Chapter 15 Liu Xue

The four actresses gazed at Xiao Feng with sparkling eyes, their admiration barely concealed. One by one, they eagerly raised their wine glasses to toast with him.

"It's truly a shame," one of them thought, "that this remarkable young man seems to have eyes only for Zhu Li. Otherwise, even if all of us joined forces, it might not be enough to capture his full attention. A night with someone of his stature would be worth bragging about for a lifetime."

The women exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing.

Eventually, Zhu Li also raised her glass, encouraged by the cheers around her, and timidly clinked glasses with Xiao Feng. Her bashfulness and flushed cheeks—already reddened by the wine—made her even more endearing.

Yao Li, observing Xiao Feng's special regard for Zhu Li, decided to give them a nudge. With a playful grin, he coaxed the two to share another drink together. Xiao Feng, sensing the situation, smiled at Yao Li and silently applauded his friend's assist.

Zhu Li hesitated for a moment but, encouraged by the crowd's enthusiasm, gathered her courage, lifted her glass, and met Xiao Feng's gaze. Her shyness only deepened as she took another sip.

After some lively chatter, Xiao Feng noticed that Yao Li was preparing to dive into the swimming pool with the four actresses. Glancing at Zhu Li, who now appeared slightly dazed, Xiao Feng couldn't help but sigh.

"This girl is just so naive," he thought. "If she hadn't encountered me tonight, who knows what kind of trouble she might have landed in?"

Noticing Xiao Feng's gaze lingering on her, Zhu Li looked up nervously and stammered, "Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not going to the swimming pool."

Her words, coupled with her uncertain expression, made Xiao Feng chuckle softly. "Alright," he replied. "You've had enough to drink. Any more, and you'll get completely drunk. Let me talk to Yao Li. I'll take you home."

Zhu Li hesitated briefly before nodding. "Okay," she murmured. "But Bai Xu is still here."

Xiao Feng glanced toward Bai Xu, who was already making her way to the water. "Do you think she's going back anytime soon?"

Zhu Li followed his gaze and shook her head lightly.

"Then it's settled," Xiao Feng said with a playful smile. He reached out and gently tapped her forehead with his finger. Then, walking toward the pool, he waved at Yao Li.

"Hey, what's up?" Yao Li called out as he approached.

"I'm taking Zhu Li home," Xiao Feng explained.

Yao Li gave him a knowing look and teased, "Alright, but I'll send you Liu Xue's address later. Who knows, you might just kill two birds with one stone tonight."

Xiao Feng rolled his eyes but smirked. "Go have your own fun. Just don't overdo it and end up unable to get out of bed tomorrow."

After saying their goodbyes, Xiao Feng gently escorted Zhu Li out of the party. Following the principle of "no drinking and driving," they headed to the parking lot, where his sleek McLaren Elva awaited. Its minimalist, open-top design gleamed under the soft lighting, drawing a gasp from Zhu Li.

As they sat in the car, Zhu Li stole glances at Xiao Feng, finally speaking up. "What are you thinking about?"

Xiao Feng turned to her with a faint smile. "What could I possibly be thinking about?"

"You seem distracted," she replied softly.

Xiao Feng leaned back, his smile widening. "If you think I'm fine, then I'm fine."

His response left Zhu Li flustered. She looked away, conflicted. Although she understood Xiao Feng's intentions, she couldn't help feeling that everything between them was moving too fast. They had only met earlier that evening. If she gave in so easily, would he think less of her?

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In the luxurious presidential suite of *** Hotel, Liu Xue stood near the large window, staring at the city lights below with a mixture of anxiety and resignation. She was a star—one who had spent years in the industry carefully cultivating her image and reputation. Despite the temptations and challenges she had faced over the years, she had managed to hold on to her dignity and remain untouched, something she quietly took pride in.

But tonight felt different. The pressure from her director had been unrelenting, and his words echoed in her mind: "Liu Xue, this VIP guest is crucial for our future. If we lose his support, your career will take a serious hit. Just make sure he leaves satisfied, no matter what."

Those words had filled her with dread. She had always been cautious, using her wits and charm to navigate the complexities of the industry without crossing certain boundaries. Yet now, standing in this opulent suite, she felt as if she were teetering on the edge of a precipice, unsure of how far she would have to go.

Liu Xue paced nervously, the soft rustling of her white evening gown filling the silence. She had chosen the dress carefully—it was elegant yet alluring, with a deep V-neckline that hinted at her figure without being too revealing. The high slit along the side of the gown showcased her long, shapely legs, a deliberate choice to leave an impression without going too far. Even so, she felt exposed, as if the thin fabric couldn't shield her from the weight of the night's expectations.

She couldn't stop herself from imagining who might be on the other side of the door. Would it be a portly, middle-aged businessman with greedy eyes? Or perhaps a high-ranking official, used to throwing his power around? Both possibilities made her stomach churn.

A sudden knock at the door startled her. She froze, her heart pounding. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed the front of her dress, patted her chest to calm herself, and forced her trembling legs to move toward the door.

When she opened it, what greeted her wasn't the lecherous figure she had feared but a young man with a striking appearance. For a moment, Liu Xue was taken aback.

The man standing before her had a calm and composed demeanor. His bright eyes seemed to hold both wisdom and kindness, as if he had experienced far more than his youthful face suggested. His finely chiseled features gave him an almost ethereal beauty, while his skin—smooth and flawless—glowed under the soft light of the hallway.

Xiao Feng, for his part, hadn't known what to expect either. He had only come here because of Yao Li's insistence, but now that he was face-to-face with Liu Xue, he found himself momentarily stunned. The woman before him was not only beautiful but also radiated a kind of elegance and vulnerability that drew him in.

Liu Xue's white evening gown fit her perfectly, emphasizing her slim waist and accentuating her curves in just the right way. The deep V-neckline revealed a hint of her collarbone and cleavage, while the high slit in the skirt showcased her long, graceful legs. Yet despite her glamorous appearance, there was a nervousness in her expression, a tension that betrayed her inner turmoil.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Xiao Feng couldn't help but let his eyes linger, and when Liu Xue noticed his gaze, her cheeks flushed faintly. She felt a strange mix of relief and uncertainty. This wasn't the older, predatory figure she had feared. If anything, Xiao Feng's youthful handsomeness and composed demeanor made him seem approachable, even trustworthy.

If it's someone like him... maybe... just maybe, this won't be so bad, she thought, though her heart was still heavy.

Finally breaking the silence, Xiao Feng offered a faint smile, his voice warm and steady as he said, "Good evening."

Liu Xue forced herself to smile in return. "Good evening. Please, come in," she replied softly, stepping aside to let him enter.

As Xiao Feng walked into the suite, his sharp eyes took in the elegant decor, the subtle lighting, and the way Liu Xue had clearly gone to great lengths to prepare for the evening. But beneath her poised exterior, he could sense her unease.

Liu Xue closed the door behind him, her hands still trembling slightly. She glanced at Xiao Feng, who was now standing in the center of the room, looking around with calm curiosity. Despite his composed demeanor, she noticed a flicker of hesitation in his eyes, as if he too was uncertain about the night's direction.

Unwilling to let the silence stretch any further, Liu Xue spoke up, her voice quieter than she intended. "I… I wasn't sure what to expect tonight."

Xiao Feng turned to her, his gaze softening. "Neither was I," he admitted with a small smile.

His honesty caught her off guard, and for a moment, the tension in the room seemed to ease. Yet deep down, Liu Xue couldn't forget the weight of the director's words or the sacrifices she might have to make tonight.

Still, as she looked at Xiao Feng, she found herself thinking: If it has to be someone, at least it's him.

She smiled slightly, her expression warm and inviting. "Are you Yao Li's friend?"

Her peach-blossom-shaped eyes curved into crescents, and the faint dimples on her cheeks added a sweet charm to her already enchanting appearance. Her beauty, both alluring and approachable, was the kind that lingered in one's memory long after.

"Yes," Xiao Feng replied, nodding mechanically as he stepped into the luxurious suite. Liu Xue gracefully moved aside to let him in and quickly closed the door, turning the lock with a soft click that seemed to echo in the otherwise silent room.

Standing there, Xiao Feng couldn't help but take in the sight of her. Despite being 37 years old, Liu Xue looked as radiant as a woman in her prime. Her skin was flawless, smooth, and youthful, exuding a healthy glow. Her sweet face carried a natural elegance, like the first bloom of spring—fresh and invigorating.

What set her apart, however, was her image of strength and integrity in an industry often riddled with compromises. Liu Xue had risen to fame as a self-made woman, earning accolades and a loyal fan base for her unyielding commitment to her craft. Throughout her career, she had chosen to focus on her work and her passion for acting, remaining unattached in her personal life.

And yet, tonight, Liu Xue stood in front of him not as a star on a pedestal but as a woman burdened by invisible chains. The pressure from her director to "serve" the VIP guest weighed heavily on her mind. Despite her years of stardom and unblemished reputation, this evening threatened to blur the lines she had fought so hard to maintain.