Chapter 21 Xiao Yuan on the Screen
I told Sister Li to pick what fit from the resources Xiao Yuan sent up.
Sister Li said any of them fit. She paused after that, then asked, "You're just going to take it like this?"
I made a sound of agreement. "I'll take the resources. After all these years of being worked like a horse for Haohai, I earned them."
"Don't bother with Xiao Yuan. Anything he sends, we don't take," I said. "No matter what he does, treat him like he doesn't exist."
Treat him like he doesn't exist.
That had been Xiao Yuan's usual move in those five years, facing my pursuit.
I knew that better than anyone.
In December, I was named Best Singer of the Year.
A little snow fell on the day of the awards gala. The luxury gown they sent over was as beautiful as always, and as freezing as always.
There was no other way. If you ate this rice, you did the job.
I picked through heels, restless and irritated. Sister Li came in with a jewelry box in her hand.
"Xiao Yuan sent this. And he probably put in a word. You don't have to walk the carpet tonight."
The jewelry was from the top-luxury house I endorsed, but it was the most lavish classic Crown series. It was too expensive. The brand would never loan that series to an artist.
So Xiao Yuan had to have bought it.
The event itself had Haohai sponsoring behind it too.
I stared at the box for a few seconds, closed the lid, and handed it to Sister Li. "It's pretty. Send it back."
Sister Li took it and left without a word. These past months she had already gotten used to sending things back.
From past experience, within three days something even more lavish would arrive.
That was Xiao Yuan. If you sent it back, he would rethink and adjust. The next thing he sent would be better than the last.
It was kind of interesting.
The awards gala ran two hours. They put me last, as the finale.
When the host read my name I stood and bowed. Then every artist and guest below suddenly cried out.
My eyelid jumped. I looked up and saw Xiao Yuan on the big screen, in a full suit.
The look was extremely formal. Not just the pocket square and cufflinks. Even the brooch and lapel pin were worn with care.
A classic white shirt and black suit. Gentlemanly. Elegant. As if he had come to a wedding.
The host introduced Xiao Yuan's identity at that moment.
The smile still on my face went cold at once.
None of the artists before had him presenting. An occasion like this didn't need him on stage.
The host called my name with a smile. I didn't move. Across the seats I looked at Xiao Yuan from far away.
The lively scene went quiet fast. Quiet enough to turn awkward.
The host couldn't hold the room. He called my name again.
I lowered my eyes, picked up my skirt, and walked up. Warm applause rose from the seats again.