Miss Beautiful C.E.O and her system

Chapter 772: Courage to admit falsehood and stupidity

In the past, Ling Qingyu had judged others quickly, using her own conscience and perspective as the standard. She showed compassion occasionally, but she was still swift to form conclusions.

Now, however, she had experienced too much, seen too much, and reviewed countless real cases—many of them compiled in reports from her own people. She read these files in her leisure, which could be called as social study or humanity study session.

Spirit Fox, acting as Yang Qingyue's enforcement arm, regularly submitted detailed accounts of unusual incidents. Some cases revolved heavily around societal pressure: men driven to madness under unbearable burdens; women, cornered by desperation, turning to quick-money schemes that spiraled into violence and even murder.

There were simply too many.

Fortunately, many of these dilemmas were resolved through stricter enforcement, swift and uncompromising crackdowns—and most importantly, by providing a viable way out.

Yes, the "way out" was the true sanctuary. The final thread of hope that cast light into despair.

Through carefully structured donations and guided intervention, Province N's overall environment gradually improved. That was, to Ling Qingyu, the true meaning of giving back to society—not scattering money blindly, but channeling it with control and purpose.

After all, her foundation and its affiliated law firm were established to help people—not to evade taxes, recycle funds back to her family under legal disguises, or launder dirty money.

Having long surpassed the stage of worrying about wealth, Ling Qingyu now viewed money simply as a tool—a medium of exchange. Nothing more.

Thus, Kate's past—leveraging sexual favors rather than "hard work," as many would frame it—didn't stir much emotion in her. In fact, calling it "not hard work" was unfair. Without discipline, restraint, and relentless learning, Kate would never have achieved her current success, regardless of intelligence. Dying later from poverty and discarded tools.

Prostitution. Sworn loyalty. Dirty tasks. Bribes.

All were simply alternative currencies—forms of trade people preferred not to acknowledge when cloaked under the banners of power and authority.

Compromises made in pursuit of elevation.

From her current position, Ling Qingyu finally understood why people sacrificed so much for even the slightest favor from someone powerful. She used to believe such exchanges were never worth it. And often, they weren't—especially when regret came later.

But those people also forgot that their present comfort and advancement were built upon those very sacrifices.

After all, even the mayor and various officials now sought opportunities to present themselves favorably before her. A word of support from Ling Qingyu could translate into political merit, promotion prospects, and polished resumes.

Her entourage carried firearms legally under special recommendation—while Athena's operations moved through more shadowed channels. Priority access. Privacy. Influence.

Who wouldn't crave such privileges?

And yet, Ling Qingyu knew one thing clearly: she could never become one of the hungry wolves who devoured everything in sight just to climb higher.

Her moral boundary had already been set too high.

Some argued that survival was paramount above all else.

But Ling Qingyu believed that if she had to kill her own principles just to survive—

Then she would already be dead.

Ling Qingyu voiced her disagreement with her two friends openly, without the slightest attempt to conceal her stance. Even Xiao Yue, who knew her well, was slightly taken aback by the breadth of Ling Qingyu's acceptance.

William, on the other hand, fell into thoughtful silence. He sensed that Ling Qingyu had pointed out something fundamental—something worth reflecting on carefully later.

After the heavier topic subsided, the atmosphere gradually warmed. Most of their former classmates were doing well in their respective careers, which was hardly surprising given that they had all graduated from a prestigious university.

Of course, there were exceptions. A few struggled due to weaker social skills or simply a lack of opportunity. Talent alone was never the only factor in success.

Eventually, William asked Ling Qingyu about her plans for the coming weeks, since the reunion was still some time away. Astrid also glanced at her, clearly curious about her whereabouts.

Ling Qingyu felt a quiet sense of relief. At least her efforts hadn't been in vain—Astrid no longer seemed guarded around her because of a man. That phase had once irritated Ling Qingyu to no end.

Was sisterhood truly so fragile that a relationship could fracture it? If their bond had been deeper back then, Ling Qingyu might have knocked some sense into Astrid and reminded her that there were countless paths in life—not just one revolving around romance.

Time pressed on, and Astrid and William soon had to return to work. It was fortunate they could spare time at all; their abilities and experience made them highly valued in their firm, especially given their senior positions.

Most people, after all, were trapped in repetitive routines—working simply to support themselves and their families, with little room to pursue what they truly wanted.

When the group descended and exited the restaurant, the female staff member Ling Qingyu had previously comforted came to escort them out.

Ling Qingyu greeted her warmly and subtly reminded her not to forget the contact information she had given her. If she ever needed help, she should reach out.

The woman smiled with genuine gratitude. Perhaps she had gained not just assistance—but a renewed understanding of life's rhythm. Rise and fall.

Beside her, Xiao Yue rolled her eyes. Ling Qingyu had a blatant double standard—she never hesitated to help women, especially beautiful ones. Xiao Yue half-wished Ling Qingyu would encounter a few snakes disguised as flowers just to learn a lesson.

Unfortunately, Ling Qingyu was meticulous. With Athena's intelligence network and her own sharp intuition, she was careful not to extend help blindly.

Life was unfair. Xiao Yue clicked her tongue—then caught herself.

Wasn't her own arrival in this world an opportunity as well? A chance to uplift herself and even benefit her family back in her original universe?

Comparison bred dissatisfaction. Gratitude restored balance.

After all, who truly knew what burdens the people they envied were carrying? Of course, only if she didn't know Ling Qingyu but now…

William left first, his Audi R8 brought around by the attendant.

Astrid remained behind, looking at Ling Qingyu. She said nothing—but her gaze spoke volumes.

"Please, Astrid," Ling Qingyu sighed. "Life doesn't have to revolve around a man. You don't need to guard me like I'm about to steal your precious treasure."

"Steal a man? I'm not!" Astrid flushed. "You're overthinking."

"When did I say anything about stealing a man?" Ling Qingyu teased lightly.

"You just did. Stop talking nonsense."

"Alright." Ling Qingyu's tone softened. "I just want you to hear me out. As your friend, I'm going to be blunt. I was never interested in him. Not before. Not now. Not in the future. Back then, I was simply too foolish to not explain myself—and you know how I am. I don't like clarifying things, and I tend to do things my own way."

"Really?" Astrid's surprise was evident. "Did I misunderstand everything? Did I let it affect our relationship?" She hesitated. "Then… I'm sorry, Qingyu. I hope you didn't take it to heart. I—"

Frankly, Astrid had already begun questioning herself during the meal. She had watched Ling Qingyu carefully—every gesture, every tone. There hadn't been the slightest trace of intimacy toward William. If anything, it was William who subtly tried to draw closer, while Ling Qingyu maintained a clear and effortless boundary.

Still, Astrid couldn't shake her doubt.

She was certain she hadn't imagined it. Back then, she had sensed Ling Qingyu's emotions softening around William. That subtle shift had marked the beginning of their distance.

Had she truly misjudged everything? Had she wrongly blamed her friend all this time?

Unbeknownst to her, the current Ling Qingyu was far more skilled than her former self. Without raising her voice or changing her expression, she had quietly repositioned herself—subtly stepping into the role of the misunderstood party.

Only Xiao Yue saw through it.

"I've long moved past it," Ling Qingyu interrupted gently. "I've had enough of my own messes to deal with."

She patted Astrid's shoulder—and, out of habit, gave a playful squeeze before quickly pulling back. A dry cough followed when she noticed Xiao Yue's expressionless stare.

Composing herself, Ling Qingyu turned serious again.

"Astrid, I'm going to be very frank. Don't take this emotionally, but I have to say it. What do you truly want in life? You can't waste your time orbiting around a man. William isn't going to reciprocate your feelings. Getting closer to him won't change that."

She exhaled in one breath.

"I don't want to see my friend sink deeper."

Astrid held her gaze, searching her face for hidden motives, for subtle manipulation. Ling Qingyu didn't waver.

Astrid understood—at least consciously.

But understanding something in theory was different from accepting it in the depths of the heart.

Which idiot dared to admit that he or she was a simp all along for many years? The courage to fix oneself and accept her stupidity. She knew Ling Qingyu was right. So many years without results but she was reluctant to accept the truth.