Chapter Ten: The Promotional Film

“Meddlesome,” Rong Qing muttered under her breath, yet the grateful, gentle look in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

With the Huo family stepping in, she no longer worried about yesterday’s incident. Now, with her elevated status in the company, she had her own dressing room. The makeup artist quickly finished her look; since the Viena brand catered to mid- and low-tier casual wear, the clothes were loose and natural, masking her exquisite figure.

She wore a pastel casual T-shirt, silver shorts, and the latest white sneakers from Viena. Fresh and bright, she resembled a vibrant university student—pure, yet not lacking in wisdom. Her long black hair was tied up casually, and her every movement radiated a touch of innocence.

Today’s shoot was for promotional stills; in the coming two weeks, they would travel to the idyllic French countryside to film commercials. Though Viena did not rival world-famous luxury brands, it had invested heavily in publicity, even inviting an internationally renowned photographer for this campaign. With Huo Lingtian’s support, her career was set to soar.

“Ah, perfect—just like that. One more shot,” the photographer clicked the shutter excitedly. The girl before him was a painting of freshness and grace; even an unguarded glance inspired his creative spirit.

Throughout the morning, Rong Qing donned over a dozen of Viena’s signature outfits—from wild, sporty girl to pure, quiet student, to elegant aristocratic maiden. With each transformation, she embodied the essence of the brand. This pearl, buried beneath dust, was finally emerging, ready to shine.

“Qing, it’s a pleasure to work with you. I wonder if you’d be interested in becoming my exclusive model?” The world-famous Di Maike greatly admired the young woman before him. It was well known that this international master, a multiple photography award winner, was notoriously selective about his models. He had even founded the globally renowned Lost Studio. To gain his favor was a rare opportunity indeed.

“Thank you, Di, for your appreciation.” Rong Qing conversed warmly with the master, never diminishing herself despite his stature. Her poise and confidence only increased his regard for her. “I would love for you to capture more beautiful moments of me, but… I’m still under contract with the company, so I’d need their approval.” Her measured response, paired with an embarrassed yet pure smile, melted the distance between them.

“Of course. I look forward to our collaboration.”

“So do I.”

They hit it off instantly, sharing lunch at noon and discussing photography techniques, shooting angles, and the play of light. Di Maike remarked that his trip to China had indeed been worthwhile; the woman before him rekindled his inspiration—the mystique of Eastern women.

In the afternoon, the master had further engagements. At last, amid the helpless look of his assistant and his own reluctant gaze, Di Maike took his leave.

In the following two weeks, Rong Qing would be flying to France for the shoot, so she spent as much time as possible at the villa. After all, keeping that hungry wolf satisfied required not only lavish meals but also physical indulgence. To carve out these two weeks, Rong Qing had paid dearly; by the time she boarded the plane, her legs were trembling, while that man lounged in satiated contentment.

Her assistant watched as his young master gazed absently at the departing plane, shuddering inwardly. How had this sappy, lovesick drama come to pass with their cold-blooded boss? Granted, the master had changed a lot over the past month, but did he really have to look so lovestruck?

“Let’s go. Overhaul the building’s security system,” Huo Lingtian commanded coldly. He was well aware of what they were thinking—let them see the consequences of slandering their master.

“Heavens… Boss, we won’t dare again.” Because of this minor slip, even the most elite security staff at Huo Group spent the following week battling the most advanced security computers, to the point where not even a mosquito could enter or leave the building undetected.

Meanwhile, at home, Han Xiyun had become notorious after the public argument, and all her previously signed endorsements threatened to withdraw. No brand wanted a tarnished celebrity representing their products. Yet some investors saw opportunity in Han Xiyun’s “fame”; tabloids and disreputable programs scrambled to invite her as a guest, and she appeared before the public like a dark horse, infamous and in the spotlight.

In a luxurious five-star hotel, the décor glittered with gold and silk drapery. On the king-sized bed, two entwined figures—one dark, one fair—moved together. The soft bed creaked violently, and the woman’s coquettish screams echoed through the empty room. The pungent scent of lust hung thick, with stains soiling the sheets below, black stockings and red heels strewn among a man’s shirt—crude and sordid.

——— Author’s Note ———

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