Rebirth in the 80s: Striving for Success

21st-century film empress Xu Xinchen is reborn into the body of Lu Minshi in the 1980s.

Facing a boyfriend who betrayed her and had an affair with her younger sister, and a two-faced stepmoth...

Chapter Thirty-Seven

"Give me all the information on Gu Yan and Lu Minshi."

"Yes, boss."

He gave a slight smile, his gaze lingering on the distance.

Lu Minshi, do you really think I'll let you off the hook?

Xu Xinchen was exhausted after a long day. When she got home, she saw that the doorway was piled with shopping bags of all sizes. Xu Xinchen could tell at a glance that the English on the bags were from well-known international clothing brands.

She packed up the empty bags and brought them in, only to see Lu Shuangshuang lying on the bed, reeking of alcohol, her heavy makeup making it almost impossible to recognize her features, and a hint of weariness in her eyes.

Several newly bought clothes were hanging on the back of the sofa.

Hearing the noise, she lazily looked up at her, "Sister, you're back?"

When he opened his mouth, it was hoarse again.

Xu Xinchen frowned as she walked to her side, lifted her shoulder, brushed the long hair from her face, and asked worriedly, "Where have you been? Why are you so drunk?"

"No." She smiled, brushed her hand away, and slumped back onto the sofa, her long hair falling naturally, covering half of her face. She stammered with a laugh, "Sister, I found a job."

"What kind of job?" Xu Xinchen frowned.

"It's a secret." She sat up, held out a hand, and smiled smugly in front of her. "Anyway, this job is great. It pays well and isn't tiring."

Just as Xu Xinchen was about to ask another question, she got off the sofa, put on her slippers, and ran to the bathroom.

Xu Xinchen looked worriedly at the clothes on the sofa and the unopened cosmetics on the table, a bad feeling welling up in her heart.

The following evening, Xu Xinchen dressed up and accompanied Gu Yan to a bar to discuss business. The location was the most bustling bar in the city. Although it was late at night, the place was still brightly lit and bustling with traffic.

She followed behind President Chen and caught a glimpse of several scantily clad girls sitting next to several middle-aged men, who kept pressing themselves against the men.

As soon as Gu Yan sat down, several women were instructed to come to his side, but he waved them away.

"This President Gu is truly otherworldly. He's not even tempted by such a beautiful girl right in front of him. He's a real gentleman."

Huirun CEO Liu Zhang joked with a smile.

Another person chimed in, "Isn't President Gu accompanied by a celestial beauty? How could anyone else possibly catch his eye?"

Liu Zhang's gaze fell on Xu Xinchen. "Indeed, with Miss Lu around, he probably won't even bother to look at the flowers and plants on the roadside. President Gu is quite lucky with women."

Gu Yan looked up and smiled, holding the wine glass to his lips. "I don't have an appetite like President Liu..."

Several girls at the table were eyeing Gu Yan with eager anticipation, but none of them dared to approach him due to the chilling aura emanating from him.

Liu Zhang smiled and snapped his fingers. The curtain moved, and a breeze drifted in. Xu Xinchen looked up as if she sensed something and met his gaze.

Both of them were taken aback.

Lu Shuangshuang quickly concealed her surprise, regained her composure, and walked in with a smile. She leaned against Liu Zhang and Liu Zhang smiled and turned to hug her. The two were intimate, oblivious to everyone else.

Lu Minshi felt nauseous as she watched Liu Zhang's hand constantly touching her face.

Gu Yan, sensing her unusual behavior, was about to speak when Liu Zhang looked over, put his arm around Lu Shuangshuang, and proudly introduced her, "President Gu, this is the newest top courtesan. What do you think? Pretty good, right?"

Gu Yan smiled faintly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Liu Zhang glanced at him, a thought struck him, and he tugged at Lu Shuangshuang's hand, "Go, offer a toast to President Gu."

Lu Shuangshuang glanced at Gu Yan generously, stood up with a smile, gracefully brushed past Xu Xinchen, and sat down between the two.

Gu Yan's eyelashes drooped slightly, his expression was indifferent, and his whole body exuded coldness.

Lu Shuangshuang generously took the glass, "Mr. Lu, would you like to drink this glass of wine?"

Gu Yan hung his head, motionless. The dim light of the bar shone on his face. He seemed lost in thought.

A faint fragrance wafted from her. Yes, the scent of perfume. Xu Xinchen sat beside her. The design of her dress revealed a small section of her slender waist. Alluring, tempting to touch.

Gu Yan tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over her. Lu Shuangshuang's smile deepened. Instead of backing down, she leaned her head on his shoulder, raised her wine glass, and brought it to his lips.

Gu Yan stopped her with one hand. His eyes inadvertently glanced behind Lu Shuangshuang. Xu Xinchen's face was pale. Her lips were pressed tightly together, as if she was trying hard to suppress something.

Gu Yan smiled. He tentatively placed his hand on Lu Shuangshuang's other shoulder. He successfully saw Xu Xinchen's expression change.

Xu Xinchen's breathing became heavy. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he stood up, grabbed her hand, and led Lu Shuangshuang out the door, leaving behind a sea of ​​astonished stares.

Lu Shuangshuang struggled with both hands, backing away. "Xu Xinchen, what are you doing?" she shouted.

Xu Xinchen's face was taut, so her expression couldn't be seen. But her hands were clenched tightly.

She pulled Lu Shuangshuang to a secluded spot. The corridor was empty. Only Xu Xinchen's angry voice rang out, "Lu Shuangshuang, is this the job you found? Do you know what you're doing?"

Lu Shuangshuang looked utterly bewildered. She gave a sarcastic laugh. "Xu Xinchen, you really think of yourself as my older sister? What right do you have to tell me what to do? You're the one who goes to places like this too, aren't you? What are you pretending to be so high and mighty for?"

"What are you talking about?" Xu Xinchen frowned in confusion.

Shuangshuang snorted coldly, "On the surface, you're a sales manager. In reality, you're just Gu Yan's bed warmer. Xu Xinchen, I don't need you to manage me. I earn money through my own abilities."

She tossed her long hair aside, not glancing at Xu Xinchen again, and walked towards the private room.

A cool breeze swept in through the corridor. Xu Xinchen shivered. A chill ran through her. She watched Lu Shuangshuang's retreating figure, lost in thought for a moment. Then she sighed softly, truly intending to leave. The sound of leather shoes scraping against the floor reached her ears.

Tap tap tap. Sensing something, she turned around. There she saw Chen Ningsheng at the end of the corridor, striding towards her with his hands in his pockets. She was startled. When had he arrived here? And how much of what she had just said had he overheard?

He wore a distant and indifferent smile. He looked at her as if she were a stranger. He finally approached her. They stared at each other. A hush fell over the air.

Finally, he couldn't help but speak first. "What a coincidence, I run into you everywhere."

Xu Xinchen remained silent, eager to leave this place. She knew she hadn't yet reached his level of composure, the ability to remain calm and collected in his presence.

She lowered her eyes, about to leave. Chen Ningsheng grabbed her shoulder with one hand. She looked up and fell into his deep eyes. Completely captivated.

"Was what he just said wrong?" A disdainful smile crept onto his lips. He stared at her intently, as if waiting for her to refute him.

Seeing her silence, he continued sarcastically, "Aren't you Gu Yan's bed partner?"

She wasn't particularly angry about being misunderstood by Lu Shuangshuang. A woman who excels in the business world is bound to be misunderstood, with people assuming she reached her position through special means. She was already used to it. However, hearing his words pierce her heart like a sharp sword. He suppressed his discomfort and gave him a cold look.

Chen Ningsheng caught a glimpse of her gaze. His expression grew even more disdainful. "You were so resolute back then, quitting your job and breaking up with me so decisively. You didn't even give me one last chance. And now, for some petty gain, you're climbing into another man's bed. Lu Minshi, do you know how pathetic you are?"

He kept testing her limits. Xu Xinchen understood. She accepted all the sarcasm, a faint smile still playing on her lips. "President Chen, this only proves one thing: your appeal to me is far less than President Gu's."

The words had barely left her lips when she finally saw him. Her pupils contracted instantly. He glared at her fiercely, "Lu Minshi, you've got some nerve."

A slight smile played on his lips, a wicked curve forming in his eyes. He lowered his head, drawing closer to her gaze. His voice was deep and seductive, "Lu Minshi, come see me another day. Let's compare our bedroom skills—who's more to your liking? Who can satisfy you better?"

Xu Xinchen smiled. She retorted without hesitation, "No need, Mr. Chen. I've always been deeply impressed by your skills in bed. They're unforgettable."

Chen Ningsheng leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets. Watching the woman's retreating figure, his eyes darkened, and his face fell.

Xu Xinchen returned home to find clothes and shoes scattered all over the floor. Clothes were being tossed out of the bedroom one by one. As he walked to the door, he saw a large suitcase being dragged along the road, being filled with clothes.

"What are you doing? Don't be so willful." She walked over and blocked her way. Lu Shuangshuang slapped her hand away. Without turning her head, she continued stuffing clothes inside.

Xu Xinchen didn't stop her. She sat down on the ground and looked at her, asking, "Have you found a place to live? Where will you stay after you've settled in?"

"Lu Minshi, you don't need to pretend." Lu Shuangshuang's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"Don't you know I've always hated you? Lu Minshi, why can you live so well while I can't? Bai Fei and I were so happy, but you came in and ruined my wedding. The town is so small, and my scandal spread throughout the whole town. Everyone laughed at me. After you left, do you know how miserable I've been?"