Chapter 8: Punishment

The filming of "Inseparable" has been underway for a week, progressing smoothly with the star-studded crew. Xia Lingying's understated and reserved demeanor is highly favored by senior members. The male lead, Jiang Feng, consistently praises her. Jiang Feng, a seasoned actor with many years in the industry, is polished and well-regarded in his interactions. Xia Lingying, receiving unanimous acclaim from both Jiang Feng and Director Lin, has naturally become the center of outside attention. Her innate and noble aura offers a fresh perspective to the public, tired of conventional commercial packaging. Xia Lingying's acting career sees significant advancements, attracting numerous film offers. However, with a decisive wave of her hand, Xiao Moyan rejects them all. She clarifies that Xia Lingying's involvement in "Inseparable" is meant to bring her fame in the entertainment industry, not to bind her to a lifetime of acting. The days of being together less may hinder many of her actions from being realized. In secret, Xiao Moyan has long since planned everything.

Between filming, the cast of "Inseparable" gathers for chats and singsongs, creating a cheerful atmosphere. On the surface, everything seems harmonious. This unexpectedly smooth journey catches Xia Lingying off guard, who had mentally prepared for the challenges. She even suspects that Xiao Moyan arranged everything for her, but she quickly dismisses the thought. How could Xiao Moyan bother with an insignificant pet like her?

On the eighth day of filming happened to be the male lead Jiang Feng's birthday. After wrapping up, everyone enthusiastically decided to hit the bar for a night of celebration, with both actors and crew members joining. Xia Lingying hesitated again and again but still wanted to refuse, but Director Lin held her back.

"Xiao Xia, don't refuse again. The last time we went to the bar, you kept excusing yourself. Today is Jiang Feng's birthday; not going is absolutely not an option! Come on, everyone is going. How can the leading lady run away?"

"I—"

Xia Lingying wanted to explain, but the lighting technician approached with a mischievous grin, squinting his small eyes at her.

"Xiao Xia, come with us! We're not wolves that would eat you, what are you afraid of?"

With the conversation at this point, it would be considered ungrateful if Xia Lingying didn't go. So she reluctantly nodded. Amidst the excited chatter of the crew, she boarded Jiang Feng's extended Lincoln.

Jiang Feng drove, humming a tune, taking Xia Lingying and several other key members of the crew straight to the "Red Umbrella" bar, which they had reserved for celebrating his birthday. On the way, others chatted joyfully, but Xia Lingying wore a heavy-hearted expression, nervously biting her lip and gazing pensively out the window.

Although she enjoys tranquility, Xia Lingying is not one to reject socializing with friends. However, her concern lies with Xiao Moyan. She has witnessed Xiao Moyan's jealous demeanor before, especially during the last incident when Jiang Feng insisted on driving her home due to the late hour. Unable to refuse, she reluctantly agreed. As a result, Xiao Moyan hasn't been pleased with her for a week. If she finds out about tonight's celebration with the crew, it might lead to further complications…

With these thoughts, Xia Lingying picked up her phone and, for the first time, dialed Xiao Moyan's number. After waiting for a while with no answer, she figured Xiao Moyan must be busy working. Xia Lingying sighed and closed her phone.

Director Lin glanced at Xia Lingying with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but it quickly vanished. 

After about ten minutes, the group arrived in grandeur at the entrance of the bar. Exiting the car, Xia Lingying didn't hesitate any more and followed everyone inside.

She couldn't be constrained by Xiao Moyan forever. Just as Xiao Moyan had said, she needed to learn to say no.

The air was filled with a mix of smoke and alcohol, and the fluctuating lights created an ambiguous atmosphere. The deafening music unconsciously made Xia Lingying furrow her brow. She found a discreet corner and sat down. Seeing her, Jiang Feng followed and, noticing her restrained expression, chuckled, offering her a glass of red wine.

"First time here, huh?"

Xia Lingying couldn't refuse and accepted the glass, held it gently, and nodded.

Jiang Feng remained silent, settling beside the nearby sofa where Xia Lingying was seated. He lifted his margarita, took a sip, and subtly observed Xia Lingying under the dim lights. Amidst the chaotic environment, Xia Lingying remained like a pure lily, elegant and untainted, unaffected by anyone or anything. Blooming quietly, her indifferent attitude and icy demeanor instinctively drew people in. Unlike those women he had seen in bars eager to entice directors by dancing provocatively, Xia Lingying's purity made her untouchable. He wondered if she had someone special, if not—

As Jiang Feng contemplated, the birthday song began to play slowly. A usually articulate actor from the crew, holding a microphone, was on stage praising Jiang Feng, saying all the usual things about reaching new heights in his acting career and increasing paychecks, though crude, it sounded genuine. Jiang Feng nodded subtly, occasionally applauding.

With the opening remarks concluded, the cake was slowly wheeled in. Under everyone's gaze, Jiang Feng joined hands, blew out the candles, and made a wish. At this moment, he didn't forget to squint and glance at Xia Lingying. Those around him noticed this ambiguous moment, teasingly winking with a knowing look. On the other hand, Xia Lingying remained indifferent, showing no concern for the matter at hand.

This left Jiang Feng somewhat disheartened. In the entertainment industry, the essence can be summed up with a single word – "play." As long as one's status and position are sufficient, if the man is interested, the woman is bound to reciprocate. However, in Xia Lingying's eyes, he couldn't see the slightest hint of ambiguity or even the tiniest bit of emotion.

This, however, fueled Jiang Feng's desire to conquer even more. Women, the more they exhibit a dominating and distant demeanor, the more it makes people want to possess and claim them. He can't eat hot tofu in a hurry*; he understood this principle well.

*impatience can lead to failure 

After cutting the cake, the previous birthday song instantly transformed into an upbeat dance track. With the music playing, men and women flooded the dance floor, joyfully swaying their waists and hips. In the ambiguous night, the scent of hormones gradually spreads through the air. In the dim corners, forbidden scenes unfolded.

Having had a few drinks, Jiang Feng turned to find Xia Lingying. To his surprise, she was still sitting upright on the sofa, holding the red wine he had given her when he left. Jiang Feng raised an eyebrow at the bartender, then confidently approached Xia Lingying. Bending down, he made a gentlemanly invitation to dance.

Xia Lingying shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't know how."

Jiang Feng maintained his bent posture, wearing a smile on his face as he gently persuaded, "I can teach you." 

On the opposite side, the bartender, witnessing Jiang Feng encountering a soft nail*, burst into laughter. It was rare to see the usually charming Jiang being rejected.

*tactful rejection or criticism

Undeterred, Jiang Feng persisted, his eyes fixed on Xia Lingying. She remained indifferent, and her eyes showed an even more apparent detachment.

***

"Ms. Xiao!!!"

Director Lin, sitting on the side sofa was sharp-eyed and immediately noticed the arrival of Xiao Moyan, who walked in with head held high. Clad in a black cinched-waist long skirt, it outlined Xiao Moyan's tall and perfect figure. Delicate makeup complemented a slightly arrogant expression, emitting a bewitching charm. Long hair elegantly tied up, revealing a fair neck, Xiao Moyan exuded a captivating aura. However, beneath those enchanting eyes hid a subtle hint of anger.

Director Lin hastily stood up, walked forward, and exchanged polite greetings with Xiao Moyan. Xiao Moyan responded with a faint smile, accommodating the conversation, but her eyes glanced past Director Lin's corpulent figure, searching for the person who had irked her. Finally, in a dim corner, Xiao Moyan found Xia Lingying. Surprisingly, she was whispering intimately with the slightly bent-over Jiang Feng, fueling Xiao Moyan's inner fury.

After the afternoon break, seeing Xia Lingying's unanswered call, Xiao Moyan smiled with joy. She unusually declined the company's banquet, and headed straight to the villa after work. Wanting to celebrate Xia Lingying's rare initiative, Xiao Moyan planned to create a romantic candlelight dinner.

Upon arriving home, Xiao Moyan circled around and discovered only Mrs. Xu was at home. With Mrs. Xu being unaware of the situation, Xiao Moyan had no choice but to call the company. Upon learning that Xia Lingying had joined the crew for revelry at the bar, Xiao Moyan couldn't help but feel furious. She drove straight to the Red Umbrella.

Very good, Xia Lingying, trying to break free from my grasp before your wings are fully grown.

After spotting her target, Xiao Moyan walked directly without glancing aside. She sat beside Xia Lingying, took the red wine from her hand, and drank it in one gulp.

After drinking, Xiao Moyan's face showed a faint blush, her beautiful eyes shimmering. She looked like a captivating enchantress. Director Lin beside her couldn't take his eyes off, while Jiang Feng and Xia Lingying, separated by Xiao Moyan, held their own concerns.

Xiao Moyan suddenly turned around, squinting at Xia Lingying. She raised her right hand, delicate fingers caressing Xia Lingying's smooth and tender cheek, sliding slowly, stopping at her alluring and moist red lips, charmingly smiling.

"Have you been drinking?"

"No."

Xia Lingying answered, feeling a bit nervous. She could sense the anger behind Xiao Moyan's smile.

"Really haven't had any?"

"I—"

Without waiting for her to finish, soft lips, carrying a hint of mint fragrance, pressed against hers. Simultaneously, a smooth tongue slipped into the moist mouth. The blend of alcohol and a subtle minty scent spread in Xia Lingying's mouth. Xia Lingying whimpered and tried to push her away, but Xiao Moyan sensed her resistance. She firmly held her body with her right hand, while the left hand slowly kneaded Xia Lingying's back. Unconcerned, Xiao Moyan continued to savor Xia Lingying's tender lips, parting her teeth and indulging in every inch of her fragrance.

Xia Lingying, I've said it before, you are my woman. Except for me, no one is allowed to touch you. This is the punishment for your disobedience.

Releasing the already breathless Xia Lingying, Xiao Moyan ignored the astonished looks around. With her narrow and beautiful eyes slightly squinted, she licked her lips and whispered, "Indeed, you haven't been drinking."

After saying this, Xiao Moyan stood up, tossed her long hair, turned around, and flashed a charming smile at the still-dazed Xia Lingying before gracefully slipping into the noisy dance floor.

Author's Note:

Deep condolences, may the departed rest in peace, and may the living stay strong...

PS: Lately, my writing has been a bit confusing and disoriented. If there are any inappropriate parts, Yezi will make efforts to correct them. Your understanding is much appreciated, comrades. o(≧v≦)o~~Thank you, everyone!