Chapter 3

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation loosened up. Apart from Director Sun and Tong Yue, everyone else was a young person of similar age, and while each had their own designs, the talk mostly revolved around the usual topics.

At the table, Guo Yixi threw a few cold, mocking remarks at Kong Xiyan, but with Tong Yue sitting beside her, she didn't dare say anything too harsh. She could only brood in silence, her face souring with resentment.

Director Sun kept leaning over to whisper sweet nothings to the beautiful woman beside him, offering empty promises that were no better than hot air.

Xiao Cheng was adept at ingratiating himself, calling her "Sister Kong" this and "Sister Kong" that. Kong Xiyan maintained a warm, faint smile, like a mask, neither appearing distant nor overly responsive to his forced familiarity.

Wu Qing leaned toward Gu Ling and whispered, "Look at Xiao Cheng, buttering her up again."

Gu Ling raised an eyebrow. "Buttering her up? He's just trying to get on Sister Tong's good side."

Wu Qing nodded. "I heard Xiao Cheng's contract ends at the end of the year, and he might come to Jingyan. Could be true."

Gu Ling chuckled lightly. "Whether he comes or not, we'll go on as usual."

Wu Qing: "True."

They were the ones currently being heavily promoted by Jingyan, and it was rumored they were the most likely to work with Tong Yue. Their relationship outside of work was generally lukewarm, especially after the artist under Tong Yue had left a while back, they had even been at odds. Now they could chat a bit more, mainly because there was no longer a rivalry to fight over.

Tong Yue had brought Kong Xiyan.

Since it no longer mattered to them, there was no need to keep up cold faces.

Besides, this time Gu Ling was playing the female lead, and Wu Qing was the third female lead; in the crew, they would see each other frequently, so there was no point in creating more enmity.

With that in mind, the two even clinked glasses at the table, all congenial.

After the meal, Xiao Cheng bent down and asked Kong Xiyan, "Sister Kong, can I add you on WeChat? It'll be easier for us to discuss the script."

His words were overheard by those at the table, provoking a round of teasing.

"Hey, did you all hear that? Xiao Cheng is asking for her WeChat!"

"Yeah, Mr. Xiao, we're also acting with you. Why didn't you ask for ours?"

"That's different!"

"What's different?"

"Can you even compare to Miss Kong? After all, her charm hasn't faded one bit."

The lively atmosphere at the table came to an abrupt halt. Guo Yixi raised her glass and said to Kong Xiyan, "She shot to fame right after debut and made it into the Four Young Flowers. Can you all do that?"

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Xiao Cheng stood up to smooth things over. "Sister Guo is always so straightforward, but she's right. Sister Kong is indeed our senior. My earlier move was too rash. I'll punish myself with three cups!"

With that, he raised his glass, downed it in one go, and then drank three more. His fair, handsome face flushed red in no time. That little incident was glossed over as the conversation shifted. Xiao Cheng sat back down, his face ruddy, and said in a low voice, "Sister Kong, you're not angry, are you?"

Kong Xiyan shook her head. "Thank you for helping me out."

Xiao Cheng scratched his head, looking sheepish. "No, it was my fault for getting too excited and misspeaking."

He then looked at Tong Yue and said, "By the way, Sister Kong, are you and Sister Tong close?"

After all, she had been blacklisted three years ago. Now she was back, quietly working with Tong Yue. If she didn't have backing, then she must be extremely close to Tong Yue.

Either way, it could benefit him. So building a good relationship with Kong Xiyan was essential.

Kong Xiyan turned to look at Tong Yue. Under the light, Tong Yue sat upright, her profile sharp. Even without looking into her eyes, one could sense her imposing demeanor. Kong Xiyan shook her head. "Not really familiar."

That was the truth; she wasn't familiar with Tong Yue.

Even now, this was only their second meeting, and they hadn't exchanged more than five sentences.

Xiao Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly at her answer, but his tone remained natural. "No matter. You'll get to know each other in time."

Kong Xiyan only smiled with her lips pressed together, saying nothing.

After the meal, the others were still not satisfied and clamored to go elsewhere. Tong Yue waved at them. "We won't join you. Have fun."

Gu Ling immediately looked disappointed. "Sister Tong isn't coming?"

During the meal, she had sat far away and hadn't managed to get close to Tong Yue. She had hoped to find a chance to talk more, but Tong Yue was leaving.

Tong Yue nodded to her. "I still have some things to take care of, so I won't go."

Xiao Cheng stood beside Kong Xiyan and muttered, "Is Sister Kong leaving too?"

Kong Xiyan glanced at Tong Yue and gave a soft "Mm." "I'll be heading off as well."

She had come with Tong Yue, so leaving together made sense. Director Sun just reminded them to be careful on the way.

After seeing off the group, Kong Xiyan finally dropped the fake smile she'd worn all evening. Tong Yue glanced at her watch. "I need to go back to the company in a bit. Where do you live? I'll give you a ride."

Kong Xiyan quickly waved her hands. "No need, Sister Tong. I can get back on my own."

Tong Yue frowned. "It's late, and it's not safe for you alone."

Kong Xiyan smiled reluctantly. "A friend drove me here. He's still waiting. I'll head back with him, don't worry, Sister Tong."

Only then did Tong Yue give a slight nod. "Alright. We're shooting the promotional stills the day after tomorrow. Don't forget the time. I've sent all the upcoming schedule to your WeChat. Keep an eye on it."

Kong Xiyan: "Okay."

After giving her instructions, Tong Yue turned to leave, then paused, turned back, and asked, "Are you and Assistant Zhou old acquaintances?"

Kong Xiyan was momentarily taken aback, then shook her head. "No."

Tong Yue stared into Kong Xiyan's eyes. They were clear and pure, without a trace of panic. She was telling the truth.

But if they weren't old acquaintances, why would Assistant Zhou have assigned her to handle Kong Xiyan?

Everyone in the industry knew Tong Yue never took on mediocrity, and she personally selected her artists. Yet this time, Assistant Zhou had "abused his power" to foist Kong Xiyan on her. She had been surprised when she first got the notice.

But no matter how surprised, since it was settled, she wouldn't question it further.

After a moment of thought, Tong Yue said, "Miss Kong, work hard. It's not hard to turn a no into a yes."

She then left.

Kong Xiyan lowered her gaze silently behind her.

Turn a no into a yes.

Tong Yue wanted her to latch on to Assistant Zhou's connections.

She sighed, took out her phone, and dialed Lu Han's number. It rang three times before he picked up. In no time, the car pulled up to the hotel entrance.

Kong Xiyan got in, massaging her slightly throbbing head. She'd only had two glasses of red wine, but the aftereffects were stronger than she'd expected. She pressed her lips together, leaned back against the seat, and closed her eyes to rest.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the villa. The car stopped. Kong Xiyan opened her eyes, turned her head, and saw a bright expanse of lights in the apartment. After a moment of thought, she asked, "Is President Chi not working overtime tonight?"

Lu Han stopped at the gate and replied, "President Chi rarely works overtime."

"Oh."

Kong Xiyan responded softly. She had assumed someone like Chi Wanzhao would always be busy and often working late.

She hadn't expected it to be rare for her.

Then what Tong Yue had said earlier about President Chi being in a meeting was likely just a pretext.

Lu Han opened the back door. Kong Xiyan got out, took a deep breath, and walked slowly toward the apartment.

As soon as she reached the entryway, she heard a voice: "Was Yanyan good today?"

"Meow..."

"Hmm? Not happy? Why?"

"Meow meow..."

"Is that so? Yanyan really likes her?"

Kong Xiyan: ...

She stood behind Chi Wanzhao, watching the woman and the cat for a moment. This person... was she fluent in cat language? She could actually hold a conversation with it?

Hearing footsteps behind her, Chi Wanzhao turned her head and said in a clear, cold voice, "You're back."

Kong Xiyan opened her mouth and finally replied, "Mm."

Chi Wanzhao scooped up the white cat from the floor, cradled it, and stroked it as she sat down on the sofa to watch financial news. The cat in her arms, content from the petting, was purring, breaking the slightly awkward atmosphere.

Kong Xiyan changed her shoes and went in, staring at Chi Wanzhao's back.

Her shoulders were narrow, her waist slim, and her long hair was fixed up with a clip. She must have just showered, as the ends of her hair were still damp.

When she moved, droplets of water from the tips of her hair trickled into her long, slender neck and disappeared.

Kong Xiyan looked away.

She had been in the entertainment circle and had seen countless beauties, yet when she first met Chi Wanzhao, she was still somewhat stunned. With exquisite features and an aloof temperament, even during negotiations, Chi Wanzhao remained composed and confident.

She appeared shrewd and capable, not the type to make a losing deal.

Yet this very woman had proposed the marriage contract.

Kong Xiyan simply couldn't figure out what Chi Wanzhao was thinking.

She had been standing there for a while. Chi Wanzhao finished watching the news, turned to her, and said, "Aren't you going to take a shower?"

Kong Xiyan: "Huh?"

Chi Wanzhao met her clear, bright eyes and continued, "Yanyan doesn't like the smell of alcohol."

Kong Xiyan lowered her head. "Okay."

She hurried up the stairs, grabbed her pajamas, and went into the bathroom. She showered and came out shortly after. Downstairs, Chi Wanzhao was still holding the white cat and watching TV. The spacious living room was filled with the sound of the television and Yanyan's faint purrs.

Standing at the top of the stairs, Kong Xiyan found the scene somewhat heartwarming.

She shook her head. It must be the wine tonight that gave her such an illusion.

She went downstairs and sat on the other end of the sofa. Chi Wanzhao glanced at her indifferently, then handed her the cat in her arms. Startled awake, the cat opened its blue eyes, and upon seeing Kong Xiyan, let out a soft "meow" before nuzzling into her arms and dozing off again.

Kong Xiyan placed her fingers on the soft white fur, feeling the gentle rise and fall of its belly. A faint smile curved her brows and eyes.

Chi Wanzhao turned off the TV and picked up a piece of paper from the coffee table, handing it to Kong Xiyan. It had over twenty items written on it.

Looking at the paper, Kong Xiyan read, "Outings must not exceed thirty minutes, bath once a week, no holding the cat after smoking or drinking..."

The list was long. Midway through, she asked, "Why do I need to switch my body wash?"

Chi Wanzhao leaned back on the sofa. "Because you'll be sleeping with Yanyan at night, and she can't stand the smell of anything else."

Kong Xiyan: ...

Fine. She had signed the marriage contract, so she accepted it, until she reached the last item.

"President Chi, this last one—"

She pointed to the final rule. Chi Wanzhao leaned in a little closer, and a faint, clean fragrance immediately lingered under Kong Xiyan's nose. Then came the soft question, "What is it?"

Kong Xiyan leaned back slightly. "Does this mean, except when I'm acting, I can't leave it at any other time?"

Chi Wanzhao: "Yes. Is there a problem?"

Kong Xiyan pressed her lips together. No, there wasn't a problem, really. She was either filming or holed up at home most of the time anyway. Having a cat around wasn't so bad.

With that thought, she shook her head at Chi Wanzhao. "No problem."

Chi Wanzhao promptly handed her a pen. "Sign."

A crisp signature appeared on the white paper, and a faint smile flickered in Chi Wanzhao's bright eyes. With the television off, the living room grew especially quiet, leaving only the sound of Yanyan's purring growing louder. The atmosphere stiffened. Sensing Chi Wanzhao's gaze on her, Kong Xiyan made small talk. "I heard from Sister Tong that you were working overtime today."

Chi Wanzhao's eyes flickered. "She must have been mistaken."

Kong Xiyan: ...

Chi Wanzhao added, "But Miss Kong has settled into your role quickly. Already checking up on me."

Kong Xiyan: ...

Serves me right! Why did I have to make small talk?