Chapter Seventy-Four

Rong Qing stood on the exhibition stage beside Aaron, the world’s top model, and their photograph graced the front pages of major global media outlets. Some European commentators even called them a “match made in heaven,” implicitly recognizing this Asian girl’s entry into the French fashion circle and cementing Rong Qing’s status as an international supermodel. As the “Late Autumn” gala concluded, the film “Splendid Years” soared past the six hundred million mark in box office receipts within just a few days. For Director Wang Zhang, who had invested little in the project, this was a crowning achievement.

Huo Lingtian made his way backstage, where Rong Qing was taking photos with her fans. She wore a champagne-colored David gown, her smile sweet and radiant, brightening the atmosphere around her. Onstage, Rong Qing sparkled like a star; offstage, she was approachable and friendly. This dazzling and captivating Rong Qing gave Huo Lingtian feelings he hadn’t expected—pride, admiration, and a faint, bittersweet ache.

“She’s extraordinary,” murmured someone, drawing closer without his noticing.

Aaron stood in a tailored suit, exuding star power, his deep blue eyes glinting with provocation. Huo Lingtian arched an eyebrow, his robust build and commanding presence meeting Aaron’s aristocratic arrogance head-on. It was their first direct confrontation—one a proud young noble, the other radiating the domineering aura of a natural leader, whose very presence inspired awe.

“Though you got there first, she and I are truly a perfect match—in interests, hobbies, even careers,” Aaron taunted, his meaning clear: Huo Lingtian might have made the first move, but he believed Rong Qing and he belonged together.

Huo Lingtian’s eyes flashed with fire. He let out a dismissive grunt, ignoring Aaron’s provocation. Then, suddenly, all his fierceness melted away as he gazed across the room with tenderness. The perpetual chill at his brow softened, and a faint smile appeared, thawing this icy king. He beckoned indulgently toward the woman.

Aaron’s face clouded as he turned; the woman across the way glowed with happiness, her smile warm. Aaron gazed at her longingly, but there was an unspoken bond between her and Huo Lingtian, an invisible wall shutting out any outsider. Without a word, he knew he had lost.

“I won’t give up,” Aaron muttered as he passed Huo Lingtian, then strode away alone.

“Hey, why did he leave as soon as I got here?” Rong Qing asked curiously as she approached.

“You were amazing! Are you tired?” Huo Lingtian tapped the tip of her nose affectionately, expertly diverting her attention. As expected, Rong Qing’s spirits soared again, and she chattered energetically about happenings onstage and off, like a lively sparrow. Huo Lingtian listened with a constant smile, patient and full of gentle tolerance.

Thus ended their triumphant European journey. The next day, Rong Qing and Huo Lingtian flew back to X City. Rong Qing smoothly moved back into the Xiangshan Villa. After her kidnapping ordeal, her relationship with Huo Lingtian grew even steadier and deeper. They each pursued their work, coming and going, and their life together grew ever more harmonious.

Yan Lin breathed a sigh of relief to see Rong Qing return safely. The usually composed elite had been on edge, especially since Rong Qing’s breach of contract with “Joyful Spin” led to a hefty compensation payout. That TV station’s ratings plummeted in the following weeks, dogged by scandals and teetering on the brink of collapse.

Rong Qing accepted an invitation to a formal TV interview. “Starlight Journey,” hosted by a famed CCTV anchor, boasted not only stellar ratings but an excellent reputation. Receiving the invitation thrilled Rong Qing; to have his recognition was a true stepping stone to entering the ranks of leading actresses.

Dressed in a strapless black jumpsuit, Rong Qing appeared on the program. The black ensemble made her seem almost luminous. Her interviewer, the celebrated host Zhu Xi, was a striking beauty herself, and the two women seated together were a feast for the eyes, sparks flying between them.

In recent years, Zhu Xi had blazed into the world of entertainment hosting, breaking into CCTV and, thanks to her formidable background, was seen as the likely successor to the channel’s queen of hosts. Within the industry, she commanded universal respect, and her show enjoyed the backing of powerful figures. Anyone who crossed Zhu Xi, be they actor or singer, rarely fared well; her influence was unmatched.

That day, Zhu Xi wore a bright yellow princess dress, her haughty poise on full display. In an industry overflowing with beautiful women, Zhu Xi distinguished herself with her impeccable temperament and savvy understanding of the entertainment world, riding high amid its turbulent currents. She prided herself on her allure, but seeing Rong Qing’s breathtaking beauty and composed manner, those lively eyes, the delicate collarbones, and luminous skin, a wave of jealousy surged uncontrollably within her. The lines she had prepared stuck in her throat. No superstar she’d interviewed had ever provoked such envy; flattering them was simply a matter of courtesy and networking, but the woman before her made her feel diminished, prompting her to lash out with sharp words. She knew this wasn’t proper etiquette, but the pleasure she felt at seeing Rong Qing’s awkwardness only grew.

“With the role of Ling Fei in ‘Splendid Years,’ you’ve become a household name throughout the mainland. To have caught Director Zhang’s attention, Rong Qing, you really are lucky,” Zhu Xi remarked. What should have been a compliment sounded more like mockery, as if dismissing all of Rong Qing’s hard work and achievements as mere luck.

Her face wore an innocent smile, betraying no malice, as though she’d made a harmless joke. Rong Qing steadied herself, pushing down her discomfort. No matter how she felt, she couldn’t let it show before a nationwide audience—that would only make her seem petty and lacking in grace. With a faint smile, she replied, “These years of effort have finally paid off, but I could never match your meteoric rise and smooth sailing.”

At this, the atmosphere in the studio chilled to an icy tension. The crew all knew Zhu Xi’s mercurial nature—one face in public, another in private, her skill at playing the smiling tiger was legendary. Many viewers were deceived by her outward charm.

It was the first time Zhu Xi had been so publicly called out. Her hands twisted the yellow dress in agitation, her eyes turning fierce as blades directed at her guest.

Rong Qing met her gaze unflinchingly. So be it—another grudge formed.

This episode of “Starlight Journey” proved full of drama. The showdown between Rong Qing and the CCTV host quickly erupted online, with their fanbases battling it out in heated exchanges.

As she left the set, Zhu Xi strode past Rong Qing without so much as a word, but Rong Qing was not easily cowed. She exited through the side door to the underground garage, sighing once again at her knack for attracting “bad luck.”

The rocky interview did nothing to dampen Rong Qing’s spirits. As her fame grew, more brands and film companies approached her, showering her with offers, but she was in no rush to choose her next project. She preferred to proceed steadily; films lacking quality and assurance would never have lasting impact.

Rong Qing’s career flourished, but the Wu family, by contrast, was beset by disaster upon disaster. Their business empire was gradually devoured, and the once-grand family could barely sustain its expenses. The family’s collapse seemed imminent.

In a luxurious club, the Wu family patriarch and his granddaughter sat with the eldest son of the Li family in an elegant, quiet reception room. The lavish dinner set the stage for a lengthy conversation. Wu Yuxin wore a revealing, sheer nightgown, her voluptuous figure barely concealed, pale thighs glimpsed through the fabric. Li Yingming’s eyes roved over her greedily all evening, unable to hide his desire. Wu Yuxin forced a stiff smile; ever since her grandfather had arranged this meeting with Li Yingming, she had resigned herself to her fate. No matter how repulsive his appearance or vulgar his behavior, she looked at him with ingratiating eyes. If it meant crushing Huo Lingtian underfoot and reclaiming all the humiliation and pain she had endured, she was willing to pay any price.

“Young Master Li, let’s consider the partnership between our families settled. From now on, wherever the Wu family has a share in X City, Li Yingming will have a share as well,” Wu Tianxiong said, beaming as he toasted, clearly pleased with his granddaughter’s performance.

“Heh, I’ll be counting on you, Master Wu—and on Yuxin, too,” Li Yingming replied with a knowing glance, his meaning unmistakable.

“Well, it’s late. This old man should leave you young people to your fun,” the patriarch said, his smile full of implication. “Yuxin, be sure to take good care of Young Master Li.”

With that, he led the rest of the group out, leaving the two alone in the private club.

Once the others had gone, Li Yingming sidled up to Wu Yuxin, his 173 cm frame making him seem small and unremarkable. His hairy, broad hand crept under her dress, his breath hot against her neck, eyes gleaming with lecherous anticipation. Wu Yuxin’s stomach churned with nausea.

“M-Master Li, isn’t this… a bit much here?” she stammered, trying to evade his touch, but he pressed closer, giving her nowhere to run.

“Oh? Where would you prefer?” Li Yingming growled, pinning her soft body beneath him. He impatiently tore open her lace gown, his hands greedily grasping at her curves.

Wu Yuxin stared in terror. Though she’d lived wildly in America, she’d never been treated so crudely and by such an odious man. She struggled fiercely, screaming, “Get away! Get away!”

In the scuffle, her sharp nails scratched his neck, and with a loud slap, Li Yingming struck her across the face. His expression twisted with rage; all traces of a smile vanished. “You bitch! You dress like this and still pretend to be pure? Your grandfather handed you over to me to play with!”

Clutching her swollen cheek, tears welled in Wu Yuxin’s eyes, making her look pitiful, which only inflamed Li Yingming’s animal lust. Though he’d seduced countless women, this was his first time with such a delicate heiress, and his desire to conquer her was overwhelming.

—End of chapter—

Lanlan is back! I went to Beidaihe—so crowded, so exhausting, so hot… Updates resume today.