The room was well soundproofed. After Duan Qingyu finished washing up, he couldn’t hear even the faintest sound from outside.
He opened the balcony door. The glowing ember at his fingertips appeared exceptionally vivid in the night, smoke blurring the view before him.
It was already three in the morning, yet he felt no trace of sleepiness, as if he had experienced this countless times before.
Silence enveloped him, an invisible net trapping him with nowhere to escape.
Duan Qingyu stubbed out his cigarette, his eyes clouded with gloom. This scene played out every day—outwardly, he was the lofty Crown Prince of Huacheng, holding power over life and death, yet inside, he was already corroded beyond repair…
The wind outside had dried the stray strands of hair on his forehead, clearing his mind somewhat.
But for some reason, he felt a strong urge to see whether the outside was empty or…
The door opened, and the sound of the television reached his ears first, followed by the sight of her standing in front of the screen, mimicking the movements of the person on it.
What should have been a dark and silent place at this hour suddenly felt alive.
Takeout containers littered the table.
Duan Qingyu stood still. “What are you doing?”
“You’re awake. Did I wake you?” Hearing his voice, Ji Xueli turned her head while still holding her pose. Seeing Duan Qingyu standing with his arms crossed, watching her, she couldn’t help but ask.
“I wasn’t asleep.”
“Oh, I’m managing my figure. I’m about to start filming soon.” Ji Xueli exhaled and continued her yoga routine.
She truly didn’t treat herself as an outsider.
Duan Qingyu watched her movements, silent for a moment, then walked closer, bringing with him a chill and the faint scent of cigarettes.
“Managing your figure, yet you finished all that.” He glanced at the empty takeout boxes on the table.
Ji Xueli replied earnestly, “Wasting food is shameful.”
If she exercised after eating, it was practically as if she hadn’t eaten at all, so she might as well eat.
“It seems Miss Ji truly treats this place as her own home.” Duan Qingyu took a sip of water, his lips curling into a mocking smile.
Ignoring the tone in his words, Ji Xueli replied, “Next time, you can visit my place. I’ll let you be the host.”
“The host? If I tell you to do something, will you do it?” Duan Qingyu tapped his fingers on the table, seemingly intrigued by the idea.
Ji Xueli switched to another pose, her eyes fixed on the screen. “Do you think I’d obediently listen to you?”
The person on the television demonstrated a slightly more challenging move. Ji Xueli paused, struggling a little.
Then, a cool hand steadied her waist. The man’s presence drew near, helping her complete the movement.
At the sudden closeness, Ji Xueli stiffened briefly before quickly regaining her composure.
“Why do you want to sign with START Entertainment?” Due to their positions, Duan Qingyu looked down at her. Though they appeared intimate, each harbored their own hidden thoughts, their intentions and actions misaligned.
“Because of you,” Ji Xueli said directly. She couldn’t see Duan Qingyu’s face or analyze his expression, but she heard a soft chuckle from behind.
Just then, the video on the television ended. As the screen went black, she caught a glimpse of the man’s dark eyes, sharp as blades, piercing and unfathomable.
Ji Xueli felt an inexplicable flutter in her heart.
“Only because of me,” he repeated.
Ji Xueli ended her pose, stood up, and met his gaze, reaffirming once more, “Only because of you.”
The girl’s beautiful eyes were unwavering, fixed on his.
For a moment, Duan Qingyu actually believed her words.
“Then come sign the contract tomorrow, bring your team,” Duan Qingyu said directly, without further comment.
He agreed just like that—it seemed being straightforward really worked. Ji Xueli couldn’t hide her delight, feeling she was one step closer to success.
“Nine o’clock tomorrow, no waiting if you’re late,” Duan Qingyu added with a deliberate smirk.
Ji Xueli widened her eyes. “Nine o’clock?!”
It was almost four now—making her wake up early would be the death of her.
“Can’t you be a little flexible? Even noon would work…” Ji Xueli took small, hurried steps closer.
Duan Qingyu glanced at her briefly, then walked mercilessly toward the door, leaving only one sentence: “No waiting if you’re late.”
The sound of the door closing echoed. Ji Xueli clenched her fists—this person’s behavior was truly awful. Who punishes someone like this…
It was like adding insult to injury…