Chapter 23

Chapter 23

I walked over and sat down across from Lu Junrong.

He poured me a glass of red wine. “Try it. It’s a top-tier vintage from a friend’s cellar.”

I gave a noncommittal hum and took a large gulp.

It tasted awful.

Seeing my grimace, Lu Junrong arched an eyebrow. “You don’t like it?”

I nodded honestly. “Casting pearls before swine, I suppose. I can’t really appreciate this Western stuff. I still prefer Chinese liquor.”

Lu Junrong shook his head with a laugh. “Then I’ll treat you to Moutai next time.”

Only a single dim yellow lamp was lit on the first floor. The flickering light from the fireplace reflected on his face, making his features appear even more deep-set and handsome. He wore white loungewear, with only two buttons fastened at the chest, revealing a firm torso.

Suddenly, he leaned in, his body looming over me like a small mountain.

My throat went dry with nerves. I leaned back to avoid him.

“Heh.”

Lu Junrong let out a soft chuckle. He brushed my hair. “There was a sequin caught in it.”

He sat back and took a sip of his wine.

My heart was racing. The heat from the fireplace felt stifling. Even though I hadn’t drunk much, I felt a bit lightheaded.

“Joey really likes you.”

Lu Junrong swirled his wine glass. “Since you’ve been around her, she’s become much more cheerful. Some of her bad habits and little tempers have slowly disappeared. Thank you, Zhiyi.”

I waved it off. “It’s nothing. I really like Qiaoyi myself.”

Lu Junrong clinked his glass against mine. “The things I said to you before were out of line. Sorry.”

I pretended to dig at my ear. “Oh? Sister Fang said you’re as stubborn as a rock and never admit when you’re wrong. Did I hear that right?”

Lu Junrong reached for his phone on the table. “Ah Fang actually dares to speak ill of me behind my back? I’m docking her pay!”

I quickly grabbed his hand. “No, no, no! If you’re going to punish someone, punish me.”

His lips curled into a smile, his gaze falling on my hand.

I quickly let go, clenching my hand into a fist behind my back.

Ambiguity crackled between us like a lit sparkler, secretly throwing off faint sparks.

Lu Junrong tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear and asked softly, “In the past six months, I’ve turned down three acting roles for you. Those dramas were very successful after they aired. Are you angry?”

I pulled back slightly, feeling a pang of sadness, but I forced a relaxed smile. “You’ve been in this industry for so many years. You know what’s right for me and what isn’t.”

“That’s good then.” Lu Junrong smiled faintly.

I checked my watch. “I should head back.”

Lu Junrong said naturally, “It’s so late. It’s not safe for you to go back alone. Why not stay here tonight?”

I laughed. “It’s fine. I’m driving. I’ll be home in no time.”

Shortly after Christmas, Sister Fang excitedly informed me that the company had secured a great opportunity for me.

It was a period film written by the famous screenwriter Liang Chaoshen.

In truth, I knew this was a resource Lu Junrong had given me.

Rather, it was the extra compensation for me staying with his daughter.

Before filming began, Lu Junrong gave me a detailed breakdown of the script. He told me not to feel pressured; I was only the third female lead, and the heavy lifting was for the first and second leads.

I had read the script.

My scenes added up to a month at most, so it wouldn’t interfere with looking after Qiaoyi.

Before leaving, I made a pinky promise with Qiaoyi, assuring her that I wasn’t abandoning her and would be back soon.

…

I soon joined the production.

The atmosphere on set was fairly harmonious.

The female lead was successful in film, television, and music, yet she was very approachable.

The male lead was Lin Yanxi, who had just won a Best Newcomer award and had a limitless future.

During the filming process, I learned a lot and was quite happy.

The only thing that bothered me was the second female lead, Sun Manning. She was very difficult and seemed to be targeting me on purpose. A scene involving a slap kept getting NGs, and by the end of the morning, my face was swollen from her hits.

“Sorry, Zhiyi.”

Sun Manning looked innocent as she handed me an ice pack. “This is my first time acting, so I don’t have much experience. Don’t be mad, Sister Zhiyi.”

I suppressed my anger. To be the second lead in her first acting role, her backing was definitely significant.

My face stung with a burning pain. I forced a smile. “It’s okay. As long as the final result is good, I’m fine with doing more takes.”

Sun Manning gave me a contemptuous look, though her smile remained sweet. “It’s best that you think that way.”

After the woman left, I whispered to Sister Fang beside me.

“What’s her deal? All I know is that she entered Miss Gangcheng last year and only made it to the top ten.”

Sister Fang picked up a powder puff to touch up my makeup, sounding annoyed. “She left finger marks. This woman is too vicious.”

She carefully closed the dressing room door and said to me, “She hooked up with a tycoon. Otherwise, with her wooden acting, she’d be an eyesore even as an extra.”

So that was it.

I gently touched my aching cheek. “But I’m not competing for her sugar daddy. Why has she been targeting me since the start of filming?”

Sister Fang smirked. “She’s Ah Ron’s ex-ex-ex-girlfriend. The fact that Ah Ron traded resources to get you into the TV station’s acting class has already spread through the industry. This woman is ruthless. She once pricked holes in a condom trying to use a pregnancy to move up, but Ah Ron found out and dumped her. Now she thinks you’re Ah Ron’s new favorite, so she’s jealous and messing with you on purpose.”

So that was it.

I had heard Sister Fang say Lu Junrong was a playboy, and now I was seeing it for myself.

His ex-girlfriends really were everywhere.