Lin Shu had been ignoring his overt and covert attempts to curry favor with him lately, so he had no choice but to come over in person.

Speak of the devil and he appears.

Lin Shu entered wearing a gorgeous costume, her makeup was impeccable, and her profile was breathtakingly beautiful under the lights.

However, her back was straighter than usual, and her lips were pressed into a tight line, exuding arrogance and aloofness.

Lin Shu faced Gu Chengyu, her gaze calmly falling on him with just the right amount of respect. Her voice was clear and steady, without the slightest ripple: "Young Master Gu, after reviewing the progress report, is there anything that needs to be adjusted?"

She deliberately used the title "Young Master Gu" to draw a clear line between them.

Gu Chengyu looked up from the report, his deep phoenix eyes meeting hers, a hint of interest flashing in them.

He liked seeing her trying to appear calm, yet unable to hide the panic in her eyes.

Gu Chengyu waved the progress report in his hand, his gaze fixed on Lin Shuming's bright yet tense face, his voice trailing off with a lazy hook: "The overall progress is in line with expectations. Teacher Lin's performance is as outstanding as ever."

"I wonder if Professor Lin is still interested in Gu's Investment's next project..."

His dark gray shirt collar was slightly open, revealing the sharp lines of his Adam's apple. His long legs were crossed, and his nonchalant air of authority brought an invisible pressure.

He scrutinized her as if admiring a canary that was putting on airs and showing off its claws.

Lin Shu's straight back stiffened for a moment.

He called her "Teacher Lin," a tone that was both distant and sarcastic.

The scrutiny and amusement in those phoenix eyes felt like fine needles pricking her heart, causing a bittersweet ache.

She suppressed her surging emotions, clenched her fists, and forced a flawless smile onto her face.

"Young Master Gu, you flatter me."

Her voice was clear and bright, and she deliberately emphasized the words "Young Master Gu," her gaze calmly meeting his.

"For new projects, of course, we need to consider whether the role is suitable and whether the script is excellent."

"The Gu family has high standards, and my meager acting skills are unlikely to catch the eye of Young Master Gu. I dare not even hope for it."

Her words were barbed, she humbled herself greatly, yet every word drew a clear line between herself and others.

Deep within those beautiful eyes lay suppressed grievances, resentment, and stubbornness.

Gu Chengyu chuckled softly and casually tossed the report onto the low table beside him with a soft "thud".

He leaned forward slightly and quipped, "Terrible acting skills?"

His lips curled into an arrogant smile, his gaze sweeping boldly over her face, from her smooth forehead to her tightly pursed red lips, finally settling on her slightly trembling eyelashes. "Teacher Lin, you are too modest."

"At least... the 'playing hard to get' act was performed so skillfully that I was completely fooled."

His tone was casual, but every word carried a humiliating undertone, striking Lin Shu's heart hard.

The phrase "feigning indifference to lure the enemy" shattered any lingering hope she had.

Lin Shu's face drained of color, and she almost blurted out, "I wasn't acting!"

Her voice rose, trembling, betraying her inner panic, "Young Master Gu, the termination agreement is signed, I've paid the money, we're even!" (This chapter has been read. Please click the next chapter to continue reading!)