As soon as Feng Xian spoke, Ling Qingxiao's nerves flared up. She sneaked a glance at Han Yue, hoping for some reassurance. But instead, Han Yue just smiled—rarely, but genuinely.
"I think Director Feng invited me here tonight for more than just a meal, don't you?" Han Yue said, her tone light but probing.
Feng Xian shrugged casually, the slightest hint of regret in his voice. "I had hoped for a partnership with you, but unfortunately, you didn't really give me much to work with."
The mention of Feng Xian's apparent disinterest struck Han Yue hard. She silently clenched her hands under the table, fighting to keep her composure.
She took a deep breath and answered, "Actually, I'm interested. Our Wuyou Media is about to start filming a new project, and I think if we work together, the benefits would be huge."
Feng Xian, not missing a beat, waved her off dismissively. "Work together? Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Didn't you just say your movie's in trouble? If you get involved now, it could cost me dearly. Are you sure you want that?"
Han Yue's cheeks flushed, embarrassment creeping up on her. She bit her lip, her tone softer but earnest. "I misspoke earlier. Those who aim for greatness don't sweat the small stuff. I hope you'll overlook my slip-up and consider the offer again."
Feng Xian could tell she was fishing for his approval, but he wasn't quite ready to bite.
"Your apology is noted, but I still don't think we're a good match for this partnership," he said, making his point clear.
"Why?" Han Yue pressed.
Feng Xian paused, eyeing her with a knowing look. "Because, as far as I know, you've never done an intimate scene in your career. The movie I'm shooting has plenty of them, and that's kind of a problem."
He leaned in slightly, his voice tinged with mockery. "Can you really pull that off? I mean, Tang Liya could easily handle it."
The jab landed, and Han Yue's eyes flared with anger. She ground her teeth together, her fists clenched under the table.
"Who says I can't do it?" she shot back.
Feng Xian raised an eyebrow. "You're sure? If you pull it off, I might even replace Tang Liya with you. Maybe you could snag a second Best Actress award."
Han Yue's expression softened, and for a brief moment, Feng Xian saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She was hooked.
"I'm willing to try," she replied, her voice low and determined.
That was exactly what Feng Xian had been waiting for. He had her now.
"Alright, I'm done for the night," he said with a sly grin. "I've got other things to do. You two enjoy the rest of your meal."
He stood, signaling the end of the conversation, but before he could leave, Ling Qingxiao and Han Yue both stood up in confusion.
"Where are you going?" they asked in unison.
Feng Xian smiled mysteriously and didn't answer. He turned and walked away, leaving them to wonder.
Han Yue's heart raced. She couldn't let him slip away now, not when things were finally looking like they might work out. If Feng Xian met with Tang Liya tonight to discuss cooperation, it could ruin everything.
She took off after him, her feet quickening as she grabbed his arm.
"Wait," she called out, breathless.
Feng Xian frowned. "What are you doing? Let go."
But Han Yue was quick on her feet. Remembering something she'd heard from her fifth sister, she knew Feng Xian had a reputation for being… easily tempted.
"Come with me," she said with a teasing smile. "I'm heading to the gym with my little brother and a super beautiful woman. You should come with us."
Feng Xian's expression shifted. He gave her a flirtatious nod, trying to mask his amusement.
"A beautiful woman? Now that sounds interesting."
As they made their way out, Ling Qingxiao followed them at a distance. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she had a bad feeling about the whole situation. Whatever Feng Xian was up to, she needed to stay close.
---
At the top fitness gym in Imperial City, known for its exclusivity, the atmosphere was tense. Only celebrities and the wealthiest elite could afford memberships.
In the strength area, Zhang Lingyi grunted as he struggled to bench press 150 kilograms. Sweat dripped down his face as he flexed his muscles, showing off for the group of young men gathered around.
"Impressed yet?" he asked, flashing a cocky grin.
"Alright, alright. You win," one of them muttered, retreating from the challenge.
Zhang Lingyi stood tall, puffing out his chest with pride. "Second sister, check it out. I'm amazing, huh?"
Gu Nanyuan gave him a curt nod, but her expression remained cool. "It's not bad."
Zhang Lingyi's chest deflated slightly, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He had hoped for more praise, but his sister remained as distant as ever.
Trying again, he teased, "Hey, second sister, wanna see how my muscles have grown? Feel them, I've been working hard lately!"
But before he could reach for her, Gu Nanyuan took a quick step back, her face hardening. "What do you think you're doing? I'm your sister. Get a hold of yourself."
Zhang Lingyi scoffed. "We're not even blood relatives, so what's the big deal?"
Gu Nanyuan frowned. "That's enough. Let's just wait until you actually grow up."
"I'm already grown!" Zhang Lingyi shot back with a wink, but his sister ignored him, changing the subject.
"By the way, Xiaoyue went to dinner with Feng Xian. Wonder how that's going?"
Zhang Lingyi snorted, rolling his eyes. "That guy? He's nothing but a coward. My third sister will take care of him. He won't be able to recover."
Gu Nanyuan just nodded, her eyes narrowing with a hint of suspicion. "Yeah, I'm sure."
As they spoke, Feng Xian and Han Yue walked in, now dressed in fitness gear. The sight of them together caught both Gu Nanyuan and Zhang Lingyi off guard.
Zhang Lingyi's eyes widened. "What… are they doing together?"
Han Yue gave a sly smile. "Hey, cousin, why don't you say hi?"
Feng Xian just raised an eyebrow, glancing between them with amusement.
Behind them, a group of female bodybuilders approached Zhang Lingyi, their eyes full of admiration.
"You're amazing! You actually bench 150 kilograms?" they gushed.
Feng Xian narrowed his gaze. The kid had been pretending to be a big shot while he wasn't around, huh?
Gu Nanyuan noticed the exchange and leaned closer to Han Yue. "What's going on? Why bring him here?"