Chapter 2

Chapter 2: 002 – Set Up

“Director Liu, don’t worry.” The woman in the tailored suit kept her smile soft and obedient. “She already drank that stuff. She definitely won’t ruin your good time.”

“Tonight, you can enjoy yourself properly.”

Director Liu waddled out of the hotel elevator, potbellied and shiny-headed, his flesh pressed too tight against his expensive shirt. Behind him, the middle-aged woman followed on sharp heels, every click a promise.

He looked her over, then thought of the beauty waiting upstairs, and his mood lifted like a balloon.

He’d coveted that face for years.

Tonight, it would finally be in his hands.

“I’ll send you the contract tomorrow morning.” He waved impatiently. “Go back and get ready.”

The woman’s eyes brightened instantly. “Then I’ll thank you on Jing Jing’s behalf, Director Liu.”

He flicked a hand, dismissing her.

It was only a minor actress. If a little favor bought him a free night with a stunner, why wouldn’t he take it?

She watched him stride toward the suite she’d booked in advance, then turned and left with a satisfied smile.

Director Liu swiped the keycard, pushed the door open, and slipped inside without even turning on the lights.

“Little beauty… I’m here…”

He lunged for the bed.

Bang.

A clean, decisive chop snapped down.

“Ah—”

The sound choked off mid-breath. Before Director Liu could even understand what hit him, darkness swallowed him whole.

“Beep beep…”

Click.

A keycard slid into the slot. The room flashed bright as day.

In the doorway stood a woman in a white silk slip dress, a matching shawl draped loosely over her shoulders. Under the harsh light, she looked like trouble made beautiful—seductive, languid, and faintly amused, cruelty glinting in her eyes like a playful blade.

Qiao Qing Yan studied the unconscious lump of flesh sprawled on the bed and, for a moment, felt an ugly little spark of temptation.

In the hallway earlier, she’d heard every word Director Liu and that woman had exchanged. She’d planned to ignore it, crawl back under the blankets, and sleep like a queen.

But since they’d come for her…

Then sorry.

That woman had been the original host’s agent. And Jing Jing—the name she’d spoken with that sweet gratitude—was another artist under her.

They’d wanted to trade Qiao Qing Yan for resources.

A neat little plan.

Qiao Qing Yan bent, plucked the phone from Director Liu’s shirt pocket, and sent a text to a certain number.

Before she left, she glanced at the incense diffuser quietly steaming on the side table. Her smile deepened. She tipped something in—just a little—and watched it disappear into the haze.

Only then did she stroll out, perfectly pleased.

By early morning, the entertainment industry exploded.

“A new young actress spent a spring night with a famous director.”

“Breaking: Famous director suspected of trading favors for sex with a newcomer.”

While the internet burned, Qiao Qing Yan was hauled—none too gently—into a private morning tea restaurant in the Capital.

Across from her sat a gorgeously dressed, noble-looking lady, posture immaculate, gaze sharp enough to peel skin.

Madam Wang stared down at the breathtaking beauty seated opposite and allowed herself a single, grudging thought:

Her son had taste.

This woman was dangerously beautiful—beautiful enough to steal the breath out of a room, the kind of fox-faced enchantress that made other women nervous and men stupid.

No wonder so many people wanted her.

If not for her son’s insistence, Madam Wang would have despised this sort of face.

Qiao Qing Yan sat quietly under that disdainful inspection. She didn’t flinch, didn’t fidget, didn’t offer a rehearsed smile.

Dragged here by force or invited with flowers, she looked the same: calm, unreadable, as if nothing in the world could stir her.