Capítulo 9: Shoudnt be keeping secrets

Lixue closed the door to her room with a soft click, leaning against it to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding, and she wasn't sure if it was from the impromptu dancing lesson or from the way Mo Ran had looked at her—like she was the only thing in the room that mattered.

Get a grip, Lixue! she scolded herself, shaking her head as if that would clear the memory of his words and the subtle warmth in his voice.

Crossing the room, she sat at her desk and opened her laptop. The soft glow of the screen greeted her, and her eyes immediately caught sight of a new email in her inbox. Her breath hitched when she saw the sender's name: Shi Haoyue.

Quickly clicking it open, her eyes scanned the email.

Subject: Re: Management Inquiry

Dear Y.L. Magnolia,

Thank you for reaching out. Your proposal intrigues me, and I would be happy to discuss potential collaboration further. I understand the need for privacy in certain situations, so I assure you that discretion is my priority.

If you're comfortable, let's arrange a meeting to discuss your goals and how I can assist in managing your work. Please let me know a time and place that works for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Shi Haoyue

Lixue's lips curved into a faint smile. It now it wasn't just a reply; it was a step forward, a chance to reclaim what was hers.

Her fingers danced over the keyboard as she crafted a response.

Subject: Re: Management Inquiry

Dear Mr. Shi,

Thank you for your quick response. I appreciate your understanding of the situation and your offer of discretion. I would like to meet to discuss this further. Would tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Garden Cafe work for you?

Looking forward to your reply.

Best regards,

Y.L. Magnolia

After hitting "send," she leaned back in her chair, a small sense of accomplishment blooming within her. This was it—her first step toward reclaiming her identity, her art, and her life.

But the excitement was short-lived as she remembered the whirlwind of the day. Between the etiquette lessons, the unexpected dance session, and Mo Ran's lingering words, her mind was a tangled mess.

Lixue sighed, pulling herself out of her chair and heading toward the vanity. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror—her cheeks still flushed, her hair slightly mussed from running. She frowned, lightly patting her face.

"Why does he have to be like that?" she muttered, thinking of Mo Ran's teasing smirk and the way his hands had steadied her during the waltz.

She splashed some cool water on her face, trying to push the thoughts away. This was no time for distractions. She had a plan, and Mo Ran shouldn't be part of it.

***********************

Lixue slipped on a modest beige trench coat, her scarf wrapped carefully around her neck, as she prepared to leave. The morning sunlight spilled into the room, casting warm patches on the wooden floor. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her sunglasses and mask to ensure her face was well-hidden. Today, she was meeting Shi Haoyue.

But just as she stepped out of her room, she nearly bumped into Mo Ran.

He was standing in the hallway, dressed impeccably in a tailored navy suit, his dark eyes narrowing the moment he saw her. "Where are you off to?" he asked, his tone casual but edged with curiosity.

Lixue hesitated, her mind scrambling for an excuse. She hadn't told him where she was going, nor did she plan to. "Just running some errands," she replied lightly, sidestepping him.

"Errands?" he repeated, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. "Dressed like you're avoiding being recognized by the paparazzi?" His gaze swept over her outfit, his brows raising slightly.

She stiffened, forcing herself to remain calm. "It's nothing worth explaining. I'll be back soon."

Mo Ran tilted his head, studying her with that intense look that always unsettled her. "Strange," he mused, his tone laced with suspicion. "You didn't mention this earlier. Should I have someone accompany you?"

"No," she said quickly, a little too quickly. "That won't be necessary. I'd rather go alone."

His lips twitched into a faint, unreadable smile. "I see. But I'll be expecting you back by lunch. Don't keep me waiting."

She nodded curtly, her heart racing as she hurried down the hall. His eyes followed her, a quiet, unsettling intensity lingering even as she disappeared down the staircase.

The car ride to the café felt longer than it actually was, her nerves prickling with every passing minute. She knew Mo Ran was suspicious—he wasn't the type to let things slide. But she couldn't let that deter her. This meeting with Shi Haoyue was crucial.

By the time she arrived, she was composed, though her hands were tightly gripping her bag. The Garden Cafe was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered across the room. She spotted Shi Haoyue sitting at a table near the back, his sharp features even more striking in person.

As she approached, his eyes lifted to meet hers, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. She offered a small nod, her sunglasses and mask still firmly in place.

"You must be Y.L. Magnolia," he greeted, his voice smooth and professional.

"Yes," she replied softly, taking the seat across from him.

Shi leaned back, observing her with a calm demeanor. "You're certainly cautious about your identity. I respect that. But it does make me curious about why."

Lixue's hands tightened in her lap. "I have my reasons," she said simply. "I hope you'll understand."

"I do," he replied. "But before we proceed, I'll need to hear you sing. Talent is what matters most in this business, and I need to confirm that your voice is as extraordinary as you claim."

Her heart sank. She had expected this, but the thought of revealing even a part of herself to a stranger was nerve-wracking. "I'd rather not remove my mask," she said hesitantly.

Shi Haoyue's brow arched slightly. "Your voice is your identity, Miss Magnolia. A mask will only muffle what I need to hear. If I'm going to represent you, I need to hear you properly."

Lixue swallowed hard, her mind racing. After a long pause, she nodded. "Alright. But just for this."

She reached up and slowly removed her mask, her hands trembling slightly. The sunglasses stayed on, shielding her eyes, but her lips were now exposed. Shi Haoyue's gaze remained professional, though she caught a flicker of intrigue in his expression.

He couldn't be anymore intrigued, he didn't need anymore confirmation to know that the girl under the mask was beautiful.

Taking a deep breath, she began to sing.

The melody was one she had written in the silence of her room, a hauntingly beautiful tune filled with sadness and this haunting pain that tugged the heartstrings. Her voice filled the space between them, rich and emotive, each note carrying the weight of her past and the fire of her resolve.

When she finished, Shi Haoyue was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled, a genuine, approving smile. "You have a gift," he said simply. "One that deserves to be heard. I'll represent you, Miss Magnolia."

Relief washed over her, and she quickly replaced her mask. "Thank you," she said softly.

Shi Haoyue nodded, leaning forward slightly. "But anonymity won't be easy to maintain in this industry. We'll need to set strict boundaries and strategies to protect your identity. Are you prepared for that?"

"I am," she replied, her voice steady.

As their meeting progressed, Lixue felt a spark of hope ignite within her. She had taken the first step toward reclaiming her life, and now, she had someone who believed in her talent.

Back at the office, Mo Ran sat in his study, his fingers drumming against the polished desk. His mind lingered on Lixue's odd behavior that morning, her secretive demeanor gnawing at him.

"Have someone keep an eye on her," he instructed his assistant through the phone. "Discreetly. I want to know where she went and who she met."

"Yes, sir," came the reply.

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