Chapter 016: Loss

Jin Youqian found it rather odd. Normally, Song Wan would have seized the opportunity to throw herself at him by now. He’d even created the perfect conditions for her, yet she remained standing obediently against the wall, not making any move at all.

He should have been pleased—after all, he’d just scared off another persistent suitor. But for reasons he couldn’t fathom, a hint of disappointment crept into his heart.

Forcing himself to shake off such strange thoughts, he spoke with a cold face, “Given who you are and who I am, do you think you can just joke around with me?”

He’d intended to provoke her, to stir up Song Wan’s anger. Instead, Song Wan simply nodded with indifference. “Yes, yes, you’re the untouchable big boss, and I’m just a struggling actress. We’re not from the same world. I’ll be more careful from now on. Please, President Jin, be magnanimous and don’t hold this against me, alright?”

Jin Youqian’s expression darkened, though he himself wasn’t sure exactly why he was angry. He just stood there, stewing in his own frustration.

But as for Song Wan—the root of his irritation—he had no intention of letting her go.

His natural physical advantage kept Song Wan pinned, unable to leave on her own. She poked him in the chest and said, “President Jin, I need to get back to filming. Could you let me go?”

He held his breath, unmoved.

She poked his abdomen. “President Jin?”

He remained as immovable as a mountain.

Song Wan took a deep breath and blew softly at his Adam’s apple. “President Jin, my scene is coming up—could you step aside?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed guiltily, but still, he didn’t move.

Song Wan was starting to get annoyed, though she kept her temper in check and smiled. “President Jin, the director will send someone looking for me if I don’t show up. Can’t you let me go film? If you’re so fond of this pose, I’ll come back after my scene and let you wall-press me to your heart’s content. If you think I was too calm earlier, I can blush and flutter like a shy schoolgirl, too.”

Jin Youqian hadn’t planned to stop her from filming—after all, every second of shooting cost money, and as the film’s main investor, he’d be the one to take the loss in the end.

But as soon as Song Wan finished her sentence, his ears burned red. Mortified and annoyed, he found himself determined to stand his ground.

Song Wan’s patience snapped. Did he really think she couldn’t handle him?

She shot him a glare, then flashed an outrageously flirtatious smile that made his scalp tingle. In one swift motion, she reached for that sensitive spot just below his navel.

Jin Youqian’s pupils contracted as he stumbled back a few steps, staring at Song Wan with a mixture of shame and anger. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Arms folded, chin raised, Song Wan taunted, “You, of course.”

He froze. “What?”

She grinned, the mischief plain in her eyes. “I said, I want you.”

Jin Youqian was utterly mortified, looking at her with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. “Song Wan, are you really a woman?”

She straightened her back and arched her brow. “Thirty-four D, all natural, soft and bouncy. President Jin, want to touch and see for yourself?”

If you dare, then go ahead!

His gaze involuntarily dropped to her chest, then he quickly turned away, his face flushing an odd shade of red. “You’re… you’re simply outrageous!”

Letting someone touch her so casually—how could she be so bold?

Was she like this with other men too? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He turned to set her straight, only to see Song Wan snort in disdain and walk away.

She just walked away.

Gone.

Realizing this, Jin Youqian nearly choked with frustration.

But Song Wan was oblivious—or perhaps she simply didn’t care. Since Jin Youqian clearly disliked the idea of keeping a starlet, she had no intention of pestering him, especially after learning he’d actually stood up for her. She certainly wouldn’t repay kindness with trouble.

She sighed, unable to hide her frustration. That was a once-in-a-lifetime golden patron—rich, handsome, long-legged, twenty-four karats pure gold!

Suppressing her annoyance, Song Wan hurried to the set. From afar, Qian Fu spotted her and waved, “Song Wan, come here. Any later and I’d have sent someone to fetch you.”

She pressed her palms together in apology. “I’m truly sorry for holding everyone up. To make it up to you, I’ll treat everyone to drinks after we wrap—don’t leave early!”

The assistant director and others relaxed, about to tease her, when Qian Fu waved it off. “It’s nothing serious. Go get ready—we’re about to start.”

Song Wan nodded and grabbed her script, heading for the makeup room.

Once she was out of sight, someone asked, “Director Qian, Song Wan said she’d treat us to drinks. Isn’t that a good thing? Why did you stop her?”

Others glanced over, equally puzzled.

Qian Fu adjusted the camera, replying curtly, “No need for a reason. I just said no.”

Unlike Zhou Qi, Qian Fu didn’t care for actors who cozied up to investors, and he was never friendly toward them—like Jin Yue. But Song Wan was an exception: first, her acting was superb; second, President Jin was unattached.

As long as it didn’t cross any lines, what happened between consenting adults was their business. He harbored no bias. Besides, the two made a striking pair, and President Jin clearly doted on Song Wan. The future was anyone’s guess.

Most importantly, Song Wan hadn’t been late.

The garden scene had wrapped, but the next set wasn’t ready yet, so Song Wan hadn’t delayed the crew at all.

Giving face to both his favorite actress and to President Jin, Qian Fu was happy to oblige.

Seeing he didn’t want to discuss it, the others exchanged knowing glances and fell silent.

—After all, someone had just seen Song Wan coming out of President Jin’s lounge.

As soon as she entered the makeup room, the stylist hauled her into a chair and got to work.

The next scene was set in Liu Wan’s father’s study, but only a short time had passed since Song Wan's last appearance, so her makeup needed only minor touch-ups.

After thanking the makeup artist, Song Wan checked her phone. Only two names were in her contacts. She couldn’t ask Director Zhou Qi for help, so she called Zhou Zhou, the makeup artist from the “Immortal in the Clouds” crew.

Although filming was nearly complete, as the makeup artist, Zhou Zhou should have stayed with the crew until the very end. But because his teacher was furious that he’d done Song Wan’s makeup without permission, he’d been kicked off the crew.

Zhou Zhou was only an apprentice, his contract tied to his teacher’s studio. Zhou Qi wouldn’t risk offending the teacher for his sake. So once Song Wan left the crew, Zhou Zhou found himself out of work—and out of touch with former colleagues and friends.

Yet he didn’t blame Song Wan. On the contrary, he was grateful for her appreciation of his skills—something he’d never received in four years with his teacher.

When he answered, Zhou Zhou’s voice was bright. “Sister Wan!”

Hearing his crisp, youthful tone, Song Wan’s eyes softened with a genuine smile, dazzling enough to make anyone dizzy. “Zhou Zhou, are you free right now?”

Thinking she’d learned of his situation, Zhou Zhou tried to cover up. “No, not at all. I just joined a new crew and I’m busy with makeup work.”

Lately, Song Wan had been busy getting acquainted with the new film, so their calls were always brief. She had no idea he’d been kicked out of the “Immortal in the Clouds” crew.

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t concerned. Her expression darkened. “What’s going on? Shouldn’t you still be with the ‘Immortal in the Clouds’ crew?”

According to the schedule, filming shouldn’t wrap until the end of the month.

Zhou Zhou smacked his forehead in frustration. “I’m such an idiot—I just gave myself away!”

Song Wan’s voice turned cold. “Zhou Zhou, what happened?”

Realizing he couldn’t hide it, Zhou Zhou sounded dejected. “After you left, I made my teacher angry and got kicked out of the crew.”

“Is it because you did my makeup?” Song Wan was furious at the teacher’s heartlessness and even more annoyed that Zhou Zhou hadn’t told her. But most of all, she was upset with herself for not thinking through the consequences. “I’m sorry, Zhou Zhou. I didn’t realize…”

Because the photos of her as a schoolgirl were so stunning, Song Wan had refused to let the original makeup artist handle her other look, and she didn’t want Zhou Zhou’s work credited to his teacher. She’d convinced Zhou Qi to let Zhou Zhou be solely responsible for Miaoyu’s makeup. She hadn’t expected it would cost him his job. She thought, at worst, he’d be given the cold shoulder for a few days—after all, he’d been with his teacher for years. Even a dog would have earned some affection by now…

“No, that’s not it…”

“Zhou Zhou!”

Sensing her anger, Zhou Zhou hastened to explain. “Even if she didn’t kick me out, I’d have found a way to leave and go solo after filming ended. I’m not stupid—even if I haven’t independently done makeup for many actors and don’t know if I’m good enough, my teacher certainly does. In all those years, she never once praised me—only ever called me an idiot.”

That didn’t make Song Wan feel any better. She bit her lip, frustrated with herself. After a moment, she asked, “Do you really have work right now?”

“I really do…”

“No lying!”

Zhou Zhou’s voice was tinged with sadness. “No, I don’t…” He quickly rallied. “But I’ll find a job soon—trust me, Sister Wan!”

Song Wan wasn’t so sure. Zhou Zhou’s teacher was well connected in the industry. If she wanted to block his career, there was little Song Wan could do for now. Her eyes glinted as she spoke, “Zhou Zhou, if you’re free, could you help me by bringing some drinks to the ‘Dreamscape’ crew at the film city?”

“Yes, I’m just nearby!” Zhou Zhou replied enthusiastically. “I know the best place for drinks—I’ll be there in half an hour!”

After hanging up, a new idea occurred to Song Wan that might temporarily solve Zhou Zhou’s predicament—though she wasn’t sure if he’d agree.

But now was not the time to dwell on it. She had to get back to set without delay. As she stood to leave, she saw Hua Yu waiting at the door.