Chapter 122 – Holding Hands

Chapter 122 - Holding Hands

Amidst her parents' incessant nagging, Tang Fei obediently consumed all the food they provided each day, turned off the lights on time for meditation, woke up early for exercise and filming, and carried a nourishing tea made of red dates and goji berries with her everywhere.

In the film set, she was dearly loved and respected, from the director to the intern students from the Film Academy who would always praise her. There was even a daily trail of snacks sent by Jiang Xiaoying following her around.

Tang Fei's days were comfortable, filled with reflecting on her acting performances and refining them, as she immersed herself in her character, designing the nuances and the portrayal of the role.

Jiang Xiaoying followed her, rehearsing lines, taking notes, and discussing the psychology behind the characters. Addressing her as "Shifu" constantly, their relationship had essentially solidified.

After staying with the group for several days, Tang Fei's complexion had become rosy and her skin glowing. Apart from not gaining much weight, she had otherwise put their worries to rest.

Afterward, Tang Dad and Tang Mom accompanied He Zhou back to Tang Fei's residence to start preparing for the upcoming New Year celebrations.

Arranging Zheng Haisheng temporarily as Tang Fei's assistant, it also created an opportunity for the newly selected stylist to meet Tang Fei.

In the hotel's dining area, Tang Fei sat across from a plump middle-aged man dressed in extravagant attire. Zheng Haisheng stood by, providing an introduction.

"Gong Xi, the lead stylist for the renowned actress He Zhuhua, also known as the Queen of Shadows."

"Tang Fei, Sister Fei, you're the queen of Time Culture."

Then Zheng Haisheng stepped behind Tang Fei and served them tea.

"Gong Xi, I've heard so much about you. You're truly a stunning beauty in person." Gong Xi extended his hand to shake Tang Fei's.

"Mr. Gong's works are even more exquisite." Tang Fei flipped through Gong Xi's portfolio. His creations complemented her style perfectly; Zheng Haisheng had chosen the most suitable and top-notch pieces.

His talent and skills were impeccable.

Gong Xi nodded arrogantly. He had lowered himself to seek opportunities, all for the sake of status and control – he was the one picking the company, not the other way around.

"Why did Mr. Gong leave Sister Zhuhua's side?"

"Our philosophies didn't align. As a 'special commodity' presented by a team, I believe in the importance of collaboration with the support team. Sister Zhuhua is well-known for her assertiveness, which can limit the scope of a stylist's work."

Tang Fei closed Gong Xi's portfolio with a smile. "What if I'm also strong-willed, Mr. Gong? What would you do then?"

"Miss Tang Fei is currently on an upward trajectory, with a powerful momentum. But to ascend further and solidify your position, some compromises are necessary."

Tang Fei, a newcomer, dares to talk about strength? Her feet aren't even on solid ground yet. Apart from her popularity, what else does she have to offer?

Gong Xi almost laughed.

These newbies nowadays didn't seem to have a grasp of reality. Four or five years in obscurity wouldn't be enough to teach them a lesson.

"It seems that Mr. Gong and I don't share the same values," Tang Fei put down Gong Xi's collection, losing interest in him.

Packaging actors like commodities was the mainstream trend, and even in Zhou Weichuan's eyes, she was a work of art, a perfect piece he wanted to refine.

But Tang Fei didn't want to see herself as a product. She was a person, and she had to emphasize her humanity.

Her values didn't just differ from Gong Xi's, they also clashed with Zhou Weichuan's. Sooner or later, his perfect creation would rise up and ask him, "Carpenter, your artwork is revolting. Will you yield?"

"Hmm." Gong Xi crossed his legs and sipped his tea. He had come to meet Tang Fei out of respect for her, but it was clear that she didn't fully appreciate his status.

Zheng Haisheng stood behind Tang Fei, his brows furrowed. He hadn't taken a seat yet, instead standing behind Tang Fei to serve tea and water, playing the role of a loyal attendant. Wasn't Tang Fei's authority and position obvious enough?

Gong Xi's judgment seemed to be lacking.

At this point, Zheng Haisheng had no choice but to politely ask Tang Fei to rise. "Ms. Tang, I apologize. It was my fault for not properly vetting and causing a delay in your shooting schedule."

"You have great taste, it's just that we didn't click."

Only after Tang Fei left did Gong Xi realize the dire situation he was in. Zheng Haisheng was about to show him the door.

"Does Time Culture let its artists run amok?"

"Ms. Tang is our top artist," Zheng Haisheng emphasized again. "She's not an ordinary artist."

Gong Xi's blood rushed to his head. He felt ridiculed. "Are you all as ignorant as she is?"

This rookie didn't know his place! Neither did this new company! He shouldn't have come here in the first place! Wouldn't it be better to join a well-established company?

Gong Xi slammed his teacup on the table and stood up. "Take your time looking! Let's see who would be willing to come."

...

As the year-end approached, the atmosphere on set became more festive. Red couplets and blessings were hung on the doors of the sets, perfect for shooting New Year scenes.

In the frigid midnight, with the temperature hovering around minus seven or eight degrees Celsius, a bright moon hung high in the sky while stars were scarce. The suburban streets were nearly deserted, and Tang Fei, along with her companions, hurriedly wrapped themselves up and headed straight for their van after their performance.

As she approached the vehicle, Zheng Haisheng stepped forward to open the door for her.

With the door opening slowly, the warm glow from inside illuminated the silhouette of someone sitting sideways in the car. His profile was accentuated by the light, tracing the contours from his hairline to his temples and then down to his chin, each detail perfectly captured.

It was the boss! He had come!

The moment Zhou Weichuan opened the door, he turned his head. His smile, as warm as the interior of the car, enveloped Tang Fei's face.

She felt as if she had fallen into a spring breeze amidst an icy landscape.

Tang Fei stood frozen at the car door. This was the first time she had seen Zhou Weichuan in person since she came across a photo of his back, wrapped in a blanket. It was also her first encounter with him since she had set out with ambitions to win him over.

Her initial aspirations transformed into a heart-stirring sensation that she had never experienced in her two lifetimes. Her pounding heart seemed to resonate right next to her ear.

Rebellious works seemed to have lost its nerve.

Zhou Weichuan smiled. "Has our number one sister gone silly?"

Tang Fei's face flushed slightly, and her suppressed laughter crept into the corners of her eyes.

"Get in the car, it's cold outside." Zhou Weichuan leaned out and held out his hand to Tang Fei. "If you stand there any longer, you'll catch a cold, and the fans will start blaming the company again."

Tang Fei's hand seemed to act on its own, instinctively reaching for his. She followed Zhou Weichuan's pull and got into the car, her gloved hand trembling slightly.

She took off her gloves and rubbed the fingertips that had just been held.

Was that a handshake?

Did I just hold hands with my boss?

This was a small step forward in their relationship, but a giant leap for the rebellious work!

"Why are you constantly rubbing your fingers? Did they get too cold?"

"Not… It's numb."

A numbing sort of numb.

...

On the roof of the abandoned factory, which the Happiness Hotel production team had rented as their shooting location, the frost-covered ground was slippery and cold. A human-shaped shadow lay motionless up there, braving the weather.

With a soft sound, a photo was taken of Tang Fei leaning on Zhou Weichuan's arm as they got into the vehicle.

With a face swollen and frozen, cracked with wounds, the man smiled; the movement distorted his grin as it tugged at his injuries.

He took out a small bottle of white liquor and sipped, feeling a warmth spread through his limbs.

Only then did he loosen his stiff body, climbing down from the roof and gripping his camera equipment to return.

Arriving at a sheltered spot, he sat down, tilting his head to listen to the sounds of the film crew packing up for the day. He waited in silence.

He sent the photos to his email, organized them into a folder, and forwarded it: "Brother Le, I've got a week's worth of her movements. They're very consistent, but this actress is hiding a secret lover in her car. If you really plan on sending someone to take a hardline approach, you should send two extra men."

On a luxurious cruise ship floating in international waters, a man known as Brother Le, Xing Le, was sipping his drink at the bar, surrounded by a ring of black-suited bodyguards who kept everyone at bay.

He opened the dossier he had received about Tang Fei's whereabouts and flipped through a few pages. His gaze shifted significantly when he saw the person pulling Tang Fei into a car.

"Zhou Weichuan?!" Xing Le fixated on Zhou Weichuan's smiling, amiable face, a hint of resentment flickering in his eyes. When he looked at the intertwined hands between Tang Fei and Zhou Weichuan, his expression turned cunning. "Da Biao, call for a boat. I want to get off this ship right now."

"Brother Le, Sister Yi advised you to lay low for a while, not to rush back. There are people looking into you," his aide reported.

Xing Le drained most of his glass in one go and slammed it down on the bar. "If Sister Yi is unhappy, I'll explain personally. Just do as I say."

"Yes, Brother Le."