Category: Bloodthirsty Countess’s Overbearing Love

Chapter 75

After a successful first day of filming, Li Mo and Fan Weiqi were removing their makeup in their respective dressing rooms. The day’s progress had been impressive. Typically, the first day of shooting was kept light, with only a couple of scenes filmed, to ease everyone into the process.

However, they had managed to film eight scenes today, all in one take, a pace comparable to a typical day of filming later in the production.

Director Wang was pleased, his face beaming with satisfaction as he announced the end of the day’s shoot. The crew was also in high spirits, the smooth progress boosting their morale. Fan Weiqi, after removing her makeup, went to Li Mo’s dressing room and found her already changed and ready to leave with Huizi.

“Mo Mo, want to grab dinner together? You haven’t eaten all day.”

“Sure, where do you want to go?”

“I know a great place nearby. They have the best wontons. Want to try it?”

“Okay.”

“Let’s go.”

They left the studio, and Fan Weiqi had her assistant, Wade, drive them to a small alleyway nearby. They stopped in front of an old-looking restaurant. Li Mo and Fan Weiqi put on their baseball caps and sunglasses before getting out of the car and entering the restaurant.

Huizi had Li Mo and Fan Weiqi take a seat, then went to order four bowls of wontons. Wade took the chopsticks from the table, rinsed them in hot water, and then wiped them dry with a tissue before distributing them.

“Qiqi, this place looks great. I bet the food is amazing.”

“It is! It’s a local favorite. This restaurant has been run by the same family for three generations. Their wontons are huge, delicious, and beautifully made. You’ll love them.”

“That’s great! I’m starving! The director got so excited today and kept filming. We even filmed some scenes that were scheduled for tomorrow. I didn’t even have time to eat! My stomach is growling.”

“Hehe, that’s Director Wang for you. When he’s feeling inspired, he forgets everything else and just keeps filming. Today was actually pretty tame. It’s the first day, so he’s pacing himself. It will get more intense later. You should have Huizi pack some snacks and drinks for you, so you can eat something quickly during breaks. It’s better for your stomach.”

“Thanks for the tip, Sister Fan. I’ll have Sister Mo prepare some snacks for me.”

Huizi took out a small notebook from her backpack, jotted down some notes, and then put it away. Li Mo smiled, pleased with her attentive assistant.

The owner brought them four bowls of wontons. Li Mo’s eyes widened as she saw the fist-sized wontons. She picked up a wonton with her chopsticks, dipped it in vinegar, and then took a big bite.

The flavorful broth and juicy filling filled her mouth, and she nodded enthusiastically, humming in delight. She gave Fan Weiqi a thumbs-up with her free hand.

Fan Weiqi, amused by Li Mo’s adorable enthusiasm, took a bite of her own wonton, savoring the flavor. The four of them, famished from the long day of filming, devoured their wontons in silence.

Except for Fan Weiqi, who maintained her elegant demeanor, the other three were practically inhaling their food. Li Mo, in particular, was stuffing her face with the huge wontons, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.

She was indeed hungry, but the food couldn’t truly satisfy her. She still enjoyed the occasional meal, and she didn’t want Fan Weiqi to notice that she could go days without eating.

She didn’t want to draw attention to her unusual dietary needs, so she pretended to be famished, enjoying the delicious wontons, even though they couldn’t fill the emptiness inside her.

Fan Weiqi, of course, didn’t know what Li Mo was thinking. She simply assumed that Li Mo was really hungry, having not seen her eat anything all day. It was common for actors to forget to eat during busy schedules. She was concerned that Li Mo wasn’t taking care of herself.

After they finished their meal, Li Mo smiled contentedly at Fan Weiqi. Fan Weiqi had Wade pay the bill, and then they returned to their hotel.

Li Mo and Fan Weiqi said their goodbyes and went to their respective rooms. Li Mo glanced at her watch. It was 8:30 PM. She looked out the window at the busy streets below, wondering if she should wait a little longer before going out.

Since becoming an actress, she had been constantly accompanied by her team and assistants. During her first film, she hadn’t had her own team, so it had been easier to sneak out for a blood fix. She had even kept some blood bags in her hotel refrigerator.

However, now, with Huizi constantly attending to her needs and entering her room to deliver clean clothes and other items, she was worried that Huizi might discover her secret.

So, for the past week, she had been sneaking out during her free time to steal blood bags from a nearby hospital’s blood bank. She could only take enough for one day because she had nowhere safe to store it.

It was only the first day of filming, but she had been busy all day. Although there had been breaks, she hadn’t had a chance to go out. She hadn’t had a single drop of blood all day and was starting to feel hungry.

She quickly showered, changed into a clean outfit, and put on her baseball cap and mask. She opened the balcony door and stepped outside, looking down at the traffic below.

With a single leap, she jumped off the balcony, her body light and agile, like a martial arts expert in a film, her movements graceful and silent. She landed on the roof of the building across the street and continued to leap from rooftop to rooftop until she reached the roof of the nearby hospital.

She opened the door to the stairwell, skillfully avoiding the security cameras, and made her way to the familiar blood bank. She extended her senses, checking for any signs of life inside. After confirming that the blood bank was empty, she swiped the keycard she had stolen from a nurse earlier and entered.

Meanwhile, high above Shanghai, a plane was preparing to land. Mark, looking at the sullen Song Ling beside him, sighed. Ever since seeing that movie poster a few days ago, Song Ling had been in a foul mood, her face dark, her anger directed at everyone, including him.

He had tried to reason with her, to calm her down, but it was futile. She was determined to go to Shanghai and keep a close eye on Li Mo, fearing that someone else might steal her away.

He understood her feelings. After centuries of separation, they had finally reunited, but Li Xinjun didn’t recognize her. Seeing her with someone else was driving Song Ling crazy.

However, Li Mo saw Song Ling as a stranger, someone she had a one-night stand with and a colleague. With Song Ling’s current possessive and jealous behavior, Mark was worried that she would scare Li Mo away.

“Song Ling, please, when you see her, don’t act like this. Remember, she’s Li Mo now, not Jun’er. Okay?”

“She’s Li Xinjun! Even if she’s changed her name, she’s still my Li Xinjun!”

“I know, but she doesn’t remember anything. We need to address that first. If you scare her away, where will you find her again?”

“Even if she hides in a cave, I’ll dig her out! Hmph!”

“If you push her too hard, how will I be able to figure out why she’s lost her memory? Listen to me, be patient.”

“Patient? How can I be patient? You expect me to just stand by and watch her be intimate with another woman, to flirt with her, to sleep with her? Do you think I can tolerate that?”

“Sigh, I’ve told you a thousand times, Li Mo is just acting! She’s not really with that Fan Weiqi! It’s her job!”

“Hmph! I don’t care! She can’t be that intimate with anyone but me! Her hands are mine, her lips are mine, her entire body is mine! Only I can touch her! If I can’t control her, I’ll just eliminate that Fan Weiqi! One by one, I’ll eliminate anyone who dares to get close to my Jun’er!”

“…”

Mark fell silent, unwilling to argue with this jealous woman. He silently prayed for Li Mo and Fan Weiqi’s safety.

Chapter 74

With filming scheduled to begin the following week, Yu Wenqian decided to have Li Mo stay in Shanghai to prepare, instead of returning to Beijing. She got busy arranging Li Mo’s schedule and flew back to Pinnacle Entertainment’s headquarters in Beijing to finalize the details.

Li Mo, following the director’s instructions, participated in a series of promotional photoshoots. It was a hectic time, with little time for anything but work and sleep.

Fortunately, she and Fan Weiqi had good chemistry, making their collaboration smooth and enjoyable. Fan Weiqi’s playful personality and down-to-earth demeanor brought some much-needed levity to the busy schedule.

Meanwhile, Xu Dao, feeling neglected and heartbroken, returned to Beijing alone the day after Li Mo signed the contract. Song Ling and Mark, who were waiting for Li Mo in Beijing, learned about her packed schedule from Yu Wenqian and decided to wait until filming began before visiting her on set.

One morning, Song Ling received an email from Yu Wenqian. She opened it and saw a movie poster featuring Li Mo and Fan Weiqi. Her heart sank. The two women were gazing into each other’s eyes, their bodies close, Fan Weiqi’s arms wrapped around Li Mo’s waist, Li Mo’s hand gently cupping Fan Weiqi’s face. It was a picture of intimacy and affection.

Song Ling’s jealousy flared, and she almost smashed her computer screen. She grabbed her phone and called Wang Xinru, instructing her to summon Yu Wenqian to her office. Wang Xinru, sensing Song Ling’s anger, didn’t delay, immediately calling Yu Wenqian and telling her to go to the eighteenth floor.

Yu Wenqian put aside her work and went to Song Ling’s office. Wang Xinru, seeing her, gave her a subtle warning, indicating that Song Ling was in a bad mood. Yu Wenqian nodded, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. Hearing a muffled “Come in,” she entered the office.

Song Ling was standing by the window, her arms crossed, her back to the door. Yu Wenqian closed the door and approached her.

“Ms. Song, you wanted to see me?”

Song Ling didn’t turn around. She continued to stare out the window for a moment before answering, her voice cold.

“What kind of film did you get Li Mo?”

“A tragic period drama set in the Warring States period.”

“What kind of tragic period drama requires two women to embrace so intimately?!” Song Ling finally turned around, her anger evident.

“Because they’re lovers in the film,” Yu Wenqian replied calmly.

“Lovers? This is a lesbian film?”

“Yes.”

“Wenqian, you know about my relationship with Li Mo, right?”

“I have my suspicions.”

“And you still accepted this script for her?! Even if you ignore our relationship, you know this kind of role isn’t good for a newcomer’s career. It could damage her image. Don’t tell me you don’t know that, with all your experience in this industry.”

“Ms. Song, first of all, as an agent, I don’t interfere in my artists’ personal lives unless their relationships are public. So, regardless of your relationship with Li Mo, as long as it’s not public knowledge, it’s none of my business.

Secondly, this film has a lot of potential. It’s likely to win awards, which would be beneficial for Li Mo’s career. Although the script is about a lesbian relationship, and it might affect her image, Li Mo has assured me that she’s not concerned about that. So, I don’t see a problem.”

“So you expect me to just watch her be intimate with another woman?”

“Ms. Song, I’m just doing my job. As an actress, she will inevitably have to portray intimacy with other people on screen. It’s unavoidable. If it’s not with a woman, it will be with a man. If you can’t accept that, then I suggest you advise Li Mo to choose a different career.”

“Don’t you think I’ve tried? It’s just… Sigh… Never mind. I don’t care. Cancel this film. I’ll pay whatever it costs.”

“Ms. Song, I can’t do that.”

“Why not?!”

“Li Mo loves this script. She won’t agree to cancel it. And the contract you signed with her gives her the final say in her work.”

“Then… Then have the director change the script!”

“That won’t work either. Director Wang is known for being stubborn. He won’t change his script just because I ask him to.”

“You! Fine! I’ll go to the set and talk to Director Wang myself! I’ll buy the film if I have to! Hmph!”

Yu Wenqian left Song Ling’s office. Song Ling called Wang Xinru in and instructed her to arrange their travel plans. She and Mark would fly to Shanghai in two days.

Filming had begun in Shanghai. It was the first day of shooting, and the cast and crew were gathered in front of a roasted pig for the opening ceremony. They each placed their hands on the large knife used to cut the pig, with Director Wang, Qiang Ge, Yang Yichen, and the two female leads, Fan Weiqi and Li Mo, standing in the center.

Under the watchful eyes of the entertainment reporters, they sliced the pig, completing the traditional ceremony. Everyone wished for a smooth and successful shoot.

After the reporters left, the director and actors began filming the first scene. As it was the first day of shooting, Director Wang had chosen a simple scene, hoping for a good start and avoiding any complicated shots.

The scene they were filming was the one where the two female leads, after escaping from their homes, set up a food stall on the street. Li Mo and Fan Weiqi had already rehearsed this scene during their audition, so it should be straightforward.

They went to their respective dressing rooms to have their makeup and hair done. As they emerged from their dressing rooms, Fan Weiqi saw Li Mo and rushed over to her.

“Mo Mo, you look so beautiful! Even in these plain clothes, you still look amazing! Unlike me, I look awkward in this outfit.”

“No, you look great too, Qiqi.”

“Really? But I think this hairstyle makes me look old.”

“No, it looks good on you.”

“Hee hee, you’re so sweet. Come on, let’s not keep Director Wang waiting.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Director Wang, seeing them approach, smiled and beckoned them over. He was in a good mood, patiently explaining the scene to them. They listened attentively, nodding in understanding, and then filming began.

“Scene one, take one, action!”

Li Mo crouched in front of a wooden tub, her sleeves rolled up, washing dishes. She placed the clean dishes in another tub beside her. She looked up at the sun beating down on her and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. Fan Weiqi approached her, carrying another tub of dishes. Seeing Li Mo washing dishes, she hurried over and put down the tub.

“Xiaoru, stop washing. Let me do it.”

“Susu, it’s okay. I can handle it.”

Su Su took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from Yang Xiaoru’s forehead. Xiaoru smiled, enjoying Su Su’s care. She took Su Su’s hand and looked at her.

“Susu, you can’t keep doing all the work. I know you’re worried about me, but I’m worried about you too, you know?”

Su Su smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She reached out and stroked Xiaoru’s hair.

“I know, but you hurt your finger the other day, and it’s still not healed. I don’t want it to get infected. I want you to rest and recover. Let me handle the dishes for the next few days. You can help me with other things, okay?”

Yang Xiaoru, knowing she couldn’t argue with her, gave in. She picked up a rag and went to the front of the stall, wiping down the wooden counter they had painstakingly acquired.

She looked back at Su Su, who was washing dishes, and couldn’t help but smile. Their eyes met, and they both smiled at each other, their love and affection evident.

“Madam, do you have any wonton noodles left?”

A man in a long robe approached the stall and asked Yang Xiaoru. Yang Xiaoru turned to him, her expression apologetic.

“I’m sorry, sir, we’re sold out. Come back tomorrow morning, and I’ll save you a bowl.”

“Okay, I will.”

The man left, and Yang Xiaoru bowed to him. After he left, she quickly cleared the counter and went to help Su Su with the dishes. Seeing that Su Su was almost done, she helped her dry the dishes and put them away in the cabinet under the counter.

Once they were done, Su Su locked up the stall with a small chain, and they left, their arms linked.

“Cut! Perfect! Next scene!”

Li Mo and Fan Weiqi, hearing the director yell “Cut,” smiled and walked away from the camera, going over to Director Wang to watch the playback while the makeup artists touched up their makeup.

The crew applauded. In the film industry, a smooth first take on the first day of shooting was considered a good omen, a sign of a successful production. Seeing Li Mo and Fan Weiqi nail the first scene, everyone relaxed, their mood upbeat.

Chapter 73

The next morning, Li Mo was woken by the sound of her doorbell. She groggily got out of bed and opened the door, finding Xu Dao(Director) standing there. As Xu Jie tried to enter, Li Mo blocked the doorway, preventing her from coming in.

“What’s wrong, Mo Mo? Why won’t you let me in?”

Li Mo looked at her awkwardly, glancing back into the room before turning back to Xu Jie.

“Um… Xu Jie, could you come back later? It’s not a good time right now.”

Xu Jie’s mind raced with suspicions, her face darkening. She pushed against the door, preventing Li Mo from closing it.

“Mo Mo, be honest with me. Is there someone else in your room?!”

“Shh… Xu Jie, keep your voice down! She’s still sleeping! Can we talk about this later?”

“Who is it? Why are you making so much noise so early in the morning…”

A voice from inside the room startled Xu Jie. She pushed the door open and stormed in, her eyes widening as she saw Fan Weiqi lying in bed. Li Mo, unable to stop her, closed the door and followed her inside. Fan Weiqi, awakened by the commotion, sat up and looked at Xu Jie, her eyes still sleepy.

“Oh, it’s Director Xu. Good morning.”

“You… You… You! Why are you in Mo Mo’s room?! Are you two…?”

“Xu Jie, calm down! Keep your voice down! You’ll disturb the other guests! Qiqi had a bit too much to drink last night, and I didn’t want her to go home alone, so I let her stay here.”

“Hey, Director Xu, you’re being weird! You’re not Mo Mo’s girlfriend or anything! Why are you acting like this? Even good friends shouldn’t be so intrusive! Are you crazy?”

“Mo Mo is too naive! If I don’t look after her, she’ll be taken advantage of by people like you! Did you get her drunk last night and take advantage of her?!”

“Director Xu, there’s nothing wrong with two consenting adults having a relationship. Mo Mo is an adult. She doesn’t need you to dictate her love life! You’re the one with ulterior motives, trying to control her so you can get her into bed!”

“I’m not! Don’t slander me! Mo Mo, you believe me, right? I’m not like that!”

“You are! Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so jealous of who Mo Mo spends time with!”

“You’re lying! Shut up!”

“Okay, both of you, stop arguing! Xu Jie, please go back to your room.”

“Mo Mo… She’s not a good person! Don’t trust her! You know how I feel about you! I’m not like what she’s saying! I’m not! Believe me!”

“Okay, okay, Xu Jie, I know you’re not like that. But you’re making a scene here, and it’s making me uncomfortable. Please go back to your room, okay?”

“What about her? Aren’t you going to ask her to leave?”

“Director Xu, is our relationship really that unclear to you?”

“Mo Mo, is this true?”

Fan Weiqi’s phone rang. She got out of bed and went to the table to answer it. The other two stopped arguing, their attention drawn to the phone call.

“Hello, Director Wang. Good morning.”

“Hello, good morning. Is this Sister Weiqi?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“We have the results. Congratulations! You got the role of Su Su! Please come to the studio later today so we can discuss the contract details and the filming schedule.”

“Oh, really? That’s great! I’ll be there on time. By the way, can you tell me who got the role of Yang Jingru?”

“We’ve decided to cast Li Mo as Yang Jingru. I was about to call her and ask her to come with you to discuss the contract.”

“You don’t have to call her. I’m with her right now. I’ll let her know.”

“Oh, really? That’s great! Please ask her to come with you later. Thank you.”

“No problem. Thank you, Director Wang. Bye.”

“Bye.”

“Mo Mo! Congratulations! You got the role!”

Li Mo looked at Fan Weiqi, her eyes wide with excitement. She ran over to her and grabbed her shoulders.

“Are you serious? I really got the role?”

“Hehe, yes! And I got the role too! So, please take care of me! I’m looking forward to working with you!”

“I’m so happy!”

Li Mo hugged Fan Weiqi excitedly, and Fan Weiqi, caught up in her excitement, hugged her back. They jumped up and down, their joy overflowing. Li Mo calmed down and then turned to Xu Jie, giving her a hug.

“Xu Jie, we need to go to the studio now. We’ll be busy for the next few days, so we won’t have time to hang out with you. Why don’t you go back to Beijing?”

“But I… I’m worried about you being alone with her.”

“Director Xu, are you crazy? We’re starting filming soon! We’ll be together on set every day! Do you expect to follow us around everywhere? What kind of friend acts like this?”

“You… You! I…”

“What ‘you’? Am I wrong? You’ve been arguing nonstop since you arrived! We’re in a hurry! Are you leaving or not? If you’re not, we’re going without you.”

“Xu Jie, please go back to your room. We really need to leave.”

“Alright… I’ll go back to my room. Will you join me for dinner tonight?”

“I’m not sure what time we’ll be back. Don’t wait for me, okay?”

“… Okay.”

Xu Jie finally left Li Mo’s room. Li Mo breathed a sigh of relief and closed the door, turning to see Fan Weiqi making faces at her. She burst out laughing.

“Qiqi, you’re quite fierce when you’re angry.”

“Of course! You know, the newcomers I’ve scolded behind my back call me ‘The Demon Queen.’”

“Pfft, hahaha! Really? They actually call you that?”

“Of course… not! If anyone dared to call me that, I’d crush them! See if they’d dare!”

“Hahaha.”

“But seriously, Mo Mo, I think there’s something wrong with Xu Dao. No normal person would barge in here and yell at me like that. She’s not your girlfriend or your wife. I think she’s fantasizing about you being her lover. I suggest you set her straight and make it clear that you’re not interested.”

“I’m starting to think she’s a bit delusional too. I’ll try to avoid being alone with her when we get back to Beijing.”

“Okay, if you need my help, just let me know. I’ll be there for you.”

“Thank you, Qiqi. I guess I’ll have to offer myself to you as a token of my gratitude. Hahaha.”

Fan Weiqi walked over to Li Mo and pulled her into a hug, gazing into her eyes. She whispered in her ear,

“Come to me, honey.”

Li Mo pushed her away, and Fan Weiqi burst out laughing. They quickly changed into their work clothes and had Ah Zhong drive them to the studio. In the car, Yu Wenqian gave Li Mo some advice on how to behave during the meeting with the director and producers. Li Mo listened attentively.

Fan Weiqi had decided to ride with them to the studio and then call her own agency to inform them of her schedule. When they arrived, Ah Zhong dropped them off at the entrance and then went to find a parking spot.

Fan Weiqi told Li Mo that she would go find her assistant. Li Mo nodded and then continued inside with Yu Wenqian. They entered the meeting room and waited. A few minutes later, Director Wang and Qiang Ge entered the room. Director Wang, noticing that only Li Mo and Yu Wenqian were present, asked,

“Where’s Sister Weiqi? Didn’t you come together?”

“She went to find her assistant. She should be here soon.”

“Okay, let’s wait for her.”

“Hello, Director Wang. I’m Yu Wenqian, Li Mo’s agent. Shouldn’t we be having separate meetings? Contract terms are usually confidential.”

“Hello, Sister Wenqian. We’ve asked you both to come together because we need to discuss some changes to the script with both lead actresses. If you’re both okay with the changes, we’ll proceed with signing the contracts separately.”

A knock on the door interrupted him. Director Wang called out, “Come in.” Fan Weiqi entered the room with her assistant and sat down.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine. We were just about to start. Now that you’re here, let’s begin. We’ve decided to make this a dual-lead film. The basic story remains the same, but Sister Fan’s role as the second female lead will be expanded. Do either of you have any objections?”

“I’m fine with it. What about you, Mo Mo? Is this okay with you?”

Li Mo and Yu Wenqian exchanged glances. Li Mo shrugged, indicating that she didn’t mind and that Yu Wenqian could decide. Yu Wenqian, understanding, asked,

“Director Wang, we’re generally okay with it, but will Mo Mo’s screen time be reduced?”

“No, it won’t. That brings us to our second point. We’re changing the film to a lesbian romance. There will be some intimate scenes between the two female leads. Are you both okay with that?”

“How intimate are we talking about? Kissing? Can we use camera angles to imply intimacy?” Yu Wenqian asked.

“I prefer realism in my films, so I expect the actors to portray the emotions authentically. Even for the sex scenes, I’d like you to be fully nude. Of course, we won’t show anything explicit. We’ll use camera angles to avoid that.”

“There are sex scenes?!”

“Yes, there are.”

“But Director Wang, Mo Mo is still a newcomer. Exposing her to such roles so early in her career might affect her future prospects. We need to consider this carefully…”

“Sister Qian, I want to do it.”

Yu Wenqian paused, looking at Li Mo, who nodded, her expression resolute.

“Are you sure? This might affect your image…”

“Sister Qian, I don’t care about that. Fame doesn’t matter to me. I love this character, and I don’t want to give up this opportunity.”

“… Alright, if that’s what you want.”

“Sister Fan, are you okay with this?” Director Wang turned to Fan Weiqi.

“Of course! I was expecting this. Hee hee hee, I even practiced with Mo Mo beforehand! Right, Mo Mo?”

“Yes.” Li Mo smiled and nodded.

“That’s great! I was worried you might object, since we didn’t discuss this beforehand. The assistant director will go over the contract details with you both. Here’s the revised script. You can take it home and review it. I’d like to start filming as soon as possible. If you’re both available, I’d like to start next week.”

“Next week?!” Everyone, except for Fan Weiqi, who had worked with Director Wang before, exclaimed in unison.

They discussed the details further, signed the contracts, and then left the studio.

• 徐导 (Xu Dao): “Dao” (导) is short for “导演” (daoyan), which means “director.” 

• 徐姐 (Xu Jie): “Jiě” (姐) means “older sister.

Chapter 72

The next morning, Li Mo woke up to a message from Director Xu. Xu Jie had already boarded her flight and was expected to arrive at the hotel around 10:00 AM. Li Mo glanced at the clock. It was already 9:30. She quickly got out of bed and went to shower and change.

A short while later, her phone rang. She turned off the shower, dried herself, wrapped a towel around her body, and went to answer the call.

“Hello, Mo Mo? I’m at the hotel. What’s your room number? Can I come up now?”

“Oh, give me a few minutes. I just got out of the shower. I’m in room 502. Come up in five minutes. I need to get dressed.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

Li Mo quickly threw on a black shirt and jeans. She sat down at her vanity table and started blow-drying her hair. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. She put down the hairdryer and opened the door, finding Director Xu standing there with an excited smile.

“Mo Mo, I missed you so much!”

Xu Jie threw her arms around Li Mo, who hugged her briefly and then gently pushed her away, creating some distance between them.

“Xu Jie, have a seat. I’ll be ready soon.”

Li Mo returned to her vanity table and picked up the hairdryer. Xu Jie followed her and took the hairdryer from her hand, offering to dry her hair.

“Xu Jie, it’s okay. I can do it myself.”

“Let me help you. It’s more comfortable this way.”

“Really, it’s fine. I’ve already dried it. I’m just styling it now. It’s easier if I do it myself. You’ll just be in the way. Give it back to me.”

“Don’t worry, I learned some hairstyling techniques from a stylist before. I can help you. Trust me.”

As they were arguing, Li Mo’s phone rang. She turned away from the vanity table and went to the bedside table to answer the call. Seeing Fan Weiqi’s name on the screen, she answered cheerfully.

“Hello, Qiqi, what’s up?”

“Hey, Mo Mo, is Xu Dao with you?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Okay, try to sound happy and sweet while we talk.”

“Okay.”

“Oh, your voice is so sweet! You’re making me melt.”

“Hee hee, you’re so bad.”

“Yes, yes, just like that. Keep it up. By the way, I’ll be waiting for you at the tea room in the club. Act excited when you see me, okay?”

“Okay, got it.”

“Alright, I’ll hang up now.”

“Okay, bye Qiqi.”

Li Mo ended the call and turned to see Xu Jie glaring at her, her face etched with jealousy. Li Mo pretended to be in a good mood, humming a tune as she gathered her makeup bag and went into the bathroom. Xu Jie, feeling a pang of jealousy, followed her.

“Mo Mo, who was that Qiqi on the phone?”

“Oh, that was Fan Weiqi.”

“Huh? How did you two become friends?”

“We met at the audition. She’s so nice! She’s down-to-earth, a great actress, and she’s really beautiful!”

“Is she really that perfect? I’ve met her before. I thought she was just okay, not as amazing as you’re making her sound.”

“Really? But I think she’s great.”

“But Mo Mo, she’s your competition! Don’t get too close to her. And she’s a very good actress. She’s a strong contender, you know. People in this industry will do anything to get a role.”

“Don’t worry, Qiqi is very chill. She doesn’t care about playing the lead role. She’s aiming for the supporting role.”

“Fan Weiqi is auditioning for the supporting role? I must be hearing things! With her status, her agency would never let her play a supporting role! Mo Mo, I think she’s lying to you.”

“I don’t think so. And even if she is auditioning for the lead role, it’s fine. It’s just healthy competition.”

“Mo Mo, you’re too naive! You’re new to this industry. You don’t know how dark it can be. Listen to me, I won’t steer you wrong.”

“We’ll see.”

Xu Jie wanted to continue her warnings, but Li Mo was already dressed and ready to leave. She decided to drop it for now.

Li Mo had Ah Zhong drive them to the club. During the drive, Xu Jie continued to lecture Li Mo about the dark side of the entertainment industry, warning her not to trust anyone, especially Fan Weiqi. Li Mo ignored her warnings, praising Fan Weiqi’s kindness and talent, fueling Xu Jie’s jealousy.

At the club entrance, Li Mo presented her membership card to the guard, who allowed them to enter. Xu Jie, seeing the card, was puzzled. How did Li Mo become a member of this exclusive club?

“Mo Mo, when did you become a member here? I heard the membership requirements are very strict. A few of my friends tried to join but were rejected.”

“Oh, Qiqi got it for me. She’s a senior member. She recommended me.”

“Have you been spending all your time with her?”

“Yes. Let’s get out of the car and talk later.”

“…”

Li Mo led Xu Jie into the elevator. They went to the Chinese restaurant for lunch, during which Xu Jie continued her attempts to sow discord between Li Mo and Fan Weiqi, much to Li Mo’s annoyance.

Finally, after they finished their meal, Li Mo suggested visiting the tea room, praising its beautiful ambiance. Xu Jie, suspecting nothing, agreed.

The tea room was decorated in a traditional Chinese style, with rattan and bamboo furniture, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. It was the perfect place for a quiet conversation.

As they entered the tea room, Li Mo spotted Fan Weiqi chatting with a man. She feigned surprise and approached them, introducing Xu Jie to Fan Weiqi.

“Qiqi, what are you doing here? Is this your friend?”

“Hey, Mo Mo! Let me introduce you to Xiong Ge, a very experienced martial arts choreographer. We just bumped into each other and decided to have some tea. Are you here with a friend?”

“Yes, my friend came to visit me, and I had nowhere else to take her. This is Director Xu. She directed my last film.”

“We’ve already met. Director Xu is so famous. Who doesn’t know her? Would you like to join us?”

Xu Jie wanted to decline, but Li Mo had already accepted the invitation and sat down next to Fan Weiqi. Xu Jie had no choice but to sit next to Xiong Ge. Fan Weiqi monopolized Li Mo’s attention, while Xiong Ge chatted with Xu Jie about filmmaking.

After a while, Xiong Ge excused himself, claiming he had something to attend to. Xu Jie was secretly relieved, hoping to finally be rid of this annoying woman, but Fan Weiqi refused to leave, saying she wanted to spend more time with them.

Li Mo, of course, was delighted. Fan Weiqi then suggested going to the bar. Xu Jie wanted to refuse, but Li Mo beat her to it, agreeing enthusiastically. Xu Jie was fuming. She felt like a third wheel, a mere spectator to their budding romance. Her jealousy reached its peak.

Fan Weiqi, as if determined to torment Xu Jie, continued to flirt with Li Mo, showering her with attention. Li Mo played along, acting like a smitten fan, while Fan Weiqi played the role of the charming and unattainable goddess.

They were both drinking the same wine, but for Li Mo and Fan Weiqi, it was a sweet nectar, while for Xu Jie, it was a bitter poison, fueling her despair. A popular dance song came on, and Fan Weiqi pulled Li Mo onto the dance floor.

Fan Weiqi, with her graceful and seductive moves, danced sensually, her body brushing against Li Mo’s. Li Mo, like a pole, became the center of her attention, their bodies moving in sync with the music. The two beautiful women, their bodies moving with such grace and passion, captivated the entire dance floor.

Fan Weiqi, as if to ensure Xu Jie’s misery, pulled Li Mo closer at the end of the song, gazed into her eyes, and kissed her softly on the lips. Li Mo, like a child receiving a treat, beamed at her.

Xu Jie was enraged. She wanted to rip Fan Weiqi apart, but she had to maintain a smile, watching as the two women returned to their table, their faces flushed, their eyes sparkling with happiness.

“Qiqi, you’re such a good dancer! You were amazing!”

“Thank you. I think you danced well too. We have good chemistry.”

“Yes, I felt it too.”

“Director Xu, you look pale. Are you feeling alright?”

“… I’m fine. I just had a bit too much to drink.”

“Xu Jie, are you okay? Should I take you home?”

“Yes, I’m a bit tired. Could you please take me home?”

Xu Jie, assuming Li Mo would personally escort her back, used her tiredness as an excuse to leave. She couldn’t bear to watch Li Mo and Fan Weiqi together any longer.

However, to her dismay, Li Mo called Ah Zhong and asked him to take Xu Jie back to the hotel, while she stayed behind. Xu Jie wanted to change her mind but couldn’t think of a way to do so without seeming desperate. She was forced to leave with Ah Zhong.

After Xu Jie left, Li Mo and Fan Weiqi burst out laughing, their expressions transforming. They started plotting how to make Xu Jie give up for good. Fan Weiqi snapped her fingers and whispered her plan to Li Mo, who looked at her, surprised.

“Isn’t that a bit too much?”

“It’s perfect! Don’t you want her to give up as soon as possible?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then let’s do it! A clean break. A swift and decisive blow.”

“Okay, I’m in.”

Chapter 71

Fan Weiqi and Li Mo entered a Western restaurant and chose a corner table. The restaurant was lavishly decorated, even more opulent than a six-star Michelin restaurant. A waiter approached them with menus.

Fan Weiqi casually ordered a few exquisite-looking dishes, while Li Mo simply ordered a glass of whiskey on the rocks. Fan Weiqi raised her eyebrows, impressed.

“I didn’t expect you to be such a tough girl, Mo Mo. It’s rare to see a young woman like you drinking whiskey straight.”

“I don’t like sweet drinks, so I never order cocktails.”

“Alright, after we’re done here, I’ll take you somewhere you can drink your fill.”

“Sounds good! Sorry, I need to take this call.”

Li Mo’s phone rang. She retrieved it from her bag and saw an unknown number on the screen. She answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Mo Mo? It’s Xu Jie.”

“Oh, Xu Jie, how did you get this number?”

“I couldn’t reach you on your other phone. You mentioned that you left it at the company, so I figured you hadn’t retrieved it yet. I called Yu Wenqian and got your new number from her.”

“Oh, right, my phone is still in Beijing. What’s up?”

“Nothing important. Just wanted to check on you. How was the audition? Did you get the role?”

“I think I did well. I have a good chance.”

“Congratulations! I knew you could do it!”

“Thank you.”

“By the way, when are you coming back from Shanghai?”

“In two days, if everything goes well. Why?”

“No reason. I just have some free time and thought I could fly over to Shanghai and hang out with you. You’re probably just waiting for the results, so you must be bored. I can keep you company.”

“Um, Xu Jie, there’s no need. I’m only staying for two more days, and I’m here for work. I won’t be bored. You don’t have to fly all the way here.”

“It’s fine. I have nothing else to do. And I can scout for locations for my next film while I’m there.”

“But I might have to meet with the director and producers. I might not have time to hang out with you.”

“It’s okay, I can wait until you’re free. Come on, please?”

“Sigh, alright, if you insist.”

“Great! See you tomorrow then! Send me your hotel address so I can see if I can book a room in the same hotel. It will be more convenient.”

“Okay, I’ll send it to you later.”

“Bye.”

Fan Weiqi had been listening to their conversation, noticing Li Mo’s expression change from cheerful to troubled. She guessed that the person on the other end of the line was someone Li Mo wanted to avoid.

“What’s wrong? You look upset. Is something bothering you? Do you need my help?”

“It’s nothing serious. Just a small issue.”

“If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. We can talk about something else.”

Li Mo sighed, looking at Fan Weiqi’s concerned expression. She decided it wasn’t a sensitive topic and that Fan Weiqi seemed trustworthy. She confided in her.

“It’s not that I can’t talk about it. I just don’t like speaking ill of others.”

“I understand.”

“Well, you know I worked with Director Xu on my last film, right?”

“Yes.”

“I was a complete novice, so I followed her around all the time, learning from her. We were practically inseparable.”

“That’s normal. So what happened?”

“I guess spending so much time together led her to develop feelings for me. But for me, she’s just a friend and colleague. Nothing more.”

“Did she harass you?”

“It wasn’t that serious. She’s been very kind to me. But she did hint that she wanted to pursue a romantic relationship, and I declined. But she’s been acting strangely ever since, making me feel uncomfortable.”

“I see. So, she’s clinging to you, treating you like her possession.”

“Something like that. I’ve tried to let her down gently, but she doesn’t seem to understand. And I don’t want to hurt her feelings, so it’s a bit awkward.”

“She understands. She’s just playing the waiting game. I’ve seen this type of behavior before. It’s so annoying. Relationships should be mutual. If someone rejects you, you should respect their decision and move on. Clinging to them and disrupting their life is just pathetic.”

“What should I do to make her give up?”

“Do you care about her?”

“Yes, she’s a good person. She taught me a lot and gave me my first opportunity in the industry. She’s like a mentor to me.”

“I see. So you don’t want to hurt her feelings or damage your relationship, but you also want her to stop pursuing you romantically. That’s tricky.”

“Yes, that’s why I haven’t been able to resolve this.”

“If you trust me, I can help you.”

“You have a solution?”

“It’s a classic cliché from TV dramas: pretend to have a girlfriend to make her jealous and back off.”

“Do you think it will work?”

“I don’t know, but any reasonable person would give up if they saw you with someone else, right? Unless she’s planning to kidnap you and force you to love her! Hahaha.”

“Hmm, that makes sense. So, what do we do?”

“It’s simple. We’ll just act like a couple. It will be good practice for our upcoming film.”

“Okay, so I’ll call you when she arrives tomorrow morning?”

“No, don’t make it so obvious. She might suspect something. Hmm, let me think… How about we pretend that you brought her here to have some fun, and I just happened to be here too? Would that work?”

“I think so, but I’m not a member. I can’t get in.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. I’ll get you a membership card.”

“Really? Thank you so much! I appreciate it!”

“Hehe, no problem. Don’t mention it.”

Fan Weiqi went to the club’s office and arranged a membership card for Li Mo. About fifteen minutes later, she returned, a proud grin on her face, waving a gold membership card.

“Here you go.”

“Wow, thank you!”

“Hehe, shouldn’t you thank me properly?”

“Of course, how can I ever repay your kindness?”

“Oh, well, according to the usual script, you should offer yourself to me, but this is an unconventional story, so I’ll just settle for you accompanying me for a night of drinking.”

“Deal!”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go party!”

Fan Weiqi led Li Mo to the club’s bar. They ordered a bottle of twenty-year-old whiskey and spent the night drinking, chatting, and laughing. They clicked instantly, their personalities complementing each other perfectly.

“Mo Mo, I’ve decided!”

“Decided what?”

“I’m going to kiss you senseless!”

Fan Weiqi lunged at Li Mo playfully, her hands outstretched, and Li Mo pretended to be scared, their laughter echoing through the bar. They took silly selfies, their faces flushed with alcohol and mirth.

They drank until the early hours of the morning, then reluctantly left the bar. Since they were both drunk, Li Mo called Ah Zhong to pick them up and take them back to the hotel.

Chapter 70

After the audition, Li Mo and Fan Weiqi walked out of the room together. As soon as they stepped out the door, Fan Weiqi excitedly slapped Li Mo on the shoulder.

“You were amazing, Li Mo! During that scene, I felt like I was falling in love with you! It was so exhilarating! It’s been a while since I’ve had such a strong scene partner! You’ve awakened my acting passion!”

“Hahaha, Sister Weiqi, you’re exaggerating. I wasn’t that good.”

“Exaggerating? I’m serious! If the director hadn’t yelled cut, I would have kissed you right there!”

“Hehe, Sister Weiqi, you’re so silly.”

“Oh, stop calling me ‘Sister’ all the time! You’re making me feel old! I’m still young and beautiful! Come on, just call me by my name.”

“Okay, Weiqi.”

“Hmm, that still doesn’t sound right. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll get these roles. We’ll be working together, so you can call me Qiqi, and I’ll call you Mo Mo. It will help us build chemistry.”

“Okay… I hope you’re right, Qiqi.”

“Yes, that’s better. Mo Mo, I’m so glad it’s you auditioning for the lead role. If I had to play opposite that Yulin girl, I’d have nightmares! Ugh, she’s so fake!”

Fan Weiqi shuddered dramatically, rolling her eyes.

“Who’s Yulin?”

“The girl who was behind you in line.”

“What about her?”

“She’s a total two-faced phony! I worked with her once. She acts all sweet and innocent around men, but she’s cold and aloof with women. It’s disgusting.”

“Really? She’s that bad?”

“Hmph, she’s even worse. I once saw her flirting with the director, a married man! I can’t stand people like that! Why can’t they just focus on acting instead of all this drama? It’s so annoying.”

“Okay, okay, Qiqi, calm down. You’ll get wrinkles if you keep frowning.”

“You’re the one who’ll get wrinkles! Stop teasing me! Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I’ll be quiet.”

“Hee hee hee, tell me, where did you come from, you adorable creature? I love you! The more I see you, the more I like you! No, wait, I’m the older one. You should call me ‘Sister.’”

“Hahaha! Hahaha!”

Li Mo laughed, thoroughly entertained by Fan Weiqi’s antics. She found her hilarious and fun to be around. They had only known each other for a few hours, but she already felt a strong connection with her, a sense of camaraderie.

“Hey, Mo Mo, we’re both stuck here waiting for the results. You must be free, right? Want to hang out with me?”

“Um… I need to ask my agent.”

“Come on, let’s go find her and ask.”

Fan Weiqi dragged Li Mo to the waiting area, where they found Yu Wenqian.

“How did it go? Was the audition okay?”

“I think it went well.”

“Hi, you must be Mo Mo’s agent. Let me tell you, your Mo Mo is amazing! She was so good that even Director Wang applauded! You know how hard it is to impress him! She’s incredible!”

“Hello, Miss Fan. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, you’re both so formal! Calling me ‘Miss Fan’ and ‘Senior’! What did I do to deserve this?”

Yu Wenqian frowned, looking at Li Mo in confusion. This wasn’t the Fan Weiqi she knew. In their previous encounters, Fan Weiqi had always maintained a cool and aloof demeanor. Why was she acting so differently now?

“Oh, never mind. Anyway, I’m free for the next few days, and I want to take your Mo Mo out for some fun. Is that okay?”

“Yes, of course. But Li Mo is new to this industry. I’m worried she might not know how to avoid the paparazzi. Perhaps you could keep an eye on her, Miss Fan, and make sure she doesn’t get photographed.”

“No problem! Leave it to me! I know a private club owned by a celebrity. It’s very discreet.”

“Okay, that sounds good.”

“Great! It’s settled then! Mo Mo, send me your hotel address. I’ll pick you up later.”

“Okay, see you tonight.”

“Bye, sweetie!”

“Bye.”

Fan Weiqi left, and Yu Wenqian turned to Li Mo, her curiosity piqued.

“Do you know Fan Weiqi?”

“No, we just met today. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. I’ve never seen her so playful and carefree before. She’s always been so cold and distant. I thought you two were old friends.”

“I had no idea she was so fun! She’s completely different from her public image. Hahaha.”

“Just be careful when you’re out with her tonight. Don’t worry me, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.”

“Sigh… You’re both the same! You think being an agent is easy?”

“Okay, okay, Sister Qian, don’t be angry. I was just kidding. I’ll be good. Don’t worry. I’ve been good so far, haven’t I?”

“Hmph, don’t think I don’t know about you and Ms. Song. I’m just pretending not to notice. Tsk.”

“… There’s nothing going on between us. You’re misunderstanding.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself to me. It’s your personal life. Just don’t do anything scandalous in public. Otherwise, you’ll be making my job a lot harder.”

“… Okay, I’ll be careful.”

Yu Wenqian dropped Li Mo off at her hotel. Li Mo rested for a while and then changed into a new outfit, preparing to go out. Just as she was ready, her new phone rang.

“Hello, is this Mo Mo?”

“Yes, it’s me. Are you here?”

“Yes, I’m here. Come down now.”

“Okay, I’m coming.”

Li Mo left her room and told Yu Wenqian that she was going out. She took the elevator down to the lobby and walked towards the hotel entrance, where she found a red Ferrari parked outside. The window rolled down, revealing Fan Weiqi, who waved to her excitedly. Li Mo smiled and got into the car.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you shopping! Hehe.”

“Sister, you can’t do that. I’m not old enough.”

“Hehe, it’s too late to run now! Hahaha.”

Fan Weiqi drove the Ferrari towards the most bustling district in Shanghai, a maze of skyscrapers and crowded streets. They navigated through the city center and then turned into a quieter alleyway behind the main street, lined with historical buildings.

Fan Weiqi pulled up to an old courtyard house. From the outside, it looked like a museum, but as they approached the gate, Li Mo noticed the tight security. They had to use an electronic keycard to open the gate.

After passing through the gate, they encountered another checkpoint. Fan Weiqi rolled down the window and handed her membership card to one of the guards. The guard compared her face to the photo on the card and then allowed them to pass.

Fan Weiqi retrieved her card, rolled up the window, and drove towards the underground parking entrance. They parked the car and entered an elevator.

“Qiqi, this place is so mysterious! How did you find it?”

“The owner is a good friend of mine. It’s a private club for celebrities and business elites. Ordinary people can’t get in. And the membership requirements are very strict. You can’t just buy your way in. You need to be recommended by an existing member.”

“Wow, that’s impressive! So, you guys have these secret places to hang out? No wonder we never see celebrities at public events! You’re all hiding out in these private clubs!”

“What do you mean ‘you guys’? You’re a celebrity now too! Silly girl! Once you’ve been in this industry for a while, you’ll discover more of these places. You think every celebrity is a bookworm who stays home all the time? These places exist, but they’re very discreet to keep the paparazzi out.”

“What kind of things can we do here?”

“Everything! There’s a dance hall, a bar, a casino, a theater, a gym, a swimming pool, a restaurant… You name it, they have it.”

“Really? That’s amazing!”

“This one is actually quite small. Land is scarce in Shanghai, so they couldn’t build a bigger place. The one in Beijing is much bigger. I’ll take you there sometime.”

“Yes, please! I want to see it!”

“Okay, let’s go eat something first. I’m starving.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Chapter 69

Li Mo arrived at the audition venue with Yu Wenqian and her team. There were quite a few other actresses there, and Li Mo felt a twinge of anxiety, especially when she saw Fan Weiqi.

Fan Weiqi was a highly acclaimed actress, known for her exceptional acting skills and numerous awards. Li Mo was a fan of hers, particularly after watching her performance in a historical drama the previous year.

In that drama, Fan Weiqi had played a female general, a role she had brought to life with incredible charisma and nuance. Her portrayal of the strong and capable general had captivated audiences, and Li Mo believed that even she couldn’t have done a better job.

Seeing Fan Weiqi in person, preparing for the audition, filled Li Mo with apprehension. Fan Weiqi’s talent was undeniable.

“Hello, Sister Weiqi. I’m Li Mo. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Hi, I know you. You’re Li Mo, the Best Actress winner from the Golden Rooster Awards, right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m so happy that you know me, Sister Weiqi.”

“I watched your film. Honestly, I was very impressed. I don’t think even I could have captured that essence. You were brilliant.”

“Sister Weiqi, you’re too kind. You’re making me blush.”

“Hehe, I’m just being honest. Which role are you auditioning for?”

“I’m trying out for the female lead. What about you, Sister Weiqi?”

“I’m auditioning for the second female lead.”

“But Sister Weiqi, with your status, why would you want to play the second lead?”

“For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s the lead or supporting role. What matters is the character. If I don’t like the character, I won’t accept the role, even if it’s the only role in the entire film.”

“But Sister Weiqi, I think you’d be perfect for the female lead. She’s a very strong and determined character, similar to the female general you played before. I’m sure you’d be amazing.”

“Hahaha, I could play her, but I want to try something different this time. I think the second female lead is more challenging. She might seem fragile on the outside, but she’s strong on the inside. You can see it in how she survives after being abused. And her unwavering devotion to the female lead is admirable. I want to explore that kind of character.”

“Hearing you say that, I’m even more excited to see your portrayal of the second female lead.”

“Right?”

“Yes, I can’t wait.”

Fan Weiqi, enjoying their conversation, beckoned Li Mo closer and whispered in her ear,

“I’ll let you in on a secret. I think you have a good chance of getting the lead role. Good luck. I’m rooting for you.”

Li Mo, glancing around to make sure no one was listening, asked,

“Why do you say that?”

“Look around. Besides you and me, who else has the right aura for the female lead? Hehe.”

Li Mo looked around. Although most of the actresses were seasoned veterans, none of them seemed to fit the image of the female lead.

“You’re right.”

“Hehe, I told you. And I’m auditioning for the second lead, so I’m sure you’ll get the lead role.”

“I hope so. I really love this character.”

“You’ll get it. Don’t worry. Get ready to be my wife! Hahaha.”

“Huh?”

“Wait, you don’t know this is a lesbian film?”

“Really? I had no idea! But I’ve read the script countless times, and there’s no romance in it. Is there something wrong with the script?”

“It’s not your fault. You’re reading the original script. The revised script hasn’t been released yet. The story is the same, but they’ve added a romantic subplot between the two female leads.”

“How do you know that?”

“Director Wang told me himself. And they’re planning to submit the film to the Berlin International Film Festival next year.”

“My agent mentioned that they’re planning to submit it to a film festival.”

“Yes, the Berlinale usually favors arthouse films and LGBTQ+ films. Didn’t you know that?”

“I had no idea.”

“So, are you ready to be my wife? Hehe.”

“Hehe, I didn’t know you were such a flirt, Sister Weiqi.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re so smooth!”

“Hahaha, do I usually seem stiff and awkward?”

“On TV, you always seem cold and aloof.”

“Cold and aloof actresses don’t get husbands. That’s just an act for the audience.”

“Hahaha, my image of you is completely shattered! Sister Weiqi, you’re breaking character! Oh my god, this is too funny!”

“Tsk, that’s because you don’t know the real me. Here, let’s add each other on WeChat. I’ll show you the real me.”

“Okay.”

“Hahaha, you’re so funny. I think I’ve found the right wife. I like you.”

Li Mo and Fan Weiqi hit it off, exchanging contact information. A moment later, the door to the audition room opened, and a female assistant emerged. She glanced at her list and beckoned Fan Weiqi inside.

Fan Weiqi disappeared into the room, and Li Mo waited nervously, wondering how she was doing. She hoped Fan Weiqi would get the role. She was eager to work with her.

After a while, the door opened again, but Fan Weiqi didn’t come out. The assistant beckoned Li Mo inside. Li Mo stood up and entered the room. She saw Fan Weiqi sitting on a chair, winking at her and giving her a thumbs-up.

Li Mo smiled at her and then approached the three people sitting in a row in front of her. The middle-aged man was Director Wang, the director of the film. To his right sat Qiang Ge, the assistant director, and to his left sat Yang Yichen, the screenwriter.

Li Mo greeted them and introduced herself. After a brief chat, Director Wang instructed her to begin her audition. He had chosen a seemingly insignificant scene for her to perform.

“Act out the scene where the female lead arrives in Shanghai and opens a food stall. You can start whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay.”

Li Mo was curious why he had chosen this scene. It was a mundane scene, depicting everyday life and work. She had expected him to choose the scene where the female lead was injured by the bomb or captured by the Japanese soldiers.

Despite her curiosity, she didn’t question his choice. She closed her eyes for a moment, visualizing the scene, immersing herself in the character’s emotions. Within seconds, she was in character.

She imagined herself standing behind a wooden food stall. Life was hard, but she was free, and that brought her happiness.

She smiled as she wiped down the counter with a ragged cloth, arranging everything neatly to make it comfortable for her customers.

She looked at the second female lead, who was washing dishes, and smiled at her, her expression filled with love and gratitude. The other woman smiled back, their bond unbreakable. They were working hard together, building a new life, hoping their efforts would bring them a brighter future.

Director Wang watched her performance, his expression serious. He observed her every gesture, every subtle change in her expression. Then he called out, “Cut!”

“That’s enough. Now, explain your interpretation. Tell us why you chose to portray the scene that way.”

“Okay, Director. That scene depicts the female lead and the second female lead arriving in Shanghai and opening a food stall to make a living. I believe the female lead would approach her work with dedication and care because she cherishes her newfound freedom.”

“But she’s living a hard life now, compared to her comfortable life at her husband’s house. Don’t you think she would struggle with this drastic change?”

“Although she didn’t have to worry about money at her husband’s house, she was unhappy, even miserable. And before her marriage, she came from a very poor family, so manual labor wouldn’t be a problem for her. The most important thing is that she’s finally free, something she’s always longed for. So, no matter how hard life is, she would feel it’s worth it.”

“Okay, then why was she smiling while working? Don’t you think she would be tired and exhausted?”

“She is tired and exhausted, but she’s also happy. That’s why she’s smiling.”

“I understand.”

Director Wang, his face still serious, turned to the two people beside him. They leaned closer and whispered to him, then sat back in their chairs. Director Wang looked at Li Mo and asked her to perform another scene, this time the reunion scene between the two female leads.

“Weiqi, can you please join Li Mo and act out the scene with her?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, then you two will perform the final reunion scene. Start whenever you’re ready.”

“Okay.”

Li Mo and Fan Weiqi stood facing each other, a few feet apart. Fan Weiqi, despite her young age, was an experienced actress. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

Li Mo stood there, her body trembling. After all these years, she had thought she would never see this woman again. She took a deep breath, trying to hold back her tears.

Fan Weiqi bit her lip, unable to believe her eyes. She laughed through her tears, her gaze fixed on Li Mo. She had searched for her for so long, enduring countless disappointments and despair, and now, here she was, standing right in front of her.

Li Mo couldn’t hold back any longer. She took a step towards Fan Weiqi, and Fan Weiqi took a step towards her. They stopped when they were just inches apart, their hands almost touching.

Fan Weiqi, seeing the scars on Li Mo’s face, reached out and gently caressed her cheek, her heart aching. Li Mo turned away, wanting to hide her disfigured face, but Fan Weiqi pulled her close, embracing her tightly.

“Cut! That’s enough.”

Li Mo and Fan Weiqi, snapping out of character, released each other and turned to face the three people behind the table. The three remained silent for a moment, then Director Wang began to clap, followed by Qiang Ge and Yang Yichen. Qiang Ge grinned at them, giving them a thumbs-up.

Yang Yichen smiled warmly, her eyes filled with maternal pride. Fan Weiqi nudged Li Mo playfully and winked at her. Yang Yichen spoke first.

“They’re like they stepped right out of my story! Exactly as I imagined them! What do you think, Qiang Ge?”

“One word: amazing.”

“Yes, very good. That’s all for today. You can go home and wait for our decision.”

“Thank you, Director Wang, Qiang Ge, and Screenwriter Yang.”

Chapter 68

The next morning, Yu Wenqian arrived promptly to pick up Li Mo for their flight to Shanghai. The four of them – Li Mo, Yu Wenqian, Ah Zhong, and Huizi – boarded the plane in Beijing and arrived in Shanghai a little after one in the afternoon. Yu Wenqian had arranged for a van to take them to their hotel to rest and unpack.

At the hotel lobby, Huizi, Li Mo’s assistant, collected the room keys from the front desk and distributed them to Li Mo, Yu Wenqian, and Ah Zhong.

“It’s still early. If you want to go out later, you can have Ah Zhong drive you, but remember that you have an early audition tomorrow morning. Don’t stay up too late, and make sure you’re well-rested. Okay?”

“Yes, Sister Qian. Don’t worry.”

After settling in, they each went to their respective rooms. Huizi helped Li Mo unpack her suitcase and then turned to her.

“Oh, right, Sister Mo, Sister Qian asked me to give you this phone. She said you left yours behind and might need it, so she had me buy you a new one to use for the next few days.”

“Oh, thank you, Huizi. I’m sorry for the trouble.”

“No trouble at all, Sister Mo. I’m happy to help. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, that’s all. You must be tired. Go and get some rest. Don’t worry about me. Thank you.”

“Okay, I’m going to take a nap. I woke up early today and I’m a bit sleepy. If you need anything, you can come find me. I’m sharing a room with Sister Qian.”

“Okay, thanks, Huizi.”

“Then I’ll go now. Bye, Sister Mo.”

Huizi left, her cheerful demeanor lifting Li Mo’s spirits. She examined the new phone Huizi had given her, noticing that Huizi had thoughtfully programmed in some important contact numbers and even logged into her Weibo account.

She opened Weibo and checked the trending topics, finding that her interview from yesterday was already in the top five. She clicked on the video and watched it, reading the comments. Most of them were positive, praising her performance and expressing their support for her future projects.

Li Mo smiled, enjoying the attention. It was the first time she had been in the public eye, and it was a novel experience. In the past, she had chosen to live a low-key life, her accumulated wealth allowing her to pursue her passions without worrying about financial security.

Her decision to become an actress stemmed from her curiosity about the entertainment industry. She wanted to experience the thrill of being in the spotlight. And after filming her first movie, she had discovered that she enjoyed acting. It allowed her to immerse herself in different roles and draw upon her vast life experience.

She loved the script for her next film. The story resonated with her own past experiences, although in real life, she had no desire to relive those days of constant fear and loss. However, exploring those emotions through acting was cathartic.

She wanted to portray the character authentically, conveying the raw emotions of fear, loss, and resilience, hoping to inspire the audience to appreciate the hard-won freedom and peace they now enjoyed. Although the world was at peace, there were still those who sought to disrupt it, committing crimes, stealing from others, and even taking lives.

Despite her immortality, she couldn’t single-handedly change the world. She hoped that through her acting, she could influence people, inspiring them to cherish their lives and strive for a better world.

After browsing Weibo for a while, she put down her phone and opened her suitcase, retrieving the script. She was determined to land this role and was diligently studying the script, analyzing every scene, even researching the other characters to understand their relationships and motivations.

Meanwhile, Song Ling had woken up shortly after Li Mo left the previous day. She looked around the empty room, remembering her reckless actions, and berated herself for losing control and sleeping with Li Mo before confirming her identity.

She spent the entire day trying to calm down, her mind racing with thoughts of Li Mo. She was convinced that Li Mo was Li Xinjun. Their appearance, their aura, their shared identity as vampires, the familiarity she felt when touching Li Mo’s body… It all pointed to one conclusion: Li Mo was Li Xinjun.

But she couldn’t understand why Li Xinjun had forgotten her past. She had to find her and uncover the truth, even if Li Xinjun never remembered their shared history. As long as they were together, everything else could be worked out.

But remembering her own rough behavior the previous night, she worried that she had angered Li Mo and pushed her away. She was furious with herself.

The next day, she tried to call Li Mo to apologize, but then she found Li Mo’s phone on the coffee table, forgotten.

She hung up and called Yu Wenqian instead, informing her that she had Li Mo’s phone and asking for her location so she could return it. Yu Wenqian told her that they were in Shanghai and would be staying there for a few days.

Song Ling hung up the phone, her mind racing. Should she go to Shanghai and see Li Mo? But knowing that Li Mo was busy with work, she dismissed the idea.

She knew how much Li Mo loved her work and didn’t want to distract her. Besides, they both needed time to process everything that had happened.

She decided to call Mark, whom she hadn’t seen in a while. Mark had been living in England since the Qing Dynasty. He was now a volunteer environmental activist, organizing events to clean up trash and promote recycling. He lived a simple and carefree life.

The call connected, and Mark’s bearded face appeared on the screen. Song Ling frowned, her expression disapproving.

“What have you done to yourself? You look like a homeless man!”

“Hahaha, I’m handsome, aren’t I? You wouldn’t understand. The young ladies love this look. Hahaha, so, what brings you to call me?”

“I found Jun’er.”

“WHAT?! Sigh… Song Ling, it’s been centuries. I thought you had moved on. Why are you obsessing over her again? We’re immortal. If we cling to one person for eternity, it will be a truly endless torment. Take my advice, go out, meet new people, enjoy a few decades with someone you like, or even change partners every day. Forget about the past.”

“I’m not joking, Mark. I really found her. She’s right here, in front of me.”

“… That’s impossible. You know that Jun’er died centuries ago. Even if you’ve met someone who looks like her, it’s not her. I won’t stop you from using her as a substitute, but you don’t have to pretend with me. I might start to think you’re losing your mind.”

“Mark, it’s really her! She has the same aura, the same scent. And she’s a jiangshi too!”

“WHAT? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Oh my god… But… That doesn’t make sense… No, I’m flying over there tomorrow. I have to see this for myself.”

“That’s actually what I wanted to ask you. I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Jun’er doesn’t recognize me. She doesn’t remember anything. I think she’s lost her memory, but I don’t understand why. I was hoping you might have some insight.”

“Song Ling, I have to remind you that, as far as I know, vampires can’t get amnesia. Our bodies have incredible regenerative abilities. Even brain injuries heal completely.”

“I know! That’s why I’m so confused! Why doesn’t she remember anything?”

“Are you sure you haven’t mistaken her for someone else?”

“Mark, our senses are enhanced. We can’t possibly mistake someone for someone else.”

“That’s true. Alright, I’ll fly over there tomorrow. We’ll talk then.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”

“Bye.”

Chapter 67

After seeing Director Xu off, Li Mo returned to her apartment, her mind still reeling from the encounter with Song Ling. Too many unanswered questions plagued her thoughts, making it impossible to relax. She was grateful that the audition wasn’t until the day after tomorrow. Otherwise, in her current state of mind, she wouldn’t be able to focus on her role.

She went to her room, retrieved the script, and began to read. Immersing herself in work was the best way to distract herself from her emotional turmoil. She channeled her professional spirit and began analyzing the character, putting herself in the character’s shoes, imagining how she would react in the same situations.

She read the script over and over again, meticulously studying every detail, jotting down her thoughts and insights on colorful sticky notes that she attached to the pages. Soon, the entire script was covered in a rainbow of notes.

It was already evening when she finally looked up, realizing how much time had passed. She closed the script and went to the refrigerator, grabbing a bag of blood to quench her thirst. As she stared at the glass of blood, her mind drifted back to Song Ling’s revelation that she was also a vampire.

She remembered Song Ling’s eyes, transforming into a mesmerizing deep blue. She daydreamed about Song Ling gazing at her with those captivating eyes, her expression filled with love and longing. It was that look that had made Li Mo succumb to her advances.

She shook her head, trying to banish those thoughts, but she couldn’t help but ponder her own mysterious past. Li Mo knew nothing about her origins. She didn’t know where she came from or why she was a vampire. She didn’t even know her real name.

Li Mo was just a name she had chosen for herself. Her earliest memory was of being a survivor of World War II. She remembered crawling out of a pile of corpses, but she had no idea how she had ended up in that mass grave or why she had lost her memory.

She only knew that after emerging from that pit, she had been running for her life, fleeing from bombs and soldiers. At the time, she hadn’t known she was a vampire, with an immortal body. She had only discovered her true nature much later.

She had been completely amnesiac. When she woke up, all she saw were corpses, the sounds of gunfire and explosions filling her ears, terror gripping her heart. She hadn’t had time to think about anything else.

Her first instinct had been to escape, to find a place to hide. She remembered going days without food or water, something impossible for an ordinary human. But she hadn’t thought much of it at the time. Survival in those chaotic times had overridden her basic human needs.

When she could no longer bear the hunger, she had emerged from the sewers, seeking food. She had found a fruit tree in a nearby forest and had devoured the fruit, but it hadn’t satisfied her hunger.

She had then given up on fruit and had gone in search of other food, only to discover her insatiable craving for blood. She had found herself drawn to corpses, unable to resist the urge to drink their blood. And she had realized that only blood could truly quench her thirst.

At first, she had been repulsed by her own actions, but over time, she had grown accustomed to it. Then, during one of her escapes, she had met a middle-aged woman fleeing with her two children. They had decided to travel together, helping each other, forming a bond of kinship. However, during one of their escapes, they had been discovered by Japanese soldiers.

The soldiers, seeing the two attractive women, had evil intentions. They had tried to escape, but fleeing with two children was difficult. Li Mo had watched helplessly as the soldiers killed the children and then the mother, who had sacrificed herself to protect her children.

Witnessing their deaths had filled Li Mo with rage, and it was then that she had discovered the immense power within her.

She had single-handedly slaughtered an entire Japanese unit, without any weapons. After that battle, she had finally accepted the truth: she wasn’t human. She was a vampire, a terrifying creature with an immortal body. She had then used her powers to kill countless Japanese soldiers, her reputation spreading like wildfire.

The Japanese command, determined to eliminate her, had sent more troops and tanks after her. Even with her immortality, she couldn’t withstand their firepower. She had been forced to flee again.

She had sought refuge in a church, where she had met an American missionary. The missionary, taking pity on her, had helped her escape China with the US Army, taking her back to America with him.

She had then lived with the missionary at his church in America for over a decade. When the missionary died of old age, Li Mo, her youthful appearance unchanged, fearing suspicion, had decided to live a nomadic life.

To avoid unnecessary questions about her immortality, she would move to a new city every few decades, assuming a new identity, and starting a new life.

Therefore, her claim to Song Ling that she was a Chinese-American born and raised in the US wasn’t entirely a lie. It was just that the truth was too complicated to explain.

Initially, Li Mo had also wondered if she might be the Li Xinjun of Song Ling’s memories, but after hearing the details of Song Ling’s story, she had dismissed that possibility. The reason was simple: Li Xinjun and Song Ling were from the Qing Dynasty.

According to Song Ling, Li Xinjun had died during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. Li Mo, although amnesiac, knew that her earliest memories were from World War II, a gap of about two hundred years. It was impossible.

If she were truly Li Xinjun, she would have some memories of her past, but she had none. And even if she had lost her memory after the fire in the capital, she would still remember the two hundred years that followed. And as a jiangshi, her wounds would have healed quickly. It was highly unlikely that she would have been unconscious for two hundred years due to an injury.

Li Mo was certain that she was at most a hundred years old, while Song Ling was over three hundred years old. This age difference eliminated any possibility of them being the same person. As for the familiarity she felt towards Song Ling and their uncanny resemblance, the only plausible explanation was that she might be a descendant or relative of Li Xinjun. That was the most likely scenario.

However, it was all just speculation. The truth remained a mystery, something she would have to unravel with Song Ling. But after last night’s events, her feelings towards Song Ling had changed. She didn’t know how to face her.

Their relationship was awkward. They weren’t lovers, nor were they family, but they had slept together. And now, with the possibility of being a descendant of Li Xinjun, their relationship felt even more complicated.

If it turned out that she was indeed Li Xinjun’s descendant, how would Song Ling feel? Li Xinjun was Song Ling’s wife. Wouldn’t that make their relationship incestuous? Although they weren’t blood-related, the implications were unsettling.

She sighed, wondering why the first person she had slept with had to be her ancestor’s lover. She didn’t want to accept this reality, but she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

If not for these complicated circumstances, she might have considered pursuing a relationship with Song Ling. But now, knowing the truth, she felt the need to distance herself. She didn’t want to be caught in such a messy situation.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. These worries were giving her a headache. She decided to stop thinking about it for now. She would deal with it after returning from Shanghai.

Chapter 66

Song Ling’s heart shattered upon hearing Li Mo’s denial. She couldn’t accept this cruel reality. She swept everything off the table in a fit of rage and grabbed Li Mo’s shoulders, her grip tight.

“Impossible! I don’t believe it!”

“Jun’er, why won’t you acknowledge me? Why are you being so cruel? Why?!”

“After all these years, are you still angry with me? Angry that I made the decision to turn you into a jiangshi?”

“I’m sorry, okay? Please stop pretending you don’t know me! I beg you! Please! Waaah!”

Song Ling broke down, sobbing uncontrollably, clinging to Li Mo. Li Mo, seeing her anguish, couldn’t help but cry as well. Although they had only known each other for a short time, Song Ling had always been confident and strong, never showing any weakness.

Now, seeing her so vulnerable and desperate, Li Mo couldn’t bear to hurt her any further. A protective instinct surged within her. She wanted to comfort this woman, to shield her from pain, although she didn’t understand why. She just didn’t want to see her cry.

Li Mo pulled Song Ling into her arms, holding her close, offering solace. Song Ling, enveloped in Li Mo’s embrace, felt a familiar warmth, a comforting scent that triggered a flood of memories. She wanted more, needing physical confirmation, a way to bridge the gap between past and present. She kissed Li Mo fiercely, pouring all her longing and frustration into the kiss.

Li Mo, initially hesitant, surrendered to Song Ling’s passion, allowing herself to be swept away by the intensity of their embrace. They spent a night of unrestrained passion together.

They didn’t sleep. Song Ling, like a hungry wolf, devoured Li Mo, her touch possessive, her need insatiable. They made love over and over again, until dawn broke, and Song Ling, exhausted, finally fell asleep. Li Mo lay there, watching her sleep, a strange sadness tugging at her heart.

She knew that their night of passion wasn’t love. She didn’t regret it. If it brought Song Ling some comfort, some solace from her centuries of longing, then it was worth it. But as she looked at the painting on the wall, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. How she wished she were the woman in the painting.

Li Mo sighed and gently moved Song Ling to the side, getting out of bed. She went to the bathroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her body was covered in love bites, and she blushed, embarrassed. She quickly washed up and dressed, then quietly left the house.

“Hello, Ah Zhong, can you please come and pick me up? I need to go to the company. I’ll send you the address. Thank you.”

She called Ah Zhong, one of her new assistants, and asked him to pick her up. At the company, she went to Yu Wenqian’s office. Yu Wenqian had mentioned taking her to a TV interview today. Seeing Li Mo arrive, Yu Wenqian immediately ushered her to the stylist.

“You’re finally here! Quickly, go and get changed and have your makeup done. I’ll wait for you here.”

After Li Mo had changed into a new outfit and had her makeup done, Yu Wenqian had Ah Zhong drive them to the TV station. In the car, Yu Wenqian gave Li Mo a list of questions the interviewer had prepared, advising her to think about her answers beforehand. Li Mo glanced at the questions, all about her award and her experience filming her debut movie. Nothing too challenging. She put down the paper and closed her eyes, resting.

Upon arriving at the TV station, Yu Wenqian woke her up. They entered the studio, where the host, Su Jiewen, greeted them. Li Mo sat down on a single-seater sofa, facing him. He briefly explained the format of the interview and then began.

“Hello, everyone, and welcome to our show. I’m your host, Su Jiewen, and my guest today is Li Mo. I’m sure you’re all eager to learn more about her, so let’s welcome Li Mo to the show.”

“Thank you, host. Hello, everyone. I’m Li Mo.”

“I’m sure everyone is familiar with Li Mo. Your win at the Golden Rooster Awards shocked and impressed everyone. Those who have seen your film would agree that you deserved the award.”

“Thank you again for your support and recognition.”

“As a newcomer, how do you feel about winning such a prestigious award for your debut film?”

“Well, I still can’t believe it. I’m just a newcomer, so I’m very grateful for everyone’s support and recognition. I will continue to work hard and make even better films for you all to enjoy…”

The interview continued, with the host asking questions from the prepared list. Li Mo answered them gracefully and eloquently, impressing both the host and Yu Wenqian. After the interview, they chatted with the host for a bit, and then Yu Wenqian drove Li Mo back to her apartment.

On the way, Yu Wenqian informed her that the audition for the film she had chosen was in two days, in Shanghai. They would be flying to Shanghai tomorrow. Yu Wenqian told her to get some rest and said she would pick her up in the morning.

“Get some rest tonight. I’ll pick you up early tomorrow morning. You don’t need to pack much, just some necessities. I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Okay, Sister Qian. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“By the way, have you familiarized yourself with the script?”

“Yes, I have. I’ll go over it again tonight. Don’t worry.”

“Good. Make sure you memorize your lines. Director Wang hates it when actors are unprepared. Understand?”

“Yes, I understand. We have two days until the audition. It will be fine.”

“Okay, good. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you. Bye, Sister Qian.”

As Li Mo got out of the car, she saw Director Xu approaching her, her face thunderous. Li Mo raised an eyebrow, confused. Yu Wenqian, seeing this, instructed Ah Zhong to wait. She asked Li Mo, her voice laced with concern,

“She looks angry. Do you need me to stay and help?”

“No, it’s okay, Sister Qian. You can go.”

“Alright, but try not to make a scene in public. Don’t give the paparazzi anything to write about, okay?”

“I understand. I’ll handle it.”

After Yu Wenqian left, Li Mo approached Director Xu, unsure why she was so upset. Director Xu grabbed her arm, her grip tight.

“Mo Mo, where were you last night? I waited for you all night, but you didn’t come home! I texted you, but you didn’t reply! I called you, but you didn’t answer! Where were you?!”

“Huh? You called me? I’m sorry, I didn’t notice.”

Li Mo realized that her phone had been silent all day. She rummaged through her bag and then realized that she didn’t have her phone with her. She remembered that after calling Ah Zhong that morning, she had left her phone on the coffee table at Song Ling’s house.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Director Xu! I must have left my phone behind! That’s why I didn’t answer your calls! I’m so sorry! What did you want to talk about?”

Director Xu, seeing that Li Mo wasn’t lying, calmed down a bit. However, she was still upset that Li Mo hadn’t come home last night.

“But where were you last night? Why didn’t you come home?”

Li Mo blushed, remembering the previous night’s passionate encounter. She didn’t want to reveal the truth about her relationship with Song Ling, so she lied.

“I was discussing work with Sister Qian, and it got late, so I just stayed at the company’s lounge.”

“You stayed at the company? But the company isn’t far from here! Why would you stay there? Are you hiding something from me?”

“Sigh… Director Xu, why would I lie to you? I have no reason to. I stayed at the company because I had an early morning interview at the TV station. It would have been too troublesome to go back and forth.”

“Are you sure you’re not lying?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Why would I lie? Look, Director Xu, I’m tired. I have an early flight tomorrow morning. Can you please go home now?”

“Where are you flying to tomorrow?”

“To Shanghai, for a movie audition.”

“Oh? You already have another script? Which director is it? Do you want me to take a look at the script and see if the role is suitable for you?”

Li Mo, exasperated, placed her hand on Director Xu’s shoulder and looked at her seriously.

“Director Xu, I’m a signed artist with Pinnacle Entertainment now. Please let my agent handle these matters. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“… But Mo Mo, I just want to help you.”

“I know you care about me, Director Xu, but you can’t keep doing everything for me. Even if you’re willing, I won’t allow it.”

“Why not? I don’t mind helping you.”

“But I mind. If you don’t let me be independent, I’ll never grow. You’ve done enough for me, Director Xu. I’m very grateful. But please, don’t worry about my career anymore. We can still hang out and chat, right?”

“… Mo Mo…”

“Look, I really need to rest. Please go home now, Director Xu. Bye.”