“Cheng Du, what about that actress you were obsessed with a few days ago? Why didn’t you bring her along?”
Cheng Du opened the champagne, showing little interest in the flock of admirers around him. His mind was now entirely focused on Duan Qingyu and Ji Xueli. He replied, “She’s busy with her schedule.”
“The one who called me by my name?” Ji Xueli spoke up. She seemed to only have an impression of that person.
“That’s not the one. It’s another actress, signed under the Young Master’s company.” Cheng Du waved his hand, explaining.
Upon hearing this, Ji Xueli glanced at Duan Qingyu beside her. It seemed START Entertainment truly was the leading company in the entertainment industry. No wonder so many people wanted to climb into his bed…
“Miss Ji, you’re planning to make a comeback soon, right? I heard you’re going to sign with the Ji family?” someone asked, eager for gossip.
Instantly, Cheng Du’s attention was drawn. He grew alert: “Li Li, aren’t you running your own studio? Why would you sign under Ji Yanzhou’s company? Besides, the Ji family could easily start a company for you if needed.”
“Starting a company is too much trouble. How about START Entertainment considering me?” Ji Xueli said leisurely, steering the conversation toward Duan Qingyu.
After she spoke, the room fell silent for a few seconds. None of them had expected Ji Xueli to actively approach Duan Qingyu about signing with his company.
“That’s right! START Entertainment is a top-tier entertainment company, and Li Li is a first-tier star. It’s a win-win situation,” Cheng Du clapped his hands in agreement. This would bring the three of them one step closer to reconciling.
“Do you know how I sign people according to my rules?” Duan Qingyu looked at her, speaking slowly and deliberately.
“How?” Ji Xueli met his gaze. She refused to believe this man could come up with any outrageous demands.
The man in front of her leaned closer, his cold aura washing over her. He spoke in a low, deep, and indifferent voice, both alluring and unsettling: “I want you.”
Ji Xueli’s pupils widened slightly. She believed it now… This man really could make outrageous demands.
“What are you whispering about?” Cheng Du noticed their sudden exchange and tried to join in.
“Nothing,” Duan Qingyu quickly returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.
Ji Xueli shot him a subtle glare. This lunatic…
“Is Ren Tang the same?” she asked again.
“How could they compare to Miss Ji? Naturally, I’ve set a unique rule just for you,” Duan Qingyu said with a faint smile, his expression lazy, watching her like a predator observing its prey struggling futilely in its grasp.
He wanted to see just how far the person before him would go. This game had to end when he said so, and naturally, he would be the one to set the rules.
“What rule? START Entertainment’s rule? Isn’t it just hosting a sea party? But Li Li, you don’t have to attend,” Cheng Du chimed in, catching the keyword.
“You host the sea party?” Ji Xueli asked.
“Not me. It’s them who want a shortcut, a chance for success,” Duan Qingyu spread his hands innocently.
A despicable, dark, scheming black lotus, Ji Xueli thought to herself, shifting her gaze away as she updated her understanding of the male lead.
But it seemed like this kind of character was the most popular in recent novels. Wasn’t this an old-fashioned story, though? If it was already trending this early, the author must have been quite clever.
Cheng Du watched for a moment before immediately turning to Ji Xueli. “Li Li, don’t be fooled by his appearance.”
Ji Xueli nodded. You can’t judge a man by his appearance, especially not Duan Qingyu—he was unfathomably deep.
“Alright, alright, enough talking. Come on, let’s play a game and drink.”