Chapter Twenty-Two: The New Play

Huo Lingtian carried four large bags in both hands and tossed them into the trunk. With one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other holding Rongqing’s delicate, fair hand, his eyes sparkled with mischievous delight.

“Qing, how long do you think those condoms will last?” he asked, feigning innocence.

Rongqing nearly bit down in fury at this man who took advantage and pretended to be innocent. Hmph! Old man, lecher, use them all up in one night and die of exhaustion—then she’d kick him out and fly free on her own.

Huo Lingtian looked indulgently at the little fireball beside him, her triumphant expression betraying exactly what this little rascal was thinking. “Baby, after kicking me out, could you ever find a man with such stamina?” He blinked slyly and wickedly scratched the hollow of her palm, oozing sensuality.

“There are plenty of good men in the world. I’m ridding society of a menace,” she retorted.

Huo Lingtian persisted, shameless and roguish. “Baby, I really wish you’d rid society of a few more men like me. Tonight, with the moon dark and the wind high—it’s the perfect opportunity. Mmm~”

He exuded masculine allure, his deep, lingering tone like the most profound love. The air inside the car grew scorching hot. Unconsciously, the car came to a stop beneath a tree along a shady avenue, and the man’s breath-stealing kiss robbed her of air, as if the whole world had fallen into a magical trap set by Huo Lingtian. Moist droplets exchanged between lips, silver threads tracing a beautiful arc at the corners of their mouths, the sweet aroma enveloping them. One last time… one final indulgence, Rongqing silently told herself. She shouldn’t lose her heart, but the man’s tenderness gradually corroded her defenses. Three months—just three months to leave herself with memories to savor for a lifetime.

Standing stunned at the kitchen counter, wrapped in a childish duck-print apron, Rongqing’s cheeks burned red. She’d actually fainted from his kiss—how humiliating. She angrily snapped the onion in her hands, certain that the silly apron was one of that man’s inventions.

The man came down from his study and gazed at the gentle, graceful figure in the kitchen. Huo Lingtian’s inner fire flared instantly. He must be poisoned, addicted to the poppy named Rongqing—one taste, and he was hooked, never able to quit.

“I want to eat,” he murmured, wrapping her in his arms, his hands circling her waist, chin resting on her shoulder, swaying her with a hint of childishness.

Rongqing pinched the wolfish nose behind her with her fingertips, affectionately. “Help me set the table, it’ll be ready soon.”

“Achoo!” Huo Lingtian couldn’t stop sneezing. In his elite suit, he looked utterly pitiful, whining, “What did you put in there?”

“Onion!” Rongqing waved her hand innocently, pretending to smear it on his face.

“Achoo… achoo…” The man’s sneezing echoed behind her as he rushed into the bathroom. Rongqing was in high spirits, her chopping movements light and cheerful.

Stricken by onion, Huo Lingtian saw a plate of stir-fried onions placed in front of him and immediately turned pale, pitifully shifting his attention to other dishes. Fortunately, his darling had mercy, not adding any strange condiments.

After satisfying his hunger, Huo Lingtian lounged lazily on the sofa, his hands roaming over Rongqing—stroking her slender waist, tugging at her blushing earlobes, kissing her nimble fingers. Everything about her was irresistibly alluring; he was starved for her touch, as if only she could cure his hunger for closeness. Growing impatient, Rongqing gave him an elbow, and he quieted down.

The oversized LCD TV was playing the latest entertainment news. The anchor introduced various blockbuster releases, but one piece of news caught Rongqing’s interest.

“According to insiders, renowned domestic director Wang Zhang, winner of the International Oscar for Best Director, is about to begin filming his new art drama ‘Splendid Years.’ The leads have been cast, but the key supporting actress is still being selected in an open audition. The film is slated for a global release at year’s end.”

Rongqing fell into deep thought. Wang Zhang was a pillar of the Chinese directing world, with both his artistic and commercial films earning excellent reputations. Last year, he won the Oscar for Best Director with an adaptation of a fantasy novel. This was undoubtedly a rare opportunity to gain favor from an internationally acclaimed director.

She shooed away the clingy man at her side and dialed Yan Lin’s number.

“Qing, what’s up so late?”

“Mm, I heard Director Wang Zhang is starting a new film. I’m very interested—I’d like to see the script first,” Rongqing said.

Yan Lin was slightly surprised. He wasn’t hiding the project, but in his eyes, a supporting role in an art film was far less advantageous than a lead in a commercial drama. No matter how well the art film performed, it wouldn’t attract the masses. In the era of fast-food global cinema, such a choice could easily become a career misstep.

“Rongqing, are you sure? This could be the blemish on your debut,” Yan Lin said seriously. He couldn’t interfere with her decisions, but he would offer timely advice to guide her onto the path of stardom.

Rongqing pondered. She’d considered the consequences. If she hastily accepted other scripts now, without a rigorous attitude and striving for excellence in her craft, how was she any different from those actresses who relied on their bodies to win roles? She believed only films refined by time would become classics, recognized by true cinema lovers. So…

“I want to try,” she replied.

There was a brief pause, as if her capable, confident, and shrewd assistant had returned. “Alright, I’ll send you the script. I’ll arrange auditions for you in the coming days.”

Rongqing smiled softly, “Thank you, Yan Lin.”

––––– Aside –––––

Lanlan will write some dramatic acting scenes in the story, as both romance and career progress together. Rongqing’s career will be carefully planned and developed step by step. Only by growing stronger and more dazzling can Rongqing stand by Huo Lingtian’s side as an equal.

Also, to all fans of glamorous celebrities, please bookmark the story. Lanlan thanks you all here!