The performance was a great success, with Song Xi being the standout.
After the show, directors and agencies alike threw her offers, and Song Xi’s hands were sore from collecting business cards.
Not only that, but someone started the trend of sending flowers, leading to a continuous stream of bouquets that transformed the small dressing room into a flower shop.
The others were so envious their eyes turned red, and they spewed venomous words.
They called her a plant, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and accused her of despicable tactics! They also defended Yi Xiaoling.
Song Xi had anticipated all of this, so she remained calm in the face of their taunts and mockery.
It wasn't until Teacher Sun came over and pulled her aside that things escalated. He acted just as disingenuously as he had in the office, which was utterly revolting.
“Don’t think you’re so special just because the principal personally chose you for the stage. That person has connections! How can someone so young learn bad habits? To use such tricks for a graduation play, aren’t you afraid your parents will find out? What a disgrace!”
He deliberately lowered his voice: “If you get into trouble later, don’t drag me into it! I stand by my words, know what to say and what not to say, and don’t ruin your future for a moment of satisfaction! Do you hear me!”
This was a blatant threat.
Song Xi’s lips curled into a smile. She was still wearing her performance dress, exuding a formidable, cold, and beautiful aura.
She sneered, “Teacher, I have taken your earnest teachings to heart. But I still have to ask, when you followed Zhang Qi’s instructions and removed me from the selection list, did you not consider your age and stoop to such sordid methods?”
“Teacher Sun, doesn’t your conscience ache?”
She deliberately controlled her voice to be audible but not boisterous or rude, ensuring everyone nearby could hear clearly.
The crowd was stunned. The truth was actually like this!
Teacher Sun’s face turned a mottled green and white with anger. Just as he raised his hand, he heard someone call him from behind.
“Teacher Sun, Song Xi, please come here for a moment.”
It was the principal’s voice.
Teacher Sun glared at her fiercely, but Song Xi ignored him and walked over.
“This is Teacher Sun from our performing arts department,” the principal introduced to Lou Yu Ming.
Teacher Sun was overwhelmed with flattery and nervously rubbed his hands before extending them: “Hello, Mr. Lou. I’ve long admired your name!”
Lou Yu Ming remained expressionless, not even glancing at him. His gaze was drawn to the dazzling sea of flowers, and a hint of displeasure flickered across his brow.
Teacher Sun awkwardly withdrew his hand.
Song Xi stood quietly to the side. Lou Yu Ming recalled her performance on stage – flamboyant, radiant, and passionate. He then looked at the flowers and scoffed, “So many flowers, aren’t you afraid of allergies?”
Song Xi, fearing suspicion, nodded slightly, appearing extremely polite: “Mr. Lou, please don’t worry, I will clear them up.”
Mr. Lou?
What a familiar yet strange address.
Lou Yu Ming narrowed his eyes meaningfully, a hint of amusement flashing in the corners of his long, slender eyes.
The principal, a seasoned veteran who understood the nuances of male-female dynamics, his gaze flickered between the two. He proactively suggested, “This performance today was a great success. If Mr. Lou would be so kind as to grace us with his presence…”
“Certainly.”
The principal was overjoyed. “I’ll go book a restaurant right away. Tonight at seven. Song Xi, you’re coming too!”
“Her?” Teacher Sun was displeased and was about to say something when the principal dragged him away.
The principal whispered a warning: “Be careful what you say to Song Xi! Mr. Lou personally selected her for this performance!”
“What!!”
Teacher Sun was terrified. He hadn't expected her to have latched onto someone as influential as Lou Yu Ming. It was over for him now; his career was finished…
Song Xi didn’t want to attend the dinner. The principal’s intentions were obvious; he already suspected her.
She planned to sneak away, but Lou Yu Ming, who had been waiting for her, caught her red-handed.
As soon as the car door closed, an oppressive aura descended.
“Where are we going?”
Song Xi tugged down her dress, which had ridden up due to her movements: “Home.”
Lou Yu Ming’s eyes darkened, and he stared at the bouquet of roses in her arms: “Who sent them?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know, yet you’re holding them like treasures.”
His tone, surprisingly, carried a hint of jealousy.
Song Xi’s eyebrows arched. She was in a fantastic mood today. Not only was the performance a success, but she had shone brightly. The grievances she had suffered earlier had been more than compensated for in just over an hour, which was incredibly satisfying.
So, she took the initiative to wrap her arms around his neck, her eyes alluring, complemented by her fiery dress, making her utterly captivating.
“Jealous?”
Lou Yu Ming sneered, not admitting it, and coldly spat out a word at her tempting face: “Vulgar!”
Song Xi wasn’t angry. She retorted, “The person, or the flowers?”
“Both.”
Instead of being upset, Song Xi laughed and cupped his face, kissing him. Her voice was laced with a seductive charm, “How about this?”
He maintained his stern expression, but the pretense of composure was clearly faltering.
Song Xi pressed her advantage, her body soft like a kitten’s as she nuzzled against him, kissing his cheek, the corner of his mouth, and finally planting a smacking kiss on his sexy Adam’s apple.
Lou Yu Ming could no longer resist. He flipped her onto the seat, his voice hoarse, “In broad daylight, are you trying to start a fire?”