But sometimes he could be scary. Without saying a harsh word, just a simple glance made Chu Daizi understand that if she didn’t comply, she would lose everything.
“Of course I have plenty of time to accompany you. We should thank Xiaoman,” she obediently changed the subject. “Xiaoman, you won’t refuse, right?”
“Sorry, I already have plans.”
“This is a chance to dine with Brother Yue,” Chu Daizi, unable to stand her attitude, assumed she would ultimately agree. “Many would kill for this opportunity.”
Lin Xiaoman’s gaze softened towards Chu Daizi.
Compared to Yue Ding, Ji Zhiyan, who could be her agent, was somewhat arrogant but better.
For some reason, she had been thinking more about Ji Zhiyan’s good points these past few days.
“Sorry, I’ve already promised to have beef noodles with my agent,” Lin Xiaoman smiled slightly.
“If we’re late, we’ll have to wait in line, so we’ll head out now.”
Saying this, she called “Xiaobai” and left with him.
After hearing the other party was the CEO of Dufeng Group, Xiaobai didn’t dare breathe. Having been in the entertainment industry for three years, he naturally knew Yue Ding’s name.
Always smiling and appearing friendly, but ruthless when taking action.
Now that Xiaoman had rejected Yue Ding’s face, Xiaobai worried about potential retaliation.
“Xiaoman, you…” Xiaobai wanted to speak but hesitated, looking worried.
“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely treat you to barbecue,” Lin Xiaoman patted his shoulder to comfort him.
Seeing Lin Xiaoman’s casual departure, Chu Daizi was delighted internally but appeared aggrieved: “Brother Yue, see? This is her bad temper. That’s why I don’t like playing with her!”
Yue Ding smiled slightly. The more she refused him, the more interesting he found it.
★ Chapter Twenty-Five: Paparazzi
Lin Xiaoman’s second signing event was in City B, with the advertising shoot scheduled after the event, not conflicting with her schedule.
But unexpectedly, after just one day of signing, she received another print shoot notification.
“Xiaoman, we can’t help it. The previously confirmed actor was flagged for political issues. Since you’re in City B, can you help us out?
After the last incident, Xiaobai knew Lin Xiaoman disliked taking other jobs during signings. He had refused with the company, but an emergency arose—a small actor publicly supported someone controversial, and now Tianming Group specifically requested Lin Xiaoman.
He had no say in the matter.
“The client only wants you. There’s really no other way,” Xiaobai pleaded. “I’ve already arranged your leave. Just finish signing with fans quickly and leave.”
“Got it,” Lin Xiaoman responded casually.
Xiaobai was stunned, almost ready to kneel and beg.
But Lin Xiaoman had agreed.
“Really?” Xiaobai couldn’t believe it.
“Want me to make you beg a bit more?” Lin Xiaoman knew she was bound by the company’s tyrannical clause and had no right to refuse.
“I’ll go buy you juice,” Xiaobai straightened up and quickly slipped out.
According to plan, Lin Xiaoman finished the signing event early. When leaving, she greeted Qiao An, but noticed the other seemed unhappy, understandably since she was the only one constantly changing signing times.
Lin Xiaoman couldn’t defend herself and could only apologize.
After leaving the venue, Lin Xiaoman directly drove to the shooting location. She was replacing a model for Tianming’s jewelry shoot, with the location at Tianming Group headquarters.
Arriving at the 15th floor designated for shooting, Lin Xiaoman saw many celebrities passing by, though she only found them vaguely familiar.
The venue was much more professional than last time, and the photographer and lighting technician were dedicated. After Lin Xiaoman was ready, everyone cooperated seamlessly, and the shoot was quickly completed.
“Xiaoman, you did so well!” Xiaobai looked at the photos in the camera. The delicate and lovely girl, when captured on camera, had an enchanting charm in every expression and glance. Especially her eyes, which always found the camera lens, able to pierce one’s heart.
He had found such a talent!
“With my experience in the entertainment industry, I guarantee you’ll definitely become popular!” Xiaobai said excitedly, “No, you’ll be a massive hit! I could tell at first glance. Believe me!”
Lin Xiaoman smiled slightly and packed up her things to leave the shooting room.
Xiaobai followed her, beaming: “Xiaoman, you looked so good just now. There aren’t many female celebrities in the entertainment industry as beautiful as you!”
“Is that so?” A warm male voice suddenly sounded from behind.
Lin Xiaoman turned around to see a strange man, fair-skinned and handsome, carrying a hint of a smile.
“Ji Yuan…” Xiaobai swallowed, laughing awkwardly, “Xiaoman, this—”
Ji Yuan interrupted Xiaobai, extending his hand to Lin Xiaoman with a gentle expression: “I’m Ji Yuan, your new advertisement partner.”
Lin Xiaoman only lightly touched the tip of his hand before quickly withdrawing, her bright eyes carefully examining the person before her.
Tall in stature, with a delicate and refined appearance, he smiled softly, making people feel at ease.
But such a person was a “rumored boyfriend” – just entering the same production team with him would inevitably spark gossip.
“Hope we can work well together,” Ji Yuan suddenly spread his hands towards Lin Xiaoman, and a bouquet of roses suddenly appeared on his slender fingers, “A welcome gift for you.”
Lin Xiaoman stepped back, looking apologetic: “Sorry, I’m allergic to roses.”
Her eyes, as light and agile as a deer’s, were sincere, causing Ji Yuan’s heart to skip a beat. He had seen Lin Xiaoman on TV before, thinking she resembled Tang Feifei and was attractive.
But seeing her up close now, he found her even more similar to the deceased goddess, stunningly beautiful, the most attractive among all his female co-stars.
Especially when those lively eyes looked at him, he couldn’t even think straight. He immediately threw the roses into a nearby trash can, trying to please the young girl: “Then it has no reason to exist.”
“I have something to do, I’ll be going now.”
Lin Xiaoman didn’t want to entangle with him and prepared to leave.
“It’s on my way, let me give you a ride?” Ji Yuan turned and followed behind Lin Xiaoman.
“No need, we drove here,” Lin Xiaoman refused cleanly.
“I just remembered, my agent left early this afternoon,” Ji Yuan said softly, “Xiaoman, could you give me a ride? I’m also going to Hengfeng Road.”
Hengfeng Road was where Lin Xiaoman’s hotel was located. It seemed he knew quite a lot.
Lin Xiaoman felt even less favorable towards him: “Xiaobai, call a car for him.”
Xiaobai took out his phone to order a ride.
“No need,” Ji Yuan’s voice sounded pitiful, “Xiaoman, do you dislike me? That’s why you don’t want to ride in the same car?”
His tone was soft and gentle, and his pleading expression would be hard for most people to resist.
But Lin Xiaoman’s expression remained calm: “We’re both entertainers. What we fear most is rumors. To prevent gossip, all we can do is maintain our integrity and avoid misunderstandable situations. If we’re seen sharing a car and explain we were just going the same way, how many would believe us? So, I think it’s better if we take separate cars.”
Ji Yuan’s face turned pale: “It was my oversight. I didn’t consider that.”
“You should learn from this, otherwise it would be ridiculous to keep stumbling on the same issue,” Lin Xiaoman spoke without much courtesy, “Since you can take a taxi, we’ll be going now.”
Lin Xiaoman led Xiaobai towards the elevator.
The elevator just arrived, and they had just entered when a hand suddenly blocked the closing doors.
It was Ji Yuan.
