"I like you! Why... why has this affection become an unbreakable shackle? Does taking our relationship to the next level really have to torture us so terribly?"
The character of Yan Lulu played by Xiao Shujing was nothing short of perfect.
In terms of both emotion and sentiment, she had fully tapped into her youthful potential. Her charisma was even stronger than that of some veteran actors.
"Wow... She's really beautiful," Shen Ximan complimented.
Bo Jingyu shot her a sidelong glance, raising one eyebrow. "Compared to you, she is."
"... You can't say anything nice!"
"It's the truth. She's still a college student."
She sneered. "Then why don't you ask her to watch the movie with you? She's sitting in the front row downstairs. If you're too shy, I can call her over for you."
Hearing the hint of jealousy in Shen Ximan's tone, he curled his lips.
"Are you jealous?"
Her face flushed, and she immediately retorted, "No way! Do you think every woman in the world has to revolve around you? I can't stand you enough. How could I be jealous?"
Bo Jingyu's eyes dimmed, and he sneered. "You're right. You're only here because I'm the CEO of the Bo Group. I'm handsome and rich. You're just lucky to have met me."
"You! You heard all that?!"
She was so shocked that her ears started buzzing.
She had said those things just to anger Bo Siming! She never thought he would remember them so clearly, and every word was laced with mockery.
He had already made up his mind about what kind of person she was.
"Let's watch the movie. I don't want to talk about this. It's meaningless."
Bo Jingyu turned his gaze to the screen and fell silent.
Shen Ximan was so embarrassed that she felt like she could dig a three - bedroom apartment with her toes. She was extremely conflicted and struggling. She wanted to explain but couldn't find a suitable excuse. If she remained silent, it would seem like she had admitted to the truth!
She regretted ever believing Su Minghan's words. If she hadn't obediently taken that examination, she wouldn't have been tricked out by Bo Siming, and Bo Jingyu wouldn't have heard those insincere words.
She felt like she owed him more and more.
"I'm sorry..."
A look of surprise flashed across Bo Jingyu's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He looked at her coldly. "Why are you apologizing?"
"For everything," Shen Ximan lowered her head and wrung her fingers.
He chuckled softly. "So you're not pretending anymore?"
"You've already dug out all my secrets. What's the point of pretending?"
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."
Bo Jingyu crossed his hands on his knees. His expression had softened a lot.
She pursed her lips and smiled, then continued watching the movie.
Two hours passed quickly. It was already eleven o'clock at night.
"Let's welcome the organizer, Mr. Su Minghan, to the stage!"
After the host passionately delivered the opening speech, he handed the microphone over.
"Thank you all so much for coming to this movie premiere. On behalf of all the employees of our company, I would like to express our sincere gratitude!"
There was a round of applause from the audience.
"Now, let's welcome the leading actress of this movie to the stage to say a few words."
Amidst the whistles and cheers, Xiao Shujing bowed expressionlessly. "Thank you for the company's cultivation. I also want to thank the organizer, Mr. Su, and all of you for your support. Thank you."
After saying that, she quickly stepped off the stage and left the inner hall of the cinema.
The audience was stunned.
"Is that it? Just a few words?"
"Wow, she's so cold. I love it."
"She's been the ice - cold beauty at Yancheng University for three consecutive years. This is just her usual style. Get used to it."
"Those of you who are interested can go to the third floor for the night banquet. There will be delicious food and fine wine. It's on me."
After Su Minghan said this in a hurry, he threw the microphone to the host and trotted out of the inner hall, looking around aimlessly.
"Mr. Su, what can I do for you?"
The security guard waiting outside the hall quickly came over to inquire.
"Where's Xiao Shujing?"
"Miss Xiao just took the elevator. She should be on the rooftop."
Without saying a word, he rushed into the special elevator and went to the top floor.
The cold air seeped into his neck, making his skin the same temperature as the wind and dust. This kind of comfort could only be felt during those fleeting moments.
Xiao Shujing was looking at the bustling city below. Her hair fluttered freely with the wind.
Before she became famous, she thought that having money in her pocket and savings in her bank card was the most desirable life. But once she entered the entertainment industry, her once - innocent life was instantly colored.
"Why did you come here?"
The voice from behind interrupted her momentary daze.
"Sorry, I'll go back right away."
Su Minghan blocked her way and looked down at her with concern. Her eyes were avoiding his. "You're a public figure now and the protagonist of today's premiere. Leaving such a big event to the audience like this isn't really appropriate, is it? What happened?"
Xiao Shujing kept tucking her loose hair behind her ears. "I just wanted to get some fresh air. There's no other reason."
"Forget it. It's not a big deal. I can handle it."
At this point, she suddenly looked up seriously and asked, "Why do you help me?"
"You're the popular actress I've promoted myself. If I don't help you, who will? There are a lot of trolls on the Internet, but if I step in, there won't be any extreme comments. Don't worry."
She clenched her fists and said bluntly, not used to it. "I don't need your help. This is my problem, and I can solve it myself."
"You're being too polite. After all..."
Before Su Minghan could finish, Xiao Shujing interrupted him.
"After all what? Do you like me?"
His heart suddenly tightened. He cleared his throat and said the opposite. "No."
"Then stop interfering in my business."
She brushed past him, her cold expression showing no hesitation.
Su Minghan was so angry that his voice was hoarse. He cursed himself in a low voice. "Why can't I just say it? Well, yes, or I like you! It's just a few words. Why..."
He ruffled his hair in frustration, feeling trapped.
He had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Even before he started kindergarten, there were officials lining up to arrange a baby - marriage for him. The commotion was so big that it could block the road completely.
But somehow.
The women Su Minghan didn't like flocked to him, while the one he liked kept her distance.
He kicked the iron gate angrily and sulked.
Inside the banquet hall, several couples were dancing gracefully to the gentle music, snuggled in each other's arms, making others envious.
But Shen Ximan was different.
After staying at the Shen family's place for a few days and being hospitalized, she hadn't eaten anything spicy. She felt like life had lost its fun.
"There are chicken feet! Su Minghan really knows how to do things!"
Bo Jingyu watched her gobbling like a little pig and rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"Can you be a bit more reserved?"
"Why? It's free. It would be a waste not to eat. Do you want some?"
He frowned. "No. Stop eating."
"Don't pull me. I'm not full yet." Shen Ximan ignored his advice and stuffed another sour and crispy fruit puff into her mouth.