Chapter 24 : Accompanying Drinks
Xia Lingying's heart felt like it was being cut by a knife as she listened to Hu Feifei's words. She looked up, pursing her lips, pleadingly gazing at Xiao Moyan, her eyes full of guilt and self-blame.
Hu Feifei was still rolling up her sleeves, cursing vigorously in front of Xiao Moyan by herself, while Xiao Moyan was already surrounded by a restless and stagnant mood, looking at Xia Lingying with eyes devoid of any warmth, cold as ice. When did Xiao Moyan become so weak, actually needing outsiders to intervene in her feelings? And to the extent of needing others to defend her? Also, what kind of look is Xia Lingying giving her! Sympathy? Pity? She doesn't need it!
Xiao Moyan, with an expressionless face, squinted at Xia Lingying. Unexpectedly, this time, Xia Lingying didn't dodge, but instead, biting her lip, bravely lifted her head to meet Xiao Moyan's gaze, wanting to convey her apology through those misty eyes. Xiao Moyan just chuckled coldly and whispered,
"Both of you leave. I don't want to see anyone right now."
Hu Feifei was startled, turning her head to look at Xiao Moyan, only to see Xiao Moyan's beautiful brows slightly furrowed, arms crossed over her chest, lips pressed together lightly, her demeanor cold and proud like frost and snow, making her heart tremble. After spending so much time with her, Hu Feifei somewhat understood Xiao Moyan's temperament. She knew this was the precursor to the queen's impending anger. Unconsciously, fear arose in her heart, and she immediately closed her mouth, taking a small step back, no longer daring to block Xiao Moyan. Then, she turned her head to look at Xia Lingying. Xia Lingying still had a pleading look on her face, wearing a blue long dress embroidered with light purple flower petals, with a milky white silk chiffon lining inside, wrapping around her delicate figure. Without makeup, without deliberate dressing up, upon closer inspection, one could even see the traces of tears remaining on her cheeks, adding a touch of vulnerability to her whole person, completely devoid of her usual indifference and coldness. Xia Lingying's gaze persistently fell on Xiao Moyan, while Hu Feifei's gaze swept back and forth between the two faces. As she looked at Xiao Moyan's increasingly cold eyes, a brilliant smile suddenly bloomed on her face. Without saying another word, she elegantly turned around and left.
Xia Lingying, even if Xiao Moyan has feelings for you, you will never surpass me. You never know what she truly desires deep down.
After Hu Feifei left, an unusual silence hung between the two of them. All the courage Xia Lingying had painstakingly gathered was shattered by Xiao Moyan's icy gaze and proud attitude. She didn't know how to speak up. Faced with Xia Lingying's piercing gaze, Xiao Moyan still kept a tight face, not even bothering to look at her. Gradually, the pleading in Xia Lingying's eyes turned into sorrow, but Xiao Moyan's features were too soft and beautiful, crushing all her grievances. In the end, Xia Lingying could only stare blankly at Xiao Moyan, her eyes confused, falling back into a state of infatuation.
Xiao Moyan's heart had long turned as cold as ashes. What else was there to discuss between them? What was there to be tangled up about? Just now at the hospital, Xia Lingying had said with her own mouth that she would never love her. Everything she had done was just adding trouble. Now that Xia Lingying had come to find her again, what for? She was tired of this hot-and-cold attitude. Xiao Moyan's pride was not to be defiled by anyone!
Xia Lingying, what do you really think of me?
Xiao Moyan crossed her arms over her chest, looking coldly at Xia Lingying, waiting for her reaction. Seeing her remain silent for a long time, Xiao Moyan furrowed her brow, bypassed her, and headed toward Tian Huang.
In the moment they passed each other, Xia Lingying panicked, afraid that Xiao Moyan would leave again. A faint pink blush colored her cheeks as she took a few steps forward, reaching out her hand and moving her lips in vain, calling out in an almost pleading tone,
"Xiao, don't go—"
Xiao Moyan clearly hadn't expected Xia Lingying to suddenly say this. Her sharp gaze softened slightly and turned towards her slowly.
Xia Lingying bit her lip, looking up at Xiao Moyan, recalling A’sen's words, and then looking at Xiao Moyan's swollen right hand. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and reached for her drooping right hand, gripping it tightly.
"I have something to tell you."
Finally, Xiao Moyan was willing to face her. Xia Lingying breathed a sigh of relief but felt equally nervous under her gaze. She swallowed hard, struggling, and softly said, "Actually, I—"
“Vice President Xiao!"
Xia Lingying was just about to speak when she was abruptly interrupted by the head secretary hurrying over. The words she was about to blurt out were awkwardly swallowed back into her stomach. She slowly released Xiao Moyan's right hand, unconsciously taking two steps back and lowering her head. Xiao Moyan glanced at Xia Lingying, a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but still lifted her head and turned towards the source of the voice. The head secretary was sweating profusely as he hurried over.
"Vice President Xiao, the investors have already arrived and have been waiting for you in the conference room for half an hour. Shall we—"
Xiao Moyan nodded, glanced back at Xia Lingying, said nothing more, and hurriedly followed the head secretary into Tian Huang.
Xia Lingying lifted her head, her eyes dim and lifeless. After a moment, she slightly parted her lips and, facing Xiao Moyan's retreating figure, finished saying what she wanted to say earlier, "Actually, I was just speaking out of anger. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry..."
***
On her way home, Xia Lingying suddenly received a call from Director Lin, saying he wanted to introduce her to some people. Despite feeling tired and reluctant to move, she still arrived at the designated "Longfeng Hotel" on time.
Following the address given by Director Lin, Xia Lingying found Longfeng Hotel. Getting out of the car, she looked around and was struck by what she saw. The hotel was incredibly luxurious, designed primarily in golden hues. With the lights just coming on, everything seemed calm and harmonious, especially conspicuous in the night. The vibrant colors and the distinguished guests coming and going made quite an impression. As if realizing something, Xia Lingying's body froze in place, refusing to take another step forward. Meanwhile, Director Lin had been waiting at the door and, seeing Xia Lingying's arrival, greeted her with a smile.
"Xiaxia, you're here. Let's go in."
Xia Lingying looked up at Director Lin, her eyes filled with some confusion.
"Director Lin, what is—"
Director Lin grinned and answered nonchalantly, "Hey, don't think too much. It's just to meet a few advertisers for 'Inseparable'. They've come from Shenzhen and are leaving tomorrow. They insisted on meeting our leading actress."
Despite hearing this, Xia Lingying still hesitated, unwilling to go inside. Director Lin glanced at her, sensing her thoughts, lit a cigarette, and casually chuckled.
"Xiaxia, if you want to make a name for yourself in the entertainment industry, you must understand human relations. Didn't Vice President Xiao teach this to you?"
As insinuating words drifted into her ears, Xia Lingying remained silent, her brows furrowed slightly. Remembering A'sen's words, she reluctantly nodded and followed Director Lin inside.
The interior of the hotel was even more luxurious and extravagant, with dozens of luxurious KTV rooms blending into the royal night. The air was filled with a strong Mediterranean atmosphere, adorned with French bronze, Italian music fountains, French crystal chandeliers, top-notch international bedding, and grand corridors. From inside out, everything exuded a royal elegance with gold leaf decorations. Xia Lingying silently observed, not making a sound, as she followed Director Lin to a private room. Upon entering, she saw that it was filled with middle-aged men. As they noticed someone entering, they smiled and nodded at Director Lin before scrutinizing Xia Lingying.
Although Xia Lingying maintained a cold demeanor on her face, she couldn't help but feel a bit scared inside. She knew what these men were thinking, but...
Director Lin introduced Xia Lingying to everyone with a smile. Then, several waitresses dressed in traditional Chinese-style red qipaos brought out sumptuous dishes one by one to the huge rotating table. After the food and drinks were served, they closed the door and left.
Xia Lingying sat indifferently, not looking at anyone, the chopsticks placed in front of her unmoving. Despite this, the conversation still revolved around her. As the banquet progressed, Xia Lingying remained courteous, and at first, no one bothered her. However, as the banquet approached its midpoint, several ill-intentioned men became slightly tipsy, their desires urging them on. They raised their glasses repeatedly, toasting and speaking full of innuendo. Xia Lingying couldn't refuse and reluctantly drank the spicy liquor, her fair skin flushing with a tempting pink after a few drinks. Under the reflection of the lights, she ignited the desires of several men, standing out conspicuously in the reflection of the wine glasses.
A'Sen anxiously guarded the entrance of Longfeng, pacing back and forth, eager to rush in several times but always blocked by the people accompanying Director Lin. He knew well Xia Lingying's importance in Xiao Moyan's heart. Recalling the scene when Xiao Moyan was angry last time, he dared not delay any longer and picked up his phone to make a call.
Xiao Moyan, who was sorting through documents, answered the call and instantly changed her expression. After a few brief instructions over the phone, she swiftly grabbed the keys from the table and rushed out. Sitting in the car, Xiao Moyan clenched her teeth, anger faintly visible in her long, narrow beautiful eyes. Her hand gripping the steering wheel tightened, nails turning a pale gray.
Damn you, Lin Younian (Director Lin)! Knowing she's my woman, how dare you still let her—
Xiao Moyan hurriedly rushed to Longfeng, while A'Sen had already called in more than a dozen people as instructed by Xiao Moyan. Xiao Moyan's waterfall-like curls fell over her shoulders. Normally languid, she now had a fiery glint in her slightly closed eyes. Wearing a black dress with extremely thin high heels on her legs, her expression was serious. She nodded at A'Sen, then walked proudly forward. The guards at the door, seeing Xiao Moyan personally arrive and the dark group of people behind her, felt nervous. No one dared to stop her, so they had to let her in.
As Xiao Moyan stepped in, pushing open the door to the private room with forceful elegance, the several men inside, who were enthusiastically toasting, froze. Their hands holding the wine glasses remained suspended in the air as they all turned their heads in unison to look at her.
Author's Note:
Today, I suddenly remembered this advertising slogan: "A flower in every chapter, a happy Yezi all day long." \(^o^)/~