A Time-Limited Romance with Movie Queen Ex - Chapter 26.1

“Qingyao, have you finalized the engagement date with Scott from the Rayson family?”

In the lavishly decorated living room, Old Master Cen was savoring the tea brewed by Rong Qingyao.

Calmly watching the servants clean up the tea leaves spilled on the plush carpet, Rong Qingyao took a long moment before replying indifferently:

“It’ll be within the next few months.”

Suppressing his irritation at her dismissive tone, Old Master Cen took a sip of tea and remarked casually:

“The Raysons have been in the shipping business for four generations now, with extensive connections and resources. Scott himself is decent enough, a fitting match for our Cen family’s daughter, a rising star in the business world. There must be no mistakes with this marriage.”

Rong Qingyao poured herself a cup of tea with deliberate nonchalance, smiling lazily. “Of course, Father.”

“Though I was the one who arranged this union, I heard you two might have known each other before?”

“We crossed paths a few times during our school years,” Rong Qingyao replied smoothly, refilling her cup.

“That’s good. It’s always best when young people have some emotional foundation before marriage,” Old Master Cen said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Once you’re married, our family will gain the Raysons’ financial backing. A powerful alliance both companies will flourish.”

“Indeed. I’ll need your guidance when the time comes.”

Old Master Cen smirked in satisfaction. “I heard your tech company is struggling with acquiring a smaller firm hit a snag after months of effort? If you’re facing difficulties, the family can step in.”

“I’m aware. Thank you, Father.”

Old Master Cen sighed. “You’ve always been too stubborn. I don’t know where you got that from your mother or me.”

At the mention of her mother, Rong Qingyao’s grip on the teacup tightened abruptly, her fingertips turning white from the pressure.

“Qingyao, you must understand that the family cares for you and would never treat you unfairly. When your younger brother takes over the company, your support will ensure our family’s continued prosperity. Everyone will benefit.”

Rong Qingyao laughed coldly inside, though her expression remained obedient and docile.

Life had taught her patience, to wait for the perfect moment to strike a fatal blow.

When she was first brought back to the Cen family, she had despised everything about it, the gilded excess of high society, the hypocrisy beneath its polished surface, the arrogance of those who believed they could control others, the veiled malice in their words.

Yet perhaps it was the selfish, calculating blood of aristocracy running through her veins. She had learned quickly, masking her revulsion with effortless ease.

Especially in recent years, as her overt and covert ventures thrived, she now watched their verbal sparring with detached amusement like a noble observing gladiators, elegant and cold-blooded.

“I’ll certainly assist my brother in managing the company. You needn’t worry, Father.”

“Good. Bringing you back to the Cen family was clearly the right move.” He closed his eyes, irritation flickering across his face. “And that woman… her condition is worsening. How do you feel about it now?”

Understanding he was referring to Madam Cen, Rong Qingyao feigned just the right mix of reluctance and lingering resentment.

“Father, let’s not dwell on the past. I have no interest in her current state.”

Old Master Cen was extremely pleased with Rong Qingyao’s reaction neither so indifferent as to seem overly calculating, nor so impatient as to tarnish the Cen family’s reputation. Just a few harmless conciliatory gestures were enough to win her over.

It was precisely because he admired this illegitimate daughter’s tact and just-the-right-amount of cleverness that he had brought her back into the Cen family.

“You care so much about the Cen family’s reputation, it truly warms my heart. I heard you’ve recently taken a liking to a new property. I’ll help you secure it, so you can relax a little. And as for the films you want to produce, go ahead with whatever you choose. Pay no mind to what others say.”

“Thank you, Father. I won’t disturb your rest any longer.”

“Mm, go on,” Old Master Cen nodded in satisfaction.

Rong Qingyao set down her teacup and walked out of the old mansion with a faint smile.

“Oh, Qingyao,” he called after her. “Find a time to change your surname back to Cen. Sharing your father’s name will earn you more trust from the Cen family shareholders, and it’ll bring us closer as father and daughter.”

Rong Qingyao paused. After a silent, cold laugh, she deliberately hardened her tone. “Father, let’s not bring this up again.”

“Fine, fine,” Old Master Cen laughed heartily, seemingly unbothered by her defiance.

The secretary, who had been waiting outside, entered expressionlessly and retrieved a cigar from the cabinet for Old Master Cen.

“Sir, isn’t Miss Qingyao being a bit too rebellious? Should I apply some pressure at the company?”

Old Master Cen waved a hand dismissively. “Someone with the surname Rong will never take charge of the Cen family’s business. Why trouble yourself over it?”

“I thought you intended for Miss Qingyao to inherit.”

“Qingyao is as beautiful as her mother, and even smarter. Our Cen Group needs such a face and image. A beautiful flower should be placed high for all to admire but flowers are destined to wither and fade.”

The secretary lowered his head, hesitating for a long moment before deciding against voicing his thoughts: that Miss Qingyao was no delicate flower, but rather a venomous thorn lurking in the mire.

Outside the gates, Yan Si hurried over to drape a warm fur coat over Rong Qingyao’s shoulders.

“Are we really canceling today’s acquisition meeting with Structure Tech? This is the third round of talks. If it goes smoothly.”

Yan Si was uneasy about Rong Qingyao’s cold-shoulder approach. After all, this tech company had risen to prominence in recent years within its field, offering affordable prices and solid technology, though their demands were admittedly stringent.

“Yes, stick to the original plan. Just say I’m ill and can’t attend.”

“But what if?”

Adjusting the diamond brooch on her lapel, Rong Qingyao lifted her gaze, the silver-rimmed lenses of her glasses reflecting a cold glint.

“They need to understand that we’re not the ones in a hurry now. Leave the rest to Jin Huai, she’s the professional manager we hired at great expense. She’ll handle it more effectively.”

They walked side by side toward the garage, just as several of Rong Qingyao’s siblings drove in. Some pretended not to see the two of them, but one man stepped out of his car directly.

The corner of Rong Qingyao’s lips curled slightly, though she made no comment. Yan Si, however, muttered under her breath, “How rude. A bunch of cowards.”

Lead-gray clouds gathered overhead. Rong Qingyao rubbed her temples wearily, another sleepless night, spent lying in bed until dawn.

“Rong Qingyao, don’t think just because you’re thriving now that you’ll inherit the Cen family’s company. Remember your surname isn’t Cen.”

“Did you visit your mother at the hospital?” Rong Qingyao asked coolly.

“You…” The man grew even more furious as he recalled his mother’s foolish actions. “My mother’s health is deteriorating. How many more years can you make the old man feel guilty?”

“Hmm, then you should take even better care of your mother. It must be hard. I’ll have Yan Si send you some mulberries and goji berries to nourish your heart and improve your eyesight.”

“Of course, President Rong. I’ll make sure to select the finest grade of goji berries and mulberries for the young master,” Yan Si said with a faint smile directed at the man. “Young master, remember to steep them in a thermos daily. Consistency is key for effectiveness.”

“Thank you both,” the man spat out through gritted teeth.

“You’re welcome.”

Rong Qingyao stepped aside, leading Yan Si away from the scene.

Left alone, the man kicked at a nearby flame-of-the-forest flower in frustration, grinding his teeth with nowhere to vent. He detested Rong Qingyao’s composed demeanor the most outwardly gentle and harmless, showing no edge, yet inwardly calculating and venomous.

“How’s the investigation on that person going?”

“We’ve uncovered more. Miss Luo leads a rather monotonous life working at the café, performing with her band, and going home. She hardly has any other social interactions.”

This aspect of Luo Mijin was familiar to Rong Qingyao, inexplicably bringing her a sense of reassurance.

“Also, I found out Miss Luo frequently visits a patient at the hospital,” Yan Si said as she took the passenger seat, signaling the driver to start the car.

“Visits a patient at the hospital?” Rong Qingyao paused beside the black Bentley, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

“I used some connections. The patient shares the surname Luo, 22 years old, suffering from brain and heart damage due to a car accident. She’s been in a vegetative state for several years now, with fluctuating conditions.”

It was Luo Zhiwen who was injured. Rong Qingyao immediately grasped the significance of this person to Luo Mijin.

The importance of this younger sister to Luo Mijin was undeniable. She could almost imagine the despair Luo Mijin must have felt upon hearing the news.

Once both were in the car, the driver started the engine and left the Cen family estate.

“To cover the exorbitant medical expenses, Miss Luo lives very frugally. She has to work two jobs, finishing her shift at the café before performing with bands at various bars. That’s why Miss Lan Mingyu often helps her.”

Even now, Yan Si hadn’t quite figured out what kind of intentions her superior harbored toward Luo Mijin.

But the concern was easily discernible beneath the woman’s unpredictable moods.

Her superior had always been stern and reserved, living a disciplined, almost monastic life.

Never before had she seen such worry in Rong Qingyao’s dark eyes.

For years, in her impression, this woman had masked her arrogance and relentless ambition beneath a humble, gentle, and aloof beauty.

“Find out more about that patient’s condition,” Rong Qingyao murmured in a low voice. “Drive to this bar.”

“To the bar? Are you sure?” Yan Si was momentarily stunned. Rong Qingyao had always been abstinent, never voluntarily stepping into such places unless absolutely necessary for business.

“Yes, go now.”

After checking the address, Yan Si relayed it to the driver.

“Has that Miss Lan known her for many years?”

The last time Yan Si had mentioned that Lan Mingyu and Luo Mijin might be in a relationship, Rong Qingyao had abruptly ended the conversation as if avoiding the topic.

The desire to control everything about Luo Mijin grew day by day after their reunion, like moss creeping in damp, shadowy corners unceasing and relentless.

“Ah, yes, they…” Yan Si also recalled the information she had previously looked up, her tone turning cautious. “They do seem quite close. That Miss Lan appears to be a good person too. It was thanks to her connections that the patient surnamed Luo was admitted to that hospital.”

“Are they still living together?” Rong Qingyao took out a wireless mouse from her laptop bag, unconsciously clicking it in her hand.

“Y-yes,” Yan Si dared not hide the truth. “They still commute together like before. Miss Luo handles things like buying coffee beans, and occasionally they go to the movies together. The likelihood of them being a couple is quite high.”

“Is that so?”

At this, Rong Qingyao fell into a prolonged silence, as if her body had automatically activated some defense mechanism, refusing to entertain the certainty of that speculation any further.

Miraculously, Yan Si, sitting in the front seat, understood her boss’s mood at this moment and considerately remained silent. She even had the driver raise the partition, leaving Rong Qingyao alone in her space.

Rong Qingyao opened her laptop to deal with a few work emails and discussed this year’s film projects with her manager.

Suddenly, she picked up her phone and called Scott.

The call was answered quickly, and Rong Qingyao got straight to the point without wasting a single word. “Change the drummer for the band at our engagement party.”

Scott, who was enjoying a slice of cake during afternoon tea, nearly spat out his red tea.

“Qing, are you okay? The deposit’s paid, the contract’s signed, what’s with the sudden change? I told you, I really like Riddle. She’s an amazing drummer.”

“I’ll cover the penalty. I’ll handle finding a new drummer too, as long as you cancel her contract.”

“Why? You never cared about this before. And both of us really love Riddle’s drumming. Backing out now would hurt my relationship with her. I’m not doing it.”

“What relationship could you possibly have with her?” Rong Qingyao’s voice turned sharp and blunt, revealing a hint of hostility. “Besides, finding another drummer isn’t that hard.”

“But Riddle’s an incredible drummer, easy on the eyes, and has a great personality. Where am I supposed to find someone else who fits my taste so perfectly? Qing, what exactly is your problem with her? Why are you being so aggressive?”

Support