At first glance, Jiang Zu'er left Ning Xingchen awestruck. She was a hundred times more beautiful in person than on television, with a light makeup that was almost like no makeup at all. Her delicate face appeared pitiful and fragile, evoking a protective instinct in any man.
Called forth a thousand times, she emerged, half-hidden behind her lute!
For some reason, the line from "The Song of the Lute" flashed in Ning Xingchen's mind. Jiang Zu'er had a kind of classical beauty, and she might look even more fitting in ancient attire.
Years had passed, and in a trance, Ning Xingchen felt as if he had met Jiang Zu'er in a previous life. This inexplicable familiarity made her feel less of a stranger to him.
As Ning Xingchen was sizing up Jiang Zu'er, she was also observing him.
Jiang Zu'er was somewhat surprised. She didn't expect the person Sister Jing introduced to be so young, seemingly only a year or two older than herself. At his age, he couldn't possibly hold a high position, probably a wealthy heir from a prominent family in Donghai.
What attracted Jiang Zu'er the most were Ning Xingchen's clear and pure eyes, unlike those of the debauched, crafty young scions she often encountered.
Jiang Zu'er's first impression of Ning Xingchen was fairly positive, but then she recalled the purpose of his request to meet her. Her expression immediately turned cold, perhaps because, in her eyes, all men were the same—shameless and lecherous.
"Miss Zu'er, this is Ning Shao. Please get to know each other," Sister Jing said hastily, sensing the subtle tension in the air.
"Hello, Ning Shao. I'm Jiang Zu'er. Nice to meet you," Jiang Zu'er said, extending her hand proactively. After all, she was the service provider and had to be more active.
"I've seen you on TV," Ning Xingchen said with a smile, shaking her soft, smooth hand.
Jiang Zu'er was wearing an evening gown, indicating she had just attended an event and hadn't had time to change.
Seeing that Ning Xingchen and Jiang Zu'er had greeted each other, Sister Jing wisely decided not to play the third wheel. She smiled and said, "Ning Shao, Miss Jiang, I have something to attend to. You two take your time."
After Sister Jing left, only Ning Xingchen and Jiang Zu'er remained in the room, creating an intimate atmosphere. Ning Xingchen instinctively took off his jacket.
Jiang Zu'er was extremely nervous, her delicate body trembling slightly, her pretty face turning red, avoiding eye contact with Ning Xingchen.
Ning Xingchen noticed all these small details.
He found it odd. Given her profession, Jiang Zu'er should be used to such situations. Her behavior was quite unusual. If she was doing it on purpose, it meant her acting skills were excellent—she was truly a talented actress!
"Would you like a drink?" Ning Xingchen asked, opening a bottle of 1982 Lafite and pouring two glasses.
"No," Jiang Zu'er replied softly, seeming very resistant.
"Cigarette?" Ning Xingchen asked again.
Jiang Zu'er shook her head, indicating her aversion to both.
"You're quite special," Ning Xingchen said, puzzled. A girl doing this kind of part-time job would typically not mind smoking or drinking. Jiang Zu'er felt more like a newly enrolled freshman.
Jiang Zu'er's unease and nervousness confused Ning Xingchen even more. Had Sister Jing not explained to her the purpose of this meeting?
...
"I've always had a dream of creating a work of art," Ning Xingchen said, taking a sip of red wine and smiling at Jiang Zu'er, trying to find a common topic since he wasn't the type to be rude to a girl right away.
"Really?" Jiang Zu'er's beautiful eyes lit up. Acting was her greatest passion.
"Yes, I'd like you to be the leading actress!" Ning Xingchen said with a playful smile, looking at Jiang Zu'er intently. The girl was stunning; no wonder she thrived in the entertainment industry and became a rising star.
Moreover, Ning Xingchen could tell that Jiang Zu'er had not undergone cosmetic surgery, as there were distinct differences between natural and altered features. Jiang Zu'er's fair skin, phoenix eyes, and captivating presence made her seem like a fairy descended to earth.
"What script? I don't accept roles lightly," Jiang Zu'er said firmly. She had her principles and pursued perfection in her work. She wouldn't take on a poorly written, melodramatic role.
Ning Xingchen suppressed a laugh, not expecting Jiang Zu'er to take him seriously. Her innocent nature was endearing.
"My work is about family—an enjoyable experience of a family being together, harmonious and happy, humorous and fun. It aims to promote traditional family values and friendship, encouraging kids to enjoy life!" Ning Xingchen lied with a straight face.
"So profound? I'm afraid I might not do it justice," Jiang Zu'er said, surprised by Ning Xingchen's artistic ambitions to portray family and affection.
"Don't worry, you'll do great. You'll play a very cute big sister!" Ning Xingchen sat on the bed, closer to Jiang Zu'er.
"A cute big sister?" Jiang Zu'er was puzzled for a second, thinking "a" usually didn't describe people.
"Yes, and do you know what your brother's name is in this story?"
"What's his name?" Jiang Zu'er fell into the trap Ning Xingchen had set.
"His name is George!" Ning Xingchen couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Hmph, I'm not a pig," Jiang Zu'er pouted, instantly understanding. Ning Xingchen wanted to remake Peppa Pig.
"Pigs are adorable. I love piglets, so white and tender," Ning Xingchen said, pulling Jiang Zu'er closer, inhaling her sweet fragrance.
Ning Xingchen's gaze wandered, appreciating certain parts of Jiang Zu'er's body, silently admiring her ample chest.
It seemed like the first time Jiang Zu'er had been so intimately close to a man. She stiffened and trembled, knowing she had to accept it with tears to escape her plight.
Often, people's choices are driven by circumstances. If it weren't for her desperate situation, Jiang Zu'er would never agree to this for ten million.
"Bad guy, tricking me. You just want to make a cartoon!" Jiang Zu'er pouted, gently pushing Ning Xingchen.
"Hahaha, even cartoons, if made well, can be masterpieces!" Ning Xingchen laughed.
At the same time, he remembered a joke about a girl who did everything to sleep with a director for a role, only to find out the next morning she'd been duped—he was an animation director.