《Surprise Resignation of Female Substitute Secretary》


 Chapter 1: Quit 1

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    The top floor of a fully ss-d building in the center of Beijing''s CBD was eerily quiet. In the office of the president of Tian Jin Group, employees were buried in their work, their typing and mouse clicks unusually soft, as if afraid of waking a sleeping demon.


    Suddenly, the sound of high heels clicking on the immacte ck marble floor echoed through the room. As the sound drew closer, all eyes were drawn to a pair of long, slender, white legs. The delicate figure wrapped in a white shirt and a peach-colored pencil skirt was even more enchanting.


    Su Tao paid no attention to the curious or mocking gazes of her colleagues. Since her first day at thepany, she had felt that their eyes were not friendly towards her.


    Without stopping, she walked straight towards the closed ck door of the president''s office, adding to its already cold and strict atmosphere.


    As Su Tao disappeared around the corner beyond the ck door, which led to the senior secretary''s work area, her colleagues returned their attention to their work, avoiding any distraction.


    Inside the office, the sudden ringing of the phone made everyone jump. Cheng Shu, the secretary sitting in front of the phone, answered it softly, "Hello, President''s office."


    After hanging up the phone, Cheng Shu''s face turned pale. "It''s over," she said, looking towards the ck door with a look of despair. "The sales department''s document was given to me yesterday, and I forgot to give it to the president."


    Tian Yingying, one of the secretaries seated next to her, instantly understood the situation. With sympathetic eyes, she pointed to the phone and said, "Did they ask you to deliver it right now?"


    "I''m going to die," Cheng Shu''s chest heaved as she felt the weight of her mistake.


    Tian Yingying nodded towards the ck door and then raised her eyebrows at Cheng Shu. Cheng Shu understood and quickly grabbed the document, hurrying towards the president''s office.


    Directly opposite the president''s office was a crescent-shaped reception desk. Warm white lights decorated the desk, making it look upscale and exquisite.


    Sitting behind the spacious desk was Su Tao in her peach-colored skirt, her eyes focused on theputer screen as she typed on the keyboard. Her wless, fair skin and delicate features were impable.


    Her doe-like eyes were gentle and innocent,cking any aggression. But if you stared at her for a while, you could sense a hidden power within her that seemed to pull you in, making you want to explore her deeper.


    "Su Tao, please help me," Cheng Shu whispered, half-leaning on the desk. "The sales department director is in a hurry for this document. Could you help me deliver it?"


    Su Tao nced at the document in Cheng Shu''s hand and asked in a soft, clear voice, "Why did they give you the document sote?"


    "They''re so unreliable," Cheng Shuined softly. "The president is in a meeting, and I dare not enter. Su Tao, you''re the best. Could you please help me?"


    Su Tao nodded and took the document from Cheng Shu''s hand, walking towards the president''s office.


    Su Tao''s face remained calm, her clear eyes like a detector that could read people''s hearts. She nced at Cheng Shu and nodded, "I can help you deliver the documents, but don''t dy next time."


    Cheng Shu''s face stiffened, and he awkwardly nodded and thanked her before quickly leaving the scene, feeling exposed by his lies.


    Su Tao opened the file and quickly browsed through it, confirming that there were no issues. She stood up, straightened her peach-colored pencil skirt, and walked in her high heels towards the dark door.


    A deafening noise from behind the dark door made everyone in the office tremble with fear.


    Another document was viciously thrown to the ground, joining the mess of scattered papers at everyone''s feet.


    Behind the massive desk, a man leaned backfortably in his chair with his arms resting on the armrests. His ck designer shirt sleeves were rolled up to reveal a glimpse of his fair arm. With prominent knuckles, he tapped the files on the desk with his index finger in amanding manner.


    The rhythmic tapping sounded like a death knell, and everyone held their breath, afraid that if the sound stopped, it would be the moment of death.


    His long, narrow eyes stared at the files on his hands, his dark face like the gloomy weather outside the window, with a chilly wind that made people shiver.


    The tapping abruptly stopped, and everyone gasped in shock. But before the next wave of anger could erupt, they heard a soft knock on the door.


    Even more terrifyingly, the door opened from the outside without the President''s approval.


    "Who let you in..." His eagle-like gaze swept towards the door, and his angry growl stopped abruptly.


    Su Tao hesitated and took a step back, noticing that it was not the right time to enter.


    As she was about to close the door and leave, a low growl stopped her in her tracks.


    "Come in."


    Su Tao obediently walked into the office, with all eyes on her as she walked towards the desk and ced the documents on it.


    "Mr. Xie, this is the sales department''s approval document, and it''s urgent."


    Did she just say urgent? Was this new senior secretary an idiot? She shouldn''t have brought them trouble!


    At that moment, everyone was screaming inwardly, trying to appear subservient.


    Mr. Xie''s eagle-eyed gaze suddenly became deep as he stared at the delicate girl in front of him and said in a low voice, "Why are you still standing here?"


    Before anyone could react, his dark eyes turned towards the others, "Why don''t you all leave? I''ll treat you to dinnerter."


    After a second of silence, everyone woke up from their daze and rushed out of the ck door.


    As Su Tao turned to leave, a warm hand grabbed her cold fingers and pulled her towards him. "Where did you go just now?"


    He had noticed she was not at her seat before the meeting.


    The familiar scent of sandalwood lingered in her nose, and Su Tao turned her head to nce at the tightly closed blinds. She replied calmly, "I went to the information department. They were requesting to change their office area, and it was indeed quite crowded."


    "Watched for forty minutes?" Xie Jin raised an eyebrow, his deep eyes filled with doubt.


    Su Tao hesitated, looked straight into Xie Jin''s deep gaze, and said calmly, "I also went to the restroom and tea room, so it took longer."


    Xie Jin lowered his eyelids and rubbed her slender fingers. His turbulent and uneasy emotions were like a wild beast trying to break out of its cage. "Should we check the surveince footage?"


    Su Tao raised her clear eyes and nced at him, then quickly looked away. She said expressionlessly, "Okay."


    After speaking, she abruptly withdrew her fingers and turned to leave.


    "Where are you going?" Xie Jin''s expression turned serious.


    "To check the surveince footage." Su Tao''s tone was t, as if she was just carrying out his orders.


    Xie Jin''s face froze, his voice bing gloomy. "I just want you to tell me the truth."


    "Checking the surveince footage will tell you if I''m telling the truth or not."


    Su Tao''s gentle tone showed no signs of displeasure, and Xie Jin''s temper, like a violent storm, was gradually calmed by her softness.


    "Don''t make it hard for me to find you next time, be good."


    Su Tao lowered her eyes. Her long, fluttering eyshes and fair, almost translucent skin looked like delicate porcin.


    Xie Jin was satisfied with her obedience. His deep, forbidden voice was full of charm. "Let''s go home early tonight."


    She raised her clear, doe-like eyes and looked into his dark, handsome gaze.


    She understood his implication and was silent for a moment before saying softly, "My period came early."


    Xie Jin''s expression remained unchanged. "It''s okay."


    Su Tao didn''t argue and just pointed to the documents on the desk, indicating that he should sign them.


    Xie Jinzily picked up the pen and quickly scanned the documents before signing his name.


    Su Tao took the documents and left the office under Xie Jin''s burning gaze.


    ---


    The end of the president''s lecture made everyone feel relieved. They no longer had to worry about being affected, and the previously dead atmosphere in the president''s office was gone.


    In a corner of the office area, Cheng Shu and a few others were whispering to each other.


    "Su Tao is really naive. She helped you deliver the package just because you asked her to?"


    "Yeah, is she stupid? Before, I thought she was like Qin Xuexi, but now I see that she can''tpare to Qin Xuexi in terms of intelligence and emotional intelligence!"


    "Have you noticed? They both dress and carry themselves simrly. Does the president have a thing for Qin Xuexi? That''s why he hired this secretary with no qualifications."


    "Are you living under a rock? It''s been talked about for a while now. And I heard that the boss has feelings for Qin Xuexi, but when she resigned, he refused to let her go."


    Su Tao, hidden in the corner, felt a sharp pain in her fingertips as she pressed down on the folder too hard, causing her newly grown nails to break.


    With a hiss, she startled them and had to reveal herself.


    Several secretaries who thought they couldn''t be overheard were suddenly stunned and dumbfounded as they looked at Su Tao, who appeared out of nowhere.


    "Your documents," Su Tao said in her always gentle tone, which made the secretaries breathe a sigh of relief and feel that even if she had overheard them, it didn''t matter.


    Indeed, it didn''t matter. Simr words were often heard by Su Tao ever since she was parachuted in as Xie Jin''s secretary.


    Cheng Shu immediately stood up and took the documents back from Su Tao''s hands, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, she had insulted Su Tao even though she had helped her.


    Looking at the signature of the president, Long Fei Feng Wu, on the documents, Cheng Shu felt even more guilty and pulled Su Tao, saying, "There are some new snacks in the pantry, let''s go eat together."


    Su Tao''s phone beeped with a WeChat notification, and she took a nce at it. It was a message from Xie Jin.


    [Xie Jin: It''s been ten minutes, where did you go?]


    Su Tao put away her phone and said lightly, "No need, you guys go ahead and eat."


    After Su Tao left, the heads of the secretaries huddled together again, and a cold remark slipped out like instinct, "Look at her, she wants to stick to him 24/7."


    ---


    Back at her desk, Su Tao saw that the blinds of Xie Jin''s office had all been raised. The entire ss wall allowed his office to be fully visible, and the surrounding work area as well.


    As Su Tao sat down, several of the blinds in Xie Jin''s office closed instantly, leaving only one facing her.


    Su Tao looked at Xie Jin, who was staring at her with a slightly narrowed gaze, and sensed the warning in his eyes. She immediately took out her phone and replied to his message.


    [Su Tao: I went to return the documents.]


    [Xie Jin: I have ast-minute appointment tonight, so you can go home by yourself.]


    [Su Tao: Okay.]


    After seeing Su Tao''s reply, Xie Jin withdrew his gaze and closed the remaining blind.


    Su Tao breathed a sigh of relief. She used to feel safe with his controlling nature, but now that her feelings had disappeared, she couldn''t bear it anymore.


    It had been four years, and it was time to leave.

 Chapter 2: Resignation

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    In the spacious vi with excellent audio and video equipment, Su Tao slurped on a cup of instant noodles, satisfyingly smacking her lips.


    She didn''t like to cook and rarely did so except for making breakfast for Xie Jin. At night, she just cooked a pot of instant noodles and happily slurped up all the soup.


    Xie Jin didn''t allow her to eat junk food, so she only pretended toply and secretly ate it when he wasn''t around.


    Her phone beeped with a video message from Xie Jin. It was a video of him making faces.


    She had to admit that his good looks allowed him to get away with anything, even pulling off all sorts of silly faces.


    The background of the video appeared to be some private club, where he never took her. His friends only knew of Su Tao''s existence but had never met her.


    In the past, Su Tao had felt insecure, so Xie Jin would always send her a video tofort her whenever he went to dinner parties without her.


    The video swept quickly past the faces of the people, and she couldn''t see anyone clearly. But in the blink of an eye, she caught a glimpse of a pink silhouette.


    When the video ended, Su Tao''s face froze in shock. She took a deep breath, raised her eyebrows nonchntly, and returned to her usual cold demeanor.


    Her phone beeped again, and it was a message from her university senior, Zhang Qiguang.


    "Su Tao Tao, what are you up to?"


    Zhang Qiguang was a smooth talker who liked to flirt with girls. He was a true scumbag, but he was also a good person who kept his promises. He was two years older than her and the older brother of her former best friend, Zhang Xiaoru. He treated her like a little sister.


    After graduation, he started his own entertainmentpany and had already made significant strides within a year.


    "Just finished dinner. Why are you thinking of me, Senior Zhang?"


    "Who else would be so heartless after graduating? Are you with that jealous boyfriend of yours?"


    Only Zhang Qiguang would dare to describe Xie Jin as a "jealous boyfriend."


    It was because during their school days, he had seen Xie Jin crush a boy who confessed his love to Su Tao, leaving him with an indelible trauma, and the boy would subsequently avoid her.


    "No, I''m not with him," Su Tao replied.


    "How is that possible? He''s so possessive that he waited so long for you to graduate, and now he wants to keep you by his side every day."


    "Are you willing to be bound by him and controlled by him for the rest of your life?" Zhang Qiguang asked.


    Su Tao''s fingers stiffened as she looked at the screen, not knowing how to reply.


    Three years ago, she had indeed thought so, giving up everything and willingly being bound by him. But he didn''t give her the courage and determination to keep going.


    "What are you trying to say, Senior Zhang?" she eventually replied.


    "When you were in school, you were the pride of our media department, and it would be a waste of your talent and expertise if you didn''t use them. Come to mypany and work with me. The three major shareholders have reserved a position for you."


    Su Tao paused before slowly typing a few words on her screen.


    "Are yourpany''s shareholders that hasty? I only graduated six months ago, Senior Zhang."


    [Zhang Qiguang: Su Taotao, why are you belittling yourself? You used to shine even down to your hair strands! Are you looking down on yourself now?]


    [Zhang Qiguang: Or is it because you''re jealous? Do you want me to help?]


    Su Tao was stunned for a moment, and lowered her gaze.


    Yes, when did she start looking down on herself?


    After a long silence, Zhang Qiguang sent another message.


    [Zhang Qiguang: Don''t rush to refuse, take some time to think about it.]


    Su Tao hesitated for a moment, and seemed to have made a decision. Her fingers quickly typed two words on the screen.


    [Su Tao: Wait for me.]


    The screen went dark, and she was surprised to see the confident smile on the ck screen.


    She picked up the ramen bowl and thought about throwing it away in the outside trash can to destroy the evidence.


    But she hesitated and turned back, throwing the ramen box into the trash can next to her before heading upstairs. Four years of habit are hard to break.


    ---


    After confirming their romantic rtionship, Su Tao has been living in Xie Jin''s vi. Xie Jin drives her to and from school every day, turning her university life into a high school-like day school.


    She actually likes Xie Jin''s vi, which is luxurious and intelligent. Especially the bed in the master bedroom, which is bouncy and soft. Once she lies on it, she doesn''t want to get up.


    She can''t get up now, sinking into a deep sleep.


    In her dream, she turned into a head of Chinese cabbage.


    Suddenly, a fat white pig came over and started rooting around.


    She cried in her heart, please don''t eat her! But it was no use. The pig''s mouth was alreadying towards her, with a smell of alcohol.


    Alcohol?


    Su Tao suddenly woke up. Xie Jin''s necktie was loose, his ck custom-made shirt had already unbuttoned two buttons, and his mouth, full of alcohol, was on her lips.


    She pushed his chest, but pushed the wrong ce, causing his slender fingers to run through her hair at the back of her head, holding her head and kissing her more passionately.


    Su Tao: "..."


    She kicked him with her foot.


    He groaned, finally letting go of her mouth.


    Xie Jin covered his lower body, pain on his face as hey down on the bed.


    Su Tao felt sorry for him, "I was dreaming just now, about outwitting a criminal."


    Xie Jin rxed a bit, opened his deep eyes, and gritted his teeth. "Nice excuse, Xiaotaozi. Did you kick me so hard because you don''t want a baby?"


    Su Tao''s face froze. She avoided his gaze, sat up, and prepared to get off the bed. "I''m on my period today, I''ll go sleep next door."


    He grabbed her wrist, pulled her back, and hugged her tightly, lying down together.


    "I won''t touch you, just sleep."


    "Xie Jin." Su Tao called out softly, "I have something to ask you."


    "Sleep, let''s talk tomorrow."


    Su Tao closed her mouth.


    He wasn''t a good listener, nor did he care about what she said or needed. He only needed someone who would never question him and always listen to him.


    Maybe it could be Zhang Tao, Wang Tao, or Li Tao.


    Aftering to a realization, Su Tao breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn''t as important to her as she had previously thought, and perhaps it would be easy to part ways.


    ---


    Su Tao always woke up to the first ray of sunlight and enjoyed the quiet time of the early morning. Most of the time, she stayed in the vi, curled up on the window seat with a pillow, reading a book. When it was almost time, she would go to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    She wasn''t a great cook, only able to fry eggs, toast bread, and heat up milk. So Xie Jin ate the same breakfast almost every day. When she was in school, Su Tao sometimes bought other breakfast foods or snacks from outside to relieve the monotony.


    But Xie Jin never seemed to tire of it and ate to his heart''s content every day. When Su Tao ced the hot milk on the table, he hugged her warm body. Every day, he had to find Su Tao and hold her in his arms before he felt at ease.


    Suddenly, he noticed something and stretched his foot to pull out the trash can from under the table. A cup of instant noodles was lying peacefully inside.


    He narrowed his eyes and looked at her with a dangerous air, his voice still hoarse andzy from just waking up. "Little Peach, did you steal my instant noodles again?"


    Su Tao''s spine stiffened, but then rxed. "Yes."


    "Yes?" Xie Jin didn''t expect her to be so brazen and ignore his question. "What does ''yes'' mean?"


    "Yes, I''m answering your question. I ate instant noodles," Su Tao replied, looking directly at him.


    Such tant provocation! If he didn''t put this little girl in her ce, he wouldn''t be able to show his face for a day!


    "Little Peach ..."


    Xie Jin didn''t finish speaking before Su Tao leaned over and sniffed him, wrinkling her brow. "Didn''t you take a shower yesterday?"


    Xie Jin was taken aback and suddenly realized that he hadn''t. Was he being rejected?


    Just as his anger was about to erupt, Su Tao grabbed his hand with her small, cold hands and led him back to the bedroom, pushing him to wash up. Xie Jin, whose anger had inexplicably dissipated, was locked in the bathroom. He sighed and turned on the showerhead.


    Su Tao turned and went into the closet to match the suit and tie that he was going to wear today. The closet was filled with the scent of sandalwood that she had been using to calm Xie Jin down. But it seemed to have little effect.


    However, Xie Jin seemed to like the smell and had been using it all the time.


    After matching his clothes, Su Tao changed into her own outfit for the day. She wore a beige shirt, white wide-leg pants, and light-colored high heels that made her look more professional and mature.


    Xie Jin came out of the bathroom and saw Su Tao, who had already changed. He hesitated for a few seconds and frowned slightly.


    "Why aren''t you wearing a pink dress today?"


    Su Tao handed him his shirt and put the tie around his neck, whispering, "I don''t like it."


    "You look good in it, and I like it when you wear pink," Xie Jin said seriously, looking at her.


    Su Tao didn''t know why Xie Jin liked her in pink. Although she was indifferent to the color, she would dress up ording to his preferences.


    However, after finding out that Qin Xuexi liked pink, Su Tao developed a resistance to the color.


    She couldn''t bear being a substitute for someone else.


    The first time she heard the rumors in thepany, she asked him if he liked Qin Xuexi and if she was just a substitute.


    Xie Jin simply told her to listen to him and not to listen to other people''s gossip or let her mind wander.


    His blunt response only fueled her doubts, which grew stronger over time.


    Eventually, she was too tired to keep wondering.


    "Xie Jin, I have a question for you." Su Tao brought up the topic that he didn''t let her talk aboutst night.


    "Change your clothes first."


    As soon as he said that, Su Tao wanted to tighten her tie so much that she could strangle him.


    Suppressing the urge tomit a crime, Su Tao calmly changed into one of her six high-end pink pencil skirts that Xie Jin had bought for her.


    Xie Jin looked satisfied with her in her pink outfit. He finally gave her the chance to ask her question. "Go ahead."


    "If I resign, how many days in advance do I need to submit my resignation letter?"

 Chapter 3: Quit 3

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    "Resign?"


    Xie Jin''s pitch-ck eyes, as dark as ink, stared at Su Tao for a few seconds before withdrawing his gaze with a warning tone. "I don''t like this kind of joke."


    He looked down at Su Tao''s empty wrist and picked up the diamond bracelet from the center of the jewelry stand, cing it on her wrist himself.


    The bracelet was made of tinum and had eightrge diamonds, each with a small snowke-shaped diamond in the middle, making it both precious and exquisite.


    He had given it to her on the day they first met four years ago, and she had worn it every day since, never taking it off.


    "I''m not joking, Xie Jin. I want to resign."


    After fastening the bracelet, Xie Jin ignored her and adjusted thest button on his suit jacket before striding out of the dressing room.


    Su Tao, who was being ignored, sighed lightly and caught up with him.


    ---


    Xie Jin was busy all morning, and Su Tao didn''t have a chance to bring up the resignation matter again.


    Lunch arrived, two dishes that Xie Jin had personally selected.


    He ate lunch with her every day, and he never asked her what she wanted to eat or allowed her to order for herself.


    The ck door was pushed open, and Xie Jin, who was tall and imposing, walked out with his suit jacket unbuttoned and his tie loosened.


    He hated being constrained by a tie, but he had to wear one at thepany.


    "I have a client meeting at noon. Behave and eat your lunch, no picky eating," Xie Jin said as he allowed her to help him adjust his tie and jacket buttons.


    He never let her apany him when he met with clients; he didn''t like her eating with anyone other than him.


    Thus, she wasn''t really suited to be his secretary.


    Su Tao nodded, but before she could say anything, he left thepany.


    Halfway through lunch, Su Tao finally looked up from the stack of papers. She shook her sore neck and took one of the dishes with her to the break room.


    Everyone in the CEO''s office knew that the boss had gone out to eat with a client, so they made ns to eat out, leaving the break room on the top floor empty.


    There were threerge insted containers, one with meat and one with vegetables, each with three dishes, and a container of soup.


    She could stomach therge portions, but every dish had seafood, which made Su Tao feel hopeless.


    Upon closer inspection, even the vegetable dishes had shrimp mixed in, and the soup was a seafood soup.


    "Taotao, are you just eating now?" Tian Yingying suddenly entered the break room, surprised to see Su Tao eating.


    She was holding a coffee cup, most likely there to get coffee.


    She looked at the luxurious spread of food on the small round table in front of Su Tao and, while in awe, blurted out, "You like seafood too? It''s such a coincidence, Qin Secretary also loves seafood. You two are really alike."


    Tian Yingying''s words were unintentional, but she became alert when she saw Su Tao''s sudden change in expression.


    She squinted her heavily made-up eyes and nced at Su Tao, capturing a thought in her mind.


    Su Tao had always looked innocent and obedient, but her change in expression indicated that she cared about Qin Secretary.


    She cared about what others said about her resemnce to Qin Xuexi!


    Could this silly, sweet girl have fallen in love with Xie Jin?


    Did she really think there was a plotline in real life where a CEO falls in love with a silly, sweet girl?


    She had thought that Su Tao was a hidden queen, but it turned out she was just a naive and innocent girl.


    Tian Yingying chuckled and, in response to Su Tao''s probing gaze, disdainfully nced at her, didn''t even take the offered coffee, and left the lounge swaying her hips.


    Su Tao put down the crab meat she had just picked up, as well as her chopsticks, and lost her appetite.


    She stared fixedly at the seafood in her lunchbox, and images of Xie Jin forcing her to eat seafood shed through her mind. She closed her eyes and bit her lip tightly.


    Then the sound of the door opening suddenly resounded, and Su Tao quickly opened her eyes.


    "Why haven''t you eaten yet?"


    Xie Jin''s clear eyes appeared in front of her, and Su Tao thought she was still hallucinating from her memories, staring at him dumbfounded.


    Xie Jin looked at the remaining seafood in her lunchbox, pursed his lips, squinted his eyes, and looked at her with a dark, questioning gaze.


    "If you don''te back quickly, how would I know that you''re being picky?" Xie Jin picked up her chopsticks, picked up a piece of crab meat, and offered it to her mouth.


    Su Tao turned her head away, not wanting to eat.


    "Little Peach, listen to me," Xie Jin said, as if threatening and coaxing her, "Open your mouth."


    Su Tao met his gaze, which no one dared to face directly, and whispered, "Why do you have to make me eat seafood? You know I don''t like it."


    Xie Jin squinted his eyes and said, "Little Peach, you''ve been getting more and more disobedienttely. Always questioning me?"


    Xie Jin couldn''t tolerate two things: stupidity and doubt.


    Su Tao was very smart and would never touch Xie Jin''s first bottom line.


    She tried to be obedient to him, so she had never touched his second bottom line.


    But he had touched hers.


    "Xie Jin, I said I want to resign..."


    "Is it because I didn''te back to apany youst night when you were angry?" Xie Jin interrupted her.


    He still hadn''t put down his chopsticks, and the crab meat he had picked up had been held up to her mouth the whole time.


    Did he think she was throwing a tantrum just because he didn''t apany herst night?


    When had she thrown a tantrum in front of him?


    "Eat it, or I won''t feed you by hand anymore."


    Whatever Xie Jin wanted her to do, he would use any means to coerce her intoplying.


    Of course, she had never given him the opportunity to use extreme means since being with him, and she was good atpromising with him.


    She bit into the slightly cold crab meat, and the salty and fishy taste spread in her mouth. Su Tao swallowed the crab meat, feeling nauseous, and closed the lunchbox after only taking two bites.


    "I''m full."


    "Sit down and finish eating," Xie Jin ordered, his tone leaving no room for objection. He looked like a judge waiting to pass a death sentence, looking down on her as if she hadmitted a crime.


    Su Tao withdrew her gaze and took the chopsticks from his hand, lowering her head to eat. She stuffed whatever dish she could directly into her mouth, swallowing it without much chewing.


    Xie Jin''s eyes gradually darkened as he watched her wolf down the food, not seeming obedient but rather silently resistant.


    "Slow down," he said.


    Su Tao obediently stopped stuffing rice into her mouth, put down her chopsticks, and quietly chewed her food.


    Xie Jin''s mood improved as he watched her obedient mannerisms. He rubbed her hair and, looking at her well-behaved appearance, his lips curled up and he spoke rewardingly, "The restaurant I told you aboutst time, it opened today. I''ll take you there for dinner tonight."


    Su Tao lowered her eyes, swallowed thest bite, and, enduring the difort in her stomach, said lightly, "I''m not going."


    Xie Jin''s mouth fell, his fingers curved and pressed onto the table, and he said darkly, "Little peach, this is a reward for your obedience. If you don''t go, there won''t be any rewards in the future."


    Su Tao''s expression was indifferent. "Hmm, no need for rewards anymore."


    ---


    Su Tao always took her job seriously, striving for perfection regardless of whether she liked or disliked the work.


    In a few days, thepany''s biggest event of the first half of the year, the mid-year meeting, was going to take ce. Various media outlets were invited to review and n thepany''s development strategy, which would benefit the promotion of thepany''s brand.


    Tian Jin had invested in several video portal websites early on and had ess to a lot of industry data for analysis, creating her own video portal tform.


    Therefore, the mid-year meeting this time would also involve brand promotion, with the aim of promoting the newlyunched video website.


    The mid-year meeting was always the responsibility of the president''s office, especially the president''s senior secretary, who not only had to confirm the president''s speech but also had to oversee the entire event''s process.


    Su Tao essed audio and text records of the mid-year meeting from previous years and carefully studied the brand promotion event''s rules and processes.


    She was good at finding the key points, categorizing, and summarizing. In an afternoon, she had a rough understanding of everything.


    Su Tao opened her personal email, which she hadn''t used in a long time, and found an unread email.


    She shook her slightly sour neck and opened the email. After reading the contents of the email, her expression paused.


    It was an interview invitation from an entertainmentpany, which she had sent her resume to a few days before graduation.


    She looked at the office across from her, a tted window folded up on top, revealing a transparent ss wall.


    She could clearly see Xie Jin rxing against the back of his chair, absentmindedly touching the corner of his lips and flipping through the documents in his hand.


    Xie Jin had never given her the right to choose her job. As soon as she graduated, he grabbed her and made her his secretary.


    But she didn''t like it.


    Recently, Tian Jin''s newly established subsidiary, Ruiqi Film and Television Company, needed a lot of talent due to its expanding business scope.


    Su Tao had begged a few times, wanting to work at Ruiqi, but Xie Jin had unyieldingly refused without any room for discussion.


    Su Tao refocused on her work, even though she was about to leave. She had to stay and finish her shift for Xie Jin. After all, she had loved him for four years and wanted to give their rtionship a proper closure.


    The sky had darkened, and it was already an hour past closing time. Most of her colleagues had left, but Su Tao''s workstation was still brightly lit.


    With her slender, ivory fingers pressing against the desk, Su Tao was immersed in her work. She slowed down when she looked up from her documents and caught Xie Jin''s deep gaze.


    He had not spoken to her all afternoon, wanting her to reflect on her attitude and apologize on her own. But she had instead thrown herself into her work, thinking that if she performed well, he would forgive and praise her.


    "You''re resigning, yet you''re still working so hard," Xie Jin said coolly, the yellow and white lights of the workstation highlighting Su Tao''s delicate features and bright, clear eyes.


    Suddenly, she remembered something, closed her documents, and began typing furiously on her keyboard. Xie Jin watched her for a while, then leaned over to look at herputer screen.


    On the nk document, the words "Resignation Letter" were written in bold and erged font by Su Tao.

 Chapter 4: Quit 004

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Su Tao''s wrist was suddenly grabbed, and Xie Jin''s voice was dangerously low as he exploded above her head, "Little Peach, you keep threatening to quit, but I don''t have that much patience."


    Su Tao''s eyes regained their innocent deer-like rity, and she asked him with a seemingly naive expression, "What will happen when you run out of patience?"


    Her expression seemed like a challenge.


    Xie Jin shook off her hand, his voice repressed with surging anger as he said the most ruthless, heartless words he could think of: "Don''te home tonight!"


    Watching Xie Jin''s rigid departure disappear into the darkness at the end of the corridor, Su Tao withdrew her gaze and continued with her unfinished work.


    The clock struck nine o''clock, Su Tao stood up, straightened her tired waist, stretched out a big yawn, packed up the documents, and shut down theputer.


    When she walked out of the Tianjin Building, the outside was brightly lit. The bustlingmercial street was crowded with people, and the nightlife was just beginning.


    In these four years, Su Tao had never wandered the streets thiste by herself. Either Xie Jin would drive her directly to dinner, or they would stay in the vi together.


    And she always heard the girls in her dormitory talk about the ocean-themed hotel across from the school, saying that the rooms were beautifully decorated and that sleeping inside made them feel like they were on vacation in the Mediterranean.


    Su Tao had always wanted to stay there for a night and experience it, but Xie Jin wouldn''t allow it.


    Unexpectedly, her dream was realized so suddenly.


    She directly booked a room on the app and, just by looking at the photos on the website, she was already eager to go.


    She nned to fill her stomach first, then buy some daily necessities, and maybe ask if there were any monthly discounts. Anyway, she was going to move out of Xie Jin''s vi, so a month should be enough time to find a new ce to live.


    On the street, in the ck Maybach under the parasol trees, a pair of ck eyes like those of an eagle stared at the charming figure.


    Seeing her standing at the door, looking around for a long time, Xie Jin nced at the whole street. The most conspicuous parking spot had already been taken by him.


    She had no reason not to see it.


    Couldn''t she just call him if she couldn''t find him? Had these four years made her stupid?


    Finally, she took out her phone, and Xie Jin breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on the phone in her hand.


    But after waiting for three minutes, his phone screen was still pitch ck, and the little girl was still fiddling with her phone at ease.


    Did she even remember his number?


    Finally, she put away her phone, and a rxed smile appeared on her face as she bounced and walked toward themercial street.


    Xie Jin''s eyes widened in disbelief as he watched her receding figure.


    A sh of anger passed through the dark eyes in the shadow of the car.


    The Maybach roared out of the street like a graceful dragon and disappeared into the distance.


    ---


    The ocean-themed hotel was indeed well-deserved of its reputation. Su Tao stayed in the Antarctic-themed room, and when she opened her eyes, she was startled, thinking she had traveled to an iceberg.


    In the weather at the end of June, she inexplicably felt a chill. Su Tao put aside the penguin pillow and nned to


    Su Tao finished getting ready and walked up to the mirror, tying up her long hair which had always been let loose, revealing her slender neck.


    Xie Jin liked it when she kept her hair down and enjoyed the scent that emanated from it. No matter how hot the weather was, she would bear the heat and sweat, keeping her hair down.


    Su Tao wondered if he liked the smell of her shampoo or the scent of her sweat.


    She picked up the white shirt and ck wide-leg pants she had bought while shopping yesterday, giving her a professional and elegant appearance.


    She tucked the pink pencil skirt into her bag and smiled faintly at herself in the mirror, as if she had brushed off the gloom of the past six months and regained her former pride and confidence.


    As she stepped out of her room, her colleagues at the CEO''s office were discussing Su Tao''s change of clothes and her new style, which made her look more mature and capable.


    An hourter, the gossip topic shifted from Su Tao to the CEO, who arrivedte, looking tired and with a sinister expression on his face, resembling a walking air conditioner.


    Su Tao stood up and greeted him with a radiant smile at the dark door of the CEO''s office. Xie Jin stood in front of her, staring at her from head to toe with a fierce look for a few seconds before turning into his office.


    When Xie Jin saw the resignation letter on his desk, he tore it in half and then into pieces, as if he was releasing his anger.


    Su Tao walked in holding a white envelope and said, "The resignation letter from the head of the purchasing department is on your desk, Mr. Xie."


    Looking at the pieces of paper all over the floor, Su Tao was momentarily speechless and said calmly, "I''ll ask him to write another er."


    At this point, she handed him her resignation letter and said meekly, "Thank you, Mr. Xie."


    Xie Jin closed his eyes and tried to suppress his anger, then looked at Su Tao''s delicate and beautiful face and said in a low, restrained voice, "Aren''t you afraid that I might approve it?"


    Su Tao''s ck and white eyes showed no hesitation, and she ced the letter on his desk, saying obediently, "Thank you, sir."


    Then she went out to inform the cleaning staff toe and clean up the paper scraps in his office.


    Xie Jin closed his eyes and took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He then smiled a bloodthirsty smile.


    Very good, little peach.


    "She even went to the human resources department to inform them that the CEO had agreed and they should start preparing to recruit someone new, as she would be leaving thepany after her 30-day notice period, in ordance withpany policy.


    He Xiao Rui held Su Tao''s hand with a look of regret. "Tao Tao, are you really leaving? I don''t want to let you go. You helped me deliver files several times and always reminded us of the CEO''s mood, saving us from getting scolded. With you here for the past six months, I haven''t been scolded even once. What will we do without you?"


    Human resources director Jin Chui Wen came out of her office and saw this touching scene between the two sisters, and rolled her eyes.


    She knew Su Tao''s background as a top media graduate who was parachuted into a position that traditionally only hired management majors, and was handpicked by the CEO.


    It was no wonder that the wholepany was talking about her.


    And she had even seen Su Tao getting into the CEO''s car.


    She was now guessing whether the CEO had tired of ying with her and dumped her, or whether she was too greedy and wanted to advance, which had disgusted the CEO.


    Jin Chui Wen felt thetter was more likely, as a young girl fresh out of school who didn''t know her ce, it was only natural to want to be the CEO''s wife.


    Too young, that was all.


    Just as Jin Chui Wen was thinking of going out for a smoke, she suddenly received a call from the CEO and her heart skipped a beat.


    Before answering the call, she silently prayed three times that he wouldn''t scold her, get angry or break things, then answered the phone nervously.


    "Jin Chui Wen,e to my office."


    Jin Chui Wen put on a brave face, feeling like she was heading to the gallows, and quickly made her way to the top floor, knocking on the mysterious and pitch-ck door.


    Five minutester, Jin Chui Wen felt like she had returned to thend of the living, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and breathed a sigh of relief.


    As she pondered the CEO''s instructions, she realized that he was handing over the budget and expense approval work to Su Tao!


    She had been right all along - Su Tao wanted to advance and had used her resignation to threaten the CEO.


    She was truly a master of gossip!


    But what Jin Chui Wen didn''t expect was that the CEO actually gave in to her.


    Beauty really was a weapon!


    ---


    As soon as the announcement was made, it created a buzz throughout thepany. Everyone was talking about Su Tao.


    How could someone who had only been here for six months have so much power?


    This was clearly the exclusive power of the CEO''s wife!


    What else could Su Tao do besides follow orders?


    "You guys don''t know anything. Using beauty to get ahead is also a type of ability." Tian Yingying put down her mirror and adjusted her dress, deliberately buying one size smaller and pulling it up to show off more of her white legs.


    She had been with thepany for two years and thought she was the best candidate for the next executive assistant after Qin Xuexi left.


    The CEO always needed a secretary to apany him to various events, and required a secretary with good looks.


    In terms of looks, there wasn''t anyone in the CEO''s office who couldpete with her.


    But this Su Tao, who came out of nowhere, had taken the position that should have been hers.


    However, Su Tao''s promotion did not make her feel discouraged, but rather more determined.


    The CEO had always been a terrifying figure, irritable, cruel, and ruthless, and she had always thought that seducing him was a dead end.


    But Su Tao''s promotion had opened up a path she thought was impossible.


    If the CEO falls for her trap, she''ll have a chance, and it won''t be for nothing that she gave up the opportunity to debut as an idol trainee and stayed here for two years.


    Tian Yingying twisted her graceful waist and walked up to Su Tao with the documents that needed the CEO''s signature.


    "Taotao," Tian Yingying approached her with a charming smile, "can I borrow a pen?"


    Su Tao, who was busy writing, hesitated and looked up, and her pen was snatched away unexpectedly.


    A shadow crossed her clear eyes, but it was quickly veiled by her longshes. She took out a new pen from the drawer and continued writing.


    "What are you having for lunch, Taotao?" Tian Yingying asked with feigned concern and returned the pen to her.


    "I ordered takeout. You can have this pen."


    "No, thanks." Tian Yingying ignored the pen and yfully blinked her eyes. "I don''t like the cafeteria food. I should suggest to Jin Chui Wen to rece all the chefs."


    After that, she turned around, took a deep breath three times, and knocked on the ck door.


    Less than half a minuteter, Tian Yingying came out with a dejected expression and left.


    Su Tao nced at her departing figure, put the pen she had just used on the corner of the table, and wrote a note and stuck it on the pen holder.


    The beautiful font clearly wrote three words: "public use pen."


    Something that had been taken away by someone else was no longer solely hers.


    If something wasn''t entirely hers, she would rather throw it away than continue using it.


    ---


    In the CEO''s office, behind the clean and transparent ss walls, Xie Jin furrowed his brow and tapped his fingers on the desk in annoyance.


    His narrow eyes were dark and calm with a hint of anger, staring at his prey.


    The yellow and white lights shone on Su Tao''s delicate cheeks, making them glow. Her long hair was tied up, revealing a slender and white neck, and she was focused on her work.


    The clock pointed to six o''clock in the afternoon, but she showed no signs of leaving work.


    He didn''t move either.


    He was waiting for her toe to him, as usual, obediently holding his finger and going home with him.


    After a minute of silence, he looked over again and saw that the worktable was dark, and there was no one inside.

 Chapter 5: Quit 005

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Su Tao went to the snack street and bought a lot of snacks, nning to go back to her hotel room to watch dramas and eat.


    She had originally reserved a Maldives-themed room and paid a month''s deposit, but it had been taken by someone else, so she had to choose a seabed-themed room from the remaining options.


    The seabed-themed room was probably a honeymoon suite.


    Not only were the walls covered in electronic versions of pink jellyfish that moved, but there was also a shell-shaped bathtub in the center of the room.


    The bathroom was surrounded by a t ss fish tank filled with transparent water, and several small fish that Su Tao couldn''t tell were real or not were swimming inside, unable to cover up the view of the bathroom.


    The outer room had a sofa and dining table made to look like stones, and inside was a light pink shell bed with two blue dolphin plush toys on it.


    Su Tao stood at the door hesitating whether to go back to the Antarctic-themed room she had in the morning.


    After some thought, she decided to make do with the one she had for the night.


    Su Tao closed the door with a casual hand, but didn''t hear the sound of the door locking.


    She turned around and saw a hand resting on the door, pushing it open. The cufflinks had familiar white gold and diamond buttons, and a sleek ck suit was fully disyed in front of her.


    Cracks appeared on Su Tao''s usually calm face, her deer-like eyes widened suddenly, frowning at this unexpected guest.


    The door was suddenly closed shut, and Xie Jin''s pitch-ck hawk eyes were now bloodshot. Looking closely, one could see the red veins that filled his eyes.


    His gaze fell on the snacks in Su Tao''s hand, and he said in a hoarse voice with reproach, "You''re just going to eat this junk food?"


    Su Tao instinctively hid the snacks behind her back, but then thought of something and calmly took them out again, asking him in return, "What are you doing here?"


    Xie Jin looked around the room, then finally looked at Su Tao, his ck eyes showing exhaustion. "If I don''t let you go home, you won''t go home?"


    Su Tao''s face froze, suddenly feeling ridiculous. Did he think she would kneel down and beg him to let her go home?


    Besides, she had already let him go and was ready to leave.


    "I won''t go back anymore. You can throw away everything I left behind there. I''ve already submitted my resignation application to HR. Whether you hire new people or not, I''ll automatically resign after 30 days."


    Su Tao''s gentle voice sounded particrly harsh at this moment.


    He took a step forward, grabbed her small face with one hand, pinching her cheeks on both sides, and lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.


    "Little Peach," his outburst was somewhat exhausted, like an aging hero who wanted to take up his sword but had no strength. "Aren''t you afraid of making me angry?"


    She used to be most afraid of making him angry. Whenever he got angry, she would try to calm him down.


    Later, it seemed to be quite easy to calm him down. As long as she held his hand and smiled at him, he could calm down.


    No matter how serious the situation was, there was nothing that a kiss couldn''t solve.


    She was like a fire extinguisher, as soon as he had a small me, she could immediately extinguish it.


    But a fire extinguisher can also catch fire, can''t it?


    He only knows how to selectively ignore her and thinks that she will never get angry. Or he''ll simply make her obey him with brute force, without caring about her feelings.


    When she''s upset, he''ll give her a piece of peach candy.


    She didn''t know when Xie Jin had received the wrong information.


    He believed that as long as he gave her a piece of peach candy when she was unhappy, he could make her happy again.


    But actually, it wasn''t the candy that made her feel better every time, it was the fact that he gave her candy that showed her he cared.


    She didn''t want to see him in trouble, but it became his excuse for not valuing her.


    Lost in memories of the past, Su Tao was caught off guard when a peach-vored candy was stuffed into her mouth.


    He was sure that he could make her obey him with his usual tricks.


    "Obey me," he said.


    Su Tao gave a polite yet bitter smile, feeling like pping for his cooperation.


    She couldn''t drive him away or beat him, so she chose to ignore him.


    She snacked on her own food and watched her own TV shows.


    The hot little meatballs were still steaming, and she blew on them before taking a bite. The delicious and crispy texture melted in her mouth, and when followed by a sip of cold Coke, her happiness soared.


    "Gudong" - the sound of her phone rang clearly amidst the noise of the TV show. She hesitated and looked towards Xie Jin, who was seated on the sofa just an arm''s length away from her, with his mouth slightly whitened. He averted his gaze to conceal his emotions, with a stern and upromising posture, as a show of his dominance over her.


    He had just insisted that she go out for dinner with him, but she was adamant, and now she was probably hungry.


    Su Tao held a bamboo skewer with a meatball on it, and saw that there was still one left. Feeling a little guilty, she reached out to offer it to him, but just as the meatball was about to reach his mouth, she held it there for half a minute, feeling a bit tired as her arm began to ache. He still didn''t open his mouth, but his eyes kept darting back to the meatball.


    Was he still waiting for her topromise?


    Su Tao was speechless. Just as she was about to retract her hand, he suddenly took a bite of the meatball and swallowed it in three or four mouthfuls. He wiped his mouth with his thumb, looked away, and resumed his dominant posture.


    Su Tao pursed her lips and gave him a disdainful look. It was a ssic example of someone who criticized the cook after being full.


    Su Tao had watched her show without realizing that time had passed. She had also eaten most of her snacks and yawned. When she checked the time, it was already past ten in the evening.


    She had been so absorbed in the show that she had forgotten something.


    Her gaze shifted from her phone to Xie Jin, who was still sitting on the sofa in front of her. He maintained his dominant posture but his head had naturally fallen back against the sofa''s backrest, as if he had fallen asleep.


    Su Tao looked at the bathtub in the room. She couldn''t wash up and go to bed with him there, so she quietly left the room and booked another one at the front desk.


    The next morning, as Su Tao passed by the underwater-themed room, she hesitated for a moment before continuing on her way. But as soon as she stepped out of the hotel lobby, she was blocked by a tall figure in the sunlight outside.


    Xie Jin''s face was haggard, with faint dark circles under his eyes and a stubble emerging on his chin. But despite his disheveled appearance, he still looked handsome, even in his state of exhaustion.


    "Where were youst night?" His voice was hoarse and filled with suppressed anger, as if he wanted to burn down the entire hotel.


    Su Tao nced around at the hotel staff and calmly replied, "Do we have to talk about it here?"


    "Get in the car."


    When Xie Jin said "get in the car," he meant for Su Tao to drive him to thepany while he slept in the car.


    Su Tao started the car calmly. She was still his secretary, so it was not unreasonable for her to work as his driver for the day.


    She mmed her right foot on the elerator, and the car shot out onto the road like a wild horse. Fortunately, the car had excellent shock absorbers, so Xie Jin wasn''t thrown out of his seat.


    Xie Jin looked at Su Tao''s calm face and then closed his eyes again, silently holding onto his seat belt.


    The car weaved in and out of traffic, honking its horn to urge other drivers to move faster or make way. Xie Jin had just fallen asleep when he was suddenly jolted awake by the car''s movements.


    Eventually, the car arrived safely at the underground parking lot, and Su Tao smoothly unfastened her seat belt and got out of the car, her face expressionless.


    Xie Jin felt a sense of relief, as if he had survived a disaster.


    When they arrived at the top floor, they entered the crowded tea room. The night owls of the city relied on coffee to keep them going, and the room was filled with the aroma of fresh coffee.


    Su Tao carried Xie Jin''s ck matte cup into the room, and everyone made way for him. Even if they didn''t like Su Tao, they wouldn''t dare to dy the CEO''s coffee.


    Su Tao had studied hand-brewed coffee and often made delicious coffee that filled the room with a rich aroma.


    Xie Jin didn''t usually drink coffee in the morning; he preferred to drink it in the afternoon. Su Tao didn''t like topete with others for the limited time in the morning, so she brewed arge pot of coffee and poured only a small cup for Xie Jin, leaving the rest in a separate pot and saying with a smile, "I made a little extra, so whoever wants some can pour themselves a cup."


    As soon as Su Tao left the tea room, everyone rushed to pour themselves some coffee.


    Xie Jin was flipping through a document with his finger resting on his head when Su Tao brought him his coffee. Sunlight was streaming through the wooden blinds, casting flickering light on the document and making it difficult to read.


    Su Tao put down the coffee, walked over to the window, and closed the blinds, cutting off the stream of sunlight and leaving the office a little darker but more peaceful.


    Xie Jin kept his head down, still reading the document. His office had a resting area, and he had already changed his clothes and shaved. His hair was slightly damp, and it was lying naturally on his forehead without the usual styling gel, making him look a little younger. Despite his youthful appearance, he wore a neatly tailored suit and looked every bit the CEO.


    Su Tao saw her resignation letter neatly ced in the empty spot where her files used to be, as if it were an abandoned infant.


    He XiaoRui had just told her that the CEO''s signature and software process approval were required to recruit new employees and execute resignation letters.


    Su Tao hesitated for a moment before asking, "When will my resignation be approved, Mr. Xie?"


    Xie Jin, who had been silent with his head down, raised his eyebrows and slowly lifted his gaze.


    His dark pupils reflected her face, with many blood vessels visible in the whites of his eyes. The contours of his eyes were slightly sunken, and his double eyelids were even deeper.


    "Su Tao, I don''t like being threatened."


    When he called her by her full name, he was extremely displeased.


    Thest time he used her full name was when they were sophomores and he warned her after he saw her joking around with a male ssmate.


    "I''m not threatening you," Su Tao blinked her clear eyes. "I really want to resign."


    Xie Jin stared at her intently, and the cold air emanating from him seemed to freeze himself. He didn''t move.


    Suddenly, Su Tao regretted pulling the curtain. Maybe if there had been a little sunshine, he wouldn''t be so cold.


    After a while, he finally moved. His fierce eyes slowly lowered, and the pen he was holding clicked on the paper as he signed it. His voice was even more hoarse than in the morning.


    "Little peach, you should know that challenging me repeatedly will lead to punishment. I won''t have lunch with you anymore."


    Su Tao: "!!!"


    Was this sudden happiness real?


    She could choose her own lunch now and eat whatever she liked?


    "Thank you, boss!"


    Su Tao, who was always calm andposed, couldn''t contain her joy, and even her departing figure radiated a beautiful mood at that moment.


    Xie Jin: "......?"

 Chapter 6: Quit 6

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Su Tao met up with He Xiaorui and stepped into the cafeteria for the first time.


    Although the food in the cafeteria was as bad as rumored, Su Tao ate happily.


    A lunch without seafood was still the most delicious lunch.


    Watching Su Tao enjoy the food so much, He Xiaorui blinked her eyes and felt that she didn''t eat the same chef-prepared food as Su Tao.


    The bracelet on Su Tao''s wrist shone with a luxurious light under themp, and every time she moved, the light pierced He Xiaorui''s eyes and heart.


    "Taotao, your bracelet is so pretty, with such big diamonds!"


    Su Tao paused her chopsticks when she heard He Xiaorui''s words, and only then did she realize that she had been wearing this bracelet every day.


    His habits had permeated every aspect of her life, and they could emerge from any corner.


    He Xiaorui''s words caught the attention of colleagues at the next table, and a colleague with a one-track mind suddenly said, "Qin Secretary seems to have one too."


    Su Tao turned to look at her, and the colleague realized that she might have said something she shouldn''t have.


    "Is it exactly the same?" Su Tao asked her.


    The woman''s face froze, and she nced at the person next to her. Everyone buried their heads in their food and ignored her plea for help.


    It was okay to talk behind someone''s back, but it was a bit of a fight when it was brought up in front of them.


    "Maybe, actually, I didn''t see it clearly."


    "Are you talking about Qin Xuexi''s bracelet?" Tian Yingying''s high heels tapped rhythmically, and she sat down next to Su Tao with her freshly cooked meal.


    "I saw it on her Moments, I''ll find it for you." Her scarlet nails flipped through her phone, and in a few seconds, she found it and kindly held her phone up to Su Tao.


    Synopsis: Value doesn''te from the price, but from the thought.


    Picture: A string of tinum bracelets with eightrge diamonds, each diamond surrounded by a small diamond in the shape of a snowke.


    Compared to the bracelet on her hand, it wasn''t just simr, it was identical.


    The time stamp showed four years ago, and Qin Xuexi really didn''t have the habit of blocking her Moments.


    Su Tao wiped her mouth with a tissue, and He Xiaorui finished her meal. She patted Tian Yingying''s shoulder and smiled gently, "You still remember Moments from four years ago, you have a good memory."


    Tian Yingying''s face froze, and she looked at Su Tao''s retreating figure, lightly hummed, and continued to eat her own meal.


    Su Tao separated from He Xiaorui, returned to the top floor, and her face didn''t look too good.


    Saying she didn''t care was false.


    Four years ago, the reason she was with Xie Jin was mostly because he could give her a sense of security.


    That kind of unique, exclusive feeling.


    If four years ago, he had someone else in his heart and just used her as a substitute that he couldn''t have, then why should she endure his paranoid possessiveness and control?


    If that was the case, then these four years would have been a joke.


    "Secretary Su." A sudden call pulled Su Tao back to her thoughts.


    Jin Chuiwen was looking at him with a ck face, with a faint anger.


    Su Tao had rejected his reimbursement request three times, and he must have an exnation today.


    "Secretary Su, I just want to know if I can still im this 1,300 yuan?"


    Su Tao looked up at the youngest director in thepany. He was just thirty years old, and had both a rich education and work experience. It was said that he also had a lot of experience in rtionships, and his good looks certainly didn''t hurt. He brushed aside his open beige suit jacket, put his hands on his hips, and looked quite arrogant.


    Su Tao took the reimbursement form that he had thrown on the table, nced at it, and threw it back. "The reimbursement amount exceeds the limit. You need to fill out the form ording to the regtions before submitting it."


    "Okay, then tell me where it exceeds the limit? I''m representing thepany in treating our clients to dinner, do I have to pay for it myself?"


    Jin Chuiwen dared to challenge Su Tao because of two reasons. Firstly, he had seniority, having entered thepany at the same time as the boss six years ago and being promoted step by step. Secondly, when the boss announced the budget reimbursement work to Su Taost time, he was visibly irritated and angry. Could the boss be threatened?


    If he seeded this time, and didn''t learn to be more restrained, he was not far from angering the boss. Arrogance leads to defeat. Su Tao was still young and certainly didn''t understand this principle.


    How could someone like her dare to hold up his reimbursement form? She didn''t know her ce.


    Neither of the two people who were in dispute noticed that a shutter on the opposite side had been raised. The pitch-ck eyes, like an eagle staring at its prey, were precise and ruthless, and didn''t let up for a moment.


    Xie Jin watched as Su Tao and Jin Chuiwen discussed something.


    Their heads were getting closer and closer together, and the fingers on the table had been tapping for more than thirty times, but there was still no sign of them separating.


    Su Tao''s slender fingers, which were pointing at theputer screen, exerted a little force. Although her face was calm, Xie Jin could tell that she was on the verge of anger.


    Finally, she sighed and spoke calmly, "Why don''t you just ask the boss to sign it for you?"


    Jin Chuiwen''s face darkened and he spoke with an unfriendly tone, "Ms. Su, are you deliberately finding fault?"


    "The boss assigned me this task to handle it ording to the regtions. Your meal expenses exceed the limit, and you have given many reasons for it. The key issue is that I don''t think these reasons are valid. There is no point in arguing here, so I suggest that you go directly to the boss for approval and not waste my time."


    Su Tao exined her reasons calmly and clearly, not just passing the work to Xie Jin because she couldn''t win the argument. She was genuinely looking for a solution to the problem.


    This problem was truly insurmountable.


    Before Jin Chuiwen could say anything else, the ck door behind him suddenly opened.


    He shuddered as he felt a creepy coldness approaching him. He didn''t even need to turn around to know who it was.


    A hand was ced on his left shoulder. Despite the warmth of the palm, he felt bone-chilling coldness.


    A sinister voice, like a call from hell, seemed to echo in his ear, "Director Jin, is there a problem with your reimbursement?"


    Jin Chuiwen''s breath caught, and he swallowed hard. "No, no problem. I''m just discussing it with Secretary Su."


    "Come to my office to discuss it."


    Jin Chuiwen was brought into the office by Xie Jin, feeling lifeless and dejected as he left five minutester.


    In the afternoon, a red-letter document was released on the office system.


    Tian Jin (Group) Co., Ltd. Document


    Tian Jin no. 168


    Regarding the Approval and Reimbursement of Su Tao''s Senior Secretary


    All departments:


    Due to Su Tao''s rapidly increasing workload and to reduce unnecessary burdens, all reimbursement forms that do notply with the regtions and are rejected must not be resubmitted. Moreover, it is not allowed to privately approach Su Tao for inquiries or discussions.


    If there are objections to her work, one can appeal directly to the CEO''s office.


    After the release of the red-letter document, Su Tao''s name once again became the topic of discussion in the lounge corner and deep in the cafeteria, with conversationssting for a long time.


    The document only contained seven words, "The CEO supports Su Tao."


    Su Tao silently closed the document on herputer and looked at Xie Jin, who was in a bad mood in the office. She sighed lightly, took the document, and prepared to attend the meeting.


    The mid-year meeting and brand promotion werebined, and the marketing department, publicity department, and CEO''s office participated in the meeting.


    Su Tao''s arrival attracted everyone''s attention.


    She was used to being watched, so she didn''t pay attention to those strange looks. She quietly opened herputer and pulled up her files.


    The head of the marketing department and the publicity department had already reported their ideas in turn.


    It was now the turn of the CEO''s office, and in addition to Su Tao, who was solely responsible for Xie Jin, there were several other secretaries responsible for the meeting''s logistics.


    "Taotao," Tian Yingying, who was sitting next to Su Tao, broke the silence with her soft voice. She leaned in and whispered at a volume that was audible to everyone in the quiet meeting room, "How are you doing? You haven''t done this before. Do you need my help? There are colleagues from other departments here, unlike in the CEO''s office."


    Her seemingly kind words actually implied that this was not her department, and if she couldn''t handle it, she should let her handle it, so as not to lose face.


    The people present all lowered their heads in silence, some with a smirk on their faces.


    Su Tao''s sudden rise to the position of the CEO''s senior secretary was no secret, and the special treatment she received time and time again made everyone believe in her promotion.


    Moreover, Su Tao always followed the CEO like a little tail, except for serving tea and water, no one knew what else she could do.


    Even the previous approval of a reimbursement form required the CEO to intervene and support her, which really wrote ipetence on her face.


    Su Tao turned her head and nced at Tian Yingying, speaking in a calm voice that was audible to everyone, "Why didn''t you ask me before the meeting? "


    Tian Yingying''s face stiffened, not expecting the usually quiet and gentle Su Tao toe back with a sarcastic remark.


    If she really cared about her, why didn''t she ask before the meeting? Asking at this time was only embarrassing her.


    Everyone in the room was smart enough to understand Su Tao''s meaning. They exchanged nces and found the internal power struggles within thepany''s executives to be quite interesting.


    Without giving anyone time to enjoy the show, Su Tao walked to the front of the conference room and opened her document.


    Based on the reports from the two departments before her, she made careful notes of their key points and difficulties.


    For several issues that she had some ideas about, she marked them for discussion after she finished her own department''s report.


    She was about to begin her exnation when the conference room door opened.


    Jin Chuiwen walked in looking embarrassed, attracting everyone''s attention.


    "The boss asked me toe and listen and learn. Please continue," Jin Chuiwen said with a forced smile.


    He didn''t know why he was given such an important task by his boss to attend a meeting that had nothing to do with his department.


    Since he was scolded by the boss in the morning for arguing about expense reports with Su Tao, he realized that Su Tao was not an ordinary employee in the boss''s eyes, and he didn''t dare to cause trouble anymore.


    Why did the boss pick him for this task? He was asked to help Su Tao indirectly, and if anyone gave her a hard time or there were any ws in her work, he was to help her resolve them and secretly report back to the boss.


    With such a daunting task, Jin Chuiwen sat at the back of the conference room, with a small notebook ready, and smiled at Su Tao to continue.


    Su Tao didn''t pay attention to Jin Chuiwen. Her voice was as gentle and calming as a spring, and she exined the regtions clearly, with a focus on the key points. Her work arrangements were innovative and stable, and she tried to avoid any oversights from previous years.


    It was clear that she put a lot of effort into her work, at least enough to have studied all the previous years'' meetings and analyzed their pros and cons.


    Everyone in the room also became serious, putting aside their previous attitude of watching a show, and thoughtfully considered the problems and solutions that Su Tao presented.


    Jin Chuiwen secretly recorded everything on his phone while video chatting with the boss. He was only here toplete his task, but he couldn''t help but be impressed by Su Tao''s abilities.


    With such work capabilities, what was the boss worrying about?


    Xie Jin, who was watching the video call behind the screen, held a peach candy in her hand. Her ck eyes were as deep as ake.


    The girl on the video call remained calm,posed, and elegant, though she still had a faintly obedient appearance. But there seemed to be something quietly changing.


    When did that girl, who only gave him a sweet smile, develop the ambition to lead?


    She would meet more people and have her own circle of friends.


    Would she still need him?


    Would she no longer depend on him as before?


    The meeting ended, and Xie Jin closed the video call. She pinched her forehead with his clearly defined fingers, rubbing the throbbing nerves. The peach candy in his hand was almost crushed.

 Chapter 7: Quit 007

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    Outside the ss wall, Su Tao returned with several colleagues, both men and women. They gathered around her work station, discussing something with their heads down, sometimes serious, sometimes joking.


    The usually quiet girl was now glowing, even her waving fingers were shining. He knew that as soon as she was let out, everyone would see her beauty.


    After finishing her work, Su Tao felt thirsty and picked up her water cup, only to find it empty. A ck frosted cup appeared on the table, emitting steam. Su Tao looked up and met Xie Jin''s deep eyes.


    "You don''t have to attend the mid-year meeting," he said in a tone that instantly extinguished Su Tao''s ambition.


    "Why not?"


    Xie Jin gave her a disdainful look, said nothing, and went back to his office. He didn''t tolerate being questioned, and even Su Tao''s simple question crossed his bottom line. If it were someone else, they would have probably left by now.


    Su Tao had always obeyed him in the past, but did he still think of her as the little peach who wouldpromise everything for him? Moreover, how many extra hours had she worked and how much effort had she put into this event? She had even naively thought of standing guard for him on thest shift.


    As the phone rang in the CEO''s office, Cheng Shu and Tian Yingying were summoned in and asked for the event''s materials and files as soon as they came out. Su Tao closed her eyes and tried to remain calm, whispering, "Don''t touch my desk." She then stormed into Xie Jin''s office, holding his ck frosted cup.


    Cheng Shu and Tian Yingying looked at each other, thinking Su Tao looked scary.


    With a loud thud, Su Tao mmed the cup onto Xie Jin''srge desk, sshing a few drops of water. "Why am I not in charge of this event? I worked so hard on the n, and now you''re just handing it over?"


    Although Su Tao''s expression was calm, she exuded an aura of discontent that seemed to stun Xie Jin. His ck eyes shed with surprise, as if he was meeting her for the first time.


    As she pounded the table with both hands, Xie Jin''s gaze fell on her empty wrist, and he furrowed his brows. He cleared his throat and asked in a hoarse voice, "Where''s your bracelet?"


    Su Tao took out the bracelet from her pocket and threw it on the table. "I''m returning it to you."


    Su Tao mmed the CEO''s office door shut, took off her work badge, and started packing up to leave. She couldn''t wait for 30 days.


    The news of Su Tao mming the CEO''s office door quickly spread in thepany''s work group. Within a minute, almost everyone knew that Su Tao was finished.


    The HR department''s personnel staff group was flooded with messages, and after seeing the news, one of them muttered, "Oh my, I need to draft a dismissal notice quickly."


    Jin Chuiwen, who was discussing work with him, pped him hard on the head and scolded, "What are you mumbling about? Focus on your work."


    Less than ten minutester, the group chat was flooded with messages again.


    Su Tao mmed the CEO''s door, but instead of getting into trouble, she was given back the responsibility for the event she had been stripped of.


    In other words, did the CEOpromise with Su Tao after her outburst?


    The group chat was flooded with #Su Tao is awesome#.


    Jin Chuiwen came out of his office to pat the HR staff on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Young people, remember, you can''t just look at the surface when you''re analyzing a problem."


    ---


    Tomorrow is the day of the mid-year conference.


    After the event venue was confirmed, Su Tao and the three department heads went to the venue to set it up.


    Jin Chuiwen followed along with a look of despair on his face. He followed Su Tao, asionally taking small videos and sending them to the boss.


    He didn''t understand how he, a handsome and capable executive, had be a stalker and paparazzi.


    At around eleven o''clock at night, Su Tao was still leading the other two department heads, and it seemed like they were going to have to work all night.


    It has to be said that Su Tao is calm, organized, and capable of handling tasks. As long as she''s there, everyone else follows her lead and everything goes ording to n.


    Compared to Qin, who was known for her strong execution skills, Su Tao was better at directing others.


    Especially since she always had a calm demeanor, she didn''t even change her expression when faced with a crisis, making it difficult for people to read her thoughts and feeling like nothing could faze her.


    Truly a born leader.


    Jin Chuiwen sent a message to the boss, telling him that Su Tao and the others might be working all night. He asked politely if he should stay, but he never got a reply.


    Jin Chuiwen was so tired that he couldn''t stop yawning, so he hid in a corner of the venue and couldn''t help but doze off.


    Soon, his phone rang, and it was the boss calling. Jin Chuiwen woke up with a start.


    He answered the phone nervously, and it turned out that the boss hade to the venue himself!


    It was over. The boss hade in person, and he would probably have to exin himself tonight.


    If he had known he would end up in this situation, he would never have gone to Su Tao to ask for the 1300 yuan.


    "Director Jin, please help us out. We rented some equipment on short notice, but the guy only epts cash. Do you have any cash we can borrow?" A colleague from the publicity department came up to him, looking worried, and happened to see Jin Chuiwen.


    "How much?" Jin Chuiwen reached for his wallet.


    "1300."


    "...I don''t have it!"


    Jin Chuiwen was furious when he heard the amount and grumbled as he walked away.


    Jin Chuiwen stood at the entrance of the venue like ackey, waiting for Xie Jin to arrive. He then led him to Su Tao.


    Su Tao was discussing something with the head of the marketing department, pointing to the lights and then to the stage with her delicate white hand, looking serious.


    Another colleague ran over to her, and after a few words, she bowed her head to read the document in her hand.


    Xie Jin stood behind her, watching her for a while before telling Jin Chuiwen to go to his car and get something.


    Soon, Jin Chuiwen came back with his hands full of bags and boxes, smiling from ear to ear under Xie Jin''s instructions.


    "Secretary Su, the boss invites everyone to have supper."


    After working sote, nothing could be more refreshing than a sumptuouste-night meal, especially when it was personally provided by the boss and all the dishes had the logo of a big hotel on them. It was truly uplifting.


    Everyone eagerly opened their lunch boxes and eximed in amazement, "Wow! Abalone, hairy crabs, lobsters, sea cucumbers..."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao turned around and saw Xie Jin, dressed in a ck suit, standing tall behind her. Their eyes met in the air, but Su Tao quickly averted her gaze and continued to inspect the venue''syout.


    She knew he was here to torment her, no doubt about it.


    Su Tao lowered her head to check the model of the spotlights and asked the lighting master to turn on all the lights for a final confirmation. She was meticulous and wanted to make sure everything was perfect.


    Suddenly, a diamond bracelet appeared in front of her. It shimmered in the light, reflecting a rainbow of colors and looked stunning.


    Su Tao lifted her eyes and saw Xie Jin behind the bracelet. The diamond''s brilliance sparkled on his smooth skin, highlighting his refined features.


    He opened his naturally rosy lips and spoke in a low, husky voice that only Su Tao could hear, "Wear the bracelet and never take it off."


    Su Tao looked away from the bracelet and continued to check the spotlights.


    Suddenly, her wrist was grabbed, and she was forcefully pulled forward. Xie Jin''s long legs moved quickly, and Su Tao had to jog to keep up with him and avoid falling to the ground.


    He had already pulled her to the parking lot by the time she caught her breath and called out to him, "Slow down."


    Xie Jin abruptly stopped and turned around, causing Su Tao, who was still trying to catch up, to collide with his chest.


    Su Tao rubbed her head and looked up at Xie Jin with a flushed face, panting slightly from running. "Where are you taking me?"


    "Home," Xie Jin replied.


    Su Tao tried to shake his hand off, but he held it firmly. "Let go," shemanded.


    "Xiao Taotzi," Xie Jin pulled her into his warm embrace, and his deep, husky voice resonated through her chest, "If you keep acting up, I won''t forgive you."


    Su Tao suppressed her anger and regained herposure. "I''m not acting up."


    "I''ve already agreed to let you be in charge of the event. Why are you still upset?" Xie Jin tilted his head and looked at Su Tao, who was still in his embrace. He softened his tone and said, "Wear the bracelet ande home with me."


    Su Tao couldn''t help but feel like he was talking to a disobedient puppy. Wasn''t his tone just like that of an owner scolding a disobedient pet?


    But it didn''t feel out of ce.


    After a moment of silence, Xie Jin still hadn''t heard Su Tao''s response. He turned his head and saw her looking down at the ground with a nk expression.


    "What are you thinking? Speak up," he said.


    "Can I speak?" Su Tao asked in return.


    "When did I ever stop you from speaking?" Xie Jin yfully pinched her cheek, and the tender, smooth touch made him hesitate to let go. It had been a few days since he had held her in his arms.


    "Let go of me," Su Tao''s face was pulled, and her words came out with a different tone.


    Xie Jin paused for a moment, reluctantly releasing her cheek, but he didn''t loosen his grip on her arm.


    "Let go of me, I won''t run away," Su Tao muttered helplessly, "I''m not a dog."


    He tapped her forehead lightly, and thest sentence was clear in the quiet midnight parking lot.


    Xie Jin frowned and looked at her displeased, "Why are you saying you''re a dog?"


    "You kicked me out and then beckoned me back. What''s the difference between me and a dog?"


    He tapped her forehead again, and Su Tao covered it with her hand, feeling a bit annoyed, furrowing her brows and staring at him.


    "Oh, our little peach can even re at people?" Xie Jin suddenly smiled, as if he was pleased with something, "It''s because you threatened to quit first, so I punished you."


    Su Tao felt like they were not on the same wavelength at all.


    He thought that she was using the threat of resignation to achieve some goal, but she really wanted to resign and leave him.


    "I will definitely quit, whether you approve it or not. And as for that bracelet, I won''t wear it anymore. I thought it was customized just for me, but it turns out to be mass-produced."


    She thought it was something unique and exclusive to her, but it wasn''t.


    She just wanted something that was only hers, something unique.

 Chapter 8: Quit 8

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    After everyone finished theirte-night snacks, they continued setting up the event venue. Su Tao was a bitte getting back from outside. She worked with everyone to finish up thest few things. Looking at the time, it was already 2 AM.


    The event was scheduled to start at 8 AM, and since the venue was in the suburbs, they''d have to spend half of the 6 hours just on the round trip.


    At such a crucial moment, it was still Jin Chuiwen who had arranged a hotel early on, just a 5 minute walk from the venue.


    The hotel was a standard luxury chain, with two people to a deluxe room. Room keys were handed out, and Su Tao noticed she wasn''t on the same floor as everyone else.


    Before she could raise any objections, Xie Jin grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into the elevator.


    None of their colleagues dared step into the elevator, stunned for a moment before pretending to be blind, suddenly very interested in the lobby murals.


    Only after the elevator doors closed did they exchange knowing nces,municating their shock silently.


    Since they were all senior and mid-level leaders, they tacitly agreed not to spread this around, after all with such high sries, one wrong word could get them fired.


    Su Tao sat at the work desk in the outer room of the luxurious suite, with herptop open, continuing to review the event flow.


    She didn''t like shing with people, even if there was some grievance, she wouldn''t make a scene and argue in an undignified way.


    So after Xie Jin forcibly pulled her into the room, she only expressed her displeasure. Knowing he wouldn''t let her leave, she didn''t struggle excessively, instead going straight to herptop, nning to work until dawn.


    "Little peach, go to sleep!" Xie Jin came out of the bathroom, the loose dark blue bathrobe draped over him.


    He shook his still-damp short hair, looked up, but didn''t see the little peach who should have been curled up in bed, drowsy and ready to fall asleep.


    Instead he saw her diligently working in the outer room. He strode over and mmed herptop shut with one hand.


    Su Tao looked up. Xie Jin''s bathrobe had no buttons, revealing half his chest. He made no move to cover up, as if deliberately showing off to her. He leaned down over her.


    Su Tao''s gaze calmly swept over his muscr chest before settling neutrally on the documents, saying lightly: "You go to sleep."


    "If I sleep, you''ll just run away, right?" Xie Jin wrapped his arms around her and picked her up.


    Suddenly losing her footing, Su Tao panicked, branches trembling in the wind. She gritted her teeth. "Put me down."


    Of course Xie Jin wouldn''t listen to her. Holding her was like holding a cat. He easily ced her on the bed and tucked her in, lying down beside her and hugging her tightly from behind.


    When he sped her small hand in his, she scratched him. He turned her hand over, straightening her fingers, and saw one nail had split without being trimmed, leaving a sharp nted edge.


    "Your nail split again?" Xie Jin frowned unhappily at her, his voice low but tender. "Does it hurt?"


    "It doesn''t hurt." Su Tao scrambled up, just showing her head before he pressed her back into his embrace.


    "If it doesn''t hurt then lie still."


    "I want to shower." Su Tao scrambled out again. Using her agile figure she slipped out from under his arm and raced into the bathroom.


    Taking advantage of her shower time, Su Tao quietly opened the bathroom door and peeked into the bedroom, guessing Xie Jin had fallen asleep. She sessfully snuck over to the sofa.


    Only to be startled by Xie Jin, who had been leisurely waiting for her on the sofa.


    "You''re not asleep yet?" Su Tao''s expression was a little awkward.


    "How could I sleep if you don''t?"


    Su Tao was fished out of the sofa and bundled up into Xie Jin''s arms. He carried her back to the bed and wrapped himself around her limbs, sighing softly and hoarsely, "You''re less and less well-behaved as you grow up."


    After muttering this, he peacefully closed his eyes, falling asleep within two seconds.


    The room became tranquil. Su Tao turned to look at the suddenly sleeping Xie Jin. She could feel his exhaustion and slight cold over the past few days.


    She quietly watched him as memories of their past yed through her mind like a slideshow - their acquaintance, their love, seemed like a dream, unknowingly arrived at the time to wake up.


    She had loved Xie Jin. She hoped that even if the dream ended and the love was gone, they could have a clean break, and not hurt each other.


    -


    Xie Jin slept his first good sleep in days, not waking until 7 AM.


    If Jin Chuiwen hadn''te to knock on the door with the makeup artist, Xie Jin would probably have kept sleeping, seeming to want to make up for his recent sleep deficit.


    Opening his eyes, the bed was empty. His heart suddenly sank as he scanned the vacant room. The anger welling up was quelled by the two boxes of medicine left on the bedside table.


    One was cold medicine, the other cough syrup.


    Pressed between them was a note.


    Take medicine after breakfast, three times a day. Drink more water. I''ve gone to the venue.


    It was his little peach''s handwriting.


    A trace of warmth passed over his cold, stern face. His pitch ck gaze softened as he went to open the door that kept insistently ringing.


    Jin Chuiwen was stunned for a full three seconds seeing his boss''s face, whose sculpted features were suffused with gentleness, before recognizing this was his fearsome boss.


    Xie Jin''s face didn''t need much makeup, just his hair styled and clothes matched, and he could go out perfectly.


    The event started with the midyear meeting and talk. Xie Jin took the stage right at 9 AM, gave a 40 minute speech, and allowed 20 minutes for Q&A with reporters.


    Next was the brand publicity fashion show, with famous actress Jiang Wan walking the runway to promote the newlyunched portal video site.


    Under Su Tao''s direction, everyone carried out their work part by part.


    The talks also went very smoothly. On stage Xie Jin gave a calm,posed summary and outlook. In the sh of cameras, he was like a natural born king, exceptional temperament and vigorous spirit.


    Under his steady yet piercing gaze, the media didn''t dare ask anything too sharp, mainly orderly asking pre-approved questions from the PR department.


    After the midyear meeting ended, it was time for brand publicity.


    The spokesperson had arrived backstage. Su Tao apanied Xie Jin to the dressing room to rest for a bit before making a brief appearance at the end of the publicity event.


    Passing through a narrow hallway backstage, they overheard quiet discussion.


    A few unfamiliar colleagues were passionately chatting around the corner. They were probably temporarily borrowed from other departments to help out.


    "Really? Just openly getting out of the same car like that?"


    "I saw it with my own eyes in the parking lot. Su Tao driving the boss''s car, with the boss getting out of the passenger seat."


    "So what? Qin used to sit in the passenger seat too."


    "That fits! Qin was the boss''s white moonlight, Su Tao is the stand in. Now Su Tao has taken over."


    "Clearly Su Tao is more capable. She approves budgets and reimbursements, so much power!"


    "Other than obedience what else can she do? Why does she have so much power? If just obedience is enough, I could do it too. Does that mean I could take over too?"


    "Just obedience definitely won''t cut it. Have to be like Qin Xuexi."


    "I suspect she didn''t even reallye up with yesterday''s proposal herself. The boss probably did it all for her. She probably can''t do anything herself."


    ...


    Su Tao followed Xie Jin into the dressing room and closed the door, blocking out the gossip.


    She had been hearing this kind of idle chatter for half a year already, and hadpletely be immune. She didn''t react like at first, naively asking him to exin. She also didn''t care whether Xie Jin would rify things or not.


    After all, he would only respond crudely - don''t listen to others, just listen to him.


    She nced at the expressionless Xie Jin sitting on the sofa fiddling with his phone, seeming to not have heard the gossip at all.


    So Su Tao didn''t say anything to disturb him, sitting to the side waiting for the publicity event to start in 10 minutes.


    Xie Jin''s phone kept ringing with WeChat alerts. He responded briefly to a few, then put his phone away.


    The 10 minutes passed quickly. Music could already be heard outside. As the event director Su Tao had to stay and watch the whole thing. As the big boss, Xie Jin didn''t need to appear again.


    But as soon as Su Tao stepped out, Xie Jin followed along. She didn''t think anything of where he was headed, just curiously nced back at the earlier corner, now empty of people.


    -


    As the hottest current little flower, Jiang Wan diligently acted, with several hit shows under her belt, considered the actress with the mostmercial value.


    She was gentle, but not falsely modest. After guesting on some variety shows and speaking too bluntly, she had offended quite a few industry insiders and lost some general favor.


    If her team didn''t have her randomly appearing on those variety shows, instead maintaining an appropriate level of exposure, her fanbase might be even bigger.


    Watching Jiang Wan shine brightly on stage, Su Tao couldn''t help sinking into thought, not even hearing Xie Jin calling her.


    A pair of strong hands covered her eyes, warm breath tickling her ear, making her shiver. His hoarse low voice seductively spread into her ear, "Like what you see, little peach?"


    Su Tao''s gaze shifted, meeting his overbearing yet tender look. Her expression faltered for a second before nodding cooperatively, refocusing on the stage.


    Taking advantage of the dim lighting below the stage, Xie Jin reached out and grabbed her hand. Su Tao slyly nced at him, checked their surroundings, and seeing no one was paying attention to the dark audience area, didn''t forcibly struggle free.


    She didn''t want any incidents at such an important event.


    Holding her hand, Xie Jin became much better behaved, also letting her continue watching Jiang Wan.


    Su Tao noticed one of the stage edge spotlights was sticking up.


    Jiang Wan was wearing a full skirt. When she walked near the stage edge, the skirt brushed against the light.


    From Su Tao''s angle she could clearly see the skirt get caught on the jutting light. And her dress was strapless.


    She would be exposed!


    Almost as soon as Su Tao realized, she shook off Xie Jin''s hand, took off her windbreaker and ran up on stage. She got there just before Jiang Wan''s skirt got pulled down, using her jacket to cover Jiang Wan''s body.


    It happened in a sh, too fast for the reporters to react. Su Tao pulled Jiang Wan''s skirt back up, covering her chest, shielding her all the way off stage.


    Jiang Wan went back to the dressing room to change outfits.


    Since it happened at the end of her appearance, when she was about to leave the stage anyway, her manager and the Tianjin PR staff decided she wouldn''t go back on stage after changing out of the gown.


    The PR staff arranged for media to leave for lunch.


    Soon the venue quieted down, left only with the mess after the departure, and colleagues cleaning up equipment and supplies. It seemed somewhat deste.


    "Little peach, when you rushed onstage just now, did you think you were Superman?" Xie Jin leaned in close, strong fingers sped behind her neck, forcing her toe closer to him. His voice wasn''t loud butced with danger. "Which hand pushed me away earlier?"


    "Let go." Su Tao lowered her voice.


    Some staff were stilling and going. He might not care, but she didn''t want to constantly be office gossip.


    Before Xie Jin could say anything, a slightly fat man of around 30 appeared, wearing jeans and an orange cap, interrupting the undercurrents between them.


    He was still holding the windbreaker Su Tao had used to save the situation for Jiang Wan.


    "Hello, I''m Jiang Wan''s manager. Thank you so much for just now, here''s my card."


    Xie Jin took the card with an unfriendly look at the chubby man, tone cold. "Give me the jacket."


    The manager was frightened by Xie Jin''s terrifying aura. He hurriedly returned the jacket draped on his arm, hesitantly adding, "Wanwan wants to take you out for a meal to express her gratitude."


    "No need." Xie Jin coldly declined, and casually threw Su Tao''s jacket in a nearby trash can. He wouldn''t let her wear anything another man had touched.


    "Please tell Jiang Wan it was a trivial matter, no need to think much of it." Su Tao gave the manager a gentle smile to smooth things over for him.


    The agent shrank back in fear from Xie Jin''s dangerous aura that warned people to keep their distance. Staring at Xie Jin''s piercing yet alluring eyes, he gulped nervously and cursed under his breath that this man was insane. He fled as if avoiding the gue.


    Only after the agent left did Xie Jin''s frosty demeanor dissipate. Seeing Su Tao nce at the trash can, he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent as his heart gradually calmed.


    "Little Taozi, are you afraid of me?"


    Su Tao was not afraid of Xie Jin''s possessiveness. It was precisely because of his intense possessiveness that she felt secure.


    What frightened her was that her feelings and belongings might not be exclusively hers anymore.


    Now he could no longer give her that sense of security.


    Just like with that coat, if he didn''t discard it, she would.

 Chapter 9: Quit 09

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    #Jiang Wan''s wardrobe malfunction# was trending rapidly on social media.


    Jiang Wan was a hot topic celebrity who attracted attention wherever she went, and photos from her event still circted online.


    Of course, no revealing photos of Jiang Wan herself were captured, thanks to Su Tao''s timely coverage.


    Su Tao''s face was also captured in the photos spreading widely online.


    Someizens even asked, who was this staff member next to Jiang Wan? She''s so pretty.


    Before Su Tao''s identity was exposed, the trending topic suddenly plummeted in speed.


    Su Tao, who was tallying up receipts during a break, briefly checked Weibo on her phone. Without thinking, she knew this was Xie Jin''s doing.


    In less than an hour, several colleagues from the PR department showed up outside Xie Jin''s office door. They all looked anxious and frightened, as if heading to the frontlines of life and death.


    Thest to arrive was Jin Chui Wen.


    Su Tao also noticed that recently, Jin Chui Wen seemed especially busy, and was brought along to every department with issues.


    "What should we do? That trending topic won''t die down! I''m so scared of the boss''s murderous gaze!"


    "I feel like someone is artificially inting the topic. It must be Jiang Wan''spetitors. Otherwise, we definitely could have suppressed those photos that leaked out."


    "What''s the use of saying all this now? Will the boss listen to our exnations?"


    The colleagues from the PR department all wore looks of despair, whisperingints as they teetered on the brink of breakdown.


    After listening to their words, Su Tao opened Weibo again and saw that Jiang Wan''s trending topic had dropped to the teens, but her photos were still circting online.


    Boss Xie probably did not allow those photos of her to appear online.


    From inside the boss''s office came the clear sound of something shattering, like a cup being smashed.


    Immediately after, Xie Jin''s enraged roar could be heard from within: "Where the hell is the PR department? Still not here yet!"


    The already anxious crowd outside was even more frightened by this.


    Su Tao silently got up and circled around them to knock on the office door first. She looked back and gave everyone a reassuring expression. Under their shocked gazes, she slowly closed the door.


    In less than two to three minutes, Su Tao opened the door and told them, "The boss says for everyone to go in."


    Jin Chui Wen peeked in and saw Xie Jin sitting calmly behind his desk, his previous irritable mood gone.


    After everyone sighed in relief and filed in, Jin Chui Wen, who wasst, walked past Su Tao and whispered, "Thank you."


    After the PR department issue was handled, another shocking incident happened at thepany.


    Without any warning or reason, five employees were fired simultaneously.


    Although they were all junior employees, therge number made everyone uneasy. Was something wrong internally that thepany was starting massyoffs?


    But very quickly, the announcement of increased quarterly bonuses reassured the remaining employees to automatically understand that those fired must have poor work capabilities. They had to work harder to keep their jobs.


    Seeing the shift in opinion online, Jin Chui Wen sneered contemptuously. Too naive.


    These five people were fired on the boss''s orders after he overheard them gossiping about the boss''s wife. Think carefully about your own actions.


    Su Tao nced at the recent personnel change announcements with a detached look before closing the information and continuing to write her work summary.


    Boss Xie still had not approved her resignation letter, so she wanted to finish the work summary before the new hire came to facilitate the handover.


    A message notification sounded from her phone. She unlocked it and saw it was from her younger brother, Su Yang Xing. Her instinct was to close it, but the content caught her eye.


    ¡¾Su Yang Xing: Did you see my Moments post?¡¿


    ¡¾Su Yang Xing: The car is so nice, give it to me.¡¿


    Su Tao''s expression darkened. She swiftly opened Moments and saw histest post, a few selfies.


    The first two were taken inside a car, and thest one showed the car''s full view - a white Audi A4.


    That was Su Tao''s car.


    Parked at home for a year now, she hadn''t gone back for it.


    She narrowed her eyes and scrutinized the photos.


    The photos looked intentionally staged to let her know it was her car - even the license te was captured.


    Scrolling to Su Yang Xing''s first two selfies, the cocky expression on his handsome face was arrogant and provocative, extremely punchable.


    Su Tao took a deep breath. She immediately opened herputer and searched for used car websites, digging out old photos she''d taken of her beloved car on her phone. Her fingers hesitated for a moment before clicking upload.


    After inputting the vehicle information, her fingers trembled slightly.


    Su Yang Xing was two years younger than her, now a sophomore majoring in broadcasting at the university Su Tao graduated from.


    A handsome yboy, he usually acted like a spoiled rich kid, nevercking luxury cars, beautiful women, and champagne.


    Su Tao barely nced at his updates,pletely uninterested in his activities. In fact, she greatly disliked him and not blocking him could be considered her showing grace.


    Their family was middle ss at best, yet her father had three wives.


    She, her older brother, and younger brother were half-siblings with different mothers.


    As the only girl in the family, she was not doted on, but instead bullied due to her father''s dislike.


    Her biggest bully from young was the mischievous Su Yang Xing. He especially loved snatching her belongings, from small items like erasers to big ones likeputers.


    She had no power to protect her possessions from being taken, so she learned to simply not want things she couldn''t exclusively own - this was the shadow that gued her since childhood.


    However, Su Tao never confronted him directly, because his birth mother was her father''s current wife, her stepmother.


    She never did foolish things like sh head-on. Deflecting force with four ounces was more effective for her goals.


    For instance, this A4 was bought by her stepmother in exchange for Su Tao''s help getting Su Yang Xing into his broadcasting university.


    What she lost, she would always find ways topensate back.


    But now this Su Yang Xing had secretly made a copy of her car keys when she wasn''t home.


    She definitely could not keep the car after he drove it.


    After blocking Su Yang Xing''s WeChat, she also blocked his phone number.


    -


    At lunch, as usual, Su Tao made ns with He Xiao Rui to eat together in the cafeteria.


    She tidied up the morning''s documents and was about to find He Xiao Rui when her office phone rang.


    "Come to my office."


    Then the call disconnected abruptly - Xie Jin''s customary style.


    She frowned in dissatisfaction but still knocked on the ominous dark door.


    Xie Jin was leisurely sitting behind his desk, idly fiddling with her resignation letter, not even ncing up when Su Tao entered.


    "Boss Xie, what''s the matter?"


    "Has lunch arrived?"


    Su Tao''s bright eyes flitted around. She made a show of leaving and said, "The lunch you ordered? Let me ask reception."


    "Come back," Xie Jin hurriedly called her back. "Call reception to send it up directly. Just wait here."


    Su Tao''s expression froze, looking at him puzzledly. "I''ll wait here? Since reception is sending it directly, what''s the point of me staying?"


    Xie Jin''s sharp gaze swept over. "To eat."


    "You''re not eating lunch with me anymore, right? I already made ns with He Xiao Rui."


    Xie Jin''s face stiffened, anger rising steadily. She was definitely challenging his limits.


    "Little Taozi," his tone was ominous and his eyes narrowed dangerously. His entire being emitted a perilous aura. "Don''t overdo it."


    Did he think he was throwing her a lifeline?


    Showing great benevolence by forgiving her?


    Su Tao sighed lightly. Perhaps he didn''t know she actually disliked eating with him.


    "It''s time, so I''ll go first. Enjoy your meal."


    Su Tao fled the office as if escaping, leaving Xie Jin behind with a ck expression and pent-up fury.


    After a satisfying lunch, Su Tao felt great. Since there was still lunch break, she wanted to walk around downstairs to aid digestion.


    Mainly to also avoid Xie Jin for a bit.


    Su Tao took the elevator down with He Xiao Rui and two female colleagues after eating.


    As soon as they exited, senior Zhang Qi Guang called to say he was in herpany''s lobby.


    Su Tao looked up and saw the tall, handsome man a short distance ahead remove his sunsses. He raised his phone and waved at her, smiling faintly as he strode over.


    Dressed in ripped jeans and a trendy sweater, her senior who was two years older looked fashionable and youthful.


    Su Tao bid her colleagues farewell and sat with Zhang Qi Guang at a caf¨¦ near thepany.


    The coffee was served. Su Tao ignored the sugar packets and took a small sip of ck coffee, eliciting a tsk from Zhang Qi Guang.


    "Still haven''t changed, huh Su Tao Tao? Coffee without sugar is so bitter?" As he spoke, he drank a sip of his carameltte and felt life was perfect.


    "I don''t like sweet things." Su Tao smiled cidly, but the smile didn''t reach her eyes.


    Zhang Qi Guang was used to Su Tao''s aloof demeanor and didn''t make much of it. He had known her for years and seen that her gentle surface belied an icy heart.


    In all their time acquainted, only Xie Jin and her family could elicit strong reactions from her.


    "We''re still going ahead with our previous discussion, right?" Zhang Qi Guang put down his sweet coffee. His peach blossom eyes smiled at Su Tao as he added, "I sincerely invited you. I flew over specially to see you today. If you can produce a second-tier artist for me within a year, I''ll give you a stakeholder''s position."


    Su Tao also set down her coffee, smiling ambiguously. "Senior, you really flew here for me?"


    Given how often he hopped between cities in a day to date different girlfriends, she wouldn''t be surprised if that was the real reason.


    It wouldn''t be the first time.


    "You ungrateful girl, I really did fly for you this time! Look, the stake transfer deed!" Zhang Qi Guang rapped Su Tao with the document in his hand, annoyed. He tossed the file before her.


    Although Zhang Qi Guang''s Skyhigh Entertainment was an invisible small fry in the industry, they already had many artists gaining momentum.


    He had good management ideology and decentralized authority. The major agents he partnered with were also highly capable.


    From her knowledge, the industry-renowned idol group talent scout Liang Ke had been poached by him recently and was now a major shareholder.


    Another shareholder was a female MBA returnee, also an outstanding media graduate - her ability was not to be underestimated.


    For senior to promise an inexperienced new graduate like her a shareholder position showed his sincerity.


    Him specially bringing the stake transfer deed today was likely because he doubted her resolve to leave Xie Jin, right?


    Zhang Qi Guang''s expression turned serious as he solemnly asked, "Su Tao, back in school didn''t you say you wanted to be an agent like your mother? Do you still feel the same way? Have your dreams changed?"


    Su Tao sat by the window on the second floor, looking down at the broad za surrounded by rings of youths.


    A few newly debuted artists were busking in the center, exuding youthful energy and vigor, cheered on enthusiastically by the crowd.


    As if in a trance, she returned to that night when she was 10-years-old. It was the first time Mother brought her to a concert.


    The young men on stage were still very green, but each had determined gazes shining brightly.


    Mother said that was what dreams looked like.


    Mother didn''t know at the time, her eyes were also shining as she watched. Those youths on stage were all artists she had groomed.


    Back then, she didn''t understand why Mother worked so tirelessly for other people''s dreams.


    Now she understood.


    To help them achieve their dreams - that was Mother''s dream.


    And her own ideals had never changed.


    Su Tao''s gaze lingered for a long time, because she identally spotted a tall, noble figure.


    It was Xie Jin.


    Next to him stood an exceptionally elegant and beautiful woman in a pink dress.


    She was smiling radiantly up at Xie Jin. When she raised her hand, the bracelet on her wrist shed and blinded Su Tao.


    In the fleeting moment when Su Tao nced away, the two people standing by the roadside had already disappeared from sight.


    -


    After lunch break ended, Su Tao returned to the office, only to be summoned into Xie Jin''s office again.


    This time, he locked the door in advance and stepped out from behind his desk, standing in front of Su Tao with danger radiating from his whole body as he gazed at her with piercing eyes.


    "Who did you meet during lunch?"


    Su Tao was stunned for an instant, knowing for sure that a colleague must have seen her with Zhang Qi Guang and spread idle gossip that reached Xie Jin''s ears.


    Turns out he wasn''t indifferent to gossip, he just selectively listened to the ones he cared about.


    She raised her eyelids, taking a step back with an icy gaze fixed on him. "Zhang Qi Guang, my school senior. You''ve met him before."


    Xie Jin was displeased that she had stepped back, but he didn''t move forward. His eyes were clouded with gloom as hemanded, "Come here."


    Su Tao didn''t budge.


    Xie Jin''s fist was clenched tightly, the veins in his neck bulging. He had reached his limit of patience for her disobedience.


    He picked up the resignation letter on the desk. His chest heaved violently as he looked at her fiercely. "Do you believe I''ll really sign this off?"


    Su Tao''s tranquil gaze fell upon the resignation letter he had threatened her with many times. Her expression was aloof.


    Xie Jin was finally provoked to anger by her. He grabbed a pen and signed his agreement and name with a flourish.


    Holding up the signed resignation letter, he said ominously, "Little peach, think carefully. If you resign from being my secretary, I won''t let you work anywhere else."


    He was giving her a choice - be his secretary or be a full-time housewife.


    Su Tao reached out her fair hand and took the resignation letter from him. Her voice was as melodious as a spring stream. "Perhaps I didn''t make myself clear. My resignation means that things between us are over too."

 Chapter 10: 10 Quit

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Xie Jin still maintained the posture of holding up his arms, the anger around him seemed to freeze at this moment, staring at her in a daze.


    After a long while, as if he still hadn''te to his senses, he still asked hoarsely in a daze, "What do you mean by ending?"


    "Ending means breaking up." Su Tao tidied away the letter in her hand, nced at him lightly, and was ready to walk past him.


    As soon as Su Tao moved, Xie Jin realized her intention and quickly grabbed her wrist, forcibly trapping her in front of the desk.


    His voice was even hoarser, staring at Su Tao, and said word for word, "You can''t threaten me with a breakup."


    Su Tao lowered her eyes to avoid his intense and bloodthirsty eyes. His appearance was as if he wanted to swallow his prey into his belly, even Su Tao felt a little scared.


    "Xie Jin, we were so happy together..."


    Her lips were bitten, blocking her words, breaking through the raging anger above her head, as if to tear her apart.


    Finally, the prey under his mouth was too quiet, and the irritable lion finally noticed something wrong. He slowed down his actions and opened his eyes.


    What met his eyes was her eyes closed as if she was ready to die, with two lines of clear tears flowing out.


    Since the action stopped, Su Tao opened her eyes. Her wet and bright little deer eyes carried an innate innocence and looked at him. The redness and swelling of her lips oozed blood, as if dering his previous outrage.


    His rage was instantly reced by distress. He lowered his head and gently kissed the wound. Su Tao hurt and turned her head away, and the tears that had umted in her eyes flowed down in rows.


    Xie Jin raised his eyes, and his long and thick eyshes were also stained with moisture. His hoarse voice didn''te out the first time. He forcibly swallowed, and his dry throat could make a sound, "You said you would resign and I endured it. Breaking up can''t be talked about casually."


    Su Tao still had her head tilted, casually wiped away the tear stains with the back of her hand, and her voice was calm and she didn''t cry, "I just saw you meeting with Qin Xuexi."


    Xie Jin''s pupils suddenly widened in shock, then quickly concealed his emotions.


    Originally, Su Tao was just suspicious, but now seeing his expression, she could confirm it.


    "You already have one foot on two boats, and you won''t let me mention breaking up?" Su Tao smiled mockingly, moving the wound on her lips, and frowned.


    "I didn''t!" Xie Jin quickly denied, "It was just business."


    He had never been so flustered before. Su Tao suddenly felt ridiculous.


    She used to always think that she was the only one who could arouse his emotions.


    Now she realized it was Qin Xuexi.


    "It was really just business," Xie Jin held her face in both hands, forcing her to look at him, "Wu Xieyu asked her to deliver the document."


    Speaking of this, Xie Jin suddenly realized something and stopped.


    "Wu Xieyu? President Wu from Ruixi? Qin Xuexi works at Ruixi?" Su Tao''s clear eyes still had traces of tears, and her frowning brows were getting tighter and tighter, her gaze full of interrogative doubt.


    She wanted to work at Ruixi so much back then. She wanted to start as an agent or public rtions officer.


    She even secretly submitted her resume and was notified to go for an interview.


    But in the end she was still discovered by Xie Jin and intercepted.


    At that time, she thought it was because he couldn''t bear to be separated from her and didn''t want to live apart.


    Now she couldn''t help but doubt.


    Was it that he couldn''t bear to be separated from her, or that he was afraid she would meet Qin Xuexi at Ruixi?


    "Xie Jin," Su Tao suddenly smiled, her eyes, which had just dried up, were filled with tears again, "You make me feel like I''ve always been a fool."


    "Don''t think too much, I have nothing with Qin Xuexi, don''t you believe me?" Xie Jin stretched out his thumb to wipe away her tears.


    "I don''t believe it anymore." Su Tao slowly shook her head.


    Xie Jin was still saying something, but Su Tao closed her eyes and didn''t want to see or hear.


    She used to ask him so eagerly, thirsting for a good exnation from him. But now, she didn''t want to hear a word.


    She didn''t know if her heart waspletely dead.


    Now, she really didn''t want to hear anything about him and her.


    "Little Taozi, I thought you wouldn''t easily believe those obviously fake rumors."


    Heh, so it was still her fault?


    The office phone rang, Xie Jin put it on speakerphone, it was Tian Yingying''s voice, "President Xie, Chairman Gu from Yingfeng Video whom you made an appointment with yesterday has arrived. Shall I bring him to your office?"


    "The small meeting room." Xie Jin replied concisely in a low voice, then hung up the phone.


    Su Tao''s cold and slightly mocking eyes irritated Xie Jin. Seeing the wound at the corner of her mouth, he suppressed the irritable emotions in his heart.


    Holding her face in both hands, he slid down along her arms and forcefully held her hands.


    "Calm down here, don''t go out, be good and wait for me toe back."


    Xie Jin left the office, and Su Tao slid down from the desk and squatted on the ground covering her face.


    When Xie Jin came back, he looked at the time, it had been two hours. He remembered Su Tao''s empty and cold eyes before, and inexplicably felt uneasy in his heart.


    Suddenly he was afraid to open the door and find no one inside.


    The hand close to the door trembled slightly. The door was unlocked and easily pushed open.


    On the sofa, there was a curled up slender figure.


    Xie Jin let out a breath of relief, gently closed the door, and slowly walked over. She was asleep.


    Her tranquil sleeping face made her look like an immortal who was aloof from the world of mortals.


    He shook his head, feeling ridiculous about his uneasiness before opening the door.


    He was actually afraid that his little Taozi would disappear.


    How could she leave him when she loved him so much?


    He took out the ointment he had just bought and squeezed it onto his fingers. He suddenly realized that his fingers were very cold.


    He applied it to his own mouth, then gently covered it to apply the ointment to her lips.


    The person under his lips was awakened. She was not sleeping soundly to begin with.


    Her fingers touched the sticky ce at the corner of her lips and were grabbed by a cold palm, "Don''t touch it, it''s ointment."


    Su Tao withdrew her hand, and looked at his hand in surprise again. Why was it so cold today when it was always so warm?


    "Little Taozi," Xie Jin''s voice softened, as if negotiating, "If you really don''t like being my secretary, then do something else."


    Su Tao''s surprise shed by. She wondered why he suddenly changed his mind, and then heard him continue: "You can choose any position within thepany, Chief Financial Officer, HR Director, Marketing Department, Sales Department, Publicity Department, you can do any of them."


    Su Tao: "..."


    She was silent for a few seconds, took a breath to refute, but was stopped by him.


    "No rush, think about it carefully, calm down. If work tires you out, we''ll go on vacation, and these days you can think about where you want to go."


    Su Tao looked at him making what he thought was the biggestpromise and concession, smiling silently, full of speechlessness.


    Xie Jin thought he had coaxed her well, and the corners of his lips also turned up.


    -


    Near the end of work, the front desk called to say that someone iming to be Su Tao''s brother was making a racket downstairs in the lobby insisting oning upstairs.


    Su Tao''s eyebrows wrinkled slightly, and her face became gloomy. She told the front desk to let the person take the call.


    The phone ryed the arrogant voice of a teenager: "Su Tao, you blocked me!"


    "What are you making a fuss about?" Although Su Tao''s tone was still calm as a rippleless sea.


    "You saw my message, right? I''mmandeering your car." Still the annoying tone.


    "I already sold the car."


    Su Tao''s consistent calm tone made Su Yangxing bristle, "You loved that car the most! I won''t let you sell it!"


    "Finders keepers."


    A familiar warm palm was ced on the back of her hand, and the handset was snatched from her hand.


    Su Tao was startled for a moment, not knowing when Xie Jin hade out of the office.


    He had just put thendline handset to his ear when an angry roar of a man came from it, "Su Tao! Come down now! I want to see you!"


    Xie Jin''s eyes turned into sharp des, sweeping toward Su Tao, and asked in a low voice, "Who are you?"


    The other end of the phone suddenly went silent. After a few seconds, a weak voice came, "Brother-inw."


    In Xie Jin''s office, a handsome teenager with yellow short hair and eyebrows that resembled Su Tao sat obediently on the ck leather sofa with his legs together.


    Su Tao stood by the window with her arms crossed, looking at the endless stream of traffic outside, not knowing what she was thinking.


    Xie Jin sat on the single sofa with his arms naturally resting on the armrests, his steady boss sitting posture exuded a natural oppressive aura, "What are you making a fuss with your sister about?"


    Xie Jin''s gloomy face didn''t even need a heavy tone to make Su Yangxing shrink his neck.


    "It''s my dad''s birthday today. I wanted to get my sister toe home for dinner." Su Yangxing finally honestly said the purpose of making a fuss.


    Su Tao had already left home for a year. After arguing with her fatherst time, she never went home again.


    "If you want your sister toe home, speak nicely. Why drive her car to annoy her?"


    Su Yangxing nced at Su Tao by the window. He scratched his head awkwardly and said, "I spoke nicely to her, but she still ignored me and even blocked me."


    Thest sentence was said with great grievance, bowing his head and pouting his lips. If you didn''t know better, you would have thought he was the one being bullied.


    Hearing the word "block", Xie Jin''s eyebrows twitched slightly. He nced at the still silent Su Tao, and suddenly understood Su Yangxing a little bit.


    If Su Tao blocked him...


    Xie Jin withdrew his gaze, shook off the momentary suffocation in his heart. How could he possibly be blocked by his little Taozi? His little Taozi would never ignore him.


    "I will definitely go back for Dad''s birthday. When do you need me to find you?" Su Tao said lightly, moving her eyes back from the window and falling on Su Yangxing''s face, "You know I hate it when people touch my stuff."


    "I like your car." Su Yangxing''s temperament was hard to change. Although he was much more restrained in front of the intimidating Xie Jin, he was still willful and stubborn, "You''d rather sell it than give it to me."


    Frost condensed in Su Tao''s clear eyes.


    Which of her belongings did he not like? Snatching them since childhood, as long as it was hers, there was nothing he wouldn''t snatch.


    With his back to her, Xie Jin didn''t notice Su Tao''s current low mood. He waved his big hand, "Then give that car to you since you like it."


    Anyway, whatever car she liked, he could buy it for her.


    Su Tao suddenly turned her head to look at Xie Jin. For the first time, a crack appeared on her face that was always as gentle as jade.


    "Who allowed you to make decisions and give away my car?"

 Chapter 11: Quit 011

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    Su Tao''s low and gloomy voice made the two other men in the room sit up straight instantly, feeling a slight chill.


    Xie Jin wanted to say something but was silenced by a cold nce from Su Tao, so he closed his mouth.


    Even Xie Jin was cowed, so Su Yang Xing didn''t dare to speak up randomly either. He could only sit quietly to the side, minimizing his presence.


    "I''m going to sell the car. If you don''t give me the spare key, I''ll call the police."


    After throwing down those words, Su Tao took off her work badge and stormed out withrge strides.


    -


    The weather at the end of June was unpredictable. It had been sunny and hot during the day but was now cool and gloomy at night.


    Su Tao arrived at the vipound of the old family home. Looking at the house she hadn''t returned to for a year, her eyes dimmed.


    Holding a cake, she rang the doorbell.


    Soon, an unfamiliar young woman''s voice came through the inte, "Who is it?"


    Su Tao hesitated for a moment before answering, "Su Tao."


    "Su Tao?" The voice on the other end also seemed to hesitate for a moment before falling silent. After about half a minute, the lock on the gate clicked open.


    Su Tao curled her lips. This family was bing more and more unfamiliar.


    Walking through the yard, there was a half-grown small tree in the corner of the west wall. It was nted by her father with his own hands when her mother was still alive. Now it had a few scattered leaves, looking malnourished.


    Arriving at the door, Su Tao withdrew her gaze and looked inside the bright, warmly lit living room. An unfamiliar woman was fawning over her elder brother Su HaoYang with a charming smile.


    That was probably the woman who had spoken through the inte just now, her brother''s new girlfriend.


    The door wasn''t locked so Su Tao pushed it open. Her stepmother Li Pei happened toe out of the kitchen at that moment and they bumped right into each other.


    Li Pei was startled for a moment, looked Su Tao up and down, and gave a perfunctory slight smile. "You''re back, have a seat."


    Su Tao ignored her cold attitude, directly changed into slippers and went inside.


    Her tall and thin brother came up to greet her. He wore gold wire-rimmed sses, which should have made his quite handsome face look sharper. But that effect was ruined by his shifty little eyes. "Tao Tao, why did you only juste back? I was thinking of calling you today to ask what time you''d be back, and whether I should send a car to pick you up."


    Of all the people in this family, only her big brother would show her some courtesy on the surface, regardless of whether he was sincere or not. At least it didn''t make things awkward.


    "Where''s Dad?" But Su Tao didn''t bother reciprocating his fake courtesy. She just wanted to wish her dad a happy birthday face to face, even though she knew he wouldn''t care about her well wishes.


    "In the study."


    Watching Su Tao walk towards the study, Su HaoYang''s girlfriend said coyly, "Didn''t you say your little sister is the most scheming and we have to watch out for her? She looks quite well-behaved to me."


    Su HaoYang red at her and hissed, "Shut up."


    The study door was open. Su Tao stood quietly in the doorway, watching the man nearing sixty writerge characters. The scene of their argument from a year ago was vivid in her mind. She seemed to have knocked over his ink at the time.


    Su Tao closed her eyes briefly, mustered her courage, and gently knocked on the door.


    Su Sheng slowly raised his head. Seeing Su Tao visibly tense up, the warmth in his eyes cooled. "You''re back."


    Su Tao didn''t mind his cold attitude. She took out the red packet she had prepared long ago, went in and ced it on his desk. "Dad, happy birthday."


    "Take it away!" Su Sheng looked at her coldly. "My inheritance has nothing for you. I don''t need you to support me in my old age either."


    That was fair.


    Su Tao smiled gently and lowered her eyes. "This isn''t for your retirement. It''s to fulfill the promise I made to Mom when I was little, to give Dad a big red birthday envelope with my first year''s sry after graduation."


    She had fulfilled her promise to her mother.


    Su Tao no longer had any reluctance. She turned and left the study. The red envelope stood out brightly against the ck ink and white paper on the desk.


    Su Yang Xing rushed back just a few minutes after Su Tao.


    As soon as he got back, he searched the whole house for people and bumped right into Su Tao, who had juste out of the study.


    "Su Tao, why didn''t you wait for me toe back together? Are you really angry?" Su Yang Xing''s loud voice resonated throughout the living room.


    Hearing themotion, Li Pei came over and asked, "What''s going on, why are you angry?"


    "I got a new car originally because I wanted to trade with you. If you really don''t want to give me your car, then we won''t trade, okay?" Su Yang Xing looked at Su Tao aggrievedly, ying the victim.


    "What car is this? Tao Tao is angry with you for taking her car?" Li Pei wouldn''t stand to see her precious son wronged and her malice leaked out. "What''s the big deal, why get angry over this? That car was bought with money I gave you!"


    "Mom! Don''t say anything more!" Seeing Su Tao''s changing expression, Su Yang Xing red at Li Pei and quickly stopped her words.


    Su Tao''s gaze went past Su Yang Xing and Li Pei to look at the doorway, where Xie Jin was standing tall and stern, cold and majestic.


    Those unfamiliar with him would be deceived by his exquisite, handsome features and fail to see the tremendous anger in his heart right now.


    "Oh my, President Xie!" Su HaoYang was the first, apart from Su Tao, to see Xie Jin. He immediately went up to greet him, his face a mask of delight, and almost jogged to Xie Jin.


    "President Xie, pleasee in. Yang Xing, you brat, how could you not tell the family President Xie wasing? We should have gone out to receive him." Stepmother Li Pei also reacted and her brows curved into a sincere smile, the most earnest one Su Tao had ever seen her make.


    "President Xie, I''m Tao Tao''s elder brother Su HaoYang. I think we''ve met before at Tao Tao''s school." As Su HaoYang extended his hand to Xie Jin, he also offered his name card.


    Xie Jin briefly shook his hand and took the name card, his gaze fixed on the title - General Manager of XingYang Entertainment.


    "XingYang Entertainment? I remember it didn''t used to be called that, right?" Xie Jin''s voice was slightly low.


    Before venturing into the film and television industry, Xie Jin had thoroughly researched the major entertainmentpanies nationwide, so he naturally knew the history of the local entertainmentpanies.


    "Yes, it used to be ShengYuan Entertainment." Su HaoYang answered.


    ShengYuan Entertainment was an old establishment in North City. It had sessfully nurtured an Oscar-winning actor, an Oscar-winning actress, and a king of pop who acted and sang. In the domestic entertainment industry, it was top-tier.


    But it had declined over ten years ago when all its superstars left. It had barely survived on new small-time artists it signed.


    Now it had changed its name and business model, switching to training trainees. It had nurtured a boy band and still had decent poprity.


    "Let''s not keep standing,e sit." Hearing the voices, Su Sheng, who hade out of the study, busied himself getting everyone seated while closely observing Xie Jin''s attitude towards Su Tao.


    He knew Su Tao was dating Xie Jin but hadn''t paid much attention before.


    He was very clear about the nature of these rich second generation heirs who inherited family businesses. They all yed the field, with a new beauty on their arm every month. Weren''t his two sons like that?


    So he didn''t have high hopes when Su Tao first dated Xie Jin, and didn''t pay his daughter much attention, assuming they had broken up long ago.


    Just the other day, he saw the news about theunch of Xie Jin''s mediapany''s portal and video site, and thought about asking Su Tao if she could still contact him.


    Yet now he showed up!


    They had been together for four years now, right? He never imagined this daughter he always looked down on actually had skills.


    Seeing how demure and obedient Su Tao was, Xie Jin probably valued her acquiescence and thoughtfulness.


    That was a merit too, Su Sheng thought, satisfied.


    Everyone sat around the dining table, chatting animatedly and harmoniously. Ironically, Xie Jin''s arrival made the family seem united for once.


    "President Xie, I heard yourpany''s portal and video tform has officiallyunched. Let me offer my bted congrattions." Su HaoYang raised his ss with a smile towards Xie Jin.


    Now aspany head, he spoke like a seasoned corporate executive.


    Xie Jin was the tform founder after all. This rtionship was invaluable.


    But Xie Jin didn''t raise his ss. His thoughts still lingered on thepany name as his fingers habitually tapped the table slowly.


    Su Tao knew this meant he was in a bad mood and angry.


    "Our Tao Tao is prettier than ever," Li Pei said with a smile as she put a prawn on Su Tao''s te, chummy as a real mother. "Your dad talks about missing you every day. I was just thinking today, your dad''s birthday would be so much happier if Tao Tao coulde back."


    The small tapping sounds suddenly ceased. Xie Jin casually picked up the prawns from her bowl and peeled them for Su Tao, disregarding everyone''s astonished looks as he stuffed them into her mouth. After wiping his hands, he raised his head to look at Li Pei.


    "So you made Su Yang Xing steal Xiao Tao''s car just to get her toe back for dinner?" Xie Jin''s deep eyes lightly flicked up as he smiled mockingly. "Your family has such a unique way of getting people home for dinner."


    The four looked at each other, their smiles freezing instantly.


    They didn''t know Xie Jin''s temperament and didn''t expect him to be so sharp-tongued and aggressive.


    "Yang Xing, what''s going on? How could you take your sister''s car?" Li Pei scolded him, but her eyes darted to Xie Jin.


    Su Tao smiled silently. If she had been deaf earlier, Li Pei''s words might have fooled her.


    "Alright, let''s stop pretending to be ignorant and acting. I shouldn''t havee today," Su Tao stood up again and said softly, "I won''te again in the future either."


    Everyone was stunned when Su Tao calmly got up to leave. They wanted to stop her but didn''t dare say another word under Xie Jin''s ominous gaze, only watching her depart.


    "Sis!" Su Yang Xing chased after her from the house and grabbed her arm, holding up the car key. "Here''s your car back. Will you still be able toe home in the future?"


    Su Tao nced at the small tree in the corner before taking the car key from him and saying lightly, "The things I left in this family, I won''t ask for them anymore in the future. Use whatever you took however you want, no need to specifically tell me again."


    "Sis, you really don''t want this family anymore?" Su Yang Xing furrowed his brows tightly.


    He liked bullying Su Tao.


    But who made Su Tao always so good-tempered that he wanted to see her yell and vent her anger at him.


    At least that way she wouldn''t seem so distant.


    He didn''t know how envious his ssmates were that he had a sister like a fairy - good grades, good personality, good looks.


    But this perfect sister wasn''t close to him. Though they were family, blood siblings, she spoke to him even less than strangers.


    He deliberately provoked her to get her attention.


    But what Su Yang Xing didn''t know was that the unfair distribution of family resources made her cherish everything she obtained even more.


    Those were all hard-won through her efforts. If she lost or damaged them, she wouldn''t have recements. She''d have to work even harder to get them again.


    So Su Yang Xing didn''t understand why Su Tao treasured so much things he could easily obtain.


    He also didn''t know how much harm he had caused her.


    But it was all in the past. She no longer needed the family''s resources. She could now obtain anything she wanted herself.


    She looked up at the gloomy weather but suddenly felt much lighter, why bear so much? She should travel light.


    "I don''t need it anymore."

 Chapter 12: Quit 012

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Su Tao and Xie Jin''s departure left the whole family in silence, as if the air had solidified.


    They didn''t care that Su Tao was angry, but offending Xie Jin was too detrimental to thepany''s development.


    What worried them even more was whether Su Tao would hate them and deliberately make things difficult for theirpany by whispering in Xie Jin''s ear.


    "Mom, what you just said was too much. Mr. Xie had just walked in the door and must have heard it." Su HaoYang frowned at Li Pei, and irritably scolded her.


    Li Pei''s temper red up at once. She pped the table and screamed, "How would I know Xie Jin was here? I thought they had broken up long ago! Now it''s all my fault? She hasn''t been home for a year and that''s got nothing to do with me!"


    "Just shut up, will you die if you say less?" This time it was Su Sheng who spoke.


    He knitted his brows and got up angrily from the dinner table.


    As he passed through the living room, he saw the birthday cake Su Tao had brought was still sitting lonely on the coffee table.


    Suddenly a scene shed through his mind.


    On the day of Ling Yuan''s funeral, the then nine-year-old Su Tao held her mother''s urn in the rain, standing alone with an umbre, silent, neither crying nor making a fuss.


    Somehow, his heart ached sharply.


    Old age inevitably brings back memories. Su Sheng''s back hunched a little as he slowly climbed the stairs.


    -


    The sky exploded with thunder, and the rustling of leaves blowing in the wind mixed with the thunder, adding an aura of horror to the deserted little path.


    Su Tao walked quietly along the wall. Once she got through this path, it would be the highway. This little path had no parking.


    The streetmps on both sides of the path were triangrmps in a pseudo-European style, not very bright, but able to reveal silhouettes.


    The silhouette on the ground had slender legs and an inverted triangr, exquisite figure, silently following all the way.


    Without looking back, she knew it was Xie Jin.


    As she approached the end of the path, Su Tao stopped and calmly looked back at Xie Jin. "Don''t follow me. I''m fine."


    Xie Jin''s deep eyes reflected Su Tao''s tranquil face. Raindrops pattered down gently. He took her hand and tucked her into his car parked at the roadside.


    After wiping the raindrops off Su Tao''s face with a tissue, Xie Jin began to dry himself.


    He broke the quiet in the car with a displeased tone, "Why didn''t you tell me your family treats you so badly?"


    Su Tao looked out at the passing cars and pedestrians in silence.


    Xie Jin took out the business card Su HaoYang had given him and coldlyughed as he tore it in two and threw it in the trash.


    "Star, Yang, Entertainment," he enunciated mockingly. "Your brother is called Su HaoYang, your brother Su Yang Xing. Thepany ownership has already been divided up."


    Although he lived in an environment surrounded by wolves, when his father was alive, he had cherished him.


    His father had said the TianJin Group was a gift given by his father on the day he was born.


    Because it contained his name, his father had managed it with great care and paternal love.


    In contrast, what position had Star Yang Entertainment relegated his little peach to?


    "A year ago when you told me you never wanted to go home again, did it have to do with thepany renaming?"


    Xie Jin''s eyes reddened slightly. He knew Su Tao must be very upset inside, and he didn''t want her to bear these painful memories alone.


    She thought he didn''t remember this.


    She lowered her head even more, her long hair falling to cover both cheeks, and whispered reluctantly.


    Su Tao: "I don''t want to talk about it."


    Xie Jin: "What can''t I know about you? Little peach, you never tell me about things with your family."


    Su Tao: "That''s because you don''t want to hear it."


    It was already hard to talk about, and he didn''t want to hear it, so she was even less willing to say it.


    Xie Jin: "I want to hear it now."


    After half a beat of silence, Su Tao still didn''t raise her head, but her calm voice somehow came out. "A year ago, on my dad''s birthday, he changed thepany name. The original name was ShengYuan, my dad and mom''s namesbined.


    "ShengYuan Entertainment was thepany they built up together from nothing. Those superstar actors and actresses, kings and queens of pop, were all personally nurtured by my mom. It was only after my mom died 15 years ago that we realized my dad had long ago had a child with his secretary Li Pei. I was 9 then, and Su YangXing was 7. I know Su YangXing is also pitiful, but I still hated him." Her voice was slightly hoarse with a hint of nasal tone.


    "I had thought my dad was just biased against daughters, which was why he treated me badly. It wasn''t until my mom''s death anniversary four years ago, the day I met you, that I realized he hated me." She gave a mocking chuckle, and tears flowed down with herughter, wetting Xie Jin''s shirt.


    "He married my mom just to make her work herself to death for him all her life. He never loved her at all. After giving birth to me her health deteriorated, and eventually she was unable to work. He med it all on me. In his eyes my mom was no different from an ox that could plow the fields, and I was the culprit who caused the only ox capable of plowing the fields to fall ill."


    A bead of tears asrge as a bean fell onto the tightly sped hands in Su Tao''sp.


    The moment the teardropnded on her fair hand, it sshed onto Xie Jin''s fingers just as he reached over to take her hand.


    Xie Jin quickly cupped her face, brushed her hair behind her ears, and looked at her doe eyes that were always full of smiles now brimming with tears, so fragile it suffocated him.


    "The reason I ran away from home a year ago wasn''t just because he changed thepany name, it was also because..."


    Su Tao didn''t finish her muffled words before Xie Jin interrupted in a trembling voice, "Don''t say anymore, little peach, don''t say anymore."


    "It was also because I knew he had made a will." Su Tao still spoke calmly despite the slight nasal tone. "His will didn''t leave me a cent. He didn''t need to be so guarded against me, or make a will so prematurely, and on his own birthday too, how ominous."


    As she spoke thest words, Su Tao sneered. Tears flowed down with her mockingughter, wetting Xie Jin''s shirt.


    "He thought I was upset with him because I wouldn''t get any of his assets. I just kept thinking of my mom. She had once been so proud saying ShengYuan Entertainment would be the best entertainmentpany nationwide. But there is no more ShengYuan Entertainment."


    The quiet in the car was disrupted by a thunderp. The looming heavy rain poured down, beating against the car windows erratically.


    "Let''s start a new entertainmentpany called ShengYuan Entertainment, okay?" Xie Jin murmured soothingly, his fingers clumsily wiping away her tears, but the more he wiped the more that fell.


    She rarely cried. In four years he had basically never seen her tears.


    Yet today had made her cry twice already.


    Only now did he realize her tears were the most magical thing in the world, capable of making himpromise everything for her and deliver whatever she wanted right to her.


    Su Tao''s breakdownsted barely a minute before she wiped her face dry with tissues, not letting another tear fall.


    As always, her calm tone contained traces of sarcasm. "How amusing, Xie Jin. Now that we''ve broken up, you''re suddenly willing to listen to me and respect my ideals."


    Xie Jin was taken aback. Had he?


    Had he not listened to her before? Not respected her?


    And why was she talking about breaking up again?


    "Please take me back to the ocean theme hotel I stayed at before." Su Tao said lightly with a nasal tone, turning her head to look out the window.


    Through the reflective car window, Xie Jin saw her seemingly calm yet dejected expression. The words to force her back to the vi died on his lips, and he didn''t say them.


    The car stopped in the hotel parking lot. Su Tao softly thanked him and got out.


    Because she didn''te backst night, the popr Maldives themed room had been booked by someone else. She could only choose between Antarctica and the seabed again, and picked the seabed suite.


    She used the key card to open the door with Xie Jin following behind into the room.


    Once inside, he immediately took off his rain-drenched clothes and called Jin ChuiWen to bring him a clean set.


    Then he went to run a bath, brazenly taking off his pants and draping a robe over himself.


    Su Tao was stunned speechless by his practiced, habitual motions. For a moment she didn''t know whether she should leave or kick him out.


    "I booked this room." Su Tao decided to kick him out after all.


    "Oh, what''s wrong?" Xie Jin sat by the tub waiting for the water to heat up, looking up at her puzzledly.


    "So please leave."


    Xie Jin''s brows furrowed slightly as he lingered without withdrawing his gaze. His already gaunt face seemed to have thinned another circle recently, and his angle of lowered chin and raised eyes made his jaw as sharp as a bamboo shoot. His eyelids were more sunken too.


    Seeing him still looking confused, Su Tao wondered which part of her words hadn''t been clear enough? Just as she was about to rephrase even more clearly, her phone vibrated in her pocket.


    She took it out first and casually nced at it. It was a friend request from an unknown number.


    The note said: About Xie Jin and Qin Xuexi''s secret.


    The person''s words made her expression darken, and she tapped ept out of curiosity.


    Soon after verifying the friend request, the person sent a photo that Su Tao opened.


    The photo was a bit blurry, clearly taken stealthily, but the main subjects were unmistakable.


    Xie Jin and Qin Xuexi.


    In the night''s neon lights, they had juste out of a club door, intimately leaning together. Xie Jin''s eyes were closed, while Qin Xuexi looked at him attentively.


    Their lips were pressed together.


    Su Tao swiftly raised her eyes to look at Xie Jin, still adjusting the water temperature. Her gaze returned to WeChat, where she tapped the sender''s default ck profile picture but could glean no information.


    She sent the person a message but the disy showed they had already deleted her as a friend.


    Su Tao hesitated briefly before saving the photo and forwarding it to Zhang QiGuang to help verify if it was photoshopped.


    After putting her phone away, Su Tao looked up again to see Xie Jin had readied the bath and was satisfied with the temperature, preparing to bathe.


    Her gaze suddenly turned sharp, with disappointment and disgust in her eyes.


    If this photo was real, then she''d been a huge joke these past four years!


    Su Tao walked over to Xie Jin''s side and roughly grabbed his robe cor with all her might, dragging him to the door.


    Caught off guard while about to take off the robe, Xie Jin stumbled. By the time he reacted, Su Tao had already opened the door and pushed him out, adding a kick for good measure.


    Dazed, he was about to demand what she was doing when the door mmed heavily shut. Xie Jin cradled his nose standing stupefied outside the door for a long time.

 Chapter 13: Quit 013

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    After standing there dumbfounded for a long time, he finally realized that Su Tao had kicked him out.


    Xie Jin, wearing a bathrobe from the hotel, stood outside the door, attracting sideways nces from passersby.


    He used his hand to cover his face and knocked on the door twice, lowering his voice, "Open the door."


    There was no response from inside.


    His cell phone was also left inside, so he could only continue knocking on the door, "Little Taozi, stop messing around. Let me in first, and we can talk slowly."


    He seemed to be talking to thin air, with no response at all.


    Not until Jin Chuiwen rushed over with newly bought clothes on Xie Jin''s orders, did Xie Jin give up knocking on the door. He let Jin Chuiwen book the room next door, and left Su Tao''s door with a dark expression.


    The coldness exuded from the Antarctic-themed room was no match for the ck-faced boss sitting across from him.


    Jin Chuiwen didn''t want to know so much about his boss''s private life. He was just trying to think of an excuse to leave.


    The tapping sound from Xie Jin''s knuckles on the table stopped abruptly. Jin Chuiwen, who had just got up, was so frightened that he sat back down again.


    "Why did she suddenly be like this?"


    "Huh?"


    Jin Chuiwen was confused by the boss''s disjointed question.


    But with his extraordinaryprehension ability, he instantly understood the boss''s words. After thinking about it, he replied, "Maybe she''s in a bad mood. Women always have a few whimsical days every month."


    "She''s never been whimsical before. She''s always been very obedient." Xie Jin disagreed.


    Jin Chuiwen secretly nced at the boss. He had been kicked out, yet he was still so confident that she was obedient?


    "Then, could it be that you did something to anger her?" Jin Chuiwen didn''t dare to speak too bluntly, so he just went along with the boss and continued to analyze roundaboutly.


    Xie Jin fell into deep thought, lowering his eyebrows and eyes. His long eyshes covered his eyes. After pondering for about a minute, he finally looked up, "Thest time I went to a gathering and didn''t apany her, she started disobeying after that."


    Jin Chuiwen pped his thigh and confidently found the crux of the problem, "That''s it. She wants you to spend more time with her."


    Xie Jin frowned in thought, then nodded, feeling it made sense: "Get me two tickets to the Maldives tomorrow. Arrange ground transportation and tour guide. Book it for tomorrow morning."


    As smooth as arranging work.


    Jin Chuiwen opened his mouth hesitantly and asked in a small voice, "Shouldn''t you discuss it with Secretary Su first?"


    Xie Jin looked at him puzzledly, "Discuss what? I''ve arranged everything she likes. She listens to me."


    Jin Chuiwen: "..."


    Boss, the fact that Secretary Su is still willing to be with you is probably only because of your looks and money.


    Who could put up with this if it was a normal romantic rtionship?


    Jin Chuiwen silently criticized in his heart.


    Seeing Jin Chuiwen''s hesitation, Xie Jin red at him coldly, "Any problem?"


    Jin Chuiwen put away his thoughts and immediately replied, "No, I''ll go arrange it right away."


    -


    The long conference table in therge conference room was lined on both sides with thepany''s top management, including top management from several branchpanies.


    This was the first time Su Tao saw Ruiqi Pictures'' Wu Xieyu.


    He was a man in his forties, not very tall, wearing sses, and looked very shrewd.


    She sat in the back row behind Xie Jin, with a small table attached to her chair.


    The assistant secretaries all sat behind their respective bosses. Only the seat behind Wu Xieyu was empty.


    His secretary was Qin Xuexi, and she was the only one not present, which was very conspicuous.


    Su Tao withdrew her gaze and concentrated on herputer, ncing up at the presentation PPT from time to time. Her fingers kept tapping busily on the keyboard.


    Xie Jin sat sideways with his line of sight falling directly on Su Tao.


    He rested his elbow on the armrest, fingertips touching his lips, eyes slightly narrowed, as if studying something.


    Everyone seemed to be listening carefully to the colleague giving the presentation, but their attention was actually on the president.


    The way the president looked at the new secretary was too frightening, as if he wanted to eat her up.


    The top management from the branchpanies didn''t understand the rumors within the headquarters. They were just wondering if this little secretary had offended him? She looked quite well-behaved.


    After tapping a dozen times, he finally shifted his gaze away from Su Tao''s face. He suddenly shouted at the Marketing Director who was giving the presentation, "Get to the point!"


    The Marketing Director was so frightened that he dropped the remote control in his hand. He looked to Jin Chuiwen for help in a fluster.


    After handling some non-job-rted tasks for the president a few times, Jin Chuiwen had now been hailed by everyone as the president''s number one confidant.


    They all thought he understood the president''s mindset better, so when the president got angry, he was the first person they thought of.


    Jin Chuiwen was about to break out in a cold sweat. He did know a little more than others, such as only Su Tao could pacify the president when he got angry.


    But he couldn''t say that in public. If he did, how could Su Tao keep working here? Recently, there were already quite a few unsavory rumors about her.


    He secretly nced at Su Tao. She was still busy taking meeting minutes,pletely oblivious to his plea for help.


    "You have one minute left. Can you continue?"


    When Xie Jin''s predatory gaze swept over, the helpless Marketing Director''s back was already drenched in sweat.


    "P-President, I''m reporting in order of the agenda. I..."


    "Are you saying you don''t know how to highlight key points?"


    Although Xie Jin''s speech speed wasn''t fast and his voice wasn''t loud, he had a gripping charisma. The Marketing Director not only felt his scalp tingle, but also felt every body hair stand on end.


    Everyone present had no mind to see his predicament, because they could very well be next.


    Xie Jin''s eyes fell back on Su Tao''s face. She was sitting there serenely taking minutes, the picture of discipline and dedication. A strand of hair had fallen, resting against her fair, almost translucent skin. She looked tranquil and beautiful.


    But Xie Jin knew she was still angry, even rejecting him.


    He just wanted to end this lengthy meeting quickly. He had to ask her properly, exactly how had he offended her?


    "Everyone is limited to three minutes. Give me key point summaries!"


    With Xie Jin''s order, everyonemented in their hearts.


    Three minutes? They had each prepared 30 minutes of content! How were they going to survive this?


    As it turned out, condensing a 30-minute presentation into three minutes did effectively highlight the key points. Everyone clearly and concisely listed a few main points and gave a brief ount of those points.


    What''s more, the president was reasonable and didn''t count discussion time.


    Unconsciously, a lot of time was saved and the meeting efficiency greatly improved.


    The meeting, originally scheduled for a whole afternoon, finished in less than two hours.


    Moreover, everyone''s minds were unusually clear, and they could surprisingly remember most people''s presentations.


    The top management who had been quietlyining about the president before the meeting, after it ended, took the initiative to praise the boss.


    Xie Jin remained seated and didn''t move. No one was willing to stay with the big boss in the same room a moment longer. Before long, the conference room was empty.


    Only Xie Jin and Su Tao remained, along with the Marketing Director who had been scolded by the boss and volunteered to stay and clean up the projector, hoping to redeem himself.


    "Just collect a secretary''s sry from finance at the end of the month, Director Wang." Xie Jin''s cool voice frightened the Marketing Director who had been tidying up enthusiastically.


    "Why?" He asked feebly.


    Jin Chuiwen, who had just reached the door, turned back when he heard this conversation. He looked at the current atmosphere, shook his head helplessly, hurried over to pull the Marketing Director out, and closed the conference room door tightly.


    Su Tao had just finished packing up herputer. Looking up, she met Xie Jin''s lowered brows and oppressive aura filling the room. Even in the spacious conference room, she felt stifled.


    She got up from her seat with herptop, intending to leave. Passing Xie Jin, her wrist was forcibly grabbed and her whole body pulled to sit on hisp.


    Su Tao struggled to get up, but Xie Jin took away herptop and put it aside on the conference table. Pressing both arms on the edge of the table, leaning forward, he pinned Su Tao against the edge of the table.


    "Xie Jin, let go. We''re in thepany." Su Tao turned her head away from his approaching face, a sh of disgust in her eyes.


    "Little Taozi, even if you''re angry in the future, don''t do likest night again, or I''ll really get angry."


    Su Tao closed her eyes briefly, enduring and said, "Let go of me first."


    "I had Jin Chuiwen book ne tickets to the Maldives tomorrow. Go home and pack your bags. We''ll leave early tomorrow morning."


    "Let go of me first." Su Tao said again.


    "Still angry?"


    Su Tao was silent.


    "Still breaking up?"


    Su Tao''s clear eyes suddenly looked at him, calm as a deep pool, drawing him in.


    "Didn''t you ask me to pack? I''m going now." Su Tao said impassively, with no discernible joy or anger.


    Reluctantly, Xie Jin released his arms holding her, looking at her overly calm gaze, he suddenly felt a little panicked in his heart, but only for a moment.


    He was willing to spend time with her properly, so he was sure he could coax her back.


    -


    Su Tao had previously written a work summary and rted documents. Shepressed and packaged them to send to He Xiaorui.


    Then she ced her work pass in the middle of the desk, ncing over the seat she had upied for half a year, and withdrew her gaze, leaving the office area without looking back.


    On the first floor, Su Tao unexpectedly saw a pink figure standing at the front desk. Mature, capable, and slightly domineering upturned eyes.


    Su Tao''s gaze fell on the bracelet on her wrist, twinkling, exactly the same as the one Xie Jin gave her.


    Su Tao guessed this was Qin Xuexi.


    She wore a pink Chanel suit, long hair draped over her shoulders. From the side, she did look a bit like Su Tao.


    Seeing the color on Qin Xuexi, she couldn''t help but think of the closet full of pink in Xie Jin''s vi, suppressing the difort in her heart, and quickened her pace.


    As if sensing it, Qin Xuexi turned her head and looked at Su Tao, a sh of surprise in her eyes.


    "You''re Su Tao?"


    Su Tao was about to reach the door when she was suddenly called out.


    She stopped, turned around, calm eyes revealing nothing of her thoughts.


    "Who are you?" Su Tao asked knowingly.


    "I''m Qin Xuexi, Xie Jin''s former secretary."


    The way she called out that nickname Xie Jin intimately revealed her purpose for stopping Su Tao.


    Su Tao didn''t speak, her clear transparent eyes calmly gazing at someone could actually make them feel guilty.


    Qin Xuexi avoided her gaze, straightened her back, raised her chin, and assumed a haughty expression: "Let me buy you a coffee."


    "No need. Just say what you have to say here." Knowing her motive, Su Tao was even less inclined to beat around the bush with her.


    Qin Xuexi raised her eyebrows indifferently, as if lost in memories, and began to speak unprompted:


    "I started at Tianjin right after graduation. When the old president fell ill, Xie Jin had just joined thepany. As just a petty secretary, I was appointed by him to ask if I was willing to face theing storm with him. I agreed without hesitation. After two years of fighting alongside him, he finally took full control of thepany. That day he actually confessed his love for me. I''m two years older than Xie Jin. I didn''t agree because of that. But recently, I''ve thought it through. I want to ept his love."


    Qin Xuexi''s gaze faintly revealed a sense of superiority and some provocation. She kept raising her hand to flip her long hair, as if afraid Su Tao wouldn''t see her bracelet.


    "You don''t need to notify me." Su Tao said coldly after a moment of silence, "It''s irrelevant to me."


    Her cold expression was wless. She turned and walked away.


    After leaving Tianjin Building, Su Tao gged a taxi and gave the vi address, sinking back into the seat and closing her eyes.


    Four years ago when Xie Jin took control of thepany was also the day they first met.


    That day he wanted tomit suicide, although he never told her the reason and she never pressed him about it.


    That was her mother''s death anniversary. She also happened to find out that day the real reason her father had mistreated her all these years. For some reason, she understood Xie Jin''s mood to leap from the bridge.


    If he really wanted to jump, she would apany this stranger off the ledge.


    Just because of this earth-shattering and soul-touching first encounter, they needed each other, they depended on one another.


    She had always thought she was the most special person to Xie Jin, irreceable in his life.


    Having been neglected since childhood, always deprived of rights, she needed this kind of singr pampering to prove she deserved to exist.


    All she could give him was wholehearted love,panionship and dependence.


    In return, she expected the same wholeheartedness from him.


    But if his suicide that year was because of Qin Xuexi''s rejection, that would be trulyughable.


    Such a reason was unworthy of their spiritual bond.


    Her phone received a WeChat message, sent by Xue Ge.


    [Zhang Qiguang: The photo is real.]


    Su Tao quietly watched as her phone slowly dimmed to ck, before slowly closing her eyes, forcefully wiping away the tears on her face.


    She had trapped herself for four years with her self-righteous affection, only to discover in the end that it had all been wishful thinking on her part.


    She really was a joke.

 Chapter 14: Leaving 01

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    [Zhang Qi Guang: I can only professionally guarantee there are no traces of photoshopping in the photo, but the photo is quite blurred, looking like kissing, but there may be hidden circumstances!]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: Actually, this blurry photo does not rule out the possibility of a misaligned kiss.]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: Su Tao, are you okay?]


    Xue Ge knew her emotional cleanliness obsession, afraid she would overthink it, so he kept making excuses tofort her.


    [Su Tao: Is there any evidence to prove this is a misaligned kiss?]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: ...Why don''t you ask Cu Jing properly?]


    Su Tao smiled silently. If she could ask him, she would not have chosen to resign.


    She had naively thought they could have a good breakup.


    She had also thought that even if they broke up, they could still be friends.


    [Zhang Qi Guang: Let''s forget about this scumbag. Xue Ge will introduce someone ten thousand times better to you.]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: I will definitely find someone who loves you wholeheartedly. Trust me.]


    It was impossible now. She would not believe there was someone in this world who would love her wholeheartedly anymore.


    There was simply no such thing as the pure feelings she wanted.


    She would never believe in love again.


    She didn''t need it anymore either.


    Su Tao''s vision was blurred by tears. Big teardrops sshed on her phone screen, bursting into glistening sshes of water. She wiped and it got wet again.


    She raised her phone and forcibly blinked away the tears, struggling to see the screen clearly.


    [Su Tao: Xue Ge, do me a favor.]


    [Su Tao: Help me arrange a car. I want to leave today. Also, can you help me arrange a fake identity?]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: No problem for the car. I''ll think of a way for the identity.]


    [Zhang Qi Guang: Are you really determined to leave him?]


    [Su Tao: Yes. He might look for me at first, but he''ll get over it after some time. The identity just needs to hold up for a year.]


    The car passed the bridge where they had first met.


    That day, she had stood by the guardrail ying sad music on the violin her mother had given her, while he listened quietly beside her, his eyes full of her.


    Perhaps, there was a moment when he had truly loved her.


    Scenes from the past four years shed by like fading old photographs, turning yellow, fading, until slowly disappearing.


    -


    The elevator dinged arriving on the top floor. Soon, a pink figure appeared in the president''s office.


    Everyone was puzzled at first. Su Tao hadn''t worn pink for days. Why was she back in it?


    Then looking closely, it wasn''t Su Tao, but the former executive assistant, Qin Xuexi.


    "Secretary Qin, why are you here?"


    Everyone crowded around enthusiastically, regardless of past rtions, with delighted expressions, warmlying forward to chat.


    "I''m here with President Wu for a meeting today."


    Although Xie Jin hadn''t let her attend the meeting.


    But no one else knew that, because in the entire president''s office, only Su Tao had attended the meeting.


    "That''s right. Secretary Qin is a big shot at Ruiqi now. You must see celebrities every day."


    "To be honest, Ruiqi is better than headquarters, right? President Wu is much nicer to work with than our President Xie."


    Everyone ttered Qin Xuexi, sincerely or not. No matter how good Ruiqi was, it couldn''tpare with headquarters.


    "It''s alright. President Wu does have a better temper than President Xie, but they''re about the same to me."


    Her words were a bit haughty.


    She meant that while President Xie had a bad temper, he had always treated her well.


    Everyone smiled and secretly rolled their eyes.


    Tian Yingying didn''t participate in the false chatter. She sat quietly at her desk.


    In fact, she had secretly started recording video since Qin Xuexi stepped into the office area.


    She had the habit of secretly filming anytime, allowing her to obtain quite a bit of insider material.


    The solemn ck door suddenly opened. The office instantly fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    The cold profile appeared in the doorway. He nced at the empty desk directly across, then noticed the pink figure standing at the front of the office out of the corner of his eye. His brows furrowed as he looked over to see Qin Xuexi clearly. His expression instantly changed.


    "Come here."


    Following his deep voice, Qin Xuexi raised her brows and walked over. Her figure disappeared from everyone''s view.


    Everyone secretly exchanged looks and returned to their seats. They opened the group chat and began passionately discussing.


    [Demon Not Home Celebration Group]


    Not Adding Overtime: Big news. The boss''s moonlight is currently in the boss''s office.


    Ice.5: A showdown between the moonlight and the stand-in?


    Gradual Progress: I feel it''s a ¡õ¡õ naked provocation. The moonlight''s ¡õ¡õ is quite strong, with the aura of the main wife.


    Moonlight: Yes, yes, likeing back to dere sovereignty!


    Dan: I heard in today''s executive meeting, President Wu didn''t have a secretary with him.


    Not Adding Overtime: It must have been on purpose not to let here, afraid she would run into the stand-in.


    Sweet as Ice: So do you think it''s possible for the moonlight to regain her position, or will the stand-in take over through her methods?


    Chestnut: I bet on the moonlight.


    Love Spicy Sticks: Of course it''s the moonlight. Not to mention anything else, she''s the veteran who helped the boss build his career all the way here.


    Hazy: Moonlight +1


    Jie: It must be the moonlight. The stand-in won''t work. She doesn''t have the aura of a main wife at all.


    Zhi: Right, the stand-in only knows how to obey.


    Before they knew it, the group started betting. At first it was just talk, but it gradually became a gambling ring. The group admin began tallying amounts for sides no one had bet on yet and who was being supported.


    And everyone overwhelmingly supported Qin Xuexi, while mocking Su Tao.


    Watching on screen, He XiaoRui couldn''t sit still. She felt they were all ungrateful.


    Big Cat Face: I support Su Tao, 100 yuan.


    Love Spicy Sticks: The first supporter of the stand-in has appeared. Not easy.


    Chestnut: I just want to know who this person is? And why do they think the stand-in is good?


    When the group was created, to be able to speak freely, everyone had registered small WeChat ounts to join the chat. Other than the admin who had notes, no one knew anyone else''s identity.


    And the tight-lipped admin never leaked any member info, so everyone was unrestrained.


    The admin was also very mysterious. No one knew who it was. Old employees had added new employees to the group and it had spread this way, with no one ever investigating who the admin really was.


    As the first to support Su Tao, He XiaoRui was mocked a few times, but also gained some followers who felt the odds were good for betting.


    Big Cat Face: I also want to ask why you all think Qin Xuexi is good?


    Big Cat Face: Don''t you remember how annoying she was when she was working here before? But now you say she''s good.


    Big Cat Face: Did she make coffee for you before? Deliver documents? Help redirect the boss''s temper when he was in a bad mood?


    Big Cat Face: Su Tao often helped everyone with these things.


    Big Cat Face: Not only would Qin Xuexi not help you, she pushed the me to others several times. Two were even forced to resign. Don''t you all have selective amnesia?


    Big Cat Face: What good would it do you for Qin Xuexi to gain power?


    Big Cat Face: Is your hostility toward Su Tao making you feel the enemy''s enemy is your friend? Howughable!


    He XiaoRui''s words temporarily plunged the group into silence.


    In fact, everyone''s hostility toward Su Tao probably started with her unprecedented power after suddenly being promoted, seeming easygoing but also distant and unable to integrate with everyone.


    There was also the sense that she was always imitating Qin Xuexi''s style, so everyone inexplicably felt jealous and looked down on her, thus ignoring Su Tao''s virtues.


    If you looked past all these things unrted to them, Su Tao was indeed a good colleague, with better character than Qin Xuexi by far.


    As He XiaoRui was passionately scolding in the group, she didn''t notice Jin Chuiwen peeking at her screen behind her.


    He XiaoRui was parched from anger. She had just picked up her cup to drink some water when she saw the figure beside her, startling her into spewing water from her mouth.


    Luckily she didn''t spray Jin Chuiwen.


    "D-Director."


    He XiaoRui''s mind was filled with "I''m done for". Not only was her group name exposed, she had been caught cking off at work too.


    Just as she was wondering how to apologize to mitigate her offenses, Jin Chuiwen pushed up his sses and patted her shoulder, saying solemnly, "Well said, very enlightened, promising future."


    He XiaoRui: "???"


    Jin Chuiwen silently walked away, opened the group chat, and said something under his admin name "xxx".


    Xxx: I bet on Su Tao, 1300 yuan.


    After closing his phone, hemented to himself that they were still too young.


    -


    Near the end of work, Xie Jin called Jin Chuiwen into his office and handed him a list.


    Jin Chuiwen looked at the bold writing on the paper - fried dumplings, duck corbones, sweet and sour, candied fruit...


    "These are all...snacks?" Jin Chuiwen asked uncertainly.


    Xie Jin put down his signing pen. His fingertips tapped the desk twice as he looked at Jin Chuiwen with oppressive eyes.


    "Jin Chuiwen, have I been too lenient with you recently?"


    Just like Su Tao, not learning well and actually questioning his order. "Do you need me to repeat it a second time?"


    Jin Chuiwen didn''t dare meet his boss''s eyes. He hurriedly lowered his head and said, "Going to buy them now."


    Xie Jin walked out of the office building proudly holding a pile of snacks. Colleagues looked at each other puzzled. The boss never ate these kinds of snacks before. They guessed wildly about who he was buying them for.


    They seemed to recall Qin Xuexi eating these snacks before. Those who had bet on Qin Xuexi felt secretly confident.


    The Maserati sped home. The aroma of the snacks in the car made Xie Jin frown slightly.


    But thinking of Su Tao''s delighted manner when eating snacks, he suddenly felt it was fine to let her eat some asionally. At most he could force her to eat more nutritious food.


    In early July, the days were long. The sunset''s peach glow was already spreading while it was still light out.


    The vi had no lights on. Su Tao wouldn''t have turned on all the lights when home. She probably only turned on the bedroom or studymp. Thinking this, Xie Jin entered the house.


    Walking through the quiet living room, he went upstairs. The study door was open but there were no lights or people inside.


    But Su Tao''sptop that was usually on the desk was missing.


    She must have packed it when leaving, Xie Jin thought without care.


    He nced at the closed bedroom door, guessing Su Tao was probably sleeping inside.


    He gently pushed open the door. The curtains weren''t drawn. The bright outdoor light shone into the bedroom, illuminating the empty space.


    No one was there.


    "Little Taozi?"


    He called out as he stepped inside, passing by the bathroom and walk-in closet. Toiletries were all there, not a single clothing item was missing. What had she packed when leaving?


    She didn''t even take her own things, let alone his.


    Moreover, the suitcase was neatly in the closet. Had she packed at all?


    He walked out of the bedroom and looked toward the other empty guest rooms. All were unupied. He looked up at the second floor and down at the first, then dialed Su Tao''s number.


    "The number you have dialed is switched off..."


    Xie Jin''s expression changed slightly. He went back downstairs about to check the yard when he suddenly noticed something on the coffee table.


    Walking over, it was a white envelope. Inside was a phone card and post-it note.


    The post-it simply said: I''m gone. Don''t look for me.


    Underneath was the word "Resignation Letter".


    It also had his personally written "Approved" and signature on it.


    The snacks in Xie Jin''s hand abruptly slipped and fell to the floor, scattering into pieces.

 Chapter 15: Leave 02

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    When Jin Chuiwen arrived at the vi, it was already dark. There wasn''t a single light on inside the house. He used his phone shlight to look around and fumbled for a while before finding the light switch. As the ceiling lights came on dimly, it illuminated the pitch ck house with a faint glow.


    Relying on the weak lighting, he was shocked to see the dispirited figure sitting motionless on the sofa, appearing somewhat creepy.


    Jin Chuiwen randomly flipped a few more switches until the room finally brightened up, before cautiously approaching.


    Xie Jin was holding a letter, head lowered with longshes covering his eyes, so his expression was hidden from view. But the lifeless, gloomy aura surrounding him made the demon, who was often in hell mode, seem even more terrifying now.


    Jin Chuiwen had seen the boss angry and sinister before, but never like this. It was as if he had stepped into a swamp yet lost all will to survive.


    "Boss," Jin Chuiwen swallowed and softly called out to him, but there was no response.


    His gaze fell upon the letter in the boss''s hand. The first three words read "resignation letter", followed by the usual temte content found online.


    However, he clearly saw the signature at the end - Su Tao.


    So this resignation letter was from Su Tao. The boss had called him over regarding Su Tao''s attempt to resign?


    Hadn''t she already submitted her resignation earlier?


    "She''s gone," Xie Jin suddenly spoke, startling Jin Chuiwen. His hoarse voice really suited the word ''demon''.


    "Su Tao left?" Jin Chuiwen sought to confirm.


    "Look into her whereabouts. Buses, trains, flights, check all the surveince footage along her route. I want to know where she went tonight."


    The demon gave orders lightly, but how could he ess all that information?


    Jin Chuiwen didn''t dare agree immediately.


    "Check with the property management for the residential area. Then find Wu Xieyu, he''ll take you to check the rest," Xie Jin remained unmoving, his mood still low, yet he gave clear and decisive instructions.


    Jin Chuiwen felt reassured.


    The boss must have made prior arrangements, afraid Wu Xieyu alone wouldn''t be able to handle it, so he called him in to help.


    -


    The next morning, after noon, the office was in chaos.


    Because both the boss and Su Tao hadn''te to work.


    After asking around, it turned out Jin Chuiwen was also missing. Everyone was clueless about what had happened.


    Each person''s gossip me burned brightly as they guessed - could it be the final showdown between the white knight and the substitute? Had the boss been defeated?


    Just as everyone was letting their imagination run wild, someone suddenly yelled, "Message from the front desk, the CEO has arrived, he''s in the elevator!"


    Everyone hurried back to their seats and sat up straight, silently counting the elevator floors.


    With a "ding dong", the elevator door opened. The tall, proud, and noble figure strode past everyone.


    The CEO was alone.


    No one dared lift their heads to look at him, only daring to sneak a nce at his back after he had passed by.


    They felt something seemed a little different about the CEO today, he inexplicably gave off a fragile vibe.


    How could the word "fragile" be associated with the CEO?


    It must''ve been their imagination.


    Not long after, Jin Chuiwen also hurried by, the dark eye circles evident as he headed straight for the CEO''s office.


    Tian Yingying rolled her eyes around, picked up her phone and switched it to video mode. She tucked it into her shirt pocket with the camera lens peeking out just enough. Then she took a document requiring approval and stealthily followed along.


    She lingered outside the door for a long time, not daring to knock directly.


    Around ten minutester, Wu Xieyu, who rarely made appearances, also arrived.


    Behind his sses were shrewd eyes, and upon seeing Tian Yingying loitering by the door, he faintly frowned and asked, "What is it?"


    "Bringing documents for approval," Tian Yingying replied.


    "If it''s nothing urgent, juste byter."


    Wu Xieyu meant well. He knew the mood of the person inside right now could only be described as extremely awful.


    "It''s urgent, an important document," Tian Yingying deliberately looked anxious.


    The ck door suddenly opened, startling both of them. Jin Chuiwen poked his head out and urged, "President Wu, you''re here, hurry in."


    Wu Xieyu no longer had time to worry about Tian Yingying either, immediately stepping in. Tian Yingying took a deep breath and bravely followed along.


    "Boss, I''ve checked air,nd and sea. No information yet. Immigration will definitely have a reply within the hour."


    Hearing Wu Xieyu''s report, Tian Yingying''s heart skipped a beat. Her intuition sensed it was a big deal.


    ncing at Xie Jin, he had turned his chair to face the window. The high back obstructed her viewpletely.


    She could only hear Xie Jin''s hoarse, barely audible voice say, "Keep looking."


    Tian Yingying was shocked by the powerlessness in his voice.


    The usuallymanding and confident CEO, when had he ever sounded so helpless before?


    Jin Chuiwen immediately came over, took the documents from her hands, signaling at her, "Leave the files here, you go out first. I''ll call you if anythinges up."


    Although Tian Yingying didn''t obtain any definite information, she had roughly guessed what was going on, so she hastily took her leave.


    In the past few days, the office seemed to be shrouded in darkness. The air felt stagnant and breathing was difficult.


    In the morning tea room, everyone lined up dispiritedly for their coffee.


    Even hand brewed coffee didn''t seem to perk them up like Su Tao''s did.


    They had worked overtime continuously for three days now. They desperately needed coffee to keep them going.


    After Su Tao left that afternoon, she never returned. Everyone asked around or spected - Qin Xuexi had ascended while Su Tao was abandoned.


    But there was still no definite news. The group admin also hadn''t announced the final betting results, which everyone felt was a bit unfair.


    But to tell the truth, they really couldn''t adapt to Su Tao being gone for three days.


    That demon had be even more terrifying, prone to fits of anger over the slightest thing. Everyone didn''t dare meet his eyes, even normal work reports were done gingerly.


    He tore people apart within minutes, leaving several middle-aged men in tears.


    Actually he had been quite scary in the past too, but these recent six months, he seldom lost his temper and hadn''t reduced anyone to tears in a long time.


    Leading them to believe the demon''s temper had improved.


    Now in hindsight, it seemed that many times, Su Tao would first go in and report who was going to give work updates. Only then when they entered, would the demon be much more gentle.


    Everyone suddenly missed the days when Su Tao was around.


    Now there was no one to help deliver documents or clear the mines for them.


    And this coffee, why didn''t it have Su Tao''s aroma?


    "Ah, I miss Su Tao a bit," someone casually mentioned, and it sparked endless chatter.


    "Me too. I have a document to submit to the demon for approval today, I''m scared."


    "Can Secretary Su descend from the heavens and save us?"


    "Can Secretary Sue back?"


    Everyone had woeful expressions, as if they previously didn''t appreciate paradise when they were in it, now filled with regret.


    Tian Yingying, who had just entered the tea room, scoffed and rolled her eyes. "All of you, you''re treating her like some savior?"


    Everyone knew her personality, so they ignored her and left with their coffee.


    During the lunch break, thepany''s executives gathered outside the CEO''s office door, all with bitter looks as they discussed something.


    Those working in the CEO''s office also huddled together, speaking in hushed voices.


    Word was the CEO hadn''t eaten or drank anything these three days. No one could even send meals in. The executives were discussing countermeasures, but no one had good solutions.


    "If only Su Tao was here, she always ate with the CEO before."


    "Yeah, with her around, the CEO would definitely eat."


    Tian Yingying, who had just entered, nced at them disdainfully, "Weren''t most of you supporting Qin Xuexi''s ascension earlier? And now you''re praising Su Tao like some goddess?"


    "If Qin Xuexi really took over, would the CEO be like this now?"


    "It''s obvious Su Tao was driven away by Qin Xuexi. The boss realized Su Tao is his true love."


    Tian Yingying rolled her eyes, "How cliche, you all watch too many idol dramas. For someone of the boss''s status and wealth, where is there true affection? Do you take the CEO for a lovesick fool like yourselves?"


    Everyone silently flipped a white eye back at her and dispersed to their own tasks.


    Tian Yingying peeked out at the group of helpless executives outside the ck door. A sly smile crept onto the corners of her mouth as she snapped a photo and sent it to Qin Xuexi.


    [Tian Yingying: Boss hasn''t eaten or drank for three days. No one can persuade him otherwise. Everyone''s afraid of him now, avoiding him if they can. Really scared he won''t hold up.]


    After sending it, Tian Yingying knew Qin Xuexi couldn''t reply to her, but she still put away her phone in good spirits.


    Based on her understanding of Qin Xuexi, she would definitelye.


    Sure enough, in less than three hours, Qin Xuexi rushed over, breathless, carrying takeout in her hands.


    Only two executives remained at the door, Jin Chuiwen and Wu Xieyu.


    Wu Xieyu didn''t expect Qin Xuexi to show up. He stopped her from knocking, warning, "Don''t go in. President Xie will vent his anger on you again."


    "Then who can bring food in for him? Watching him starve to death?"


    Qin Xuexi looked full of worry. She loved Xie Jin. She couldn''t watch him torment himself like this.


    "The key is, you going in won''t help matters either?"


    Wu Xieyu pushed up his sses. When the boss had problems, he hadn''t informed Qin Xuexi. But he still recognized her capabilities as apetent subordinate.


    The boss had arranged her by his side for ulterior motives before, but she had always performed well, so he intended to appreciate her talent.


    He didn''t expect she still couldn''t see reality.


    "How do you know it won''t help? A-Jin treats me differently." Thepany was built up together with her apaniment. They couldn''t handle it, but that didn''t mean she couldn''t.


    Qin Xuexi was fully confident. She clutched the lunchbox and walked forward.


    Jin Chuiwen shook his head. He stopped Wu Xieyu who wanted to block her again, and retreated back two steps to quietly watch Qin Xuexi knock open the door.


    She saw a meal already ced on the table. But Xie Jin hadn''t touched it at all. He was hunched over the desk, seriously dealing with work.


    He had lost a full circle in just three days. Was he trying to starve himself to death?


    Qin Xuexi had just taken a step in and softly called out "A-Jin~" in gentle tones, when turbulent rage instantly surged up in Xie Jin''s lifeless eyes.


    A rage that no one could cate.


    He grabbed the lunchbox from the table and fiercely threw it at her, smacking her right in the face.


    Fortunately the food had gone cold, so the cool soup trickled down her neck into her clothes.


    The low voice matched with the hoarse tone wasn''t loud, yet it shook one down to their soul.


    "Get lost!"

 Chapter 16: Reunion 01

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Qin Xuexi stumbled out of the office, a bowl of greens on her head, her entire body trembling as she headed towards the bathroom.


    She could hear the faint mockingughter, her fingernails digging into her palms, almost piercing through the skin.


    Tian Yingying held up her phone, recording Qin Xuexi''s embarrassing state. Watching her disappear around the corner, she curled her lips mockingly.


    She clipped the video into screenshots and sent them to the revelry group chat, immediately sparking heated discussion.


    Those who used to stand with Qin Xuexi had now turned against her.


    With Su Tao gone and Qin Xuexi humiliated, Tian Yingying nced confidently at the pitch-ck doorway. The two obstacles in her path to the top had finally been cleared.


    Having not slept or eaten for three days and nights, Xie Jin had just exerted all his strength in that one toss, nearly falling off his chair.


    Jin Chuiwen and Wu Xie Yu immediately rushed in to support him. Wu Xie Yu, being over ten years Xie Jin''s senior, kindly admonished, "Boss Xie, if you keep this up, you''ll die."


    Xie Jin''s parched lips parted. His eyes were dim and unfocused, no longer lucid. Yet he kept murmuring softly.


    Jin Chuiwen leaned in close to hear him repeating over and over: "If I die, would you ache for me? Regret me?"


    Jin Chuiwen''s heart churned like stormy seas. So the boss really did want to die!


    As a pir of the scumbagmunity, Jin Chuiwen truly could notprehend this. When you lose a woman, just find another. He could even understand drowning sorrows in drink, but to be so desperately heartbroken over a woman?


    Although he did not understand his boss, Jin Chuiwen suddenly knew how to dissuade him from thoughts of suicide.


    "Boss, you must find Su Tao and ask her directly - why did she leave you? Don''t you want to know if she would ache and regret you dying for her?"


    Xie Jin''s vacant gaze gradually came into focus.


    Jin Chuiwen''s heart leaped. Exchanging affirming looks with Wu Xie Yu, Jin Chuiwen continued, "Don''t you want to ask her face to face, if you die for her, would she ache? Would she regret?"


    Wu Xie Yu had already brought over the still-warm takeout. Opening it, the aromatic scent of crab congee wafted out.


    But Xie Jin only stared at it, making no move to pick up the spoon.


    Thinking he still had no appetite, Jin Chuiwen was about to speak when Xie Jin slowly said, "She doesn''t like seafood. Get something else."


    ---


    Summers in Jiang City were hotter than in Bei City.


    Su Tao had been here a year, but was still not ustomed to it.


    Jing Yang Entertainment''s office building was near the scenic Nan Lake Park in Jiang City. Su Tao''s third floor office had nothing but a desk, two chairs, and a whole wall of shelves, sparse and simple.


    She had moved in just two days ago, yet many had already sent odd little decorations for her office.


    Other than a potted nt Xie Jin had sent, she politely declined the rest.


    Emptier spaces made her feel less stifled.


    A knock sounded on her door before her assistant Le Xuan came in holding a schedule for that night''spany banquet. "Boss, this is tonight''s banquet agenda. Not much procedure - after Chairman Zhang''s speech, your promotion aspany partner will be announced, then the main banquet starts."


    Su Tao scanned the schedule briefly and nodded. "When''s the shareholders meeting?"


    Le Xuan: "In ten minutes."


    Another knock interrupted them as Zhang Qiguang appeared in the doorway, rapping lightly on the frame. Beaming at Su Tao, he said, "My star agent, ready?"


    Su Tao gave a faint smile. "Chairman Zhang is too kind to take time out of his vacation ande back specially for me. I''m afraid I''ve disrupted your break." Her words subtly mocked him for vacationing instead of working properly.


    Zhang Qiguang knew better than to retort. Scratching his nose awkwardly, he didn''t dare to argue. "I''ll have to rely on Agent Su to take care of things."


    Uninterested in petty squabbles, Su Tao picked up her sh drive and followed him out. "Let''s go, the meeting is starting."


    Four people already sat in the conference room. Two were Jing Yang''s early investors, professional investmentpany reps unrted to entertainment. Their stakes were each 5%.


    The other two were partner agents at thepany.


    One was the famous idol group manager Liang Ke, now a major shareholder.


    The other was a returned overseas female graduate, media andmunications ace student Liu Wantao.


    They each held 10% stakes.


    Su Tao would receive 10% from Zhang Qiguang''s shares, bing an equal partner with Liu Wantao and Liang Ke as one of thepany''s three managing agents.


    This was already decided beforehand, so the shareholders meeting was just a formality. But something told Su Tao things wouldn''t be so simple under Liu Wantao''s arrogant, almost disdainful gaze.


    Sure enough, Liu Wantao crossed her arms and leaned back casually, looking at Su Tao contemptuously. "We all got here by ability. Chairman Zhang makes many mistakes, but we''ve epted most. Still, I hope this time it''s not too preposterous a mistake."


    With that one statement, shebeled Su Tao''s partnership as Zhang Qiguang''s mistake - very confrontational.


    Liu Wantao considered herself highly educated and experienced, looking down on Su Tao.


    Su Tao got in through alumni connections. The artists she managed were taken from Liu Wantao.


    Top male artist Gu YiYan, for example.


    Yes, Gu YiYan''s meteoric rise was Su Tao''s doing, but he had star potential to begin with. Under her own management he could have been just as, if not more, sessful.


    Liu Wantao believed Su Tao merely got lucky with Zhang Qiguang''s favoritism, giving her a good prospect like Gu YiYan so she could seed. What qualifications did Su Tao have to stand equally with her?


    Hearing this, Su Tao did not retort. Head lowered, she took her sh drive to the projector.


    On screen appeared the data analysis Su Tao had prepared:


    Contacts of relevant personnel for all tforms.


    Analyses of all contracted and prospective film, TV and variety show resources.


    Categorization and summary of all noteworthy artists.


    Current situation analyses of all domestic entertainmentpanies.


    Comparisons between artists simr to their own.


    Two to five year ns for their artists.


    Su Tao clicked through the slides wordlessly. Each page was densely packed, meticulous and impressive. The shareholders gaped in awe before Liang Ke started pping.


    No further exnation was needed. Anyone capable of producing such detailed analysis had the industry at their fingertips.


    Liang Ke had been in this for eight years, reaching the point where he could grasp the idol industry blindfolded, aware of any movements.


    That was seniority and ability.


    "I''m responsible for five artists, including Gu YiYan whom I cultivated, two new singer-trainees from Manager Liang, and two actors from Manager Liu. I will do my utmost to generate revenue for thepany."


    Su Tao''s final words struck at what mattered most to the shareholders - profit. More partners didn''t mean dividing the money further, right?


    This time, true apuse sounded in the conference room.


    "Su Tao, wee aboard," said Liang Ke with an approving smile, extending a hand adorned with feminine pink nails.


    Su Tao shook his lily-white fingers, smiling faintly at Liu Wantao.


    Liu Wantao took a deep breath. Face still unyielding, she stood and curtly shook Su Tao''s hand.


    ---


    Zhang Qiguang followed Su Tao back to her office and sat down, marveling, "Su Taotao, you were so awesome just now, even I was overshadowed as the boss. And you say you''ve only been in this a year? How''d you get all that data?"


    Su Tao carefully brewed two sachets of pour-over coffee, looking entirely unruffled. "If you have the heart for it, you''ll naturally obtain it."


    "Tsk, speaking more sagely by the day." Finding no decorum, Zhang Qiguang cast his gaze around the austere office and frowned. "Your office is pretty stodgy too. Feels like some veteran cadre''s."


    The coffee Su Tao prepared sat before Zhang Qiguang. He sniffed its aroma appreciatively, but pushed it away with a regretful shake of his head. "Too bitter. And I have gastritistely, so no coffee."


    Su Tao sipped her coffee, puzzled. "Since when did you have stomach problems?"


    "You''re really unconcerned for your old pal. I''ve had this stomach issue for months now. Can''t drink on your behalf anymore. Find an assistant who can hold liquor."


    Su Tao set her cup down. "I don''t need that. I never drink when handling business."


    Zhang Qiguang: "..."


    Speaking like a true fuddy-duddy already.


    "Fine, you win. I''ve got a date to catch. See you at tonight''s banquet."


    "What meeting?" Su Tao asked curiously. She hadn''t heard of any other meetings.


    "A date." Zhang Qiguang quirked a brow and turned back to remind her, "Dress nice tonight."


    Su Tao ignored him, resuming work.


    Less than a minuteter, another knock sounded.


    This time, a tall, sharp-featured youth wearing a cap and shades entered. Removing his mask revealed handsome, princely features.


    It was Gu YiYan. Most free artists were returning today for thepany banquet tonight.


    Gu YiYan grinned brightly. "Boss, busy?"


    Taken aback, Su Tao checked her schedule - he was supposed to have a photoshoot today.


    "Don''t look, I finished early," said Gu YiYan, already seated opposite her. A year''s partnership meant he could read her every action. "I specially rushed back to attend your promotion banquet. Touched?"


    Su Tao smiled knowingly and handed him a small mirror. Gu YiYan bared a mouthful of pearly whites. "You really get me, unlike Manager Wang."


    Manager Wang Qi was Gu YiYan''s executive manager, a seasoned 35-year-old. Not highly proactive but very steady, she executed Su Tao''s nspetently. Su Tao was quite satisfied with her.


    "If you have any needs, tell Manager Wang yourself. How will she understand if you don''tmunicate?"


    "I didn''t tell you anything either, yet you knew just what I wanted with the mirror."


    Removing his hat, Gu YiYan ruffled his hair, confirming he still looked good before setting the mirror down. Gazing intensely at Su Tao, he said, "Can you still manage me personally?"


    Su Tao held up the unfinished share transfer agreement, shaking it slightly. Faintly smiling, she said, "I''m out of your league now."


    Gu YiYan pouted - he was just joking around, knowing she couldn''t manage him directly anymore now that he had made it.


    Seeing the coffee, Gu YiYan raised his brows. "That''s not for me, is it?"


    "Brewed it for Chairman Zhang, but he has gastritis and didn''t drink it."


    Su Tao didn''t indulge further small talk, returning to work mode.


    Unbothered, Gu YiYan picked up the still-warm coffee and sipped. "Mm, delicious. Boss, you..."


    Before he finished speaking, Su Tao tossed an unopened box of pour-over coffee at him, stopping his mouth.


    Gu YiYan chuckled. He loved how Su Tao just understood him without excessive words.


    "Oh, what are you wearing tonight? Picked a dress yet?" Left idle in her office, Gu YiYan wandered around boredly before sizing Su Tao up curiously.


    Su Tao, who was immersed in her work, ignored him. However, Gu YiYan roughly guessed, "Don''t tell me you''re going to wear that ck outfit you have on?"


    Su Tao wore a ck chiffon shirt today, ck cropped pants, and a pair of ck high heels. She was dressed like she was attending a funeral.


    "Sis, how old are you? Can''t you wear less ck and white? If you could dress more pink, you could pass as a high schooler with that face."


    Hearing the word "pink", Su Tao''s typing fingers paused for a moment before resuming her work.


    "My sis, you''re the star tonight!"


    Su Tao still ignored him.


    Gu YiYan knew it was useless to say this to her, so he went straight out of the office and called his assistant. Soon he came back full of confidence.


    "I''ve prepared a dress for you. You have to wear it to the cocktail partyter."


    Only then did Su Tao lift her head from theputer, "What clothes?"


    "Don''t worry about it, just listen to me when the timees."


    "Let me make this clear first, I definitely won''t wear pink."


    Su Tao had never told anyone about this before, and no one had intervened in what she wore. So Gu YiYan was naturally a little surprised.


    Gu YiYan: "Why? You would definitely look good in pink."


    Su Tao squinted at him, "So, is the dress you ordered pink?"


    Gu YiYan sat back opposite her, curiously asking, "No, I was just curious why you reject pink?"


    "Personal preference." Su Tao''s words were tantamount to ''end of discussion''.


    Gu YiYan pouted, but didn''t pursue the issue.


    After fiddling with his phone for a while, he saw the airport photos of Tong Mengxuan and his agent Sun Xiaojie together. They made it onto the hot search rankings, albeit near the bottom.


    "Sis, Tong Mengxuan and Sun Xiaojie made it onto the hot search rankings because of their outfits again. Although there''s not much heat yet, they really are troublesome."


    Tong Mengxuan was one of the two male actors Liu Wantao had just handed over to Su Tao. He had the face of a leading man and very spirited acting skills. Su Tao had high hopes for him.


    He had just finished filming a drama and was now on the rise. But his agent was still Sun Xiaojie, who came over from Liu Wantao''s side, and the two were always photographed in matching outfits like a couple.


    Tong Mengxuan would likely still go down the idol drama leading man route in the next few years. This kind of hot search was detrimental to his image and easily led to scandals.


    Su Tao immediately called the publicity department and asked them to quickly take down the not-yet-viral hot search.


    Then she called Sun Xiaojie.


    Soon, Sun Xiaojie''s voice came from the phone, "Hello Taozi."


    Su Tao used to have the same position as her, both were executive agents. Su Tao had just been promoted to Sun Xiaojie''s superior, and she hadn''t gotten used to the change in address yet.


    Su Tao didn''t mind the form of address: "Xiaojie, what''s the deal with you and Mengxuan''s clothes?"


    Sun Xiaojie paused for a few seconds,ughed mockingly, "What''s the deal? Got photographed again? It''s just the same style, is it not allowed for staff and artists to wear the same clothes?"


    Sun Xiaojie''s blunt attitude made Su Tao raise her eyebrows slightly. Her tone was calm and unhurried, but powerful: "Essentially there''s no problem, but the premise is that you already have dating rumors. Why not avoid suspicion? Are you waiting for fans to get agitated and ask for a change of agent?"


    There was a brief silence on the phone before the tone softened a lot: "Then I''ll borrow a coat to wearter."


    "I hope this is thest time."


    Su Tao hung up the phone and found that Gu YiYan was looking at her thoughtfully.


    "Sis, I just remembered a strange phenomenon." Gu YiYan said mysteriously, "You managed me for a year, yet I was never photographed even once. I want to interview you, how did you do it?"


    Su Tao retracted her gaze, her tone t, "Pay attention to facial coverage, blend in with passersby, buy photos from fansite masters."


    Gu YiYan nodded. He still admired this side of Su Tao. She had somehow gone a whole year without anyone knowing what her agent looked like. But what he was more curious about was why.


    "Sis, why are you so strict about preventing your photos from leaking?" Gu YiYan''s eyes shone with gossip, "Are you hiding from someone?"


    Su Tao''s breath hitched, her long eyshes fluttered, her voice suddenly a little hoarse. She cleared her throat and said, "Don''t make wild guesses."


    Because his guess was too urate.


    But she didn''t need to hide anymore.


    She finally had the strength and ability to face everything openly.


    -


    Around 5pm, the bored Gu YiYan who hadined about arriving too early finally had something to do.


    The dress he ordered for Su Tao had arrived. It was a silver fish tail dress, studded with glittering crystals that shone brightly under the lights.


    Zhang Qiguang had also specially arranged a makeup artist for Su Tao. Su Tao had no choice but to go to the dressing room in thepany prepared for the artists and get her makeup and dress done.


    The dress was very well-fitted, showcasing her figure. Fortunately she had always kept herself in good shape, with attractive curves.


    She usually dressed very casually for work. Everyone was amazed when she changed into the dress, her figure was no worse than a female celebrity''s.


    Su Tao''s long hair had long been trimmed into a medium pixie cut, revealing her charming neck.


    When selecting jewelry, her attitude was casual. Anything was fine as long as it wasn''t a diamond bracelet.


    "Our Boss Zhang has really spent a fortune, to think he invited you." Su Tao smiled at the makeup artist Jiajia, feeling it was a case of overkill.


    Jiajia was very famous in the industry, she was the exclusive makeup artist for many top actresses.


    As she did Su Tao''s makeup, Jiajia chuckled, "Doing makeup for our ace agent, not just anyone has the privilege. But Taozi, your skin is so good, I don''t even need to apply a thick base."


    "Please don''t give me heavy makeup."


    Su Tao felt agents should hide behind their artists. If not for how it would benefit her future work to have a shareholder status at thepany and make it easier to negotiate for resources, she wouldn''t have agreed to Zhang Qiguang''s high profile promotion of her at thepany cocktail party.


    "Don''t worry, you don''t need heavy makeup."


    "Boss, " Le Xuan came in holding a list of attendees for the cocktail party. He looked around the room in confusion and said, "Uh? Where''s my boss?"


    Su Tao was sitting right there with her eyes closed as her lipstick was being applied. How could he not see her?


    Jiajiaughed, "Isn''t your boss right here with me?"


    Only then did Le Xuan notice. He had thought she was some female artist. Turns out it was Su Tao!


    "B-Boss?" Le Xuan circled around Su Tao a couple times, sessfully making her dizzy. "My god, Boss you should debut, with you pushing yourself, you''d definitely make it big!"


    Su Tao gave Le Xuan a sideways nce. Her lipstick was finally done so she could speak, "Let''s talk business."


    "Oh, the attendee list. The representatives and bosses of various film and TV entertainmentpanies in Jiangcheng will definitely attend. There''s also Hongyun, Chenpei, Kangbo, Yunkai from Beicheng, Xingjue, Ruiqi, Xuang, Feichang from Yicheng..."


    Le Xuan was still reading out the names of the variouspanies attending the cocktail party, but Su Tao had already spaced out at the "Ruiqi" part.


    She slowly collected her thoughts again, shaking her head at how her emotions could still fluctuate because of people and events from the past.


    -


    The cocktail party held by Jingyang Entertainment was actually more of a small industry gathering.


    Mostpanies came to connect and exchange resources, cooperating for mutual benefit.


    Many artists under Jingyang were also there to liven up the atmosphere, and reporters flocked, giving the cocktail party quite a bit of hype.


    The mingling people were toasting and exchanging pleasantries. Suddenly they were shocked into silence by a tall, jade-like figure standing at the door.


    It wasn''t just because of his handsome looks and noble temperament, but also because many recognized him as Xie Jin, the CEO of Tianjin Group which had acquired over a dozen entertainmentpanies in a year through Ruiqi Video''s rapid development.


    From his bespoke suit to his watch, cufflinks to shoe tips, everything exuded luxury.


    And he possessed naturally gifted good looks, fair skin, crimson lips. Although slender, his long eyshes below ink ck eyes shone with the light of a hunter seeking prey.


    Handsome in an aggressive manner.


    Many bosses of small entertainmentpanies hade themselves. Seeing Xie Jin, they all avoided his gaze, afraid theirpanies would be his next acquisition target.


    Ruiqi had grown too swiftly in a year, constantly expanding their capital through Ruiqi Video''s rapid development.


    Their littlepanies didn''t even have the qualifications to be a snag in Ruiqi''s teeth.


    Amidst the fear, everyone was also puzzled.


    For an entertainmentpany''s cocktail party, Ruiqi''s Wu Xieyu didn''te, yet Tianjin''s big boss was attending.


    "You guys don''t know about this, but I heard that hees to all such industry gatherings." An insider revealed.


    "Why? No matter how much Tianjin values Ruiqi, the big boss of such a huge conglomerate wouldn''t personally attend every industry gathering right?"


    "I don''t know about that."


    Xie Jin''s frequent attendance at gatherings became everyone''s favorite private topic of discussion.


    Yet the topic of their discussion stood apart from everyone, isting himself, secretly observing the people present.


    He knew Su Tao had always wanted to work in the entertainment industry, but he hadn''t managed to find any news about her.


    He could only participate in these gatherings as much as possible, searching for traces of her.


    Every time he came full of hope and left disappointed.


    He was already used to it and had learned to keep a calm mindset.


    But when he saw a woman with long hair down to her shoulders, wearing a pink skirt, he still couldn''t help holding his breath, his heart seemingly missing a beat.


    He walked up to her step by step, his long fingers trembling slightly as he tapped her shoulder.


    The woman turned around to reveal an unfamiliar face, like a bucket of cold water poured over him.


    Xie Jin slowly let out a breath, thenughed bitterly to himself, scolding his foolishness.


    How could his little peach possibly still wear pink clothes.

 Chapter 17: Reunion 02

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Liu Wantao in a pink dress was startled by the man in front of her and couldn¡¯t utter a word. She just stared at him in a daze.


    She was just discussing Xie Jin with her colleagues in the industry. Xie Jin was truly unique. At a young age, he already amassed huge wealth and outstanding abilities. Not only that, he was also blessed with good looks.


    His noble aloofness made those with ulterior motives not dare to approach him. Some who secretly admired him also felt that he would never give them a second nce, so no one dared to take the initiative to strike up a conversation.


    Never had Liu Wantao imagined that she would be approached by such an exceptional man.


    Seeing him up close, he seemed even more handsome. She covered her mouth in pleasant surprise, momentarily at a loss for how to react.


    Finally, when Xie Jin''s eyes dimmed and he was about to leave, Liu Wantao hurriedly said, "Hello Mr. Xie, I''m Liu Wantao, you can call me Taotao."


    Xie Jin, who had intended to leave after mistaking her for someone else, stopped in his tracks upon hearing "Taotao".


    He turned back with a frown and asked in a low, somber voice, "What did you say?"


    "Liu Wantao, Taotao."


    Xie Jin narrowed his eyes, grabbed her wrist and pulled her in front of him.


    Everyone on the second floor of the banquet hall looked over, attracted by this rare scene. They didn''t expect that the aloof Xie Jin would show interest in a woman.


    But only Liu Wantao saw the turbulent rage surfacing in Xie Jin''s dark eyes. His naturally red lips parted slightly, and he enunciated each word ominously with a gloomy voice, as if licking blood from his tongue, "Who allowed you to call her Taotao?"


    Liu Wantao was so frightened by his demeanor that her legs went soft. She felt that if he had a knife in his hand right now, it would already be stabbed into her abdomen.


    She even felt that he would push her down the stairs in the next moment.


    The others also sensed something amiss. They didn''t understand how a greeting turned into a dispute.


    Many were seeing Xie Jin''s furious expression for the first time and were startled into swallowing their saliva. For a moment, no one dared to step forward and ask about the reason.


    Just then, an eye-catching scene emerged from the revolving staircase on the third floor.


    As if prearranged, a spotlight illuminated the already dazzling silver fish tail skirt and Su Tao''s unparalleled beauty, sessfully attracting everyone''s attention.


    Su Tao endured the re of the harsh light and whispered to Zhang Qi Guang beside her, "Senior brother, isn''t this a bit over the top?"


    Zhang Qi Guang maintained his smile and replied in a voice only the two of them could hear, "It''s fine, you have to stand out today."


    Xie Jin''s gaze fell upon the radiant woman on the stairs.


    He slowly released Liu Wantao''s wrist, looking at Su Tao in disbelief.


    He abruptly closed his eyes tightly, then opened them again, repeating this over and over. It was as if he didn''t dare open his eyes, hesitating for a long time before finally lifting his eyelids a sliver.


    The woman he could only see in his dreams had not disappeared. She was not an illusion.


    He stared fixedly at where she was, gazing at her in a daze, his eyes gradually turning red.


    In front of the venue, the emcee''s microphone sounded as media friends were invited on stage. The host loudly announced, "Everyone has been waiting for a long time. In just a few short years, Jing Yang Entertainment has grown from an unknownpany into what it is today. It currently manages a total of 34 artists and over 20 outstanding agents, with over 100 employees..."


    After introducing Jing Yang Entertainment''s basic information, the host moved on to the key segment. "Next, please wee Jing Yang Entertainment''s CEO, Zhang Qi Guang, to the stage."


    Zhang Qi Guang and Su Tao slowly descended the stairs hand in hand.


    With Zhang Qi Guang''s grand introduction, Su Tao became the focus of attention.


    The crowd only now realized that this beauty was not a newly signed artist of Jing Yang, but rather one of Jing Yang¡¯s three executive talent agents and also thepany¡¯s youngest shareholder.


    After Su Tao took the stage, the spotlight shone on her. Despite her tranquil appearance, she revealed the confidence of a queen. "I''m very grateful to President Zhang for giving me this opportunity. In the future, I will learn a lot from my seniors in the industry, work harder, manage my artists well, and generate revenue for thepany. Thank you everyone."


    Thunderous apuse weed this beautiful agent. Upon learning that she was Gu YiYan¡¯s agent, the gazes on her grew even more heated.


    In just one year, Gu YiYan had risen to A-list status without any background or connections. His work became a huge hit as soon as it started airing, which was considered a miracle in the industry.


    After getting off stage, Su Tao wanted to find a less crowded spot to sit and rest her ankles, tired from standing in high heels.


    But as soon as she stepped off stage, she was surrounded on all sides. Many ambitious young men harbored thoughts of striking up a rtionship with her and took out their phones to add her WeChat after exchanging just a few words.


    Since they were all industry insiders, regardless of their motives, Su Tao had to expand herwork and didn''t refuse them.


    Suddenly, a gloomy, hoarse voice sounded from behind the crowd, "Make way."


    The voice wasn''t loud, but everyone heard it.


    Because of the anger and upromising assertiveness in the tone, people unconsciously obeyed and cleared a path.


    Xie Jin''s straight and upright figure came into view as he fixed his eyes on Su Tao.


    His eyes were bloodshot, shing intensely as his lips trembled slightly. For a moment, he couldn''t utter aplete sentence.


    Su Tao looked back at him with eyes as tranquil as still water. Suddenly, she smiled brightly and walked up to him, holding out her fair hand. "Nice to meet you Mr. Xie. Long time no see."


    She took the initiative to defuse the situation, making it unclear to the crowd what their rtionship was.


    Xie Jin grabbed her hand, finally gaining some sense of reality. He barely managed to choke out, "Little Taotao."


    Under the astonished gazes, Su Tao''s smile became strained. She moved closer to him and whispered, "Come with me."


    Xie Jin stared fixedly at Su Tao, following closely behind as she brought him to the nearly deserted champagne area.


    "Let go." Su Tao''s expression had already turned cold. She shouldn''t have taken the initiative to reach out, knowing he would loseposure in public.


    Xie Jin held on even tighter, absolutely refusing to let go. In a hoarse voice, he asked the question he had wanted to every day for the past year, "Why did you leave without a word? Why did you leave me?"


    Su Tao looked straight into Xie Jin''s eyes andughed dryly. "I thought I already made it very clear before that we broke up.


    "Where did you go this past year? Why couldn''t I find you?"


    Su Tao''s face waspletely tranquil, almost cold. "I don''t want anything more to do with you."


    But he seemed not to hear her words at all. His bloodshot eyes stared fixedly at her as his other hand forcibly sped her shoulder, fingers clutching tightly, afraid she would disappear the moment he let go.


    Su Tao thought they wouldn''t meet so soon. Even if they did meet, he should at least maintainposure.


    It absolutely shouldn''t be like now.


    She couldn''t break free of him. Her wrist and shoulder started to hurt.


    Her expression chilled as she spoke calmly yet icily, "Xie Jin, I''m not that little girl who depended on your charity and could be manipted by you anymore. If you want to restrict my personal freedom, I''ll call the police. If you want to take more drastic measures, I can die."


    Xie Jin dazedly looked at her. It was as if her every word nailed him in ce like a knife, piercing deeply into his heart and leaving him unable to breathe.


    Only this kind of pain made him feel it was real. This was the feeling he experienced every day. Whenever the heartache became unbearable, he would fiercely pinch his arm to alleviate it.


    He released her shoulder and fiercely pinched his arm. Sure enough, the pain in his heart lessened.


    As Xie Jin gradually came to his senses, he saw the red marks left on her fair wrist from his grip. It was like waking from a dream as he let go of her hand.


    "You didn''t let me find you just because you were afraid I would restrict your personal freedom?" Crystalline tears welled up in the corners of his eyes as his voice grew powerless and hoarse.


    He had thought of countless reasons, but never considered that it was because she didn''t want to return to his side. She had even used such serious words as "restrict personal freedom".


    Before Su Tao could say anything more, a peach vored candy was suddenly stuffed into her mouth.


    "Be good, little Taotao. Come home with me."


    He knew it was impossible, yet still feebly pleaded, because he also trulycked confidence in keeping her now.


    Su Tao took a deep breath, spit out the candy in her mouth, and violently smashed it on the ground. Her eyes, as tranquil as still water, werepletely cold.


    "I forgot to tell you, I was never obedient!"


    ¡ª-


    On Monday in the meeting room, all of Su Tao¡¯s team¡¯s five agents were present, except Gu YiYan¡¯s agent who had to call in due to work.


    After Su Tao finished arranging a series of tasks, the meeting room immediately rang out withmenting andining.


    "How is this possible? We can''t interfere with tform ratings!"


    "Sea Wave 2 is such a hard variety show to get on. Even Liu Ke couldn''t manage it. How could I possibly?"


    "The producer of The Gun Runner is very difficult to deal with. I crossed paths with her once before and couldn''t handle her."


    Su Tao crossed her hands in front of her on the meeting table, quietly watching everyone. After a full five minutes ofining, they finally stopped and the room became eerily silent.


    Su Tao looked at Gu YiYan''s agent on the video call and asked, "Sister Qi, any issues on your end?"


    Wang Qi was in Gu YiYan''s van and replied, "No issues. I''ll get started right away and report back anytime if problems arise."


    "Great, Sister Qi, I''ll let you get to it then. Bye bye."


    Su Tao hung up Wang Qi''s video and swept her clear eyes over everyone. She instructed Xiaojie, who was taking meeting minutes beside her, "Write down all their concerns. You can each share them one by one, Xiao Jie, you start."


    Sun Xiaojie was Tong Mingxuan''s agent and a few years older than Su Tao. When Su Tao first entered the industry, Xiaojie had mentored her for a month.


    Xiaojie was very pretty and quite arrogant. She spoke in a lecturing tone, not treating Su Tao as a superior at all.


    "Su Tao, you''re too young. Some theories sound good but are unrealistic. Everyone wants to get on Sea Wave 2 since it''s currently one of the hottest variety shows, right? With Mingxuan''s poprity, they definitely won''t consider him."


    After Sun Xiaojie finished, everyone observed Su Tao''s reaction.


    They didn''t know the new supervisor well since she had just taken over and they all used to work independently before.


    They were testing Su Tao''s bottom line and figuring out how to get along with the new boss.


    "So you didn''t even try and just directly said it''s impossible?" Su Tao''s tone was unhurried yet powerful, articte and sonorous.


    The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly grew tense.


    Sun Xiaojie sat up straight and continued to refute, "For things you know are hopeless with a little thought, why waste time trying?"


    Su Tao''s expression darkened, her usually clear eyes turning sharp as she stared straight at Sun Xiaojie, pressuring her into averting her gaze awkwardly.


    "You mean Tong Mingxuan can only ever get third and fourth-ratemercial resources, so don''t waste time trying to obtain better resources. Is that right?"


    Sun Xiaojie didn''t look up, but her attitude was still secretly opposed. "I didn''t say that."


    "But that''s how you''ve been acting!"


    Su Tao''s voice was sonorous and forceful, startling everyone present. Her voice wasn''t loud or shrill, yet why was it so daunting?


    "All of you, change your mindset! It''s not about fighting for resources ording to what tier your artists currently are. It''s that when we obtain resources for them, they be more well-known artists!"


    "Also, I hope this is thest time I hear you tell me something is hopeless before even starting. If it happens again, consider voluntarily resigning. I don''t need employees who only create problems and don''t solve them."


    Liu Wantao finally said, "Your seniority and experience are certainly useful, but even if I were given aplete newbie who knows nothing but is obedient and willing to work, I could get them to grow quickly. No one is irreceable."


    After saying this, Su Tao swept her gaze around at everyone again.


    This time, everyone kept their heads lowered, no longer daring to look Su Tao in the eye.


    "Any other questions?" Su Tao''s voice softened, as if she hadn''t been so overbearing just now.


    Everyone shook their heads.


    "The tasks I assigned just now must be reported back within one day. Dismissed."


    Everyone watched Su Tao''s departing figure from the conference room, finally breathing a sigh of relief. No one had expected that the seemingly soft and delicate little girl would be so overbearing.


    -


    Back in her office, Su Tao''s phone rang. It was Zhang Qi Guang.


    "Chairman Zhang, where are you dating this time?" As soon as she picked up, Su Tao teased.


    "Ukraine, full of beauties, paradise!"


    Su Tao could even hear Zhang Qi Guang drooling. She couldn''t help but curl her lips in disgust.


    "What important matter made you take your attention away from the beauties to call me?"


    "Ah!" Zhang Qi Guang let out a heavy sigh, his tone lowered, "My dear Su Tao, I guessed you''d have some friction with that jealous freak when you met. But I didn''t expect him to be so vicious."


    When Su Tao heard him mention Xie Jin, her expression stiffened as she turned on her officeputer. Somewhat impatiently, she asked, "Get to the point, what is it?"


    "He wants to acquire ourpany."

 Chapter 18: Reunion 03

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Su Tao raised her clear eyes, stood up and walked to the window, calmed her expression, and said in an unperturbed voice: "Is the news reliable?"


    "They all called me, just short ofing to snatch her openly!" Zhang Qi Guang''s voice contained anger.


    After pausing briefly for a few seconds, Su Tao gave a light "Oh", and said: "That''s between your bosses, what does it have to do with me?"


    "Su Tao, he''s clearlying after you. Did you think he could get over you after you avoided him for a year? But now it looks like obviously not."


    Su Tao looked at the city center square in the distance, the elderly exercising, mothers leading children to y, and young couples flirting together yfully.


    The mundane scenery didn''t make Su Tao fall into memories. Usually when she thought back, she would use this method, always making her cherish the present.


    Su Tao''s rationality returned to reality, and she seriously considered solutions to the problem: "What do I need to do? Go find him?"


    "How could that be possible, do you think I''m that kind of person? When I first helped you get away from him, I would absolutely not push you back into the fire pit again. I just wanted to let you know that he hasn''t given up on you, so you can be mentally prepared."


    Zhang Qi Guang''s words made Su Tao feel a warm current in her heart. He had always protected her, put himself in her shoes and thought for her. "Brother, is there anything I can do to help you?"


    "You don''t need to do anything. Even if XiaoRu is not around, you will always be my sister. As your brother I would never push you out as a shield. Don''t worry, I have my own ways to deal with this. You just be careful."


    "Oh my, those beautiful legs, nevermind, gotta go!"


    Because of hisst sentence, all the previous warmth instantly evaporated. Su Tao decisively hung up the phone.


    Zhang XiaoRu was Zhang Qi Guang''s sister, and also Su Tao''s good friend in college. Two years ago, she ran abroad because she was dissatisfied with the marriage arranged by her family and had been out of touch ever since.


    This past year, Su Tao was able to avoid Xie Jin because she had borrowed Zhang XiaoRu''s identity.


    She didn''t expect to cause so much trouble for her brother just by making a public appearance. Su Tao sighed lightly. She hadn''t figured out what to do either.


    Her original intention was to avoid any connection with Xie Jin.


    -


    Liu WanTao knew Su Tao was in a meeting. Under the pretext of looking for materials, she deliberately went to the main office area to wait for them to finish.


    She casually grabbed some documents and looked at the peopleing out of the conference room. She walked over and asked, "Why the long faces? What''s going on?"


    Sun XiaoJie used to be Liu WanTao''s subordinate. Although she had previously felt Liu WanTao was not great, now that she was no longer her supervisor and had been scolded by the new supervisor, she felt closer to Liu WanTao instead.


    "Sis WanTao, we all got scolded." Sun XiaoJie nced at Su Tao''s office andined in a low voice.


    Liu WanTao looked surprised. "With her gentle appearance, she scolds people too?"


    The others came over to chime in andin: "She scolds people without cursing, acting all high and mighty, saying any newbie could be trained up and we could be reced at any time."


    Liu WanTao had an exaggerated expression: "That arrogant? If you collectively refuse to work for her, it would really make her drink a potion."


    "Heehee, what''s with the lively chat? Refusing to work? Asking someone out for tea?" Liang Ke came over in a pink bodysuit, deliberately shouting loudly.


    The others immediately reacted like startled turtles, retreating to their workstations, afraid Su Tao would overhear.


    Liu WanTao scowled at Liang Ke. She never had a good impression of his androgynous style.


    Liang Ke shook his index finger and spoke in a sharp, squeaky voice: "I wonder what you''re instigating here, Manager Liu? If Su Tao didn''t have the capabilities, could she have gotten the shareholder''s position? You''re teaching them to refuse to work, but the uninformed will think you''re misleading everyone. If they really lose their jobs, will youpensate them?"


    With those words, everyone lowered their heads even more. Darling was developing momentum in the industry, with good pay and familiarity with the work. Who would want to change jobs?


    On second thought, Liu WanTao''s words did seem to be provoking and inciting. Everyone looked at her strangely.


    She was using them as pawns.


    "What did I say? Don''t theorize." Liu WanTao retorted, "I just feel Su Tao is too young. Some things are not as idealistic as she imagines."


    Liang Ke sneered: "What''s wrong with being young? Was Xie Jin of Tianjin Group young or not? This past year Darling developed at lightspeed. When he proposed the merger, even Tianjin Group''s executives didn''t believe he could do it. What happened? He did it!"


    Upon mentioning Xie Jin, everyone became interested and gathered around to listen.


    Liu WanTao sneered disdainfully, "Holding hands means he likes her? That day he took the initiative to chat with me and held my hand too."


    "No one else saw it. Do you think I''m blind? I was standing right next to you." Liang Ke seemed to havee today specifically to dismantle her stage. His index finger nearly poked Liu WanTao''s eyes. "What he did with Su Tao was holding hands. With you it was restraint."


    Those present naturally witnessed Xie Jin restraining Liu WanTao. Recalling his sinister expression then still made them shiver.


    Amidst everyone''s recollection and discussion, Liu WanTao''s face alternated between red and white, unable to find a reason to refute because there was no reason.


    That day, he was angry at her.


    "What''s there to be afraid of? Don''t you think it''s very attractive?" Liang Ke smiled coyly, with a masochistic gleam in his eyes. "I like thrills. So for the negotiations with Darling about Top Wave 2, I booked Xie Jin directly."


    Sun XiaoJie''s eyes widened. She moved closer and asked: "Teacher Liang, did you get an appointment? When you negotiate for your artists, can you bring my MingXuan along?"


    "Your MingXuan wants to be on Top Wave 2 too?" Liang Ke sighed. "I''m willing to help you, but I didn''t get an appointment. I''ve been trying for a week with no reply."


    "Did you try booking with Darling''s GM Wu?"


    "I did. GM Wu said the guests were finalized already. I treated him to several meals before he was willing to say, unless you directly speak with the big boss, it''s impossible."


    It was as if Liu WanTao had finally found an opportunity. She sneered mockingly, "Still going to the big boss for a variety show? Can''t you tell they''re rejecting you?"


    Liang Ke was about to erupt but Liu WanTao suddenly said, "Didn''t Xie Jin take a liking to Su Tao? You can have Su Tao try."


    Right on cue, Su Tao came out of her office with her bag, looking like she was going out.


    When she got to the office area and saw everyone looking over, Su Tao paused. She lowered her head to check her modest ck and white outfit, saw nothing out of the ordinary, blinked her eyes confused by everyone''s heated stares.


    "Peach," Liang Ke dashed over in a sh and enthusiastically grabbed Su Tao''s arm. "Going out?"


    Su Tao discreetly shook his hand off and nodded doubtfully at his enthusiasm.


    "I have a problem only you can solve. Help me out."


    Seeing everyone''s anticipation, Su Tao''s intuition told her it was nothing good. Before he borated, she tly refused: "I''m busy, unable to help."


    "Peach, it''s not just my problem. Your Tong MingXuan wants to be on Top Wave 2 too, right? I can''t book Xie Jin. I saw you two got along well that day. Why don''t you give it a try?"


    Su Tao nced at him indifferently, finally realizing their scheme. "Top Wave 2 is handled by GM Wu. What does it have to do with Xie Jin?"


    "You don''t know the guests are finalized already? Still making XiaoJie negotiate. If even you can''t negotiate it down, you''re just bullying her." Liu WanTao chimed in snidely.


    Su Tao looked at Liu WanTao, then Sun XiaoJie.


    One cool nce was enough to make Sun XiaoJie feel guilty and want to exin herself but not knowing how.


    "Teacher Liang, stop troubling Su Tao. She just took over, needs to establish her authority. If she really messes up, wouldn''t it be embarassing? Who would listen to her in the future?"


    Liang Ke had already dialed his phone and gone to the side to take the call. Liu WanTao''s words were meant for Su Tao and her team to hear.


    Su Tao stared at Liu WanTao, her expression darkening, questioning her bluntly: "How have I offended you? Why the snide remarks? I don''t need to establish any authority. One matter''s sess or failure won''t make everyone stop listening to me. I''m not an absolute authority, but objections need to be logical. Your words are simply stirring up trouble. Ms. Liu is a returned overseas graduate, is this the quality?"


    Liu WanTao was insulted by Su Tao until her face alternated between red and white. Su Tao waspletely reasonable and didn''t yell or quarrel, leaving Liu WanTao at aplete loss for how to retort.


    Feeling utterly humiliated, Liu WanTao lost her temper and yelled: "If you can''t get Top Wave 2 then say you can''t get it, no need to exin so much, just shows you''re insecure!"


    Before Su Tao could respond, Liang Ke hopped excitedly back, beaming. He rushed at Su Tao.


    Fortunately Su Tao reacted quickly and dodged his bear hug in time.


    "Peach, you really are my benefactor. I finally got Xie Jin to agree! Xie Jin requested you specifically to negotiate."


    Su Tao closed her eyes, suppressed her irritation, then opened them with a frosty expression: "I won''t go."


    Su Tao had just returned from handling external matters. It was as if Liang Ke had purposely stationed someone at thepany entrance. As soon as she stepped through the doors, Liang Ke caught her.


    "Why aren''t you going? Such a good opportunity!"


    Su Tao sighed helplessly. "I just won''t go. Please move aside."


    Liang Ke reflected deeply, and took out an advertising contract to hold in front of Su Tao, with a pained expression: "The Bai Shu toothpaste ad, brand spokesperson contract, one year term. I negotiated it down. The brand and I have a good rtionship, they said I could pick whoever from mypany. If you agree to negotiate Top Wave 2, regardless of oue, this contract is yours."


    Su Tao''s eyes lit up. Being Bai Shu''s brand spokesperson would greatly increase Tong Yi Yan''s poprity. Indeed, connections were king in this circle.


    She took the advertising contract and changed her attitude. "Let''s talk in my office."


    Su Tao didn''t directly agree either. She tried manypromises and made a round of calls, finally calling Zhang Qi Guang.


    Upon hearing of this dilemma, Zhang Qi Guang casually said, "I have a good solution."


    Su Tao''s eyes brightened, waiting for Zhang Qi Guang''s brilliant idea.


    "Give up on this variety show."


    Su Tao: "......"


    "Why must it be Top Wave 2? Aim lower, it won''t make that big a difference in exposure and poprity this year or next, right?"


    Su Tao knew Zhang Qi Guang had be moreidback than when he first started his business, but didn''t expect him to be thisidback.


    Artists only had a year or two in the prime of their careers. Opportunities slipped by in an instant.


    If she had also been nopetitive when managing Tong Yi Yan, how could Tong Yi Yan have attained her current poprity and traffic?


    "Alright Boss Zhang, please continue appreciating beauties."


    Su Tao hung up the call, walked to the window looking at the square,menting that she couldn''t rely on anyone.


    Su Tao sat on the chair with her legs together and slightly tilted, in the standard beauty sitting posture.


    She looked at the busy Su Tao expressionlessly, not knowing what she was doing at all.


    "Tao Tao, just go to Tian Jin to see President Xie tomorrow. What are you doing with this grandpa telling grandma thing?"


    Su Tao''s fair little hand "pped" on the ss, startling Liang Ke.


    She seemed to have made up her mind and gritted her teeth and said, "Go buy ne tickets, three, I''ll take two artists with me."


    Liang Ke almost jumped up from the chair and cheered, "Great! I''ve been waiting for you to say that!"


    --


    Su Tao stood under the Tian Jin building, looking at the towering building, feeling thousands of emotions for a moment.


    She thought she would nevere back.


    Su Tao brought Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan''s artist into the door.


    The appearance of the two sunny and handsome boys made the Tian Jin employees'' eyes light up and they kept looking at them.


    The receptionist had changed, and Su Tao briefly exined that she had an appointment. The receptionist made a confirmation call to the secretary''s office. But the reply was to ask them to wait downstairs.


    Su Tao looked at the bustling lobby. The two artists were visited and photographed by everyone. The perception was a bit bad.


    Just as she was thinking about whether to ask if it would take long so that the artists could wait in the car, she heard an exim in surprise, "Tao Tao?"


    Su Tao looked for the voice and saw He XiaoRui.


    She showed the first smile since entering Tian Jin, smiling at her, "Xiao Rui, long time no see."


    "It''s really you!"


    He XiaoRui walked up, looking at Su Tao who had short hair, more mature and beautiful, and covered her mouth in surprise.


    She was originally just a fan of Xiao Shan. She didn''t expect the beautiful woman who was with these two stars to be Su Tao.


    "You are..." He XiaoRui hesitated and looked at the two male stars and asked.


    "I''m a manager now."


    "Oh my God, you actually became a manager, so amazing."


    Looking at He XiaoRui''s dumbfounded look, Su Tao smiled indifferently, "What''s so amazing about it, it''s my profession."


    He XiaoRui was stunned for a long time before reacting, "You came to see the president, right? Why are you standing here?"


    "The secretary of the president''s office told me to wait." Su Tao looked at the time, and then looked around at the increasing number of people taking pictures, with a hint of anxiety in her expression.


    "Why don''t youe to my office and wait first? Xiao Li, when the president''s office callster, ask them to call her to my office, okay?"


    After getting a positive answer from the receptionist, Su Tao followed He XiaoRui into the elevator.


    "Tao Tao, you don''t know, the president''s officeid off a lot of old people back then. The new people have bad attitudes and are very arrogant. If you don''t know, you would think ourpany produces nuclear weapons."


    Xiao Shan was the first tough out loud, and then everyoneughed in the elevator.


    The elevator arrived at the HR department. He XiaoRui scratched her head embarrassedly and walked straight into the rest room across from the elevator to avoid being watched again.


    Su Tao has good observational skills. At a nce, she saw that the name on He XiaoRui''s work badge had changed.


    From Supervisor Assistant to HR Manager.


    "Xiao Rui got promoted."


    He XiaoRui nced at her work badge and grinned, "Manager Jin was transferred to be the president''s special assistant. I took advantage of Manager Jin''s light and got a manager."


    Su Tao was secretly surprised that there was an additional president''s special assistant position, but it was not surprising that Jin Chuiwen did it. Xie Jin had always liked to use him to do things before.


    "I have to go listen to the phone call, don''t miss your call if they call and dy your business. Tao Tao, you guys sit first, there''s food and drinks over there, help yourself."


    He XiaoRui pushed open the door, the elevator door opened, and a youngdy came out. She saw Su Tao and the others at a nce. She questioned He XiaoRui in an unkind tone, "Why did you bring them here?"


    He XiaoRui stopped her, and the youngdy walked past her towards Su Tao, waving her hand impatiently, muttering in a low voice, "Come on, still sitting there, I almost couldn''t find you, but you know how to find a ce."


    "Chu Xin, what''s your attitude? Do you talk to guests like this?"


    He XiaoRui was still an old employee in charge of personnel affairs after all, and she still knew how to teach people.


    Chu Xin rolled her eyes, her fake eyshes flickering, "What did I do? I''m not a hotel server. People whoe to see our President Xie can''t even get in line. Whether they can see him or not is up to them."


    "Hey~ Okay, I have to report this to our leader today." He XiaoRui knew their character, but she was angry with them for treating Su Tao and her idols like this today.


    Su Tao, who had not spoken all this time, held back the emotionally excited He XiaoRui and nced lightly at the little secretary, saying, "Please lead the way."


    After speaking, Su Tao went ahead and pressed the elevator, calmly waiting for the elevator toe up.


    The elevator came, and Chu Xin arrogantly nced at them and got in first.


    Su Tao shook her head, feeling that Xie Jin''s worth was really different now, and even his secretary''s temper was almost the same as his.


    The elevator door closed slowly, and the mirrored door reflected He XiaoRui''s indignant face.


    She called Jin Chuiwen and said unceremoniously as soon as he picked up, "That Chu Xin from the president''s office is too arrogant. She almost drove Su Tao away."


    Jin Chuiwen''s phone call was heard clearly in the quiet office. He looked at Xie Jin sitting opposite and hurried away to speak in a low voice, "Where is that person? Did she leave? Hurry up and stop her!"


    "She went up."


    Jin Chuiwen breathed a sigh of relief and hung up the phone. When he turned around, he saw that the boss didn''t know when he had walked to the office door with a pen in his hand, and you could see his panic.


    Jin Chuiwen: "She didn''t leave and went up."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the office door was knocked. Chu Xin opened the door and saw Xie Jin standing at the door. She was frightened and took a step back, then stood still at the door without daring to take another step. "President, Su Tao guest has arrived."


    Su Tao was standing next to the solemn ck door, and the yellow and white lights on the desk across were still on. Theputers and furnishings on the desk were exactly the same as when she was there a year ago.


    However, it was unupied now.


    Xie Jin''s eyes were fixed on Su Tao, but he said briefly to Chu Xin, "Go to HR and settle your sry."


    Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan secretly looked at each other. Was this little secretary fired directly?


    The ck door closed, blocking Chu Xin''s desperate face. The two artists sat on the sides of the sofa, and Su Tao sat down next to them.


    Xie Jin sat on the single sofa beside her and turned to look at her. His fixed gaze made the two artists feel that something was wrong.


    Before they came, they had heard a lot of rumors about President Xie. It was said that he had a fiery temper, was very difficult to get along with, and would get furious at the slightest disagreement, and would not give anyone face.


    But looking at his lecherous eyes now, it doesn''t seem to match the rumors.


    Su Tao''s face was calm, she didn''t even look at him at all. She took out a file from her bag and ced it on the coffee table in front of Xie Jin.


    Xie Jin leaned forward to take it, and his big hand pressed on Su Tao''s hand. His Adam''s apple moved slightly, Su Tao nced at him, and forcibly pulled her hand back.


    "President Xie, I did some small analysis and research on the Sea Wave 2 project, and came up with some of my personal views on the development of the show. I have seen the proposed guest list for the show. I don''t know if this is the final lineup, but in my understanding, this show is more biased towards being younger, more athletic, and energetic. The guests must be the most important."


    Su Tao spoke to Xie Jin in a neither humble nor pushy manner, exining the analysis she had done in this document, and borating on how suitable her two artists were for this show.


    Xie Jin stared at her all the time without saying a word. Su Tao didn''t know if he was listening or not at all.


    "President Xie, that''s roughly it. Do you have anyments?"


    Only then did Xie Jin seem to wake up from his daze and finally took his eyes off her. His deep voice finally spoke the first sentence, "But the influence and poprity of the two of them are indeed not within the range of guests we n to invite."


    Xie Jin was willing to discuss work properly with her, and Su Tao''s previous difort from his stare disappeared a lot instantly, and her expression eased somewhat, even showing a hint of a smile, "President Xie is right to worry, we dock some traffic. But you are the tform, you should also be willing to promote artists who can cooperate strategically in the long run. I can say that for Rui Qi, apart from traffic, Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan are all advantages."


    Seeing that Xie Jin was listening carefully, Su Tao also entered work mode and said seriously, "First, the cost is low, which you must feel deeply about as a self-made businessman. Second, the sincerity attached at the back of our document, we can reach a strategic cooperation intention between us. In the future, Rui Qi''s variety shows, stages, film and television productions, we will sign priority agreements with you at low cost."


    "You see my two handsome boys, their looks are impressive, and their talents are in this USB drive. I dare to guarantee that these two will definitely be the new generation of traffic idols in two years."


    Tong MingXuan had gone to dinner parties with Su Tao and met investors, so he knew her capabilities. This was the first time Xiao Shan had witnessed Su Tao''s professionalism and eloquence, and he was deeply convinced.


    But Xie Jin''s face became gloomier and gloomier, and a trace of darkness gradually appeared in his eyes.


    When Su Tao praised the two men and when Xiao Shan looked at Su Tao admiringly, his expression changed.


    Xie Jin lowered his eyes, his long eyshes covering the darkness in his eyes, suppressing his true emotions, and said slowly, "President Su is really a dutiful manager. I just don''t know how far you can go for your artists."


    Tong MingXuan Xiao Shan: "!!!"


    This was a tant insinuation!


    Was it the world that had changed, or were they protected too well by thepany?


    Was it popr to seduce managers instead of artists in the industry now?

 Chapter 19: Reunion 04

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Su Tao narrowed her eyes, her gaze bing sharp.


    Receiving her unfriendly stare, Xie Jin hooked the corner of his mouth, revealing a smug, wicked smile. Feigning innocence, he said, "What is Manager Su thinking? I just meant that since I''m not too familiar with your two artists yet, but I''m very interested in your proposed conditions, why don''t we do a trial recording when filming starts, but I''d only feel assured if Manager Sues along in person."


    Su Tao''s brows twitched slightly. She felt Xie Jin was even more shameless than before.


    But the condition he proposed was reasonable, so she had no reason to refuse.


    "Okay."


    Su Tao readily agreed. Xie Jin suppressed the urge to smirk and gave a slight cough to hide his smile. He extended his hand, indicating they had a deal.


    Su Tao briefly sped his fingertips before swiftly withdrawing her hand. Recalling something, she told her two artists to go out first.


    Only Su Tao and Xie Jin were left in the office, and the atmosphere turned ambiguous.


    Xie Jin looked at her eagerly, just about to say something, but Su Tao preempted him.


    Su Tao: "I heard that Mr. Xie ns to acquire our Jing Yang?"


    Xie Jin was silent and didn''t speak.


    Su Tao: "As a small shareholder of Jing Yang, I don''t really have the right to ask about Mr. Xie''s ns. But I''ll convey our stance - we won''t agree to an acquisition. Even if you try to force us into a corner with business tactics beforeunching a counterattack, we''d rather be smashed to pieces thanpromised. I hope you''ll reconsider before making a move."


    The flickering light in Xie Jin''s eyes stilled upon hearing this. "You think I''d deal with you like that?"


    Su Tao was taken aback for a few seconds. "I hope Mr. Xie won''t treat us that way," she said lightly.


    "I can leave Jing Yang alone, but you have to answer one question of mine," Xie Jin stared at her unblinkingly and asked, "How did you manage to evade me this past year?"


    Su Tao lowered her eyes and straightforwardly gave him the answer: "I used someone else''s identity."


    Xie Jin understood, yet still asked in puzzlement, "Whose? How?"


    "Mr. Xie, that''s a second question. I''ve answered one, please keep your word."


    After saying this, Su Tao left the office, taking her two artists away from Tian Jin.


    The three of them caught the afternoon flight back to Jiang City. As they neared thepany entrance, Su Tao received a message from Zhang Qi Guang.


    ¡¾Zhang Qi Guang: Peach Su Tao, is it you? Tian Jin retracted the acquisition n!¡¿


    They withdrew it so quickly? Xie Jin is quite honorable.


    While Su Tao was looking at her phone, she had already entered thepany and was startled by the sudden pop of confetti.


    Liang Ke, Sun XiaoJie, and other colleagues were cheering to wee Su Tao''s triumphant return.


    Su Tao brushed off the ribbon on her head, lookingpletely surprised as she asked, "What are you guys doing?"


    "Congrattions to our amazing Manager Su forpleting such a high-difficulty task, let''s apud."


    Apuse rang out. Su Tao held her forehead. "Stop, stop. What taskpleted? They only agreed to a trial recording."


    She shouldn''t have told Liang Ke about the trial recording in advance.


    Liang Ke gave Su Tao a meaningful nudge. "I see~"


    Su Tao was speechless. "What do you see? Go clean up the entrance." She pushed past him and entered thepany, mming the office door shut behind her. Muffledughter could be heard from the workspace.


    Liang Ke didn''t know when he had appeared behind Liu WanTao. He also contemptuously rolled his eyes at her before knocking on Su Tao''s office door.


    Liu WanTao''s face was flushed red with suppressed anger as she sullenly walked away.


    -


    Today, Tian Jin Group headquarters was permeated with a rxed, joyful atmosphere from top to bottom.


    Because the boss was going on a business trip.


    For a minimum of one week, the group chat had exploded with delight. They had already made ns to go clubbing tonight.


    Tomorrow was the filming date for "Sea Wave 2." The production team and guests had basically all arrived today.


    Without Xie Jin''s instructions, Jin Chuiwen had gone ahead and inquired about Su Tao''s flight, directly booking the same one.


    Just because of this one action, Jin Chuiwen received the only praise from the boss he had gotten in years. He was so moved he nearly shed tears.


    But man proposes, God disposes. When they reached the waiting hall, Su Tao was nowhere to be seen.


    After inquiring around, Jin Chuiwen learned that Su Tao had changed flights at thest minute, leaving an hour earlier.


    He shivered as he looked at the boss''s gloomy expression. Voice trembling, he said, "Just four hours until you see each other."


    Xie Jin''s fury spread like wildfire. "Have them work overtime on weekends."


    Jin Chuiwen: "..."


    Colleagues who were reveling just seconds ago received overtime notices the next second.


    They deeply experienced the saying, don''t crow till you are out of the woods.


    Murphy''s Law: Speak of good things and they won''t happen.


    Sometimes things in the world are just so mystifying. Jin Chuiwen used this to constantly warn himself - don''t get overexcited, stay sober.


    And to sympathize with his colleagues for three seconds.


    After a four hour flight and nearly an hour''s drive, they finally arrived at the filming location.


    Sea Wave 2''s investor, Rui Qi, was quite wealthy and powerful. He had reserved the best stretch of coastline in Nancheng as the filming location.


    The beach had fine, golden sand. Facing the sea breeze, beautiful scenery apanied by music, cocktails on the beach, just standing under the palm trees made one feel carefree.


    All the crew members who had arrived early wore smiles, feeling it would be enjoyable to work here.


    Only Xie Jin, with a dark expression, stood not far away, resentfully watching the busy Su Tao.


    Was she deliberately avoiding him?


    Standing next to him, Jin Chuiwen felt like he was beside an air conditioner. He didn''t feel the hot weather at all.


    In order to perform better, Tong Mingxuan and Xiao Shan had taken the initiative to help walk through the process when the crew needed to check the angles and footage.


    Besides feeling gratified at the two''s thoughtfulness, Su Tao noticed the other guest artists didn''t do anything. Some people served them water, cold drinks, and snacks.


    Yet her two artists were forbidden from even taking a sip of water or resting for a bit. People were yelling and screaming at them to not move around and dy the crew''s work time.


    "How can this be? We''re proactively helping out. This is supposed to be our job, right? We''ve been under the hot sun shooting for an hour. Is it too much to want a drink?"


    "What''s their attitude? Bullying people without status like this?"


    "And look at the rooms they assigned us. Theirs are seaside suites at a five-star hotel, while we got a standard room at a small hotel a hundred miles away."


    "Fine, forget the hotel. I took a peek at the meal standards - there''s discriminatory treatment there too! We can''t even eat together?"


    The two artists'' executive agent and assistant allined to Su Tao.


    Su Tao endured it at first, but after Tong Mingxuan got washed into the sea by a big wave, stumbled and struggled to get up, even swallowing some seawater, she could endure no longer.


    "Go get towels and help them back," Su Tao instructed the two assistants, then went to find the on-site director with a murderous look.


    Rui Qi had his own production team. Sea Wave 2 was originally Sea Wave: Promise Season 2. Last year''s Season 1 was very sessful, elevating several regr guests to fame. The executive producer Zhou Si''s reputation and worth had skyrocketed.


    Zhou Si had originally nned to arriveter, but when he heard Wu Xie Yu would being in person, he hurriedly changed flights and rushed over in a fluster.


    Arriving to find the shoot had stopped, and since histe arrival had already dyed filming time today, anxiousness showed on Zhou Si''s ck face as he hurried over to ask what was going on.


    As he walked over, he heard a youngdy tly calling the on-site director out. "There are so many artists rxing over there. Can''t you make someone else do the shoot for a bit?"


    "What''s going on? Who''s dying filming?" Zhou Si, nearly 180 pounds with a thick neck, roared loudly, almost knocking the director sitting on a high chair off of it.


    The on-site director stood up. Seeing Zhou Si, he conveniently tattled, "It''s her, feeling bad for her artists and not letting us shoot anymore."


    "Which artists of yours?" Zhou Si asked aggressively, his stout, brawny body looking very intimidating.


    "Those two standing by the beach."


    Zhou Si looked over. They were two unknown little artists, and anger red up instantly. "The two who snuck in to do a trial recording? If you won''t shoot, then don''t! Trying to act like big shots without any fame!"


    Su Tao closed her eyes and worked hard to calm herself down, to not let her emotions interfere with reason.


    When she spoke again, her voice was already calm andposed. She took out her business card from her bag and handed it over. "Hello, I''m Su Tao from Jing Yang Entertainment. Here is my business card."


    Zhou Si nced at her. Seeing that she was rather good-looking, he casually took the business card and arrogantly waved his meaty arms, speaking condescendingly from on high: "How are you going to make up for the filming your artists dyed?"


    Make up for it? How?


    Su Tao patiently exined, "My artists were proactively helping out. It wasn''t originally their job, and they had already been shooting continuously for an hour and fell into the sea just now before taking a break..."


    "I don''t want to hear so many excuses. I''m just asking how you''ll make up for dying filming? Our boss is arriving any minute. Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes?" Zhou Si rudely interrupted her.


    Su Tao saw clearly that he was obviously trying to make her take the fall.


    "Then we''ll wait for your boss to arrive. I''ll speak with him directly." Seeing through his intentions, Su Tao knew there was no point in continuing the conversation.


    Propping up and suppressing neers was verymon in the industry. Though they should keep their heads down when they have no fame, enduring a bit of loss, she couldn''t put up with such bullying. Sometimes enduring temporarily didn''t lead to smooth sailing, but encouraged them to take a mile when given an inch.


    When they upied the moral high ground, she had to make them understand that even neers couldn''t be freely manipted. Only then could her two artists receive less mistreatment during future shoots.


    She didn''t expect this little girl to be so tough. But Zhou Si was set on making them take the fall, so he stubbornly followed through.


    "Fine, then let''s stop everything. No one shoots. We''ll tally up the losses and wait forpensation." Zhou Si left them with those harsh words and arrogantly put on sunsses.


    "Why did you stop? Did you see the boss?" The sudden questioning frightened Zhou Si into immediately taking off the sunsses as his big, fat face smiled like Garfield.


    "Boss Wu! Look at you, running around on location in this heat. Quick, get a chair for Boss Wu!" Zhou Si fawned to the point where he seemed ready to turn into a chair for Wu Xie Yu to sit on.


    Wu Xie Yu looked around but didn''t see the boss. His gaze fell upon Su Tao instead, staring fixedly at her for a few seconds, uncertain. He looked at her again.


    "Boss Wu, it''s because of her. Her two new artists can''t handle hardship and wanted to stop after going through the process a bit, dying filming. I''m afraid we won''t finish before dark today."


    Seeing Wu Xie Yu looking at Su Tao, Zhou Si was afraid they might start talking, so he tattled first.


    "Su Tao?" Wu Xie Yu finally confirmed it. It really was Su Tao!


    Zhou Si: "..."


    From how Wu Xie Yu was looking at Su Tao, Zhou Si suddenly had a bad premonition and felt he was going to crash and burn.


    "Boss Wu, long time no see."


    Su Tao extended her hand to shake Wu Xie Yu''s. Before making contact, her small, fair hand was suddenly seized in a warm,rge hand.


    Before anyone could react, Su Tao was forcefully pulled back several steps by Xie Jin, distancing her from the men surrounding her.


    Looking up to meet a pair of dark, gloomy eyes, the surprise shing through Su Tao''s eyes was fleeting. She wondered where Xie Jin had popped out from.


    "Boss Xie, I thought you weren''t here yet." Wu Xie Yu tactfully didn''t step forward, stopping where he stood to greet him.


    "What just happened?" Xie Jin asked Su Tao unhappily as he nced at Zhou Ci, who was negotiating with these people. He had walked over quickly from afar, thinking to himself that this filming crew was made up entirely of men.


    At that moment, Zhou Ci''s mind was buzzing. If he hadn''t misheard, the "President Xie" that General Manager Wu had mentioned was probably the big boss, Xie Jin.


    That devilishly terrifying man was holding the hand of that girl, clearly implying an intimate rtionship.


    And that girl had just been tricked by him.


    This was perfect. Zhou Ci, you''re going to die a perfect death.


    As an excellent producer, Zhou Ci certainly had many ws in his personality. But he also had outstanding strengths, otherwise he wouldn''t have stood at Rui Qi for so many years.


    Among his many outstanding strengths, quick reflexes and knowing when to back down were fundamental to his survival.


    In the field of admitting defeat, no one could match him - he had reached the realm of seeking defeat alone.


    He immediately took two steps back and bowed deeply with his huge body, nearly bumping into Wu Xie Yu.


    "General Manager Wu, President Xie, and Teacher Su, first of all I need to self-reflect. Earlier I made arbitrary judgements without understanding the full story, I was truly foolish. To make up for my mistakes, Teacher Su can make any demands she wants."


    Su Tao had seen people admit defeat before, but never someone who admitted defeat so quickly and abjectly.


    Before she could even begin her attack, the other side had already apologized.


    Wu Xie Yu listened in confusion, Xie Jin only had eyes for Su Tao, and didn''t care at all about any "truth." But he instinctively felt that little Taotao must have been wronged.


    Xie Jin narrowed his eyes, just about to lose his temper, but the soft little hand still tightly gripped in his palm squeezed his hand. His heart instantly fluttered, and his anger waspletely extinguished.


    Su Tao''s tranquil face took on a sensible, well-behaved air. "No, it was our artists who were impolite and caused trouble for Director Zhou and Old Zhou."


    Both Zhou Ci and the on-site director were shocked, staring at the amiable Su Tao. They couldn''t figure out if she was being sarcastic or not.


    Su Tao said, "My artists attach great importance to this trial recording. I hope that during the official filming tomorrow, the director and cameramen can give them more opportunities."


    Zhou Ci and the director suddenly understood. She was saying that she wouldn''t hold the previous incident against them, but wanted equal exchange - more camera shots during filming.


    Even though she had restored justice for this incident because the two bosses had reprimanded them, the production team wasn''t so easily reced. Rather than momentary verbal victory in a dispute, it would be better to take this chance to ask for more resources that benefitted the artists.


    For instance, it was better to curry favor with the current officials than expect interference from higher leaders. But the director and Zhou Ci could interfere!


    Exposure was most important for new artists. Su Tao''s thinking was quite shrewd.


    Wu Xie Yu also understood her meaning, and couldn''t help looking at Su Tao with new admiration.


    Su Tao went on, "Old Zhou, if it''s convenient, could you give our kids a few voiceovers and record amercial or something?"


    She had even reached out tomercial opportunities. Was she thinking of taking advantage of the situation to get an endorsement deal or something?


    That was going too far. Did her two little artists have the qualifications to recordmercials?


    Zhou Ci cursed internally but maintained a smiling face externally. Since he was in the wrong first, even inconvenient things would be made convenient. "For Teacher Su, even inconvenient things will be made convenient!"


    This could be considered reaching an understanding. Not only would filming tomorrow not receive any special treatment, but there would be many benefits.


    Finally, Su Tao smiled satisfactorily.


    Facing the sunshine and breeze, Su Tao''s smile shone dazzlingly, piercing Xie Jin''s heart and dispelling the gloom he had umted over the past year.


    He had to admit that such a mature and wise Su Tao exuded charm all over.


    She was no longer the captive canary he could shut away.


    She had long since be an eagle with gorgeous feathers, soaring in the skies.


    But as she let go of his hand, the heart that had just been filled with sunshine turned back into a sewer, his whole face radiating unhappiness.


    -


    The filming crew hurried to carry out the remaining procedures and rehearsals, but didn''t dare use Su Tao''s artists again.


    Instead, the two artists who had rested went on stage on their own initiative when needed, and the overall cooperation went rtively harmoniously and happily.


    "Boss Tao, they took the initiative to change our room to the same ocean view room as the others, and the meals are the same now too. They even gave an extra shopping card for the duty free store here, I heard it''s from the brand sponsor."


    "Wow, the treatment improved so much, Taotao you''re too amazing!"


    "Taotao, Taotao, Fatty Zhou is even going to let us recordmercials! How did you make that happen?"


    Everyone gathered around Su Tao chattering excitedly, the earlier gloompletely dispersed as they smiled from ear to ear.


    Su Tao held a finger to her lips. "Shh, low-key."


    In stark contrast to Su Tao''s side, Zhou Ci''s side was shrouded in the shadow of frustration.


    They didn''t understand why the general manager and big boss hade.


    Even for a highly valued project, it made sense for the general manager toe, but why did the big bosse too?


    They trod carefully, afraid of making any missteps. Yet they didn''t expect that with increased attention, efficiency would also increase - they actually finished the rehearsal before sunset, in line with the original n.


    Fortunately everything waspleted satisfactorily ording to n, and Zhou Ci and the on-site director silently high-fived, secretly celebrating the earlier crisis avoided.


    Just when they had rxed, they were notified of an end-of-work dinner, hosted by the big boss.


    Everyone''s expressions froze, their faces forced into smiles.


    They had finally gotten off work, who wanted to have dinner with the boss!


    The dinner was to be held at the hotel restaurant where they were staying.


    The rooftop restaurant of the hotel had a great environment, with hanging yellow fairy lights that echoed with the endless starry sky. One could even faintly hear the sound of waves.


    The crew nearly filled two tables, and the artists and their agents and assistants also took two tables.


    Xie Jin''s arrival made everyone''s eyes light up. With a mix of deference towards the big boss and appreciation of his looks, their expressions wereplex, wanting to look but not daring to.


    Strangely, both artist tables had left one spot open. Wu Xie Yu looked around and chose to sit at the table without Su Tao.


    Sun XiaoJie sat to the left of Su Tao. Suddenly she realized Xie Jin had strode over in two long steps and was now beside her, his eyes lowered as if waiting for something.


    Sun XiaoJie''s heart thumped rapidly, her mind nk,pletely failing to react to why he had headed towards her and was gazing at her for so long.


    Su Tao directly stood up and calmly said, "President Xie please sit here."


    She walked around him and sat in the seat across from him. Her tranquil expression concealed impatience. To others, it looked like she was very tactfully currying favor with Boss Xie.


    Xie Jin''s burning gaze lingered on her for quite a while. Under her distant nce, he restrained his temper and sat in her original seat.


    After sitting down he still couldn''t calm his anger, and he subtly red at Sun XiaoJie - sharp as a knife.


    Only then did Sun XiaoJie recall the office gossip about Xie Jin and Su Tao''s affair. She sprang up like a spring, wanting to switch seats with Su Tao.


    Finally under Su Tao''s meaningful nce she nervously sat back down.


    Once Xie Jin sat down, the atmosphere seemed even more oppressive. No one dared speak freely, and it was so solemn that some wanted to leave the table.


    The dishes had all been served, yet no one picked up their chopsticks. Wu Xie Yu hesitated, wondering if he should say something to start eating.


    But seeing the boss''s gloomy expression, he didn''t dare open his mouth for the moment.


    Su Tao hadn''t eaten anything since lunch. By now, she was ravenously hungry.


    She looked over the dishes - as expected of seaside, there was a lot of seafood, but luckily there were some non-seafood dishes too. Su Tao picked up her chopsticks to grab some food, when her shoulder was suddenly bumped.


    It was one of the artists'' assistants sitting beside her, kindly reminding her with his eyes to put her chopsticks down since no one else had started eating yet.


    Su Tao looked up at everyone''s tense posture, then at Xie Jin whose gaze was fiery as if she was his enemy. She lightly sighed, and put on her professional smile.


    "President Xie, can we start eating? Everyone''s hungry."


    Seeing Su Tao''s smile, although it didn''t reach her eyes, Xie Jin''s taut expression instantly copsed. He cleared his throat and said, "Go ahead, I invited everyone to eat."


    Su Tao dropped her smile and focused wholeheartedly on eating.


    The atmosphere at the table gradually became more lively as wine cups were passed around. Zhou Ci wanted to toast several times but was interrupted by Xie Jin suddenly speaking up.


    "Isn''t Teacher Su a major shareholder of yourpany? Shouldn''t she be taking care of things personally? Yourpany''s division ofbor doesn''t seem very clear."


    When Xie Jin spoke, no one else dared chat idly, silently eating their food for fear of dying the boss''s conversation.


    Su Tao swallowed a bite of food without even ncing at him, and directly answered, "Of course our smallpany can''tpare to President Xie''srgepany."


    Xie Jin said, "So does Teacher Su prefer working at argepany or a smallpany?" Xie Jin probed with implication.


    Su Tao: "One that suits me."


    Xie Jin: "I remember Teacher Su once had the chance to be an entertainmentpany''s boss, but you gave it up. Why was that?"


    Su Tao''s expression froze as the distant memory was brought up again. She recalled that he had mentioned helping her set up "Sheng Yuan Entertainment" before.


    It was when she saw that photo.


    Everyone silently listened to the verbal sparring between the two, sensing the raging undercurrents and sparks flying, guessing at their rtionship.


    Su Tao''s face darkened. She heavily put down her chopsticks with a crisp clink.


    Seeing Su Tao''s obvious impatience, faintly showing anger, Xie Jin''s eyshes lightly fluttered and his pupils contracted slightly.


    He immediately picked up the chopsticks that had remained sealed, restraining all probing. With lowered brows and eyes, he lightly coughed and said, "Let''s eat."

 Chapter 20: Listen 01

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    Thanks to Xie Jin, everyone felt quite ufortable during dinner and suffered from slight indigestion.


    After the meal, everyone went back to their rooms to rest, afraid to dy even a moment, in case they get caught by the boss again and have to endure the unbearable favor.


    After handling the arrangements for the artists and work under her, Su Tao then remembered to look for her own room.


    She took out her room card and took the elevator. Seeing the floor number, her face sank.


    The 15th floor of the hotel was luxury suites, while everyone else got standard rooms. Only she was assigned a room card for the 15th floor suite.


    This scene was all too familiar.


    Su Tao directly pressed 1 and went down to the hotel lobby, holding up her room card to the front desk and said, "Hello, I''d like to change to a standard room."


    Before the front desk could react, the card was taken away by a fair-skinned hand.


    Su Tao looked up and met the deep, faintly smiling eyes that were as dark as the night.


    "Miss Su wants to give up the luxury suite and stay in a standard room. You sure have an unconventional way of thinking," Xie Jin mocked with an upturned lip.


    "I prefer to stay in a room by myself," Su Tao said coldly as she snatched back the card and handed it to the front desk.


    The front desk attendant didn''t know whether to take the card, looking left and right in hesitation.


    "Miss Su can''t possibly think I want to stay in the same room as you?" Xie Jin feigned innocence as he took out his own room card and waved it in front of her eyes.


    With a dazzling smile that could bring down cities, he shoved both hands into his pockets and left her with nothing but his noble, aloof back.


    As if mocking her for being too full of herself.


    Su Tao''s mouth twitched as she watched his figure disappear into the elevator. Her thoughts were interrupted by the front desk calling her.


    "Ma''am, do you still want to change rooms?"


    Su Tao hesitated before taking back the room card and shook her head.


    After inserting the hotel room card, warm white lights instantly came on. The lighting design was very thoughtful, giving off a cozy sense of belonging.


    After putting down her luggage and making sure the balcony door was securely locked, Su Tao finally let down her guard and went to take a shower.


    After washing up, she called for a bottle of red wine.


    Due to the high-intensity work, she had developed the habit of drinking some red wine before bed to rx.


    Because Su Tao had low alcohol tolerance, she would only pour herself a ss with just a shallow pool of red wine at the bottom. Wearing her pajamas, she opened the balcony door.


    The sea breeze blew in, and the refreshing night wind allowed her to tolerate the fishy sea smell. Leaning against the railing, she looked at the pitch-ck sea in the distance and took a small sip of red wine.


    Her eyes were drawn to the spotlights on the wooden pier by the beach, attentively watching the couples walking by underneath.


    "Since when did you learn to drink?"


    The sudden deep voice startled Su Tao, causing her to jerk her hand. The wine ss knocked against the railing, frightening her to quickly grab the ss. Her big movements sshed wine all over her face.


    Luckily there wasn''t much wine in the ss, just enough to cover her face.


    Su Tao closed her eyes and wiped away the wine on them before looking up. On the balcony adjacent to hers on the left, Xie Jin was standing there with an surprised and apologetic expression.


    Su Tao took a deep breath. Whenever she ran into him, her aloof persona would instantly shatter.


    "You''re staying next door?" Su Tao suppressed the anger in her heart and asked in a low voice.


    "...I just found out too, what a coincidence." Xie Jin''s innocence was approaching shamelessness.


    "What a coincidence," Su Tao gnashed through clenched teeth before mming the door and going inside to wash her face.


    The production team members had already arrived at the shooting location before dawn to set up the equipment and machines to film the red sun slowly rising from the sea.


    The call time for the artists was 7am. Su Tao''s rm rang at 6. After getting up and packing, she headed out the door.


    She created a temporary WeChat group for easymunication if anything came up.


    The two artists arrived at the shooting location smoothly. Su Tao gave them a simple rundown of some notes during filming, then hid under a tree with a straw hat and sunsses to observe the shooting process.


    Xiao Shan''s agent, Shen Ou, was also a neer. He really admired Su Tao and kept saying he wanted to learn from her. Meanwhile, Sun XiaoJie sat aloofly to the side with an attitude of disdain about participating.


    Dressed in a ck shirt with the top few buttons undone, wearing ck sunsses, Xie Jin sat in a beach chair. His sharp eyes behind the sses stared in Su Tao''s direction as his thin lips pursed tightly. Seeing two male crew members approach Su Tao, he unconsciously gritted his teeth and wed at the armrests.


    Jin Chuiwen quickly bought a box of soft drinks per Xie Jin''s orders and called for a break in filming to hand them out to everyone.


    Seeing those men go take drinks and leave Su Tao, Xie Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief and leisurely took a bottle of water to drink.


    But before he could rx for even a minute, those few men simultaneously took the soft drinks over to Su Tao, with each person bringing her a bottle.


    "These shameless guys using our drinks to curry favor. Disgusting," Jin Chuiwen was also keeping an eye on Su Tao''s side. Her mood would decide if the boss was happy or irritable today.


    Xie Jin removed his sunsses, his gloomy gaze fixed on those men. He beckoned Jin Chuiwen over and asked, "What do those guys do?"


    Jin Chuiwen immediately went to find out. Less than 2 minutester, he came back and quietly reported, "Boss, the three are Jiang Hao''s assistant, Lu Tingting''s agent, and Liu Xingyuan''s agent."


    Xie Jin unconsciously tapped his fingers on the armrest. Jin Chuiwen knew the boss was about to make trouble again.


    The tapping stopped but Jin Chuiwen already had his ear over without Xie Jin gesturing.


    "Have Zhou Chi call them over to go over tomorrow''s schedule again, or chat about anything. Get those people away from her."


    "Got it." Keep them from gathering around Su Tao again. Jin Chuiwen felt like he could read the boss''s mind.


    Finally Su Tao was left alone, to both her and Xie Jin''s relief. Only Zhou Chi had to talk for hours about anything and everything with those men, leaving his mouth parched and feeling like he had never spoken so much in his life.


    During the shoot, Xiao Shan was quite active but was very direct andcked EQ despite his high IQ.


    Somehow he offended Jiang Hao and was targeted by him during filming.


    Nearly 40 years old, Jiang Hao was a veteran actor who looked down on popr idols like Xiao Shan. From afar, Su Tao saw Xiao Shan bump into Jiang Hao by ident during some goofing off. She didn''t know what was said between them but Jiang Hao''s face darkened.


    "I''m right aren''t I? Reckless and no respect for elders!"


    By the time Su Tao and Shen Ou ran over, they heard Jiang Hao yelling.


    Su Tao quickly told Shen Ou to find the director to pause filming first.


    As Jiang Hao scolded away, the already angry youthful Xiao Shan couldn''t stand his aggressive manner and talked back.


    "I just bumped you by ident and already apologized. What more do you want?" Xiao Shan yelled as he pulled at his cor, attracting onlookers.


    "You call that an apology?" Jiang Hao bellowed with a mighty air, looking very hard to deal with. "Just a ''sorry'' and that''s it? As a Chinese person, do you not know how to properly apologize in Chinese?"


    "Didn''t I say sorry again to you? You just won''t let it go. What, you want me to kneel and kowtow to you?" Xiao Shan''s voice choked up with grievance.


    Just as Jiang Hao was about to continue his lecture, Su Tao saw filming had paused and immediately stepped forward with a smile to stand in front of Xiao Shan.


    She gently said, "Teacher Jiang, calm down. Getting angry is bad for your health."


    Although not short, Su Tao still looked petitepared to the tall Xiao Shan as she shielded him behind her as if protecting a cub.


    Xiao Shan suddenly felt his nose turn sour being protected like this.


    With grievance he called out, "Sis..."


    Su Tao turned back to give him a reassuring look before continuing warmly, "Teacher Jiang, our boy here is young and inarticte but he really looks up to you. He said before your performance in ''The Pce'' was first-rate and you''re a role model for him to learn from. How could he m up when meeting his idol?"


    "Is that so?" Jiang Hao was clearly susceptible to ttery. Hearing Su Tao''s praise, his anger halved. "It''s good young people are passionate about performing and want to improve. But you can''t be rash and impatient. Why were you so brash and reckless just now?"


    "Yes, yes. Xiao Shan, Teacher Jiang is giving you pointers. Quickly thank the teacher." Su Tao tugged Xiao Shan''s shirt and signaled to him with her eyes.


    "Thank you Teacher Jiang," Xiao Shan murmured, his voice still choked up.


    "Alright, just pay more attention next time, for your agent''s sake." Jiang Hao left without another word.


    Su Tao apologetically told the crew they had dyed filming.


    Since it was almost noon anyway, Zhou Chi was quite considerate of Su Tao and called for lunch directly, settling on a time to resume filming in the afternoon and letting everyone break for now.


    The hotel was only a 5 minute walk from the shooting location. Su Tao brought Xiao Shan back.


    Although Xiao Shan had calmed down, he was still upset about the earlier incident. Su Tao was called away temporarily to confirm rted contracts with the director of themercial shoot, so Shen Ou stayed in the room to console Xiao Shan.


    ording to the director, Su Tao found the hotel room number and knocked. The business director weed her in with a smile.


    Su Tao looked inside and didn''t see anyone else. She smiled and said, "Let''s just stand and talk, Director. My artist is a bit emotional right now so I''ll have to get back to him soon."


    "Pleasee in to talk. I have some detailed issues that our leadership needs to exin to you," the business director wore thick sses andughed innocently.


    "There''s leadership inside?" Su Tao peeked in again.


    "Teacher Su, pleasee in," Zhou Chi suddenly emerged from inside. Su Tao was put at ease and nodded before following him in.


    Upon entering, she saw Xie Jin leisurely sitting on the sofa watching her intently.


    "Teacher Su, something came up for us. Please discuss the terms with our boss here. We''ll take our leave first."


    Zhou Chi and the business director were already standing at the door. After saying that, they slipped out and closed the door.


    "Miss Su''s wariness is not high. A man invites you into a hotel room and you just casually walk in?" Xie Jin looked at her reproachfully, somehow turning the tables on her.


    Su Tao didn''t speak, narrowing her eyes and staring fixedly at him.


    Xie Jin felt somewhat awkward under Su Tao''s gaze. He cleared his throat and slid the contract forward, "Take a look at the terms first. Ask me if you have any questions."


    Finally Su Tao shifted her eyes down to the contract. The terms were simple and mostly normal, reasonable uses.


    The time, payment, everything looked good and standard. Su Tao didn''t hesitate and directly asked for a pen to sign it.


    A ck pen was handed over but Xie Jin didn''t let go of it. "No issues?"


    "Any problems?" Su Tao slid her eyes over.


    Xie Jin released his grip. "No issues, go ahead and sign it."


    After signing the contract, Su Tao got a call from Shen Ou saying Xiao Shan was throwing a fit and refusing to continue filming. She immediately hurried to the door but paused and turned to say thanks to Xie Jin.


    It was true that he got this business deal because of him. They didn''t have a rtionship anymore, and he was just helping out of old affection. She should at least say thank you.


    "Just say thank you verbally?" Xie Jin was quick to seize the opportunity. "Take me out for a meal."


    Su Tao readily agreed, "No problem, but I''m a bit busy right now. Let''s do it in a few days."


    "Which day in a few days?" Xie Jin hadn''t even finished asking before Su Tao hurried out the door.


    Shen Ou anxiously waited by the door for Su Tao. When Su Tao went in, she saw the grievously wronged look on Xiao Shan''s tear-stained face and sighed.


    "What''s going on? What are you fighting about?"


    Sun XiaoJie and Tong Mingxuan also hurried over. Seeing so many peoplee in, Xiao Shan buried her head under the pillow so they couldn''t see her like this.


    Su Tao asked everyone to leave and wait outside while she talked to Xiao Shan alone.


    After everyone left, Su Tao locked the door. Just as she was about to speak, someone knocked on the door.


    She opened the door to find a sullen-faced Xie Jin.


    "What are you locking the door for? Is there anything you can''t say with the door open?"


    Su Tao''s face darkened as she shut the door directly.


    The door was knocked again. With Xiao Shan''s unstable emotions, Su Tao had to cheer her up in half an hour. Left with no choice, she opened the door again. Xie Jin''s hand knocking the door didn''t have time to retract and knocked Su Tao directly on the forehead.


    Xie Jin: "...I didn''t mean it."


    Su Tao red at him, clutching her forehead. Xie Jin awkwardly retracted his hand, losing his previous momentum.


    "I''m working, don''t disturb me, okay?" Su Tao''s voice was neither high nor low, still sounding gentle, but with unrejectable firmness.


    When Jin Chuiwen arrived, this was the scene he saw.


    The boss obediently nodded and took a step back with the door shut before him.


    He silently leaned against the wall beside the door, hands in pockets, long legszily crossed at the ankles, and just waited there quietly.


    Not just Jin Chuiwen, everyone outside was stunned.


    Was this the ferocious, irritable Xie Jin?


    Why was he so obedient?!

 Chapter 21: Listen 02

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    "Don''t be depressed by yourself," although she was very anxious in her heart, Su Tao didn''t show any eagerness.


    "Sis, I really don''t want to record it, don''t persuade me anymore," Xiao Shan''s muffled voice came out from under the pillow.


    Su Tao nced at him, fiddling with her phone without answering.


    Xiao Shan: "I''ll have to see that old man againter, I can''t continue recording the show with him."


    Su Tao: "Okay, fine."


    Xiao Shan hesitated for two seconds, finally poked his head out from under the pillow, thinking he had misheard. He stared nkly at Su Tao.


    Su Tao: "The ne ticket has been booked, 9:20, if you want to leave you have to pack your bags now. I''ll call a car for you." Su Tao calmly showed him the ticket booking page, and sent it to the group chat, then opened the app to call a car.


    Xiao Shan was confused, blinking his eyes, swallowing his saliva in disbelief and asked: "Really, really?"


    "Really." Su Tao nodded her head, urging him, "Hurry up and pack, the car will be here soon."


    "Thank you, sis..." Xiao Shan still felt it was unreal, and asked again, "Then, then will it cause any loss to thepany if I really don''t record?"


    "Of course, you and Tong Mingxuan have already signed the contract, backing out now means breach of contract. You''ll have to bear the penalty yourself. And," raising her eyes to look at Xiao Shan, no extra emotions in them, "Thepany may freeze you out, no longer giving you any resources."


    "Why?" Xiao Shan stood up, frowning at Su Tao who was a whole head shorter than him.


    "Because you don''t know how to cherish." Su Tao looked straight into his eyes, calmly saying, "Do you know how much effort Liang Ke and I spent to get you these uing opportunities? And you''re giving up so easily, would we dare give you any more resources in the future? Xiao Shan, I''m telling you, suffering humiliation is inevitable before making it big. If you don''t want people yelling at you anymore, make yourself stronger!" Everyone gets emotional, but not many can bear the consequences of being emotional."


    Su Tao''s phone dinged, the car had arrived, "There are 5 minutes left before the car gets here, hurry up and pack to leave."


    After saying this, Su Tao walked to the door. As soon as she opened it, Xie Jin stood up straight and looked at her, but was preempted by Sheng Ou standing in front of Su Tao.


    She asked with great concern on her face: "Taotao, did you really book the ne ticket? You''re not letting him record anymore?"


    Sheng Ou looked at the ticket information in the group chat.


    "Yes." Su Tao stood ramrod straight, intelligent and confident.


    "Taotao, should I call Supervisor Liang?" Sheng Ou asked hesitantly.


    Although Su Tao hade to lead the team herself, seeing that Xiao Shan was going to back out, thepany ced such importance on this show, the consequences were too serious for her to bear alone.


    "Go ahead." Su Tao nodded indifferently.


    Sheng Ou was scared into a cold sweat. She hurriedly dialed Liang Ke''s number and went to one side to report.


    "Sis~" Xiao Shan pouted behind Su Tao, like a child who hadn''t grown up. His eyes were red as he aggrievedly said, "I''ll record, I won''t make trouble again."


    He slowly closed his eyes behind Su Tao, silently breathed a sigh of relief, then resumed hisposure. He turned around, facing Xiao Shan, gently opened his mouth: "Xiao Shan, remember what you want, don''t let your emotions lead you astray, this is thest time, okay?"


    Her gentle voice immediately brought tears to Xiao Shan''s eyes. He nodded with tears streaming down his face.


    While everyone was praising Su Tao, Xie Jin''s face was getting darker and darker.


    He had been waiting outside, and was very obedient, yet she didn''t even have a gentle word for him?


    -


    The filming that afternoon went on normally, and everyone didn''t surround her like they did that morning, keeping a safe distance from her.


    Su Tao nced helplessly at Xie Jin who kept standing by her side. With this annoying wet nket around, it was indeed peaceful.


    "Xiao Jie, Ou Jie, keep an eye out, call me if anythinges up." Su Tao said before leaving the set.


    She really didn''t want to ept everyone''s admiring nces from afar.


    Su Tao walked along the wooden pier by the beach, a sea breeze blew by and flipped her straw hat off. She turned around, and the hat was caught in Xie Jin''s hand.


    Xie Jin looked innocent, and quickly raised both hands: "It was the wind, not me."


    Seeing his flustered denial, as if afraid she would misunderstand that he had flipped her hat off, Su Tao couldn''t help butugh out loud, "I didn''t me you, but why are you following me?"


    Xie Jin was dazzled by her smile, stunned for a few seconds. Seeing Su Tao had already walked ahead a few steps, he quickly caught up, "Director Su, how about youe to Ruiqi as a talent agent trainer?"


    Su Tao nced at him, calmly saying, "I wouldn''t dare, how could I train for Ruiqi."


    "You are very capable, outstanding." Xie Jin suddenly looked at her sincerely, seriously saying.


    It was the first time Su Tao had heard him affirm her.


    She saw her poised appearance reflected in his pupils. She was suddenly reminded of her past self denied by him.


    She withdrew her gaze, not answering, and continued walking forward.


    "Don''t follow me anymore, do you know where I''m going?" After walking out a few steps, Su Tao stopped and looked at Xie Jin who was following closely behind her, speaking a little impatiently.


    Xie Jin hesitated for a moment. He was about to say he would go wherever she went, but the words that came out of his mouth were, "You said you would treat me to a meal."


    Su Tao''s expression froze. She nodded in acquiescence, a flicker of slyness in her eyes.


    She took out her phone to search for maps and guides. Soon after, she raised her eyes meaningfully and said, "I''ll treat you to anything you want to eat?"


    Xie Jin: "..."


    He felt she was up to no good.


    Walking forward for about 10 minutes, until they saw a small food street, Su Tao finally stopped.


    "I can only treat you to these, if you don''t like it you can leave now."


    Su Tao knew he not only disliked street food, but also disliked the noisy environment.


    Xie Jin''s brows quirked slightly, looking nonchnt, "I''ll eat."


    The food street was very lively, a famous scenic spot in that area of Nancheng. People were squeezed together on the already narrow road, having to squeeze through to buy food.


    To get a snack, Su Tao squeezed through the crowd. Xie Jin narrowed his eyes, dissatisfaction and anger about to erupt. He was suddenly pushed over to Su Tao by new people squeezing in.


    His hands held her shoulders, his chest pressed against her soft back. His mind rippled, suddenly thinking this food street wasn''t so bad toe to often.


    Su Tao turned back after getting the snacks, smelling a hint of sandalwood, looking up it was indeed Xie Jin.


    "I was squeezed over." Xie Jin raised both hands, looking innocent.


    Su Tao didn''t care about this. She handed over the snacks in her hands, saying "Hold these, I''m going to buy something else."


    Xie Jin took the snacks. A suffocating smell came over, as if something had gone bad.


    He looked at the snack box in his hand, a few ck blobs, sprinkled with stinky tofu sauce. He immediately turned his head away, deeply breathing in fresh air a few times.


    Before he could get used to the smell, Su Tao had already bought two more snack boxes back at lightning speed.


    One was stewed food, the other rice noodles.


    Xie Jin closed his eyes, feeling he couldn''t breathe anymore.


    He stretched out both arms, held his breath, and carried the three snack boxes to a square with tables and chairs behind the food street.


    When Su Tao went to find Xie Jin, she saw the snacks ced on the table, while he stood far away.


    She put down the snacks in her hands, waved at him toe over. Xie Jin hesitated for a few seconds, reluctantly walking over.


    Su Tao opened the lids of the snack boxes one by one, the smells rushing into Xie Jin''s nose altogether, making him unable to help but sneeze.


    "Eat, didn''t you say you would eat?" Su Tao mischievously deliberately clipped a piece of stinky tofu and brought it to his mouth.


    Xie Jin seemed to have steeled great resolve. He opened his mouth and swallowed the stinky tofu in one go. He turned his head away, eyes closed, with a pained expression as he swallowed it down.


    "Is it delicious?" Su Tao smiled brilliantly, enjoying his pained expression.


    After gulping down several mouthfuls of water, the recovered Xie Jin blurted out, "Little Taotao, does it make you happy seeing me eat so painfully?"


    Su Tao''s smile gradually disappeared, her expression calm, unable to see joy or anger. "Happy, but I think these taste better than seafood."


    Xie Jin''s expression froze, watching Su Tao who buried herself in the snacks. His brows slowly knitted together.


    He finally understood, she was getting back at him.


    She didn''t like eating seafood, but he had always forced her to eat it.


    She must have been just as pained back then?


    And she ate like that for four whole years.


    "I''m sorry."


    Su Tao who was happily eating paused, her loweredshes fluttered. She slowly chewed and swallowed the food. After swallowing, she opened her mouth, her tone cold, "No need to apologize, it takes two hands to p. Who told me to be so obedient back then."


    Her words made Xie Jin''s heart tightened. He stared at her for a long time, his eyes gradually darkening.


    She was once willing topromise for him, obedient, eating food she didn''t like, she must have loved him a lot to do that.


    What did he do? Why did he make her change from love to not loving, even leaving for a year, not letting him find her.


    What he had recklessly squandered back then was now out of reach.


    Xie Jin picked up another piece of stinky tofu and stuffed it in his mouth. The salty and pungent taste made his eyes red. It reminded him of Su Tao''s pained expression every time she ate seafood.


    Su Tao looked at the empty stinky tofu box, falling silent.


    Didn''t he dislike eating it?


    If she had known, she would have bought two boxes. She didn''t get to eat any, too slow.


    -


    The next day during filming, everyone discovered Jiang Qi was missing.


    The production team''s exnation was that Teacher Jiang Qi had other schedules and could not participate in the subsequent filming.


    But there were no secrets in the entertainment industry. After inquiring, it was known that Jiang Qi was suddenly terminated from his contract. The production team even paid a penalty fee.


    "Do you think this matter was done by President Xie?" Sheng Ou gossiped in a low voice with Sun Xiao Jie.


    Sun Xiao Jie''s eyes shed a hint of contempt, but her tone sounded normal: "Who knows."


    "It must be him. Yesterday Xiao Shan had an argument with Jiang Qi, and he took it out on Taotao. He didn''t even mind paying the penalty fee, how romantic."


    Sheng Ou stood on the beach with Tong Mingxuan and other artists. Su Tao, with her looks and temperament, was not at all inferior to them. Her eyes were full of envy: "Our Director Su, beautiful, good personality, capable, President Xie liking her is only natural."


    Sun Xiao Jie almost rolled her eyes out. Unable to endure it anymore, she got up and left this "Su Tao cheerleader".


    Filming had ended. Because they were changing filming locations tomorrow, they had to leave here overnight today. So everyone was busy packing equipment.


    After calcting, time was a bit tight.


    But Tong Mingxuan and Xiao Shan still had to make up filming amercial segment, so Su Tao told Sun Xiao Jie and Sheng Ou to go pack things up with the assistants first. She stayed behind to watch the two artists.


    While filming single person shots, Su Tao held an umbre beside Tong Mingxuan.


    After Xiao Shan finished all his shots, Su Tao let him go pack first while she stayed to wait for Tong Mingxuan.


    The sunset descended, crimson rays falling on the seaside. The light divided the waves, stirring upyers of ripples.


    Su Tao, with nothing to do, helped the staff tidy up the set, picking up trash, bottles and such, throwing them in the garbage can.


    She bent down, about to pick up an empty bottle by her feet. But the other end of the bottle was held between slender, long fingers.


    Su Tao looked up. A bright, handsome face shone brilliantly under the red sunset.


    The tall, straight figure paired with the handsome, exquisite features made one''s eyes unable to forget at first nce. Especially those clear, smiling eyes, as if inherently deeply affectionate, identally bringing you into his gentle trap.


    "Are you, staff?" The handsome youth was the first to speak, his searing gaze reflecting Su Tao''s tranquil face.


    "No, may I ask who you are..."


    Su Tao, who suffered from upational disease, had a sparkle in her doe eyes as she took an interest in the man, no, the grown boy before her.


    With features and temperament like these, it would be a waste if he didn''t be a celebrity. In a sh, Su Tao had already envisioned a development path and future ns for him.


    "My name is Jiang Qi, the future top movie star," the grown boy shed a mouthful of pearly whites, brimming with confidence as he looked at Su Tao. "Want to be my assistant?"


    Jin Chuiwen held on tightly to a certain someone hiding in the shade of a tree, secretly grinding his teeth. He was afraid that person would rush out and bite someone.


    "Boss, keep observing, don''t be impulsive."


    "Observe what?" Xie Jin was as irritable as a lion whose territory had been invaded. "She''s already smiling at him."


    Jin Chuiwen was truly afraid that the boss in his rage would rush over and tear the other person apart. It would be safer to call Su Tao over.


    When Su Tao heard someone calling her name, she looked around and saw Jin Chuiwen waving at her, along with Xie Jin whose expression was so gloomy he didn''t seem like he could exist in this world.


    She told Jiang Qi to wait a moment, then jogged over to Xie Jin and asked Jin Chuiwen, "What''s wrong with him?"


    Jin Chuiwen, who was about to disappear on the spot, didn''t know how to respond. Xie Jin''s dark eyes were shrouded in ayer of icy fog. "Who is he?"


    Su Tao''s expression also darkened. She warned in a dangerous tone, "What does it have to do with you? Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Jin Chuiwen took a step back, then another. Su Tao was too bold with her words now, even daring to get fierce with the boss. He was afraid the boss would devour her in the next second.


    But what he feared didn''t happen.


    Xie Jin actually lowered his eyes, his longshes covering the icy fog in his eyes. It seemed he couldn''t restrain his rage for the moment, yet didn''t want her to see it, so he slightly turned his face away.


    Jin Chuiwen: "..."


    This was an eye-opening experience.

 Chapter 22: Listen to Me 03

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    "Is that you?"


    A soft voice came from the side, and Su Tao felt it sounded familiar. She turned her head, and a familiar face came into view.


    "Jiang Wan?" Su Tao asked uncertainly.


    She really couldn''t tell because the woman in front of her was wearing a fisherman''s hat and a mask, obscuring her face. But those eyes were so beautiful that Su Tao intuitively knew it must be Jiang Wan.


    "It really is you! I''m so happy you still remember me," Jiang Wan removed her mask and smiled gently and amiably, casually greeting Xie Jin next to her, "Hello Mr. Xie."


    Only then did Xie Jin slowly raise his eyelids. His eyes were still filled with chill as he nodded to Jiang Wan, and stole a nce at Su Tao.


    The remaining chill also made Jiang Wan shrink back involuntarily.


    "I should be the happy one that you still remember me," Su Tao smiled and responded.


    Su Tao naturally knew she was recalling what happened a year ago at Tianjin''s brand promotion event, when Su Tao had helped block clothes from sshing on her.


    "Sister, do you two know each other?" Jiang Qi didn''t know when he had walked over.


    When he spoke, Su Tao was stunned, "She''s your sister?"


    Su Tao''s first reaction was, it''s over, Jiang Wan''s brother must have signed with apany already, so she can''t sign him anymore.


    "What do you think, great genes right? I''m definitely going to make it big in the future. Do you want to be my assistant?" Jiang Qi smiled brightly. Although a bit narcissistic, with a face like his, he had the capital to be narcissistic.


    "Don''t say nonsense, Little Qi. She is Mr. Xie''s secretary from Tianjin Group." Jiang Wan corrected him.


    Only then did Su Tao realize she hadn''t introduced herself yet. She quickly took out her business card and handed it over, "Not anymore. I''m Su Tao, a manager at Jingyang Entertainment. This is my card."


    Su Tao''s business card was snatched away by Jiang Qi. Hisrge ck and white eyes looked at it carefully, and his thick eyebrows raised slightly, seemingly incredulous, "Talent supervisor? How old are you?"


    "Certainly older than you, call me sister." Jiang Wan scolded her brother for being rude.


    Jiang Qi didn''t take the bait. He put away the business card, cocked an eyebrow at Su Tao, unconsciously flirtatious.


    "I''ll treat you to a meal." Su Tao took the initiative to invite them. She still hadn''t given up on Jiang Qi and wanted to try signing him.


    "Sorry, we have ns today and need to get going soon. Next time I''ll treat you. I should have treated you a year ago anyway."


    Jiang Wan always spoke gently and amiably, with a smile. Unlike Su Tao''s cool politeness, she was truly very gentle.


    Seeing the siblings leave, the sunset over the sea could only reveal its afterglow. The tall figure blocked even thatst bit of light in front of Su Tao.


    Xie Jin pursed his lips, his eyes as dark as a bottomless pool, staring intently at her. But not with the previous chill, "You''re going to eat with them?"


    "What business is it of yours?"


    "That brat is interested in you, don''t you see it?"


    Su Tao was stunned for a moment, "Who? Jiang Qi?"


    She didn''t know what kind of thought process Xie Jin had. She decided not to continue arguing with him, took a step to the side to look at the filming location, only to find no one was left there.


    Not only was no one left at the location, even Jin Chuiwen was gone. Only the afterglow of the sunset and the two of them remained here.


    Su Tao was about to call Tong Mingxuan when she saw a message pop up in the group chat that Tong Mingxuan had met up with everyone already, and the crew cars had left.


    They all assumed Su Tao would leave with Xie Jin.


    Su Tao put down her phone with a sigh, feeling betrayed by her so-called friends. She headed towards the hotel to get her stuff and take a taxi to leave.


    After gathering her belongings at the hotel, the door to the balcony wasn''t closed. She could hear a voiceing through the balcony, "That Jiang Qi is obviously a scumbag..."


    Su Tao was startled and hurried to the balcony. She saw Xie Jin standing on the balcony next door, leaning over and yelling loudly.


    "What are you doing?" Su Tao looked left and right to see if anyone else was around.


    "You wouldn''t listen when I talked to you, so I had to say it this way." Xie Jin''s voice was low, but with a hint of grievance.


    Su Tao steadied her emotions and warned, "Don''t say nonsense here, it damages his reputation."


    Xie Jin''s expression darkened severely at her words, "You''ve only met him once and you''re defending him like this?"


    Su Tao shook her head, deciding not to continue arguing with him. She threw over her shoulder, "Xie Jin, stop being unreasonable!" then closed the door and left.


    For the first time being called "unreasonable", Xie Jin was stunned in ce.


    It wasn''t until Jin Chuiwen came looking for him that Xie Jin finally snapped out of his daze. He pointed at himself and asked, "Am I being unreasonable?"


    Jin Chuiwen''s eyes widened, unable to imagine why the boss would describe himself as unreasonable. He quickly shook his head.


    -


    The crew moved locations to another site, at a tropical rainforest scenic area.


    Under the lush vegetation, the air was fresh and the oxygen plentiful.


    The hotel was located in the scenic area, one of the sponsor''s ways to promote their hotel.


    To get to the hotel, one had to cross a long suspension bridge. The sides of the bridge were woven ropeting as railings, and the middle was just bamboo nks pieced together, shaky when stepped on, very unfriendly to those afraid of heights.


    Although Su Tao wasn''t afraid of heights, stepping onto the seemingly flimsy, violently swaying bridge boards was still thrilling.


    After crossing the bridge was a tropical-styled house with a triangr wooden roof, natural and harmonious amidst the woods.


    The house in front was just the hotel lobby and restaurant. The actual rooms were scattered throughout various corners of the rainforest.


    Because there weren''t many rooms, the crew had fully booked this homestay hotel.


    The celebrity artists almost all stayed with their agents and assistants in family suites, with two to three rooms in each house. The crew members had it rtively tough, with five to six people squeezed into one suite.


    But it was still much better than sleeping on the ground like before.


    Arrivingte, Su Tao got the room that had been specifically saved for her. She knew right away it would be a single room.


    Luckily it was just a standard room with a living room, perfect for her to stay alone without waste.


    The hotel surroundings were great. Opening the patio door led to a small infinity pool. Next to the pool was a wooden deck with wooden railings, like a balcony. Sitting on the balcony, it felt as if surrounded by mountains.


    Su Tao looked around and saw that diagonally across from her room, slightly higher in elevation, was another house that looked simr to hers from the outside.


    There were only some short trees between the two houses. Although not far and visible to each other''s rooms, there was no direct way to get there, because under the pool balcony wasyers of steep mountains.


    Su Tao stood quietly on the balcony for a few minutes. Sure enough, the light in the other house turned on, and soon Xie Jin appeared by the pool, looking over at her.


    After verifying her guess, Su Tao gave him a sideways nce and went back into her room, closing the curtains.


    The curtains had such great light-blocking effect that the next morning, with no sunlight streaming in, Su Tao was awakened by the chirping of birds outside.


    Pulling open the curtains, the sunlight filtering through theyers of trees wasn''t ring, but looked warm and cozy.


    When she saw Xie Jin swimming in the infinity pool on the balcony diagonally across, she realized the awkwardness of an infinity pool.


    The edges of an infinity pool were made of ss. Xie Jin was only wearing swim trunks, leaning against the pool edge, his fit body in in sight.


    Su Tao was silent for two seconds before closing the curtains again.


    After washing up, Su Tao first went to check on her two artists. After confirming the filming time and location, she saw there was still ample time and decided to take a stroll along the mountain path.


    Passing by yesterday''s suspension bridge, she hadn''t been able to see the scenery below in the darkst night. Looking down now in the morning, it was only about 10 meters high, with a creek right below. There was even a pavilion restaurant by the creek that looked like it had nice ambience.


    Su Tao put on her Bluetooth earbuds, listening to music as she headed to the restaurant.


    With few people in the morning, she almost didn''t run into anyone along the way.


    To her delight, the restaurant opened very early. Only upon entering did Su Tao discover that the side of the restaurant along the creek had no ss, blending seamlessly with nature.


    Su Tao chose a seat near the creek''s edge, facing that direction. As she walked over, her head was suddenly patted from above, and one earbud was pulled out.


    Turning back, she saw it was actually Jiang Qi.


    The cool breeze flowing through the restaurant, apanied by the boy''s smile, was extremely pleasing and refreshing.


    "What a coincidence, you''re here too?" Su Tao looked behind him in surprise but didn''t see Jiang Wan.


    Jiang Qi seemed to read her mind. "My sister is filming. I was bored by myself so I came out for a walk."


    Su Tao gave an "I see" smile and invited him to sit together.


    The restaurant only served coffee and tea in the mornings. Su Tao ordered a pot of Jasmine tippy tea.


    The two sat on the firm yet soft sofa, listening to the gurgling creek, amidst the curling steam and tea fragrance, and started chatting.


    Turned out Jiang Qi had just finished his sophomore year of college nearby and was on summer break. He hade with his sister while she filmed and was also here to learn.


    "So you do n to join the entertainment industry?" Su Tao poured him a cup of tea, taking the chance to probe him.


    "Of course, didn''t I say so yesterday when we met?"


    Jiang Qi leanedzily on the sofa, every move exuding charm. His eyes were inherently deeply passionate, giving people the illusion of being cherished.


    "Oh, the future top actor." Su Tao nodded, lightly chuckling to herself about these two unlikely wordsbined together.


    "What? Don''t believe me? Think I''m bragging?" Jiang Qi sat up straight, gaze burning as he looked at her.


    Su Tao returned his gaze directly, sincerity filling her clear doe eyes, "I believe you."


    But Jiang Qi just stared at her silently, the depth in his eyes seeming to beguile people to sink into them.


    Su Tao looked back into his eyes as if spellbound, but her mind was racing. She had to seize this chance to sign Jiang Qi. This boy was too charming. He would definitely be wildly popr.


    "How old are you really?" Jiang Qi suddenly spoke up, asking her age again.


    Su Tao blinked, thoughts spinning quickly. Afraid that disclosing her real age would make him think shecked experience and not trust her ability to make him popr, which would then hinder signing him.


    Su Tao yed it safe, "How old do you think I am?"


    "You?" Jiang Qi deliberately dragged out his words, cocking his brows with a juvenile roguish smile. He stretched out an arm and patted her head condescendingly, "Just a year younger than me at most, right sister?"


    Su Tao immediately detected the mocking emphasis on "sister".


    But she didn''t care about his attitude, ying along, "Of course, a old aunty like me certainly can''t resist your charm."


    Jiang Qi''s smile faded, eyes reflecting boredom. Hezily took out his phone, scanned her QR code, tapped to request adding her, didn''t even change the default remarks, then put away his phone.


    He finished the tea in his cup uninterestedly, then stood up to leave.


    "Let''s meet up next time." Su Tao looked at him expectantly with bright eyes.


    Jiang Qi lowered his head with a smile, "Sister, a girl can''t be so easily hooked, that would be boring."


    Su Tao stared at his back for a long time until he disappeared, then reflected that she seemed a little too proactive, feeling that he might note out next time she asked him.


    No matter, there was still Jiang Wan. If Jiang Wan agreed, Jiang Qi would probably not refuse.


    Su Tao quickly sent Le Xuan a message to draft two contracts, one ording to the standard for neers, a five-year contract, and one ording to the standard for top stars, but with increased penalties, for ten years.


    The rising sun finally broke through the shade of the trees and shone on Su Tao. She clenched her fist, determined to get Jiang Qi!


    After settling the bill, Su Tao put on her headphones again, turned on some passionate songs, and turned up the volume. Embracing the passion from when she first started in the business, she walked out of the restaurant.


    As soon as she left the restaurant she ran into Xie Jin.


    "I just saw you guys on the bridge, what''s the deal with that Jiang Qi? Was he tailing you? And you even added him on WeChat!"


    The passionate music was still ring in her headphones, she could only see Xie Jin''s displeased face moving as if he was saying something, but she didn''t catch a single word.


    Su Tao walked around him and continued forward, with Xie Jin following behind, babbling incessantly, seeming a bit agitated.


    The live version of the song red from her headphones, the singer passionately vocalizing and interacting with the audience "Is this good?"


    Su Tao nodded along happily.


    "You agree? Then delete it now." Xie Jin''s face lit up, his obedient little Taohong was finally back.


    He grabbed Su Tao''s hand and pulled her in front of him, smiling as he waited for her.


    Su Tao blinked, looking at him nkly.


    Xie Jin patiently held out his hand, "Then give me your phone, I''ll delete it for you."


    Su Tao puzzledly took out an earbud and asked him in confusion, "What are you doing?"


    Xie Jin''s smile froze as he sensed something wrong, but still clung to a shred of hope as he said, "Deleting Jiang Qi from WeChat, didn''t you just agree?"


    Su Tao let out a coldugh, looking at him as if he were a weirdo, "Why would I listen to you?"


    With that she put the earbud back in and strode forward, as if avoiding the gue.


    Xie Jin: "......"

 Chapter 23: Listen to Me 04

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    The filming was going very smoothly. Su Tao and Xiao Shan had officially signed their variety show contract, and after Jiang Hao left, everyone got along very well. It seemed like everything was moving in a good direction, except that Su Tao had fallen into a predicament.


    She was unable to get a date with Jiang Qi after all.


    Sitting on a lounge chair by the poolside and hugging a pillow, Su Tao sighed as she flipped through the booking agreement she had confirmed three times. She took a sip of red wine, looking worried.


    She had pulled all her connections and found out Jiang Qi''s agency was already in contact with him. She had to make the first move. But Jiang Qi declined her invitation.


    Su Tao regretted not getting Jiang Wan''s personal number. She called Jiang Wan''s agent but got hung up on with no exnation.


    Su Tao scrolled through Jiang Qi''s social media feed full of regret, and suddenly saw he had just posted something new - a poster that read "First Performance of Fengxing Band" with full body shots of four men, with Jiang Qi front and center.


    Su Tao immediately perked up, found the time and location at the bottom of the poster, and sprang into action - she booked a bouquet online right away before heading to her room, satisfied.


    Xie Jin, who was still posing in the pool, also took a sip of red wine and tapped his fingers rhythmically on the pool edge, looking at Su Tao unhappily as she kept staring at her phone.


    Not until Su Tao went into her room did Xie Jin get out of the pool. He felt the night mountain chill.


    He wrapped himself in a towel and headed indoors. Looking in the mirror at his fit physique and toned muscles, he couldn''t understand why Su Tao didn''t even nce his way.


    --


    The next day, Su Tao only went to the shoot for half a day. She didn''t eat lunch and left early by car.


    First she went to the florist to pick up the flowers she had ordered, then rushed to the location on the poster.


    Since it was quite far, and the band was set to perform at 5pm, Su Tao only barely arrived at 4:30.


    Everyone had already gone in. She was lucky to have bought a scalper''s ticket at the entrance.


    "You''re marking this up ten times, that''s too much," Su Taoined after paying. She didn''t expect scalpers for a college band where tickets were so expensive.


    "Tickets sell out right away whenever Jiang Qi''s performing!" The scalper retorted, in a good mood after selling all his tickets today. "You''re not from around here huh? Jiang Qi''s super famous at T University."


    Su Tao didn''t want to chat with him further and hurried inside with her ticket.


    The scalper shook his head happily and turned to leave, but was stopped by a suited man. "What did that woman want from you just now?"


    "Who, the one who bought the ticket?" The confused scalper asked.


    "Do you have any more tickets left?"


    "No, she got myst one."


    "I''ll pay ten times more."


    Jin Chuiwen returned to the car, tapping the backseat armrest repeatedly, aggravating Xie Jin''s heartbeat.


    "Boss, Su Tao went in to see the concert. She paid ten times more to a scalper. There are no more tickets now."


    The tapping stopped abruptly as Xie Jin''s gloomy voice seemed to grit his teeth. "She bought flowers, expensive tickets, to see Jiang Qi''s concert?"


    Jin Chuiwen didn''t even dare to look at his expression, and could only respond silently.


    Sitting in the audience with her flowers, Su Tao finally saw Jiang Qie on stage, amidst the deafening screams.


    When she attended big concerts with Gu Yiyan, she always stayed separate from the crowds, at most waiting in the wings.


    Being immersed among frenzied fans like today was a bit much for Su Tao.


    Also, the venue today was very small, not much bigger than a nightclub dance floor. The screams on top of the music made her feel deaf.


    At least the fans quieted down when Jiang Qi sang.


    Having heard countless stars live, Su Tao found Jiang Qi''s singing average.


    But Jiang Qi was a natural born star - his stage charisma and inadvertently flirtatious gestures kept eliciting new waves of screams.


    Su Tao became more confident in her ns for him, and started swaying her flowers to the beat.


    Jiang Qi immediately noticed her in the crowd, since she seemed to be the only one with flowers.


    After finishing a song, he came downstage and told his bandmates thoughtfully, "Don''t you think older women are more desperate for love?"


    His bandmates had no idea why he suddenly said that.


    "Remember the hottest girl in the Art Department? I thought she''d be the easiest to seduce. But after meeting a few times, she only asked for my WeChat as a pretext to transfer me money."


    "Oh, I remember her!" The drummer Big Bowl stroked his buzzcut andughed. "The Art Department babe you deleted off WeChat after adding, who came yelling your name outside our dormte at night! She really liked you, probably ying hard to get. Girls have to keep up appearances."


    "Have you met a woman who voluntarily asked for your WeChat right after your first meal together?" Jiang Qi insinuated meaningfully.


    "Isn''t that normal? The girls you meet are all goddesses, they have an image to keep up. It makes sense for a regr girl to snatch you up right away." Big Bowl retorted, tuning his guitar strings.


    Keyboardist Xu Xiang patted Jiang Qi''s shoulder and asked curiously, "Which cougar added you on WeChat?"


    The band had all changed into their next set outfits, ready to go onstage.


    Taking advantage of the stage darkening and spotlight on the audience, Jiang Qi pointed at Su Tao with flowers and grimaced, "It''s her. I rejected her invitation out yesterday but she still chased me down today."


    The bandmates all looked over. Su Tao''s oversized printed hoodie, tidy ponytail with loose strands naturally falling, glowing translucent skin under the lights, delicate pretty features, unconscious nibbling of her lips - altogether lent her vibrancy.


    Especially those clear doe eyes, they were simply irresistible to straight men, looking sweet and demure, easily sparking protective instincts.


    "Damn, you call that exquisite goddess an old auntie?"


    "If you don''t want her bro, I''ll go for it."


    "She''s my type, don''t try to steal her from me!"


    Jiang Qi''s expression suddenly darkened. He nced left and right at his bandmates already in position, oblivious that the mic had turned on. He uttered lowly, "Shut up."


    The spotlight abruptly lit up above him the instant he spoke. The cheering fans down below suddenly halted amidst his "Shut up", and the venue became dead silent.


    Luckily the band reacted quickly, the drums kicked in right away, and the ring music resumed. Only then did the hyped up fans recover, assuming Jiang Qi was just quieting them down.


    --


    The regr 3 hour concert ended, and Su Tao immediately ran backstage.


    She patted her nearly deafened ears, feeling it took great effort just to hear herself.


    Su Tao waited backstage until Jiang Qi finally came out, and went up to him all smiles with her flowers. "Congrattions on your sessful show!"


    But Jiang Qi''s bandmates who didn''t get any flowers were even more enthusiastic, greeting Su Tao chummily like they already knew her.


    Su Tao wondered why they seemed familiar with her.


    "Are you busy after this? Could I take you to dinner?" Su Tao unconsciously spoke louder to Jiang Qi, then patted her ufortable ears again.


    Everyone smiled at her little gesture, finding her rather cute.


    Jiang Qi''s eyes glinted. He handed off the flowers and stepped towards Su Tao, pinching her earlobe and tugging it down dozens of times. His fingertips even reached around the back, pushing up along the edge.


    Su Tao felt her ears grow warm, but it did seem less ufortable. Next her ears were covered by his palms, and the world wentpletely silent.


    They held each other''s gaze steadily for tens of seconds, Su Tao''s bright eyes fixed on Jiang Qi the whole time. In the end it was Jiang Qi who averted his eyes first, letting go awkwardly.


    Feeling much better, Su Tao looked at Jiang Qi gratefully. "Amazing, thanks."


    "Let''s go." Jiang Qi led the way out, but seeing Su Tao hadn''t followed, he turned back. "What are you standing there for? Didn''t you want to eat with me? We''re going to dinner, you should join."


    Su Tao uttered an "Oh" and ignored his condescending tone, happily following along.


    The gathering was at a quiet bar. They ordered drinks and appetizers, and toasted to their sessful show.


    Su Tao took a small sip with them, feeling a little bored listening to the guys talk without a way to chime in. She stayed quiet and waited for their dinner to end, so she could discuss the contract with Jiang Qi.


    In a corner not far away, a slim, long-fingered hand clenched the table edge forcefully, its knuckles white. Pitch dark eyes gleamed red, and teeth ground audibly together.


    If not for Jin Chuiwen desperately holding him back, Xie Jin would''ve already charged over to flip their table.


    "Boss, calm down."


    "It''s taking all I have not to kill someone."


    He never took her to meet his friends, unwilling to let them even glimpse her beauty - he wanted to hide her away at home, to keep the knowledge of her loveliness all to himself.


    Yet now she was easily taken by Jiang Qi to meet his friends, sitting together eating and drinking with a bunch of guys, utterly challenging his limits.


    "Boss, you have to stay calm. We need to observe carefully, also..."


    Also, Su Tao was ignoring the Boss right now. If he rashly interrupted her dinner with friends, it would only make her more annoyed at him.


    Reminded of this, Xie Jin seemed toe to his senses too. His explosive anger alleviated slightly, and he hastily downed some cold beer to calm himself.


    With the Boss dissuaded for now, Jin Chuiwen finally breathed a sigh of relief, and earnestly started observing to help the Boss.


    "This kid really has skills to bring her to meet his friends so quickly. Things are moving along faster than expected."


    "What''s moving along?" Xie Jin''s ominous tone sounded in Jin Chuiwen''s ear. He narrowed his eyes waiting for him to continue.


    Startled by the sudden scare, Jin Chuiwen regretted his casualmentary, and quickly shook his head.


    "Speak!" Xie Jin insisted he borate clearly.


    Forced to exin, Jin Chuiwen reluctantly did so. "When people are getting along, they naturally have to understand each other''s social circles. Otherwise if they get into a fight, there''s no one who can persuade them to make up. There''d be no way to find the other party..."


    Jin Chuiwen btedly realized he had inadvertently prodded a sore spot for the Boss. He hastily covered his mouth.


    When Su Tao leftst time, it was because the Boss didn''t know any of her friends, and had no contacts for her close friends - that''s why it was so hard to find her.


    Xie Jin''s deep eyes darkened further, as if also reminded of the year of agony.


    He closed his eyes briefly, seemingly enlightened by Jin Chuiwen. "Find information on all her friends immediately, and get all their contacts."


    He didn''t want Su Tao to vanish from his life again.


    Burdened with yet another tricky task, Jin Chuiwen secretly cursed his careless mouth and had no desire to speak further.


    Checking the time on her phone, Su Tao was secretly growing anxious that it was almost 10pm. She worried there wouldn''t be time to discuss with Jiang Qi alone, and that he''d be too drunk to discuss rationally.


    "Pretty sister, let''s exchange WeChats?"


    Dawan had been secretly observing Su Tao for a long time. He knew well that Jiang Qi treated all girls the same - once he got them, he would lose interest. So Dawan boldly made the first move in front of everyone, asking for Su Tao''s WeChat contact.


    This signified that he had staked his im on this girl first, and others could only get in line.


    Su Tao was taken aback. She silently put down her phone and smiled gently yet aloofly, shifting the topic: "Are you all the same age?"


    Everyone exchanged knowing smiles at Su Tao''s small gesture of putting her phone away and firmly changing the subject. They pointed at Dawan and clinked sses with him in turn,menting his rejected failure.


    "Same age, sister. We''re all in the same department," Xu Xiang replied with a smile, secretlyughing at Dawan.


    Beside them, Jiang Qi raised his eyebrows slightly. His lips curved up arrogantly, radiating a self-satisfied sense of superiority.


    It was as if he was saying, even women I''m not interested in can''t be easily charmed by just anyone.


    "Don''t you need to go home early tonight?" Su Tao knew she was being annoying, but she was in a hurry to talk business with Jiang Qi. She had no choice but to y the bad guy and disrupt things.


    "Sister, you''re clearly a goody-two-shoes. How could you have fallen for Jiang Qi? Jiang Qi is known far and wide as a scumbag," Dawan said resentfully, not sparing anyone''s feelings. He intentionally brought up a provocative topic.


    Su Tao nced at Jiang Qi. Feeling misunderstood, she was about to exin when a ss of alcohol was slid in front of her.


    "Sister, you may not know, but there''s an unwritten rule when pursuing Jiang Qi - you have to be able to hold your liquor. Down this ss and we''ll help set you up with him."


    Dawan smiled insincerely at Su Tao, then looked over at Jiang Qi. Jiang Qi merely nced at him without stopping him. He even seemed somewhat amused to see Su Tao''s reaction, emboldening Dawan''scency in watching the show.


    Su Tao''s expression darkened as she sensed the trace of malice from these bratty kids. She looked at Jiang Qi and realized he had likely misunderstood her intentions too.


    She pondered deeply for a moment.


    If she exined now, would it make him lose face among his friends and be even more unwilling to see her?


    After a brief struggle, Su Tao decided to y dumb and leave, then find another chance to exin clearlyter.


    Just as Su Tao had steeled her resolve, the ss of alcohol before her was suddenly taken away.


    Xie Jin stood tall and graceful in front of her. His deep eyes swept around before finally settling on Su Tao''s face. He tilted his wrist and slowly poured the contents of the ss onto the ground.


    Everyone was stunned by the sudden emergence of this tall man and the oppressive aura he exuded. They didn''t dare rashly question him for the moment.


    Xie Jin restrained himself from smashing the empty ss onto the ground.


    How dare they try to get his little Tao Er drunk! They must be tired of living!


    Xie Jin took Su Tao''s hand. His freezing gaze softened as he said in a low voice, "Let''s go home."


    ---


    Seated side by side with Xie Jin in the backseat of the car, Su Tao had been silent the entire time.


    Xie Jin turned his head. With his anger already faded away, he looked at her anxiously, guessing her mood.


    "Are you angry?"


    Roused from her thoughts, Su Tao nced at him and shook her head.


    She was just worried about how to continue getting along with Jiang Qi. She also reflected on where she had done wrong, making him think she liked him.


    She should have rified her purpose from the start.


    But luckily Jiang Qi''s attitude was very clear - he didn''t like her and was probably wondering how to get her to retreat tactfully.


    Su Tao had been fretting endlessly. Should she exin or keep up the act? Would directly proposing a contract put him off?


    This boy was too outstanding, too in demand. She wanted to build up some goodwill before broaching business.


    So she had been too cautious at the start, inadvertently causing unnecessary misunderstandings.


    Su Tao finally sorted out her thoughts and decided to speak frankly with him.


    Before she could message Jiang Qi, he sent her a message first.


    [Jiang Qi: Why not exin?]


    Su Tao was overjoyed. He was still willing to listen to her exnation. Her slender fingers flew nimbly over the screen.


    Beside her, Xie Jin stealthily shifted closer and closer until he could crane his neck to see her phone screen.


    The screen abruptly went ck.


    Su Tao looked up and shot him a warning nce.


    Xie Jin pursed his lips reluctantly and slid back over.

 Chapter 24: Listen to Me 05

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Su Tao: I''m sorry, I can''t hold my liquor well. My friend happened to see us and got the wrong idea. I hope it didn''t cause you any trouble?


    After a long pause, Jiang Qi finally messaged back:


    Jiang Qi: Is this your exnation?


    Jiang Qi: Shouldn''t you be exining your rtionship with that man?


    Su Tao: I think I should exin my intention for looking for you today.


    Jiang Qi didn''t reply, seemingly waiting for her exnation.


    Su Tao directly sent over the electronic copies of two contracts.


    Jiang Qi: ?


    Su Tao: I actually felt you had great potential to be a celebrity when I first saw you. I wanted to sign you on as my artist.


    After sending this message, Su Tao felt a little nervous, not knowing how he would react.


    After a long time, Jiang Qi finally replied:


    Jiang Qi: Are you trying to save face since I rejected you?


    Su Tao: "..."


    She suddenly felt it wasn''t worth being polite with this bratty kid.


    Even if she was trying to save face, wouldn''t his words hurt her pride even more?


    But thanks to what he said, her nervousness suddenly dissipated.


    Su Tao: No, you may have misunderstood. My original intention asking you out was to discuss a contract with you, but you kept refusing to see me, so I went chasing after you at your concert.


    Su Tao: I should have made it clear from the beginning, I''m sorry.


    Her phone screen darkened after the messages were sent. She turned it back on, still not receiving a reply.


    Su Tao looked at the WeChat conversation without a response for a long time. Her heart grew colder and colder.


    Just as Su Tao was feeling dejected and regretful for losing out on signing a top celebrity, her phone screen suddenly lit up.


    Jiang Qi: Meet at the restaurant we were at yesterday morning.


    Since he was still willing to meet after she exined her intention, it showed he was also interested in signing with her.


    Su Tao clenched her fist, regaining her confidence.


    Su Tao got out of the car and practically sprinted to the restaurant.


    Xie Jin, who had been watching the whole time, angrily mmed the car door. But he only stayed angry for a few seconds before following her footsteps.


    -


    Su Tao arrived first at the same spot as before. After about ten minutes or so, Jiang Qi leisurely strolled in.


    Jiang Qizily sat down like before, but his usual smiling eyes were now expressionless.


    Su Tao still had a polite smile on her face. She took out the two prepared and bound contracts from her bag and ced them on the table.


    "Here are two contracts, one is a normal rookie contract, and one is a customized contract for you. You can take a look first, and we can discuss if you have any questions."


    Jiang Qi''s gaze moved from Su Tao''s face down to the contracts. Heughed lightly and said, "You even prepared contracts."


    "Every term in this custom contract for you is one I researched carefully. Although I''m a shareholder of Jingyang Entertainment, I''m also a qualified agent. I will try my best to maximize your interests. If you sign with me, I will devote all resources to you and help you quickly debut and be famous. I guarantee you will be an A-list celebrity within a year, reach top-tier status within three years, and attain your goal of bing a top actor who wins awards within five years."


    "Oh right, Gu Yiyan is someone I personally nurtured. I helped him achieve his current sess within a year, so you canpletely trust me."


    Jiang Qi watched Su Tao''s eyes shine when she talked about work, her entire person exuding a different vibe and color.


    If she was like an unopened m when they first met on the beach, then now she was a dazzling pearl.


    Jiang Qi lowered his eyes to hide the emotions in his heart, and slowly said, "Currently two otherpanies have discussed contracts with me, with terms no worse than yours. Why should I choose you?"


    Su Tao didn''t look too surprised. She had been thinking about this question. "Because what I promise, I will definitely fulfill."


    Her gentle yet firm voice tugged at Jiang Qi''s heart. The determination and confidence shining through her clear eyes made her whole person glow.


    This sentence that wasn''t really a promise, yet no one would doubt her. She had a kind of convincing magic.


    Jiang Qi stared at her intently for a long time, before his yful attitude surfaced again. "Alright, then let me see your sincerity."


    "What sincerity?"


    "Be my assistant first and let me see your capabilities."


    Su Tao''s smile froze. Why was this bratty kid so obsessed with making her his assistant ever since they met?


    "Your request is one no agent who wants to sign you can fulfill." Su Tao spread her hands and said.


    "Then whoever can do it, I''ll sign with them." Jiang Qi stood up, seeming ready to leave.


    Su Tao stopped him: "I really don''t have time. I still have two artists recording shows..."


    "So all the resources you said will be devoted to me don''t include your own time? You''re not even willing to spend a little time on me, how can I believe you?" Jiang Qi seemed to have prepared his rebuttal already, leaving Su Tao unable to refute.


    "Jiang Qi, I juggle multiple things at once. I really don''t have that muchplete time to be your assistant."


    "One day, just one full day of time."


    "And you''ll sign with me?"


    "I''ll consider it."


    Su Tao gnashed her teeth and thought for a moment before agreeing. "Deal."


    Xie Jin had been following Su Tao the whole time. Hearing their conversation, he watched her return safely to her hotel room before stopping in his tracks and withdrawing his gaze.


    He called Wu Xueyu. His pitch ck eyes blended into the dark night: "Sign an artist named Jiang Qi, Jiang Wan''s brother, at any cost!"


    "President Xie wants to promote him?" Wu Xueyu asked hazily, having just woken up.


    "Sign him back, then shelve him!"


    -


    Su Tao arrived at the address Jiang Qi specified within the time he required.


    She didn''t expect it to be the gates of T University.


    Su Tao also wore the white tank top with dark blue jeans she had on when watching the band perform that day.


    One reason was it was convenient for outdoor activities, and two it was easy to pretend to be a passerby at critical moments.


    This was a habit formed when she was bringing up Gu Yiyan.


    But she didn''t expect this outfit to unintentionally match the environment perfectly, blending in seamlessly as a college student.


    At nearly 1.7 meters tall with a slender figure and long neck, Su Tao was still an eye-catching presence even among the campus full of beauties at T University.


    She had her hair in a ponytail. The short ponytail bounced lively like a bunny tail behind her head.


    Her fair and translucent skin shone under the sunlight. Smiling with red lips, she waved at Jiang Qi standing at the meeting spot.


    Jiang Qi spotted Su Tao like this immediately. His eyes behind the sunsses froze for a moment before he withdrew his gaze after she walked up to him.


    He brought Su Tao onto campus. The school that should have been quiet during break was instead bustling with people, banners, balloons, and streamers, lively and extraordinary.


    "Is there some event today?" Su Tao asked curiously.


    "Yeah, a basketball game between us and the Foreign Languages University nearby, held once a year."


    There were quite a few students on the roadside dribbling basketballs, making an ordinary basketball game seem like a sports anime in real life.


    Jiang Qi strolled leisurely with Su Tao side by side, not looking like a team member about topete at all.


    "Are you ying?"


    Jiang Qi suddenly took off his sunsses, a flirtatious smile in his eyes again. "Do you want to watch me y?"


    Su Tao nced at him expressionlessly. "Whether I want to watch or not isn''t important. I''m your assistant today, as long as you''re happy."


    She analyzed the reason she was misunderstoodst night, and summed up the main problem - when he flirted with her, she didn''t respond coolly and unambiguously.


    Instead, she treated him like an adult, thinking he was just making some harmless jokes, and overlooked his age and childish mentality.


    So she needed to learn from this lesson. No matter what he said in the future, she had to respond with timely indifference.


    Jiang Qi''s flirtatious smile froze for a moment as he withdrew his gaze. He fiddled with her bunny ponytail and revealed a sunny boyish smile. "They won''t let me y even if I want to."


    "Why not?"


    Jiang Qi suddenly jumped in front of her, blocking her path. His eyes narrowed slightly. "First tell me the rtionship between you and that man yesterday, then I''ll tell you the answer."


    Su Tao''s expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her calm. At the same time, she noticed the unfriendly looks from the students on the roadside dribbling basketballs, especially the girls.


    "Just a friend." Su Tao simply answered, then took out a mask from her pocket, preparing to put it on.


    "A friend who would forcibly take you back to his hotelte at night?" Jiang Qi grabbed her mask in one hand, demanding she answer him clearly.


    Su Tao looked up at him. He had the appearance of a blessed son of heaven, so why was he housing such a gossipy soul?


    As she looked up, a basketball suddenly flew towards Jiang Qi out of nowhere.


    Su Tao subconsciously grabbed Jiang Qi''s hand, wanting to pull him aside, but she misjudged and while Jiang Qi managed to narrowly dodge, the basketball urately mmed into her forehead.


    The ball was fast and powerful. Losing her bnce from the hard impact, Su Tao fell sideways into a roadside puddle.


    Jiang Qi immediately went to help Su Tao up after she fell. Her white top was covered in mud, and her temple was red where the ball hit, already starting to swell.


    "You pulled me away instead of dodging yourself?" Jiang Qi frowned, feeling ufortable but not knowing how to express it.


    This was the first time a woman had shielded him.


    "It''s not like I couldn''t dodge." Su Tao shot back at him. She felt like he was asking the obvious - if she could dodge, why would she choose to take the hit?


    "You didn''t dodge yourself yet shielded me?"


    Su Tao lowered her head to look at the mud on her clothes and the growing crowd. She was in no mood to answer Jiang Qi''s barrage of questions.


    She looked up, wanting to know who the ball belonged to, and whether it was an ident or deliberate.


    Suddenly, a roar. The powerful engine sound grew louder from afar, and yellow headlights shed as they prompted pedestrians to clear the way.


    In the blink of an eye, a ck Ferrari 488 four-seater supercar screeched to a halt before the crowd. Before they could admire the gorgeous car model, the man who stepped out attracted all the gazes focused on the car.


    Xie Jin stood tall and cold beside the car. The nine-split pants outlined his legs even longer. His deep ck eyes contained a cold solemnity, oddly contrasting with the faint sandalwood scent around him.


    He walked towards Su Tao and frowned deeply at her muddy state. His gaze then fell on her red and swollen temple. He held up her face, fingers gently brushing aside her bangs.


    "Hiss-" Su Tao sucked in a breath from the pain when he touched her injury.


    Xie Jin''s eyes quivered slightly, and the unrestrained fury rose from the depths of his heart. His pitch ck eyes hardened like ice as he scanned the crowd. His low voice wasn''t loud, yet seemed to roar, shaking people''s hearts.


    "Who hit it?"


    No one dared admit it to begin with, much less under Xie Jin''s terrifying questioning. Even if they were the ones who threw the ball, they wouldn''t admit it now!


    Su Tao could tell no one would step up and im responsibility for this. She pushed his hand away and held it instead, hoping to quell his anger as she gently said, "Take me to change first."


    The Ferrari that sped away in a trail of dust only left the crowd with its four red taillights.


    -


    The car was silent. Su Tao looked at her sorry state on her phone, then the two men''s dark moods. She sighed.


    She was the one injured yet didn''t lose her temper, while they looked wronged as if owed a debt.


    "That person has poor ball skills but quite the strength." Su Taoughed, trying to dispel the cold air in the car.


    Jiang Qi, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. "It''s not poor skills, they deliberately aimed at me."


    Su Tao looked over curiously, asking with her eyes why he said that.


    Jiang Qi sighed, looking weary: "It must be another campus post saying some goddess confessed to me and I rejected her again. Those guys are standing up for their goddess, I''m used to it."


    Su Tao: "..."


    This arrogant Versailles-esque rhetoric just rolls right off his tongue, doesn''t it.


    Having unknowingly be a driver, Xie Jin scoffed disdainfully.


    Su Tao thought he also looked down on the childish arrogance, but Xie Jin murmured, "I''m different. When I was in school, they only dared admire me secretly, not confess. Maybe they were afraid of embarrassing me."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao silently turned her face towards the window.


    After randomly finding a nearby hotel, Xie Jin didn''t get out of the car to follow them in. Jiang Qi got a room for Su Tao, then went to buy her clothes and told her to go in and wash up first.


    Before she could close the door, Jiang Qi blocked it and warned: "No matter why that man is here, I hope after I get back he won''t appear again. Otherwise, the contract is off."


    Su Tao''s mouth twitched. She felt this kid was a tycoon hiding behind a sunny boy exterior, not much better than Xie Jin.


    She was quite surprised Xie Jin didn''t follow them in, and wanted to ask why he had shown up at school so suddenly. But it seemed for now that him leaving spared her a lot of trouble.


    Since only her clothes were dirty, after a simple wash Su Tao heard a knock at the door. She went to open it in her bathrobe, but it was Xie Jin who came in.


    He held a brand name bag in his hand, but his gaze fell on Su Tao''s bathrobe.


    The bathrobe had no buttons, just a sash tied loosely in a bow. One light tug would undo itpletely.


    "Why did youe back? I thought you left."


    Xie Jin''s eyes suddenly darkened intensely. He mmed the door shut and said, "So you were going to open the door dressed like this for that kid?"


    Before Su Tao could say anything, there was another knock at the door. It was Jiang Qi returning.


    Recalling his earlier warning, panic crept into Su Tao''s usually calm expression.


    She pointed to the bathroom and whispered in Xie Jin''s ear, "Hide in there, don''t make any noise."


    Xie Jin stared at her in disbelief, as if he had misheard.


    "You want me to hide?"

 Chapter 25: Listen 06

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    ¡°Hurry up and hide, if he refuses to sign a contract with me I¡¯ll hold you ountable!¡± Su Tao forcibly pushed him into the bathroom and closed the door tightly.


    Su Tao opened the door a crack, smiled and took the clothes from Jiang Qi''s hands.


    "There is medicine inside, after you change your clothes I''ll help you apply the medicine."


    Su Tao nodded guiltily, wanting to close the door.


    "You''re so hot? Your head is covered in sweat." Jiang Qi felt the air conditioning in this hotel was quite sufficient, and said worriedly, "You''re not sick, are you?"


    "No, no, I just got hot after taking a shower, let me change and wait outside for a bit."


    After saying that, Su Tao closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief.


    The bathroom door was gently opened a little, Su Tao went up and closed the door, warning in a low voice: "Lock the door."


    After two seconds of silence, the sound of the door locking could be heard from the bathroom.


    Only then did Su Tao feel at ease to change her clothes.


    She opened the clothes Jiang Qi bought, her expression stiffened, inside was a pink dress.


    Su Tao nced at the closed bathroom door, red at the person inside, and gritted her teeth as she put on the dress.


    After changing, Su Tao directly pulled out the room card, closed the door, and didn''t give Jiang Qi a chance toe in and apply medicine. She just left with him directly.


    With a crisp sound of the door unlocking, the bathroom door opened, and a pitch ck gloomy face appeared at the door, making the whole room feel eerie.


    On Xie Jin''s phone came Jin Chuiwen''s voice.


    He said gloomily: "Tell the people at Su Tao''spany to call her and say there was an ident at the filming site, and get her back within an hour!"


    -


    Along the hotel was a stretch of public beach.


    The beach wasn''t as nice as the previous filming location, but the environment was still good.


    Su Tao sat on a bench, letting Jiang Qi apply ointment to her forehead. Although it hurt a little when touched, the cooling ointment took effect, slowly relieving the swelling.


    "Thank you for today," Jiang Qi suddenly expressed his gratitude, making Su Tao''s eyes curve into a smile.


    "No need to thank me, just sign a contract with me." Su Tao never forgot her goal.


    "You still haven''t answered a question of mine." Jiang Qi ignored her talk of signing a contract, and asked what he wanted to know.


    Su Tao didn''t hear a word Jiang Qi said after that. Her gaze waspletely focused on a woman in pink.


    That woman had long straight hair, a pink dress, and the shiny bracelet on her wrist still gleamed brightly.


    After a year, she actually met Qin Xuexi here.


    What was even more amazing was that her outfit and dress were exactly the same as a year ago, without any changes.


    In the blink of an eye, Qin Xuexi had already gotten into a luxury car. Clearly, she was doing quite well now.


    "Su Tao, I''m talking to you. What are you looking at?" Jiang Qi followed her line of sight, but didn''t see anything.


    "Sorry, I was distracted just now. What did you say?" Su Tao withdrew her thoughts, and apologetically asked.


    "I asked what your rtionship is with that man. Why did he suddenly appear at our school? Did he follow you all the way here? Ordinary friends wouldn''t keep hovering around you like that, right?"


    Jiang Qi''s barrage of questions left Su Tao somewhat breathless.


    "He..." Su Tao''s expression darkened. The emotions brought up by seeing Qin Xuexi earlier were amplified again amidst his stream of questions. "He''s my ex-boyfriend."


    Jiang Qi raised his eyebrows slightly. He thought the man was just pursuing her, he didn''t expect that he was actually her ex-boyfriend.


    "Then why did you break up?"


    Su Tao''s serene face didn''t reveal any extra expressions, but it made people sense her unclear emotions at the moment.


    She lowered her head, her gaze falling on the pink dress she was wearing, and asked instead of answering: "Why did you buy me a pink dress?"


    Jiang Qi blinked, not understanding how this was a question. "Of course because I thought you''d look good in it."


    Indeed, all straight men had the same aesthetic.


    Su Tao''s phone rang, it was Sun XiaoJie.


    "Tao Tao, there was a bit of a problem during MingXuan''s filming, so we can''t continue filming now. Could youe back for a bit?"


    Su Tao''s expression tightened, and her brows furrowed slightly: "What do you mean there was a problem? What problem? Did she get injured?"


    "Uh... you''ll know when youe back."


    "What do you mean I''ll know when Ie back? Can''t you exin clearly what happened?" Su Tao became anxious and went to the roadside to hail a cab.


    Suddenly remembering Jiang Qi beside her, she sighed and hung up first.


    "Jiang Qi, I''m really sorry, one of my artists has run into some trouble, I have to rush back right away."


    Jiang Qi looked displeased. "You promised to be my assistant for a day, and now you''re abandoning me halfway, how can I sign a contract with you? If there are problems on my end in the future, and problems on other people''s ends, who will you prioritize?"


    Although Su Tao was anxious inside, she still patiently persuaded: "Don''t worry, the number of staff we assign to each artist ranges from 2-5 people, so when you need me, I will definitely try my best to be there as soon as possible. Most of the work actually doesn''t require me to handle it personally, so idents like this won''t happen often, and I also have the ability to distinguish between urgency and importance, and handle everything well at the same time. Trust me, okay?"


    Su Tao spoke very sincerely. She was an artist supervisor, not an executive agent. She didn''t need to apany the artists all the time.


    What she had to do was more work, facing the boss, facing capital, fighting for resources. She couldn''t just handle some trivial daily life and emotional matters for the artists.


    "But what if my condition for signing with you is that you must personally manage me?"


    Su Tao''s irritation from wearing a pink dress and seeing Qin Xuexi, mixed with her worry for Tong MingXuan and dissatisfaction with Sun XiaoJie. Hearing Jiang Qi''s various demands exceeding her expectations, she suddenly couldn''t maintain her usually steady emotions.


    She took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and tried to keep her tone free of emotion, but Jiang Qi could still hear her bad mood.


    "I don''t have time to personally manage you. My energy is divided among all the artists. I can only promise to give you a little more, tilt resources towards you a bit more. If you really can''t ept..."


    Su Tao breathed out a murky breath, stopped a car with her hand, and said with a tired expression: "Then let''s forget it."


    -


    When she returned to the filming location in the rainforest, Su Tao practically ran to the scene.


    But she saw Tong MingXuan was filming normally with everyone. Su Tao''s first reaction was that she wasn''t injured, thankfully.


    Her second reaction was to find Sun XiaoJie and ask her what was going on.


    She pulled Sun XiaoJie aside to ask her what was happening, but Sun XiaoJie looked behind Su Tao and didn''t say anything.


    Su Tao looked back and saw Xie Jin standing behind her with a cold and stern expression, gloomily saying: "I told her to trick you back."


    Su Tao quietly gazed for a long time. The surging fury was flowing beneath the tranquil surface in her eyes.


    "Why did you trick me back?"


    She turned around and Xie Jin noticed she was actually wearing a pink dress.


    Before he could ask, her gaze made him restrain his cold manner. The gloominess between his brows also disappeared as he softly said: "Who told you to hide me."


    "Did you know I had something important going on? You lied using Tong MingXuan!"


    Su Tao''s voice suddenly increased in volume. Fortunately they were far from the filming set, and didn''t affect the shooting.


    But the crew members who noticed themotion here were stunned, especially Zhou Chi, whose eyes were wide open in disbelief at what he was hearing and seeing.


    Was Su Tao talking back to the big boss?


    Su Tao turned around to call back Sun XiaoJie who was trying to sneak away. Her clear doe eyes were bloodshot, ring angrily: "He told you to lie and you just lied, who''s your supervisor? Do you have any sense of propriety when doing things yourself? If you want to jump ship to Ruiqi I won''t stop you, you can submit your resignation as soon as you get back!"


    After yelling, Su Tao strode away. She wanted to go back and find Jiang Qi, but after getting in the car she btedly realized that when she left, she had told him forget it if he didn''t want to sign.


    The car stopped at the beach where she had parted with Jiang Qi, and as expected, Jiang Qi was no longer there.


    He didn''t answer her call or reply to her message. He probably decided he really didn''t want to sign with her anymore.


    Just because of one lie, so many days of hard work were wasted just like that?


    Su Tao walked along the soft sand of the beach, not knowing how long she had been walking for. The sky gradually darkened and the city lights came on. The beachside restaurant in the twinkling lights had a hazy beauty.


    Xie Jin, who had been following her, thought she wanted to be alone and would feel better. But the more he followed, the more he realized she showed no signs of stopping.


    Xie Jin strode forward and forcibly blocked her path. "Little Taozi, where are you going?"


    Su Tao''s expression was as usual. But her words were like knives: "Xie Jin, don''t let me see you again from now on, okay?"


    Xie Jin stepped forward, panic shing in his eyes. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled again. His manner was almost ingratiating: "I promise I won''t trick you again. I lost my head in anger this time and didn''t consider so much."


    "It''s not that you didn''t consider so much, it''s that you only ever consider yourself."


    He hadn''t thought at all about how much effort she had put in to sign Jiang Qi.


    She had stayed up all night researching his information, going over his contract point by point, looking up so many documents and materials to make ns for him.


    She couldn''t get an appointment with him, so she bought scalped tickets to see his concert, and even agreed to be his assistant for a day.


    Yet because of one lie from him, she had told Jiang Qi forget it if he didn''t want to sign.


    Forget it, she shouldn''t me others either. It was her own inability to control her emotions.


    Just because of this pink dress, and that Qin Xuexi who was irrelevant to her anyway, it caused her to be vexed and distracted, going against the principle she usually upheld of not being ruled by emotion.


    "Little Taozi," Xie Jin bent down to hold her face, looking somewhat at a loss. "I was wrong."


    The rity in Su Tao''s eyes faded away, and a bitter smile hung on her fair and tranquil face. "It''s not entirely your fault either, I have problems myself, it''s that I still can''t let go of some things I should''ve let go of long ago."


    Panic shed in Xie Jin''s eyes. He felt Su Tao was especially abnormal this time. Could one Jiang Qi really affect her that much?


    Or did she encounter something, some stimulus.


    What was with this pink dress of hers?


    Su Tao''s head was forcibly pressed against his chest. Her muffled voice came from his chest cavity, and her ears could feel the frequency of the vibrations.


    "Little Taozi, please don''t torture me."


    Su Tao furrowed her brow. She didn''t like physical conflicts, so she didn''t struggle hard, but her words were like sharp knife tips, slowly carving open his heart.


    "Xie Jin, you''re torturing yourself. If you treat me the same way I treat you, just like an old friend or stranger, you won''t feel unhappy at all."


    Xie Jin''s chest heaved violently, and his breathing was not very smooth. He wanted to present his bleeding heart to her, but she didn''t even nce at it before throwing it in the trash.


    "I can''t do that. I could never leave just like you did without saying anything."


    Su Tao was affected by Xie Jin''s out of control emotions. She had thought her heart was like still water, that she could face him calmly now. But every time he acted so affectionate, she just wanted tough.


    Just like she hadughed at herself back then.


    "Xie Jin, do you still not understand why I left you back then?"


    Su Tao''s voice flowed out as clear as a spring, calm without any emotions, yet it made Xie Jin''s mind a mess.


    "Let me go first, and we''ll talk again."


    Xie Jin''s arms that were gripping Su Tao tightly slowly loosened. Only then did he feel his palms were sweaty. Looking at Su Tao''s messy hair that he had ruffled, and her expression that was tranquil to the point of indifference, he didn''t know why, but he suddenly felt a little afraid to hear her reasons.


    Su Tao smoothed her hair and tidied her clothes, then walked past Xie Jin.


    By the time she reached the beachside restaurant not far away, the lights were already bright.


    The kitchen was fully visible through ss walls. You could watch the entire cooking process of the professional chefs wearing tall hats.


    The dining table was set up on the beach right across from the kitchen. It seemed to be specially positioned at just the right distance from the tide - where the waves nearly reached but not quite.


    Each table was spaced apart with a sun umbre and a warm yellow kerosenemp next to it. A yellow scented candle sat in the middle of each table, providing both light and mosquito repellent, as well as a pleasant fragrance.


    Yellow lights were dotted around, giving the entire restaurant a feeling of being close to nature yet romantic and cozy.


    Indeed, such an environment could help one rx and enjoy the food and scenery.


    Su Tao didn''t even nce at the menu. She had no intention of really having a meal with him.


    But Xie Jin handed her his menu, his earlier gloominess gone. His eyes reflected the flickering candle mes, making him appear gentle and affectionate. "In the past, I always ignored your preferences. From now on, I''ll only eat what you love to eat - is that alright?"


    "No need. I won''t be having meals with you anyway in the future." Su Tao avoided his gaze and didn''t take the menu or respond to him. She just quietly looked out at the beach.


    Xie Jin''s eyes darkened as he retracted the menu. He ordered a few non-seafood dishes and a bottle of red wine.


    At this time, there were few other customers at the restaurant. Without either of them talking, the only sound was that of the waves.


    Xie Jin didn''t want to break this beautiful moment alone together, but Su Tao was the first to break the silence. She looked straight at Xie Jin and concisely said, "I saw Qin Xuexi today."


    No wonder!


    It seemed Xie Jin had finally found the reason for her emotional breakdown. He crossed his hands on the table, his pupils flickering slightly, with a hint of powerlessness.


    "There''s nothing between me and Qin Xuexi. I''ve told you that before."


    "You did say that, but did you ask if I believed you?" Su Tao''s calm gaze turned sharp. "When an excuse is flimsier than evidence, do you believe the excuse or the evidence? Moreover, you never properly exined at all."


    Xie Jin''s sped hands unconsciously tightened, turning the knuckles white.


    His Adam''s apple moved slightly, his face tense. His voice turned hoarse again, "There''s nothing between us. Believe me."


    Just the same pale excuse, not a word more than a year ago.


    The food was served and the wine poured, swirling red in the ss.


    Su Tao picked it up and took a sip. The alcohol content was slightly higher than what she usually drank, but she was feeling emotional now, so she didn''t pay it much attention.


    "The pink dress, seafood, bracelet, photographs - with all these, how can you ask me to believe you? With just a simple ''believe me'', you want me to turn a blind eye and pretend I know nothing?"


    Su Tao''s petite face was beautiful and vivid in the flickering candlelight. "You know what my bottom line is - I can''t tolerate you having someone else in your heart."


    "Other than you, how could there possibly be someone else in my heart?"


    "Haven''t you noticed that about Qin Xuexi, you never give a direct answer and keep trying to cover things up?"


    Su Tao drank another mouthful of wine.


    She thought time was the best medicine, but it turned out that bringing this up again still unsettled her.


    Xie Jin''s tightly sped hands were shaking. He closed his eyes briefly, long eyshes fluttering slightly. Slowly, he let out a breath, rxed his grip, as if having made some decision. Lifting his eyelids, he looked straight at her.


    "Alright, ask anything and I''ll answer properly."


    Su Tao drank another mouthful of wine without looking at him or responding. She lightly tilted her head to one side, eyes blurred and brimming with misty moisture, indistinct in the dim lighting.


    Seeing her stay silent, Xie Jin recalled what she''d mentioned earlier. "First, the seafood. It''s because your nails are always brittle and you refuse to take calcium pills. I insisted you eat it even though you don''t like it - I didn''t consider your feelings then, which was wrong of me. But what does this have to do with Qin Xuexi?"


    "Qin Xuexi loves seafood." Su Tao''s tone was calm. Although she was still gazing into the distance, she promptly resolved his confusion.


    Xie Jin hesitated briefly, frowning. "I have no idea what Qin Xuexi likes to eat."


    Su Tao drank more wine without speaking again.


    Xie Jin could only continue, "The pink dress - Qin Xuexi did wear pink before, but that''s just her personal preference. It has nothing to do with me liking to see you in pink."


    Su Tao gave a softugh and drank more wine.


    "What else? The bracelet. That was my mother''s heirloom. I gave it to you when we first got together. How is that rted to Qin Xuexi either?"


    The more Xie Jin exined, the more baffled he felt. At the time, he had thought it was all nonsense.


    "Little Taozi, just because of these things, you feel I like Qin Xuexi?"


    "What about the photograph then?" The previously silent Su Tao looked at him tipsily, eyes blurred.


    Xie Jin''s expression changed sharply. Shock and panic shed through his eyes even though he tried to suppress it. Perspiration beaded his temples.


    His voice was hoarse, "Wha-what photo?"


    Su Tao smiled ruefully, the bitterness clear. She set down her now empty wine ss and retracted her gaze to look at Xie Jin. Her cheeks were already flushed.


    She got up, swaying slightly unsteadily. She stumbled over to Xie Jin, took out her phone, and entered a password to open the photo album. A picture popped up.


    She shakily held up the petite white phone to him. With red lips slightly parted, she murmured, "The photo of you kissing Qin Xuexi."


    After seeing the photo on the phone, Xie Jin''s pupils constricted. His breathing seemed to stop for a second. Fine sweat beaded his forehead and his fingers clenched tightly into fists.


    His eyes were fierce, voice hoarse, "Where did you get this photo?"


    "Heh, I don''t know who sent it to me either, or why I kept it and even made a private protected album for it."


    Su Tao shook her head with a smile. Suddenly exerting strength, she wanted to fling the phone into the sea, but her hand was weak and the phone merely dropped onto the beach.


    Su Tao lowered her head. Her vision was starting to blur. She tilted up his chin with her forefinger and stroked his lips with her thumb. Eyes clouded over, she murmured, "Xie Jin, you''re dirty. I don''t want you anymore."

 Chapter 26: Listen to Me 07

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    "Xie Jin, you''re filthy. I don''t want you anymore."


    These words pierced Xie Jin''s heart like a sharp knife, twisting and stabbing, over and over again, until all the blood drained out. She had spoken these words herself, and they were even harder for him to bear than her sudden disappearance a year ago.


    Back then, at least he could deceive himself, thinking that she must have encountered some trouble, that she didn''t truly mean to reject him, and that she would surely give him a reasonable exnation.


    But today, the reason for her departure was right in front of him.


    She simply didn''t want him anymore.


    Themplight streamed through the car window, casting mottled shadows. Xie Jin gazed at Su Tao, who was drunk and sleeping soundly in his arms, feeling a mix of emotions.


    She slept so obediently that, if not for the trace of a tear on her face, he would have almost believed that his obedient little peach had returned.


    He wiped away that glistening tear with his fingertip, his eyes filled with anguish.


    "That person sent that photo to Xiaotao as well." In the quiet car, Xie Jin suddenly spoke to Jin Chuiwen, who was driving.


    Jin Chuiwen was taken aback, his eyes darting around.


    He immediately understood which photo the boss was referring to.


    It was probably the one where Xiaotao hade to thepany. The boss had asked him to lead the Information Department colleagues in investigating an email ount. Later, he found out that an anonymous email with a kissing photo had been sent to the boss, but they hadn''t been able to find any leads.


    As a result, the boss had transferred Qin, the secretary.


    And now that person had sent the kissing photo to Xiaotao? No wonder she had left without a word.


    Who was this person? What was their motive?


    "Should the boss continue the investigation?" Jin Chuiwen hated the person who sent the photo, seeing how the boss had been devastated by Xiaotao''s departure.


    "Yes," surprisingly, Xie Jin didn''t explode in anger. Instead, his tired and weary voice carried a sense of resignation. "Jin Chuiwen, do you believe me when I say I didn''t kiss Qin Xuexi?"


    Jin Chuiwen tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his lips twitching. In reality, he didn''t believe it.


    He himself had experienced moments of drunkenness, where memories could be hazy and fragmented. He might have kissed someone without remembering it once he sobered up.


    And there was photographic evidence this time, albeit a bit blurry, but it was clear that the two of them had kissed.


    Xie Jin smiled bitterly at Jin Chuiwen''s hesitation. "If you don''t believe me, she won''t believe me either."


    Xie Jin lowered his head and looked at Su Tao in his arms. The slender contours of her cheeks appeared softer. "I had someone analyze the photo. It was taken from a video, which is why the image quality is poor. If we can find the original video, it will surely prove my innocence."


    Jin Chuiwen pursed his lips, neither confirming nor denying. Considering the need to secure their livelihoods, he reluctantly nodded. "Yes, Boss, I''ll start investigating right away. I''ll clear your name."


    After getting out of the car, Xie Jin carried Su Tao while crossing a suspension bridge.


    She clung tightly to him, her arms wrapped around his waist. It seemed that the scent of sandalwood on his body brought herfort. Even though he was not walking steadily on the bridge, she continued to sleep soundly.


    Xie Jin hesitated for a moment outside his own room before finally stepping inside while still holding her.


    He only turned on a dimmp, and a faint light from the night-lit pool outside seeped in.


    On the table was the hangover medicine that Xie Jin had asked Jin Chuiwen to prepare for him before he set out on his journey. But when he picked it up, he hesitated.


    Would she never see him again once she was sober?


    He remembered the resolute look on her face when she showed him the photo, and Xie Jin pped himself hard, the loud sound echoing through the entire room.


    He hated himself for leaving just because of the photo of her kissing someone else. How cold and painful her heart must have been at that time.


    If it had been him, seeing a photo of her kissing someone else, he would have wanted to kill someone!


    Xie Jin stroked Su Tao''s hair, looking at her affectionately, his throat choked with emotion. "I''m sorry, Xiaotao, I didn''t know..."


    I didn''t know how much pain you had gone through, and I even med you for leaving without a word.


    His words were swallowed up by tears.


    Su Tao was murmuring something in her sleep, and Xie Jin wiped away his tears, leaning his ear closer to her mouth.


    Suddenly, he felt a nibble on his ear, and Xie Jin''s ear instantly grew hot, the heat spreading rapidly throughout his body.


    His throat rolled as he looked at Su Tao in the dim light.


    Her red lips were naturally closed as she slept soundly, and he wasn''t sure if it was just his imagination.


    "Xiaotao, Xiaotao," Xie Jin called softly, feeling quite sleazy. Did he really expect Su Tao to do something to him while she was drunk?


    He would never do anything to her without her consent.


    Suddenly, Su Tao''s soft hand covered his back, climbing up his arm to his chest and reaching his throat.


    He grabbed her wrist, swallowing hard, and put her arm back under the covers, tucking her in.


    Xie Jin got up and went to the balcony, letting the cool breeze blow on him. He felt much better.


    He poured a cup of warm water on the coffee table and returned to the bedroom, only to find that Su Tao had kicked off all the covers.


    She was probably hot and was pulling at her own cor.


    Xie Jin put down the cup and pulled down her skirt, covering her slender, straight legs. Then he sat on the edge of the bed, lifting her head to give her some water.


    Su Tao seemed to feel the coolness on Xie Jin''s body and rubbed her face against his chest, her arm climbing up to wrap around his neck. She clung to him.


    Her red lips came to his ear, and his cold ear instantly grew hot.


    As if she couldn''t feel the cold anymore, Su Tao explored to the side, rubbing her hot cheeks against his face, warm eyes, and finally finding his lips, which were still rtively cool inparison.


    Xie Jin''s body stiffened, his hands weakly trying to remove her hands from around his neck, but he couldn''t.


    "Umm... Xiaotao..." Xie Jin''s mouth was blocked by her, and he couldn''t say aplete sentence.


    In the dim light, Su Tao''s pale face turned red, her weak body almost entangled with his. Xie Jin didn''t want to do anything that she would regret the next day.


    But he couldn''t push her away because he had no strength left.


    Holding her, being kissed by her, how could he have the strength to push her away?


    Xie Jin was being passive for the first time, letting Su Tao take the lead the whole way.


    In her dream, Su Tao felt like she had gone back to school, to her first year when she first met Xie Jin.


    They were on a cold and windy bridge, two hearts with different wounds blending together, able to understand each other.


    The unfamiliar young man stood on the railing and reached out to her. Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand and climbed up onto the railing.


    She knew that the young man in front of her wanted to jump off, and she didn''t actually want to jump either. But she didn''t know where her confidence came from and felt that if she was with him, he might not want to die.


    As expected, she was right. The young man got off the railing and hugged her.


    He opened his coat and let her hide in his arms. She felt that his embrace was warm, getting hotter and hotter, and she leaned out to kiss his icy lips.


    Suddenly, a cry rang out. Zhang Qiguang''s voice came from the side. "Su Tao Tao, look at who''s under you. It''s your most hated Xie Jin!"


    "No," Su Tao said, not stopping her aggressive actions. "He''s my little brother, not that bastard Xie Jin."


    "It''s Xie Jin, open your eyes and take a look."


    "No, don''t disturb us, Brother Zhang!"


    "Brother Zhang!" Su Tao only shouted thest two words before leaving the dream and quickly falling asleep again.


    Xie Jin: "......!"


    Did she just call out "Brother Zhang" while she was on top of him?


    Xie Jin, drenched in sweat and with a face that had turned from red to white, stared incredulously at Su Tao, who was limp on him.


    This realization made Xie Jin suddenly feel like a deted balloon, unable to inte himself.


    ---


    The first ray of sunlight shone on Su Tao''s face, and even with a hangover, her biological clock of many years made her slowly wake up.


    She opened her somewhat heavy eyelids and wondered why she hadn''t pulled the curtains yesterday.


    Thinking of the curtains, Su Tao became a little more sober and remembered that she had a fight with Xie Jin yesterday, then drank some alcohol. After that, she didn''t remember anything. How did she get back to the hotel?


    Finally, her heavy eyelids were lifted, and a stunning face appeared in front of her. With one hand propping up his head, he raised an eyebrow at her and his deep, dark eyes were staring at her intently.


    Seeing the person in front of her, Su Tao''s heart suddenly jumped. Looking down, the quilt covered his waist, and his bare upper body indicated something.


    With a gulp, Su Tao swallowed and looked down at herself, her pupils suddenly dting. She immediately slid into the quilt, tightly wrapping herself up.


    "You slept with mest night," Xie Jin said, his eyes resentful and gloomy.


    With his words, Su Tao''s mind suddenly became unusually clear. She also merged her dream and reality together.


    She silently buried her face in the pillow, admitting the truth in his words.


    "We''re both adults, don''t worry about it," Su Tao''s muffled voice came from under the pillow.


    "You called out another man''s name while you were on top of me," his voice was low, like the calm before the storm.


    Su Tao jumped out from under the pillow and met his dark eyes weakly. "Who did I call?"


    Xie Jin raised his hand abruptly and lightly poked her forehead on the side without any injury, saying angrily, "Who do you think you called?"


    "What did you dream aboutst night?" Xie Jin asked, appearing frank and straightforward, questioning her.


    Su Tao''s eyes darted around, and she twisted towards the edge of the bed, reaching for the clothes scattered on the floor. She slipped under the nket and quickly put them on.


    Su Tao emerged from under the nket, ran her fingers through her hair, and calmly left the bedroom.


    As she passed by the dressing mirror at the door, she noticed a strawberry mark on her neck and hurriedly grabbed a towel from the bathroom to cover it.


    After checking herself in the mirror and finding no ws, she opened the door.


    "Is your senior from school Zhang Qi Guang? The owner of Jingyang''s?" Xie Jin, who had followed her without her noticing, stood behind her with a towel wrapped around his waist.


    Su Tao turned around and nced at him. His entire upper body was covered in purple-red hickeys. She quickly closed her eyes and turned her face away, unable to bear looking at him directly.


    Su Tao cleared her throat and calmly said, "Let''s forget about what happened yesterday."


    Then she quickly opened the door, intending to sneak back to her own room without being noticed.


    But as soon as she opened the door, Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan passed by the door. They froze when they saw Su Tao and Xie Jin standing behind her.


    "Taotao, Sister Taotao," the two of them were momentarily at a loss for how to greet them.


    Su Tao calmly tightened the towel around her and smiled gently, "Where are you two going?"


    She felt that as long as she didn''t panic, others wouldn''t be able to tell that she was flustered.


    Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan replied, "We''re... we''re going to record the program."


    Su Tao nodded and said seriously, "Oh, I was discussing work with Mr. Xie. Don''t misunderstand."


    Tong MingXuan and Xiao Shan suddenly realized and pped their hands.


    "Sister, you''re so dedicated."


    "So hardworking."


    For the sake of their resources, Sister Tao went to such lengths. She had sacrificed too much for them.


    Amid their weird apuse, Su Tao returned to her room with a dark expression.


    The two of them also escaped under Xie Jin''s calm gaze.


    ---


    Even in the dense jungle, the weather in July was hot.


    But the cast and crew of the entire production team noticed that Su Tao and Xie Jin were both wearing high-necked shirts underneath their clothes, which made them wonder if it was a new trend for the season.


    During breaks in filming, Zhou Ci bought a lot of food and drinks, including snacks, local specialties, and hard-to-find items. He said it was courtesy of Mr. Xie.


    Initially, everyone thought it was just a perk, but upon closer inspection, they realized that many of the items were expensive and required queuing up to purchase.


    This level of thoughtfulness seemed more like a little trick to please a girlfriend.


    In fact, after observing Xie Jin''s personal involvement in the filming for so many days, everyone more or less understood that he was doing it for Su Tao''s sake.


    So they all knew that these treats were undoubtedly thanks to someone''s influence. After receiving the food, they all smiled at Su Tao, making her feel awkward.


    Shen Ou specially brought over two items for Su Tao to choose from and eat, but she declined both.


    She whispered in Su Tao''s ear, "Mr. Xie has been staring at you. Why does his gaze look like he wants to devour you? Did you two have a fight?"


    Su Tao nced at the man standing tall not far away, looking at her with a gloomy expression.


    She wasn''t used to the asional smiles and attention from the crowd, let alone being stared at like prey by someone. She got up and left the recording site.


    Su Tao wandered aimlessly and eventually arrived at a restaurant by the creek. She ordered a pot of tea and a te of fruit, finally able to sit alone for a while.


    Her phone rang, and it was a video call from Zhang Qi Guang. Su Tao answered.


    In the video, Zhang Qi Guang wore red sunsses and silver earrings, and winked at her.


    "Su Tao Tao, am I getting younger and younger?"


    Su Tao rolled her eyes. "You''re not getting any younger. I''m the one doing all the worrying."


    "Howe you haven''t taken down that young man yet?"


    When Su Tao was negotiating the contract, she made a promise with Zhang Qi Guang to sign him.


    She nodded with a badplexion and a dull look. It seemed like a temporary setback.


    "Of course, it''s just a temporary setback. Su Tao Tao, there''s nothing you can''t achieve. Do what you want to do, and I''ll always support you!"


    Although the encouragement sounded hollow and meaningless, it was stillforting for Su Tao, who had suffered a series of setbacks. She felt that Zhang Qi Guang was the best.


    "Qi Guang~"


    It was the first time Su Tao spoke to him so softly. Zhang Qi Guang was taken aback and felt that this kid had been greatly stimted. "Hey, I''m here. What''s up?"


    "I dreamed about youst night..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, a wless face suddenly appeared on the screen. The thin face, fairplexion, and red lips with a little beauty effect, along with the cold eyes emitting a gloomy aura, made the person look like a species that should not exist in the mortal world.


    "What the hell is this? A vampire?"


    Zhang Qi Guang''s phone camera was spinning, as if he had thrown his phone.


    Su Tao looked at the screen and saw Xie Jin, who had appeared mysteriously behind her. She was at a loss for words and didn''t know what to say.


    Just like the "vampire" that Zhang Qi Guang had just mentioned, Xie Jin slowly turned his face and looked at her snow-white neck, as if he was going to bite it.


    "What did you dream about him?"

 Chapter 27: Two in One

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    The video call was hung up, and Su Tao put down her phone, nced at Xie Jin, moved forward to dodge, and took the opportunity to pick up a fork and stab a piece of cantaloupe.


    Just as she was about to put it in her mouth, Xie Jin leaned over and took a bite.


    He squeezed in and sat next to Su Tao, pointed at her phone, andmanded indistinctly while chewing on the fruit: "Call back."


    Su Tao leaned back to keep her distance from him, turned her head to look at him, "Xie Jin, you should know when to stop."


    Xie Jin poured himself a cup of tea nonchntly and took a sip. He saidnguidly: "It was you who slept with mest night, calling out someone else''s name. And you tell me to know when to stop? Can''t I ask for an exnation?"


    Fortunately there weren''t many people in the restaurant, and it was an open environment. The natural background noise of the flowing water masked their conversation, but Su Tao still covered his mouth in warning: "Keep your voice down!"


    Su Tao lowered her voice, "I was drunkst night, and you weren''t. Even if I...couldn''t you have stopped me? I''m not using you of taking advantage of me, yet you try to invert right and wrong."


    "I didn''t stop you? I almost jumped into the swimming pool! I pushed you away and you pounced back, again and again, until I was exhausted and could only let you have your way."


    Xie Jin exaggeratedly recountedst night''s events, as if Su Tao was some viin who forced chastity, defiling his pure and innocent flower.


    Su Tao wanted to protest several times, but found herself at a loss for words, because damn it, she didn''t ck out and remembered every detail of the dream clearly.


    Although exaggerated, what he said was the truth.


    "The main point is, who were you dreaming aboutst night? Call back, I have the right to know as a victim."


    Xie Jin barely stood his ground and started locking moral shackles onto her one by one.


    Su Tao gazed at him for a long time, took out a card from her wallet, turned it over and pped it in front of him, "Hush money, don''t ever mention this again!"


    Xie Jin looked at the card on the table in surprise, then back at Su Tao''s stern face. He hooked the corner of his mouth and picked up the card, waving it tauntingly, "Thanks for the allowance."


    At the entrance of the restaurant, Jin Chuiwen waved goodbye to Xie Jin, who nced over indifferently and arrogantly, making it hard to imagine his roguish appearance just a minute ago.


    Xie Jin took out his phone and pulled up a QR code. "I have a dinner appointmentter. I''ll send you a video, add me on WeChat first."


    Su Tao put her phone in her bag, "...No need."


    After a few seconds of stalemate, Xie Jin had to put his phone away.


    As he walked out of the restaurant, he looked back at her, shaking the card in his hand meaningfully and arching his brows with a smug smile.


    Su Tao pped the table, feeling that he was bing more and more shameless.


    --


    The revolving restaurant on the top floor of the seaside has a 360-degree view of the sea. There were four people at the table, all big shots in finance and entertainment.


    After trying to arrange a meeting with Xie Jin twice unsessfully, they finally heard that he hade to Nancheng, so they also flew over to treat him to seafood while discussing a cooperation project.


    When it was time to pay the bill, some wanted to pay, while others had already pre-swiped their cards. Xie Jin''s expression was stern and he didn''t say a word as he watched them.


    Everyone knew he had a bad temper, but didn''t know why he was so uptight about paying the bill.


    In fact, Xie Jin was the youngest there, but whenever he spoke or made a decision, it was always with an aura of arrogance that brooked no dissent.


    Everyone was used to it by now, given the stature of Tianxin Group and Xie Jin''s boldness.


    No one wanted to offend such a ruthless man.


    "I''ll pay for this meal," Xie Jin''s low voice left no room for objection.


    Everyone rxed. They had thought it was some big deal, but it was just a meal that he was oddly fussy about.


    They all yielded and withdrew their attempts to grab the bill, "deferring" to him.


    Finally satisfied, Xie Jin straightened his luxury watch and elegantly took out a card, deliberately waving it around for everyone to see before cing it on the bill tray.


    After showing off, he spoke nonchntly, "It''s spending money from my wife."


    Everyone: "..."


    He was so eager to pay just to show off this card?


    Was he boasting that his wife was rich?


    Or hinting that they prepare a generous wedding gift?


    The others were all married men who managed to bnce family and y.


    They totally didn''t get what he was showing off.


    Also, Xie Jin was after all the fifth son of the Diamond King. Many socialites had publicly proimed Xie Jin as their only marriage criteria.


    If only his temper was a little better, the number of women chasing him could probably fill a football team.


    So why did he seem to care so much about his wife?


    Beside him, Jin Chuiwen lowered his head, pursed his lips, trying hard not tough.


    He could tell the moguls didn''t understand his boss''s childish behavior at all.


    But if they knew the card was from someone who wasn''t even his wife, and was in fact hush money, would theyugh themselves unconscious?


    Afterwards, Jin Chuiwen was rendered even more speechless by his boss''s behavior during shopping, no longer finding it amusing.


    "Can I use this card to pay? The one Tao''er gave me."


    "What are you buying? Can I use a card? Okay, use Tao''er''s."


    "Signing up for a membership? Use this card."


    "Chewing gum? Buying with card."


    Since Jiang Wan was also filming at the Rainforest Park, Su Tao bought some coffee to visit the set.


    She had barely exchanged a few words with Jiang Wan when the mobile banking SMS notification services began informing her one after another about transaction amounts.


    Su Tao gritted her teeth and muted her phone before continuing her conversation with Jiang Wan.


    "I''ve been so busy recently, shooting all night every day, and haven''t had time to contact you. I didn''t expect you to take the initiative to visit my set." Jiang Wan smiled gently, her smile conveying gratitude.


    Seeing the dark circles under her eyes that not even concealer could hide, Su Tao sighed softly. "Are you tired? How much longer do you have to shoot?" She snatched the coffee from Jiang Wan''s hand and reced it with the thermos her assistant had just put down. "Don''t rely on coffee alone. Think of your stomach. I feel like you''ve lost another circle since Ist saw you."


    Looking at the thermos in her hand, Jiang Wan''s lips suddenly twitched as she lowered her head to hide her eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" Su Tao was baffled. She didn''t think she had said anything offensive. How did she upset her?


    "It''s nothing." Jiang Wan raised her head again. Her smile had already concealed the fleetingpse from a moment ago. There was no sign of the earlier emotional fluctuation. "I heard from Qi''er that you wanted to sign him?"


    Su Tao heaved a sigh, smiling wryly. "I was very sincere, but Jiang Qi doesn''t seem too satisfied with me."


    "Oh?" Jiang Wan sounded surprised. "But I often see him chatting with you on WeChat. I thought you two had already reached an agreement."


    Chatting on WeChat? She had kept messaging him to make appointments before, andter kept discussing ns and future arrangements. But he barely replied. It was like she was talking to herself.


    "I''m the one messaging him. He doesn''t seem to like chatting with me and seldom replies. I don''t know if I''m disturbing him."


    Jiang Wan nodded in agreement as she sipped her water. "He doesn''t like chatting on WeChat and never adds strangers. I heard a lot of girls from his school wanted to add him on WeChat, but seems like he didn''t add any."


    This point did surprise Su Tao. Wasn''t he into flirting with girls? And he looked like a yboy, yet he doesn''t like chatting on WeChat? She had thought he just didn''t like chatting with her.


    "I messaged Qi''er. When he gets hereter I''ll try to persuade him. I really hope he''ll sign with you."


    The crew called the actors to their positions, so Jiang Wan put down her water and left to work after telling Su Tao to take a seat.


    Su Tao had prepared a lot of data analysis, hoping to find a breakthrough with Jiang Wan.


    She didn''t expect to not need a breakthrough at all, since Jiang Wan supported Jiang Qi signing with her.


    Not even five minutester, Jiang Qi appeared wearing a white hoodie, ripped jeans and white sneakers. The hood was over his head, topped with a baseball cap. Two fashionable chains dangled on his chest, jingling loudly.


    Su Tao wanted to take a picture of his outfit and show Xue Ge. This was real hip hop style. His sunsses and earrings were just gaudy disco uncle aesthetics.


    Hands tucked into his hoodie pocket, he walked over to Su Tao with a cold face and sat down in Jiang Wan''s previous seat. He took off his hat, ran his fingers through his enviable lush hair, and casually flipped it a few times in a very cool way. He leaned back cockily in the chair and looked sideways at Su Tao.


    "Well, if it isn''t the busy executive Su?"


    Ignoring the sarcasm in his words, Su Tao smiled gently, coaxing him. "I was wrongst time. Don''t hold it against me."


    Jiang Qi lowered his head to fiddle with his chains, looking nonchnt, but his words revealed how much it bothered him.


    "That day, I went to your studio. No one was injured at all. Everything proceeded normally."


    Having said that, he raised his head to look at Su Tao, waiting for an exnation.


    Su Tao was surprised he had actually gone to the studio to check. She stalled for a bit before exining, "I was tricked that day too."


    "By your ex?"


    Su Tao''s expression froze. She lowered her head slightly, touching her nose, trying to hide her embarrassment.


    "I guessed right." Jiang Qi stated.


    After a few seconds of silence, Jiang Qi spoke first. "Then trick him back."


    Su Tao: "?"


    "Get him to meet you, then stand him up. I''ll forgive you if you do. What do you think?"


    Su Tao looked at the arrogant boy in surprise, pondering his motive for suggesting this but not understanding it. "Why? What''s the benefit for you?"


    "Revenge! He tricked me into being stood up once, so I''ll do the same to him to quell my anger." Jiang Qi said matter-of-factly.


    Su Tao frowned, looking very reluctant. "That''s too childish, isn''t it? If a dog bites you, you shouldn''t bite the dog back, right?"


    Jiang Qi stood up, looking like he was about to leave. He looked down at the conflicted Su Tao condescendingly and said sharply, "Up to you. If you don''t want to sign me then forget it."


    This brat!


    Su Tao endured and decided to cate him first. "Sit down, let''s talk slowly, don''t rush."


    "No need to talk slowly. He tricked you too, didn''t he? Don''t you want revenge?" Jiang Qi suddenly leaned in close to Su Tao, startling her into shrinking back. She almost fell over but he grabbed her arm. "Or is it that you still harbor feelings for him and want to get back together?"


    "Impossible." Su Tao immediately refuted hisst remark. Her tone softened again. "I just feel it''s too childish. If a dog bites us, we shouldn''t bite the dog back, right?"


    Jiang Qi seemed pleased by her words. His eyes curved into crescents, baring his little white teeth. "So you''reparing him to a dog."


    Seeing his attitude had softened, Su Tao tried to persuade him further but was promptly silenced.


    "You have one minute to call him. Time''s ticking."


    Su Tao sighed helplessly. She was starting to regret wanting to sign this bratty kid. All that sunshine boy charm was fake. Not cute at all.


    Under Jiang Qi''s "supervision", Su Tao still called Xie Jin.


    "Tao''er?" Xie Jin''s delighted voice came through the phone. Su Tao could almost see his grin.


    Steeling herself and thinking of the awful things he had done, Su Tao blurted out, "Are you freeter? Let''s go to the beach."


    "Really? Okay, I''ll head over now."


    After hanging up, Xie Jin''s joyful tone still echoed in her ears. Su Tao looked at Jiang Qi and asked weakly, "Okay?"


    Jiang Qi nodded satisfactorily.


    During breaks in Jiang Wan''s scenes, Su Tao went over Jiang Qi''s contract with her point by point.


    Su Tao and Xie Jin had discussed many ns for Jiang Qi''s performing arts career and benefits, including guaranteeing that he could work a certain amount of time each year without interfering with his sses. There were also additional interest learning ns that would get him good teachers and seniors in the industry, and promised he would have ample resources.


    In short, thepany would support him fully. As long as the child was handed over to her, he would have a splendid life and shining future.


    Jiang Wan finally finished listening to all the terms. Her watery big eyes suddenly looked at Su Tao as she gently asked, "Is it true that you''ll provide time for rest and study?"


    Su Tao was surprised, not knowing why she would doubt this. "Of course. You know Gu Yiyuan right? He''s currently in a period of rapid career advancement. But every week I forcibly stipte that he has to spend two days going to acting and voice lessons. If entertainers want to go far, they have to constantly improve themselves. Actually all work is the same now. The times when one year of experience was worth ten years is over. You have to keep learning in order to maintainpetitiveness."


    Jiang Wan listened attentively to Su Tao, continuously nodding her head. Hope lit up in her eyes for a moment before rapidly dimming. "If I had met you earlier, or you had entered the industry earlier, that would have been good."


    "Huh?" Su Tao didn''t hear clearly because she had spoken too softly. She seemed to recall something and looked around, "Your agent isn''t here right?"


    She also didn''t know if her agent would rush over to stop her from poaching Jiang Qi if he knew.


    "He doesn''t follow me on set. He has other artists to manage," Jiang Wan spoke listlessly.


    Jiang Wan''s assistant came over holding a phone, "Sis Wan, the car is here. We should get going."


    Jiang Wan knitted her brows, seemed to think of something, then swallowed back what she was about to say. Apologetically she said to Su Tao, "I''m sorry Su Tao, I forgot I still have a schedule today. I have to go now. Take care of Tao Tao sister a bit Qi."


    Before Jiang Wan could finish speaking, she picked up her skirt and quickly headed to the dressing room.


    "She''s still filming a drama. She should be able toe back tomorrow morning."


    Hearing Jiang Qi''s words, she seemed to vaguely understand the strange behaviors Jiang Wan had exhibited.


    "Your sister''s contract with her agent only has a few more months right?" Su Tao''s clear eyes looked at Jiang Qi, the corners of her eyes smiling.


    Jiang Qi knocked Su Tao''s head with the contract in his hand. "You''re still trying to poach my sister?"


    Su Tao felt this brat was getting more and more bold. She was about to scold him when her phone rang. It was Xie Jin.


    She looked at the time. More than an hour had passed already. She was in no hurry to answer, ncing at Jiang Qi. "It''s good now right? You can sign the contract now?"


    "Make him wait a little longer," Jiang Qizily sat in the chair, assuming the posture of a rich man.


    Su Tao gritted her teeth, calling Xie Jin with a heavy heart. "I...still have something to deal with. You...don''t wait for me."


    He didn''t even have a chance to speak before the call ended with a "du du du..."


    Xie Jin nkly put away his phone. She was willing to meet him. Did that mean she wanted to forgive him and they could return to how they used to be?


    Cherishing this beautiful wish, Xie Jin waited at the seaside. From the zing sun until sunset.


    The sea breeze had blown his bangs into a pompadour, revealing his smooth forehead. Fortunately his features could carry off any hairstyle.


    Xie Jin stood facing the wind. Along with his current cold expression, he attracted frequent nces back.


    He called Su Tao''s number again. Before he could speak, her gentle voice like a spring fountain came from the phone. "Sorry Xie Jin, I''m afraid I can''t make it today. Don''t keep waiting."


    He didn''t even have a chance to say a word before the call changed to "du du du..."


    Xie Jin nkly put away his phone again. He had waited at the seaside for three hours but herst call made his heart even colder.


    What he actually wanted to say was, no matter howte she was, it was fine. As long as she came, he would keep waiting.


    --


    Night had already fallen by the time Su Tao returned to her hotel room holding the contract.


    That damn kid Jiang Qi still refused to readily sign, insisting on finding an auspicious day and time.


    Did he think he was getting married? Auspicious day and time!


    Su Tao wearily flung herself onto the bed. Her line of sight happened to look through the window at the room diagonally across.


    Pitch ck. She picked up her phone to check the time. 7:30 pm already, and he still wasn''t back?


    She had told him an hour ago that she couldn''t make it right?


    Although Xie Jin had done many bastard things, she just had to ignore him. This kind of retaliation really wasn''t necessary.


    She didn''t like conflict or zing revenge. For those who had hurt her, she would silently delete them from her life. Not giving them another chance to hurt her was enough.


    Su Tao shook off the chaotic thoughts in her brain. Today was Monday. Jiang Qi had dyed her, so the regr meeting was also postponed.


    She changed into loose home clothes and opened herptop to connect with all the team members online.


    Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Su Tao looked at the video conference that hadn''t fully connected yet. She temporarily left herptop to open the door.


    As soon as the lock was opened, a bony hand forcefully pushed open the door and slipped in, then locked it again behind him.


    Xie Jin''s eyes, dark as night, stared fixedly at her. The corners of his lips hooked up into an enchanting smile, like a demon facing a delicious meal. "Little Taotao, stood me up?"


    After Su Tao''s initial surprise, she recalled the connected video call and swiftly pulled his arm aside, shifting them both two steps to avoid the camera. She grabbed his arms, trapping him between the wall and her body.


    Xie Jin, who had been "pinned to the wall," narrowed his eyes slightly. The anger from when he first entered dissipated as he leisurely looked at her. "Want more? Didn''t get enoughst night?"

 Chapter 28: 2 in 1 02

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    Su Tao stretched out her hand to cover his mouth, looked at the direction of theputer, and pointed to the door, signaling him to duck out.


    When Xie Jin was pushed out by her, he put his arm around Su Tao''s waist and took her out with him.


    Outside the house, under the starry night, apanied by the rustling sound of the wind blowing the leaves, Su Tao was pinned against the wall by Xie Jin.


    "Let go." Su Tao looked around nervously, afraid that someone familiar would walk by.


    "Why didn''t youe? You have time for meetings but no time to meet me?" Xie Jin looked down at her, his long eyshes and dark eyes under them scrutinizing her.


    Su Tao was at a loss for words for a moment. Her eyes darted around to find an excuse: "It was toote. I still had to drive a long way to get there, and you would have had to wait another hour."


    Xie Jin brushed the strands of hair that had been blown to her mouth by the wind behind her ear. His ink-ck pupils were filled with only her reflection: "I''ve been waiting for a year, what''s another hour?"


    Su Tao avoided his gaze, pretending to be indifferent as if she hadn''t heard the feelings in his words: "Then let''s just call it even, you tricked mest time too."


    Xie Jin: "I waited for you for over three hours, plus the round trip, five hours. Is that even?"


    Su Tao: "The extra can be interest."


    Xie Jin smiled faintly and nodded, epting the "interest" statement.


    Xie Jin: "Then how do we settlest night''s ount?"


    Xie Jin tilted his head slightly, chasing her evasive eyes, and raised his eyebrows at her.


    Su Tao''s expression froze for a moment, and she looked up at him with clear eyes, "...Wasn''t that hush money I gave you?"


    Xie Jin stared at her for two seconds, his Adam''s apple bobbing up and down. He suddenly turned his head and left a kiss at the corner of her mouth, his low voice full of seduction.


    "That was interest."


    After Su Tao returned to the room, she locked the door, fanned herself with her hand, and sat down in front of theputer.


    The video had been fully connected, and everyone had been staring at each other nkly for five minutes waiting for Su Tao toe back, pretending they knew nothing, ready to start the meeting.


    "Peach, who was that man just now?"


    Liang Ke''s big face suddenly appeared in the video. He had squeezed Yang Qing, who was the manager of female singer Xue Xinzi and was originally poached from Liang Ke, to the side.


    "Did I invite you to join my video conference?" Su Tao asked coldly.


    "I heard it, it sounded so much like President Xie''s voice." Liang Ke was still immersed in gossip, waving his orchid fingers animatedly.


    With his words, the other colleagues either covered their mouths or bowed their headsughing, or had surprised looks on their faces.


    "Qingqing, are you still working overtime at thepany now?" Su Tao said to Yang Qing, who had been squeezed to the side by Liang Ke. "Now, turn off theputer and join again after you get home."


    "Oh, don''t," Liang Ke said, hugging theputer to dodge Yang Qing. He got back to business, "I just want to ask how my darling Xiao Shang is doing? She hasn''t been moodytely, has she?"


    "No, very good, especially happy." Su Tao answered emotionlessly, like a machine.


    Liang Ke: "That Jiang Hao hasn''t bothered Xiao Shang again, has he?"


    Su Tao: "No, Jiang Hao left the next day."


    Liang Ke seemed to have just found out about this news. His eyes widened as he leaned forward, and Su Tao could even see the ckheads on his nose.


    "Jiang Hao is not recording anymore? Why is that?"


    Su Tao finally couldn''t help but roll her eyes: "Director Liang, I''m going to start the meeting, could you please stop wasting everyone''s time."


    Liang Ke finally reluctantly returned theputer to Yang Qing, made a gesture of making a phone call to Su Tao: "Call me, okay?"


    Su Tao looked at him coldly, and Liang Ke finally left.


    She breathed a sigh of relief and went to get the water ss on the table. When she looked up, she saw through the floor-to-ceiling window that across the pool, Xie Jin was still in his swimming trunks, leaningzily against the edge of the pool with his elbows back, tilted his face, and was staring at her unswervingly.


    Seeing Su Tao look over, he flipped his wet hair back and raised the wine ss in his hand, smiling as he took a sip.


    Su Tao''s face darkened as she got up and resolutely pulled the curtains tightly closed.


    -


    Recording would bepletely finished in one week, and Su Tao had already been here for a week. Thepany had piled up a lot of things that needed to be dealt with, so she had to go back.


    Fortunately, Xie Jin didn''t stop her this time. He happily bought the same flight as her to go back with her.


    In the airport lounge, Su Tao nced at Xie Jin sitting next to her out of the corner of her eye. He was busy handling business on the phone.


    Taking a trip to Nan Cheng not only piled up a lot of work for Su Tao, but even more so for Xie Jin. So why was he taking the flight back to Jiang Cheng with her?


    Finally there was a break, and Su Tao asked him, "You''re so busy, why don''t you just buy a ticket straight back to Bei Cheng?"


    "Of course I have things to do in Jiang Cheng," Xie Jin said matter-of-factly without looking up from his phone.


    "What business do you have in Jiang Cheng?"


    Xie Jin took his eyes off his phone and looked at Su Tao, the corners of his lips turned up faintly: "Do I need to report my itinerary to you? Then add me on WeChat first."


    Su Tao withdrew her gaze and ignored him.


    Suddenly there was amotion outside the lounge, and then a few fan girls came in, the shutters of their cameras rattling like machine guns with incessant "click click click".


    With this momentum, without looking, Su Tao knew it must be some popr male celebrity.


    When she looked up, she was surprised to see a familiar face in the crowd.


    The most eye-catching teenager in the crowd was Gu YiYan.


    He was wearing a fisherman''s hat pulled down almost to his eyes, a mask and sunsses covering his features tightly, wearing a loose T-shirt and jeans, walking beside Wang Qi.


    Wang Qi saw Su Tao first, and whispered to Gu YiYan next to him. He immediately looked at Su Tao, his footsteps turning to walk towards her.


    Gu YiYan took off his mask and sunsses, lifted his hat up a bit, revealing his smiling face: "Sis."


    The seats in the airport lounge were four round leather sofas sitting in a circle, with a small round table with four cups of coffee in the middle.


    In this circle, apart from Xie Jin''s gloomy face, the other three had smiling faces and were chatting softly.


    Gu YiYan''s fans were quite well-behaved, not crowding in close for photos, but they weren''t sitting too far either.


    Gu YiYan didn''t know if it was because he was tired from work recently or what, but he didn''t like being followed by fans taking photos of him all the time, yet he couldn''t stop them either, so he would keep a cold face the whole time, not smiling.


    Sitting across from Su Tao, not only did Gu YiYan take off his mask and sunsses, but he was also smiling, and even his expressions were lively.


    From their conversation, the fans also learned Su Tao''s name, searched and guessed her identity, and knew she was Gu YiYan''s big manager. So they let down their guard and even praised Su Tao''s beauty in their group chat.


    Seeing the photos the fan girl took in the group chat, they specifically cropped and erged the side profile of Xie Jin and screamed in the chat: Ah ah ah ah! Who is this handsome guy?


    Wang Qi secretly observed Xie Jin''s expression. Seeing that although he had a gloomy face, he didn''t say anything and just kept busy with his own things, she was slightly relieved.


    Gu YiYan looked at the two curiously a few times, then withdrew his gaze under Su Tao''s warning eyes,ining: "Sis, you knew I had business in Nan Cheng, howe you didn''te visit me on set?"


    "Your business was just the morning. By the time I got there you would have been done anyway." Su Tao saw him fussing with his bangs and habitually took out a small mirror from her bag and handed it over, "Are you guys going to record a show now?"


    All the major satellite TV stations were preparing for their mid-year shopping festival g events, and Gu YiYan was invited to record the g for Liang Cheng TV. Su Tao could rattle off the schedules of almost all the artists under her.


    Wang Qi took the opportunity to take out the publicity n that Su Tao had asked her to do previously and report it to Su Tao: "Peach, this is the n I made, take a look."


    Su Tao took it and nced through it, asking doubtfully, "Why is there no arrangement for film and television? I remember there are several suitable scripts for YiYan that are in preparation. "


    Wang Qi was embarrassed. She nced at Gu YiYan and said, "I found two scripts, but YiYan wasn''t satisfied."


    Su Tao took the two dramas she had screened and nodded, "These two are indeed not suitable for him."


    Gu YiYan seemed to have found his backing. He made a face at Wang Qi, "See, I said my sister wouldn''t agree either."


    Wang Qi''s expression darkened as she said to Su Tao in distress, "But these were the best among the dramas we could get."


    Su Tao smiled gently, "As long as he likes it, that''s fine. Leave the rest to me."


    Gu YiYan''s flight check-in time was up, and after they left, the lounge quieted down a lot.


    Su Tao called Zhang Qi Guang and asked him to buy a snuff bottle as a gift, which must be mailed to thepany before the day after tomorrow.


    Sitting next to her, Xie Jin took a peek at herputer screen, then entered a string of words in WeChat and sent it to Wu Xie Yu.


    In less than half a minute, Wu Xie Yu replied.


    ¡¾Wu Xie Yu: Drunk Haze? I think it''s produced by Morning Pei Films. The team is set, but I don''t think they''ve confirmed which tform they¡¯re partnering with yet. We don''t n to vie for this project.¡¿


    ¡¾Xie Jin: Then n for it now, must get it done.¡¿


    -


    In the two days after Su Tao returned to thepany, she quickly dealt with the work squeezed into one week. Le Xuan knocked on the door to remind her that she had an appointment to have dinner with Director Hua Chunjiang at 9pm tonight.


    Su Tao looked up from the documents and checked the time, still two hours, just right.


    She had found out two days ago that Hua Chunjiang was on a business trip in Jiang Cheng, and had set up this dinner early on.


    She took out the gift box of the snuff bottle prepared for her by Zhang Qi Guang, casually turned off the lights in the office, and the office fell into darkness.


    tags:


    <tranted>


    The office opposite the pitch-ck office was brightly lit. All the top executives of TianJin Entertainment had gathered in the living room with their heads down, each fearing for themselves.


    Through therge floor-to-ceiling windows of the apartment, you could see the sign for JingYang Entertainment.


    Everyone was puzzled as to why the boss had bought an apartment in Jiang City and called them here from so far away in Bei City.


    But fortunately, Bei City was not far from Jiang City, just an hour''s flight.


    But the boss''s fickle temper really made people nervous. In thepany, at least after being scolded they could go back to their own offices. Here, after being scolded, they could only stay by the boss''s side.


    Two words: Painful.


    "Why hasn''t this hot search gone down yet?"


    Xie Jin mmed the tablet on the table and looked up at Wu Xie Yu with a gloomy face.


    He was pointing at the video of the interaction between Su Tao and Gu YiYan at the airport. The hot search title was "#Gu YiYan''s manager has a healing smile#".


    The content was that Gu YiYan had a cold face the whole time at the airport, but finally smiled when he saw senior manager Su Tao.


    There were also many praises for Su Tao''s beauty, saying her smile was too warm and healing.


    Wu Xie Yu''s mouth twitched. This was obviously an extended topic due to Gu YiYan''s high poprity after the shopping festival g, with no real significance.


    Just because Gu YiYan''s poprity was very high recently, even small things could be brought up and talked about, with some marketing ounts trying to ride the wave of his poprity.


    Moreover, this hot search was ranked at the very bottom among several other topics rted to Gu YiYan, barely noticeable.


    "It''s going down now."


    Wu Xie Yu didn''t darein out loud. He was a grown man being scolded like a three-year-old child, without a temper at all.


    Jin Chuiwen secretly sent Wu Xie Yu a message, telling him to pay more attention in the future. Whenever Su Tao appeared in hot search, take it down immediately without waiting for the boss to ask.


    Wu Xie Yu silently nodded to Jin Chuiwen. His phone suddenly rang. Seeing it was director Hua Chunjiang, he asked Xie Jin for instructions before going aside to answer it.


    Xie Jin rubbed his eyebrows and habitually turned to look across, his expression changed slightly as he red at Jin Chuiwen and asked, "Where is she?"


    Jin Chuiwen, who was tasked with watching Su Tao''s office window, looked at the darkened window and broke out in a cold sweat.


    When did Su Tao leave?


    "There''s a beautiful manager, you have to give face right?" Hua Chunjiang''s speaker was somehow turned on, and his voice spread throughout the apartment.


    Wu Xie Yu was so frightened that he broke out in the same cold sweat as Jin Chuiwen, and quickly rified, "Director Hua, what are you talking about? What beautiful or not beautiful, I have never had such preferences! My way of life has always been..."


    "Oh, Manager Wu, what are you thinking? She''s the daughter of an old friend of mine. Her artist wants to act in my y, so I''m just helping to make a connection."


    Wu Xie Yu finally regained his spirit, and was about to decline when Jin Chuiwen suddenly had an idea. Looking at the window across, he seemed to realize something. He quickly gestured to Wu Xie Yu.


    The two exchanged looks that only brothers in adversity could understand. Wu Xie Yu quickly asked, "Director Hua, which beautiful manager is it?"


    "Su Tao, the artist director of JingYang Entertainment, a very capable youngdy."


    Wu Xie Yu and Jin Chuiwen sucked in a breath simultaneously, looking ted. They both turned to look at Xie Jin, waiting for praise.


    The silent Xie Jin rested his elbows on the armrests, hands crossed, and slowly raised his eyes to look at Wu Xie Yu. "Go."


    \---


    Su Tao arrived at the reserved private room at the club. Because she was treating Hua Chunjiang, she specially chose a Zen-style club.


    The simple and unadorned solid wood table and chairs were ced in the center of the private room. The tea table and four treasures of the study were all imbued with a strong cultural charm, giving a refined and extraordinary feeling.


    Hua Chunjiang was famous for shooting ancient costume dramas, and Su Tao remembered that he liked such Zen-themed sets in the ancient costume dramas he made.


    He used to work with actors at the level of Best Actor and Best Actress awards, and was close with Su Tao¡¯s mother, so they had known each other for many years.


    When Su Tao was on school holidays as a child, she often went to visit the crew to y. After so many years, it was perfectly reasonable for her to call Hua Chunjiang "Uncle Hua".


    While waiting for Hua Chunjiang''s arrival, Su Tao started boiling water to prepare tea. She wasn''t sure how much face her mother still had, so she tried her best to cater to his preferences.


    But after Hua Chunjiang pushed open the door to the private room, Su Tao was stunned to see Su HaoYang behind him.


    Su HaoYang did not seem surprised to see Su Tao, and even affectionately called out, "Tao Tao, you got here first."


    Seeing her stunned expression, Hua Chunjiang was also somewhat puzzled, but with high EQ he justughed and didn''t let the room be awkward. "Little Su Tao, you and your brother really have a spiritual connection, calling me one after the other to invite me to dinner. How could it not be pre-arranged between you two?"


    Su Tao saw the female artist beside Su HaoYang and suddenly understood in her heart, but her expression remained calm and gentle as she smiled, "No, Uncle Hua please have tea."


    Su HaoYang and the female artist also sat down. When Su Tao handed Su HaoYang his tea cup, she nced coldly at him before calmly withdrawing her gaze.


    Su HaoYang''s expression was somewhat embarrassed. He took the initiative to ease the atmosphere, "Tao Tao, you''re at JingYang Entertainment now? You said you wanted to enter this industry, howe you didn''te home?"


    Su Tao had been smiling faintly all this time. She seemed gentle as she said, "I haven''t been home for a year, and big brother is only asking about me now."


    After drinking some tea, Hua Chunjiang seemed oblivious to the undercurrents between the siblings. Heughed heartily, "Oh Tao Tao, you chose such a nice ce. I like this environment. Your mother also used to make tea for me, I loved drinking the tea she made."


    At the mention of her mother, Su Tao''s smile became more sincere, "I didn''t even learn a fraction of my mother''s skills."


    "Ah, it''s been so many years," talking about Su Tao''s mother made Hua Chunjiang feel sentimental. He put down his cup, as if reminiscing, "I made eight out of ten dramas with her. To be honest, I feel quite gratified that you can enter this industry. You have your mother¡¯s spirit back then."


    Hua Chunjiang''s tone changed as he patted Su HaoYang beside him, "HaoYang is also good, managing thepany very well."


    "That''s also because my motherid a good foundation for thepany." Su HaoYang lowered his head and smiled, seeming humble.


    Su Tao''s smilepletely disappeared. When he said "my mother", she felt nauseous.


    He didn''t even call her "mother" once when she was alive. Now when currying favor he called her so smoothly.


    Su Tao took out the prepared gift box and handed it to Hua Chunjiang, "Uncle Hua, your birthday ising soon. This is a gift I prepared for you."


    Hua Chunjiang excitedly epted it and directly unwrapped it. Seeing the jade-like snuff bottle inside, his eyes lit up as he lovingly turned it over in his hands. "Oh my, exquisite!"


    His gaze towards Su Tao was even more affectionate. "Little Su Tao, you still remember this little hobby of mine. You were so young back then, really as attentive as your mother, noticing everything but not saying it. Good, very good."


    Hua Chunjiang''s praise made Su HaoYang''s face dark. He really didn''t think of Hua Chunjiang''s uing birthday. He just wanted to promote his own artist and invite him to dinner.


    Although unwilling to admit it, Su Tao was clearly better at currying favor than him.


    This girl was still so scheming.


    Su HaoYang pushed up his sses and nced at the female artist who had been sitting there silently without saying a word. He secretly signaled to her, "Na Na, pour Director Hua some tea."


    The artist called Na Na was quite young and seemed a little petnt. She reluctantly reached for the teapot in front of Su Tao, but before she could take it, there was a knock on the door.


    Hua Chunjiang put away the snuff bottle andughed as he pointed at Su Tao, "Girl, you gave me a surprise, so I''ll give you one too. I brought the investor for my drama."


    Su Tao and Su HaoYang were clearly both very surprised and stood up together to greet them at the door.


    When the door to the private room opened, Wu Xie Yu''s face appeared. Before Su Tao could even be surprised that RuiQi Entertainment was investing in this drama, she saw Wu Xie Yu step aside, and a handsome and upright figure stood before everyone.


    Everyone in the private room was stunned. Wu Xie Yu immediately introduced, "This is our boss Xie."


    Xie Jin had long locked his pitch-ck eyes on Su Tao among the people. He lightly shook Hua Chunjiang''s outstretched hand and entered the private room without even ncing at Su HaoYang and his artist.


    When sitting down, under Wu Xie Yu''s intentional arrangement, Xie Jin sessfully sat next to Su Tao. He kept secretly nudging his chair closer. Of therge table, it was the narrowest gap between the two of them.


    Su Tao neither dodged nor avoided him, but also did not look at Xie Jin. Her expression was calm without the slightest ripple, not knowing what she was thinking.


    "I didn''t expect Chairman Su to be here too, and even brought someone personally." Wu Xie Yu, a sly old fox, naturally understood Su HaoYang''s intentions at a nce. He mocked,


    Su HaoYang concealed his embarrassment and raised his ss with a smile, "Manager Wu, don''t ridicule me. It''s because I happened to catch Director Hua''s birthday. My mother had an old friendship with Director Hua in the past, so as the younger generation, I just wanted to treat Director Hua to a meal. I didn''t expect to meet Manager Wu and Chairman Xie. We''re all one family now!"


    While drinking, Su HaoYang kept secretly observing Su Tao and Xie Jin.


    ording to his knowledge, it seemed like the two had broken up a year ago. Su Tao disappeared without a trace, and Xie Jin even went to her house andpany specially looking for her, asking for many of Su Tao''s friends and ssmates'' contacts.


    But they didn''t have any of Su Tao''s friends'' contacts! In the end, it was through Su Yangxing that he learned Su Tao had gone abroad, and Xie Jin stoppeding to find her.


    He didn''t know what had happened between Su Tao and Xie Jin, how could Su Tao be so willful and leave without a word?


    Seeing that Xie Jin seemed to still have feelings for Su Tao, he deliberately assumed the posture of a brother and said to Su Tao, "Tao Tao, you haven''t even toasted Chairman Xie. Let Chairman Xie look out more for our family''s artists!"


    Su Tao, who had been bowing her head, slowly raised her eyes. Looking at Su HaoYang, she didn''t know how he could be so shameless.


    The atmosphere fell into an awkward stalemate. Su HaoYang''s greatest strength was that no matter how embarrassing the situation, he could pretend nothing had happened.


    tags:


    <tranted>


    Su Tao didn''t listen to him. He patted his own artist and said, "I heard that the investment hadn''t been decided a few days ago. I didn''t expect it to be invested by President Xie. Now it''s really a strong alliance. Our Na Na is really lucky not only to see Director Hua, but also to have the chance to have dinner with President Wu and President Xie.¡±


    Na Na immediately understood, holding a cup filled with wine, she rushed directly to Xie Jin, with eyes full of spring and coquettishly said, "President Xie, I toast you alone."


    Xie Jin, who had been watching Su Tao all the time, finally moved his eyes away, but looked at Su HaoYang.


    There was a knife hidden in the deep ink-like eyes, and the sharp edge made Su HaoYang dare not look at him.


    "Since when did Su Tao''s mother be your mother? Didn''t you change thepany''s name long ago? I thought you had made it clear to her long ago." After Xie Jin finished speaking, the whole scene fell silent, all feeling the undercurrents and Xie Jin''s hostility towards Su HaoYang.


    The most miserable was still Na Na. She was left aside, not knowing whether to sit back or drink the wine, her face flushed red with embarrassment. Finally, under Su HaoYang''s frown hint, she went back to her seat.


    Because Su HaoYang was brought by Hua Chunjiang, in order to ease the atmosphere, he raised a ss, and everyone raised their wine sses.


    Su Tao poured wine into her empty cup without showing her emotions. Just as she finished pouring, Xie Jin reached out and took it away.


    In front of everyone''s surprised eyes, he drank her wine, and still nonchntly poured warm water into his own cup and handed it to Su Tao.


    Of course, no one dared to say anything about Xie Jin''s actions. Su Tao didn''t touch the ss of warm water either, and brought up the topic, making the awkward dinner lively again.


    Su Tao: "Uncle Hua, is the heroine confirmed?"


    As soon as she brought this up, Su HaoYang and Na Na immediately sat up straight, looking forward to Hua Chunjiang with anticipation.


    Hua Chunjiang: "No, the original heroine candidate has no schedule. I''m still looking for a new one."


    Su Tao: "I think Jiang Wan is very suitable for the heroine. When I read the original, the image of the heroine appeared in my mind as soon as she appeared on the stage.¡±


    After a short excitement, Hua Chunjiang sighed, "The heroine I originally decided was her. Her agent said she had no schedule. She took the hottest variety show to make quick money and looked down on TV shows."


    Su HaoYang''s eyes lit up, and he just wanted to rmend Na Na to y the heroine, but Su Tao cut him off.


    Su Tao: "Uncle Hua, I can try to persuade Jiang Wan. I still have some private contact with her."


    Hua Chunjiang cheered up and sat up straight, "Are you sure you can get Jiang Wan to star?"


    Su Tao, "I''ll try my best. I also think she and Gu YiYan from my family will have good chemistry. Gu YiYan''s image is especially suitable for your male protagonist."


    Hua Chunjiangughed heartily, pointed at Su Tao, seeing through her little fox tail, "You little fox, okay, as long as you can get me Jiang Wan, Gu YiYan cane over for an audition another day. Even if he''s not suitable for the male lead, I will definitely give him a role."


    After speaking, Hua Chunjiang looked at Wu Xie Yu and Xie Jin and asked, "Do the two bosses have any objections?"


    Wu Xie Yu hurriedly shook his head. How dare he object?


    Xie Jin did not respond, which was the best response.


    "Okay, it''s a deal."


    Su Tao smiled gently and raised her cup to toast Hua Chunjiang, only to remember that her cup contained the water Xie Jin had poured, but she had already raised it, so she could only drink a little sip.


    Su Tao went to the restroom on the pretext of paying the bill in advance. As soon as she turned around, she bumped into Su HaoYang.


    He was extremely indignant but trying hard to restrain himself. "Su Tao, what do you mean? You know I wanted to rmend Na Na for the heroine. I am your brother after all. You would rather help an outsider than help me?"


    Su Tao narrowed her eyes. She no longer hid her emotions in front of Su HaoYang.


    There was only disdain in her bright eyes. Her words were like knives, each one drawing blood.


    "Even if I don''t make a move, do you think your vase can be selected by Director Hua? Also, if you dare to use my mother''s name to make connections again, I will take away your resources once for every time I find out!"


    -


    After the dinner party dispersed, everyone found that it was raining heavily outside the club.


    Su HaoYang and his vase left gloomy faced. Wu Xie Yu also tactfully sent Hua Chunjiang away. Only Xie Jin and Su Tao were left at the club entrance.


    Su Tao had driven here. Xie Jin grabbed her before she could leave without a word.


    "I drank alcohol and can''t drive. Take me home."


    Su Tao nced at him and politely but distantly said, "I''m sorry Mr. Xie, it''s not on my way."


    Xie Jin was dissatisfied with her distant attitude. His habitual threat slipped out, "Little Taozi, do you not want Director Hua''s y anymore?"


    As soon as the words came out, he panicked.


    What did he just say? Did he threaten Little Taozi again? Was he crazy?


    Xie Jin waved his hands in panic, subconsciously grabbing Su Tao''s arm, afraid that she would leave without giving him a chance to exin, "I didn''t mean that. Little Taozi, I didn''t mean to threaten you. It was a slip of the tongue..."


    There was only indifference and a trace of disgust in Su Tao''s bright eyes. She was silent for a long time before speaking calmly with a faint smile, "Okay, Mr. Xie, please get in the car."


    The heavy rain washed the car windows passionately. Except for the sound of rain, there was not a hint of sound in the car, so quiet that it made people uneasy.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Xie Jin didn''t even dare to look tantly at Su Tao. He could only sneak nces at her. Even when she casually raised her hand, it made his breathing difficult and caused him to cough.


    Su Tao''s calmness frightened him. She had been so calm a year ago when she said she was going to pack and then disappeared without a trace.


    The car stopped at a hotel Xie Jin had randomly named. Su Tao spoke calmly with a faint smile still on her lips, "Mr. Xie, we''ve arrived at the hotel. Have a nice time in Jiang City."


    Xie Jin finally found his breath again. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, as if plucking up courage. When he spoke, his voice was smaller than the windshield wipers.


    "I was wrong."

 Chapter 29: Listen to Me 010

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    His apology finally earned Su Tao''s gaze, but it was only a fleeting nce before she averted her eyes.


    "Mr. Xie, you''re the investor and tform provider. You have the power to easily acquire any resources I want. How could you make any mistakes? Any mistakes are my own fault. If there''s anything I did wrong, tell me and I''ll change."


    Xie Jin felt his breathing bebored again. His longshes fluttered as car lights shed by, illuminating the dampness in his dark eyes and the slight hoarseness in his voice.


    "I promise I won''t threaten you again. I respect your thoughts and won''t force you to do anything. I was really wrong."


    The rain grew heavier outside, pelting loudly against the car window and stirring up a mist. Xie Jin''s words sounded weak and submissive beneath the roar of the rain.


    "Scold me, little peach. Don''t talk to me like that. I''m afraid."


    He feared her disappearing again. He truly wouldn''t have the courage to go on living if that happened.


    Silence fell over the car again briefly before Su Tao''s calm voice, tinged with sarcasm, responded. "Don''t you like it when I''m obedient? I''m being so obedient. What are you afraid of?"


    "No, I don''t love you because you''re obedient. Please don''t disappear on me again, okay?"


    Su Tao turned her head away, no longer looking at him. She dropped the mocking tone from her voice and said lightly, "I''ll still have to rely on you in the future. How could I possibly let you not find me? Get out of the car, Mr. Xie."


    Although Xie Jin didn''t want to get out of the car, looking at her cold expression, he reluctantly opened the door and got out.


    He didn''t immediately head to the hotel awning. Instead, he stood by the car door, his clothes instantly drenched. His hoarse voice was swallowed up by the loud rain.


    "I''ll listen from now on, okay?"


    Su Tao didn''t seem to have heard him. She leaned forward and firmly shut the car door, driving off without the slightest hesitation, like a leopard speeding away.


    Xie Jin chased her to the roadside but could only watch helplessly as the red taillights disappeared into the torrential curtain of rain.


    After returning to his apartment, Xie Jin had a high fever that wouldn''t go away. He became seriously ill but refused to take any medicine.


    Jin Chuanwen and Wu Xieyu worried themselves sick. They called Su Tao, but only received a cold reply: "I''m not a doctor. I can''t make him take medicine if he doesn''t want to."


    The two men paced anxiously around the room. What if the boss was determined to see Su Tao before he would take medicine?


    But their worries didn''te true. After hearing Su Tao didn''t care about him, Xie Jin surprisingly cooperated and took the medicine. He even followed the doctor''s orders diligently, eating nd food and drinking plenty of water, striving to recover from his illness as quickly as possible.


    She wasn''t here, so who would see him sick?


    He had to get better first before he had the strength to go find her.


    --


    In the Jingyang Entertainment third floor office, Su Tao was absorbed in looking over a work report while Sun Xiaojie sat across from her.


    Su Tao''s expression gradually changed from mild to cold, and her brows furrowed slightly. But when she raised her head, she hid her emotions and calmly said, "You n to continue getting variety shows for Tong Mengxin? And connect three in a row?"


    Sun Xiaojie nodded, not seeing any problem.


    Su Tao put down the report and looked directly at her. "What''s your positioning for Tong Mengxin?"


    Sun Xiaojie blinked, seemingly not understanding her words. She thought for a moment then said, "Positioning...she''s an idol artist."


    "No, from your n I see you want to turn her into a variety show celebrity." Su Tao bluntly stated.


    Sun Xiaojie was confused for a moment, then exined, "The second season of Sea Wave has already started airing. Looking at the data, Mengxin''s poprity is rising rapidly. We have to seize this opportunity and hurry to..."


    "Hurry to consume her poprity?" Su Tao coldly interrupted her.


    Sun Xiaojie opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but swallowed her words under Su Tao''s frosty gaze.


    "Tong Mengxin''s poprity isn''t high right now. She needs variety show exposure but can''t appear on them frequently. Her work focus should be on film and TV. Your main direction now should be doing your utmost to select suitable film and TV resources for her, then strive for audition opportunities. Understand?"


    Sun Xiaojie silently rolled her eyes. Were film and TV resources that easy topete for now? Tong Mengxin wasn''t famous yet, getting decent roles would be so difficult!


    Seemingly seeing through her thoughts, Su Tao continued scolding, "Xiaojie, an artist bing popr could be due to just one drama or variety show. As their agent, you must always be one step ahead, your abilities surpassing theirs, so as to not drag them down."


    Sun Xiaojie clearly felt resentful and unwilling, but remembering Su Tao''s previous words "Don''t say it''s impossible before you''ve even started," she didn''t dare refute and could only nod.


    "I''m returning this report to you. Redo it and submit it to me before you get off work tomorrow."


    After Sun Xiaojie left with an ugly expression, Yang Qing came in.


    Yang Qing was Xue Xinzi''s executive agent. Xue Xinzi was a newly debuted singer discovered on a campus singingpetition by Liang Ke. She had been signed to thepany and was now under Su Tao.


    Xue Xinzi had graduated from a music conservatory. She wasn''t well-known at school and was a little chubby, but her vocal skills were truly too good. She also had a good attitude, wasn''tpetitive, and was hardworking.


    Within a year she had slimmed down to 95 pounds. It was like she hadpletely transformed into a different person, a girl with huge potential that Su Tao thought very highly of.


    To Su Tao''s surprise, Yang Qing handed over two proposal documents.


    "Boss, this is what I''m currently capable of doing. This is what I think is ideal but I can''t achieve."


    Su Tao raised her brows with interest and approvingly nodded while looking over both proposals, her voice much more genial. "You did very well!"


    Hearing Su Tao''s praise, Yang Qing''s whole body rxed. She hadn''t been in the industry long. After thest meeting, she had actually been a little afraid of this boss who seemed younger than her but had an overpowering aura.


    She had worried beforeing that Su Tao would criticize her.


    "First, your ideal proposal shows you understand Xinzi very well, and have nned a very clear and correct developmental path. Although you feel it''s impossible, you still made the proposal, which is great."


    Yang Qing''s eyes reddened. She had always worked diligently and silently. Nothing moved her more than her boss''s affirmation.


    Su Tao''s smiling expression gently caressed Yang Qing''s fragile, somewhat sensitive heart. She suddenly felt sour and full, brimming with endless confidence. "Boss, then, can I try one item from the ideal proposal?"


    Su Tao''s smile deepened as she gently pushed the proposal back to her and asked, "Which one?"


    Yang Qing seemed to have already thought it through. She didn''t look at the proposal and directly said, "A singer variety show."


    Su Tao nodded for her to continue.


    "Singer variety shows generally only invite top stars to participate. But I researched the selection criteria of the production team. They give one spot to some new artists with skill but no fame. But there are too many new artists like this, so thepetition will definitely be intense. But I want to give it a try."


    Su Tao nodded approvingly. "Good. Excellent thinking. But your current achievable proposal is also very good, like this talentpetition show. Xinzi can fully participate in thepetition and umte some poprity, then apply for next season''s singer show. What do you think?"


    Yang Qing''s eyes lit up. She hadn''t expected her conservative n to also be useful. She instantly felt enlightened, understanding how to n promotions.


    "I understand now, Boss. I can predict the oue if she participates in the show, then take the initiative to strive for resources for the next step. I''ll redo the proposal right away."


    After Yang Qing left the office, Sun Xiaojie deliberately walked over, seeing Yang Qing''s red-rimmed eyes. She pulled her to walk towards the cubicles,ining as they went.


    "Is Su Tao even human? She made such an honest child like Qingqing cry. She talks so casually, telling us all to strive for higher resources. If I had that capability would I be working under her? She can''t even handle things herself yet tells us to charge ahead."


    Yang Qing usually went along with them reluctantly to avoid conflict. But this time, she shook off Sun Xiaojie''s hand. "Su Tao didn''t scold me. She affirmed my n. I feel she has a lot of insight. I learned a lot from her."


    Yang Qing then ignored them and went back to her seat, brimming with passion as she redid her proposal.


    Sun Xiaojie scoffed and contemptuously pointed at Yang Qing, then at her own head, saying to the other colleagues, "People with poor brains are easy to brainwash."


    --


    After busy morning, Le Xuan brought lunch in for Su Tao. Su Tao asked her to eat together but was declined.


    Le Xuan, with her short, no-nonsense bob cut, grinned foolishly. "Boss, every time we eat lunch together, you end up talking work with me. I won''t fall for it again. Eat slowly, I''m heading out."


    Su Tao silently red at her as she opened the lunchbox. She looked at the date¡ªonly two days until the "auspicious day" Jiang Qi had mentioned.


    She looked at the contract in the folder, then took out her phone to message him.


    [Su Tao: What are you doing?]


    [Su Tao: Are you still on your sister''s drama set?]


    [Su Tao: We''re still good for signing the contract right?]


    [Su Tao: Where should we meet the day after tomorrow?]


    Su Tao habitually sent a flurry of messages then went back to her work. Because Jiang Qi usually only replied with one message after a long time.


    Sure enough, ten minutester, Jiang Qi finally replied.


    [Jiang Qi: Asking eight times a day.]


    Su Tao twitched her mouth at the distaste conveyed in his words. She patiently replied.


    [Su Tao: I''m just afraid you''ll forget!]


    [Su Tao: So if you would just sign with me sooner, I wouldn''t bother you.]


    [Jiang Qi: You have nothing else to say to me except to sign, right?]


    Su Tao was used to his cold words and attitude. She nonchntly stuffed a mouthful of rice in and slowly chewed while tapping on the screen.


    [Su Tao: You''re not my artist yet. If I don''t talk to you about signing, what else can I directly discuss about work?]


    [Jiang Qi: You have nothing else to talk to me about except work?]


    [Su Tao: What else is there to talk about?]


    [Jiang Qi: Nevermind if you don''t want to talk.]


    Su Tao suppressed her irritation with the young master''s temper and swallowed her food. She sighed, knowing she had to humor him since she hadn''t signed a contract yet.


    Su Tao: Xie Jin, have you eaten yet? Tell me what you''d like and sister will get it for you.


    Jiang Qi: No, I haven''t. How are you going to get it for me?


    Su Tao: What would you like to eat?


    Jiang Qi: Hot pot. How are you going to get it for me? I''m still in Nan Cheng, on my sister''s drama set.


    Su Tao: Just wait, I''ll work some magic for you.


    Jiang Qi: You came?


    During a break in filming, Jiang Wan noticed her younger brother, who had been sittingzily with his legs crossed looking bored, suddenly sit up straight. He looked around, then lowered his head to chat on WeChat. Then he stood up and walked forward a few steps, a look of anticipation shing across his face.


    "Little Qi, who are you looking for?" Jiang Wan followed and looked in the same direction.


    Jiang Qi immediately drew back his gaze and shook his head. "No one."


    Su Tao ordered a hot pot set for two people for delivery for Jiang Qi. After cing the order, she saw the messages Jiang Qi had sent.


    Jiang Qi: Did you reallye?


    Jiang Qi: Where are you?


    Su Tao: Where I am doesn''t matter. Just wait half an hour, your surprise will arrive soon.


    Su Tao felt she had made good progress in winning him over. She had even handled Jiang Wan''s lunch. The contract was sure to be signed.


    About half an hour after Su Tao finished eating, she remembered the food delivery. She checked the order status and saw it was being delivered.


    Less than a minuteter, Jiang Qi sent another message. Su Tao opened the chat happily, waiting for his excited thanks.


    Jiang Qi: The surprise you mentioned is just a food delivery?


    Jiang Qi: Can you be more sincere?


    Su Tao was confused by the messages. This was a very good restaurant. The hot pot came with the stove for delivery, certainly not cheap. She had even paid extra for urgent delivery. How was this not sincere?


    Not only did she not get thanks, he seemed unhappy.


    Su Tao: The hot pot you wanted to eat is from the best restaurant I know. I ordered two portions, one for you and one for your sister. How is that not sincere?


    It took a long time for Jiang Qi to reply. When Su Tao saw his message, her heart lurched and her breathing grew uneven.


    Jiang Qi: Rui Qi made me a contract offer two days ago with better terms than you. I''m considering signing with them.


    Rui Qi! Xie Jin!


    Su Tao''s blood boiled. Without reading the rest of Jiang Qi''s messages, she immediately called Xie Jin.


    ---


    After being sick for three days, Xie Jin had mostly recovered. He only had the asional minor cough left that didn''t affect his work.


    In the apartment, the executives who had suffered under their recuperating CEO heaved sighs of relief for a brief respite. But after just two days of freedom, they were back in hell.


    Everyone silently stared at theirputer screens, seated around the conference table set up in the living room. It was so quiet you couldn''t even hear them breathe.


    In this peaceful environment, a cell phone rang suddenly, making everyone clutch their chests, unable to handle the shock.


    Xie Jin frowned, about to lose his temper, but realized it was his own phone.


    His long fingers picked up the phone. Seeing the name on the screen, his eyes widened in disbelief, thinking he was mistaken.


    As if afraid the caller would hang up, he immediately answered. An angry female voice came through, as furious as boiling water.


    "Xie Jin, you''re poaching my client!"


    Xie Jin was confused. "What?"


    "Why is Rui Qi trying to sign Jiang Qi? Did you know him before I contacted him? Wasn''t it after I approached him that you found out about him? You know how important this signing is to me, yet you''ve obstructed me again and again. And now you''re directly poaching. Aren''t you going too far?"


    The angry female voice on the phone made everyone freeze like cicadas in winter, curious about who would dare speak to the boss that way. But no one dared make a sound, quietly waiting for the CEO''s fiery wrath.


    Yet Xie Jin just nced at Wu Xie Yu and gently said into the phone, "I don''t know about this. Let me ask Wu Xie Yu how this happened."


    Wu Xie Yu: "..."


    The boss sure knows how to pass the buck.

 Chapter 30: Listen 011

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    Xie Jin said while coughing, as if his lungs were about to cough out. If it weren''t for him cursing vigorously a few minutes ago, the executives present would almost believe him.


    "Cough cough cough, Little Peach, don''t worry first, I''ll definitely give you an exnation after I find out clearly. Cough cough cough, I really don''t have the strength now, wait a minute, okay?"


    On the phone, Su Tao was unusually angry and was not fooled by his few words: "Is that so? Then please tell President Wu that I will fly to Nancheng today and stay by Jiang Qi''s side 24 hours a day and squat all day unless you beat me to death, otherwise he won''t have a chance to sign a contract with him!"


    Xie Jin, who had previously pretended to be weak, suddenly changed his face and stopped coughing. He asked in a loud voice, "What are you going to do? Stay with him 24 hours a day? Are you going to live with him?"


    Before everyone''s thoughts could catch up with the multiple reversals of this gossip, they heard the usually sinister and domineering boss show weakness.


    "I won''t sign him anymore, I guarantee I won''t sign him anymore... Then you also guarantee not to go... Okay, it''s a deal."


    This brief PK eventually ended with the boss''splete defeat andying down arms.


    Everyone quickly dispelled their gossip mentality and quickly pretended to be serious at work, for fear of bing the boss''s punching bag.


    -


    In the filming location of the tropical rainforest scenic spot in Nancheng, the aroma of hot pot fills the entire crew.


    Jiang Wan, who was enthusiastically eating hot pot, saw that her brother had been holding his phone and looking at something with a face like a bitter melon, and kept quiet.


    Jiang Wan: "Little Qi, why don''t you eat?"


    Jiang Qi''s usually charming smiling eyes were now dim and unconscious, frowning slightly, and said in confusion, "Is there something wrong with my phone?"


    Right after he finished speaking, his phone rang, dispelling his doubts, but his expression became even more unpleasant.


    He impatiently answered the phone. On the other end of the phone was the voice of Daboli from the band, "Brother,e out and have fun. Do you still remember that goddess senior sister you had your eyes onst time after the vacation? We got her, I''ll send you the address!"


    Jiang Qi was listless: "I won''t go, I''m not interested anymore."


    Daboli: "No way, do you have a new high in your speed of getting tired of new things? You didn''t even flirt with her yet you directly got tired of her?"


    The phone was snatched away by Xu Xiang, who also said in disbelief: "Brother, you''re getting more and more awesome. We were saying that if we wanted to make you always think about her, we should make it so you can''t get her. It looks like this method doesn''t work either."


    Jiang Qi was not in the mood to banter with them. He said a couple of words and then hung up the phone.


    He opened WeChat, and the interface was still on the chat records with Su Tao. He sent two messages but did not get a reply for a long time.


    [Jiang Qi: If you cane be my assistant for two days, I will reject them]


    [Jiang Qi: What''s up? Where are you?]


    Jiang Qi frowned again, did she think his request was too much?


    Just as he was about to type something else, the video call came in suddenly, giving him a fright. After calming himself down, he saw it was Su Tao calling, and the corners of his mouth curled up as he answered.


    Su Tao''s calm and pretty face appeared on the screen, and Jiang Qi felt like the phone screen had be better-looking.


    Although Su Tao looked helpless and even sighed, "Jiang Grand Ancestor, why are you so insistent on having me be your assistant?"


    Jiang Qi tilted the corners of his lips in a seemingly smiling but not smiling manner, "You look very easy to bully."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao saw Jiang Wan behind him through the screen. She smiled and waved greetings, "Is the hot pot tasty?"


    Jiang Wan was eating hot pot profusely and sweating all over. She would probably need to touch up her makeupter. She kept nodding her head and even gave a thumbs up, too spicy to speak.


    Su Tao said with a smile, "The soup base is spicy, drink more water..."


    Before she could finish speaking, it seemed Jiang Qi had walked away, and Jiang Wan was no longer visible on the screen. Instead, there was a stretch of green foliage.


    Su Tao''s smile faded away, "You kid, I haven''t finished talking to your sister yet."


    "Kid?" Jiang Qi seemed very dissatisfied with her term. "It doesn''t look like you''re in a hurry to sign a contract with me either. I sent the message 15 minutes ago and you only replied with a video call. I thought you would have to directly buy a ne ticket toe find me."


    Su Tao now confirmed that he was deliberately teasing her. Tired of feeling, she yed the affection card: "Jiang Qi, please do it for sister, I''m too old to mess around. I sincerely want to promote you and create brilliance with you. Can you stop being childish and we''ll sign the contract smoothly? Okay?"


    Jiang Qi''s clear eyes stared at Su Tao on the screen for a long time before he curled his lips disdainfully, "Fine, change the terms and you bring me personally."


    Su Tao sincerely assured, "I guarantee I will arrange the best team for you and I will be with you the whole time..."


    Jiang Qi interrupted Su Tao''s suggestion, "I just want you to personally lead me."


    This pause, it was obvious he was a flirting expert, but he flirted with an iron te.


    Su Tao just looked at him helplessly, quickly calcting in her mind, fearing things would get out of hand over time, she decisively made a condition: "If you''re willing to fly over now and sign the contract with me, I''ll personally lead you for three months."


    Jiang Qi frowned, "Three months?"


    Su Tao: "That''s my limit."


    -


    Su Tao''s bright eyes stared intently at the youth in front of her who was concentrating on looking at the contract. A huge stone in her heart fell by half.


    The most difficult to sign Jiang Qi in history finally sat in her office as he wished, ready to sign a contract.


    She eagerly kept her eyes on the pen in his hand, waiting for the moment when the pen tip fell, but Jiang Qi raised his head instead.


    "You''re sure you''ll personally take me to jobs, right?"


    Su Tao: "...Yes, I''m sure."


    With a flourish, two casual words, Jiang Qi, fell on the signature line. Su Tao quickly grabbed the contract as if afraid he would change his mind, and handed it to Le Xuan next to her: "Go photocopy ID, fill out paperwork, process formalities."


    Le Xuan, who had a fan girl face looking at the handsome guy, immediately switched to work mode, taking the contract and Jiang Qi''s ID and left.


    Jiang Qi sat in the swivel chair in front of Su Tao''s desk with his hands in his shirt pockets. His long legs touched the floor and he leisurely spun the chair around, looking around Su Tao''s office, and finally his gaze fell on Su Tao''s face and didn''t look away.


    Su Tao quickly filed one copy of the triplicate contract, gave one copy back to Jiang Qi, stood up with a tranquil face and a sincere smile, as if she had heaved a long sigh of relief: "Wee to Jingyang Entertainment."


    Jiang Qi looked at the proffered fair petite hand and reached out his own hand. Against the slightly tanned back of his hand, Su Tao''s hand looked creamy white, and he suddenly felt like eating cream chocte cake.


    "No celebration ceremony?" Jiang Qi didn''t let go of her hand and looked at her with a smile.


    Those smiling eyes staring at someone could melt that person.


    But Su Tao''s expression remained unchanged, automatically screening out the charm he emitted.


    "Of course we''ll celebrate. I got you with such difficulty. Let''s go eat lunch in a bit."


    There was a knock on the office door. Yang Qing came in holding a n with some documents and saw Jiang Qi sitting in the office at a nce.


    Jiang Qizily looked up, meeting Yang Qing''s gaze directly, and arched an eyebrow habitually, radiating charm.


    Yang Qing was stunned and took a long time to recover.


    She saw stars all the time, so how could she be infatuated with a newly debuted artist?


    Su Tao knew she hade to report on work. She said to Jiang Qi, "Let me have Le Xuan take you around thepany. There are musical instruments and more in the rehearsal room you can go y with for a bit."


    "No need," Jiang Qi interrupted Su Tao''s suggestion. His long legs touched the floor and he scooted the swivel chair back a little, leaving the seat across from Su Tao empty. Hezily leaned against the back of the chair and took out his phone, saying, "Here I only know you."


    The implied meaning was that he would just stay by her side and wouldn''t go anywhere.


    Su Tao nced at him but ignored him. She beckoned Yang Qing to sit down and talk.


    Yang Qing, who had been called twice before she came back to her senses, couldn''t help blushing.


    She met stars all the time too, so how could she be infatuated with a newly debuted artist?


    Yang Qing handed the n to Su Tao with her eyes involuntarily sneaking peeks at Jiang Qi. She happened to meet his raised eyes and the two made eye contact. Yang Qing, caught red-handed, widened her eyes in shock and quickly shifted her gaze away.


    "Sister, you were looking at me right?" Jiang Qi grinned and looked at her affectionately, though on closer look it contained ridicule and coldness.


    Su Tao looked up from the report at Jiang Qi, then looked at Yang Qing. She frowned and pointed at the window telling Jiang Qi, "Turn around."


    Jiang Qi put away his casual and cynical smile. He curled his lips and nimbly spun the swivel chair around so he was facing the window. Suddenly his gaze locked onto a certain spot on the window of the building across the way. He smiled crookedly and pressed the blind switch down,pletely covering the window.


    In the apartment across the way, Jin Chuiwen let out a cry as the binocrs were snatched from his hands. Xie Jin''s tall, slender figure stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, peering across at the other building.


    When Xie Jin learned that Jiang Qi had gone to Su Tao''s office today, he specifically had Jin Chuiwen buy a pair of binocrs to keep a close eye on that punk.


    He hadn''t expected that the punk would actually draw the curtains closed, and had even shed a crafty smile before doing so!


    He was provoking him!


    Xie Jin''s dark eyes were tinged with irritation as he tossed the binocrs back to Jin Chuiwen and strode out the door.


    In the hot pot restaurant across from South Lake Park, Su Tao and Jiang Qi sat across from each other. After ordering, Su Tao poured herself a cup of barley tea and shook her head with a sigh, "You really love hot pot."


    Jiang Qi directly snatched Su Tao''s freshly poured tea cup and unabashedly took a drink himself, "This makes up forst time."


    "Make up for what? I don''t owe you anything." Su Tao took his now empty tea cup and poured herself more tea, "I went out of my way to order takeout and have it delivered to you from thousands of miles away, and that''s my fault?"


    "Fine, I won''t keep score with you."


    Jiang Qi adopted a tolerant demeanor as he set down the tea cup, quirking his brows with a mocking smile, "Howe other agents blush and their hearts race when they see me, but you look at me like you''re staring at aputer screen, totally numb?"


    Su Tao gave a derisiveugh as she nced coldly at him, "Me, heart racing? Just thinking about you gives me a heart attack, with you always using the contract to torment me."


    Jiang Qi was caught off guard by her retort, finding this Su Taopletely different from the softly spoken, unconditionallypromising woman he was used to.


    Su Tao didn''t notice his change in demeanor as her phone chimed with a WeChat message from Liang Ke, consulting on the roster of artists to send for the audition show.


    Su Tao''s face lit up with excitement, "I''m thinking of having you participate in ''The Road to Debut''. The target audience for that show is exactly your target fanbase. It has high visibility that will definitely provide the tform you need to take off."


    Su Tao''s enthusiasm didn''t rub off on Jiang Qi at all. He waspletely disinterested, his attention nowhere near the matter at hand. "Do you think I only have work on the brain all day?"


    "What else would there be? If I didn''t make you work after signing you back, I''d just prop you up around the office as a lucky charm." Su Tao didn''t cut him any ck, firing back immediately.


    Jiang Qi was used to her gentle words and unconditionally catering to his every need. Being countered so directly in session was more than he could take at once. "Oh really, Su Tao? Not like before you signed me when you were begging me, huh? Don''t believe I''ll terminate the contract?"


    The food arrived and Su Tao busied herself arranging the tes and ingredients for the hot pot, not even ncing at Jiang Qi as he threatened her,ughing lightly with nonchnce, "Terminate? Go ahead, just have the nine figure penalty fee ready and I''ll wee it anytime."


    Jiang Qi: "......"

 Chapter 31: Listen to Me 012

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    tags:


    <tranted>


    Jiang Qi''s expression froze for a moment as he suddenly realized that the woman across from him was not just an obedient cat, but a lurking tiger.


    Before capturing her prey, she was good at using her docile and tranquil appearance to confuse her enemies, lowering their attention and vignce. Then she would secretly get close to her prey before baring her ws once she had captured it.


    Most importantly, her ws were not sharp. She could seize you firmly without making a sound.


    Jiang Qi''s chopsticks remained unmoving in his hand as his bright, limpid eyes gazed at Su Tao, filled with tender feelings that even he was unaware of.


    Behind Su Tao, Xie Jin used the potted nt on the table to cover most of his face. His dark eyes, filled with anger, red fiercely at Jiang Qi as if trying to tear him apart with his gaze.


    Jiang Qi felt the maliceing from the other side. He removed his gaze from Su Tao''s face and looked up, meeting Xie Jin''s sinister eyes.


    When looking at him for the first time, he was very refreshing.


    Jiang Qi steadied his mind and withdrew his gaze. After pondering for a moment, he seemed to have thought of something and the corners of his lips curved up imperceptibly.


    He put on stic gloves and picked up a piece of fried puff pastry, bringing it to Su Tao''s mouth.


    Su Tao instinctively dodged back a little. She looked at Jiang Qi and reached out to take it, but was caught off guard when he stuffed it into her mouth instead.


    Seeing her puffed up little face and wide doe eyes, Jiang Qi''s eyes unconsciously softened withughter.


    What was meant to provoke Xie Jin instead made him feel the joy of feeding her, and he stuffed another piece into her mouth.


    Having been stuffed with a mouthful of food in session, Su Tao could only let out muffled protests.


    Jiang Qi''s cheerfulughter aggravated Xie Jin. Fury burned in his eyes as he abruptly stood up, the movement of the chair making a considerable amount of noise that attracted Su Tao''s attention.


    Xie Jin strode forward, reaching Su Tao''s side in tworge steps. His fierce, sinister gaze shot towards Jiang Qi, magma-like anger gushing out, as if determined to shred his enemy regardless of coteral damage.


    "Who allowed you to feed her?"


    His dark voice made the air-conditioned restaurant feel even cooler. The aura of death he emitted caused the man behind Jiang Qi to shift his chair forward, afraid of getting sshed if things escted.


    At that moment, Xie Jin was like a red-hot branding iron - a single touch would mean torn flesh.


    But a small, fair hand grabbed his arm, and a voice as cool as a spring showered his heart. "What are you doing here?"


    With just a sentence from Su Tao, his scorching temperature was soundlessly extinguished. The anger ultimately dissipated into a wisp of smoke, which he waved away with a p of his hand, afraid it would choke her.


    "...Just passing by."


    "Passing by?" Jiang Qi''s voice chimed in at the right time, seeming puzzled as he said, "I saw you in the apartment building across the way? And you were holding binocrs."


    He emphasized each word of "binocrs", making Su Tao''s expression change as she looked questioningly at Xie Jin, as if asking about the veracity of his words.


    Xie Jin''s Adam''s apple bobbed and he only hesitated for a moment before Su Tao understood.


    She didn''t raise her voice, unwilling to affect other diners or be gossip fodder. In a volume only the two of them could hear, she asked him, "Were you peeping on me?"


    Xie Jin quickly exined, "No, I knew this brat wasing so I had Jin Chuanwen buy the binocrs. I was monitoring him, not peeping on you."


    Xie Jin''s exnation did not mollify Su Tao. On the contrary, her expression grew colder. "So you did move into the office building across from mine?"


    Xie Jin''s longshes quivered slightly. With a powerless sigh, his low voice carried faint resignation. "I just wanted to be a little closer to you."


    "I hope you move out immediately, otherwise I''ll call the police."


    Su Tao threw down these words and left the restaurant without even eating, grabbing her bag.


    Jiang Qi also got up and walked past Xie Jin, purposefully quirking the corner of his lips in a meaningful smile, full of provocation.


    He caught up to Su Tao and walked by her side, smiling brightly.


    Xie Jin watched them from the window, unconsciously clenching his fists tightly.


    -


    The "Road to Debut" audition program was being recorded in Beicheng. It pioneered the firstrge-scale audition variety show jointly held by over fifty entertainmentpanies, dozens of media outlets, and multiple online tforms.


    Popr male and female idol groups'' celebrities were invited as guests, entertainment and media tforms acted as judges, and ultimately a boy group and girl group would be selected.


    Jingyang Entertainment was also among the invited and Liang Ke naturally took on the role of judge, participating in the program from start to finish.


    Su Tao brought her two artists, Jiang Qi and Xue Xinzi, to the recording site.


    Today was the on-site audition. Combined, over a hundred males and females from various entertainmentpanies were invited to participate. It was the first episode of the program, with a preliminary rehearsal done without guests and judges the day before. Today, recording started directly.


    Thanks to Liang Ke''s connections, Jingyang had a dedicated dressing room. Liang Ke''s four artists and Xue Xinzi quietly prepared themselves, while only Jiang Qi sat leisurely ying on his phone.


    Most of them were neers without any fame, so they didn''t have personal assistants.


    The artists who advanced through today''s audition would directly enter the training camp, so they didn''t need assistants either. She hade to lead the team herself.


    Su Tao wore a loose white shirt tucked into her pants, showcasing her slender waist.


    Carrying six coffees in her hand, she strode rapidly towards the waiting room on slender legs.


    She didn''t know if the hotel was ufortable or they were too nervous and slept tootest night, but aside from Jiang Qi, the other five were somewhat bloated. The coffee was to help the artists de-puff.


    As Su Tao approached the dressing rooms, a door suddenly opened without warning. As Su Tao dodged, she bumped squarely into the passerby beside her.


    "Ouch, you ran right into me!" After aining exmation, there was a gasp of shock. "Su Tao?"


    Su Tao had intended to politely apologize and leave quickly, but was called by name and looked in the direction of the voice to see a familiar yet unfamiliar face.


    With a pointy chin,rge eyes wearing circle lenses, and fluttering falseshes that were practically molting glitter, it was Tian Yingying.


    Unsure, Su Tao asked, "Tian Yingying?"


    That face had clearly gone under the knife more than a few times.


    Tian Yingying smiled somewhat stiffly. Her gaze fell on the coffee in Su Tao''s hands and she gave a lightugh. "We haven''t seen each other for a year and you''ve also entered the entertainment industry? Working as an assistant? What''s the pay like? Or do you want toe be my assistant?"


    Su Tao noticed the dressing room she exited had a "Xingjue" sign. Based on her sexy and revealing performance outfit, she was likely an artist under Xingjue.


    "You''ve be an artist." Su Tao smiled gently and politely said, "Good luck."


    "That''s right, I''m a celebrity now. Why are you still struggling so badly?" Although the stic surgery had left Tian Yingying''s face somewhat paralyzed, her schadenfreude was expressed perfectly.


    Su Tao simply smiled and didn''t bother debating. Right then, her phone rang and she circled around Tian Yingying, heading for her dressing room.


    Wu Xieyu, who had just arrived backstage, witnessed the altercation between Su Tao and Tian Yingying. He quickly called his boss.


    He was representing Ruiqi as a judge and had assumed Su Tao wouldn''t personallye today. He didn''t expect to run into her.


    Ever since the boss returned from Jiangcheng, he had been depressed and dejected.


    When he was in Jiangcheng, he was temperamental but clearly felt energetic and hopeful about each new day.


    Yet after returning to Beicheng he seemed to have reverted to his state from a year ago, like a walking corpse.


    The call was picked up and the familiar low voice responded: "Speak."


    "Boss, I saw Su Tao."


    -


    Su Tao, also holding a phone, received a call from Liang Ke.


    He asked her to help look after his four artists because he suddenly had a stomachache and went to the bathroom.


    Su Tao returned to the dressing room and distributed the coffees among the six people. She checked their makeup and costumes, all very satisfactory.


    Liang Ke''s four artists were a group so they went ahead to prepare backstage since their performance order was early. Xue Xinzi was nervous and had also gone to the bathroom. For the moment, only Jiang Qi and Su Tao remained in the room.


    Jiang Qi finally put down his phone and called Su Tao over, "See if my eye makeup is smudged?"


    He had light makeup today, with lined eyes that made his already limpid, amorous eyes even more bewitching.


    If stared at steadily, it could make one sink in, unable to pull away.


    But Su Tao''s focus was on his eyeliner, not his pupils. "It is a little smudged. Did you rub your eyes just now?"


    He was just looking for a flirty excuse after all.


    Su Tao already grabbed a tissue and leaned in close, carefully wiping away the smudged eyeliner.


    A few strands of hair tucked behind her ears draped down, brushing Jiang Qi''s ear and tickling it, making his Adam''s apple bob up and down.


    Leaning back in the chair, he obediently allowed Su Tao to fix his makeup. But his arms had already stealthily grabbed the edges of the vanity, subtly framing Su Tao between them.


    The dressing room door was suddenly knocked and then pushed open. Xie Jin, who had an ted expression at first, darkened upon seeing the scene inside.


    Su Tao''s face was very close to Jiang Qi''s, her slender waist seemingly encircled in his embrace. Their posture was intimate like a couple''s.


    For a moment, rage rushed through Xie Jin. He strode forward inrge steps until he reached them and pped away one of Jiang Qi''s arms, pulling Su Tao out.


    "What are you two doing?"


    Like thunder erupting from his chest cavity, paired with his gloomy, sinister expression, it made one shiver with dread.


    Jiang Qi abruptly stood up and, facing Xie Jin''s zing gaze, moved to Su Tao''s other side.


    Sandwiched between the two equally tall and slender figures, Su Tao''s phone suddenly rang.


    She shook off Xie Jin''s hand and slipped out from between the two mountains, answering the call.


    On the other end of the phone, Liang Ke''s pained voice was apanied by indescribable groaning sounds: "Peach, I can''t take it anymore, I have diarrhea...I''m drained."


    Su Tao nced at the time, there were 5 minutes left before she had to go wait backstage. "Do you need me to buy medicine for you?"


    Liang Ke weakly said: "I''m afraid that won''t help, I may need to go to the hospital..."


    Su Tao''s expression changed slightly. She was one of the judges today and was just about to go on stage.


    Clearly, this was Liang Ke''s intention for calling: "I''ve already called my assistant toe get me to take me to the hospital. You''ll have to take my ce as judge on stage, otherwise it''ll be hard on the production team if there''s no judge, and it won''t look good for ourpany."


    Currently on site, she was indeed the only suitable person to take Liang Ke''s ce as judge. Su Tao decisively agreed to take on this emergency task.


    She quickly tidied her hair in front of the mirror, took out a makeup powderpact from her bag and patted her face a couple times, reapplied some lipstick, grabbed an eyeliner and mascara from the dressing table to touch up her eyes, and straightened out her cor.


    Although her makeup wasparable to bare face, it was passable. After all, she wasn''t the main star today. As long as she didn''t look sloppy on camera and didn''t embarrass thepany, it was fine.


    The two men who were originally confrontational now stood frozen, dumbly watching her busy movements.


    "Jiang Qi,ter when the staff calls for you, bring Xinzi with you backstage. If there are any issues let me know by message, I''m going to go wait backstage first."


    As Su Tao walked out, she left instructions without waiting for Jiang Qi''s response, and disappeared from the doorway.


    Xie Jin gave Jiang Qi a contemptuous nce, then turned and went after her. Wu Xie Yu was still waiting outside.


    Xie Jin watched as Su Tao headed towards the studio, and after thinking for a moment, asked Wu Xie Yu: "You''re a judge too?"


    Wu Xie Yu: "Yes."


    Xie Jin: "Switch with me."


    Wu Xie Yu: "?"


    The show recording formally began. The semi-circr stage had long tiered seats on both sides, fitting a total of 100 peoplebined.


    Directly facing the stage was the judges'' seating area. Four seats were reserved in the middle for the celebrity mentors. On the left were ten media representatives, and on the right were ten representatives from entertainmentpanies and tforms.


    Two minutes before recording, the director''s team hurriedly switched out the namete at Liang Ke''s seat for one that said "Su Tao, Jing Yang Entertainment".


    Then they saw the same director also rece the namete in the first seat on the left side, now reading "Xie Jin, Rui Qi".


    It was just two seats away from her.


    Not only were there other entertainmentpany colleagues on Su Tao''s side, there were also representatives from filmpanies and tform bosses.


    All the judge seats were filled except for the main sponsor''s rep, Rui Qi Video''s spot, which was empty.


    Just as everyone was curiously looking around, an elegant figure walked in at the entrance.


    His tall, well-proportioned frame was even more striking in the tailored high-end suit. His chiselled face was coldly stern, with deep, brooding eyes that seemed to look down on everything.


    The oppressive aura he exuded instantly quieted the whole venue, even more effective than the director controlling the scene.


    Xie Jin strode in with his long legs and overwhelming presence and took a seat in the first spot on the left side, making the ordinary chair seem like a throne.


    The moment he sat, all the lights in the studio went out, plunging the room into darkness.


    The director counted down ten seconds over the inte, and recording officially began.


    The artistic lighting turned on, and the four celebrity mentors made dazzling entrances. There were two male and two female mentors, all originally from idol groups and currently popr celebrity stars.


    The opening was explosive. Of the four mentors, the one with the highest poprity and best eloquence, Liu Xiangyi, took on the role of host as the group founding initiator, and introduced thepetition format.


    Over 100 trainees werepeting for 18 spots to form a group, 9 male and 9 female members.


    The initial stage scoring would be done by the 20 media andpany/tform representatives, with their scores determining who advanced and who was eliminated. Each judge scored out of 10 points, and the bottom 20 trainees with the lowest scores would be cut.


    With so many contestants, most were actually in teams of 5 or 7, making up just over 20 performing teams in total.


    The first team to take the stage was a 5-member girl group from Yun Kai Culture.


    The man in his 40s sitting next to Su Tao seemed excited, leaning in to whisper in Su Tao''s ear, "They''re artists from ourpany."


    Su Tao nodded and responded that the girls were all very pretty.


    Neither paid any attention to Xie Jin''s sinister, gloomy gaze.


    For a girl group that had debuted 2 years ago but was still unknown, the members did indeed each have their own ws.


    Their opening showcase preparations also seemedcking, with at least the dance being out of sync. In thetter half of the performance, their singing was clearlycking in breath support. One member in particr seemed too focused on standing out, resulting in ack of coordination.


    Su Tao looked at their information and watched their performance, noticing many issues.


    But since she was just filling in for Liang Ke today, she simply went along with the crowd and gave a 5 out of 10 score, quietly ying the role of audience member.


    "Oh?" Liu Xiangyi looked to the right at the judge area, a surprised expression on his face. "This judge gave a score of 1."


    The camera panned to where Liu Xiangyi was pointing, and Xie Jin''s face appeared on the big screen, eliciting gasps from the room.


    With visuals this stunning, he was made to be on camera from all angles!


    Seeing him clearly on the big screen, Liu Xiangyi realized the namete in front of him read "Xie Jin, Rui Qi".


    Rui Qi Video had rapidly grown over the past year to seize the fastest market share, making it a tform daddy that no artist dared offend.


    Xie Jin was also well known in entertainment circles and amongst the wealthy as the head of the Tian Xing Group. He was a man countless wealthy youngdies and female celebrities fawned over.


    He had always been very mysterious, Liu Xiangyi didn''t expect he would openly appear on a show.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Xie Jin''s deep voice rumbled through the mic, his ink-ck eyes showing impatience. It seemed he red at the camera operator, as the shot suddenly cut back to the stage.


    Not only the audience below, even the performers on stage secretly covered their mouths, unable to conceal their gasps of astonishment at Xie Jin''s naturally imposing manner.


    Everyone was subdued by his domineering aura. From now on, domineering CEO novels had a face.


    "So it''s Boss Xie from Rui Qi. Our mistake." Liu Xiangyi awkwardly smoothed things over. "Actually, we''d like to hear your reason for the 1 point score."


    Cue''d again, Xie Jin''s face remained impassive, his cold, sinister aura seeming to pierce through the screen to permeate the room.


    "Does it need a reason?" Xie Jin quirked a brow, an expression that said ''are you questioning me?''


    Liu Xiangyi was breaking out in a cold sweat, feebly saying: "Because you gave the lowest score, so..."


    "Then you should ask them why they performed so terribly yet still got such high scores."


    As soon as Xie Jin spoke, the judges below and performers on stage all had ashen expressions.


    No one else present would have dared say those words.


    None of those who had scored them highly dared to talk back and defy him, given his status. Some even secretly took out their phones to snap photos of Xie Jin on the big screen.


    The show didn''t linger on Xie Jin for long and continued on.


    Unexpectedly, the second male group up was from Star Yang Entertainment, and included a familiar face to Su Tao - Su Yang Xing.


    Xie Jin''s brow furrowed slightly as he reflexively nced at Su Tao.


    Su Tao''s expression was calm, but under the table her hands were sped together, eyes fixed unblinkingly on Su Yang Xing.


    It had been a year since seeing him, and he looked to have grown taller again.


    He had always been a great singer, inheriting his mother''s wonderful voice. This performance highlighted his strengths very well, giving him the highest notes of the song.


    As expected, he delivered them perfectly.


    After the performance ended, Su Tao thought for a moment then still gave a 5 score.


    Su Tao''s scoring was quite objective. The team had members of varying skill levels.


    And Xie Jin, unsurprisingly, gave 1 point again.


    This time, Liu Xiangyi learned his lesson and didn''t dare ask Xie Jin. He first had the other 3 mentors givementary, and they all praised Su Yang Xing''s high notes.


    Liu Xiangyi let Su Yang Xing choose whosementary he wanted to hear, and to everyone''s surprise, he picked Su Tao.


    The audience whispered amongst themselves trying to figure out who Su Tao was. The camera operator also seemed to be looking for her, until over half a minuteter the big screen finally cut to Su Tao.


    A serene, fair face, with light makeup that wasparable to bare face on camera. But her petite face shape and delicate features were eye-catching without the need for heavy makeup.


    Especially those clear, bright doe eyes, demure yet lively, that made people want to protect her.


    Was this an idol trainee grouppetition or a visual judge beauty pageant?


    How was every random judge shot so stunning?


    Su Yang Xing looked at Su Tao, a hint of grievance in his eyes as he pursed his lips, but managed to maintainposure and steady his emotions.


    Su Tao sighed softly, imperceptible to most. She picked up the mic on the table, her clear, melodious voice seeming to massage everyone''s ears as she slowly said: "The team has members with obvious strengths but also unignorable weaknesses. Their overall skill level needs improvement."


    Her concisementary ended before the audience had their fill of her voice.


    To satisfy the public, Su Yang Xing followed up with another request: "May I ask Judge Su Tao to give individualmentary?"


    Su Tao had no choice but to pick up the mic she had just set down. Looking at the materials in hand, she gave individualmentary to each of the 4: "Lin Hou, your dance is great. You''vepeted internationally and won awards. Your biggest weakness is singing, so you avoided all the vocal parts. Hiding ws and highlighting strengths is good, but don''t limit yourself. To debut in a group requires strengths, but any weaknesses must also reach a passing level. I suggest you spend more time practicing singing."


    Su Tao''smentary was fair and hit the nail on the head. She spoke neither too fast nor too slow,ing across very professional and authoritative.


    Those she critiqued all listened intently with serious expressions, sincerely thanking her afterwards.


    When she finally got to Su Yang Xing, her eyes lowered, longshes concealing her bright eyes. Her voice alsocked her previousposure and confidence.


    "I don''t know who came up with this path for you, but I don''t think you need to be on this show."


    Her words caused an uproar.


    Because of the objective and detached impression they had just formed of Su Tao, everyone subconsciously started to think that there must be something wrong with Su Yang Xing that made him unsuitable for the show.


    "Why?" Su Yang Xing''s brows furrowed as well, no longer able to hide his grievance as he pursed his lips with moist eyes.


    Su Tao raised her eyes, still as calm as the water in a pond, but her words were decisive: "No reason."


    Seeing Su Yang Xing aggrieved as he walked off the stage, Su Tao put down the microphone, retracted her gaze, and watched the next performance as if nothing had happened.


    Because of herments fromst time, every score Su Tao gave from then on was given a close-up shot, fluctuating between 5-8 points on average.


    Xie Jin, on the other hand, became another focal point, with his scores consistently being 1 point.


    When one of the decent performing teams finally got a 2 from Xie Jin, the contestants were ted, as if they had gotten full marks, and thanked Mr. Xie profusely for recognizing them.


    It was finally time for Liang Ke''s four artists to take the stage. Their performance was remarkable.


    Su Tao looked at them as if they were her own children, feeling everything they did was good. She had to admire Liang Ke''s professionalism - the artists he trained hadprehensive strength across the board, and a strong team spirit.


    Although she noticed some minor ws, she made a mental note and was very satisfied overall.


    Su Tao finally understood the pride Yun Kai Wen Hua''s representative had for Show Girls previously. Smiling widely, she bragged to those around her, "They''re mine."


    After receiving some ttering remarks, Su Tao''s smile grew even brighter.


    After the performance ended, without any pretense, Su Tao shamelessly gave them a perfect 10, not stingy at all with her praise.


    The camera panned to Xie Jin, who as usual gave them a 1.


    Because he had just given a 2, Liu Xiangyi cued Xie Jin again, "Mr. Xie, where do you think this team''s performance falls short of the previous team?"


    Cued again, Xie Jin was clearly out of patience, gloomily saying: "Everywhere..."


    "What specifically?" The clear voice rang out unexpectedly. No one thought Su Tao would actually question Xie Jin, displeasure filling her eyes.


    Xie Jin''s whole body stiffened as he immediately turned to look at Su Tao, only then realizing this was Jing Yang''s team after seeing her score.


    Just as everyone was worried for Su Tao, not only was Xie Jin not cold and impatient as they had imagined, he abruptly changed his tune.


    "Nowhere."


    Everyone: "?"


    As their jaws dropped in shock, he added another sentence: "I scored wrong, didn''t press an extra 0. Production team, reset it for me, I''ll rescore."

 Chapter 32: Listen to Me 013

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    The director group who was dominated urgently discussed, can this obvious cheating score be re-scored?


    No?


    This is the tform father, this show will be broadcast on Ruiqi Video, don''t you want to strive for a good rating?


    Su Tao''s clear and smooth voice sounded, easing the anxiety of the director group: "President Xie should still be fair and just, no need to re-score."


    Su Tao actually regretted it a bit after asking him, it was just that her own child was said, and she was anxious for a moment and blurted it out.


    This little incident was easily resolved by Su Tao''s words, and the show continued, but the eyes of everyone present looking at Su Tao and Xie Jin became subtle.


    Finally, after Xue Xinzi took the stage to perform, this subtle look reached its peak.


    Xue Xinzi was wearing a in linen dress with a shallow in smile on her face, holding a guitar and singing a folk song she had created herself.


    The singing was sweet and simple, the melody of the song was beautiful, the lyrics were very meaningful, and Su Tao was excited again, looking at Xue Xinzi with eyes shining.


    Since she took over Xue Xinzi, she hadn''t arranged too much business for her, just wanting to give her a quiet enough environment to create.


    She knew that Xue Xinzi was not amercial traffic artist, she had her own artistic ideals and pursuits.


    What she could do was give her the most support and the most suitable development path.


    Su Tao gave full marks without any doubt, and the camera swept over the judges'' scores. What surprised others was that Xie Jin also gave full marks.


    This time he really didn''t forget to press that "0".


    Another prompt tone was heard in Liu Xiangyi''s earpiece for him to cue Xie Jin.


    Liu Xiangyi was mentally copsed, he really didn''t want to be ridiculed by Xie Jin again.


    In order to see the point, the program team really didn''t take his face seriously at all.


    "President Xie," although extremely unwilling, Liu Xiangyi still followed the director''s words and asked Xie Jin with a smiling face, "You gave full marks this time, right?"


    Xie Jin looked at him faintly, with an expression of "Are you blind?", but still gave him some face by just saying "hmm".


    "May I ask why?" When Liu Xiangyi asked this question, his tongue was trembling.


    This time Xie Jin didn''t ridicule him, and subconsciously nced at Su Tao and said seriously: "The contestant performed very well, Su Tao''s artists are all very good."


    Everyone present was dumbfounded.


    Xie Jin actually praised someone too!


    It seemed that Xie Jin had found the right way toment. In the following show, he became Su Tao''s brainless supporter. Everything she said was good, he would praise, and everything she said was not good, he would viciously criticize.


    He seemed to have no thoughts of his own at all, his judging criteriapletely followed Su Tao.


    "Teacher Su Tao is very professional, I agree."


    "Teacher Su Tao''sments are insightful, I think so too."


    "Teacher Su Tao said it very well, I have the same opinion as her."


    ...


    Su Tao''s smile was almost unmaintainable. She looked at Xie Jin with a warning smile, reminding him that enough was enough.


    Xie Jin settled down after that and stopped mentioning her.


    The recording time of this period was rtively long, and it would be edited into two periods for broadcastter, so about half of the time was recorded, and the director let everyone rest for ten minutes.


    These ten minutes gave everyone a chance to socialize privately.


    Through the first half of the recording, Su Tao, who was originally a transparent person, became the person everyone wanted to get close to the most.


    The seats around her were crowded with people elbowing each other to get through. Some handed over business cards, added WeChat contacts. And went over to her crowded area to introduce resources to each other.


    She had simply be the center ofmunication.


    In stark contrast to Su Tao was Xie Jin. Around him, it couldn''t be said to be cold and clear, at least no one was there.


    In fact, everyone wanted to give Xie Jin their business cards the most.


    But the cold and arrogant aura he exuded at the moment made people not dare to approach him.


    Except for Liu Xiangyi, the other three artist mentors actually wanted to get close to Xie Jin quite a bit.


    After all, he was the rich dad, Tianjin Group didn''t need to say, the strength was powerful, and it was the leader in Beijing and even the whole country.


    Ruiqi Video under its banner was developing too rapidly, and it showed a trend of leading all online video tforms.


    For female artists, his face was even more tempting.


    But several people still didn''t dare to make a move, really because of the cold aura he emitted that made people scared, no one could guarantee that he would be willing to give them face, and if he refused in public, how embarrassing would that be.


    "I found out." One of the female artists said with her phone, "I just asked a friend of mine who works at Tianjin Group, she said President Xie has three taboos, as long as we don''t step on mines it¡¯s fine."


    Another female artist looked at her eagerly and asked anxiously, "What is it, what is it?"


    "One, can''t talk nonsense; two, can''t refute or question, can only obey unconditionally; three, can''t wear pink dresses, you stepped on a mine."


    The female artist in a pink dress looked surprised and asked in puzzlement, "Why not pink dresses?"


    The other three people also shook their heads to show that they didn''t understand.


    "Why don''t we take a roundabout approach."


    The reason why everyone flocked to Su Tao was not only because she had a good personality and strong business ability, but also because Xie Jin blindly admired her, which made everyone want to approach Xie Jin through getting close to her.


    Just as a few people were hesitating, something that made people fall out of their chairs happened.


    The murderous Xie Jin got up and walked towards Su Tao''s encirclement.


    The cold and slightly gloomy aura didn''t need him to push people away. Everyone automatically gave way.


    Everyone was guessing what the big boss with a dark face was going to do. The next second, they saw him take out his cell phone, turn it on, and the screen disyed a QR code to add WeChat contacts.


    "Let''s add each other on WeChat, Teacher Su Tao."


    Everyone: Shocked!


    Under the watch of so many people, Su Tao couldn''t find a suitable reason to refuse either, nced at Xie Jin, and reluctantly took out her phone and scanned his code.


    Seeing her WeChat contact added back, Xie Jin couldn''t help the corners of his mouth rise as he looked at Su Tao with bright eyes.


    Those who had never seen Xie Jin smile were dumbfounded. Was this city-capturing smile real? Were they qualified to see it?


    Probably only Su Tao could make a devil-like person smile so brilliantly.


    Su Tao looked at the time, there were 5 minutes left, and she didn''t want to continue to be watched, so she made an excuse to go to the bathroom to escape the studio.


    She wanted to find her own artists in the backstage, but was stopped by a slender figure.


    Su Yangxing''s iconic yellow short hair, relying on his handsome face and mboyant personality.


    But the unruly look was much more restrained, facing Su Tao, he pouted aggrievedly and called out, "Sis~"


    Su Tao saw the curious eyes of the people around her, pulled Su Yangxing into the dressing room of her artists.


    Liang Ke''s four artists were not there, only Xue Xinzi and Jiang Qi were inside.


    Xue Xinzi was listening to music intently with headphones on, while Jiang Qi was engrossed in ying games.


    Seeing Su Tao bring back a contestant, Xue Xinzi didn''t show much interest, but turned up the volume of her headphones a little, immersing herself in her own music world.


    Jiang Qi carefully looked over Su Yangxing, narrowed his clear eyes slightly, put down his game, crossed his arms, leisurely watching the two.


    "Talk, what''s the matter?" Su Tao looked at Su Yangxing with a calm expression, but her tone was alienated and indifferent.


    "Do you think I''m no good?"


    Before Su Tao could answer, Su Yangxing poured out all his grievances: "I haven''t seen you for a year, I couldn''t find you either. I was so excited when I saw you were a judge backstage. I didn''t expect you to strike me down on stage, saying I was no good. Do you really think I shouldn''t participate in this show and debut?"


    Su Tao sighed and went to the makeup table to get a tissue, but her wrist was grabbed by Jiang Qi.


    Jiang Qi looked at her questioningly, with some displeasure in his expression: "Who is this?"


    Su Tao was in no mood to answer his question, shook off his hand, and raised her arm with the tissue to wipe off the smudged eye shadow on Su Yangxing''s eyes.


    Just like when she wiped it for Jiang Qi before.


    Jiang Qi''s brows furrowed, unconsciously pressing the joints of his right hand and cracking them.


    After wiping off the eye shadow, Su Yangxing''s makeup looked more spirited. Su Tao was satisfied and lowered her arm, crumpled the tissue into a ball and threw it in the trash can, and finally answered his previous question.


    "I didn''t mean to strike you down at all, it''s your own life, your own decision."


    Su Yangxing refused to give up and blocked Su Tao''s way out: "Then why did you say I was no good?"


    "It''s not that you are no good," Su Tao looked into his eyes and said calmly like autumn water, "It''s that your brother is no good, he can''t make you popr. Rather than struggling without roots in the entertainment industry, it would be better to study your major well, get into the TV station, and there will be a stage for you to realize your dream."


    Su Tao''s words left Su Yangxing stunned. He didn''t expect this to be Su Tao''s reason.


    He gradually smiled and said, "So you think I can make it. Then can I sign with yourpany?"


    Seeing his unruly face when he smiled, Su Tao shook her head with a chuckle, patted him on the shoulder, and gently said, "Your whole family would not agree. Don''t fantasize, since you''ve done it, do it well."


    The program team came to call people back, and Su Tao returned to the studio.


    The atmosphere in the room suddenly became awkward. Su Yangxing only now noticed that unpleasant gaze and slowly looked over to see a boy who made people''s eyes light up.


    He looked about the same age as himself, but even just casually sitting there, he exuded handsomeness. That face, even he was jealous when looking at it. Apart from his ex brother-inw, he hadn''t seen such a heart-moving face.


    No, that face made his heart race, his ex brother-inw''s face made his heart stop.


    One was ideal, the other was delusion.


    The ideal heart-racing face stood up. With the advantage of being half a head taller than Su Yangxing, the sense of condescension overwhelmed him and asked gloomily, "What''s your rtionship with Su Tao?"


    Su Yangxing: "Su Tao? She''s my sister."


    Jiang Qi: "Blood-rted?"


    Su Yangxing: "Yeah."


    Jiang Qi''s expression rxed, and he patted him on the shoulder, just like patting his own brother, "I''ll cover you from now on."


    It was finally Jiang Qi''s turn on stage. Xie Jin, who was known for his delusional face, gave off a cold and gloomy aura that really made people feel suffocated when looking at him.


    Although Jiang Qi hadn''t had a single day of formal training, he had participated in many band performances at school and had considerable stage experience and was especially charismatic.


    Among the contestants, few could hold the entire stage as steadily as him, who was a contestant performing for the first time.


    He seemed to be born for the stage.


    After Jiang Qi''s performance, there was apuse all around, and the scores were basically above 9 points. As far as the eye could see, there were countless 10 points.


    Among the high scores, Xie Jin''s 1 point seemed a bit abrupt.


    Originally, everyone was used to him giving 1 point, but after the first half of the recording, everyone naturally looked at Su Tao''s scoring.


    Su Tao had given 10 points! Shouldn''t Xie Jin follow her and also give full marks?


    The director in Liu Xiangyi''s earphone wanted to stir up trouble again and instructed him to ask Xie Jin for the reason for his scoring.


    Liu Xiangyi reluctantly cued Xie Jin with a bitter look on his face: "Mr. Xie, can you exin why you gave 1 point?"


    Xie Jin''s face had already made it very clear what his mood was at the moment. He picked up the microphone and said in a deep voice, "Because there is no 0 points."


    The crowd was in an uproar again, and Xie Jin''s venomous words once again refreshed everyone''s tolerance.


    The scene was awkward for a moment.


    Xie Jin was probably in an extremely bad mood. He asked Liu Xiangyi in retaliation, "Any questions?"


    His manner was murderous and sharp, as if he would throw knives onto the stage if anyone dared to question him.


    "No problem."


    Liu Xiangyi quickly surrendered to keep the peace. In his earphones, the director was still stirring up trouble and told him to continue cueing Su Tao. Liu Xiangyi felt that they were trying to kill him. If they let him host the next issue, he would have to ask for a raise.


    "Then let''s hear thements from Judge Su Tao."


    Su Tao picked up the microphone and said unhurriedly, "Don''t listen to what some unprofessional people say. You did great, I''m proud of you."


    Dozens of eyes nced stealthily at Xie Jin, and the big screen also mischievously switched to Xie Jin''s shot.


    Although he still had a gloomy expression, he didn''t show any worse mood because Su Tao dissed him. Instead, he was even more restrained than when facing Liu Xiangyi earlier, with apletely different aura.


    When Liu Xiangyi questioned him, he looked murderous.


    But now that Su Tao openly questioned him, he didn''t even dare to say a word.


    Everyone: They have chemistry!


    The staircases on both sides of the stage were the seats for contestants who had already performed. After hearing Su Tao''smentary, Jiang Qi''s clear and affectionate eyes curved, revealing a charming and brilliant smile that was extremely eye-catching.


    As soon as this smile came out, the female contestant area on the right side of the stairs erupted in screams.


    Jiang Qi''s poprity made the male contestants on the left side look at him with great envy.


    The contestants who performed after Jiang Qi also felt tremendous pressure.


    And the pressure on Tian Yingying, who was about to go on stage, came from Su Tao.


    Backstage, she heard gossip that everyone seemed to appreciate Su Tao''smentary very much.


    She still hadn''t epted Su Tao''s transformation from the timid little assistant she had mistakenly thought her to be to the entertainmentpany''s artist director.


    Her impression of Su Tao was still stuck a year ago when she was obedient and docile in thepany.


    At that time, she thought Su Tao and Qin Xuexi had both left, and she could be the president''s senior secretary and then find a chance to move up.


    Unexpectedly, after Su Tao left, the president simply didn''t set up the position of senior secretary at all.


    Seeing no hope, she could only resign and enter the entertainment industry relying on her self-perceived outstanding looks.


    Tian Yingying had always been unwilling to be ordinary. She didn''t believe she would be unknown all her life as a small employee.


    But unexpectedly, the entertainment industry was not as easy to mix into as she had imagined. With her looks, she still had to go under the knife just to have a chance to be on a show.


    Now she had done everything ording to thepany''s requirements - gone under the knife, created an image, yet encountered another obstacle in Su Tao.


    When she went on stage, Tian Yingying carried such heavy thoughts and began performing. As expected, she performed terribly.


    She messed up the moves, bumped into someone while walking, and not only was her singing breath unstable, she was out of tune as well, simply a car crash scene.


    As soon as she finished performing, Tian Yingying covered her face and let out a painful cry.


    The team members on stage and everyone present were stunned. Her crying was just too sudden, seamlessly connecting with her stage performance.


    Liu Xiangyi asked what was wrong, and she deliberately ttened her shrill voice, making it sound exceptionally innocent and cute with a tinge of sobbing: "Too nervous, messed up the moves~"


    Su Tao''s indifferent gaze looked at the information in her hand. There was a sentence in Tian Yingying''s introduction: A girl who can be sweet or silly.


    Looking at herpletely different personality demonstration on stage earlier, she only gave 3 points.


    This was the first time Su Tao had given a score below 5 points. Liu Xiangyi naturally asked Su Tao.


    "The deduction is mainly on Tian Yingying''s side." Su Tao said bluntly and to the point, "After you got on stage, your eyes were wandering, your mind wasn''t on the performance, so you made mistakes in the moves. You were out of tune because your basic skills are not solid. The main issue is that you are forcing an image that doesn''t suit you, so you are breaking character. My advice is to be yourself and show your best side."


    Su Tao''s incisive and concisementary received a round of apuse.


    Her criticism and suggestions were so urate that many contestants even wanted Su Tao toment on them.


    But Tian Yingying on stage didn''t think hermentary was fair at all. She only felt that Su Tao was targeting her.


    Speak of the devil.


    Tian Yingying removed her hands covering her face. There were no tears on her face. With her neck stiffened, and unconcealed wilfulness in her eyes that even she herself didn''t notice, she questioned Su Tao, "I''m not forcing any image, this is just how I am. Who are you to say your opinion is the truth? On what basis can you say whatever you want is right?"


    Tian Yingying''s sudden counterattack took everyone by surprise. Compared to the majority who were surprised, Su Tao remained calm and said, "I''m not an authority, it''s just a suggestion, feel free not to listen."


    Just as Liu Xiangyi was thinking about how to ease the awkwardness of the moment, Xie Jin picked up the microphone and added insult to injury: "What she said about breaking character, that''s your current situation."

 Chapter 33: Listen to Me 014

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Tian Yingying finally squeezed out real tears amidst the sounds of mockery, her face flushed red with shame and indignation. The deep-rooted fear of Xie Jin prevented her from retorting a single word as she slinked off the stage in embarrassment.


    The entire four hours of recording for the show waspleted, and all the contestants who advanced to the next round formally entered the training camp for closed offprehensive training.


    Su Tao hadn''t even gotten up from her seat when she saw a middle-aged man take the initiative to chat up Jiang Qi.


    The flirtatious smile in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Qi was exactly the same as when she first wanted to sign Jiang Qi.


    A rare anxiousness shed through Su Tao''s normally calm eyes. If not for worrying about her image, she would have jumped over the table right then.


    Xie Jin had started thinking of excuses to ask Su Tao out for a meal since before the recording had even ended.


    He thought of countless reasons why she might reject him, yet never imagined that before he even had a chance to speak, Su Tao would have already disappeared without a trace.


    The moment Jiang Qi got off stage, he was stopped by someone iming to be an executive from Huixing Entertainment, who kept praising Jiang Qi for being outstanding and having potential.


    Jiang Qi was a bit annoyed at first and wanted to leave. But when he saw Su Tao striding over, with a rare murderous look in her beautiful doe eyes, his footsteps halted.


    "Hello, I''m Jiang Qi''s agent, Su Tao," Su Tao coolly dered her ownership, no hint of a smile reaching her eyes.


    The Huixing executive smiled awkwardly, unable to conceal the admiration in his tone, "I was just praising Jiang Qi, he''s truly outstanding, such a good prospect!"


    "Thank you for praising him. Jiang Qi is an artist we at Jing Yang are focused on cultivating," Su Tao deliberately emphasized the words "focused on cultivating", intent on telling him not to get ideas about poaching Jiang Qi, because thepany would not let him go.


    After the Huixing executive left awkwardly, the corners of Jiang Qi''s mouth couldn''t help but curl up as he stared at Su Tao, who seemed gentle on the surface but was like a ruffled cat with her hackles raised right now. He let out a soft chuckle, earning himself a re from Su Tao.


    "Can you chat with just anyone?" Su Tao gave him a sideways nce, her tone less than friendly.


    "Feeling nervous? Afraid I''ll leave you?"


    Jiang Qi''s clear and tender eyes were full of smiling warmth. Whenever he wanted, he could make anything sound flirtatiously ambiguous. Those with weaker resistance would probably blush.


    Su Tao secretly rolled her eyes at him. Straightening her back, she gave a little huff, "With a nine digit penalty, do you think those people all have my foresight to pay such a huge penalty fee for you, an artist not even officially debuted yet?"


    "What if there is one?" Jiang Qi''s mouth quirked with a wicked grin, seeming intent on riling Su Tao up.


    Su Tao raised her hand and pped Jiang Qi''s arm, not too lightly or heavily, warning him, "Stop always threatening me. I may look easy to bully but dare you really provoke me?"


    Getting hit made Jiang Qi''s smile grow even more amused. He leaned in next to her ear, breathing out in a low voice, "But I like provoking you."


    Not giving Su Tao a chance to react after he spoke, he quickly reached out and ruffled the top of Su Tao''s head, then waved his hand with augh as he briskly walked away.


    His clean and handsome sunshine boy figure blended into the crowd of young boys and girls entering the training camp, still the most eye-catching and stalwart among them.


    Su Tao retracted her gaze. Both her and Liang Ke''s artists had advanced. It was lively when they came but lonely when leaving alone. Su Tao enjoyed this loneliness, the corners of her lips curving up in satisfaction.


    But before the smile could bloom, she saw two familiar figures standing in the shaded corner of the hallway, seeming to be conspiring about something.


    One was the Huixing executive who had tried to poach her artist earlier, the other was a tall and solemn figure she was all too familiar with, Xie Jin''s back.


    In a sh, Su Tao pieced together many things. Xie Jin had previously gotten Rui Qi to try poaching Jiang Qi before.


    Judging by the current situation, not only had he not given up after being scolded by her, he had even covertly colluded with otherpanies to poach Jiang Qi!


    This was truly going too far!


    After Su Tao realized what was going on, the Huixing executive had already left first.


    Xie Jin turned around and saw Su Tao standing behind him. The cold eyes instantly filled with warmth as he took a step forward, wanting to say something but was coldly cut off by Su Tao.


    "Xie Jin, if you dare engage in these kinds of shady tricks again, I''ll poach all of Rui Qi''s artists! Let''s see if I can do it or not!"


    Watching Su Tao''s indignant departing figure, Xie Jin raised his arched brows, lookingpletely confused.


    What shady tricks had he been engaging in?


    The Huixing executive had asked him out for a meal and he had declined, that was all. How had he offended her again?


    -


    Su Tao finally found an opening when Jiang Wan was free and brought up the drama by Hua Chunjiang, thinking she would have to go through a lot of trouble exining. Unexpectedly, Jiang Wan immediately said she trusted Su Tao''s rmendation for the role and asked her to send the script to her so she could have her agent discuss taking the role.


    This trust warmed Su Tao''s heart. She told Jiang Wan that if there was anything in the future she could help with, to just speak up.


    "There is one thing I''d like to ask of you." Jiang Wan''s gentle voice came through the phone, a tiredness seeping into her tone. "I want to terminate my contract with my currentpany. Could you sign me?"


    Su Tao was stunned for a few seconds, unable to believe her ears as she confirmed again, "You want to sign with me?"


    "From the moment you helped me with my coat, I felt you were especially dependable. I''m very touched by your subtle care and understanding. I also really approve of your views on protecting and nning for artists. My currentpany only sees me as a money making machine. I''m really tired." Jiang Wan''s tone revealed a brittleness that pained Su Tao''s heart.


    Her gentle yet firm voice gave a promise, "Jiang Wan, I will definitely get you out of your contract. I will go all out for you, just trust me."


    After hanging up, Su Tao sent Wang Qi a message to clear two days in Gu YiYan''s schedule next week to leave time for the audition.


    Having settled Gu YiYan''s matter, Su Tao looked over her work ns. Her eyes lit up when she saw DG Computers would soon beunching a new series and she had connections to find out DG was currently selecting a new spokesperson for the series.


    DG Computers had always targeted the student market. The designs were youthful, fashionable, lightweight and high cost-performance, making it very popr among students.


    DG was also bold about using new artists as spokespeople for their new series. They had an urate eye for talent, and the previous spokespeople had all grown along with the products they represented and nowmanded high prices.


    There was an apt advertising slogan describing this phenomenon in the industry - "DG''s rise, tomorrow''s stars".


    The DG new series endorsement was simply tailor made for Jiang Qi. She must secure it!


    Su Tao immediately made use of all her connections to obtain the contact information for DG''s marketing department. But she was told that to be able to normallypete for the endorsement, she would need to provide a nine-digit asset deposit for a one month period.


    This effectively set a barrier to entry.


    Firstly, DG wanted to prevent any negative incidents with the new spokesperson during the endorsement period that could impact the new productunch, so they required a nine digit default penalty that would safeguard thepany''s interests.


    Secondly, it filtered for agencies with strength that weren''t afraid to forfeit the default penalty, and could ensure their support of resources for the new spokesperson to grow together with the product.


    While it was scouting for new artists, the criteria had already been set very high, practically on the level of grooming the next top star.


    Su Tao was determined to win this endorsement for Jiang Qi and naturally could not be blocked at the outset.


    She called Zhang Qi Guang to exin the situation. Even he fell briefly silent this time, "Tao Tao, you know this requires a huge amount out of thepany''s ounts right? I alone can''t decide this, it needs a shareholder meeting."


    Su Tao nodded calmly, "I know."


    Zhang Qi Guang said, "Thepany has a total cash flow of 450 million in the books. You want to draw out 300 million. Do you think Liang Ke and Liu WanTao will agree?"


    With the artist publicity fees flowing out like running water every day, and so many artists under thepany, it would be hard to get Liang Ke and Liu WanTao''s agreement.


    Su Tao''s clear eyes shed with determination, "I will persuade them."


    Zhang Qi Guang specially returned to Jiang City for this matter and convened a shareholder meeting.


    Unsurprisingly, only Zhang Qi Guang voiced agreement, while thepany charter required over 80% shareholder agreement to draw out 2/3 of the cash flow.


    Liang Ke waved his lily-white fingers with a sigh, "Tao Tao, I can''t help you this time either. It''s a huge sum and long period, basically freezing cash flow for a month."


    Liu WanTao wasn''t as tactful as Liang Ke. She sat with arms crossed and face stern, her tone slightly caustic, "I firmly oppose this! There are so many artists, what if someone has an urgent need for funds? Besides, everyone knows how hard it is to get DG endorsements. Is it necessary to freeze cash flow for a whole month for this unrealistic matter?"


    The other two minority shareholders naturally also didn''t want thepany''s cash to be massively drawn down. Too many businesses had copsed due to cash flow issues.


    Su Tao''s expression remained tranquil, her breathing steady. This was a scene she had anticipated early on. No matter how much exnation would be futile.


    She took out the "Imperial Edict" prepared long ago and pped it on the table. Her clear eyes contained an undeniable strength. "If I fail to obtain the DG endorsement, I am willing to take responsibility and resign!"


    The normally silent Zhang Qi Guang''s peach blossom eyes snapped erect, his expression solemn, "Su Tao, don''t say such things rashly."


    "It''s not rash. I have confidence I can secure the endorsement, so I can stake my career on it. I hope everyone can believe me too."


    Su Tao ced the signed and fingerprinted "Imperial Edict" in the center of the conference table, her burning gaze sweeping over everyone present.


    The first to take a stance was Liu WanTao. She picked up the "Imperial Edict" from the table to look at it, a mocking smile on her face, "Since Manager Su is so confident, let''s not hinder her. I agree."


    Liang Ke looked at the "Imperial Edict" then at Su Tao, shaking his head, "Whether you resign or not has no benefit for me. I still disagree."


    In fact, whether Liang Ke agreed or not mattered little to Su Tao. Zhang Qi Guang held 60% control. She had 10%. As long as she swayed Liu WanTao''s 10%, she could use the funds.


    It was obvious that Zhang QiGuang understood the true purpose of that "military order", and he sighed silently as he looked at her intently: "Have you thought it through, Su TaoTao?"


    Su Tao nodded.


    Zhang QiGuang took her application letter and attached the "military order" to the back of the application letter. He hesitated for a moment, then signed his name and stamped hispany seal.


    Liu WanTao didn''t hesitate as much. She immediately signed her name and handed the application letter back to Su Tao, smiling smugly: "Looking forward to hearing the good news from General Manager Su!"


    Su Tao took the application letter from her and left the conference room with eyes like calm autumn waters.


    As soon as she opened the door, her colleagues who had been eavesdropping outside the door almost fell over. Su Tao ignored them and headed straight for the finance department, her expression nk.


    Le Xuan hurried to catch up, looking extremely anxious and worried: "Boss, isn''t this ying too big?"


    Su Tao walked very steadily, her voice was not loud but extremely infectious: "No pain, no gain."


    -


    The first episode of the "Road to Stardom" variety show was released online, causing great repercussions.


    In addition to discussions about the four celebrity mentors, the hottest topic was unexpectedly the CP between Su Tao and Xie Jin. At one point, it even overshadowed the poprity of the contestants.


    The ranking of the topic on the hot search list rose rapidly from the bottom, and the behind-the-scenes footage of Xie Jin asking for Su Tao''s WeChat ID that was shown during the intermission was released as bonus material.


    The entry surged to the top three in the rankings, with poprity increasing rather than decreasing.


    Within half a day after the show aired, there was already a CP hashtag for Xie Jin and Su Tao.


    Su Tao was frowning as she browsed Weibo when she received a call from Zhang QiGuang, who was in some country again.


    Zhang QiGuang: "Su TaoTao, have you seen your CP with Jealous Jar on the hot search?"


    Su Tao gave a cold "Mm" and had no desire to discuss it.


    Zhang QiGuang: "Did Jealous Jar deliberately hype up your CP? He still hasn''t given up on you? He''s so persistent."


    Su Tao sighed lightly and changed the topic: "Which country are you in? You''re keeping up with the news very timely."


    "I''m in the United States, Chicago." Zhang QiGuang''s voice suddenly dropped, seeming preupied.


    "What''s wrong? No beauties in Chicago?" Su Tao joked.


    "It''s XiaoRu. I found her, she''s in Chicago."


    Su Tao''s eyes instantly lit up. She sat up straight, shocked at first then relieved: "Is she okay?"


    There was an uncharacteristic bleakness in Zhang QiGuang''s voice. "It''s hard to describe in one sentence. She refuses to go back with Haoxing."


    The Haoxing he mentioned was Zhang XiaoRu''s fianc¨¦ Shang Haoxing.


    The two got engaged two years ago and XiaoRu ran away on their wedding day half a yearter.


    After more than a year without any news from her, Haoxing had been living in loss and pain every day.


    The reason Zhang QiGuang had been aimlessly wandering so many countries was also partly to look for Zhang XiaoRu. Fortunately he finally found her.


    Su Tao looked at her schedule quickly and said into the phone: "Send me the address, I''ll fly over today."


    Su Tao stood under a tall, lush oak tree with her hands in her coat pockets, rubbing her fingers together inside anxiously. Facing the sister she hadn''t seen for years, she felt a little embarrassed and didn''t dare acknowledge her.


    After observing carefully for a long time, she could barely make out traces of her former self.


    Zhang XiaoRu had gained weight. Her originally straight ck hair had been permed into fluffy light yellow curls piled on her head. She wore a loose id shirt and ck pants covered in dog fur, looking sloppy and oblivious.


    Although her features were still very pretty, her expression was dull and dispirited. Her eyelids drooped and her eyes were unfocused. She kept yawning, looking like she just woke up.


    She had run away with that scumbag to Chicago and waster abandoned. She was also rumored to have had an abortion. Mentally, she must have suffered a major blow.


    "XiaoRu..." Su Tao finally spoke but didn''t know what to say.


    Zhang XiaoRu rubbed her nose and nced at Su Tao impatiently: "Had a good look? Want to ask why I''ve be like this? Want to ask why I won''t go back with you all? Want to ask how I''ve been living the past few years? Are you all tired of taking turns persuading me? I''ve already said everything I wanted to say, just ask my brother and Haoxing. What''s the point of talking to me? I already said I won''t go back to China with you all!"


    Su Tao pursed her lips. She didn''t expect XiaoRu to have be so irritable.


    "Feel sorry for me?" Zhang XiaoRu sneered derisively. With self-deprecating defensiveness she said, "Think I''m pitiful?"


    "No." Su Tao exined hastily, "I care about you..."


    "Don''t need it. I know you look down on me now, scorn me, think I deserved this, think I brought it on myself! I don''t need your approval either. I''ll take responsibility for my own life, I don''t need you alling tough at me!"


    Su Tao''s brows furrowed tighter and tighter. XiaoRu was like a porcupine now, very aggressive. She was afraid of saying the wrong thing and letting XiaoRu misunderstand again.


    "XiaoRu, I''ve always been very worried about you. I''m so happy to see you again. I won''t interfere with any of your decisions, I just wanted toe see if you''re safe, and talk to Haoxing properly again. He''s been in a lot of pain these past two years."


    Having said that, Su Tao left without waiting for her tounch a new wave of attacks.


    She had thought XiaoRu would consider their former friendship and listen to her advice. If she had known earlier that XiaoRu was like this, it would have been better not toe.


    Su Tao sat on a park bench, watching Zhang XiaoRu converse with Shang Haoxing from afar.


    She probably felt guilty towards Haoxing, so she didn''t reject and resent him like she did with Su Tao earlier.


    In the two years since XiaoRu left Haoxing, his state had been very poor. He had loved XiaoRu deeply and still couldn''t understand why XiaoRu cheated on and left him right before their wedding.


    Whenever Su Tao saw his decadent state, she would unconsciously think of that person who was alternatively cold and irritable.


    In the time right after she left, she would dream of his gloomy face every night, coldly staring at her. Each time she woke up drenched in cold sweat.


    Maybe because she had been oppressed by Xie Jin for so long, she felt uneasy about rebelling against him.


    Later she gradually overcame the mental demon. After all, she wasn''t the one who cheated. She shouldn''t have been the one tormented either.


    Her cell phone rang, interrupting Su Tao''s thoughts. Looking at the screen, the corner of her eye twitched. Speak of the devil.


    Xie Jin''s low voice came from the phone, sounding unreal in this foreign environment.


    Xie Jin: "You''re not in Jiang City? The director''s team said you''re not going to the recording tomorrow?"


    Su Tao: "Mm, I''m not in China. I can''t make it back tomorrow, Liang Ke will go."


    Xie Jin: "Where did you go? What did you go for? If you don''t go, I won''t go either."


    Su Tao: "You have to go. With all those scandals you stirred up the past two days, I haven''t settled ounts with you yet. You must go rify the rumors."


    There was silence on Xie Jin''s end for a while. He reluctantly agreed.


    In the distance, it seemed like Haoxing had started crying, bowing his head to wipe away tears. Zhang XiaoRu across from him lowered her head remorsefully.


    Su Tao''s gaze fixed on them. Staring at the two, it was as if she could see other people and events through them. She slowly asked Xie Jin: "When I left without exnation back then, did you hate me?"


    Xie Jin seemed to be stunned into silence. After a long while, his slightly hoarse voice carried grievance and bitterness: "You finally realize how unreasonable you were? Am I a pen, a towel, or a car? You can just discard me whenever you want?"


    Listening to Xie Jin''s choked usations, Su Tao withdrew her gaze into the distance. Her face was devoid of emotion as she asked, "I just want to know, did you hate me? Did you suffer?"


    There was a moment of hesitation on the phone before he answered, "I suffered, I hated you for a time."


    A smile finally bloomed on her tranquil face, like a sea of lush wisteria in April. "That''s good then."


    Xie Jin: "......"

 Chapter 34: Listen to Me 015

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    The filming for the new season had begun. Without Su Tao there, Xie Jin''s venomousmentary was updated again. It could be described as vicious.


    "How did you advance with this level of skills? You should have been eliminated this round."


    "Your dance looks like rehabilitation training. Stop insulting dancing."


    "You have no talent. Even if you practice for ten more years you still can''t make it."


    "I''ve never seen anyone as stupid as you."


    "If you want me to give you face, you need to grow a brain first."


    Xie Jin did not show favoritism. He criticized almost everyone he saw. The contestants walked up confidently but walked down in tears.


    Some contestants started doubting themselves after hisments. They went straight to the director team and wanted to quit after getting off stage.


    After this round of filming ended, all contestants and their agencies sincerely asked the director team to invite Su Tao back as well if Xie Jin must be invited again as a judge.


    They couldn''t take the blow anymore. The contestants would have a mental breakdown if this continued.


    The program team realized that the contestants had been feeling down these days after being hurt by Xie Jin''s caustic words. Some of the more sensitive ones cried in the corner after practicing half-heartedly and lost motivation.


    The director team held an emergency meeting and immediately called Su Tao, who had fair but gentlementary. They scheduled for her to visit the training camp and film an episode.


    Su Tao had just returned to the country for two days. She readily agreed but did not ask for pay. Instead she used this visit to trade for two promo spots for Xue Xinzi and Jiang Qi.


    Yesterday the program team released behind-the-scene clips of contestants asking to quit tearfully after Xie Jin''s causticmentary. It generated high viewership and buzz for the show.


    Strangely, there were very few people scolding Xie Jin online. Most of thements were viewers joking that their values changed along with their facial expressions.


    But most viewers sympathized with the contestants. The shippers of Xie Jin and Su Tao''s CP seized the opportunity and yelled loudly for Su Tao to be invited back next episode.


    The viewers had only been yelling for two days when they were pleasantly surprised to see the show promo that Su Tao would visit and observe the trainees live today.


    The CP fans were ted. They felt like their ship was officially recognized. Some even jokingly called it daddy scolding the kids and mommyforting them afterwards.


    Su Tao, who had arrived at the makeup room, helplessly squeezed her brows when she saw the increasingly ridiculousments online. She let the makeup artist do her makeup.


    In the training camp, Su Yangxing kept ncing at the door and was distracted during practice after hearing Su Tao would visit. This caused him to mess up the moves repeatedly.


    Jiang Qi and Su Yangxing were both assigned to ss A. After two rounds of eliminations, 1/3 of the contestants were cut. There were four sses from A to D. ss A had the fewest people, only 7. They could form a group and give a public performance.


    The number of contestants increased for the other sses. Each ss only had one chance to perform on stage. The sses with more contestants were at a disadvantage on stage and naturally had less exposure than the sses with fewer contestants.


    Besides observing, Su Tao''s visit this time also included scoring their progress. The score would be added to the individual scores during the next public performance and affect their ranking.


    During the break, Jiang Qi took off his headband, gulped down a lot of water, and sat on the floor with one leg straight and one bent. He leaned his elbows on his knees and waved Su Yangxing over.


    The two had built some friendship over the past few days. Jiang Qi was very capable - handsome, not very talkative, strong in singing and dancing. He was popr with both the girls and guys.


    Although he looked like a yer, he never actively approached anyone. Su Yangxing was an exception.


    The two of them always liked to stick together.


    Jiang Qi threw a bottle of water to Su Yangxing and patted the spot next to him for him to sit down.


    "Waiting for your sister?" Jiang Qi''s voice was not loud, only the two of them could hear.


    "Mm."


    Su Yangxing took a sip of water, his gaze still ncing at the door from time to time. He suddenly thought of something. He intentionally avoided the cameras and stuffed a letter folded into a heart shape directly into Jiang Qi''s shirt pocket.


    Su Yangxing said in a low voice, "A girl stopped me this morning. I thought she had a crush on me, but it turned out to be a love letter for you that she asked me to pass along."


    After speaking, he pouted, not knowing if it was jealousy or envy, and sarcasticallyughed, "Who still writes love letters these days?"


    Jiang Qi''s eyes shed disdain as he looked at his bulging shirt pocket, but he didn''t say anything. Instead, he looked at Su Yangxing probingly and asked meaningfully, "Your sister hasn''t contacted your family for a year after leaving home?"


    Su Yangxing did not want to talk more about the messy affairs at home. He just nodded without saying anything else.


    Jiang Qi did not pursue it further either. His bright eyes turned as he asked with upturned lips, "What do you think about me bing your brother-inw?"


    "What?" Su Yangxing almost jumped up as if his tail was stepped on. "I see you as a brother. You see me as a little nephew?"


    Jiang Qi stood up and pulled him to the stretching bar in front of the mirror. He stood in front of Su Yangxing, covering his mouth, "Keep your voice down."


    After two muffled "umms", Jiang Qi saw that he understood, and removed his hand.


    Su Yangxing wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and lowered his voice, "What makes you qualified to be my sister''s husband? Which part of you is better than my former brother-inw?"


    Jiang Qi let out a cold snort, "If your former brother-inw was that good, your sister wouldn''t have broken up with him."


    "But my former brother-inw is still better than you. He is upright and you are a flirt!"


    Just as Su Yangxing''s words fell, they heard amotion outside, and vaguely heard Su Tao''s voice.


    The two looked at each other and quickly ran out.


    In the public lounge outside the training room, two cameramen, one holding a camera and one holding a phone for livestreaming.


    The female contestants had surrounded Su Tao.


    Standing opposite Su Tao was a fair-skinned, petite girl with a straightforward and fiery temper. She questioned Su Tao aggressively, "I just want to ask, your scoring affects everyone''s ranking. Can you be fair and transparent?"


    Su Tao''s makeup was exquisite. Her originally slightly red eyelids were shaded with dark red eye shadow, making her doe eyes appear pitiful and touching.


    Thanks to the eye makeup, although she had no expression, she looked very helpless.


    Su Tao did not answer her question directly. She knew no matter what verbal assurance she gave, it would not convince the girl and she would be forced to make promises and be passive.


    So she asked back calmly. Her steady aura contrasted sharply with her image, "Where do you think I''m being unfair?"


    "You gave high scores to your ownpany''s artists." The fair girl stared straight at her.


    Su Tao: "I haven''t announced my scores yet. Who told you I gave high scores to my own artists?"


    Su Tao''s calm tone andposure made the fair girl waver a little. But she insisted Su Tao show her scores.


    Su Tao looked to the director team for confirmation and got an affirmative answer. Su Tao turned her iPad screen to show the names and scores she had just given.


    Liang Ke, one of the four artists from Darang Entertainment represented by Su Tao, had varying scores between 5-8 points. Xue Xinzi''s dancing was poor but her vocals were strong, so her overall score was 6 points.


    However, there were many artists who got 8-10 points. Even the questioning fair girl got 7 points.


    The fair girl was dumbfounded. Her eyes searched the crowd and immediately spotted Tian Yingying trying to sneak away. Disregarding everything, she yelled, "Stand right there! Didn''t you say Su Tao gave us all low scores and only gave high scores to her own artists?"


    Tian Yingying''s face flushed red. She avoided everyone''s gazes and shielded her face, muttering, "How would I know you''re so brainless?"


    When the fair girl heard this, she suddenly realized something. Her eyes almost spat fire, "Oh~ Now I remember! You asked me to go to the program team to get Su Tao reced as a judge initially. You intentionally used my connections to harm Su Tao, right?"


    Everyone''s expressions were colorful. This fair girl was indeed reckless and brainless to mention her father was a TV station leader in front of the livestream.


    The viewership of the livestream skyrocketed due to this multiyered conflict. The screen was filled with scolding Tian Yingying for being scheming and the fair girl for being stupid.


    Su Tao stopped the livestream cameras that were filming the two arguing girls. She stood in front of the cameras herself and led the cameramen towards the ss A training room of the male contestants.


    Everyone was moved by Su Tao''s considerate action.


    She was protecting the artists. Although they were stupid and malicious artists who did not deserve protection.


    Next, Su Tao brought the snacks she prepared for her visit and the milk and coffee sponsored by the program. She distributed them to the four sses of male contestants and scored them.


    After finishing all the procedures, Su Tao saw Su Yangxing rush out and gave him a gentle smile, "You did very well."


    With just this praise, Su Yangxing jumped up on the spot. Su Tao did not talk to him further. She went straight to the dressing room to change out of the program team''s clothes.


    When Su Tao came out afterpleting the filming task, she saw Jiang Qi waiting at the door.


    He was wearing athletic clothes and a white tank top with a thin shirt over it. His bangs hung naturally outside his headband. The youthful hormonal scent hit her in the face.


    "What are you doing here? Has training ended?" Su Tao looked at him in surprise.


    Jiang Qi put both hands in his sweatpants pockets, pursed his lips, and looked at her with clear eyes filled with dissatisfaction. His voice wasn''t loud but was full of discontent. "Before signing the contract you sent me eighty WeChat messages a day, but after signing you didn''t send me a single one."


    Su Tao''s gaze fell on the bulging heart shape in his thin jacket''s chest pocket, distracting her from hisints. She absentmindedly reassured him, "Don''t worry, I''ve signed you already. How could I not take care of you?"


    Jiang Qi: "...I''m not saying you don''t care about me... What are you doing?"


    Su Tao''s snow-white little hand had already reached for his chest. Jiang Qi''s body instantly tensed up, and his Adam''s apple rolled as his wildly beating heart calmed down.


    He realized her fingers had simply pinched the heart-shaped note out of his shirt pocket.


    Jiang Qi''s mind seemed to short circuit for a moment before he suddenly realized she was holding a love letter that another girl had given him. He immediately reached out to grab it back.


    Su Tao nimbly dodged him.


    She narrowed her eyes at his slightly flushed face and held up the letter, her face cold as she asked, "A love letter?"


    "Uh, I don''t know who gave it to me. I never read them, just throw them away directly. Don''t get the wrong idea, I''m not involved with any woman."


    Jiang Qi''s sudden stream of exnations oozed guilt, forcing Su Tao to seriously re-examine him.


    "Jiang Qi, although there''s no use in our contract banning you from dating, if you want a future, you can''t date. Dating leaves open the possibility of discovery and exposure. Do you know how many people are watching you every day, how many rivals are jealous of you?" She continued, "Let me put it this way. The dirt I have on those rivals is enough to shield you if anythinges out about you. If I can uncover things about others, so can they about you. Do you understand?"


    But Jiang Qi''s expression calmed down as she spoke, and his clear eyes darkened with inscrutable emotion. "You''re only worried I''ll hinder my career?"


    Su Tao looked at him, blinking. "What else?"


    Jiang Qi gazed at her as she stepped forward, seeming about to say something when an iing call interrupted them.


    Su Tao''s face lit up joyfully when she saw the call was from the DG brand executive she had been trying to reach. She ced a finger to her lips, signaling Jiang Qi to be quiet.


    She finally connected with the DG brand executive and answered the phone with a beaming smile, returning the love letter to Jiang Qi and pointing at him warningly.


    Jiang Qi watched her retreating figure, his expression darkening as he tore the heart shape in half and threw it in the nearby trash can.


    ¡ª-


    The goodwill Su Tao had umted during the livestream not only earned her countless positive reviews.


    Because of their fondness for Su Tao,izens even specially editedption videos of hermentary, which were both objective and gentle. Compared especially with Xie Jin''s caustic, biting critiques, her manner came off as even more warming.


    Incidentally, they alsopiled Su Tao''s loving care for her artists and objective fairness at critical moments.


    This reyed the stage performances of her four artists¡ªJiang Qi, Xue Xinzi, Liang Ke¡ªunintentionally driving up several people''s poprity.


    With one wave of operations, without spending a cent on promotion, everyone remembered several artists and Jing Yang Entertainment. It could be called aplete sess.


    Late at night, by the bright floor-to-ceiling windows, Su Tao closed the entertainment news page on her phone at the dining table and put it down. She smiled helplessly at the man across from her and took a bite of steak.


    "Not bad. You''ve umted goodwill very cost-effectively this time," Shang Haoxing said, clinking his ss against Su Tao''s.


    "Don''t make it sound like I nned this whole thing and put on an act. This was an unexpected pleasant surprise," Su Tao said, taking a sip of red wine with him.


    Ever since Shang Haoxing had returned from Chicago, he had be more cheerful and smiled more often. His year-long decadence had vanished¡ªhe was clean-shaven, had tidied his hair, and resumed the look of a professional elite.


    Shang Haoxing seemed a little emotional. "We''ve known each other for so many years, yet I think this is the first time we''ve gone out to eat alone together."


    He and Su Tao and Xiao Ru were university schoolmates. He was two grades above Su Tao and Xiao Ru. When Xiao Ru was a freshman, he had fallen hard for her and sessfully pursued her.


    At that time, Su Tao often hung out with Xiao Ru and Zhang Qi Guang, so naturally she was also very familiar with Shang Haoxing.


    Back then, with Xie Jin keeping close tabs on Su Tao, there was no way for the two of them to go out alone together when Xiao Ru wasn''t around.


    After knowing each other close to six years, both were now single again. It felt like the passage of time had changed everything.


    Shang Haoxing set down his wine ss, his gaze distant, his eyes shining with the light of rebirth. "Su Tao, I don''t know why, but ever since crying in front of Xiao Ru, I suddenly let it all go. This past two years, I tried so hard to find her¡ªit was just an excuse for the persistence in my heart. Maybe the moment she ran away, I had already stopped loving her."


    Su Tao''s eyes trembled faintly. She didn''t know what to say.


    She had witnessed his pain this past year and couldn''t pretend to be a saint telling him to forgive Xiao Ru.


    She could only reach out and pat Shang Haoxing''s shoulder, offering silentfort and indicating her support for any decision he made.


    "What about you and Xie Jin? Is there still a possibility between you two?" Shang Haoxing was in great spirits and didn''t need Su Tao''sfort.


    Su Tao decisively shook her head, avoiding the topic altogether. Her reaction made Shang Haoxingugh.


    He also lifted his hand and patted her shoulder, copying her earlier gesture. They looked like two patients healing each other, and bothughed out loud.


    This scene was captured by a camera.


    In the ck sedan across the street, red fingernails stopped recording after capturing the scene on her phone. She backed it up, reyed it, screenshotted it, posted it¡ªafter a series of operations, she drove away.


    After dinner, Su Tao and Shang Haoxing each returned home. Su Tao had overeaten at dinner and deliberately walked a stretch to get home, realizing it had been a full hour by the time she reached her building.


    Just as she was about to enter theplex, a low, gloomy voice suddenly sounded behind her¡ªa voice too familiar.


    "Is the trending news real?"


    Su Tao turned back. Under the streemp, Xie Jin''s chiseled features were taut, and despair was stifled in his pitch-ck eyes. His whole being seemed on the verge of copse.


    Trending news? Wasn''t that about her umting goodwill?


    Su Tao was confused. What did he mean asking her if the trending news was real with an expression like that?


    "What''s going on with the trending news?"


    Xie Jin took out his phone, gripping the edge until his fingertips turned white, clearly trying to restrain something.


    On the screen was a photo¡ªa dining table by floor-to-ceiling windows. Shang Haoxing''s hand seemed to be touching her face while she looked at Shang Haoxing with a smile. The whole photo exuded an ambiguous, sweet atmosphere.


    If the people in the photo weren''t her, Su Tao would have concluded they were a couple.


    For some reason, Su Tao found the photo''s resolution, shooting angle, even blurriness, familiar.


    Certain fragments from the past suddenly burst into her mind.


    When she had questioned him, his cold, impatient, blunt words were like mines buried in her heart, and each one now detonated as she triggered them.


    Even when they were together, he had never exined anything to her. Now on what grounds did he expect her to exin anything to him?


    He had always thought she had questioned him over some baseless rumors, that she was making a fuss over nothing.


    Even until now, he still hadn''t properly exined that photo to her.


    If he had been willing to exin back then, perhaps she and Xiao Tao Zi wouldn''t have reached this point.


    Under the dim streemp, the tall shadow lowered his head slightly, and his slender, long-fingered hand suddenlyshed out against his left cheek, leaving the fair skin slightly flushed.

 Chapter 35: Listen to Me 016

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    Because of Su Tao''s good reputation, a hot search about her was still trending, but suddenly her image took a moral downturn. It was apanied by a GIF of Xie Jin in a show, saying the phrase "Your image is shattered" about Tian Yingying. This caused the hot search to gain even more attention.


    The negative impact brought by this hot search continued to escte, and the fans of Su Tao and Xie Jin''s couple pairing began to turn against them.


    They criticized Su Tao for being a hypocrite and a maniptive woman who used her innocent facade to win the affection of men.


    Fortunately, their fan base wasn''t thatrge to begin with, so it didn''t cause much new damage. It simply added fuel to the fire in terms of poprity.


    What worried Su Tao the most was that her bad reputation could affect the artists in herpany. Just like how her good reputation had once helped the artists gain favor.


    It''s a case of "what goes up muste down."


    Su Tao went to thepany overnight and coordinated with her colleagues in the publicity department to suppress the hot search. She also worked with the technical department to find the ID of the person who first posted the image.


    She had organized the suppression of gossip multiple times before, but she never expected that one day it would be used against her.


    After a sleepless night, she finally managed to bring down the heat and prevent any harm to herpany''s artists. They also discovered the ID of the person who posted the image.


    The username was "NoOvertime."


    This Weibo ount had been registered for over six years but had barely posted anything. The registered email address had no information, and Su Tao couldn''t find anything unusual in the user''s Weibo activity.


    However, Su Tao''s sharp eyes caught one Weibo post that shared a location, and it turned out to be the headquarters of Tian Jin.


    Su Tao rubbed her tired eyes and told her colleagues from the technical and publicity departments that they had done a great job and should go home and rest. She then made her way to her own office.


    She had been contemting about the people who had conflicts with her during her time at Tian Jin.


    But considering the timing and the people who had reasons to harm her, there were two main suspects: Qin Xuexi and Tian Yingying.


    Her phone received a WeChat message from Xie Jin.


    He sent her a bunch of files and screenshots, which were simr to what the technical department had found, but more precise than hers.


    \[Xie Jin: I suspect it''s Tian Yingying.\]


    \[Xie Jin: The photo you received before, it should also be from her.\]


    \[Xie Jin: That photo was taken from a video, and I will find that video to prove my innocence.\]


    What he found matched her own spection.


    Su Tao locked her phone and pondered. Suddenly, a pair of red pointed high heels stopped in front of her, and a wave of anger rushed toward her, breathless and intense.


    As Su Tao looked up, a hand with palm wind swung towards her. With quick reflexes, Su Tao grabbed the hand.


    When she saw the person in front of her clearly, Su Tao was taken aback.


    "Xiao Ru?"


    Zhang XiaoRu pulled her hand back, widened her eyes, and red at Su Tao angrily. She shouted, "What did you do with my identity? Do you still want to marry Haoxing?"


    Hearing her mention the issue with her identity, Su Tao immediately grabbed her arm and lowered her voice, "Come to my office with me. Don''t cause a scene here."


    "Who''s causing a scene?" Zhang XiaoRu shook off her hand and shouted even louder, "Su Tao, my best friend, stole my husband, how morally corrupt!"


    Su Tao caught a glimpse of the crowd watching themotion, and among them were some of Liu WanTao''s people, some of whom had already taken out their phones, recording either audio or video.


    "Zhang XiaoRu, if you want to know why Shang Haoxing didn''t marry you,e to my office now."


    Su Tao could only divert her attention by addressing the issue she cared most about, minimizing the impact of the situation.


    "Anything that happened in the office just now, if any audio or video leaks out, the person responsible will be immediately fired!" Su Tao shouted before taking Zhang XiaoRu back to her own office.


    Inside the simple office, Zhang XiaoRu sat in a chair while Su Tao stood in front of the closed door, arms crossed. Normally gentle, she now furrowed her brow and her eyes were bloodshot.


    "Zhang XiaoRu, are you out of your mind? You actually believed the rumors online?"


    "Can photos be faked?" Zhang XiaoRu stubbornly held her head high, took out the photos on her phone, and pointed at them confidently. "You two in this state, and you call it a misunderstanding?"


    "These photos are out of context, clearly cropped from a moment in a video. Shang Haoxing and I were simply having a meal together."


    Su Tao closed her eyes, trying to calm her emotions, and sighed as she looked at the confused woman in front of her. "Why did youe back? When Shang Haoxing went to find you before, you didn''te back, did you?"


    "But what if I regret it now?" Zhang XiaoRu retorted with an unfriendly tone. "Didn''t you say you would tell me why Haoxing suddenly rejected me?"


    Su Tao sighed again, feeling infinite disappointment and regret for her former best friend. "XiaoRu, you should ask yourself that question. Shang Haoxing loved you so much, how did you lose him? He''s a person, not a toy. You think you can easily pick him up after losing him?"


    Zhang XiaoRu''s brow gradually furrowed. She wanted to argue back but didn''t know how. After a while, she thought of something and questioned Su Tao again. "Why did you use my ID card without permission?"


    Su Tao didn''t want to bring up that matter at this moment, but she needed to give her an exnation for using her identity. "I broke up with Xie Jin, and I used your ID card to avoid him. But what kind of mind do you have, to think that I would use your name to marry Shang Haoxing?"


    Zhang XiaoRu''s arrogance had diminished. When she saw the message from Shang Haoxing saying he didn''t love her anymore, she immediately bought a ne ticket back to the country.


    As soon as she got off the ne, she saw the hot search and suddenly learned about Su Tao''s previous use of her ID card. Without thinking, she rushed over in a fit of anger.


    After calming down, she realized that the reason wasn''t really valid.


    Zhang XiaoRu''s voice softened, no longer as aggressive. "Is it true that there''s nothing between you and Haoxing? He cried when he came to Chicago. Why did he suddenly stop loving me?"


    Zhang Xiaoru choked up, tears welling up in her eyes and streaming down her cheeks. It seemed that she had be ustomed to silently crying over the past two years, which made Su Tao both angry and sympathetic.


    "In fact, I regretted going to Chicago with that jerk after a few months. He''s a scumbag! But I... I didn''t dare toe back. I was afraid you would look down on me."


    Unconsciously, tears welled up in Su Tao''s eyes as well. Despite everything, she felt morepassion than me for her once dear friend.


    Xiaoru''s mental state was indeed not good. Perhaps she still needed treatment.


    The office door suddenly knocked open, and Su Tao unlocked it, opening it slightly. To her surprise, it was Shang Haoxing who was knocking on the door.


    Through teary eyes, Xiaoru looked at Shang Haoxing, burying her face in her hands, unable to control her tears.


    Xiaoru got into Shang Haoxing''s car, and Su Tao expressed her concern, saying, "I think she should see a psychologist."


    Shang Haoxing nodded. "Leave it to me. I''ll talk to her first. I''ve rified things on Weibo. Let me know if there''s anything else I can do."


    Su Tao nodded and watched them leave. As she walked back, she opened Weibo.


    Just as she was about to refresh the trending topics, Lexuan ran over, breathless, and said, "Weibo! Boss, Xie Jin made a Weibo post!"


    Before Su Tao could react, Liang Ke appeared out of nowhere, his eyes gleaming with gossip, excitedly saying, "It''s real between you two!"


    Su Tao''s expression froze, and she had a bad feeling. She clicked on the trending topic.


    The fifth trending topic was shocking and straightforward.


    #Xie Jin Confesses to Su Tao#


    Clicking on it, it was Xie Jin''s first Weibo post ever, and he dedicated it to Su Tao.


    Xie Jin: I have always loved you and never changed. @Jingyang Entertainment Su Tao.


    Thements below were flooded with their fans.


    "I never thought that one day I would ship a couple for real!" Liang Ke, with the air of a fan, was delighted and shedding tears.


    Su Tao ignored him and the curious gazes of others, and returned to her office.


    Online, the photos from the airport in Nan City were dug up. There was a photo of Xie Jin sitting next to Su Tao, making a phone call, but his gaze was fixed on her. Everyone realized that they had known each other for a long time. The photo was even used as a profile picture for the hashtag by their shippers.


    After seeing Xie Jin''s photos and statuspared to Shang Haoxing''s,izens couldn''t help but notice the significant difference in talent and looks, although they didn''t go as far as to criticize Shang Haoxing like they would a celebrity.


    So the question arose: with someone like Xie Jin pursuing her, how could she be the third party in Shang Haoxing''s rtionship?


    This confession sessfully shifted the attention from Su Tao''s negative trending topic and turned the tide against those who were bashing Su Tao. People started questioning the authenticity of the ck material.


    Even arge number ofizens went to Su Tao''s Weibo to wait for a response.


    Meanwhile, Shang Haoxing and Xiaoru also posted their responses on Weibo.


    "Shang Haoxing and Zhang XiaoRu both released lengthy rifications, providing their perspectives on a certain matter:


    The day before their wedding, Zhang XiaoRu suddenly went abroad without any contact, and Shang Haoxing was single, so there was no involvement of a third party.


    Su Tao, their ssmate, had a close rtionship with both of them, and they had dinner together to console Shang Haoxing.


    They felt sorry for involving Su Tao in this matter.


    Once the rification was out, everyone realized that they had wrongly used Su Tao.


    From a moral standpoint, there was no issue since the man was unmarried and the woman was not yet married.


    Regarding the authenticity of their feelings, there was no reason for others to judge or gossip about it. It was a matter of personal choice, and there was no justification for insulting anyone.


    Finally, Su Tao''s Weibo ount was updated, and the eagerly waitingizens didn''t know whether to cry orugh upon seeing Su Tao''s response.


    Surprisingly, the post from Su Tao read: ''Sorry for using public resources. The contestants performed so well, I hope everyone supports them.''


    She attached a video link showing the journey to bing a group, with a video cover featuring a coboration of six artists from Jingyang Entertainment.


    Even at this time, they didn''t forget to promote their own artists.


    Theizens, who had been waiting for a long time, jokingly referred to Su Tao as the most dedicated manager in history.


    ______________________________________________________________________


    In the afternoon, during the monthly team meeting, after Su Tao finished her report and looked at everyone, she asked if they had any further questions, as usual.


    "Director Su, I have a question," a lively girl from the publicity department raised her hand and asked with a smile, "Is it true that you and CEO Xie are together?"


    As soon as the words fell, the meeting room erupted withughter and apuse.


    Su Tao didn''t get angry or annoyed at everyone''s teasing. She just lowered her gaze for a moment, then raised it again, and self-reflected, "As a manager, I should stand behind the artists and not take away the attention that rightfully belongs to them. I hope all the managers present take me as a warning and avoid making the same mistake."


    After Su Tao finished speaking, the whole room fell silent. Everyone put away their yful attitude and sat up straight, burying their heads in the meeting minutes.


    Satisfied, Su Tao picked up herptop and returned to her seat to continue the meeting.


    Her phone vibrated twice, and she took it out to see that it was from Jiang Qi.


    \[Jiang Qi: Do you still like him?\]


    \[Jiang Qi: Do you want to get back together with him?\]


    Su Tao frowned slightly, a hint of impatience shing in her eyes, and she replied briefly.


    \[Su Tao: Focus on training. It''s none of your concern.\]


    Jiang Qi sent two more messages in session.


    Su Tao initially didn''t want to respond to him, but when she saw the content, she couldn''t help but examine Jiang Qi''s thoughts.


    \[Jiang Qi: Answer me.\]


    \[Jiang Qi: I can''t continue training.\]


    \[Su Tao: Who I like, whether I want to get back together with someone, what does it have to do with you?\]


    After a while, Jiang Qi finally replied.


    \[Jiang Qi: You are my manager, and I have the right to know if your love life will affect your work.\]


    Silently, Su Tao looked at his reply, feeling somewhat reassured, and her tone improved a little in her response.


    \[Su Tao: Don''t worry, I will never let anything affect my work. Focus on your training. I''m currently securing a major opportunity for you, and if it works out, your poprity will skyrocket.\]


    When it came to work, Su Tao''s face was filled with excitement as she envisioned the future. She passionately typed on her phone, "We''re already halfway there, and I have the confidence to seed. When the timees, you''ll be able to..."


    \[Jiang Qi: So, are you nning to ept his offer to get back together?\]


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao deleted the half-written sentence and immediately put her phone on silent, ignoring him.


    Su Tao had originally intended to decline the recording for the new season of "The Road to Bing a Group." However, to generate more buzz, the production team tempted Su Tao with amercial endorsement.


    Su Tao exhausted her remaining value and used one episode of the show to secure an endorsement deal, along with reserving eight spots for the next season''s contestants.


    The contestants who had been fearful of Xie Jin''s criticisms in the previous season were relieved when they learned that Su Tao would be participating in this recording.


    This was the second stage of the show''s public performance, and the stage was much more dazzling than the initial stage. After a week of training, the contestants showed remarkable improvement.


    To Su Tao''s surprise, Tian Yingying did not participate in the new season''s recording. There was no mention of her being eliminated, and it seemed as if her name had never existed in the first ce.


    Recalling the investigation results from Xie Jin, Su Tao had a guess in her mind. Tian Yingying must have been removed from the recording, and it was likely Xie Jin''s doing.


    To Su Tao''s delight, Xue Xinzi had managed to ovee her fear of dancing. Even though she wasn''t the best dancer, she exuded confidence while standing on stage, and her final ending pose was beautiful.


    Having watched everyone''s performances during the live broadcasts, Su Tao felt that everyone had made progresspared to their practice sessions.


    During the feedback session, almost everyone received praise, and it was genuine, acknowledging everyone''s dedication and hard work.


    Among the praised contestants were those who had been subjected to Xie Jin''s sharp criticisms in the previous season, feeling so discouraged that they had considered quitting. Suddenly, one of them burst into tears on stage and said, "After General Manager Xie''smentsst time, I felt like I had no talent and couldn''t do anything. I thought I was worthless... Thank you, Teacher Su Tao."


    Xie Jin, who had been silently observing Su Tao and had be like a frozen image, was suddenly called upon. He looked at the crying contestant on stage and then at Su Tao, and he voluntarily took the microphone to defend himself.


    "When did I ever say you were worthless? You can''t make false usations."


    The words "make false usations" were quite clever, and those present couldn''t help but smile, as if they knew the secret to dealing with this poisonous-tongued, irritable boss.


    One after another, the contestants started toin to Su Tao on stage, saying that after Xie Jin''s critique in the previous season, they had lost their confidence and had considered dropping out. Su Tao, like an angel, had encouraged them and given them the courage to continue.


    "It''s because your ability to handle pressure is weak," Xie Jin stared at the contestants makingints, using his gaze to threaten them into silence.


    As more people spoke up, Su Tao nced over and calmly said, "The contestants also face a lot of pressure, so they should be given more encouragement, right, General Manager Xie?"


    Xie Jin, who had wanted to defend himself, opened his mouth but eventually let out a sigh, nodded, and with a good temper, muted his microphone andy down, epting the self-deprecating mockery.


    "Teacher Su Tao is right."

 Chapter 36: Listen to Me 017

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    The recording ended. Su Tao was surrounded by her own artists before she even left the studio. This made Xie Jin, who wanted toe over, stop in his tracks and silently wait not far away.


    Su Tao passed on messages from Liang Ke to them, and also talked about their strengths and weaknesses one by one, and then said a few encouraging words to boost their morale.


    After everyone left, Jiang Qi didn''t move. His clear eyes looking at Su Tao were full of dissatisfaction. "Why didn''t you reply to my WeChat?"


    Su Tao nced at him and casually came up with an excuse, "It''s for the same reason I didn''t reply to your WeChat before."


    Jiang Qi''s expression stiffened. He had long known that under Su Tao''s gentle and obedient appearance was a vengeful heart, but he didn''t expect that she would even hold a grudge for not replying to WeChat.


    But his reason for not replying to her at that time was not what she thought.


    It was because if he didn''t reply, she would keep talking endlessly until he replied.


    But he didn''t dare to say the real reason, afraid that Su Tao would think he was childish if he told her.


    Although she had always thought he was very childish.


    "I..."


    "Sister!"


    Su Yangxing ran over and interrupted Jiang Qi''s words. He had a proud look on his face, even more arrogant and unbridled, looking for praise. "I kept my spot in ss A, ranked sixth."


    Su Tao revealed a faint smile and patted his arm encouragingly. "Well done."


    In fact, she still felt that the best choice for Su Yangxing was to take the exam for the TV station and be a host or anchor.


    However, she wouldn''t n his life for him. He would never take responsibility for himself if he didn''t take some winding roads.


    Having received encouragement, Su Yangxing pulled Jiang Qi excitedly, jumping up and down, "Did you hear that, Jiang Qi? My sister praised me!"


    Jiang Qi couldn''t push away Su Yangxing who was frolicking in front of him. He watched as Su Tao waved at him and left the studio.


    Not far away, Xie Jin also followed her and left.


    Su Tao knew there was a shortcut after leaving the studio that could get to the entrance very quickly.


    She walked through the long corridor of the program team office and came to the emergency exit. She unexpectedly ran into Tian Yingying who had juste out of the executive office.


    Her eyes were red, obviously from crying.


    The two looked at each other, Tian Yingying''s eyes instantly filled with hatred. She angrily used, "It''s you who pulled strings so I can''t record the show, right?"


    Su Tao looked at her calmly, her tranquil eyes looked at her indifferently. She asked back, "Was it you who sent out the photos of me and Shang Hao, and also Qin Xuexi''s photos a year ago?"


    Tian Yingying suddenly widened her eyes, the corners of her eyes twitching slightly, and her lips pressed together. She subconsciously took a step back.


    It was just a bluff, but because of her guilty reaction, it was confirmed in Su Tao''s heart.


    "You, you''re talking nonsense! I didn''t!" Tian Yingying still didn''t admit it, but she didn''t need to admit it personally anymore.


    "I don''t care about things in the past anymore, I can let it go with you, but if you dare to provoke me again in the future, it won''t be as simple as being banned from the game!" After Su Tao finished speaking, she threw a cold, slightly sharp nce at her and walked away with her steps.


    Xie Jin, who had been hiding around the corner behind her, emerged after Su Tao left.


    His expensive leather shoes stepped on the empty corridor tiles, one step heavier than the other.


    When Tian Yingying saw the visitor clearly, she was shocked with eyes wide open, her beautiful pupils almost falling out.


    She swallowed hard, retreated repeatedly, and as his footsteps approached, she felt it difficult to breathe, her heartbeat almost stopped.


    She didn''t have time to think about whether Xie Jin had heard what she just said to Su Tao about the photos.


    Her deep-rooted fear of Xie Jin made her want to turn and run away, but she couldn''t move her feet.


    The tall shadow enveloped her, and the low voice came from above her head, "The one in my email, you sent it too, right?"


    Tian Yingying''s whole body trembled, she couldn''t speakplete words anymore, she could only shake her head desperately, denying with her mouth, "No, no, no..."


    Xie Jin''s eyes narrowed, reflecting her cowering figure in the gloomy eyes.


    She hurried to deny it without even asking what photo it was, her panicked look made Xie Jin even more certain that she was the one who sent the photos.


    "Hand over the video." Xie Jin''s words were like the Grim Reaper''s urging, making Tian Yingying tremble even more violently, and even forgot to refute.


    After shaking for a while without another sound from Xie Jin, Tian Yingying regained some sanity. She thought of the only way to save her life, "If I hand it over, you won''t harm me?"


    "Hand it over."


    Xie Jin''s gloomy words left no room for negotiation. Whether she handed it over or not, he had ways to force her to hand it over.


    -


    Su Tao finally made an appointment with Li Yajie, the current CEO of DG.


    The time when Jiang Qi''s information was submitted happened to be when the first episode of The Road to Debut was being hotly broadcasted. Jiang Qi had been trending twice, and among his peers, his poprity and performance were first.


    This was something Su Tao had foreseen early on. She chose the most suitable time to fight for DG''s endorsement.


    She was confident that with her nning and solicitation, plus Jiang Qi''s own ability, she could win this endorsement. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have gone all out with the military order.


    But to avoid someone using an inside connection and engaging in improperpetition, she had to block the back door in advance.


    After making inquiries through many rtionships, Su Tao finally found out that Li Yajie liked racing.


    Of course, she liked it, but usually she only went go-karting and didn''t dare to drive on real racetracks.


    So Su Tao organized a go-kart race to be held the day after tomorrow and invited several wealthy socialite friends of Li Yajie.


    In the pitch-ckrge door on the top floor of Tianjin Tower in Beicheng, a pair of deep eyes lifted from the documents with a hint of surprise. "Go-kart race?"


    Jin Chuwen, who stood opposite the desk, nodded. "Yes, the day after tomorrow, at the Yimei Go-Kart Club in Jiangcheng. Here is the list of wealthy socialitedies participating."


    After all, Jin Chuwen was Xie Jin''s special assistant. With this identity, he had alreadyworked in Jiangcheng''s social circles to probe Su Tao''s movements.


    It had to be said that while other wealthy madams held art exhibitions and cocktail parties, Su Tao had quite an interesting mind to have a group ofdies go karting.


    Xie Jin curved his knuckles and tapped on the table one by one, falling into thought.


    As if conditioned, whenever the boss knocked on the table like this, Jin Chuwen felt physically ufortable and nervous, wanting to go to the bathroom.


    The tapping finally stopped, and there seemed to be a gleam of light in Xie Jin''s pitch-ck eyes, as if he had thought of a wonderful idea. The corners of his mouth curled up imperceptibly as he smiled and made calls one by one ording to the list Jin Chuwen gave him.


    "Hello, President Ma, are you free the day after tomorrow? I''m inviting you to go karting..."


    "President Sun, want to go karting the day after tomorrow? Your wife happens to be going that day too, but keep it a secret..."


    "President Liao, you haven''t apanied your wife for a long time, right, give her a surprise..."


    Not until Xie Jin finished all the calls did Jin Chuwen vaguely understand what was going on.


    The boss had invited thesedies'' husbands to go karting too?


    To see Su Tao, the boss really went to great lengths, using all kinds of roundabout ways to get close to her. It really burned his brain.


    After finishing the calls, Xie Jin let his secretary book ne tickets to Jiangcheng, and seemed to be in a slightly better mood. His voice was not as low as before. "How''s the stuff we got back from Tian Yingying?"


    Tian Yingying said she had deleted the videos, so Xie Jin took back all her electronic devices, includingputer, mobile phone, camera, USB drive, portable hard drive, etc.


    But the IT department still hadn''t recovered her deleted files after so many days.


    "The phone and camera have been ruled out now. Theputer stillcks a part. I''m contacting the manufacturer for shipment." Jin Chuwen replied.


    "As soon as possible."


    ...


    Su Tao watched speechlessly as a row of handsome young men stood in front of the go-kart track, enthusiastically selecting go-karts.


    Liu WanTao somehow heard about this race she had arranged and brought several newly signed male artists from thepany.


    The wealthy socialitedies standing aside pursed their lips and chuckled softly, patting Su Tao on the shoulder and whispering, "Are these all your artists? You really have good taste."


    Su Tao nodded calmly on the surface, but secretly nced at Liu WanTao several times.


    Finally finding a chance, she pulled Liu WanTao aside and questioned, "What did you bring your artists here for?"


    Liu WanTao was nonchnt. Even if she had done something unsavory, she still held her head high, "Male and female pairing makes it less tiring to y. I let youwork, but don''t let me bring artists to find resources?"


    Admittedly, most wealthy madams were lonely empty nesters, but it was still inappropriate to openly organize them to be with male artists. What kind of behavior was this?


    Su Tao lowered her voice. "What do you take your artists for? Most of these are married women, do you know that?"


    Liu WanTao''s eyes widened, as if she had stepped on her tail. She exploded at once, "Are you saying I''m pimping? You don''t share resources when you have them, and me me for tagging along. With such a good opportunity, which agency wouldn''t bring artists to show their faces?"


    Su Tao closed her eyes for a moment. Before being angered to death by Liu WanTao, she asked her onest question, "How did you know we were here?"


    Liu WanTao raised her proud neck, "I have friends in wealthy circles too. You made one wrong move in this game, and I''ve helped make up for it. Don''t thank me, just don''t me me."


    Su Tao held her forehead. She didn''t want to argue with her anymore. She searched for Li Yajie in the crowd. She wasn''t very interested in those boys and was already fully equipped, sitting in the go-kart.


    Su Tao jogged over and apologetically said, "Sister, I didn''t arrange for these artists toe. I just simply wanted to go karting with you."


    Li Yajie let out a heartyugh. With a melon seed-shaped face and big eyes, she had the standard beauty face. As a fading beauty approaching fifty, although she was well maintained, some traces of time could still be seen.


    "It''s alright. I''m about to y anyway, more people makes it livelier." As she spoke, she patted Su Tao''s hand, "Don''t mind."


    Su Tao''s cheerful personality moved Li Yajie again, and added to her good impression. She immediately put on a helmet as well, "Sister, I''ll run ap with you."


    "Oh~" Li Yajie was quite surprised, "You can run?"


    It was Su Tao''s first time ying. Under the coach''s guidance, she could only choose a single-person recreational vehicle. The car she chose was much heavier than the two-stroke one Li Yajie had chosen, but it was also easier to control and less likely to have an ident.


    This was the first race between the two women, and the prize was a dinner. Everyone watched eagerly around them.


    The go-kart was not as easy for Su Tao to control as she had imagined. And her heavy vehicle was like this, so Li Yajie''s lighter one must be even easier to skid off the track.


    But it had to be said, Li Yajie drove like her personality - steady and fast. As expected, Li Yajie won without any surprises.


    When she reached the finish line, Su Tao took a deep breath to steady her heartbeat before getting off the car. She gave Li Yajie a big thumbs up.


    Li Yajie patted Su Tao''s shoulder, seeming to admire her as well. She took the initiative to grab her hand and walked with her to the rest area.


    "I didn''t expect that you look so gentle and delicate but actually quite wild. At first you chased me pretty closely. And your mentality is not bad either. It''s already not easy for your first time driving."


    Su Tao had just raced with half her life on the line, just so Li Yajie wouldn''t think she was useless and unable to have fun.


    There were a few times she almost flipped the car on the turns. Her legs were still shaking uncontrobly now.


    But obviously, Li Yajie had developed a good impression of her. She had not wasted this opportunity.


    The two chatted a lot and got along better and better. Only then did Su Tao realize this woman had a lot of charm, broad knowledge and elegance. No wonder she could make DG so sessful. She really was outstanding.


    She learned that DG''s current Chairman was her husband. He was nearly 70 years old already, a whole 20 years older than her.


    The age difference, plus her husband''s history of remarriage, gave Li Yajie an aura of legend.


    But obviously, she was not the kind of woman who rose in status by relying on men. Even without her husband, she might not have reached her current height, but she definitely wouldn''t have fallen too far behind either.


    The madams paired up with the male artists, driving double recreational vehicles on the track. They were not going very fast, but screams were endless.


    Whether they were really scared or pretending to be scared, they made the stadium quite lively.


    Li Yajie seemed to really enjoy this lively scene, always smiling.


    Liu WanTao came over and sat down to chat with Li Yajie as well.


    In less than three sentences, Liu WanTao started talking about endorsements and resources. Li Yajie''s eyes shed with impatience, and she interrupted her words.


    "Director Liu, having too strong a utilitarian mentality in dealing with others is not good. Peach has chatted with me for so long without mentioning endorsements at all. You should learn more from your little sister."


    Liu WanTao''s face turned red and white alternately. She was too embarrassed to leave or stay, wishing she could drill into a crack in the wall.


    Su Tao didn''t notice Liu WanTao''s awkwardness. She was fiddling with her phone, looking for a ce to treat Li Yajie and these rich madams for dinner tonight. Suddenly she heard a few gasps, and Su Tao looked up.


    A group of men were walking towards them, all dressed in branded leisurewear, covering various age groups.


    Su Tao''s face changed instantly. She recognized one of them. Their wives were currently on the double recreational vehicles with a certain male artist, having great fun.


    These men walked closer before discovering their wives each had a fresh meat apanying them. They instantly turned ashen.


    Xie Jin, who was walking at the back, saw the scene before him and his long legs paused. Didn''t they say it was just the madams'' go-kart race? Howe there''s a group of men too?


    After the madams saw their husbands suddenly appear, the atmosphere froze awkwardly. The surprise had instantly turned into arge-scale bust of cheating spouses.


    Although their husbands were also mostly indecent outside, and some of the madams fooled around too, being caught face-to-face was still too embarrassing.


    Su Tao''s heart sank to the bottom. After all, this was the gathering she had organized. Causing such a double ident was really losing face.


    When she saw Xie Jin walking towards her with a slightly solemn expression, she understood the culprit behind this second ident.


    He wore a sky blue casual shirt with the cor casually unbuttoned twice, ck casual pants, and a pair of white sneakers. His tight jawline and pair of jet ck eyes made him look elegant even in leisurewear.


    Xie Jin stopped in front of her and took a breath. When Su Tao looked at him, he slowly let out that breath and just softly asked: "You arranged this?"


    Li Yajie took the initiative to speak. Her bright voice did not reveal any joy or anger, as if she was just stating a fact: "It was arranged by Director Liu over there."


    Liu WanTao, who hadn''t found a crack to hide in, now wished she could find a hole in the ground.


    She hurriedly called one of the artists and told them to leave quickly, before slipping away in embarrassment herself.


    Li Yajie smiled at Xie Jin and Su Tao, pped her hands to liven up the frozen atmosphere again, "You little couples can argue more when you get home. I''m treating today, let''s go eat, be happy!"


    After that, she even winked at Su Tao. Su Tao smiled gratefully. She knew Li Yajie was afraid she would feel guilty. If the atmosphere escted, she would lose face first.


    Most of the friends she got to know after working were purely business rtionships. No one had ever considered her feelings like this before.


    Some people clicked right away.


    Some people were still strangers after knowing each other half a lifetime.


    Su Tao nced at Xie Jin, not giving him another look. She pulled Li Yajie''s hand and walked towards the club entrance.


    Xie Jin''s expression froze. He immediately caught up and followed closely behind Su Tao.


    ---


    In the Japanese restaurant, with Li Yajie and Xie Jin present, no one brought up the previous incident. Noda''s private room was full of love and harmony.


    Everyone naturally knew about Xie Jin''s public confession to Su Tao from the recent hot search. They kept toasting Su Tao and chatting with her.


    At first Xie Jin tried to take her wine ss, but Su Tao dodged him.


    Although the embarrassment today was not her fault, she still felt guilty as the organizer. And the Japanese sake tasted like fruit juice, so she kept drinking one small cup after another.


    But she didn''t know the potent after-effects of sake. Drinking so quickly like her would get drunk very fast.


    Li Yajie had drunk a lot too, but she could hold her liquor well. Seeing Su Tao''s flushed little face, she found it cute. She leaned in to whisper in her ear: "Peach, I actually quite appreciate Jiang Qi. He has a lot of potential and is suitable as the endorsement for our new product."


    She had intended it as a constion, but the drunk Su Tao hugged her with wet eyes: "Sis, you''re my real sis!"


    Xie Jin, who had been keeping half a step away from her, pulled the clingy Su Tao into his arms and let her lean against him. He silently poured her some warm water and fed it to her himself.


    Xie Jin''s series of skilled actions made everyone secretly look over with gossiping eyes. No one could have imagined the rumored most unpredictable Xie Jin actually had such a gentle side.


    Li Yajie was both surprised by Xie Jin''s tenderness and Su Tao''s sentimentality after drinking, quite different from her usual indifference.


    She curiously asked Xie Jin: "Does she often cry after drinking?"


    Xie Jin shook his head. "When she''s drunk..."


    He suddenly recalled her drunken statest time, and Xie Jin''s heart quivered involuntarily. His Adam''s apple slid up and down as he cleared his throat and tried to maintain his outward calm.


    "I have to take her home."

 Chapter 37: Listen to Me 018

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    It was not difficult for Xie Jin to get Su Tao''s home address, and it was not difficult to find her door key in her backpack either.


    What was difficult was opening the door while hugging the squirming Su Tao in his arms. Her naughty little hands had already undone four buttons on his shirt. Xie Jin barely managed to maintain his strong willpower long enough to get the door open and put her down on the bed before lowering his head to kiss her.


    Outside the window, the crescent moon hung high as its bright moonlight filled half the unlit bedroom.


    On the rumpled bedspread, his big hand held her small hand, ten fingers tightly intertwined. Xie Jin used all his strength to reluctantly leave her soft lips.


    His chest heaved as he gasped for the oxygen he had been missing.


    His back was already soaked with sweat. He swallowed and moistened his dry throat, murmuring in a low voice, "Little Taozi, be good. Otherwise I won''t be able to hold back."


    This time Su Tao seemed more drunk thanst time. She was not as difficult as before. Once he covered her with a thin quilt, she fell asleep.


    Xie Jin waited for the heat in his body to subside before finding the bathroom in the dark and taking a cold shower, finally calming down. He walked out with a towel around his waist.


    After fumbling around for a while, he finally found the light switch and turned on the lights. The decor of the room made him pause in surprise.


    Just like a model room, the tidy living room didn''t even have the coziness of a model room. Aside from the cushion on the sofa adding a pop of color, everything was ck, white and gray.


    Even calling it a cold, industrial style would be an insult to that aesthetic. At least that style would have some bright ent colors.


    He looked towards the bedroom with the light from the living room to find a bedsidemp or tablemp, but didn''t find any. There was only a bright overhead light. The room didn''t even have a doll or stuffed animal.


    What kind of woman''s home was this?


    Xie Jin crouched by Su Tao''s side, his long fingers gently brushing aside her hair to reveal her serene sleeping face.


    From the day he met her, she had always been so well-behaved and sensible, never making unreasonable demands or doing things he didn''t like.


    She was always so gentle, just gentle enough, not clingy or petnt, good at hiding her true feelings, to the point that he had overlooked her inner emotions.


    What girl doesn''t like cute things? What girl doesn''t want to be a little princess?


    He only knew that she looked like a woman when wearing pink, but he never gave her enough eptance and indulgence to truly enjoy a woman''s privileges.


    Herck of desire wasn''t because she really didn''t want anything, but because no one had ever given her those things.


    Thinking that his little Taozi had never been doted on made his heart feel like it had been stabbed and twisted, leaving him breathless from the pain.


    What had he been doing before? Why was he only realizing all this now?


    A transparent, warm teardrop fell on Su Tao''s eye, followed by a second teardrop. Xie Jin btedly wiped his own wet eyes.


    He lowered his head to kiss away the tears that had fallen on her eyes, speaking in a voice so soft it was barely audible, "I will spend the rest of my life spoiling you like a princess."


    The first ray of sunlight hit Su Tao''s face, making her eyshes flutter lightly as she slowly awoke.


    Her head hurt a little. She tried to raise her hand to rub it but found her arm pinned down, unable to pull free.


    She opened her eyes fully to find an erged face close beside her ear, breathing evenly on her cheek, instantly waking herpletely.


    Her first reaction was that she must have slept with Xie Jin again.


    Su Tao turned her head to look. His sharp side profile with skin as fair as envied by women, narrow eyes with longshes resting smoothly, sleeping with a peaceful expression, none of his usual arrogance and solemnity.


    Su Tao extended her other arm that wasn''t pinned under him and pushed him, sessfully shifting his position.


    But he hugged her even tighter, nuzzling his head against her neck, still seeming to be dreaming, "Mm, little Taozi, you''re getting up to study again... sleep with me a little longer."


    His words instantly brought Su Tao back to every ordinary morning four years ago when he would always coerce her to bezy in bed a little longer after waking up.


    Su Tao snapped out of her thoughts and scowled. "Xie Jin, let me go."


    This time he really woke up, opening drowsy eyes to see the scene he could only see in his dreams every day.


    Xie Jin nked in a daze for a long while, the corners of his lips curving up.


    "What are you smiling about?" Su Tao asked grumpily, pushing him away and looking down to see her clothes intact under the covers, breathing a sigh of relief.


    "You didn''t wrongly use mest time when you slept with me, right?" Xie Jin blinked his somewhat swollen eyes and knocked on the bathroom door, leisurely asking her.


    Su Tao defended, "I''ve never cked out from drinking either. I didn''t do anything to youst night."


    "You didn''t do anything to mest night?" Xie Jin''s eyebrows raised as he smirked, his pitch ck eyes lighting up. "You already had my shirt unbuttoned before we even got home..."


    "Shut up!" Su Tao threw the covers at him, covering his head. She swiftly went into the bathroom and locked the door. Her warning came from inside, "Disappear before Ie out!"


    "You definitely slept with mest time, you can''t wrongly use me of that," Xie Jin struggled to keep his slightly swollen eyes open as he knocked on the bathroom door, casually asking her.


    Su Tao defended, "That was also your fault for eroding me day after day wearing just swim trunks across from me."


    Xie Jin''s eyebrows quirked up as he smirked, a gleam appearing in his dark eyes. "So the person you slept with in your dream that day was me?"


    This time Su Tao didn''t respond immediately. After a while, her voice finally came from inside, so low that Xie Jin had to press his ear against the door to hear.


    "It was the young man I first met on the bridge, not you."


    Xie Jin''s smile instantly froze on his face, his heart contracting violently. His head felt like someone was bashing it with a hammer. He stood there in a daze for a long time, unable to regain his senses.


    The day they first met, they had consumed each other''s warmth, able to give their all to each other.


    He had almost forgotten that little Taozicked a sense of security. He had almost forgotten how he had gradually stepped into her heart one small step at a time, making her lower all her defenses and believe that he was the one who could give her a sense of security.


    The kind of crazy security where you could give your heart or even your life to someone.


    Later, after shepletely belonged to him, he started relying more and more on her, and became more and more domineering, only allowing her to listen to him, wanting to sever all her external ties to make her exclusively his.


    Little Taozi had found security and given it to him, but after obtaining her, he was the one who inexplicably lost his sense of security instead.


    Wasting her love time and time again.


    Until he drove her away with his own hands.


    ...


    After washing up, Su Tao put on a bathrobe and raised her voice to call towards the outside, "I''m going out now. Leave now if you haven''t!"


    There was no response from outside. Su Tao slowly opened the door and nced out. No one was in the living room or bedrooms.


    Breathing a sigh of relief while also feeling puzzled, she wondered why he was so obedient now?


    This hangover was worse thanst time, maybe because of the different alcohol. By the time she got to thepany, her headache still hadn''t subsided. Then she received a disastrous news.


    Jiang Qi''s DG endorsement had fallen through.


    Although she had been drunkst night, she clearly remembered Li Yajie saying this endorsement was perfect for Jiang Qi. Why was she suddenly saying they weren''t using Jiang Qi today?


    Su Tao immediately went to the DG building to find Li Yajie.


    Li Yajie was wearing a white custom tailored suit, exuding a mature and capable aurapared to her casual look yesterday.


    She ced a document in front of Su Tao. Inside was a contract already drafted for the new product series endorsement with Jiang Qi''s name listed as the endorser.


    Su Tao looked up puzzledly at her.


    Li Yajie lightly sighed, full of helplessness in her tone, "I had the contract drafted already, but the Chairman suddenly disagreed. I don''t know why either."


    Wasn''t the Chairman her husband?


    He hadn''t been involved inpany affairs for many years. Why was he suddenly interfering with DG''s new product endorsement?


    Su Tao thought about it and still voiced the question, "Isn''t thepany under your management now?"


    Li Yajie spread her hands helplessly. "He''s still the Chairman andrgest shareholder of thepany after all. Procedure-wise I have to listen to his opinion."


    "Sis, is there really no other way?"


    This was the first time Li Yajie had seen Su Tao so worried. She squeezed her handfortingly. "Why don''t we invite Jiang Qi as a guest performer for the new productunch event?"


    This was probably Li Yajie''s greatest goodwill already. No matter how well they got along, this still involved various stakeholder interests that a minor favor could not sway.


    After leaving the DG building, a gust of wind suddenly kicked up. Unknowingly, it was alreadyte summer, early autumn.


    Standing in the wind, Su Tao seemed to be woken from her hangover. She immediately had Le Xuan send Jiang Nian''s information to her.


    If she gave up so easily every time, Top One would not exist today.


    In the past, for Top One, and now for Jiang Qi, she would definitely turn the impossible into possible.


    Li Yajie lived in a vi outside now, basically never returning to the old vi, maintaining more of a cooperative rtionship with her husband Jiang Nian.


    Su Tao staked out Jiang Nian''s old vipound from her car outside. She couldn''t rashly go see him, she had to observe the situation clearly and know herself and her opponent well.


    After staking out for a whole morning, it was already past lunch time. The vi entrance remained silent, without even a moving figure.


    Her phone buzzed continuously with bank text messages.


    The card she had given Xie Jin as "hush money" suddenly had a 7-figure deposit transferred in.


    Before Su Tao could react in surprise, she saw several ten thousand dors in spending from the card in session.


    Was he using her bank card as his own?


    Didn''t he have his own card?


    Su Tao, hungry to the point of stomach rumbling, threw her phone aside. No time to deal with him. She pondered whether food delivery woulde to this location.


    Suddenly the vi gate opened from the inside. A familiar figure in a pink skirt suit walked out, using a remote control to open the garage door and headed in to get a car.


    Not until a ck sports car drove out of the garage did Su Taoe to her senses. She started her car and followed it immediately.


    She didn''t regain herposure until they reached the hospital. Why did Qin Xuexie out of Jiang Nian''s vi?


    Without thinking too much, Su Tao put on a mask and a hat, and followed Qin Xuexi from not too close or too far away into the hospital.


    Su Tao was shocked to ept the fact that Qin Xuexi was pregnant after witnessing her going into the obstetrics and gynecology clinic with her own eyes.


    After leaving the hospital, Su Tao followed Qin Xuexi all the way back to Jiang Nian''s vi. Qin Xuexi didn''te out again until dark.


    Li Yajie didn''t have any children with Jiang Nian. Jiang Nian was childless. It was absolutely impossible for Qin Xuexi to be his daughter-inw.


    So the facts were very clear. Qin Xuexi''s child was with Jiang Nian. She was Jiang Nian''s mistress!


    In an instant, Su Tao''s thoughts wereplicated, but countless thoughts seemed to have beenbed into one clear line after all.


    Why did Li Yajie decide that Jiang Qi was the spokesperson, but Jiang Nian, who hadn''t managed thepany for many years, suddenly stood up against it?


    Could it be that Qin Xuexi knew that Jiang Qi was her artist, so she deliberately interfered?


    After a tiring day, Su Tao returned home with many questions in mind. She then realized her house key was missing.


    She dumped out all the contents of her bag and rummaged through them for half a day, but still couldn''t find it.


    The other keys were clearly hanging nicely in the key pouch. There was no reason that only the house key went missing!


    Just as Su Tao was depressed by the bizarre experiences one after another today, the door suddenly opened. Xie Jin''s face appeared, blinking at Su Tao squatting outside the door and the mess all over the ground. He had a premonition that he was about to be scolded.


    Xie Jin stood neatly beside Su Tao with his hands sped together, carefully observing her expression.


    With her arms akimbo, Su Tao looked around the changed house.


    The original gray sofa was reced with deep purple cushions. There was a vase of yellow dried flowers on the coffee table. The carpet was also changed to purple that seemed to match the cushions. A money nt was ced next to the sofa, along with a floormp.


    The white bed sheets and duvet cover in the bedroom were also reced with light blue silk bedding. Two rabbit plush toys were ced on the headboard.


    There were many other small changes, such as the tablecloth in the dining room, apron in the kitchen, toilet seat covers in the bathroom. Colors were added to the cold ck, white and gray base. It was chaotic yet orderly, and the quality was improved.


    "So you stole my keys just to change my house like this without permission?"


    Su Tao''s light tone made Xie Jin hold his breath. He exined in a low voice, "I just wanted to surprise you. If you don''t like it, I can restore it to the original state immediately."


    He had originally wanted to redecorate it, but without Su Tao''s consent, he didn''t dare to move anything. He just bought some stuff and brought it back. If she didn''t like it, he could remove it all immediately.


    "Restore it to the original state," Su Tao took a deep breath and exhaled to keep herself from getting angry at him. "Also, where''s my card? Return it to me after transferring the money out."


    Xie Jin drooped his head dejectedly, his eyes were a little swollen with dark circles underneath, looking haggard as if he hadn''t slept well. While tidying up the cushions on the sofa, he yawned.


    He mumbled, "You gave me the card yourself, and now you''re asking for it back?"


    Su Tao: "Don''t you have your own card? Stop sending me reminders all the time, it''s annoying."


    Xie Jin seemed unable to even open his eyes. He put the four cushions into his pocket, and went to tidy up the dried flowers, no longer talking back. He nodded obediently, took out the card and ced it on the coffee table.


    "Transfer all the money out before returning it to me," Su Tao nced at his unsteady, tottering body, "Don''t pretend to be weak here. Hurry up and tidy up, you have half an hour."


    Su Tao went into the bedroom and closed the door heavily before sitting on the edge of the bed. She picked up the plush rabbit beside her and threw it angrily onto the ground.


    After thinking for a while, she picked up the rabbit again.


    The fat rabbit was as long as her forearm. Its long drooping ears hung beside its round face. It was soft all over with a nice hand feel, and would probably feelfortable to hug when sleeping...


    What was she doing?


    Su Tao threw the rabbit back onto the bed, refusing to admit that she was attracted to it. She huffed angrily and opened the bedroom door to "supervise" the work.


    There were few things missing from the living room, but Xie Jin was gone.


    After the room quieted down, Su Tao suddenly heard steady breathinging from the direction of the sofa.


    She walked over to the sofa and found that Xie Jin had actually fallen asleep deeply on it.


    Su Tao went over and pushed him, but there was no response. She kicked him with her foot, still no response.


    She bent down, pinched his nose with her hand. Finally, on the verge of suffocation, Xie Jin opened his mouth and raised his arms struggling before waking up.


    However, his eyes only opened a slit. Half asleep, he recognized the person in front of him, and hugged her to his chest, murmuring, "Little Taotao, don''t make trouble."


    Su Tao struggled with all her might before finally crawling out from his arms and falling onto the carpet.


    The carpet was soft, indeed morefortable to step on than the original hard floor. Su Tao shook her head vigorously, feeling that she was being brainwashed by him.


    Just as she was about to get up, she found a folded piece of paper by her feet. Su Tao picked it up and opened it. It was full of brand names corresponding to the items that appeared in her house.


    At the end of the paper were lines of words that seemed heavier than the others, as if she could feel his force when he was writing.


    - I will pamper you like a princess for the rest of my life.

 Chapter 38: Listen to Me 019

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Xie Jin, who selected home furnishings online for only four hoursst night, did not get up until after 10:30 pm, still groggy.


    It took him a while to react that this was Su Tao''s house in Jiangcheng.


    He got up and turned to look at the tightly closed bedroom door. He tiptoed over, twisted the door handle, and it was unexpectedly unlocked.


    He turned on the new bedroom wall light he bought, adjusted it to the dimmest brightness, and saw that Su Tao was sleeping soundly, hugging the stuffed rabbit doll he bought.


    He gently lifted the quilt on the other side and got in, putting his face next to this brave rabbit, holding Su Tao''s hand. He fell soundly asleep again in less than a minute.


    Xie Jin, who did not dream all night and did not even know how long he had slept, was suddenly hit by something soft, disturbing his rare good sleep.


    He frowned tightly, opened his eyes full of raging anger, and his pitch-ck pupils were like a raging fire. In his heart, he had already engraved the spirit tablet of the person who woke him up.


    Unexpectedly, what entered his eyes was a tranquil and pretty little face.


    The fire was instantly extinguished without even a wisp of smoke. Xie Jin seamlessly switched to a smiling face and said, "Morning, little peach."


    "Get out," Su Tao said.


    "Ok!"


    Su Tao did not go to work today. Instead, she went directly to Jiang Nian''s vi.


    After squatting all morning, she did not catch Qin Xuexi going out, but she did catch Jiang Nian leaving.


    Su Tao got out of the car and pressed the doorbell of the vi gate.


    On thewn in the backyard of the vi, Qin Xuexi had a nket over herp. She was drinking warm water and caressing her slightly bulging belly, being very attentive to keeping warm and nourishing the fetus.


    Even at home, she was wearing pink home clothes. It seemed that she really liked the color pink.


    Exposed on her arms were two bruises. Su Tao''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as she discreetly averted her gaze.


    "How did you find this ce?" Qin Xuexi put down her ss of water. Her eyes seemed even more vicious than when Su Tao first met her a year ago, "You found out it was me so quickly? No wonder you can keep Xie Jin in the palm of your hand. You are quite smart."


    Su Tao lowered her eyes. Her eyshes concealed the surprise in her eyes. She did not expect Qin Xuexi to admit it so straightforwardly.


    "Are you here to question me about why I ruined your endorsement deal?" There was a biting tone in Qin Xuexi''s voice. She gave a coldugh, "Because I hate you."


    "Back then, Xie Jin almost drove me to death. If I hadn''t climbed up to Old Jiang, I''m afraid I''d be in prison now. I can''t get back at him, so why can''t I get back at you? I won''t let you be well off if you don''t let me be well off."


    Qin Xuexi threw the ss in her hand out. It hit the ground and shattered into pieces.


    Su Tao did not say a word since entering. Qin Xuexi was answering her own questions. It seemed she did not need Su Tao to ask anything. She just vented her emotions herself.


    It seemed her grievances had umted too deeply. A yearter, her hatred had not subsided at all. On the contrary, it appeared to have umted to a certain extent that she could not help but vent it as if wanting the whole world to know.


    "Thepany was built up by me apanying him bit by bit. Yet he took away my position for you and transferred me away! What do Ickpared to you?" Qin Xuexi was no longer concerned about nourishing the fetus. Speaking of the past made her hysterical, "We had just celebrated the sess of a new project. Why did he treat me like this? What does it have to do with me after you left? Fine, he doesn''t value our past affection, but he even wanted me locked up! I loved him for six years!"


    With thest cry, she wept bitterly, as if she was wronged by an unfaithful man after dedicating all her love, only to end up in misery.


    Qin Xuexi''s usations gave Su Tao a lot of information that subverted her existing perceptions.


    If her words were true, Su Tao had doubts about the rumor of Xie Jin''s surrogate. If there was love, even huge matters could not have made Xie Jin send Qin Xuexi to jail, right?


    Su Tao took advantage of Qin Xuexi''s current immersion in her self-pity to slowly open her mouth, fishing for information: "You must have given a lot to him in the past?"


    Big teardrops kept dripping down Qin Xuexi''s face. She could not control herself and sank into grief.


    "Do you know how much I loved him? He always asked me to customize pink dresses, definitely with six pleats. I thought he liked women dressed like that, so I changed all my clothes to pink. He had a bracelet that was his mother''s heirloom, supposedly left for his future daughter-inw. I secretly made an identical one. I didn''t dare wear it in front of him. I was always carefully hiding it, but I also wanted to deliberately reveal a little, to see his reaction after discovering it. As a result, his eyes never fell on me at all. I wore that bracelet for so long, yet he never noticed it. I spent so much thought and effort for him. What have you done that couldpare? What right do you have to receive his love?"


    Su Tao stared nkly at the almost crazy woman before her eyes. Her thoughts were a mess in her mind.


    The old rumors, the pink dresses, the identical bracelet, it was like a messy thread all tangled together, but it also seemed she could find the end of the thread at any moment. As long as she pulled, she could untangle all the threads.


    "In short, I hate both of you. I don''t have the ability now, but in the future when I do," she said as she unconsciously caressed her belly. She viciously said, "Don''t expect to live well, you and Xie Jin!"


    Su Tao''s eyshes quivered slightly. It seemed that she had grasped the clue from that bit of messy threads. She finally said the first sentence sinceing here.


    "Did Xie Jin ask you to leave back then because of the kiss between you two?"


    Qin Xuexi''s face was still covered in tear stains and her red eyes still held hatred. She looked nkly at Su Tao''s words, still not understanding what she meant: "What kiss?"


    "Didn''t you kiss him before?" Su Tao''s gaze was tranquil. She quietly watched her, just as she did a year ago. The more she looked, the more guilty Qin Xuexi felt.


    Su Tao retracted her gaze. She felt some things might need confirmation again.


    She walked out without saying a word. Behind her, she heard Qin Xuexi''s bted attempt to provoke her, thinking it could stimte Su Tao.


    "Of course we kissed! We even did it! He is especially fierce in bed! I and him..."


    Su Tao had already left the vi and could no longer hear her deliberately shouting. Her face was cold as she drove away.


    Back at thepany, Su Tao parked downstairs. She did not get out of the car and organized her thoughts before calling Li Yajie.


    "Sis," Su Tao got straight to the point after the call connected, "You know that Director Jiang has a mistress, right?"


    "I know," Li Yajie''s calm voice came from the phone.


    Naturally, Li Yajie had long known about this. As long as it did not threaten her legal status, she would not interfere with however Jiang Nian wanted to fool around.


    Su Tao: "That mistress is pregnant."


    There was a brief silence on the phone before a lightugh suddenly came through, "It seems this mistress is quite ambitious, but her intelligence does not match up."


    Su Tao looked surprised, not quite understanding Li Yajie''s words.


    Li Yajie immediately exined what she meant: "Jiang Nian is infertile. This is something I spent heavily to keep secret, precisely to prevent what is happening now."


    Su Tao suddenly understood. That meant Qin Xuexi was pregnant with someone else''s child, and Jiang Nian still did not know.


    Then if Jiang Nian found out, Qin Xuexi would probably not have a good oue.


    Su Tao: "Sis, I know this mistress. She and I have a deep grudge. She was the one who instigated Director Jiang to obstruct my endorsement this time."


    Li Yajie: "Then I understand now. Leave this matter to me to handle. Wait for my message, peach."


    Su Tao breathed a sigh of relief. As she raised her eyes, she saw through the car window the tall, cold figure walking towards her from across the street. In her mind, she heard Qin Xuexi''s hysterical crying again.


    "Xie Jin almost drove me to death."


    "I thought he liked women dressed like that, so I changed all my clothes to pink."


    "I secretly made an identical bracelet. I didn''t dare wear it in front of him. I was always carefully hiding it, but I also wanted to deliberately reveal a little."


    ...


    Su Tao closed her eyes, concealing the mess and entanglement in them. She got out of the car.


    Xie Jin had not been idle all morning. He went to pick up a car and buy daily necessities to move into the apartment across from Su Tao''spany.


    This time, no matter how she rejected him, even if she beat or scolded him, he would stay by her side and silently guard her.


    He had originally nned to buy some tasty food to bring her, even if she did not like to eat it and threw it away.


    But he did not expect to see her car as soon as he left the apartment.


    Seeing little peach, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up. He took big strides and walked quickly over.


    A ck sedan suddenly stopped in the middle of the road next to Su Tao''s car, catching his attention.


    A long-haired woman wearing a ck baseball cap, mask, and sunsses came out of the ck sedan, holding an iron bucket and heading straight for Su Tao.


    He quickened his pace and ran over quickly.


    Seeing Xie Jin run over to her in shock from walking, Su Tao immediately became alert and stopped. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed someone in ck walking towards her. Before the person could get close, she suddenly raised the iron bucket in her hand as if to ssh its contents over.


    Su Tao immediately dodged to the side. She was very confident she could dodge this, but was suddenly shielded in someone''s arms, causing her to be unable to dodge swiftly and lose her bnce. The two fell to the side of the road together.


    The viscous red liquid sshed all over Xie Jin without any waste.


    A pungent, fishy smell came over. It should be pig''s blood.


    Blood slowly flowed down from the top of Xie Jin''s head, making it unclear whether he was sshed or had cracked his head open from the fall.


    He frowned slightly, as if somewhere was painful, but it was just for a moment before he regained hisposure. Blood flowed from his temple down the side of his face, yet he only looked at Su Tao, "Did you get hurt anywhere from the fall?"


    Su Tao shook her head. The two struggled to stand up. Su Tao noticed he seemed to have some difficulty with his ankle. She reached out to grab his arm to steady him, looking towards the ck sedan speeding away on the roadside with narrowed eyes.


    "Are you alright? Did you sprain your ankle?" Su Tao turned her gaze back to Xie Jin and saw him staring at her with an unrestrained smile on his face, despite being drenched in blood.


    "What are you smiling about? You''re covered in blood yet you can still smile." Su Tao didn''t understand his thought process. She looked down at his foot and asked again, "Did you sprain your ankle?"


    Only then did Xie Jin btedly move his foot. He hesitated for two seconds, opened and closed his mouth, furrowed his brows, and exaggeratedly yelled, "Ow, it hurts!"


    Su Tao: "..."


    How overdramatic.


    Although it seemed deliberately exaggerated, his foot did seem to be injured. Su Tao helped him into the car to take him to the hospital.


    After taking off his coat, Xie Jin was only wearing a ck vest. He simply wiped his head and face, stopped her, and said, "Don''t go to the hospital. With all this blood on me, take me home to wash up first."


    Su Tao looked at him and pointed to the apartment he had bought diagonally across: "Your home is over there. I''ll help you back?"


    "I already emptied that apartment, there''s nothing in it," Xie Jin blinked and said, "Let''s go to your ce to wash up."


    Seeing the blood red stain on the left side of his fairplexion, Su Tao didn''t refuse further and started the car.


    On the drive to Su Tao''s home, Xie Jinined that his foot hurt too much to walk. He put his arm around Su Tao''s shoulders, leaned his whole body against her, and hobbled inside the door with difficulty.


    Su Tao helped him sit on the sofa and went to find him new towels, asking as she did so, "Can you wash yourself standing up?"


    Xie Jin raised his brow, his eyes following Su Tao''s movements, a smile ying on his lips. Feigning concern, he said, "No, I can''t. Help me wash, let''s do it together."


    A towelnded on his head, followed by Su Tao''s indifferent voice, "I meant, do you need a stic stool in the bathroom?"


    While Xie Jin was showering, Su Tao called Le Xuan and asked her to buy a set of high-end designer menswear from the mall, reporting the sizes to her. She hung up amidst Le Xuan''s sounds of astonishment.


    Apanied by the pitter-patter of flowing water from the bathroom, Su Tao thought back to the earlier scene. She didn''t call the police because she had already guessed who was behind the pig''s blood.


    She had been keeping up with Tian Yingying''s activities. She heard all kinds of rumors about her after the finale recording that day.


    Word was going around that Rui Qi had ordered a ban on Tian Yingying.


    Rui Qi not only represented the tforms but also the investors'' stance. No one dared to offend Rui Qi and Tian Xin. News like this spread quickly in the industry. Soon, multiple tforms announced they would no longer hire Tian Yingying.


    Knowing she had provoked someone powerful, her agency cancelled all her jobs. There were subtle signs they wanted to abandon and freeze her out.


    The small resources she had umted through "The Road to Debut" were also given to others overnight. Various negative information about her personal life started emerging online.


    Her inappropriate speech and photos from her amateur years were dug up, shattering her cute and innocent image. Netizens unanimously told her to get lost.


    The variety shows she had appeared in were reported and forced to be taken down. Unaired shows rushed to edit her parts to avoid being removed.


    This wave of attackspletely eliminated any chance of Tian Yingying making aeback. So her sshing pig''s blood to disgust Su Tao was understandable.


    Just a bit powerless. Perhaps wary of Xie Jin''s methods, she only dared to vent by throwing pig''s blood without causing any real harm.


    There was a knock on the door. It should be Le Xuan with the clothes. The shower water had also turned off as she went to open the door. Xie Jin came out of the bathroom at that moment.


    Seeing Xie Jin standing at the door, Le Xuan''s eyes looked like they would pop out.


    He had a towel around his waist, his upper body bare, water drops still clinging to his hair. His entire being exuded masculine pheromones.


    Le Xuan immediately covered her eyes with both hands but couldn''t resist peeking through her fingers twice to confirm it was Xie Jin before blocking her view again.


    This was not a scene she could watch.


    Su Tao picked up the bag of clothes Le Xuan had dropped in her fluster and closed the door slightly, blocking Le Xuan''s line of sight. Indifferently, she said, "He''s just borrowing the bathroom, don''t think too much."


    Le Xuan uncovered her eyes, nodded meaningfully, smiled, and turned to walk to the elevator, waving goodbye to Su Tao.


    After closing the door, a warm chest suddenly pressed against her back. Through her thin clothing, she could feel his scorching heat.


    Xie Jin clung onto her and said weakly, "My foot hurts, I can''t walk. You have to support me."


    Su Tao took a step forward away from his chest, only holding onto his arm. Unfazed, she said, "Get dressed and I''ll take you to the hospital."


    Xie Jin''s voice grew even weaker. He also rubbed his temple, feigning his head hurt too. "Don''t go to the hospital. I already called my private doctor toe. He told me not to move around and to rest at home. I might not be able to leave your ce for now, or I''ll bepletely disabled."


    He then added, "I got injured saving you. It''s not too much to ask you to take care of me, right?"


    Su Tao: "..."


    So now the violent boss is using a sickly sweet script?


    She suspected she had been duped.

 Chapter 39: Listen to Me 020

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    When Su Tao bought dinner and came back, she found that the master bedroom had already been upied by Xie Jin.


    He was leaning against the headboard, wearing a white shirt that Lan Xuan must have just bought for him.


    Three buttons were undone, clearly revealing his chest. His slender legs were d in ck trousers, and his ankles were casually crossed, showing no signs of redness or swelling.


    His hair was already dry, his bangs falling naturally, and his narrow, longshed eyes were fixed on his phone, seemingly working, but without the gloominess and irritability he usually had during the day.


    "You''re back." Xie Jin looked up and nced at Su Tao, who was standing at the bedroom door looking at him, acting as familiar as if this was his home.


    "Get out. Who allowed you to sit on my bed?" Su Tao said coldly, ordering him to leave.


    Xie Jin pointed at his ankle and pleaded innocently, "I''m injured and can''t move around arbitrarily."


    "Fine, then you can starve to death in bed." Su Tao turned and went to the dining room to eat by herself.


    Xie Jin hurried after her, limping, frowning, and still making "hiss" sounds as if every step was very painful.


    Su Tao casually bought two pizzas and steaks from a Western restaurant downstairs and brought them back up, already ted. She pushed a te towards Xie Jin and slowly started cutting her own meal with knife and fork.


    Xie Jin stared at the meat she had cut off, his longshes fluttering lightly. He leaned forward and took a bite of the meat speared on her fork. His tongue licked away the sauce from the corners of his mouth as he smiled at her mischievously.


    Su Tao was stunned for two seconds before switching their forks, warning him, "Don''t steal mine again."


    Xie Jin pouted, "But I''m injured. Can''t you feed me a bite?"


    Su Tao shot back coolly, "Mr. Injured, if I remember correctly, you hurt your foot, right? Do you usually eat with your feet?"


    Xie Jin had no retort to being roasted like this. He picked up his own knife and fork sheepishly and started eating properly.


    "By the way, I''ve already called the police and asked Jin Chuiwen to handle it," Xie Jin said as he ate.


    Su Tao nced at him and nodded. "Mm, with the roadside surveince footage and license te info, they should be able to find out who it was. I suspect it was Tian Yingying. She probably didn''t expect to injure you this time and will likely flee."


    As soon as Su Tao finished speaking, Xie Jin''srge hand was on her head, rubbing it as he smiled at her fondly, "Our little Su Tao is so smart."


    Su Tao dodged his "devil ws" and smoothed her hair, speaking with little enthusiasm, "Even if she''s caught, she''ll just get fined and detained for a few days at most."


    Xie Jin''s jet-ck eyes narrowed slightly, suddenly bing gloomy and sinister. He lowered his head a little, dropping the rxed attitude he had around Su Tao, reverting to his usual devilish appearance.


    His deep voice said slowly, "I only need a verdict. Whates after will be hell for her."


    Looking at him, Su Tao was reminded of Qin Xuexi''s cries again. After hesitating for a long time, she finally asked, "Why did you dismiss Qin Xuexi back then?"


    Xie Jin''s gaze seemed to return from hell to the mortal realm. The gloom left his eyes and they shone as he thought for a moment before confessing honestly, "Because someone sent me that photo too. I was afraid you''d find out, so I panicked and transferred her away."


    "So afterwards, whenever I mentioned Qin Xuexi, you acted like I was making a fuss over nothing. But actually, you felt guilty, right?"


    Xie Jin bit his lip and finally raised his eyes, deciding to face this matter head-on. "Yes, I felt guilty at the time. Although I clearly remember not doing anything, that photo did panic me. I was afraid you would misunderstand if you knew, because I know your bottom line."


    It was precisely because he cared too much that he paradoxicallycked the courage to face it, leading to one mistake after another.


    "Little Su Tao, I will prove that I have never done anything to betray you. Just give me some time."


    Xie Jin''s sincere gaze shimmered brightly. The two looked silently at each other for a long moment before Su Tao was the first to look away without saying anything.


    Xie Jin slept in the guest room. Su Tao allowing him to stay was already more than enough to make him feel content. He didn''t dare make any other requests.


    The next morning, Su Tao got dressed and ready before leaving the bedroom. She saw Xie Jin sitting at the dining table where breakfast wasid out.


    As Su Tao walked over, she saw the breakfast clearly and a look of surprise shed through her eyes.


    It was fried eggs, toast, and hot milk¡ªeverything she used to make for Xie Jin every morning.


    Su Tao''s gaze moved from the breakfast to Xie Jin''s face. She asked hesitantly, "Did you make this?"


    Xie Jin nodded, straightening up with a proud little expression, like a schoolboy waiting for the teacher''s praise.


    Su Tao picked up a slice of toast and took a sip of milk, nodding to indicate her approval of his cooking skills. She picked up her bag, preparing to head out.


    "Are you going to work?" Xie Jin looked at her longingly, a pitiful expression on his face. "What will I do after you leave?"


    Su Tao left him a door key and nced at him as she stood in the doorway, saying coldly, "You''re not paralyzed. Do whatever you need to do."


    The door mmed shut, leaving only Xie Jin alone in the house. His pitiful act instantly vanished as he switched to his usual gloomy, irritable tycoon mode. He called Jin Chuiwen, got dressed, and strode out the door with vigorous steps, showing no sign of difort with his ankle at all.


    After work, Su Tao met two high school ssmates, Liao Dan and Shao Tingting, for dinner.


    After graduating from college, Liao Dan had found a job at a TV station, working her way up from the bottom to be a producer''s assistant despite not having a formal position. With her personality and work ethic, she was on track to be promoted to a full-time role this year. Su Tao and Liao Dan had run into each other once at the Jiangcheng TV Station and had been in touch regrly since.


    Shao Tingting was an ountant on a business trip in Jiangcheng over the next few days, so the three former ssmates took the chance to meet up.


    A famous private kitchen in Jiangcheng was a must-visit spot for inte celebrities and tourists, specially chosen by Liao Dan to impress Shao Tingting.


    Watching Shao Tingting snap dozens of photos within minutes of arriving, Su Tao had to admire Liao Dan''s emotional intelligence in arranging even little details to exceed people''s expectations.


    "Meh, this ce isn''t all that great. I thought it''d be amazing from the photos people posted online." Shao Tingting shrugged, worlds apart in EQpared to Liao Dan.


    "Right, ces that get hyped up online are often exaggerated. Just take some pictures and that''s enough," Liao Dan tactfully changed the awkward subject as the food arrived. The three didn''t start eating until Shao Tingting was done with her photo shoot.


    Shao Tingting had barely taken two bites when she seemed to remember something. Snap, she took a candid shot of Su Tao, saying, "Su Tao, you''re a celebrity now! I saw that reality show you were on. Are you with that Xie Jin now? He''s so handsome, totally my type¡ªmuch better than those green young boys. You''ve really made it big, I still remember how you had a crush on Zhong Siwei from our ss in high school but didn''t get him..."


    Liao Dan, knowing Su Tao''s situation, subtly passed Shao Tingting a ss of juice to shut her up. "Try this drink, it''s really delicious."


    Su Tao smiled thankfully at Liao Dan and the three chatted about work instead.


    Shao Tingtingined about her tiring job but admitted the pay was great. "Sigh, it cost me my hair. Studying for the CPA exam those years, I lost handfuls of hair. Not like you two, looking pretty and rxed every day without a care for money or anything."


    "Yeah, we definitely can''tpare with you," Liao Dan and Su Tao said after exchanging a look, not arguing otherwise.


    After dinner, the three wandered along the riverside night view, a ce locals found repetitive but tourists eximed over.


    They found a small bar nearby to chat for a bit. Su Tao and Liao Dan discussed work matters that Shao Tingting had no rtion to, leaving her somewhat excluded.


    Flipping through her phone, Shao Tingting suddenly yelled, "Oh! Our old ss head is organizing a reunion next week. Are you two in the group chat? Let me add you."


    Neither had wanted to join initially, but now found themselves pulled into the group.


    As soon as Su Tao entered, many dormant members popped up that she couldn''t match names to after so long.


    Suddenly, someone with the nickname "Ambitious Youth" sent a question mark and the group exploded.


    Everyone was saying things like "Wow!", "Exciting!", "Lord Qing''s back!", and "Gimme the gossip!" that Su Tao didn''t understand.


    "Su Tao," Shao Tingting said with a knowing, gossipy look, poking her and pointing at the chat. "Looks like Zhong Siwei still thinks you''re special. He never talks in the group, but sent a question mark as soon as you joined. Regretting how he treated you back then?"


    "Aren''t they all in the past? You guys are so gossipy." Liao Dan finally couldn''t stand it and snapped at Shao Tingting.


    In high school, Su Tao had written Zhong Siwei a love letter which he had read aloud to the whole ss. Her cheesy words provided teasing fodder for their entire semester.


    Although Su Tao had stated firmly that she hadn''t written it, no one believed her. They just thought she was too embarrassed after being exposed and rejected.


    Su Tao put away her phone, looking at Shao Tingting with indifference instead of the intimacy she''d felt at reuniting with an old ssmate. "I have something to do, I''m leaving first."


    She didn''t know if that incident was a misunderstanding or someone deliberately framing her, but being ridiculed daily that semester made her feel like an animal in a zoo exhibit, leaving considerable psychological scars.


    They were just youths back then, emotionally immature. She could understand the abnormal excitement over such things, but as adults now, still joking about something akin to school bullying was uneptable to Su Tao.


    When Su Tao returned home and opened the door, the house was very quiet and pitch ck except for the warm lighting from the dining area.


    As she approached the table after changing her shoes, she realized the light was from candles.


    A table full of Western dishes was covered with lids. Xie Jin wasying his head on the table, his sharp side profile exposed, the usually cold edges softened under the flickering candlelight.


    Su Tao''s phone rang with a spam text. After dismissing it, she noticed several unread WeChat notifications, all from Xie Jin:


    [Xie Jin: Little Taozi, what time do you get off work?]


    [Xie Jin: What do you like to eat?]


    [Xie Jin: How about Western food again? I know you like steak. I''ll have Jin Chuiwen buy ingredients and I''ll personally cook for you.]


    [Xie Jin: Little Taozi, still busy?]


    [Xie Jin: I''ll go ahead and cook it then? If you don''t like it just tell me and I''ll make you something else right away.]


    [Xie Jin: Little Taozi, where are you? No one is answering your office number.]


    [Xie Jin: Your coworkers said you got off a while ago. Did you go out to eat? Do you have a date?]


    [Xie Jin: I''ll wait for you.]


    Su Tao''s bright eyes flickered in the candlelight as she read through the messages. Her longshes fluttered softly, as if she could feel his disappointment growing line by line.


    The ringtone stirred Xie Jin awake. He shook his head sharply, as if shocked that he had actually fallen asleep.


    Seeing Su Tao standing in the candlelight, he asked incredulously, "Am I awake or dreaming?"


    Su Tao sat down across from him and lifted the dish covers, revealing a cold, ckened steak underneath.


    "Perfect timing, I''m still hungry," she said as she picked up her knife and fork and began sawing at the tough meat. Fortunately the dim lighting obscured the charred exterior and bloody interior.


    Just as she was about to take a bite, Xie Jin''s warm hand gripped her wrist.


    "It''s cold, don''t eat it."


    Su Tao leaned in and ate the food on her fork anyway. Blinking her bright eyes, she said, "It''s not cold."


    Xie Jin silently retracted his hand, watching as she chewed just twice before hesitating. After a long pause, she finally swallowed the meat down.


    Su Tao pounded her chest and washed it down with water, tipping her head back as she tried to force it down.


    Xie Jin said, "...It looks like you''re swallowing medicine?"


    Su Tao, unable to respond, shook her head vigorously.


    Seeing her consider his feelings even as she struggled to swallow, shaking her head to signal it wasn''t bad, Xie Jin''s eyes grew moist.


    His little Taozi was always so thoughtful, never making things awkward or wasting others'' efforts.


    As long as you treated her sincerely, she would return that sincerity.


    This realization made him even more distressed, like a thousand pounds of stone weighing down his heart.


    He had hurt this kind-hearted little Taozi so deeply.


    Su Tao finally managed to force the meat down and caught her breath. Shaking her head, she said, "That''s an insult to medicine. Even medicine isn''t this hard to swallow."


    Not only was it burnt and bitter, but the bloody taste was awful.


    She was just grateful she had cut a small piece - this was torture.


    Xie Jin: "......"

 Chapter 40: Listen to Me 021

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Two dayster, Tian Yingying was sentenced for the crime of public humiliation by sshing pig''s blood, receiving 5 days of criminal detention and a fine of 2000 yuan.


    Xie Jin somehow got hold of the whole process of her arrest and released parts of the video screenshots and the verdict online, as well as all kinds of dirt on her.


    Her amateur era speeches and indecent photos were dug out, destroying her lovely and innocent image. Netizens unanimously scolded her and wanted her to get out of the entertainment industry.


    The various video programs she starred in were reported and forced to be taken down. Unaired programs also cut her parts one after another to avoid the fate of being taken down.


    Tian Yingying''spany imed breach of contract damages from her. Not only was she disgraced, but also heavily in debt.


    Su Tao finally knew what the "hell" Xie Jin talked about was.


    In contrast, Jiang Qi, who also came out of the idol reality show, had a world of difference from her.


    Right after advancing to the finals, Jiang Qi was approached by several film and televisionpanies with the double crowns of first ce in grades and poprity. Su Tao agreed to consider them carefully for Jiang Qi. His first drama was crucial and absolutely could not waste his poprity. Every step had to be taken steadily to make sensational results.


    Su Tao was busy to death on one side. But the WeChat group she had set to "do not disturb" kept ringing nonstop.


    Opening the group chat, she found many people @ her.


    Some ssmates made ns toe to y in Jiang City in the group chat. Since everyone knew she was in Jiang City, they invited her to have dinner together tonight.


    Su Tao flipped through the chat records. It originated from Shao Tingting showing off photos of her stay in Jiang City these days. And she mentioned going out for dinner with Su Tao and Liao Dan etc, arousing everyone''s interest.


    A male ssmate suggested going to Jiang City to y for two days. Many people chimed in. Finally 6 people were determined toe, including Zhong Siwei.


    After high school, Su Tao only attended a ss reunion. Finding that no one believed her no matter how she tried to rify things that year, she never went again.


    So when her ssmates came to ask her out for dinner this time, she didn''t hesitate to turn it down with the excuse of being too busy with work.


    Just as she turned down her ssmates with the excuse of being busy with work, she got a call from the show crew that Jiang Qi was missing.


    Su Tao helplessly felt that excuses shouldn''t be randomly made up. Otherwise they may unexpectedlye true.


    Xie Jin, who was working at Su Tao''s home, unexpectedly received a call from Su Yang Xing.


    Xie Jin answered the call. His deep voice was full of majesty: "Hello?"


    "Brother-inw."


    Xie Jin was very satisfied that Su Yang Xing still kept this form of address for him. His tone improved a lot as he slowly asked, "Well, what''s up?"


    "Jiang Qi ran out of the training camp. He said he wanted to confess to my sister."


    Xie Jin: "!"


    Shocked, Xie Jin did not forget to praise Su Yang Xing. Then he hurriedly hung up and called Su Tao.


    The call was answered swiftly with Su Tao''s clear voice.


    Su Tao: "I was about to let you know that I won''t be home for dinner tonight. Don''t cook and wait for me."


    Just as she finished talking, a clear male voice was heard from her end of the call: "Who is at your house?"


    Clenching his teeth, Xie Jin balled his right hand into a fist. The veins on the back of his hand protruded as he tried his best to restrain his jealousy: "Where are you?"


    Then he immediately realized it was inappropriate to ask like this. Su Tao would surely just say "None of your business" and hang up. He had to be more tactful.


    Xie Jin tried hard to make his voice sound calm and followed up: "If you''re eating out, could you get me something to eat on your way back? I want to know what good food you have over there."


    As expected, Su Tao agreed: "Then I''ll send you the menuter."


    Less than 10 minutester, Xie Jin received the menu Su Tao sent. He zoomed in to find the restaurant name, searched for the location on the map app, and immediately headed out to kill his way over.


    In the private room of the restaurant, after sending the menu, Su Tao put away her phone and looked at Jiang Qi sitting opposite with a frown. She asked, "Why didn''t you train properly and ran out instead?"


    It made her get nothing done all afternoon, only looking for him.


    Jiang Qi took off his hat and mask. His burning gaze lingered on Su Tao. He licked his lips, seemingly a bit thirsty. He poured himself a ss of water and drank it all in one go, then looked at her again. Suddenly he felt his throat tighten.


    He didn''t know what was going on with himself either. Usually he casually flirted. Ambiguous words just rolled off his tongue. But when it came to the critical moment, he couldn''t get out a word.


    "It''s my birthday today."


    Su Tao blinked in surprise. She immediately flipped through her phone memo. She had noted down all the artists'' birthdays and would send reminders a week in advance. She didn''t get a reminder!


    "Don''t look anymore. The birth date on my ID is the lunar calendar." Jiang Qi murmured.


    Only then did Su Tao realize she had always thought it was the sr calendar. She calcted the days on the calendar and it really was today. She quickly edited the note.


    "I didn''t know it was your birthday today. Wait, let me order you a cake."


    Su Tao was a bit caught off guard. Of course they would celebrate his official birthday reported to thepany. But privately she couldn''t neglect the artist either.


    Just as she was thinking about how topensate Jiang Qi, when she turned around, she found that Jiang Qi had walked over to her side without knowing when. He was standing beside her.


    He bent down. The decorative chain on his chest collided and jangled. He leaned sideways, looking at her. His clear eyes brimmed with affection. Su Tao''s heart inexplicably tightened and she frowned at him.


    "I just want to spend my birthday with you. It''s been almost two weeks since I saw youst. You don''t even reply to my WeChat..."


    "Jiang Qi." Su Tao spoke up to interrupt him. She stood up and dodged him a little, feeling that something was off about him.


    The two were looking at each other awkwardly when the room door was suddenly pushed open. A strange man barged in, then quickly apologized in astonishment, "Oh crap, wrong room, sorry..." Suddenly he eximed, "Hey, aren''t you Su Tao?"


    Su Tao was dumbfounded seeing the man at the door. He did look more and more familiar, but she just couldn''t remember who he was.


    "I''m Shen Lang, high school ssmate!"


    Su Tao suddenly realized. The name and face matched up in an instant. After so many years it was hard to recall him right away.


    Shen Lang''s gaze also fell on the handsome boy next to Su Tao. He looked familiar too, but Shen Lang couldn''t call out his name for the moment.


    Not wanting Jiang Qi to be disturbed for no reason, Su Tao directly dismissed him, "What a coincidence. When did you arrive in Jiang City? As you can see, I have a friend here, so I won''t keep you."


    "I''m right next door. You told the group you were busy with work and didn''t join us. Turns out you were on a date with a pretty boy." Shen Lang looked between them ambiguously. He had clearly drank some alcohol, his face as red as a monkey''s butt.


    "No, he''s my colleague. We''re having apany dinner tonight. There are other people too." Su Tao tried every excuse not to let him get the wrong idea, although she was his manager. But after Jiang Qi''s abnormal behavior just now, she subconsciously avoided suspicion.


    "Our old ssmates are all next door. Or you could at leaste over and sit with me for a bit. I''ll go get them toe over. It''s rare we former ssmates get to meet up. Let''s have a drink together."


    Shen Lang pretended to head out. Su Tao stopped him. "I''lle over instead."


    It was just a few steps to the next room. Shen Lang pushed open the door excitedly and said, "Look who I brought."


    Entering the room, there were 6 people sitting inside, 4 men and 2 women. Su Tao had face blindness for a moment and could only recognize one or two ssmates. Among them was Zhong Siwei sitting furthest inside.


    Next to Zhong Siwei sat a pretty girl with long straight hair. Her face shape was a bit like Su Tao''s, looking quite well-behaved, gentle and demure. She was the only one Su Tao foundpletely unfamiliar among people whose faces looked familiar.


    "Wow, Su Tao is getting prettier and prettier. She was the ss belle in high school. With this looks now, she could even be a celebrity!" Came fawning praise from a female ssmate whose name Su Tao couldn''t recall.


    Hearing her talk, Su Tao suddenly remembered she was the female ss monitor in high school. Apart from being a bit utilitarian, her character was still decent. So Su Tao sat down next to her.


    Su Tao took the empty cup vacated by the female ss monitor and poured herself a ss of beer. Raising her cup, she said, "I happened to run into Shen Lang. I''m discussing business next door. I came over to have a drink with former ssmates, but I have to hurry back soon. You all came from afar, and I wasn''t able toe over right away either. I sincerely apologize. Let me treat this meal. Wish you all a great time ying in Jiang City."


    Su Tao''s words were perfunctory, obviously hinting at her estrangement and desire to finish her drink and leave quickly beneath the courtesy.


    "No need to rush," Shen Lang stopped Su Tao. "Since you''re here, sit a while longer. We haven''t seen each other in years. It''s not easy to get together. Liao Dan is on her way over. Why not call that pretty boy from next door to join us too?"


    Mentioning the pretty boy next door piqued everyone''s curiosity. They all looked at Su Tao.


    Zhong Siwei, who had been staring at Su Tao strangely ever since she entered, suddenly spoke up, "You, have a boyfriend now?"


    His words aroused everyone''s gossiping and ambiguous nces that flitted between Su Tao and him.


    Su Tao nced at him but didn''t reply. The seemingly well-behaved and obedient girl sitting next to Zhong Siwei suddenly held his hand. She said, "Our Siwei is just too curious."


    Everyone could tell that her trivial sentence was to announce herself as Zhong Siwei''s girlfriend.


    The female ss monitor, seemingly wanting to help Su Tao avoid embarrassment out of good intentions, grasped her hand excitedly and said, "Su Tao, I watched ''The Journey of Idols''. You and Xie Jin are real, aren''t you? Are you two together now?"


    Su Tao understood her kind motives, but this remark instantly made her the center of attention of the room. Su Tao smiled faintly, "It was all hype, for the show effect."


    Clearly, except for the female ss monitor, no one else watched this variety show or paid attention to the entertainment industry. Some didn''t even have Weibo ounts. So they all asked the female ss monitor, "Who''s that? What hype?"


    "You don''t know Xie Jin? You should at least know Tian Jing Corporation right?" The female ss monitor boasted proudly on Su Tao''s behalf, "Rui Qi Videos is a video site under Tian Jing Corporation."


    When ites to Tianjin Group, those not in the financial circle may not be very familiar with it, but when ites to Ruiqi Video, the public awareness is quite high.


    Who doesn''t have the Ruiqi Video app on their phone?


    "Xie Jin is the boss of Tianjin Group!" The female ss monitor went on to brag exaggeratedly, and said meaningfully, "Very, very handsome! Su Tao really has good taste now."


    Shen Lang seized on what the female ss monitor said and caused trouble, "What you said makes it sound like Su Tao used to have bad taste."


    As he nced at Zhong Siwei, who had an ugly expression, he fearlessly said, "Drink up, drink up!"


    The female ss monitor had a bold personality and downed a ss of baijiu.


    Zhong Siwei''s girlfriend, Hao Xiang, seemed curious and asked, "The boss of such a bigpany, how old is he?"


    She then felt it was inappropriate and added, "I know many bosses have great temperaments, and the older they are, the more refined by knowledge and experience they be, very refined gentlemen. Su Tao''s boyfriend must be this kind of refined, gentlemanly type, right?"


    The female ss monitor was straightforward and retorted without giving face, "Hao Xiang, are you dumb? Can''t you just look him up online? You only look at Zhong Siwei''s face all day, never watch entertainment shows. A quick search online and you can find videos of Xie Jin. How can you say something so stupid?"


    "I was wrong, ss monitor, don''t be angry." The more Hao Xiang spoke, the more she seemed like a green tea. "You''re right, with Su Tao being so beautiful, her boyfriend must be very handsome. I was talking nonsense, Siwei~"


    After that, she acted cute with Zhong Siwei, looking wronged, as if tattling.


    The female ss monitor shuddered in disgust, put off by Hao Xiang''s coquettish behavior. Seeing that Su Tao didn''t refute or help either, she decided not to bother with her and excitedly continued telling Su Tao, "Su Tao, I really like Jiang Qi. How can there be such a cute boy? Get me a ticket if you have tickets to his concerts in the future."


    Su Tao added her on WeChat and promised to save her a backstage pass for the finals. She got a bear hug from the excited female ss monitor.


    Hao Xiang still prattled on, "Su Tao, you''re so lucky to be in this industry, you must meet celebrities all the time. Can you get me Zuo You''s autograph?"


    Zuo You was a household name actor, a box office guarantee where everymercial blockbuster he starred in was a hit. He was also very handsome, exemplifying a good actor.


    "I don''t get to meet that many celebrities." Of course Su Tao didn''t want to help her or cause herself any trouble, so she casually declined.


    "Oh," Hao Xiang had a sudden realization, with a hint of disdain in her eyes, "I also heard the entertainment industry is very hierarchical, you probably don''t have ess to top celebrities."


    "You..."


    The female ss monitor was about to retort when Su Tao stopped her. Right then, Liao Dan arrived and Su Tao shot her a desperate look before standing and telling everyone, "I really have to get back, a bunch of leaders are waiting for me."


    Liao Dan immediately understood and pulled Su Tao toward the door, "Oh dear, can''t keep the leaders waiting, we can meet up anytime, but we can''t afford to lose this job. Hurry, hurry."


    As she said this, she winked at Su Tao, perfectly in sync.


    Su Tao turned and pushed open the door of the private room, preparing to leave, when she saw acquaintances.


    Among the group of three or four people walking past the private room, two were familiar to Su Tao. One was her artist, Zhu Hang.


    The 38-year-old was a veteran actor who took things easy and only epted roles he liked, so Liu Wantao had assigned him to Su Tao.


    Zhu Hang had always been quite satisfied with Su Tao. She respected the artists'' own ideas and neverined or lectured them like Liu Wantao did. Seeing Su Tao, he was very happy, "Taozi, what a coincidence seeing you here eating too?"


    Since turning down the role Su Tao had gotten for him, Zhu Hang had taken two months off to properly spend time with his child. Su Tao understoodpletely and smiled, "Long time no see, Teacher Zhu, you''re looking very healthy."


    "That''s all thanks to the leaders'' care, otherwise how could I be so carefree?" Zhu Hang had a steady personality with a touch of humor and greeted everyone with a smile.


    "That''s Zhu Hang and Zuo You, right?" Su Tao''s ssmates gathered at the private room door all eximed.


    Even those not following entertainment would know these two, with their high public awareness.


    Su Tao politely extended a hand to Zuo You and respectfully greeted, "Teacher Zuo."


    Zuo You only blinked, slightly nodded, and didn''t take Su Tao''s offered hand, aloof as could be.


    Right then, a woman''s mockingugh rang out from the private room.


    Without turning back, Su Tao knew who it was.


    But she didn''t mind and felt any more time spent here would be wasted. After asking Zhu Hang to watch his health, she got ready to leave.


    "Oh dear, bumping into the leader means no rest, even on vacation you get assigned tasks." Zhu Hang''s group, except the aloof Zuo You, allughed good-naturedly.


    Just as the gathering was about to disperse, they suddenly felt an oppressive aura, like a vicious beast had set its sights on them. They looked toward the danger.


    The deep, dark eyes swept over the men standing beside Su Tao as the long legs strode steadily, showing no sign of an injured ankle.


    "Boss Xie!" The bespectacled man standing beside Zuo You recognized Xie Jin at a nce and eagerly went up to greet, "I''m XX from Kangshu Entertainment, here''s my card."


    "Ah, so that''s Xie Jin." The female ss monitor had wanted to quietly tell those beside her but was too excited and spoke loudly enough for all to hear, "Even more handsome than on TV."


    Now those in the private room could match a name to the face. The men felt a bit insecure seeing Xie Jin''s wless handsome looks.


    Unlike the men''s inadequacy, Hao Xiang felt jealous. Looking at Xie Jin''s appearance, temperament, noble status, then looking at her own boyfriend, they were simply not on the same level.


    But seeing his bad temper, she found somefort that while her boyfriend wasn''t easygoing, at least he wasn''t as scary as this.


    Suddenly she even felt some sympathy for Su Tao. No man is perfect. This Xie Jin is clearly the domestic abuse type.


    Oblivious to beingbeled an abusive man, Xie Jin still had a sinister, icy expression.


    Even the previously aloof Zuo You changed his attitude. Taking the initiative to extend a hand, he politely said, "Boss Xie, I''m Zuo You, pleased to meet you."


    Xie Jin didn''t even nce at his offered hand. He grabbed Su Tao''s hand and pulled her to his side, separating her from the men.


    Noticing her gaze fall on his ankle, his gloomy expression instantly changed. Eyes wide, he froze in ce before slowly turning to Su Tao with a pained, weak expression. He leaned one hand on her shoulder, half leaning against her, and weakly said,


    "I walked over here enduring the pain in my foot, oh, it hurts too much."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Everyone: "!?"

 Chapter 41: Listen to Me 022

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    Everyone was still in shock at Xie Jin''s double standard attitude when he took Su Tao and left.


    The female ss leader, with a "shocked" expression on her face, quickly sent a message in her bestie WeChat group:


    "Can you imagine what Xie Jin would look like when acting pitiful?"


    "Please refer to the image of a Northeast tiger turning into a little kitten."


    After leaving the restaurant, Xie Jin walked with a limp behind Su Tao, pretending to be in pain. As soon as they stopped at the entrance of the restaurant, Su Tao turned back. Xie Jin immediately put on a pained expression again and took the chance to unlock the car.


    "Stop pretending," said Su Tao indifferently as she got into the car.


    Xie Jin looked embarrassed and got into the car as well. Without waiting for Su Tao to question him, he took the initiative to confess everything that was on his mind.


    "I came after you when I heard from Su Yangxing that Jiang Qi was going to confess to you."


    Su Tao''s doe eyes widened in surprise. In an instant, she recalled Jiang Qi''s ardent gaze when he saw her earlier, and that strange feeling. Her heart tightened.


    The phone suddenly rang. Speaking of the devil, it was Jiang Qi''s name on the screen.


    Su Tao''s hand shook and the phone was snatched away by Xie Jin. "She''s busy now and doesn''t have time to take your call."


    After saying that, he hung up the phone.


    The phone rang again. Xie Jin was about to turn it off directly when Su Tao''s fair hand grabbed it back and answered the call.


    Jiang Qi''s furious voice could be heard clearly from the receiver in the quiet car: "Let me speak to Su Tao!"


    Su Tao pressed Xie Jin down as he was about to get up in anger, and calmly said to the phone, "It''s me."


    Jiang Qi''s voice softened and heined, "Why haven''t youe back yet? I''ve been waiting for you for so long."


    Su Tao said, "Jiang Qi, I really can''t get away from here and won''t be able to go back. I''ve ordered a cake and some dishes for you. If you like lively events, I can ask my colleagues to go and apany you."


    There was silence on the phone for a long while, then Jiang Qi''s low and suppressed voice came through, "What about you? I only want you to spend my birthday with me."


    Su Tao tried to keep her tone light: "I''ll give you a big red envelope, congratting you on getting one year older."


    Jiang Qi''s unrestrained disappointment could be heard from the receiver: "I came all the way back from North City to look for you, just so you could spend my birthday with me. As my agent, you can''t even apany me on my birthday?"


    Su Tao took a deep breath and let it out slowly, maintaining a calm tone. She said meaningfully, "Jiang Qi, don''t be unreasonable. I''ll book a hotel and return flight for you tomorrow..."


    "Did someone say something to you?" Jiang Qi suddenly interrupted her words, "Was it Su Yangxing?"


    "Jiang Qi, happy birthday."


    Su Tao hung up the phone. She immediately called Le Xuan: "I''m sending you a location. Go find Jiang Qi right away and follow him. Don''t let him run around. I''ve booked a ne ticket for you too. Send him on the ne tomorrow."


    After ordering the cake, dishes, hotel, and ne tickets, Xie Jin had already driven to the building where she lived.


    Watching the video report sent by Le Xuan that she had found Jiang Qi and was drinking with him, Su Tao felt slightly relieved.


    Le Xuan had the easygoing nature of a boy but also the attentiveness of a girl. She was extremely capable in both work skills and adaptability, so Su Tao was at ease leaving Jiang Qi to her.


    Xie Jin got out of the car and searched his surroundings with the posture of a sniper looking for a shooting spot at 360 degrees.


    "That brat didn''t chase here, did he?"


    Su Tao curled her lips and said lightly, "You think he''s like you?"


    Xie Jin snapped out of his sniper mode and realized Su Tao was mocking him for being unscrupulous.


    He suddenly recalled that his injured foot had been exposed and hurriedly walked ahead, locking himself in the spare bedroom as soon as he got in the door.


    Su Tao knocked on the door, "Aren''t you eating dinner?"


    A muffled voice came from inside, as if his head was covered by a nket, "Don''t try to trick me. As soon as Ie out you''ll send me away."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Early next morning, Su Tao received a report sent by Le Xuan from the hotel that she was going to send Jiang Qi to the airport. Su Tao felt at ease and went to thepany. But less than half an hourter, Le Xuan called again.


    "Boss, Jiang Qi is missing. He had been quite cooperative with me so I lowered my guard. Just in the short time I went to the bathroom..."


    "When and where did you lose him?" Su Tao was exceptionally calm at critical moments.


    "At the hotel. I urgently needed to use the bathroom so I told him to wait for me outside, but when I came out he was gone. I''ve searched the hotel but he''s probably left already." Le Xuan was both anxious and remorseful. She had already searched the hotel and estimated that he had left the hotel already.


    Looking at the elegant figure standing outside the office door, Su Tao sighed softly, almost imperceptibly. "No need to look anymore. He came to thepany."


    Su Tao didn''t get up when Jiang Qi entered the office. Her clear and bright eyes watched as he closed the door behind him and locked it.


    Su Tao''s brows furrowed slightly. Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Qi blocked her in the chair in three big strides.


    He leaned over her, grabbing the armrests on both sides of the chair, and brought his handsome face right up to Su Tao''s. The yfulness usually seen in his bright eyes was gone, reced by indignation mixed with tenderness. "Are you deliberately avoiding me?"


    Su Tao shrank back against the chair back, left with no room to evade. She could only stop him verbally, "Let''s talk properly."


    Jiang Qi still maintained that posture, his ardent gaze fixed on her as he swallowed hard. His voice was somewhat hoarse, "You know I like you, don''t you?"


    Su Tao''s breath hitched. She thought her attitude had been very clear. If Su Yangxing''s information was wrong, her words yesterday would have been harmless.


    If it was true, Jiang Qi was so smart and concerned about face, her attitude was telling him there was no possibility between them and he should have just let it go to preserve both their dignity.


    Yet now, it was obvious he understood but was still confessing recklessly.


    "So, your attitude is rejection, right?" The indignation in Jiang Qi''s eyes slowly faded away, filled instead with heartbreak and unwillingness.


    Su Tao tilted her head slightly and lowered her eyes, "Jiang Qi, we are just cooperative partners."


    "Your brazen confidence somehow reminds me of my brother sometimes, so I''ve always seen you as a brother. But for me, you''ve always been that little girl I met collecting bottles on the beach. You asked why I always wanted you as my assistant. It''s because I want to keep you by my side all the time. I''ve never had this feeling for anyone before."


    Jiang Qi spoke more and more agitatedly, his ears and cheeks flushed red. He had never confessed to anyone before. Usually he would casually flirt a little and the girl would turn red and understand his meaning, then take the initiative to fawn over him.


    He really didn''t know confessing required so much courage.


    "I admit, I was a little frivolous at first. I''ve always easily gotten girls to like me. I''ve never really liked anyone before. I didn''t know what it was like to like someone - looking forward to her calls and messages every day, wanting to hear her voice every day, wanting to see her every day, even willing topromise and do things I don''t want to do."


    Jiang Qi swallowed, his Adam''s apple bobbing up and down. Finally, he solemnly said those words, "Su Tao, I like you. I don''t want our rtionship to just be agent and artist. I want to be your boyfriend. Is that okay?"


    Upon hearing this, Su Tao finally slowly raised her eyes to look directly into his. She heaved a deep sigh, her face aloof as she said, "No, it''s not okay."


    Taking advantage of his stunned state, Su Tao lifted one of his arms and got up from the chair, standing by the door in preparation to leave at any time.


    Jiang Qi saw her guarded posture and let out a bitterugh which finally turned into bitterness that seeped into his heart.


    "What you just said, someone''s already done that to me before, and I didn''t like it. Jiang Qi, not to mention I can''t ept your confession style, just our identities alone mean there''s no possibility of development. Moreover, I''m four years older than you. I would absolutely not ept you."


    Su Tao''s words could be described as heartless.


    She left no room for maneuver, cutting straight into his heart. Completely eliminating any fantasy he might have.


    "If you can''t get your feelings back, I''ll have to assign you an executive agent," Su Tao said as she opened the door and beckoned to Le Xuan in the workspace outside, "Change the ne tickets, I''ll personally take you to the airport."


    After finishing speaking to Le Xuan, Su Tao turned her head back to the dispirited Jiang Qi.


    "Jiang Qi, there is only one final left. Train well ande back with a first ce. In the future, you will have hundreds of thousands, even millions of fans going crazy for you. You will stand on the brightest stage and receive the most enthusiastic apuse and cheers. By then you will realize that what you want now is insignificant. You will get something better."


    Su Tao looked at him with bright eyes full of yearning, as if she could really see Jiang Qi, the most dazzling under the starlight, in the midst of the crowds.


    That should be his dream.


    Jiang Qi slowly straightened up, not at all encouraged by Su Tao''s words. He slowly walked to her side, the corners of his mouth curled up in a barely discernible bitter smile, his tone full of sarcasm.


    "If sess requires sacrificing what you want most first, isn''t that very sad? By then, it should not be enjoyment, but emptiness."


    Su Tao''s expression was unmoved, her tone almost ruthless as she refuted, "Then not seeding, you still won''t get what you want, which is even more empty."


    Jiang Qi was taken aback, frowning at Su Tao, stunned for a long time.


    This time Su Tao personally sent Le Xuan and Jiang Qi through security, and stood at the exit until Le Xuan sent a message that they had boarded the ne before she finally felt relieved and let out a breath.


    On the way back, Su Tao received a call from Li Yajie.


    "Taozi, I have a good news and a bad news."


    The corners of Su Tao''s mouth that had curled up from the first half of the sentence dropped again with the second half, "My sister, how is there still bad news?"


    Li Yajie also sighed, and this sigh made Su Tao''s heart thump, intuitively sensing that this bad news must be extraordinary, even Li Yajie couldn''t resolve it.


    "I won''t mention the good news, it''s basically confirmed that Jiang Qi will be the spokesperson for DG''s new product."


    With the worrying mood brought by the bad news, this good news could no longer excite Su Tao, "What''s the bad news?"


    "The bad news is that the DG contract is now in Jiang Nian''s hands. He wants to meet you before he signs the contract."


    A trace of gloom shed across Su Tao''s eyes. After thinking for a few seconds, she asked, "Sister, do you know the whereabouts of Qin Xuexi?"


    In front of Jiang Nian''s old vi, Su Tao took a deep breath twice, clenched the handbag in her hand, and pressed the doorbell.


    Led through the front gate by a servant and brought to the backyard.


    In the same location, the mood waspletely different from thest visit. Jiang Nian was nearing seventy years old, yet preserved like a sixty-year-old. Only his sagging cheeks made him look more like a butcher than a businessman.


    He was silently fingering a string of prayer beads, quietly watching a group of birdsnding on the branches. On the table was a toy gun.


    Su Tao hesitated for a moment, then saw him suddenly grab the gun from the table, aim at the birds in the tree, and fire a shot that startled the birds into scattering away.


    Although it was harmless, it was enough to deter Su Tao.


    "Sit down."


    Without turning his head, Jiang Nian''s old hoarse voice sounded like a gas leak. But it was steady and calm.


    Su Tao silently adjusted her breathing to steady her heartbeat, then walked to the position opposite Jiang Nian and sat down. She took out a box of aloeswood from her handbag and took the initiative to speak, "Mr. Jiang, nice to meet you. This is a small gift."


    This box of aloeswood had high collectible value. She had specially asked about his preferences before buying this not inexpensive gift.


    Su Tao had heard that people with strong murderous tendencies especially liked worshiping Buddha and meditating when they grew old, perhaps because they were afraid of going to hell after death.


    Jiang Nian took the box of aloeswood and opened it to smell it, looking intoxicated, as if he really knew how to appreciate it, "You shouldn''t have spent so much."


    "As long as Mr. Jiang likes it, I came today to discuss the contract at your request. Please feel free to make any conditions."


    Su Tao knew Jiang Nian had been trying to undermine her psychological defenses with his overbearing attitude, so she simply brought the conversation out in the open, to bring their standings back to the same level, so she wouldn''t be so passive.


    Only then did Jiang Nian nce at Su Tao, scrutinizing her for a long time, his eyes full of oppressive force.


    However, Su Tao was used to Xie Jin''s sinister gazes, so she epted his gaze oppression rtively well, without too much difort.


    Su Tao''sposure made Jiang Nian nod, unable to discern if it was meant as a threat or praise.


    "You exposed my lover''s trickery against me. Should I thank you or punish you for it?" The old hoarse voice said sarcastically. He was still observing how long Su Tao could keep up the pretense.


    Su Tao''sposure skills had been honed since childhood. Even if she was extremely flustered inside, she would never let it show, "Neither."


    Jiang Nian raised his eyebrows, waiting for her exnation.


    "I helped you avoid a big ploy of fake prince scheming for your assets, but at the same time I shouldn''t have secretly investigated your private affairs, offending your taboos. So the merits and demerits cancel each other out. You don''t need to thank me or punish me."


    "Hmm, a smart one."


    That murmur from the old hoarse voice sounded like a gas leak, making Su Tao''s ears ufortable.


    "But you got rid of my lover, how will youpensate me for that?"


    Su Tao''s expression froze. She hadn''t expected him to be thinking along those lines. She was at a temporary loss for words.


    This time Jiang Nian didn''t beat around the bush, directly bringing it up, "That Xue Xinzi of yours isn''t bad. Why not give her to me aspensation?"


    The atmosphere instantly became deathly still. Perhaps sensing this eerie silence, the birds flew away in groups again.


    Su Tao''s fair hands gripped the handbag strap tightly, breaking a fingernail, trying hard not to reveal a hint of disgust and nausea.


    She took out her phone, pulled up a recording, and directly hit y without saying a word.


    Qin Xuexi''s ghastly wailing came from it, startling the birds that had flown back to the trees into flying away again.


    Qin Xuexi: [You and Jiang Nian should both die! Do you think I wanted a child just for the assets? I can''t get pregnant or I''ll die by that old beast''s hands sooner orter! You''re both executioners!]


    Su Tao: [You mean Jiang Nian abused you?]


    Qin Xuexi: [Abuse? You call that abuse? That''s beating! Look at me, open your dog eyes wide and see clearly! I''m holding each of these scars responsible on you! Su Tao, I will also make you taste being pressed and beaten by a beast!]


    Su Tao: [Why do you me Jiang Nian beating you on me? You can''t deal with him, so you pick on a soft target?]


    Qin Xuexi: [Of course I have my way to deal with him!]


    Su Tao: [What way? Sue him for intentional injury? He can easily smooth that over in minutes, don''t be childish.]


    Qin Xuexi: [Do you think I''m an idiot? I... none of your business! Rest assured, after I''m done with Jiang Nian, you''re next. Neither of you wille to a good end!]


    After the recording ended, Su Tao calmly took out another envelope and ced it in front of Jiang Nian, "I provoked Qin Xuexi into revealing that she went to yourpetitor, Shangyu Technology. She provided them with a lot of DG information that she must have collected from you over time."


    Jiang Nian''s face was already ck. His gloomy gaze fell on the envelope as he set down the prayer beads heavily on the table and opened it.


    Inside was evidence of Shangyu Technology''s series of malicious acquisition actions to take over DG''s shares.


    Ever since she saw the scars revealed on Qin Xuexi''s armsst time, she was certain Jiang Nian had abused her, and her hatred must run deep. She would definitely seek revenge against Jiang Nian.


    She had toe fully prepared for this trip to Hongmen Banquet in order to get out unscathed.


    Judging from Qin Xuexi''s hysterical statest time, Su Tao knew she only needed to provoke her with words to draw out a lot of content.


    She just didn''t expect to uncover such a big matter.


    Shangyu Technology wanted to manufacture ck PR for DG, use public opinion to drive down DG''s stock price, and then maliciously acquire it to oust Jiang Nian and Li Yajie.


    This was investigated with Xie Jin''s help.


    Not to mention whether they would seed in the end, just the damage to DG''s reputation affecting Jiang Qi''s endorsement had formed amunity of shared fate with Su Tao.


    Although Jiang Nian was disgusting, she could not stand by and watch DG get into trouble. Qin Xuexi had misdirected her revenge.


    After Jiang Nian put down the envelope, he picked up the prayer beads again and watched the birds withposure, "Xie Jin helped you investigate this, right?"


    Since he knew about Xue Xinzi, he must have seen the Growing Together show and naturally was aware of some of her interactions with Xie Jin.


    Su Tao didn''t refute.


    Jiang Nian clicked his tongue twice. His old smoker''s voice couldn''t help but cough. After a good while, he finally stopped, his disappointed face full.


    "Xie Jin was actually willing to investigate this for you. Do you know how many spies had to be wasted to find this out? Do you know how much a business spy is worth? Tsk tsk, such a promising future business giant, how can he be so affectionate?"


    In front of Jiang Nian, Su Tao, who was trying to remain sober and calm, was startled for a moment and forgot the rules. She was stunned.


    She didn''t know how Xie Jin found this out, and Xie Jin never told her. It only took him three days to easily get the results directly to her.


    She had never been involved in a business war and did not know how much it cost to cultivate a business spy, but she knew it was absolutely not an ordinary investment that could cultivate it.


    If she had known the cost was so great, she would never have asked Xie Jin for help.


    "I recognize your favor, as well as Xie Jin''s." Jiang Nian''s old smoker''s voice brought Su Tao''s thoughts back. Seeing Jiang Nian take out the official seal and stamp it down, "The endorsement contract, take it away."


    Su Tao absentmindedly left the vi, looking at the contract in her hand, and let out a long sigh of relief, texting Le Xuan to prepare for the subsequent endorsement matters in advance.


    After putting down her phone, Su Tao dialed Xie Jin''s number, hesitated for a moment, and then clicked back into WeChat again. In the chat dialog box with Xie Jin, she hesitated again before finally putting down her phone and driving away directly.


    On the gray fabric sofa, Xie Jin was frowning at theputer screen. On the video conference, Tianjin executives had tense faces, with highly nervous expressions watching the erged handsome face on the video.


    "Cough~"


    Xie Jin just coughed lightly, and all the executives reacted reflexively and shrank back. Then they all reacted that it was just a video, and embarrassingly sat back.


    Xie Jin''s gloomy voice rang out, full of anger, "A deleted video that still hasn''t been restored after two full weeks, does the Information Department still have a reason to exist?"


    The head of the Information Department lowered his head to his chest, his voice low, "That model ofputer is special, the parts still haven''t..."


    The words of the head of the Information Department stopped abruptly due to Xie Jin''s increasingly gloomy expression, "It''s because I didn''t work hard enough, I''m sorry."


    Xie Jin''s frozen face finally thawed a little, and slowly opened his mouth with undoubted authority, "Three days. If you can''t find it, take responsibility and resign."


    Tianjin''s sky-high sries were not for feeding idlers.


    For a while, there was dead silence in the video conference, and no one dared to speak out at this time to provoke him.


    In the quiet environment, the rustling sound of the door opening was exceptionally clear in the video. Then a voice as clear as a spring came, "What''s that smell?"


    The executives'' expressions tightened, making sure the voice didn''te from their own homes, before letting go of their hearts.


    Then, everyone was amazed to find that the boss suddenly looked up happily. The gloomy and depressed look in his eyes just a second ago suddenly shone brightly, containing a smile they had never seen before, "You''re back, I fried you a steak...steak!"


    The dumbfounded people watched as Xie Jin got up and walked arrogantly across the video in a tender yellow apron.


    Executives: "..."

 Chapter 42: Listen to Me 023

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    Su Tao watched Xie Jin put on her apron and run to the kitchen. She hurriedly called out to stop him, "It''s okay, I also bought ingredients. I can make dinner for you."


    Xie Jin poked his head out from the kitchen, looking incredulous, "You, make dinner for me?"


    Su Tao nodded. She had already brought the ingredients into the kitchen. Seeing the steak that had been cooked into a lump of ck meat, she instantly remembered her first time swallowing it and felt relieved that she had bought the ingredients and arrived in time.


    "Weren''t you in a meeting? Leave this to me. Go take care of your work." Su Tao was eager to chase him out of the kitchen immediately so he would stop damaging her cookware.


    Xie Jin''s eyes shone brightly as he gazed at Su Tao, his tone ambiguous but delighted, "Little Taoxi, why do you suddenly want to make dinner for me?"


    "To thank you for helping me investigate Shangyu Technology." Su Tao said sincerely. "You really helped me a lot."


    The smile at the corner of Xie Jin''s mouth gradually widened as heughed unrestrainedly, "That little thing was nothing to me. If there''s anything else you want to investigate, just let me know anytime. I guarantee I''ll find it out within three days."


    The executives in the video conference all had ashen faces.


    The entire tech department had been working non-stop, day and night, for three days straight. They had wasted three spies in the process. And the boss called this nothing?


    When he returned to the video conference, the smile on Xie Jin''s face was one they had never seen before. His deep eyes shone with warmth as he nced at the kitchen from time to time. His gaze no longer had its previous sharpness, and he was much more tolerant of their reports.


    "Good."


    "Okay."


    "Alright, no problem."


    Did they even deserve such tolerant treatment?


    Xie Jin seemed to recall something. He said to the director of the intelligence department, "Your department was mainly responsible for investigating Shangyu Technologyst time, right? Then I''ll give you three days this time. Find that video within three days. Can you do it?"


    The director of intelligence felt his eyes grow moist. "Thank you, Boss, for understanding. We will definitelyplete the task."


    In fact, they were only missing a part that was being held up in customs. They estimated being able to retrieve it tomorrow, and once they did, they could export the video.


    He was moved at having kept his job and thanked everyone in his heart. He gave special thanks to Su Tao - she was truly an angel.


    The aroma of food asionally drifted out from the kitchen. Xie Jin ended the meeting early and stood outside the kitchen, watching Su Tao''s busy figure. It warmed that cold spot in his heart.


    In the past year, the chill in that house still gave him endless nightmares.


    The standard four dishes and one soup were on the table - c chicken wings, boiled fish, mapo tofu, and a vegetarian soup.


    The simple, homemade dishes greatly stimted Xie Jin''s appetite. As he ate, he boastfully praised, "Our little Taoxi has learned to cook."


    After dinner, Su Tao made Xie Jin a cup of bitter amomum tea to aid his digestion. They sat side by side on the sofa.


    Xie Jin picked up the tea and took a small sip of the scalding liquid, smiling blissfully.


    "If there''s anything you need me to do, just say it."


    Xie Jin choked on the tea he hadn''t finished swallowing. He coughed violently several times before catching his breath again, coughing out tears. His previously blissful expression waspletely gone. "What do you mean? Are you exchanging resources with me?"


    Su Tao didn''t think there was anything wrong with this. The industry had always operated on resource exchange - mutual benefits.


    Seeing her bewildered expression, Xie Jin deted somewhat. He gazed at her earnestly, "Little Taoxi, I can do anything for you that you can imagine or even not imagine. I can do it unconditionally. You don''t need to feel indebted."


    As Xie Jin looked at Su Tao''s tranquil little face, he felt he was being a bit impatient.


    One day, she would take his devotion for granted.


    Ever since the airing of Tidal Wave 2, Tong Mingxuan had gained a group of fans with his handsome appearance. He was gradually gaining momentum to rise to secondary lead status. More resources had also started actively seeking him out.


    When Su Tao arrived downstairs at Pinshu Film & TV and opened the car door, she received a call from Jiang Qi.


    Before Su Tao could say anything, Jiang Qi anxiously cut her off, "Did you get the DG endorsement? And because of the vow I made, if you didn''t get it, you would resign?"


    Su Tao: "I..."


    Jiang Qi: "Why did you do that? Why give up so much for me? You said you only have an agent-artist rtionship with me?"


    Su Tao, who hadn''t gotten a word in edgewise, quietly waited for him to finish asking this series of questions before slowly opening her mouth. "Are you finished? Can I speak now?"


    Jiang Qi: "Um."


    Su Tao closed the car door again. Her tone was solemn, "Who told you I signed the DG endorsement?"


    Jiang Qi didn''t expect her to focus on this. He had asked her so many questions but they had all been pointless?


    "My sister."


    Su Tao''s expression changed slightly. "Who did your sister hear it from?"


    "Does it matter?" Jiang Qi felt she was just changing the subject. "Probably her agent. But first answer my quest..."


    "Beep beep beep..."


    Jiang Qi: "..."


    Su Tao needed to calmly think this over, so she hung up.


    The only person she had told about signing with DG yesterday was Le Xuan. How did the news reach Jiang Wan''s ears? Who leaked the information?


    She called Le Xuan, who was busy and didn''t answer for a while. "Boss, I was just about to report to you. I''ve prepared all the documents, just need your signature to get thepany seal.


    Su Tao suddenly understood the key point. "Did you go to all those departments to prepare the documents?"


    Of course, Le Xuan would have needed to exin the situation to prepare the documents. If it was true, then the news must have spread from within thepany.


    Le Xuan: "Finance, General Affairs, PR - I think just those three departments."


    Su Tao: "Did anyone else know about this news?"


    Le Xuan: "No one else. What''s wrong, Boss?"


    Su Tao: "I suspect someone leaked this news. It''s possible they deliberately sabotaged it, but selling inside news is also a possibility. But I have a rough guess who it might be. From now on, don''t reveal any more details externally. Just stay silent."


    After Le Xuan quickly agreed, Su Tao called Li Yajie to exin the situation. Sleepless nights and wild dreams - she scheduled moving the contract signing date up to the day of Jiang Qi''s finals with her.


    Li Yajie also had her worries. "Can you guarantee Jiang Qi will win the championship then?"


    If they couldn''t guarantee he''d win, how could they sign another contestant instead of the champion?


    Su Tao took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, tossing aside the tremendous pressure. She calmly said, "The finals are the day after tomorrow. I will definitely give you a definite result by noon tomorrow."


    After hanging up, Su Tao adjusted her emotions and got out of the car, then entered the Pinshu Film & TV office building.


    Su Tao had originally intended to go to the executive producer''s office, but halfway there, she encountered a familiar face. Short in stature and wearing sses, he looked surprised. "Oh? It''s you!"


    Clearly he might not remember Su Tao''s name.


    Su Tao had a great memory for people. She immediately recalled he was the one eating with Zuo You and Zhu Hang at the restaurant that day - Pinshu''s boss, Wang Quanmin.


    "Mr. Wang, hello, I''m Su Tao." Su Tao seamlessly picked up the conversation, saving Wang Quanmin from embarrassment.


    Wang Quanmin smiled politely, "How is Mr. Xie?"


    Su Tao knew they had misunderstood that day, but she couldn''t directly rify it on the spot either. After thinking about it, she gently said, "Mr. Xie should be quite well. If you see him, please help me convey my regards."


    Su Tao''s words actually left Wang Quanmin confused, but the astute man quickly understood what was going on - they must be keeping up appearances. So he had a knowing look on his face, "Sure, sure. What brings you here on business this time, Miss Su?"


    Su Tao answered truthfully, "I have an appointment with Director Xu to submit my artist''s information."


    Wang Quanmin enthusiastically walked ahead, "It just so happens I''m free. Come, let me apany you."


    Unable to decline, Su Tao could only follow along.


    When they arrived at the executive producer''s office, Director Xu hadn''t expected the boss to personally bring Su Tao, and they seemed quite familiar. After reading the situation, he immediately approved Tong Mingxuan for the role on the spot, even better than Su Tao had envisioned.


    Director Xu also instantly became all smiles. He gave Su Tao a look like she was very important and he didn''t dare offend her. He politely saw her out.


    All the way down, Wang Quanmin escorted Su Tao out of the building. She didn''t have a chance to refute anything.


    Su Tao thought for a moment, and still said: "Mr. Wang, I have no rtionship with Mr. Xie. You should look at Tong MingXuan''s artists to find suitable roles."


    Wang Quanmin still had a knowing expression. He made a shushing gesture with his finger to his lips, "I won''t say anything if you don''t say anything. Don''t worry."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Now it seemed that no matter how she exined, he wouldn''t believe her. Su Tao decided not to say anything more, lest she make more mistakes.


    Wang Quanmin suddenly remembered something and pped his hands: "Oh yes, we have a drama that we want to invite Jiang Wan to take part in. This drama won''t start preparation for another two months. Do you think we should discuss with you directly or with her current agency?"


    Su Tao''s expression changed instantly. Her intention to sign Jiang Wan was leaked too?


    She did mention this during a high-levelpany meeting, and the heads of several departments were present then. She really hadn''t considered there could be leaks within thepany.


    She quickly thought through the major important tasks recently - it seemed that only these two matters were known within thepany.


    What a coincidence that both matters were leaked.


    After some thought, Su Tao''s expression steadied. She looked up at Wang Quanmin with her clear doe eyes, "Mr. Wang, I have a favor to ask of you."


    Su Tao returned to thepany. As she walked through the lobby, her gaze calmly swept past her colleagues, imperceptibly examining each person''s expression.


    They were perfunctory or friendly, insincere or sincere. Faced with Su Tao, they were all smiling.


    Smiles could distinguish intimacy and distance, but could not discern character and self-interest.


    Back in her office, Su Tao opened a window and stood there as the breeze blew in. She pondered clearly how to uncover the mole who leaked information.


    Suddenly, a wail sounded from below. The mournful voice was somewhat familiar. Su Tao looked down to see Xie Jin''s long legs suddenly stop. In front of his tall, aloof figure stood a woman in a pink skirt - none other than Qin Xuexi.


    Her straight ck hair was disheveled and messy, her pink skirt was also dirty and stained. From Su Tao''s angle, she could see the bruises on Qin Xuexi''s face.


    She looked up at Xie Jin with tearful eyes, seeming to be pouring out her copsed emotions to him in that previous wail.


    Her mouth opened and closed as she sobbed, unable to get outplete words.


    Su Tao watched her lips carefully. She seemed to be saying, "Save me..."


    Qin Xuexi rushed forward, trying to grab Xie Jin, but he disgustingly dodged to the side. Qin Xuexi fell to the ground. Her already dirty skirt was now even more filthy. Her messy hair was strewn across her face. After not seeing her for a few days, she looked powerless and haggard, as pathetic as a stray dog.


    A crowd had gathered around them. Xie Jin had originally wanted to bypass her and leave, but was suddenly caught by her hugging his leg. He shook his leg forcefully, and Qin Xuexi, like boneless soft flesh, was flung away. Yet she pounced back with extreme speed, clinging stubbornly to him again.


    "Let go."


    Xie Jin was finally angered. His icy voice not only made Qin Xuexi''s body stiffen, but also made the onlooking crowd retreat several steps back.


    Qin Xuexi''s arms ckened slightly, and Xie Jin shook her off violently to the ground. His ruthless manner made people feel like he would stomp on her next.


    Xie Jin unconsciously nced up towards the second floor - luckily no one was by the window of Su Tao''s office.


    Suddenly, Xie Jin felt an indifferent gaze fall on him. He turned to look, and a slender figure entered his eyes. His heart skipped a beat, his footsteps froze in ce, unable to move. His voice was stuck in his throat as he weakly called out:


    "Little Taozi..."


    The root cause of all his conflicts with Little Taozi was because of this Qin Xuexi. It had been so difficult for Little Taozi to allow him to hover around her again, he couldn''t let her misunderstand again.


    He hadn''t figured out how to exin this melodramatic scene, but Su Taoqing''s voice drifted over: "Let''s talk in the restaurant next door."


    In the private room, Xie Jin sat closely next to Su Tao, keeping a distance from Qin Xuexi across from them.


    Su Tao took out a wet wipe and threw it to Qin Xuexi, her tone neither cold nor warm: "Wipe yourself."


    Qin Xuexi didn''t touch the wet wipe. She looked pitifully at Xie Jin, her voice miserable: "Ah Jin~ I beg you, please save me. I''m pregnant, that beast Jiang Qi suddenly came to find me, he punched and kicked me, and said he wanted to kill me. I really..."


    From observation, Su Tao already understood her intention.


    Her sudden appearance downstairs in this state must be because she encountered something. Using her own strange logic, she med it all on Su Tao again, in order to curse her with bad luck.


    She just didn''t expect to run into Xie Jin by chance. She quickly changed her mind about venting and seeking revenge, wanting to cling to him for help instead.


    Xie Jin''s knuckles bent as he lightly tapped on the table, looking at her with piercing eyes. Eventually it made Qin Xuexi unable to meet his gaze.


    Xie Jin took out his phone. His slender fingers tapped on the screen a few times, then he held the screen up to Qin Xuexi. His gloomy expression was colder than an ice cer.


    On the screen was that photo that had be taboo.


    "Exin the real situation in this photo clearly."

 Chapter 43: Listen to Me 024

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    When the photo was shown, Su Tao''s tranquil face sank slightly. She lowered her eyes without looking at Xie Jin and Qin Xuexi, and sped her hands together silently.


    When Xie Jin stared at Qin Xuexi intently, he was also paying attention to Su Tao''s expression out of the corner of his eye. His heart tightened subconsciously and his fingertips gripping the phone turned white.


    This was clearly the first time Qin Xuexi had seen this photo. She was puzzled at first, then seemed to recall something. She widened her eyes in disbelief, nced at the photo again, blinked, and said in a somewhat incredulous tone, "How did this photo get cropped like this?"


    "Exin clearly! What was the situation back then?" Xie Jin asked gloomily again.


    Qin Xuexi was so frightened that her whole body shuddered. She stammered, "I...I can''t remember clearly."


    Xie Jin sneered slightly, looking as if he had expected this. His voice became even more gloomy and icy as he said, "Qin Xuexi, I gave you a chance but you didn''t cherish it."


    Xie Jin slid his finger left on the phone and a video began to y. This time he showed it directly to Su Tao. His icy tone instantly switched to a gentle one that Qin Xuexi couldn''t have imagined.


    "This is the full video from that day. I originally wanted to go to yourpany to show you directly, but I was intercepted by this lunatic."


    When he said "this lunatic", Qin Xuexi''s face turned ash white and her eyes slowly filled with tears.


    Even after being hurt so badly by Xie Jin, she still harbored fantasies about him.


    Su Tao''s calm gaze shifted from Qin Xuexi''s face to the video. In it, Xie Jin and a group of colleagues had just left a club. He was clearly very drunk, staggering a little as he walked.


    Qin Xuexi stepped forward to support him. She waved goodbye to the other colleagues and walked Xie Jin to the street curb alone, preparing to hail a taxi.


    Xie Jin was intoxicated. His eyes were unfocused and he slowly closed them, his steps bing unsteady.


    Qin Xuexi seemed to be stunned as she looked at him, not knowing what she was thinking. Many taxis had stopped but she didn''t get in any of them. Instead, she moved closer to him, cautiously testing his reaction little by little.


    Xie Jin remained in a daze with his eyes closed,pletely oblivious to Qin Xuexi approaching him. Qin Xuexi seemed to gain more courage. She took a step forward, leaning in with her head.


    Just as their lips were about to touch, Xie Jin suddenly opened his eyes. Qin Xuexi was so frightened that her whole body shuddered. The next moment, she was pushed away and fell to the ground.


    The video ended. Xie Jin observed Su Tao''s expression carefully. Although the video was already very clear, he still exined earnestly in a gentle tone.


    "Little Taotao, I really did push her away. I''m innocent."


    Qin Xuexi''s face turned from red to green and then white. Who was Xie Jin? His ruthlessness and heartlessness were well known. She had never seen him act so cautiously before.


    The other party had just nodded lightly, without even giving him a smile. Yet he still looked at her expectantly, carefully watching her expression.


    Su Tao stood up and nced at the stunned Qin Xuexi. She said indifferently to Xie Jin, "The situation is clear now. I''ll get going first. You can deal with her yourself."


    "Little Taotao," Xie Jin called out to her softly. His pitch-ck eyes held an ingratiating plea. "What do you want to eat? I''ll cook it for you when I get home tonight."


    Su Tao paused. Her face stiffened slightly. "I''ll cook instead. If you have time, go buy groceries."


    Xie Jin''s mouth curved up instantly. A handsome smile spread across his face as he nodded immediately. "Okay, I''ll go buy them. I''lle home early after work."


    After seeing Su Tao off, when Xie Jin turned to look at Qin Xuexi, the gentle breeze had turned into a storm. There was no longer any trace of the previous gentleness or patience.


    Qin Xuexi was now shivering from head to toe, as if she were on a snowy mountain, terrified of the impending avnche.


    She watched as Xie Jin walked towards her step by step, his shadow enveloping her. His pitch-ck eyes glinted ominously and the corners of his mouth curved into a cruel sneer. His gloomy tone was like a death god pronouncing a death sentence.


    "Do you know what you almost cost me? Do you expect me to save you?"


    Before returning to thepany, Su Tao called Jiang Wan ahead of time.


    "My future top agent, any instructions?" Jiang Wan seemed to be in a good mood, speaking lightly.


    Su Tao''s clear voice rippled out. "Wanwan, I have a win-win solution that will allow you to terminate your contract smoothly."


    It could also conveniently expose thepany''s internal mole.


    Jiang Wan''s current agent, Wu Sida, was always making things difficult for her because her contract was about to expire and she stubbornly refused to renew it. He had threatened her relentlessly, insisting there was a use giving him priority renewal rights and he would sue Jiang Wan for breach of contract. Recently, Jiang Wan had be exhausted mentally and physically.


    Hearing that Su Tao could smoothly terminate the contract, she asked solemnly, "What''s the solution?"


    Su Tao said, "If your agent asks about me signing you for film and TV projects these next few days, just tell him you have nothing to say and to ask Su Tao if he has any questions."


    Jiang Wan was surprised. "Wouldn''t that anger him even more? He''s been kicking up a big fuss these past few days."


    The corners of Su Tao''s tranquil mouth turned up slightly. The clear eyes behind her longshes blinked with a moist luster. "That''s precisely the goal."


    After Su Tao returned to the office, she immediately called Le Xuan in. After ten minutes, Le Xuan took three sealed documents and personally delivered them to the Publicity Department, Finance Department, and General Manager''s Office respectively.


    "Our boss specifically instructed not to open these and file them directly," Le Xuan mysteriously repeated at each department.


    At four in the afternoon, the executive meeting began. Su Tao waited quietly in her office. When the meeting rm she had set went off, she nced up calmly, turned off the rm, and headed to the conference room.


    Liu Wantao and Liang Ke were already sitting in the conference room. Liang Ke''s expression was normal, while Liu Wantao kept staring at her phone, not knowing what she was looking at.


    Su Tao sat down next to Liu Wantao. Liu Wantao immediately put away her phone and pretended nothing was wrong, greeting colleagues as they arrived one by one.


    The heads of each department also arrived in session and the meeting officially started.


    After Liang Ke finished exining his own work arrangements and what each department needed to cooperate on, it was Su Tao''s turn.


    Su Tao stood in front of the screen and connected her phone to the projector via Bluetooth. She had already transferred the PPT directly to her phone for convenience.


    She had just finished exining a small part of the work arrangements when Liu Wantao suddenly interrupted her.


    She raised her chin arrogantly with a mocking, sarcastic expression on her face as she attacked Su Tao.


    "Who did you consult before deciding to sign Jiang Wan?


    Su Tao''s expression was unchanged, but upon closer look, one could see the hint of a smile in her eyes. "Do I need to consult you on who I want to sign?"


    Liu Wantao gave a coldugh. "You, Manager Su, can naturally do as you wish without consulting us. Even if we disagree, you can just issue one of your so-called written orders and no one can stop you. But do you think you can do everything right?"


    "What''s wrong with me signing Jiang Wan?" Su Tao asked calmly.


    Her clear eyes lookedpletely non-aggressive, but she still remained so calm and aloof while being attacked. Something seemed off.


    "Of course you can sign Jiang Wan, that shows your capabilities. But you shouldn''t have privately arranged film and TV resources for her under your own name when she hasn''t terminated her contract yet. Don''t you know that vites her contract?"


    Su Tao''s eyebrows knitted slightly and her eyes darted around evasively. Her expression seemed a little flustered, like ast struggle before death. "How did he find out? What evidence does he have?"


    "How did he find out? You think Tiaoshu Media is stupid? Their producer Xu Director realized something was wrong and specially confirmed the information with Wu Sida. A leaked matter will naturally be known. Su Tao, you''re truly naive, so naive it''s foolish!"


    Liu Wantao mmed the table and stood up aggressively, putting on a righteous appearance of serving justice, making everyone present worry for Su Tao.


    Su Tao frowned deeply, averting her eyes anxiously. She seemed to be struggling desperately. "How did he know? What evidence does he have?"


    "What evidence do I have?" Liu Wantao gave a mockingugh, her gaze sharp, an arrogant sense of victory on her face.


    "Did you think you could fool everyone by sealing those documents? If you dare make a move, it will naturally be known. Wu Sida from Shixuan Entertainment just messaged me saying he''s going to sue ourpany. You''ve acted stupidly alone but ourpany has to deal with awsuit. How will you take responsibility for that?"


    Su Tao narrowed her eyes at Liu WanTao''s reprimand, and her previous flustered look was reced by a cold gaze. "But I didn''t sign any contract with QianShu Entertainment at all. How could there be any confirmation from the executive producer Wu Sida? The information Wu Sida got was probably leaked by someone within ourpany."


    Liu WanTao was taken aback, and the corners of her mouth twitched. She pressed her fingers forcefully on the documents and suddenly shouted harshly, "Don''t deny it now that you''ve been exposed. Don''t falsely use others."


    "Director Liu, yelling doesn''t make you right," Su Tao''s voice was calm and steady, full of confidence. "I didn''t sign any contract with QianShu for Jiang Wan at all. I did mistakenly submit a prospective contract for three monthster to the legal department for filing, but that was sealed."


    "Then the question is," Su Tao leaned on the desk, staring sharply at Liu WanTao. Her steady, powerful voice enunciated every word. "How did Wu Sida get wind of this non-existent information? Did someone open my sealed document by mistake and leak the news to ShiWen Entertainment? Leakingpany information for profit!"


    Just as everyone was staring wide-eyed at this dramatic turn of events, Su Tao''s phone suddenly received a video call. She wanted to decline it but her hand slipped and she answered it.


    Therge screen linked to her Bluetooth disyed a cold, handsome face. He had just answered the video and his striking features were expressionless, sending a chill into everyone''s hearts.


    The next moment, he seemed to realize the video was connected and his handsome face instantly livened up. He even tilted it at a 45 degree angle, trying to find the perfect selfie angle.


    It made the people who were used to seeing celebrity faces gasp in awe.


    "Little Taozi...what''s wrong?"


    On the screen, Su Tao''s eyes were slightly red, her gaze scorching. Her steady expression exuded an overbearing aura.


    Seeing Su Tao like this made Xie Jin''s face turn cold instantly. He asked again, "What''s wrong? Are you angry? Who made you angry?"


    From his expression, it looked like he would jump out of the screen any moment now to punch someone.


    Xie Jin was the one asking, but no one in the conference room doubted that he would immediatelye to thepany to back up Su Tao.


    "I''m in a meeting," Su Tao made to hang up the call.


    "Wait, wait..." The video showed Xie Jin quickly pointing the camera at a salmon steak. "Just one question, if making poached fish, should I buy salmon?"


    Su Tao''s mouth twitched. Hershes fluttered as she struggled to maintain her previous momentum and blurted out, "Carp."


    Everyone: "..."


    So this vicious, irritable big boss was...buying groceries?

 Chapter 44: Listen to Me 025

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    The tense atmosphere, forcibly switched to a home channel by the irritable big boss, was destroyed.


    Fortunately, Su Tao was mentally strong. She patted the table to forcibly recall everyone''s attention. The conference room quieted down again.


    Su Tao directly rified the matter, "Director Liu, do you admit that you leakedpany information to otherpanies?"


    Everyone''s expressions changed slightly.


    If it had gone ording to Liu WanTao''s usations earlier, it would have been at most Su Tao made a mistake that caused losses to thepany.


    But if what Su Tao said was true, then Liu WanTao could be charged with stealing and sellingpany secrets, which was no small crime.


    "Don''t spit blood at others, you say it was a mistake to release it? I''m saying you''re being unreasonable!" The contract signing news was confirmed by Wusida and Xianshu. Do you dare confront President Xu of Xianshu? "


    Liu WanTao''s words were conclusive, making this multi-twist interrogation reach a deadlock. No one knew who to believe for the time being, so they handed over their brains to the two masters of debate.


    Su Tao''s bright eyes nced mockingly, seeming tough and not tough as she ridiculed, "Oh? I didn''t expect Director Liu to be so close with Wusida that she would know such detailed matters confirmed by him. I can do it, let''s confront each other."


    "Don''t beat around the bush, of course I have to understand clearly before I can question you!"


    Liu WanTao''s eyes widened, and her sharp voice sounded so guiltypared to Su Tao''s sonorous and forceful tone.


    "Then let me make a phone call." As an outsider to this dispute, it would be most fair for Liang Ke to make the call.


    The call was answered shortly. Liang Ke turned on the speakerphone and exchanged brief pleasantries with President Xu before getting to the point.


    Liang Ke: "President Xu, there is something I need to confirm with you."


    President Xu hesitated on the other end without answering immediately. Su Tao timely spoke up, "President Xu, this is Su Tao. Have I signed a contract with you?"


    President Xu: "Yes, signed."


    There were sighs from those present, and Liu WanTao immediately raised her neck arrogantly, with the corners of her mouth almost reaching her ears, as if announcing to everyone: See? It was Su Tao who lied!


    President Xu didn''t seem to have finished speaking, and quickly followed up, "Signed the TV and film contract for Tong MengXuan."


    Everyone was rendered speechless by President Xu''s breathless way of speaking, and they couldn''t help but wonder if he was deliberately creating suspense.


    "President Xu, have you signed JiangQi''s TV and film contract with Director Su or not?" Liang Ke asked again rigorously this time and got a positive answer.


    President Xu: "No."


    "That can''t be right! That''s not what Wusida told me. He said you told him you signed JiangQi''s TV and film contract with Su Tao!" Liu WanTao immediately yelled and refuted.


    President Xu: "JiangQi is not Director Su''s artist either, so how could we sign with her?"


    President Xu asked back matter-of-factly, as if to say, are you taking me for a fool?


    After some more small talk with President Xu, Liang Ke hung up the phone.


    Putting away his phone, Liang Ke looked at Liu WanTao with a serious expression and asked, "Director Liu, do you have any other evidence or exnation?"


    Liu WanTao frowned, her eyes darting around, somewhat disoriented and flustered.


    She didn''t seem to have figured out what to say yet when Su Tao took the lead in asking, "Director Liu, now that it''s proven the contract doesn''t exist at all, it''s your turn to exin how Wusida knew about this fake news? And why did you team up with Wusida to interrogate me? Isn''t it because you secretly unsealed my confidential documents, thinking I had already signed JiangQi, deliberately leaked the news to Wusida, and put thepany in a position to be sued?"


    "I didn''t, why would I harm thepany? I just..."


    "You just wanted to harm me!" Su Tao finished the sentence for her.


    In fact, everyone present had naturally thought of Liu WanTao''s purpose after hearing this. Although she didn''t mean to harm thepany, ignoring thepany''s interests was a fact, and she couldn''t clear herself no matter what.


    "Then Director Su, there is one thing I don''t understand. Since the contract doesn''t exist at all, what was your purpose in making such a fake contract?" The head of the publicity department suddenly spoke up, starting off by questioning Su Tao.


    Su Tao''s piercing gaze fell on the face of the head of publicity. The corners of her mouth curled up as she slowly said, "The purpose, of course, was to ferret out the insider who has leakedpany internal information many times."


    Everyone was shocked. Did Su Tao mean there were multiple leaks of thepany''s internal information?


    Before the head of publicity could ask anything else, Su Tao had already called Le Xuan, "Le Xuan, go get those three sealed documents."


    Su Tao''s clear eyes kept staring at the head of publicity. She continued slowly, "I made three different fake contracts. The three had different drama titles. Just now, Director Liu said I signed the contract for ''Youth Above All''. The three fake contracts were sealed when filed, and all had the department seal stamped on the cover. We just need to see which department''s seal is stamped on the ''Youth Above All'' contract to reveal who the insider is."


    The head of publicity immediately refuted, "Don''t bite people randomly! Even if our department''s contracts were peeked at after filing, it doesn''t prove it was one of us supervisors who peeked!"


    "Who peeked is recorded on the surveince camera. Why are you getting agitated?" Su Tao said lightly, hinting at the inappropriate attitude of the head of publicity.


    Just as she finished speaking, Le Xuan had brought the three documents.


    Liang Ke carefully inspected the three files and found traces of the seal being peeled off on one, with the publicity department''s stamp on it.


    He opened the document, which was indeed the ''Youth Above All'' contract.


    Liang Ke looked up at the head of publicity and suddenly remembered that the head of publicity and Liu WanTao were usually very close.


    He looked back and forth between the two and picked up his phone to call Zhang QiGuang, "Hello? Chairman Zhang, I think we need to convene a shareholders'' meeting."


    The others also understood what was going on. Liu WanTao had always been hostile to Su Tao. Many of Su Tao''s confidential information that couldn''t be made public was quickly spread in the industry, and Liu WanTao must have contributed.


    Such infighting at the expense of thepany''s interests was simply immoral and stupid!


    And Le Xuan, who was standing to the side, finally understood why the boss had deliberately applied the seal stickers with glue and carefully coated them once more.


    That way, it would be impossible to peel off the seal stickers without leaving a trace. Even if they were stuck back on, there would be traces.


    And the purpose of having her deliberately say that ambiguous sentence was also to attract their attention.


    The boss had anticipated that as soon as they got this message that could knock Su Tao down with one blow, they would act swiftly to catch her off guard. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have failed to see through even the fake Xianshu stamp.


    The big drama was over. Liang Ke could take it from here. She didn''t need to get her hands dirty anymore.


    Holding her phone, Su Tao disconnected the Bluetooth and walked out of the conference room, sending the same message to President Xu and Wang Quanmin.


    ¡¾Su Tao: Thank you for cooperating¡¿


    On the day she went to Xianshu to sign Tong MengXuan''s contract, she had coordinated with President Xu and President Wang about this matter.


    Unless it was Su Tao herself calling President Xu, anyone else asking him about Su Tao signing JiangQi''s contract must be misled to believe it did happen.


    Only then could the y be performed so realistically today, making them firmly believe this fake contract was real, and letting them think they had obtained evidence of her crime.


    When Su Tao returned home from work, she found a new ornamental fish tank in the living room with five grass carp crammed inside the square tank, all listless and unable to swim freely.


    "Little Tao, you''re home." Xie Jin happily poked his head out of the kitchen. He held a cleaver with blood on it, his dark eyes shing withughter, and there was a drop of blood on his forehead.


    "What are you doing?"


    Su Tao looked him up and down. His haute couture shirt was worn over that tender yellow apron.


    He seemed to really like this apron. She considered whether she should give it to him as a gift.


    "I''m helping you prepare the fish." Xie Jin answered matter-of-factly.


    Su Tao pointed at the fish tank in the living room, "What''s the situation?"


    "I like the boiled fish you make. I wanted to be able to catch and cook one anytime I want to eat it. This house is a bit small. When we can change to a bigger house in the future, we can dig a fish pond."


    Xie Jin walked to the fish tank, admiring the delicacies. The fish seemed to sense the killing intent and scattered in fright.


    Su Tao sighed silently and said lightly, "Before I get off work tomorrow, I hope the fish tank disappears, and I won''t cook for you every day. I hope you have the right understanding."


    Su Tao walked up to him. Xie Jin straightened up, his tall figure blocking the ceiling light of the living room canopy.


    She pointed to her forehead, corresponding to the position of the blood stain on his head, "There''s fish blood."


    He wiped it, but didn''t wipe the right spot.


    Su Tao pointed again, and he wiped three times but still didn''t get the right spot. She pushed his hand away, and lightly tapped his forehead with her cold fingertips, wiping away the blood stain. Then she reached out her hand to him again.


    Gazing at her intently, Xie Jin pursed his lips and hesitantly put his warm hand on her fair little hand. The soft touch made his heart skip a beat.


    Su Tao pped the back of his hand, her tone a little impatient, "Give me the knife, I''ll make the fish. And the apron."


    Xie Jin looked at Su Tao''s slender back, the corners of his mouth slowly curving up.


    She was finally not so polite to him anymore.


    And not so distant either.


    The two ate dinner very quietly, neither mentioning any other topics,


    Including how to deal with Qin Xuexi''s problem. Su Tao didn''t ask, and Xie Jin didn''t dare bring it up either.


    He didn''t even dare to bring up the topic he had wanted to ask all along - now that the misunderstanding was cleared up, could they start over again.


    He was afraid the current harmonious and quiet atmosphere would be ruined by these sensitive topics.


    Su Tao had changed into loungewear and sat cross-legged on the sofa, using her phone to handle work.


    Xie Jin took the initiative to cut up some fruit and brought an arranged fruit tter over to Su Tao.


    Su Tao had just hung up a call and answered another iing call, "Yes, organize the fan club to vote, there are still two days left. Although he''s in first ce now, we need to widen the gap in votes. Keep 1/3 of the votes on hand, and if there is ast-minute surge from others to overtake him, mass-release the votes all at once."


    Right after Su Tao finished speaking, a strawberry was stuffed into her mouth.


    Her bright doe eyes looked towards Xie Jin, who had sat down beside her at some point. She bit into the strawberry, the sweet and sour juice filling her taste buds, relieving the greasiness from dinner.


    Seeing that she didn''t seem to mind his feeding, Xie Jin picked up a cherry and popped it into her mouth. He then held out his hand near her lips again.


    Su Tao looked at his hand, stunned for a moment. She spat the pit into her own hand, tossed it into the nearby trash can, then smoothly picked up another cherry and put it in her mouth, before continuing with her phone.


    Xie Jin withdrew his hand awkwardly, undid two shirt buttons, propped one long leg over the other knee, and leaned casually back on the sofa, slowly scooting closer to Su Tao. He craned his neck to take a look at her phone screen.


    She had just clicked into a link, a voting page. Before he could take a close look, Xie Jin enthusiastically took out his own phone, "Do you need my help? I can get mypany employees to help share and vote. I''ll cover the costs."


    Su Tao nced at him and shared the link, "Thanks, then."


    Xie Jin''s face lit up with delight. He tapped open the link, and as the voting page popped up, the corners of his mouth instantly drooped and his eyes darkened.


    Because the photo disyed on the voting page was unexpectedly of Jiang Qi!


    "Isn''t Jiang Qi already in first ce?" Xie Jin muttered gloomily.


    "The early leak of the DG endorsement by an internal mole in thepany means there are a lot of people eyeing this deal. I must ensure Jiang Qi''s data is optimized to sign the contract at the finals and create momentum for his debut," Su Tao patiently exined.


    "Mole?"


    After listening to Su Tao''s patient exnation, Xie Jin''s expression grew even darker as he recalled her solemn expression during the video call at the time. So she had been catching the mole then.


    "Did you catch them?"


    Su Tao nodded,pletely oblivious to Xie Jin''s abnormal mood, and continued voting on her phone.


    Xie Jin asked, "So how many votes are you aiming for?"


    While operating her phone, Su Tao answered, "At least double what it is now I guess, the main force is still Jiang Qi''s own fan club, he still has a considerable number of fans. But this time I have to ensure data stability, so I''ve already got the tech team involved."


    Xie Jin nodded without further questions. He forwarded the voting link to Jin Chuiven.


    [Xie Jin: Get the wholepany to vote, including the branch offices.


    Xie Jin: Have the information department generate some data, about half of the current vote count.]


    Jin Chuiven, who was partying with Wu Xieyu in a nightclub VIP room, received the message.


    The boss had been in an unusually good moodtely, seemingly back to the happy days as HR Director. Jin Chuiven was just being his usual scumbag self, surrounded by a few girls.


    He took out his buzzing phone, and upon seeing the message from the boss, he cautiously tapped open the chat.


    He clicked the link, and a handsome boy''s photo instantly popped up - it looked vaguely familiar.


    It was the girl beside him who excitedly eximed, "Isn''t this Jiang Qi?"


    Jin Chuiven nudged Wu Xieyu next to him and asked incredulously, "Has our boss gone mad? Asking us to vote for his love rival?"


    Xie Jin, who had just beenbeled as mad, had a gloomy expression. His dark eyes glinted with icy rays as he violently stabbed at his phone screen.


    Sensing the chill and fury emanating from Xie Jin, Su Tao turned to look at him.


    With each letter he typed, it was as if he wanted to stab through the phone screen. His face was ominously dark, as if the person on the other end of the phone was his enemy.


    "What are you doing?" Su Tao asked.


    "Voting," Xie Jin gritted his teeth.


    "I can''t be his fan?"


    Su Tao: "..."

 Chapter 45: Listen to Me 026

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Su Tao booked a ne ticket to Beicheng for tomorrow to finalize some connections with the producer team of Survival Show ahead of the finals happening very soon.


    She brought Le Xuan along this time, intending to introduce her to many of Su Tao''s connections. Le Xuan loved wearing baseball shirts with cargo pants, and with her neat short haircut, she was often mistaken for a boy.


    She was a bit careless when it came to emotions, but she applied the meticulousness inherent to girls when it came to getting things done. The only thing shecked was more experience. Su Tao felt that with proper grooming, Le Xuan could definitely stand on her own in a couple years.


    She also picked a clever-looking new artist assistant from thepany''s recent recruitment to bring along and pair up with Jiang Qi.


    Su Tao attended the shareholder meeting entirely via video while en route. It was mainly about the matter of the Publicity Director and Liu Wan Tao selling thepany''s information.


    The evidence provided by Liang Ke was conclusive, so Su Tao didn''t need to say much, she only needed to vote when the time came.


    Liu Wan Tao no longer had the arrogance she disyedst time when confronting Su Tao, knowing that no matter how much she said it was futile. She took full responsibility for everything.


    The final resolution was to fire Liu Wan Tao and the Publicity Director, and require them topensate thepany for losses.


    The Finance Director had already calcted several options. Liu Wan Tao chose the most aggressive approach - liquidating all her shares, subtracting the penalty amount, and demanding the remainder be deposited into her ount within a week.


    Zhang Qi Guang always looked very calm on the surface, but he was absolutely upromising when it came to matters of principle.


    Besides, which "Buddhist" bosses in this world were truly Buddhist? It was all just a guise for their desires.


    Zhang Qi Guang immediately agreed to purchase Liu Wan Tao''s stocks using his personal ount.


    But he also directly stated that Liu Wan Tao''s actions would spread through the industry, and he believed nopanies would dare hire someone who stolepany information, schemed against colleagues, and disregarded thepany''s interests.


    Zhang Qi Guang''s attitude made Liu Wan Tao extremely regretful. She didn''t expect this seemingly Buddhist man to have such a temper.


    This meant she would no longer be able to continue mixing in the domestic industry.


    Disregarding how this made her lose face, Liu Wan Tao said: "Boss Zhang, actually I still have feelings for thepany. I was just upset earlier, I don''t necessarily want to liquidate immediately. If your funds are tight..."


    "I can purchase 5% of the shares," Su Tao, who had been observing via video, suddenly spoke up. Her tone was calm, as if she was merely suggesting adding some meat to the hotpot.


    Su Tao: "Boss Zhang, give me an internal price. I''ll have the money transferred to your ount within a week."


    Zhang Qi Guang burst outughing. Su Tao looked obedient on the surface, but was sly on the inside. Her yful temper hadn''t changed one bit - whoever provoked her wouldn''t get off easy.


    He hung up the video link amidst Liu Wan Tao''s furious expression.


    The car arrived at the predetermined restaurant. Su Tao and Le Xuan didn''t have time to settle in before joining the Survival Show crew for a meal.


    After finalizing arrangements to add a clip at the end of the show announcing DG''s signing, and confirming details of the process, Su Tao finally felt at ease.


    In the training camp, Jiang Qi had just finished dancing his solo performance in a private training room. Leaning against the barre in front of the mirror, he tipped his head back to drink some water.


    The water droplets rolled down his sharp jawline to his fair neck, eventually stopping at his Adam''s apple, bobbing up and down before falling onto his chest.


    "Click", Jiang Qi stopped drinking and narrowed his slender eyes, looking towards the door of the training room. The door was opened just a crack, and a phone camera lens was peeking through taking pictures.


    "Who is it?" Jiang Qi called out in dissatisfaction. The next second, the door was pushed open.


    A pretty melon-seed shaped face peeked in, red lips and white teeth, the typical beauty of Jiangnan. Her voice was tender as she said "It''s me~"


    The intruder was Fu Chengcheng, the most popr female contestant.


    Jiang Qi''s aloofness made Fu Chengcheng very ufortable. Although she hadn''t seen him take the initiative to flirt with anyone after entering the camp, he wasn''t this dismissive before.


    Fu Chengcheng walked closer to him and saw the water stains on his neck. She took out a pack of tissues and pulled one out, wanting to help wipe him, but Jiang Qi turned his head to dodge her, casually wiping with the back of his hand as he said "Delete that photo."


    Fu Chengcheng''s fingers trembled. She had taken the initiative to find him today because the finals were happening tomorrow. If she didn''t make a move now, she might not have another chance to interact with him.


    But Jiang Qi asking her to delete the photo was equivalent to directly rejecting her, telling her he wasn''t interested.


    However, her friends at T University told her Jiang Qi was gentle and romantic, and he weed any girl who approached him.


    Fu Chengcheng looked at him with tearful almond eyes. "Jiang Qi, barring any surprises, I''ll get first ce among the female contestants, and you''ll get first for the males. My agent got me an idol drama, I want to rmend you for the male lead."


    Jiang Qi undid his hair tie, shook out his slightly long bangs, and casually brushed his hair back with his hand. Indifferently, he said: "You''ll have to discuss that with my agent, but I''m not very interested in idol dramas."


    Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the training room, followed by Su Yang Xing''s voice: "Jiang Qi, my sister is here, she''s in the conference room."


    Jiang Qi''s clear eyes instantly lit up, and the corners of his mouth couldn''t help twitching up before he suppressed it back into a straight line. He took two steps, then turned back to grab his muted phone that he had left to the side. As expected, there were several missed calls from Su Tao.


    Unable to restrain himself any longer, the corners of his mouth turned up. He was about to head out when his cor was suddenly grabbed, forcing him to stop one meter away from the door.


    Jiang Qi looked back with knitted brows at Su Yang Xing behind him, grabbing his cor. Dissatisfied, he said: "What are you doing pulling me? That''s my sister."


    "Even if she''s your sister, you can''t."


    Jiang Qi firmly shook his finger in refusal,pletely rejecting his reason for getting close to Su Tao. Then he forcefully yanked Su Yang Xing behind him.


    With one big stride, he perched on the armrest of the chair next to Su Tao. Legs syed apart, hands in pockets, leaning slightly forward, he smiled radiantly at Su Tao.


    Su Tao also smiled back, cing the contract on the table in front of him to block his burning gaze. "The DG endorsement contract."


    Jiang Qi tilted his head to peek out from the side of the contract, staring fixedly at her. The emotions in his eyes were utterly unmasked, like a raging fire - he would rather be destroyed together than repress it to preserve himself.


    To stabilize his emotions, Su Tao didn''t bring up any sensitive topics, speaking lightly to reassure him: "I''ve handled everything for you. Just perform your best tomorrow."


    "What''s my reward if I do well?" Jiang Qi''s clear eyes glimmered with an alluring smile, flirting without a trace.


    "Are you two done flirting? Am I transparent?" Su Yang Xing, who had been waiting to the side, finally couldn''t stand being ignored and spoke up.


    Su Yang Xing''s words happened to save Su Tao. She actually couldn''t get through to Jiang Qi''s phone, so she called Su Yang Xing instead.


    The poor child seemed unaware he was just a messenger. He actually thought Su Tao came specifically to encourage him before the finals.


    Su Tao wasn''t that heartless. She smiled at Su Yang Xing and gently said: "Yes, you''ll definitely get a good ranking tomorrow. Do your best."


    Seeing that Le Xuan had been treated as transparent, she immediately understood Su Tao''s intention. She walked over and patted Su Yang Xing''s shoulder, pointing outside: "The boss bought you delicious treats, they''re in the car. Help me get them, I can''t carry them myself."


    Hearing Su Tao got him food, Su Yang Xing was touched and excited. Without thinking further, he followed Le Xuan out.


    Su Tao wanted to discuss some signing details with Jiang Qi without Su Yang Xing overhearing. It wasn''t that she didn''t trust him, but this was a critical moment, and she worried Su Hao Yang might pry something from him.


    The spacious conference room was left with just Su Tao and Jiang Qi.


    Su Tao took out a schedule for tomorrow''s recording from her bag and put it on the table, pointing it out to Jiang Qi.


    "I just discussed with the program team and changed thest segment. I''ll make sure you get absolute first ce in votes. After you give your winner''s speech, the program team will y a video on the big screen, announcing your contract with DG, then we''ll go to the contract signing press conference..." Su Tao said so much when she turned her head and found he wasn''t looking at the new schedule at all. Instead, he was staring at her, his gaze somewhat transfixed.


    "Jiang Qi," Su Tao called his name again, tapped the table to try to get his attention back, "What are you thinking about?"


    "Thinking about how gorgeous you look." Not only did Jiang Qi not look away, he even stretched out his slender fingers towards her.


    Su Tao''s breath hitched as she quickly leaned back to avoid him, elbow bumping into the water bottle on the table without the lid properly on. Water spilled out, dripping onto her bag.


    Su Tao hurriedly got up, shook the water off her bag, and a tissue was handed to her. Su Tao took it and wiped her bag, only to discover a lipstick kiss mark on the tissue.


    Su Tao unfolded the tissue to take a look. It was just an ordinary brand of tissue, the kiss mark on it clearly imprinted onter, and from the size, it looked to be a woman''s.


    Before Su Tao could ask, Jiang Qi immediately exined, his voice tinged with panic, "It''s not mine."


    Su Tao turned her head to look at the pack of tissues in his hand, took one out and unfolded it, and there was still a kiss mark on it.


    The entire pack of tissues had kiss marks, Su Tao was 100% sure they were imprinted intentionally.


    "That''s quite an unconventional way." Su Tao quirked her brows, speaking mockingly.


    She knew Jiang Qi was popr, but didn''t expect the ways he got confessed to were so varied, giving her a helpless sense that she couldn''t prevent them all.


    Now Su Tao felt it was inevitable Jiang Qi would fall in love sooner orter, after all he used to be so good at flirting with girls.


    Although she felt helpless, she still had to earnestly advise, "Jiang Qi, even if you want to fall in love, at least wait until you''ve reached high enough, okay? The next two years are a crucial period..."


    "I will never have feelings for anyone other than you from now on."


    Jiang Qi''s voice was somewhat hoarse, he looked very dejected, and left the conference room ignoring Su Tao''s objections.


    Su Tao, who had settled down nicely at the hotel, originally had quite a good mood, but it turned gloomy because of Jiang Qi.


    She thought about it and still sent him a message.


    [Su Tao: Jiang Qi, let''s not think about other things first, you have to do well tomorrow, okay?]


    [Su Tao: Everything, as long as you perform well, we can discuss it properly after thepetition ends.]


    [Su Tao: Jiang Qi, say something back, I''m so worried I can''t sleep.]


    [Jiang Qi: That''s the point, to make you worry and think of me all night.]


    Su Tao: ...


    This childish guy.


    Just as Su Tao was worrying, she got a phone call. Thinking it was Jiang Qi having a change of heart, she didn''t check the caller ID and immediately answered, "Had a change of heart?"


    "Change of heart about what?" Xie Jin''s low voice came from the phone.


    Su Tao sighed and said in a dejected tone, "Oh, it''s you. What''s up?"


    Xie Jin''s tone instantly turned gloomy, "Who did you think it was?"


    "Just say what you wanted to talk about?" Su Tao''s tone was impatient, clearly ready to hang up at a moment''s notice.


    "I''m back in Beicheng, where are you staying? Or do you want toe back to..." He wanted to saye back home, but stopped himself and changed it to, "Juste stay at my vi with your colleagues, there are lots of rooms."


    Su Tao: "No need, thanks."


    Xie Jin: "Then where are you staying? Send me your location."


    Su Tao: "Not sending it. Bye."


    Xie Jin: "......"


    The venue for the finals was bigger than any previous stage, and the art direction was higher level too, with an even more luxurious guest lineup.


    Only 36 contestants were left, 18 male and 18 female. Here, the 9 members of each gender for the group would soon be determined.


    Su Tao arrived at the live show''s venue early. She took the opportunity when they were on break from rehearsals to call Jiang Qi over to talk.


    Jiang Qi already had his stage makeup on, the eyeliner evenly outlined his slender eye contours, his pupils were brown color contacts, looking even more captivating with his piercing gaze.


    "Did you dream of me all night?" Jiang Qi asked with an insolent smile, seeming to be in good spirits.


    Su Tao finally breathed a sigh of relief, somewhat reassured. She red at him and urged, "Do well."


    Someone on stage called for Jiang Qi. He blinked yfully at Su Tao and mysteriously said, "I''ll give you a surpriseter."


    Su Tao''s expression changed slightly. "What surprise? You have to tell me beforehand if you have any ideas, you can''t just do things on your own, understand?"


    Jiang Qi giggled and flicked her forehead before running back onto the stage.


    Su Tao watched him worriedly for a while before the iing greetings from industry colleagues interrupted her thoughts and she started chatting with them.


    As more and more guests arrived, the mingling became more intense, finally reaching its peak with Xie Jin''s arrival.


    Xie Jin still had an aloof aura that dominated the atmosphere of the entire venue. With one nce he spotted Su Tao in the crowd, his gloomy expression warning others to stay away as he strode directly towards her.


    Halfway there, with just an indifferent look from Su Tao, his footsteps changed direction and he went to sit in the seat with his name card, crossing his arms on the armrests while maintaining his dignified posture, though with slight aggrievement hidden in his eyes.


    No one dared to approach, only going over to leave a business card and say a quick greeting before leaving.


    The guests who arrivedter, seeing this scene, also followed suit to go leave their business cards.


    In the end, a line actually formed, as if a new check-in method.


    Xie Jin sat there scowling as he watched the scene before him, not knowing why he had be a human check-in machine.


    With the curtain falling on Moody Tycoon Check-in Machine, the show officially kicked off.


    This finals used a live broadcast format, with an audience and fans. When the center curtain was pulled open, the guests discovered over a thousand people sitting in the back rows.


    It started with all 36 performing together, and each person had their fans screaming when they came out. The screams hit a small peak when Fu Chengcheng appeared, and a huge peak when Jiang Qi came out.


    Jiang Qi had a massive fanbase, half the venue was his signature golden yellow color, the cheers deafening.


    Everyone could see Jiang Qi''s great skills on stage, breaking through himself again and again, each improvement enormous. He had talent and worked hard.


    Thepetition proceeded smoothly ording to schedule. Voting results were announced three times. Jiang Qi''s number of votespared to the other contestants was a sheer cliff of difference.


    Of Liang Ke''s four artists, only two made it to the finals, and Xue Xinzi was eliminated before the final solo performances.


    Jiang Qi performedst, picking a high tempo emotional bad. His maic deep vocals mixed with slight panting during the dance stimted the audience''s eardrums.


    The dance steps were sexy and cool, matching his seductive stage presence and gorgeous face, inciting shrieks from his fans, and even non-fans were influenced, some even fangirling on the spot.


    Looking at him on stage, Su Tao''s eyes shone brightly. She knew Jiang Qi was talented, but didn''t expect him to be so outstanding, exceeding her imagination outstanding.


    She had seen him perform with his band before. Back then his rapping was average.


    With just one month of training, he was able to find a performance style suited to himself and bring his skills up to an almost professional level. His talent really was astounding.


    Standing in the center of the stage, he was the absolute king. He was born for the stage.


    The final result was unsurprising. Jiang Qi won by a huge margin. When it came time for his winner''s speech, the spotlight shone on Jiang Qi center stage. Even if he did nothing, he could dominate the entire stage.


    His gaze sweeping the venue finallynded on Su Tao. The enchanting yet cold look in his eyes slowly filled with tenderness.


    Sitting below, the smile on Su Tao''s face gradually disappeared. As he opened his mouth to speak, she suddenly recalled his meaningful words during rehearsal about giving her a surprise, and her frozen smile stiffened.


    Jiang Qi: "I have something to say to someone."


    The moment Jiang Qi uttered the first sentence, Su Tao silently took out her phone and sent a stealthy message to Le Xuan.


    Jiang Qi: "That day on the sunset beach, I met a girl. Didn''t expect that from then on I would..."


    When he mentioned the word "girl", there was a burst of discussion from the fans, and it grew louder and louder, showing signs of getting out of control.


    It was foreseeable how serious the consequences would be if he really said something inappropriate in this asion.


    Just when the whole scene was in chaos, a clear, spring-like voice abruptly interrupted Jiang Qi''s words.


    "Hello everyone, I''m Jiang Qi''s agent Su Tao. First of all, thank you Jiang Qi for calling me a ''girl'' at my age, I''m very happy."


    With her words, the whole scene quieted down again, and Jiang Qi''s eyebrows slowly furrowed as he stared at her silently.


    Su Tao stood up very solemnly, "Today I''m very proud of you. You don''t need to thank me specially, I''m your agent, I''m just doing my job, and you, have done what an excellent artist should do. You possess the most precious qualities - real strength and hard work. In the future, your path will be wider and better, I will witness your growth with all your fans, and once again thank everyone who supports Jiang Qi, thank you all."


    Su Tao''s wordspletely reced Jiang Qi''s championship speech. As the apuse sounded, the lights instantly dimmed and Li Yajie appeared on the big screen.


    With a smile in her eyes, she announced that Jiang Qi was the spokesperson for DG, which drew cheers from all the fans and envious looks from the contestants and representatives of variouspanies present.


    With the confetti raining down and the lively scene of the host and all the contestants going on stage, this season of "The Road to Stardom" came to a sessful conclusion.


    Su Tao heaved a long sigh of relief and sat down, lowering her head to send a message to Le Xuan, who had cooperated with her in acting out that scene.


    ¡¾Su Tao: Well done.¡¿


    Next, Su Tao and Le Xuan escorted Jiang Qi out of the venue and onto the van with the new assistant.


    In the car, the new assistant took the initiative to introduce herself to Jiang Qi, while Jiang Qi''s eyes were fixed on Su Tao, who was sitting alone in the single seat next to him.


    She didn''t say a word, not even showing any expression, neither praising nor scolding him, leaving him feeling anxious.


    Of course Su Tao didn''t want to affect Jiang Qi''s mood for his next schedule, moreover there was the driver, Le Xuan, and a new assistant in the car.


    With so many people around, she couldn''t possibly talk much to Jiang Qi.


    But unexpectedly, Jiang Qi couldn''t hold back and spoke up first.


    Jiang Qi: "Why didn''t you let me finish?"


    Su Tao''s expression remained calm and her tone gentle, "Let''s talk about it after the press conference is over."


    Jiang Qi: "You know I wanted to tell you that I..."


    "I know!"


    Su Tao''s bright eyes suddenly turned sharp as she loudly cut off his words. She didn''t expect that he would blurt it out in front of so many people, regardless of everything.


    Su Tao: "I told you to let me know in advance what you wanted to do, why didn''t you listen?"


    Jiang Qi: "I did mention it to you in advance, would you have agreed?"


    Su Tao raised her voice, staring with wide doe eyes, and shouted at Jiang Qi for the first time, "Then you''d ruin yourself?"


    Everyone in the car was startled, fortunately no one besides Le Xuan understood what had happened.


    The car stopped in front of the press conference. Sitting in the passenger seat, Le Xuan said in a low voice, "Boss, we''ve arrived."


    Su Tao effortlessly regained her calmposure, because she had deliberately shouted just now to interrupt Jiang Qi.


    Jiang Qi''s clear eyes were now speckled with shimmers, a little misty, wet and aggrieved.


    In a small voice, somewhat choked up, he said, "Don''t I even have the right to speak my heart?"


    Su Tao stretched out her fair hands and tidied his cor, the corners of her lips curved up slightly to soothe his emotions, "Yes, when you''re strong enough. Smile now, we have a press conference to attend."


    "Su Tao, is work all you care about? No, you don''t even have a heart."


    Jiang Qi closed his eyes weakly, concealing the emotions in them, then opened them again, now calm, and walked out of the car with a cold face, leaving Su Tao with just a glimpse of his elegant back.


    The contract signing ceremony at the press conference went very smoothly. Holding the official contract with the seal, Su Tao finally felt a weight off her chest.


    Next was the photo shoot and interviews.


    Jiang Qi''s microphone box had fallen to his ankle.


    The new assistant, perhaps wanting to impress on her first day or having some other motive, unexpectedly knelt down on stage in front of all the media cameras to get the microphone box for Jiang Qi.


    Su Tao''s face froze. She immediately went on stage, pulled the assistant up, and gave her a re to get her off the stage quickly.


    Just as Su Tao was about to go over and swiftly fix it for him herself, unexpectedly, a tall, cold figure suddenly rushed up on stage, grabbed her hand, and blocked her steps.


    When everyone saw that the person on stage was Xie Jin, they were stunned, not knowing what his rtionship was with DG''s contract signing press conference.


    Many reporters who had attended hispany''s merger press conferences secretly wondered if DG had also been acquired by Tianjin.


    With endless guesses, no one could have imagined that the noble and solemn Xie Jin would personally walk to Jiang Qi''s side and, under the stare of the public, half-kneel down.


    Everyone: "!"


    He was helping Jiang Qi with the microphone box.


    Xie Jin''s hand reached into Jiang Qi''s trouser leg. His warm palm asionally touched Jiang Qi''s leg skin.


    Every touch, Xie Jin''s face darkened a little more, until finally, with Xie Jin''s gloomily cold expression, Jiang Qi''s microphone box was finally pulled out from his waistband.


    His arm was still around Jiang Qi''s slender waist, the posture ambiguous, inevitably leading people''s imaginations astray.


    Oblivious to the strange looks from everyone, Xie Jin straightened up as if having aplished his goal, and before leaving, with his back to the cameras, he cast a sinister look at Jiang Qi.


    That look was as if he wanted to devour him flesh and bones.

 Chapter 46: Listen to Me 027

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    Xie Jin reined in the ferocious look he had worn just moments before, and met Su Tao''s scrutinizing gaze as he stepped off the stage. He stood obediently in front of her and, before she could question him, took the initiative to admit his mistake.


    "I got a little impulsive. I''m sorry."


    Su Tao stared at him for a long while, trying to arrange her words several times but unable to vocalize them. Finally she could only sigh and tease, "What, have you really be his fan?"


    Xie Jin''s expression froze. He couldn''t refute what he himself had said, so he could only nod in acquiescence.


    Su Tao raised the corners of her lips and waved Le Xuan over, putting on an act and saying ceremoniously, "Give this fan one of Jiang Qi''s autographed photos. As the group admin, give him a formal induction since he''s voted for our Jiang Qi so many times. He should get certified as a top fan."


    Xie Jin smiled awkwardly and politely waved his hand. "No need for that, I''ll just silently support him."


    Su Tao''s clear eyes were filled with helplessness. She stared at him for a few more seconds before finally approaching him and whispering softly in his ear, "Don''t do anything more for me. When you act this way, it weighs on my conscience."


    Xie Jin''s expression froze. It seemed the heart that had been drifting aimlessly these past few days was finally shattered by the heavy hammer hanging over it, the broken shards scattering, never to be pieced back together.


    All the misunderstandings had been cleared up, yet she still refused to ept his devotion. That was tantamount to her refusing to ept him.


    Xie Jin, who had clung to the belief that as long as the misunderstandings were resolved he could return to Su Tao''s side, suddenly felt powerless, as if his faith had copsed.


    He didn''t know what more he should do¡ªin an instant, he had lost all sense of direction.


    "Little Tao..." Xie Jin''s Adam''s apple bobbed as his voice turned hoarse, and his deep eyes were full of thick helplessness. "Then tell me, what should I do?"


    The Q&A session with the reporters was nearing its end, and Su Tao didn''t have the time or mood to discuss this now. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I''ll contact youter."


    Xie Jin seemed to glimpse a ray of hope. He immediately nodded agreeably and took the initiative to step behind Su Tao, so as not to impede her work.


    Faced with such an "understanding" Xie Jin, Su Tao didn''t feel any relief. But she didn''t dwell on him for the moment, instead calling over her assistant who had been anxiously fretting all this time.


    "Do you know what you did wrong just now?" Although it was meant as a rebuke, Su Tao''s tone was still gentle, just a little urgent.


    The fairly clever assistant nodded, and tears welled up in her eyes from Su Tao''s earlier re. She med herself, "I know, I shouldn''t have knelt. I''m sorry, Manager Su. Next time I''ll be sure to pay attention."


    "Boss, I think Little Ke didn''t do it on purpose just now. She performed well during her internship," Le Xuan put in a good word for the assistant called Little Ke, whom he seemed to have a favorable impression of.


    Su Tao nodded. She naturally trusted Le Xuan''s judgement. And coupled with Little Ke''s good attitude in admitting her mistake, her tone softened as she admonished and coached, "Remember this, Little Ke: We work behind the scenes. It''s better to take the me ourselves than to let the artist take any hits. Always be aware of your words and actions so as not to bring trouble to the artist."


    Little Ke, who had finally stopped crying, turned even more pitiful with her red-rimmed eyes and nose. She kept nodding and sincerely said, "I''ll remember Manager Su''s teachings. You''re my idol¡ªI applied to join thispany because of you. I was so excited to be selected by you. I really wanted to do well, but I never thought...the first thing I did was make a mistake. I''m...I''m sorry."


    The more Little Ke spoke, the more violently she sobbed, until she couldn''t continue.


    Su Tao had always been soft-hearted. Her heart instantly melted and she reached out to pat Little Ke''s head, revealing a smile. She gently said, "Just pay attention next time. Don''t cry."


    As she spoke, she even cupped Little Ke''s face and used the tissues Le Xuan handed over to wipe away her tears, finally soothing the girl''s emotions.


    Little Ke, who had finally stopped crying, lifted her eyes and collided with a pair of deep, sinister dark eyes. She shrank back instinctively by a step.


    Su Tao followed her gaze. Xie Jin, who was standing behind her, immediately concealed his expression. He said, "I''ll wait for your call," and then turned to leave.


    With the press conference over, Jiang Qi''s schedule for the day was alsoplete.


    Although he had added the identity of a boy band member, his contract for joining the variety show was only one year long. The team would disband after that year.


    Within that one year period, the different managementpanies could still independently ept resources and business opportunities for their own artists¡ªin in words, they were just using the poprity of the variety show and the resources of being in a boy band.


    Jiang Qi would also be starting school again soon, with one more year of studies left. In the car, Su Tao talked him through the arrangements for his work over the next year.


    Within the premise of ensuring Jiang Qi wouldn''t fall behind on sses, she had arranged some variety showmitments andmercial endorsements, only epting those from DG. He just needed to cooperate with DG''s activities and film/record ads. She didn''t want to drain his poprity and time by taking on too many endorsements.


    "The day after tomorrow, you''ll be recording a theme song MV for the new group with your partner, Fu Chengcheng, who''s the most popr member of the girl group." After going over the main work arrangements, Su Tao raised her eyes to look at Jiang Qi. "There''s one more thing. From now on, Le Xuan will be your executive manager. If anythinges up, you can contact Le Xuan first."


    Jiang Qi, who had been silent all this while, suddenly whipped his head around to stare at Su Tao. His narrow eyes held astonishment and faint anger.


    "What executive manager? Didn''t you say you would personally manage me for three months?"


    Without waiting for Su Tao''s instructions, Le Xuan took the initiative to have Little Ke exit the car. Only Jiang Qi and Su Tao remained inside.


    Su Tao''s eyes were indifferent as she mildly said, "But I''m not suitable to personally manage you anymore. This doesn''t affect the promise I made you earlier, though. For your career, I will do my utmost to help you reach the pinnacle."


    "Three months¡ªthat''s what we signed in the contract," Jiang Qi said fiercely, his throat tight. His burning gaze seemed to want to ignite the cold woman before him.


    "If you want to talk contracts with me..." Su Tao calmly took out a document, flipped to a page and tossed it to Jiang Qi. "Read item three under use five."


    Jiang Qi''s fiery gaze moved from Su Tao''s face to the contract. Finding the use she referred to, his expression stiffened and his brows knotted tightly together.


    The contract stated: If emotional entanglements arise between a team member and artist, thepany has the right to unterally remove said team member without the artist''s consent.


    Jiang Qi''s chest heaved violently. He stared at the use, the veins in his neck bulging. His voice was hoarse with undisguised disappointment and bitterness, "So the talk you mentioned before the press conference, that was just your unteral decision to remove yourself? You had already nned that after the press conference you would cut ties with me, right?"


    "Yes," Su Tao replied even more coolly, no longer speaking gently. Her tone was cold and indifferent, like a machine devoid of emotion. "Fundamentally, I''m a businesswoman¡ªvaluing profits over ethics. Any fantasies you have about me are false illusions, imagined by you. If Ipromised and catered to sign you, it was only because I wanted to use you to make money. Naturally, if you lose value to me, I won''t waste any more time on you."


    Su Tao''s words were so cold they were almost heartless, bringing tears to Jiang Qi''s eyes. He stared dazedly at the woman before him, unable to reconcile her with the gentle, demure girl on the beach at sunset.


    "Jiang Qi, the grand, earth-shattering love you desire will definitelye to you one day, just not from me." Su Tao''s gaze gradually grew distant, as if she had delved into distant memories. "The most important thing in love for me ispromise¡ªsomething you''ll never understand."


    In just three seconds, Su Tao pulled back from her recollections. She took the contract from Jiang Qi''s hands, intentionally ignoring his tear-filled eyes. Then she opened the car door and resolutely left.


    Jiang Qi lowered his eyes, tears clinging to hisshes falling onto his cheeks. He had never believed in karma before, but now he did.


    He was just getting back what he deserved for all the women he had yed with in the past. Faces of girls who had wept bitterly for him, desperately pleaded with him, stubbornly clung to him shed continuously through his mind¡ªhow simr they were to him right now.


    In the past, he had felt those women were so boring, socking in self-respect. When he had clearly and unambiguously rejected them, why did they still stubbornly cling on, not giving him any dignity?


    Now he understood. Once emotionally invested, the heart was no longer within one''s control.


    Compromise...


    He could alsopromise.


    Su Tao did not have a car in Beicheng, and Su Yangxing took the initiative to lend her his car. He did not know if it was because Su Tao had bought him food and he was moved.


    Su Tao did not refuse. She had made appointments with several producers and brand partners she wanted to meet in Beicheng, and having a car was much more convenient.


    Through Liao Dan''s rtionship, she had arranged to meet with a producer of a variety show on a local TV station in Beicheng, to discuss a original singing variety show on Beicheng TV for Xue Xinzi.


    Su Yangxing''s car was not parked at the Su family vi, but at a parking lot in the central square.


    When she went to get the car, she realized it was her own white four-leaf clover.


    Seeing the familiar car, Su Tao was briefly stunned for a few seconds, then waved away the extra emotions and got ready to get in the car to set off.


    Suddenly a bright white light shed Su Tao''s eyes, and she reflexively shielded her eyes from the light.


    A car slowly drove over from the opposite side, stopping by her side, before turning off the high beams.


    Su Tao closed her eyes for a moment, looked up with knitted brows at the impolite person in the car, a slightly fat man wearing an orange baseball cap came out.


    Su Tao had seen Jiang Wan''s agent once a year ago, so she had a memory of the color of his cap.


    "Su Tao? It really is you!" Wu Sida''s voice contained anger, clearly unfriendly.


    Su Tao quietly opened the car door. She knew the news about signing Jiang Wan had already leaked to Wu Sida. Obviously he did note to have a nice chat with her today.


    Wu Sida red at her with his triangr eyes on his fat white face, yelling loudly: "Do you know that cutting off someone''s source of ie invites divine retribution like lightning strike!"


    One of Su Tao''s feet was already inside the car, but she calmly said, "Everything I do is legal. If you are not satisfied with me, you can sue me directly."


    Su Tao did not want to argue with a man in an underground parking lot. After saying this, she quickly got into the car, stepped on the elerator, and the car rushed out, with the roar of the engine echoing throughout the entire underground parking garage.


    Because there was a fee to leave the parking lot which caused a dy, Wu Sida''s car caught up behind her in the rearview mirror. After Su Tao paid the fee, she immediately stepped harder on the gas pedal and quickly drove away from the parking lot.


    She had not driven her own car for over a year. The four-leaf clover had an excellent engine, but she did not dare drive recklessly on the busy central avenue.


    Wu Sida''s car chased closely behind and did not give up. The sky was a little gloomy, seemingly brewing an autumn rain.


    Su Tao''s expression remained calm. With skillful driving techniques, she weaved through the road like a dragon''s tail, but unexpectedly Wu Sida''s driving skills were not bad either, sticking closely behind her, gradually gaining up.


    Finally at a red light, Wu Sida ran the red light at all costs, overtaking and getting in front of Su Tao''s car. His car kept sticking to hers, nearly causing scratches several times.


    Finally at a turn, Wu Sida recklessly smashed into her, breaking the headlight on the front of Su Tao''s car and forcing her to stop by the roadside.


    Su Tao maintained herposure despite the impact. Her expression darkened as she closed her eyes to calm her emotions, but her window was "knock knock knocked" on.


    Outside the window, Wu Sida''s face was filled with anger as he mored, "Su Tao,e out! Don''t hide inside. You can hide for a while but not your whole life!"


    His manner was exactly the same as "Auntie Xue knocking on the door". Those who did not know would think he was deliberately parodying and mimicking. The onlooking spectators of the car ident were all amused by Wu Sida''s appearance.


    Su Tao had just calmed down her anger, but now it surged up again. She opened the car door and bumped Wu Sida''s leg neither lightly nor heavily, and said in a low voice, "Move away, you''re blocking the door so I can''t get out."


    Wu Sida had lost the reason to scold her, so he could only take a step back to make way.


    Su Tao looked at the smashed headlight on the front of the car with irritation in her eyes. "Wu Sida, I can sue you for intentional injury, or even attempted murder."


    Wu Sida was still furious. He looked gentle on the surface but actually had the temper of a local ruffian from Beicheng.


    "Sue whatever you want. You think I don''t havewyers and don''t know how to fight awsuit? That''s great, I''ll sue you for unfairpetition, poaching other agents'' artists, and let everyone see how ugly your conduct is! Do you believe I''ll make you unable to survive in the industry!"


    Su Tao secretly recorded audio on her phone. When he finished ranting, Su Tao finally spoke. Her voice was not loud but firm and sonorous. "How did I engage in unfairpetition?"


    "First poaching Jiang Qi, then digging Jiang Wan, are you targeting me on purpose? I''m telling you, you''ve provoked the wrong person! Don''t think that having Xie Jin as your backer means you can act unscrupulously!" Wu Sida was still furious. "I, Wu Sida, don''t eat vegetarian either! We''ll go down together if that''s what it takes!"


    Su Tao nodded lightly. Her emotions were nowpletely under control. She waited for him to finish shouting, then shook the recording in her hand. "Alright, that''s another charge of defamation and threats added. Look forward to a letter from mywyer."


    Su Tao said, "Also, you didn''t sign Jiang Qi because youcked the ability, and Jiang Wan leaving is also your own problem. Even if I don''t sign her, someone else will. Why don''t you think about your own issues first? Why can''t you keep artists?"


    "What the hell do you know!" Wu Sida looked gentle and refined on the surface, but actually had the temper of a local ruffian from Beicheng.


    Also, anyone who could associate with Liu Wantao must have something wrong with their brain to some extent.


    "Doing business as an agent, the biggest taboo is killing the goose thatys the golden eggs, only caring about making quick money and squeezing out their value." Su Tao said, "Have you really made long-term ns for Jiang Wan, instead of just thinking about making fast money?"


    Taking advantage of Wu Sida''s stunned silence, Su Tao called the police and Le Xuan, asking her toe handle the aftermath of the car ident. Her appointment time with the TV producer was almost up.


    "Why should I listen to you?" Wu Sida recovered from Su Tao''s verbal twist. "I''ve always operated this way, and I''m the number one contributor to thepany''s growth to its scale today. What''s wrong with maximizing an artist''s value as much as possible? An artist''s golden period is only a few years. Who can guarantee they will stay popr for life? Does thepany have to support their retirement too?"


    Wu Sida: "It''s best for female artists to make as much money as they can when they are able to earn. That way when they get old and their looks fade, they won''t have to desperately keep working. Where did I go wrong?"


    Su Tao: "Making money and making quick money are different. Your so-called making money, one, disregards the artist''s physical and mental health, two, disregards reputation, overdrafts fans'' love for the artist, and even stops at nothing to ruin her image."


    "You don''t know shit!" Wu Sida looked fair-skinned and gentle on the surface, but actually had the temper of a local ruffian from Beicheng.


    The ident location was in the city center with convenient traffic. Le Xuan arrived in less than ten minutes.


    Su Tao didn''t have the patience to reason with this kind of person anymore. She instructed Le Xuan to just tell the police directly and ignore Wu Sida, then took the documents from the car preparing to leave.


    "You can''t go!"


    Unexpectedly, Wu Sida chased up again. He grabbed Su Tao''s shoulder with one hand and said threateningly, "You''re in a hurry right? If I can''t get relief, don''t expect to feelfortable either! Want to sue me? Bring it on."


    The sky grew increasingly gloomy, and the asional muffled thunder rumbled in the clouds.


    Su Tao''s expression remained calm. Her tone was t without much fluctuation, but it hit the mark. "As an agent, the biggest taboo is killing the goose thatys the golden eggs, only caring about making quick money and squeezing out their value. Have you really made long-term ns for Jiang Wan, instead of just thinking about making fast money?"


    Taking advantage of Wu Sida''s stunned silence again, Su Tao called the police and Le Xuan, asking her toe handle the aftermath of the car ident. She had an appointment time with a TV producer that was almost up.


    "Why should I listen to you?" Wu Sida recovered from being verbally turned around by Su Tao and retorted, "I''ve always operated this way, and I''m the number one contributor to thepany''s growth to its scale today. What''s wrong with maximizing an artist''s value as much as possible? An artist''s golden period is only a few years. Who can guarantee they will stay popr for life? Does thepany have to support their retirement too?"


    Wu Sida said, "It''s best for female artists to make as much money as they can when they are able to earn. That way when they get old and their looks fade, they won''t have to desperately keep working. Where did I go wrong?"


    Su Tao said, "Making money and making quick money are different. Your so-called making money, one, disregards the artist''s physical and mental health, two, disregards reputation, overdrafts fans'' love for the artist, and even stops at nothing to ruin her image."


    "You don''t know shit!" Wu Sida looked fair-skinned and gentle on the surface, but actually had the temper of a local ruffian from Beicheng.


    The ident location was in the city center with convenient traffic. Le Xuan arrived in less than ten minutes.


    Su Tao didn''t have the patience to reason with this kind of person anymore. She told Le Xuan to just tell the police and ignore Wu Sida, then took the documents from the car preparing to leave.


    "You can''t go!"


    Unexpectedly, Wu Sida chased up again. He grabbed Su Tao''s shoulder tightly and said in a rogue manner, "You have urgent business right? If I can''t get relief, don''t expect to feelfortable either! Want to sue me for intentional injury, attempted murder? I''ll make the charges stick, how about that?"


    "Let her go." A stern roar pierced Wu Sida''s eardrums.


    The next moment, his arm was forcibly struck away. His forearm was grabbed by a hand like a hot iron, twisted 180 degrees back. His arm was between dislocation and sprain, in excruciating pain, causing Wu Sida to scream repeatedly.


    With a "bang", Wu Sida''s fat white face was smashed onto the hood of the car. The pain from the impact stimted his nerves. He yelled and begged for mercy, "Let go, let go, let''s talk nicely."


    Suddenly there was a crack of thunder in the sky. The rapidly darkening sky, together with the lightning, caused the people standing on the road to stop paying attention to this incident and quickly leave to take shelter from the heavy rain that could fall any time.


    A gloomy voice like the previous thunderbolt shocked Wu Sida''s mind, making his scalp tingle.


    "Deliberately injuring others? Attempted murder? If you dare touch her, it will be the end of you."


    Xie Jin felt the strength shackling his arms and neck growing heavier. It became more and more difficult for him to breathe as his eyes bulged out. Through the hood of the car, he could vaguely see a ck silhouette, like the angel of death, holding him down. He could feel the breath of death.


    "Xie Jin, let go."


    As Wu Sida''s consciousness faded in his dying moments, he seemed to hear the voice of an angel.


    It was as warm as spring water, cleansing his soul. If he was given another chance at life, he would definitely strive to be a good person, to be gentle.


    Just as Wu Sida thought he was going to heaven, oxygen suddenly rushed into his nostrils. His almost stationary brain seemed to be able to function again.


    Along with the air that rushed into his nostrils was a lot of rainwater.


    The rain had finally started to fall.


    In the Maybach, Su Tao closed the rear door, blocking out the pouring rain.


    Fortunately they had gotten into the car in time and didn''t get wet from the rain.


    After closing the car door, Su Tao looked at Wu Sida outside and subconsciously grabbed Xie Jin''s hand again.


    She saw Wu Sida wipe his face in the rain, apparently recovering. It seemed he was fine. Only then did Su Tao feel relieved.


    Just now Xie Jin had looked so terrifying. His eyes were full of killing intent. And it seemed he couldn''t hear her shouts at all, entirely focused on killing Wu Sida.


    If she hadn''t hugged him from behind at thest moment, he probably wouldn''t have let Wu Sida go.


    Feeling her palm being clenched, Su Tao drew her gaze back from Wu Sida.


    As soon as she turned her head, her lips were blocked by cold lips. She wanted to dodge but her head was held in an icy grip, unable to avoid it.


    Su Tao felt Xie Jin''s body trembling. She looked at this cold, stern face right in front of her.


    His eyes were tightly closed, long eyshes quivering slightly. At first the kiss was extremely agitated, like a hunting leopard eating its prey, kissing aggressively.


    Su Tao ced her soft little hands on both sides of his cheeks, slowly spreading her warmth into his face.


    Gradually, his palm was no longer so cold, and his lips became warmer. The passionate kiss gradually turned gentle, bing a drizzle.


    Xie Jin finally released her lips. Leaning his forehead against hers, he seemed to have regained his senses, struggling to steady his breathing. Opening his deep dark eyes, he looked at her with flickering gaze.


    "Little Taozi, did I scare you?"


    "Yes, you scared me."


    Su Tao hadn''t seen Xie Jin lose control in a long time. His changes recently had almost made her forget how terrifying he could be when enraged.


    Su Tao thought of another question, "Oh right, what are you doing here?"


    Xie Jin''s expression immediately tensed up, dispelling the gloom from before. Straightening his back, he exined earnestly.


    "I swear I just happened to be passing by. I''ve been very obedient waiting for your call. I wasn''t stalking you, really."


    As if afraid she wouldn''t believe him, he even raised three fingers and swore,cking only pping "good boy" on his forehead to show Su Tao.

 Chapter 47: Listen to Me 028

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    "I didn''t say you were stalking me." Su Tao was a little helpless at his now cautious and careful appearance. She looked at the time, fastened her seat belt, and asked, "Can you take me somewhere? Then I''ll treat you to a meal."


    Xie Jin''s spirits rose immediately. He didn''t waste another second but immediately started the car. The Mercedes shot out like a wild horse slipping its reins, sending up a spray of water.


    Even though Xie Jin was driving like he was about to take off, they were stillte.


    She had originally intended to arrive ten minutes early to make a good impression, but was dyed, so when the car came to a smooth stop, Su Tao hurried out without even having time to say another word to Xie Jin.


    When she entered the restaurant and walked to the reserved seat, there was a man in his forties with a small goatee on his chin.


    He seemed to have run out of patience and was angrily calling Liao Dan in authentic North City dialect, wielding his verbal dagger: "Miss Liao, no matter how great your friend''s connections are, she still needs to respect people, right? If it wasn''t for her, I wouldn''t have..."


    Su Tao hurriedly came over with an apologetic smile and sincerely apologized, "Are you Teacher Cui Ming? I''m Su Tao. I''mte, I''m really sorry."


    Hearing this, Cui Ming immediately looked up. The slim, fair, pretty and well-behaved youngdy in front of him made him lift his chin so that his little goatee was pointing at Su Tao. He softened his tone, waved his hand generously, seemingly magnanimously,


    "Oh, never mind, we''re all here through connections of connections. Without Liao Dan''s connection, we two would never have formed a connection. The connections you have may just be the connections I need. Isn''t this industry all about connections?"


    Su Tao was confused by Cui Ming''s bunch of "connections" and didn''t know what he was trying to say.


    "Order whatever you want to eat, this meal is on me, here''s the menu." Cui Ming followed his big stick with a sweet date, sessfully bewildering Su Tao.


    "Teacher Cui, I should be the one treating you. Please order." Su Tao turned the menu back to him again.


    "Hey, let''s not stand on ceremony. You order, I''ll chat with you here." Cui Ming held down the menu so Su Tao couldn''t turn it back. His face bore a peddler''s smile as he shook his head, "I can see your agency is on the road to sess. Teacher Su, your artists are all very outstanding. Jiang Qi and Xue Xinzi have great strength. I also highly recognize Xue Xinzi''s songwriting skills."


    When her artists were praised, Su Tao beamed with a mother''s pride, instantly sweeping away her previous confusion and difort. "Teacher Cui tters me, but they really do work very hard."


    "You''re too modest, Teacher Su. They are only so outstanding thanks to your guidance." Cui Ming even obligingly poured tea for Su Tao, watching her and observing her expressions as he slowly said, "Teacher Su, when do you and President Xie have time? How about I treat you two to another meal?"


    Su Tao''s hand holding the teacup stopped. Her smile froze on her face. She finally understood what Cui Ming''s bunch of "connections" meant.


    "Teacher Cui, President Xie and I were just for show on the program, edited by the production team. They piece together sentences said at different times into a story line. As someone in variety shows, you understand this."


    Cui Ming''s smile also froze. Still not quite believing, he probed, "But you two even trended on social media. President Xie even confessed to you, didn''t he?"


    "It was all hype. And now we have no contact. I''m afraid I can''t get him to meet up."


    Su Tao knew that in this industry, it was all voluntary exchange of connections for connections. If she had Xie Jin''s connections, many things would be much easier.


    In fact, him wanting to get to know Xie Jin through her was no different in essence than her getting to know Cui Ming through Liao Dan.


    But she just couldn''t get over this hurdle herself.


    "Ah, you two..." Cui Ming didn''t say the word "broken up", but he understood in his heart now.


    Come to think of it, it made sense. A man of Xie Jin''s status could only have taken interest in Su Tao as a fleeting fancy. Those good looking and well-connected men would lose interest after the novelty of a month wore off. It was impossible for them to still associate with women they had yed with.


    He had overestimated Su Tao.


    Thinking this, Cui Ming dropped his ingratiating smile and revealed his peddler''s true colors and arrogance. He shook his head as he lectured,


    "That lofty mountain Xie Jin is indeed hard to climb, but little girl, you still don''t cut it yet, can''t keep ahold of a man! Enjoying the shade under the big tree is nice, but you''re still too young. Train a few more years."


    Su Tao''s expression had already soured when he mentioned Xie Jin. Now with these words, he had provoked her reverse scales.


    Su Tao looked at him solemnly and seriously, "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Cui, but I don''t need to rely on Xie Jin to survive, do I? Although I haven''t been in the industry long, I do my best in everything. I think I fulfill my duties as apetent manager. You don''t need to show me two faces."


    After she said this, Su Tao didn''t feel the catharsis she had imagined. On the contrary, she felt even more restless and full of regret.


    She was usually so good at controlling her emotions, so why did she lose control whenever anything rted to Xie Jin came up?


    Last time it was because of Qin Xuexi''s appearance that made hersh out at Jiang Qi. This time it was because of Xie Jin that she forgot her purpose foring.


    She closed her eyes briefly, trying to calm her emotions. Feeling controlled by emotions really felt awful.


    "Fine, you''re so capable you don''t need to talk to me anymore. I''ve also fulfilled my obligation to Liao Dan. Let''s part ways." Cui Ming stood up, toozy to even make polite small talk. He nced contemptuously at Su Tao, preparing to leave.


    When Cui Ming looked up, he saw a dignified, tall and noble man entering the restaurant from the doorway, holding a file bag.


    He halted in his steps.


    The neer was Xie Jin. With his long legs he crossed the distance in a few strides and stopped right in front of Cui Ming. Meeting Cui Ming''s gaze head-on, he stared coldly at him for a few moments before his gaze finally settled on Su Tao.


    He ced the file bag in front of Su Tao and leaned down slightly, steadying himself with one hand on the chair back as he drew near her. His tone was calm but with hints of gentleness, "You left the file in the car."


    Su Tao looked up and only then realized she had left the file in her hurry to get out of the car.


    Cui Ming blinked in astonishment. Looking at the cold and aloof man before him, he tentatively asked, "You''re President Xie?"


    Xie Jin instinctively rejected all male creatures appearing around Su Tao. He nced coldly at Cui Ming without answering.


    "I''m Cui Ming from North City TV Station. President Xie, I scheduled a meeting with you before but we never met up, about investing in my new variety show..."


    "Contact my secretary." Xie Jin had no interest in engaging and coldly cut him off mid-sentence. His gaze remained fixed on Su Tao''s face and he switched to a gentle tone, "I''ll be waiting in the parking lot. Call me after you finish your business."


    Su Tao withdrew her gaze from Xie Jin. Her expression was unhappy but she handed the file to Cui Ming as a conciliatory gesture, "Teacher Cui, this is Xue Xinzi''s information, including some song demos she wrote herself..."


    "Oh, I know Xue Xinzi! A talenteddy. I wanted to invite her long ago. I''ll keep the information. I''ll call you after I draft up a contract."


    Cui Ming did a 180 degree turn in his attitude. As if Xue Xinzi was some unparalleled genius and he was blind not to have seen it.


    This sudden change of attitude didn''t delight Su Tao. On the contrary, it dampened her mood even more.


    After bidding Cui Ming farewell, Su Tao sat silently in the passenger seat of the Mercedes. Xie Jin was the most apprehensive. Not knowing where he had done wrong again to upset her.


    "You didn''t eat just now right? What do you want to eat? Let''s go eat, okay?"


    Xie Jin tentatively asked. It was a long time before he got a response from Su Tao. Her tone was indifferent and she didn''t sound enthusiastic, but her words made Xie Jin feel incredibly favored.


    "What do you want to eat? I can also cook for you."


    Xie Jin suddenly felt greedy. His eyes as dark as ck pearls shone brightly. He tentatively asked again, "Then, can you cook for me at home?"


    "Okay."


    Xie Jin stood in the kitchen doorway in casual home clothes, holding his phone to record video.


    Today was the happiest day for him. His little peach hade home.


    The sizzling sounds of stir frying in the kitchen, the wisps of steam escaping when the pot lid was lifted, the rich fish fragrance, and that charming figure shuttling around the kitchen in an apron,posed a scene he couldn''t even dream of.


    Turning off the heat, lifting the pot, ting the food, Su Tao almost bumped into Xie Jin blocking the doorway as she carried the finished boiled fish.


    "What are you doing?" she asked in surprise.


    "Keeping it to watch before falling asleep."


    Xie Jin''s voice was very soft. If they didn''t listen carefully, they couldn''t even make out what he said. But Su Tao heard it clearly. She couldn''t help but lift her eyes to look at him.


    When Su Tao saw the faint smile on Xie Jin''s lips but his eyes were slightly red, she was stunned for two seconds. She took off her apron and sat down to eat.


    Xie Jin picked up the red wine that had been decanted long ago and poured two sses, handing one to Su Tao.


    In the house she hadn''t been to for over a year, Su Tao ate in silence. When she was almost done, she put down her chopsticks and raised her wine ss.


    "I''ll drink to you with this one."


    The two sses clinked, making a crisp sound of ss hitting ss. Su Tao tilted her head back and drank a sip of wine.


    Xie Jin looked up, his jet-ck pupils reflecting her serene face.


    Although her face was expressionless, Xie Jin felt her mood didn''t seem too good.


    "From the beginning of the recording of Sea Wave 2, to Guo Yanyan''s TV series afterwards, then Jiang Qi''s news and voting, and even Chui Ming just now, you''ve helped me a lot in all kinds of big and small things, thank you very much."


    After speaking, Su Tao tilted her head back and drank arge gulp.


    Xie Jin''s expression gradually became solemn. His long fingers were wrapped around the ss but he hesitated to pick it up. His brows furrowed slightly withtent worry.


    "Little Taozi, why are you suddenly thanking me?"


    Su Tao put down her wine ss. Her clear eyes were slightly blurred. Her eyelids and cheeks were both flushed like a peach.


    "Because I feel like I''m veryme." Su Tao pursed her lips and pouted, looking like she was about to cry but forcing herself not to. She tilted her head back and drank another sip, emptying the ss.


    She went to get the wine decanter, but Xie Jin already had the other end in his hand. He looked at her intently but eventually let go.


    Su Tao poured over half a ss and drank a third of it in one go.


    "I was repelling you because I always feel like I''m back to how I felt a year ago, needing to rely on you for everything. Without you, I''m nothing. My efforts and excellence are not recognized at all. The purpose of those who tter and praise me is also only because of you. I don''t want to bebeled as Xie Jin''s woman again."


    "I understand, it''s all my fault." Xie Jin grabbed Su Tao''s hand and gently coaxed her.


    Although she was cute when slightly drunk, she liked to drink when upset. It was best not to let her develop this habit.


    "You don''t understand!" Su Tao heavily put down the wine ss. There was still a drop of light red at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "But I did rely on you. I enjoyed the convenience you brought me. Yet I was repelling you at the same time. Am I not shameless?"


    Xie Jin rxed his brows and pressed his lips together, holding back his smile, and continued coaxing her, "No, it''s my fault. You''re so outstanding. You would have done just as well without me. I''ve caused you so much trouble too."


    Su Tao shook her head vigorously. "No, it''s my fault. I don''t have the ability yet I''m still unwilling. Just a couple words from others about needing to rely on you makes me angry. Why should I be angry? I am indeed relying on you."


    Xie Jin grabbed Su Tao''s hand tightly. He trembled slightly and his eyes instantly filled with tears. He looked at her steadily and said, "You still want me not to be able to find you?"


    Su Tao''s drunken eyes were blurred. She could hear Xie Jin''s words clearly but her brain couldn''t process the information anymore. She kept repeating, "Mm, can''t find me..."


    Xie Jin stood up and half-squatted in front of Su Tao. He held her face in both hands, blinking away the tears in his eyes, and repeated word for word, "Don''t let me not be able to find you."


    Su Tao''s eyelids drooped as she mechanically repeated, "Can''t find me, can''t find me..."


    "You''re not allowed to..."


    Xie Jin looked at her eyes that could no longer stay open, her head that kept lolling to the sides, almost hitting the table. He wiped away a tear, not knowing what he waspeting with this drunken little wine lover for.


    He picked her up and headed upstairs to the bedroom.


    The familiar room, the familiar person in his arms, filled Xie Jin with endless satisfaction.


    He slowly nted a kiss on her lips, murmuring softly, "It''s my fault for not spoiling you into a willful little princess yet."


    He poked her nose with his finger, looking at her flushed and deeply asleep little red face. His low voice was infinitely doting. "And you still say you''re green tea, where''s your sense of morality? I''m willing to let you be green... Bleh! I''m willing to let you be tea."


    Xie Jin talked to himself for a long time, but his mood was more open than ever before.


    He finally understood why little Taozi was sometimes enthusiastic towards him and sometimes cold.


    It turned out he was the one overthinking things.


    Now that he knew the reason, he knew what to do and was no longer confused.


    The next day when Su Tao woke up, she felt exceptionally clear-headed and well-rested.


    She reached up and didn''t find her phone, but found a hand instead. It was warm and gave her a sense of familiarity.


    She opened her eyes wide and looked up. Xie Jin was half-naked, propping his head up with one hand, lying by her side and looking at her with deep eyes.


    The pose, styling, and gaze were all very familiar.


    It was exactly the same asst time at the tropical rainforest hotel.


    Su Tao subconsciously looked down at herself again. Her clothes were neat and her memories came flooding back. Last night she was in a bit of a bad mood and wanted to drink some wine, as well as properly thank Xie Jin.


    Later, how did it evolve into mutually apologizing?


    Heavens, what kind of random nonsense had she saidst night?


    All those petty thoughts, how did she just blurt them all out?


    For the first time, Su Tao developed an aversion to drinking.


    She covered her face, wanting to disappear from Xie Jin''s sight like a thief, but forgot her hand was still holding his. She stole a nce at him through her fingers, embarrassedly retracting her hand.


    Xie Jin''s lips quirked up in a crooked smile and he silentlyughed for a moment before his expression reverted to being nk.


    After getting up, Su Tao also regained herposure. She tidied up in the guest room, gathered her things, and prepared to leave.


    Xie Jin had also packed up. He put on his watch as he followed her footsteps.


    Su Tao thought about tactfully rejecting him from continuing to tag along. She was still figuring out how to phrase it, "I''m done with work here in Beicheng, so I''m returning to Jiangcheng today..."


    Before she could finish, Xie Jin simply nodded and headed outside, "Mm, let''s go."


    Su Tao looked at him in confusion but followed behind him out the door.


    Xie Jin unlocked the car with a remote key fob and looked back at Su Tao, magnanimously saying, "In light of what you saidst night, I''ve decided that for any effort I make for you in the future, I will collect a certain amount ofpensation."


    Su Tao: "?"


    He sat in the driver''s seat and rolled down the window, saying coldly, "It''s not easy to get a taxi here. It would take at least an hour to wait for one. You can also choose to pay me for gas if you want me to drive you to the airport."


    Su Tao: "..."


    There was really no need to split things so clearly.

 Chapter 48: Listen to Me 029

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    A ck Maybach pulled up in front of the airport terminal. Su Tao nced at the WeChat payment code that Xie Jin had pulled up and twitched her lips helplessly as she took out her phone to scan and pay the fare.


    "I still have some unfinished work, so I''ll only be able to go back to Jiang City in a couple days," Xie Jin said slowly.


    Su Tao didn''t contradict his casual use of the word "back" in referring to Jiang City.


    "Of course, if you want me to be able toe back a few days earlier..."


    Xie Jin turned his face and leaned forward, tapping his lips. "A kiss, and I''lle back a day earlier."


    Su Tao: "Never mind, goodbye."


    Su Tao opened the car door to get out when her hand was suddenly grabbed. A warm palm enveloped her small hand, the long articted fingers massaging her fingertips.


    Xie Jin raised his other hand and tapped his cheek, blinking his deepset eyes as hepromised, "A kiss on the cheek is fine too."


    Su Tao: "..."


    She silently retrieved her hand and got out of the car, leaving Xie Jin with an elegant departing view of her back.


    "A kiss isn''t necessary. Just say something," Su Tao was already walking away when Xie Jin''s voice lowered in disappointment as he murmured to himself, "Say something and I''ll go with you right now."


    Le Xuan and Xiao Ke apanied Jiang Qi to film his MV. ording to Le Xuan''s report, Jiang Qi was very cooperative at work, which made Su Tao very gratified.


    But this gratification onlysted half a day before Jiang Qi suddenly appeared in the hot search rankings.


    The hashtag "#JiangQi Fu Chengcheng sweet interaction#" squeezed into the top ten hot searches in no time.


    Su Tao clicked in and saw paparazzi videos and photos.


    On set, it must not have been during filming because Fu Chengcheng had her arm wrapped around Jiang Qi''s. She was on her tiptoes whispering something in his ear, both of themughing together.


    The photos were even more ambiguous.


    Fu Chengcheng leaning on Jiang Qi''s shoulder, Jiang Qi leaning on her head.


    The two gazing sweetly at each other.


    Holding hands.


    It was unclear whether it was during filming or not, leaving room for imagination.


    These fans would only vent in their own fan forums, not yet losing their rationality.


    The key was that Fu Chengcheng then posted a Weibo that instantly rocketed this trending topic into the top five.


    Fu Chengcheng v: This is my first time filming a duo MV, it''s pretty tiring but also very fun. I want to share a little trick for staying happy at work - devote your heart fully to the job, and you won''t feel tired no matter how exhausting it is.


    Picture: Fu Chengcheng with eyes closed and head tilted back. Jiang Qi leaning in close, their lips less than a centimeter apart.


    What does "devote your heart" mean?


    The picture is so ambiguous, is this an official announcement of their rtionship?


    Jiang Qi has a lot of female fans who instantly flooded Fu Chengcheng''s Weibo profile, thements full of scolding. Fan emotions were extremely prized.


    Marketing ounts were churning out spection about the two''s rtionship en masse.


    They even dug up interactions between them during the training camp period. Under edited clips, originally very normal interactions seemed intimate and ambiguous.


    Many bystanders were starting to believe the two really were together.


    Jiang Qi fans also flooded Su Tao''s Weibo, demanding rification on the rtionship status, waiting for an official denial.


    At this time, Su Tao was busy coordinating the PR and tech departments, using her media connections at high cost to buy back the paparazzi videos and photos of the two.


    She also had the fan club managers organize counterattacks, not giving marketing ounts the chance to exploit this.


    Because Fu Chengcheng''s Weibo post was so ambiguous, Su Tao could im it was just hype for the MV, mere delusional spection by fans.


    At this point, it wasn''t suitable for Su Tao to post a rification in thepany''s name.


    She first had to negotiate with Fu Chengcheng''s agency to understand their intentions.


    The MV was filmed in Chongqing. Su Tao called Fu Chengcheng''s agent wanting to resolve it over the phone, but they insisted on meeting in person in Chongqing. Sensing something wrong, Su Tao still bought a ne ticket to fly over.


    Afternding in Chongqing, Le Xuan called Su Tao saying she was there to pick her up, the car parked in the parking lot.


    Su Tao found the car and upon opening the door saw Jiang Qi dressed in hip hop fashion also sitting inside, blinking his clear eyes at her.


    Su Tao''s expression darkened. She immediately got in the car and questioned Le Xuan, "Why did you bring Jiang Qi at such a sensitive time?"


    Le Xuan looked at Jiang Qi but didn''t say anything else, just silently acknowledged her mistake: "Sorry boss, I didn''t consider carefully enough."


    "It''s not Le Xuan''s fault, I insisted oning along," Jiang Qi exined frankly, not letting Le Xuan take the fall.


    Su Tao looked at him coldly: "I''m meeting Fu Chengcheng''s agent. If you''re seen together it''ll make people specte. You''re not allowed to leave the car or show your faceter. If you keep being stubborn, I''ll..."


    "I know," Jiang Qi calmly cut her off, a trace of helplessness passing through his clear eyes leaving only obedientpromise. "I won''t leave the car or show my face, I''ll wait here for you."


    Su Tao looked at him suspiciously but didn''t say anything, her expression still somber.


    "Nothing happened between me and Fu Chengcheng, don''t get the wrong idea," Jiang Qi said as he watched Su Tao''s displeased face. "Most of the online stuff was required for filming. The director even nned a kissing scene but I didn''t agree to it."


    Su Tao narrowed her eyes at Jiang Qi: "You didn''t agree? Why didn''t you agree? The director has their own ideas for filming, kissing scenes are basic work for actors. Even idols need to be professional, let alone you wanting to be a professional actor."


    Su Tao''s words left Jiang Qi stunned for a good while. His brows gradually furrowed as he stared at her, deep sadness and disappointment in his eyes.


    He didn''t say anything, just turned his head away, tugging his hat low over his eyes as he slowly closed them, not letting Su Tao see the two tears that fell.


    The car drove smoothly all the way to the appointed private club.


    Su Tao brought Le Xuan to the meeting, leaving Xiao Ke to nominally apany Jiang Qi but really to keep an eye on him.


    When Su Tao arrived at the reserved private room, seeing nearly half the table filled with people including Fu Chengcheng sitting among them, her concerns were confirmed.


    For them to brazenly have Fu Chengcheng meet with Su Tao at this time, their intentions to hype up the CP were already very obvious.


    Almost everyone from Fu Chengcheng''s management team was there, very enthusiastic towards Su Tao and Le Xuan. Su Tao even suspected they had brought paparazzi to follow them.


    She kept a calm expression but secretly messaged Xiao Ke, telling her to hurry and have the driver take Jiang Qi away so he wouldn''t get caught on camera.


    During the meal, Fu Chengcheng''s agent Li Yao, notorious in the industry for hyping scandals to boost artists, predictably kept bringing up Jiang Qi, and finally directlyid out their ns to hype up the CP on the table, promising many resources in exchange.


    These included joint endorsements, filming projects, and more. If Su Tao agreed, these resources would be shared with Jiang Qi immediately.


    Su Tao lowered her gaze as she put down her phone, then raised her head, eyes clear and tranquil like autumn waters. "Thank you for your kind intentions Yao jie, but Jiang Qi isn''t looking to tie himself to a CP right now."


    Li Yao''s rather big eyes didn''t stand out on her round face. She looked at Su Tao with some dissatisfaction. "Su Tao, these are top resources in the industry. Think carefully."


    Su Tao gave a faint smile and slowly said, "Top tier resources - I''m notcking either, Yao jie."


    DG was currently the best business resource for Jiang Qi. As for the TV projects she mentioned, they were just idol dramas adapted from trendy IPs that she had bought, which Su Tao didn''t think very highly of.


    Li Yao''s expression changed, her words turning acidic: "Su Tao, there''s an unpleasant saying, but as your elder sister I still have to tell you - don''t fail to appreciate kindness."


    Su Tao''s expressionpletely darkened. She picked up her bag and stood up, not wanting to waste more words with them. "Yao jie, you are my senior, I respect you. I appreciate your kind intentions, and won''t be intimidated if you don''t show me kindness. Since our paths differ, I''ll take my leave first."


    "Su Tao!" When Su Tao reached the door, Li Yao''s sharp voice came from behind. "Whether you cooperate or not, I have ways to drag yourpany down. I advise you to consider carefully!"


    Su Tao suddenly turned back, sharp light shing in her clear eyes as she stared at Li Yao, making the other woman''s gaze shrink back for a moment.


    Su Tao''s voice was steady and resolute, clear as a spring: "Yao jie, I''ll say this bluntly - if there are any more scandals between Jiang Qi and Fu Chengcheng, I will reserve the right to take legal action."


    Because the MV was being filmed in Chongqing, and the Yingfeng Video tform was holding an event called "Yingfeng Night" in Chongqing, the program team of Chengtuan Zhi Lu was given ast minute performance opportunity at the event. This would be the new group''s first performance after forming, but other than Jiang Qi and Fu Chengcheng who were already in Chongqing, the other team members had to rush over from all parts of the country.


    Luckily the performance was a routine they had already done on the variety show, so they didn''t need to rehearse beforehand. They just needed to go through it together right before the formal performance the day after tomorrow, and do two more run throughs, and that would be good enough.


    But because of the recent scandal, Su Tao didn''t dare let her guard down. Especially since the event organizers had booked Jiang Qi and Fu Chengcheng at the same hotel. With the other members not having arrived yet, Su Tao wanted to change Jiang Qi''s hotel at thest minute.


    Just changing the hotel wasn''t enough, it would look too deliberate. It just so happened that Gu Yiyan was filming a movie directed by Huachuan Jiang in the nearby town of Liuzhen, only a two hour drive away. Su Tao made the decision on the spot to take Jiang Qi to visit Gu Yiyan on set.


    When Su Tao and the others arrived, it was already after 8pm. Gu Yiyan, who didn''t have any night scenes to film that day, was already waiting for them outside the hotel.


    "Sis." Gu Yiyan shed her little white teeth at Su Tao in a sweet smile.


    Su Tao patted Gu Yiyan on the shoulder, smiling gently: "Sorry for disturbing your rest sote."


    "I''m thrilled you came to visit me on set." ncing at Jiang Qi who had gotten out of the car looking gloomy, she joked: "Thanks to my junior brother here."


    Gu Yiyan surreptitiously looked around before leaning in and whispering to Su Tao: "There are paparazzi around."


    Su Tao''s expression sharpened. She knew the agency''s staff had followed them here, but ording to Gu Yiyan, the paparazzi must have already been lying in wait.


    Clearly someone had leaked the news.


    Gu Yiyan filming in Liuzhen wasn''t a secret, but the only person who knew she didn''t want to stir up scandals and would avoid staying at the same hotel as Fu Chengcheng ahead of time was Li Yao.


    Su Tao lowered her eyes, guessing at Li Yao''s motives. She predicted that Fu Chengcheng might alsoe to this hotel.


    Li Yao really went to every length imaginable. She was just relentless!


    After getting Jiang Qi settled into his room, Su Tao had him go to Gu Yiyan''s room instead.


    She sent Le Xuan and Xiao Ke out to buy meat for a spur of the moment BBQ party on Gu Yiyan''s balcony.


    Although it was an awkward gathering orchestrated by Su Tao, both Jiang Qi and Gu Yiyan were dancers, and they found they had a lot inmon as they chatted.


    The two sang, danced, and yed music together. Su Tao, Le Xuan and Xiao Ke were responsible for grilling meat and cheering them on. They were all having a great time.


    As they yed, Su Tao kept an eye on any movements downstairs at the hotel entrance, across the street, and even in the adjacent rooms.


    Only after seeing that the few fan groups Le Xuan had secretly joined had all taken photos and videos, did Su Tao finally rx.


    Su Tao also kept a close watch on any news about Fu Chengcheng, and had slipped into a few of her fan groups as well.


    Sure enough, Fu Chengcheng was photographed entering this same hotel.


    Su Tao sneered and had Le Xuan use her alt ount to post the news of Fu Chengcheng staying at this hotel to Jiang Qi''s fan groups.


    Right on cue, all sorts of stealth photos and videos started circting in Jiang Qi''s super-topic forum within five minutes - high definition photos and footage of him with Gu Yiyan, even audio of them singing together.


    It provided irrefutable visual evidence from all angles that Jiang Qi was with Gu Yiyan and his management team, and had no interactions with Fu Chengcheng whatsoever.


    The fans finally extinguished their anger, apuding Jiang Qi''s method of self-proving his innocence. They felt bad that he was still up sote and promised to never doubt their idol again.


    Amidst everyone''s attention on Jiang Qi and Fu Chengcheng, only Xie Jin wore a dark expression, his pitch ck gaze fixed on the secretly taken photo of Su Tao walking side by side with Jiang Qi.


    Jin Chuiwen had been so busytely that he felt his memory was deteriorating.


    He heard that using the left hand more often could improve memory, so he spent a fortune to buy a pair of walnuts, nning to practice cracking them open with his left hand.


    After reporting work, Jin Chuiwen left, forgetting the walnuts on the boss''s desk.


    When he returned to retrieve them, he watched as the boss grabbed one walnut and crushed it effortlessly with his bare hands.


    His walnuts...


    Before Jin Chuiwen could recover from the heartache, the boss''s icy words snapped him back to reality.


    "Book a flight to Chongqing, the earliest flight avable."


    The overnight gathering with the goal of countering scandals ended at midnight.


    Afraid of dying Gu Yiyan''s filming the next day, Su Tao didn''t let Jiang Qi stay overnight in her room.


    She and Le Xuan personally escorted Jiang Qi back to his room, drew the curtains for him, and didn''t immediately leave. She was worried Fu Chengcheng woulde knocking on his door.


    Aftering all this way, stirring up trouble was Li Yao''s style after all.


    While Jiang Qi showered, Su Tao stood guard with her ears pricked, listening for any sounds outside the hotel room door. At the slightest noise, she would run over and peer through the peephole to check outside.


    "Feels like you''re filming a spy thriller." Jiang Qi''s deep voice contained a hint of amusement as he teased her.


    Not noticing anything amiss, Su Tao turned around. Jiang Qi was wearing the hotel bathrobe, chest exposed, enveloped in the scent of shower gel.


    His hair was still wet and unblow dried, a droplet of water dripping onto his long eyshes that he casually flicked away.


    "You should rest first. I''ll stay here with Le Xuan a bit longer. If there''s no activity, we''ll leave."


    Su Tao had originally wanted to stand guard outside the door, but that would put her in light and the opponent in darkness, allowing them to act after she left.


    Yet she couldn''t very well stand guard all night, so she chose toy an ambush inside the room to nip any thoughts of Fu Chengcheng''s in the bud.


    ncing over, Su Tao saw Le Xuan already nodding off in the chair.


    She was also tired after today. Su Tao didn''t have the heart to wake her, thinking she''d deal with it when they were leaving.


    Suddenly her vision was obstructed as Jiang Qi strode up to stand in front of her. His clear eyes once again ignited with fiery heat. He leaned both arms against the door, trapping Su Tao between him and the door. His head slowly drew nearer.


    With Jiang Qi wall-mming her, Su Tao felt the scorching aura he exuded after his shower sweep over her like a heatwave. Her cheeks also turned crimson.


    "Jiang Qi, don''t you dare!" Su Tao turned her face away to avoid him as he got closer, shouting sharply to stop him.


    Jiang Qi''s lips halted just one centimeter from Su Tao''s cheek, not quite daring to make contact in the end.


    His breath caressed Su Tao''s ear as he whispered softly: "If I listen to everything you say, will you give me a chance and allow me to like you?"


    Su Tao lowered her eyes, sighing lightly. She seemed about to say something but Jiang Qi raised a finger to stop her lips.


    He didn''t want to hear it. She definitely wouldn''t agree.


    "If I''d known loving someone would be so painful, I definitely wouldn''t have taken the initiative to speak to you that day on the beach at sunset."


    Jiang Qi''s voice carried a sob. The tears he had recently shed were to repay a past debt of the heart.


    It was his just deserts.


    "Listen to me sing a song I wrote myself. After singing this song, I promise I won''t like you anymore."


    Jiang Qi''s mouth lifted in a tranquil, detached smile. It would have been more convincing if not for the tears in his eyes.


    He straightened up, wiping away the tears, and walked over to Le Xuan, kicking her foot lightly. "Help me buy a bottle of water."


    Le Xuan rubbed her bleary eyes and nced at Su Tao, leaving after getting her nod of approval.


    Jiang Qi sat on the edge of the bed hugging his guitar, head lowered. His bangs had naturally dried into soft wisps on his forehead. His long, slender fingers strummed the strings, eliciting pleasant music.


    "That seaside at our first meeting, the sunset dyeing your face,


    So beautiful, so sweet.


    Our second meeting that day, your smile climbing into your eyes,


    So bright, so dazzling.


    ...


    Don''t know when I started caring about your messages,


    Don''t know when I started looking forward to seeing you everyday.


    ...


    My girl, I want to keep you by my side, gazing at your face always.


    My girl, if I could go back to that day, I''d definitely not say goodbye to you."


    The gentle, clear voice sang lowly, telling of secret admiring feelings, making listeners'' hearts sweetly sore.


    Watching Jiang Qi earnestly singing and ying, Su Tao realized he was very suited for this kind of slowly recounted bad.


    If released, this song would surely ignite another wave of poprity.


    As thest note faded away, Su Tao gathered her wandering thoughts and said with a faint smile, "The melody is beautiful, the vocals are wless, just tweak the lyrics a little more and it''ll be ready for release."


    Jiang Qi''s long eyshes fluttered as his fingers clutched the guitar strings tightly. He was silent for two seconds before saying slowly in a low voice, "I won''t release this song. I wrote it for you and will only sing it this once."


    Su Tao didn''t know how to respond, she just looked at him quietly.


    He kept his head lowered the entire time, the atmosphere seemed to solidify along with his current feelings of despair and dejection.


    The mood was shattered when the door was suddenly knocked on loudly. It was probably Le Xuan returning. Su Tao took a deep breath to collect herself before getting up to answer the door.


    But it wasn''t Le Xuan standing outside, it was Fu Chengcheng.


    Fu Chengcheng clearly hadn''t expected to find Su Tao in the room. She had seen Jiang Qi''s manager leave, so why was there someone else in the room?


    "Did you need something?" Su Tao felt relieved, she had finally caught Fu Chengcheng red-handed.


    "Oh...I wanted to borrow a phone charger from Jiang Qi." Fu Chengcheng quickly made up an excuse.


    "Jiang Qi needs to rest, he doesn''t have any extras. The hotel front desk has some, you can go downstairs now to borrow one from them."


    Su Tao''s thinly veiled attempt to drive Fu Chengcheng away left the girl too embarrassed to continue making excuses. After all, she was just a young girl, her face flushed red as she awkwardly left.


    Su Tao nced back at Jiang Qi, he also looked up at her.


    But only for a moment, he averted his gaze as soon as she looked over.


    "Rest early, good night."


    Su Tao said and then closed the door from outside. She stood in the hallway and took two deep breaths, finally rxing now that she had caught Fu Chengcheng lying in wait. She was also ready to go back to her room and rest.


    Walking on the soft carpet, she suddenly heard a hurried door closing.


    She hadn''t noticed any open doors, so where did thate from? Could it be someone was hiding behind a door to secretly observe her, and in their panic at potentially being discovered, hastily closed the door?


    But that level ofposure wasn''t typical for paparazzi trying to sneak photos. Even if caught, they wouldn''t react so frantically.


    Su Tao walked towards the source of the sound, thinking all the spy games today had improved her investigative skills. She had an inkling who it might be, although she also felt it was unlikely. But to verify her guess, she video called Xie Jin.


    The video ringtone immediately sounded from the next room over. Su Tao slowly approached and pressed her ear against the door to listen for movement inside.


    The video connected, showing Xie Jin''s usual extreme close-up angle with the camera held high to only capture his face.


    "Where are you?" Su Tao asked.


    "Home, of course." Xie Jin naturally replied.


    "Point the camera down, let me see."


    The camera instantly panned down,nding on his muscr bare chest as he shamelessly said, "Want me to go lower?"

 Chapter 49: Listen to Me 030

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    Su Tao was silent for a few seconds, moving her ear away from the door. She knocked on the door decisively and said to the video, "Open the door."


    After the video image spun around, it returned to Xie Jin''s face. He looked the same as ever, just as annoying, "Our little peach is so smart, she found me so fast. But I was going to sleep, and I''m not wearing anything. Are you sure you want toe in?"


    Su Tao thought about it and felt there was no point in catching him, so she nodded and said, "Never mind, keep sleeping, I''m leaving."


    She hung up the video and was about to leave when the door in front of her suddenly opened. In the next moment, Su Tao''s arm was grabbed and she was forcibly pulled inside the door.


    With a "bang," the door closed, and Su Tao was pinned against the door again.


    Her gaze went from his chest down, and she saw that he was clearly wearing pants.


    "What are you looking at, little peach?" His low voice came from above her head, teasing.


    Su Tao''s expression froze, and she red at him, teasing back, "When did you settle down here?"


    But Xie Jin put away his smirk and said seriously, "Anywhere you are is home."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Big brother, your sweet talk could be even more corny.


    Xie Jin lowered his brows, his pitch-ck eyes under his longshes stared at her unwaveringly, "I saw the photos of you going into a hotel with Jiang Qi, so I flew over immediately."


    Xie Jin''s sudden confession surprised Su Tao. He looked like he was jealous and wanted her to coax him.


    Su Tao''s mouth twitched. She suddenly felt that she might be partly responsible for Xie Jin bing like this now.


    Considering his previous behavior of asking her for car fare, she tentatively asked, "Are you trying to get me to reimburse your ne ticket?"


    The top of Su Tao''s head was lightly tapped, "Who told you to reimburse my ticket, just sleeping with me is enough."


    Su Tao stared at him in astonishment, as if she couldn''t believe those words came from Xie Jin''s mouth.


    Her head was tapped again, "What are you thinking? I meant sleeping as a noun, little peach. How can you be so impure now?"


    Su Tao: "..."


    She wasn''t thinking anything. Su Tao pushed hard against his chest with both hands, shoving him away. She turned around, opened the door, and said, "I didn''t think of nouns or verbs, just sleep by yourself, goodbye."


    With a "bang," Xie Jin''s line of sight was blocked. He immediately opened the door and watched Su Tao''s almost fleeing back. The corners of his mouth curved up in a smile.


    Because Fu Chengcheng kept following them, Su Tao personally apanied Jiang Qi to dance practice and rehearsals.


    Jiang Qi seemed to have really calmed down. When he saw Su Tao, he just nodded at her indifferently and didn''t look at her again.


    This made Su Tao feel much more rxed. At least this time, keeping himpany the whole time didn''t cause her any psychological burden.


    Jiang Qi first met up with the team members and practiced the dance together. In the afternoon, they went to the event venue stage to walk through the rehearsal twice. The live broadcast would officially start in the evening.


    Everything went smoothly in the morning. When they arrived at the event venue, the dressing rooms were shared by the entire team. Su Tao had stayed up untiltest night, so now she was having trouble keeping her eyes open.


    Jiang Qi was with the team members now. Even if Fu Chengcheng came looking for him, there would be others around, so nothing too ambiguous could be caught on camera.


    She just instructed Yue Xuan not to let them meet alone.


    After giving the instructions, Su Tao found a corner to sit in one of the empty seats at the venue. No matter how wonderful the rehearsal was on stage, it couldn''t stop her from dozing off. She soon fell asleep leaning against the chair.


    She didn''t know how long she slept, but in her groggy state, she felt someone approaching. Instinctively she opened her eyes, and sensed the person nearing her had left again. Through blurry eyes, it looked like Jiang Qi. She rubbed her eyes again and scanned the venue, but didn''t see Jiang Qi anywhere.


    Maybe it was just her imagination.


    With that bit of sleep, Su Tao didn''t continue napping and went to the dressing room to find Jiang Qi, Yue Xuan and the others instead.


    The rehearsals throughout the afternoon went very smoothly, so smoothly that Su Tao, who had been very unlucky recently, felt it was unbelievable.


    During the live broadcast that night, it was Yue Xuan''s first time bringing an artist to such arge event. Although the boy group also had their own manager, Su Tao still had Yue Xuan keep an eye on the show''s run down and some important matters, to train her.


    So Su Tao was free to rx and enjoy the show, scrolling through her phone.


    With one nce at her phone, her little deer eyes instantly widened.


    Sure enough, the ease andfort were just an illusion!


    She had actually trended on hot search with Jiang Qi.


    The title was even more shocking than with Fu Chengcheng:


    #Jiang Qi''s Girlfriend Exposed#


    Clicking in, there were photos from various angles.


    Jiang Qi leaning in with feelings in his eyes as he stroked her hair.


    Jiang Qi sitting next to her, turning his head as if to kiss her.


    Su Tao''s mind buzzed. She recalled seeing Jiang Qi when she was dozing off, so it wasn''t her imagination after all.


    Unwilling to give up, she scrolled down looking for signs of a mistaken shot, after all, Jiang Qi had said he no longer liked her, and he had acted normal all day today.


    But all she saw were marketing ounts unanimously confirming Jiang Qi''s secret girlfriend had always been Su Tao. The two hadn''t announced it publicly for the sake of each other''s careers.


    She even found very clear videos.


    Jiang Qi walking over to her as she slept soundly, leaning down to smooth her hair, sitting next to her, moving her head onto his shoulder, waiting a while, then turning his head as if to kiss her until she woke up startled, and Jiang Qi took the opportunity to get up and leave.


    Su Tao pinched her slightly swollen brow, her pulse pounding at her temples. She opened Jiang Qi''s Weibo and super topic, which were full of fans'' voluntarily controlledments.


    When she opened her own Weibo, there was a row of identical question marks.


    It seemed the fans were still confused about this hot search, and also because of Su Tao''s previously umted good reputation, they didn''t attack her like they did with Chengcheng. Instead, they chose to wait for an exnation.


    Su Tao took three deep breaths, feeling the situation was still controble.


    She immediately edited a Weibo to control the fans'' emotions and give them some peace of mind.


    Su Tao: Regarding the untrue online statements, mypany reserves the right to pursue legal liability. Thepany statement andwyer''s letter will be released afterwards, please don''t spread rumors.


    Su Tao urgently called thepany''s general manager, asking them to quickly release a statement.


    Then she asked the tech department to trace the IP.


    But before the IP trace even started, Fu Chengcheng posted a Weibo, essentially confessing on her own.


    She imed to have seen Su Tao in Jiang Qi''s room. She also took the opportunity to clear her own name, saying she was used by Su Tao as a shield to cover up the rtionship, and her words were full of grievance.


    This was clearly Li Yao''s new strategy - take advantage of the hype over Su Tao''s scandal to whitewash her own artist.


    After stopping the CP hype, this was a vicious kick.


    Su Tao tightly squeezed her phone with her fingers, splitting her already fragile nails again.


    It was just when Jiang Qi''s team was on stage performing. The whole venue went dark, then fireworks lit up around the stage. Su Tao looked up, the clear pupils reflecting the fiery light, and the silhouettes of nine handsome youths.


    She turned around and walked towards the backstage, the fiery light in her eyes fading and reced by gloominess. She called Li Yao, her Clear Spring voice now gloomy.


    "Thank you for the hot search, wait for my big surprise."


    The boss had flown awaytest night and flown back early this morning.


    After returning, he had switched to hell mode.


    Wu Xieyu was extremely nervous at this moment, standing in front of the ominous dark door. He took three deep breaths but still didn''t have the courage to knock on the door.


    Finally, he told the secretary who hade with him, "If I''m not out in ten minutes, I''ve probably pretended to faint. Be smart ande in to save me."


    After saying that, he knocked on the solemn door as if walking to his execution.


    A row of executives already stood in front of the desk, all with lowered brows and eyes, not daring to speak up.


    Xie Jin sat in the swivel chair facing the window, only showing them a cold and stern side profile.


    The ice-cold and terrifying aura made even Wu Xieyu, who had prepared a contingency n, not dare to approach.


    He saw the hot searches about Jiang Qi and Su Tao, and knew the boss would be furious again. They would all be unlucky today.


    The room was deathly quiet, and everyone knew from experience that this was the calm before the storm.


    "Knock knock knock"


    The sudden knocking made everyone''s pounding hearts skip a beat, and the sound of gasps could be heard.


    Then, Wu Xieyu''s petite secretary pushed open the door and stood there slender and gentle.


    This was the first brave soul after Su Tao to directly open the door without permission.


    Everyone had silently mourned for him in their hearts.


    "Mr. Wu, Mr. Xie, Su Tao has posted a rification on Weibo."


    The little secretary handed the tablet in her hand to Wu Xieyu. He had actually not thought of anything before rushing in, just wanting to save his own boss.


    Although he had only followed Wu Xieyu for a year, he also knew seven or eight things about the boss''s rtionship with Su Tao. So he felt this rification Weibo could improve the boss''s mood.


    Wu Xieyu red at the little secretary, then his gaze fell on theputer screen. But after just one nce, he froze, and gradually the corners of his mouth rose as his face showed joy. He excitedly said, "Boss..."


    With a nce up, Xie Jin had already turned around and was looking at him coolly.


    Wu Xieyu immediately handed over the tablet.


    Su Tao v: Regarding the testimony identified by @Fu Chengcheng, I deeply suspect her motives.


    As Jiang Qi''s agent, I was always with the executing agent Le Xuan waiting in Jiang Qi''s room, in order to prevent a certain person who had followed us to the hotel from having a chance to create a scandal. I didn''t expect that when the scandal could not be cooked up, the spear would be turned around.


    Moreover, my current boyfriend @Xie Jin was also at the hotel that night, so this baseless usation is unfounded, a behavior that fools the public.


    I will pursue legal liability for Fu Chengcheng''s nderous behavior.


    Xie Jin''s gaze lingered only on the sentence "My current boyfriend @Xie Jin", reading it over and over again, uncertain whether his eyes were blurred. He beckoned to several executives.


    "Read this sentence to me again."


    Wu Xieyu took the initiative to step forward and read it out loud and sonorously: "My current boyfriend Xie Jin."


    Xie Jin pursed his lips tightly, then rxed them. The solemn aura all over his body faded away. He screenshot the page and looked at it repeatedly before putting theputer down.


    He raised his eyes, seeming to have just noticed that everyone was standing in a row like being punished. He pressed down with his palms to the crowd and said gently, "Sit down, everyone."


    The hot searches forst night''s "Yingfeng Night" didn''t even beat the hot searches for Su Tao, Jiang Qi and Fu Chengcheng.


    The three of them upied the top five spots. Not to mention the various evidence of reversals, Su Tao also publicly announced her rtionship with Xie Jin in a roundabout way.


    They already had CP fans, and the poprity rose at once.


    Plus there were unexpectedly several pieces of ck history that Fu Chengcheng had been sponsored, seeming to be irond, but the information hadn''t been released in full yet.


    At this moment, Su Tao was sitting steadily in her office, watching Li Yao who had rushed over covered in dust. She cidly ced several folders neatly in front of her.


    "Sister Li, I said I would give you a big gift."


    Li Yao looked angrily at the calm Su Tao across from her, somewhat exasperated: "Where did you find all this?"


    Su Tao smiled lightly. "Keep a few more paparazzi informants, what information can''t be found? There must be sacrifice for gain. I''ve never begrudged spending this petty cash."


    Li Yao knew that the "petty cash" she was talking about was a considerable amount. Ordinary brokerage firms actually couldn''t bear to spend money to feed these resources that might not be useful.


    But at this moment it had subverted her long-held ideas.


    Because at critical moments, it could indeed be a fatal blow.


    Su Tao reached out and flipped through the documents in front, taking out one and tapping it. "There''s also information about stic surgery, the hospital, the doctor, and medical records. I heard you just got Fu Chengcheng an endorsement for a beauty brand. It''s said the penalty for breach of contract is quite astonishing."


    It was almost an industry standard that fashion and beauty endorsements would not use actresses with a history of cosmetic surgery.


    If it was exposed that she had gone under the knife at this time, not to mention the newly signed contract going yellow, the amount of liquidated damages was indeed huge.


    "Su Tao!" Li Yao''s eyes were about to split, she was so angry that smoke was practicallying out of her seven orifices, but she couldn''t get angry. After calming herself down, she gritted her teeth and said, "What do you want?"


    "It''s simple. I''m easygoing and don''t hold grudges. As long as you show sincerity, I won''t keep hounding you. After all, destroying Fu Chengcheng doesn''t do me any good either."


    Li Yao looked at Su Tao''s face, tranquil and aloof, and the pile of ck materials on the table. The corners of her eyes twitched.


    Damn, easygoing and doesn''t hold grudges her ass!


    Li Yao endured for a long time before finally admitting defeat at the hands of this young girl. With a frustrated expression she said, "Is the sincerity enough with the dual endorsement we previously agreed on, plus a fashion red carpet invitation rmendation?"


    Su Tao''s eyes lit up. The fashion red carpet invitation rmendation was truly sincere. She finally nodded satisfactorily, collecting all the folders and smiling as she held out her hand, "Sister Li, pleasure working with you."


    Li Yao was in no mood to shake hands with her. She left Su Tao''s office in humiliation.


    Everyone in the outer office public area had seen Li Yao stomping in furiously, looking like she was itching for a fight heading straight for Su Tao''s office. They even broke into a cold sweat for their boss, after all Li Yao''s petty behavior was notorious, extremely difficult to deal with.


    They didn''t expect that in less than ten minutes, she fled in defeat. They all secretly admired Su Tao.


    Not having slept wellst night and fighting all day, Su Tao was extremely tired. Her brain could no longer function.


    She vaguely felt that she seemed to have forgotten to handle something important, but no matter how she tried, she couldn''t remember what she had forgotten.


    Totally exhausted, she returned home. As soon as she opened the door, she discovered to her surprise that the light was on and a familiar burnt smell wasing from the kitchen.


    She tiptoed to the kitchen and saw a tall and dignified figure. She finally remembered what she had forgotten.


    In her urgency, she had neglected to discuss with him before unterally using Xie Jin as a human shield, and had forgotten to tell him.


    Xie Jin was struggling with a steak, which had already been pan-fried ck, following the trend of swallowing pillsst time.


    She really wanted to tell him to let the steak go.


    Su Tao: "Why don''t I pan-fry it?"


    Su Tao suddenly spoke, startling Xie Jin so that he almost dropped the spat.


    Xie Jin: "Howe you''re home so early today?"


    He had wanted to secretly pan-fry the steak to surprise her.


    Su Tao threw away his over-fried, raw inside steak, scrubbed the pan, added a pat of butter, and turned on low heat.


    As she pan-fried, she exined to Xie Jin: "You can''t use too high heat to pan-fry steak, or the outside will burn while the inside is still raw."


    Xie Jin nodded, with an expression of sudden realization. "So I slowly pan-fried you well-done over low heat?"


    Su Tao nced at him, not understanding the nonsense he was spewing.


    "When did you decide to make up with me?" Xie Jin''s smile was unrestrained. Beaming, he said, "You wanted to surprise me, right?"


    She flipped the steak and carefully considered how to exin to him. "Actually, I..."


    "Let''s do this."


    Xie Jin interrupted her words. He pondered for a few seconds, seeming to have given it careful thought before speaking.


    "Let''s not be too impulsive either. Let''s set the wedding for next month. Do you want to go to Guam, or Fiji, Tahiti is fine too."


    Su Tao: "..."

 Chapter 50: Listen to Me 31 (with Modifications)

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    "We don''t need to hurry to buy a house in Jiang City. It''s gettingte today, so let''s go tomorrow instead. What we should be most concerned about now is the zodiac sign and birth month of our child. It''s said that one''s astrological sign greatly impacts their personality..."


    Su Tao just silently watched as Xie Jin immersed himself in his own world.


    He seemed to have already considered the baby form brand, elementary school district, and even which university the child would attend in the future.


    "Xie Jin, stop for a moment," Su Tao helplessly called for him to halt his endless musings, handing him a te. "Bring the steak over. Let''s sit down and have a proper discussion."


    Xie Jin felt there were many things that needed careful research, so he obediently carried the te over to the dining table, prepared to make ns with her.


    In order to promptly avoid any misunderstanding on his part, Su Tao directly rified, "I''m sorry, I used you as a human shield without consulting you first."


    Xie Jin''s smile froze on his face as he was finally pulled back from the world of his imaginings. He slowly froze over, bing a still picture.


    After a long pause, his long eyshes finally fluttered as the corners of his mouth turned down. His pitch ck pupils dulled and darkened, his eyebrows knitting together slightly as he looked at Su Tao and asked her word for word, "A hu-man shield?"


    Su Tao apologetically cut the steak on the te into pieces and switched their tes, continuing to cut while also alleviating her guilt.


    "The situation was urgent at the time. Li Yao kept spreading rumors, so I needed a convincing reason to reassure fans. Wasn''t the CP we hyped up before coincidentally gaining poprity? So I just conveniently used it..."


    Xie Jin''s breathing hitched as he slowly frowned, "When did I ever hype up a CP with you? Everything I posted on Weibo was truthful."


    The steak was also fully cut. Su Tao truly didn''t know what else she could do to alleviate her guilt, so she sped her hands together, picking at her nails. One cracked nail that was already chipped had another piece pried off by her, and with a bit of force, the nail was ripped offpletely, tearing the cuticle.


    "Ow!" The piercing pain made Su Tao suck in a breath.


    Xie Jin immediately grabbed her hand, looking at the blood flowing from her fair finger. A stabbing pain went through his heart and he couldn''t help butin, "I told you to take calcium supplements but you never listen. You don''t eat calcium pills, seafood, or even like drinking milk...so picky..."


    Xie Jin suddenly realized he didn''t yet have the right to scold her. She had only used him as a human shield, not wanting to get back together with him. They didn''t have any rtionship right now.


    There was a heavy stone pressing down on his heart. He silently got up to find the first aid kit, took out some iodine disinfectant to apply to her wound, and put on a bandaid, not saying a word.


    Su Tao observed his expression and tried to speak lightly, "Didn''t you say you wanted fairpensation for your efforts? You can calcte how much money I owe you."


    Xie Jin lowered his eyes, silently wrapping up her bandaid. After a long pause, he finally slowly nced up, "Fairpensation is to turn the lies into truth."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Xie Jin walked to stand in front of her chair, half-crouching to look at her face-to-face at close range. His deep, dark eyes were like a pool reflecting her face. "Little Taotao, I''ve always been afraid to ask, worried about disturbing our current harmony. But since it''s out in the open today, I want an answer. Have you forgiven me?"


    Su Tao met his gaze and immediately nodded, "I''ve forgiven you."


    No matter if it was a misunderstanding or the contradictions caused by his behavior, he had genuinely changed now.


    But forgiveness also meant letting go. She only wanted to devote all her energy into her career now, fulfilling her ambitions. She didn''t want to spare any more effort on other things.


    "Then can we start over?" Xie Jin asked the question he''d always wanted to ask, his eyes full of hope as he anticipated the answer he desired.


    Su Tao''s gaze flickered slightly as she slowly lowered her eyes, longshes covering her eyes to hide her emotions. "I don''t want to date right now."


    The light in Xie Jin''s eyes dimmed, unconceble disappointment filling them. There was a faint pain in his chest, like little needles asionally pricking him - not enough to be fatal, but very tormenting.


    Su Tao looked at the two tes, one untouched and already cold steak between them. She got up, walked past Xie Jin to the living room, and curled up on the sofa, fiddling with her phone.


    After a moment to collect himself, Xie Jin stood up with a deep breath to calm his emotions. He picked up the steaks and went to the kitchen, turning on low heat to reheat the cold meat before taking a fork and a te of steak to the living room.


    He sat down beside Su Tao, spearing a piece and bringing it to her lips.


    Su Tao nced at him while messing with her phone, reaching to take the fork only for Xie Jin to evade her grasp. He brought the steak back to her mouth and directly ordered, "Open your mouth."


    The guilt in her heart made Su Tao look at him and obediently open her mouth, eating the steak.


    Xie Jin proceeded to feed Su Tao piece by piece until the te was finished. He then went to reheat the other te.


    While heating the steak, Xie Jin could faintly hear Su Tao''s voice in the living room, seeming to chat with someone on WeChat.


    He cocked his ear to listen while heating the steak, catching snippets.


    "Help me find one... you can set the price... Yeah, I''ll just rify it on Weibo... hurry... Right, preferably tonight."


    After turning off the heat, Xie Jin walked to Su Tao with a dark expression, heavily setting the te on the coffee table to demonstrate his displeasure.


    "Find what?" He asked in a low voice, his cold gaze falling on her phone, clearly ready to snatch it if she didn''t confess.


    Su Tao didn''t n on hiding anything from him at all and directly admitted, "I can''t fulfill your conditions, so I have a new CP partner candidate lined up to rify things on Weiboter."


    Xie Jin''s breath hitched, his chest instantly feeling stuffy and limbs turning cold as his heartbeat became irregr in an instant.


    "New CP partner?" Xie Jin clutched his chest, forcefully suppressing his fury. "You talk about it like buying vegetables at the market? You just posted on Weibo that I''m your current boyfriend, not even one night has passed, and you''re changing it already?"


    Su Tao''s soft, gently sticky voice was like a punch into cotton when Xie Jin was on the verge of losing control, dissipating some of his anger.


    In the end, his tightly clenched fist rxed as he let out a defeated sigh, the hoarseness in his tone fully conveying hispromised helplessness.


    "Calcte how much is suitable, and I''ll pay you that much to be your human shield."


    Su Tao looked up at him in surprise, asking, "Really?"


    "But I have another condition," Xie Jin immediately regretted it a little and added a bargaining chip. "I want to sleep with you, just innocently sharing a bed. Don''t get any ideas."


    Su Tao gave him an incredulous look. Who was getting ideas? It was him always taking things in a perverted direction.


    She felt his condition went too far. No matter how innocent, it was still a man and woman sleeping in one bed. Which non-couple could do that?


    "Then I''ll just spend money to find someone else." Xie Jin flicked Su Tao''s forehead, clearly ready to make her regret it if she dared mention finding someone else again.


    Hepromised again, proposing another demand. "Then change it to you must apany me for meals everyday. Even if we''re in different ces, we''ll eat together over video call."


    Su Tao thought about it. Although this condition was also not quite normal, it was still more eptable than sleeping together. She nodded, agreeing to the deal.


    Under Xie Jin''s scrutiny, Su Tao informed her colleague over voice message that she didn''t need them to find anyone for her anymore.


    After receiving their affirmative reply, Xie Jin finally rxed.


    Su Tao raised her phone to selfie mode and actively sat next to Xie Jin. "Help me take a selfie. Fans will question it if we don''t interact."


    "That will cost extra," Xie Jin coldly said, clearly still upset.


    "The price is negotiable."


    Su Tao smiled slyly with narrowed eyes, stretching out her arm so the two faces showed on the selfie screen.


    With Xie Jin''s face being so photogenic, Su Tao could only rely on angles to "outshine" him.


    Xie Jin nced at Su Tao, who had suddenly bepetitive for no reason. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. The moment she finally found the perfect angle and pressed the shutter button, he leaned down and kissed her on the face.


    Then he said impassively, "When showing affection, you have to take intimate photos like this. Otherwise, who will believe you?"


    Su Tao looked up at him with astonished doe eyes.


    He raised an eyebrow and spoke in a businesslike, ruthless tone. "What are you looking at me for? For interactive photos like this, there''s an extra charge. I''ll add it to the card you gave me directly."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao posted the photo showing affection from yesterday. Amidst the flood of congrattoryments, the most popr pinnedment said: It feels a bit contrived. Is Xie Jin the kind of person who likes shy disys of affection?


    There were both rebuttals and agreements below.


    The rebuttals said: Didn''t you watch the show? One look from Su Tao and Chairman Xie cowers. Is there anything he won''t do for Su Tao?


    The agreements said: It''s precisely because Xie Jin likes Su Tao so much that isn''t it possible Su Tao is taking advantage of Xie Jin''s feelings to help clear up her scandal with Jiang Qi? After all, taking an intimate photo is so easy.


    There were people on both sides, but most didn''t believe Su Tao and Xie Jin were really together. After all, Su Tao had never shown any affection for Xie Jin in public.


    As Su Tao browsed thements fromizens, she felt a little worried. After all, blockingments doesn''t solve the root issue. What she needed now was powerful proof.


    It just so happened that the famous film director Na Liang''s 70th birthday banquet wasing up, and he had invited Su Tao.


    Na Liang could be called the golden director of thest century. The films he directed had all be ssics, and many stars rose to fame by acting in one of his movies. His poprity in the industry goes without saying.


    Not just anyone was invited to Na Liang''s birthday banquet. Everyone wanted to attend. After all, the invitees were all top-notch in the industry. Whether it was affirmation of one''s status or expanding connections, there was only benefit to be had and no downside.


    As the boss of Jingyang Entertainment, even Zhang Qi Guang didn''t have the qualifications to attend, but Su Tao was invited. This was still giving face to her mother in the end.


    When Su Tao learned that Xie Jin was also on the guest list, she started thinking about how to take advantage of this exposure and shatter the doubts of fans andizens in one fell swoop.


    Na Liang''s birthday banquet was being held at his vi halfway up North Mountain.


    Because so many big name stars and top-tier celebrities were attending, it naturally attracted a lot of media as well.


    Su Tao deliberately asked Xie Jin to arrive together so they could make an appearance in front of the media.


    Su Tao''s look today was still produced by makeup artist Jiajia. She wore a light purple halterneck shoulder-baring long dress, gentle and refined. The deep V-neck design showed off her womanly charm.


    Her half-up princess hairstyle was held in ce with just a single pearl hairpin, which along with her beautiful features and exquisite makeup, meant Su Tao was just as dazzling as any female celebrity when she appeared.


    If her looks were on par, then standing next to Xie Jin as he thoughtfully draped his own suit jacket over her shoulders made her even more enviable.


    Even just standing there expressionlessly, Xie Jin gave off amanding aura like that of an emperor.


    But standing by his side, Su Tao not only didn''t be a supporting character under his attentive care. On the contrary, she vaguely exhibited the air of a queen. With just a casual nce at Xie Jin, she was arrogant and fearless.


    It wasn''t that Su Tao was arrogant, but on such a hot day, he had draped his jacket containing his body warmth over her, causing sweat to seep out at her temples. She red at Xie Jin in great dissatisfaction, but he pretended not to see.


    "Why did you put your jacket on me?" Su Tao said quietly to Xie Jin, wanting to take the jacket off.


    Xie Jin spoke nonsense with a straight face and steady heart. "The weather is too cool. I was afraid you would be cold."


    "Take it off." Su Tao red at Xie Jin.


    Xie Jin''s expression froze. Reluctantly, he removed the jacket from her body. He wished he could directly cover those cameras shamelessly taking photos of Su Tao.


    The two of them bickered their way past the long line of cameras. Once they passed through the vi to the swimming pool area, the poolside party officially began as dusk fell. With the sea beyond the mountain and the lingering glow of sunset, the party started.


    Although Na Liang was still quite robust for his age of 70, he still couldn''t handle the lively music and overly noisy atmosphere. After cutting the cake, he sat in a rocking chair on the balcony of the second floor of the vi, watching the sunset.


    In fact, this poolside birthday bash was the idea of his grandson, Na Zheng Lai, the currently popr blockbuster director who had already earned billions at the box office.


    Na Zheng Lai really liked lively scenes and was very popr in the industry, so Su Tao deliberately chatted with him for a bit. Xie Jin apanied her the whole time.


    Because the music was a little loud, whenever Na Zheng Lai leaned in to talk to Su Tao, he had to get very close.


    But each time he got near, Na Zheng Lai could feel a strong cold aura sweeping over. It didn''t feel likete summer or early autumn, but rather the depths of winter.


    "Chairman Xie, Boss Su, make yourselves at home. I''ll go greet some people over there." Na Zheng Lai really couldn''t stand Xie Jin''s icy gaze, so he chose to leave.


    "When are we leaving?" As soon as Na Zheng Lai left, Xie Jin urged her to leave with him.


    "We just got here." Su Tao wanted to connect with everyone here and was even worried she didn''t bring enough business cards.


    Xie Jin followed her around like a little tail, going wherever Su Tao went. Wherever she went, he followed. Anyone who actively tried to chat with him, he ignored. His eyes never left Su Tao.


    Finally unable to stand it, Su Tao pulled Xie Jin to a less crowded spot and gently said, "There''s no more media here. You can move around freely now. You don''t have to keep following me."


    Xie Jin shook his head and spoke as if he had great professional ethics, "That won''t do. You hired me, so I must fulfill my duties."


    Su Tao''s face sank. With him on her heels, everyone spoke just a few sentences before ending the conversation. How was she supposed to socialize when she couldn''t even hand out her business cards?


    Su Tao surveyed the entire scene and saw a circle of tycoons sitting together. She recognized several of them. They had juste to talk to Xie Jin earlier, but he ignored them.


    Su Tao took the initiative to grab Xie Jin''s hand and led him over to the tycoon circle.


    All the way as he was pulled along by the hand, the corners of Xie Jin''s mouth raised imperceptibly and the cold aura around his body disappeared. Pressing his lips together, he had the appearance of someone with surging emotions in his heart.


    But in a sh, Su Tao pressed him down into a seat. She handed out her business cards and greeted those nearby. Then she patted Xie Jin on the shoulder and smiled faintly, "You sit here and chat with everyone. Don''t wander off, okay?"


    It was like a mother who was annoyed by her unruly child and left him at daycare to happily y by herself, urging him to get along happily with the other children.


    Not far from the tycoon circle was a group of currently popr young celebrities. Everyone held a ss of champagne and sat together on a curved outdoor sofa, ying a dice game.


    Among the young celebrities was Liu Xiangyi, who felt very familiar with Su Tao and actively went over to chat.


    "Chairman Xie, Boss Su, long time no see." Liu Xiangyi came over with a ss of champagne and greeted the other tycoon bosses sitting there as well.


    "What are you guys ying?" Su Tao seemed to have found a breakthrough and asked.


    "Rolling dice, kind of like truth or dare." Liu Xiangyi invited, "Would you two like to join? Come on over."


    Xie Jin disdainfully nced at the noisy crowd and felt it was childish. He shook his head uninterestedly.


    "I''ll y." Su Tao immediately agreed and followed Liu Xiangyi to the young artist group.


    Xie Jin, whose heart had just been surging with emotion, watched Su Tao''s cheerful figure as she abandoned him. His face instantly turned ck.


    The cold, gloomy aura once again swept over his entire body. He coldly turned to look at the tycoon bosses secretly staring at him and spoke in a low voice, "Let''s chat."


    "Is it okay for us to leave like this?" Liu Xiangyi nced back at Xie Jin''s murderous gaze and felt he might be assassinated.


    "It''s fine." Su Tao patted Liu Xiangyi''s arm to reassure him.


    Su Tao enjoyed hanging out with young people. Their youthful energy, on top of all being popr top-tier celebrities, she would profit from poaching any single one of them.


    The game they were ying was actually just a spinning wheel with dice. It had many punishments and privileges written on it.


    Answering a question; choosing someone to ask you a question; taking off an article of clothing; granting the request of the person to your left; choosing someone to sing a song; the person to your right dances, and so on.


    Su Tao looked at the dozen or so punishment options on the spin wheel and felt that the person who had prepared this wheel was truly talented.


    Since Su Tao had just joined, it was her turn to start. She spun andnded on "Answer a question" for her punishment.


    Of course, if she didn''t want to do the assigned punishment, she could drink a ss of wine instead.


    "Alright, who''s asking?" Su Tao readily epted the punishment.


    Several people spoke up at the same time, surprisingly asking the same question in unison: "Are you in a rtionship with Mr. Xie?"


    After asking, everyone burst outughing. It was clear Su Tao and Xie Jin''s rtionship was something they were all concerned about.


    Su Tao smiled and nodded, tacitly admitting it.


    This made everyone cheer and apud again.


    Their chorus of agreement could be heard loud and clear by the big shots next door.


    The CEO of a certain venture capital firm who had just been rejected with a ¡°not interested¡± after discussing a coboration with Xie Jin, heard the cheers next door and knowingly smiled, saying: "Our Mr. Xie and the great agent Su Tao really are a perfect match. They look especially like a married couple."


    Xie Jin slowly turned his head away from Su Tao''s direction and looked at him, satisfaction filling his deep eyes. "Hmm, good eye. Let''s discuss that coboration you mentioned earlier."


    After a round of the game, it was Su Tao''s turn again.


    She pressed the button and the dice finallynded on: Hug the person to your left.


    "Hug the person to your left, that''s Liu Xiangyi!" A woman with a loud voice read out the punishment on the wheel.


    Liu Xiangyi, who was sitting to Su Tao''s left, froze up, and immediately felt a sense of gloom. He looked in the direction of the feeling and saw Xie Jin walking over with a sinister look, exuding a murderous aura.


    Liu Xiangyi immediately stood up and jumped far away, waving his hands in panic as if he were a frightened young bride fearing harassment: "No, no, Teacher Su, can I just drink instead? I''ll take the penalty."


    As he spoke, Xie Jin had already approached. His face was dark and his eyes sinisterly scanned the room before finally settling on Su Tao.


    Xie Jin had a reputation for being cold and vicious with his words. Just as everyone expected him to scold them, Su Tao raised her face and gently asked: "What''s wrong?"


    Only then did Xie Jin put away his sinister gaze. Although his voice was low, itcked the viciousness and coldness everyone imagined, instead being unexpectedly gentle: "I want to y too."


    Everyone: "..."


    But we don''t want to y with you...


    However, Su Tao happened to need to use the bathroom, so she voluntarily gave up her spot to him, saying: "Perfect, I''m going to the restroom, you can y a round for me."


    When Su Tao said this, everyone mentally cried out.


    Xie Jin: ...Take me away.


    Everyone: ...Take him away.


    But Su Tao held Xie Jin down when he tried to follow her, forcibly sitting him back in the seat so he couldn''te with her. She patted his shoulder, signaling for him to stay and y a round.


    Although Xie Jin was extremely unwilling, he obediently sat down.


    After Su Tao left, Xie Jin stopped concealing his overbearing aura at all.


    The sky darkened and colorful lights lit up the surroundings. But the rainbow lights reflecting in his pitch-ck eyes didn''t have a hint of romance, instead appearing eerily peaceful against the sinister swamp, making them seem even more horrifying.


    Liu Xiangyi, sitting next to him, couldn''t help but shift away, trying to get as far as possible from this gloomy big shot to avoid being affected.


    "Let''s y," the cold voicezily spoke.


    Everyone obeyed as if following an order, cing the spin wheel in front of him.


    Xie Jinzily reached out and pressed the button. The three dice spun around inside, finally stopping at a total of eight points.


    Everyone looked to the punishment for eight points: Post an embarrassing selfie.


    Xie Jin''s gloomy gaze stared at the five words, then he slowly raised his eyes, looking at everyone. "Should I post it?"


    Everyone quickly waved their hands: "No need, no need, no need..."


    "No need?" Xie Jin reached for the champagne Su Tao had left on the table. "Then what''s the point of ying?"


    No one knew if it was on purpose or an ident, but the champagne ss fell to the ground and shattered.


    He looked at the pieces on the floor, a hint of a sly smile on his lips, and came up with a n. He reached down to pick up the sharp shards, instantly cutting his index finger.


    Xie Jin straightened up, satisfied as he held up his hand and looked at the blood flowing from the wound down to his palm.


    The inadvertent bloodthirsty look in his eyes frightened everyone.


    His expression was too bizarre and creepy. Several timid female celebrities had already gotten up and backed away, covering their mouths.


    But Xie Jin didn''t realize he had scared people. To him, using an injury to make his little peach agree to leave this ce seemed perfectly normal and beneficial. He didn''t know why they were backing away.


    Right then Su Tao came back. Seeing the scene before her, she quickly went to Xie Jin''s side and asked: "What happened?"


    Xie Jin immediately changed his expression, holding out his bleeding hand to Su Tao andining resentfully: "They bullied me."


    Everyone: "..."

 Chapter 51: Listen to Me 032

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    Su Tao frowned as she saw the blood flowing from his hand to his shirtsleeve. She immediately grabbed some tissues to wrap around the wound, but the tissues were soon stained red with blood and could not stop the bleeding.


    "How did you hurt yourself?" Su Tao looked at the shocking red and her voice involuntarily rose as her bright eyes glistened with moisture.


    Xie Jin had not expected Su Tao to react so strongly. He thought he would have to pretend to be weak to gain her sympathy.


    He panicked a little and pulled Su Tao''s hand to reassure her, "It''s nothing, I just got hurt while ying a game."


    Su Tao looked at the spinning top and then at the others around them. Her usually calm tone now carried a hint of irritated questioning, "How could you hurt your hand so badly just from a game?"


    Everyone else saw the ident and gathered around. Na Zheng Lai immediately called over the housekeeper to bring the first aid kit. He also asked the performers who had been ying games, "How could you hurt Chairman Xie''s hand like this?"


    Xie Jin allowed Su Tao to bandage him and waved his other hand magnanimously, "Forget it, I''m not ming them."


    The performers: ......


    It had nothing to do with them in the first ce.


    After Su Tao finally stopped the bleeding and bandaged Xie Jin''s finger, she recovered from her earlier loss of control.


    The now calm and rational Su Tao looked at the ostrich-like performers, then at the broken ss on the ground, and thoughtfully nced at Xie Jin, as if she understood something.


    She said to the worried Na Zheng Lai, "Don''t worry, Director Na. I''ll take him to the hospital for a tetanus shot and he''ll be fine."


    Under everyone''s concerned gaze, the two of them left in the car.


    Su Tao nced at Xie Jin, who was still pretending to be weak, and slowly asked, "So what really happened?"


    Xie Jin staunchly stuck to his lies, "Like I said, we were just ying a game earlier. They wanted me to post an embarrassing photo on Weibo but I didn''t want to. The ss broke during the argument and I identally cut my hand."


    "Who could force you to post it if you didn''t want to? You smashed the ss yourself right? Just to get me to leave with you?"


    After Su Tao mercilessly exposed Xie Jin''s lies, she let out a soft sigh, "If you wanted me to leave early, you should have just told me directly. Why hurt your hand over this?"


    "I already told you but you still wouldn''t go..."


    He didn''t dare rush her to leave. Just getting her to put on a coat took kneeling and begging with lychees already. If he forcibly made her leave, he was afraid even kneeling wouldn''t work anymore.


    "Were you...worried just now?" Recalling her earlier anxious reaction, a smile slowly crept into Xie Jin''s dark eyes.


    Su Tao ignored him and drove straight to the hospital.


    Holding up her skirt, she ran up and down in Xie Jin''s suit jacket to register, pay and collect medication under the watchful and admiring eyes of others.


    Perhaps due to her exceptional looks or beautiful dress, many people even took out their phones to photograph her.


    After going through all the procedures, Su Tao drove Xie Jin back to the vi. On the way, they passed by a Western restaurant and picked up takeout dinner for both of them.


    Taking advantage of his injured hand, Xie Jin enjoyed Su Tao''s meticulous care.


    After feeding him dinner, Xie Jin suggested watching a movie. Su Tao washed some fruit and brought it over for him to eat.


    Loungingfortably on the sofa, Xie Jin admired his injured hand again. How clever he was toe up with this scheme! Not only did he avoid kneeling and begging, he even got such special treatment.


    Sitting next to him, Su Tao watched the movie together. As she picked up a strawberry to eat it, Xie Jin leaned over to take a bite, his tongue lightly brushing her fingertips.


    Holding up the finger he had touched, Su Tao looked at him and calmly took out a tissue to wipe it.


    "You...shouldn''t go home tonight. If something happens to me in my disabled state, there''ll be no one to help me." Xie Jin scrupulouslyid out the reasons for asking her to stay, with hopeful lights shining in his eyes.


    "Mm."


    Although Su Tao only softly murmured in reply, triumphant background music instantly sounded in Xie Jin''s mind, along with fireworks bursting, as if celebrating the new year.


    Admiring his obliging injured finger again, he raised his eyebrows and turned his wicked gaze on the other fingers, ready to sacrifice them anytime.


    They finally finished watching an old foreign arthouse film. Despite Xie Jin''s irritable personality, he enjoyed these kinds of movies. Su Tao would never understand his taste, and had started dozing off leaning against the sofa halfway through, as if listening to a luby.


    Suddenly, she felt something press against her mouth and opened her eyes. A face was right in front of her, his eyes closed uneasily, longshes lightly fluttering, brushing her eyshes.


    Xie Jin had barely touched her lips when he was discovered. His breath hitched.


    Figuring he would get a beating anyway, he decisively nted a solid kiss. Su Tao frowned, "You..."


    "I''m wrong." Xie Jin''s apologies now rolled right off his tongue, so skilled it made one''s heart ache.


    Su Tao was a little more awake now. She dodged him, stretchedzily, and yawned as she got up to go sleep in the guest room upstairs.


    Familiar with the ce, she picked a room with an attached bathroom but discovered she had not brought anything with her.


    Su Tao went to the master bedroom walk-in closet and looked around. She couldn''t find anything pink left.


    But nothing else of hers was missing.


    She found a set of her old pajamas and shook them out. Surprisingly, there wasn''t a speck of dust, evidently they had been regrlyundered.


    She also took a new towel from the closet stock. Turning around, she saw the diamond bracelet still disyed prominently in the center of the jewelry stand.


    Touching the bracelet lightly, Su Tao recalled Qin Xue''s hysterical voice, "That was his mother''s keepsake. It''s said to be kept for her future daughter-inw."


    Bringing her thoughts back, she remembered there was makeup in the drawer below the bracelet. It shouldn''t have expired in just a year, right?


    She opened the drawer but the first thing that caught her eye wasn''t makeup, but a white envelope, along with a phone card and a note.


    The note said: I''m leaving, don''t look for me.


    Below the note was the resignation letter she had left behind that year.


    Su Tao took out the resignation letter. The envelope was a little crumpled with mottled water stains. Opening it, the letter paper inside was even more wrinkled, as if it had been balled up and then ttened out. There were more water stains on it.


    She could almost see Xie Jin taking out the resignation letter again and again to look at, crying as he read it each time.


    Su Tao neatly refolded the letter and put it back, taking out a makeup remover wipe. As she closed the drawer, she inadvertently opened the secondyer where she saw many medicine bottles.


    This drawer wasn''t originally used to store medicine, and yet all the bottles looked identical.


    Taking one out, it was still sealed and full. She didn''t recognize the drug name and looked at the small print on the bottle.


    Indications: This product is only suitable for treating severe insomnia disorders in cases of sporadic, temporary insomnia.


    Su Tao''s heart skipped a beat. Were these...sleeping pills?


    She looked at the medicine bottles in the drawer again, at least over ten, all unopened.


    Why did he stock up on so many sleeping pills?


    He didn''t have insomnia before.


    Holding a bottle of sleeping pills, Su Tao went to the living room to find Xie Jin but couldn''t find him. She searched the kitchen, dining room, study, growing increasingly anxious.


    She didn''t know if he also searched every room like this when he couldn''t find her back then, bing more dejected with each room he looked in.


    Finally she found Xie Jin in the very guest room she had chosen to stay in.


    He was already lying face down on the bed, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. But his eyshes kept fluttering lightly, sleeping very uneasily, as if a soft cough could jolt him awake.


    Yet she remembered he used to be a very sound sleeper.


    Dreaming of something, Xie Jin''s eyelids fluttered violently, his lips also kept trembling, his fingers seemed to be grasping at something. Suddenly, he woke up from his dream with a start.


    His hoarse voice shouted something indistinctly, eyes opening wide, already brimming with tears that rolled down in big drops.


    Su Tao immediately grabbed his hand and gently asked, "Had a nightmare?"


    Xie Jin blinked away the tears in his eyes. Seeing the person before him clearly, he froze for two seconds before pulling Su Tao into a tight embrace around her waist, burying his head against her as he broke down in sobs.


    Su Tao gently stroked his hair to slowly soothe his emotions. The man in her arms gradually calmed down.


    "What did you dream about?" Still holding the sleeping pills, Su Tao was curious to find out what exactly his sleep issues were.


    Xie Jin rubbed against her, turned his buried face to the side, and breathed fresh air. His voice was muffled: "It''s nothing."


    Su Tao held up the pill bottle in front of him and shook it. "Are you taking sleeping pills because you keep having nightmares, or because you can''t sleep?"


    Xie Jin immediately lifted his head, looking at her with red eyes, and asked hoarsely: "Where did you find them?"


    "In the drawer, dozens of bottles. Do you often have nightmares? Is it because of the nightmares that you can''t sleep? I remember you didn''t use to have insomnia or nightmares. When did it start?" Su Tao asked him many questions in session, but Xie Jin only lowered his eyes, hiding the emotions in them, seeming to be thinking about whether or not he should say.


    "Xie Jin," Su Tao held his face in both hands, wiping away the tear stains on his gaunt face, feeling that there was no extra flesh on his face. She said gently, "I want to know, tell me about it."


    Xie Jin couldn''t resist such a gentle little Su Tao. He swallowed, trying to make his tone sound more rxed: "I just take a little asionally now. The dosage is very small."


    "What dose did you need before to be able to sleep?" Su Tao looked at him closely with clear eyes, as if trying to discern the truth in his words.


    "Two or three pills." Xie Jin minimized the amount as much as possible.


    "Since when?"


    "...Just recently, work pressure is big..."


    "Tell the truth."


    Xie Jin slowly exhaled, gazing into Su Tao''s clear and bright eyes. After hesitating for a long time, he said softly: "A year ago, the day you left."


    "After I left, you couldn''t sleep?"


    "It''s not that I couldn''t sleep. It''s that as soon as I fell asleep, my dreams were full of your departing figure. Later after taking sleeping pills, I started being able to dream about our past happiness again, so I gradually became dependent on them."


    Su Tao''s brows remained furrowed, frowning more and more. She asked uprehendingly: "Why didn''t you tell me about faking your foot and hand injuries to gain my sympathy?"


    Xie Jin hesitated for a moment, lowered his eyes, and said softly: "Because that was real."


    Because it was real, he couldn''t say it.


    The foot and hand injuries were just excuses to get close to her. He didn''t really want to worry or sadden her.


    From the moment she said she had slept drunk with the young man she first met on the bridge, he knew that little Su Tao still loved him.


    It was just because of the misunderstanding from that photo, and her emotional fastidiousness, that made it so she couldn''t ept him.


    If she really didn''t want anything to do with him at all, she would never have revealed her true feelings while drunk.


    So he couldn''t tell her about his real pain, or she would cry.


    She wanted independence, and he supported her.


    If she didn''t want romance, he could wait.


    He was even willing to y the role of her shield.


    He was confident that he could dote on her until the moment she was willing to let go of her reservations and ept him again.


    "I''ve been much better since finding you, especially when we were sleeping in the same house. Just one pill stopped me from having that nightmare, and I didn''t need any pills at all sleeping next to you. I really am much better now."


    Xie Jin had only wanted to reassure her, but his words made Su Tao even more distressed.


    So it turned out he had always wanted to sleep with her because when he was with her, he didn''t need to take pills.


    Misty tears welled up in Su Tao''s clear eyes, and a glistening tear rolled down her face, falling onto the back of Xie Jin''s hand.


    The warm tear was like magma to Xie Jin, scalding his hand.


    Even though it scalded him, he immediately reached out to catch her falling tears, as if cradling a priceless gem, unwilling to let a single drop fall to the ground.


    "Good girl Su Tao, don''t cry. I can''t catch them all, I''ll have to go get a basin."


    Xie Jin''s words made Su Tao break into a smile amidst her tears, but the tears flowed even more fiercely. Crying andughing at the same time, her expression was veryplex.


    Tears also welled up in Xie Jin''s eyes, but seeing her like this, heughed out loud too. He took out his phone and recorded herughable and pitiable appearance.


    "What are you recording?" Su Tao reached out to grab his phone, but Xie Jin nimbly dodged away.


    "Your schizophrenic expression is perfect for making emojis." Although tears were still streaming down Xie Jin''s face, heughed and teased.


    Su Tao wiped away her tears and pouted, casually picking up the small makeup mirror from the table and holding it up to his face: "You should take a look at your own expression, it''s even more suitable."


    Amidst their mutual mockery, they had both stopped crying, and calmed down a bit, feeling a little awkward.


    Xie Jin put away his phone and coughed lightly a couple times, concealing his previous loss ofposure. "Well, you should sleep early. I''ll go out first."


    Su Tao called for him to wait. "Wait, you, are you going to take pills again?"


    Xie Jin honestly nodded. "Now I only need half a pill."


    Su Tao pursed her lips, her slightly reddened eyes flickering meaningfully as she asked: "Medicine is one-third poison, isn''t half a pill still quite damaging to the body?"


    Clearly, Xie Jin didn''t understand her implication, and reassured: "It''s fine, the doctor said one pill daily, timed exercise to detox, it doesn''t affect health."


    Su Tao patiently hinted again: "Then if there are ways to sleep without taking pills, why insist on taking them?"


    At this moment, Xie Jin seemed to have an iron blockhead, still not understanding her meaning: "No, I don''t want to take pills either, but the key is that apart from sleeping with you, there is no other way to sleep without taking them."


    Su Tao looked at him with clear eyes. "Well, so..."


    Xie Jin blinked his deep-set eyes. "So...half a pill will be fine."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Su Tao''s face went from flushed to pale. She knew she shouldn''t have tried to imply anything to someone whose mind goes straight at critical moments.


    With her left hand, she crooked a finger at him, and with her right, she authoritatively pointed to the bed behind her, "Lie down, sleep."

 Chapter 52: Listen to Me 033

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Xie Jin stared nkly for a long while, the corners of his lips curled up. Under the wallmp, his tall figure was stretched into a long shadow.


    The shadow stepped forward,pletely covering up the other slender shadow.


    "You''re asking me to sleep with you?"


    Xie Jin stood in front of Su Tao, his pitch-ck pupils glimmering brightly. His slightly red nose showed that he had just cried. His fair skin was also flushed red, making him look tender and delicate.


    Su Tao couldn''t help but pinch the smooth skin. She wondered how he maintained such good skin despite his poor sleep. "Yeah, let''s go to bed. I''ll go remove my makeup."


    At first, Xie Jin leisurely unbuttoned his cuffs, took off his watch, and slowly undid his cor, because he didn''t want to leave the room. He wanted to wait until she finished washing up before he went.


    But as the sound of water came from the bathroom, Xie Jin''s heart grew impatient. He quickened the pace of undressing andy in bed, experiencing the joy of happiness in advance.


    He wrapped himself in the quilt, listening to the sound of water from the bathroom. The scent of shower gel and shampoo wafted through, seeming to carry Su Tao''s body fragrance, teasing his nose.


    He knew his little peach was in this room. Soon he could hold her and sleep with her. This sense of reassurance made Xie Jin''s eyelids grow heavier.


    The sound of water in the bathroom somehow turned into the sound of wind mixed with the flowing water under the bridge.


    He stood on the pedestrian sidewalk on the bridge, facing the wind and gazing at the distant river water. The hubbub of traffic behind him was like bustling background noise, noisy as usual, disgusting. Nowhere in the world was pure and beautiful anymore.


    At 24, he had tasted the coldness of human rtionships and experienced all the vileness and filth. Finally, he had tripped up everyone and obtained everything he wanted.


    Yet suddenly, he lost his direction and goals. Why was he still alive?


    His body and mind were as dirty as this world. He should be buried deep in these waters, bing nourishment for the earth and oceans, because he couldn''t see the light while still alive.


    Leaning his arms on the railing, he jumped up and sat on it. The strong wind blew up his windbreaker. He spread his arms, closed his eyes, and wanted to fly with the wind.


    Suddenly, behind him came the melodious sound of a violin, drowning out the noisy sounds.


    The violin''s melody was slow and melodious, with a touch of sadness that tugged at his heart. It also allowed him to feel an unprecedented sense of tranquility, as if cleansing his soul.


    He slowly opened his eyes and looked back. A slender girl''s long hair fluttered as she seemed lost in her own music.


    From the girl''s serene face, he saw frustration, sorrow, and a kind of indifference after seeing through worldly affairs.


    Her clear eyes were difficult to look into closely. The more he looked, the more he would fall into a bottomless whirlpool that could suck people in.


    Although she was as withered as dead branches, her spirit was still undying.


    As the song ended, those poppy-like eyes looked at him. It turned out she had deliberately yed this song for him to hear.


    "Brother, are you going to jump down?"


    Unbelievably, her voice was as clear as a spring, yet she had asked such a cruel question.


    "I can keep youpany."


    He looked on as the girl struggled to climb onto the railing and sat beside him. She was so weak. If the wind blew a little harder, it would really blow her down.


    Yet a gentle smile hung on her serene face. She even raised her fair little hand and stroked his head over and over, just like when his dad passed away andforted him not to cry.


    "My mom often stroked me like this too. Today is her memorial day. I want to go find my mom."


    "I also want to find my dad."


    The girl''s bright eyes stared at him as she smiled lightly. "Brother, you''re so good-looking. You must be the angel taking me to find my mom. When I see my mom, I won''t be so tired anymore."


    He was an angel? He had always felt like a devil.


    She must be the angel.


    He wanted to take back his previous thoughts.


    Perhaps in this world, there was still a unique ce of purity and beauty.


    As his head was gently stroked over and over, Xie Jin slowly opened his eyes. Through the mist, he saw the serene face of the girl in his dream.


    She used a tissue to wipe his eyes, and his vision became clear. He saw the girl''s face clearly. Her long hair had be a short bob cut, but her eyes were still as clear as ever.


    "Why are you crying? Did you have a nightmare again? Didn''t you say you wouldn''t have nightmares if you slept with me?"


    As her gentle, spring-like voice sounded, his consciousness gradually returned.


    This was his little peach.


    The girl on the bridge who was willing to climb onto the railing with him eventually became his little peach after he held her down.


    She relied on him a lot, and he relied on her even more.


    He had never dreamed of the day they first met five years ago until today. Only after dreaming about it did he know that he remembered every detail of that day clearly.


    Xie Jin buried his head in the crook of her neck, nuzzled against her, and smelled her scent. He regretted that he had fallen asleep firstst night!


    "What did you dream about?" Su Tao asked again, looking at his bloodshot eyes. She began to suspect her own XXX ability was ineffective.


    Xie Jin stretched out his arm and pulled her into his embrace. Her cool nose pressed against his hot chest, warm and cozy.


    "I dreamed about the first day we met. I held you down from the railing. You said, how dare you be so bold? You''re so thin. What if the wind really blew you down?"


    Because of the realism of the dream, it left him apprehensive afterwards, the apprehension after a narrow escape.


    He even wanted to p himself in the dream twice for being able to calmly watch her climb onto the railing. How dangerous.


    Su Tao chuckled softly. "It was so long ago. You''re only starting to feel afraid now. Besides, back then, both of us were so disappointed with life. How would we know to feel afraid?"


    That was true. Back then, they didn''t know there was anything worth fearing in life.


    Only after having someone they wanted to cherish did they learn to revere life.


    Su Tao''s cell phone ringtone abruptly interrupted their intimacy. Xie Jin was unhappy that the person in his arms had left to answer the call. He stared resentfully at the phone in her hand.


    "Little Jie...What? When did you discover it?...Why are you only reporting it to me now?...You shouldn''t have waited until things were out of hand before telling me to handle it! ...Sun XiaoJie, let me tell you, if Tong MingXuan does anything rash before I get there, you can wait for your termination notice!"


    It was rare to see little peach so angry that Xie Jin immediately withdrew his resentful gaze, afraid her bad mood would affect him too. He asked gently, "What''s wrong?"


    While getting up and packing, Su Tao said with a heavy face, "Tong MingXuan has an underground girlfriend that I didn''t know about. Today, Sun XiaoJie said he wants to make this girlfriend public. He happens to be shooting a TV series at Beicheng Film and TV City. I have to go take a look."


    "Oh," seeing her gloomy expression, Xie Jin didn''t dare say much, only asking, "Will youe back for dinner tonight?"


    "I''ll try to."


    Xie Jin pouted unhappily and mumbled, "Try to? Didn''t you promise having dinner together was the condition for me being your human shield?"


    Hearing his softint, Su Tao felt his aggrieved wife act was quite cute. "Alright, I''ll definitelye back."


    Xie Jin lifted his eyes, finally curling his eyes and mouth into a smile. He nodded happily.


    Xie Jin wanted to drive her to the studio, but Su Tao knew he also had urgent business to handle at hispany. So she randomly grabbed a set of car keys from Xie Jin''s garage and took one of his cars to drive herself.


    She was anxious, which caused her to overlook the car''s condition. It wasn''t until the car prompted her that she realized it was out of gas.


    But she had already driven to the suburbs where there were no viges ahead and no shops behind. As far as she could see, there was not only no gas station, she couldn''t even get a taxi.


    After adding several times the fare, she finally got a driver to take the order from the ride-sharing app, but it would take forty minutes to arrive.


    Su Tao was anxious by the roadside when suddenly an SUV stopped in front of her. The driver''s seat held a familiar face.


    Her rumored high school sweetheart, Zhong Siwei.


    Encountering Zhong Siwei by chance happened to solve Su Tao''s urgent need. She had wanted to properly thank him, but suddenly received paparazzi shots from the PR department. The photos showed Tong MingXuan intimately returning to a hotel with his girlfriend and were already spreading online.


    As Zhong Siwei drove, he secretly nced at Su Tao. "Mypany had some business in the suburbs here. I didn''t expect to run into you. Last time..."


    Xie Jin''s phone call came in, and she answered it with a serious expression, "Okay, let''s control thementary first, pay attention to the hot searches, don''t let it get into the top 50. I''m about to go see Tong Mingxuan."


    After hanging up the phone, Su Tao asked Zhong Siwei, "Sorry, what were you saying just now?"


    Zhong Siwei said, "Oh, I was saying about thest gathering, my girl..."


    Su Tao''s phone rang again. She looked at Zhong Siwei apologetically and answered the call, "Did you find out anything about the woman? Okay, send me the information."


    Su Tao apologized again, "I''m sorry, I have some urgent matters here. You were saying something about the gathering?"


    Zhong Siwei said, "It''s just that my girlfriend did something inappropriate, and I want to exin to her on her behalf..."


    Su Tao received the information about Tong Mingxuan''s girlfriend, who was a theater actress and Tong Mingxuan''s former ssmate.


    After looking through the information for a while, Su Tao finally reacted and realized Zhong Siwei was still talking. She had been so rude, "I''m really sorry, I..."


    "It''s okay, you''re too busy. We can go eat after you''re done with everything." Zhong Siwei was quite understanding, easing Su Tao''s awkwardness.


    Su Tao didn''t want too much contact with him, but for now she had no choice but to say, "I should be the one to treat you to a meal, thank you for going out of your way to drive me here. How about another day..."


    "Let''s do it today. I just finished up my business and I''m free today. I can drop you off afterwards."


    Given his perfectly reasonable suggestion, Su Tao had no reason to decline, so she nodded in agreement.


    When they arrived at the filming location, Tong Mingxuan''s assistant brought Su Tao to the dressing room.


    Although Tong Mingxuan was only the second male lead, the producer Wang still gave him the treatment of a main character in order to curry favor with Su Tao''s boss Xie Jin. Tong Mingxuan''s scenes were also greatly increased, and even the ending hinting at the second lead getting the girl.


    Tong Mingxuan had only been with the crew for three days. When he signed the contract, it was made clear whether he had a girlfriend, because the production wanted to coordinate publicity, hoping to see which character the audience ended up liking more and then hype up a romance between the female lead and him. If Tong Mingxuan exposed his rtionship at this critical juncture, it would not only vite his contract but also force Su Tao topletely redo her ns for him.


    Just as Su Tao arrived outside the dressing room, she heard Sun Xiaojie''s slightly sharp voiceing through the door left ajar.


    "How could you be so reckless? You''re ruining yourself and now you want to ruin me too? Su Tao said if I can''t stop you, she''s going to fire me!"


    Su Tao stopped in her tracks and signaled to her assistant to keep quiet while she listened by the door.


    Tong Mingxuan was clearly intimidated by Sun Xiaojie''s aura and could only mumble, "Sister Tao wouldn''t do that..."


    "You still don''t understand what kind of person Su Tao is? She looks pretty amiable but she''s a ruthless viin who will crush your bones and suck out the marrow. Can I overpower her? Even someone on Liu WanTao''s level got forced out by her. You think she wouldn''t?"


    Tong Mingxuan''s voice was full of helplessness and confusion, as if being driven mad, "Then what do you want me to do? I can''t lose Qingqing again. I have to go public. If it really won''t work...then I''ll quit the industry."


    "Are you crazy..."


    Su Tao suddenly pushed the door open, interrupting Sun Xiaojie''s sharp voice.


    Her bright eyes calmly nced over Sun Xiaojie''s shocked face before settling on the dejected Tong Mingxuan clutching his own hair. She said to Sun Xiaojie, "Please go out for now."


    Seeing Su Tao''s abnormal expression, Sun Xiaojie realized her words from earlier were overheard. She wanted to exin but didn''t know what to say. She could only re angrily at the assistant standing by the door, "Why didn''t you make a sound?"


    Su Tao gazed at Sun Xiaojie. Her calm voice rang clearly, "First, you didn''t shut the door tight yourself yet you me others for eavesdropping. You should be d it was me who heard it. Second, we''ll settle your mistakester. For now, go out!"


    Su Tao didn''t want to hear her prattling on inside.


    After Sun Xiaojie and the assistant left, Su Tao sat down across from Tong Mingxuan and grasped his arm to stop him from pulling his hair.


    "You and Qingqing were university ssmates?" Su Tao didn''t escte the conflict and instead took a gentle conversational approach, asking slowly.


    Tong Mingxuan was surprised that Su Tao knew about his ssmateship with Qingqing. He finally looked directly at Su Tao and nodded.


    Su Tao''s voice remained steady and unhurried, not putting any pressure on him. "Why must you announce it publicly? Doesn''t Qingqing hope that you don''t keep dating underground? Is that right?"


    Without the extreme mindset he had when facing Sun Xiaojie earlier, Tong Mingxuan exined properly, "Before, I didn''t value Qingqing because of my career. She wanted to break up with me a while ago, only then did I realize she''s just as important as my career. I finally got her back with great difficulty and promised her I would announce our rtionship publicly to give her a sense of security. I don''t want to lose her again."


    In fact, Su Tao couldpletely understand Tong Mingxuan''s feelings. She said gently, "I support you announcing it publicly."


    Tong Mingxuan was stunned, thinking he misheard. He asked again, "Sister Tao, you, you support me announcing it publicly?"


    "Yes, if you''ve really thought it through clearly and still have the courage to announce it, then I''ll support you."


    Su Tao brought up the contract originally signed with Wang''spany and showed it to him, exining slowly, "The contract for this drama stiptes that you cannot date anyone. If you announce your rtionship, we''ll have to terminate the contract with the production team. And this drama was supposed to boost you from a third-tier to second-tier actor. If you lose this opportunity but still announce your rtionship, I''ll have to change my ns for you to more of a road focused on acting skills."


    "But with your current level, you haven''t reached that yet. For your long-term development, I''ll arrange more acting lessons for you and also connect you with theater resources. When your reputation and skills improve, I''ll get you roles in films and dramas that can showcase your acting abilities."


    Su Taoid out the reality inly before Tong Mingxuan. "The time spent umting experience depends entirely on yourself. It could be as short as two to three years or as long as over ten years. I can find many new artists, I won''t force everyone to go down the idol path just for money. I''m willing to strike a bnce between your personal wishes and effective development."


    "Now, it''s up to you to make the choice."


    Su Tao was in no hurry either. She had exined things clearly, not wanting Tong Mingxuan to make rash decisions he might regret.


    Whatever he ultimately chose, Su Tao would respect it.


    "Take some time to think about it, or discuss it with Qingqing too. I''m in no rush for an answer." Su Tao got up, preparing to leave. "Oh right, does Sun Xiaojie already know about your girlfriend situation for a while?"


    Tong Mingxuan hesitated briefly before nodding, "Back when I was under Manager Liu, I already told Sister Sun. Because at the time I was about to break up with Qingqing, so Sister Sun didn''t report it to thepany."


    Su Tao nodded and asked again, "Does Sun Xiaojie often pressure you like just now? Do you want to consider changing to a different manager?"


    Tong Mingxuan was even more hesitant this time. He had never been a very decisive person. But from his expression, Su Tao understood. She patted his shoulder and left the dressing room.


    Sun Xiaojie was waiting right outside. When she saw Su Tao, her expression instantly turned cold, none of her usual gentleness and tolerance remained. She simply stated bluntly:


    "1. Concealing an artist''s rtionship and not reporting it is a major offense.


    2. Frequently pressuring artists causes them serious psychological distress.


    3. Reckless and careless work, poor business capabilities.


    For the above reasons, you are fired. Go back to thepany toplete the departure procedures."


    Sun Xiaojie was stunned in ce, never expecting Su Tao to be so decisive about firing her.


    Under Su Tao''s cold gaze, she couldn''t even voice any objections. She watched helplessly as Su Tao''s back moved further and further away before sinking to the ground powerlessly.


    After leaving the dressing room, Su Tao informed the on-site director and producer that she needed a day to handle things. The rumors had been suppressed for now. She would personally discuss the contract vition issue with Boss Wang herself and shoulder all resulting losses.


    With all issues temporarily settled, Su Tao left the filming location. Zhong Siwei''s car was still parked outside as expected.


    Su Tao found a nearby restaurant to treat him to a meal as thanks.


    Su Tao didn''t care about the restaurant''s environment or menu, just wanting to express her gratitude and then hurry back to deal with work matters.


    However, Zhong Siwei was very serious about this lunch, and kept asking Su Tao about her tastes.


    Su Tao, on the other hand, kept replying to Xie Jin''s WeChat messages.


    [Xie Jin: Are you done with work? Is everything going smoothly?]


    [Su Tao: Yeah, I''m done with work for now. There are still some follow ups I need to deal with. I won''t be going back to Jiangcheng these few days.]


    Xie Jin immediately sent an emoji pack over. It was the crying thenughing GIF of Su Tao fromst night, with the caption: Cried and cried, thenughed.


    Su Tao: ...


    He really made it into an emoji pack!


    This is too embarrassing!


    [Su Tao: Delete it.]


    [Xie Jin: I won''t delete it.]


    The two of them got into a heated debate over the emoji pack. Over here, Zhong Siwei waved his hand in front of Su Tao''s eyes and eagerly asked, "Su Tao, Su Tao, do you like cappinos or caramel mhiatos?"


    "Americanos," Su Tao replied absentmindedly to Zhong Siwei while strongly demanding that Xie Jin delete the emoji pack.


    [Su Tao: If you don''t delete it, you can make your own dinner tonight.]


    [Xie Jin: Little Taozi, you''re threatening me now?]


    Zhong Siwei: "Can you eat spicy food?"


    Su Tao: "Yes."


    [Su Tao: Yes, I''m threatening you. Delete it.]


    [Xie Jin: Fine, threat sessful. I deleted it.]


    [Su Tao: Anything else?]


    [Xie Jin: I won''t tell you.]


    Su Tao could imagine Xie Jin''s infuriating expression right now. She was furious.


    Zhong Siwei: "Su Tao, you like to eat..."


    Impatient to start her passionate reprimand of Xie Jin, Su Tao impatiently interrupted Zhong Siwei''s endless questions: "Love, whatever you love, I love too. Just order, don''t ask..."


    Su Tao froze.


    She looked at the chatbox, realizing that in her impulsiveness and irritation just now, her fingers had quickly typed and sent what she was saying.


    [Su Tao: Love]


    [Su Tao: Whatever you love, I love too]


    [Xie Jin: ?]


    [Xie Jin: ???]


    [Su Tao: Sent to the wrong person...]


    [Xie Jin: Of course I know it was sent to the wrong person! The question is, who were those two sentences meant for?]

 Chapter 53: The End

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    Su Tao exined, but didn¡¯t get a response from Xie Jin. Instead, a video call came through directly.


    Seeing Zhong Siwei sitting opposite her, Su Tao felt this was getting more muddled the more she exined. But she still answered the video call.


    Xie Jin¡¯s huge face filled the entire screen as he held it right up to his face. His first question in a heavy tone was, ¡°Who are you eating with?¡±


    Hearing this, Zhong Siwei across the table didn¡¯t order any more food. He leaned over to look clearly at the handsome yet cold face on the screen, regretting that he hade. He awkwardly waved a greeting, then hurried back to his seat to order on his own.


    ¡°Who. Is. He?¡± Xie Jin enunciated each word, feeling like his head was sprouting green grass.


    ¡°He¡¯s my ssmate Zhong Siwei. Your car ran out of gas today, and I couldn¡¯t find a gas station. Luckily I met Zhong Siwei and he gave me a ride to the filming location. So I¡¯m treating him to a meal as thanks,¡± Su Tao felt her exnation was perfectly reasonable, but Xie Jin¡¯s expression didn¡¯t lighten at all. He just gently sighed and said softly, ¡°Eat up. Send me the address and I¡¯lle get you.¡±


    Seeing Su Tao hang up the video call, Zhong Siwei immediately asked, ¡°The man on the video just now - that was Xie Jin?¡±


    Su Tao raised her eyes to look at him and nodded.


    Zhong Siwei: ¡°You two are really together?¡±


    Su Tao picked up her coffee and took a sip, then nodded again. ¡°I guess you don¡¯t follow entertainment news huh.¡±


    Zhong Siwei seemed somewhat emotional, with a tinge of regret in his tone. ¡°I really don¡¯t usually follow it, but because of you, I paid special attention. I saw the news that you two were together. But I thought you just said that to dispel the scandalous rumors about you and that male celebrity, not that it was true.¡±


    Su Tao nearly spit out her coffee.


    His reasoning abilities were quite strong.


    Zhong Siwei didn¡¯t seem to notice Su Tao¡¯s reaction. He remained immersed in his own world. ¡°When we were in school, I felt you were very gentle and tranquil. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so capable and principled now - like a totally different person from before. Do you remember when I went to your university to find you? At that time I really regretted it, but my pride was too strong. When I saw you, you just calmly greeted me, didn¡¯t even nce at me again, and we missed each other like that. They all say my girlfriend now resembles you back then. If I had been more mature at that time, wouldn¡¯t we be different now?¡±


    The more Su Tao listened to his words, the darker her expression became. Her tone was still gentle but detached. ¡°Firstly, there was no ¡®missed opportunity¡¯ between us. I never liked you at all. That love letter wasn¡¯t written by me, how many times do I need to say it? Secondly, you already have a girlfriend, saying this kind of thing, don¡¯t you feel disgusted with yourself? Thirdly, do you even know what liking someone and loving someone means?¡±


    Zhong Siwei didn¡¯t expect Su Tao to retort him so sharply. He was momentarily stunned.


    Su Tao didn¡¯t give him any leeway at all. Her tone was no longer gentle, only indifferent coldness remained. ¡°Loving someone means that when you feel like the world is grey, only that person has color. Could you make unlimitedpromises for me, be obedient to me no matter how coldly I treat you? Could you willingly bear huge losses just to help me investigate a bit of information? Could you abandon yourpany and take four or five hour flights every day just to have dinner with me?¡±


    Zhong Siwei was already red-faced from embarrassment. He protested, ¡°What you¡¯re describing is too idealistic. No man could do that!¡±


    The corners of Su Tao¡¯s eyes tilted up alluringly as she smiled. ¡°Sorry, someone has done it.¡±


    ¡°Also, your feelings are as cheap as you are.¡±


    After viciously adding thatst line, Su Tao got up and went to the front to pay the bill before breezily walking out of the restaurant.


    Su Tao waited at the milk tea shop next door for Xie Jin toe pick her up.


    She got into the car with the milk tea she had bought for him. The tranquil smile on her face dissolved Xie Jin¡¯s taut expression. The anger from the drive here was extinguished by her smile. He could only helplessly take the milk tea and ask, ¡°You didn¡¯t eat yet?¡±


    ¡°No I didn¡¯t. I scolded him and left.¡± Su Tao still had her little face raised as she smiled at Xie Jin.


    He had never been smiled at like this by Su Tao before. It made his heart ticklish.


    Xie Jin¡¯s Adam''s apple bobbed as he lightly coughed to hide his emotions. Feigning casual conversation, he asked, ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t he help you?¡±


    ¡°Bad character. He has a girlfriend but said he likes me...¡± As Su Tao stared at Xie Jin¡¯s expression, she slowly said, ¡°I told him I have a boyfriend now.¡±


    Xie Jin¡¯s heart was already overgrowing with grass from her gaze. He pondered suspiciously over Su Tao¡¯s abnormal behavior.


    As the car steadily moved forward, he absentmindedly praised, ¡°Mm, well done. This kind of scum should be...¡±


    ¡°Do you understand what I mean?¡± Su Tao suddenly interrupted his vilification. Clearly, the crux of her words was not to get him to join her in scolding that scumbag.


    Xie Jin nced at Su Tao. Her clear eyes shimmered, shing into his eyes. So he swiftly looked ahead again, afraid he would inadvertently fall into her eyes and be unable to get out, rendering him unable to drive.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Xie Jin reasoned based onmon sense, ¡°You''re using me as a shield. After using me a few times, you can just directly deposit the fees into my ount.¡±


    Su Tao snorted withughter. Xie Jin was really not daring to fantasize at all now after being hit by her. His sudden silliness was rather cute.


    Su Tao: ¡°Then I won¡¯t be giving you money anymore.¡±


    Xie Jin: ¡°Why? You don''t need a shield anymore?¡±


    Su Tao: ¡°Too expensive. Can¡¯t afford it.¡±


    Xie Jin violently yanked the steering wheel and mmed the brakes. The car stopped at the roadside.


    He gripped the steering wheel tightly, brows furrowed.


    It seemed like they had nearly reconciled, he thought they onlycked the final step. He assumed they would be fine again. So why did she suddenly want to break up with him?


    Yet she had been perfectly fine this morning. Why did meeting a scumbag make her suddenly not want him anymore?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you need it anymore?¡± Xie Jin rapidly self-reflected. Even his voice sounded hoarse. ¡°Is it because I interfered with you too much? I came to pick you up today not to forbid you from eating with others, just because I was worried you wouldn¡¯t have transport back.¡±


    Su Tao found his flustered state somewhat funny yet cute. She put a straw into the milk tea and brought it to his mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t panic. Wet your throat first.¡±


    Xie Jin obediently sipped the milk tea. The taste wasn¡¯t too sweet, thick and creamy, pretty good.


    Xie Jin snatched back the milk tea. How could he be so carefree when his wife was about to leave him, even having the mood to drink milk tea!


    ¡°Little Taozi, if you¡¯re dissatisfied with my service in any way, please tell me. If you think paying per use is expensive, I can give you an annual package price.¡±


    Su Tao chuckled. Xie Jin was now so afraid of being hit by her again he didn¡¯t dare fantasize at all. His sudden silliness was rather adorable.


    Su Tao: ¡°A lifetime is too long. I can¡¯tmit to that.¡±


    Xie Jin seemed to respond without thinking, ¡°If youmit for a lifetime, I can give you a discount...¡±


    He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly understanding something.


    He nked out for a while, ebony pupils reflecting Su Tao¡¯s porcin white face. He hesitantly opened his mouth, ¡°A, a lifetime?¡±


    Su Tao¡¯s distinct ck and white pupils also reflected Xie Jin¡¯s face. Her sincere words were wrapped in joking: ¡°Mm, a lifetime. But I don¡¯t have money. Can I choose the previous option you gave, changing the fake into real?¡±


    The sunlighting in through the car window gilded his hair golden. Bathed in the warm light, his sharp edges seemed to soften, but his expression was still stunned shock.


    ¡°Sure, of course.¡±


    Seeing his silly nkness, unprecedentedly cute, Su Tao couldn¡¯t resist squeezing his thin cheeks. She smiled charmingly, ¡°Drive on.¡±


    Xie Jin obediently started the car again. After ploddingly crawling a few meters, he stopped again.


    He turned to look straight at her, longshes fluttering up and down with his eyelids. Confused, he asked, ¡°We¡¯re reconciled now, right?¡±


    Su Tao also blinked her clear eyes. ¡°What else could it be?¡±


    Xie Jin: ¡°Too sudden. I¡¯m not prepared yet.¡±


    He thought they would suddenly reconcile at some major turning point, some life-or-death moment. Little Taozi would abruptly forgive him then, ept him.


    Or maybe, he has already infiltrated every little detail of her life, spoiling her until she can''t live without him, so that they can be together again.


    Su Tao''s expression froze.


    So she was rejected?


    "Oh, then let''s talk when you''re ready."


    "No, I didn''t mean it that way. I just feel it''s unreal." Xie Jin wanted to p himself. What was he saying?!


    Su Tao suddenly leaned in and nted a kiss on his lips. Her doe eyes looked at him up close, and her slightly flushed eyelids exuded a delicate and innocent charm, as if she wasn''t the one who had just taken the initiative to kiss him.


    "Does it feel real now?"


    Seeing Xie Jin still looking dazed, Su Tao pursed her lips, feeling a little embarrassed as she straightened up. The next moment, her neck was gripped by his warm, big hand, and light kissesnded on her lips.


    His kisses were very light, and he looked at her after each one, wanting to take in her flushed face and distracted look, keeping them in his eyes and heart.


    Finally, the fleeting kisses could not contain the intense emotions, transforming into a fiery, lingering kiss. He nibbled on her lips, slowly sensing each other''s temperature, confessing emotions that had been suppressed.


    Su Tao still had things to do, so the two agreed to have dinner at hometer, and went about their business separately.


    When Xie Jin returned to thepany, his steps were a little unsteady. He felt like he was walking on cotton, and could not walk steadily. He could only rely on his umted prestige to pretend everything was normal until he reached his office.


    Jin Chuiven noticed something was off with the boss. After closing the office door, he felt heavy-hearted. He had never seen the boss in such a daze before.


    Although he felt it was unlikely, he still worriedly thought, could thepany be going bankrupt?


    "Boss, what''s happened?" Jin Chuiven asked softly.


    Xie Jin''s distracted gaze finally focused. Seeing Jin Chuiven standing in front of him, he rolled up his sleeves, exposing his arms, and reached out to Jin Chuiven. "Pinch me."


    Jin Chuiven was so frightened that he retreated two steps. "Boss, what on earth happened to you? Everything can be resolved, we can''t hurt ourselves!"


    "Do it quickly!"


    Xie Jin had resumed his irritable tone. Jin Chuiven strangely felt more at ease. After wiping the sweat from his palms, he asked again before reaching out, "Really pinch you?"


    Xie Jin looked up at him, the gloom and impatience in his eyes made Jin Chuiven pinch the fair arm without hesitation. Then he retreated again and again, afraid that the boss would beat him up.


    Xie Jin frowned slightly in pain, thenughed lightly.


    Jin Chuiven was confused.


    What stimulus did the boss receive? Has he gone mad?


    "Notify everyone that for all employees at headquarters, this quarter''s bonus will be increased by 50%. Allocate more funds to each department for team building activities. Let''s schedule it for this weekend. Everyone has been working hard with overtime recently."


    Jin Chuiven: "!!!"


    The boss must have been possessed. This wasn''t his ruthless, cold-blooded boss!


    "Also, there''s something else I''m considering. Tell me, should we move the headquarters to Jiangcheng, or should we acquire Jingyang and move them to Beicheng?"


    When Jin Chuiven heard this, he suddenly understood what was going on. He cautiously asked, "Boss, have you and Su Tao...made up?"


    Xie Jin suddenly pressed his lips together, bowed his head slightly, smiled downwards, shy and sweet, shocking Jin Chuiven so much he almost sat on the floor.


    What kind of smile did the boss just show?


    A gentle smile from a tough guy?


    Although he was beautiful, after getting used to his gloomy face all the time, such an expression out of the blue was too much for him to handle!


    "Then you should discuss it with Su Tao. You should decide for yourself. Just in case..."


    Jin Chuiven didn''t know if he should say it so bluntly, but he knew the boss couldn''t make decisions for Su Tao. In case he made decisions for her again and upset her, what then?


    Also, the idea of moving thepany on a whim, he didn''t dare give suggestions. So he took his leave.


    In the afternoon, when Xie Jin passed by the pantry, he suddenly heard a faint "Wife, don''t be angry."


    Immediately interested, he stood outside the door and listened to the whole phone conversation.


    The one who came out was the unfortunate head of the information department again.


    When the head of information department saw the boss standing at the door, his expression immediately became stern. He stood at attention and greeted the boss, wanting to escape quickly.


    "Wait," Xie Jin called him unhurriedly. Standing in front of him, he pointed to the phone in his hand and asked, "Had a fight with your wife?"


    The head of information department didn''t know if the boss would think he had an unhappy family, affecting his performance. He quickly waved his hand, "No, my family is very harmonious."


    "I heard it all. You''re quite good at coaxing your wife. Let''s discuss skills another day."


    After all, he was a married man now too. Xie Jin had a smug look.


    "Why did you two fight?" Xie Jin took on the posture of a technical exchange, with such a formal expression that a symposium could be held.


    Head of information department: "..."


    He didn''t want to discuss these family matters!


    Boss, you''re the CEO of a listedpany, a Fortune 500pany, an industry leader!


    Why do you want to discuss fights with your wife in such a prestigiouspany!


    Although the head of information departmentined inwardly, he still honestly answered, "Just because when I went out with her and took pictures of her, I took very ugly ones, so she got angry."


    Xie Jin immediately thought of that meme, snapped his fingers, and asked empathetically, "Don''t they all dislike having unttering pictures taken of them?"


    Head of information department: "Uh... yes."


    Xie Jin: "But I didn''t fight about it with my wife. Why is that?"


    Head of information department: "Maybe because, you haven''t been together long? My wife and I have been married for 10 years, so we have more little conflicts like this."


    Xie Jin said enviously and admiringly, "10 years already. You still maintain your rtionship quite well. If you fight like this every day, can it reallyst?"


    Head of information department: "Boss, couples fight, that''s inevitable. The more you fight, the better the rtionship. What really falls apart is theck ofmunication. Think about it, if she''s toozy to even fight with you, it means she haspletely no feelings for you."


    These words gave Xie Jin great enlightenment. He finally understood.


    Initially, he and Little Taozicked propermunication. She was sensible, obedient, and never threw tantrums or acted out.


    The one time she questioned him, he gave a simple, crude response without exining.


    So in the end, she became disheartened and unwilling to ask anymore, disappearing directly, leaving him devastated.


    Today, when Little Taozi said they could be together, he felt it was sudden because hecked a sense of security.


    Because he was afraid she would disappear again over some issue without timelymunication.


    If it happened again, he would really die.


    With a smile on his lips, Xie Jin sent messages all the way back to his office. He called in Jin Chuiven, "I have something very important. Postpone the meeting for three hours... Actually, wait for my notice. We may not have the meeting today."


    Jin Chuiven saw the boss'' eager look. The moment the call connected, the corner of his mouth involuntarily rose, his voice gentle and mellow. "Little Taozi..."


    Jin Chuiven: "..."


    Seeing the boss'' worthless appearance, he knew who the call was for.


    Jin Chuiven didn''t want to watch the dog food show, and was about to go out to announce the postponed meeting. But before he reached the door, he heard the boss'' voice gradually be low.


    "I was wrong about the meme thing... Huh? You''re not angry? Why? ...I didn''t delete them all... Delete when you get home? ...What if I don''t let you delete? ...Oh, oh, alright... See you tonight then."


    Xie Jin''s disappointment reached its peak as he hung up the phone.


    "Jin Chuiven," Xie Jin lowered his eyes, his gaze lingering on the call log on the phone. He asked puzzledly, "Didn''t you say, if the wife is angry, she''s hard to coax? I reserved three hours, but it only took thirty seconds."


    Jin Chuiven: "..."


    So you postponed the meeting for three hours to coax your wife!


    Xie Jin asked extremely uneasily, "She can''t have gotten toozy to argue with me already right? We just got back together!"


    With apprehension, Xie Jin went back home, imagining all the way that Little Taozi regretted making up with him, waiting at home to break up with him, or that when he got home, she simply wouldn''t be there, only leaving a letter before disappearing again.


    It was better when they were not on good terms. He was wholeheartedly determined to get her, full of confidence, feeling every day like he could have her tomorrow.


    Looking back now, he was always afraid of losing her identally.


    It is said that when you get something, you won''t know how to cherish it.


    Why did he get so afraid of losing her?


    When he walked into the house nervously and anxiously, the smell of boiled fish came.


    The fishy smell was mixed in the strong smell of stir-fried chili peppers, which made Xie Jin cough badly.


    While coughing, he walked quickly to the kitchen. In the mist of white smoke, that charming figure tugged at his heartstrings.


    The stone that was stuck in his throat finally fell back to the bottom of his heart.


    Su Tao coughed while poking her head out to see Xie Jin clearly. She opened the venttor and windows before the smoke dissipated a little.


    "Cough cough cough, I was furious just now... What''s wrong with you? Choked?"


    Seeing the tears in Xie Jin''s eyes, Su Tao wanted to reach out and wipe them off for him, but remembered her hands were stained with chili crumbs, so she turned to find him a tissue.


    However, Xie Jin hugged her tightly in his arms, holding her as if she was a treasure.


    After dinner, when Su Tao was about to go to wash the bowls and chopsticks, she was pulled back to the seat by Xie Jin.


    He said solemnly, "Little Taozi, I heard that between couples, the more they quarrel, the better their feelings will be. What weck ismunication. If you had been more willful at first, I could have coaxed you more and exined seriously to you, instead of umting frustration to the point of despair and leaving. Wouldn''t we have avoided separating for over a year due to misunderstanding? So we have to quarrel more in the future to improve our rtionship."


    Su Tao: "..."


    She couldn''t tell what was wrong, but it sounded somewhat reasonable.


    It was just that the final conclusion was a bit confusing.


    Xie Jin: "So let''s have a quarrel first."


    Su Tao: "...How to quarrel? Argue about what?"


    Xie Jin: "Scold and criticize me harshly wherever you think I did wrong. p me if necessary."


    Su Tao: "...I don''t think you did anything wrong."


    After pondering for a while, Xie Jin pped his thigh, thinking of something: "I n to move Tianjin Group''s headquarters to Jiangcheng, or buy Jingyang Entertainment and move it to Beicheng. Which n do you prefer?"


    He could support her opposite opinion, so there would be a contradiction, right? Xie Jin was satisfied with his wisdom.


    Su Tao sat up straight, puzzled and asked, "Why move thepany?"


    "Yes! That''s the right emotion," Xie Jin pped the table, his eyes were burning. It seemed that he saw hope. "Keep questioning like this."


    Su Tao took a deep breath as he said, then let out all the air, deted. "I''m not questioning. I just want to say, there is no need to move thepany. I canmute between the two ces. I just need to go back for meetings asionally. And we canpromise with each other. You don''t have to stay in thepany all the time either."


    Somehow, the quarrel didn''t happen at all. Xie Jin felt a little disappointed.


    After thinking hard for a long time, he concluded, "Little Taozi, don''tpromise on everything. You have to be more willful. You can''tmute between two ces. You have to ask me to do that."


    Su Tao blinked and suddenly realized. She nodded, "I see what you mean. You''re afraid that I always sacrifice myself and get exhausted at some point, then I will leave you, right?"


    Xie Jin rubbed her hair: "Little Taozi is so smart."


    Although Su Tao felt his worry was unnecessary, she would speak up now if she didn''t like something, and wouldn''t repress herself anymore. But to avoid his wild thoughts, she cooperated and said, "Okay, I ask you not to move thepany, you can onlymute between two ces."


    Xie Jin took a deep breath and thought carefully about Su Tao''s requirement. He blurted out in the end: "Okay..."


    Now it was Xie Jin''s turn to be dumbfounded.


    He just wanted to agree unconditionally to Little Taozi''s requirement!


    Still no quarrel happened.


    Su Tao spread her hands helplessly.


    She stood up with a gentle smile and walked up to him. She lightly kissed his cheek, her slightly flushed eye corners provocatively raised. The clear doe eyes were full of charm. Her fair little hand held his warm big hand and led him upstairs.


    Her voice as clear as a spring creek was tempting: "There are many ways tomunicate feelings, not necessarily through quarrels."


    Xie Jin swallowed hard, his mind running wild as his legs already felt weak and numb. He could only repeat mechanically, "Yes, we canmunicate more deeply."


    Xie Jin''s face was flushed, breathing heavily. His head tilted back, sweat beads rolled from his temples over his cheeks and finally down to his Adam''s apple, dripping onto his chest.


    The taut lines on his back trembled and rxedpletely with a roar. He let go of the handles of the butterfly machine.


    Xie Jin got up from the machine, shook his sweaty hair, and panted as he looked resentfully at Su Tao who was jogging on the treadmill. He questioned, "Didn''t you say you wanted tomunicate feelings? Why drag me to the gym?"


    Su Tao increased her speed. Her breathing was still steady: "Working out together ismunicating feelings too. It helps detoxify you too."


    Xie Jin pouted with a sullen face. After catching his breath, he walked towards her step by step and carried her horizontally.


    Her slender body struggled unsessfully in his strong arms. Her doe eyes widened, "I''m not done with my workout yet."


    Xie Jin''s lips curled up seductively, smiling charmingly. His hoarse voice vibrated her eardrums, "I''ll take you to do other exercises."


    All the way, Xie Jin carried her downstairs to the bedroom on the second floor. He hooked his foot and mmed the door shut.


    [The End]

 Chapter 54: Extraversion 01

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    The first ray of morning sunlight shone through a thin slit in the heavy curtains onto Su Tao''s eyes.


    Her long eyshes fluttered, and she stretched out an arm from the thin, soft, silky quilt, feeling a little cooler.


    She turned over, and her nose and forehead bumped into a fleshy wall.


    That woke her uppletely.


    Opening her eyes, all she saw was a white wall with pink floral prints. Su Tao rubbed her eyes and suddenly realized something was off.


    Looking closely, the white wall was Xie Jin''s chest, and the pink floral prints seemed to be strawberry prints.


    Su Tao covered her eyes and silently turned her head. Xie Jin had been too wildst night, arousing her to the highest point and making her get a little carried away.


    Today she felt a bit embarrassed about it.


    "Hmm? Awake?"


    Xie Jin''s low,zy voice vibrated from his chest. His long arms and legs climbed onto her, hugging her tightly like a ko bear.


    Su Tao felt a little suffocated. She grabbed his hands and gently said, "You''re squeezing too tight."


    Xie Jin loosened his arms a little and kissed her hair, then continued sleeping.


    Su Tao was the type of person who, once awake in the morning, could not fall back asleep. She justy there quietly for ten minutes, but couldn''t keep still any longer.


    Though it was quitefortable resting her head on his muscr arm, out of habit she wanted to get up and do something, even if it was just sitting by the bay window reading like she used to.


    Because Su Tao slept restlessly, constantly moving around, she finally awakened a certain mysterious body part.


    Xie Jin''s voice drifted faintly from behind her ear, his breath caressing her earlobe: "If you keep writhing around, you''ll have to take responsibility."


    Su Tao''s breath hitched, her body stiffening as she weakly said, "Then let me go. I was about to get up anyway."


    "Sleep a little longer. I won''t move."


    Su Taoy there silently, not daring to move an inch. She took advantage of the quiet moment to think about the work she had to do today.


    Seemingly unable to fall back asleep, Xie Jin gradually became more alert, but still didn''t release her. His fingers toyed with her hair strands as he slowly asked, "Little Taozi, why did you suddenly agree to make up with me?"


    Su Tao, whose mind was full of work procedures, silently rolled her eyes. Her soft voice contained impatience: "You''ve asked this question eight timesst night. How many more times do I need to answer?"


    "No way, only seven times at most."


    Su Tao helplessly twitched her lips. She turned to face him, gazing into his deep, dark eyes sunken from just waking up. "Since you''ve asked so many times, there must not be an answer you like. Okay, tell me what answer you want to hear, and I''ll say it to make you happy."


    Xie Jin shook his head. "I just want to hear your answer. Although you answered seven timesst night, there were only three types: First, everything before was a misunderstanding. Second, my change made you happy. Third, you still love me."


    Su Tao raised her brows. "So what? Aren''t those three answers enough?"


    "Not enough. You need to give at least thirty reasons."


    Otherwise, he would always feel insecure, afraid she was just whimsical and would change her mind again after a few days.


    Su Tao was speechless. "Are you sure you want me to forciblye up with thirty reasons? Fine, fourth, it was all thanks to that scumbag who made me realize how good you are byparison."


    Xie Jin lightly tapped her forehead with his forefinger. Although his face was stern, his tone was indulgent: "If you don''t want to say it, then don''t. How can youpare me to that scumbag?"


    Su Tao leaned forward to nt a kiss on his lips, sealing his mouth.


    Xie Jin''s eyes darkened as he tried to continue the kiss, but Su Tao evaded him with a faint smile and told him about today¡¯s ns: ¡°I still have to go to the film set today. If nothing unexpected happens these next few days, I¡¯ll stay here.¡±


    The corners of Xie Jin''s lips quirked up, satisfied with her arrangements.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go make breakfast now.¡± Su Tao really couldn¡¯t keep lying there, or her whole body would feel awful.


    But as soon as she struggled to sit up, Su Tao was pressed back onto the pillow by a pair of warm, big hands.


    "Keep sleeping. I''ll go make breakfast."


    He was clearly still sleepy and extremely reluctant to leave Su Tao and the bed.


    "You can keep sleeping if you''re tired. I''ll go make breakfast." Su Tao really wanted to get up.


    Xie Jin righteously refused: "No, you''ve been making breakfast and dinner. What if you get sick of this life? I can''t let you get sick of me. From now on, I''ll be in charge of breakfast. Also, let''s get married next month, okay?"


    Su Tao: "..."


    If she remembered correctly, it was the end of the month right now.


    They wouldn''t even be able to book a hotel for next month''s wedding.


    Why was he rushing the wedding so much?


    As expected, a bad problem could be solved with an even worse problem.


    Su Tao automatically ignored the topic of marriage and agreed to his previous suggestion. "Okay, you go make breakfast. I''ll sleep a little longer."


    After breakfast, Su Tao received a call from Tong Mingxuan.


    He hadn''t slept all night and discussed with his girlfriend, Qingqing, deciding to announce their rtionship publicly.


    Su Tao expressed her support over the phone and told him to hold off on posting to Weibo for now until she got everything arranged properly.


    Su Tao drove to the film set and found the executive producer of Tong Mingxuan¡¯s drama, Zheng Bai, the only female producer at Jiangshu Productions and very capable.


    She wasn''t too familiar with Zheng Bai privately but knew she was a great person. Su Tao found out through probing her Weibo and Moment that she really liked collecting lipsticks. After scouring through her social media, Su Tao finally figured out her preferences and had a friend buy her entire new limited edition set of her favorite brand as a gift.


    Sure enough, when Zheng Bai saw the exquisite limited edition gift box, she was delighted and couldn''t put it down.


    Regarding this top agent that she''d only heard about but never met, she now looked at Su Tao with new eyes.


    "People in the industry all say you can''t make a friend Su Tao can''t win over. Now I understand why they say that. Justst night I was asking my friend''s friend about this limited edition set, yet you''ve delivered it to me today."


    Su Tao smiled gently. "I''m d you like it."


    Zheng Bai worked on-site long-term and had a straightforward, casual personality. She cut right to the chase: "I know you''vee to talk about Tong Mingxuan. I saw the news of him being photographed. I also heard he wants to announce his current girlfriend. You''ve really agreed? You really want to terminate his contract?"


    Su Tao shook her head unhurriedly: "Is there any way to reduce the supporting male character''s scenes and not hype up a CP between him and the female lead? Just make him a proper second male lead?"


    Zheng Bai was startled for a moment, not expecting this to be Su Tao''s intention.


    She rolled her eyes in thought, then nodded, finding this idea increasingly feasible.


    "The original second male lead in this drama didn''t have that many scenes. It was President Wang who said to add scenes for Tong Mingxuan. In that case, since we''ve just started filming, we can use the first version of the script. The previous footage won''t be wasted either."


    This was exactly what Su Tao had in mind. She knew Zheng Bai had only changed the scenes under pressure from President Wang and definitely preferred the first script.


    And adding scenes for Tong Mingxuan already made many people unhappy. Doing this on top of that would leave a bad taste in anyone''s mouth.


    That''s why Su Tao used the gift to first smooth over the producer''s anger so they could better discuss this matter.


    It looked like studying Zheng Bai''s preferences hadn''t been in vain. Things were resolved more smoothly than she imagined.


    "Oh, right, Su Tao." Zheng Bai took out another script and handed it to Su Tao. "This is the project I''m preparing next. It''s my biggest priority in the second half of the year. I''m quite optimistic about Jiang Qi. He''d be perfect for my male lead. Take a look and tell me what you think."


    Unexpectedly, there was a pleasant surprise.


    Su Tao flipped open the script and got absorbed after reading just a few pages. Moreover, the story seemed increasingly familiar. She looked up at Zheng Bai: "Is this adapted from an online novel?"


    Zheng Bai smiled and said, "That''s right. I just obtained this IP. You''ve read it too?"


    Su Tao nodded. She had read this novel during college under Zhe Xiarui''s influence. Back then, all six girls in their dorm were obsessed with it.


    Especially the male protagonist - an exceptionally charming character. The plot was also very good, both sweet and funny.


    At the time, she thought whoever could perform even one-tenth of the male lead''s appeal would surely captivate countless young girls.


    Jiang Qi...was simply perfect.


    Moreover, in Su Tao''s judgment, this drama would surely explode as long as they faithfully adapted the original novel.


    Zheng Bai said, "This drama has another guarantee. I''ve invited Director Chen Dongdong ofst year''s hit drama. You know the quality of his productions without me saying more."


    With Chen Dongdong directing, it was guaranteed to be a masterpiece!


    Su Tao was not only not worried now, but also had some ambition.


    "Have you started talking about investment?"


    As soon as this was mentioned, Zheng Bai sighed, "Still talking about it. Our executive producer Xu is a straight man and obviously hasn''t read the original work. He treated my project as an ordinary one. Wait for it. If he doesn''t take the initiative to talk to me about investment, when I make the drama a big hit, he will have to confess to me that he was blind. "


    Su Tao suppressed the restless feeling in her heart, blinked her doe eyes and asked, "What''s your budget?"


    Zheng Bai: "Because the team I hired are all the best, I don''t n to save on props, sets and costumes. Excluding actor fees, I conservatively estimate that each episode may need 750,000 yuan."


    She was referring to hundreds of thousands of yuan.


    A TV series is about 40 episodes, so 30 million is about right. Actor fees would be a few million more.


    If she wanted to use a stock with potential like Jiang Qi, the cost would not be high and the rate of return could triple.


    Su Tao seemed to chat casually and asked, "Ruiqui should be very suitable for this kind of project, right? Your supervisor Xu doesn''t manage it, haven''t you thought about going to talk about it yourself?"


    Zheng Bai sighed, "I did talk about it. President Wu of Ruiqui said that their project n for the second half of the year has been submitted, and it won''t be easily changed. I guess it''s also because they are a bigpany with more procedures and checkpoints that are very troublesome to change."


    Seeing her at a loss, Su Tao suppressed the joy in her heart, took out a notebook, tore off a nk piece of paper, wrote down a phone number and handed it to her.


    "This is Xie Jin''s phone number. You can talk to him directly."


    Su Tao knew that Xie Jin was not easy to make an appointment with, so she gave Zheng Bai his phone number directly. She was convinced that this drama would make a lot of money. With the idea of not letting outsiders reap the benefits, she built a bridge in between.


    Looking at the number on the paper, Zheng Bai was stunned for a few seconds. When she came back to her senses from the shock, she was so excited that she didn''t know what to say. She was in her thirties and jumping up and down saying, "Look at me, I''ve been chatting with you for so long and I didn''t even think of it. You are Mrs. Tianjin!"


    As soon as the words Mrs. Tianjin came out, Su Tao''s face instantly flushed red. After chatting for a few sentences, she hurried away.


    Su Tao went to the hotel to find Tong Mingxuan.


    Tong Mingxuan, who had been prepared to sink or swim and whose career would never take off, was moved to tears when he learned that he could continue acting in this drama.


    He swore to Su Tao that since he had chosen this difficult path, he would surely go all out and reach another peak.


    Under Su Tao''s guidance, Tong Mingxuan announced the love news ahead of time.


    With the PR and tech departments on standby, Su Tao controlled thements so that he and Qingqing did not receive any negative news.


    This matter was finally settled and it was the end of it. Su Tao bought fish and went home with a light heart.


    Eating fish every day, she wondered if he would get tired of it.


    As soon as Xie Jin got home, he smelled the spicy fish vor and quickly walked into the kitchen. He hugged his diligent little peach from behind and kissed her cheeks twice, burying his head in her neck and still unwilling to let go.


    Su Tao was about to get off the stove when he clung to her so she couldn''t work. She gently pushed him away, "Go wash your hands first."


    Xie Jin had no choice but to let her go and obediently wash his hands. He took the initiative to serve rice, and then stared at her intently as she brought the boiled fish over.


    "Won''t you get tired of eating boiled fish every day?" Seeing him eat with relish, Su Tao couldn''t help asking.


    Xie Jin, who was focused on eating, looked up with a stiff expression and asked, "Tired? Who''s tired of it?"


    Xie Jin couldn''t stand hearing the word "tired" now. He worried every day that his little peach would be disgusted with him and tired of him.


    "I mean we can eat something else tomorrow." Su Tao exined.


    Xie Jin volunteered, "Okay, I can pan-fry a steak for you too."


    Su Tao: "......Then let''s keep having boiled fish."


    Soon a bowl of rice was finished. He went to serve himself another bowl. Su Tao reached out and pinched his cheek. Although he still looked thin, it felt a little fleshy, and she unconsciously gained blind confidence in her cooking skills.


    Xie Jin seemed to see through Su Tao''s mindset. He deliberately grinnedsciviously and said ambiguously, "I exercise too much every night, I won''t get fat."


    Su Tao: "......"


    Eat your food!


    After teasing Su Tao, Xie Jinughed softly twice, looking at her flushed cheeks, he was in a very good mood.


    His phone on the table rang.


    Although he doesn''t usually answer strange numbers, he was in a good mood now, so he took the call.


    In the quiet room, a clear female voice could be heard clearly from the phone.


    Xie Jin immediately looked up at Su Tao, panicked and hung up the phone. Then he felt his behavior was self-incriminating and didn''t know what to do.


    He could only exin hastily but sincerely: "I don''t know how a woman got my phone number. I swear I''ve never given my personal number to a woman alone before. Business contacts are all scheduled through my secretary. Very few people know my private number..."


    The more he exined, the more he felt it was wrong.


    Very few people knew his private number. Why did a woman''s call suddenly appear?


    Doesn''t it prove more that he had something going on with this woman?


    In a fluster, Xie Jin tried to regain hisposure and pretended to call the woman back. "I was a little impulsive just now. Let me call her back and ask clearly. Maybe someone leaked my phone number."


    Seeing his flustered behavior, if Su Tao hadn''t recognized that the voice on the phone belonged to Zheng Bai, she would have almost believed that he really had something to hide from her.


    Su Tao: "Um...you don''t have to call back. I was the one who gave her your number."


    Xie Jin: "?"

 Chapter 55: Extraversion 02

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    Su Tao patiently exined and apologized, "Zheng Bai of Kao Number has a very good project, and just happened to not find an investor. She was rejected by Wu Xie Yu. I was thinking this drama could make money, so I directly gave her your phone number. I didn''t think about the issue of you not wanting your personal number leaked. It was inconsiderate of me. Let me call her and ask her not to do that. You can also directly discuss this project with her using my phone."


    Xie Jin: "..."


    He let out a deep breath, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and his pounding heart finally returned to normal.


    "So it was you who gave my number. Since you gave it, it''s fine for you to give my number to whoever you want."


    "Next time I''ll ask for your consent first." Su Tao still felt apologetic. She should have considered things moreprehensively.


    Xie Jin spoke righteously, correcting her thinking, "Little Taozi, from now on you need to develop an awareness. All of my everything, you can dispose of however you want, give to whoever you want... except for me."


    Su Tao looked at Xie Jin speaking these words with a straight face, and couldn''t helpughing out loud. She reached out and pinched his cheeks, shaking them, "How can you be so cute?"


    Xie Jin''s fair cheeks were pinched slightly red, but he was unaware. He still had a straight face saying, "Be serious, I''m speaking sincerely."


    Su Taoughed even more merrily, joking, "Okay, I''ll obey!"


    Xie Jin hooked his lips into a smile, grabbed her fair little hands that were up to no good on his face, and held them in his hand, "Then call her. Since you rmended her, I''ll discuss it properly with her."


    Su Tao called Zheng Bai back. She picked up and even deliberately turned on speakerphone.


    After simply exining the situation, Zheng Bai said she would send Xie Jin an analysis of the project.


    Su Tao immediately went to the living room to take out herptop and logged into her email, asking Zheng Bai to send it to her email.


    Sitting down with Xie Jin, who had followed her to the living room sofa, she nced up slightly. Seeing how enthusiastic Little Taozi was, she carefully looked at the analysis of this project.


    The analysis included online subscription data, sales data for published books, and various market research results.


    With Xie Jin''s perspective, purely standing from a businessman''s position, this data analysis did meet the basic conditions for a hit project.


    "We can discuss it. Contact my assistant Jin Chuiwen directly and arrange a time to discuss the details."


    Zheng Bai''s excited voice came through, "Great, thank you so much Boss Xie, thank you so much Su Tao."


    After hanging up the phone, Xie Jin rubbed Su Tao''s head and teased in a low chuckle, "Our little Taozi has grown up and knows how to earn money for her ownpany."


    Su Tao''s expression froze for a moment. Zheng Bai''s "Boss Lady Tianjin" suddenly came to mind, and her face flushed red, as if it had touched a nerve. Words slipped out without thinking, "I''ve never thought about being Boss Lady Tianjin."


    Xie Jin''s smile froze, the corners of his mouth slowly drooping. His pitch ck eyes took on a hint of gloom, his brow slightly furrowed, "You don''t want to be Boss Lady Tianjin, meaning you don''t want to marry me?"


    What Su Tao blurted out wasn''t exactly urate.


    She just meant that she had never thought of Tianjin as her asset, just as she had never coveted the family property.


    Since she was little, she had only ever wanted to earn what she deserved, never being the least bit greedy.


    This thinking had taken firm root five years ago. Her father didn''t love her and her mother, so she had no right to the family property. She shouldn''t have extravagant hopes.


    This feeling had apanied her growth, taking deep root.


    So the two phrases "earning money for her ownpany" and "Boss Lady Tianjin" immediately set off rm bells in her mind.


    Reminding her, other people''s things don''t belong to you, you have no right to possess anything others struggled to attain.


    Even the closest rtives and lovers shouldn''t.


    "I didn''t say I don''t want to marry you," Su Tao hurried to exin, seeing that Xie Jin misunderstood. "What I mean is that ever since I''ve been with you, I''ve never thought about your assets. In the future when we get married, we can do a prenuptial agreement first, which is fair for both sides."


    Xie Jin''s expression was growing darker and darker, with no sign of improvement despite her exnation.


    His voice was hoarse, and there were traces of mist in his dark bright eyes, "A prenup? You want to separate things so clearly with me? Isn''t the essence of a prenup for divorce in the future, to avoid damaging the interests of the one with more assets? Little Taozi, you really think for me, even thinking through what to do after divorce."


    He bit out the word "divorce" heavily, his low husky voice choking up.


    "I''m not saying I want to divorce you," Su Tao said anxiously, not even married yet but already talking divorce, "look at the money issue rationally, without involving emotions."


    "Little Taozi, all of mine, including myself, is yours. How can you ask me to not involve emotions and do a prenup with you? I can''t ept it."


    For the first time, Xie Jin didn''t wait for Su Tao and directly went upstairs, leaving her with a proud yet sad back view.


    Su Tao: "..."


    She chased after him. Xie Jin was sitting in the single seat sofa in the master bedroom, facing the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the street lights outside, integrating his temperament into the night.


    Su Tao gently hugged him from behind, pressing her face against his, persuading gently, "I didn''t mean I want to separate things clearly or get divorced. I just don''t want to get involved with you on money issues, I feel burdened."


    "Then let''s get married next month." Xie Jin turned his head sideways, his lips brushing her cheek as he looked at her.


    Su Tao straightened up a little, still speaking gently, "Don''t mess around, there''s no time next month. Let''s talk about it next year."


    Xie Jin''s gaze darkened again. Pushing her hand away, he stood up, his disappointed tone tinged with a hint of grievance, "Little Taozi, do you even want to marry me at all?"


    "It''s not that. Next month is too rushed. Besides, why the hurry to get married? It''s just a certificate, will having it or not affect our feelings?"


    "It will!" Xie Jin said decisively, his eyes rimmed red, "I''m afraid you''ll disappear again, afraid I won''t be able to find you again..."


    Su Tao''s words stuck in her throat as she looked at him heart-achingly.


    She suddenly understood that she had been speaking rationally while he was speaking emotionally.


    The year she left did hurt him greatly, leaving him with a shadow difficult to smooth over.


    She should give him some sense of security.


    He was Xie Jin, the man who loved her wholeheartedly, not those so-called rtives from her childhood family.


    The shadows of her childhood shouldn''t be used to hurt those who loved her.


    "Alright, let''s not do the prenup. Don''t be angry." Su Tao walked up and hugged him from behind, leaning her head on his straight back, conceding gently.


    Xie Jin: "Then let''s get married next month."


    Su Tao: "..."


    Was he going to repeat this over and over?


    Su Tao: "Next month really is too rushed. I''m not ready yet."


    Xie Jin closed his eyes, pushed her hands away again. His expression was tragic, tears in his despairing eyes, "You just don''t want to marry me, right?"


    Having said that, he locked himself in the bathroom. The sound of water came on as he added to his own tragic drama.


    Su Tao: "..."


    Did he take up the script of a tragic female lead?


    Waiting for her to chase after him to his cremation?


    No sooner had one wave subsided than another rose. In the past few days, the solo song rehearsal video Jiang Qi took before the DG promotional event was leaked.


    From the video you could see he was depressed the whole time. At the chorus, there were tears in his eyes as he sang the second half in a crying voice.


    Because of his previous scandal with Su Tao, everyone matched up the timeline. His rehearsal time matched the time Su Tao posted on Weibo and the intimate photos with Xie Jin.


    Fans defended, saying Jiang Qi had strong performing skills, and was moved to tears while performing the song itself, which was why he cried.


    And the song was about unrequited love...


    Even as they defended, fans couldn''t defend it anymore.


    The song content plus the timeline of the photos, it was too obvious!


    The bathroom still had the sound of tragic water flowing. The video had the low murmurs of the sorrowful song.


    Su Tao helplessly pinched her brow. What were these two trying to do?


    Making her seem like a scumbag.


    Ever since thest DG promotional event, Jiang Qi had been depressed. Every night he got drunk with Le Xuan, and finally caught a cold.


    Su Tao called Le Xuan with an interrogating phone call. She peeked at Jiang Qi who was standing on the balcony, throwing his head back to drink a can of beer. She turned her back, muttered under her nose while taking all the me on herself in a low voice.


    "Yes, boss. It''s my fault. I was negligent. Alright, you can punish me however you want. Why don''t you deduct my bonus?"


    After hanging up Su Tao''s phone, Le Xuan sucked her slightly blocked nose. Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Jiang Qi''s half-drunk voice sounded faintly behind her, "Did she call?"


    Le Xuan was so frightened that she looked back sharply. She turned her head so quickly that her head, which was dizzy due to the cold, throbbed and gave her a feeling of vertigo.


    Her shoulder was held to steady her until the vertigo dissipated. When her vision focused, she saw it was Jiang Qi, probably worried that she would faint, so he supported her.


    Jiang Qi''s clear eyes were slightly blurred with drunkenness. He looked at Le Xuan and asked, "It''s clearly my fault for not listening to you and asking you to drink with me when you''re sick. Why didn''t you snitch on me but took all the me yourself?"


    Le Xuan grinned cheerfully and said seemingly carefreely, "We are good buddies. It''s no big deal to take the rap for you. Besides, my boss wouldn''t really punish me."


    The door to the balcony was not closed. Le Xuan sneezed heavily twice in session. Her eyes instantly misted over with tears, looking watery.


    Jiang Qi chuckled lightly and rubbed her windswept short hair with a slightly disgusted ridicule, "You''re sick, and somehow look a bit girly, but your hair is a mess like a chicken nest?"


    Jiang Qi turned to pour her some hot water. When his back was to her, Le Xuan dropped her carefree smile and secretly tidied her hair.


    The extreme cold air at the top floor of Tianjin headquarters invaded again.


    The office, which was permeated with a festive atmosphere everywhere as if celebrating the uing new year, returned to the cold and solemn days of thest month of winter.


    In the conference room, the source of the extreme cold red at his phone every five minutes. Each time he looked, his face turned colder by a minute. Finally, he mmed the phone on the table with a "thud", scaring the person who was reporting work, thinking he had said something wrong to anger the boss.


    Fortunately, it was already thest department''s report. Jin Chuiwen looked at the boss who was on the verge of copse and cautiously asked, "Boss, every department has reported. Shall we adjourn the meeting?"


    Xie Jin stared at the phone he had mmed on the table with gloomy eyes and darkplexion. He lightly waved his slender fingers. Jin Chuiwen immediately adjourned the meeting.


    When almost everyone had left, Xie Jin finally called Jin Chuiwen to stay and spoke as if to himself, "She hasn''t called me all day."


    Jin Chuiwen looked at his watch.


    It was only ten o''clock now. He came to thepany at nine, so it had only been an hour since she called!


    "She must be angry. She must think I''m being unreasonable. I should have backed down when she gave me a way out yesterday."


    Instead of waiting for her to coax him all the time.


    Xie Jin buried his face in his hands in distress, feeling that he had made a terrible mistake.


    Jin Chuiwen: "..."


    He was used to seeing his boss act pricelessly like this and was momentarily at a loss for words to mock him.


    Anyway, the boss who had made up with his wife was bing more and more human. He was no longer afraid of him at all. Instead, he pitied him from time to time.


    After all, as a scumbag himself, he felt that a man who was held tightly by his wife was quite pitiful.


    On the contrary, he was now afraid of the boss''s wife.


    He could imagine that if the boss''s wife abandoned the boss again, Tianjin would have to revert to hell mode.


    As a result, he now prayed every morning after getting up.


    He prayed for the boss and boss''s wife to live happily ever after.


    While Jin Chuiwen was praying and mocking, the phone screen that had been thrown on the table suddenly lit up with a beep, and a message came in.


    [Su Tao: Are we still having fish for dinner tonight?]


    The phone that had just been abandoned instantly became a treasure, cherished in hand.


    The corners of Xie Jin''s mouth rose slightly. He wanted to smile but held it in, redialed the call in his deep voice, and said uncharacteristically sappy words, "You finally coaxed me."


    How did she coax you? She was clearly asking about dinner.


    Jin Chuiwen couldn''t even watch it anymore.

 Chapter 56: Exotica 03

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Su Tao was stunned for a few seconds before understanding his implication. She asked incredulously, "Are you still angry?"


    "I was, but I''m not anymore," Xie Jin said slowly, gentleness filling his eyes in stark contrast to his previous gloominess. "I didn''t respect your thoughts either, always pushing for us to get married next month. I was wrong too."


    Beside them, Jin Chuiwen shuddered, goosebumps breaking out all over his body. Desperate to escape the nauseatingly sweet atmosphere of love, he was also relieved that the cold had finally left and spring hade to thepany.


    After appearing on Chui Meng''s variety show on Beicheng TV, Xue Xinzi became an overnight sensation thanks to an original folk song she performed.


    Dubbed "the quietest voice" by the celebrity mentors on the show, she broke out of the pack and became the poster child for talented actresses.


    When the show ended, although Xue Xinzi came in third ce, she was the most popr of the top three contestants. Interview requests flooded in.


    Both on and off camera, Xue Xinzi maintained a quiet, somewhat clueless charm that further endeared her to fans. She wasn''t great at socializing and only ever gave minimal responses in interviews, never using two words when one would suffice.


    But today, when a reporter asked who she was most grateful to on her journey so far, the usually taciturn Xue Xinzi looked directly into the camera for the first time and opened up.


    "I want to thank my agent, Yang Qing, and Su Tao. Thank you Yang Qing for not only doing your job but also taking care of my daily life. And Su Tao, I''m truly grateful for all your support and freedom. Thank you for believing in my abilities. I know I haven''t earned you much money, but you''ve never made me take on extramercial performances or put pressure on me. On the contrary, whenever I was in low spirits, you gently consoled me and told me not to be impetuous and to calm down so I could create good work."


    For the first time, Xue Xinzi shed tears on camera about something other than singing.


    #XueXinziCries quickly topped the hot search trends, touching passersby and fans alike with the sincerity of emotions from this usually quiet girl.


    Meanwhile, praise for Su Tao, the woman behind Xue Xinzi''s sess, abounded.


    A conscientious, discerning, and thoughtful agent like her was the only one in the materialistic industry who had never been scolded by artists'' fans. She was truly the conscience of the business.


    Gu Yiyan even led the charge by posting: My sister is indeed a very wise and empathetic boss. Grateful to have you @SuTao


    Gu Yiyan''s drama fromst year was finally airing and was both a critical and popr sess at its peak poprity.


    When he posted on Weibo, Su Tao''s hot search topic climbed even higher.


    Her other artists, including rookie Tong Mingxuan and stay-at-home mom Zhu Hang, also re-shared Gu Yiyan''s post, all writing: Grateful to have you @SuTao


    Even wildly popr starlet Jiang Wan boldly posted: Wish I could have you @SuTao


    It looked like she had already negotiated termination of her previous contract and was about to sign with Su Tao.


    And this year''s breakout newbie Jiang Qi, whose fans were geometrically increasing, also posted something simr to everyone else''s but added an extra line:


    Jiang Qi: Grateful to have you @SuTao, my agent forever.


    Was this an indirect statement that he would never change agents?


    The speed of Jiang Qi''s poprity growth was frightening. Many in the industry who saw his potential were eager to poach him.


    Su Tao''s charm was just too strong!


    And the topic #Happiness Index of Su Tao''s Artists# steadily climbed as well.


    Su Tao was moved to tears by Xue Xinzi and her artists'' gratitude and affirmation.


    But she felt helpless about constantly trending and was somewhat averse to the attention. She wasn''t the type who liked being in the spotlight in the first ce. Because of the huge buzz this time, she was even asked to do an exclusive interview.


    Her achievements as an agent were just too high-profile.


    Only after Zhang Qi Guang''s persuasion did she agree to the interview, wanting to promote her artists.


    The interviewer had done extensive research and asked many pertinent questions about her career before finally turning the conversation towards her rtionship with Xie Jin.


    Interviewer: "Do you and Mr. Xie have any wedding ns yet? The whole country is moring for you to get married."


    Su Tao''s expression froze almost imperceptibly. She had finally gotten Xie Jin to stop asking about it, yet couldn''t escape the question even in an interview.


    Keeping her facial expressions under control, Su Tao smiled and said, "It''s under consideration."


    The interviewer abruptly changed tacks, and the screen showed Su Tao''s colleagues and artists congratting her.


    Caught off guard, Su Tao was only concerned that they not create another hot search topic for Jiang Qi. She was really tired of this.


    From Zhang Qi Guang, Liang Ke, Le Xuan, Yang Qing and more colleagues, blessings for her wedding poured forth. Then it was the artists'' turn with their exhortations and congrattions, practically an army of aunties and sisters moring for her to marry.


    Finally it was Jiang Qi''s turn, and Su Tao''s heart leapt into her throat.


    Head lowered, Jiang Qi slowly raised his eyes, looked earnestly into the camera, and said in his clear, mellow voice, "I wish you happiness."


    Then he smiled serenely.


    Su Tao froze for a few seconds before slowly exhaling in relief, the tension leaving her body.


    After the interview ended, Su Tao left the studio. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw a familiar Maybach and walked over to knock on the car door. It rolled down to reveal Xie Jin''s breathtakingly handsome face, finally allowing thest of the tension from the interview to drain awaypletely.


    Getting in the car, she sank back into the seat, feeling pleasantly rxed as the vehicle glided smoothly along. Drowsiness pulled at her eyelids, and she was on the verge of dozing off.


    In her groggy state, she noticed the car slowing down significantly. He must be afraid of driving too fast and jostling her.


    Su Tao''s mouth curved up involuntarily. She was quite susceptible to his solicitous care.


    But the pull of sleep was interrupted by the chime of a WeChat message on her phone. Reluctant though she was, she had to check it in case it was important work that she couldn''t miss.


    [Li Yajie: Qin Xuexi miscarried and Jiang Nian got her thrown in jail on charges of financial crimes.]


    Su Tao stared at the screen, now fully awake.


    [Su Tao: Thanks for letting me know, sister.]


    Li Yajie knew about their falling out and specifically informed her about Qin Xuexi''s miserable state.


    It seemed Xie Jin really hadn''t helped her after all.


    Su Tao didn''t have much emotional reaction. She had alreadypletely let go of the matter regarding Qin Xuexi.


    Xie Jin, driving slowly, asked, "Can''t sleep anymore? More work?"


    Su Tao put her phone away and smiled faintly. "No more work today."


    The corners of Xie Jin''s lips turned up, his voice pleased. "Then you can keep mepany properly? Let''s eat dinner out tonight - anything you want is fine, even the street food stalls, or we can see a movie or go shopping, or anything you want, really. As long as we''re together."


    He was willing to do anything as long as it was with her.


    "Sounds good," Su Tao readily agreed.


    But less than five minutester, Su Tao''s phone rm rang, reminding her that today was Monday and she had a video conference meeting tonight.


    Su Tao looked at Xie Jin hesitantly, really reluctant to spoil his good mood. She was silent for a while before slowly saying, "How about tomorrow? I forgot I have a video conference tonight."


    Predictably, Xie Jin''s expression fell immediately, looking at her reproachfully with disappointment and dissatisfaction written all over his face. "But you already agreed."


    Su Tao reached out and rubbed his cheeks, her voice gently sweet. "I''ll make it up to you tomorrow, okay?"


    That "okay" rendered Xie Jin helpless to resist. Unhappy as he was, he could only nod obediently.


    He drove to a nearby supermarket and bought two fresh, seasoned ribeye steaks.


    The corner of Su Tao''s eye twitched. She didn''t know why he was so fixated on pan-frying steak. She gently suggested, "Why not just get takeout from a western restaurant?"


    Even takeout was better than what he cooked himself.


    "Is takeout made by me? You don''t like eating what I make with my own hands?" Xie Jin turned his head and looked at her sideways.


    He seemed to be reminding her: I''m still unhappy, you know. Upset me more and you''ll have to coax me!


    When Su Tao''s eyes met his for an instant, she quickly waved her hands and made an expression that she didn''t want to cause trouble. She gave him a big thumbs up, "Your pan-fried steak is the most delicious. I just love what you make with your own hands."


    Xie Jin''s mouth finally curled up again. He confidently said, "I''ve learned how to pan fry steak now. Low heat and slow pan frying, I get it."


    After speaking, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, then moved all the shopping bags into one hand to free up the other to hold her hand.


    In the twilight, one tall and one slender shadow walked towards the parking lot facing the setting sun and evening glow.


    Xie Jin really did learn to pan fry steak. Although it was still a little burnt, at least it was cooked through. Su Tao was already very content.


    Because they had to wait for Yang Qing, who wasingte due to apanying Xue Xinzi to participate in an event, Su Tao deliberately postponed the meeting by an hour.


    Xie Jin was watching foreign ssic films in the living room, while Su Tao, upholding the principle of not disturbing each other, went to the study.


    As soon as Yang Qing got off the ne, she got in the car and started a video conference.


    After Su Tao finished arranging work, she specially praised Yang Qing at the end of the meeting for bing more and more mature recently, with significantly improved work abilities.


    "Qingqing, if one assistant is not enough to handle Xinzi''s daily life over there, you can arrange for her to have another one. Take your work focus away from her personal life. I''m nning to have you also manage Tong Mingxuan."


    Yang Qing was shocked and stammered as she asked, "I''m managing two artists? Can I do that, Boss?"


    Only veteran agents could manage two artists. She had only been in the industry for a year!


    Su Tao said, "What can''t you do? I was in this position after working for a year. Don''t you believe in yourself, or my judgement?"


    "You''re different. How could Ipare with you?" Yang Qing was ttered but also had a bit of self-deprecatingck of confidence.


    Su Tao was about to encourage her some more when she suddenly noticed something off with everyone''s expressions on the video screen.


    She looked at her own little video screen and saw Xie Jin leisurely leaning against the door frame behind her in a bathrobe,zily looking at her.


    Xie Jin''s hair was still damp, evidently having just gotten out of the shower. Seeing that she had noticed him, he simply walked right over.


    The chair in the study was a wide single armchair sofa. Xie Jin squeezed in and sat on the armrest, draping his arm over her shoulders and pulling her in, nodding to Su Tao''s colleagues on the video as a greeting.


    There were almost all female colleagues on the video. Screams erupted and Su Tao was so shocked she took off her headphones.


    She turned her head to look at Xie Jin and questioned, "What are you doing? I''m in a meeting."


    Unrushed, Xie Jin tucked her hair behind her ear and admired her face. His deep, maic voice was gentle, "You carry on with your meeting. I''ll just sit here and not disturb you."


    Su Tao: "..."


    How could he possibly not be disturbing? The girls on the video were all looking at him. Who could still listen to what she was saying?


    Su Tao grabbed his hand resting on her shoulder and pushed it outward, saying softly, "Go wait for me in the next room. I''ll be done with my meeting soon. Be good~"


    Xie Jin finally understood why she didn''t refute him in the past when he told her to "be good."


    It turned out that when you deeply love someone and are very afraid of losing her, you really have no resistance against that word.


    You just want to obediently listen to her and willingly let her tame you.


    He also recalled that after she misunderstood him and Qin Xuexi, she stopped listening to him.


    At that time, she must have already had the idea of leaving him, yet he foolishly thought she was just being rebellious.


    Xie Jin stood outside the door, reminiscing about their past interactions, feeling regretful one moment and emotional the next, wanting to cry yet also tough.


    When Su Tao hurriedly finished her meeting and came out, she saw Xie Jin leaning against the wall with his head lowered,ughing. She was about to ask what he wasughing about when she saw a plump teardrop fall to the ground.


    Su Tao immediately went up to him, cupped his lowered face in both hands, and stared into his dark, moist eyes as she gently asked, "Why are you crying? Are you upset that I made you wait for me?"


    Xie Jin shook his head, gazing intently at her eyes that were brighter than anymp, and said, "I was just thinking about what would happen to me if I could never find you again."


    "What would happen?"


    "If I truly confirmed that I could never find you again, I might go back to the ce we first met and do what I wanted to do that day."


    Su Tao''s brows furrowed tightly and her heart tightened painfully, the ache spreading through her whole heart.


    So the hurt she caused by leaving was even more than she had imagined.


    What he showed was only one ten thousandth of it.


    Su Tao tiptoed and cradled his face, lightly touching his lips with her petal-like lips, trying to relieve the sadness he was immersed in.


    Her slender waist was encircled by warm big hands and forcefully lifted up. She straddled his waist as her mouth was firmly sealed by his, sweet peach vor spreading through their soft lips and teeth.


    This familiar sugary taste was what he often used to coax her with before. How was he eating it himself now?


    He still habitually carried candy on him tofort himself?


    Her lower lip was suddenly bitten and then came an increasingly fiery kiss, as if punishing her for not concentrating.


    Su Tao felt his body temperature gradually rising as he carried her to the bedroom.


    He sat on the edge of the bed and freed up both hands, sping her neck, gently pinching her earlobes, his tongue flicking about, provoking each of her sensitive nerves.


    Her fair small hands sped his neck, breathing raggedly, feeling her clothes gradually shed from her body. The coolness in front was filled up by his heat and they grew hotter together.


    "Little... peach," he couldn''t bear to part from her an inch and could only speak indistinctly and haltingly, "Marry... me... okay? Forever... don''t... leave me..."


    Her response was mixed with irrepressible passion: "Mmm~"


    The dim room was awash with bright moonlight. The scorching temperature continued rising, the scene increasingly suggestive.

 Chapter 57: The End of My Life

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    On the most popr Nordic-style street in Beicheng where tourists flock, Su Tao sat across from Liao Dan in a spotless cafe with bright windows and let out a helpless sigh. She apologetically said to Liao Dan, "Let me check WeChat again really quick."


    Liao Dan was on a business trip in Beicheng and met up with Su Tao who was also in Beicheng. They had barely sat down for half an hour before Xie Jin had already called three times, sent a video, and over a dozen WeChat messages.


    She thought that after finally agreeing to his marriage proposalst night, it would help alleviate some of his insecurities.


    She didn''t expect him to be even more clingy, to the point she didn''t have a moment''s peace.


    Her fingers swiftly tapped on the screen as she typed.


    [Su Tao: I''m having coffee with Liao Dan right now. Be a good boy and stop bombarding me with messages!]


    [Xie Jin: ...Okay]


    He had gotten better at acting coquettishtely, even using ellipses and "ba" to express his grievances.


    [Xie Jin: I used to be like this too when we were together, and you didn''t find me annoying back then.]


    Su Tao: ...


    She almost forgot that he used to be much worse, blowing up her phone every five minutes when he didn''t see her.


    [Su Tao: If you keep this up, I''ll start missing the freedom I had when we weren''t together.]


    After sending it, Su Tao felt bad and immediately recalled the message.


    Considering Xie Jin''s current sensitive state where he cries at the drop of a hat, she couldn''t provoke him like this.


    [Xie Jin: I saw it already...]


    [Xie Jin: Is that a threat? Trying to scare me?]


    Su Tao quickly typed an exnation but upon seeing his next message, the corner of her eye twitched and she deleted her exnatory words.


    [Xie Jin: Then you win.]


    [Xie Jin: How long until I can call you?]


    [Xie Jin: I miss you.]


    Seeing thest message, Su Tao pressed her lips into a smile and changed the five hours she had originally typed to two hours.


    Finally putting her phone down, she nced up at Liao Dan''s disgusted expression and raised an eyebrow.


    Liao Dan shuddered dramatically and joked, "Ugh, your smile is so sweet it''s nauseating. I don''t even need to add sugar to my coffee now. Is it trendy these days to lure out single dogs and torture them over coffee?"


    Su Tao''s cheeks flushed slightly as she toned down her smile.


    This reaction made Liao Dan even more astonished as she clicked her tongue, "Taozi, you''re usually very calm. This is the first time I''ve seen you get shy."


    "...Really?" Su Tao said as she sipped her coffee to hide her expression.


    Liao Dan shook her head and chuckled lightly, "Though, President Xie is really too clingy. Does he not feel secure?"


    Su Tao looked up at her with clear eyes and asked, "You can tell?"


    Liao Dan said, "Who can''t? He posts couple photos with you on Weibo every day, afraid that people don''t know about your rtionship. It''s like he''s staking his im."


    Su Tao said helplessly, "I don''t know what I should do to help him feel more secure."


    Liao Dan said, "That''s easy. You just have to publicly express your love for him like he does."


    Publicly professing her love?


    She''d rather take a knife to the heart.


    Su Tao blinked her clear eyes and fell into deep thought.


    Su Yang Xing rushed back after a schedule and contacted Su Tao to meet up.


    Su Tao agreed and went to the film and TV studios in the afternoon to discuss her next drama with Zheng Bai before hurrying back.


    Su Yang Xing had worked very hard ever since his debut. He changed his past yboy ways, didn''t date, didn''t splurge, and focused on practicing dance and singing.


    When she saw him again, he had slimmed downpared to when he was on Produce Camp 2020.


    "Sis!" From across the street, Su Yang Xing eagerly waved at Su Tao from the van and sweetly called out to her.


    Su Tao walked up to his van and smiled lightly, "Tiredtely?"


    Su Yang Xing immediately pouted and nodded vigorously. "Exhausted. I had three schedules in four days, two weremercials. It was tiring to death."


    Su Tao raised her brows slightly, a bit surprised that Su HaoYang would wring out even his own brother like this.


    Her previous worries were indeed right. With Su HaoYang''s management style, even the most promising newbie wouldn''t get popr under him.


    "Let''s go in, sis. I already booked a private room," said Su Yang Xing. He was already wearing a hat and mask and got out of the car to go into the restaurant with Su Tao.


    "Wait a moment," Su Tao said as she checked her phone again and looked around. "Xie Jin said he''ll be here soon."


    "Huh? You invited brother-inw too?" Su Yang Xing''s eyes widened in shock and anxiety crept onto his face.


    Su Tao blinked nkly, somewhat confused. "Didn''t you specifically ask if your brother-inw was free today? He made time specially toe."


    Su Yang Xing shook his head exaggeratedly with a grave expression. "I asked if he was free because I wanted to meet you alone while he was busy!"


    Su Tao: "...Well it''s toote now. Why weren''t you clear? He''s already on his way."


    Xie Jin''s shy Maybach pulled up arrogantly at the curb. Long legs emerged from the car and the striking good looks in a crisp suit frequently drew the attention of passersby. Even Su Yang Xing, a celebrity himself, didn''t attract as many looks when he got out of the car.


    Su Yang Xing felt sour on the inside but also anxious. He didn''t know if there would be a bloody stormter.


    Xie Jin walked over unhurriedly holding a small gift box. He stood in front of Su Tao and only gave Su Yang Xing a cold side nce.


    "Brother-inw," Su Yang Xing still respectfully greeted him despite feeling on the verge of breakdown.


    Xie Jin was very satisfied that the brother who always called him brother-inw and took his side, even tipping him off before, maintained this degree of deference.


    He stretched out his arm and offered the gift box. He graciously gave Su Yang Xing his full attention, "For you."


    Su Yang Xing epted it cautiously and reverently. Seeing the logo on the bag, his eyes lit up. He quickly took out the box and opened it to find the exquisite watch inside that matched his imagination.


    A watch worth eight figures!


    Even his dad wouldn''t be willing to buy it for him.


    Su Yang Xing looked at Xie Jin as if looking at his father, full of filial piety.


    He swore that no matter what happened tonight, he would stand by father...no, brother-inw''s side.


    Su Yang Xing led Su Tao and Xie Jin all the way to the reserved private room. Pushing open the door, there were already three people inside who looked at Su Tao and Xie Jin in surprise and stood up together.


    Su Sheng, Li Pei, and Su HaoYang stood by the table like an inspection lineup.


    Su HaoYang was the first to break the silence. He fawned as he came up and said to Xie Jin and Su Tao, "President Xie and Taozi are here together. How wonderful, it''s a family reunion today. Come in and sit."


    Su Tao''s expression froze. She ignored Su HaoYang and slowly looked towards Su Yang Xing, who lowered his head guiltily. She turned to leave.


    "Taozi~"


    Su Sheng''s weathered voice made Su Tao''s footsteps falter. Her taut expression grew even colder, and her entire body radiated resistance.


    Su Sheng had already walked over. His tone no longer had its previous firmness and he spoke in the gentle fatherly voice Su Tao had always imagined. "Taozi, dad was wrong."


    Li Pei also walked over and gently said, "Taozi, your dad misses you very much. Lately he''s always looking through your childhood photos. He deeply regrets how he treated you back then. Can you give your dad a chance to make up for his mistakes?"


    "That''s right, little sister," Su HaoYang also chimed in to persuade her. "Dad''s mental state has been very poortely. He keeps dreaming about you and Aunt Yuan, and he can''t eat."


    Su Tao looked at this family''s dedicated heartwarming act and suddenly felt likeughing. She also suddenly didn''t want to leave anymore.


    Why should she avoid them? It''s not like she wronged them.


    Since they wanted to repent, she would give them this chance and see what they were scheming and how shameless they could still be.


    Su Tao took the initiative to hold Xie Jin''s hand. She met his worried gaze and gave him a reassuring smile as she entered the private room.


    Su HaoYang had already ordered the dishes in advance, and they were gradually all served.


    Li Pei smiled very genuinely this time. "Taozi, your dad picked all of these. They''re dishes you loved as a kid. See if they suit your taste?"


    Su Tao looked at the dishes on the table. There really were a few that she especially liked as a child, and there wasn''t a single seafood dish on the table, avoiding herndmines.


    So they knew all along, they just didn''t care about her feelings before.


    Su Tao didn''t pick up her chopsticks. Her leisurely gaze swept over everyone''s faces.


    Li Pei''s ingratiating expression, Su HaoYang''s troubled mind, and Su Sheng''s regretful weariness.


    Compared to her birthday party a year and a half ago, there was a stark irony this time.


    "Just say whatever you have to say." Su Tao didn''t really want to have this meal with them. She wanted to quickly find out their purpose and end this unpleasant dinner.


    Su HaoYang exchanged a look with Li Pei, and took out a prepared document that had already been prepared. He handed it to Su Tao and said, "Taotao, this is thepany''s equity transfer agreement. You also have a share in thispany. Let''s run it together and restore its past glory, okay?"


    Su Tao''s brow slightly arched as she instantly understood their intentions.


    Su HaoYang was running thepany worse and worse. And Su Tao''s frequent appearances on the hot searchtely let them know how strong her work ability was. They thought she could save thepany that was already on a downward slope and on the verge of bankruptcy.


    Li Pei chimed in, "Taotao, you are so capable at work and have your mother''s talent. Why earn money for others? Come back to our family business. This was also Lingyuan''s heart and soul back then..."


    "My mother''s heart and soul was in Sheng Yuan Entertainment, not Xing Yang Entertainment," Su Tao coldly interrupted Li Pei''s words. "Your family and Xing Yang Entertainment have had nothing to do with me for a long time. Your financial reports have been in the red for years. Now you¡¯re giving me shares in hopes that I¡¯ll help you pay off debts?"


    They didn''t expect Su Tao to know so clearly. All of them looked ashamed and embarrassed beyond words.


    "Under the pretense of repenting and apologizing to me, you actually want me to abandon Zheng Bai who took me in during my most isted and helpless time, ande back to earn money and pay off debts for you guys? Could you be any more disgusting?"


    Su Tao seldom spoke harshly. This time she was truly infuriated. Her fingers trembled as she habitually picked at her nails. A piece of her fragile nails broke off.


    Her icy cold hands were covered by a pair of warm palms. The thumbs gently stroked her brittle nails, stopping her nail-picking motion.


    He didn''t say much, knowing that his little peach could handle this kind of thing herself. He only needed to silently support her.


    Su Tao tilted her head to look into Xie Jin''s deep eyes, and her mood gradually calmed down a bit.


    Su Sheng, who had been silent all this time, suddenly scolded Su HaoYang. His tone was resentful and exasperated, and his weak coughs sounded powerless, "Didn''t I tell you? Your sister is not stupid! You are the stupid one, so you assume everyone else is as foolish as you!"


    Su Tao didn''t see whether he was acting or being genuine, so she didn''t retort and just watched them tear into each other.


    "From the beginning, I didn''t want you guys toe. I knew that no matter how much I repented today, it would be useless once you messed it up. Cough cough... cough."


    Su Sheng''s body clearly wasn''t well. The more he spoke, the more violently he coughed. It seemed there was a problem with his lungs.


    However, Su Tao had no intention of caring about him. She didn''t look at him with the disgusted expression she had when her mother was ill. She was already being very kind.


    "Taotao, your father owes you and your mother too much. I''m afraid there''s no way for me to make up for it in this lifetime. I have lung cancer. Lying in bed this past year, I''ve finally realized and regretted many things. I don''t ask for your forgiveness. I didn''t even agree with their proposal to transfer the shares. But now, I can no longer be the head of this family either. I can only watch as thepany your mother and I built up together takes step after step toward decline and ruin. This is the retribution I deserve."


    Su Sheng''s voice choked up as he took out a handkerchief to cover his face. His endless regret turned into tears that wetted the face of this normally hard-hearted old man who seemed to have no emotions.


    "But Xingyang doesn''t know about this at all. He only thought we came to apologize to you."


    Su Sheng exined in a tearful voice for Su Yang Xing. Among this family, only this youngest son wasn''t greedy like them. Yet he was also fooled by his big brother and mother.


    Back then when they persuaded Su Yang Xing to debut, Su Sheng couldn''t stop it. He helplessly watched as this family was ruined bit by bit by the foolish Su HaoYang and Li Pei.


    Su Yang Xing, who had already teared up, sat there forcefully squeezing the watch gift box Xie Jin had bought for him until his fingertips turned white.


    He only found out he was being used when his big brother took out the equity transfer agreement.


    They had clearly said they came to repent and apologize to Su Tao, and for the family to reunite happily like when they were young.


    It was all fake!


    His sister was right, they were all too disgusting!


    He never imagined his closest big brother and mother would be disgusting to this extent.


    "Sis, I''m sorry," Su Yang Xing''s tears streamed down uncontrobly. "I will never have that childish idea of family reunion again. I don''t even have the face to see you and brother-inw again. I won''t bother you two anymore in the future."


    Li Pei now regretted agreeing to Su HaoYang''s proposal to transfer shares. She had thought that with Su Tao back at thepany, she could personally manage Yangxing.


    She knew Su HaoYang was useless trash in every aspect, while even just one of Su Tao''s toes was better than him. She was determined that with Su Tao''s return, the family business, especially her son, would be able to skyrocket.


    Who knew things would backfire?


    She really shouldn''t have believed Su HaoYang''s nonsense!


    Li Pei regretfully said, "Taotao, I was wrong. I had narrow vision. I''m stupid and dumb. I..."


    "I can sign Yangxing," Su Tao coldly cut off Li Pei''s words. She didn''t agree to sign Su Yang Xing because of Li Pei''s repentance.


    Li Pei and Su Sheng both revealed looks of pleasant surprise, while Su HaoYang remained gloomy since the only person supporting him was now gone.


    "But it has to be a 30-year long contract, and the penalty for breach of contract is 300% higher than market price."


    "Okay!" Li Pei was the first to agree happily.


    Su Tao nced coldly at her and emphasized, "With such a long contract term and sky-high penalty, it prevents you guys from terminating the contract after he bes popr and resigning him back to your ownpany. Think it over clearly before deciding."


    Afraid that she would change her mind, Li Pei eagerly nodded her head, "Thought it through, thought it through. Thank you, Taotao. I didn''t expect you to still be willing to manage Yangxing. I was wrong in the past. I shouldn''t have..."


    "You don''t need to apologize or thank me. It''s not for you anyway," Su Tao once again coldly cut off Li Pei''s words.


    She got up, unwilling to stay any longer. "Since it''s settled, we''ll set a time to discuss the contract."


    "Taotao," Su Sheng coughed twice to stop Su Tao. He took out the will that had angered Su Tao to leave back then and ripped it in half. "I''ve arranged for thewyer. We''ll discuss a new will tomorrow. Your share of the family assets that belong to you will still be yours."


    Su Tao nced at him indifferently, held Xie Jin''s hand tighter, and said expressionlessly, "No need. Zheng Bai is about to go public and I''m the secondrgest shareholder. I''m notcking money at all. As for my fianc¨¦''s assets, I don''t even need to mention them. You guys should keep your family assets for yourselves."


    She looked down on them.


    Just after Su Tao and Xie Jin left the restaurant and got into his car, she was caught off guard by him kissing her lips.


    She could feel Xie Jin''s excitement but didn''t understand why he was excited.


    After finally being released, Su Tao nced at him and silently took out a wet wipe to help him wipe off the lipstick stain on his lips. She asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Xie Jin''s pitch-ck eyes containedughter. "Just now, didn''t you say in front of them that I''m your fianc¨¦?"


    Su Tao raised her slightly reddened eyelids, recalling Liao Dan''s words, and nodded, "Yeah. Didn''t I agree to your proposal? And I''m nning to post a Weibo announcement telling the whole world. Is that okay?"


    Xie Jin: "But I haven''t proposed yet."


    Su Tao: "?"


    Xie Jin: "I prepared an borate proposal ceremony that would make it impossible for you to reject my proposal."


    Su Tao: "I didn''t reject your proposal..."


    Xie Jin: "You were just pitying me and afraid I''d be heartbroken so you agreed. Give me the whole day tomorrow. I will definitely make you willingly agree once more."


    Su Tao: "...No, no need."


    The corner of her mouth twitched. She was the naive one after all.


    She had thought announcing it on Weibo would be high-profile enough and allow him to feel secure. She didn''t expect that he would still insist on holding some proposal ceremony.


    When Su Tao was blocked at her bedroom door by a makeup team of six people early next morning, she realized she had let her guard down.


    Su Tao was confused as she was dressed up, made up, and changed into new clothes. Thinking that this was just an engagement ceremony, she suddenly didn''t want to ept his proposal.


    Not for any other reason, she was just afraid the actual wedding day would be tooplicated, and she was afraid she would want to run away.


    In a daze, she was arranged to get into the car. Su Tao was relieved that he didn''t arrange for a helicopter toe.


    Facing the camera that was following and filming the whole time, she stiffly pulled at the corners of her mouth.


    As it turned out, the car followed the familiar route to the bridge where they first met. Seeing Xie Jin dressed in matching outfits, she knew she was naive again.


    There was no helicopter, but he had arranged a hang glider, and it looked like he was going to take her to experience standing on the railing of the bridge and flying out.


    A hang glider was less safe than a helicopter. Su Tao turned to run away but was grabbed back by Xie Jin.


    Xie Jin gently knocked her forehead and said with a smile: "Don''t you think it''s meaningful and romantic to ride a hang glider here?"


    Su Tao resisted: "I don''t think so, I just think it''s dangerous."


    "Little Taozi, back then you were brave enough to jump down with me. Now it''s just a hang glider, how can you be afraid?"


    Back then she had nothing and just wanted to die, but now she was a billionaire and had such a handsome and rich boyfriend. Why would she want to die?


    She suddenly understood the pleasure Jiang Nian had in ying with prayer beads.


    She now just wanted to live out the rest of her life and live healthily to ny-nine.


    Xie Jin held her hand and passed the warmth from his palm to her. His eyes as dark as the night sky gazed at her, "Dare to trust me with your life?"


    This sentence seemed to have a magic power that instantly calmed Su Tao''s resistance.


    She put on all the equipment and was led by Xie Jin all the way to sit on the two-person hang glider.


    At the moment of takeoff, she dared only close her eyes, feeling the warmth of his palm and the temperature of his lips when he leaned over to kiss her.


    What Su Tao thought was just filming actually turned out to be a live broadcast. The number of viewers in the live stream broke live viewer records again and again due to reposts from celebrities in the circle.


    After finally getting off the hang glider, Su Tao slowly exhaled.


    Xie Jin casually pointed to the empty valley ahead, his smile almost crazy, "My proposal is about to begin."


    Su Tao: "?"


    Wasn''t it over already?


    Following Xie Jin, she took a sightseeing car and arrived at a cliff edge. From this entire meticulous route, she understood that this crazy Xie Jin wanted to take her bungee jumping.


    Su Tao looked through the ss flooring at the thousand-foot abyss below and swallowed, "Do you have to make it so grand?"


    Xie Jin was already tying the bungee safety harness and seduced in her ear, "We couldn''t do it on the bridge, so I specially arranged here. Don''t you want to experience the excitement of jumping down with me?"


    Su Tao''s legs trembled: "I just want to live well now."


    Although she said this, after the hang glider, Su Tao was already used to his death-defying actions. With the spirit of going down with him and being fearless of death, she went over.


    Tied tightly together with Xie Jin, at the moment of dropping down, their intimate hearts beating together and the howling wind in their ears made them feel that they would live and die together, that in this world they only had each other.


    Xie Jin''s voice echoed in the valley, shouting over and over again: "Little Taozi! I love you! Will you marry me?"


    Su Tao responded only with screams.


    Le Xuan quietly apanied Jiang Qi as they watched the livestream together. She took the initiative to hand him a can of beer and opened one for herself too. They clinked them together and she tilted her head to drink but the beer was snatched away by Jiang Qi.


    "You took cold medicine, you can''t drink." Jiang Qi put both cans of beer aside and didn''t drink either.


    Le Xuan noticed that he was quite calm this time, and was slightly relieved.


    Jiang Qi seemed to be talking to her, but also like he was muttering to himself, staring at the video and murmuring softly: "So she doesn''t dislike passionate love, it''s just because it''s him, she is willing to ept it."


    Le Xuan stroked her slightly longer hair, staring at Jiang Qi with a gleam in her eye.


    Jiang Qi, you can also have your own happiness.


    #SuTaoMarriesXieJin#


    This topic was pushed to the top of the hot search list, purely becauseizens went crazy after being driven mad by Xie Jin.


    It started after the proposal ended.


    Including Su Tao, everyone thought Xie Jin would quietly prepare before the official wedding ceremony, then surprise everyone.


    But that didn''t happen.


    Not only was Xie Jin not low-key, he became a show off husband fanatic.


    On the day after he proposed, he posted 9 vi photos on Weibo, and they were photos of 9 different vis.


    Located in North City, Jiang City, South City, Chongqing City and other cities that Su Tao often went on business trips to, he chose the best locations and prime goldennd with magnificent scenery.


    Everyone thought he was just showing off his wealth. For Xie Jin''s capabilities, melon-eatingizens didn''t feel it was anything special.


    But after reading his apanying words, they realized these were the nine wedding houses he had prepared.


    Moreover, the photos were specially taken showing the names carved on the vi gates: Overflowing Peaches Resembling Xie Jin


    That was fine, he was rich and could buy 90 vis and they couldn''t control him.


    Naming them with their names was romantic on his part, and people were still approving at first, leaving messages that it was so romantic, so blissful.


    It was unknown whether Boss Xie was encouraged, but Epiphany Media subsequently released several original romantic variety shows in a row.


    "Willows Green, Peaches Red"


    "Peaches and Plums Fragrant"


    "Peaches Filling the Garden"


    Melon-eatingizens: ......


    Aren''t you afraid the wife''s name will expire?


    They endured this as well, after all it was his ownpany''s shows, they couldn''t control what he called them.


    Spared no expense in inviting many top celebrities to join the lineup, the shows¡¯ viewership kept rising. Boss Xie seemed to be encouraged again.


    Following that, a road called Peach Xie Road was built.


    An ind called Peach Blossom Ind was bought.


    And he was always on Weibo asking everyone''s opinion on changing Tian Xin Company to Peach Xie Company.


    Everyone advised him to stop, until Su Tao finally stepped in personally to rein in his crazy ideas.


    Having his desires to rename and shop deprived by his wife, Xie Jin could only alleviate his uncontainable happiness by posting intimate couple photos.


    Netizens went from initial envy to disgust.


    Many threatened that if he posted dog food again, they would unfollow him.


    Xie Jin still arrogantly posted,pletely disregarding anyone''s thoughts other than Su Tao''s.


    This finally drove theizens crazy. On the day Xie Jin posted their marriage certificate, they spontaneously brought the topic to hot search by reposting and liking!


    They couldn''t just let them be disgustingly sweet, they had to make the whole country disgusted!


    [Full Text End]


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