Ling Wei had lived to thirty two in her previous life, and being called miss had long felt distant. Hearing it suddenly now felt novel, especially coming from Xie Qingyan, which made it even more unusual.
In her previous life, she was not unfamiliar with Xie Qingyan. After all, he was a renowned business magnate, frequently appearing in newspapers, magazines, and radio interviews. However, he never associated with people from the entertainment industry, so although Ling Wei knew of him, she had never had contact with him.
When she saw him from afar in the hall earlier tonight, she had thought he was the mature, steady, unsmiling type. Yet from the tone of his conversation with his friend just now, he sounded arrogant and unruly. Now, facing her flirtation, he looked like a carefree playboy. Especially when he smiled and called her miss, he looked exactly like a typical rich young master.
This man was far too changeable.
Ling Wei quickly realized that her earlier move had been somewhat rash. She should not have acted before fully understanding her opponent.
But someone like Xie Qingyan was not someone she could casually run into. The opportunity was rare. Even sensing the risk, she still wanted to try. If she failed, she would lose nothing. But what if she succeeded?
A smile remained on Ling Wei’s face as she formed a plan. Seeing that he was not in a hurry to withdraw his hand, she simply began drawing circles in his palm and lowered her voice. “I am offering myself, but the bed is out of the question.”
Xie Qingyan’s gaze stayed fixed on her face, a trace of amusement in his eyes. “There’s such an approach?”
Ling Wei blinked at him. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Ling Wei, Ling as in early dawn, Wei as in rose.” After speaking, she wrote the characters once more in his palm. Once she was sure he understood, she continued, “I have a rather good proposal. Would you like to hear it?”
Xie Qingyan’s gaze swept over her slender fingers. “I’m all ears.”
Ling Wei sat up straight, putting away the overly frivolous expression on her face and trying to appear more convincing. “You see, you’re being rumored as gay and pressured into blind dates. At the root of it all, it’s because you’re still single. Since you’ve been single for three years, you must have your reasons. Weighing everything, I think you should find a female companion who can both help you get out of single status and at the same time protect your right to remain single. Simply put, a fake lover.”
Xie Qingyan shifted into a more comfortable position, leaning back against the sofa with one hand supporting his forehead. “And then?”
“And then… I think I’m well suited for the role of fake lover.”
Xie Qingyan chuckled softly. “Interesting. But why should I choose you?”
Ling Wei had long been mentally prepared. Confidently, she said, “First, I’m very beautiful. Second, I’m truly very beautiful. And finally, I’m extremely beautiful.”
Xie Qingyan: …
In all his years, he had seen shameless people, but never one this shameless. It was astonishing.
Ling Wei burst out laughing after finishing. “Don’t be so serious. I’m just joking. Being pretty is indeed one of the reasons I’m recommending myself, but the most important thing is that I don’t want much from you.”
“Not much, but still something.” There was amusement in Xie Qingyan’s eyes, though it was difficult to read.
“I’m not after your money, not after your body, and not after your feelings. I only want the title of Xie Qingyan’s female companion.”
Xie Qingyan paused, the smile in his eyes fading slightly. “The title of Xie Qingyan’s female companion is quite valuable in itself. What if you use it to cheat and swindle people?”
Ling Wei brushed back her hair, unshaken, and said with a smile, “It’s good enough just to stay alive. Why would I seek death?” Especially for someone like her who had already died once, she cherished her life even more.
“Then tell me what you intend to use that title for.”
Although Xie Qingyan’s attitude was relaxed, Ling Wei had the strange feeling of being interrogated. She unconsciously sat up straighter. “I just hope that at social events, my agent won’t push me around to flatter people everywhere. That feeling is truly awful.”
So she was looking for a shield. This time Xie Qingyan genuinely smiled and nodded. “I see.”
“And with that title, it should also help my work a little. After all, as Xie Qingyan’s lover, people would have to show some respect.” Ling Wei spoke frankly. In front of this man, telling lies recklessly would not end well.
Her last sentence matched Xie Qingyan’s guess. From the beginning, he had assumed she wanted career benefits. He just had not expected that her primary goal was simply to use the title as a protective cover.
“But have you considered that your proposal is based only on the conversation you just overheard, which may have been one sided? For example, people saying I’m gay, or my mother arranging blind dates. Have you thought about the possibility that I really am gay, or that I willingly go on blind dates?”
If that were the case, it would indeed be awkward. Ling Wei raised her brows. “If that’s true, then just take me as someone trying to amuse you. No one loses anything.”
She truly knew how to advance and retreat.
Xie Qingyan felt slightly surprised. In such a short time, he had actually been persuaded by her, and not reluctantly either. He even felt pleased.
It had indeed been a long time since he had met such an interesting woman.
On the surface, Ling Wei appeared calm and composed, but inside she was extremely nervous. Everything she had said so grandly earlier came without any real certainty.
They were complete strangers. She had boldly forced a connection, but the final decision rested entirely in Xie Qingyan’s hands. All she could do was wait quietly for his verdict.
Fortunately, her acting skills were good enough that she did not show any weakness in front of him.
After silently appraising her for a moment, Xie Qingyan smiled. “In that case, Miss, why not accompany me for a dance?”
Ling Wei instantly relaxed, a bright smile spreading across her face.
Although Xie Qingyan had not given a clear answer, inviting her to dance likely meant he intended to acknowledge her publicly.
Yet after that moment of relief, Ling Wei refused his invitation. “If Mr. Xie finds my proposal acceptable, perhaps we can arrange another time to discuss the details?”
Xie Qingyan found her full of surprises one after another. Amused, he asked, “Do you need me to have someone draft an agreement?”
“That would be even better. It doesn’t need to be too complicated. Since it’s a fictional relationship, some details should be clarified in advance.”
Xie Qingyan found it novel. “You’re that certain I’ll cooperate?”
“I believe Mr. Xie wouldn’t go back on his word.”
Xie Qingyan neither confirmed nor denied it. He lifted his wrist to check the time and said, “It’s getting late. Shall I drive you home?”
This time Ling Wei did not refuse. She agreed readily. She then called Zhao Ruyi and, unsurprisingly, was scolded again. But in her good mood, Ling Wei did not bother arguing. After hanging up, she sent Chen Xiao Ruo a message telling her to drive back first and not wait for her.
As she put away her phone, she saw Xie Qingyan standing quietly at the lounge entrance waiting for her. The faint smile on his lips was especially charming. Ling Wei secretly thought to herself, it seems I’ve truly struck gold.
Xie Qingyan’s car was a black Bentley, understated and low key. When the driver noticed her following beside Xie Qingyan, he looked slightly surprised, but still politely opened the door for her.
Once the car was smoothly on the road, Xie Qingyan took the initiative to start a conversation. “Since we’ve decided to cooperate, I think we should become familiar with each other as soon as possible.”
Ling Wei tilted her head in thought. “How about I give you a more detailed self introduction?”
“Believe it or not, your complete profile will be on my desk tomorrow.”
“Then it seems there’s no need for me to waste my breath.”
Xie Qingyan smiled and rubbed his chin. “I believe the quickest way to deepen feelings between a man and a woman is through a kiss.”
Ling Wei froze, her eyes widening slightly. “Mr. Xie, I recall saying earlier that I’m not after feelings.”
“What if I am?” His tone was light, but the implication was startling.
“And would you be?” Ling Wei asked back innocently.
“You’re asking that in a way that makes me feel guilty.”
After he said that, the two of them could not help smiling at each other.
The night scenery outside the car was beautiful. Inside, the two of them sat side by side, and the atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.
Some people, even after knowing each other for ten years, end up like strangers. Others, even if they have just met, can already read a rare tacit understanding in each other’s eyes.
Ye Zichu was the former. Xie Qingyan was the latter.
The car soon arrived downstairs at Ling Wei’s building. Xie Qingyan glanced out through the window and noted that it was quite a decent residential area.
“In the next couple of days, I’ll have my assistant draft an agreement. Then we can find a time to test it out,” Xie Qingyan said.
Ling Wei did not understand. “Test what?”
“Of course, test out my new lover and see whether she’s suitable.”
Ling Wei: …
Seeing that he had successfully rendered her speechless, Xie Qingyan was in an excellent mood. He added, “Aren’t you going to invite your new lover upstairs for a while?”
Ling Wei smiled. “Sorry, I’ve been preparing for Director Guo Qi’s audition these past two days. My energy is limited. I’ll host you another time.”
Xie Qingyan put on a disappointed expression. “What a pity.”
After saying goodbye, Xie Qingyan personally got out of the car to open the door for her. Only after Ling Wei entered the building did he return to the car. After a moment’s thought, he said to the driver, “Regarding Ling Wei’s audition, have Du Ming smooth things over tomorrow.”
Since they were going to cooperate, he should show some sincerity. Ensuring her success at the audition would not be difficult.
Once home, Ling Wei kicked off her high heels at once and ran a bath. As she lay comfortably in the tub, recalling everything that had happened tonight, she felt so happy that she began humming a tune.