Can’t Trash-Talk You to Death, So I’ll Kiss You to Death - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

This kind of self-introduction stunned everyone. After hearing it, Huai Jian had absolutely no idea how to respond. Should she reply with a simple “I know,” or just tell her to “get lost”?

Yun Duoduo’s face felt hot with embarrassment. Her voice dropped slightly, turning shy. “I just… I just wanted to say thank you. How is your leg?”

She remembered that the “Beauty Lady” had slashed her own leg twice. The gashes were very deep, and she didn’t know if they were healing well or if they were still painful.

Huai Jian’s voice was deep. “It’s fine.”

“Is it really fine? Don’t let it touch any water! And don’t overexert yourself…” Yun Duoduo rambled on until her mouth was dry. Huai Jian only replied with the occasional “Mm” or “Okay.” They chatted like this for half an hour; this slow, gentle pace actually felt a bit like a conversation between lovers.

Director Zhang, who had been eavesdropping at the door for a while, was now completely convinced that Yun Duoduo had the powerful Huai Jian as her backer—that they truly had a “chest-touching” relationship. He was breaking out in a cold sweat, terrified that Yun Duoduo would mention his earlier threats and sarcasm.

As they say, the thing you fear most is exactly what happens.

As Yun Duoduo talked, she steered the conversation toward Director Zhang. She said, “The director who set us up last time gave me two contracts. One demands a five-million-yuan penalty, which I can’t afford, and then he pushed a variety show on me to sign.”

Huai Jian’s monotone voice finally showed a ripple of emotion. “Mm?”

Yun Duoduo didn’t dare tell the whole truth. “It’s a show called Celebrities at Home. I kind of want to go, but I’m not sure if I should. Do you have any advice?”

Huai Jian wasn’t one to meddle in others’ business, but Yun Duoduo possessed a certain magic; speaking with her made one feel physically and mentally at ease. “You can give it a try.”

With her approval, Yun Duoduo’s confidence surged. She felt even more energized to bluff Director Zhang. “Then I’ll tell Director Zhang that I’ve accepted the variety show.”

The moment she finished speaking, Director Zhang twisted the doorknob and walked in, huffing and puffing as if he had just turned back mid-way. “About the appearance fee… how about I adjust it for you?”

With her phone still connected, Yun Duoduo was full of confidence. She put on a show of disdain. “Didn’t I say I’d consider it? Why are you back already?”

Director Zhang bowed fawningly, terrified that Huai Jian would think he wasn’t being sincere if she heard him. He lowered his voice several notches. “On my way back, I thought about it over and again. Really, this variety show is just missing a newcomer like you. If you don’t come, I won’t be able to film it! You’ve got to come and hold down the fort for me.”

Her status had suddenly been elevated by several degrees, making someone like Yun Duoduo—who was just “borrowing the tiger’s prestige”—feel a bit sheepish. “Fine, fine, I’ll give it serious thought. You can contact my manager…” She caught herself halfway and quickly corrected, “We’ll talk more when we meet. I have things to do here.”

Director Zhang glanced at her phone; the call was still active. He pulled the breach-of-contract document from his briefcase and ripped it up with a loud, dramatic rrrrip. “Haha, that was all just a joke!”

Yun Duoduo waved him away. She truly wanted to talk to the Beauty Lady now.

This time, Director Zhang really left. He didn’t dare stay a moment longer, feeling as if Huai Jian might jump out of the phone and kick him a few more times.

Yun Duoduo could finally speak freely. She asked, “Can I ask what your name is? I still have your little rabbit here.”

As she spoke, she squeezed it a couple of times. It felt soft to the touch. She couldn’t help but mutter, “So soft. Miss, I like little rabbits too. Should I send it back to you?”

On the other end, Huai Jian was drinking coffee. She suddenly recalled the way Yun Duoduo had touched her in the car, and a wave of heat rose to her face.

“What’s your name? Tell me, please,” Yun Duoduo pressed.

Huai Jian took several gulps of coffee to suppress her pounding heart. “Anna. My name is Anna.”

…

What a twist! Huai Jian gave her assistant’s name instead of her own. This “mistaken identity” is going to make things very interesting when they eventually meet on that variety show.