Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: He Listens Only to You

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“About last night—you owe me a favor.”

Si Tang’s hand paused as she opened the door. Her fingertips nearly touched the cold doorknob, but in the end, she withdrew them.

“President Gu, I’m very grateful that you saved me last night.” She forced a polite smile. “But if you insist on talking about favors, why don’t we discuss how many favors you owe me for the five years of our marriage?”

Her tone turned flat. “Or does President Gu believe that everything a wife does for her husband within a marriage is simply her duty, while the husband is entitled to enjoy it all from his lofty position?”

Gu Yubai frowned slightly. “That’s not what I meant…”

“Then what did you mean? Do you want me to repay you? Money? You’re hardly short of that. Or do you want my body…? Is Su Yuejin not enough for you?” Disdain flickered in Si Tang’s eyes. “If that’s really what you have in mind, then I’ll find you utterly disgusting.”

She shoved the door open with force and strode away without the slightest hesitation.

Bang!

The heavy sound of the door closing echoed through the silent villa, as though it had struck Gu Yubai directly in the heart.

Gu Yubai stood rooted to the spot.

He had never imagined that the once gentle and obedient Si Tang could become so sharp-edged, so unfamiliar.

His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. The torment felt like countless insects gnawing at his heart. For what seemed like the first time, he understood what Si Tang had once felt.

Si Tang left the villa and drew in a deep breath of the cool morning air, struggling to calm her racing heart.

Damn Gu Yubai! What a shameless bastard!

She cursed him inwardly and quickened her pace.

He was the one who had wronged her, yet now he acted as though he were some gracious benefactor. It was nauseating.

How could she possibly owe him anything? How could all the pain she had endured over the past five years be erased by a single “favor”?

Just then, her phone rang abruptly. Si Tang took it out and saw that the caller was Tan Yin. Only then did she remember that she was supposed to meet a famous director today. They must have been waiting for quite some time.

Suppressing her turbulent thoughts, Si Tang put on a small smile. “Yinyin, Director Zhang has been waiting for a long time, hasn’t he? I’ll be at the company soon.”

Tan Yin finally breathed a sigh of relief. “All right. Hurry, then. I’ll stall him for a little longer.”

Si Tang hailed a taxi and urged the driver to go as quickly as possible.

Sunlight streamed through the window and fell across her face, yet it could not dispel the gloom in her heart.

The moment she stepped through the company doors, Tan Yin hurried over to meet her, anxiety evident in her voice. “Si Tang, you’re finally here!”

She quickly introduced them. “Director Zhang, this is Si Tang, our company’s top agent—and our boss, President Si.”

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Only then did Si Tang notice the middle-aged man standing behind Tan Yin. He wore black-rimmed glasses and had a stern expression. He was none other than the renowned director Zhang Chengfei, who had directed numerous films and won so many awards that he could barely keep count.

Most of the actors who had appeared in his films had gone on to enter the international spotlight and become household names. As a result, countless people fought desperately for the chance to appear in his productions—some even offered to work without pay.

Yet Zhang Chengfei had taken an instant liking to Meng Linchuan and enthusiastically invited him to play the male lead in his next film.

It was a rare opportunity, however, and Meng Linchuan did not seem to cherish it all that much.

Si Tang knew about the matter, which was why she was already feeling a headache coming on.

Presumably, Zhang Chengfei had come this time because of it.

“How could I not know President Si?” Zhang Chengfei had met her briefly on the red carpet in Venice before, though their acquaintance had amounted to little more than a nod. “But the artist at your company certainly has an extraordinary sense of importance.”

He let out a cold snort, clearly displeased.

Si Tang felt slightly awkward. “Director Zhang, why don’t we go inside and sit down to talk?”

The three of them went to the conference room. Zhang Chengfei got straight to the point.

“I want Meng Linchuan to play the male lead in my next film.”

Si Tang’s heart sank.

She understood Meng Linchuan’s temperament. Since he had already rejected the script once, it would probably be very difficult to persuade him to accept it now.

She had no idea what kind of mood had seized him lately. After finishing his last production, he had gone on break, and she had not contacted him in quite some time. She had no idea what he was thinking.

Although Meng Linchuan was someone she had personally nurtured into stardom, she treated him more like family. He had his own ideas and plans, and she had never interfered.

After completing a film, he always took a long period of rest to reflect and gather himself. She supported him in that.

“Director Zhang, Meng Linchuan has already read the script…” Si Tang tried to decline tactfully.

“I know.” Zhang Chengfei interrupted her, his tone firm. “But he is the only person suited to this role.”

His tone softened slightly. “President Si, I’ll have to trouble you to help me persuade Meng Linchuan.”

Tan Yin chimed in from the side. “Si Tang, please help him. This is Director Zhang’s film—a tremendous opportunity for both our company and Meng Linchuan.”

Si Tang found herself caught between a rock and a hard place. She knew Meng Linchuan’s temper too well. If he truly did not want to do it, no one could force him.

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee anything.” In the end, she could only compromise. “I’ll arrange to meet him and talk it over.”

Only then did Zhang Chengfei’s expression ease somewhat. He rose and prepared to leave.

Tan Yin was about to see him out, but Zhang Chengfei declined.

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After seeing Zhang Chengfei off, Tan Yin looked at Si Tang with concern.

“Tangtang, I don’t know what’s gotten into Meng Linchuan lately. He’s completely impervious to persuasion. I hope you can talk him around. He only listens to you, after all.”

Si Tang gave a bitter smile. “Sometimes even I don’t know what to do with him… Forget it. I’ll talk to him first. Director Zhang’s film really is a rare opportunity.”

She was just about to call Meng Linchuan when someone knocked on the office door.

Without looking up, Si Tang said, “Come in.”

Her assistant entered, wearing a somewhat peculiar expression.

“President Si, President Gu is here. He says he wants to see you.”

Si Tang’s heart sank, and a wave of irritation rose within her.

Why was he here again?

“Tell him I’m not seeing him.” Her voice was cool, edged with impatience.

The assistant looked troubled. “President Gu says he has something very important to discuss with you—about a new collaboration.”

Tan Yin arched a brow, leaned toward Si Tang’s ear, and lowered her voice. “Tangtang, what is he up to now?”

“Who knows what kind of madness he’s having?” Si Tang replied irritably.

Tan Yin did not care for Gu Yubai either, but when it came down to it, there was no reason to turn away an offer of collaboration.

After thinking it over, she carefully suggested, “It could be a major project. Our company needs resources right now. Why not meet him? Just treat it as though you’re meeting a dog.”

Si Tang burst out laughing. After hesitating for a moment, she finally nodded.

“Let him in.”

A short while later, Gu Yubai pushed open the door and entered.

He was dressed in a dark gray suit that made him look especially tall and striking. His handsome features were as captivating as ever.

Yet Si Tang saw a trace of weariness in his eyes—and something that looked suspiciously like a plea.

It made her uncomfortable.

“President Gu, what can I do for you?” Si Tang asked in a formal tone, as though she were dealing with an ordinary business partner.

Gu Yuchen walked up to her, drew a deep breath, and spoke in a low voice.

“As for the previous contract, I failed to consider things properly. I’m willing to draw up a new one. Name whatever terms you want.”