Chapter 19: Zhao Lin's Resentment

"Miss Zhao? Why are you coming to see me so late? Is there something you need? Was that phone call from you just now?" Zhou Ming asked, somewhat surprised.

Standing outside the door was Zhao Lin, whom Zhou Ming had once considered the most perfect goddess, renowned as the most beautiful woman in Hong Kong. Zhou Ming had first encountered her when he came to Hong Kong, but that meeting was merely by chance and was overshadowed by Lin Muqing's presence. Zhou Ming hadn't had much chance to talk to her. He was now surprised and puzzled that she had come to visit him today.

Her exquisitely delicate features, reminiscent of a porcelain doll, still captivated the heart. She had shoulder-length hair and was dressed in a black wool sweater. Everything about her was just as enchanting as Zhou Ming remembered, except for the complex expression she wore now.

This expression puzzled Zhou Ming. Just as he was about to say something, Zhao Lin spoke up: "Zhou Ming, it's really you, Mr. Zhou. How long do you intend to torment me?"

If Zhao Lin showing up so late and her complex expression had already been surprising, her opening line was even more bewildering for Zhou Ming.

"I'm Zhou Ming, but Miss Zhao, you're saying I'm tormenting you? Have you mistaken something?"

Zhou Ming asked reflexively, but Zhao Lin, hearing his question, became even more agitated. She said, "I haven't made a mistake! You're Zhou Ming, and you're the one tormenting me. I know you're a wealthy boss and should be generous and accountable, but I didn't expect you to be like this. Are you even a man?"

Zhao Lin tried to grab Zhou Ming's clothes, but her outstretched hand was promptly intercepted by his bodyguard. For the bodyguard, who had seen death and held a high professional standard, the mission came first—beauty was of no concern.

Zhao Lin then noticed the presence of Zhou Ming's bodyguard in the room. She glanced at him and asked Zhou Ming, "Is this Mr. Zhou's bodyguard? Are you planning to have him teach me a lesson for making a scene?"

Zhou Ming sighed and had the bodyguard release her, then said, "Although I don't quite understand what you're saying, please come in and let's discuss it further."

With that, Zhou Ming gestured for her to enter and sat back down on the sofa.

Zhao Lin hesitated for a moment before biting her lip and walking into the living room. The bodyguard closed the suite door and returned to his own room, though Zhou Ming trusted that he would react immediately if anything unusual happened outside.

Zhao Lin sat down on the sofa, and Zhou Ming poured her a cup of tea. "I apologize that we only have the hotel's tea here. Please make do with it. But considering it's a five-star hotel, it shouldn't be too bad."

Zhao Lin stared at Zhou Ming absentmindedly as she listened, and after a while, she said, "You seem different from before. You were steady before, but there was always an undeniable edge to you. Now, you seem as solid and restrained as a rock."

Zhou Ming smiled and thanked her. "Although I'm pleased by what you said, I think it's better if we get to the point. Don't you agree?"

Zhao Lin nodded and then asked, "I agree, but before we talk business, I have a question for you. Do you recognize me?"

"I don't understand why you're asking this. You're the most beautiful actress in Hong Kong. I'm sure many people, including myself, know who you are," Zhou Ming replied.

"That's right, I'm an actress. But Mr. Zhou, have you watched any of the movies I've acted in over the past two years?" Zhao Lin asked again.

Zhou Ming didn't answer this question. Given that the film industry in mainland China was underdeveloped at the time and Zhou Ming had been busy with stock markets and rural industrial parks, not to mention dealing with the Tan family's revenge, he hadn't had time to pay attention. More importantly, Zhou Ming knew that Zhao Lin wasn't expecting an answer.

As expected, Zhao Lin continued, "No, you haven't. My previous agency sold me to your fund company, and now I'm being kept in the shadows by you!"

"I know I was wrong last time and offended you. I've already apologized, and Mei Jie lost her job because of you. Aren't you going to let me go?" Zhao Lin continued. "I understand I have some looks, and I know you have designs on me. So if you want something, just say it. We actresses are destined to be playthings for wealthy men. I accept that, but please give me freedom. Don't torture me like this anymore, okay?"

Zhao Lin's agitation grew, and by the end, she was shouting. Thankfully, the room's soundproofing was good; otherwise, her loud voice might have alerted the hotel security.

Zhou Ming was stunned, not because of Zhao Lin's shouting, but because of the situation she described, which he had no knowledge of.

Keeping her in the shadows? Not letting her go? Wanting her as a plaything?

These questions left Zhou Ming completely bewildered. He was certain he hadn't forgotten anything, and he hadn't done any of these things.

But seeing her so certain, Zhou Ming wondered if they were living in different dimensions. But even if such a mystical thing were possible, Zhou Ming was a man who preferred women to come to him willingly rather than through such unclear means.

Realizing this, Zhou Ming gently held Zhao Lin's shoulder and said, "Miss Zhao, please calm down. It's not as you think."

"Not as I think? What could it be then?" Zhao Lin retorted.

"I mean, it's not as bad as you imagine. Signing you was just because I saw potential in you as an actress, and you could have a better future." Zhou Ming continued, "But because I've been occupied with many other matters, this area hasn't been developed yet. That's why you feel like you've been sidelined, which led to these misunderstandings. I owe you an apology for that."

If someone else had said this to Zhao Lin, she would have dismissed it outright. But coming from Zhou Ming, it seemed convincing.

Especially the apology, which felt like sunlight in winter, melting the ice in her heart and making her feel much better.

However, such long-held resentment couldn't be easily dispelled. Zhao Lin still said to Zhou Ming, "Mr. Zhou, this excuse isn't very convincing! You started in finance and are miles away from our entertainment industry. You might invest in a film to pursue an actress, I would believe that, but you participating in the industry yourself? Is that even possible?"

Zhou Ming replied, "I believe if you want to do something, nothing is impossible. When I first came to Hong Kong alone to short the Hang Seng Index, no one believed it. Everyone thought it was impossible. And yet?"

"That's different," Zhao Lin said.

"Different in what way?" Zhou Ming asked.

Zhao Lin replied, "Setting aside the specifics of the industry, even making a film involves much more than just putting up money. There are market considerations, distribution, timing, audience targeting—do you know any of this?"

Zhou Ming was impressed by Zhao Lin's detailed rebuttal. He had only known her as Hong Kong's most beautiful actress and his past goddess, but he was surprised by her depth of knowledge. It seemed that success was never coincidental.

"I admit that your concerns are valid, but so what? When any film company starts, it doesn't have the market handed to it. It's all about developing it bit by bit. If you don't have the courage to break new ground, you'll never achieve anything," Zhou Ming said.

This seemingly casual remark had a profound impact on Zhao Lin. Indeed, everything starts from nothing, and expecting all conveniences at the beginning is unrealistic. If one lacks the courage to pioneer, they won't succeed.

Zhao Lin looked at Zhou Ming and suddenly thought he seemed quite formidable. Then she snapped back to reality and asked him, "Mr. Zhou, the arrangements for me weren't your idea, were they?"