**Busan Tower, 6:45 PM**
"I refuse to end this relationship!" Chengxian exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.
"That's your choice! But a future together seems impossible!" Xueer retorted, equally irritated.
"Xue'er, I promise to wait for you. As per our agreement, I will leave the entertainment industry and marry you in two years," Chengxian declared earnestly.
"Mr. Song, are you serious? You've only been in the industry for two years, and your fame is skyrocketing. Do you really think they'll let you walk away?" Xueer replied, a hint of amusement in her tone.
"My contract lasts for two years. Once it's up, I have the option to not renew," Chengxian responded confidently.
"Alright, let's see what happens," Xueer said, her tone shifting.
The following day, they boarded a train back to Seoul, with Xueer set to return to Singapore two days later.
During the next six months, Xueer focused on her university exams and graduation ceremonies. After being introduced by her father, she moved to Busan to work as his assistant.
**Busan, June 30, 2001**
One month after Xueer's graduation.
**Jalgachi-Mijia Seafood Shop (Office), 12:30 PM**
After a meeting with Mi Gao at Kang Lai's establishment, Zai Kang awaited Mi Gao to join him for lunch in his office. He glanced at Xueer.
"Would you care to join us for dinner?" Zai Kang inquired.
"No, thank you," Xueer replied politely.
At that moment, news about Chengxian aired on television.
**Seoul TV - Press Conference, 12:00 PM**
"Mr. Song, will you be renewing your contract with the company?" a reporter asked.
"No, I intend to marry my girlfriend at the end of 2002. We've been together for seven years," Chengxian responded.
"But weren't you previously involved with Zhang Feifei? Didn't you start dating her before entering the entertainment scene?" the reporter probed.
"You've misunderstood. Zhang Feifei is not my girlfriend. My girlfriend is Xueer, and we've known each other since college. We are each other's first love," Chengxian clarified.
"Your manager mentioned a breakup in September 2000. Do you think she'll accept you back?" the reporter continued.
"Xue'er, I'm uncertain if you'll see this news, but I want you to know I will always love you, regardless of your feelings," Chengdong concluded.
**Mijia Seafood Restaurant - Office, 12:30 PM**
"Ms. Mi, would you consider joining my company as my personal assistant? It would certainly be preferable to working in a seafood restaurant," Zai Kang suggested.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested. However, I'd like to maintain our friendship, especially since you're my father's business partner," Xueer replied.
"Very well. In that case, I'd like to invite you to be my backup dancer at An's dinner tomorrow," Zai Kang proposed.
"Okay," Xueer agreed.
"I'll arrange for my team to pick you up tonight for your outfit," Zai Kang added.
"Thank you, but I can manage that on my own. No need to trouble Master An," Xueer insisted.
"It's no trouble at all; I'd be pleased to help," Zai Kang reassured her.
**Seoul TV Station - Office, 1:00 PM**
"Song Chengxian! You're out of your mind! Don't renew that contract!" Manager Wang shouted, exasperated.
"I'm just having fun with this. I plan to be the president of the Song Group one day, and acting won't be necessary," Chengxian replied.
"I can't believe you! By the way, we're heading to Busan this afternoon for a month of filming," Manager Wang added.
"Really? That's fantastic!" Chengxian responded enthusiastically. Just then, Manager Wang received a phone call.
"Hello, Mr. An, what's the situation?" Manager Wang answered.
"I've successfully invited Xue'er to be my backup dancer tonight. Ensure that Chengxian and Zhang Feifei attend the dinner; we need to put on a show for him," Zai Kang instructed.
"Understood, Mr. An. See you tonight," Manager Wang replied.
He clapped his hands to gather the team.
"Everyone, let's move quickly! We need to reach Busan by six o'clock for Mr. An's dinner," Manager Wang ordered.
"Why would he invite us actors to a dinner? What's in it for him? Does An Zai Kang have ulterior motives?" Chengxian pondered.
**Busan - Mimi Seafood Restaurant - Office, 5:00 PM**
"Daughter, since you're attending a dinner tonight, it's best for you to head back now," Mi Gao advised.
At that moment, Zai Kang's associates entered.
"Miss Mi, please step into the car," Zai Kang said.
"Thank you," Xueer replied, getting into the vehicle.
**In the Car, 5:15 PM**
"Hello, Miss Mi. Let's head to Shila Department Store to pick out some clothes," Zai Kang suggested.
"There's no need to accompany me; I can go alone," Xueer insisted.
"I'd like to join you because I've ordered some evening dresses for you to try," Zai Kang explained.
"Fine, that's acceptable. Thank you," Xueer agreed.
Meanwhile, some reporters discreetly captured their outing.
**Shila-Chanel Store, 5:45 PM**
"Hello, Mr. An. Here are the three latest evening gowns," the attendant informed.
"Have Miss Mi try them on so I can see," Zai Kang replied.
"Miss Mi, please follow me," the attendant directed.
Xueer nodded and tried on three evening dresses for Zai Kang. The final white gown accentuated her figure, captivating Zai Kang.
"Go with this one tonight. Also, arrange for her makeup," Zai Kang instructed.
"Of course, Mr. An," the attendant responded.
As the makeup was applied, Zai Kang donned a suit.
**Half an Hour Later, 6:20 PM**
Xueer emerged from the dressing room, prompting Zai Kang to embrace her.
"Your performance tonight will influence your father's contract," Zai Kang whispered.
Reluctantly, Xueer acquiesced.
Afterward, she took Zai Kang's arm as they headed to the car, with reporters capturing the moment.
**At An's Villa, 6:30 PM**
Chengxian, Zhang Feifei, and Manager Wang arrived at the villa.
"Wow! The wealth is evident! This villa is enormous! The garden alone is larger than my home!" Zhang Feifei exclaimed loudly.
"Mr. Song, Miss Zhang, Mr. Wang, please enter," an aide greeted.
"By the way, where is Mr. An?" Manager Wang inquired.
"He and his girlfriend are out purchasing evening attire," the aide replied.
Half an hour later, Zai Kang and Xueer returned to the villa.
"Mr. An and his girlfriend have arrived! I wonder who she is," the crowd murmured.
Chengxian stepped forward for a better view.
He spotted Zai Kang and Xueer exiting the car together.
"Xueer!? Why is she with Zai Kang?!" Chengxian exclaimed, shocked.
At that moment, Zhang Feifei grasped Chengxian's hand.
"Dear! Where are you going?" Zhang Feifei smiled.
"Let go of me! I'm not interested in you! I need to find my girlfriend!" Chengxian snapped.
Xueer noticed Chengxian in the crowd. In a moment of anger, she took Zai Kang's hand and moved forward.
Zai Kang addressed the audience, "Hello everyone! Welcome to An's 50th anniversary dinner. Allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Miss Mi Xueer, who will soon become my personal secretary."
Xueer looked at Zai Kang, astonished.
Chengxian abruptly stood up.
"An Zai Kang! Xueer is my fiancée! She is not your girlfriend!" Chengxian declared angrily.
Manager Wang and Zhang Feifei attempted to restrain Chengxian.
"I apologize, Mr. Song is a bit inebriated and is speaking nonsense! We are a couple," Zhang Feifei stated.
Chengxian pushed them away and produced a diamond ring.
"Xue'er! Don't you remember? You promised to marry me in two years! I won't renew my contract! We can get married, and you can join the Song Group as my personal secretary and wife!" Chengxian proclaimed loudly.
Numerous reporters captured the unfolding drama.
"Zai Kang, get them out of here. I don't want to see them," Xueer insisted.
In the midst of the chaos, Chengxian rushed to the stage, attempting to pull Xueer away.
"Xue'er! Come with me! An Zai Kang is not a good person!" Chengxian urged urgently.
"Chengxian, please leave me be. We can talk another time. Just calm down," Xueer replied softly.
Suddenly, Chengxian brandished a knife, pointing it at An Zai Kang.
"Song Chengxian, how dare you! Do you realize where you are? Do not cause a scene in my villa! Guards, take him away! Clear the room of guests!" Zai Kang ordered angrily.
Fear rippled through the crowd as guests began to exit. Only Xueer, Chengxian, Zai Kang, and his men remained.
"Mr. Song! I advise you to lower the knife immediately! Your life is at stake!" the guards warned loudly.
"I'm willing to die for Xue'er! An Zai Kang, can you say the same? Go ahead, shoot me! I fear nothing but losing Xue'er!" Chengxian shouted passionately.
At that moment, a guard fired at Chengxian, but Xueer instinctively shielded him and was struck.
"Xue'er!" Chengxian cried out, releasing the knife in shock.
Chengxian was quickly subdued by Zai Kang's men while Xueer was taken to a guest room.
"Call a doctor immediately!" Zai Kang demanded, his voice laced with anger.
**- End of Chapter -**