Finn, who had suffered the greatest malice, suddenly went silent on social media, leaving the public feeling as if they had lost the only window through which they could get close to him.
Of course, everyone hoped that Young Master Finn could go back to how he was before, sharing clips of his dancing, his busy and fulfilling daily life, those vibrant and dazzling moments on his platform.. But everyone also knew clearly that Finn's social media accounts had always been managed entirely by Andrew.
Desperate netizens could only change direction, frantically @Osborn Group Sniper.
[Bro @Osborn Group Sniper, stop sniping! Please, just post an update for your Young Master!!]
【Young Master Finn isn't actually planning to shut down his social media, is he? Please don't!】
[Just post a quick video, even just a photo! Just let us see how Young Master Finn is doing.]
[I used to feel so much energy watching Young Master Finn, whether he was dancing or working. Now that I've lost my source of life, my heart feels empty every single day. I'm so parched that I'm practically dying every day [lying down crying. gif].]
【Is Young Master Finn still very sad? When will I be able to see Finn smiling in the videos? [Stormy Crying. gif]】
[There are many dark-hearted people in this world filled with senseless malice, who only want to destroy the brilliant lights that make them jealous. But I believe that Finn is Finn, he will shine forever.]
Young Master Finn! You can't just train a group of New Era fanatics! You're just going to leave us to fend for ourselves!!
..
The netizens on the internet, who had been flooding the web with hopes that Finn Osborn's social media accounts could continue posting updates at the previous high frequency, received no response from the Osborn Group Sniper for a long time. Consequently, they all flocked to Noah. After all, Noah was also a brother-bragging fanatic; since Finn himself wasn't posting anything on his own platforms, they could only beg Noah to continue showing him off.
What are you thinking?" Noah asked, staring at Andrew. "You're never going to post anything again?
How is that possible?" Andrew looked up and met Noah's gaze, "I'll still post them, even if it's just for future promotion.
Andrew actually had a stomach full of suppressed anger; he was originally a petty person.
Just thinking about those previous malicious slanders and baseless, bottomless insults, even the way the entire internet sided together to condemn Finn, while launching large-scale boycotts against the brands Finn created and the Osborn Group.
If it weren't for the fact that Finn was truly thick-skinned and had never cared about these online voices, the unimaginable wave of malice surging from all over the world would have truly driven Finn's condition to become even more severe.
Just imagining that consequence made Andrew feel like he would definitely lash out at society in a fit of rage when the time came.
"Right now, they all make it sound so wonderful, but as soon as I think about how those same voices were frantically trampling over Young Master Finn's kindness before, I feel incredibly disgusted." Andrew's brow furrowed deeply; the young man, who was usually silent and submissive to Finn, spoke now with words filled with biting contempt.
Andrew also didn't know if his state of stopping updates counted as emotional abuse toward the netizens.
He had been so enthusiastic and diligent, filming, editing, posting videos every single day, he had been equally heartbroken.
“The internet is just like that; the truly rational voices in this world don't actually speak up easily. You have to get used to that,” Noah said softly with a smile, looking at the emotionally volatile Andrew, "At least for now, public opinion is leaning toward Finn, actually, there have been many good friends speaking up for Finn during this time. Finn is very clear-headed in this regard; he is much more positive than you are. Look at the big picture. As Finn said, this is actually the best promotional opportunity."
Even Noah thought to himself: The Osborn Group's real blessings are yet to come.
“I couldn't do that,” Andrew Damon said gloomily. In the past, he would have been extremely embarrassed just by stepping on stage and hearing laughter, he truly didn't know how Young Master Finn could be so indifferent to those malicious voices from the outside, but it was undoubtedly a good thing. “If it weren't for Young Master Finn being so thick-headed, his condition would probably have turned straight into severe depression.”
"Did you just say Finn is simple-minded?" Noah asked back in surprise, after all, Andrew had never spoken ill of Finn before.
".. I mean, Young Master Finn has a strong heart that remains undisturbed by the outside world," Andrew defended after a pause.
Noah couldn't help but laugh.
Let the social media platforms update as usual. Finn isn't the type to hold things back for a few days just to tease the public and leave everyone waiting in suspense," Noah said with a sigh, before suddenly thinking of something else. "Don't you find this scene incredibly familiar? It's like those scummy men and women have suddenly had a change of heart and are starting to pour their hearts out to chase after the White Moonlight young master they once neglected.
Andrew stared blankly at Noah: ".." You've been poisoned by the short dramas Young Master Finn invests in, too.
"You've really changed a lot, Andrew." Noah stopped joking and looked at Andrew, who was facing him to discuss the work regarding the [Summerverse] staff uniforms and the [Summerverse X METAL] collaboration. Although Andrew didn't always wear suits like Harry Osborn anymore, he wore appropriate casual business attire now. He no longer looked as awkward and timid as before; instead, he had the aura of a young professional capable of holding his own.
At this moment, Andrew could sit calmly across the table, discussing work details with you with clear thoughts.
The classes you signed me up for weren't for nothing," Andrew replied calmly. He had already come to terms with it; as long as Young Master Finn's mental state remained stable, everything else would be trivial. "Besides, staying by Young Master Finn's side.. isn't everyone competitive?
Thinking of this, Andrew couldn't help but have a complicated expression.
He felt like he was a mushroom being forced to do crunches under the sunlight, his texture was becoming increasingly chewy.
"That's true." Noah sighed. Before, Finn had just been playing around, everyone was happy to go along with it. But once Finn said he was going to inherit the family fortune, he truly began to take bold steps in his career. Moreover, he wasn't just pursuing his own career; he could also arrange everything for the people around him with absolute clarity.
The people closest to Finn have naturally been the first victims, almost one by one being forced to become model employees. Especially Secretary Number One Andrew, Secretary Number Two Malton, bodyguard Max; everyone holds multiple positions and is being thoroughly exploited by Finn.
Noah even felt that ever since Dr. Thomas met Finn, the workload had skyrocketed.
Moreover, as Finn's business empire continues to expand, it can be said that the list of victims grows day by day.
Previously, Finn was called a [Time Management Master], but now he has started managing the time of all his friends.
Noah even felt that Finn's previous indulgence in eating, drinking, playing was like building up a talent reserve, only now was he revealing his true ambitions.
—That means becoming the direct leader of all his friends.
—So those were parties before? They should be called "BOSS Recruitment," I guess.
[Are you Young Master Finn's true best friend?]
[Very well, then you have now joined the reserve camp of Osborn Group workers.]
[I WANT YOU! I'm waiting for you!]
[Make the Osborn Group even greater.]
"If Peter weren't in a bad mood lately, Young Master Finn would have even arranged everything clearly for him," Andrew said, seeing through it as well.
Ever since Peter became a triple crown winner of Rat Rise and went viral, even though it hasn't been officially announced yet, everyone knows that Peter is dating Young Master Osborn. To keep a low profile, Peter naturally tries to avoid appearing in public as Peter Parker as much as possible. However, if it were an idea proposed by Finn, it goes without saying that Peter would surely agree with enthusiasm, full of initiative and ambition.
"How is Peter doing?" Noah asked. He had been so busy lately that he hadn't visited Finn for two days.
His mood has improved a lot." Andrew was naturally worried about his best friend Peter as well. "Aunt May has been filming on set lately, so Peter has been staying at Young Master Finn's house. Young Master Finn is always good at making people happy, so there are no problems.
Noah's expression gradually became somewhat complicated as he remembered the shameless things Finn had said to him last time about "using one's body to comfort a lover." Seeing that the usually energetic and enthusiastic Peter Parker had suddenly fallen into a depressive state, Harry, who had been watching Peter's every move upon his return home each night, likely couldn't find the words to drive him away. Consequently, Peter stopped even pretending and spent every night sleeping in the arms of his beloved Young Master.
That's right, superheroes know how to seize rare opportunities better than anyone else.
—Even though he was in a bad mood, as soon as the opportunity arrived, he immediately fired his webs and trapped him firmly.
Who says Finn has Peter wrapped around his finger? Noah actually felt that Peter had the Young Master wrapped around his finger.
"How is your mother doing? I heard she has fully recovered." Noah thought of something else and asked after Andrew's family.
Yes, she has also been discharged from the hospital. I had already rented a house, so now my mother can live with me." This was wonderful news for Andrew, at this thought, the young man's expression softened significantly. Andrew naturally received a high salary from Finn, so he no longer needed his mother to work after her recovery, but his mother had her own ideas. "My mother wants to attend nursing training now. She said she knows how painful it is to be bedridden, she wants to become a caregiver to help those people. She feels her previous life was just lying in a hospital bed waiting to die, but now that she has been healed, she doesn't want to live an idle life anymore; she wants to do something meaningful in the future. I feel I should support her.
"Noah nodded in agreement." and
“Lily Wilson, the daughter of the Wilsons, is also in that hospital. My mother often visits her after she was able to get out of bed, because of that, she and Mrs. Wilson became good friends.” Andrew was also happy that his mother could be friends with Catherine, but his mood turned heavy and his expression darkened when he thought of Lily, who had become a vegetable. “This world is truly cruel. The Wilsons are such kind people, yet their daughter cannot wake up because of a demon's sins.”
An entire innocent family was shattered because of a hypocritical man, left to sink into long-lasting pain and torment.
Andrew is a cold person who rarely experiences empathy, but the Wilsons are uniquely important to him.
But they met Finn, didn't they?" Noah asked in return. "Even if fate doesn't always end perfectly, I still believe that those who hold onto kindness and integrity can find a turning point even after experiencing setbacks. Perhaps one day in the future, Lily will wake up?
Andrew also wanted to hold onto such expectations; he thought that the Wilsons must feel the same way.
No matter how long it takes, as long as one is still alive, there is still hope.
Although Andrew's mother had been discharged from the hospital, she still went to visit Lily Wilson every day. Like Andrew, she was deeply grateful to Young Master Finn, who had not only healed her but had also guided her son toward a bright and open future during his most lost and troubled times. However, now that she had recovered, she did not know how to repay him, so she hoped she could take good care of the daughter of the Wilsons, who served as Young Master Finn's butler in the hospital.
Knowing that his mother was at the hospital taking care of Lily, Andrew took some time out of his schedule to visit, he even bought a bouquet of flowers when he passed a flower shop on the way.
Standing at the hospital entrance with a bouquet in his hands, Andrew found it somewhat unbelievable. The last time he had been to a flower shop was when he was accompanying Peter; the little Spider-Man had insisted that he absolutely had to buy a bouquet for Young Master Finn, claiming it was an essential part of dating.
But for someone like him.
Someone like him, who was once looked down upon and mocked by everyone, treated as a freak, beaten and scolded by his father, crushed by the heavy burdens of life.. In the past, he could never have imagined that in the future, he would spend money on a luxury bouquet destined to last only a few days.
—But, they are truly beautiful.
Soft petals, the scent of dew, a light and gentle floral fragrance.. full of vibrant, burgeoning vitality.
Andrew found it hilarious; he actually felt this way now.
Peter, what are you doing here?
Upon arriving at the ward and seeing Peter, Andrew was somewhat surprised, especially since Peter, who suffered from separation anxiety regarding Finn, had come all by himself.
“I'm here to visit Lily,” Peter replied, looking a bit surprised when he saw the bouquet in Andrew's hands.
“I.. my mother is here, I just happened to be visiting Lily too.” Andrew suddenly felt a bit embarrassed; after all, buying flowers was not something he would typically do; it was just a sudden impulse. "I happened to be passing by a flower shop and thought I could bring a bouquet while visiting a patient."
"They're very beautiful." Peter didn't tease Andrew on purpose, he just said with a smile.
What about Young Master Finn?" Andrew asked. "I just got back from Noah's, discussing the plans for the co-branded clothing.
Young Master Finn went to Mr. Stark's house to discuss plans for the Hero Era Camp in the Summer Neverland amusement park; Max and Malton went along as well," Peter said. "I.. wanted to come and visit Lily.
Peter also felt that he had been too clingy to Finn lately and should start returning to his previous state.
Andrew carefully observed Peter's expression. He knew that Peter, as Spider-Man, felt guilt and remorse regarding that case from two years ago, Lily Wilson was also a victim of that case. Andrew also wanted to comfort Peter; although he was a superhero, it was impossible to save everyone, let alone when Peter was only sixteen two years ago. Andrew didn't even know what kind of meaningless, freakish things he was doing when he was sixteen, yet Peter Parker was already able to become Spider-Man, which was already a very great thing.
The Wilsons were also very kind and open-minded people; they knew that the one responsible for bearing the sin of that tragic disaster was Palman, they certainly would not vent their anger or blame Peter because of it.
It seemed that under Finn's comfort during this period, Peter's emotions had indeed significantly improved.
This was the first time Peter had come to the hospital to visit the Wilsons' daughter since learning about the Palman massacre, his mindset was completely different from before. Looking at the extremely thin and pale girl in the hospital bed, Peter's eyes still reddened.
—She is the only survivor.
—But, she simply would not wake up.
“Peter, even though fate isn't always perfect, those who hold onto kindness and stay true to themselves will surely find a turning point, even after facing setbacks.” Andrew was a bit unsure of how to comfort Peter, as this wasn't something he was good at, but he suddenly thought of what Noah had said to him today, so he repeated it, “Perhaps Lily will wake up one day in the future?”
Hearing Andrew's words, Peter stared at him blankly, tears instantly fell from his eyes.
Andrew was tense all over; it seemed he really had no talent for comforting people, as he had directly talked them into tears.
"This must be Finn's creed as well," Peter said, smiling through his tears. He had heard similar sentiments in Finn's inner thoughts countless times. That stubborn Young Master believed that darkness and hardship could never bury a person forever; kind people would eventually be like.. seeds breaking through the soil, shattering every obstacle to sprout and grow vigorously under the sunlight.
And before this, Finn had always been the most patient nurturer.
Waiting with one hundred percent sincerity and anticipation for the day the flowers bloom.
Just then, Peter froze, looking behind Andrew with a hint of surprise.
Andrew turned around in confusion.
A person he had never imagined, someone he had almost completely excised from his life, unexpectedly crashed into his line of sight.
—It was his father.
I'll go help you put the flowers in place." Peter reached out and took the bouquet from Andrew's hands, "You should have a chat with your father.
Andrew stood stiffly in place, his aura instantly turning cold as he stared at the man with a dark gaze. It had to be said that this was the most "decent" moment he had seen Damon in all these years. It wasn't that drunken, disheveled appearance, but rather a rare sight of him dressed neatly, with his hair and beard seemingly groomed, standing before him so strangely that it almost left Andrew dazed.
"What are you doing here?" Andrew gave the man no warmth in his voice.
"You and your mother haven't been back for a long time," Damon said slowly, his voice dry and hoarse.
That's because we've been doing very well here," Andrew said with a cold sneer. "There's no need for you to come here now and pretend to care.