Sealed with a Kiss - Chapter 2

Nan Ning’s gaze was clean and pure. The fragmented sunlight from outside the window fell into her eyes, making the color of her pupils look light and sparse. But Sister Hong felt that the glint of light jumping in Nan Ning’s eyes was like grains of gold.

Sister Hong was exasperated: “Nan Ning, have you fallen into a money pit?”

Nan Ning curved her eyebrows, and countless stars shook in her eyes, looking very docile, as if she was silently acting spoiled. Every time she showed this expression, Sister Hong couldn’t do anything about her.

Compared to Sister Hong’s heart attack, President Qi was obviously ecstatic. Nan Ning was usually cool and aloof, and she rarely got close to anyone besides Sister Hong. He had originally thought this would be a long-term battle, but he never expected Nan Ning to be so easy to talk to.

In his heart, he instantly felt disdain for the smiling face he had just put on. She looked noble, but in the end, she could still be won over with money.

“The payment is negotiable. The male lead this time is Sheng Ming, the second young master of Shengshi Group. The young master personally named you to be his female lead. The payment is at least this much.” President Qi opened his hand and waved it, the smugness on his face obvious.

Nan Ning did not miss the contempt in President Qi’s eyes, but she didn’t care and nodded: “Okay.”

As for who Sheng Ming was, she didn’t care. He was probably just some rich second-generation heir living a life of leisure. Besides, female leads in xianxia dramas had very few scenes. No one would turn down a job with so little work and such high pay.

Seeing her agree, President Qi immediately called his secretary, who was waiting outside, to print the contract. Beside them, Sister Hong looked on like an old mother watching her own daughter stray down the wrong path. But she had always respected her artists’ choices, and Nan Ning, though she often seemed cold and aloof, had never caused her any trouble.

The contract was printed quickly. Nan Ning scanned the terms, and after confirming everything was in order, she signed her name. President Qi’s smile of satisfaction almost overflowed from his heart. He grabbed the contract and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. He pulled a black and gold invitation from his pocket and handed it to Nan Ning. “Oh, right, Nan Ning. There’s a gala tonight hosted by the Shengshi Group. Sheng Ming will be there. He specifically asked me to give this to you. You must attend.”

Nan Ning disliked attending parties. Rather than the glitz, glamour, and noisy crowds, she preferred the comfort of curling up in her room and sleeping in. Thus, she merely glanced askance at the invitation, her fingers not even twitching.

President Qi sensed Nan Ning’s reluctance but didn’t get angry. He simply emphasized, “Nan Ning, you need to learn to be pragmatic. You should know what Shengshi Group represents. If you alienate Sheng Ming now, your future in the entertainment industry will be very difficult. I see you’re quite short on money. If you leave show business, you won’t find another job that pays this well.”

Nan Ning finally looked up at President Qi, her eyes finally showing a flicker of emotion. A faint smile curved her lips—cold and clear, like a forest shrouded in morning mist.

“Then I’ll have to thank you, President Qi.”

Believing he had found Nan Ning’s weakness, President Qi placed the invitation on the table and strode out of the room.

Only after he closed the door did Sister Hong voice her frustration. “Nan Ning, what’s going on with you? Are you really that short on money? If you need it, you can just tell me. There’s no need to compromise with people like that.”

Sister Hong had discovered Nan Ning on a street corner a year ago. At the time, Nan Ning had been sitting on a bench, staring blankly at the sky. Her cold, solitary aura had instantly captivated her. On a whim, Sister Hong had handed her a business card, expecting it to be ignored. To her surprise, Nan Ning had contacted her in less than three days.

Over the past year, Sister Hong had watched Nan Ning audition for countless roles, but no one was willing to give a newcomer a chance. Yet, Sister Hong remained steadfast in her belief that Nan Ning was destined for stardom. Perhaps it was a stroke of fate, but Nan Ning finally captured everyone’s attention with her successful portrayal of the “white moonlight” female supporting character in the renowned director’s film, Changge.

A newcomer to the industry, Nan Ning had been like a piece of unpolished jade. In just one year, she had refined herself into a priceless gem. To Sister Hong, Nan Ning was like her own child, and she couldn’t bear to see her treat herself so harshly.

Nan Ning’s demeanor toward Sister Hong was far less cold than it had been with President Qi. Sensing Sister Hong’s concern, she looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Sister Hong, but this is my own matter. I want to handle it myself.”

Sister Hong sighed, her only option to offer a gentle reminder: “Then take Xiao Liu with you. She knows more about these things and can help you out.”

Nan Ning gave an obedient “Mm,” her expression calm and composed.

The banquet was held at the largest hotel under the Shengshi Group. Even at the entrance, various luxury cars were already parked. A red carpet stretched out, flanked by servers in tailcoats.

The dazzling lights made the moonlight pale in comparison. Nan Ning arrived in a common car, the kind seen everywhere on the streets—and it was even borrowed from Sister Hong.

Liu Liu stared silently at Nan Ning’s incredibly simple shirt and trousers for a long time, unable to speak. Nan Ning, as if perpetually half-asleep, rested her chin on her hand, her eyelids half-closed as she silently surveyed the venue.

“Sister Nan Ning, are you sure you don’t want to change into a more formal gown? Although we don’t have any related endorsements yet, we can still borrow one from the company’s partners.” Liu Liu knew Nan Ning had always disliked attending such events, but she never expected her to defy President Qi in this manner.

Nan Ning calmly withdrew her gaze, looked down to straighten her cuff, and replied, “No need. I know what I’m doing.”

What do you know? Liu Liu finally understood. Nan Ning, who seemed silent and gentle on the surface, was actually the most rebellious and eccentric of all. But with things as they were, Liu Liu could only pray that no one would notice Nan Ning.

Liu Liu thought for a moment, then said, “Remember to keep your phone on. If anything happens, you must call me.”

Nan Ning nodded and stepped out of the car.

Liu Liu watched her walk away. The white, long-sleeved top accentuated Nan Ning’s elegant back, and its hem, tucked into high-waisted trousers, highlighted her tall, slender figure and waistline. Nan Ning turned her head to smooth a crease on her shoulder, her gaze cool and detached. A beam of light fell upon her, making her look as if she were bathed in a divine glow.

The bustling venue seemed completely disconnected from Nan Ning. Suddenly, Liu Liu felt that perhaps this wasn’t so bad after all.

Under the waiter’s incredulous gaze, Nan Ning calmly presented her invitation. Only after repeatedly confirming that she was indeed an invited guest and not some party crasher did the waiter finally let her into the hotel.

After watching Nan Ning walk into the venue without a single glance aside, the waiter remarked to his colleague, “I’ve never seen anyone attend a Grand Gala like this before.”

Everyone else was impeccably dressed, practically dripping in designer brands from head to toe. Nan Ning looked like an outsider who had stumbled in by mistake. Yet, her composed and unruffled demeanor made it seem as though she truly belonged there.

As soon as Nan Ning entered the venue, she felt everyone’s surprised gazes fixed on her. But she simply walked to the tea area on the side and sat down, not greeting anyone. In fact, she hardly knew anyone in the venue.

As if she had lost her social functions, Nan Ning never went online. In this era of ubiquitous internet, especially in the entertainment industry—a real melting pot—Nan Ning remained completely untouched by it.

But just because she didn’t know anyone else didn’t mean they didn’t know her.

“Oh~ Isn’t this Nan Ning?” A figure suddenly sat down beside her, his voice frivolous and mocking.

Nan Ning was just about to put a plump, round cherry into her mouth with a small fork. Hearing this clearly ill-intentioned voice, she didn’t even lift her eyes, calmly popping the cherry into her mouth.

The ripe cherry was sweet and juicy. Nan Ning seemed to really like it, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly like a lazy ragdoll cat, pretty without even knowing it.

Chu Feng’s eyes darkened as he watched. Being ignored by Nan Ning again instantly infuriated his pitiful self-esteem. Looking at Nan Ning in her neat attire and with her cold expression, Chu Feng calmly put down his cup and suddenly spoke: “Nan Ning, let’s be honest, what are you still pretending for? Didn’t you deliberately dress so conspicuously just to attract Young Master’s attention? I’ll grudgingly admit that I was indeed attracted by your uniqueness. Your scheme has succeeded.”

Nan Ning’s gaze, which had been fixed on a small, exquisitely cut piece of pineapple, paused. Finally, she turned her head, frowning at the bizarre man. What on earth is this guy rambling about?

To Chu Feng, Nan Ning’s frown looked like the embarrassment of being exposed. He straightened his collar and said nonchalantly, “Weren’t you just playing hard to get when you rejected my invitation back then? Now, you’ve even chased me all the way to the Shengshi Gala. I don’t know what connections you used to get in, but since you’re so sincere, I might just give in. But let me be clear: if you’re going to follow me, remember one thing: don’t expect any love from me.”

Nan Ning tilted her head, a stray lock of hair brushing her nose. Her eyes were filled with innocence and confusion as she parted her red lips. “Sir, who are you? Do I know you?”

Chu Feng’s words choked in his throat. He stared at Nan Ning in disbelief, his voice instantly rising. “You’re saying you don’t know me?”

The surrounding crowd’s gazes instantly converged on Nan Ning. She hated being gawked at like a monkey in a zoo and shot a look of disgust at the man who called himself “Young Master.”

“Sir, we live in a very open modern society. I don’t discriminate against patients like you, but for something like delusional disorder, it’s best to seek treatment as early as possible. Early detection makes it easier to manage. Jincheng Psychiatric Hospital welcomes you.”

Before Chu Feng could react, she added one last jab under his furious glare: “If you’d like, I can even introduce you to a specialist. You won’t even need an appointment. Don’t mention it.”

Chu Feng felt like he’d been turned into a complete joke. His rage spiked, blood rushing to his head. He was about to erupt, “Nan Ning, you’re nothing but a bi—”

The unspoken word was swallowed by a soft laugh from behind him. The woman’s voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority.

“Chu Feng, is this how Uncle Chu taught you to behave?”

Nan Ning, who had been impassively eating her pineapple, froze. Her fork clattered onto the plate with a sharp metallic ring.

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