I Betrayed the Aloof Movie Queen and Went Bankrupt - Chapter 29

Inside the design and graphics company.

Li Qingshuang, who had chosen not to pursue a career in philosophy, stared toward the boss’s office for a long time.

Even though the glass door was tightly covered, she still found herself glancing over intentionally or unintentionally.

Who would have thought a great beauty sat inside?

Moreover, she was a great beauty who exuded an air of gentleness from head to toe.

Li Qingshuang couldn’t help but smile; this beauty was the same sister who had handed her a tissue in a coffee shop two years ago.

When she was interviewing, that gentle sister happened to be wearing a brown suit, her hair sliding smoothly off her shoulders—each strand seemingly carrying a refreshing fragrance. She sat there composed and quiet, and upon seeing Li Qingshuang walk in, she offered a rare, bright smile.

Li Qingshuang nearly died right then and there!

Usually never afraid of interviews, she became utterly nervous.

“Sister… no, Bo—Boss, hello!” she bowed ninety degrees.

The HR person next to them laughed so hard they couldn’t stand straight.

The gentle sister also laughed, her voice delicate: “It’s alright, don’t be nervous. Welcome to our company for your interview.”

Later, Li Qingshuang learned that this gentle sister’s name was Jiang Qilin.

The “Qilin” as in “spending one’s life dwelling in the forest wilds”—it was truly a beautiful name.

Even more fortunately, her interview was successful. Li Qingshuang suspected she had been visited by the Goddess of Luck!

“Little Li,” the colleague across from her called out. “You’ve been staring at President Jiang’s office for a long time. Is there something you need her to handle but find difficult to say?”

Li Qingshuang twitched the corner of her mouth: “Huh?”

She wished she could nestle in President Jiang’s office every single day.

“But President Jiang has business and didn’t come in today. You should talk to her on WeChat.”

Li Qingshuang: “…” So that meant she had been making eyes at thin air!

—Heaven knows I’ve been at the company for two months. President Jiang is definitely the gentlest CEO I’ve ever seen. Although she’s a bit serious during meetings, she is truly so charismatic.

—The other day she saw my skin was dry and specifically took out her own skincare products to rub on me. Goddess’s hands are so soft and smooth, just like her person, and her voice is fragrant and soft.

—And one day I accidentally ran late and actually ended up in the elevator with President Jiang. Don’t even mention how embarrassed I was, but President Jiang wasn’t angry; she just reminded me to be careful on the road and asked if I’d had breakfast. Heavens, I’m surrounded by her gentleness every day. I feel like my mood is better and my skin is looking good too.

Watching the stream of messages sent by Li Qingshuang, Xu Youzhi unconsciously clenched her teeth.

Why was it that, though they shared the surname Jiang, her “Sister Jiang” was so cold?

With a heavy heart, Xu Youzhi took the elevator to the ninth floor.

Just now, Xu Ling had told her to add Jiang Ruoxun on WeChat herself, and then told her to go to Jiang Ruoxun’s home in person.

Since when was work discussed in someone’s private residence!

It was clearly Jiang Ruoxun making things difficult for her on purpose.

Xu Youzhi sighed; she finally understood Jiang Ruoxun’s temperament.

Since she had deleted her without a word and left without a word back then, the woman was surely going to take her time tormenting her now.

The so-called “gentle sister” of the past was nothing but an illusion used to get close.

With trembling hands, she pressed the doorbell.

Jiang Ruoxun called her, her tone slightly annoyed: “You don’t have a fingerprint registered, do you?”

This was the first time she had spoken to her in an angry tone. It wasn’t actually that aggressive, but Xu Youzhi was still stunned, her entire body feeling chilled as if she had been scolded harshly.

Xu Youzhi tiptoed inside.

The temperature inside was the same as before; even if the outside temperature wasn’t high, she still kept the air conditioning very low.

According to Jiang Ruoxun, she naturally had a “hot temperament,” but that night when Xu Youzhi touched her body, though it was burning, it wasn’t as hot as her own hands.

Jiang Ruoxun was sitting with her legs crossed, eyes downcast as she carefully filed her nails.

“Teacher Jiang, I’m here,” Xu Youzhi said, pursing her lips.

She had asked Xu Ling what people usually called Jiang Ruoxun. Xu Ling said it was either “Sister Xun” or “Teacher Jiang.” Xu Youzhi had wondered why, since Jiang Ruoxun didn’t like being called “Sister.” Xu Ling had only offered a faint smile and said nothing more.

“Sit down.” Jiang Ruoxun was wearing a moon-white knit long shirt. She hadn’t bothered with trousers; her snow-white calves were long and slender. That night, those legs had been wrapped tightly around Xu Youzhi’s waist. Xu Youzhi hurriedly shifted her gaze and sat in the same spot she had occupied during her first visit to Jiang Ruoxun’s house, maintaining her distance.

“The signing contract should be mostly finalized, right?” Jiang Ruoxun asked lazily.

Xu Youzhi gave a hesitant “mm.”

Seeing the woman’s red lips slightly pursed, Xu Youzhi dithered for a moment.

Back then, Li Qingshuang had constantly rambled to her about how beautiful Jiang Qilin was, yet she had been so worried Xu Youzhi would fall for her that she refused to show a photo. Later, when Xu Youzhi went to deliver documents to Li Qingshuang, she happened to see Jiang Qilin and Li Qingshuang talking. At first, she didn’t see Jiang Qilin’s face.

Just looking at her back, she suddenly felt an extreme similarity.

Fearing she was mistaken, she stood frozen for a long time.

She had the same long hair as Jiang Ruoxun, wavy, and wore a slim-fit suit that accentuated a waist one could almost wrap a hand around, making her figure look elegant and tall.

Xu Youzhi’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it was Jiang Ruoxun, but when Jiang Qilin turned around, her mood instantly hit rock bottom.

Jiang Qilin possessed a very comfortable sense of approachability; her shallow dimples when she smiled were like a blooming hibiscus. Her aura was nothing like Jiang Ruoxun’s. Jiang Ruoxun always carried a strong sense of aggression, though her attitude toward Xu Youzhi had been exceptionally gentle—a smile that was full of charm and variety.

Jiang Ruoxun looked at her wandering thoughts with bewilderment and smiled: “Is there something you want to say to me?”

She had called Xu Youzhi over first to ask for her thoughts, and second, because she intended to make things clear.

Xu Youzhi pondered for a long time before saying: “I don’t want others to know about our past relationship.”

Answering questions would be troublesome, and since she had chosen to debut, she definitely had to avoid scandals.

Jiang Ruoxun agreed without hesitation.

“Sure.”

Her tone was as cold as frost: “Anything else?”

“Also…” Xu Youzhi didn’t know what else there was. Ever since she saw those white calves, her mind was full of nothing but legs.

“If you haven’t thought of anything else, I’ll speak first.” Jiang Ruoxun’s expression sharpened. “From today on, you are a newcomer at Kaixin Entertainment, and I am the boss who gives you resources…” Jiang Ruoxun emphasized the word “boss” with particular intensity.

Although she had only acted in one TV series and one movie in the past two years, both had been massive hits without exception. Relying on that drama, she had won the Best Actress award, and that movie became the summer box office champion, a dual success in reputation and popularity.

Because of this, Jiang Ruoxun had contentedly acquired shares in Kaixin. She could open a studio whenever she wanted and scout newcomers at will.

Resources—she had plenty.

Hearing the hidden meaning in her words, Xu Youzhi looked up sharply.

Jiang Ruoxun propped up her cheek; the coldness in her eyes had wiped away her usual seductive appearance. Since Xu Youzhi was being so decisive, she didn’t need to pretend anymore.

During these two years, she initially never went to look for Xu Youzhi.

She felt this brat simply didn’t know how to miss someone!

But once she thought about Xu Youzhi being with a handsome man or a mature, charming woman—kissing, going to bed, talking sweetly—those scenes drifted through her dreams.

She was driven mad with rage.

Xu Youzhi could only be paired with her.

Were others worthy?!

Were others worthy!!

Unable to bear the longing any longer, Jiang Ruoxun searched the whole city for her.

Her woman could only be loved by her; any kissing, any bed-sharing could only be done with her!

She would rather give all her money and her body to Xu Youzhi, wishing to bury herself beneath her, loving her to the fullest. Whatever Xu Youzhi asked for, she was willing to give.

If the other party still refused to comply…

What “gentle big sister”? Better to just use force!

Xu Youzhi saw the fire in her eyes, her shock fleeting.

“Bo… Boss?”

Jiang Ruoxun gave a cold smile: “Yes, you have to work for the boss.” As she spoke, she lightly propped her chin, her fingertips touching as her gaze became ambiguous and lingering.

“At all times, naturally, the boss has the final say.”

“For example, the contract states that Kaixin’s actors are signed for a seven-year term. If you want to leave, it has to be after seven years. And as for the profit split…”

Xu Youzhi pursed her lips: “Can it be one year?”

“No.” Jiang Ruoxun said coldly, “What is your status right now? You think you’re in a position to negotiate with me?”

Xu Youzhi was a bit frightened by her tone; Jiang Ruoxun had never spoken to her like this before.

“There is one more requirement. It’s impossible for you to go home now and let your parents find out you’re acting. If you stay in Yuecheng, you will live at my house. And if you live at my house, you have to listen to me.”

“What do you mean?!” Xu Youzhi stood up.

Even if she had fallen from grace to the bottom of the valley, she knew what dignity and backbone were.

If she had to listen to the boss like a dog—

Xu Youzhi felt as if she were being pricked all over by thorns.

She absolutely would not agree!

“I’m sorry.” After steadying her emotions, she gave a helpless laugh: “The company grooms people to make money, and I work for you to make money, but… I won’t allow you to order people around like this. I am not your dog. Why should I listen to you at every moment?!”

“Xu Youzhi.” Jiang Ruoxun didn’t feel any sense of disappointment at being rejected; instead, she was calm and composed.

“You’re already out of a job, why are you still being so stubborn?”

Xu Youzhi finally understood the sequence of events and questioned: “Did you investigate the company I worked for before?”

“My apologies. I knew about your company, but your resignation had absolutely nothing to do with me.”

“But you found a talent scout to trick me!”

“Silly puppy.” Jiang Ruoxun sneered, though her eyes were shining. “What would she gain by tricking you?”

Xu Youzhi’s entire body went stiff, her breathing becoming rapid.

“How much money do you owe?” Jiang Ruoxun’s words pushed closer step by step. “If you can’t pay it back, aren’t you afraid of your parents being hounded? Or perhaps you’ve found a better house to hide in? But as long as those people are in Yuecheng, how could they possibly not find you?”

The reason for the debt was because Xu Hui had taken out high-interest loans; he wanted to make a comeback, but it was all in vain, which was why he chose to end his life.

This led to creditors flocking to the door to collect; they had no money to go elsewhere, so they could only promise that they would definitely pay it back.

This was the real reason why Xu Youzhi had entered the entertainment industry, forced to sign a contract and unwilling to leave.

Xu Youzhi lowered her head, her nose stinging, her whole-body trembling helplessly.

“Also, the company grooms people indeed to let them make money, but the premise is: what are the company’s requirements for giving this newcomer resources? What benefit do you have that would make me willing to give them to you? Besides, you have nowhere to live. A boss providing a home for an employee is already the best boss in the world.”

Xu Youzhi: “…”

“Come here.” Jiang Ruoxun curled a finger. “Zhizhi, you are so beautiful. Entering an entertainment industry as treacherous as this, there will definitely be many people who covet you. If you don’t want to be targeted by others, you know in your heart what to do. Do you want those old men surrounding you?”

Jiang Ruoxun’s words completely collapsed the sense of security Xu Youzhi had struggled to build.

Those who took an interest in her would likely be a group of pot-bellied, greasy middle-aged men.

“Come here,” she emphasized again.

Xu Youzhi came to her side. Jiang Ruoxun leaned gently against her, her fingers tracing something on her chest. “Fool, back then I wanted to give you money but you wouldn’t accept. I didn’t just want to give you money; I wanted to give you a house, fame, and even my body.”

At the mention of “body,” Xu Youzhi shivered.

She couldn’t stand her calculated charm; she was like a clinging fox spirit who always found a way to make people yield. She said defiantly, “But you want benefits from me too.”

Jiang Ruoxun’s red lips curved up, her eyes filled with a sliver of pity for the little puppy. She pinched Xu Youzhi’s chin and laughed softly: “It’s all because of you. It was you who wouldn’t take the money for nothing and made me anxious. Why wouldn’t I take this bit of benefit? Since I’m the one giving you resources, why shouldn’t I take what I want from you!”

Xu Youzhi’s body shook.

She heard her say coldly:

“I will not let you leave me forever.”

A few days ago, Jiang Ruoxun had gone looking for her again in a frenzy.

She had hugged her waist and kissed her over and over.

She had even shown her the password to her bank card.

But she had remained unmoved.

Jiang Ruoxun laughed mockingly several times.

A hint of red finally surfaced in her eyes.

This was the second time she had cried.

The first time was when she learned her grandfather was ill, a heartache born of lingering fear.

It was only then that she felt she could hand over all her security to Xu Youzhi.

But Xu Youzhi had still left.

Now, she wouldn’t let her go. Never!

Even if she was the person she loved most, she would force her to accept!

Now Xu Youzhi was like a fish on a chopping block, at someone’s mercy. Like a duck scorched by a wild fire, plunging into the water only to find it boiling, wailing in despair.

Xu Youzhi had already made a huge decision by entering the entertainment industry. If she got together with Jiang Ruoxun and her mother found out, she would surely be scolded miserably.

Countless thoughts looped in her mind.

But if she went to another company, she might be targeted by some other patron.

Perhaps she would achieve nothing, earn no money, or even lose it.

If she didn’t enter the industry, there would be no money to pay the debts, not even the hospital bills.

Her mind was a complete blur. She just wanted to be alone and suddenly ran out.

Jiang Ruoxun, however, wasn’t angry. Watching her fleeing figure, she leaned back relaxed against the chair, looking at her fair fingers. She was certain in her heart; right now, Xu Youzhi was a fragile, soft willow branch.

With one wrong move, she would be snapped by her until she couldn’t straighten her back.

Besides, she slightly raised her eyes. If she wasn’t allowed to keep her as a wife, then she would just have to work for her.