Zhou Jingming was hardly going upstairs to make a baby. The moment he stepped inside, his phone rang nonstop—he was clearly using her as a shield.
Su Xi didn't mind. She lifted her foot and walked into the bathroom.
She wasn't feeling too well today and wanted to soak in a bath to relax.
The moment her body sank into the warm water, she felt every pore open up.
Her exhaustion faded considerably.
She leaned back in the bathtub, recalling what had happened at Lanmei Bar during the day. She'd thought she could finally run into Mr. Jiu and uncover his true identity, but instead, the other party had pulled a trick on her.
She'd nearly exposed herself.
If Zhou Jingming hadn't been there, she probably would have been in danger.
Thinking of Zhou Jingming, Su Xi recalled the man's bizarre skills.
Though the two had always been sworn enemies, she knew Zhou Jingming quite well after all these years. How did a man who frequented the company of women day in and day out come by such abilities?
It seemed her understanding of Zhou Jingming was only partial. Perhaps there were secrets hidden behind this man that no one knew about.
The more Su Xi thought about it, the more interesting it seemed.
Su Rou's little stunt had added spice to her life and also made her see Zhou Jingming in a new light.
As it happened, the call Zhou Jingming received was from Su Rou.
She explained that what happened earlier was a misunderstanding—she hadn't been clear, which was why Li Xuemei had come to the Zhou residence to make trouble for Su Xi.
Zhou Jingming leaned against the balcony, puffing on a cigarette, his voice low. "When did I ever invest in your film?"
Just because he didn't say certain things didn't mean he was unaware.
Zhou Jingming hated women who schemed behind others' backs—especially when they tried to play him.
Even if she was a top star in the industry, a woman who climbed her way up through improper means wasn't worth his time.
Su Rou knew he was fully aware, so she put on an act and scrambled for an excuse. "I don't know what's going on either. Everyone at the company is spreading rumors that I'm going to replace Su Xi and take the lead role in Director Zhu's film. Brother Jingming, just ignore it. Don't take it seriously."
"Didn't you deliberately start those rumors?" Zhou Jingming never beat around the bush. He said what he meant and couldn't be bothered to waste words.
Su Rou panicked. "It really wasn't me."
"If you want to hold onto your Best Actress title, then behave yourself." He hung up and strode into the master bedroom, sitting down on the sofa.
His gaze drifted toward the bathroom. The light was on—Su Xi was taking a shower.
A faint smile tugged at his thin lips.
Listening to the dial tone on the other end, Su Rou was so furious she nearly smashed her phone.
Damn Su Xi!
What kind of love potion had she fed Zhou Jingming that he kept protecting her time and again?
Su Rou was standing at the entrance of Huasheng Grand Hotel, having changed into a new outfit. The low-cut dress hugged her curves, exuding seduction at every turn.
Afraid of being recognized, she had disguised herself before leaving.
Her entire face, except for her eyes, was completely covered.
Not long ago, Zhou Li had gotten word that Director Zhu was staying at this hotel tonight. This was her chance—she absolutely couldn't miss it.
Director Zhu was notoriously difficult in the industry.
He never cast based on fame.
She had auditioned for this film too, but Director Zhu said her image didn't fit and refused to work with her.
She never expected that damned old geezer to not even give her a supporting role, and instead make Su Xi—a D-list actress—the female lead.
Su Rou refused to accept it. She pestered Li Xuemei to step in and demand a role for her.
Director Zhu was impervious to persuasion and still refused.
Now that Su Xi had Zhou Jingming as her backing, Su Rou's reputation had taken a hit from this scandal. If she didn't produce results soon, she feared Su Xi would quickly climb over her head.
Su Rou had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure—she planned to approach Director Zhu herself. She refused to believe that faced with feminine charm, this old man could resist.
Su Rou had already found out that Director Zhu was in room 1701. She entered the elevator and headed straight for her destination.
After knocking, someone quickly came to open the door.
"Director Zhu~"
Su Rou pressed herself against him with a coy, sweet voice.
Director Zhu caught her in a full embrace, the woman's fragrance assailing his nostrils. After Su Rou pulled off her mask and glasses, he recognized her identity at a glance.
"Why is it you?"
Director Zhu frowned and released her, putting on the air of a proper gentleman.
Su Rou smiled seductively. "I heard Director Zhu had a fight with his wife. I came to keep Director Zhu company and chat."
The woman's deliberate yet feigned indifference was a provocation no man could resist, no matter how strong his self-control. Director Zhu shut the door and impatiently pinned her onto the bed.
After their passionate encounter, Su Rou nestled in Director Zhu's arms, her fingers tracing faint, teasing patterns. "Director Zhu~ I also want to act in your film. Could you give me a role, for the sake of how I pleased you tonight?"
Before she became famous, Su Rou had played around quite wildly.
All her current success had been earned by trading on her looks.
In recent years, to cultivate a pure and innocent image, she had restrained herself considerably.
Director Zhu looked troubled and confessed honestly, "Your image really doesn't fit this film, and the cast is already complete. There truly are no extra roles."
Su Rou gritted her teeth in hatred.
That damned old man!
He took advantage and still won't acknowledge it!
How could Su Rou let it go so easily? She continued to pester him. "Some are just unknown roles. Replacing them directly won't make anyone say anything. Isn't that right, Director Zhu?"
Su Rou's hand wandered restlessly over Director Zhu.
Director Zhu surrendered. "The lead roles are already set—there's really no way to change them. How about this: I'll replace one newcomer. What do you think?"
Not being able to play the lead left Su Rou unwilling to accept it.
But she also knew that if she kept hesitating, she probably wouldn't even get a supporting role.
She held back, gritted her teeth, and forced a smile. "What kind of role is it?"
"We haven't been able to find a suitable person for the female lead's maid. It just so happens that you and Su Xi are sisters. You're the best fit for this role."
Su Rou's face turned the color of liver.
Making her be Su Xi's maid?
She was a top star in the industry; all the scripts she took were leads. Now she was to play an insignificant servant. Su Rou was displeased.
"Director Zhu, this isn't quite appropriate."
"The others are all insignificant small roles, unworthy of your status as Film Queen Su." Director Zhu handed her the script to look at. "See, this maid's part requires real acting skill. An ordinary person really couldn't handle it. If played well, her spotlight might not lose to the lead."
Su Rou glanced at the script.
The maid did have quite a lot of lines.
She thought.
Su Xi had little acting experience.
When the time came, if her performance as the maid outshone the lead, she wouldn't even need to deal with Su Xi herself—this bitch would be drowned in netizens' spit.
"As expected of a top-tier Film Queen—you have an eye for it."
After Director Zhu finished speaking, he pinned Su Rou down again.
…
Su Xi soaked in the hot bath for twenty minutes, then climbed out of the tub to look for a towel.
But she couldn't find a towel. Instead, she discovered a set of pajamas on the rack.
She opened it and was stunned—the black lace material was as thin as a cicada's wing.
Wondering who could have left it, a voice as bewitching as a demon suddenly surfaced in her mind: "On our wedding night, I had someone send you a surprise."
Su Xi: "…"
This was the surprise?
A set of sexy lingerie?
Tsk~
Young Master Zhou, that playboy, really knew how to play.
He actually liked this kind of thing.
Su Xi opened the bathroom door and poked her head out toward the master bedroom. Zhou Jingming was sitting on the sofa looking at his phone.
She tossed the lingerie at him. "Young Master Zhou likes cosplay?"
Zhou Jingming caught the lingerie casually, his smile downright wicked. "Prepared it specially for you. Don't you like it?"
The freshly showered woman leaned out, half her delicate, fair body exposed, her hair clinging damply to her neck, her face flushed with an intoxicating red.
She narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Help me get my pajamas."
Like it? Put it on and wait to be mounted?
Zhou Jingming took the lingerie and came closer, pushing the door open and barging in.
Su Xi cried out in surprise. "I said get the pajamas—what are you coming in for?"
The man gripped her waist, his gaze locked on her bare, delicate body, his eyes dark and deep. "This is the pajamas. Put it on."
The skin before him was truly exquisite—smooth and fair, like the finest mutton-fat jade. Everywhere his palm touched sent shivers rippling through her.
Zhou Jingming's breathing grew ragged.
His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.
Su Xi could sense the danger radiating from him. She pushed lightly against his chest. "Don't mess around. I'm really a bit tired today."