Chapter 28: Seize

Shen Yue's expression darkened, but he quickly wrapped an arm around her waist and deftly defused the situation. “My uncle is right. I’ll make sure to take good care of Xiaoyu and feed her until she’s plump and fair.” As he spoke, he even took a bite from the pork floss bread in her hand.

Xu Yu couldn’t understand what Shen Liangyan meant by his words, nor did she grasp why Shen Yue made no effort to avoid suspicion that day. She simply pretended not to notice, eating mechanically, barely tasting the food.

When everyone took a break at noon, Xu Yu finally moved her luggage back to the hotel she’d rented.

“Xiaoyu, you’re really something. Such a small thing and you still had to keep it secret. Afraid we’d steal your boyfriend?” Mi Li grumbled as Xu Yu packed her suitcase. She didn’t bother to explain, and after she finished, she left the room without a word.

“She’s really got issues,” she heard Shen Yue mutter before she closed the door.

In the courtyard downstairs, beneath the slender bamboos, there was a small pond. Shen Liangyan stood at its edge, the wind rustling his shirt, outlining his strong waist—seductive and enticing.

Xu Yu walked toward him from behind, and he noticed her presence immediately.

“What brings you out here?” he asked.

“I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here?” she replied.

“Wen Han and Shen Yue were here last night. I came to enjoy the scenery,” Shen Liangyan said.

Xu Yu laughed and scolded him, “You really do know how to enjoy yourself.”

“Want to go up the mountain to watch the stars tonight?” Shen Liangyan turned to her, peach blossom eyes gleaming with mischief.

“No,” she replied. Wen Han would definitely keep an eye on her tonight; she had no intention of poking the tiger.

But after filming wrapped up that afternoon and everyone had dinner at the hotel, Xu Yu returned to her room and happened to see Wen Han’s new post. It was a photograph: stars glittering like jewels, set against a sky as deep as blue velvet.

The angle was perfect, the play of light and color surpassing her own skills. After a moment’s thought, Xu Yu checked Shen Liangyan’s feed. As she expected, he’d posted the same photo. Only, in his version, there was a fisherman’s hat—the very one Wen Han had worn that afternoon.

The shoot in Liangshan lasted a week. Before it ended, Xu Yu made a trip to Lugu Lake. She easily found the child who had wanted her to teach them to dance last time. Though they couldn’t communicate well, with Wang Juan there to translate, everyone enjoyed themselves and even took photos together.

Perhaps Wen Han was in a good mood too; not only did she not object, she bought plane tickets for the entire crew.

Shen Yue didn’t accompany Xu Yu in economy class—perhaps the young master couldn’t bear such discomfort and wasn’t willing to compromise. As for Shen Liangyan, after that night of star photography, she never saw him again. Xu Yu would still send him the occasional greeting message, but all she ever received in return was a brief “Good night.”

Back in Qingcheng, Xu Yu was overwhelmed with work and didn’t have time to check in with him.

So, on Tuesday evening, Shen Liangyan called. “There’s a big event at Listening Snow Pavilion tonight. Don’t forget to come.”

Another Tuesday. If he hadn’t reminded her, Xu Yu would have forgotten completely. She immediately replied, “Okay.”

Shen Liangyan would only personally remind her when Listening Snow Pavilion was expecting an important client. The last time had been three years ago, for Yu Tingzhou.

“President Bo, don’t be so reserved—tonight’s all about having fun,” Xu Yu heard a lively commotion inside the private room before she even entered, the voices vaguely familiar.

She swiped her key card. Apart from Shen Liangyan, Xu Yu locked eyes with one of the guests.

“Shen Yue’s girlfriend?” the guest asked.

Xu Yu was just as stunned as President Bo, but she quickly regained her composure, aided by Shen Liangyan’s mediation.

“President Bo, you’re mistaken. She’s the star dancer at Listening Snow Pavilion, not President Shen’s girlfriend.”

President Bo was shocked, while Xu Yu, unfazed, stepped up to the pole and began her dance. Her moves and makeup were nothing like what he’d seen when he’d bumped into her at the hotel entrance before.

Her dance captivated President Bo; he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Xu Yu, however, was distracted. No wonder Shen Liangyan was so formal tonight—he was planning to win President Bo over from Shen Yue.