Volume One, Chapter Eight: The Warning

Although the celebration was held to honor Meng Linchuan’s achievements, the organizers had invited quite a number of prominent figures and key players from the industry.

“You’re the center of attention tonight,” Tan Yin winked at her.

But they weren’t here to compete for beauty.

Having spent years navigating the industry, Tan Yin knew exactly how to work the room. She grabbed a glass of champagne as soon as they arrived and began introducing Si Tang to everyone.

“This is Si Tang, the general manager of our company.”

At the mention of her title, several executives shifted their gaze from seeing Si Tang as merely a pretty face to one of genuine surprise.

Si Tang’s talents were widely recognized in the industry. It was she who had signed Meng Linchuan, marking Yaoxing Media’s first major foray into the entertainment world.

Since then, she had secured long-term public relations partnerships for several rising stars, demonstrating a keen eye for talent; every project she invested in turned into a hit.

This success was partly due to Tan Yin’s business acumen, but more importantly, it owed much to the mastermind working behind the scenes.

No one would have guessed it was this beautiful woman.

Si Tang was repeatedly toasted by the guests, and before long, her champagne glass was empty.

She didn’t think she deserved all the credit. Yaoxing’s success was a shared honor between her and Tan Yin.

“Is he here too? What bad luck!” Tan Yin said disdainfully, nodding toward a figure.

Si Tang followed her gaze. The man in front seemed to have radar behind him and just happened to turn around.

Their eyes met across the crowd.

Who else but Gu Yubai?

No wonder Tan Yin called it bad luck.

“You can spit on him now,” Si Tang suddenly recalled their last conversation.

Tan Yin handed her another drink, eager to charge forward.

Si Tang, seeing her earnestness, grabbed her arm with a dazzling smile. “Just kidding. Don’t mind him.”

Before Tan Yin could respond, Gu Yubai had already pushed through the crowd and approached them provocatively.

Seeing him, Si Tang’s smile faded.

They hadn’t met since that night.

“Si Tang?” Gu Yubai looked her over, barely recognizing the drastic change in her appearance.

He didn’t know Si Tang would attend this banquet. Then again, there were many things about Si Tang he remained unaware of.

***

Tan Yin stood in front of Si Tang. “Gu Yubai, I warn you, don’t bother Tang Tang.”

They were positioned on the balcony, with few people around.

Gu Yubai glanced at Tan Yin but fixed his gaze on Si Tang with profound meaning.

He didn’t reply to Tan Yin. The usually icy expression on his face seemed to crack slightly. After a brief silence, he spoke slowly, “Last time was my fault. I apologize.”

Si Tang scoffed softly and sipped her champagne, savoring the faintly sweet and sour taste.

“I will follow the proper procedures to sue. It was Su Yuejin who breached the contract first. If penalties are involved, once due process is complete, Yaoxing will compensate accordingly,” she said coldly.

With that, she turned to leave, eager to sever all ties with him.

Gu Yubai pursed his lips and lifted his eyelids, casting a lingering glance at her face. “No need for all that trouble. I will pay the full amount as usual.”

Money was just a number to him.

Si Tang gave a noncommittal hum, unwilling to waste any more patience on him.

She even found the air he breathed unpleasant.

***

In the center of the hall, a symphony of violin and saxophone signaled the official start of the banquet.

The director took the stage first to deliver a speech, offering thanks and promoting their latest film project. But tonight’s star was still Meng Linchuan.

Tan Yin went to change clothes. As the producer of “Return to the Pool,” she was also scheduled to speak.

Before leaving, she winked at Si Tang and whispered, “There’s a surprise waiting for you.”

“What kind of surprise? I hope it’s not a scare,” Si Tang said, already feeling uneasy as Tan Yin bounced away.

With a heart full of apprehension, Si Tang found a chair and sat down casually. Instinctively, she sensed someone’s burning gaze fixed on her.

Momentarily distracted, she looked back to find the culprit sitting right beside her.

“Gu Yubai, what are you up to now?” she whispered sharply.

Gu Yubai’s face was taut. In public, he always appeared aloof and dignified, but upon hearing Si Tang’s question, rare confusion flickered in his eyes.

Si Tang mocked him, “Don’t come too close, or Su Yuejin might start threatening to harm herself again. I can’t take the responsibility.”

With that, she stood and moved to a seat as far from him as possible, tucked away in a corner.

Gu Yubai didn’t follow. Instead, a fierce irritation stirred inside him, even stronger than usual.

Had she already come to despise him this much?

***

Under the director’s solemn introduction, Meng Linchuan appeared amid applause. The lights flickered as he casually strode onto the stage.

As this was an industry gathering, he didn’t dress extravagantly but wore his usual laid-back attire.

“Thank you to all the investors for your trust. I will continue to work hard and shine in the film industry,” Meng Linchuan said with a faint smile.

Though rehearsed, his words felt sincere, lending them great credibility.

Observant attendees noticed Meng Linchuan seemed somewhat distracted, his eyes wandering as if searching for someone in the audience.

Failing to find the person, he cleared his throat.

“At the end of my speech, I want to thank a very important person in my life,” he paused, building suspense.

Everyone exchanged curious glances, whispering behind cupped hands, eager to hear about this “important person.”

“She is Si Tang, also my boss,” Meng Linchuan said with a smile. “A true mentor is rare. Si Tang, thank you.”

These were words he had meant to say at an awards ceremony. The special person he wanted to thank had almost escaped his lips before he swallowed them back.

In public, it was easier to place Si Tang under scrutiny.

Besides, he wanted to say it to her face.

Tan Yin’s “surprise” had just become tangible.

Si Tang looked up, surprised by this segment. Flustered yet touched by the attention, she felt unsure how to respond.

This moment redefined Si Tang’s reputation among those present. A boss publicly thanked by Meng Linchuan—her beauty was merely a trivial advantage.

“As Linchuan’s ‘important person,’ the weight of this relationship must be profound. Let’s invite Miss Si Tang to the stage to say a few words!”

The host’s eyes scanned the crowd, seizing the moment to cue this part.

Si Tang was completely unprepared, her mind spinning. But sharp-eyed guests had already spotted her sitting nearby.

“Miss Si Tang, please come up!”

Realizing she couldn’t avoid it, Si Tang rose. When it came to facing the public, she had never once faltered.