MTL - 46

I feel like I can never escape Tang Yu in this life. But since I’m enduring such hardship, Tang Yu should suffer a little too.

— From “Little Tyrant’s Diary”

There couldn’t possibly be anything better in the world than this.

Feng Cheng and Old Yuan looked up at the sky, feeling as if money and opportunities were raining down on them. They glanced at Lu Zhixing, thinking that refusing such an offer would make them fools. All they had to do was nod, and both the funding for the movie and the lead actress would be secured.

After his initial shock, Lu Zhixing instinctively glanced at Tang Xin. He could now fully confirm that Tang Yu’s offer of funding and talent was entirely for the sake of their screenwriter. Otherwise, how could such a perfect opportunity exist?

He just wanted to know what Tang Xin thought.

At this moment, Tang Xin’s mind was in turmoil. She didn’t know how to respond or what to say because while funding could be secured, finding the right lead actress wasn’t easy. This decision concerned the entire production team, so she couldn’t outright reject it—that wouldn’t be fair to Lu Zhixing or the crew.

Moreover, Tang Dingding was truly perfect for the role of Jiang Yi.

Without comparison, there is no harm. When compared to Tang Dingding, Zhou Jialu instantly paled in significance.

Just as Tang Xin was struggling internally, Tang Dingding—who had been out of the loop—finally came to her senses and angrily exclaimed, “I haven’t agreed yet! Don’t get ahead of yourselves!”

Oh right, Little Fatty Sheep might not even agree…

Tang Xin felt a mix of regret and relief. She nudged Tang Dingding with her elbow and smiled. “You really don’t want to?”

Tang Dingding gave her brother—who was essentially selling her—a pitiful look. Tang Yu glanced at her, his lips curving slightly as he emphasized, “I said it depends on whether she wants to and is willing. If she doesn’t like it, then this matter is over. When have I ever forced you to do anything?”

Aside from the incident with Huo Chendong, Tang Yu had never pressured Tang Dingding into anything.

For the most part, he indulged her every request and never restricted her allowance.

Tang Dingding looked at him with great conflict. “If I don’t agree, does that mean you won’t be able to pursue Sugarheart?”

Tang Yu: “….”

He leaned back casually in his seat, silently and coldly staring at her.

Tang Dingding quickly corrected herself. “I mean… it won’t be that easy for you…”

In the past, Tang Yu had never discussed his romantic feelings with Tang Dingding. First, he had always treated her like a child; second, telling her wouldn’t make any difference—it was better to let her live happily in her own little world.

“Right.”

The man glanced out the window, appearing somewhat indifferent.

Tang Dingding bit her lip and asked curiously, “Brother, do you really like Sugarheart?”

Tang Yu didn’t turn his head, his voice low. “Mm. Why else would I pursue her?”

It made sense…

When her brother liked someone, he would definitely go after them.

Tang Dingding suddenly felt the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on her shoulders, making it hard to breathe. After pondering for a long time, she finally whispered, “Alright, I’ll seriously consider it.”

Tang Yu chuckled and gently ruffled the back of her head. “Don’t feel burdened or pressured. Even without you, I’ll pursue her myself. Understand?”

Tang Dingding visibly relaxed and obediently nodded. “Okay.”

That evening’s dinner went exceptionally harmoniously. When it ended, everyone rose to leave the private room. Naturally, Tang Yu turned to Tang Xin. “You didn’t drive here, so let’s take my car back together.”

Feng Cheng couldn’t help but glance at them again. Together?

Tang Yu was definitely doing this on purpose!

Tang Xin forced a smile through gritted teeth. “President Tang lives next door to me.”

“Ohhh, so that’s how it is,” Feng Cheng realized, recalling how he had previously tried to play matchmaker between Tang Xin and Lu Zhixing. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Lu Zhixing. “Well, it works out perfectly then. You’re neighbors, so it’s convenient.”

Lu Zhixing, hands casually stuffed into his pockets, walked behind everyone else, seemingly unfazed. Over the past few years, he’d hit a creative bottleneck and had been single for a while. If Tang Xin didn’t already have someone she liked, he might have considered trying. But now, it was clear that her relationship with Tang Yu was still unresolved.

He wasn’t the type to interfere in such matters.

As they reached the entrance, Tang Dingding was the first to be picked up by the Tang family driver.

Tang Yu’s car was parked next to Huo Chendong’s. Tang Xin followed them to the cars, and Huo Chendong finally found the chance to ask Tang Yu something. He didn’t quite understand. “Do you really intend to let Dingding bring funding and act? That girl isn’t suited for it, and she doesn’t like the entertainment industry.”

Tang Yu held the car door handle and glanced at him, his lips curling faintly. “It’s her decision. I won’t force her.”

Huo Chendong furrowed his brow. “But she’s not suited for it…”

“Whether she’s suited or not is up to her to decide,” Tang Yu said, his smile fading. “One of the main reasons she dislikes this industry is because of you.”

“…”

Huo Chendong was momentarily speechless, unable to utter a word.

After saying this, Tang Yu no longer looked at him. He opened the car door and glanced down at Tang Xin, who was frozen in place.

Tang Xin blinked and bent down to climb into the passenger seat.

Once they were in the car and driving for a few minutes, Tang Xin couldn’t help but turn to him and ask, “Is it true that Little Fatty Sheep doesn’t like the entertainment industry because of President Huo?”

“More or less,” Tang Yu replied, basing his response on intuition and speculation. “She witnessed firsthand the chaos and unspoken rules of this industry through Huo Chendong. Add to that her poor judgment—she happened to develop feelings for him—and naturally, she developed a negative impression of this circle.”

Tang Xin gazed at the man’s stern profile and smiled as she turned away. “Little Fatty Sheep’s judgment is indeed questionable.”

Huo Chendong was fine in every aspect except that he was too promiscuous. She truly felt that Tang Dingding’s taste wasn’t great—she had fallen for someone like him.

Tang Yu gave a noncommittal hum. “So, letting her step out and see more of the world will be good for her.”

Tang Xin suddenly turned to him, staring intently. “You’re a good brother.”

The traffic light ahead turned red, and the car came to a stop just before the white line. Tang Yu’s left hand rested loosely on the steering wheel, neon lights reflecting across their faces like stained glass. He glanced at her, speaking indifferently. “I’d also make a good boyfriend.”

Caught off guard, Tang Xin’s heart skipped a beat, and she stared at him blankly.

A few seconds later, she turned her face toward the window. “Shameless.”

He chuckled carelessly, not bothering to deny it.

Back in the residential complex, they got out of the car. Tang Xin checked the time—it was almost nine o’clock—and quickened her pace. Tang Yu pressed the elevator button and glanced down at her. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

The elevator doors opened.

Tang Xin stepped inside and pressed the button for the fifteenth floor. “I didn’t put much cat food out this morning. I’m worried Hua Juan is hungry and might cause trouble.”

Hua Juan was easy to take care of and well-behaved, with one flaw: she couldn’t be left hungry. If she was, she’d scratch things. Fortunately, Tang Xin’s sofa was made of fabric and couldn’t be damaged by scratching, but other items weren’t guaranteed to survive.

Tang Yu frowned slightly and casually remarked, “Cats are such a hassle.”

Tang Xin suddenly felt a bit upset. Hua Juan was the stray cat she had begged him to let her keep, and its origins were unknown. Her expression immediately turned cold as she exited the elevator. Tang Yu seemed to notice and followed her to her doorstep.

She turned around and glared at him. “Why are you following me? Go back to your own place.”

Tang Yu glanced down at her and smiled faintly. “I’ll come in to check if she’s caused any damage.”

“If she has, it’s my place that’s damaged.” Tang Xin entered her password carefully, shielding it with her hand to prevent him from seeing.

“All the more reason to check.”

“…”

The door opened, and she turned to look at him. “Ten minutes, then you leave. I don’t have time to entertain you.”

With that, she didn’t spare him another glance, kicked off her shoes, and slipped into slippers before walking in.

Tang Yu followed her quietly, finding a pair of men’s slippers in the shoe cabinet.

As expected, Hua Juan was causing trouble. Several neatly arranged books and magazines on the coffee table had been knocked onto the floor, and the cat was now ferociously clawing at the pages of one of the magazines. Coincidentally, it was Tang Yu’s recent interview in a financial magazine.

The man in the photo wore a black suit, handsome and dignified, with a cold gaze directed at the camera.

Now, the magazine was in shambles thanks to Hua Juan’s claws.

Just as Tang Xin was about to pick up Hua Juan, Tang Yu placed a hand on her shoulder. The man bent down and directly grabbed Hua Juan by the scruff of her neck, lifting her into the air. With her back pinched, Hua Juan flailed her limbs but couldn’t grab onto anything.

Tang Yu turned to look at Tang Xin.

Tang Xin hurried to pour cat food, and only after it was ready did Tang Yu release Hua Juan.

Hua Juan darted over and buried her face in the bowl.

Tang Xin squatted beside her to watch for a moment, muttering, “This little guy’s appetite is getting bigger and bigger…”

Her legs went numb from squatting, and when she stood up, her body swayed slightly. Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand steadying her shoulders, and her head leaned against the man’s broad chest. Her heart raced as she turned her head to see Tang Yu holding the magazine in his other hand, looking down at her with a faint, teasing smile. “Did you buy this?”

The photo had been clawed to pieces by Hua Juan, now crumpled and torn.

Tang Xin glanced at it, calmly pulled the magazine from his hand, and tossed it onto the table. Casually, she said, “My cousin bought it. I used it to cover my instant noodle box the other day—it worked pretty well.”

Tang Yu: “….”

He looked at her with slight exasperation, about to sit down on the couch—

But Tang Xin grabbed his arm and pushed him toward the door. “I’m going to take a shower. Ten minutes are up—you should leave.”

The man stood tall and unmoving.

Tang Xin stared directly at him, her intent to kick him out obvious.

Tang Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, conceding defeat. He smirked faintly. “Alright, I’ll head back. Will you see me to the door?”

Tang Xin frowned, then walked straight to the door. Tang Yu, hands in his pockets, strolled leisurely. At the doorway, Tang Xin opened the door and turned to him, smiling sweetly. “Please.”

Her dimple was aimed directly at him.

Tang Yu stood before her, towering above as he met her gaze. Tang Xin felt it was necessary to clarify some things, lest he become too smug. Still smiling, she said, “Tang Yu, let me make this clear. If Dingding agrees to be my lead actress, I have no objections to her bringing funding into the project. After all, she’s a young lady from a wealthy background. It wouldn’t make sense for her to join without bringing anything. With funding, even as a pure newcomer, no one in the crew would dare bully her. However, I’m agreeing to this entirely for Dingding’s sake—not yours.”

Though he knew most of what she said was true, Tang Yu still felt a tinge of frustration.

He half-closed his eyes, gazing at her dimple as she smiled innocently. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pinched her small chin. Her face was petite, and his long fingers fit perfectly, with his thumb pressing lightly on her dimple.

Caught off guard, Tang Xin stumbled backward, her foot catching on the threshold. She lost her balance and nearly fell out the door. Tang Yu swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her back. Tang Xin’s forehead collided with his hard chest, and her back pressed against the doorframe.

Her forehead hit his shirt button again, causing a slight sting.

Her heartbeat raced as she looked up at him, her gaze meeting his deep, dark eyes. Their gazes locked, and the air around them seemed to freeze.

Perhaps they were too close, their breaths mingling. With her chin in his grasp, all he had to do was lower his head to kiss her.

Tang Xin’s eyes fell on his tightly closed lips, and she suddenly recalled what Tang Dingding had said: “If someone likes you seven-tenths, they’ll want to kiss you.” She knew Tang Yu was pursuing her.

But surely, he didn’t feel the urge to kiss her right now?

Her mind was a mess, and she remembered the time she impulsively kissed him in the office after being rejected.

That kiss…

was entirely her impulsive action.

She had nibbled, bitten, and licked his lips, but he remained completely unresponsive, his lips firmly closed.

Even now, recalling that kiss still made her feel a pang of sadness, but it also sparked a flicker of curiosity. What would it feel like if Tang Yu kissed her willingly?

The next moment, a sharp pain shot through her cheek.

She snapped back to reality, frowning and looking at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Seeing her frown, Tang Yu slowly released her, his voice slightly hoarse when he spoke. “Still smiling?”

Tang Xin: “….”

Fully awake now, she stomped on his foot and pushed him away. “Get out!”

The female lead role awaited Tang Dingding’s reply. If she agreed, it would be a happy ending for everyone. If not, they’d have to find someone else. As for the male lead and other roles, Lu Zhixing was still comparing candidates and checking schedules.

Tang Xin specifically asked Tang Dingding how long she needed to think.

Tang Dingding replied, “Is there a deadline?”

On her computer, Tang Xin took advantage of her lunch break to reply via WeChat. “The sooner, the better, of course. Once you sign the contract, Little Fatty Sheep will officially be ready to be ‘slaughtered.’”

Tang Dingding: “….”

After a long while, she reluctantly replied, “I don’t know.”

Thinking of Tang Yu’s words earlier, Tang Xin suddenly felt a bit sorry for her. She sent a hug-and-pat-the-head emoji and typed out a flurry of words. “Yes, there are many ugly scandals in the entertainment industry, but there are also many loving couples. They know what they want. Don’t let one person influence your perception of the entire industry. Everyone chooses their own lifestyle. If values align, they stay; if not, they part ways. There’s no need to force anything. You’re so beautiful, and your family owns mines—what’s there to fear?”