My Wealthy Ex-Girlfriend Knelt and Begged Me to Come Back [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 1

Across the desk, Ji Jiayu handed over a document.
“Sister Sun.”

It was the termination contract she had submitted in the approval system long ago, which had yet to be processed.

“I want to terminate my contract.”

Her voice was cold, with a trace of stubbornness.

The woman in a pencil skirt frowned, her fingers tightening around the A4 paper until it crumpled, her voice trembling with anger:

“Ji Jiayu, what nonsense are you spouting? You’ve been absent for a whole year. The fact that the company hasn’t already fired you is a mercy!”

“And you still have the face to come here asking for termination?”

The manager flung out her arm, and the application was tossed back.

The paper fluttered down, landing on the wooden floor with a faint rustling sound.

Ji Jiayu glanced down at the paper by her feet, then lifted her gaze to the agent she hadn’t contacted in months—who was now furious beyond reason.

“I want to terminate.”

She repeated it again, enunciating each word.

The manager’s furrowed brows slowly eased as she swept a glance over Ji Jiayu’s entire figure, sizing her up.

“Calm down first. Do you know what the consequences of termination are?”

Today Ji Jiayu wore casual clothes: a thin camisole on her shoulders, denim shorts revealing her slender, straight legs, her round pale knees carrying a fragile aura.

On her feet was the only thing of value—ordinary designer shoes worth a few thousand yuan, possibly counterfeit.

Even the most junior actresses had wardrobes more expensive than hers.

The manager sneered, raising eight fingers. Her voice was shrill and cutting: “The penalty fee is 8 million. Can you afford that?”

Ji Jiayu’s lashes trembled slightly, her cherry lips pressing together without a reply.

One look was enough to know—this girl couldn’t afford it.

“I don’t know what you went through before. The company couldn’t reach you, and you never contacted us.” The manager gave an excuse she’d casually made up. “I reported you as being in poor condition, so I helped suspend your work.”

She had so many artists under her care, with barely enough resources to go around.

Who would care if a little nobody had some trouble?

Ji Jiayu lifted her gaze, her pupils black and bright, the slight tilt at the corners of her eyes adding a hint of allure. Her red lips curved faintly, her tone carrying a trace of mockery:
“Thank you, Sister Sun.”

A slap, then a candy. Since the slap had landed, the candy should follow.

“No need to thank me. What’s yours will always be yours…” The manager pulled out a document from the drawer and handed it to Ji Jiayu.

“I got you a script. Lots of scenes, more than before. It’s a female fifth lead role.”

Ji Jiayu flipped through it, scanning the marked pages. Altogether, the female fifth lead appeared in no more than two or three pages.

The manager emphasized, “Tonight, behave yourself and go sign the contract. The assistant will send you the location.”

“Ah?” Ji Jiayu’s lips parted slightly in surprise, her eyes blinking with crystalline tears, her soft peach-pink cheeks instantly draining of color until she looked even paler.

She hadn’t expected such a demand from her manager.

Some banquets were just excuses to get young artists drunk—
especially nobodies.

“What do you mean, ah?” the manager snapped impatiently. “I’ll be there too. What could possibly happen?”

“You need to seize opportunities—unless you’d rather stay retired forever?!”

It was almost a threat.

Ji Jiayu hesitated for a long time. Finally, as if swallowing some deep humiliation, she chose to compromise. Her lips moved, tightening around the script in her hands.
“…Fine.”

“I’ll go tonight.”

Her lashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. Her voice was soft and weak, her expression confused and helpless, her chin slightly tucked—making her look even more fragile.

She looked like a little lamb, forced to submit.

The manager’s lips curled in satisfaction. “Glad you’ve come around.”

A girl like Ji Jiayu—delicate, alluring, pretending to be pure and untouchable. Refusing to drink, refusing to sleep her way up. No wonder she’d remained a marginal figure, forever stuck as an extra.

Really, she was just dense, in need of “correction.”

But when a true patron appeared—look, even she would throw herself into his arms.

If tonight went well, her rising young star’s male third lead role would be secure. Trading a female fifth for a male third was a bargain.

The manager calculated silently.

“See you tonight.”

“Goodbye, Sister Sun.”

The conference room door slowly closed, hiding the agent’s false expression.

Ji Jiayu headed straight for the copy room across the hall. She fed the script into the shredder.

The sound of shredding paper filled her ears.

Her lips curved in a faint smile, her expression both mocking and disdainful.

Such a trashy script—she’d never take it again.

And tonight’s so-called “banquet” might actually be an opportunity.

A chance to meet someone again.

Night fell. Darkness couldn’t smother the city’s neon lights; Beijing’s nightlife was only just beginning.

The crystal chandeliers dazzled in the banquet hall. At the innermost mahogany table, the main seat remained empty. The seat to its left—the “second-highest” position—was occupied by a suited, overweight middle-aged man.

People from the talent agency and the investors chatted merrily.

“President Wang, this is Ah Yang.”

The young man called Ah Yang smiled faintly, greeting politely. “Hello, President Wang.”

His manager nudged his shoulder.

Ah Yang blinked, quickly understanding.

From debut until now, his steady rise had come from knowing how to read people. If he pleased this man tonight, the male third role would be locked in.

He smoothly sat beside President Wang, scooting his chair closer, tilting his head slightly, and saying softly:

“I’m so glad to meet you, President Wang.”

His warm breath brushed against the man’s face.

The middle-aged man squinted slightly, swallowing hard at the sight of the youth.

In today’s China, with same-sex marriage legalized, many indulged freely—men or women, it didn’t matter.

Ah Yang’s androgynous charm made President Wang think, Yes, he’ll do.

Others’ gazes followed.

Such banquets often had a hidden air of pimping.

Real big stars never came.

Clearly, tonight’s spotlight would be on him.

A smug smile spread across Ah Yang’s face.

But in the next moment, his smile froze.

Almost instantly, everyone’s attention shifted—
toward the other side.

A girl’s silhouette stretched across the floor.

Slender calves peeked beneath her skirt, her ankles delicate.

Her gown was voluminous tulle, speckled with crystals like starlight. The black strapless dress revealed her swanlike neck and shoulders, making her look like a true socialite—noble and stunning.

Click, click, click—

The sharp sound of stiletto heels on marble echoed crisply.

Ji Jiayu lifted her hand, running her fingers through her hair.

Her thick black curls cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders, revealing a long, pale neck, her skin gleaming like silk beneath the lights.

Her lips pressed lightly together as she tilted her head, her long lashes slowly lifting. Her gaze wandered left and right, shimmering like a lost little fawn.

With a clatter, someone dropped their chopsticks.

A latecomer had arrived.

—She was simply too beautiful.

Everyone thought the same.

Even her manager was stunned. After so long, she had forgotten just how striking Ji Jiayu could be, and why she had chosen her from the crowd of ordinary hopefuls.

Ah Yang’s lips twisted downward. His brows furrowed beneath his fringe.

This bitch is back?!

She had been absent for so long—practically shelved by the company!

Back when they debuted together, she had stolen his spot.

Damn it, was she here to steal his script again?

“President Wang,” Ah Yang leaned closer, picking up the chopsticks that had fallen, his smile fawning.

“You dropped these.”

But President Wang acted as if he hadn’t heard, turning his head away.

His eyes were glued to the latecomer—this enticing girl.

“I’ll fetch you a new pair,” Ah Yang muttered, seething at being ignored. Clutching the chopsticks tightly, he shot Ji Jiayu a glare before stalking off.

President Wang rubbed his hands together, his small eyes fixed greedily on her. He turned to the agent. “And this is…?”

The manager quickly waved Ji Jiayu over. “This is our female fifth lead, Ji Jiayu.”

“A newcomer?” President Wang’s greasy face broke into a lecherous grin.

“Why haven’t I seen her before?”

“Ah…” The agent faltered, then improvised. “She was unwell before—hospitalized.”

Suddenly, the manager remembered Ji Jiayu’s past scandal at a banquet—when she’d stormed out after a sponsor touched her thigh, causing the furious investor to pull funding.

After that, no one in the company cared to contact her.

Just a pretty, troublesome waste.

“You follow me and keep quiet,” the manager whispered, gripping Ji Jiayu’s arm tightly. “Think about the consequences of your past tantrums!”

Ji Jiayu turned her head, her black hair slipping back, revealing her sharp little chin. She pulled her arm free and glanced at her agent.

Her voice trembled in mock fear. “Ah—Sister Sun… why are you pinching me?”

She whined, her delicate voice sugary sweet, almost dripping with tears.

But she didn’t lower her voice—everyone nearby could hear.

Pitiful. Heartbreaking.

“Little Sun,” President Wang coughed, sounding displeased. “Why are you pinching her?”

The manager froze. When did I pinch her?!

Before she could react, Ji Jiayu casually picked up a wine glass from a passing waiter’s tray.

She walked up to President Wang, composed, her pale fingers cradling the stem.

“Pleased to meet you, President Wang.”

The manager’s eyes widened.

In one year, Ji Jiayu seemed to have become a completely different person?! Where was the timid girl who’d rather die than drink with investors?

President Wang stared in surprise at the beauty who approached him voluntarily.

Ji Jiayu’s amber-tinted eyes narrowed slightly, her curved brows adding to her allure. “President Wang?”

His throat bobbed as he downed the entire glass in one go.

Ji Jiayu still held her glass, untouched.

He frowned, staring at her slender wrist. “Why aren’t you drinking?”

The manager sneered. “President Wang is giving you face. How dare you refuse?”

“President Wang, Sister Sun…” Ji Jiayu bit her lip, a faint blush blooming across her cheeks. Her voice trembled softly. “I—I can’t handle alcohol…”

The investors scowled. “If she won’t drink, why bother toasting President Wang?”

Ji Jiayu lowered her gaze. The dark red liquid shimmered as her hand trembled slightly.

This glass—she couldn’t drink it.

From behind, a sharp voice cut in: “Ji Jiayu, you’re in Beijing now… How can you not drink a toast?”

Her shoulder was shoved lightly.

She staggered, her fingers slipping. The glass fell from her hand.

Crash! Shards scattered across the floor.

Wine splashed all over the very person who had pushed her.

Ah Yang’s eyes bulged. His brand-new, custom-tailored, sponsor-provided suit was drenched in red wine, dripping down his pant legs—ruined.

Ji Jiayu’s brows knit delicately. She raised her hand to her lips, letting out a soft gasp, her voice weak and plaintive:

“My hand slipped.”

“You—!” he growled through clenched teeth.

“Apologies.” Ji Jiayu lowered her head slightly, stepping aside for the waiters cleaning up. Then, in a quiet, innocent tone, she added:

“…But why did you push me just now?”

Her soft, pitiful voice made it sound like she was the one being bullied.

Ah Yang’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t expected her to strike first and play the victim. “You’re lying!”

“President Wang, sorry for the disturbance,” the manager hurried over, apologizing profusely. She waved her hand to have Ah Yang escorted out.

“My artist doesn’t know better.”

Ah Yang’s heart sank as he was led away in disgrace.

President Wang narrowed his eyes, motioning for more wine to be poured and handed to Ji Jiayu.

She coughed lightly, reaching for the glass. Her manicured fingers trembled.

But just then, another hand reached from behind, taking the glass before she could.

“I’ll drink for her.”

The voice was clear, cold as spring water, coming from directly behind her.

Her bare back, exposed by the gown, brushed against another’s warmth.

Small and delicate as Ji Jiayu was, the woman behind her was tall, the posture making it seem as if Ji Jiayu was encircled in her arms—

intimate, protective.

Her entire being was enveloped in that faint fragrance.

The scent of sandalwood incense, laced with the thinnest trace of smoke and cosmetics.

Ji Jiayu’s red lips parted, her long lashes fluttering as she turned to look.
“Why is it… you—”

“President Qiu?”

Qiu Miaoran—actual controller of Qiu Shui Ventures.

For such a minor project, someone of her stature would never normally attend.

That was why the main seat at the banquet table was always left empty—symbolically reserved for her.

The investors were stunned. The hall fell silent.

Why was President Qiu here, of all places?

Ji Jiayu blinked, her brows lifting slightly, her clear eyes reflecting the elegant woman behind her. Surprised, she asked softly:

“President Qiu is… drinking for me?”

As she lifted the glass, her sleeve slid back. A sapphire cufflink gleamed. Her pale, bony wrist carried an air of precision and taboo.

She raised the glass. When it came back down, only a trace of liquid clung to the rim.

A fine gold chain dangled from her glasses, glinting under the lights. Behind the thin lenses, her phoenix eyes were dark and deep—yet unreadable.

Black suit. Crimson lips. Straight, shoulder-length hair. Retro elegance, styled with an aura of allure and dominance.

Some people could make simplicity look decadent—her tailored suit perfectly outlining her slim waist and long legs.

They were too close.

So close she could almost hear the other’s heartbeat.

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