CHAPTER 79

Xiaoyuan felt like she was holding something soft and warm—wood.

Wei Zhuang didn't hug her back, nor did she refuse her. She didn't even speak, not even a "Mm."

Tilting her head slightly in Wei Zhuang's arms, Xiaoyuan asked, "Did I disturb your rest?"

"No."

"..."

"..."

Xiaoyuan's heart suddenly felt empty, and she deflated, releasing her hold on her.

There was a glass of wine on the table. It looked like Wei Zhuang had been drinking it or was about to before she arrived.

In the past, she wouldn't have drunk, but maybe the effect of the sleeping pills took hold. Her mind felt heavy, or perhaps she wanted to have a drink to help her fall asleep faster and forget some dark memories that had resurfaced.

She picked up the glass and gulped it down in one go, feeling warmth in her stomach and throat, and her head became heavier.

In front of the person she liked, she always couldn't help but be a little spoiled. She was like this with her brother and Cai Juan, and they both indulged her so much that she felt that any request she made would leave them unable to refuse.

Would Wei Zhuang be the same?

Under the combined influence of alcohol and sleeping pills, an impulse to explore arose within Xiaoyuan.

At that moment, she sat on the sofa, blinking and staring at Wei Zhuang.

Wei Zhuang had a tall and slender figure, exuding an elegant and cool demeanor. Even in pajamas, she had a refined supermodel aura, standing far away from her.

Xiaoyuan waved at her, "Frances, could you come here, please?"

......

The warm yellow light cast a halo under her eyelids as Xiaoyuan leaned on Wei Zhuang's shoulder, feeling a bit disoriented.

There seemed to be dust floating in the air, time passing imperceptibly.

The memories of that night became faint. Later, her mother returned just in time, preventing her stepfather from succeeding in his intentions. They argued, with her mother getting hit, and the piercing cries echoed through the night.

She was only ten at the time, trembling like a sieve, clutching her clothes in panic, forced to hide under the bed.

When she was even younger, she would hide under the bed when she was hit. But even that naive ten-year-old felt that his behavior was ethically wrong and terrifying.

After reaching her brother's side, she underwent a long period of psychological therapy. Eventually, she reached a manageable state.

One cannot dwell in past pain forever. She had to live. Over the years, she had been living well, with a career to pursue and ideals to chase after.

Sometimes, there are nights when the brutal past emerges from deep within her memory, and she always patiently waits for it to pass.

But tonight was too tough.

Xiaoyuan closed her eyes and simply nestled into Wei Zhuang's embrace.

"I took a sleeping pill and had some wine just now..." she whispered, "I think I should be able to fall asleep."

She listened to Wei Zhuang's calm heartbeat, smelling her faint fragrance.

"Why aren't you talking?" Xiaoyuan raised her face to look at her expression.

Why did she indulge herself like this, yet remain silent? When she held Wei Zhuang, there was a moment when she felt the stiffness of her body.

"Are you unhappy?"

Xiaoyuan looked at her and smiled, "I'm very happy when I'm with you."

As the words left her mouth, she felt a moment of surprise, realizing that it was truly what she felt inside when she finally said it.

She sat up straight on Wei Zhuang's lap, looking down slightly at her.

Their eyes met.

Under the light, Wei Zhuang's eyelashes were long and distinct, her cheeks dewy, and her profile was intricately sculpted, like a masterpiece. Her eyes and brows were soft, while her thin lips, under the warm glow, had a misty pink hue.

Xiaoyuan suddenly felt a tickle in her throat and, without thinking, lowered her gaze and leaned in for a kiss.

...

The next day, in Shencheng, overcast skies.

Light rain pattered against the speeding black Maybach's windows. The woman in the back seat was wrapped in a deep gray coat, her brows lowered. Her eyes, nose, and brow seemed like a flawless jade carving, with the corners of her lips naturally curving upward, her thin lips a hint of purplish bean paste red.

Her delicate fingers tapped on the tablet screen, revealing the content—final draft of the script for "Huo 3" (tentative title).

Gao, her assistant, sat across from her, stealing a glance.

"Huo 3" was a prestigious project with investments from Tonghua, but it wasn't Tonghua's flagship project, usually left to the higher-ups to handle. Moreover, the film had already wrapped up shooting and entered post-production.

This morning, the big boss suddenly wanted to review the script, which was unexpected.

The assistant's eyes flickered, sensing it might be related to Xiaoyuan.

'They must have met behind my back!'

The assistant felt a sourness in her heart, experiencing a pang similar to being abandoned after crossing the river.

'So now I'm not needed anymore?'

She had lost her chance for some close-up gossip!

The big boss quickly scanned through the script in just a glance and then looked up to say to her, "Alex, you don't need to go to the company with me. You should go meet Ruan Qing."

A spark lit up in Assistant Gao's eyes, instantly energizing her.

Wei Zhuang's schedule was packed throughout the day.

After the general meeting, there was another small meeting with Shen, the Vice President of Tonghua Cultural Group, the Director of the Film and Television Department, and the A-list contracted artist, He Chenying, all present in the small conference room.

Every year, the three major giants in film and television compete against each other in terms of performance, but in reality, it's always Boyi and Warner fighting for the top spot. Tonghua rarely produces its own films. They usually participate as investors, only getting involved in top-quality projects, taking a steady and secure approach.

The film and television group also had the economic support of the commercial management group, with cinemas nationwide and strong distribution capabilities. Any domestic film and television company would want to collaborate with them.

Although Tonghua was not always in the top two in the industry, they rarely had negative business news, and their overall performance was always close to the top.

So, whether in the industry or in public opinion, it was widely acknowledged that "Tonghua's productions were always top-notch."

Last year, Boyi took the lead with the hit drama "Zui Xiaoyao [Drunken Wanderer]," but their rival Warner Bros was not content. At the end of last year, they began preparing a secret flagship project.

Renowned heavyweight screenwriter Xu Shumin's new work, "Deep in the Palace," had always been a collaboration with Warner, and this time was no exception. A prominent figure in the industry, Xu made a demand: the director of this project must be his son, Xu Muyi.

Xu Muyi graduated from the directing department of Huaxi Film Academy and was a novice with no experience.

The investment budget for this project was substantial, and Warner simply couldn't agree to let a director with no previous work take it on. Even if the script was good, no one dared to take the risk.

When Xu Shumin went back to negotiate with Warner Bros, he added a dazzling and shocking chip—being able to cast Zhu Ehua in a role for the project.

The temptation was too great. Warner's executives held meetings for several days before finally establishing a project team. The producer, with dark circles under his eyes, slammed the table and said, "I've read the script, it's great, there's no issue with it. The director is the problem, so next, let's just focus on the actors."

"For the actors, we'll use Teacher Zhu as bait. This is an ensemble drama, and I want every actor involved to be of solid skill. No focus on traffic, just actors who can perform. That way, even if the director is a novice, it shouldn't be too bad."

Putting aside everything else, Zhu Ehua, this "human bait," was indeed very effective. Although the project had not been officially announced yet, during the early preparations, those in the know were already buzzing with excitement.

He Chenying was also intrigued.

Vice President Shen said, "Lao Xu came to talk to me before, and I said I'd think about it. I didn't expect him to have a connection with Teacher Zhu."

He Chenying swiveled in her chair, excitedly saying, "I've always wanted to collaborate with Teacher Zhu, and there are roles that suit me too."

The Director nodded, "It's indeed a good project."

As a few people expressed their opinions, the big boss remained silent, looking down at the project's script outline.

"Wei Zhuang, can I take on this role?" He Chenying asked with a smile.

"You mentioned during the signing that you have the right to choose scripts." Wei Zhuang replied, placing the project document back on the table.

Vice President Shen cleared his throat, "A few days ago, President Liao from Warner Bros and I had a meeting, with Lao Xu present. If Chenying joins, they would be thrilled."

"And, President Wei, should we consider investing?" he asked.

He Chenying smiled and said, "If we invest, let's also give Xiaozou a chance to hone her skills."

The film and television director said, "Sister Chenying really takes good care of Xiaozou."

He Chenying sighed slightly, "Our company has too few artists, she's the only young one." She paused and asked the film and television director, "What do you think of that girl I mentioned to you before?"

The Director pondered for a moment and smiled, "Xiang Xiaoyuan, right? I also think highly of her. I heard Boyi was trying to sign her recently, and I thought they would get her for sure. I didn't expect Ruan Qing to sign her in the end."

Listening in, Vice President Shen interjected, "Ruan Qing is also familiar with Chenying. It seems like Xiang Xiaoyuan has a strong connection with our Tonghua."

He Chenying corrected with a smile, "She has more of a connection with me, we worked together once before, and she just finished a movie with Huo Bijun, who is also the current artist of my former agent..."

The Director added, "So, you're thinking of signing her with Tonghua as well, right? That sounds like a good idea to me!"

The three of them conversed harmoniously, but the ultimate decision-maker maintained an inscrutable expression, leaving others unable to discern her true thoughts.

"Chenying, you can participate, but we don't need to invest." Wei Zhuang finally spoke.

Vice President Shen was puzzled. This was a fantastic project, why wasn't Tonghua investing? After a moment of hesitation, he wanted to speak up, but Wei Zhuang gave him a glance, "Let's leave it as it is, we won't touch this project."

Vice President Shen and the director exchanged glances, understanding that the big boss had made her decision, leaving no room for further discussion.

He Chenying didn't delve further into the topic. After a moment of contemplation, she asked, "So, Wei Zhuang, do you think we can sign Xiang Xiaoyuan as an actress?"

Usually, signing artists is something the big boss wouldn't need to get involved with. Except for Zou Yirui, who came in through "connections," Tonghua has always signed idol-type artists with solid business capabilities. An actress like Xiang Xiaoyuan, who caught the attention and recommendation of the three-time Best Actress He Chenying, could get in any company.

After He Chenying spoke, the other two looked at her in surprise, unsure why something so set in stone needed to be brought to the big boss for her opinion.

He Chenying couldn't explain herself, but in that split second when she mentioned Xiang Xiaoyuan's name, she keenly sensed a fluctuation in Wei Zhuang's emotions.

She had known Wei Zhuang for many years and, after deciding to sign with Tonghua, had never regarded Wei Zhuang as her boss, instead seeing her as a collaborative partner. The contract she signed was indeed very flexible.

In her impression, Wei Zhuang was a businesswoman, a workaholic, with very little emotional warmth.

It was strange that someone as reserved as Wei Zhuang could exhibit emotional fluctuations that she could sense.

Women often have a bit of curiosity, she decided to test the waters.

As soon as she asked, Wei Zhuang lifted her gaze toward her, her eyes calm.

He Chenying's smile suddenly faltered.

Wei Zhuang asked, "Have you asked her opinion?"

......

After everyone left the meeting room, only Wei Zhuang remained, bathed in the milky light that slanted across her collar.

Wei Zhuang picked up a cup, absentmindedly moved the documents on the table, sliding them onto her lap. Her movements paused for a moment, she took a sip of water, picked up the documents, and her fingers lightly touched her lips.

A different sensation leaped out from the memories of last night.

Soft, slightly moist lips pressed against hers. The girl didn't have much technique, just an instinctive kiss. In those few seconds, there was a sweet fragrance lingering in the air.

By then, the effects of the medication and alcohol had spread. Her mind was clouded, she lay weakly in her embrace, a faint glimmer shimmering in her eyes like dew on a lotus leaf. Her lips, as if about to speak, parted slightly. With a dreamy look in her eyes, she murmured and smiled, "...It's the first time I've initiated a kiss."

...

Wei Zhuang snapped back to reality and dialed her secretary's number, "Cancel the rest of my appointments for today."

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