Chapter 98: A Little Sweet
The room was filled with the higher-ups from the production team, including Wu Liang and Mr. Chen.
Meanwhile, Gu Hanling sat at the main seat, dressed in a custom-tailored black suit that made him look even colder and more imposing.
Among a room full of industry men, he stood out completely, exuding an aura of absolute authority that couldn’t be ignored.
When his gaze swept over Shen Xi’s carefully put-together outfit for the evening, his expression turned even colder.
Uh…
Shen Xi suddenly felt strangely guilty under his stare. But after a second thought, she reminded herself. She hadn’t cheated on him or embarrassed the Gu family in any way. So what was there to be afraid of?
Still, she hadn’t expected the big boss himself to show up here. Just how powerful was this production team to be able to invite someone like him to dinner?
But if Shen Xi was surprised, Mr. Chen was even more shocked.
When he first got a call from Gu Hanling’s assistant, saying that the CEO wanted to visit the set and even attend tonight’s dinner, he almost thought it was a scam.
This was the head of the Gu Corporation in Su City. A man that industry elites fought over just for a chance to talk to at high-end banquets and auctions. And now he was here?
"That man is so handsome! At first, I thought he was a celebrity."
Xiaoxiao giggled, whispering in Shen Xi’s ear,
"If he ever tried to hit on me, I wouldn’t even use the stun gun on him."
Shen Xi forced out a dry laugh.
Haha… and you’re saying this right in front of his actual wife?
The moment Wu Liang saw Shen Xi enter, he immediately stood up and said,
"Miss Shen, come, come! This is Mr. Gu from Gu Corporation. Have a seat here."
He gestured to the empty seat beside Gu Hanling, his tone full of flattery.
Out of the three female actors in the cast, the lead actress was away on promotion. So naturally, the most beautiful one present was expected to sit with tonight’s VIP.
This kind of thing was common in the industry, pleasing the big shots while also giving the actress a chance to network and gain opportunities.
But Shen Xi had no interest in this kind of game. She was here to act and learn, not to play hostess.
If Gu Hanling hadn’t been sitting at the main seat, Shen Xi would have turned around and walked out already. She had zero interest in these kinds of events.
"Xixi, I know he’s super handsome, but still, be careful not to let him take advantage of you!"
Xiaoxiao whispered a warning in her ear. Shen Xi gave a slight nod but couldn’t help grumbling to herself. ‘Like that bastard hasn’t already taken advantage of me enough?’
"Miss Shen, what are you daydreaming about?"
Seeing her hesitate, Wu Liang took the initiative to step forward, placing his hand on her waist as if to guide her forward.
Shen Xi frowned slightly and subtly dodged to the side, her tone icy cold,
"Producer Wu, I can walk by myself."
Wu Liang awkwardly chuckled and quickly pulled back his hand.
Meanwhile, the man at the main seat, Gu Hanling, watched the whole exchange with narrowed eyes.
As Shen Xi approached, Gu Hanling stood up and extended his hand toward her.
"Miss Shen, I’ve heard so much about you."
Shen Xi’s eyelids twitched slightly, but she still politely shook his hand.
"Mr. Gu, nice to meet you."
The entire production team was stunned. Just moments ago, when they greeted him, he didn’t even bother to stand, he had only nodded slightly in response.
But now? He stood up and shook hands with Shen Xi?
Beautiful women really do have more influence…
As everyone took their seats, Wu Liang and Mr. Chen exchanged glances. If Shen Xi could please Mr. Gu, that was great news for them.
During the meal, Mr. Chen carefully tested the waters.
"Mr. Gu, do you know Miss Shen?"
Gu Hanling gave a faint smile.
"I listen to her songs often."
Shen Xi nearly rolled her eyes.
Listen, her ass. She’s never even seen him do that.
Mr. Chen immediately seized the opportunity and smiled enthusiastically.
"To be honest, our show’s original theme song was supposed to be sung by Sister Na. But she personally recommended that Miss Shen write and perform it instead."
"I didn’t expect you to be a fan too, Mr. Gu. Looks like we really hit the jackpot with our casting!"
Seeing that Gu Hanling seemed interested in Shen Xi, Wu Liang, who had originally planned to urge her to drink, hesitated. Since Mr. Gu clearly had no intention of letting her drink, Wu Liang didn't dare make a move either.
By the middle of the banquet, Shen Xi, who was sitting beside Gu Hanling, suddenly felt cold.
She wasn’t sure if it was because she wasn’t wearing enough layers or if the air conditioning in the room was too strong. Wanting some fresh air, she stood up and stepped out, using the excuse of going to the restroom.
With the scent of alcohol heavy on his breath, Wu Liang watched the woman leave.
Her exposed, fair and slender legs made his heart itch with desire. Without thinking, he got up and followed her out.
At the same time, Gu Hanling also stood up immediately, quietly following behind Wu Liang.
The rest of the group exchanged glances, sensing that something was off. The lively banquet suddenly fell into silence.
That was when Mr. Chen realized something was wrong. He quickly reached for his phone to call Wu Liang, but Wu Liang had left his phone on the table.
Cold sweat formed on Mr. Chen’s forehead. Let’s hope he was just overthinking this.
Wearing her short black dress, Shen Xi stood at the sink, shaking water droplets off her hands.
Just as she reached for a tissue, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist.
Before she could react, she was dragged into a dark, empty room nearby. Her heart pounded with alarm.
Looking up, she saw Gu Hanling’s cold gaze. Immediately, she relaxed but still grumbled a little.
"Big brother, you scared me!"
Gu Hanling let go of her wrist, staring at her with deep, unreadable eyes. His voice was low and cold.
"Is this your job? Drinking with men?"
Hearing this, Shen Xi frowned slightly and met his gaze, too lazy to explain. Gu Hanling’s eyes grew even colder, his voice deep and sharp.
"Madam, you look stunning tonight."
"What a pity Shi Jingyan isn’t here to see it."
Why did he bring up the male lead again?
Shen Xi felt speechless, but hearing him call her pretty still made her secretly happy.
She chuckled.
"Hehe, as long as big brother gets to see it, it’s not a pity at all."
Gu Hanling’s expression stiffened for a moment. The coldness in his eyes melted away, at least half of it.
At that moment, Shen Xi suddenly noticed traces of blood on the back of Gu Hanling’s hand.
She quickly cupped his hand with both of hers, her voice filled with concern.
"Big brother, how did you get hurt? Does it hurt?"
In truth, it wasn’t his blood at all. But Gu Hanling remained silent, simply lowering his gaze to look at her.
Her long lashes trembled slightly, her expression filled with worry.
He didn’t explain.
Shen Xi took out a tissue, gently wiping away the blood while pouting her lips and softly blowing on his skin.
Her warm breath brushed against his hand, as if trying to ease his pain.
Gu Hanling’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, his gaze deepened, as if he was suppressing something.
"Is anyone in there?"
A waiter’s voice suddenly came from outside.
Shen Xi froze. She definitely didn’t want to be caught in this situation, or it would be way too embarrassing.
She quickly put a finger to her lips, signaling Gu Hanling to stay quiet. Her eyes stayed alert on the door.
But suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.
Before she could react, her body was pulled against his, and in the next moment…
The warmth of his lips covered hers, soft and possessive.
Shen Xi’s breathing was still uneven. Not just from surprise but from the fact that, for some reason, she had actually responded to him.
The woman was taken aback, caught completely off guard. With people outside, she didn't dare make a noise as she tried to push the man away.
Again?! And at a time like this?!
She was both terrified of getting caught and overwhelmed by the thrill of the moment. Her heartbeat raced uncontrollably.
Somehow, she instinctively wanted more. And without realizing it, her body started responding to his kiss.
Outside, the waiter’s footsteps gradually faded. Only then did Gu Hanling finally release her.
A soft chuckle escaped the man's lips, tinged with a note of playful amusement.
"Not bad. A little sweet."
Hearing this, Shen Xi clenched her teeth in anger.
She raised her hand and punched his chest, but her delicate fist was too soft, and she only ended up making her own hand tingle.
"Mr. Gu, weren’t you the one who said I shouldn’t have any improper thoughts about you?"
She boldly pressed her finger against his chest. Tonight, she was feeling very bold.
"Be honest, are you secretly lusting after me?!"