Chapter 3

Joy That I Return Has a Time Limit (03)

Chapter Three

At two-thirty the next afternoon, Mu He arrived on time at the landmark building Xingyue Tower in the CBD of City A. Sitting in the spacious and bright conference room of Xingyu Media, she still had a dreamlike sense of unreality.

Probably because she had slept in the living room the night before yesterday and was blown by the wind again last night, she developed a fever. She slept groggily all night in the small hotel room, and by early morning the next day, the fever subsided on its own.

She went outside to eat a light lunch. On the way back, she received a call from an unfamiliar number. The other party claimed to be a staff member from the Human Resources Department of Xingyu Media, and then, getting straight to the point, expressed the intention to cooperate with her.

At that time, she stood on the street holding her phone, people coming and going beside her. Her first reaction was: Had the Old Man Under the Moon shown his magic? The career luck she exchanged with three years of romantic luck was about to be fulfilled?

She hurried back to the hotel, picked out her best clothes to change into, put on light makeup to cover her slightly pale complexion, and only went out after confirming again and again in front of the mirror.

Footsteps passed outside the door. Mu He withdrew her thoughts, picked up the promotional booklet on the table, and began reading.

Xingyu Media—although it had only been established for two years, its momentum was fierce. It forcefully broke the three-way standoff among Wenda Media, Tianyu Culture, and Dongchen Film and Television in the industry. Under its banner gathered film emperors, television emperors, heavenly kings, and a crowd of fresh young idols. Rumor had it there was a powerful backer behind it, wealthy and generous, even its internal operation model differed from other companies.

The only shortcoming known to the outside world was: among female artists, there was no leading actress who could hold the stage.

Money and resources were poured in generously, yet as if under a curse, whoever they promoted faded. Even the young actress they previously poached at a high price was recently mired in a scandal.

Therefore, Xingyu had entered the number one “blacklist” of many female stars. Of course, there were also those unafraid—these days, you shouldn’t offend money no matter who you offend. Besides, what if?

Since ancient times, wealth and honor are sought from danger.

The agency Mu He signed with when she debuted was shut down for illegal operations. Later, she offended someone and was suppressed, so she had been in a freelance state. In the past two days, she first lost her house, then her companion; alone and solitary, it was impossible not to feel low.

Unexpectedly, when it seemed there was no road ahead, Xingyu extended an olive branch to her…

In fact, Xingyu’s Human Resources Department only received the temporary notice to sign Mu He last night and convened a meeting.

“The two female artists we plan to sign this time are Zhao Yike and Mu He.”

The ten agents summoned to the meeting already had their profiles. Zhao Yike came from a girl group, had outstanding looks, was versatile, had three years of acting experience, had won awards, and had high popularity and recognition. As a promising second-tier female star, the company would definitely promote her strongly.

As for Mu He, it was truly hard to describe.

Regardless of appearance or temperament, she was superior to Zhao Yike. Most importantly, her face was highly recognizable—an innate advantage.

However, she only had one representative work, a web drama, and she was the second female lead. In terms of popularity and recognition, she was completely crushed by Zhao Yike.

She also had many negative rumors—being kept, acting like a diva, abusing assistants, abusing stray cats… Those in their line of work naturally understood that even what you see isn’t necessarily true. No one knew which black materials were real or fake, and fans didn’t care about the truth anyway.

It’s easy to smear, difficult to clear one’s name. Once labeled negatively, it’s extremely hard to remove.

They couldn’t understand why the company wanted to sign such a female artist. Was it trying to turn negatives into positives, fight poison with poison?

Without suspense, Zhao Yike was taken away by gold-medal agent Luo Li.

The remaining Mu He became a hot potato no one wanted. In the end, through drawing lots, she was assigned to Ye Xi.

Ye Xi had been at Xingyu for two years, always lukewarm, with few artists under her. She calmly accepted this reality—perhaps it could also be called an arrangement.

Others expressed encouragement to her, but their gazes carried sympathy.

Ye Xi worked overnight on the artist packaging plan. The legal department drafted the contract. Holding a stack of documents, she came to the conference room. Pushing open the door, she saw at a glance the young girl inside lowering her eyes with a faint smile. Sunlight streamed in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, coating her in a soft glow. Her side profile was delicate as a painting, gentle and moving.

Ye Xi froze for a moment, then returned to a businesslike expression and walked in. “Hello, I’m your agent, Ye Xi.”

Mu He stood up and greeted gracefully. “Sister Xi, hello.”

After chatting a few sentences, they went straight to the topic.

Mu He carefully read the contract, held the pen, signed her name on the Party B section, then pressed her fingerprint. At the moment the contract took effect, she finally felt a sense of reality settling.

After signing, Ye Xi still had other matters. She informed her that an assistant would come later, then went out, where she was stopped by assistant Tan Mian. “What’s wrong?”

“Sister Xi,” Tan Mian lowered her voice, “what’s the background of this one…?”

Ye Xi was confused. “What background?”

Tan Mian bit her lip. “I received notice to arrange her to Golden Moon Bay.”

Golden Moon Bay?

!

Ye Xi was also shocked. How could it be…

“Was there a mistake?”

“No!”

Tan Mian raised her voice involuntarily, then quickly covered her mouth. “I confirmed it word by word repeatedly. It really is Golden Moon Bay.”

Years of professional instinct told Ye Xi that unusual events must have a reason. She vaguely sensed something but couldn’t say what. She steadied herself. “Take her there first.”

Tan Mian made an “OK” gesture. After adjusting her breathing, she pushed the door open. “Mu… Mu teacher, hello, I’m your assistant Tan Mian.”

Mu He smiled faintly. “Hello, Tan Mian. Just call me Mu He.”

Tan Mian had seen her photos but didn’t expect the real person to be even more stunning. There was no shortage of beauties in this circle, but beauties also had levels. She stared blankly for a while before realizing her gaffe, coughed awkwardly. “Mu teacher, I’ll take you to… the a-apartment.”

“Thank you for the trouble.”

Tan Mian: No trouble, no trouble.

While waiting for the elevator, they encountered Zhao Yike and her assistant.

“Mu He,” Zhao Yike walked over with a surprised expression, “it’s really you.”

The two assistants and other staff waiting for the elevator quietly pricked up their gossip ears. They knew each other?

Mu He knew Zhao Yike was also newly signed but didn’t know what she was playing at. A burst of perfume rushed toward her. Before she could avoid it, Zhao Yike hugged her warmly. “Mu He, long time no see.”

“We were in the same crew before, worked so well together. I haven’t met anyone more compatible than you…”

Aside from that web drama where she was second female lead, Mu He mostly played minor roles. Zhao Yike wasn’t the web drama’s female lead, yet she said they had acted together. This scene could be interpreted as the female lead giving a minor extra a warning.

Seeing Zhao Yike’s assistant Lily’s meaningful smile, Tan Mian grew nervous, also feeling unjust as if slapped from afar.

The air smelled of gunpowder. Everyone waited for Mu He’s reaction.

Mu He always followed the principle: if others don’t offend me, I don’t offend them. Both had just joined the company; since the other wanted to embarrass her publicly, she wouldn’t be a soft persimmon to be squeezed.

“It really has been a long time.”

She smiled. “I didn’t expect we’d be so destined, signing with the same company.”

The implication: the former female lead and the insignificant small role now stood on the same starting line—who was doing worse was obvious.

Zhao Yike wrapped an arm around her shoulder, but the smile in her eyes faded slightly. “You’re still as thin as before.”

Life must have been hard.

Zhao Yike sneered inwardly. Even in the same company, so what?

You signed a newcomer contract; I have second-tier treatment, live in a high-end residential area. What can you compare with me?

Mu He still smiled. “You’re much prettier than before.”

Zhao Yike stiffened, nails almost digging into her palm. Her assistant’s expression also darkened.

Tan Mian almost laughed, silently giving Mu He a thumbs-up. Nicely done! Previously Zhao Yike had been exposed for opening her eye corners and shaving her chin. Though she and fans denied it strongly, it caused an uproar and she lost several endorsements.

“You’re much prettier than before” was like sprinkling salt on Zhao Yike’s wound.

Zhao Yike failed to intimidate and instead retreated somewhat awkwardly.

The smokeless war ended. Tan Mian sighed in relief. “Mu teacher, did you two have a grudge before?”

There wasn’t a direct one.

“No,” Mu He shook her head. “She praised me before.”

Tan Mian: Ah, what did she praise?

Mu He thought seriously. “She said I speak better than I sing.”

Tan Mian burst out laughing.

Mu He returned to the hotel, took her luggage, and followed Tan Mian to Golden Moon Bay.

City A was a first-tier city where land was worth gold. Golden Moon Bay, located on Golden Mountain, was a top-tier residential area with excellent privacy and security. Those living there were either rich or noble.

They took a private elevator to the top floor, entered the password, and opened the door. Before them appeared an extremely spacious living room. High-end gray minimalist decoration, designer lighting, leather sofa, long table, an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing West Zi River, and a large open-air balcony.

From the moment she entered, Tan Mian’s mouth hadn’t closed. “Such a big living room, yet only three pieces of furniture.”

She walked around inside and out, amazed. No wonder the area was huge—it occupied the entire top floor.

Three guest bedrooms, one master bedroom, home theater, gym, chess room…

Tan Mian pushed the luggage into the master bedroom. It was about one hundred square meters. Same color scheme, yet only a big bed placed inside. It looked empty, even colder.

Probably the life of the rich was this plain and unadorned.

Task completed, the sky darkened. Tan Mian chatted briefly with Mu He, then prepared to leave.

Mu He saw her out and only turned back after she entered the elevator.

In the kitchen, cookware was complete but unused, as new as just bought. Opening the fridge, there were only two bottles of mineral water. Fortunately she brought bread and milk; dinner was settled.

After dinner, Mu He sorted luggage. The master bedroom was large but had no wardrobe, so she temporarily piled clothes at the bed corner.

After arranging things, she rubbed her sore waist, took her nightdress, and went to the bathroom.

The bathroom was unexpectedly large. Except for the glass door, the other three walls and ceiling were mirrored. On the sink were unopened toiletries. She also found a razor and aftershave, guessing they belonged to the previous male resident.

She didn’t think much, stepped under the shower. The mirror had anti-fog function, clearly reflecting her well-proportioned body. Fine water flowed along her graceful neck to delicate collarbones. Skin like snow, fair like jade.

Her snow-white skin flushed lightly from steam. Mu He curved her lips in a smile, innocent yet charming. As she watched, she suddenly felt the urge to perform.

While thinking of lines and brewing emotions, the door opened. A man entered with a chill. He unbuttoned his shirt and walked straight to the master bedroom. After a few steps, he sensed something unusual and immediately became alert.

He walked along the wall, pushed open the half-closed door, and his cold gaze landed on the lit bathroom. Through frosted glass, a woman’s back came into view.

Huo Siheng watched expressionlessly, danger deepening in his eyes.

As he silently approached, he heard the woman clear her throat and command coldly, “Stop right there!”

Huo Siheng halted, slightly stunned, then his coldness and vigilance faded.

This apartment was his lodging in City A. He rarely stayed here; Huo Siwen managed it.

Huo Siwen must have misunderstood their relationship and cleverly arranged her here.

The hazy outline through mist couldn’t hide her curves, especially that slender waist, graspable in one hand.

Half-hidden, most enticing.

Though the most sensual scenery filled his eyes, his expression barely changed. Tilting his head, eyes dark, he slowly raised his hand and buttoned his shirt.

After fastening the second button, her voice came again: “Take off your clothes and get on the bed.”

Huo Siheng paused, glanced at the dark gray bed nearby, then continued buttoning from bottom to top. Firm waistline, eight-pack abs gradually disappeared under black fabric.

He meticulously fastened all buttons but left the hem loose, adding a bit of unruly charm.

The water stopped; silence fell.

After a while, a low, lingering “Mm” broke the quiet, extremely suggestive.

Huo Siheng had been thinking. He casually looked over. She suddenly turned around, soft movement hitting his eyes. His pupils shrank.

“Kiss me.”

This time not commanding, but soft with shyness.

Huo Siheng tugged his lips slightly, a faint smile flashing in his peach blossom eyes like a shooting star.

After a few seconds, without response, she said shyly and angrily, “Kiss me.”

The curve of his lips deepened. He covered his mouth and laughed softly.

At this moment, the bathroom door opened, and a beam of soft light poured out. 🙂✨