Only after dying once did Ling Wei realize that leaving someone could be such a simple matter. It did not even take a full day from start to finish.
While she and Chen Xiao Ruo were eating matcha cake at the café, she casually sent Ye Zichu a text message. In short, she told him to move out everything that belonged to him before nightfall, otherwise she would treat it all as trash the next day. She also reminded him to repay the money as soon as possible and to stay out of her sight for the time being. She was afraid she would lose her temper and, in a fit of anger, release the video.
With that “evidence of guilt” in her possession, Ye Zichu had no choice but to obey.
The man who had once left her in despair and heartbreak was dismissed so easily with a single text message. It was even simpler than eating a slice of cake.
In her previous life, she had ended everything with her own death. How foolish and tragic.
Fortunately, after passing through the cleansing of rebirth, the pain was no longer carved so deeply into her bones.
The Ling Wei of today, in body and in heart, had been reborn.
Two days later, Ling Wei attended the ball as instructed by Sister Zhao, dressed to the nines.
Since the venue was a private luxury club, Chen Xiao Ruo shamelessly borrowed a domestically produced BMW from her brother. Though it could not compare in price to an imported one, with the “Don’t Touch Me” logo displayed on the front, it still looked quite impressive.
Seeing the smug look on Chen Xiao Ruo’s face, Ling Wei boldly declared, “I guarantee it won’t be long before we have a luxury nanny van driving us around whenever we go out.”
Chen Xiao Ruo leaned forward to look at the sky outside the car window. “It’s not even dark yet. Why are you already daydreaming?”
Ling Wei arched her brows. “Don’t believe me? Just wait and see.”
Chen Xiao Ruo curled her lips and changed the subject. “Sister Wei, you look gorgeous. At tonight’s ball, you’ll definitely be the star of the show.”
Ling Wei pressed her lips into a smile. “Obviously.”
“But why are you wearing this dress again? You’ve worn it several times already. Can’t you switch to another one?”
“No need.” Ling Wei said indifferently, “Men are only bewitched by my beauty. What they care about is whether this dress is easy to tear, not whether the style looks good.”
Chen Xiao Ruo: …
There was nothing wrong with that statement, but praising herself like that, was it not a bit shameless?
When they arrived at the club, Ling Wei left Chen Xiao Ruo in the car and went in alone.
In her previous life, without background or backing, Ling Wei had spent over a decade navigating the dazzling entertainment industry. To hold her ground and remain clean, untouched by scandal, was not something she achieved by luck alone. She had the necessary shrewdness and knew how to use certain tactics when needed. When it came to intrigue and maneuvering, she had some talent. She had simply fallen because of Ye Zichu.
A place like this, with its glittering lights and indulgent luxury, a playground of fame and fortune, was her absolute home ground.
The moment she stepped into the hall with graceful, feline strides, Ling Wei instinctively lifted her chin and walked toward the crowd beneath the brilliant lights in her most perfect posture, poised and composed.
Her exquisitely sculpted face, flawless from every angle, paired with her tall, slender figure and alluring curves, made her look glamorous and sensual, bold and dazzling. If a classical beauty were compared to a Chinese ink painting, then Ling Wei would undoubtedly be a vividly colored Western oil painting, rich in bold strokes, breathtakingly beautiful.
Though she was still an unknown nobody at the moment, her excessively striking appearance quickly made her the center of attention. Many men were already rubbing their hands together, eager to step forward and make an impression.
“Ling Wei, over here.” A plump woman nearing forty waved at her.
Ling Wei walked over and politely greeted her, “Sister Zhao.”
Sister Zhao’s full name was Zhao Ruyi, Ling Wei’s first agent after entering the industry.
In Ling Wei’s memory, Zhao Ruyi not only had poor character, she was also a complete pimp. She had little talent for managing stars, but she was highly experienced when it came to setting them up with wealthy clients.
Seeing how beautiful Ling Wei was, Zhao Ruyi tried every possible way to take her to all kinds of banquets. At first, Ling Wei thought Zhao Ruyi intended to focus on cultivating her, and she was deeply moved, calling her Sister Zhao all day long. But after attending several banquets, she suddenly realized the truth. Zhao Ruyi had no intention of nurturing her. She simply saw that Ling Wei was pretty and could please wealthy bosses, so she took her everywhere for social engagements, even intending to push her toward some coal tycoon.
No matter how much time passed, Ling Wei would never forget the shock she felt back then. She had not even officially entered the industry, yet Zhao Ruyi was already impatient to show her its ugliest side. It truly frightened her.
Later, Zhao Ruyi offended a powerful figure in the industry and was driven out of the entertainment circle, and only then was Ling Wei freed from her oppression.
Unexpectedly, after being reborn, she had once again returned to Zhao Ruyi’s management. It was truly helpless.
However, although she was back at a youthful age, inside she was a soul tempered by storms. Someone at Zhao Ruyi’s level was easy for her to handle.
Zhao Ruyi spoke in a mocking tone. “I thought Miss Ling would choose to stay home unemployed, since you hate socializing.”
“I wouldn’t dare. Sister Zhao’s words are like an imperial decree to me. I wouldn’t dare disobey.”
“You sound nicer than you act. When have you not just shown your face and then slipped away?” Zhao Ruyi swirled the wine in her glass and glanced sideways at Ling Wei with disdain. “Why are you wearing this dress again?”
Ling Wei flashed a bright smile. “It’s the only evening gown I have. Since you told me to dress up, Sister Zhao, this is all I could wear.”
Zhao Ruyi rolled her eyes impatiently. “Enough with the smart talk. See President Liu over there? He’s a wealthy investor, generous with his money. If you can build a connection with him, you won’t have to worry about resources in the future.”
Ling Wei obediently looked over, but after a single glance she quickly withdrew her gaze. She frowned and said gravely, “Sister Zhao, you may not know this, but I suffer from a very serious congenital condition.”
Zhao Ruyi could not follow her train of thought and asked blankly, “What congenital condition?”
Ling Wei said solemnly, “I am a severe face-con. It’s an inborn illness with no cure.”
Zhao Ruyi’s expression darkened. “And?”
“If I come into contact with a man who is too ugly, I uncontrollably break out in chills, my limbs convulse, and in serious cases I even foam at the mouth. Look at President Liu, greasy and bloated, his beer belly practically hanging to his thighs. I’m afraid I’ll have an attack before I even reach him.” Ling Wei spoke utter nonsense with a perfectly serious face.
Zhao Ruyi: …
Just then, a waiter passed by carrying cocktails. Ling Wei casually took one. Before she could even taste it, Zhao Ruyi said, “Then look at Boss Li. He’s worth even more than President Liu, and he’s quite humorous. You should be able to chat with him.”
Ling Wei pressed a hand to her forehead and said helplessly, “When he smiles, his mouth is full of gold teeth. My goodness, what era is this, and he’s still inlaying gold teeth? Showing off his assets? I really can’t stand it.”
Zhao Ruyi could not stand it anymore either. Gritting her teeth, she said, “This one won’t do, that one won’t do. I can see it now, you’re just playing with me. Who do you think you are?”
Ling Wei remained calm. “I’m just telling the truth. Sister Zhao, if you want me to build connections, at least introduce me to someone who looks halfway decent.”
Zhao Ruyi was left speechless, stuck between anger and frustration, rolling her eyes repeatedly. “Have you ever seen anyone build connections while being so picky? Do you think you’re here to choose Mr. Bodybuilder?”
Ling Wei curled her lips in distaste. “I don’t like bodybuilders either. Too heavy on the taste.”
“You…” Zhao Ruyi pointed at her with a trembling finger. She realized that Ling Wei seemed much harder to deal with today, completely impervious to persuasion. “Enough nonsense. If you still want to survive in this circle, come with me to greet them.”
Ling Wei smiled faintly. “Sister Zhao, with so many people here, surely you don’t only know President Liu and Boss Li?”
Zhao Ruyi had not expected Ling Wei to expose her lack of connections in one sentence. Her face flushed red, and she snapped in embarrassment and anger, “Are you tired of living? How dare you mock me!”
“I wouldn’t dare. Sister Zhao, look over there. That handsome guy seems quite good. How about you introduce me?”
Zhao Ruyi followed the direction she pointed and sneered. “You’d better give up that idea. That is the famous chairman of the Xie Group, Xie Qingyan. He does not even look at first-tier actresses, let alone you.”
Ling Wei casually brushed back her hair. “First-tier actresses are not necessarily prettier than me.”
Zhao Ruyi: …
In the end, Ling Wei was still dragged over by Zhao Ruyi to chat with President Liu for a while. The moment he saw Ling Wei, his eyes lit up, and he kept trying to touch her hand, but Ling Wei deftly avoided him each time. Zhao Ruyi, wary of Ling Wei’s incurable “congenital condition” and afraid she might suddenly have an episode, exchanged a few pleasantries before taking Ling Wei away.
Ling Wei did not mind socializing, but she truly did not want to stay by Zhao Ruyi’s side. It felt like a madam parading a girl around to solicit clients, utterly humiliating.
“I’m going to the restroom,” she said, resorting to her ultimate move.
Zhao Ruyi glared at her. “If you dare to sneak off, you’re dead!”
Ling Wei smiled charmingly. “Don’t worry. I haven’t climbed my way to that handsome man from the Xie Group yet. I wouldn’t leave so soon.”
Zhao Ruyi: …
Ling Wei had no intention of sneaking away. She just wanted to find a place to rest. Her alcohol tolerance now could not compare to what it would be ten years later. She had momentarily forgotten and drunk a couple of extra glasses of red wine, and now she felt a bit unwell.
The lounges near the main hall were all occupied, so she walked along the corridor until she neared the emergency exit, where she finally found an empty room.
There were several short sofas in the lounge. She chose one with its back to the door and curled up into it, comfortably narrowing her eyes.
Before long, she heard the lounge door being pushed open again. Ling Wei had not yet had time to stick her head out to look when she heard a low, pleasant male voice say unhurriedly, “I’ve only been single for three years and people are already spreading rumors that I’m gay? Do I need to hold a press conference every time I sleep with a woman?”
He was probably sending voice messages on WeChat. Soon the other party replied, “But no one’s seen you sleep with any woman either.”
The man sneered. “You think something that private would be shown to you?”
The other person said, “Forget it, you just haven’t. Be honest with me, do you still have feelings for Xu Li?”
The man let out another cold snort. “Ridiculous.”
“I don’t think that’s likely either. Then why have you stayed single all these years?”
The man sighed. “I’m not like you people, with loads of time every day to eat, drink, and have fun.”
“Excuse! I heard Auntie has recently been helping you look for a partner. I never thought you’d end up going on blind dates. Hahaha…”
The man finally lost his patience. “Get lost.”
The conversation ended.
Ling Wei did not even dare breathe loudly. Without drawing attention, she shifted her posture and curled herself further into the sofa, hoping the man had not noticed her presence. Besides, she had not meant to eavesdrop.
But her effort was clearly in vain. After finishing the call, the man noticed her. He strode around the short sofa and came to stand before her, looking down at her from above.
It was none other than the chairman of the Xie Group she had just seen in the hall, Xie Qingyan.
What a coincidence.
Seen at such close range, Xie Qingyan looked even younger, probably around thirty. His features were upright and refined, his temperament restrained. He was tall, with long, straight legs.
Since she had been discovered, Ling Wei stopped hiding and sat up straight. “I was here before you, so I wasn’t deliberately eavesdropping.”
Xie Qingyan raised an eyebrow. “It doesn’t matter. It wasn’t anything important.”
Being mistaken for gay was indeed not a major matter.
Ling Wei laughed inwardly. Thinking about how he had been surrounded by people in the hall earlier, he must have been tired as well. She pointed to the sofa beside her and said, “It’s quite quiet here. Mr. Xie can sit down and rest for a bit.”
Xie Qingyan looked somewhat surprised. After sitting down, he asked, “You know who I am?”
“Among the people here tonight, I doubt there’s anyone who doesn’t know Mr. Xie.”
Leaning back on the sofa, Xie Qingyan raised a hand and gently rubbed his temple. “That’s true.”
Neither of them spoke again. The lounge was so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.
After a while, Ling Wei’s mind stirred. She lifted her eyes and carefully studied the man beside her. His sharply defined profile looked as if carved by a knife, strikingly handsome. She secretly swallowed and said, “Since there’s nothing else to do, how about I read your palm, Mr. Xie?”
At this, Xie Qingyan straightened and turned his head to look at her with interest. “You can read palms?”
Ling Wei did not answer directly. She simply asked him to place his palm flat.
With a faint smile, Xie Qingyan readily extended his right hand to her.
Ling Wei traced a finger lightly over his palm, finally settling in the center and gently scratching it. “Mr. Xie’s love line is rather faint. It seems you’re lacking a steady female companion.”
So fortune telling was just a pretense, the real aim was seduction.
Xie Qingyan let out a low laugh. He did not rush to withdraw his hand. Instead, he leaned forward slightly. “Miss, are you offering yourself?”