The next scene was set at a dinner party.
In a grand hall filled with guests, the video’s heroine, adorned with vintage red lipstick and a gorgeous evening gown, emerged from a dazzling white light, captivating the murmuring crowd with her regal presence. Her haughty demeanor exuded queenly airs as she strode purposefully towards the stairs, disregarding the admiring gazes that trailed her.
The Queen seemed to be very satisfied with causing such a sensation, but she still had a proud attitude on her face. She walked into the hall and walked towards the steps opposite without looking back.
As she walked, a throng of admirers gradually surrounded her, their reverent gazes unwilling to stray from her figure.
The queen completely ignored the reactions of the people around her, continuing her leisurely stride. Yet, as she ascended the first step, the doors behind her opened once more, drawing a clamorous commotion that instantly diverted the guests’ attention toward the entrance.
Drawn by curiosity, the queen slowly turned her head to witness a young man entering through the doorway. Impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his flawless physique, his refined features outshone any guest present. His graceful, noble bearing resembled that of a prince, commanding undivided attention.
The young man then raised his gaze towards the queen on the stairs, his caramel pumpkin-tinted lips curving into a captivating smirk that added an alluring charm to his already striking visage, leaving the surrounding guests breathless.
The young man approached, coming to a halt a meter away from the queen. Though standing beside her commanding presence, he was not robbed of even an ounce of his radiance; instead, he shone ever brighter.
The camera captured them both, one exuding bold allure, the other possessing a captivating beauty.
It was at this moment that Gu Tingshen entered, his attention immediately attracted by the young man’s presence, his steps unconsciously faltering.
He had seen Jing Li in suits before but never had the sight elicited such a profound stir within him.
As if the world’s hustle and bustle had faded, his gaze remained fixated on the young man alone. His heart raced erratically, enthralled by every subtle movement and smile.
But even if he was being manipulated emotionally like this, not only did he not feel disgusted, but he couldn’t help but stare deeply at the other person, wanting more.
In the end, the young man’s mischievous grin nearly caused Gu Tingshen’s heart to leap from his throat, and he even had an uncontrollable reaction somewhere.
By the time he came to his senses, the filming had concluded, leaving only the two endorsers to capture the final shots.
Gu Tingshen gazed upon the radiant youth on stage. He felt an unmistakable shift, his gaze darkening with the profound realization of his unguarded desires for Jing Li.
He himself did not expect that he would have such thoughts towards Jing Li.
But even though he was shocked, he found no aversion to this newfound longing. Instead, it provided clarity to the inexplicable attentiveness and turbulent emotions he had harbored for the young man.
He now understood that, without his awareness, he had fallen for Jing Li long ago.
If this was love, with Jing Li as the object of his desires, then perhaps it was not an unpleasant fate.
With this revelation, Gu Tingshen’s lips curved into a genuine, radiant smile—one more sincere than any before. As he gazed upon the young man on stage, his eyes held a newfound, resolute determination.
The two people on the stage happened to be facing Gu Tingshen, so they had naturally already seen him.
While Jing Li merely glanced at him before refocusing on the filming, Lin Xiaoman’s demeanor radiated excitement upon spotting Gu Tingshen, especially when she noticed his unwavering gaze and subtle smile directed their way, fueling unrealistic fantasies within her.
Gu Tingshen’s stature was renowned, and Lin Xiaoman had initially joined Sentu for a chance to be near him. However, his status was too high. Except for the year-end banquet of the Gu Group, she could not see him at all. If she wanted to look, she could only work hard to get a spot to attend the year-end banquet.
Never had she imagined he would appear here, and even stayed to observe her commercial filming.
Was he inspecting the subsidiary, or had he come specifically for her?
Recalling his smile, Lin Xiaoman’s heart raced with excitement. Had she not wished to present herself favorably, she would have rushed over for a formal introduction.
Fortunately, he stood there and didn’t leave, as if he was waiting for her.
This thought made her even more excited. As soon as the shooting was over, she immediately walked off the stage and walked towards him.
To her delight, he began moving towards her as well.
Lin Xiaoman was so excited that she even forgot to breathe and stared at the other person slowly approaching her.
Finally, the other party was only a few steps away from her.
Lin Xiaoman no longer cared about being reserved, quickly straightened her clothes and took the initiative to talk to the other party with a pleasant smile, “Mr. Gu, hello, I am Lin Xiaoman, an artist under Sentu.”
The man before her gave her a curt nod, not sparing her a glance before brushing past her.
Lin Xiaoman froze on the spot for a moment, and at the same time, she felt a little unwilling. She wanted to see who could win Gu Tingshen’s favor.
Turning, she witnessed Gu Tingshen approach Jing Li, his previous coldness replaced by a warm smile. “Filming’s over? Are you tired?”
Lin Xiaoman’s expression contorted upon witnessing this scene.
Jing Li again!
Was he deliberately opposing her?
After outshining her in the commercial, he now wanted to compete with her for Gu Tingshen’s attention!
Lin Xiaoman stared at Jing Li with a look of jealousy, gnashing her teeth in hatred.
However, as she looked at it, the expression on her face suddenly became a little more playful.
For an eighteenth-tier newcomer like Jing Li, she didn’t think he could get in touch with a big shot like Gu Tingshen.
Then what else could be the reason why Gu Tingshen came all the way to see him?
After pondering that the other party would actually be chosen by G.T. as the new season’s product spokesperson, a situation that had never occurred before, Lin Xiaoman instantly felt that she had realized something. Her gaze towards Jing Li changed accordingly.
Admittedly, Jing Li’s appearance was quite outstanding, so it was understandable that he would catch someone’s eye.
However, that was not Lin Xiaoman’s concern. She stared intently at Gu Tingshen, who was standing beside her, and a wild ambition suddenly emerged.
Since Gu Tingshen could take an interest in Jing Li, who could guarantee that he wouldn’t take an interest in someone else next time?
The two men beside her were unaware of Lin Xiaoman’s thoughts.
Upon hearing Gu Tingshen’s concern for him, Jing Li smiled and shook his head. “I’m not tired. Why did you suddenly come here?”
He remembered that the headquarters of the Gu Group wasn’t in this area.
“I happened to be in the vicinity for work inspection,” Gu Tingshen replied nonchalantly. “I thought of you filming a commercial here, so I came by to take a look.”
Secretary Qin, who had just finished dealing with the executives from the subsidiary and followed the trail to find him, heard these words and couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
You certainly took the liberty of temporarily rushing over here for an ‘inspection’ after working overtime to finish your tasks.
However, he only thought this to himself and did not show it. Instead, he approached gracefully and greeted Jing Li. “The two of you can go to the lounge over there and sit down for a chat.”
Out of habit, he almost called Jing Li ‘Er Shao,’ but remembering that Jing Li had not publicly disclosed his identity, he quickly changed his address.
Jing Li politely nodded at him with a smile and then said, “I won’t go to the lounge. I should head back once I’m done here.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Tingshen glanced at him and then checked the time. He then said, “It’s almost one o’clock. You haven’t had lunch, have you? Why don’t we eat together? There’s a decent tea restaurant nearby that I think you might like.”
Jing Li’s stomach growled at the right moment, giving its response first. Jing Li then calmly nodded and replied, “Okay.”
Gu Tingshen chuckled softly as he glanced at Jing Li, a hint of tenderness flickering in his eyes. He turned to look at Secretary Qin beside him, who immediately nodded and went to make the arrangements.
Overhearing their entire conversation, Lin Xiaoman’s mind stirred. She instantly put on a smile and said to Jing Li, “Jing Li, you two are going for lunch? I haven’t eaten either. Can you take me along?”
Although she addressed Jing Li, her eyes kept darting towards Gu Tingshen. Her expression deliberately portrayed an amiable and gentle expectation, almost shouting, “Look at me! Look at me!”
However, Jing Li only saw her foolishness and ulterior motives, barely sparing her an expression as he flatly replied, “Sorry, I’m not used to dining with unfamiliar people.”
With those words, he signaled to Gu Tingshen amid Lin Xiaoman’s sudden stiffness and left directly.
It was the first time Gu Tingshen witnessed Jing Li’s coldness towards someone, but he didn’t say anything and followed suit.
Watching their departing backs, Lin Xiaoman could no longer maintain her expression, her eyes revealing a resentful look.
Jing Li, how dare you!
Daring to go against me, we’ll see about that!
Then, she met the eyes of Gu Tingshen, who suddenly turned around.
As if seeing through everything, his icy and piercing eyes instantly caused her to freeze, the hairs on her back standing on end.
However, by the time she looked back, he had already turned away, leaving her with only a cold, indifferent figure.
It took Lin Xiaoman a long time to recover from the terrifying sensation of being eyed by a fierce beast, only to be overwhelmed by deeper jealousy towards Jing Li.
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