But life rarely goes according to plan.
She had once thought her parents had simply divorced. She never knew her mother could be so heartless as to take a large portion of the company's operating funds, causing the business her father had spent half his life building to crumble after just a few years of struggle.
The moment her father fell ill and was hospitalized, Chu Yao finally understood she was no longer the privileged girl she once was. From then on, her goal in the entertainment industry was no longer to become a superstar for Lu Xize to notice. It was simply to be an ordinary entertainer who could make a living while keeping her reputation clean.
Her father did everything in his power to ensure that even though the family went bankrupt, they wouldn't be saddled with debt. He had no expectations of her, except that she wouldn't lose herself.
So, whenever she landed a role, she threw herself into her work to earn money. When she was between projects, she refused to take any shady shortcuts. She didn't want her father to worry over any gossip about her.
The Chu Yao of today had nothing to her name except for her looks. And yet, it was at this exact moment that Lu Xize had to return.
The cool, aloof boy had become a polished, distinguished man, while she had gone from being his white moonlight to a smear of mosquito blood.
—
Meanwhile, a Bentley glided to a stop in front of a private club. The door opened, and two figures—one in black, the other in white—slowly emerged.
"Sir, Miss Fei'er, your table is ready. This way, please."
Mi Feifei, wearing sunglasses, offered a polite smile. The man beside her remained expressionless and simply walked straight inside.
The restaurant was exquisite and elegant, the air filled with the subtle scent of sandalwood.
Mi Feifei propped her chin on one hand. Her sunglasses were off, revealing a pair of beautiful eyes. Her lips curved into a sweet smile. "I just saw your 'white moonlight.' She's really blossomed, hasn't she? She's gorgeous now."
The man across from her meticulously arranged his napkin. His gaze met Mi Feifei's, and his lip twitched. "Thank you. She's always been beautiful."
Mi Feifei scoffed and held her hands up in mock surrender. "Yes, yes, my mistake. She's only gotten more beautiful."
The man opposite her said nothing.
Mi Feifei continued, "But Ah Ze, with her looks and talent, it's only a matter of time before she's more famous than I am if you give her resources. It won't take much effort at all. So why do you need me to get involved? Do you really have to be so delicate about it?"
Lu Xize lowered his gaze, not answering. After a long moment, he finally spoke, though his words were not an answer to her question. "You can have your pick of CY's resources for next year."
Mi Feifei raised an eyebrow. She and Lu Xize went back many years. Others might not know, but she was keenly aware that her success today was entirely his doing. So, Mi Feifei knew exactly what he meant by that.
This was a man who never owed anyone a favor. And now, since he was about to use her to promote Chu Yao, he was giving her this choice to repay the debt in advance.
Mi Feifei grinned. "Fine, I won't be shy then. But Ah Ze, since I showed up today, your 'white moonlight' is probably going to think the lead role is a lock for me. If she skips the audition this afternoon because of that, you can't blame me, okay?"
Lu Xize took a sip of water. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his usually cold eyes, and his lip twitched again. "She'll go."
Mi Feifei froze.
'In all the years she'd known Lu Xize, she had never seen a single emotion in his eyes other than indifference. What was that flicker of something strange just now?'
'Tenderness?'
'Affection?'