Chapter Forty
Vertical day.
Sunlight streamed through the white gauze curtains, scattering across the light blue, gold-threaded quilt and refracting into ripples.
The person on the bed stirred, her brain not fully awake yet. She had just turned over when she was pulled back to her original position. Xing Bei opened her eyes groggily.
The sunlight reflecting off the window stimulated her eyes, causing her to close them again. Xing Bei raised her fair, delicate wrist to cover her eyes.
Once her eyes adjusted to the indoor light, Xing Bei slightly opened them and looked at the person behind her.
Her biological clock doesn't wake her up until around nine o'clock, and Lu Runxu would usually be at the company by then, but today he's still at home.
Suddenly, the content she had seen last night flashed into her mind. She had originally wanted to settle scores with Lu Runxu, but she ended up falling asleep while sulking.
Xing Bei was extremely annoyed by the man's flirtatious behavior and wanted to break free from Lu Runxu's embrace, but the man behind her had his arms tightly wrapped around her waist and abdomen, making it impossible for her to move.
Xing Bei snorted softly, and in a fit of pique, she pulled the blanket tighter around herself.
That scoundrel doesn't deserve to be covered by her blanket.
The person behind him had already woken up when Xing Bei turned over. He originally wanted to linger a little longer, but the movement in his arms and the sudden contact with the cold air made Lu Runxu fully awake.
He released the person in his arms, and the freed person quickly turned over to face the person behind him. Lu Runxu raised his fox-like eyes, which were filled with some weariness.
Meeting his wet and slightly angry eyes, Lu Runxu pulled him back: "What's wrong?"
Because he had just woken up, Lu Runxu's originally clear voice was a little hoarse. It was hard to tell if he was deliberately lowering his voice, but it was deep and magnetic.
Her messy hair was casually scattered across her forehead, and her amorous fox-like eyes were slightly upturned, exuding a lazy charm.
Her usually cool and aloof face now looked slightly bewildered, like a sleepy and obedient puppy, making you want to pat her a few times.
No, she can't let good looks mislead her. That scoundrel is always flirting with other women.
Xing Bei broke free from his embrace and gave a haughty snort: "Scumbag."
Lu Runxu's handsome brows furrowed slightly as he watched her walk past him. Suddenly, he remembered the Weibo post from last night and realized what Xing Bei meant by "scumbag."
He chuckled softly, lifted the covers, and slowly walked towards the bathroom, leaning against the door to watch Xing Bei wash up.
Xing Bei looked at the man in the mirror and rolled her eyes mercilessly. Lu Runxu smiled, wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his chin on her shoulder, and nuzzled her neck.
"Sister, are you jealous?" Lu Runxu's statement was not a question, but a statement of absolute certainty.
Xing Bei ignored him, but the man behind her seemed unwilling to give up until he got a reply, his thin lips tracing the skin of her neck inch by inch.
The tingling sensation made Xing Bei subconsciously tilt her head back. Seeing the person in the mirror becoming increasingly audacious, Xing Bei directly nudged him with her elbow.
Lu Runxu released her in pain, looking up with a pitiful expression: "Sister, you are so cruel. You slept with me and then didn't take responsibility. You dare to treat me like this today, are you going to kick me out of the house tomorrow?"
Xing Bei was utterly speechless; she hadn't expected her to be such a drama queen.
Lu Runxu stared at her in a good mood, and when Xing Bei wasn't paying attention, he quickly kissed her on the cheek. Xing Bei wiped it off with her hand in disgust.
He didn't make a fuss and kissed Xing Bei's face several more times. Xing Bei simply gave up and waited for him to finish kissing her before obediently standing beside her and washing up with her.
Xing Bei couldn't help but smile as she looked at him like that.
After breakfast, Xing Bei wanted to go out and explore the scenery, so she went out with Lu Runxu.
On the bus, Xing Bei opened Weibo out of boredom. The latest trending topics popped up one by one. She scrolled down and found that Lu Runxu dominated almost all of the top ten topics.
#The Cold and Beautiful CEO Lu Goes Public with His Relationship
#StarryMoon
Xing Bei looked at the entries and randomly clicked on Xingyue's entry. The most popular one was Lu Runxu's post.
Lu Runxu V: May I be like a star and you like the moon, shining brightly together every night.
Netizens initially thought someone was trying to gain attention, but after seeing the Weibo verification, they were in an uproar.
—No way, no way, it really is President Lu himself, a single ancient poem says it all.
-Mr. Lu, you're so thoughtful! So romantic!
- President Lu didn't mention Shang Ruixing at all. What does that mean? It means that Shang Ruixing is not Mrs. Lu at all.
—You can tell from the previous photos that Shang Ruixing is not Mrs. Lu. Although they both have red hair, Shang Ruixing is cute, while Mrs. Lu is simply bright and flamboyant.
- You were slapped in the face so quickly. Let's interview Shang Ruixing. Doesn't your face hurt?
- Could it be that Shang Ruixing had a crush on President Lu but was rejected and is still unwilling to give up?
—Possibly, after all, the two families are childhood sweethearts. Unfortunately, this childhood sweetheart relationship couldn't withstand the unexpected arrival of a newcomer.
Wait a minute, our Xingxing has never said she is Mrs. Lu, right? Isn't it all just rumors spread by you guys?
—Exactly, our star just happens to have a brand endorsement in France, and what can a work vlog prove?
- They're all secretly making underhanded moves. Do you dare say that Shang Ruixing doesn't have a single bit of affection for Lu Runxu?
Shang Ruixing is usually very serious about her work and rarely has any scandals. This time, she finally gave fans from her rival fandom an opportunity, and several fan groups started arguing in the comments section.
Looking at the set of photos below the text, Xing Bei paused for a moment, then hesitated before clicking on the photo.
Under the dim, yellowish light, her red hair added a vibrant touch to everything. Her delicate face, with its serene and graceful features, was slightly furrowed, as if the world owed her something.
A large, bony hand gently took a slender, delicate hand in his, and a pair of star and moon rings on their fingers fit perfectly.
Like the brightest stars in the night sky and the brightest moon reflecting each other, they exude a warm and romantic glow.
Xing Bei glanced furtively at the person beside her, then looked away and her eyes curved slightly into a smile. The person beside her turned their head and smiled when they saw this.
In a good mood, she browsed the comments section below.
—Did anyone notice the metaphors in the copy, the moon and the stars?
—I know that this star only accompanies the moon. The moon can correspond to countless stars, but a star will only protect one moon.
—Ahhh, I can smell a strong scent of unrequited love. President Lu compared himself to a tiny star among the masses, while the person he liked was as unattainable as the moon in the sky.
—I'd venture a guess, but could it be that President Lu has a crush on her?
Xing Bei looked at these comments and smiled helplessly. How could someone like Lu Runxu possibly have a crush on someone, let alone her?
In the presidential suite of the Gucci Hotel, Shang Yichen sat on the sofa and looked indifferently at the person who looked aggrieved by the bed.
“Little sister, can’t you let your brother live a few more years?” Shang Yichen sighed helplessly. “You know Lu Runxu’s attitude perfectly well, so why did you still do this?”
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruixing looked at her brother indignantly: "Brother, I do like Brother Lu very much, but I am also a person who knows my limits. I told Sister Jia not to post it before, but she wouldn't listen, so what can I do?"
Lu Runxu had told him before that Shang Ruixing's resources in the industry hadn't been good lately, and he had been so busy that he forgot. However, it was still inappropriate for the agent to use this method.
Shang Yichen narrowed his eyes: "Xingxing, I know you don't want to rely on your family's connections, but Xingxing, if you are wronged, you should tell your brother. Not everyone can bully our Xingxing."
Hearing these words, Shang Ruixing's nose tingled: "Brother."
Shang Yichen walked over and gently rubbed his head: "I will change your agent and team. You clarify on Weibo later, and I will handle the rest for you."
Shang Ruixing sniffed, took her phone out from under the covers, and quickly tapped the screen with her slender fingers. Shang Yichen glanced at it indifferently, took his phone out to the balcony.
Shang Ruixing V: I'm very sorry for causing everyone trouble. I have never said that I am Mrs. Lu on any social media before. The vlog was a promise I made to my fans. I didn't expect that my hair color would be the same as Mrs. Lu's. I only saw the post from the studio today. I was too busy with work to respond in time. I apologize for causing trouble for Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu.
Because of the high level of public interest in this matter, Shang Ruxing's clarification was quickly pushed to the top of the trending searches within a minute of its release.
There were still many sarcastic comments in the comments section. Shang Ruixing glanced at them briefly and saw that most of them were fans of the opposing team or haters.
Shang Ruixing Studio V: It was our mistake to post Shang Ruixing's vlog. We did not communicate with the artist in time before posting the post. Please do not misunderstand that Shang Ruixing is deliberately creating hype.
—I always said, how could we stars possibly engage in hype? Are we stars the only ones who are wonderful?
- What if they're afraid of criticism and deliberately shift the blame onto their agent? Some artists have done that before.
- The person upstairs is obviously a fan of the opposing team. Don't try to smear our Xingbao.
- Protect our precious Xingbao.
Before long, Shang Ruixing's fans discovered that Jia Jie and her team had been completely replaced.
- It really was Sister Jia's idea. The artists she managed before also loved to create hype.
Wow, it's Hua San leading our Xing Bao!
I heard that Hua San resigned from the company after taking over the previous artist, but the company did not agree and granted him leave instead. I didn't expect that he would take over our Xingbao as soon as he made his comeback.
Shang Yichen also read the comments section below and, fearing that his younger sister would feel even worse after seeing them, he hired a lot of online trolls.
After walking around for a while, Shang Ruixing irritably threw her phone aside and cautiously looked at her brother: "Brother, should I go and apologize to Miss Xing? I'm afraid Miss Xing won't trust Brother Lu because of the trouble I've caused these past few times."
Shang Yichen stared at her without saying a word. With just one look, Shang Ruixing knew what her brother was thinking and quickly explained, "Brother, I really want to apologize."
"Okay." Shang Yichen looked at her and warned, "Don't talk nonsense like you did last time."
*
On a winter afternoon in Chanjing, a gentle breeze blows and the sunlight lazily shines down, giving people a different kind of gentleness.
After shopping, Xing Bei went to Cloud Cafe and unexpectedly ran into Lu's mother, who was out watching a movie. The two sat down by the glass window.
Thinking about the recent incidents, Lu's mother pulled her aside and explained earnestly, "Beibei, don't believe what you're saying online. It's all just hype. You absolutely can't let it affect your relationship."
Xing Bei looked at Lu's mother, who had a worried expression, and gently patted her hand: "Lu's mother, don't worry so much. I know what kind of person Lu Runxu is."
Hearing her say that, Lu's mother breathed a sigh of relief, but she still decided to find some time to visit the business.
Lu's mother: "Beibei, don't worry, I will talk to Ruixing properly."
Xing Bei shook her head and refused, saying, "Aunt Lu, Shang Ruixing didn't do anything outrageous. It's all just netizens talking nonsense online. She must be very sad right now, so let's not go to see her for now."
"You," Mrs. Lu patted her gently, "everyone else would love for their mother-in-law to back them up, but you're the one who's being considerate of your rival."
Xing Bei smiled faintly: "Only those who are truly dangerous are rivals in love. Shang Ruixing is a young girl in the budding stage of adolescence, and it's not wrong for her to like someone."
She never considered Shang Ruixing a rival. Although she felt a little jealous when Shang Ruixing was in the same frame as Lu Runxu, he hadn't actually done anything out of line.
The afternoon was long and interesting. Xing Bei chatted with Lu's mother for a long time until Lu's father came to pick her up, and she reluctantly parted ways with him.
Before leaving, Lu's mother hugged her with a smile and whispered something vague in her ear: that Lu Runxu had liked her for a long time.
Xing Bei sat by the window, looking at the warm winter sun, a faint smile gradually appearing on her lips.
Have I liked her for a long time?
Could it be true, as the internet says, that Lu Runxu had already met her before?
But that's also somewhat impossible. She came to Chanjing after starting university, so perhaps I met her there.
Staring blankly out the window, I didn't even notice that there was someone else beside me.
"Sister, what are you thinking about?"
His clear voice carried a hint of puppy-like coquetry, and his bright, fox-like eyes looked at her with a tenderness that melted her heart.
Xing Bei turned around and met those eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and the words Lu's mother had whispered in her ear before leaving came to mind. She asked the question unconsciously.
"Lu Runxu, have you liked me for a long time?"
Lu Runxu smiled at her, pulled her into his arms, and gently rubbed his cheek against her: "I like it, I especially like you, sister, so can you share some of your love with me?"
Where Xing Bei couldn't see, Lu Runxu's hands were trembling slightly. If Xing Bei were to put her ear to his heart at that moment, she would know that her heart had betrayed her when she asked that question.
Xing Bei laughed out loud: "Okay, I'll give you all the love I have."
Upon hearing this, Lu Runxu knew that his secret had not yet been discovered, and he felt relieved but also somewhat disappointed.
Forget it, there's no rush. That day will come. He needs to learn to wait. Anyway, he won't miss a little more time.
Back home, Lu Runxu was cooking in the kitchen, while Xing Bei placed the camellias that Lu Runxu had bought into a vase on the sofa.
Xing Bei had just turned on her tablet when the doorbell rang. Xing Bei looked at the door in confusion, put down the tablet, and walked towards the door.
Pushing open the door, Xing Bei saw familiar faces and leaned against the door, watching them with great interest.
Shang Ruixing was quite courageous before she arrived, but she became a little timid when her brother rang the doorbell.
Shang Yichen glanced at the person beside him and smiled helplessly: "Sister-in-law, we're here to apologize to you."
"Really?" Xing Bei smiled and stepped aside. "Come in first."
The person who had finished cooking in the kitchen brought out the last dish and saw the uninvited guest in the living room. The smile on their face gradually faded.
Xing Bei looked over and said, "Add two more pairs of bowls and chopsticks."
Shang Yichen looked at Lu Runxu somewhat awkwardly: "Ah Xu, you shouldn't mind, right?"
Lu Runxu curled his lips and said through gritted teeth, "Of course I don't mind."
An odd atmosphere hung over the dinner table. Xing Bei ate her meal indifferently, while Lu Runxu occasionally served her a bowl of soup.
It wasn't until after dinner, when Shang Yichen forcefully cleaned up the kitchen with Lu Runxu, that the room returned to its normal atmosphere.
Shang Ruixing sat on the beige sofa, cautiously observing the person to her left. She noticed that Xing Bei was staring at her, and fearfully looked away.
"Um, Sister Xing," Shang Ruixing said softly, "I do like Lu Runxu, but I didn't do those trending topics on purpose. I hope you won't be angry, Sister Xing."
Seeing her like this, Xing Bei suddenly felt like teasing her. She moved closer to Shang Ruixing and asked, "What if I said I was angry?"
As Xing Bei approached, a faint fragrance of camellias wafted towards her, both fragrant and alluring. Shang Ruixing subconsciously looked up and met those captivating peach blossom eyes.
Her stunning features were magnified before her eyes. She hurriedly looked away, her heart pounding wildly, and her face burning.
Shang Ruixing had secretly admired Xing Bei's appearance from afar; she was bright and elegant, with just the right amount of aloofness that made her captivating.
When the object actually appeared before her, Shang Ruixing felt unable to face it and only dared to steal glances at it secretly.
These actions, as seen by Xing Bei, made her think that Shang Ruixing was indeed a very cute girl.
She gently rubbed the back of her head: "Don't be afraid, I'm just kidding, I'm not angry."
Shang Ruixing looked up in disbelief: "Really?"
Xing Bei smiled gently: "What good would it do me to lie to you?"
That smile made Shang Ruixing's heart race even faster. She lowered her head shyly and gently rubbed her burning ears.
Wait a minute, something doesn't seem right.
What is she shy about?
Shang Ruixing tried to shift her attention, but accidentally glanced at the tablet on the table. Seeing the familiar screen, her eyes widened instantly.
She pointed incredulously at the things on the table, stammering, "Sister, are you Perle?"
Xing Bei followed her finger and saw the drawing she had just saved still lit up on the tablet on the table.
Oh dear, we've been discovered.
Shang Ruixing took Shang Ruixing's silence as a tacit agreement, and, abandoning her previous shyness, excitedly grabbed Xing Bei's hand: "Perle, I am your loyal fan. I have liked you ever since I first saw your paintings. I have also been following 'Yin Qiu'."
"Can I get your autograph?" she asked, handing over her bag.
Xing Bei watched her actions and smiled helplessly: "You just made me sign this limited edition bag like that?"
Shang Ruixing nodded happily, showing no heartache for the bag, only love for her idol.
Xing Bei still decided it wasn't a good idea, so she picked up the pen on the table and the unopened cup under the cabinet, and signed her name on it: "Use this."
Taking the rabbit-shaped cup, Shang Ruixing practically wanted to kiss it a few times. She then secretly looked at Xing Bei and asked, "Sister Xing, can I hug you?"
Xing Bei fulfilled all her requests to her enthusiastic fans. She opened her arms, and Shang Ruixing excitedly hugged her and kissed her on the cheek when she wasn't looking.
"Shang Ruixing, what are you doing?"
Before Xing Bei could react, the people who came out of the kitchen had already pulled Shang Ruixing away.
Shang Yichen, who was following behind, quickly pulled the person behind him. Xing Bei slapped Lu Runxu speechlessly: "Why are you so excited? You scared our Xingxing."
Star?
How come they're calling each other so intimately after only a short while?
Seeing that something was wrong, Shang Yichen cautiously said, "Ah Xu, we have something to do, so we'll be leaving now."
Fearing that Lu Runxu might get angry, Shang Yichen pulled Shang Ruixing away after he finished speaking.
After getting in the car, Shang Yichen rubbed his temples and asked, "Little sister, what are you up to now?"
Shang Ruixing held the autographed mug and kissed it twice: "No, I was just too excited to meet my idol."
Shang Yichen rarely indulged her social interactions, nor did he understand the idols she mentioned. He withdrew his gaze and said indifferently, "After today, you probably won't like Lu Runxu anymore."
"I don't like it anymore," Shang Ruixing replied without thinking.
This answer surprised Shang Yichen. He thought he would be sad for a few days, but he didn't expect him to let it go so easily.
Shang Ruixing knew exactly what her brother was thinking, so she rolled her eyes at him speechlessly and continued to admire the cup in her hand.
Do you really think she's love-struck?
No man is more important than her idol. She wants to follow her idol for the rest of her life. What's so special about men?
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