Chapter 13: Meng Chengxiao Doesn’t Understand Love

Chi Jinchen stared at Meng Chengxiao in disbelief, suspecting his friend had been deceived.

Given the attitude of the person on the phone earlier and the fact that their artist had tried to seduce the boss, Chi Jinchen couldn’t associate the person Meng Chengxiao described with innocence.

“Are you sure? Leaving aside everything else, someone who climbed into your bed you’re sure they’re clean?”

Meng Chengxiao took a sip of wine, seemingly recalling something, and chuckled to himself.

“What are you laughing at? I’m asking you a question!”

“He’s not as cunning as you think. He’s incredibly foolish, easily convinced by a few words that becoming a big star requires clinging to someone powerful.”

“Ah…”

Chi Jinchen was completely stunned. He never imagined this was the reason the two had got together.

“So, what are your thoughts about him now? You were so indulgent with him earlier I don’t believe your view of him is still that ‘pure.'”

Meng Chengxiao shook off Chi Jinchen’s arm from his shoulder and leaned back against the sofa, looking particularly relaxed.

“It’s not pure anymore. Now I just want him to be mine alone. I’ve even considered shelving him so no one else can see him.”

“You… haven’t actually fallen for him, have you?”

“I do like him.”

Chi Jinchen was nearly driven mad by Meng Chengxiao. His good friend seemed unable to distinguish between different kinds of affection.

“Stop! Let me explain to you what liking really means.”

Meng Chengxiao raised his hand, signaling Chi Jinchen to proceed.

“There are two types of affection one person can have for another: one is like what you feel for me, and the other is what you feel for him. Then there’s another kind of affection the kind you have for an object.”

“Cheng, you’re confusing affection for a person with affection for a thing.”

Meng Chengxiao remained nonchalant, lounging lazily against the back of the sofa, his shirt wide open as if trying to seduce someone.

“So what? As long as he’s mine.”

Chi Jinchen was exasperated. “Are you out of your mind? Don’t come crying at me when you scare him away.”

Meng Chengxiao slapped the back of Chi Jinchen’s head and ruffled his hair a couple of times.

His voice was eerily chilling.

“If he gets scared, I’ll lock him up. He’ll see me every day until he gets used to it and isn’t afraid anymore.”

Chi Jinchen felt like calling Meng Chengxiao’s father right then to have him properly educate his son.

What kind of criminal mindset was this?

Although their social circle had its share of dirty, unsavory affairs.

But! Some principles must be upheld!

Of course, judging by Meng Chengxiao’s current mindset, he didn’t seem to have any principles left.

“You’ve been in the entertainment industry too long you’ve picked up all its bad habits!”

Meng Chengxiao seemed provoked by this remark. Unhappy, his eyes darkened, and he stood up to leave.

“Hey! Where do you get off leave whenever you want? Stop! I need to properly explain love to you!”

Chi Jinchen was utterly exasperated.

Meng Chengxiao turned and delivered a side kick, sending Chi Jinchen sprawling back onto the sofa.

“Get lost. I have a flight to catch. Don’t block my way. And remember don’t forget what I asked you to do for me.”

Clutching his chest in pain, Chi Jinchen raised a middle finger at Meng Chengxiao’s retreating.

“Damn it! You’re a complete and utter bastard.”

By the time Meng Chengxiao returned to his apartment, it was already past midnight. Yun Xingcan was lying in bed, fast asleep.

An itch began to spread from Yun Xingcan’s calf, causing the sleeping figure to instinctively turn over.

The sensation crept upward, accompanied by a damp warmth.

Yun Xingcan jolted awake, the quilt arching into a steep curve as the heat radiating from another person startled her into a cold sweat.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s me.”

Meng Chengxiao threw back the covers, revealing Yun Xingcan had already pinned beneath him.

“President Meng? How did you do it?”

“Didn’t someone tell me to come back early so they could… use me?”

His teasing instantly flushed Yun Xingcan’s cheeks crimson.

“I was just…”

“Just what? Were you just joking around?”

Meng Chengxiao’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Yun Xingcan quickly shook her head, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer.

“No, I really did want you to come back early.”

Meng Chengxiao lowered his head to brush a kiss against her thin lips, holding her tightly in his embrace.

“As you wish.”

With half a month remaining until the project launch ceremony, Yun Xingcan had been diligently studying her script.

Meng Chengxiao occasionally practiced lines with her, each time filling Yun Xingcan with profound contentment.

The two weeks passed swiftly, and Yun Xingcan prepared to officially join the production team.

The launch ceremony held great significance. Lü Feifan had been texting Yun Xingcan until the night before, urging her to bring Meng Chengxiao along.

Yun Xingcan understood Lü Feifan wanted the major investor’s presence to ensure smooth proceedings.

Though Meng Chengxiao had initially agreed, he changed plans the next morning.

“Starry Splendor, have Guo Meng accompanied you to the set. I have an emergency meeting.”

A hollow disappointment settled in Yun Xingcan’s chest, though she refrained from acting petulant.

“The incense ceremony is at 10:58 AM. Can you make it?”

Meng Chengxiao paused in his hurried departure. “I’ll try,” he said before exiting.

Resigned, Yun Xingcan called Guo Meng for a ride.

Guo Meng promptly arrived at the apartment building and drove Yun Xingcan to the set.

When Lü Feifan saw no tall figure accompanying Yun Xingcan, he couldn’t resist asking, “President Meng isn’t coming?”

Yun Xingcan sighed. “He promised, but there was a last-minute company meeting.”

“Understood.”

With those two words, Lü Feifan hurried off to other tasks.

Amid the bustling crew, as Yun Xingcan prepared for a scan, Lin Ming materialized from nowhere.

“Starry Splendor, President Meng didn’t come?”

Already unsettled, Yun Xingcan’s expression darkened further at Lin Ming’s approach. Fortunately, her habitual neutrality masked discomfort.

“Yes, why? Do you need him for something?”

Lin Ming grinned, slinging an arm around Yun Xingcan’s shoulders as they walked toward the makeup room like old pals.

“Nothing important. It just seems he doesn’t treat you that well promised to attend but is nowhere in sight.”

Yun Xingcan remained outwardly indifferent, though a faint ache lingered in her heart. To Lin Ming, her composure seemed like genuine nonchalance, fueling his jealousy. The calmer she appeared, the more it gnawed at him.

“President Meng was notorious in this industry for changing partners like changing clothes. You shouldn’t hang all your hopes on one person.”

Yun Xingcan shook Lin Ming’s arm, her face taut. Since there was no one around anyway, she showed no intention of giving him any courtesy.

“Still better than you, having to wag your tail for resources. Aren’t you afraid of catching something?”

“You! Yun Xingcan, don’t criticize others while having similar faults yourself!”

“Thank you for helping me latch onto such a powerful patron. Let me remind you sometimes you should prioritize yourself instead of persistently jumping into a pit of fire.”

Lin Ming was left completely speechless. When they reached the dressing room, the makeup artist greeted them warmly upon their arrival.

Yun Xingcan politely returned the greeting and sat at the vanity table, allowing the stylist to work on her appearance.

Her mind kept replaying the earlier exchange with Lin Ming. “Don’t criticize others while having similar faults yourself” Lin Ming’s words had struck a nerve.

However, Yun Xingcan had now come to a clear realization: while it’s comfortable to rely on a powerful backer, it’s best to become your own strong support. After all, you never know if the tree you’re leaning on is rotting from within.

After some dawdling, the opening ceremony officially began.

The director and lead actors stood at the front, followed by the crew members.

Following the host’s instructions, everyone held three incense sticks.

First bow facing east, welcoming auspicious energies, ushering in great fortune, and ensuring a prosperous start to production.

After bowing toward all four directions, everyone inserted their incense into the censor.

Just as Yun Xingcan finished placing her incense and looked up, a flash of crimson boldly stood out in the corner.

Meng Chengxiao.

Yun Xingcan silently uttered the man’s name, but Lü Feifan had already stepped forward faster than she could.

“President Meng, you’re here! Perfect timing we’d like you to unveil the red cloth from the camera.”

Meng Chengxiao nodded and strode in Yun Xingcan’s direction, reaching out to touch the back of her neck.

“Someone’s here!”

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