Chapter 42: The Medicine Takes Effect, The Boss Savors It Slowly
After the ribbon was cut, the cake sliced, and the photos taken, the whole series of formalities completed, Bai Lu didn’t feel tired. Under the Shen family’s relentless pressure, she had long since grown used to intense work; it was only her feet that hurt. She’d only learned to wear high heels a few years ago.
Sister Huahua, ever thoughtful, had brought her a pair of flats while touching up her makeup.
“Thank you, Sister Huahua.”
“No need to thank me, go on now.”
Bai Lu knew she was the star of today’s event. Though she disliked such occasions, she forced herself to perk up, put on her sweetest smile, and greet the senior artists in the circle.
Fortunately, she’d only just come of age and wasn’t expected to drink. Just holding a glass of juice was enough to get her by.
Director Zhang had also arrived. She went over to greet him, but he didn’t bother to be friendly. “Things have come to this, and you still want to sign with Yu Xing Entertainment. What, is Best Actor Lu’s studio not good enough for you?”
Bai Lu: “…”
This undercover life was just unbearable!
Director Zhang shooed her away. “Go, go, go! Just seeing you puts me in a bad mood. Stay away from me!”
Bai Lu: “…”
She had to bring down Yu Fuqing!
At that moment, Gao Fanqin came over of his own accord. Yu Xingsheng saw Bai Lu talking to Gao Fanqin, and his temple started throbbing. “Fuqing.”
Yu Fuqing understood and immediately walked over with his wine glass. Unfortunately, by the time he got there, Bai Lu and Gao Fanqin had already exchanged contact information.
“Bai Lu, you know you’re always welcome with me,” Gao Fanqin said.
Bai Lu deliberately glanced at Yu Fuqing. “I only signed with Yu Xing Entertainment for one year. If I’m unhappy this year, I’ll go straight to you, President Gao. You must take me in!”
Gao Fanqin chuckled. “Of course.”
He didn’t spare Yu Fuqing a glance as he turned and left.
For Yu Xingsheng, Gao Fanqin would at least maintain some courtesy. But Yu Fuqing? With his status, there was no need to give him any face.
Yu Fuqing leaned in and spoke softly. “Xiao Lu, you don’t need to do this. Brother Fuqing will treat you well. I’ll give you all the resources. Brother Fuqing will prove it to you with actions.”
Bai Lu scoffed coldly. “Fine. I’ll be watching.”
The entertainment industry was, in the end, all about connections. Events like today were perfect for networking and meeting new people. When the bell rang, the market for social transactions was officially open.
Bai Lu was the protagonist, yet she was also not. As the banquet entered its latter half, her presence became less and less important.
She found Yu Xingsheng. “Uncle Yu, Xiao Lu is tired.”
Yu Xingsheng, already advanced in years, was exhausted. But as the host, it wouldn’t be proper for him to leave early. Hearing Bai Lu’s words, he immediately said, “It’s fine. Your brother Fuqing is here. Xiao Lu, go rest in your room. Come, I’ll walk you up!”
Everyone she passed, no matter if they were an artist, agent, or assistant, Bai Lu dutifully greeted. “Xiao Lu is really tired. I’m going to sleep now! Bye!”
“Bye, Xiao Lu.”
Bai Lu was very sensible. As soon as she left the banquet hall, she said, “Uncle Yu, my room is just upstairs. Sister Huahua can go with me. You should head home and rest early.”
Yu Xingsheng grinned. “Xiao Lu is such a good girl!”
In his heart, he cursed his own son again.
While waiting for the elevator, Bai Lu’s phone rang.
It was her celestial man!
Bai Lu answered excitedly, “Ah Sui! You finally returned my call!”
Sister Huahua teased her, “Oh my, look at you blushing! So happy, are you?”
“I am not blushing!” Bai Lu quickly covered her phone. “No eavesdropping! Go on, shoo!”
The elevator arrived. Sister Huahua rolled her eyes. “Call him when you get back to your room.”
“No, there’s no signal in the elevator. Hurry up and go. I’ll head back after I’m done.”
Sister Huahua thought, her room was just upstairs anyway—no need to accompany Bai Lu—and left the hotel.
“Ah Sui, sorry for keeping you waiting so long.” Bai Lu cradled her phone, her smile impossibly sweet.
Listening to her voice, Huo Yanfang could imagine just how bright her smile was. “Did you block me?”
“Oh, I was just trying to scare you,” Bai Lu said nervously, waving her hands though he couldn’t see. “Even if you ignored me for so long, I couldn’t bring myself to block you. I still have to make you a star!”
“…” Huo Yanfang said, “I’ve sent you the lawyer’s contact information.”
“Ah Sui, thank you. I knew you wouldn’t ignore me.” Bai Lu said shyly, “Ah Sui, can I pay the lawyer after I get my signing bonus?”
“I’ve already covered it,” Huo Yanfang replied.
“I’ll pay you back. You must let me! If you refuse, I won’t use your lawyer. It’s a matter of principle, you know?”
“Alright.”
“Ah Sui, aren’t you busy now?” Bai Lu shook her head, feeling a little dizzy. She didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just from spending too long in the stuffy banquet hall.
“Not busy.”
Tang Xing, who had just entered the study, heard this and silently turned on his heel, waiting outside the door.
Bai Lu sat on the toilet. “Then where are you?”
“At home.”
“I’m at a hotel. Today’s my birthday.”
“Mm.”
“Ah Sui, you haven’t wished me happy birthday yet.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Hee hee hee…”
The black bunny laughed foolishly.
“Ah Sui, my head is spinning and my body feels hot. Maybe I accidentally drank something with alcohol earlier. Anyway, I won’t chat with you now. I’m going back to my room to sleep.” As she passed the restroom mirror, Bai Lu glanced at her reflection. “My face is so red. I must have had some alcohol!”
“…” Huo Yanfang remembered how she looked when she drank and reminded her, “Don’t hang up.”
“But there’s no signal in the elevator…”
She hadn’t finished her sentence when the call dropped, just as expected.
In the shadows, a pair of eyes watched her intently. As soon as she entered the elevator, he pulled out his phone.
“Boss Hou, Bai Lu just got in the elevator. She’ll be in her room soon. Looks like the drug is taking effect. Enjoy yourself—I won’t disturb you further!”