Chapter 4: Do We Have A Deal?

Without hesitation, Meiying reached out and grabbed the young man by the collar, forcing him to look into her eyes. Her mind was racing with suspicion, as he was the first suspect that came to her mind when she was pushed off the yatch in her past life. This young man, Zhang Hongzong was someone who held a deep grudge against her ever since she entered the entertainment industry. From her past life as Chenwei's manager till when she became an actress, he had done everything in his power to impede her success.

As she stared into his mesmerizing grey eyes, something inside Meiying snapped. She knew that she couldn't let him get away with it this time if he bullies her in this life.

But before she could say anything, Zhang Hongzong leaned in and whispered in a hushed tone, "You should stop whatever you're planning. People are watching."

Meiying glanced around and noticed that some of the guests were watching them intently, waiting for drama to unfold. She quickly put on a smile and began dusting off the imaginary dust from his suit, masking her true intentions.

"I thought you were someone else," she feigned a smile, trying to diffuse the tension. But behind her smile, Meiying was determined to get her revenge. She whispered to him, "Ugly," and then stepped away, satisfied to see him seething with anger.

Meiying was one of the people that knew that his current appearance is just a mask. Zhang Hongzong is as crafty as a fox.

As she walked away, she noticed Chenwei and Xiaoxiao walking hand in hand. Xiaoxiao caught sight of her and Meiying felt a sense of unease wash over her. She knew that Xiaoxiao was capable of spreading the gist of what happened earlier in the day, and she needed to stay one step ahead.

Meiying swiftly made her exit as Xiaoxiao was was distracted. Once in the hallway, she let out a sigh of relief, feeling a wave of emotions wash over her. As she walked towards the entrance, an exquisite painting on the wall caught her eye. It depicted herself and Xuejian, and as she studied the painting, she noticed the happiness in her eyes, shaped like a crescent moon. This painting reminded her of a time when she had hope and dreams for her contract marriage, before it all fell apart.

Lost in her thoughts, Meiying glanced down at the ring on her finger. She couldn't help but wonder why she had been granted a second chance at life, especially when she had already found happiness and was seemingly saved in the sea. Could it be that her purpose was to salvage her broken marriage with Xuejian?

Suddenly, a voice behind her sent a chill down her spine. "Why are you here?" The coldness in the owner's voice made Meiying tense up.

Confused and taken aback, she turned to face Xuejian. "I was just admiring painting," Meiying responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Xuejian's gaze roamed over her, from head to toe, until it settled on a slit in her dress, showing a glimpse of her leg. "Why are you dressed like this?" he questioned, his tone laced with disapproval.

Meiying was caught off guard by his reaction. "But... didn't you buy this dress for me on my birthday?" she stammered, trying to make sense of his sudden change in mood.

Before Xuejian could respond, Xiaojin approached them and his presence seemed to anger Xuejian. "I'm sorry that I came late sir" he said but he was just met with Xuejian glares.

Meiying decided to break the awkward silence by intertwining her arm with Xuejian's. "Shall we?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of confidence and determination.

Surprised by her boldness, Xuejian looked at her but eventually nodded. They walked back into the hall together, drawing attention from the other guests.

With heads turning in awe and jealousy, Meiying and Xuejian walked into the hall, exuding an air of unity and harmony. It was purely coincidental that they were both clad in blue, with Xuejian wearing a blue suit and her wearing a blue dress which gave the impression that there wasn't any animosity between them.

Meiying was well aware that Qingting had taken advantage of her absence from parties to spread news of her and Xuejian fighting. Now, she had yet another enemy to add to her growing list. It was possible that Xiaoxiao had spread rumors of Meiying attempting to steal her own boyfriend. She needed to prevent people from believing these baseless accusations. After all, only she, Xiaoxiao, and Chenwei were the only ones that knew what transpired this morning, and Chenwei was not the type to spread such news.

With a smile, Meiying gazed at Xuejian, who returned her stare and offered a smile of his own. In a playful yet surprising move, Meiying raised her heel, tilting her head to the side, and lightly pressed her lips against the side of his lips. Xuejian's reaction was priceless, as he stared at her as if she had grown horns.

Ignoring his bewildered look, Meiying searched the crowd for Xiaoxiao, who was visibly angry and watching their interactions.

As the night progressed, Meiying found herself seated at the same table as Xuejian and her parents-in-law, positioned close to the stage. The MC took the stage and began detailing the remaining events of the night. Awards were presented, and entertaining performances were delivered, leading up to Meiying's father-in-law's speech.

"Good evening, everyone! Well, I'm sure you all know who I am," he began, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Expressing his sincere gratitude, he acknowledged the role his late father played in bringing him to where he was now. He extended his thanks to everyone who had contributed to the industry's success, specifically appreciating the hard work of actors and actresses in building its strong reputation. He even acknowledged the efforts of artists and office workers, along with the managers who supported the artists.

"And I must not forget to thank my beautiful wife, our son, and his wonderful wife," Meiying was taken aback by the unexpected mention of her in his speech.

"I express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support," Mr. Wang concluded his speech, eliciting applause and admiration from the audience.

Returning to their table, Mrs. Wang affectionately planted a gentle kiss on her husband's cheek, but Xuejian's expression hinted at his different concerns.

"What is it that you desire?" Xuejian inquired, his tone reflecting seriousness and curiosity.

"What do you mean, my son?" Mr. Wang feigned ignorance, attempting to divert the conversation.

"During your speech, you mentioned Meiying, something you have never done before. So, tell me, what do you truly want?" Xuejian pressed, his hands folded in front of him.

Mr. Wang chuckled, realizing he underestimated his son's intelligence. However, he persisted with his explanation, "I guess I shouldn't have doubted your astuteness. The truth is, I need an heir—a descendant from both of you, so that our companies may both be secured."

Xuejian scoffed, feeling the weight of his father's words. "You speak as if it's a simple task, but I am not prepared for such a responsibility."

"What? Surely you understand that time is not on my side. I need an heir. Besides you are married, she isn't there for nothing," Mr. Wang exclaimed, slamming his hand onto the table.

"Darling, please calm down. People are watching," Mrs. Wang intervened, gently holding her husband's hand to pacify his emotions.

For the first time, Meiying spoke up, determined to address her concerns. "I would appreciate it if I were not regarded as a mere tool—a baby-making machine. I deserve to be seen as more than that."

"You are truly testing my patience," Mr. Wang warned, his irritation evident.

But Meiying remained undeterred, and a confident smile graced her face as she proposed another idea. "What if I were to join your company?"

This unexpected suggestion left everyone surprised. "Do you mean as a secretary or manager?" Mrs. Wang questioned, unsure of her intentions.

Shaking her head, Meiying clarified, "No, as an actress."

The declaration left Mr. Wang at a loss for words, his disbelief evident. "You... can't be serious."

"I am serious, Father. My acting skills are on par with those of Chen Meilín," Meiying asserted, radiating confidence.

Meiying contended with a smile, "Imagine the impact if I were to become part of your esteemed enterprise. Besides I want to show my children that it wasn't only their father that worked hard for the family. I want to earn a lot before I think of birthing a child."

The table fell into a stunned silence as Mr. Wang exchanged bewildered looks with his wife and son, grappling to comprehend the unexpected proposition.

Taking advantage of the moment, Meiying raised an eyebrow as she asked, "So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?" a mischievous smirk danced across her face.