Chapter 63
While waiting for Director Xu, Li Mo decided to take a shower. Her mind was filled with thoughts of Song Ling. She couldn’t understand why she was so drawn to this woman. There was a strange familiarity about her, a feeling of recognition. Could Song Ling be telling the truth? Had they really known each other before? Who was Song Ling, and did she know Li Mo’s true identity?
Li Mo was troubled. She had never felt this way about anyone before. She was desperate to learn more about Song Ling, her mind buzzing with questions.
The doorbell rang. Li Mo turned off the shower, dried herself, and then put on a bathrobe before going to answer the door. Director Xu entered, her eyes widening as she saw Li Mo in her bathrobe. She swallowed hard, her gaze discreetly scanning Li Mo’s neck for any marks. Relieved to find none, she asked,
“Did that Ms. Song do anything inappropriate? Or did she try to pressure you into anything?”
“No, she was very professional. We only talked about business.”
“Really? Where’s the contract? Let me take a look. I’m worried there might be some hidden clauses you missed.”
“It’s over there.”
Li Mo pointed to a document on the table. Director Xu grabbed it and began to read. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw the terms. She rubbed her eyes, thinking she must be seeing things, but the numbers remained the same.
Two million yuan as a signing bonus. A 90/10 profit split in Li Mo’s favor for all future projects. Four personal assistants, a personal makeup artist, a personal hairstylist, a chauffeured van, access to the company’s private jet and helicopter, and a long list of other benefits.
Was this an entertainment contract or a presidential decree? It was outrageous! Director Xu stared at the contract, speechless. Pinnacle Entertainment would surely lose money under these terms. How could a newcomer, with only one award to her name, possibly generate enough revenue to cover these expenses? It was like they were giving Li Mo free money.
“Mo Mo, be honest with me. Did you promise to be Ms. Song’s mistress?”
“No way! I would never do that!”
“Then why would she offer you such a contract? It’s impossible!”
“I don’t know. Maybe she has too much money. I told her I wasn’t worth that much, but she said it didn’t matter, so I signed it.”
“Mo Mo, she’s giving you two million yuan as a signing bonus! Your last film took a year to shoot, and your salary was less than five hundred thousand yuan! This signing bonus is two million! And a 90/10 profit split! Plus all those cars, planes, helicopters, and other perks! Where in the world would you find such a deal? Even I can’t offer you that! Do you understand?”
“I know.”
“Then why did you sign it?!”
“You just said that even you can’t offer me such a good deal. Why wouldn’t I sign it? I’m sure she can provide me with great opportunities. It’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“You trust her that much? Don’t you think she has ulterior motives? No one in their right mind would offer such terms. She’s obviously trying to take advantage of you! We have to return this contract! Yes, return it! I’ll figure out the penalty fee.”
“Director Xu, you’re overthinking this. I already told her that she can’t touch me. There’s no funny business going on. Don’t worry. And besides, you don’t have that kind of money to pay the penalty fee. Did you see how much it is? Don’t be silly.”
Director Xu, unconvinced, flipped to the penalty clause and gasped as she saw the astronomical figure. She counted the zeros, her face turning pale. Li Mo snatched the contract back from her and locked it in her safe, preventing her from counting any further.
“Mo Mo… I can borrow money, take out loans, sell my apartment… Maybe it will be enough.”
Li Mo sighed and placed her hands on Director Xu’s shoulders, her expression serious.
“Director Xu, I know you care about me, that you’re worried I’ll be taken advantage of. But I’m not a child. I’m not easily fooled. I can protect myself. I don’t need you to pay the penalty fee. I signed this contract willingly. I don’t want to break it. Do you understand?”
“… But Mo Mo…”
“No more buts. This is my decision. I hope you can respect it and support me. Okay?”
“I…”
“Come on, don’t be like that. Let me tell you a secret. Back in the US, I was a bit of a troublemaker. Boys twice my size were no match for me. If Ms. Song tries anything funny, I’ll just knock her out with a single punch. Remember when you got drunk and I knocked you out? Hehe.”
“Don’t remind me! My nose hurt for a week! I thought you broke it!”
“That’s what you get for being a drunkard! You deserved it! I was being merciful by not breaking your nose.”
“I wasn’t being a drunkard! I was just…”
“Okay, enough. I’m tired after a long day. Go home and rest, Director Xu.”
“… Sigh, alright. Get some rest. Goodnight.”
“You too. Be careful. Bye.”
“I’m leaving.”
Director Xu left reluctantly, glancing back at Li Mo several times. Li Mo waved goodbye with a smile. Director Xu, defeated, finally left.
Li Mo shook her head and sighed, relieved to be alone. She knew Director Xu cared about her, but feelings couldn’t be forced. She didn’t feel the same way, and besides, she knew her own fate. She was destined for a solitary life and wouldn’t indulge in fleeting passions.
She rubbed her stomach, realizing she hadn’t eaten all day. She went to the refrigerator, retrieved a bottle of red liquid, opened it, and drank it in one gulp, finally feeling satisfied.
She lay down on her bed, her thoughts drifting back to the domineering CEO. She picked up her phone and found the contact “My One True Love.” She cringed at the cheesy name and changed it to “Bossy Thief,” then burst out laughing.
She thought for a moment, deciding that the name wasn’t quite right, and changed it again to “Flirty Powerhouse,” laughing even harder. Finally, she opened WeChat and typed a message.
“Hey, are you asleep?”
“What, missing me already?”
Li Mo rolled her eyes at the reply and typed back.
“Hmph! Didn’t I warn you about flirting?”
“I’m innocent! This is just normal conversation, not flirting!”
“You’re totally flirting!”
“Okay, okay, I apologize. So, what did you want?”
“I wanted to ask when you’ll arrange my work schedule.”
“Your agent will handle that. She’ll contact you tomorrow. Her name is Yu Wenqian. She’s very experienced and has managed many famous actors and singers. You can trust her.”
“Thank you for being so kind. Actually, I wanted to ask, is what you said before true?”
“What do you mean?”
“About knowing me from before.”
“Absolutely.”
“Are you sure you haven’t mistaken me for someone else?”
“Impossible.”
“Why?”
“If you really want to know, come to my place tomorrow. I’ll show you something.”
“Tomorrow? But you said Yu Wenqian would be contacting me.”
“In the evening.”
“… Are you a power plant or something?”
“Hahaha, am I electrifying you again? I’m serious! I’m not joking! Are you afraid I’ll eat you? I’m not a man!”
“Even women can be perverts nowadays.”
“Hahaha, you’re so cute! Who’s the pervert here? I was just asking if you wanted to come over. But if you’re really interested, I’m open to it.”
Li Mo was furious. Song Ling was the one who kept flirting, yet she was acting innocent, making Li Mo feel like the pervert! She fumed, struggling to come up with a response. Another message arrived.
“So, are you coming or not, little pervert?”
“You’re the pervert! You flirty corpse! Fine, I’ll come! Who’s afraid of who? We’ll see who wins in the end! Hmph!”
“Oh? Ready to discuss who’s on top already? You must be hungry~ Don’t worry, I can handle it. I’ll let you decide, top or bottom.”
“I don’t want to talk to you anymore. Bye!”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow night. Mwah!”
“Argh! Help! Police!”
Li Mo punched her pillow in frustration, while Song Ling laughed gleefully. Their reactions were polar opposites, but both found it difficult to sleep that night, their minds racing with thoughts of the other.
