My 'White Moonlight' First Love Came Back, but I Don't Love her Anymore - Chapter 21

November in Haicheng lacked the biting dry cold of the north, but it possessed a pervasive damp chill that could not be ignored.

Inside the Huasheng Media Chairman’s office.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Literally what it says. Yan Yan, you haven’t forgotten how to read, have you?”

Zhou Wanyan picked up the document on the desk. The four large characters “Relationship Contract” immediately caught her eye. Without a second thought, she slammed the contract back onto the desk, her face burning with a stinging sensation.

She crossed her arms and clenched her fists so tightly that her fingertips turned white. Her eyes were filled with loathing and fury. Suppressing her internal rage, she squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth. “Yan Jiuqing, don’t go too far.”

Hearing this, Yan Jiuqing simply smiled. Sitting in her office chair with an elegant and composed posture, she spoke unhurriedly. “Yan Yan, I gave you chances, but you didn’t cherish them. I have no choice but to use this method to bring you back to my side.”

She then pushed the contract back toward Zhou Wanyan with a firm finger.

“A relationship contract. We will maintain our former romantic relationship, but we won’t get married. I will give you all the resources you need. Additionally, I will give you an annual relationship fee of 30 million. In return, you only need to come and accompany me whenever I need you.”

“Langyue Lanting was where we used to live together. Can we continue living there once the contract takes effect? If you want to change your environment, that is fine too; it is all up to you.”

“Yan Yan, this is the greatest concession I can make.”

After hearing these utterly unreasonable words, Zhou Wanyan was momentarily stunned. Her face remained expressionless, as if covered by a layer of frost, before she suddenly burst into laughter.

The laugh was drenched in irony.

In six years, she thought that even if love was gone, at least some modicum of affection remained. She had not expected there to be nothing at all. She had been too naive.

At this moment, Yan Jiuqing’s composure formed a sharp, agonizing contrast to Zhou Wanyan’s humiliation.

“Yan Jiuqing, I will never agree to this.”

Yan Jiuqing’s expression remained calm. She gave a slight nod, as if she had anticipated this. “Then those songs you poured your heart and soul into writing, I suppose I will just give them to someone else.”

“Yan Yan, you should know better than I do how important ownership is to a songwriter.”

“I might not know about others, but for you, I know very well.”

The person she once bared her soul to was now using her confessed weaknesses to stab her. Six years ago, when her love for Yan Jiuqing was at its peak, she had agreed to any condition Yan Jiuqing proposed.

“Yan Yan, the songs you write are so beautiful. Let them all belong to me from now on, okay? I will make sure these songs become famous across the country.”

That boomerang, polished by love six years ago, had traveled through time like a sharp blade to strike her right between the eyes, shattering even the warm memories of the past.

Zhou Wanyan looked up, her gaze calmly meeting Yan Jiuqing’s. Yan Jiuqing looked exactly as she always had, yet Zhou Wanyan did not recognize her at all.

“Yan Jiuqing, they say you know me best.”

“But this time, you are wrong.”

Yan Jiuqing narrowed her eyes, her long lashes casting a shadow that hid a flash of inquiry. “Wrong?”

“Yan Yan, are you really going to abandon the ownership of your songs?”

Zhou Wanyan gave the woman a cold sidelong glance, her voice devoid of warmth. “More than that.”

“I am terminating my contract. From now on, I will have absolutely no connection to you.”

The confidence in Yan Jiuqing’s eyes crumbled bit by bit. She looked at Zhou Wanyan in disbelief, her red lips parted but unable to make a sound. Then, as if remembering something, she said coldly, “Yan Yan, I am afraid you have forgotten how much your liquidated damages are.”

“400 million. A total of 400 million in penalties. How are you going to pay that?”

“Go back to the Zhou family? Find your father?”

“You would probably rather carry a 400 million yuan debt than return to the Zhou family.”

“Besides, without Huasheng’s protection, do you think you will have smooth sailing in this industry? With just one word from Huasheng, who would dare use you? No matter how good your lyrics and melodies are, I don’t think anyone would dare openly challenge Huasheng.”

Yan Jiuqing was certain Zhou Wanyan had no way out, which was why she dared to brazenly propose the relationship contract. She assumed Zhou Wanyan would compromise. After all, no one would want to carry astronomical debt and face a lifetime of being unable to rise again.

Zhou Wanyan said nothing. A thin mist clouded her vision. Even digging her nails into her palms could not offset the pain in her heart. Her trust, in hindsight, was as laughable as it was pathetic.

Once the desire to escape took root, it could never be retracted; it would only grow wildly. When it reached its peak, nothing could stop it.

“I was not aware I had incurred such a large penalty.”

Rarely, a flicker of avoidance passed through Yan Jiuqing’s eyes, and her tone softened considerably. “Yan Yan, you might not have looked closely at the time, but the contract is valid.”

Zhou Wanyan slowly lowered her head, her soft hair veiling her face as if providing a brief shield from the outside world.

Yan Jiuqing stood up and leaned against the desk in front of Zhou Wanyan. She picked up the contract she had personally drafted and said softly, “Yan Yan, take a good look. If you are not satisfied, we can discuss it. I really do not want to lose you.”

“You do not want to lose me, but you are fine with hurting me?” Zhou Wanyan looked up, her eyes shooting cold light at Yan Jiuqing.

Yan Jiuqing whispered, “Yan Yan, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Then what is this? Do you call this love?”

“Hurting me over and over again by using my trust, is this what you call love?”

“Yan Jiuqing, if you have any other disgusting thoughts, just say them. I want to see just what else you are capable of.”

“That year in the dance studio, you said you liked the song ‘Late Summer.’ That was the first time since I started writing that I heard an affirmation. I thought you were the person who understood me best. And now? It has changed. Everything has changed. People change, hearts change.”

“You are no longer the Yan Jiuqing who supported me unconditionally. We cannot go back.”

With that, Zhou Wanyan stood up and turned to leave without hesitation, as if staying one second longer would let those disgusting things cling to her again.

“I will scrape together the penalty fee.”

Leaving these words behind, Zhou Wanyan vanished completely from Yan Jiuqing’s sight. Yan Jiuqing stared at her departing figure. Her mind went blank. Instead of the happiness she expected, she felt a pang of regret.

The night was as thick as ink. A classical style villa located in the bustling heart of Haicheng exuded an ancient charm under the glow of dim yellow streetlights.

A Maybach slowly approached and came to a steady halt at the main entrance. The driver got out and gently opened the rear door.

A middle-aged man in a tailored suit stepped out. He was lean with a gentle gaze, radiating elegance in every gesture. After getting out, he seemed to be instructing the driver regarding the next day’s schedule.

“Go to WT tomorrow and pick up the necklace I ordered for Feifei. I want to give it to her personally.”

The driver replied, “Okay, Chairman Zhou.”

The driver then drove the Maybach away. At the same time, a vibrant female voice rang out from a distance.

“Dad, you are finally back!”

As soon as the words fell, a girl of sixteen or seventeen threw herself into the man’s arms.

Zhou Moqian smiled dotingly. “How old are you now? Still acting like a child.”

“No matter how old she is, she is still your child,” Yang Wenqing’s gentle voice followed as she walked down the stone steps.

Zhou Moqian looked up at his wife, his tone soft. “It is all because of you; you have spoiled her.”

It sounded like a complaint, but combined with his tone, it felt exceptionally happy. He reached out and pulled Yang Wenqing into his embrace as well.

Yang Wenqing lightly stroked her daughter’s hair. “Aren’t you the same? You have no right to talk about me. Come home early tomorrow; I will cook more of the dishes you like.”

With an arm around his wife and another around his daughter, Zhou Moqian walked slowly and contentedly into the villa. Their shadows were lengthened by the lights and intertwined, creating a picture of peace, beauty, and happiness.

Not far away, a Porsche was hidden in the darkness, watching their happiness. The window was slowly rolled down. Zhou Wanyan lit a cigarette. Her eyes were numb as her slender fingers held the cigarette with slight awkwardness. Smoke escaped her lips, silhouetting a face that looked as if it had been meticulously sculpted.

“Xiao Yan, Dad bought you a house in Nanshan District. Move there. Otherwise, if you stay at home, you will always have to endure the things Auntie Yang says that you do not like to hear.”

“Xiao Yan, I hope you can understand your father. There is enough going on at the company. Let’s have as little trouble at home as possible. Dad just does not have the energy anymore.”

After an unknown amount of time, as the third cigarette was extinguished, the car window slowly rolled up.

Sell. Sell it all. Leave nothing behind.

During these days, Zhou Wanyan was busy contacting buyers for everything she could sell, hoping to liquidate her assets as quickly as possible. She organized her luxury goods and posted them online.

The woman on the other end of the phone asked in surprise, “Are you really planning to go bankrupt?”

Zhou Wanyan replied tonelessly, “What else can I do?”

“But if you sell everything you can, what will you do?”

“Whatever. Sleeping on the streets is my fate.”

“Nonsense. I think you have lost your mind. Don’t say your sister doesn’t look out for you. I found a buyer for you; they will be knocking on your door any minute.”

“A buyer?”

As Zhou Wanyan asked, the doorbell rang. Gao Yao left one final sentence before quickly hanging up. “Someone who can buy you, too.”

Zhou Wanyan frowned, not quite catching Gao Yao’s last remark. She got up to open the door, her confused expression instantly softening when she saw who it was.

Bright sunlight spilled over the carpet in the living room. The two sat on an off-white sofa. Luo Yuening’s gaze fell upon the black metallic coffee table, which was neatly covered with various luxury items.

Luo Yuening asked, “Are you selling all of these?”

Zhou Wanyan raised an eyebrow and said frankly, “Otherwise, I will sell them to pay off debts.” Then, with certainty, “Gao Yao told you everything, didn’t she?”

Luo Yuening’s brow knit slightly. “Mhm.”

Zhou Wanyan suddenly realized who the buyer Gao Yao mentioned was. She asked tentatively, “You want to buy these things?”

Luo Yuening tilted her eyes upward and crossed her arms over her chest. “Why, is that not allowed?”

Zhou Wanyan glanced at her, drawing out her words intentionally. “It is.”

“Based on the second hand market price, these total 3.08 million. Since we know each other, I will round it down to 3 million. If you are okay with that, choose between a card swipe or a transfer.”

Luo Yuening pursed her red lips as if weighing every word. Her voice was serious and steady, devoid of her usual haughtiness. “If you sell your house, where are you going to live?”

Zhou Wanyan replied, “I will rent a place.”

“Even if you sell the house and the car, will the money for the penalty be enough?” Luo Yuening asked, hitting the nail on the head.

Zhou Wanyan’s movements paused as she packed. Her tone carried a hint of bitterness. “Of course it won’t be enough. The penalty is too much. Once I have sold everything I can, I will go back to the Zhou family. My father won’t just leave me be.”

Hearing this, a flash of heartache spread through Luo Yuening’s eyes. She knew a bit about why Zhou Wanyan had refused to return to the Zhou family all these years.

“Don’t sell them.”

“If I don’t sell them, I will be even less likely to pay it back.”

“I will provide the money for your contract termination. You sign with my company.”

“What?” Zhou Wanyan slowly turned around to look at Luo Yuening. Her usually gentle eyes were now filled with shock.

Under Zhou Wanyan’s stunned gaze, Luo Yuening said word for word, “Don’t overthink it. It is just that I feel your talent should not be buried like this. Your commercial value is not as low as they think.”

“In short, you are worth the 400 million it takes to sign you.”

“That way, you won’t have to sell your house or your car.”

“Also, I am not signing you for nothing. You have to step in front of the camera. You cannot hide behind the scenes writing songs like you did before.”

“You don’t have to give me an answer right away. I will give you a day to think about it carefully.”

As she finished, Luo Yuening bit her lower lip, waiting for the response. She was nervous inside, fearing that Zhou Wanyan would reject her.

“No need to think. I am willing.” Zhou Wanyan did not hesitate for a second. To hesitate now would make her look unreasonable.

Charity in a time of need is undoubtedly the most heart-warming thing. Zhou Wanyan’s gaze softened unconsciously as she looked at Luo Yuening.

But then again, why was Luo Yuening being so good to her? Didn’t Luo Yuening personally say she hated her six years ago? Had her conscience kicked in? Did she stop hating her and want to make up but felt too embarrassed to say it directly?

Then again, was she being a bit too narcissistic by thinking so much?

Zhou Wanyan: “…”

Luo Yuening had not expected Zhou Wanyan to agree without any hesitation. Her brain did not process it for a moment, but upon hearing the words, her lips instinctively curled into a beautiful arc.

Excited, Zhou Wanyan stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Luo Yuening, lightly patting her back. “Thank you, Luo Yuening.”

An unusual flush rose to Luo Yuening’s cheeks. Her heart skipped a beat. She let Zhou Wanyan hold her, her voice trembling slightly. “It is nothing. I signed you because I value your commercial worth.”

It seemed she had overthought things.

Thinking of this, Zhou Wanyan’s eyes dimmed slightly. “I still need to thank you properly, Luo Yuening. From now on, I will definitely earn a lot of money for Rubik’s Cube… and a lot of money for you.”

Luo Yuening carefully returned the hug. She rested her chin on Zhou Wanyan’s shoulder, suppressed the shyness and sweetness in her eyes, fearing that her burning love might accidentally betray her.

The next day, at the appointed time, the two companies met for the handover.

Inside the meeting room, it was surprising that Yan Jiuqing did not attend. Instead, she was represented by her secretary, Lin Na. Without Yan Jiuqing there, the process went very smoothly.

Once the handover was complete, Zhou Wanyan stood up holding the heavy contract. After shaking hands and preparing to leave, Lin Na called out to her. Zhou Wanyan said goodbye to the people from Rubik’s Cube Entertainment and stopped in her tracks.

Lin Na was dressed in a black lady’s suit, her hair tied up high and her makeup exquisite. “Miss Zhou, President Yan said that she was wrong that day. She simply did not want to lose you so badly that she did not think through the things she said and did.”

As she spoke, she took a song ownership transfer contract out of her briefcase. “This is the transfer contract for the song ownership. President Yan said you would understand once you saw it.”

“Be at the Blue Sea Notary Office tomorrow at nine o’clock. Both parties will notarize the transfer.”

Zhou Wanyan took the contract. Listening to the words Lin Na conveyed, she maintained a polite smile. However, the moment she turned around, the smile faded, replaced by a rising sense of irony.

As she walked out of Huasheng Media, a beam of light happened to hit her. The sun was not strong, but it was enough to dispel the gloom. With a long stride, she sat directly into the Rolls-Royce Phantom that had been waiting for a long time.

Zhou Wanyan’s smiling face stood in sharp contrast to Luo Yuening’s cold expression.

“Luo Yuening, what is wrong? Why the cold face?”

Luo Yuening’s expression remained unchanged, and her voice was low. “What took you so long to chat in there by yourself?”

Zhou Wanyan dismissed it. “It was not even five minutes. Is that long?”

Luo Yuening frowned slightly, her gaze like a cold star fixed straight on Zhou Wanyan. “Yes.”

Her skin was like frost, and her temperament was cold and elegant. Zhou Wanyan felt flustered under her gaze and said softly, “Then I will be faster next time.”

“There is a next time?” Luo Yuening’s voice rose.

Zhou Wanyan paused for a moment and quickly corrected herself. “No, no. I will never step foot in Huasheng again for the rest of my life. From now on, I belong to Rubik’s Cube Entertainment.”

Person of Rubik’s Cube Entertainment = My person.

Luo Yuening’s red lips curled slightly, and she nodded, showing her satisfaction with the answer. “Good. At least you are sensible.”

“Come to the company tomorrow to arrange a new manager for you.”

Zhou Wanyan replied, “Okay.”

Luo Yuening leaned against the soft seat of the Rolls-Royce. Her solid colored silk camisole dress fell naturally, and her legs were elegantly crossed. “Who was your manager at Huasheng?”

Zhou Wanyan’s voice weakened, as if she were reluctant to mention it. “Yan Jiuqing.”

Luo Yuening: “…”

If she had known, she would not have asked.

Zhou Wanyan then remembered she had to go to the notary office tomorrow. “By the way, I need to go to the notary office tomorrow at nine. Yan Jiuqing is transferring the song ownership back to me.”

Luo Yuening snorted coldly. “At least she has a bit of a conscience.”

She paused, her expression becoming a bit unnatural. “I will accompany you tomorrow.”

The words were brief and her volume was low, but Zhou Wanyan heard her clearly.

She smiled and said, “I can go by myself. I do not want to trouble you.”

Luo Yuening fell silent and turned her head away, her burgundy curls falling over her slender neck and chest. She ignored Zhou Wanyan and started a silent competition in her head.

Troubling Gao Yao was not a problem, but troubling her was considered a problem.

Realizing this later, Zhou Wanyan leaned over and said softly, “Are you angry?”

“Who… is angry?”

Luo Yuening was like a cat with its fur standing on end, trying her best to hide her feelings. As she turned her head, her fragrant hair brushed against Zhou Wanyan’s lips.

Both of them were stunned. A spark ignited, and their heartbeats suddenly raced out of control.

Luo Yuening lowered her gaze, her lips pursing unnaturally as she stiffly forced out a sentence. “Zhou Wanyan… why are you so close to me?”

Luo Yuening’s words snapped Zhou Wanyan out of it. She quickly returned to her seat and sat up straight. Her cheeks were burning hot. She raised her hand to touch her cheek but pulled it back because it felt scorched.

What was wrong with her?

After the atmosphere in the car remained silent for a few minutes, Zhou Wanyan spoke. “Come to my house tonight. I will cook for you.”

Her tone was calm, as if nothing had happened. Only the lingering warmth on her cheeks reminded her that it was all real.

Luo Yuening’s eyes curved into a smile, like fireworks blooming in a cold night, vivid and moving. “Is this how you usually invite people?”

Zhou Wanyan pretended to think. “Then I should think about it carefully.”

“Hmm… I usually invite so many people that I cannot remember the specific lines. I only remember that this one is the most practical.”

Luo Yuening demonstrated how to change faces faster than flipping a book. Her smiling eyes instantly turned cold, annoyed by Zhou Wanyan’s words. She raised her hand and gave Zhou Wanyan’s shoulder a very light push.

“How annoying.”

Seeing this, Zhou Wanyan asked with a smile, “So, are you coming or not?”

Luo Yuening twirled a strand of hair and said unhurriedly, “I am going.”

The next day, the sun was shining brightly. Zhou Wanyan arrived at the notary office on time. Oh, wait. Someone else had followed her.

Zhou Wanyan asked, “Luo Yuening, what are you looking at?”

Luo Yuening adjusted her sunglasses and whispered, “She actually did not come.” She then breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhou Wanyan was confused. “Who did not come?”

Luo Yuening glanced at her, her chin slightly raised. “No one. Don’t ask.”

Zhou Wanyan: “…”

Lin Na approached them at that moment, a proper smile on her face. “President Luo, Miss Zhou.”

Zhou Wanyan: “Hello.”

Luo Yuening: “Mhm.”

The notarization of the song ownership transfer was completed quickly. Afterward, Luo Yuening took Zhou Wanyan to Rubik’s Cube Entertainment.

Inside the CEO’s office.

“This is Li Wen. She will be your manager from now on,” Luo Yuening introduced.

“Sister Li Wen, hello. I am Zhou Wanyan.”

“Hello, I am Li Wen. I have heard Yuening mention you before.”

Zhou Wanyan looked at Luo Yuening in surprise. Luo Yuening ignored her gaze and said calmly, “You two chat first. I am going out for a while.”

With that, she walked out of the office with light steps in her high heels.

Zhou Wanyan said, “Sister Li Wen, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please give me your guidance in the future.”

Li Wen waved her hand. “I wouldn’t call it guidance, but you are my artist now. You need to let me know about everything beforehand.”

“For example, dating… I don’t care what other managers require, but it is not allowed here.”

Zhou Wanyan looked at Li Wen intently, listening to every word. Her hands were unconsciously crossed in front of her, and she sat up straight.

“Okay, Sister Li, I have noted everything.”

“Don’t worry, I have no plans to date in the next few years.”

Luo Yuening was on a voice call with Li Wen on her phone. She heard every word Zhou Wanyan said clearly. At this moment, Luo Yuening’s heart felt like it was wrapped in a balloon, flown into the sky, and then slammed back down to the ground.

What?! Not dating for the next few years? Then what about her?

Luo Yuening hid in a meeting room, slumped over the table with a worried look. “Sister Li, I only meant for her not to date other people. I didn’t say she couldn’t date at all.”

The Bluetooth headset in Li Wen’s ear was hidden by her hair, so Zhou Wanyan did not notice anything.

Li Wen changed the subject. “You agreed just like that?”

Zhou Wanyan was stunned. “Should I not have agreed?”

Li Wen said, “No… there are not many artists as career oriented as you.” She slowly lowered her head, feeling a wave of regret. What on earth was she saying?

A look of joy appeared on Zhou Wanyan’s face. “Is that so? You are making me embarrassed.”

Li Wen took the opportunity to try and fix it. “Actually, I was wrong just now. You can date because your path is different from theirs. However, the company strictly forbids dating people from other companies. So, if you want to date, you can only find someone within this company.”

Hearing this, Zhou Wanyan’s dark eyes were full of disbelief. She thought to herself: Is there really such a rule? Big companies really are different.

Zhou Wanyan nodded slightly.

Hidden in the meeting room, Luo Yuening also hung up the phone with satisfaction. She then immediately dialed Lin Qi’s number. “That project I mentioned before can be officially started.”

Lin Qi said, “You really are in love. To successfully kidnap Zhou Wanyan, you have really gone to great lengths. Besides, why don’t you just confess?”

The joy on her face from a moment ago seemed to be paused. Luo Yuening’s eyes went dull, and she sat back down in her chair.

“A confession shouldn’t come from me; it should come from her.”

“Besides, things have barely even started yet. You are thinking too far ahead.”

“Fine, I’m hanging up.”

Lin Qi had no chance to interrupt before the call was cut short. Luo Yuening’s mood was currently like a weather forecast: “clear turning to cloudy.”

Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

“Luo Yuening.”

“Mhm?”

“Your company’s rules are so strange. You only allow dating within the company. Is this what they call ‘keeping the good water in your own fields’? Hahahaha.”

“Is it funny?” Luo Yuening looked over coldly.

“Do you want to date that badly?” The deadly question was thrown right in front of Zhou Wanyan.

Zhou Wanyan’s answer was quick and clean. “I don’t.”

Luo Yuening’s tense shoulders relaxed completely, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. Her usual sharpness vanished without a trace.

“That is good.”

“You still have to focus on making money for the company.”

“Make sure you don’t get distracted by others.”

Her tone was arrogant yet did not make one feel annoyed or repelled.

Zhou Wanyan turned her head slightly. Luo Yuening, in a form fitting black dress, leaned lazily against the seat with her eyes closed. Her thick eyelashes cast a small shadow on her eyelids. Her face was the kind of beauty that could stun someone in a second.

The bracelet on her snow white wrist was woven from gold thread, adorned with emeralds and sparkling diamonds—noble and elegant.

Now, only Luo Yuening’s figure remained in Zhou Wanyan’s eyes. She did not even realize how soft her gaze was when she looked at Luo Yuening; describing it as “full of tenderness” would be most appropriate.

The intersection between them that had stopped for six years seemed to have become inseparable again in these short days, like countless threads tightly wound together.

The events of back then became more profound and were gradually deepened. She did not know when she would be able to ask about it. At least while sober, she believed it was impossible.

As night fell, the evening breeze blew with a hint of coolness. The starlight gathered overhead, forming a brilliant night.

Zhou Wanyan had just returned from dinner with Luo Yuening. Being alone and free, she walked with light steps on the park path. Her hair swayed slightly with her pace, and a snow white scarf protected her neck. The tip of her nose was red from the cold.

Suddenly, a woman ran out from the side, and the two collided. After stabilizing herself, Zhou Wanyan instinctively grabbed the woman to prevent her from falling.

Once things settled, she noticed the woman and the small white cat she was holding.

“Ren Li?”

The woman looked up, a flash of surprise in her eyes. “Zhou Wanyan, we really are destined to meet.”