Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 8

On the night of the banquet, the styling team arranged by Chi Yi arrived to prepare Cheng Yixin.

The outfit provided was a black French-style gown. Under the lights, the surface of the dress shimmered with tiny white sequins like stars in the galaxy—exquisite yet understated. The asymmetrical hemline made her legs appear even longer, while the tailored cut accentuated her graceful curves. The V-neck design was just right—elegant without being as daring as some other gala dresses.

The vehicle waiting for her wasn’t Chi Yi’s usual Volvo, but a Maybach with a private driver.

Seeing her emerge from the building, the driver quickly stepped out to greet her. “Hello, Ms. Cheng. I am President Chi’s driver. I’m here to take you to the banquet. You can just call me A-Tao.”

Smiling, the driver opened the back door for her. Chi Yi was already inside, holding a magazine.

The cabin lights were set to a comfortable, warm glow. Cheng Yixin immediately noticed the fashion magazine resting on the armrest—the cover photo was of herself.

Chi Yi poured a cup of tea from a thermos and handed it to her. Her demeanor was so composed it was almost like an old-school official.

Cheng Yixin glanced at the tea and joked, “Goji berries in a thermos? Is that the vibe?”

“No, it’s a sobering tea,” Chi Yi explained. “There might be drinking later. Having some now will make you feel less uncomfortable.”

Cheng Yixin took it and drank. The water was still quite hot, so she only finished half. Seeing her lack of guard, Chi Yi uncharacteristically teased, “Aren’t you afraid I added something to it?”

Cheng Yixin arched an eyebrow. Propping her chin on her hand, she looked at Chi Yi with interest. “And what exactly would you add?”

She swirled the cup, looked at the remaining half-cup of tea, and then brought the rim to Chi Yi’s lips. She tilted the cup, and Chi Yi cooperated by parting her lips for a small sip.

Under Chi Yi’s gaze, Cheng Yixin then pressed her own lips clearly against the same spot on the rim and finished the rest.

“Now you’ve had it too. If ‘something’ happens, we face it together.”

She shook the cup slightly. Two distinct red lip prints were visible on the white rim. Her vibrant red lips were slightly damp, and under the car’s ceiling light, her smile was intoxicating.

Chi Yi’s expression froze for a single second before she smiled. She picked up the magazine. “As expected, you look even better than the cover photo.”

Her gaze then swept appreciatively over Cheng Yixin. “This dress suits you perfectly.”

In an era of generic “internet celebrity” faces, Cheng Yixin’s face was highly recognizable—a small face with a superior jawline, slightly upturned phoenix eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips. Together, they gave off an aura of effortless comfort. Thanks to this, she was very popular with the public.

Cheng Yixin was also sizing up Chi Yi. Her style today was different from their previous meetings: a small black suit jacket paired with matching shorts and a coordinated vest. The short jacket featured gold thread embroidery and white floral patterns that sparkled subtly. The hem of the inner vest was finished with delicate black lace. Chi Yi appeared to have well-defined abs, which were faintly visible beneath the lace.

The entire ensemble—especially the black-and-silver theme—looked like a “couple’s look” when paired with Cheng Yixin’s gown.

“Do you know Chen Sheng?” Chi Yi asked suddenly.

“I do.” If she didn’t know who Chen Sheng was, she’d have no business being in the film industry.

Chen Sheng was a prestigious director whose films were guaranteed hits; every actor he cast became an overnight sensation. However, Director Chen was notoriously picky. The actors who passed his scrutiny were now movie icons. He had been in a “rest and adjustment” phase for several years, making him incredibly difficult to contact.

She wondered why Chi Yi was bringing him up.

“He’s the host of tonight’s banquet,” Chi Yi said, looking at her. “I’m attending due to family obligations. I can introduce you later, but you’ll have to fight for the rest yourself.”

Cheng Yixin’s eyes lit up with excitement. Every ambitious actor wanted to know Chen Sheng! Any chance to collaborate with him meant being one step closer to her dream.

“Thank you!”

After a few years of laying low, Chen Sheng was preparing a new film. The banquet’s purpose was to attract investment, and plenty of financiers were eager to chip in. But someone like Chen Sheng didn’t let investors just shove their “nepo-babies” into his cast.

Upon reaching the destination, the assistant in the passenger seat quickly opened the doors.

Returning to the Century Hotel, it was impossible not to remember the last time she was here. This was a private event with a dedicated entrance and heavy security to block out paparazzi.

At the registration desk, Cheng Yixin had just signed her name when she spotted a flash of flamboyant red. Han Lian was walking toward her in a wine-red evening gown, followed by several young interns from the same company.

“Sister Lian, long time no see.”

Cheng Yixin greeted her politely, only to be met with a cold, sidelong sneer. She knew Han Lian disliked her, but she maintained the professional courtesy required for a senior.

She hadn’t expected Han Lian to be so undisguised in her arrogance. The woman nearly rolled her eyes. The interns behind her clearly felt the tension, their faces turning awkward.

Just as Cheng Yixin was thinking of a smooth way to exit the interaction, Chi Yi suddenly took her hand.

“Let’s go inside,” Chi Yi said. She didn’t give Han Lian so much as a glance—treating her as if she were thin air—and led Cheng Yixin away.

Once inside the ballroom, a waiter immediately approached with a tray. They both took a glass of champagne.

“Was that Han Lian?” Chi Yi asked. She wasn’t familiar with her and had no interest in small talk.

Cheng Yixin simply hummed in affirmation.

“I saw the ‘leaks’ online saying you two don’t get along.”

As a public figure, it was risky to criticize others, especially to someone she hadn’t known for long. “It’s hard to say. I suppose it depends on who you ask.”

Chi Yi nodded and said nothing more, though her impression of Han Lian dropped several points.

Director Chen Sheng was busy socializing. From a distance, Cheng Yixin recognized the man he was talking to as the CEO of a famous film company. It wasn’t surprising to see him here, paving the way for his own actors. Seeing the stars surrounding him—mostly winners from recent hit talent shows—Cheng Yixin felt her own hopes dimming since her manager wasn’t there to help her navigate.

As Chen Sheng finished his conversation, Chi Yi said, “Let’s go say hello to Director Chen.”

“Eh?” Before she could hesitate, Chi Yi took her by the wrist and led her over.

As they approached the legendary director, Cheng Yixin suppressed her internal panic and put on her best “composed and elegant” actress face.

Listening to them talk, she learned that the big boss, Feng Xinlan, was away on a business trip, and Chi Yi was attending in her place.

“So you’re President Feng’s niece. She mentions you often; you’re truly young and promising,” Chen Sheng said with a bright smile before turning his gaze to Cheng Yixin.

She seized the moment. “Hello, Director Chen. I am Cheng Yixin. I’m a huge fan of your work.”

“I hear your name often. I didn’t expect to meet you today.”

“Yixin and I are very close friends,” Chi Yi said, placing a deliberate emphasis on “close friends.”

Cheng Yixin wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but Chen Sheng’s attitude seemed to warm up significantly after Chi Yi clarified their relationship. They learned that Chen Sheng was currently casting for a film. Eventually, Chi Yi and Chen Sheng exchanged business cards. Cheng Yixin, who hadn’t expected to need cards tonight, was filled with regret.

“Here.” Once Chen Sheng walked away, Chi Yi pulled out the card and handed it to her.

“Uh?” Cheng Yixin froze. “You two exchanged them. I shouldn’t…”

“It’s useless to me,” Chi Yi interrupted. “Just give it to your manager.”

This was the first time someone outside her company had introduced her to such an opportunity, and it left her feeling a bit overwhelmed. But facing such a chance, she chose to accept the kindness.

“Like I said, you have to fight for the opportunity yourself,” Chi Yi added, perhaps sensing her mental burden. “A business card doesn’t guarantee anything.”

With the main goal achieved, Cheng Yixin followed Chi Yi to greet other acquaintances. She only needed to smile and nod occasionally. Seeing other wealthy bosses with young actors whose hands were wandering shamelessly made her realize that simply being a polite companion was much easier.

She thought they would stay late, but after the rounds were made, Chi Yi told her they were leaving. They had only been there for thirty minutes.

“I need to take a call. Wait here for a moment.”

As Cheng Yixin waited, she spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. Lu Qing had a new woman by her side—it seemed she was already bored with Yu Jiao. The new flame was even flashier, her curves highlighted by a tight dress.

Lu Qing spotted her just as Chi Yi returned from her call. She ditched her new date and marched toward them.

“Cheng Yixin!” Lu Qing’s voice was low and urgent.

“President Lu, do you need something?” Cheng Yixin turned around, her smile flawless.

Lu Qing looked at her, then at Chi Yi. The sight of her rival made her expression sour instantly. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m accompanying my Yiyi to the banquet, of course,” Cheng Yixin said naturally. She reached out to hook her arm into Chi Yi’s and, with Lu Qing watching, interlaced her fingers with Chi Yi’s.

“You… you clearly know…!” Lu Qing couldn’t finish the sentence. She meant: You clearly know I hate her, yet you’re with her.

Chi Yi played along. She raised her hand and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Cheng Yixin’s ear. “Do you two know each other?”

“We’ve met. We aren’t close.” Cheng Yixin stopped looking at Lu Qing and stared directly into Chi Yi’s eyes, a perfect display of “loving eyes.”

“Chi Yi, you’re doing this on purpose,” Lu Qing hissed through gritted teeth.

Chi Yi looked confused. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Cheng Yixin didn’t care about their history; as long as it made Lu Qing miserable, she was happy to be the weapon in Chi Yi’s hand. After all, they were just using each other.

“Let’s go back if you’re done,” she said provocatively. She leaned into Chi Yi’s ear, speaking just loud enough for Lu Qing to hear. “I’ve prepared a bottle of good wine. If you get drunk, you can just sleep at my place.”

Chi Yi smirked, her tone becoming suggestive. “Just drinking? Or something more?”

The two walked toward the exit as if no one else was there, leaving Lu Qing behind. Their intimate silhouettes made Lu Qing’s face twist with rage.

She had chased Cheng Yixin for six months, and the moment they got together, they were long-distance. She hadn’t even gotten a kiss by the time they broke up—how the hell did Chi Yi get her into bed in just a few days?!!