Song Xi had always thought Lou Yu Ming was a good sugar daddy.
He was generous, had no peculiar fetishes, and possessed outstanding looks and physique. Apart from his unfathomable temper, everything else was excellent.
For a while, Song Xi had even developed feelings for him.
But gradually, he would, time and again, regardless of occasion or time…
Song Xi hadn't expected him to respect her, but this dangerous game truly made her tremble with fear!
A single misstep could lead to eternal damnation!
Money could be earned slowly, but if her relationship with Lou Yu Ming were exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Therefore, before anything like that happened, cutting ties was the best solution.
She just hadn't expected Lou Yu Ming to agree so readily; she thought he would at least throw a fit!
Then again, to him, she was merely a plaything for amusement…
Filming resumed after the heavy rain
Song Xi's performance was clearly not as stunning as the first time, but overall, it was still excellent.
As Sister Ying tidied her hair, she noticed a hickey on Song Xi’s neck and asked, "What happened here? It wasn't there before."
Song Xi chuckled sheepishly, "Maybe a mosquito bite."
"That's possible, there are many insects in the mountains. Let's finish filming soon and head back."
However, fate had other plans. Towards evening, dark clouds gathered in the sky, hinting at an impending downpour. Driving down the mountain at this hour would be extremely dangerous.
More difficult still, there was no other place to rest or take shelter nearby except for this old house.
Sister Ying pondered for a moment and decided to speak with the owner, to see if they could make an exception and allow them to stay for the night.
Song Xi felt that fate was playing a cruel joke on her. Lou Yu Ming was the last person she wanted to see right now, yet she was prevented from leaving!
Half an hour later, Sister Ying returned from her negotiations. Her expression suggested that things had gone relatively smoothly.
The owner had agreed to let them stay, though they were assigned rooms in the more remote East Wing.
But given the current weather, having any place to rest was a blessing, and everyone rejoiced.
Sister Ying said, "Men and women in separate rooms, two people per room. Song Xi, can you stay with me?"
Song Xi nodded, also breathing a sigh of relief. The house was so large, she figured she wouldn't have a chance to run into him even if they stayed a night… or so she hoped.
After arranging the rooms, Sister Ying told Song Xi, "The bathhouse is to the right, past the front. If you go, remember to bring your phone. I'm afraid you'll get lost again."
Song Xi smiled sheepishly, "Okay."
"I still have some work to do. Or would you prefer to wait for me, and we can go together?"
"No need, Sister Ying, I can manage on my own."
…
At seven in the evening, after dinner, Shao Cheng accompanied Lou Yu Ming on a stroll through the old mansion. Anna insisted on joining them.
Despite his many grievances, Shao Cheng, mindful of his grandmother, dared not lash out.
Once they were outside, he left her behind without a second glance, completely disregarding Anna's dejected expression, which looked as though she was about to cry.
Shao Cheng was usually gentle and amiable to outsiders, but he only showed Anna a cold shoulder, especially after he learned that she had used his grandmother to broker a marriage engagement with Lou Yu Ming, which had infuriated him!
Everyone knew that she had admired Lou Yu Ming since childhood.
He suspected that his grandmother's illness was merely an excuse she fabricated. This woman was cunning, and not a good influence on the Shao family.
"I will find time to clarify the matter of marriage with Grandma, you don't need to worry about it."
Anna grew anxious upon hearing this, "Brother! That's a matter between me and Yu Ming, you can't..."
Before she could finish, Shao Cheng shot her a glare, his dark eyes behind his glasses as cold as ice.
"If you still consider yourself a Shao, then this is none of your business to meddle in!"
Anna stopped in her tracks, startled, her face filled with indignation and unwillingness.
Shao Cheng noticed Lou Yu Ming's troubled expression and asked, "What's wrong? You look like you have something on your mind."
"It's nothing. Do you have a cigarette?" he asked, his voice unusually deep.
"A cigarette?"
Shao Cheng was somewhat surprised. Lou Yu Ming rarely smoked, only resorting to it when he was in a foul mood. Had something happened?
He handed him a cigarette.
Lou Yu Ming skillfully placed it in his mouth, and the red glow of the ember flickered in the twilight.
His chiseled features appeared exceptionally sharp and stern.
It was clear he was indeed in a bad mood.
Shao Cheng lit one for himself and asked, "Is it about the marriage? Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Lou Yu Ming didn't respond, silently finishing his cigarette and then lighting another.
His somber expression piqued Shao Cheng's curiosity, "...Could it be because of her?"
Lou Yu Ming's thin lips quivered, and half of his cigarette ash fell to the ground.
It was indeed.
"What did she do to upset you? Should I go ask? She's here anyway."
Lou Yu Ming stopped him, "Don't meddle."
Her?
Anna, standing behind them, overheard everything.
She turned and left, encountering a servant. She asked coldly, "Did any outsiders enter the estate today?"