Everyone in the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Flirty Diva [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 68

After getting pinched, Xia Qiao stumbled back, and the elevator doors closed and ascended without her.

Her manager rushed to console her before she could erupt. “Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. You have a spa appointment later, and you’re doing a fan livestream in a couple of days. You need to stay in top form—don’t let this ruin your mood.”

Xia Qiao grabbed a fistful of her hair, glaring at the ascending floor numbers on the elevator display.

She would get her revenge, no matter what!

Chu Xi had a street photoshoot scheduled for the next morning. Her recent glow had passersby stopping to stare, and the photographer couldn’t stop praising her as he snapped away. After the shoot, she received a text from Gu Mingjing about his flight arrival time and the fact that he had deliberately booked the same hotel as hers.

Originally, her evening plans included watching the famous cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, Paris’s most renowned international dance hall. But with Gu Mingjing’s sudden arrival, her itinerary might need some adjustments.

Lunch was at a local French restaurant. After much internal debate, Chu Xi finally looked down, stirring her juice, and said to Fu Bai, “Fu Bai, about tonight’s Moulin Rouge… I think I don’t want to go.”

Fu Bai was taken aback. “Not go? The tickets are already booked. What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, yeah! That show is legendary!”

“I’m fine,” Chu Xi replied sheepishly. “I just feel a bit worn out from the packed schedule lately and don’t really feel like going out.”

“Tired?” Fu Bai’s expression turned concerned. “Should we all skip it and stay at the hotel with you?”

“No, no, no, that’s not necessary!” Chu Xi hurriedly refused. “The tickets were hard to get. You guys should go and enjoy yourselves. I’ll just rest at the hotel—maybe book a massage or a spa. Don’t worry about me.”

Fu Bai studied her reaction, sensing something off. “Are you really just tired and planning to rest at the hotel?” he pressed. “Staying in is best. If you were thinking of going out alone, you should know some parts of Paris are dangerous at night, especially for solo women.”

“I’m not planning to go out alone. I’ll stay in the hotel,” Chu Xi quickly clarified. “I don’t know my way around, and the language barrier is tough. There’s no way I’d wander out by myself. You guys go ahead—really, don’t worry about me.”

Although he sensed that Chu Xi was hiding something from him, Fu Bai glanced at her and finally sighed, “Alright then.”

Chu Xi breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yan also looked at Chu Xi with disappointment, “Xi Xi, are you really not going? I heard that besides the beautiful women performances, the Moulin Rouge also has super hot beefcake shows. It’s supposed to be super exciting. It’s such a shame you’re missing out.”

Fu Bai’s face darkened.

When Chu Xi heard about the “beefcake shows,” she looked up.

Beefcakes. Male performances.

Are performances this open nowadays…

But then again, the Moulin Rouge’s predecessor in the last century was a large Parisian entertainment venue, so it makes sense that it’s a bit more risqué.

On one side was Gu Mingjing, who had specially flown across countries to see her, and on the other was the exciting performance. Chu Xi gritted her teeth, gripping her juice glass tightly, “I really won’t go.”

“Alright then,” Xiao Yan said dejectedly.

The Moulin Rouge trip included dinner, so Fu Bai and the others left by car at 4:30 p.m.

Chu Xi changed her clothes in the hotel and waited for a while until someone finally knocked on the door.

Hearing the knock, Chu Xi quickly put down her phone and hurried over. When she opened the door, she saw Gu Mingjing standing there.

A strange feeling of meeting in a foreign country enveloped Chu Xi. She let Gu Mingjing in and then looked behind him, “Where’s Assistant Gao?”

Gu Mingjing immediately pulled Chu Xi into his arms, “Your first words are about someone else?”

Chu Xi laughed, “Can’t I even ask casually? So petty.”

Gu Mingjing hadn’t eaten on the plane, so the two decided to have dinner first. They initially planned to eat at the hotel restaurant nearby, but as they reached the elevator, Chu Xi suddenly changed her mind, “No, no, let’s eat somewhere else.”

Gu Mingjing asked, “Why? What’s wrong?” The hotel they were staying at was one of the best in Paris, so the restaurant’s food shouldn’t be bad.

Seeing the elevator reminded Chu Xi of Xia Qiao. Fu Bai and the others had already left, but what if they ran into Xia Qiao or her people at the restaurant?

She could already imagine the headlines: “Feeding Each Other Intimately at Restaurant,” “Wealthiest Stalker Crosses Borders for Love,” “Gold-Digging Actress’s Romance Exposed.”

Chu Xi explained, “Do you remember Xia Qiao? The female lead from ‘The Peach Blossom Promise’ that I acted in before. She’s staying here too. I’m afraid we might run into her.”

Gu Mingjing reluctantly nodded, so they switched to a restaurant not far from the hotel.

As they stepped out of the restaurant after dinner, it was just evening. After days of continuous rain, the weather had finally cleared, and the sun peeked through at last. The sunset painted the horizon with rosy hues, while flocks of birds occasionally flew by in formation, creating a scene as beautiful as a master’s oil painting.

The hotel was located right in the city center, and after crossing just one street, the two found themselves by the Seine River.

They strolled side by side along the riverbank.

The streetlights along the river had already lit up. To their right stood rows of ancient European-style buildings and churches—remarkable masterpieces of human architecture that had miraculously survived the German invasion of Paris during World War II. To their left was the Seine itself, where the lamplight shimmered on the rippling water. Occasionally, small boats carrying tourists glided past, bringing bursts of laughter and chatter.

Being in a foreign land had its advantages—no one recognized them, and since it was dusk, Chu Xi didn’t bother with sunglasses or a hat. She walked hand in hand with Gu Mingjing, openly enjoying the riverside stroll.

Gu Mingjing was in high spirits. Noticing that Chu Xi’s hand felt a little cold in his grasp, he tucked her small hand into the pocket of his overcoat.

Feeling the warmth inside his pocket, Chu Xi smiled faintly, pressing her lips together.

Many other tourists and locals were out for walks just like them—some couples, some families of three or four.

They walked together in quiet, peaceful harmony.

As they passed a couple locked in an embrace, sharing a kiss, Chu Xi glanced at them briefly before quickly looking away. Better not stare.

Gu Mingjing felt that if he didn’t do something now, he’d be wasting the perfect moment. After walking a little further, he gradually came to a stop.

Chu Xi looked up at him. “Hmm?”

They had been following the riverbank, and as Gu Mingjing turned slightly toward her, Chu Xi mirrored his movement.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her back now resting against a tall stone post where two sections of the railing met. Gu Mingjing gently reached out, encircling her between himself and the post.

Chu Xi realized what he was about to do.

Even though they were in a foreign country, even though the light was dim—kissing in public like this was still something that, as a traditionally reserved Chinese woman, made her blush with embarrassment.

Gu Mingjing leaned in slowly.

Chu Xi tilted her head back slightly, her face burning. Her eyes darted around nervously, and just before his lips met hers, she suddenly pointed toward the river. “I—I want to go boating!” she blurted out, her face flushed as she caught her breath.

Gu Mingjing paused, then followed her gaze to the small dock where a few tourist boats were moored, waiting for passengers.

Chu Xi kept her eyes fixed on the boats. “I want to go boating.”

Finally noticing her crimson cheeks, Gu Mingjing chuckled. “Alright.”

Hand in hand, they walked over. The river wasn’t wide, so they chartered a small boat that could seat about ten people. The boat was steered by a friendly, white-bearded Frenchman in his fifties or sixties.

As they boarded, Chu Xi overheard Gu Mingjing exchanging a few words with him in French.

Once seated, she asked, “What did you two just say?”

Gu Mingjing sat down beside her. “Nothing much.”

Chu Xi pouted. “Mean.”

The scenery from the boat was entirely different from the view on the riverbank earlier. While standing on the shore, the river and passing boats had been the landscape, but now aboard the vessel, the pedestrians along the banks became the view. The boat moved at a leisurely pace, passing many of Paris’s iconic landmarks—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Before long, Chu Xi caught sight of the Eiffel Tower illuminated against the night sky.

She had visited during the day before, but now, with its lights glowing in the darkness, it was undeniably more beautiful. Chu Xi raised her phone, switching to night mode to capture the scene.

Gu Mingjing sat beside her, also turning his head to admire the tower. After photographing the landmark, Chu Xi’s camera instinctively shifted toward Gu Mingjing, who was still gazing at the view.

No composition was even necessary—the back of his head framed against the sparkling Eiffel Tower made for a perfect shot. Chu Xi was thoroughly pleased with the photo, convinced her photography skills had improved yet again. The image was so striking it didn’t even need a filter, so she promptly posted it on her alternate account.

Normally, even when she wasn’t flaunting their relationship, fans would scrutinize every detail to claim she was. So why not just openly show it off this time?

Once the photo was uploaded, fans first noticed the Eiffel Tower—but then their attention was completely seized by the man’s head beside it.

[Ahhhhhhhh! Is that Dog Bro?!]

[Obviously it’s Dog Bro, duh.]

[Wuwu, Er Gou finally posted Dog Bro!]

[Is that the Eiffel Tower?! Er Gou, are you and Dog Bro in France?!]

[OMG, just the back of his head is so handsome!]

[Dog Bro is seriously a looker! No wonder he won over our Er Gou.]

[Off-topic, but his hair looks so thick. As a balding girl, I’m jealous. Lemon emoji.jpg]

[Er Gou, was this taken on a boat? So romantic. Tear emoji.jpg]

[Wuwu, thank you, Dog Bro, for making our Er Gou a blogger with a thriving sx life. Wishing you both an even better sx life in the future.]

Chu Xi: “………………”

Why was she, a beauty and lifestyle blogger, now permanently associated with the phrase “s*x life”?!

So annoying.

Gu Mingjing glanced at her phone screen. “Did you take a picture of me?”

Chu Xi quickly locked her phone. “I just accidentally got the back of your head in the shot, that’s all.”

Gu Mingjing: “Oh? Really?”

Chu Xi stuck out her tongue. “Believe what you want.”

The sky had darkened completely. The elderly boatman steering ahead, though unable to understand their conversation, chuckled warmly and reminded Gu Mingjing in French that their cruise was nearing its end.

Chu Xi regretted not having studied a second language and asked, “What did he say?”

Gu Mingjing said, “Come here, I’ll tell you quietly.”

“Oh.” Chu Xi leaned her head slightly toward Gu Mingjing.

Gu Mingjing smiled.

His warm lips pressed against hers.

“Mmm.” Chu Xi’s eyes widened at first, feeling his breath, then slowly closed them again.

The Seine bridge passed overhead, the gentle sound of flowing water in her ears, as if the whole world had slowed down. Chu Xi knew nothing else, only the man’s tender, exquisite kiss.

The night offered a sense of security, her shyness and bashfulness melting into soft responses.

No words were needed. Their breaths intertwined, from a tentative touch to deep intimacy. The old boatman glanced back with a smile, watching the foreign couple lost in their passionate kiss.

The kiss only ended when the boat reached the shore. Gu Mingjing released Chu Xi, rubbing the back of her head, seeing her clear, glistening eyes in the darkness.

His heart melted completely at that moment.

The two walked back to the hotel, strolling leisurely.

Chu Xi glanced at her phone. Fu Bai had sent a WeChat message asking what she was doing and if she was safe.

She replied that she was at the hotel and told him not to worry.

Xiao Yan also sent her a message, saying they had gotten too excited watching the performance and would return around midnight, telling Chu Xi to sleep first. She then enthusiastically described how thrilling the show was and how much of a shame it was that Chu Xi had missed it, attaching a few photos from the night’s performance.

Some of them were particularly provocative.

Looking at the photos, Chu Xi thought that although her date with Gu Mingjing tonight had been romantic, the Moulin Rouge’s performances were world-famous, and missing them did feel like a pity.

But if she had to choose again, she would still pick Gu Mingjing.

Thinking of tonight—the sunset walk, the photos on the boat, and the kiss—Chu Xi smiled.

Then she lowered her head and replied to Xiao Yan, humoring her: “Ahhhhhhh I wanna see the buff naked guys too. Crying.jpg”

Xiao Yan: “I secretly recorded a video. I’ll send it to you later.”

Chu Xi: “Great! You’re the best!”

Gu Mingjing was displeased with Chu Xi’s habit of looking at her phone while walking and asked, “Who are you chatting with?”

Chu Xi put her phone away and slipped her hand into his coat pocket. “My assistant.”

Back at the hotel, Chu Xi, who had been relaxed all evening, suddenly turned vigilant again. Not only did she walk separately from Gu Mingjing, but she also kept glancing around every few steps, scouting for any observers.

Gu Mingjing sighed. “There are no paparazzi.”

Chu Xi: “Guard against fire, thieves, and Xia Qiao.”

Gu Mingjing: “………………”

Only after escorting Chu Xi back to her hotel room did Gu Mingjing realize her manager and assistant had been absent the whole time. He asked, “Where are your manager and the others?”

Chu Xi: “They went out to have fun. They won’t be back until midnight.”

She clung to Gu Mingjing’s arm, acting coquettish. “Otherwise, how do you think I could go out alone with you? You’ll have to avoid them for the next few days. Sorry to make you suffer, hehe.”

Not only could their relationship not be made public, but they even had to hide from her manager. Gu Mingjing’s expression darkened again. He snorted in reluctant agreement.

Chu Xi pouted. “Don’t be upset. You don’t even know what I gave up for you tonight.”

Gu Mingjing raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“I gave up…” Chu Xi’s words caught in her throat. She averted her eyes. “Never mind. Let’s just say it was a very… eventful activity.”

Gu Mingjing had a vague sense there might be something to it, but he didn’t press further.

Chu Xi glanced up at the time and realized it was getting late.

She was a bit conflicted about how to drop the hint for him to leave.

Although their relationship was still in the innocent dating phase, in certain ahem adult aspects, they were practically an old married couple. Gu Mingjing staying the night wouldn’t be an issue, but Fu Bai and the magazine staff might drop by her room at any moment. Getting caught would be awkward.

His expression had already darkened earlier—if she asked him to leave for this reason, who knew how petty this man would get.

Chu Xi decided to show some concern first: “Have you adjusted to the time difference yet? Are you tired?”

Gu Mingjing: “I’m used to it.”

“Oh.” Chu Xi nodded, then asked, “Do you want something to drink? Coffee or juice? I’ll get it for you.”

Gu Mingjing: “Water.”

Chu Xi hurried off to pour him a glass.

As she left, her phone on the sofa lit up.

Gu Mingjing glanced at it.

Her screen wasn’t locked.

…

Chu Xi returned with the water.

“Here.” She shoved the glass into Gu Mingjing’s hand, watched him take a sip, then finally blinked her starry eyes and said, “After you finish this, could you go back to your own room?”

But Gu Mingjing seemed different from before she’d gone to fetch the water. He set the glass down and looked at her: “If I leave, what will you do?”

Chu Xi: “I’ll just—”

Gu Mingjing: “Watch a beefcake stripper show?”