you were adopted by the Wilson family, so you’ll need their approval to formally cancel the adoption.”

Originally, the Wilson family had said they were going to acknowledge her as their biological daughter, but because of interference from Carmen and Daxton, it ended up being a formal adoption instead.

Aubree said, “I have a signed severance agreement from Ronald.”

The director replied, “That’s not enough. That just shows you’ve cut ties as relatives, but you still have a legal adoption in place. You’ll need to formally terminate that adoption and get it notarized.”

Notarizing the severance would mean dealing with the Wilson family again, but Aubree figured they wouldn’t refuse. After all, cutting ties with her was their dream scenario.

Aubree stayed at the orphanage a little longer, helping take care of the kids and leaving some money for the director before she left.

But right after she left, Ronald showed up with his secretary and bodyguards.

Given how Aubree had recently spoken about her poor treatment in the Wilson family household, the director’s attitude toward Ronald was ice cold.

Confused but still needing something from her, Ronald forced a friendly smile. “I don’t know if you still remember me. I’m Aubree’s father. I was hoping you could assist with transferring some legal guardianship papers to officially reflect that she belongs to our family.”

No matter how one looked at it, the connection between Aubree and the Wilson family wasn’t so easily erased. Even if she refused to return home, it didn’t matter to him. As long as he could get control of her company, he’d consider it a win.

If he could reinstate guardianship, it would make things easier. If Aubree still acted ungrateful, he wouldn’t mind if something happened to her.

The director had seen all kinds of people in her lifetime. She instantly knew something was off.

There had to be a reason why Ronald suddenly cared about a legal connection now. She had no intention of agreeing, especially since Aubree also wanted to be legally independent. She couldn’t let Ronald catch on. “Why didn’t you bring Aubree with you?”

Ronald Wilson said casually, “She had something to do today.”

“Then come back together when she’s free.” The director didn’t even bother to be polite as she shooed him out.

Driven out of the orphanage, Ronald cursed in frustration. “Ungrateful hag!”

Even an orphanage director dared to give him attitude. He refused to believe he couldn’t handle Aubree.

Meanwhile, Aubree wasn’t idle either.

Playzy had now exploded in popularity. A flood of amateur streamers had brought vitality and limitless potential to the platform, which meant it was time to begin recruiting and managing internet influencers.

In the past timeline, as short-form video media developed, entire entertainment companies emerged just to cultivate different types of influencers through streaming platforms. They profited immensely.

Aubree wasn’t about to let someone else scoop up that opportunity.

Aubree contacted Peace Entertainment and gathered key members and department heads for a meeting.

She said, “Playzy has now established its foundation. But that’s not enough. As an entertainment company, I’m sure Peace Entertainment’s team can see the growth potential of influencer-based media.”

Peace Entertainment’s delegation, led by Sylvia, had actually discussed this before during contract talks, though they hadn’t finalized any terms at the time.

“Of course. A single stream can rake in millions in gift revenue. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?”

“I propose Peace Entertainment create a department specifically for influencer development. Bree Technology will invest in Peace Entertainment, and we’ll co-manage it. What do you think, Sylvia?”

Starting a new company from scratch was time-consuming and unfamiliar territory for Aubree. Working with the Turner Group was possible, but unnecessary when a solid partner was already at hand.

She was confident Sylvia wouldn’t refuse. Though they’d have to share the profits, the partnership offered a competitive edge across the board.

After a brief discussion with her executives, Sylvia agreed. Working with Bree Technology was practically a guarantee of success.

With Bree Technology backing her, she thought that once influencer traffic takes off, she wouldn’t have to worry about being squeezed out.

Comparing both options, this partnership was a success with no risk of losing.

After a quick discussion with the accompanying executives, Peace Entertainment unanimously agreed to the partnership.

Ever since Playzy launched, the influencers they’d pushed early on were already seeing big returns.

Some had even landed major acting roles. With their popularity skyrocketing, there was no way they were going to let this opportunity slip by.

Negotiations went smoothly. It was a win-win situation.

Sylvia said, “But relying only on gift revenue feels a bit shallow. No one will keep throwing money at streamers forever.”

“Of course not,” Aubree replied with a small smile. “Just like famous celebrities get sponsorships, influencers can too. There’s a thing called livestream e-commerce.”

That was the real gold mine behind short video platforms.

Sylvia’s eyes lit up. “Looks like I was worried for nothing. You’ve already thought through every next step.”

Aubree shook her head. “We still can’t be too optimistic. Playzy’s growing fast, and we’re definitely being watched. Attacks are inevitable.”

Sylvia smiled. “But judging by your calmness, you’ve already made your preparations.”

Over this period, Sylvia had seen enough to know this seemingly young girl was anything but ordinary. Anyone who could make such decisions surely wasn’t lacking in foresight or preparation.

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

Sylvia stood and shook Aubree’s hand. “I’ll wait for your good news.”

After sending off the Peace Entertainment team, Aubree turned to the next big matter.

Sylvia asked, “How’s the development going on Zappy?”

Aubree replied, “It’s already underway.”