Edge of A Burning Kiss - Chapter 25

Every word Qin Yu spoke struck at her core. There was no denying that Xia Jin had no reason to refuse these terms.

Stellar Cube was the fruit of her labor, built from the ground up. Though it was an industry leader, its foundation was still shallow compared to established entertainment giants like Lelai and Yihe.

After all, Lelai was under the Qin Group’s umbrella, while Yihe had investments from the Xia family.

She needed resources, exposure, and a powerful springboard.

And Qin Yu, along with Lelai Entertainment, was undoubtedly the best choice available.

But… the price was playing the role of his girlfriend.

Even if it was just pretend.

Xia Jin raised her eyes, meeting Qin Yu’s deep gaze, there was something unsettlingly perceptive in them, as if he could see right through her.

This man knew exactly how to manipulate people.

“If you’re worried, we can draft a detailed agreement, black and white, with all rights and obligations clearly outlined to protect your interests.”

As if sensing her hesitation, Qin Yu leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping lower, laced with persuasion. “Don’t worry. What’s yours will remain yours. The things you want, the person you want, no one can take them from you.”

Xia Jin fell silent.

Reason told her this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Emotionally, however, she felt an instinctive aversion to this kind of “transaction.”

But what exactly did Qin Yu mean by that last remark?

What did he mean by saying the person she wanted would always be hers, that no one could take them away? Was he hinting at something?

Xia Jin took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for a decision.

“Fine.”

“I agree,” she said, lifting her head to look at him, her gaze inexplicably serious. “But I have one condition. Even if it’s just a pretend relationship, you can’t betray me during this time.”

“Of course, if you have someone you like, tell me. After this fake relationship ends, you can go to them.”

“Naturally. It’s an honor to be with, ah, no, to pretend to be with President Xia.”

The corner of Qin Yu’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. “Pleasure doing business, President Xia.”

At the same time, Qin Yu secretly let out a sigh of relief. The first step of his plan had succeeded.

With his goal achieved, Qin Yu relaxed into a more casual posture, as if bringing it up offhandedly. “Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention. Besides Lelai, Yihe Entertainment also invested twenty million in Almost Lovers.”

At the mention of Yihe, Xia Jin’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly before quickly smoothing out.

Qin Yu keenly caught that subtle shift and continued, “So, based on the investment ratio, they’ll also be sending a pair of guests, most likely artists from their company.”

“You don’t have any objections, do you?” Qin Yu asked nonchalantly, though he was closely observing her reaction.

Xia Jin’s mind was still preoccupied with how she and Qin Yu would play the role of a couple in front of the entire internet during the show. As for who Yihe would send, she truly didn’t care much.

Whatever came her way, she’d handle it.

“No objections,” she replied coolly. “Whoever they send makes no difference. It’s just work, after all.”

Hearing this, the weight in Qin Yu’s chest finally lifted completely.

Perfect.

Just then,

Ring ring ring ring ring!

A sharp, urgent ringtone shattered the brief silence in the bedroom. It was Xia Jin’s phone, placed on the nightstand.

She instinctively reached for her phone and glanced at the caller ID.

“Xiao Zhi?”

Xia Jin frowned slightly. Xiao Zhi was the assistant of Song Zhijian, a designer she had invested in.

Why was Xiao Zhi calling her so early in the morning? Could something have happened?

Puzzled, she pressed the answer button. “Hello, Xiao Zhi?”

As soon as the call connected, Xiao Zhi’s frantic, tearful voice came through the receiver.

“Ms. Xia! It’s terrible! It’s terrible! Teacher Song… Teacher Song suddenly collapsed this morning!”

Xia Jin’s heart tightened. “What? What happened? How is he now? Has he been taken to the hospital?”

Xiao Zhi, still crying, quickly explained, “I don’t know what happened! I came over to deliver breakfast and found him collapsed by his workbench!”

“I managed to wake him up, but he looks awful, he’s trembling all over and refuses to go to the hospital! I can’t persuade him no matter what I say. Ms. Xia, please think of something! I’m afraid something bad might happen to him!”

Hearing this, Xia Jin grew anxious too.

Song Zhijian was a workaholic, often skipping meals and staying up late to meet deadlines. His health had never been great.

Instinctively, she started to throw off the covers and get out of bed. Mid-motion, she froze abruptly, she had just remembered Qin Yu was still here!

And not only that, he was shirtless, while she was only in her underwear!

Her cheeks flushed with heat. Forgetting Xiao Zhi on the other end of the line, she snapped her head up and glared at Qin Yu, her voice urgent and irritated.

“You! Get out first!”

Qin Yu raised an eyebrow, amused by her flustered, ruffled state, but he obediently stood up.

“Alright, alright, I’m going.”

He leisurely walked to the door, pulled it open, and glanced back at her once more.

Xia Jin was frantic. She grabbed a pillow and threatened to throw it. “Get out now!”

Qin Yu chuckled softly and closed the bedroom door behind him.

The moment the door shut, Xia Jin spoke urgently into the phone, “Xiao Zhi, don’t panic. First, get him a glass of warm water and keep an eye on him. I’ll be there right away!”

After hanging up, she scrambled out of bed in a frenzy, hastily searching for her qipao.

From outside the door, Qin Yu’s voice came through, tinged with concern.

“What happened? Why the rush?”

Still dressing hurriedly, Xia Jin replied impatiently, “The designer I invested in collapsed and refuses to go to the hospital. I need to check on him!”

“Do you need me to drive you?” Qin Yu asked.

“No!” she refused without hesitation. “I’ve already asked Song Qianrou to pick me up. She’s bringing some proposals for me to review on the way.”

She swiftly fastened the buttons on her qipao and rushed to her own room to freshen up quickly.

As she came out, she called toward Qin Yu’s door, “Qin Yu, could you feed Fanbao for me? The dog food and bowl are in the usual spot. Thanks!”

With that, she grabbed her phone and bag and dashed into the elevator without looking back. The rapid click of her high heels against the floor echoed through the hallway before fading away.

Qin Yu walked to the doorway, glancing at the bedroom still bearing traces of Xia Jin, then at Fanbao, who sat by the door, staring blankly in the direction his owner had gone.

He sighed helplessly and walked over to ruffle Fanbao’s big head. “Looks like your meal ticket has run off again.”

Fanbao whined softly and nuzzled his hand.

Qin Yu walked into Xia Jin’s home, familiar with the place as he headed straight for the dog food and bowl. While pouring food for Fanbao, he took out his phone and made a call, which was quickly answered.

“Chi Fan.” His voice had shed its earlier playfulness and warmth, turning cool and sharp.

“Boss, what are your orders?” came the efficient voice of his assistant, Chi Fan, on the other end.

Qin Yu looked out the window where the sunlight was bright, yet a trace of coldness flickered in his eyes.

“Contact Yihe and tell them that the pair of guests Lelai wants to invite for Almost Lovers are Xia Zhixue and Ye Tiyan.”

Chi Fan paused, hesitating slightly before replying.

“Boss, Xia Zhixue may have high engagement right now, but given her status, she might not be willing to join our in-house dating show at Lelai. Besides, she and Ye Tiyan are already engaged, that doesn’t meet the show’s requirements…”

Qin Yu’s voice remained calm but carried an unshakable certainty.

“Just tell Xia Zhixue personally that Xia Jin will also be part of this show. She’ll definitely come.”

“As for the format, simply clarify that we’re inviting a couple as special guests.”

As long as Xia Jin was involved, how could that woman, Xia Zhixue, pass up the chance to flaunt her superiority or even seize the opportunity to undermine her right in front of her?