Chapter 2

I had spent three years making Duan Yujing a star.

I poured countless resources into taking him from an unknown newcomer to one of the hottest idols in the country.

He had an unforgettable face—handsome, seductive, as vivid as peach blossoms. But his lips were thin, his features sharp, and his cool eyes carried a natural arrogance. He looked as if he had been born to stand at the very top.

Everyone in the industry said I was hopelessly in love with him.

After all, as head of the Lou family, I had always kept a spotless private life. I had never shown interest in men or appeared in romantic gossip.

Duan Yujing was the sole exception.

Naturally, he believed the rumors too. I never contradicted him.

Love or no love made little difference to me. As long as what he wanted did not cross my limits, I was willing to give it.

Many powerful people had appetites they could not discuss in public. My parents used to say that the higher one rose, the freer one became, and that there were countless ways to relieve pressure.

My sole weakness was beauty.

The love of beauty was human nature. I had never been ashamed of mine.

Duan Yujing had precisely the face I liked. The first time I saw him, my heart moved.

I was busy. Most of my life belonged to work, leaving pitifully little time for romance and none to divide among several people. That was why Duan Yujing had remained the only man beside me for years.

I disliked trouble, and I was fastidious.

He was not especially gentle or considerate and sometimes indulged in petty tempers, but that was fine. For a face I liked, I could afford more patience and favor.

Still, I was a businesswoman, not a philanthropist.

I had always believed in Duan Yujing, and he had justified that belief by bringing the company returns far beyond my investment.

Now, however, I was disappointed.

Once, when he spoke passionately of his ambitions, starlight had seemed to run through his eyes. Now he was drowning in luxury and indulgence, openly abandoning his work and forcing an entire production to pay for his irresponsibility.

That crossed my line.

I never gave second chances.

When Jiang He asked how to handle the scandal, my order was brief. “Suppress it. Deduct the extra public-relations costs from his pay. His contract is nearly up, isn’t it? Begin withdrawing his endorsements and production resources.”

Constellation did not support idlers.

If he was no longer capable of doing the job, someone else could take his place.

When Bian Xun knocked and entered, I noticed a pale little mole beneath his eye.

His features were softer and his lips fuller than Duan Yujing’s. He lacked Duan’s cutting beauty but possessed an open, elegant grace. Taller as well, perhaps from years of martial arts, he stood straight in simple clothes yet carried himself like a nobleman fallen on hard times.

There was often a smile in his eyes. One glance suggested a man with a generous spirit.

On seeing me, he paused for a fraction of a second. Then delight spread through his gaze as though something wonderful had happened.

His emotions were infectious.

“Good afternoon, President Lou.”

I offered no explanation for choosing him or arranging this sudden meeting. I went straight to the point and pushed a document across the desk.

“I know you haven’t formally signed with an agency. This is a contract.”

Constellation graded its artists internally. This was a Class B contract—already extraordinarily generous for an unknown extra.

Bian Xun did not even look at it. His gaze moved to my other hand, beside which lay a black folder.

“Is that a second choice?” He smiled. “May I choose that one?”

He was clever and bold.

Instead of answering, I asked, “Do you know what Duan Yujing is to me?”

He considered his wording. “He is… yours.”

Everyone knew I was Duan Yujing’s patron.

Before I could speak, Bian Xun continued, “If I sign that document, can I become yours too?”

His bluntness startled me. I looked at him in puzzlement.

His black eyes were extraordinarily clear, like an unpolluted sky. Though his words invited misunderstanding, there was nothing suggestive in his tone.

After a moment, I softened my voice. “Bian Xun, I don’t force people.”

I was happy to give beautiful people more opportunities, but that did not mean I expected anything from them.

His smile had moved me. The contract was a generous gift, with no price attached.