98: Chapter 99: Letting the Wolf In and the Public Opinion Outburst.

"Tianxue? What's wrong? Is it inconvenient?" Tang Guo looked at her hesitant expression, her eyes dimming slightly, her tone carrying a hint of disappointment. "If it's not convenient, then forget it. I can just take a taxi back myself."

Seeing her disappointed look, Yin Tianxue's heart softened, and she spoke impulsively: "No... it's not inconvenient. It's just... the house might be a bit messy, please don't mind."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it. What was she doing? How could she... how could she agree to let Tang Guo come to her home? This was simply... playing with fire!

However, Tang Guo had already started smiling happily, linking her arm with hers, her tone cheerful: "How could I mind! Between us sisters, do we really need to stand on such ceremony? Let's go, let's go, I can't wait to see what Yu Bo looks like in that suit!"

Looking at her bright, radiant smile, Yin Tianxue's lingering regret and unease were diluted once more. Perhaps... she was overthinking it? Was Tang Guo just genuinely wanting to see Yu Bo try on the clothes, with no other intentions? Perhaps... last night's incident really was just an accident, and they could still go back to how things used to be, being simple, good friends?

She took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and forced a smile: "Alright, then let's... go home."

The words "go home" were difficult for her to say, and a strange feeling welled up in her heart. Home... her and Yu Bo's home. Now, she was going to bring Tang Guo with her, to "go home" together.

This realization made her heart feel both flustered and vaguely filled with a hint of... a secret excitement and anticipation she dared not even admit to herself.

The two got into a taxi and headed towards the High-end Residential Area. Yin Tianxue watched the streetscape rapidly receding outside the window, her heart in a mess, filled with conflict and struggle. Meanwhile, Tang Guo sat beside her, a faint, meaningful smile playing on her lips, while deep in her eyes, a look of certainty flickered.

Tianxue, since you have already taken the first step, then... don't blame me for pushing for more.

...

Meanwhile, Yu Bo was sitting in his office, looking at the public opinion report on the "Yin Angel — smile project" on his computer screen, his brows furrowed tightly.

Just as he had anticipated, after the press conference and a few days of fermentation, the project had completely taken off. Major media outlets were competing to report on it, the view count for related topics on social networks had already exceeded one hundred million, and discussion remained high. Yin Tianxue's statement at the press conference about "charity is not a performance" was widely reposted, earning countless praises.

"Yin Angel" had become a hit, and the direct consequence was that the phones for inquiries and requests for help were ringing off the hook.

"CEO Yu," the assistant knocked and entered, his expression somewhat grave, "The phone lines at the Foundation are completely tied up. Just this morning alone, we received over five hundred inquiry calls. Among them, there are three local applications for help, all involving children with cleft lips and palates from impoverished families who are in urgent need of surgery."

Yu Bo took the documents handed over by the assistant and quickly browsed through them. These three applications were typical cases: families in poverty, parents unable to afford the high costs of surgery, children suffering from discrimination due to congenital defects, introverted and lacking self-confidence, and in urgent need of help.

"Have they been verified?" Yu Bo put down the documents and asked.

"They have been preliminarily verified, and the situations are basically true." The assistant nodded, "But CEO Yu, this is just the beginning. According to current trends, subsequent applications will only increase. Just for local children with cleft lips and palates, there are conservatively estimated to be over a hundred cases, not to mention nationwide. If we provide free surgery for all of them, plus subsequent rehabilitation and psychological counseling, the financial pressure will be immense."

Yu Bo rubbed his temples, his expression grave. He certainly knew this. Charity was not a one-off deal, but a long-term, systematic project. Surgery was only the first step; subsequent rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and even educational support all required significant capital and manpower investment.

"Don't worry about the funding; I will resolve it." He said in a deep voice, "The current problem is how to establish an efficient and fair review and assistance mechanism to ensure every penny is spent where it counts, helping those who truly need it, rather than letting certain people with ulterior motives exploit loopholes."

"Yes, I understand." The assistant nodded, "The Foundation is already urgently formulating detailed review standards and procedures. But CEO Yu... there is one more problem."

"Speak."

"Public opinion." The assistant's expression was serious, "A tall tree catches the wind. 'Yin Angel' has too much attention right now, with countless eyes watching. Once we have any oversight in the review process, or if there is a problem with any of the recipients of our aid, it will be infinitely magnified, potentially even triggering a public relations crisis. By then, not only will the Foundation be affected, but Miss Yin's personal reputation will also be damaged."

Yu Bo's eyes turned cold, and an intimidating chill emanated from him: "Whoever dares to touch Tianxue, I will make them regret coming into this world."

The assistant shuddered from the chill radiating from him and quickly lowered his head: "Yes, I will closely monitor the trends in public opinion and prepare contingency plans."

"Hmm." Yu Bo retracted his icy aura, rubbed his temples, and his tone softened slightly, "As for Tianxue... don't tell her about these things yet. She has been too tired lately; let her get some good rest. Keep a close eye on the Foundation's affairs, and report to me immediately if anything comes up."

"Yes, CEO Yu."

After the assistant left, Yu Bo leaned back in his chair, looking at the bustling city scene outside the window, but his heart felt heavy. He supported Tianxue in doing charity, supporting her in realizing her ideals and value. But he was even more aware that reality was far crueler than ideals. The path of charity, while seemingly glamorous, was actually filled with thorns. He had to be behind her, clearing away all obstacles, holding up the sky for her, so that she could carefree and purely help those children who needed help.

Thinking of Tianxue, his cold and stern features softened, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously. He wondered what she was doing right now? Was she still sleeping in? Had she eaten her breakfast properly?

He picked up his phone, wanting to call her, but was afraid of waking her up. After hesitating for a moment, he dialed the home landline instead. The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.

Yu Bo frowned and dialed Yin Tianxue's mobile phone. Still, no one answered.

A bad premonition welled up in his heart. He immediately dialed the number for the villa's property management.

"Mr. Yu, hello."

"Is Miss Yin at home?"

"Miss Yin? She just returned, along with a lady surnamed Tang. Do you need us to help you contact her?"