Chapter 105: Husband, Am I Just an Actress to You?

“Heiress Superstar” – Latest Chapter

Rong Qing finally consented to her grandfather’s request. Given her limited energy, the family affairs would, for the time being, be managed by Grandpa Huo. Thanks to her efforts over the past year, Rong Qing had been invited as a guest to the Spring Festival Gala; however, wishing to spend the New Year with her family, she politely declined the invitation. As New Year’s Eve approached, she turned down all work commitments to focus on staying at home, accompanying her husband and relatives, cherishing the first New Year celebration surrounded by family.

Inside and outside the Huo residence, everything was meticulously cleaned. Lanterns glowing with vibrant red hues hung everywhere—outside the doors and within the rooms. At night, the radiant red lights illuminated the sky, casting a festive glow across the bustling city of X. Hundreds of lanterns adorned the Huo estate, creating a lively, passionate spectacle that ignited the rich atmosphere of the New Year throughout the city.

Rong Qing wore a light-colored knitted sweater, its loose fit accentuating her slender figure. Behind frameless glasses, she held a list in her hand, her expression serious, occasionally furrowing her brows and biting her lip as if wrestling with a difficult decision. Finally, she handed the finalized New Year’s Eve dinner menu to the butler.

“Once grandpa reviews the menu, preparations for the ingredients can begin. Remember, grandpa cannot eat spicy food—except for that one Sichuan dish, the rest must be free of any spiciness,” Rong Qing patiently instructed. In recent days, she had realized that although Grandpa was well-maintained physically, the aging process had caused some decline in his organs; consuming spicy, hot, or cold foods unevenly could pose serious health risks.

The elderly butler, standing respectfully nearby, waited patiently. Though he had served in the Huo household the longest and was highly trusted by the family head, he understood his place and boundaries. The new generation of mistress and master before him were now his true employers. One must never harbor divided loyalties or overestimate one’s status; the higher one stands, the harder one falls. His graying hair and sharp eyes—still full of resoluteness—belied his sixty-plus years.

Rong Qing rubbed her eyes and suddenly noticed the elderly man still waiting silently. She felt a pang of remorse, having been so absorbed in planning the feast for nearly an hour that she had forgotten him. Filled with apology, she said, “Old Guo, I’m terribly sorry—I completely forgot you were waiting.”

Guo Kui, the chief steward of the entire Huo estate, had shown unwavering patience and meticulous care over the past days. He treated the Huo household as his own, earning Rong Qing’s deep respect. For Guo Kui, being treated with such kindness and approachability by the young lady of the house was a source of great honor. Although previous masters had relied on him as a trusted aide, few had truly appreciated his hardships and advancing age. The presence of this humble yet sincere young mistress only affirmed the young master’s wise judgment. “Miss, I’m fine. I’ll get started right away.”

“You are advanced in years; leave these tasks to your subordinates. You have dedicated your entire life to the Huo family’s service and now deserve a peaceful retirement,” Rong Qing said with genuine consideration for Old Guo’s labor.

The elderly man smiled shyly, touched by the young lady’s respect and gratitude. Yet he said nothing, simply etching these feelings deep within his heart. Decades ago, if it weren’t for the Huo family head’s timely rescue, he might have long been destitute and on the run. Now, surrounded by children and grandchildren, living a life of comfort and luxury, he owed everything to the family. And now, with the young mistress’s respect, he had not forgotten his dignity and equality—no longer just a servant to the Huos. His sole repayment for the life-saving kindness and the young lady’s recognition was to devote all his strength to the Huo family.

Though Rong Qing’s social engagements had lessened, as the lady of the Huo family, she could not avoid attending grand corporate banquets and family celebrations. Tonight’s event was an engagement banquet for a long-standing family friend of Grandpa Huo’s—a gathering of elders and descendants bound by years of friendship. The Huo couple had accepted the invitation.

Rong Qing’s attire tonight was grand and befitting a noblewoman. The Huo family boasted a century-old legacy with wealth beyond measure. As the family’s mistress, every piece of jewelry she wore was priceless. She donned a V-neck evening gown in a soft hue—elegant yet understated so as not to overshadow the newlyweds. Around her fair neck hung a translucent amethyst necklace, fresh and captivating, and her subtle makeup enhanced her feminine charm and dignity. Linking arms with her husband, she appeared at the aristocratic gathering, drawing all eyes once again to this perfect pair. Whether it was Huo Lingtian’s commanding presence or Rong Qing’s breathtaking beauty, they were the brightest spectacle of the entire banquet.

Men and women alike were envious of this harmonious couple. Men dared only admire from afar this stunning woman who was already wed, her beauty dazzling the heavens. Women watched with reddened eyes as their dream men were claimed by another woman, their hearts aching with jealousy and resentment.

High society gatherings were like miniature social circles. Noble young ladies from illustrious families gathered in groups, discussing topics ranging from designer brands to luxury goods, or which young heir was handsome and secretly admired. Their chatter was a sanctuary for these privileged women.

These pampered noblewomen, raised with pride and haughtiness, could never tolerate the woman who had stolen their spotlight. They whispered among themselves, deliberately avoiding mention of the stunning Rong Qing.

Free from the annoyance of such proud women, Rong Qing felt at ease. Her man was entangled in a business discussion with a merchant, full of jargon about commerce and profits. Feeling bored, she slipped away in search of a quiet corner. Holding a glass of light cocktail, she settled into the sofa’s corner, observing the facades around her.

Unconsciously, a group of tall, brightly dressed women gathered nearby. They smiled sweetly but cast faintly contemptuous glances at Rong Qing, whispering and laughing heartily at her solitary presence. Rong Qing had no desire to engage in women’s petty rivalries. Sighing softly, she prepared to move elsewhere when a clear female voice reached her ears.

“Hmph, she’s just an actress from the entertainment world.”

“An actress who sells her talents—how can she compare to us from noble families?” Several aristocratic young ladies sneered jealously, their sharp words accompanied by giggles from nearby girls.

Rong Qing paused and turned in the opposite direction. Tall and perfectly shaped, her pale purple evening gown rendered her even more regal and stunning. Tonight, her appearance eclipsed all others; she shed her usual indifferent expression and instead smiled faintly, her lips soft pink like a fairy descended to earth. Her smile was like blooming flowers, her feminine allure instantly captivating the entire room. With the poise of an international model and the grace of a noble Persian cat, she made the well-bred noblewomen feel utterly ashamed. Rong Qing possessed such charisma that she needed no words to deliver a fatal blow.

“An actress? Ha,” a soft laugh emerged from her throat, like delicate orchestral music. “Even if I am an actress, I still have the ability to claim that perfect and powerful man.” Her eyes sparkled with defiance—this statement was a slap to their faces. They looked down on actresses, yet could they claim to be any better? Weren’t they far more contemptible?

“What’s the matter?” Huo Lingtian strode over, his gaze never leaving his beloved.

The women, seeing their prince before them, blushed shyly, exuding charm. One daring girl stole a glance at the man, clutching her pounding heart, and shyly murmured, “Huo… Lingtian… I…” Her hesitant voice caused the man to frown.

Rong Qing naturally linked her arm through Huo Lingtian’s. She was the rightful mistress of the Huo family. Playfully, she winked at him like a constellation of stars sparkling in the night sky. “I missed you,” she murmured softly, her tender voice stirring his heart. She stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his pale lips.

Though playful, this kiss was a clear declaration of the man’s possession to those watching. She obediently held his hand and followed him as he moved through the gathering.

The women who had flaunted themselves moments ago could no longer maintain their composure. The man did not spare them a single glance; his full attention was on her. Their faces darkened with envy.

Though not born into nobility, Rong Qing understood the rules of high society well. She had navigated the tangled mire of the entertainment industry with grace; now, as the young mistress of a noble family, she was even more poised. The elders of the prominent families encircling her were captivated by her style—gracious, magnanimous, courteous in both advance and retreat, with dignified manners. Even her conversation exuded a friendly charm, and the atmosphere became warm and harmonious.

Rong Qing sipped some wine, a faint aroma of alcohol surrounding her. The evening buzzed with lively conversation. Returning to the Huo residence near midnight, Rong Qing leaned against the car, nodding off. Her beautiful eyes slightly dry, a single tear slipped from the corner.

Feeling as though she had come home, the mischievous someone stubbornly refused to leave the car, dozing off with her head resting against the seat.

“Baby… baby,” Huo Lingtian whispered softly, enough for the little troublemaker to hear.

Watching her pretend to be asleep, he sighed helplessly, bending down to scoop her into his arms and carrying her to the bedroom. After helping her wash up, he suppressed his own frustration, took a brief cold shower, and returned to the room—only to find this mischievous woman now sitting on the big bed, wide awake, no trace of sleepiness left.

As night deepened, her energy surged. With seductive eyes and a mischievous smile, Rong Qing deliberately snuggled close to Huo Lingtian. She teasingly traced his lips with her pink tongue, her sparkling eyes flashing, igniting a fierce passion in the man. She pouted softly and asked, “Husband, I am just an actress?”

His eyes flashed with cold light before he kissed her sweet lips, swiftly pinning her to the bed. After several passionate rounds, he left her no chance for wandering thoughts. The night was thick with intimacy.

Meanwhile, the next day, those noble young ladies who had gossiped were expelled from their families.