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Her cool, small hand moved his large palm away from her eyes, and she looked directly into his.
He gazed down at her, his emotions still unguarded. She trembled under the weight of his gaze and silently pulled the blanket over her face.
Qin Xiao was silent for a moment: “I’ll go call your assistant.”
He knew it would be uncomfortable for her to sleep with the blanket covering her face.
The sound of his footsteps faded as he left, and soon Tang Zi came in.
Su Ling had already uncovered her face. She looked dazed, as if she couldn’t believe Qin Xiao would ever back down.
Tang Zi adjusted her blanket: “Try to get some rest. I’ll call the doctor when the IV is done.”
She softly acknowledged, then asked Tang Zi: “Has Mr. Qin left?”
Tang Zi kept her expression neutral: “Yes, he’s gone.”
Su Ling was genuinely surprised. Her eyes were hazy, and Tang Zi couldn’t tell what she was thinking. After a while, Su Ling closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Qin Xiao leaned against the wall outside the door, waiting quietly.
Tang Zi tiptoed out and saw the man standing there, calm yet cold.
She could tell he wasn’t happy.
Tang Zi was well aware of Qin Xiao’s reputation. He was known as a ruthless and arrogant young master among B City’s elite. Even toward his own mother, Madam Wen, there was no trace of affection.
When Tang Zi first became a manager, she had heard rumors about Qin Xiao.
Most of them were not good.
Unscrupulous, cold-blooded, unfilial, and heartless.
It was said that when his father passed away, he dropped out of school to return home and fight for the inheritance. His audacity and ruthlessness were legendary even now.
The most classic story was when his father had just died, and Madam Wen along with a crowd of distant relatives showed up, all eager to claim a piece of the fortune.
A widowed mother and a young son—everyone thought they wouldn’t be able to hold onto such vast wealth. The Qin family was immensely wealthy; even a drop of their fortune could sustain someone for life.
Thus, even relatives who hadn’t spoken to the family in years flocked to the funeral.
That year, Qin Xiao was only eighteen, holding a steel pipe.
He stood guard at the ancestral mansion.
His uncle, Qin Rong, was the first to demand entry. The young man chewed gum, smirking, and tapped the hood of Qin Rong’s car with the steel pipe: “I’ll say this once—go back.”
Qin Rong didn’t believe Qin Xiao had the guts. Putting on airs as an elder, he began to lecture him.
At that time, a crowd had gathered outside the mansion, watching the spectacle.
Qin Xiao laughed. The next moment, his expression turned sinister, and he began smashing the car window with the steel pipe.
After breaking it, he dragged Qin Rong out of the car.
Qin Rong’s legs had already gone limp.
Damn, this crazy kid from the Qin family! How could he have such strength!
Yet Qin Xiao continued to smile: “Uncle, you’re so eager to see Grandfather, huh? Should I help you meet him?”
“You… you wouldn’t dare… murder is illegal!”
“Oh.” He curved his lips and pulled out a gun, pressing it against Qin Rong’s temple. “Bang…” he mimicked the sound of a gunshot with his lips.
Qin Rong immediately knelt down.
Qin Xiao sneered: “Still want to see Grandfather, Uncle?”
Qin Rong scrambled up and ran out as fast as he could.
The onlookers watched in awe. This was truly outrageous—he had no regard for familial ties, and that was his own uncle.
Yet the young man leaned on the steel pipe, his smile wild and untamed: “Who else wants to see Grandfather’s corpse, hmm?”
No one wanted to risk their lives for money!
This brat was even more ruthless than his father. Everyone backed off and left, no longer daring to try and squeeze oil from the old mansion.
A few days later, Qin Xiao didn’t even spare his own mother, Madam Wen. When she confronted him, he pushed back hard enough to make her faint. Before passing out, she cursed him as an unfilial son.
In the end, Qin Xiao not only protected the Qin family’s fortune but also surpassed his father’s achievements while he was alive.
Such a person couldn’t possibly have good character.
Tang Zi had always assumed he was devoid of feelings. Someone like him lived too powerfully, relying on selfishness and coldness to survive. He didn’t need family or love.
Yet she never expected to see the legendary president of the Qin Group here, all because of her young artist who hadn’t even graduated from university.
Tang Zi was still stunned.
Even if Qin Xiao was as despicable as the rumors suggested, he was still a golden opportunity—24k pure gold!
But observing their interactions, something felt off. Her young artist clearly didn’t favor Mr. Qin, yet he didn’t seem angry.
Everyone knew Mr. Qin’s reputation—and his notoriously explosive temper.
But today, the Qin Xiao Tang Zi saw seemed like two different people.
He remained cold and aloof in front of Tang Zi, but around Su Ling, he was like a completely different person. He acted convincingly.
“She asleep?” His voice was low and hoarse.
“Asleep,” Tang Zi whispered.
“Mm.”
Tang Zi hesitated: “Mr. Qin, she…”
He turned, his gaze icy.
Tang Zi forced herself to finish: “She’s still young. If you’re pursuing her, can you be a little gentler and more understanding? If she doesn’t want it, you…”
Qin Xiao cut her off coldly: “Shut up.”
Then Tang Zi watched as the supposedly “departed” Mr. Qin walked back in.
“…” This routine was truly… indescribably frustrating.
When Qin Xiao entered, Su Ling was sleeping soundly.
Filming was exhausting. She had worked from morning until ten at night and was utterly drained. Add the fever, and she was deeply asleep.
The room was silent, and he could almost hear her breathing.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her skin porcelain white. A dim light was left on, soft enough not to disturb her sleep.
He walked over and sat by her bedside.
Leaning down, he studied her closely.
He had long known Su Ling was beautiful. Her exquisite features were etched deeply into his mind, day by day.
He had seen many beautiful people in his life and was somewhat immune to outward beauty.
Even though her allure was tempting, it shouldn’t have driven him to such madness.
As he leaned closer, his heartbeat quickened, synchronizing with her breathing.
He remembered how softly she had called his name, “Qin Xiao,” so sweet and delicate.
She was both the softest and the strongest.
Pure, kind, and gentle, her smile warmed her eyes into crescents. She was from an entirely different world than him—a heartless scoundrel.
It was strange and helpless. Even though she despised him, he still wanted to draw near.
Through fire and water, to her side.
He gently touched her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm.
Su Ling didn’t wake.
And Qin Xiao was no gentleman.
He had never adhered to any notions of propriety.
His thumb brushed her lips.
Feverish, her lips were rosy, redder than usual.
He realized he had never kissed her.
When had he become so pure-hearted? Despite countless filthy thoughts running through his mind, he had never kissed her.
He chuckled inwardly.
If he kissed her now, she’d probably be furious?
Would she feel disgusted?
Yet he wanted to, wanted to indulge.
His thumb pressed lightly, caressing her lips. Her lips were soft, and he narrowed his eyes, his breathing heavier than hers.
Qin Xiao admitted—this alone brought him pleasure.
That surge of excitement coursed through his veins, filling every inch of his blood.
Su Ling shifted uncomfortably, lightly wrinkling her brow.
Qin Xiao’s expression didn’t change, but he withdrew his hand.
Without a sound, she sank back into deep sleep.
Qin Xiao closed his eyes. He had to admit, he felt a tinge of regret. When he came to M City, Zuo Yin had fretted endlessly, nagging him—
“Brother, can you restrain yourself? Don’t look at her like that, don’t touch her. Girls like gentlemen.”
“Don’t kidnap her back, okay? She’s still filming. If this gets out, her situation will be bad.”
“And stop saying those things to her—I get chills just hearing them… Damn it, why am I so nervous? If you’re sick, don’t go!” Zuo Yin thought, this was the first patient he wanted to personally beat up.
Qin Xiao: “You’re the one who’s sick.”
“…”
Now, as Qin Xiao watched over her, he realized Zuo Yin did have some insight. At least he understood Qin Xiao’s thoughts well.
When he looked at her, his heart softened, but his body grew restless.
Three parts restraint, seven parts indulgence. What he might do next could easily cross the line of humanity.
He curved his lips slightly, feeling resigned.
When Su Ling woke up groggily, Tang Zi was sitting by her bed scrolling through her phone. Hearing her stir, Tang Zi quickly put the phone down and poured her some water: “Awake? Feeling better?”
Su Ling took a few sips and glanced at the IV bag—it was nearly empty.
She had slept for over four hours. It was now 2 AM.
“Thank you, Sister Tang. You’ve worked hard.” Tang Zi had stayed by her side all this time—it must have been exhausting.
Tang Zi awkwardly smiled and changed the subject: “I’ll call the doctor to remove the needle. Then you can rest properly. I’ll inform Director Dong tomorrow.”
In fact, the next day, there was no need for Tang Zi to explain. Dong Xu had already realized the situation.
The temperature fluctuations between day and night were too extreme. Not only Su Ling couldn’t handle it, but several actors in the crew caught colds, including the lighting technician still wearing a thick coat.
Filming had to be temporarily suspended.
Dong Xu announced a three-day break before resuming.
Everyone cheered at the news. Director Dong was too strict, and after nearly half a month, everyone was exhausted.
Only one person was unhappy. Zheng Xiaoya dressed up and went to find Dong Xu in the morning.
Dong Xu was revising the script.
Zheng Xiaoya stormed in: “Cousin!”
Dong Xu raised his eyes to look at her, his gaze indifferent, showing no emotion.
Zheng Xiaoya was furious: “I was clearly sick yesterday, but I didn’t see you giving the entire crew a holiday. Why are you letting us take three days off just because Su Ling is sick? You said you weren’t interested in her, but this is clearly favoritism! You don’t care about your own cousin, but you care about that wretched woman!”
Even Dong Xu, with his usually calm demeanor, lost his temper: “Zheng Xiaoya, watch your words!” Four actors were sick—half the cast. Filming could no longer continue.
“What! Did I hit a nerve, huh?”
Dong Xu coldly replied: “You’re not capable of doing that. I’m just wondering—how did the child Grandfather raised turn out like you?”
Zheng Xiaoya laughed bitterly: “I think I turned out fine. At least Grandfather loves me, and I genuinely respect and care for him. Better than some people who are unloved and unfeeling, resorting to despicable means to climb higher.”
Dong Xu didn’t understand what she was talking about, assuming she was spouting nonsense again: “Get out.”
“Fine, I’ll leave. Just wait and see—the show’s about to begin.”
After saying that, Zheng Xiaoya felt a bit better.
After all, she was a princess born under favorable stars. Even without doing anything, people adored her. As for Su Ling, who clawed her way out of poverty, there would always be something holding her back… Tsk tsk, Zheng Xiaoya pitied her.
In the afternoon, Su Ling received a call.
The voice on the other end was long-familiar. Amidst the background noise, Su Ling listened intently.
“Little Ling, this is unacceptable. We’re family, and our family raised you for ten years. How can you just cut us off? Yes, your uncle was useless, but he’s reformed now. We sold the house to pay off the debt. But you—you’ve become a big star now, yet you’re so heartless, unwilling to help us. Do you know how much hardship Haoyan and Jianan are going through?”
Su Ling’s cold hadn’t fully subsided, and her voice was hoarse: “Aunt Tian, they’re your children. They have hands and feet. If I can earn money, so can they.”
Tian Shuyun’s voice was shrill: “What do you mean? You make millions in minutes from acting. Don’t think I don’t know—celebrities earn the most. Even if you don’t care about us, what about your grandmother? She raised you, didn’t she? Now we’re living in a rented apartment, and she can’t afford her medicine. I misjudged you—you’re so cold-hearted and ruthless! Do you think you can stay famous if the media finds out?!”
Su Ling laughed bitterly. Yes, her temperament was soft, but she never regretted her words or actions.
Her tone grew cold as she calmly explained: “No matter how much I earn, it’s the result of my own labor. Besides, I really don’t have money right now. If Grandma wishes, I’ll provide for her. The last time I left, I paid the hospital six months’ worth of her medication fees. After six months, I’ll contact the hospital to see if we need to change her medication.”
Su Ling paused to catch her breath, then continued: “As for the media, I haven’t done anything wrong, so why should I fear them? I don’t need fame. I just need to do what I’m supposed to do.”
Tian Shuyun hadn’t expected her niece to be so stubborn.
It was as if Su Ling had hardened her heart when she left them last time and truly severed all ties.
Thinking of another woman’s words, Tian Shuyun felt slightly reassured and sneered: “You don’t treat us as family, so I won’t treat you as family either.”
With that, she hung up.
Su Ling closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She still felt unwell, her head throbbing.
At that time, it was afternoon in M City, the sun shining its brightest. In this coastal city, the sea could be seen from outside the hotel.
Sunlight danced on the ocean surface, shimmering brilliantly.
Su Ling could guess what Tian Shuyun intended to do.
After two lifetimes, she looked out at the endless expanse of the sea, feeling for the first time how worthless her past sacrifices had been.
Threats like these, manipulations of familial ties—how many times had Tian Shuyun and Ni Jia used them in front of Qin Xiao?
And that man, desperate to keep her, had casually crushed these weapons with a laugh.
He looked down on the Ni family but craved her. He wanted to build the strongest cage in the world to trap her for eternity.
Seagulls circled low over the sea—this was the quietest place in M City.
Su Ling began to reflect. In her past life, everything had been like a dead-end game. Some invisible force had been pushing her toward Qin Xiao.
When had it all started?
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