Replacing Sister to Marry into a Wealthy Family

31 - 40

Chapter 31

In the quiet banquet hall corridor, Su Anning carried her skirt and angrily found Bai Yin.

She was so angry that her whole body was trembling, and she could barely restrain her emotions. She questioned loudly, "Bai Yin, today's trending search keyword - was it premeditated by you to undermine me?"

"Those who live by the knife die by the knife. Sister, how could you not understand even such a simple principle?"

Bai Yin looked at her calmly and said, "You invited me to the celebration banquet of The Assassin to show me the difference between you and me. I came, so why are you impatient now, sister?"

Su Anning was spoiled like a little princess by her parents. She had never suffered such humiliation before. Her expression was fierce due to extreme anger. She raised her hand to hit Bai Yin.

Bai Yin was quick-eyed and seized her wrist.

Su Anning struggled, but unexpectedly, Bai Yin's grip was astonishingly strong. Not only could she not break free, but her wrist was also squeezed painfully by Bai Yin.

"Bai Yin, let go. You're hurting me!"

"Remember the pain. All of this is your own doing." Bai Yin stared into her eyes, speaking with great deterrence, "Su Anning, we have a long way to go."

After saying that, she flung away Su Anning's hand and left.

Su Anning staggered a few steps. Unresigned, she shouted at Bai Yin's back, "Do you think you'll get your way just because you married Chen Huaixiao? Do you know why he married you? It's because you look like..."

Before she could finish, Bai Yin glanced back sharply and smiled, "His first love, right?"

Su Anning was stunned for a moment.

This was the best card in her hand that she wanted to play at the most critical moment.

At this moment, Su Anning had lost her senses due to anger. The only thought in her mind was to make Bai Yin suffer beyond endurance.

But she didn't expect that Bai Yin had already known about it!

"That's right! He doesn't love you at all! If he's good to you, it's only because you look like the one in his heart! You're just her substitute!"

Su Anning viciously threw out these words, then tried her best to find even a trace of pain on Bai Yin's face.

However, disappointingly, she didn't find even a tiny bit.

Bai Yin stood elegantly in front of her with a gentle temperament. Her eyes were as clear as black jade. She looked as if she was watching a joke, staring at Su Anning.

After a while, she raised her eyebrows lightly, "That's all?"

Seeing her killer card had no effect at all, Su Anning's expression became even more hideous, "You...you don't care at all! Chen Huaixiao doesn't love you at all!"

"Why would I care if I don't love him?" The corners of Bai Yin's bright eyes curved up, "Sister, don't be silly."

"Then you..."

"The benefits of marrying Chen Huaixiao are probably something you won't experience in your lifetime."

Bai Yin didn't want to waste time with Su Anning anymore. As she turned around, the smile on her face vanished instantly.

...

She walked out of the banquet hall building and went down the steps. But at the corner, she saw a lonely figure.

In the dim light, the man leaned against the railing of the steps. His handsome profile was buried in the shadows.

He lowered his head to light a cigarette. The corner of his mouth flashed orange for an instant, then vanished again.

He bit the cigarette lightly with his lips. His left hand casually fiddled with an exquisite silver lighter.

Chen Huaixiao glanced at Bai Yin, like a gust of cold and murderous wind sweeping in from the endless dark night.

Then he pressed the cap of the lighter which made a crisp click in the darkness.

He turned and left.

Bai Yin watched Chen Huaixiao's figure and knew he must have heard everything.

She casually shrugged.

Let him hear it then. After all, they were just fake husband and wife. Whoever falls in love first loses.

...

Chen Huaixiao returned to the Maybach sedan. Shen Bin asked doubtfully, "Master Chen, where is Madam?"

"Drive the car," the man said in a low voice.

Shen Bin glanced at Chen Huaixiao through the rearview mirror.

He was always calm and composed. It was rare to see him looking so gloomy. Even the dark clouds in his eyes seemed to spill out.

An hour ago, when President Chen heard that Madam was invited to the celebration banquet of The Assassin, he couldn't even wait for the meeting to end and rushed over, worried that Madam would suffer the slightest grievance.

How could he come out alone now with such an unpleasant expression?

"Master Chen, Madam is not wronged, is she?"

"Who dares wrong her."

Although Chen Huaixiao spoke calmly, it somehow sounded...resentful.

Shen Bin could only start the sedan and leave the banquet hall.

...

The sunshine today was great, warming people pleasantly.

Bai Yin was tending the flowers and plants in the garden. Her phone on the iron garden table vibrated. Bai Yin picked it up. It was Sun Lili calling -

"Darling, did you and Chen Huaixiao have a tiff?"

"Hmm?"

"All your engagements have been canceled, including the NIO skincare endorsement you got before." Sun Lili said anxiously, "This must be deliberate, right?"

Bai Yin was mentally prepared, so she didn't feel particularly surprised.

"He hasn't been home for a week."

Bai Yin knew Chen Huaixiao was upset. He hated being used the most. Not only did Bai Yin use him, but she also slept with him without an ounce of sincerity, only calculations and benefits. No wonder he was unhappy.

"What should we do about it?" Sun Lili was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, "Riding on the momentum of The Splendid Robe, we should strike while the iron is hot. Now the engagements are canceled without any jobs. Baby, why don't you go apologize and soften up to him?"

Bai Yin rejected Sun Lili's proposal.

He regarded her as a substitute, but didn't allow her to take advantage of this marriage?

"Lili, I remember the new artists signed to Brilliant Star Media have a 3-month intensive training camp for trainees, right?"

"Yes."

Although Sun Lili had just joined Brilliant Star Media, she had done her homework thoroughly and grasped all kinds of information, "This trainee training camp is known as the devil's training camp. Everything will be trained and enhanced comprehensively, from posture, vocals, dance, acting skills to handling reporters' questions, variety show sensibility, etc. But darling, this is mainly for newcomers who have just entered the entertainment industry."

"Put my name in this batch of trainees too."

"Are you sure? Entering the training camp means no engagements for a full 3 months. The heat of The Splendid Robe's serialization will be over too..."

"It's okay."

Bai Yin took the long-term route and did not contend over instant gains and losses.

She needed professional training in this area and now was the opportunity.

Soon, Sun Lili applied for Bai Yin's quota to the company. Since Bai Yin was an artist newly signed this season, her name did not need Chen Huaixiao's approval. Only the supervisor's approval was required to attend.

The intensive 3-month training camp, although in the mountains, was said to be in a resort with excellent accommodation and surrounding environment. Nestled against the mountains and next to water, the air quality was also very good.

Brilliant Star Media would never shortchange its own artists.

Bai Yin was actually looking forward to it.

...

In the office, Shen Bin walked softly to Chen Huaixiao and sized up his expression. Hesitantly, he said, "Master Chen, Madam, she..."

Without raising his head, Chen Huaixiao held a pen in his slender yet powerful fingers, signing his vigorous name at the bottom right corner of the document. His expression was calm as water, "Her agent came to beg you?"

"Uh...no, not really." Shen Bin swallowed and said with difficulty, "Madam has signed up for the training camp and will be away for over 3 months. She sets off tomorrow morning."

Chen Huaixiao's pen tip pressed hard on the document. A hint of undercurrent flashed in his dark eyes.

After a long while, he said in a low voice, "If she wants to leave, let her. Do you have to report every artist's schedule to me? Are you very free or do you think I'm very free?"

Shen Bin was so frightened he almost knelt down to admit his mistake, "Your subordinate knows his mistake!"

He really met his match this time.

Chen Huaixiao was always calm and composed. It was rare for him to lose control over Madam's matters.

After work, Shen Bin guessed that with such an unpleasant mood, Chen Huaixiao would probably spend the night in the penthouse residence again.

As the diligent personal assistant, he still asked, "Master Chen, do you need the car today?"

"No need."

"Okay!"

Shen Bin respectfully exited the office.

However, as soon as he opened the door, he heard the man's low voice -

"Bring the car out."

"Okay...Huh?"

He looked back, puzzled at Chen Huaixiao.

Chen Huaixiao impatiently loosened his tie, "Going home tonight."

*

Shen Bin really didn't understand his boss more and more.

Previously, he felt he was quite good at guessing his mindset. Chen Huaixiao was arrogant with an impetuous working style. He would not hesitate repeatedly over a determined matter or ponder it over and over.

But after getting married, he realized he understood less and less.

A series of the President's recent actions were a bit...anxious?

Not only anxious, but also quite fickle.

Shen Bin didn't know if this term was accurate, but wasn't this state like falling in love?

Could it be the President was no longer pretending but had really fallen for Madam?

He thought thrillingly, glancing at the handsome yet aloof Chen Huaixiao in the rearview mirror.

Chen Huaixiao gazed out the window expressionlessly, seeming not to look at him but deterred strongly, "If you keep staring randomly, I'll deduct this month's performance bonus completely."

Shen Bin quickly retracted his gaze in fright, and parked the car at the convenience store entrance. He said to Chen Huaixiao, "Master Chen, I'll go in and buy a bottle of icy water to calm down..."

Chen Huaixiao did not respond. Shen Bin got out of the car and went into the convenience store.

When he came out, he happily held an ice cream cone in his mouth.

"Finish eating before getting in the car."

"Yes, Master Chen."

Chen Huaixiao looked at the ice cream in his mouth and said after thinking, "Go buy another one."

"Ah, Master Chen wants to eat ice cream!" Shen Bin exclaimed in shock.

"It's not for me, it's for the housekeeper."

"Okay! I'll go right away. What flavor does Madam want? No, I mean what flavor does the housekeeper want?"

After pondering for a moment, Chen Huaixiao said, "Never mind."

It would have melted on the way back anyway.

Chen Huaixiao's gaze lowered. He recalled a weekend in a small town in southern Yangtze River years ago.

Bai Yin eyed the yogurt ice cream cones in the tourists' hands longingly as they walked on the ancient town's stone-paved scenic streets along the river.

Chen Huaixiao was not a very attentive person but he could tell the young mistress was coveting them. He took out his wallet.

She blocked him and said it was expensive in the scenic area. After walking out of the scenic area for a while, it would be much cheaper at the snack shop.

Chen Huaixiao didn't think the 20-30 yuan ice cream was expensive so he bought one and handed it to her.

Bai Yin felt it was expensive so she clutched it tightly, unwilling to eat it until the ice cream started melting. Only then did she regretfully open the package.

The first lick, she raised to Chen Huaixiao's lips, "Brother, you eat first."

"Afraid I might have eaten from it?"

"I'm not afraid. It's nothing."

Chen Huaixiao was originally not fond of sweets but took a bite and felt the taste was not bad.

The young mistress harmlessly licked the spot he had bitten and also said with a smile, "It's delicious."

...

What feelings Chen Huaixiao had for Bai Yin, even he himself could not articulate clearly.

At first, he really did feel that she bore some resemblance to Qin Yao, and didn't find her unpleasant to interact with.

Qin Yao came from a wealthy family, a true little princess untouched by the dirt of the world.

Bai Yin was a bit like her, but also very unlike her.

One was a plump white peony nourished by rich soil, the other a stubborn blade of grass tenaciously growing in barren earth.

Chen Huaixiao really disliked Bai Yin.

He disliked her tenacious vitality, able to take root and draw nourishment anywhere.

And every interaction and companionship with her, even their later intimacy... made Chen Huaixiao feel her roots in his heart growing deeper.

He really disliked this feeling, yet was unable to pluck out this annoying weed.

She was burrowing into his heart.

......

Shen Bin looked at Chen Huaixiao's confused expression, and suddenly asked: "Master Chen, do you believe in love at first sight?"

Chen Huaixiao glanced back at him and said indifferently: "No."

"Then do you believe feelings can develop over time?"

"I believe in... feelings developing over time."

Shen Bin: ???

Chapter 32

As the day of going into the mountains for collective training drew near, Bai Yin hurriedly planted the organic vegetable seedlings she had bought in the flowerbed of the backyard garden.

But there were quite a few white peonies planted in the flowerbed.

Bai Yin plucked a peony, sniffed it, and found it had no scent. She casually threw it into the mud, which made the housekeeper Tang Ka shocked and anxious: "Madam, this one was bought at a high price."

"Oh, is that so?" Bai Yin then backed away two steps in surprise.

Tang Ka heaved a sigh of relief and threw the peony on the ground back into the soil.

If Young Master asked, he would say it fell in the wind and rain last night.

However, as soon as he turned around, he saw Bai Yin pick up a shovel and dig up a whole peony plant cleanly and threw it on the lawn decisively.

Tang Ka was scared out of his wits and cried out in despair: "Madam, what are you doing?!"

Bai Yin poked at the peony's rootstalk with the shovel: "I don't like this flower. It's neither fragrant nor pretty. Transplant them outside the yard."

"You can't. This is a valuable variety. Young Master had the soil specially airlifted from the place of origin to grow them." Tang Ka wiped the sweat from his face and explained, "If transplanted to other soil, they won't adapt and will die!"

"Oh, I didn't know they were so delicate." Bai Yin picked up the shovel again and pulled out another peony plant entirely: "Since they don't thrive here, why not just send them to heaven."

"..."

Tang Ka watched Bai Yin dig up all the peonies in the yard, leaving none. The petals fell into the soil and became fertilizer.

"It's better to plant some organic vegetables, healthy and ecological." Bai Yin planted all the vegetable seeds in the peony flowerbed.

Tang Ka picked up the peony plants and said, "Madam, no matter what, they are also lives. Let me transplant them elsewhere. Whether they can survive depends on their fate."

"Okay, go ahead." Bai Yin tidied up the soil nonchalantly, "Survival of the fittest. If such delicate flowers can't survive, don't force them. Let them go in peace."

Tang Ka's back had gone cold. He didn't know how to explain this to Young Master.

Should he push all the blame onto Madam... No, Madam always treated him well. He couldn't betray her.

Moreover, Young Master seldom came home anyway, and the couple's relationship was not intimate. If he ratted on Madam, this marriage would be in jeopardy!

While Tang Ka was pondering, he suddenly heard the beep of a car horn behind him.

A Maybach stopped at the intersection beside him. Chen Huaixiao in a tailored suit stepped out, casting a piercing, cold gaze at Tang Ka digging in the yard entrance -

"What are you doing?"

Tang Ka quickly hid the peony plant in his hand, but there were still several plants at his feet. As he dodged, he trampled and killed several more peony blossoms.

Later, Tang Ka went back to his room and answered a question on Zhihu - "Has there ever been a moment that made you so desperate you wanted to be reborn?"

Answer: "Right in front of the boss, I trampled and killed two flowers worth hundreds of thousands."

Chen Huaixiao's gaze was as calm as still water. He asked lightly, "I'm asking what you are doing."

Tang Ka: "Madam is planting vegetables in the backyard!"

"I asked what you are doing."

"Madam said organic vegetables are naturally healthy without pesticides from the market."

Chen Huaixiao didn't want to talk to him anymore. His gaze lowered to the peony plants under Tang Ka's feet.

Tang Ka felt like an ant on a hot pan, not knowing whether to stand or walk away.

Chen Huaixiao's voice suddenly became extremely low and sinister: "You destroyed my flowers..."

"It wasn't me!" The frightened Tang Ka immediately decided to sell out Bai Yin without any hesitation: "It was Madam who said she wanted to plant some organic vegetables so that when Young Master comes back, you can eat fresh vegetables, so she..."

Chen Huaixiao's icy face softened slightly as he glanced at the fallen flowers on the ground: "Removed from the flowerbed, they won't live long either."

"So Young Master means..."

"Throw them away."

"What???"

Tang Ka looked at Chen Huaixiao in disbelief.

His face was calm, his long fingers holding an unlit cigarette, but he just stepped on the grass and walked toward the house.

That's it? It's over just like that? These were flowers Young Master had bought at a high price. Just a light "throw them away" without any reaction at all, not even a word of reproach!

Chen Huaixiao returned home to find the room empty, but there were trimmed flower branches in a vase on the table, exuding a faint fragrance.

She had also set up an elegant circular ceramic fish tank with quite a few small goldfish, not expensive varieties, just a few bucks each, the kind that ponds in the yards of southern country towns would have.

A linen blanket was casually draped over the sofa, and the TV was on, with a yoga mat laid out in front of it, playing distant, melodious pan flute music.

He hadn't been home for some time. Bai Yin had cleaned up his cold, icy house into a cozy warmth, thoroughly turning his home into hers, and seemed to be living a very comfortable life.

Indeed, it was a sham marriage. Whether her husband was at home or not did not matter to her at all.

Because she had no feelings for him.

At this moment, Bai Yin's clear voice came from the backyard garden, "Tang Ka, who came?"

Hearing her voice, Chen Huaixiao frowned slightly. Tang Ka understood and said, "No one, Madam. It's me coming inside."

"Oh, make me a cup of tea." Bai Yin languidly drawled, "Use Chen Huaixiao's best Rain Before Dragon Well tea leaves. Make it strong for me. Don't skimp on it."

Tang Ka anxiously replied, "That pot of Rain Before Dragon Well is... Young Master's collectible. He'll notice if even a little is missing."

"Then mix in some bamboo leaf green. He can't tell anyway."

"..."

Tang Ka wiped his sweat and looked at Chen Huaixiao.

Chen Huaixiao showed no displeasure at all on his face. He beckoned for Tang Ka to bring the Rain Before Dragon Well tea leaves over. He sat calmly at the tea table and started brewing tea.

Tang Ka stood beside him to boil water, watching as he washed the Zisha teapot, added a small tea cake, and carefully used the first brew to rinse the tea.

In the past, he had also tried to imitate Young Master's gongfu tea process but could never get it right.

Chen Huaixiao's fingers, beautiful as art, elegantly handled the tea set and leaves. Each movement was so tranquil and graceful, exuding a sense of deep, still waters.

In the garden, Bai Yin impatiently urged: "Tang Ka, it's taking so long to make a cup of tea. I'm dying of thirst."

Even when impatient, the woman's voice had the soft tones of the Wu region dialect, naturally giving a feeling of coquetry that made one's bones tender.

Chen Huaixiao cast a cold, fierce glance at Tang Ka, clearly very displeased.

Tang Ka shuddered, breaking out in cold sweat.

How was Madam's tender voice his fault! Was Young Master jealous over this?

He deeply felt that if the couple continued their cold war, his job as housekeeper of the Chen family would not last long.

Finally, after brewing a cup of tea, Tang Ka took the Zisha teacup outside.

Chen Huaixiao went upstairs to the balcony overlooking the garden where Bai Yin was.

Bai Yin wore a loose, creamy white robe, often worn when she danced in the southern country town.

The loose style enveloped her petite figure. The hemline had exquisite embroidered cloud patterns, probably hand-stitched by her.

She was fiddling with the vegetable seedlings in the flowerbed, carefully digging soil to plant them well. Her fair fingers were tipped with light pink nail polish. Her hair was tied in a braid draped by her ear.

It had been a long time since he last saw her dressed so gracefully. Ever since they married, in front of him she was either sexy or bewitching...

No matter which style she took, Chen Huaixiao appreciated and craved her.

The one he couldn't let go, in the end, was himself.

Tang Ka brought the teacup to Bai Yin: "Madam, please drink slowly."

Bai Yin took the brewed tea. Her tender lips sipped once. Suddenly she paused, subconsciously looking up toward the balcony on the second floor.

The balcony was empty without a shadow.

She frowned slightly.

Tang Ka asked, "What's wrong, Madam?"

"Nothing. The tea brewing skills have improved."

...

After Bai Yin finished planting the vegetable seedlings, she went back to her room.

The room was empty, and the gongfu tea set used earlier had also been cleaned spotless.

It was as if he had not come back at all.

But Bai Yin still felt the lingering aura of the man.

She knew Tang Ka's tea brewing skills. The tea was bitter and astringent, with dregs in it.

But the cup just now was mellow and rich, with a subtle texture, leaving a lingering aftertaste after swallowing.

Only Chen Huaixiao could brew such a sweet aftertaste tea.

Of course, there was an even more important reason -

When Tang Ka brewed tea for her, he would never let it cool first but always brought a scalding hot cup, burning her lips many times.

She used to drink well water and developed the bad habit of drinking without checking the temperature, just taking it and drinking it. Only Chen Huaixiao knew about this filthy habit of hers.

Bai Yin sat down on the cushion next to where he had just sat at the tea table. She casually picked up a Zisha teapet and fiddled with it for a while.

So he came home just to make her a cup of tea?

Bai Yin lazily sprawled on the straw mat.

Whatever. To him, this home was just like a hotel anyway.

Come and go as he pleased. Bai Yin didn't care at all.

...

At night, Bai Yin lay in the two-meter wide bed, idly browsing Weibo on her phone.

There was no new news. Assassin was trending every day, gaining a lot of box office from massive marketing campaigns, at the height of Su Anning's glory.

Bai Yin knew it would take some time to pull her down.

She was in no hurry.

After waiting so many years, a day or two didn't matter. Let her enjoy the limelight for now.

Sun Lili did send Bai Yin a text: "Dear, sleep early tonight, don't stay up late. We're setting off at 6 am tomorrow."

Bai Yin: "That early?"

Sun Lili: "Yes, we're going into the mountains!"

Bai Yin put her phone down. Thinking that she would be away for three months this time, plus the recent period, she wouldn't see Chen Huaixiao for four months.

Not seeing him, so what? It wasn't like she missed him.

Bai Yin pulled the quilt over her head, forcing herself to sleep.

After closing her eyes to sleep for half an hour, she impatiently flipped open the soft quilt and sat up, looking at her messy hair in the dressing mirror.

The spring wildcat cried again outside.

The more she forced herself to sleep, the more awake she was.

She wandered casually around the house and walked into Chen Huaixiao's study.

Moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in clear brilliance. Bai Yin roamed barefooted. Her soft skirt brushed past the half-height vase.

Her fingers stroked the bottles and jars on the shelves, antique silverware. Whenever she came across a liked jade or stone trinket, she slipped it into her pocket.

Passing the desk, she saw their photo together in the old town.

It was still here.

Bai Yin casually picked up the photo frame.

She rummaged around the study, picked out a few antique jade and stone ornaments, a exquisitely styled lighter, didn't find anything particularly valuable.

Passing the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, Bai Yin noticed the safe embedded in the wall.

There should be some fun stuff in the safe.

Bai Yin was immediately interested. She opened the bookshelf and tried random passwords on the safe - 888, 666 a few times, all wrong passwords.

She thought for a moment, and input Chen Huaixiao's birthday on the dial, but still wrong.

Bai Yin randomly entered her own birthday. Click, correct password, the door opened!

???

She pulled open the safe door in surprise.

The safe was empty, only... a handkerchief in light white.

No cash, no gold bars?

Clutching at the last shred of hope, Bai Yin took out the handkerchief.

As the safety deposit box was so exquisitely made, Bai Yin had expected it to contain some ultra-luxurious designer silk scarf. However, disappointing her, it was just a very ordinary silk handkerchief that looked quite old.

Bai Yin sighed, about to throw the handkerchief back into the box, when she suddenly realized this silk scarf looked familiar. The pink cherry blossom branches on it...wasn't this the one she had sold to Chen Huaixiao for 30 yuan years ago!

...

Bai Yin walked out of the study room waving the handkerchief and gave Tang Ka a call: "Are you asleep? Come over now."

Tang Ka's voice trembled: "Madam!!! Are you sure???!!!"

"I'm sure. You have ten minutes."

After that, Bai Yin hung up the phone. Barefoot, she went to the dressing room and casually took out a backless black dress to change into.

Ten minutes later, Tang Ka was waiting at the door. Seeing the woman emerge gracefully in a black dress, her exquisite features veiled in the hazy night, he turned pale even though her expression was impassive. Voice trembling, he said, "Madam, you...reconsider this. If the young master finds out, I'll be dead."

"Don't worry, I'm here." Bai Yin's voice was calm in the night: "Bring the Bentley around."

"Drive the car?"

"Take me to Chenshi Media."

Tang Ka was stunned for a moment, then heaved a sigh of relief tinged with faint disappointment: "I'll be right there, Madam. Please wait a moment."

He quickly drove the Bentley out of the garage and stopped in front of Bai Yin.

Bai Yin got in. The dim nightlights cloaked her aloof beauty. Though her face was expressionless, she was so beautiful it was hard to look at her directly.

"Tang Ka, sorry to trouble you so late at night." The woman's voice was slightly hoarse in the darkness, languid and seductive.

Tang Ka said, "It's nothing. The young master and madam have a deep conjugal bond. Madam is leaving tomorrow, so it's only right to see the young master again."

A deep conjugal bond? That was debatable.

Bai Yin was simply fired up by the wicked spark from the Longjing tea this afternoon...

...

Not just anyone could enter the penthouse where Chen Huaixiao lived. With a key card that granted access to the main door and top floor, Bai Yin easily entered his room after taking the elevator up.

Chen Huaixiao never spent his nights alone. If not racing cars, he would be at the club. But tonight he was obediently staying in the penthouse.

As Bai Yin pushed open the door, she smelled the soporific essential oil Chen Huaixiao had lit on the table.

After a tiring day at work, it was hard for him to fall asleep at night, so he would light the essential oils to aid sleeping.

The fragrance was deep and lingering. According to Assistant Shen, it was a small bottle of aromatherapy oil worth tens of thousands, and could indeed quickly lull one to sleep after sniffing it.

Bai Yin took off her shoes and tiptoed into the bedroom.

The man was lying flat on the bed, sleeping as impeccably as he conducted himself when awake, his handsome features untouched by the mundane world, warding others off from a thousand miles away.

Bai Yin's slender, smooth fingertips brushed lightly over his chiseled eyelids.

Chen Huaixiao was very vigilant. At her touch, he immediately woke up.

But before he could see her, Bai Yin placed the thin silk handkerchief embroidered with cherry blossoms over his face.

Smelling the faint fragrance on the handkerchief, Chen Huaixiao did not remove it, letting it rest on his face. "You went through my safe deposit box. To think it held a tattered handkerchief instead of gold bars."

"The gold bars aren't in the safe deposit box but in a secret room on the basement level two. If you want to go in, have Tang Ka open the door for you."

"Got it, bye."

Bai Yin made to leave, but in the next moment, Chen Huaixiao grasped her slender wrist.

He pulled her back. Through the handkerchief, Bai Yin nibbled on his lips as if savoring something.

The next second, the man's hands circled her waist and lifted her onto him.

Chapter 33

That night, Chen Huaixiao and Bai Yin did not say much, only each other's hot breath, greedily possessing and demanding.

He held her hand back, his fingers clasped tightly with hers, reaching that moment was like the end of the world.

If the body could also convey love, Bai Yin would probably think Chen Huaixiao really loved her badly.

Unfortunately, Chen Huaixiao was always very dedicated in this regard.

He didn't mean it.

......

The next morning, Bai Yin sat dazedly on the bus, dozing off.

Seeing her weary and sluggish, Sun Lili handed her sunglasses to cover the dark circles under her eyes.

"Didn't I tell you to go to bed early last night, how come you're still so tired?"

Bai Yin yawned and said indifferently: "He kept waking me up several times."

"......"

Damn, shouldn't have asked randomly.

Unexpectedly heard something single □□ should not hear again.

She pushed Bai Yin and asked, "Isn't Chen Huaixiao having a quarrel with you? He withdrew your endorsement and sent you to the middle of nowhere, how does he still have the nerve?"

"I went to find him."

"Why???"

Bai Yin said helplessly: "The long night was lonely, you don't understand the loneliness of a married young woman."

"Hahahahaha." Sun Lili laughed so hard she almost fell over, pushing her and saying, "What loneliness, isn't there a handsome and elegant butler in the mansion who faces you all day?"

Bai Yin took off her LV sunglasses on the bridge of her nose and glanced at her indifferently: "Even if it's a sham marriage, mutual physical loyalty is a must, this is the principle. Besides, if I break the agreement, he will have no reason to keep his promise, which I can't stand."

Sun Lili said meaningfully, "You can't bear letting other women sleep with him, can you?"

"I think it's dirty, I don't want to get sick."

Sun Lili shrugged. "Well, I thought you were just jealous."

"Whoever gets jealous first, loses." Bai Yin said firmly: "I don't care."

"Is winning or losing that important?"

"Of course it's important."

What happened four years ago really hurt her heart through and through.

Returning after four years, she wanted to win back everything.

......

The holiday villa was about 30 kilometers away from Beicheng, located on the hillside of a natural lake. The scenery was pleasant and the environment was elegant.

Most importantly, it was far from the downtown area, avoiding paparazzi stalking, and would not disturb the concentrated training of artists.

This season, Cansheng Media signed ten artists, each assigned a large bed room in the holiday villa.

The hotel has hot springs, gym, constant temperature swimming pool, yoga room and other facilities.

Bai Yin's room had a great view, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the distant snow-capped mountains. At dawn and dusk, you could also see the golden mountain in sunlight.

As an agent who came with the team, Sun Lili also had to be responsible for the living arrangements of these newly signed artists, and had been busy all afternoon.

When she returned to Bai Yin's room, she slumped on the sofa exhaustedly.

Bai Yin had already changed into the loose white T-shirt workout clothes issued by the company, and was doing warm-up work on the yoga mat by the window.

She would have to go downstairs and assemble soon.

"This tired you out already?" She glanced at the desperate Sun Lili on the sofa: "It's just getting started, your physical fitness can't be that bad, can it?"

"It's not that I'm physically tired, just mentally tired." Sun Lili sighed deeply: "These newcomers, they're all hot shots. I'm a new agent, I can't serve them well!"

"Who looked down on you?"

"The others are fine. One called Sheng Xiran relied on the fact that she had acted in a few plays during her school days, and her family has a real estate capital background. As soon as she came, she started cliques and factions, and even pointed at my nose and scolded me for not knowing the rules."

Bai Yin just smiled slightly and continued to do stretching exercises on the yoga mat.

In the sunshine, her body curves were graceful and contours close to perfect.

Looking at her composure, Sun Lili said anxiously, "How can you not care at all? You have to deal with these people day and night for three months!"

"If they are not easy to get along with, just don't get along with them." Bai Yin really didn't seem anxious at all: "I came to improve my skills, not to make good friends."

"Don't underestimate them. I just heard Sheng Xiran and a few young actresses gossiping about you, saying that you were able to play Nishang all because your sugar daddy father promoted you behind the scenes, saying vulgar things like you sleep with your sponsor."

Bai Yin laughed. "What they said is not wrong either. I did sleep with a sponsor, but not a sponsor dad, a sponsor husband."

Sun Lili had to admit, Bai Yin's mentality was incredible.

No wonder she could sleep with Chen Huaixiao!

She remembered that when Bai Yin first came to college as a freshman, she was still a hard-working girl. Who would have thought that after these years, she would become so calm and refined.

She must have a lot on her mind that she kept hidden.

"If you really don't care, then I don't have anything to care about either." Sun Lili stretched out lazily. "After all, I'm just an errand girl."

Bai Yin said with a smile: "Let's wait and see, I bet this little clique led by whoever Sheng Xiran... won't last more than two hours."

*

Two hours later, after the artists checked in and rested for a while to regain their energy, they came to the spacious outdoor sports field of the hotel in twos and threes.

They whispered to each other, looking forward to the perfect vacation life ahead.

Of course Sheng Xiran stood out the most.

Because when she signed the contract, she already had some fame, had a family with a capital background, and knew many celebrity big shots.

So as soon as Bai Yin appeared, she and her little gang naturally flocked together and looked at Bai Yin coldly.

Bai Yin didn't even glance at them, she just saw Qiao Yanshi coming over, so she went up to greet him.

Qiao Yanshi didn't get good resources at his previous entertainment company, just lukewarm until now.

Chen Huaixiao's eyes were sharp, he saw potential in this boy to become popular with his looks, so he paid his penalty fee to let him out of his contract, and signed him to Cansheng Media.

Qiao Yanshi felt it must have been because Bai Yin took him to toast Chen Huaixiao at the celebration banquet, so he had always been grateful and determined to take care of her more during the training camp.

......

The coach in charge of artist training was called Tang Yu, the big sister of Cansheng Group's artist training department, known for being a devil coach, extremely strict.

Many hot celebrities mentioned her in variety show interviews, saying they suffered a lot under her when they were newcomers, and some even cried every day because of her scolding.

But after becoming successful, they were all very grateful to her.

When Tang Yu came to the training ground, with a stern poker face, her fierce eyes instantly intimidated the newcomers.

Even Sheng Xiran, who had been chatting loudly and arrogantly, felt uneasy and didn't dare to look her in the eye.

Tang Yu's arrival instantly poured cold water on everyone's imagined wonderful vacation life.

"Don't think that letting you stay in such a nice hotel means you are here to vacation and have fun. Every word I say next, you better listen carefully. If you miss a word and make a mistake, you are responsible!"

"Get up at 6:30 every morning, one hour of fitness training, breakfast time is only half an hour, interspersed with emotional intelligence and eloquence classes in the morning; dance, acting, vocals in the afternoon. Evening is physical training and body shaping; the daily schedule must be strictly followed, even if you are one second late, I will count it as absent! Understood?"

Everyone replied that they understood, only Sheng Xiran asked in a prolonged tone: "Sister Tang, what is the punishment for being late or absent?"

"I will score everyone's performance. Those with high scores can get the best resources initially; those at the bottom of the scoreboard, if you don't work hard when you should, don't blame the company for not promoting you, got it."

As soon as she said this, the ten or so artists instantly fell silent.

It turned out that this three-month training was not only training, but also a selection!

Their grades and rankings were directly related to the allocation of initial resources.

In an instant, the newly formed little cliques collapsed, and everyone looked at those around them guardedly.

The allocation of initial resources was real benefits! It was too important for their artist careers, and everyone wanted to get the best resources as soon as they entered the company.

Once interests were involved, any little clique would fall apart.

Bai Yin had long inquired about this, which was why she came to participate in the rookie training camp this season.

If Chen Huaixiao didn't give her resources, it didn't matter, she could get them with her own ability!

......

Tang Yu's reputation for being strict lived up to it.

That evening, a male and a female artist who did not arrive at the training ground on time not only had points deducted, but the original 3km weighted run was increased by 1km for them.

A pampered rich boy artist named Zhuo Yang instantly couldn't take it: "Why? Just because we were two minutes late?"

"Not just two minutes, not even two seconds."

Tang Yu crossed her arms and said coldly: "Leave if you want, you think the entertainment industry is such an easy place to muddle through, that anyone with some decent looks can come in to fish for money. Let me tell you, relying on your face will never get you far. What you really need to rely on in this circle is your talent, emotional intelligence, and forever humble attitude. If all artists in the entertainment industry were like you Zhuo Yang, it would truly be hopeless!"

Zhuo Yang's face flushed red with anger, and he immediately left in anger.

Tang Yu was not polite either, and asked someone to bring the termination agreement: "Fine, Cansheng Media will never force any artist. If you want to terminate the contract after signing, no problem, but since it is you terminating, not a cent less in compensation."

When Zhuo Yang saw the dizzying string of zeros, he instantly deflated like a ball, and could only stand silently, not saying a word.

This matter was Tang Yu killing the chicken to warn the monkeys, awakening these artists who came to train with a vacation mentality not to underestimate this training.

This was serious business.

......

The 3km weighted run was an easy thing for Bai Yin. She smoothly took first place.

Qiao Yanshi had been following behind Bai Yin, silently thinking that if she ran out of strength, he could still come forward to support her.

However, when he looked at the smooth silhouette ahead, maintaining a steady speed all the way, without even stopping to catch her breath, facing the sunset and forging ahead.

He realized that within this seemingly slender body was an indomitable strength, like a stubborn blade of grass, growing freely.

Qiao Yanshi's heart grew warm.

......

In the morning, Tang Yu only gave the artists 20 minutes for breakfast.

After breakfast was eloquence class.

Eloquence class mainly trained artists on how to respond properly when faced with provocative questions from media reporters.

In the resort's self-service restaurant, everyone sat together in twos and threes, eating and discussing the latest entertainment gossip——

"I heard Nishang exceeded 100 million views."

"I really envy her, what a great start."

"I thought the drama adaptation of this IP would flop with so many changes, who would've thought she made it explode."

The girl's eyes fell on Bai Yin, who was calmly eating breakfast in front of the buffet.

Sunshine coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows shone on her. At this time, her natural and delicate look without makeup was no wonder netizens madly typed in bullet screen comments——

"Half of the beauty in the entertainment industry is on Bai Yin's face."

Sheng Xiran sneered contemptuously: "What's there to boast about, just relying on her sister's fame to advance."

The girls looked at Sheng Xiran curiously: "How do you know?"

"It's not hard to guess. If it weren't for Su Anning's fame, how could she possibly leap from being a novice dancer to becoming the female lead, and even bringing down Song Anming?"

"That's true."

Sheng XiRan said maliciously, "I hate people like her the most."

Sheng XiRan's mentor was Su Anning. When she was in college, she especially admired her, although Su Anning had never said a word to her. But she had already regarded Su Anning as a goal to strive for and an idol to emulate.

She didn't like Bai Yin either, because she hated that Bai Yin had a face slightly similar to Su Anning's, yet was swaggering and deceiving in the entertainment industry.

"The more I look at her, the more I hate her," Sheng XiRan said. As she spoke, she walked to Bai Yin with a cup filled with tomato juice. "You're Su Anning's country bumpkin sister, right? I've heard a lot about you."

Just as Bai Yin stood up, Sheng XiRan took the opportunity to bump into her, spilling quite a bit of tomato juice onto the front of Bai Yin's shirt.

They both wore the same white T-shirts as school uniforms, and the tomato juice stood out clearly as a large stain on the shirt.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry," Sheng XiRan said with a smile. "Did I dirty your clothes?"

Bai Yin could tell that although she apologized verbally, her eyes were extremely arrogant. It was clearly intentional.

Sheng XiRan glanced at her watch and said proudly, "Oh no, I don't have time. There are only a few minutes left before assembly, I can't be late. It looks like you'll have to go to class wearing this dirty shirt."

The corners of Bai Yin's mouth twitched. She went to the buffet table, picked up the tall glass bottle filled with tomato juice, and tilted it towards Sheng XiRan.

About 2000ml of tomato juice spilled all over her head, flowing down her hair strands, as if giving her a red tomato bath!

Sheng XiRan's head and face were full of crimson tomato juice.

She was no longer well, trembling all over, eyes bulging in disbelief that Bai Yin could do such a savage thing to her.

In their time together recently, Bai Yin had always interacted with others indifferently. This made Sheng XiRan feel that she was a pushover who could be manipulated at will.

She never imagined that Bai Yin would clash with her like this!

Sheng XiRan screamed "Ah!" in anger. She rushed forward to hit Bai Yin, but Bai Yin reacted quickly, grabbing her wrist and pushing her away.

Sheng XiRan stumbled backward from the push, crashing into the buffet table, with severe pain in her lower back.

"You... you... ah ah ah!"

She was furious, howling inarticulately, unable to get a word out.

Bai Yin looked at her calmly, the corners of her mouth curving up in a cold smile—

"Before defending Su Anning, first consider if you have the ability."

Chapter 34

Bai Yin walked into the classroom with the bell.

Tang Yu glanced at her, with a threatening look in her eyes.

Bai Yin smiled calmly at her, then sat down in her seat.

Sheng XiRan was miserable, her whole body covered in tomato juice. She had to go back and wash her hair, change her clothes and redo her makeup, taking a full two hours.

It was almost the end of the speech class when she hurried over.

The class was already over. Tang Yu expressionlessly announced, "Sheng XiRan, speech class, zero points."

Everyone gasped.

It was known that each course was worth 100 points. Usually if the trainees were a few minutes late, they would only lose 3-10 points.

But this time, Sheng XiRan's 100 points were completely deducted.

This meant that no matter how hard she tried in the following classes, she was destined to have the lowest score in this training camp.

The points were directly related to the resources an artist would get when first signed. Sheng XiRan couldn't take this lying down. She immediately got angry and tried to argue with Tang Yu, "This is all because of Bai Yin! I only went back to change clothes because of her! Why am I the only one being punished?"

Tang Yu sternly said, "You are being punished because you were two hours late, it has nothing to do with anyone else."

"Then what about Bai Yin! She caused me to be late. Shouldn't she be punished too?"

Tang Yu looked at Bai Yin, "What happened?"

Bai Yin stood up from her seat and told the truth, "Sheng XiRan splashed tomato juice on me, so I retaliated."

Sheng XiRan insisted, "It was an accident for me, but you did it on purpose!"

"I don't care if you did it intentionally or not." Her indifferent gaze swept across the other trainees in the studio, "Provoke me, and this is what you get."

Sheng XiRan agitatedly said to Tang Yu, "Coach, isn't she too arrogant?"

Tang Yu walked over to Bai Yin and saw the faint tomato juice stains on her training clothes. It should have been washed off in the bathroom.

She looked up and met Bai Yin's eyes.

That glance even held a faint appreciation.

Tang Yu turned to Sheng XiRan, "Bai Yin did not affect the class with personal matters, nor was she late, so there is no reason to deduct her class points."

"Coach Tang, aren't you being biased here!"

"You really shouldn't be unsatisfied. Bai Yin also got her clothes dirty, but she chose the class over her image, while you..." Tang Yu coldly smiled, "went back and spent a full two hours grooming! When it could have clearly been done in half an hour."

Sheng XiRan was rendered speechless.

Indeed, she had been lazy, thinking that since she was already late, she would just push all the blame onto Bai Yin later anyway, so she was in no hurry changing and washing up.

She didn't expect that not only did Tang Yu deduct all her speech class points, but she also didn't punish Bai Yin!

Sheng XiRan was furious, like an angry pufferfish, but she was helpless and could only leave the classroom in a huff, preparing to tattle to her CEO dad.

...

After everyone left the classroom, Tang Yu did not leave.

Bai Yin thought about it, and also stayed behind.

Tang Yu looked at her meaningfully and curiously asked, "Oh? Not leaving?"

"Coach Tang should...have something to say."

Tang Yu smiled. She liked this little girl more and more. But she still put on a stern face and said, "I know you're capable and have some arrogance, but I have to tell you, being too outstanding in this circle...is not always a good thing. I'll be direct. I've seen your profile, it's very ordinary. You don't have the family background to contend with someone like Sheng XiRan. You understand what I mean, right?"

Bai Yin knew Tang Yu's words were unpleasant but well-meaning. If she didn't really care for her, she wouldn't say these offensive things.

She thanked her, "I'll be more careful in the future, thank you Coach Tang."

"Then I'll give you some punishment, to appease her a little. Will you accept it?"

"I accept, but not to appease her."

Tang Yu knew she was stubborn, and shook her head. "Before dinner, run 3 km around the lake. No dinner if you don't finish."

"Okay."

...

Bai Yin endured her hunger and finished the 3 km run around the lake.

By the time she got to the resort dining room, there was no food left, only the person she least wanted to see, Sheng XiRan. She was waiting there like a demonstration.

"Oh dear, there's nothing left to eat. Looks like you'll have to go hungry tonight." She had a smug smile on her face.

Bai Yin knew she must have bribed the dining staff to clear the food early.

She didn't bother to argue with her, and turned to leave the dining hall.

Sheng XiRan chased after her and grabbed Bai Yin's wrist.

But she didn't expect that even after running 3 km hungry, Bai Yin still had a lot of strength. Not only did she break free, but she almost made Sheng XiRan fall.

"You...!"

She was about to confront her again.

Bai Yin's eyes were cold as she glared at her, the intimidation made Sheng XiRan not dare to get close again. "Stay away from me."

"So arrogant! Do you think someone like you can make it big here? Just you wait...!"

Bai Yin ignored her threats and quickened her pace out of the dining hall. By the time she got back to her room, her steps were a little unsteady. Her stomach kept cramping.

She leaned on the bed and sat down, but it didn't alleviate the intense discomfort in her stomach. She could only curl up in bed, clutching her stomach, making herself like a fetus curled up in the womb.

This was the only position that made her feel safe.

Due to often going hungry as a child, Bai Yin developed chronic gastritis.

Over the years she had nursed herself back to health and the condition improved, but she still needed to take good care of herself. The slightest carelessness would lead to severe discomfort like today.

Bai Yin didn't bring any stomach medicine. There was nowhere nearby she could buy medicine either, so she could only endure...and get through it.

She arduously got up and took out a small box from the inner layer of her backpack. Inside was her grandma's white jade prayer beads.

The rosary was a relic her mother had left behind, one that her grandma wore for half her life, before it became her only keepsake.

Bai Yin lay in bed, fingers rapidly thumbing the beads. She murmured in a low voice, "Mom, I will make something of myself. I will never...never be bullied again."

Never.

She closed her eyes.

...

That night, after thinking for a long time, Tang Yu still called Chen HuaiXiao to report on the recent situation at the training camp.

Mainly...she also wanted to discuss Bai Yin.

She didn't know the relationship between Chen HuaiXiao and Bai Yin. She just felt the girl was very moldable, and would definitely become a big hit in the entertainment industry in the future. So she had to report to the CEO.

If the CEO could take interest in her, at least remember the name of this new artist, her future situation at the company would probably be much better.

Even having formed a grudge with Sheng XiRan, she estimated she wouldn't be bullied too badly.

"Mr. Chen, the quality of the artists this quarter is pretty good overall. A few are a bit arrogant, but I can keep them under control. I believe after three months they will be able to turn in a satisfactory report card to you, Mr. Chen."

On the phone, Chen Huaixiao gave a faint "hmm" without clear indication.

Tang Yu continued, "There is an artist named Bai Yin. So far, her comprehensive abilities are very good, attitude towards learning is also proper. She's gotten first place in all evaluations."

She heard cheers and whistles coming from Chen Huaixiao's side, seemingly engine sounds as well. She asked, "Mr. Chen, are you at a competition?"

"Hmm, continue." Chen Huaixiao's magnetic voice came through over the line.

"I almost forgot, it's GTC's competition tonight!"

Only then did Tang Yu remember this was an extremely important rally race, one which Chen Huaixiao had prepared for, for a long time.

"Mr. Chen, I won't disturb your competition anymore. I'll report back to you later."

Chen Huaixiao closed the car window. The rushing wind noise became much smaller, and it quieted down a bit in the car -

"Continue."

Tang Yu was very surprised. In the past when Chen Huaixiao was at races, he absolutely did not allow anyone to disturb him or affect his driving.

The trivial matter of artists' training camps wasn't even something he'd ask about at the company, so how come today...he seemed quite concerned?

She could only continue her report, "That artist Bai Yin, to be honest, of all the new artists I've trained over the years, I haven't seen anyone more promising than her. It's just that the girl's temperament is too proud."

"That's her personality. Can't change it." Chen Huaixiao's voice was as faint as water. "She's endured too much over the years. Repressing it further would only lead to collapse."

"Since she has ability, indulging her a bit does no harm."

After Chen Huaixiao said this, it was Tang Yu's turn to be dumbfounded.

What? Mr. Chen actually said "indulging her a bit does no harm"?

Didn't he always hate arrogant artists acting up because they had some ability?

And his tone seemed to even have a trace of indulgence? Was she hearing wrong?

Tang Yu recalled that this artist seemed to be personally scouted by Chen Huaixiao. Even the contract was signed by him directly rather than going through the agent department.

Thinking of this, it made sense.

An artist personally valued by Mr. Chen would naturally be doted on.

Tang Yu sighed.

Of those who could make it in the end in the entertainment industry, which one did not have the patience of Job?

Bai Yin had no backer. Even if she was spotted by Mr. Chen, with this temperament, she probably wouldn't go far.

"Mr. Chen, I will teach her well, and not let your efforts be in vain." Tang Yu assured him, "She had a conflict with another artist today. She was also taught a lesson. Didn't even eat dinner. Curbing her sharp edges a bit is good too."

Chen Huaixiao's expression instantly darkened, his voice like ice, "You're saying...she didn't eat dinner?"

...

At the GTC competition scene, a dramatic scene played out simultaneously in the footage transmitted back by the dozen tracking drones!

Chen Huaixiao's top-tier Bugatti supercar actually swerved off the track halfway up the mountain. It turned around and sped back down the mountain!

The two live commentary staff excitedly shouted -

"How could this happen!"

"Could this be Chen Huaixiao's tactical maneuver?"

"No no, he's rushing back to the starting line!"

"Could this be...a forfeit?"

Chen Huaixiao actually forfeited. Fans who followed GTC races knew how important this match was.

Especially Chen Huaixiao, who loved speed contests - even in his busiest times he'd make time to drive on the track every night.

How could he forfeit!

After Chen Huaixiao rushed back to the starting point, he did not stop the car, but continued driving onto the highway. Finally disappearing at the horizon of the spectators' sight.

Shen Bin was still at the scene. He watched as Mr. Chen's supercar flew past him.

He quickly called Chen Huaixiao -

"Master Chen! Were you kidnapped? If so, cough once. If not, cough twice!"

"Search for the nearest pharmacy and send the location to my phone."

"A phar...pharmacy? Master Chen, are you not feeling well?"

"Less nonsense."

Chen Huaixiao decisively hung up.

In less than a minute, Shen Bin sent the locations of nearby 24-hour convenience stores to Chen Huaixiao's phone, adding a line of kind regards from a corporate lackey -

"Wishing you well."

*

Bai Yin was curled up in the quilt. Her stomach didn't hurt anymore, just vaguely uncomfortable. Not enough to go to the hospital, but also hard to fall asleep.

She called Sun Lili, "Do you have anything to eat there?"

"I have some biscuits."

"Bring them over quick! I'm so hungry my stomach condition is acting up."

"Got it, coming now!"

Bai Yin hung up. Not half a minute later, her hotel room door was urgently knocked on.

She arduously got up to open the door, thinking to herself - bestie, you got here so fast.

But when the door opened, it wasn't her best friend. Instead it was Chen Huaixiao dressed in an orange-red flame racing suit.

He took off his gray helmet, revealing that handsome, cold face. His chest heaved slightly. In his hand was a white bag with a pharmacy logo.

When Bai Yin saw him, she was stunned for a moment, not realizing that she was only wearing a neiku on her lower body.

She shrieked and scrambled back into bed, using the sheets to cover herself.

Chen Huaixiao paid no attention to the girl's panic. His expression was calm as he entered the room and locked the door, then took out the stomach medicine from his pocket and checked the instructions.

It took Bai Yin several seconds to recover her wits. She demanded, "What are you doing here?"

"I was passing by for a race," he explained calmly.

Bai Yin was a little skeptical. "You just happened to pass by here?"

Chen Huaixiao firmly rejected that excuse: "You've done rally races before. They're the kind where you can spend the night."

"And you can stop to buy medicine mid-race?"

"Yes."

Bai Yin had no rebuttal. She sat quietly on the bed, hugging her knees, gazing at the man's crisp, well-fitted racing suit.

Compared to his usual suited-up look, this lent him a sharper, more youthful air.

He must really be in a competition, or else why would he be dressed like this?

Chen Huaixiao turned back to fill the kettle, intending to boil some water to make her take the medicine. Bai Yin quickly stopped him, "Don't use that kettle. I don't know how many people have used the hotel stuff."

"It's new," Chen Huaixiao said casually. "Everything in your room is brand new."

Bai Yin had some doubts. She touched the pillow, sniffed the sheets - they did seem completely new.

"Does everyone get this, or just me?"

Chen Huaixiao stood waiting for the water to boil, glancing at her with narrowed, beautiful eyes. "What do you think?"

Bai Yin laughed and sprawled on the bed, letting her inky black tresses cascade sensuously beneath her. "The boss's wife really gets VIP treatment, hmm?"

After the water boiled, Chen Huaixiao poured it into a cup to cool down, patiently waiting for it to reach a drinkable temperature. He tested it himself, then poured the stomach medicine capsules into his palm.

"Take your medicine."

Bai Yin was still reclining lazily, her fingertips idly poised by her lips. Her soft, sweet gaze beckoned him. "Come here and feed it to me."

Chapter 35

Chen Huaixiao walked over and fed her the pill just like feeding a cat.

Bai Yin took the pill from his fingertip with her mouth, even nibbling lightly on his finger, a hint of flirtatiousness in her eyes.

Chen Huaixiao's long, slender yet powerful finger flipped over to grip her jawbone, pulling her a bit closer. Pressing against her face, he said coldly: "It seems your stomach has recovered well enough."

"With Chairman Chen personally delivering medicine during the race, of course I'd recover from any illness!" Bai Yin said. Her gaze lowered to linger on his attractive thin lips.

Her moist red lips parted lightly, barely touching his, as if to entice.

Chen Huaixiao had never liked being seduced like this, feeling powerless and only able to give in.

That night's handkerchief, her lips now so close...

That slender fishing line had already tightly bound his heart. He'd tried to stay away, but the farther he went, the tighter his heart was constricted.

Only by returning to her side could Chen Huaixiao breathe a little easier and find some comfort.

Chen Huaixiao's hand on her cheek tightened.

Bai Yin clearly felt discomfort but didn't show it at all. Her eyes were like stubborn, tenacious reeds, intricately entwining him.

Finally, Chen Huaixiao kissed her.

Rough, almost biting.

Bai Yin tasted the bloody, salty flavor. Her lower lip was nearly bitten through by him.

"It hurts..."

She murmured softly. His warm tongue then licked over it, bringing a numb tingling sensation as his gentle invasion spread from her spine.

His broad palm grasped the back of her neck, seeming to use great restraint before pulling her away.

Chen Huaixiao's gaze lowered to see the cut on her lips, tinged with enchanting color, so tempting.

The fire in his heart was provoked. Still wanting to bite her, she moved back a few inches: "Aren't you still competing?"

"Thanks for the reminder."

Chen Huaixiao gave a cold sneer, unceremoniously pushing her away before decisively getting up and leaving the room.

On his way out, he encountered Sun Lili carrying food over.

Sun Lili looked at him in shock: "Chairman Chen, Chen Chen Chen!"

He passed by her without even a sideways glance, striding with large steps into the elevator.

Sun Lili walked into the room to see Bai Yin sitting on the bed, hair in disarray. She exclaimed: "Wow! What's going on, how did Chen Huaixiao get here when it's dozens of kilometers away through the mountain roads from Beicheng?!"

"He passed by during the race to come bite me a few times." Bai Yin licked the cut on her lip, dissatisfied with a hum. Smelling the fragrant food aroma Sun Lili had brought in, her spirit lifted: "What did you bring? It smells so good, let me try it quickly!"

"I ran into Qiao Yan Shi downstairs just now. He said you were hungry so helped contact a kitchen staff member who's his big fan. She had previously asked him for an autograph. She instantly restarted the stove and cooked a pot of fish soup for you." Sun Lili shook the lunchbox in her hand: "As you can see, it arrived just in time! I know fish soup is your favorite."

"Ah! Perfect timing! I love fish soup the most!"

Bai Yin hurried to sit at the dining table. Opening the disposable lunchbox Sun Lili had brought, it was filled to the brim with creamy white crucian carp soup, the aroma rich and fragrant.

Sun Lili sat across from Bai Yin, took out her phone, and flipped through the situation of tonight's GT Circuit rally race -

"How could he have passed by here when the directions are completely opposite?! See, he withdrew midway through the race!"

Bai Yin stirred the fish soup with a spoon, glancing briefly at the screen of Sun Lili's phone. It really showed Chen Huaixiao's gray Bugatti exiting the track, speeding away from the competition scene.

"So he came to the resort specifically to deliver medicine to you! What a fairy tale husband! Isn't it too enviable?!"

She retracted her gaze, drank a large mouthful of fish soup, and calmly said: "If your husband treated you like another person for ten years, being good to you only because you resemble the woman in his heart, would you still find it enviable?"

Sun Lili hesitated: "Then why did you marry him?"

Bai Yin bit off the broken skin on her lips, smiling faintly: "Because I don't care."

...

The next day in dance class, with restored vitality, Bai Yin stood by the floor-to-ceiling window stretching her ligaments.

Sunlight streamed through the window onto her black yoga clothes, the form-fitting material outlining her gorgeous body curves, the silhouette streamlined and beautiful. Even the male artists looked at Bai Yin with a tinge of envy.

What kind of figure management allowed her to achieve such nearly perfect curve contours?

After the artists had all arrived, they discussed among themselves the incident from last night of the Bugatti supercar driving into the resort grounds.

"That was definitely Master Xiao's car!"

"Did you guys follow the GT Circuit race last night? The hot favorite for the championship withdrew unexpectedly. Chairman Chen actually quit halfway."

"So after withdrawing from the race, he came to our resort?"

"He must have had urgent business to handle!"

Zou Lin'er, who had always been on good terms with Sheng XiRan, exclaimed in exaggeration: "Could it be about XiRan being bullied yesterday?! XiRan, didn't you call your dad?"

At these words, everyone looked towards Sheng XiRan in shock.

Sheng XiRan herself also wasn't certain. Yesterday she had cried on the phone with her CEO dad for over an hour, complaining to him about the training camp happenings.

Especially that Bai Yin, she had exaggeratedly tattled on the "bullying" she received from her.

Her dad always doted on her. Hearing that she had suffered such great grievance at the training camp, he was naturally furious. He promised her he would get justice for her and make those who bullied her regret it!

Zou Lin'er deliberately raised her volume: "XiRan, your dad's company has partnerships with Chen Huaixiao right? Chen Huaixiao coming to the resort last night must have been to speak with Coach Tang about your matter!"

She glanced contemptuously at Bai Yin: "Looks like someone's gonna be in big trouble."

Sheng XiRan herself also wasn't sure if her father really had such great influence that he could make Chen Huaixiao abandon such an important race and come to the resort to resolve her issue.

Thinking back...she had even sat at the same table as Chen Huaixiao during one of her dad's banquets.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she thought to herself, it must be so.

When Coach Tang comes over later, this matter will surely be brought up. At that time...Bai Yin will be in for it.

The corners of her mouth curled up smugly.

Qiao Yan Shi worriedly came to Bai Yin's side, asking with concern: "I heard from Sister Lili yesterday that you had a stomach illness, are you better now?"

"I'm fine now, thank you again for the fish soup last night." Bai Yin put down her beautifully curved long legs, smiling as she patted Qiao Yan Shi's shoulder: "I've got you to thank for it!"

Qiao Yan Shi smiled back bashfully like a big boy: "I'm glad I could help Big Sis Bai."

Bai Yin was quite fond of Qiao Yan Shi. He had excellent looks and worked very hard. It was just due to his introverted personality and lacking resources that other fresh meat from the same period had become popular while he hadn't taken off.

Signing with Starlight Media this time was a rare opportunity for Qiao Yan Shi.

So he had been following Bai Yin, scoring high with her in every class, before and after, in order to get the best resources during the initial stages.

The two were like comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side.

Now, hearing Sheng XiRan and Zou Lin'er's conversation, he inevitably also worried for Bai Yin.

A few minutes later, Coach Tang walked into the dance studio in her usual athletic outfit. She didn't immediately start the dance class, but called the artists over to line up as she had an announcement.

Sheng XiRan was even more certain now that a huge disaster was about to befall Bai Yin.

Sure enough, Coach Tang called both Sheng XiRan and Bai Yin out from the line, seeming to have something to say about them.

The corners of Sheng XiRan's mouth hooked up smugly as she looked triumphantly at Bai Yin.

"The company already knows about matters between you two," Coach Tang said expressionlessly. "Although disputes and verbal battles are unavoidable in the entertainment industry, an artist's actions cause ripples affecting countless fans who get involved, enlarging the situation. If you two can't control your tempers when famous in the future, it will harm yourselves and the company will suffer losses from your behavior as well. So the company will get to the bottom of this."

Hearing this, the artists looked at each other, more or less grasping the situation.

Although her words sounded high and mighty, everyone knew this was certainly the result of Sheng XiRan's CEO dad exerting his influence.

This was paving the way to show preferential treatment towards Sheng XiRan.

"Do either of you have anything to say?"

Sheng XiRan crossed her arms arrogantly, glancing contemptuously at Bai Yin: "I won't accept mediation or apology. In the end, Starlight Media has her without me. That's how it is."

The artists sighed inwardly. As expected, with Sheng XiRan's background, she would surely get most of the resources after entering Starlight Media.

It was really enviable.

Coach Tang looked towards Bai Yin again: "Do you have anything to add?"

Bai Yin shook her head: "Nothing to say."

Qiao Yan Shi immediately raised his hand and said: "Coach Tang, it wasn't Bai Yin's fault that day. Sheng XiRan picked a fight first before Bai Yin retaliated..."

Before he could finish speaking, Sheng XiRan glared at him in annoyance: "You have no business interfering here. If you want to stand together with Bai Yin, feel free to speak up for her."

Qiao Yan Shi stepped forward without any hesitation: "I'm not speaking up for her, but that is the truth."

Bai Yin looked at Qiao Yan Shi gratefully, but signaled for him to stop with her eyes.

Just then, Coach Tang slowly took out a contract termination document from the folder, handing it to Sheng XiRan: "Since this is you voluntarily terminating the contract, go ahead and sign it."

Sheng XiRan could barely believe her ears: "I'm...terminating?"

She snatched the document and took a look. It really had her name on it!

"On what grounds am I being terminated?!"

Coach Tang shrugged: "This is the higher management's decision."

"I don't believe it! This is impossible!"

"If you don't believe it, you can call your father and ask."

Sheng XiRan took out her phone and angrily walked out while calling her father.

Ten minutes later, she returned to the dance studio. The arrogant expression from earlier was gone, replaced with dejected defeat.

Just now, her father had rained curses on her over the phone, saying she had nearly jeopardized other business partnerships his company had with the Chen Group because of her. He wouldn't manage her affairs anymore - she could do as she pleased.

Then he slammed down the phone.

Sheng XiRan saw that she had reached a dead end. Of apologizing and terminating the contract, she had to choose one.

Termination was naturally impossible. She could only walk up to Bai Yin and lower her voice to apologize: "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have deliberately provoked you and poured tomato juice over you. Please forgive me."

That Sheng XiRan was willing to apologize also exceeded everyone's expectations.

This arrogant young miss, who was spoiled by capital, when had she ever suffered such humiliation?

Coach Tang looked towards Bai Yin again: "Do you accept her apology?"

Bai Yin thought for a moment before nodding: "I accept her apology and am willing to put this matter behind us."

Sheng XiRan finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she could stay in Starlight Media, she was willing to temporarily endure this grievance.

Coach Tang put away the documents: "Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, let's start today's class then."

After class ended, Bai Yin and Qiao Yan Shi walked out together.

"Thank you for speaking up for me today," Bai Yin said. "I know you were trying to help."

Qiao Yan Shi smiled bashfully. "Anyone would have done the same. I just wanted to point out the facts."

Bai Yin laughed. She felt her impression of Qiao Yan Shi improving more and more.

Just as everyone thought this matter was about to be resolved, Bai Yin looked at the dissatisfaction written all over Sheng XiRan's face, and enunciated her previous words word for word:

"I do not accept your apology. Star Media has me, not her."

Chapter 36

Sheng Xiran left the training camp at the resort.

She couldn't understand how Bai Yin, who was clearly the least favored daughter in the Su family and just a country bumpkin, could possess such remarkable talent.

She probably never would.

With Sheng Xiran gone, no one dared to create trouble, and the training camp became quiet for a long time.

Bai Yin still came to the classroom every day, leaving last and using the rare training time to improve herself.

Cangxing Media spared no effort in training their artists. All the teachers were well-known masters, including veteran artists who had been famous in the industry for years, generously imparting their knowledge to the artists.

In the middle of the second month, their vocal coach, Chen Jingye, was brought in by their agent, Sun Lili, causing excitement among all the artists.

Chen Jingye was a top-rated singer, with millions of fans and incredible popularity. He had previously played in a band, with a bold and wild personality that many people adored.

Such a superstar was coming to teach at their training camp.

The resources of Cangxing Media were truly remarkable!

When Bai Yin's college roommate, Xia Qiaoxi, learned that Chen Jingye was coming, she immediately called her to offer her congratulations.

"Hey, baby! I miss you so much! How are you? Has anyone been bullying you? Wah, Sun Lili is a total airhead and won't be able to protect you. I'm going to be transferred to the northern city next month and will have to come to your rescue then. Wait for me, okay?"

Xia Qiaoxi was a first-class fashion designer in China. In college, she could easily win international awards with her casual sketches. She truly possessed an exceptional talent.

However, her only weakness was Chen Jingye. She was his super crazy fan and even failed her final exams in pursuit of attending his concert.

Nevertheless, after graduation, she successfully became the chief designer at a top international luxury fashion company.

"Has Sun Lili told you about Chen Jingye?"

Xia Qiaoxi said, "Enough about that! I'm calling to check on you."

"Do you want an autograph?"

"Ah! I love you, sis! Kisses, mwah!"

Thinking back to the college years when Xia Qiaoxi stood in front of her to protect her, Bai Yin couldn't help but smile.

Like Sun Lili, Xia Qiaoxi was also one of her best friends.

"How many autographs do you need?"

"Not too many. 1200 is enough."

"..."

Bai Yin exclaimed, "Do you think he's coming just to sign for me? 1200 autographs are enough to reach the sky!"

"Okay, how about 120?"

"Maximum one autograph."

"Then I want a signed picture of him with abs at the swimming pool!!!"

"Don't push it. Chen Jingye is here to teach us, so where do you want me to go to get his pool abs photo?"

Xia Qiaoxi laughed and said, "Isn't the resort you're staying at equipped with an indoor swimming pool? Our brother is a swimming enthusiast. He'll definitely go to the pool and even have a pool party. You can use an instant camera to take his photo, and he'll sign it on the spot. Perfect!"

"..."

The plan was truly detailed.

"I can sneak into the pool and improvise," Bai Yin said helplessly. "But I can't guarantee success."

"Girl, I believe in you. There's nothing you can't achieve, even taking down men like Chen Huaixiao and making them your loyal followers," Xia Qiaoxi teased.

"He's not my loyal follower, thank you very much."

"Then what is he?"

Bai Yin thought for a moment and said, "A minister under my skirt."

"Ha!"

The phrase "minister under my skirt" sounded exciting to Bai Yin, so she changed Chen Huaixiao's nickname from "chx" to "minister under my skirt."

On the green path in the early morning, the artists were doing their daily physical training, including weight-bearing running.

During the mid-point break, Qiao Yan handed Bai Yin a thermos filled with warm water, warning her, "After exercising, don't drink cold water. This one contains warm water."

Bai Yin hesitated, but Qiao Yan quickly explained, "This is a new thermos. My thermos is a separate one."

Pointing toward the black thermos on the table, he said, "Lily prepared this for you. She was afraid you wouldn't want to carry something heavy, so I put it in my backpack."

"Thank you for having thoughtfulness, both of you," Bai Yin said, taking the water bottle from Qiao Yan.

Qiao Yan saw the sweat on her forehead, so he used a tissue to wipe it off.

At that moment, a sharp and piercing car horn sounded.

Bai Yin and Qiao Yan instinctively covered their ears, frowning.

Several cool black cars zoomed past on the road beside the green space, with a Maybach leading the way.

Bai Yin clearly saw Chen Huaixiao sitting in the car with his dignified suit, cold and noble profile, and straight gaze. As the car passed by her, it caused a gust of wind, blowing her hair around.

Without a doubt, the shrill car horn came from Chen Huaixiao's vehicle.

Bai Yin rubbed her ears and grumbled at the passing car. Nearby, some artists whispered and exclaimed excitedly, "That was Chen Jingye in the last car!"

"Oh my god, he's here!"

"Wow! Our idol will soon come to teach us singing! I can't wait to see him!"

"Well, we still have to wait. Chen Jingye is the kind of person who would go hiking and camping for days after the singing class," someone commented.

The next day, Bai Yin received a high-definition instant photo from the stargazing girl Xia Qiaoxi, along with a note, "Brother's autographed abs in exchange for a set of my top-level private-design custom clothing!"

Xia Qiaoxi had become a rising star in recent years in the fashion world, one of the brightest young fashion designers. Even top international superstars had to book her custom clothing six months in advance.

For Bai Yin, Xia Qiaoxi's custom clothes were extremely tempting. She played with the instant photo in her hand.

It seemed like she had to get Chen Jingye's swimsuit photo, no matter what.

The only problem was...Chen Huaixiao and Chen Jingye seemed to be traveling together, and Bai Yin wasn't sure if they knew each other.

After thinking about it, Bai Yin realized that she would probably have to keep this a secret from Chen Huaixiao. Otherwise, with his temper, he would most likely oppose her.

...

Due to the early training the next day, most of the artists went to bed before ten o'clock. Bai Yin received an exclusive message from Sun Lili - "Tonight at midnight, Chen Jingye has booked the backyard of the resort's swimming pool and invited many models to a swimsuit party. PS. Your husband has already gone back to his room to sleep. He also asked someone to buy him melatonin this afternoon."

"He's taking melatonin?"

"Wait, shouldn't you be focused on the big star Chen Jingye's pool party? Why do you care about plastic husband's sleep problems?"

"Just curious."

Bai Yin hung up the phone and immediately dialed the housekeeper Tang Ka's number.

After two rings, the phone was answered. Tang Ka's low, steady voice came through. "Madam?"

"Is Chen Huaixiao taking melatonin lately?"

"Yes, young master has been having trouble sleeping for the past two months."

Although Chen Huaixiao was a light sleeper, the few times they had slept together, he had always slept deeply.

"I've never seen him with sleep problems before."

Tang Ka coughed lightly and explained, "For so many years, young master has only been able to sleep well when he's in the same room as madam."

Bai Yin understood the hidden meaning behind Tang Ka's words, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Alright, I understand."

She hung up the phone.

As Sun Lili had said, what did she care about her plastic husband's sleep problems?

...

Chen Jingye's pool party was held at the resort's circular pool in the backyard. He was a very playful person and invited many hot models.

Although many of the artists in training camp wanted to attend the party, they were afraid that Tang Yu would deduct points from their courses, which would affect their future. So they stayed in their rooms and went to sleep.

Bai Yin also felt a bit hesitant, looking at the Polaroid camera on the table and thinking about Xia Qiaoxi's protection and care for her over the years.

While she had always believed in an eye for an eye, she also recognized the importance of returning favors.

Forget it, she would go.

Bai Yin came to the makeup mirror and took out the foundation and eye shadow palette, giving herself a special effect makeup that not even her grandmother could recognize. She darkened her skin by a few degrees and lengthened her already charming peach blossom eyes.

Bai Yin's makeup skills were incredible. After a few touches, she looked completely different - still beautiful, but unrecognizable.

Although she changed her appearance, she did not intentionally make herself look ugly. Her beauty was still outstanding.

Considering Chen Jingye's arrogance, if she intentionally looked ugly, he would probably kick her out before she could even get an autograph.

Sun Lili brought her a two-piece pool staff swimsuit, which accentuated her long legs and flat stomach.

But compared to the sexy bikinis worn by the models on site, this lace strapless was much more conservative.

She dressed up as a staff member of the swimming pool, holding a tray of fruit and drinks, and arrived at the pool party.

Loud music mixed with the cheers.

Bai Yin wandered around the pile of attractive people, finally spotting Chen Jingye on a lounge chair by the pool.

Chen Jingye had dyed his hair a trendy shade of grey and was wearing a pretentious pair of sunglasses while lying on the chair, either taking a nap or admiring something.

He was at the pinnacle of the music industry in terms of looks, with delicate and beautiful features and fair skin. However, because of his sharp contours, he did not have the feeling of a delicate pretty boy, but instead added a touch of sexy masculinity.

Bai Yin could understand why Xia Qiaoxi was so obsessed with good-looking people, especially why she liked him.

He was really... so handsome!

Bai Yin approached Chen Jingye and put the fruit plate she had prepared on the table in front of him.

Without lifting his head, Chen Jingye extended his slender fingertips and picked up a grape, tossing it into the air before catching it in his mouth.

After Bai Yin put down the fruit plate, she politely said to him, "Hello, Mr. Chen. I'm your fan. Can I take a signed photo of you back for safekeeping?"

Chen Jingye heard her and took off his sunglasses, giving Bai Yin a glance.

The girl in front of him had dull skin, almost like she had done a fake tan, but her features were beautiful with a unique charm of an Eastern beauty, and her figure was hot. He estimated that none of the young models present could match her.

It was no wonder that it was the vacation villa of Chen Huaixiao, the entertainment industry giant, and even the hotel staff was this outstanding.

He said, "You're not my fan."

Bai Yin was taken aback, "Yes, I am."

Chen Jingye smiled faintly, "If you were my fan, you would have already come over and kissed me passionately."

Bai Yin: ???

Brother, what have you been through?

Seeing that he was easy to talk to, Bai Yin explained, "I'm not really your fan, but my best friend really likes you. Look, here she is."

As she spoke, she dialed Xia Qiaoxi's video call.

Xia Qiaoxi answered immediately, "Hey! Darling, did you get a picture of my brother's hot and explosive pool abs yet?"

Bai Yin said, "Your brother is right here. Say hello to him."

With that, the phone's camera was turned to Chen Jingye lying on the chair.

Chen Jingye lifted his sunglasses with a charming smile, "I hope my abs didn't disappoint you."

Xia Qiaoxi went crazy, "Ahhhh!"

Chen Jingye hadn't even seen her yet, and she hung up the call in embarrassment!

Chen Jingye still had a happy smile on his face, "Your friend is cute. Go ahead and take the photo."

Bai Yin thanked him again and picked up the Polaroid camera, pressing the shutter button while Chen Jingye cooperated with various poses.

With a "click," the Polaroid camera in Bai Yin's hand was snatched away by the man behind her.

She turned around and saw Chen Huaixiao's handsome and cold face.

Chen Jingye's white trendy hair was very eye-catching, but when Chen Huaixiao came over, everyone's attention shifted to him.

Compared to Chen Jingye, Chen Huaixiao's aura was too strong.

He pulled out the Polaroid photo and his indifferent gaze swept over the image of the man Choi's upper body, curling his lips in a cold smile.

"Taking a picture of me, the celebrity?"

"Yeah! Give it to me!"

Bai Yin tried to snatch the photo from him, but Chen Huaixiao's beautiful fingertips tilted slightly upwards, preventing her from reaching it.

"Chen Jingye's photo cannot be leaked out," Chen Huaixiao pushed away the woman who was clinging to him to grab the photo, and emphasized each word: "This one is confiscated."

Bai Yin was so angry that her little face turned red. She glanced at Chen Jingye.

Chen Jingye shook his head, "Nothing to be done. My boss is here and he doesn't allow it, so we can't take the photo."

Bai Yin knew Chen Huaixiao was definitely going to spoil her plans. This man was so sleepless that he couldn't even sleep after taking melatonin!

Bai Yin stood up, but Chen Huaixiao sat down on another lounge chair and said casually, "Waiter, come here."

She turned her head and looked at him unwillingly.

"What are you looking at, aren't you a waiter?"

Chen Jingye also looked at Bai Yin with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Bai Yin had not given up on his swimming photo. She couldn't let Chen Jingye be suspicious, so she had to play the role of a respectful service staff: "Mr. Chen, what can I do for you?"

Chen Huaixiao reclined his lounge chair and said, "Put on some sunscreen for me."

"..."

Chen Jingye looked up at the stars and said with a twitch of his mouth, "Brother, it's midnight now."

Chen Huaixiao glared at the small bottle next to him, "What's that?"

Chen Jingye quickly handed over the bottle, "Body lotion."

"Just use that."

Bai Yin was speechless, so she squeezed the body lotion into her palm and rubbed it on his chest and abdomen.

His muscles were almost perfect, even Chen Jingye, who frequented the gym, felt inferior when looking at his cousin's physique.

Bai Yin's hands, rubbing the sunscreen on him, were very restless. Chen Huaixiao occasionally glanced at her, and she would smile seductively as if trying to provoke him, but this man had strong self-control and could endure it.

Chen Jingye had not realized the undercurrents between them and asked, "Cousin, I heard that you got married. Why doesn't your wife come and visit us?"

Bai Yin was surprised to learn that Chen Jingye was Chen Huaixiao's cousin.

Chen Huaixiao's tone was plain, "She is very ugly and doesn't want to see people."

"I don't care about her looks," Chen Huaixiao repeated what he had said to Bai Yin: "As long as the taste is right."

Chen Jingye laughed, "So you're still keeping your marriage a secret. Your wife is too good at hiding it."

It's rare to find a woman who married Chen Huaixiao and didn't shout it out to the world. Instead, she covered it up.

Chen Huaixiao looked at Bai Yin and smiled coldly, "It's not that she's good at hiding, she's just afraid I'll block her path."

"I heard from Grandpa that you weren't happy about coming to the wedding," said Chen Jingye. "Since it's a forced marriage, when are you planning to get a divorce?"

Chen Huaixiao looked down and saw the marks from her nails on his arm.

"I have no plans for a divorce."

"Really? You mean it?" asked Chen Jingye.

Chen Huaixiao replied, "If we get divorced, she'll take half of our post-marital assets."

"Didn't you sign a prenuptial agreement with her?"

"No, we didn't."

"But what if Qin Yao comes back in the future?" asked Bai Yin, her hand suddenly stopping.

She didn't care about anything else he said before, but this one sentence hit a nerve.

Chen Huaixiao noticed the pressure of her nails digging into his skin. "Who is Qin?" he asked.

"Qin Yao! Have you forgotten your first love?"

"If you don't mention it, I forget. Also, she's not my first love," Chen Huaixiao said, seeing Bai Yin's well-manicured nails already digging into his flesh, almost drawing blood.

After a moment of silence, Chen Huaixiao was about to say something when Bai Yin stood up and left without looking back.

Chen Jingye noticed the blood on his brother's arm and exclaimed, "Wow, bro, your arm is bleeding! This masseuse must have been too intense!"

Chen Huaixiao grabbed a tissue to wipe off the blood and said to his brother in annoyance, "Why did you have to bring her up?"

"I was just joking," Chen Jingye muttered. "But, seriously, you're not getting divorced?"

"No way."

Chen Huaixiao then picked up the white blanket and left.

Chapter 37

Bai Yin returned to her room, took a nice relaxing hot bath, and washed away the stuffy irritation and displeasure knotted in her heart.

What first love, what did it have to do with her? All she needed to do was get the maximum benefit for herself in this sham marriage.

"Good wind takes advantage of force to send me high into the azure clouds!"

She let out a cry as if venting her emotions, sinking her head into the water for a very long time before finally coming back up for air.

That's right, good wind takes advantage of force.

Her dazzling path to stardom would definitely not be affected by other matters!

After her bath, Bai Yin blew dry her hair and tied it up in a towel. Carrying a scent of fragrant steam, she walked out of the room.

But unexpectedly, as soon as she stepped out, she saw Chen Huaixiao standing by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Chen Huaixiao had just come out of the swimming pool. He had casually thrown on a casual black T-shirt, wireless earphones hanging from his ears, gazing out spellbound at the crescent moon in the mountains, with some heartfelt thoughts hidden in the dark depths of his eyes.

This look actually made him seem more unrestrained than Chen Jingye.

"Good wind takes advantage of force to send me high into the azure clouds?" He turned back, his voice calm: "Where is your good wind?"

Bai Yin was not afraid of him overhearing.

From the beginning, she had never concealed her intentions to take advantage of him.

"Is my good wind not right before my eyes?" She walked up behind him, her fingertips encircling his firm, well-built waist from behind, hugging him coquettishly: "Thank you, husband, for helping me clear away obstacles."

She was referring to... of course, Sheng XiRan's matter.

The woman's fair and nimble fingers started behaving unrestrainedly again.

Chen Huaixiao closed his eyes.

He really didn't like this, didn't like that every time he helped her with something, she would repay him in another way, as if paying compensation...

But he was helplessly addicted to it, powerless to extricate himself.

Chen Huaixiao grabbed her hand and pulled her in front of him. Bai Yin tiptoed, staring back at him fearlessly.

Her gaze was powerful.

It contained the tenacity to shoot straight up into the azure clouds and seize the moon from the ninth heaven.

Bai Yin's gaze almost suffocated Chen Huaixiao.

He threw her onto the bed, then took out from his pocket that cherry blossom handkerchief.

It was the handkerchief she had sold him in her youth, and was also the handkerchief she had silently used to cover his face that night...

Chen Huaixiao placed the handkerchief over her face, blindfolding her eyes.

Bai Yin knew what he was going to do next, and the corners of her mouth turned up: "Does brother like playing this game?"

...

Early morning, before daybreak, the gentle mountain breeze caressed the curtains, stirring up ripples.

When Bai Yin woke up, Chen Huaixiao had already put on a crisp shirt and suit, standing in front of the full-length mirror knotting his tie meticulously.

His finger joints were long and powerful, exerting a lot of force.

Bai Yin hesitated for a long time before finally asking: "Chen Huaixiao, what was your first love like?"

Chen Huaixiao glanced at her indifferently through the mirror.

The girl's hair draped over her fair shoulders, her skin as white as snow, a few faint red marks on her neck, as fragile as glass.

"It wasn't first love," he explained matter-of-factly without concealing anything. "It was a very small matter, the year my mother died, I met a girl at the funeral home. I've always remembered her - her mother had also passed away. We kept each other company for a few days... Later in high school when I got to know Qin Yao, she told me she was that girl, so I treated her a little differently than others."

"Oh, none of my damn business."

"..."

"Then why'd you ask."

Bai Yin rolled her eyes and went back to sleep: "I don't want to hear about your past affairs at all. Turn off the lights when you leave!"

Chen Huaixiao said no more and left the room.

Her room was surrounded by other artists, and their wake up times were probably similar, so Chen Huaixiao really had to leave like he was having an affair, when it was just getting light out.

Bai Yin didn't want anyone to know of her marital relations with him, in order to avoid muddying her dazzling path to stardom.

She really had a good scheme - she wanted him to send her high into the azure clouds, yet was unwilling to let anyone know that she had this "good wind".

Indeed, this was the best way -

As long as no one else knew, he could protect her for a long time.

...

The artists looked forward every day to next week's vocal class with Chen Jingye.

Although he was also at the resort, the artists' living and learning areas were completely separate from the rest of the resort, so they had only glimpsed him from afar in the car on the first day he arrived.

Chen Jingye either went swimming or rock climbing and camping every day.

Chen Huaixiao was surprisingly good-tempered, accompanying him for a few days when he was such a busy man at the company, not rushing to get back to work.

Today's physical training class focused on abdominal and lower back strength.

With the fitness coach's assistance, the artists used the equipment with faces twisted in pain.

Bai Yin looked thin, but the sports halter top she wore perfectly displayed her muscular curves.

Her arms and shoulders revealed the beautiful lines only attained through years of working out, making everyone envious.

Whether physical training or regular classes, Bai Yin could get the best scores.

If she really entered the entertainment industry, she would surely take the whole entertainment industry by storm.

Tang Yu walked into the gym. Everyone wiped their sweat and politely greeted her -

"Hello Sister Tang."

Tang Yu got straight to the point asking, "Which of you knows how to play tennis?"

The artists looked at each other, Bai Yin and another artist named Li Qinglu both raised their hands.

"Good, come with me then."

After going out, Bai Yin curiously asked: "Sister Tang, did something happen?"

Tang Yu casually said, "Mr. Chen is playing tennis on the court and needs an opponent."

"..."

Bai Yin really hadn't expected this. If she had known earlier, she would not have raised her hand no matter what!

"Coach Tang, my skills are terrible, I'm afraid I'm not qualified to play tennis with Mr. Chen."

After the Sheng XiRan incident, Tang Yu already suspected an unusual relationship between Bai Yin and Chen Huaixiao.

Bai Yin must have been trying to get on Chen Huaixiao's good side, otherwise how could he not even give Sheng's family face and protect this newcomer.

However... giving her a chance to get close to Chen Huaixiao, she actually made excuses not to go!

This made Tang Yu look at her with some admiration.

Li Qinglu hoped Bai Yin wouldn't go, so she could be the one accompanying Chen Huaixiao to play tennis alone - what a good opportunity!

So she said: "Sister Tang, since Bai Yin's skills aren't good enough, then don't make her go, in case she loses and upsets Mr. Chen. I've played tennis for years, it's no problem at all for me."

Tang Yu was used to the muddy waters of the entertainment industry. She knew that as long as there was even a tiny chance to climb upwards, people would stick to it desperately like insects and fleas.

Finally she looked at Bai Yin again: "Are you sure you don't want to go?"

"Yes, my skills really aren't good."

She didn't force Bai Yin, letting her go back to the gym to do muscle exercises, and took Li Qinglu to the tennis court.

Li Qinglu glanced back at Bai Yin, looking as if she was staring at a fool.

Bai Yin had reached this point, coming to the classroom first every day and leaving last. She thought that as long as she worked hard enough and got high scores on the courses, she could make a name for herself.

How naive.

The entertainment industry was not a place where you could succeed just by working hard.

Opportunity was right before your eyes - it depended on whether you could seize it!

Bai Yin knew what Li Qinglu was thinking, but ignored her and returned to the gym.

Ten minutes later, Tang Yu came back with a very ugly looking Li Qinglu.

Interested, the artists gossiped and asked: "What happened?"

"Weren't you going to play with Mr. Chen, how come you're back already?"

Tang Yu said indifferently: "She lost in the first round. Mr. Chen's partner is a professional tennis player. Mr. Chen needs a real partner who can play tennis. Does anyone else want to give it a try?"

The artists looked at each other - they all wanted to go, but seeing Li Qinglu's dejected face, they hesitated.

Obviously this was a doubles match between Chen Huaixiao and Chen Jingye. Chen Jingye's teammate was a professional player, how could they dare be Chen Huaixiao's partner?

If they caused Mr. Chen to lose, they'd end up looking like Li Qinglu, not only losing face but also losing favor with the CEO.

Only a fool would go.

Seeing no one was willing, Tang Yu was in a difficult position.

Mr. Chen had ordered her to find a partner who could play tennis. Where could she go find one now?

Left with no choice, she looked again at Bai Yin, who was practicing abs: "Little Yin, why don't you just go after all."

"My skills are also mediocre. What if Mr. Chen blames me for losing?"

"Don't worry, just do your best, just help me out this once."

Tang Yu just needed to complete her KPI, and continued persuading: "Plus Mr. Chen isn't the kind of person who displaced blame."

Bai Yin's mouth twitched. As if!

Just looking at Li Qinglu's ugly, nearly crying expression you could tell she must have been viciously ridiculed by Chen Huaixiao.

But since Tang Yu was asking her to go, she also couldn't continue refusing, and said while getting up: "Then I'll try, don't blame me if we lose."

"Okay!"

Tang Yu breathed a sigh of relief, and took Bai Yin to the tennis court.

...

On the tennis court, Chen Huaixiao wore a white sweatband. He had on a black short-sleeved athletic top that revealed his strong, agile forearms. Gripping a tennis racket tightly, he played one against two.

Chen Jingye and the professional tennis player teamed up against him alone, and still seemed to be struggling a bit.

Aside from racing, tennis was... Chen Huaixiao's other big passion.

First semester of freshman year, when she still had a crush on Chen Huaixiao, she happened to see a WeChat moment Chen Huaixiao posted of a tennis racket -

"Looking for a doubles partner."

From this moment, she learned one piece of information - Chen Huaixiao liked playing tennis, and needed someone to partner with him in doubles.

From then on, tennis became Bai Yin's favorite competitive sport. After class and her part-time jobs, anytime she had free time she would run to the tennis courts.

She fantasized that one day, she would be qualified to play mixed doubles with Chen Huaixiao.

Heaven knew how hard she tried back then.

But that summer after freshman year, the night it happened, Bai Yin's dreams were shattered.

Looking back at Chen Huaixiao's WeChat moment.

He probably regretted not having a partner for that moment, but more so... the person before his eyes was not the one in his heart.

...

After a round finished, Chen Huaixiao turned back and saw the person behind Tang Yu was actually Bai Yin.

She wore a cropped tank top that showed her navel. Her abdomen was flat with nice obliques.

Her hair was neatly tied in a bun, with only a few strands hanging by her ears.

She had just finished exercising and her forehead was sweaty, looking extremely similar to how she did after their affairs.

Chen Huaixiao's gaze grew meaningful -

"You can play tennis?"

"I took tennis for PE a few times in college." Because she felt uncomfortable inside, Bai Yin really didn't want to play with him, only saying: "My skills are horrible."

But Chen Huaixiao said: "Don't worry, I'll lead you."

"?"

Unexpectedly, Chen Huaixiao threw his racket to her.

She hurriedly caught it, holding it very unprofessionally against her chest.

This racket... Chen Huaixiao had used it for many years. Although old, it was extremely professional quality, and of course very expensive.

Chen Huaixiao gave his racket to Bai Yin, and picked up another brand new one for himself, casually swinging it to get a feel for it.

Bai Yin had no choice but to partner with him in doubles.

Chen Jingye stared at Bai Yin for a long time, crying out in surprise: "You're the waitress from last night!"

Bai Yin awkwardly nodded: "Good morning, senior."

"Oh my god! You look so different! You really are Chen Huaixiao's employee?"

"Yes."

Bai Yin thought, although not a hotel waitress, as a company artist she was indeed Chen Huaixiao's employee.

Chen Jingye said in dissatisfaction: "Bro, where'd you find such a pretty girl? Making her work as a waitress is too unfair! With looks like that, she's more than qualified to be my sister-in-law!"

Bai Yin smiled indifferently: "Are all the beautiful women in the world meant to be your sister-in-law?"

Bai Yin also smiled: "What, you look down on my brother?"

"I prefer younger ones."

Chen Jingye saw that this girl was so good at joking. He was originally a playboy in the romantic world. Facing Bai Yin's gaze that was completely focused on him, he actually blushed: "I am indeed younger than him. Young lady, if you are interested, come be my partner?"

"Okay."

Bai Yin was just about to go over when she suddenly felt her wrist being violently grabbed. She looked back and saw Chen Huaixiao's icy gaze.

"Not all winds can bring you to the clouds."

The corners of his mouth raised as he spoke words carrying powerful deterrence: "Little braid, don't be a fickle woman."

"......"

Chapter 38

"Xiao Bianzi, don't be a fence-sitter."

Bai Yin stared at Chen Huaixiao with determined eyes for a few seconds before finally giving in. People have to lower their heads when living under the eaves. After all...the man in front of her was not only her husband, but also her boss!

Bai Yin waved Chen Huaixiao's gray tennis racket and said to Chen Jingye, "I heard your teammate is a professional tennis player. If she partners with Mr. Chen, we amateurs might as well not play and let them grind us into the ground."

"You're right," Chen Jingye thought about it and agreed with her reasoning.

With just one Chen Huaixiao they could barely handle, if his professional teammate also partnered with Chen Huaixiao, it would be a crushing defeat. It would be pointless for amateurs like them to play. Letting the amateur Bai Yin drag his legs might give them a chance at winning.

Before the match started, Bai Yin walked up to Chen Huaixiao and said softly, "I can play with you, but you have to return the swimsuit photo of your cousin to me."

Chen Huaixiao looked up and gazed at Chen Jingye, with his trendy bleached white hair across the court, "You're his fan?"

"Chen Jingye sings well, is handsome, who doesn't like him? I'm his number one fan."

"I burned the photo."

"..."

Bai Yin finally compromised, "Actually, it's for my best friend. She's the diehard fan of Chen Jingye. I took the photo for her."

A faint smile appeared on Chen Huaixiao's lips as he finally relented, "Fine, if we win, the photo is yours."

"It's a deal."

Before the match started, Chen Huaixiao took off his white sweatband and put it on Bai Yin's forehead to protect her.

Bai Yin disdainfully said, "It's soaked in sweat, I don't want it."

But he put it on her anyway and whispered, "You didn't mind the sweat when we were in bed together, why be pretentious now?"

"..."

Bai Yin pushed him away and swung the racket with a blank expression, serving the first ball.

Chen Jingye and his teammate calmly returned it.

After several volleys back and forth, Bai Yin found her rhythm. She and Chen Huaixiao coordinated seamlessly without giving any leeway to the professional player.

Clearly she had practiced tennis extensively for a long time to achieve this level of skill and positioning.

In the end, Bai Yin and Chen Huaixiao won the match.

The professional tennis player even praised Bai Yin, "You and Mr. Chen have such seamless teamwork, we lost fair and square."

Bai Yin smiled humbly at her. She knew her own skill level. They only won because of Chen Huaixiao's superior skills and Chen Jingye dragging down the professional player.

Chen Huaixiao put down his racket and lifted a bottle of mineral water to drink. The water trickled down his elegant jawline as his Adam's apple bobbed with each gulp.

Bai Yin glanced at him several times before averting her gaze and going to get her own bottle of water.

"I didn't know you played tennis so well," said Chen Huaixiao as he casually threw the empty bottle into the trash can. His gaze towards her now held some undisguised appreciation, "What else don't I know about you?"

Bai Yin didn't answer right away. She thought to herself, during those years secretly pining for him, there was much he didn't know.

And those things, he never needed to know.

"Chen Huaixiao, give me back the photo."

"Come to my room tonight to get it."

As he spoke, he slipped the room key inconspicuously into the front of Bai Yin's halter top.

"..."

Bai Yin went to the gym to retrieve her yoga bag. The class had ended and all the celebrities had left, except for Qiao Yan Shi who was still practicing on the equipment while waiting for her.

Seeing her return, he put down the dumbbell and asked worriedly, "Everything okay?"

"What could happen?" Bai Yin laughed breezily, "Chen Huaixiao isn't some ferocious beast, he can't possibly eat me up!"

"I was afraid you'd make him unhappy. That guy has a bad temper. Just look at what happened to Sheng Xi Ran."

"Aren't you afraid of him talking about your boss behind his back like this?"

Qiao Yan Shi looked at Bai Yin solemnly, "I don't care if he's my boss or whoever. I only care about you."

Bai Yin drew back sensitively, "Don't tell me you're confessing to me?"

"Absolutely not!" Qiao Yan Shi's fair face immediately flushed crimson as he frantically explained, "I see you as a sister. When we were filming The Crane Robe, almost no one in the crew looked upon me favorably, only Sister Yin helped me."

Seeing his sincerity and considering his young age, barely an adult, Bai Yin was reassured that he really saw her as a sister.

"But I was just a rookie. How could I have helped you? If anything, you're my senior."

"Although I entered the industry before you, I've just been muddling along all these years. The trainees from my batch either left the industry or hit it big. I'm the only one stuck in mediocrity..." Qiao Yan Shi scratched his head and earnestly said, "It's impossible to get ahead in the entertainment industry without some background. But seeing Sister Yin succeed through her own efforts gave me hope and confidence."

Looking into Qiao Yan Shi's clear, determined eyes, Bai Yin was rendered speechless. "I'm not what you think, self-made through my own efforts. Actually I..."

Before she could finish, Sun Lili rushed anxiously into the training room.

Having heard that Bai Yin was summoned away by Chen Huaixiao, she hurried over to ask about the situation.

Bai Yin paused and patted Qiao Yan Shi's shoulder encouragingly, "A golden scale is no longer a petty pond thing. One day, you will become what you dream to be."

Qiao Yan Shi nodded resolutely, "Yes! We both will."

Sun Lili pulled Bai Yin out of the gym, joking, "When Qiao Yan Shi debuted, he was so aloof and arrogant, never speaking more than three sentences to a female artist. So cold. But now he calls you Sister Yin so sweetly."

"Doesn't he also call you Sister Lili?"

"That's different. I'm his agent. You and Qiao Yan Shi are the only two artists I have at Xingchen Entertainment. You're both my treasures!"

Bai Yin smiled lightly, "He'll be fine. He just needs an opportunity to skyrocket."

"I'm not worried about whether he'll make it big. I'm worried you'll get too close to him and stir up some scandal. Your husband at home and his jealous temper, even a tiny bit of suspicion is enough to spell Qiao Yan Shi's certain death."

Bai Yin knew Chen Huaixiao wasn't actually the jealous type. He just disliked others touching what belonged to him.

"Don't worry, I know my boundaries."

...

At 10pm that night, after Bai Yin finished her evening class, she freshened up a bit and swiped into Chen Huaixiao's room.

Chen Huaixiao was staying in a first floor suite with a private hot spring, the most luxurious and elegant room type in the entire mountain resort.

The private hot spring was nestled in a secluded, winding bamboo courtyard. The room had traditional Japanese tatami mats, giving a relaxed, leisurely feeling.

Chen Huaixiao stood in the courtyard, talking on the phone.

He wore a black bathrobe, the collar gaping open to reveal his rugged neck. His left hand fiddled with a silver lighter case, fingertips absentmindedly sliding over the arc of the lighter lid.

Seeing Bai Yin enter, he tilted his face slightly and swept his tranquil gaze towards her through the floor-to-ceiling glass wall.

Bai Yin knew he was on a business call and so quietly walked in and sat down in his office chair.

A few minutes later, Chen Huaixiao ended the call and strolled over behind Bai Yin.

The little wife's black hair cascaded messily over her shoulders. She had downloaded a gaudy bejeweled match-3 game on his computer and was engrossed in playing it.

Chen Huaixiao waited patiently, leaning against the chair and watching her play the game.

Soon, all the flashy special effects disappeared from the screen. To keep playing, it prompted for payment to unlock premium membership.

She closed the game.

Chen Huaixiao said lightly, "Don't randomly download games on my computer in the future."

Bai Yin muttered, "Stingy."

Chen Huaixiao hadn't intended to explain, but seeing her sulky appearance, he added, "This computer contains some project files, much of it confidential business information. Leaks could cause the company significant losses."

Bai Yin's previously nonchalant expression instantly vanished, a flicker of unease in her eyes. "I already downloaded it. Will it cause trouble? I didn't know it would be like this."

Seeing her flustered state, ripples disturbed Chen Huaixiao's tranquil heart and he felt a bit distressed.

"I'll have the tech department remotely sanitize it later," he said breezily. "No big deal."

"I won't touch your computer again in the future."

On this trip back, she seemed bent on seizing the upper hand in every way, yet her concern at times also seemed genuine rather than contrived.

That was why Chen Huaixiao, despite clearly knowing she was using him and deeply detesting that feeling of being used, still harbored compassion and couldn't let go.

"You can use it, just ask me first." Chen Huaixiao closed the laptop.

"I came for the photo. Where's the photo?"

"The swimsuit is on the bed. Soak in the hot spring with me for a bit and I'll give it to you."

Bai Yin saw the brand new black swimsuit on the bed and the private hot spring surrounded by verdant bamboo in the backyard... just picturing it made her blush thinking of the romantic scene.

"Chen Huaixiao, I played tennis with you today and took a class this afternoon. I'm really tired and can't fulfill my wifely duties today."

Bai Yin wasn't making excuses. She really was exhausted to the bone.

Chen Huaixiao's lips tightened slightly. His fingers played with her soft hair, winding it round and round. "What are you thinking? Just a simple hot spring soak."

"Really? You just want me to soak in the hot spring?"

"Mm."

Bai Yin immediately perked up. The bastard had a sudden attack of conscience and was treating her to soak in this luxurious private spring... of course she was more than willing!

"Let me go change then."

Holding the swimsuit from the bed, Bai Yin happily went into the bathroom.

She still harbored some doubts in her heart. Would the bastard really be so kind?

But when Bai Yin opened the swimsuit packaging, she saw that the one Chen Huaixiao picked for her wasn't some sexy bikini, but a very cute, girly halter top two piece with scalloped edges. She loved it at first sight.

It seemed nothing would happen tonight after all.

Bai Yin changed into the swimsuit with a clear conscience.

Outside, Chen Huaixiao's long fingers pinched a cigarette, about to light it, when urgent knocking sounded at the door. "Bro, open up! Emergency!"

Chen Huaixiao hadn't intended on answering but hearing Chen Jingye's urgent tone, he still went to open the door. "What's the matter?"

Chen Jingye outside was shirtless, looking as if he had just come from the pool with water droplets still on him.

His face was contorted in discomfort as he rushed straight for the bathroom, "Can't hold it in, gotta borrow your bathroom real quick!"

Chen Huaixiao froze for two seconds before chasing furiously after him and bellowing, "Chen Jingye!"

Chen Jingye had already flung open the bathroom door. Before he could even make out the woman inside, Chen Huaixiao violently shoved him away and burst into the bathroom. He wrapped the naked woman entirely in his black bathrobe, bundling her up securely and holding her tightly to himself.

Seeing this scene, Chen Jingye's mind exploded, "What the f***?"

Chen Huaixiao forcibly pressed Bai Yin's face into his firm chest and glared icily at Chen Jingye, voice heavy as a mountain, "Get out."

"I...I'll get out right now! Sorry to disturb you, Third Bro! I'm outta here!"

Chen Jingye scrambled out of the room on all fours, slamming the door behind him.

The room instantly fell silent, with only the two people's ragged breathing audible.

After a long while, Bai Yin stirred slightly in his embrace, her warm breath caressing his chest, and whispered: "It's okay now."

Chen Huaixiao still didn't let go of her, maintaining the unobstructed embrace and pressed closeness of this moment.

"Chen Huaixiao?"

Chen Huaixiao was still shaken, his voice irritated: "You don't lock the door when changing clothes?"

"I thought with only you in the room, there was no need to...so..."

He gave a cold laugh: "So I'm that safe?"

"You're my husband."

Chapter 39

Bai Yin stepped into the hot spring pool in the backyard wearing slippers.

The hot spring pool was built with granite stones, surrounded by lush green grass and foliage, quiet and natural.

She dipped her fair feet into the pool to test the water temperature.

The temperature was just right, very comfortable.

Bai Yin couldn't wait to take off the white bath towel, casually throwing it on the surrounding grass, and slowly lowered herself in.

"So comfortable!"

Hot springs are the best for healing fatigue.

Bai Yin had always heard that the natural sulfur hot springs at this resort were quite famous, and had wanted to try for a long time. However, the intensive training kept her and the other trainees busy from dawn to dusk, heading to bed almost as soon as they got back to their rooms, leaving no time or opportunity for hot spring soaks.

Chen Huaixiao walked along the pebbled path to the poolside, casually picked up the towel she had thrown on the ground, and hung it on a nearby bamboo pole. He then sat on a garden chair by the poolside, calmly watching the girl in the pool.

The mist from the hot spring caused a flush to appear on her fair cheeks, and her dark eyes also seemed to be veiled in mist, the eyes shining and glimmering.

Her fair shoulders emerged from the water, the lines elegant and alluring, with a tantalizing red mole just below her collarbone.

Chen Huaixiao restrained himself from staring, opening up his laptop to start working.

Bai Yin swam over, leaning her slender arms on the pool edge, and asked him, "Aren't you going to join?"

"I still have work to do, you go ahead and soak."

"It's work stuff, why don't you go inside instead of staying out here?"

Chen Huaixiao lazily glanced at her, "Every blade of grass here is mine, do you have a problem with that?"

"No." Bai Yin turned her back to him. "You can be wherever you want."

After soaking blankly for a few minutes, she saw that Chen Huaixiao was still unperturbed, tapping away on his laptop. She flicked some water at him with her fingertips.

At first Chen Huaixiao completely ignored her, but Bai Yin grew bolder, seeming to test his tolerance.

This woman was like a vigorous vine, trying to occupy him little by little, not only taking over his living space, but sending roots straight into his heart.

Chen Huaixiao glanced up threateningly, "If you've recovered your strength, I won't mind exercising my rights as your husband."

"..."

Bai Yin immediately stopped provoking him.

Soon, Chen Jingye called. His first sentence was an apology.

In retrospect, he was also frightened.

"From young till now, I've never seen you lose your temper like that, third brother!" Chen Jingye said awkwardly, "I was in the wrong, but I really couldn't hold it in then! Sorry, brother!"

Chen Jingye had truly angered Chen Huaixiao tonight. Right now he didn't want to say another word to him. He was about to hang up when Chen Jingye quickly added, "Who was that girl? I didn't even get a clear look."

Fury immediately filled Chen Huaixiao's chest again. "You want an even clearer look?"

"No no no, that's not what I meant."

"Looks like you're quite free these days. Don't go on that extreme variety show next month."

"Ahhh don't do that, brother! I've been looking forward to that show for so long! If you don't let me go, I'll tell sister-in-law! I'll tell her you're fooling around outside!"

Chen Huaixiao gave a cold laugh. "Go ahead then."

After saying that, he hung up.

Bai Yin saw the expression on Chen Huaixiao as he forcibly suppressed his anger.

Chen Jingye's actions tonight had crossed his bottom line.

Such fury gave Bai Yin, who had been alone and destitute since childhood, some sense of safety and security.

She leaned on the pool edge, watching Chen Huaixiao as he worked, and asked, "Will we get a divorce?"

Chen Huaixiao casually replied, "We won't."

What about when Qin Yao comes back?

Bai Yin didn't ask. She wasn't sure, and didn't believe it.

She changed her wording, "Chen Huaixiao, you have to protect me, then I can walk steadily."

The corner of Chen Huaixiao's mouth twitched, a hint of cold flashing through his eyes.

What she needed...was only his protection.

This was Chen Huaixiao's greatest grievance.

But what could he do? To a woman far weaker than himself, like a small cat licking his hand and cunningly seeking protection at the roadside.

Other than hiding her in his embrace and protecting her wholeheartedly, what more could he do?

After a long pause, he put away his laptop, looking into Bai Yin's clear dark eyes through the mist: "Be good, and I'll protect you for life."

...

Half an hour later, Bai Yin had changed and was about to push the door to leave. At the last minute, she suddenly recalled something and turned back to Chen Huaixiao, "Don't take too much melatonin, it's easy to get dependent."

Chen Huaixiao was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a magazine, comparing two racing car models. He vaguely murmured in acknowledgment.

Seeing that he showed no intention of listening, Bai Yin stressed, "Did you hear me? I'm telling you to stop taking it."

"So naggy."

"You said you'd protect me forever. If you don't take care of your health, and leave early..."

Chen Huaixiao knew she was threatening him. "Don't worry, I'll definitely walk behind you."

"Then I'm staying over tonight."

After saying that, she shut the room door.

Chen Huaixiao put down the magazine. "Didn't you say you were very tired?"

"I am very tired." Bai Yin casually sprawled on Chen Huaixiao's deep blue curved bed, stretching out comfortably. "But my husband's health is my number one concern right now."

"No need, thanks." He laughed coldly, walking over to drag her out. "Out."

Bai Yin took the chance to hug his shoulders, wrapping her legs around his firm, powerful waist. "I'm not leaving. I'm sleeping with you tonight to keep watch."

Chen Huaixiao looked at the beautiful face right in front of him. "Eager to fulfill your duties?"

Bai Yin's gaze lowered, looking at his sharp, sexy lips. "Not that eager."

...

The 3 month intensive training ended. Bai Yin's overall score was the highest. According to the rules set earlier by Tang Yu, the initial resources would be allocated according to the trainees' scores.

It was only natural that Bai Yin obtained an endorsement deal and the second female lead in a school drama.

Everyone knew taking an endorsement and shooting commercials earned a lot while requiring little effort, much easier than running around filming a drama or variety show.

For a newly signed artist to get an endorsement deal was extremely rare, unless they were already very famous pre-debut.

Bai Yin had just returned yet obtained the next endorsement opportunity. This was not easy at all.

She knew this opportunity didn't come from Chen Huaixiao, but from her own efforts over the past three months, arriving early and leaving late, pouring in more sweat than anyone else.

Bai Yin valued her first endorsement very much. In the first half of the month before signing the contract, she already had Sun Lili bring over the products for her to try out.

"Anxinbao's sleep pants are their high tech new product, marketed as an ultra-thin option, much thinner than average sleep pants, just like wearing normal underwear after putting them on, no sensation at all. Can even be worn during the day." Sun Lili handed the trial products package to Bai Yin.

"The daily use ones are light pink, the night ones are dark blue, looks quite coordinated." Bai Yin looked over the sleep pants packaging. "Never used this brand before, is it safe?"

"Anxinbao is a major brand for sanitary pads in China, always taking the high-end route. Don't worry, definitely no issues with safety or quality. Otherwise Stellar Media wouldn't collaborate with them either, the company is very strict about safety."

Hearing Sun Lili's reassurances, Bai Yin felt slightly more at ease. She opened one up to take a look.

Indeed much thinner than average sleep pants, should cling close to the body too. No problem wearing during the day.

"So thin, will it work?"

"Apparently some high tech material. Lots of hi-tech sanitary pads using advanced tech to stand out now. Companies all trying to be novel and unique."

"But I heard not many of the well-hyped ones actually work, one liquid pad got popular and now everything's copying it." Bai Yin was still worried. "Didn't one ruin and injure girls not long ago?"

"This is your first endorsement, it's natural to be more cautious. But you can't be too wary either! The fee Anxinbao is offering is no small sum. Worth as much as you'd earn filming Demon Garment for a few months! Many famous artists want to fight for Anxinbao too! The company kept this for you considering your performance at the training camp."

"Giving that much?"

"Of course, money comes quick and easy in entertainment. "

"I don't think earning money is easy." Bai Yin said solemnly. "Anything that comes quick and easy must have an issue. No hurry signing the contract, I'll try it myself these two weeks during my period."

"You're really too cautious! The company passed it already, what are you still worried about?"

"Sanitary products emphasize user experience. No one from the company tried them."

Bai Yin was very prudent indeed, because she started selling embroidered goods to earn money from a very young age. She deeply understood the hardship behind every stitch and thread, clearer than anyone that earning money was difficult.

The endorsement fee Anxinbao offered was outrageously high, impossible for anyone to reject. She had to try before she could feel assured, even if it seemed paranoid.

Longing day and night, her period finally arrived. That night, after showering, Bai Yin put on Anxinbao's sleep pants.

Indeed some high tech components, the texture was thin as gossamer. No different from usual after putting them on.

Since it was only the first day, there was no particular pain or discomfort yet. Bai Yin walked around the room, even copying the girls in sanitary pad commercials and doing a ballet leg lift.

Chen Huaixiao at the desk glanced over. "Taking the wrong pills?"

Bai Yin was too lazy to bother with him.

"I'm getting an endorsement, practicing my moves."

Chen Huaixiao idly toyed with the pen in his hand while reading documents.

"What endorsement?"

Hearing him ask this way, Bai Yin felt even happier.

He didn't even know what endorsement she got. This job really had nothing to do with him, Bai Yin obtained it herself.

"President Chen is busy with important matters every day, no need to fret about these little things. You do your work."

She continued walking and hopping around the room.

Chen Huaixiao: "..."

"Am I disturbing you?" Bai Yin asked after circling a few rounds.

Chen Huaixiao impatiently put down his pen. "What do you think?"

"Then I'm going to sleep."

"This early?"

"I'm sleeping early today."

He looked at her, clearly wanting to say more, but didn't stop her in the end.

Bai Yin changed into a brand new sleep pant, got into bed, and rolled around happily under the covers before closing her eyes.

Just as she was drifting off, she felt the man pick her up in his arms.

Bai Yin blurrily opened her eyes. Chen Huaixiao had already carried her into his own room.

In the night, she could only make out the man's handsome, striking profile and the desire in his dark eyes.

He placed her in bed, then used his nose to tease her earlobe, gently kissing it, voice sexy as he said, "Don't know why, but I'm really in the mood tonight."

Bai Yin instinctively responded.

But just as he pulled open the corner of her clothes, Bai Yin abruptly awoke. "F*ck, no!"

Chen Huaixiao frowned, biting her ear in punishment. "No dirty words in bed."

Bai Yin winced in pain, going "tsk". She said, "Really can't do it tonight."

"Hm?"

"I'm on my period!"

"You were nearly jumping to the ceiling just now, and you're telling me it's your time of the month?"

The man didn't believe her, continuing his actions.

"Really! Don't..."

Not until Chen Huaixiao felt the different texture did he believe her and retract his hand, palm resting gently over her lower abdomen.

"You seem quite healthy." His voice faintly mocking, "I've seen female employees at the company faint from the pain at their desks."

"Toughened from poor conditions, not so delicate."

In the past, Bai Yin always used the cheapest sanitary pads, buying large packs in bulk for just over ten yuan each. The experience was terrible, and they had a very strong herbal medicine scent – it was unclear if there were actual herbs in them, or just low-quality perfumes added.

As soon as the girls in her class got a whiff of that scent on her, they knew she must have her period.

Once in the bathroom, she saw a girl enthusiastically recommending liquid sanitary pads to her best friend, and Bai Yin envied her so much, longing to try them herself.

She worked up the courage to ask one of the wealthiest girls in class if she could borrow a pad. The girl picked one out and handed it to her disdainfully, saying "You don't need to borrow it, I'll just give it to you. It's not like I need you to return it anyway. I would never use the kind of cheap bulk packs you use that cost just a few yuan."

Bai Yin went into the bathroom, curiously opening it up and examining it closely for a long time.

She was very happy inside, yet for some reason tears fell down her face.

That feeling of joy mixed with humiliation and helplessness would stay with her for life.

This was the reason Bai Yin had to struggle so hard. If she didn't, she would never escape this fate...

Chen Huaixiao noticed her silence, and guessed she must be thinking about her past life.

This girl's thoughts run deep.

He gently put his arms around her from behind, warming her abdomen with his hands. In the soft moonlight, he slowly said, "Bai Yin."

"What?"

"Don't overthink. Sleep well."

"Okay, good night."

"Good night."

*

The next morning when Bai Yin woke up, she was at a complete loss for words.

There was a leak!

The sleep shorts she was about to endorse had leaked!

A leak was no big deal, but the key was...

She had slept in Chen Huaixiao's bed!

Heaven knows how obsessively tidy Chen Huaixiao was. In the past, when Tang Ka cleaned his study, she would inspect the dust on his desk with a magnifying glass!

His standards for cleanliness bordered on fastidiousness.

This was a disaster.

Bai Yin tiptoed around tidying everything up, then crept back and burrowed under the quilt again, lying spread-eagled to cover the spot.

She had to wait until he left before figuring out how to clean up this mess. She absolutely could not let him see, it would be too damn embarrassing.

After Chen Huaixiao woke up, he rubbed his eyes and lifted the quilt to see the girl lying flat beside him.

"What are you doing?"

Bai Yin answered evasively with shifty eyes, "Sleeping, of course."

Chen Huaixiao looked at her lying there motionless. "I thought you'd been shot."

"You should go to the office! I want to sleep a little longer."

"It's the weekend today, I'm not going to the office."

"Huh?!"

"Get up now?"

"No rush, you go take a shower first."

Chen Huaixiao's eyes shifted downwards, pausing for a few seconds before he got up to leave. "I'm going for my morning workout."

Bai Yin heaved a huge sigh of relief after hearing him wash up in the next room, change his clothes, and leave. Only then did she sit up.

She hurriedly stripped the sheets off the bed, bundling them up with the duvet cover and stuffing them into the washing machine.

No, the washing machine wouldn't wash them clean enough, there would still be traces left.

She took the sheets back out, thinking she might as well... throw them in the trash.

Chen Huaixiao definitely wouldn't use these sheets again anyway.

But as she felt the sheet fabric, having studied embroidery herself, Bai Yin knew this kind of luxurious texture was definitely expensive.

Nothing Chen Huaixiao owned was cheap.

Such wasteful extravagance went against everything frugal Bai Yin had learned from her hard life. No matter what, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

There was only one way - hand wash.

Bai Yin went to the utility room on the first floor, turned on the faucet and rinsed away the stains, then squeezed out plenty of detergent and started scrubbing vigorously.

Just then, the door to the utility room was pushed open and Chen Huaixiao appeared before her in a white athletic shirt, having just returned from his workout.

Bai Yin was so frightened she nearly jumped out of her skin. "Why...why are you...back already?"

Chen Huaixiao didn't answer her question. He looked at her hands covered in suds, the pearl nails all scrubbed off.

He led her to the sink to rinse her hands, then silently took the sheet from her and lathered it up with soap, scrubbing vigorously at the stain on the sheet.

"It's not a big deal, why be so sneaky about it? I almost thought you were trying to steal my gold bars."

"......"

Chapter 40

In the early morning office, Sun Lili closed the door and handed a cup of steaming jujube tea to Bai Yin: "Think about it again, the endorsement fee offered by Anxing Bao is really not low. New artists who have signed contracts with Xingxing Group have never received such resources before."

"I have consulted professionals." Bai Yin unpacked a pack of sleep pants and flipped the fabric over for Sun Lili to see: "Sanitary pads generally have a surface layer, absorbent layer and bottom layer. The absorbent layer is the most important part. Anxing Bao focuses on being thin and discreet, so the absorbent layer is made very thin and has poor absorbency. This kind of fabric...needs to be changed every one or two hours."

"Changing every one or two hours is quite normal, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's very normal if it's a sanitary pad, but this is a sleep pant meant to be worn overnight." Bai Yin said helplessly: "You can't expect girls to set alarms and get up to go to the bathroom every night."

"You have a point." Sun Lili picked up the sleep pant and looked at it carefully: "Their sanitary pads are made of this kind of fabric too, no problem selling quite well. But the sleep pant is a newly launched product with mediocre market feedback so far, so they want a celebrity endorsement."

"My personal experience was terrible, it leaked and stained the sheets." Bai Yin said lightly: "I can't endorse this sleep pant."

Sun Lili looked shocked: "Wow, Chen Huaixiao actually...actually washed the sheets stained by your period blood! Don't you have any servants at home?"

"Chen Huaixiao doesn't like having too many people at home, so there's only a male butler."

"What a dream husband."

"He would be more dreamy if he came home less often and didn't wake me up every time he came home late at night."

"I suspect you're showing off!"

......

Bai Yin rejected the endorsement from Anxing Bao.

The next afternoon, Anxing Bao's endorsement contract manager and Xingxing Media's senior executives called Bai Yin into the conference room to inquire about the situation in detail.

Bai Yin walked into the conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows. She saw that the room was filled with middle-aged men in suits.

For such feminine hygiene products, both companies didn't even have a woman in charge.

Seeing Bai Yin come in, Xingxing Media's endorsements manager Zhuo Mao stood up and introduced: "This is Anxing Bao's product manager, Mr. Liao, and this is our new artist, Bai Yin."

Before Bai Yin could politely greet them, the slightly stout middle-aged man, Mr. Liao, spoke first. His tone was quite impolite: "I heard you refused to endorse our Anxing Bao products?"

Bai Yin pondered for a moment before answering firmly: "Yes."

"What's the reason?"

"I tried it, it doesn't work well."

Hearing her blunt words, Liao let out a cold snort.

Manager Zhuo Mao immediately pulled Bai Yin aside and said softly: "What does it matter if it doesn't work well? You don't have to use it yourself anyway. Besides, Anxing Bao is a big brand, it has no safety issues. People will still buy it even if it doesn't work that well. If you feel uncomfortable using it, just don't buy it yourself in the future."

"But this will ruin my reputation."

"How can it ruin your reputation? If the product doesn't work well, it will ruin Anxing Bao's reputation, it has nothing to do with you. As long as there are no safety issues, you can rest assured to take the endorsement."

"I'm sorry, Manager Zhuo." Bai Yin still insisted: "I can't endorse this product."

At this time, Anxing Bao's Mr. Liao spoke slowly: "Forget it, your artist looks down on our products and doesn't want to take the endorsement, we certainly won't force it. But we have been communicating back and forth about the endorsement contract for almost two months. We should settle the manpower, resources and funds invested during this period, right?"

Manager Zhuo quickly said: "Mr. Liao, Bai Yin definitely does not look down on your products, I can assure you this. Xingxing Media's artists have a positive attitude towards endorsing any product."

"Then tell me," Mr. Liao looked at Bai Yin, "Why are you unwilling to endorse Anxing Bao?"

"Because the usage experience is not good," Bai Yin answered truthfully. "It can leak."

"Which brand of sanitary pads can you guarantee will never leak?" Mr. Liao was clearly unhappy. "Just change it when the time comes, isn't that normal?"

Bai Yin looked at Liao's arrogant expression and smiled coldly: "Mr. Liao, you haven't used sleep pants, have you?"

"I..." Liao's face flushed red and he shouted angrily: "How could I possibly use such a thing?!"

"So of course you don't know that women have different needs for nighttime feminine hygiene products compared to daytime. During the day, we need to work and live life, so we care about it being thin and comfortable. But at night...we just want a good night's sleep. "

She learned from Sun Lili that Anxing Bao's core design team was mostly male, so they often designed fancy but useless "black technologies", priced their products very high, but never considered women's intimate needs.

Although there were no safety issues, Bai Yin thought about the embarrassment she felt using sanitary pads as a child, and this was a hurdle she couldn't get over.

Liao was also arrogant by nature. Hearing Bai Yin's words, he stood up, pointed at her and thundered angrily: "You're just a no-name newcomer. We at Anxing Bao are willing to pay you such a price for the endorsement, yet you're making excuses! I'll tell you, that's not how you get around in this circle!"

"I'm not getting around the circle, I just do what I think is right."

"Fine, you're so high and mighty! Just you wait!"

Liao said and stormed off furiously!

Seeing this, Manager Zhuo was hopping mad: "I've never seen an artist who dares to piss off the client like this. You're trying to ruin Xingxing Media's reputation!"

"If I had accepted, it would have ruined Chen Huaixiao's reputation." Bai Yin's tone was calm: "No matter what, I won't endorse this kind of product."

Seeing that she even brought up Chairman Chen, Manager Zhuo realized how arrogant this woman was, as if Chen Huaixiao was someone she could casually call by his name!

"Fine, you're so high and mighty. Since you don't want the endorsement, don't take any endorsements from now on!"

"Even if I don't take any other endorsements, I still won't take ones like Anxing Bao's."

Bai Yin was also stubborn. After saying this, she left the conference room and headed straight for the elevator.

She was in a bad mood and walked briskly like a gust of wind.

Coincidentally, Chen Huaixiao was also waiting for the elevator, surrounded by people. After the elevator doors opened, Bai Yin didn't wait for him and walked in first with a frown.

The people around them changed their expressions in shock, looking at her and then at Chen Huaixiao's expressionless, icy face.

Bai Yin pressed the button for the floor she wanted to go to, glanced at Chen Huaixiao, and impatiently said, "Are you getting in or not? If not I'll close the door."

The people behind them were scared to death.

In the company, even the hottest artists were extremely respectful towards Chen Huaixiao and would never dare speak to him in this manner!

They had heard that this newly signed artist named Bai Yin had a bad temper, but didn't expect her to be so arrogant and overbearing!

Would Chen Huaixiao tolerate this?

To their great surprise, Chen Huaixiao really could tolerate it.

His thin lips quirked up slightly and he walked into the elevator, standing behind Bai Yin.

The frightened group of people behind him were about to follow him in, and Chen Huaixiao said expressionlessly: "Take the next one."

They hurriedly walked out again to wait for the next elevator.

The elevator doors slowly closed, finally leaving just the two of them in the narrow space.

Chen Huaixiao's tall figure stood behind her like a mountain, oppressive. The smaller the space, the more overpowering his aura.

Bai Yin knew she had lost her temper just now and didn't give him face in front of so many people.

Thinking it over now, she did feel a little bad about it.

Last night, Chen Huaixiao had told her he was flying to Seoul today to negotiate a business deal and would be back in a month.

Seeing the black leather suitcase behind him, he was probably on his way to the airport.

She wanted to pull his sleeve, but reached out and hesitated for a few seconds before withdrawing her hand.

Forget it.

Let him go. She could sleep early with him away.

After more than ten seconds, the elevator doors opened. More employees in shirts and ties were standing outside. Seeing Chen Huaixiao, they politely greeted him and waited for him to exit.

Chen Huaixiao briskly brushed past Bai Yin and quickly slipped something hard into her hand before walking out of the lobby doors without looking back and getting into his car.

Because there were many people around, Bai Yin just gripped it tightly and kept walking until she reached the floor-to-ceiling windows before opening her palm.

Lying in her palm...was a date candy.

*

Soon, several gossip blogger Weibo accounts with red V verification started exposing the endorsement dispute between Bai Yin and Anxing Bao.

Originally, the contract hadn't been signed yet. They could've negotiated, or walked away if talks fell through, without needing to bring it to the fans and public.

But because Anxing Bao involved feminine hygiene products, it was highly prone to linking with trending gender topics online, generating huge traffic.

So unscrupulous marketing accounts caught wind of this and came to stir up trouble, writing articles that distorted the facts and mocked Bai Yin for being conservative and outdated for unwilling to endorse feminine hygiene products.

Fans and netizens also expressed incomprehension and dissatisfaction towards Bai Yin's decision -

"What era is this?"

"I don't get it...what's wrong with endorsing sanitary pads? Do you not use them or what? This is ridiculous."

"Still ashamed about this in modern times? Living in the Qing Dynasty or something."

"Female artists complain about endorsements being dominated by male artists. Now that you're offered one, you refuse. So lame."

"I heard she's from a small town. Didn't expect her to be so conservative."

"One day, sanitary pad ads will have to be endorsed by male artists at this rate."

"Bai Yin really set a bad precedent."

......

Some even photoshopped a mocking image of Bai Yin placed against a rural farm backdrop, edited together with a sanitary pad, with the words "Menstrual Shame" next to it.

This image was widely shared and mocked.

Sun Lili hastily called Bai Yin back to the company. She was more anxious about this issue than the previous public crises they'd faced.

"Getting caught up in gender topics is really tricky." As she prepared the text and images for crisis PR, she said, "We have to explain as soon as possible while it's still hot. The longer we drag it out, the harder it is to clarify."

Bai Yin seemed relatively calm. "Netizens are riled up right now. No matter how we explain, they won't believe it."

"We can't just do nothing, can we?"

"No rush." Bai Yin already had a strategy: "Let's not say anything for the time being."

Sun Lili thought for a moment. "No, we have to tell Chen Huaixiao about this. If we don't explain, we'll need large-scale post deletions. Only Chen Huaixiao can make that happen."

"I can't run to him every time something happens."

"Why not? Don't forget he's your husband."

Bai Yin shook her head.

He was away on a business trip in Seoul. She didn't want to disturb him.

"Wait a few more days. I want to hook a fish."

"Hook a fish?" Sun Lili looked at her puzzled. "What fish?"

The corners of her lips curled up coldly. "You'll see."

......

Sure enough, a few days later, Su Anning's studio posted an endorsement Weibo—

"Let's look forward to sister joining hands with AnXinBao sleep pants, to bring you an ultimate experience of light and seamless comfort. Click into the comments section to receive sister's exclusive benefits!"

The comments section was of course full of acclaim. In addition to placing orders to support sister, many compared Su Anning with Bai Yin.

"You can see the difference now right?"

"This is the difference in status. Those who previously praised Bai Yin to the skies, does your face hurt?"

"The two grew up in different environments since childhood. They received different education, obviously sister Su Anning is much higher class than Bai Yin."

"Already placed my order, supporting sister Su!"

In the cafe, Sun Lili browsed her phone, and asked Bai Yin: "The fishing you mentioned, that was to bait her right?"

Bai Yin stirred her rich and aromatic Americano with a stainless steel teaspoon: "Mm-hmm."

"But how did you know Su Anning would take up Anxinbao's endorsement, with how arrogant she is, what if she refused your given up endorsement just to spite you?"

"Of course I had to rely on those unscrupulous marketing accounts to smear me."

Of course Su Anning wouldn't accept the endorsement Bai Yin gave up, but if this endorsement could earn her praise, and let her trample Bai Yin underneath her feet, she would certainly take it.

Watching Su Anning hop and skip about, even doing a straddle in the promotional video, Sun Lili sighed: "Well now you're smeared with rumors, yet she's earning endorsement fees hand over fist."

Bai Yin slanted a glare at Sun Lili: "You're good in every way, only one flaw, you're too impatient, this is a big taboo for becoming a top agent."

"President Chen isn't here, you've gotten yourself into such trouble, it may even become indelible black history, yet you're not worried at all?"

Bai Yin's mouth quirked into a smile as she drank a mouthful of fragrant hot coffee.

She was certainly not worried, someone who endured over a decade would not fret over a minute or half a minute.

On the very afternoon Bai Yin discovered the leak issue, she took the sleep pants to a testing institution for analysis of the composition. Although there were no safety issues, for an absorbent product like this, the fabric texture of this new product was clearly unsuitable.

Just to pursue a thin feel, yet overlooking its original absorbency function, this was undoubtedly putting the cart before the horse, a female user experience imagined by men.

If they tried it themselves, they would know how difficult it is to use.

Therefore no matter how many top executives she angered, Bai Yin must withdraw this endorsement.

A celebrity endorsement's basis is the fans' trust to begin with. If she casually endorsed a shoddy product just because it didn't have safety issues, such a matter of looking only to money over conscience, Bai Yin could not do it.

Her life's path was already rough, so every step must be taken steadily.

After a few days, Qiao Yanshi who loved browsing forums, sent Bai Yin a post—

"On the awkwardness of staining my boyfriend's bedsheets with my period, while his mom who came in to clean just happened to see it!"

Because the content of the post was truly too embarrassing, netizens directly yelled for the original poster to go live on another planet.

The post didn't contain any info about the sleep pants, but in the comments, the OP replied to other users—

"I used the Anxinbao sleep pants endorsed by Su Anning, I bought them based on trust, now I'm really pissed!"

Bai Yin knew the purpose behind Qiao Yanshi sending her this post.

After replying thanks to him, she forwarded the post to her agent Sun Lili: "It's time, stir it up."

Sun Lili didn't fail to live up to being the woman who would become a top agent. Using all the resources she could leverage through XingXing Media, she stirred up hype over this post.

Soon, this post with its overwhelming awkwardness was hyped into a hot search topic.

Many users of Anxinbao strongly resonated, and rushed to complain about how difficult it was to use.

Although the texture was thin, it didn't serve any sleep aid function at all.

With so many netizens complaining, the hashtag #AnxinbaoSideLeak# also climbed into hot search topics.

Netizens then gradually realized the matter with Bai Yin rejecting the Anxinbao endorsement—

"So could it be that's why Bai Yin didn't accept the Anxinbao endorsement?"

"Absolutely, I'm saying, it's 2022, who still feels awkward about this?"

"Did Su Anning actually use it or not, to willingly advertise such a trash product?"

"I feel like she was deliberately opposing Bai Yin."

Under the incitement of the marketing accounts in Sun Lili's hands, public opinion rapidly underwent a reversal. Amidst the collapse of Su Anning's reputation, Bai Yin seized this timing to post a Weibo—

"I'm willing to accept endorsements from other sanitary pad brands, but I must test them before signing a contract, and will only endorse after passing the trial."

Originally many big sanitary pad brands didn't plan to invite a newbie like Bai Yin to endorse, but due to this incident exploding into hot search several times, it instead made Bai Yin a hotly contested celebrity endorsement among many sanitary pad brands.

Bai Yin's endorsement fees rose sharply, even exceeding Anxinbao's previous offer.

In stark contrast, Su Anning's reputation plummeted, fans and netizens no longer trusted her.

The products she previously endorsed also suffered plunging sales volumes, dire to behold.

Originally Bai Yin's conflict with Anxinbao had nothing to do with Su Anning, it was her own impatience to ruthlessly step on Bai Yin.

Bai Yin casually dealt with her, while obtaining better endorsement collaborations for herself, hitting two birds with one stone.

...

In Seoul Airport, Chen Huaixiao expressionlessly finished reading his assistant's recount of the Anxinbao matter from beginning to end.

This woman's means...can be said to be extremely outstanding.

Having been in the industry for many years, he hadn't seen an artist capable of resolving a crisis so perfectly.

Shen Bin sent him a message: "Lord Xiao, regarding that primer post I made on the forums per your instructions, do you need it deleted to prevent future trouble?"

Chen Huaixiao: "No hidden danger with that post, leave it be."

Shen Bin: "Ok."

A few seconds later, Shen Bin sent a laughing emoji—

"Lord Xiao, the lady and you are truly a perfect match, I can't find any other woman more similar to you."

Chen Huaixiao's tranquil gaze fell upon the two characters for "perfect match".

Indeed, Elder Master Chen said long ago over these years, despite paying attention and selecting so many young ladies of prestigious families for him, in the end only this grassroots girl was most compatible with him.

Chen Huaixiao sent a message to Bai Yin: "I'm at the airport, will be back tonight."

Bai Yin: "Your humble concubine is overjoyed, humbly welcoming your eminent return. [Hug]"

Chen Huaixiao: "I want to hear the truth."

Bai Yin: "Oh, then don't come back."

Chen Huaixiao: "..."