Chapter 49: The Kiss

As the specially invited guest, Qin Xiao was the center of attention.

His seat was in the very middle of the front row, and the nameplate on his table gleamed as if it were encased in gold.

Wan Bai Bai swayed gracefully over, her hand resting lightly on Su Ling’s shoulder. She smiled and asked, “Nervous?”

Su Ling shook her head, her eyes curving slightly. “I’m a little excited.”

It wasn’t excitement about winning an award but rather the atmosphere that made her feel fully integrated into this circle—an impossibility in her past life.

Qin Xiao had given her hope only to crush it mercilessly. Her efforts seemed insignificant under his control. But in this lifetime, she had worked hard for everything, and the results were already good enough.

Wan Bai Bai glanced toward the corner, her smile faint. “Why did you enter the entertainment industry, Su Ling? A gentle girl like you could’ve been a teacher or a doctor—it would’ve suited you well.”

Su Ling replied softly, “I don’t know. At first, it was because of my family, and later, I grew to love it.”

“And do you know why I’m so close to you?”

Su Ling froze. Indeed, from their very first meeting, Wan Bai Bai had shown extraordinary affection toward her. She even had the courage to bring Su Ling to Boss Qin Xiao.

Lin Qing, standing nearby, heard this and tensed, her forehead twitching. She feared Wan Bai Bai might suddenly say something like, I’m into women, and I’ve fallen for you.

But Wan Bai Bai lowered her gaze and smiled gently. “Because you remind me of who I used to be.”

“Who I used to be?”

“Innocent, pure-hearted, knowing nothing yet brimming with endless courage.” Wan Bai Bai paused, then tilted her head toward Su Ling. “Look over there. Do you see him?”

Su Ling followed her gaze. Guo Mingyan was sitting in the corner, legs crossed, chatting with another man.

He was one of those naive, clumsy rich second-generation heirs. Whatever they were talking about had him laughing loudly, looking a bit silly and clueless.

There was no trace of cold beauty or playful mischief on Wan Bai Bai’s face now—only a soft tenderness.

“I’ve known Guo for many years, almost eight. Back then, I never thought of entering the entertainment industry—I was just a waitress at a restaurant.” Nostalgia flickered in Wan Bai Bai’s eyes. “Look at him now. Deep down, he’s actually a good person. My father owed a mountain of debt, and I was almost dragged away to settle it. He saved me—he fought them.”

Su Ling’s eyes widened. It was hard to believe cowardly Guo Mingyan had ever been capable of such “heroism.”

Wan Bai Bai chuckled wryly. “Of course, he lost the fight. They beat him to the ground, and his nose bled profusely.” Her smile softened. “In the end, someone called the police, and he was sent to the hospital. After recovering, he gave me money to pay off my debts and said I was pretty enough to try acting.”

“The first role I got was thanks to Guo Mingyan. Back then, I was as innocent as you are now, but I wasn’t nearly as talented. My acting was terrible, but I gritted my teeth and finished the project. When I went to thank Guo Mingyan afterward, I realized he had forgotten all about me. He was my hero, the one who changed my life. But to him, I was just a fleeting memory.”

Wan Bai Bai suddenly smirked mischievously. “Then I slept with him. Afterward, I panicked and ran.”

“…” This twist was sudden and shocking. Su Ling’s face turned bright red. No way… Wan Bai Bai said they were alike, but they weren’t at all! In her past life, when things happened between her and Qin Xiao, she cried out of shame, anger, and despair.

Wan Bai Bai was… outrageously bold.

Wan Bai Bai shrugged. “He didn’t know who I was that night. Then I worked hard at acting and gradually became famous. At a party, we met again. I nervously approached him and told him we had a three-year-old son.”

“What?” Su Ling stared at Wan Bai Bai blankly, stunned by the gossip. “You really have a child?”

Wan Bai Bai found Su Ling’s reaction adorable and burst into laughter. “Silly girl, I was lying! His face turned green with shock.”

No wonder the dynamic between Wan Bai Bai and Guo Mingyan was so bizarre. It was a miracle Guo hadn’t been driven insane by Wan Bai Bai. His nervous reactions whenever he saw her finally made sense.

Wan Bai Bai left out some details. After finishing her first project, she went to find Guo Mingyan. He was hanging out with his rich friends, each accompanied by beautiful women—elegant, mature, and alluring. Compared to them, Wan Bai Bai looked like a scrawny bean sprout.

She truly had been a bit like Su Ling back then—inexperienced and naive. But over time, she transformed into the sultry woman who made Guo Mingyan tremble.

Rarely did Wan Bai Bai share stories like this. Finally, she sighed and summed up, “Well, now you know my biggest secret. You’re mine now. When you become famous, remember to take me with you.”

“…” Su Ling didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

After thinking for a moment, Wan Bai Bai added, “There aren’t many good men in their circle. Actually, none at all. President Qin probably isn’t much better. But I’ve always understood something: good men and women are rare in this world. If you can’t find one, you make one. Some people are naturally good, while others become good because of you.”

Some people are naturally good, while others become good… because of you.

Su Ling was lost in thought for a long time. The Yi Mi Awards ceremony had already begun. The lights dimmed briefly, then the stage lights blazed to life.

The host’s sweet voice filled the room with opening remarks. The event moved swiftly; after a brief introduction of the guests, they were ready to announce the winners. Su Ling was among the nominees for Best Newcomer. Lin Qing was both nervous and thrilled. Of all the artists she managed, Su Ling was the most reliable and accomplished.

If things continued like this, next year she could focus solely on Su Ling and another male artist.

Su Ling herself was happy too. Though not particularly young, her fresh-faced innocence stood out like a budding flower among seasoned veterans. She viewed the world with admiration and curiosity.

Qin Xiao tapped his fingers lightly on the table, not bothering to look back at her.

He had no direct ties to this industry, yet he was the most prominent figure present. Catching a glimpse of President Qin was far rarer than meeting any other celebrity.

The host first announced the Best Supporting Actor award, which Ji Chong won without surprise.

The presenter was Qin Xiao.

When the host invited President Qin to present the award, almost everyone’s eyes turned to him.

This made Ji Chong beside him seem somewhat pitiful.

Ji Chong’s appearance was ethereal and refined.

Though not as delicate as Ji Chong, Qin Xiao exuded masculinity. His stern features carried a hint of ruggedness.

Qin Xiao handed the award casually, and Ji Chong thanked him with a smile.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly, with several more awards handed out.

Finally, it was time for Best Newcomer.

Su Ling felt a tinge of anticipation. Only then did Qin Xiao glance at her from afar.

The young woman sat upright, her knees pressed together, looking obedient. Her eyes sparkled with tiny fragments of light.

Was she hopeful? She had worked so hard—surely, she wanted to win.

Qin Xiao smiled faintly.

The host beamed. “Congratulations to Miss Xi Xuan!”

Lin Qing’s eyes reflected disappointment. Who wouldn’t want to win after coming all this way? Fearing Su Ling might feel disheartened, she consoled her gently, “Su Ling, let’s work harder next year. Don’t be upset.”

Su Ling shook her head. She wasn’t upset. In fact, the judges’ decision was fair. She had watched Xi Xuan’s performance in a war film—a female spy—and acknowledged her superior acting skills. Su Ling knew she couldn’t compare.

Though she had hoped to win, she hadn’t placed herself too high. She calmly assessed herself, aware of her shortcomings. Su Ling wasn’t a prodigy; everything she achieved required several times the effort of others.

She needed to keep striving. Clapping sincerely, she joined in the applause for the winners, her face glowing with genuine warmth.

She would continue moving forward, and someday, she too would shine brightly.

The Yi Mi Awards ceremony lasted until ten o’clock.

Next came the banquet, an opportunity for directors and actors to mingle.

Su Ling hadn’t eaten anything all evening, so Lin Qing brought her a slice of cake. Normally, actors controlled their diets, but Su Ling had a metabolism that prevented weight gain. She was so well-behaved that both Lin Qing and Tang Zi indulged her, placing no restrictions on her eating.

The cake was adorned with a cute little cream bear, looking delicate and charming.

She had only taken one bite when Lin Qing received a phone call. Lin Qing inhaled deeply, her expression unreadable.

Finally, she said, “Su Ling, go upstairs. They mentioned there was a scoring error during the awards, and your prize was overlooked.”

The young woman’s gaze was clear. “But Xi Xuan won Best Newcomer. I think she deserved it.”

Lin Qing spoke sternly. “We can’t ignore this. If there was truly a mistake, we must fight for it. The Yi Mi Award is a great honor. Go quickly—they need to verify some details. Sister Lin will wait for you downstairs.”

Su Ling set the cake aside and reluctantly headed upstairs.

The red carpet glowed softly under the light, casting a gentle radiance around her.

Room 230 was her destination. However, the closer she got, the dimmer the lights became. By the time she reached the door of Room 230, it was pitch black.

Something felt off. She hesitated to proceed further and was about to turn back when someone embraced her from behind in the darkness. A deep, masculine voice murmured, “Ling Ling.”

“Qin… Qin Xiao.” She realized she’d been deceived.

Qin Xiao’s arm rested against her waist, grazing a softer spot above it. He shuddered faintly before letting his hand slide back down. With a low chuckle, he said, “Sorry, it’s too dark.”

Su Ling was mortified. She wasn’t sure if he had done it intentionally. “Let me go.”

Qin Xiao didn’t respond. His other hand pushed open the door to Room 230.

Inside, it was completely dark.

But there was a tree, surrounded by countless fireflies dancing in the air.

It was February.

Outside, snow still blanketed the ground, and the air was bitterly cold.

He had reversed the seasons, filling the room with fireflies. Their flickering lights resembled stars scattered across the sky. Su Ling was entranced as Qin Xiao led her inside by the hand.

The glow was soft and enchanting. His dark eyes were profound as he cupped a flickering light and placed it in her palm.

“This is the final award,” he said with a smile. “A star plucked from the heavens, just for you.”

The firefly shimmered in her palm, illuminating her eyes. A pang of unease crept into her heart, mixed with a touch of fear. She instinctively wanted to step back.

He stood still, gripping her hand firmly.

“I wish I could give you my heart, but you’re afraid of it. Yet, Su Ling, I love you. For twenty-eight years, I’ve been selfish, hypocritical, and cruel.” He chuckled softly. “But I love you so much I don’t know what to do or say. When you smile, my life blooms with flowers. When you cry, this place becomes a land of rain.”

He tapped his chest.

“I don’t know what to do anymore. Can a person survive when their longing drives them mad?”

She remained silent, her heartbeat quickening.

A firefly landed on her hair. He leaned down slightly to remove it.

“You’re the most extraordinary. They’ve won hollow accolades, but you, Ling Ling…” His eyes sparkled with amusement. “You’re driving me to the brink.”

Her cheeks flushed crimson. “Stop talking nonsense.”

He merely smiled.

Su Ling whispered weakly, “How could anyone stop living just because of that?” She wasn’t stupid. People didn’t simply die out of nowhere, did they?

Foolish girl. Without you, how could I live? My soul screams to surrender to you, to hold you, to possess you, to defile you.

He gently pinched her chin and kissed her.

Her lips felt damp.

His eyes were closed, his breathing ragged, overwhelmed by emotion.

Su Ling froze for a moment, her heart racing wildly. Realizing what was happening, she tried to push him away. Qin Xiao pinned her hands behind her back, pressing closer.

She couldn’t see his eyes but could feel his trembling, excited breaths.

Her back hit the cold wall, intensifying her fear.

This was the first time in this life he had touched her so intimately. But that touch alone shattered all his previous self-restraints. Without hesitation, he broke every promise he had made to himself.

For a fleeting moment, Su Ling’s heart fluttered—but then she was terrified by the uncontrollable desire in the man before her.

Panicked, she turned her head away.

His kisses trailed downward, landing on her neck. Drunk, unwilling to wake.

With her hands pinned behind her, her voice trembled. “Qin Xiao, l-let go…”

Qin Xiao’s lips grazed her neck, sending a spine-tingling thrill through her. He suppressed his voice, almost pleading. “Just a little longer…”

Please, show mercy. Let me cling to life a while longer.