Chapter Forty-Five: Visiting the Set

Huo Lingtian walked straight over to Director Wang Zhang. Just moments before, he’d worn a defiant, icy demeanor, but now his face was graced with a gentle smile, every gesture revealing a measure of respect for the internationally acclaimed director. Huo Lingtian cared little for the director’s global status or influence; what mattered was that this man held authority over his beloved. If he didn’t tend carefully to this “good thing,” how could he ensure his darling would be treated well?

“Director Zhang, I’ve long admired your reputation. It’s an honor for the Huo Corporation to collaborate with you.” For someone of Huo Lingtian’s stature—whose every word could shake the world—to offer such praise, Wang Zhang was both flattered and startled, while the staff members around them appeared even more alarmed.

“You’re too kind, Young Master Huo. I’m truly overwhelmed,” Wang Zhang replied, before casting a deliberate glance at Huo Zhen standing off to the side. “Apart from a few minor misunderstandings earlier, the Huo Corporation’s support and investment have been impeccable.”

Huo Lingtian chuckled. “Director Zhang, given your status on the international stage, the Huo Corporation will offer you unconditional support from now on.” He presented Wang Zhang with a generous olive branch—after all, building an enterprise anchored to a powerful family was far smoother than going it alone.

Wang Zhang’s face lit up with delight. “Thank you, Young Master Huo!” As he looked at the young, handsome, and steady man before him, he couldn’t help but glance repeatedly behind Huo Lingtian. Was it possible… “Are you here for a set visit, Young Master Huo?”

He smiled. “A friend of mine is filming here. I just came to see her.” Huo Lingtian spoke with apparent ease, but the indulgence and warmth in his eyes were impossible to hide from the shrewd old director. Crossing the lawn and passing through the porch, Huo Lingtian went straight toward a group of people opposite.

Han Xiyun had noticed this wealthy young man the moment he arrived. Just his bearing alone marked him as a rare gem among men. And the way Huo Zhen—normally so brash—shrunk before him, like a mouse before a cat, was telling. She’d been observing the young master, and when she caught his fleeting glance in her direction, her heart blossomed with hope. Seizing the moment, she swayed her slender waist and adorned her features with a blush, her eyes coyly meeting the oncoming prince’s.

Her heart brimmed with anticipation as she prepared to greet the tall, imposing young master. But just as she was about to step forward, Huo Lingtian brushed past her without pause. His deep, steady gaze shimmered with tenderness, and his low, magnetic voice sent every woman present into a swoon. “Qing, I’m here.”

In that instant, Han Xiyun froze awkwardly mid-step, her smile evaporating. The snickers and sneers from those around her left her utterly humiliated.

Rong Qing’s face darkened, her forehead twitching. Damn it! Did he have to make such a dazzling, dramatic entrance, turning her into the target of every woman’s envy, jealousy, and resentment? Watching the overtly flirtatious head of the Huo family radiate charm in every direction, Rong Qing did something quite out of the ordinary—she gathered her dress and bolted.

Huo Lingtian: …

Taking long strides, Huo Lingtian caught up with the little rascal trying to escape. In front of everyone, she dared embarrass him and then tried to pretend they were strangers? Impossible!

Rong Qing slowly turned around, clenching her teeth. “Young Master Huo, what a… coincidence?”

Huo Lingtian: …!

“Rong Qing, could you act normal for once?” Huo Lingtian nearly lost his composure with this infuriating, adorable, maddeningly heartless little troublemaker. “If you don’t believe me, I’ll announce our relationship to everyone right here.”

Rong Qing sighed. Clearly, her peaceful days with the crew were numbered. She skillfully led Huo Lingtian aside, knowing that the entire production would grind to a halt if he lingered any longer.

Young Master Huo sat obediently on a small stool, a water bottle tossed to him by Rong Qing in his hand, followed by a retinue of loyal followers. Under the blazing sun, his dark trench coat and shirt looked striking, but surely he felt the heat… Yet Huo Lingtian sat quietly, saying nothing, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Rong Qing in her costume. And that… school uniform—far too enticing. As his eyes lingered on the exposed stretch of fair thigh and her alluringly restrained expression, a wicked thought flashed through his mind.

Rong Qing was well-liked within the crew for her kindness and easygoing nature; many people adored this beautiful yet gentle girl. A crew member who was rather close to her pulled her aside, sneaking a glance at the tall, imposing man—clearly not someone easy to deal with.

“Qing, you’re just going to leave him sitting there?” the kind-hearted woman hinted. Such situations were common enough in entertainment, but she still hoped the girl before her would find happiness.

“Hm?” Rong Qing blinked her lovely eyes in confusion.

“He came all this way to see you. Aren’t you going to keep him company?” Her friend’s words were tactful, but the little one’s obliviousness was both impressive and exasperating. Didn’t she see Han Xiyun circling him like a fly?

“But I still have scenes to shoot,” Rong Qing replied, her tone both aggrieved and self-assured, prompting a roll of the eyes from her friend.

“You little fool!”

Beneath that innocent, guileless exterior, Rong Qing’s mind worked swiftly: Men should be kept dangling, reeled in and let out, made to follow obediently—only then would they be firmly tethered.

— — — End of excerpt — — —

Yesterday, Lanlan had some matters to attend to and didn’t update.