Moonlight Allure - Chapter 15

Seeing the notification, a sliver of sweetness bloomed in Jiang Xueyin’s heart, her lips curling into an uncontrollable smile.

Xiao Nianru: Have you left the safe house? Are you feeling any better?

Jiang Xueyin’s eyes danced with joy, her fingertips flying across the screen.

Jiang Xueyin: Just got home. I’m all better now. And you?

Xiao Nianru: I’m fine. The fallout from the previous incident is starting to settle. However, my filming schedule is quite heavy next week. Can we find a time to visit the Civil Affairs Bureau the week after instead?

The light in the room suddenly dimmed. Jiang Xueyin looked up to see the setting sun swallowed by heavy clouds. Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. So, Nianru had only reached out for the sake of the divorce certificate.

She replied with a “thumbs up” cat emoji. Even though this was what she had asked for, it still stung. The day they would officially become strangers was fast approaching. Jiang Xueyin tucked the phone against her chest and let out a long, heavy sigh.

Over the next week, Jiang Xueyin threw herself into the photography studio. After securing a location, the renovations began. Meanwhile, Lu Qian—the assistant recommended by her brother had returned to the country and sent over a resume. They agreed to meet on Wednesday.

That morning, Jiang Xueyin dressed simply and applied a touch of elegant makeup before heading to the restaurant at noon. As fate would have it, she ran straight into Xiao Nianru and Li Han.

They were about to enter a private dining room filled with the production crew of Xiao Nianru’s latest project. For a heartbeat, Jiang Xueyin and Xiao Nianru’s gazes locked across the hallway. Jiang Xueyin felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of guilt, her heart hammering against her ribs.

A waiter passed between them, breaking the connection. A second later, the door to the private room clicked shut. Jiang Xueyin told herself repeatedly: Don’t disturb her. You’re about to be divorced. If you’re going to pursue her for real, do it once you’ve actually achieved something.

She straightened her posture and walked toward her own table, only to find Lu Qian already waiting. Lu Qian wasn’t a conventional beauty, but she was sharp and well-put-together. Dressed in a formal black suit, she clearly took this meeting seriously.

As Jiang Xueyin approached, Lu Qian stood and offered a polite smile, extending her hand. “Hello, CEO Jiang. I’m Lu Qian. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Jiang Xueyin gave her hand a quick, firm shake. “Please, sit.”

Though her brother’s feelings toward her were complicated, his taste in talent was impeccable. As they talked, Jiang Xueyin began to feel that Lu Qian was almost overqualified for the position.

“Are you sure you want to be a manager here?” Jiang Xueyin asked before finalizing anything. “With your credentials, you could excel at a major corporation.”

“Photography is a passion of mine, and,” Lu Qian paused, her gaze lingering on Jiang Xueyin’s face with a subtle ripple of emotion. “I want to stay here.”

Jiang Xueyin’s intuition flared; something felt off. She averted her eyes. “Miss Lu, your capabilities are immense. I’m afraid I might be holding you back.”

“Not at all. It would be my absolute pleasure,” Lu Qian said, her smile widening.

“I might need some time to consider.” Jiang Xueyin recognized that look in Lu Qian’s eyes all too well. She needed to confirm a few things with Jiang Jue.

“Of course, no problem.” Lu Qian didn’t even ask for a deadline. She simply kept her eyes fixed on Jiang Xueyin. “Actually, we’ve met before. But you don’t seem to remember me.”

Jiang Xueyin faltered. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Lu Qian replied, her smile remains warm. “It’s enough that I remember you.”

A wave of panic hit Jiang Xueyin. She stood up abruptly. “I just remembered something urgent I need to attend to.”

As she turned to leave, Lu Qian called out, “Wait. I also have a law license. If you need help with a divorce settlement, feel free to call me.”

Lu Qian stepped closer and tucked a business card into Jiang Xueyin’s blazer pocket. At that exact moment, Jiang Xueyin looked up and saw Xiao Nianru standing a short distance away. Even in a crowded restaurant, she could pick her out instantly. She couldn’t tell what Nianru was looking at, but she saw the faint flush on Nianru’s ears and smelled a light trace of alcohol.

Jiang Xueyin hurried toward Xiao Nianru. Up close, the scent of wine was clearer.

“Have you been drinking?” Jiang Xueyin instinctively reached out to steady her, then remembered their status and pulled her hand back, looking dejected.

“Hmm? Is that you?” Xiao Nianru seemed to notice her only then. Her eyes were shimmering, filled with a soft, watery luster that felt like a trap for the soul.

“It’s me. Are you okay? Do you need me to hold you?” Jiang Xueyin extended her hand tentatively, her eyes full of careful, hidden devotion. She had never seen this side of Xiao Nianru, vulnerable and intoxicating.

“No, I’m not drunk.” Xiao Nianru waved her off and began to walk. Her steps didn’t falter, but Jiang Xueyin noticed her trajectory was drifting away from a straight line.

Worried, Jiang Xueyin followed. Lu Qian, left behind, watched them walk away with a darkening expression.

Jiang Xueyin kept her hand half-raised, not touching Xiao Nianru but ready to catch her the moment she stumbled. A waiter approached: “Do you ladies need assistance?”

“We’re fine, thank you,” Xiao Nianru smiled gracefully, looking perfectly sober as she stared ahead.

Jiang Xueyin’s gaze fell on the nape of Xiao Nianru’s neck. A transparent scent blocker hid her pheromones, but Jiang Xueyin found herself instinctively longing for that scent of lilies.

Once the waiter left, they continued down the hall.

“Wait, didn’t you want to go back to your room?” Jiang Xueyin stopped as they passed Room 999.

Xiao Nianru turned back, her gaze hazy, her eyes curving into crescents. “Oh, right.” She looked around as if searching for the room number.

Summoning her courage, Jiang Xueyin took her by the wrist and escorted her inside. As they entered, the room went quiet, then buzzed with various reactions.

The director teased, “I was wondering why Nianru was taking so long. Turns out she was caught by her wife!”

The lead actor sighed, “I’m so jealous of you couples. Unlike me, all alone and miserable.”

“See? The internet is full of lies. They’re clearly still head-over-heels for each other!”

Li Han was there too, her expression complicated. She stood up and addressed the group. “Nianru is a bit tipsy, so I’m taking her home. Enjoy the rest of your meal, everyone.”

“Go on, go on! We won’t get in the way of a little date night,” the director chuckled.

The three of them left the room, with Jiang Xueyin and Li Han supporting Xiao Nianru on either side.

“What are you doing here?” Li Han asked, glancing at the sleeping Xiao Nianru before looking at Jiang Xueyin.

“Business meeting,” Jiang Xueyin replied.

“Is that so?” Li Han’s tone was thick with skepticism.

“Yes.” Jiang Xueyin nodded, offering nothing more.

Li Han didn’t press further, but she did offer a warning. “Jiang Xueyin, the agreement is signed. Stalling the official registration is pointless.”

“I have no intention of stalling.” She wanted to sever the link between the scumbag and Nianru as fast as anyone.

“Really? That business with the paparazzi at the bar, you’re sure you didn’t set that up yourself?”

Xiao Nianru chose to believe her, but Li Han remained unconvinced.