Chapter 95—SY Gala

“Ranran?”

A few minutes later, that familiar gentle male voice came from outside the dressing room.

Mu Ran’s face instantly lit up with a smile as she quickly swung her legs off the chair and rushed to the door. “Beibei!”

“All settled?”

Mu Ran nodded at the man and gave a soft hum.

“I just heard you say you’re getting tired of playing with me, hmm?”

Leaning lazily against the doorframe, the man pulled her slender waist into his arms and pressed her forward, his cool, mature breath enveloping the wide-eyed woman.

Mu Ran instinctively tapped his chest in protest. “Were you eavesdropping?!”

“I wasn’t. Your voice was just too loud.”

Mu Ran: “…”

Her voice was too loud?

She’d practically whispered those words into Xu Yunshu’s ear.

This man was just refusing to admit it!

So sly!

So bad!

Abruptly, Mu Ran took a slight step back, rose on tiptoe, grabbed his tie, and hooked her lips in a seductive smile, her eyes shining with a vibrant crimson hue.

She looked up at him, her fragrant breath brushing his chin, and whispered, “Beibei, don’t worry. No matter how we play, I’ll never tire of you.”

Gu Beicheng’s breath hitched, his long, elegant fingers gripping her wrist. “Ranran.”

Sensing the desire radiating from him, Mu Ran quickly pulled free and dodged away.

“Let’s go, Ranran. Tonight, I’ll accompany you to the SY gala.”

“Oh, and take this.”

Gu Beicheng slipped a black card into her hand.

Mu Ran was taken aback, looking up with her lips pursed. “What’s this for?”

He raised his hand, smoothing the frown from her brow with his thumb. “It’s my black card. Spend as you please.”

“What do you mean by this?” Mu Ran arched an eyebrow, suspecting he was about to say something cliché.

Sure enough…

“My love for you is like this black card: no limit, no expiration.”

Despite the cheesy line, Mu Ran saw the deep affection in his eyes.

She stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his strong, lean waist. “Beibei, thank you, but—”

“Muah—”

He bent his head to press a kiss to her forehead.

“Keep it. Think of it as an advance on your salary.”

Mu Ran didn’t hesitate, slipping the black card into her pocket with a carefree flair.

Suddenly, she looked up at him.

Hadn’t Gu Beicheng said he was too busy to attend the gala tonight?

Why the sudden change of plans?

“Beibei, didn’t you have something to take care of tonight?”

Gu Beicheng chuckled, draping his arm over her shoulders as they left together.

Eight o’clock in the evening—

On a luxurious cruise ship on the banks of the Pu River.

On the first floor of the ship, ornate chandeliers bathed the space in radiant light.

The hall shimmered with brilliance.

Accompanied by the band, elegant waltz music filled every corner of the first floor.

In the center of the hall, several couples danced gracefully across the floor.

It was the prelude to the evening’s festivities.

In a corner of the hall—

“Mu Ran, I saw you arrive with Gu Beicheng. Where is he now?”

Tonight was SY’s business gala—an event of great importance.

An Lan sat in the corner on a sofa, clutching a speech in her hands. When she saw Mu Ran approach, her anxious heart finally relaxed.

Mu Ran was the real backbone of SY.

She was capable, decisive, and had a keen eye for opportunity.

An Lan never imagined the woman who once chased after a scumbag all day would become such a formidable, sharp-eyed powerhouse.

For women, career always comes first.

Indeed, confidence is what makes one shine.

An Lan lifted her head, looking at Mu Ran, who stood before her in a red custom-made gown, and nodded in approval.

“I don’t know, maybe he ran into someone he knows.”

Mu Ran shrugged, glancing at the speech in An Lan’s hand before sitting beside her as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Don’t be nervous. Just say whatever you want to say.”

An Lan sighed helplessly at this woman, who seemed so indifferent and unbothered by it all. “Shouldn’t you, as the boss, be giving this speech?”

“What do I pay you for, then?”

Those were the very words Gu Beicheng once said to her.

Mu Ran hadn’t expected she’d repeat them herself.

An Lan was speechless. It was true—right now, she was just a working woman, a brick carrier.

“Fine, you’re right about everything. I’m going on stage. Wait here for me—I’ll be right back.”

Mu Ran picked up the glass of red wine from the table, her slender fingers swirling the liquid nonchalantly. “Mm, go ahead.”

After An Lan left, Mu Ran leaned back quietly, sipping her wine.

Her gaze gradually grew hazy.

She surveyed her surroundings, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. Everything before her belonged to her now.

In her past life, she’d never imagined that one day, she—a once unremarkable woman—would possess the ability to found her own company.

“You’re Mu Ran, aren’t you?”

A sharp, somewhat immature voice broke through Mu Ran’s reverie.

A hint of annoyance flickered in her beautiful eyes. Was it so difficult to enjoy a moment of peace?

She straightened up and placed her empty wine glass on the small table, then lazily raised her gaze to the woman speaking.

“Looking for trouble?”

The woman hadn’t expected Mu Ran to be so direct, so prickly with her words.

“Heh, as if I’d go out of my way to pick a fight with you. You’re not worth it.”

Mu Ran’s narrowed eyes sharpened.

She finally saw the woman’s face clearly.

“Chen Xiaoyi?”

Mu Ran blurted out her name.

“You know me?”

Mu Ran smiled faintly. This Chen Xiaoyi was destined to be a double Best Actress winner—a year from now, she’d have both career and love in hand.

But for now, she was still a nobody, playing bit parts in various films.

Her invitation to SY Pictures’ gala was merely due to being the daughter of a famous director.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Chen Xiaoyi stomped her foot, hating to be ignored.

“Mu Ran, my father says your acting is quite good, but I don’t see it. You’re not pretty, you don’t have the figure. If I were directing, I’d never cast you as the lead.”

She’d once cried and begged her father to ask Gu Xiao for a favor, to land her a part in “Cycle.”

But Gu Xiao had flatly refused!

That arrogant director said her acting was poor and she couldn’t grasp the role.

Then why?

Why could Mu Ran be the female lead in “Cycle”?

“Tell me! What’s your relationship with Gu Xiao? Why did he pick you as the lead actress?”

Just an hour ago, Gu Xiao had announced on Weibo that Mu Ran would be the lead in “Cycle” and tagged her directly.

Why should an unknown, low-tier actress get to star in Gu Xiao’s film?

Who was Gu Xiao? Gu Beicheng’s younger brother, the renowned director of Chengxing Pictures.

“My skills earned it. Are you jealous, or just sour? Why so bitter?”

“You can’t land a role in his film, so you come looking for trouble with me?”

“Chen Xiaoyi, where’s your manners? Your upbringing?”

Mu Ran’s words left Chen Xiaoyi utterly humiliated.

“You just used your connections! Pulled strings! I heard you and Gu Beicheng have that kind of relationship—did you whisper something sweet to him in bed?”

Mu Ran couldn’t help but laugh at that—she was genuinely amused.

Compared to Director Chen, who was busy with his films and had neglected to raise his daughter properly, perhaps she could do him a favor and teach this reckless girl a lesson.

“How are things with your boyfriend lately?”

That question stopped Chen Xiaoyi in her tracks, her face reddening as she tried to defend herself.

“My boyfriend? What about him? We’re just fine!”

Though she didn’t understand why Mu Ran would ask, she forced out a stubborn reply.

Mu Ran’s smile deepened. She’d just noticed the flicker of unease in Chen Xiaoyi’s eyes when she spoke.

“Come with me.”

Mu Ran stood up, her five-centimeter heels making her tower over Chen Xiaoyi.

At that moment, a spotlight swept across Mu Ran, the shimmering gown accentuating her graceful, sensual figure.

Chen Xiaoyi had to admit, despite her earlier words, Mu Ran’s looks, figure, and aura were unparalleled, even in an industry filled with beauties.

“Upstairs? What for?” Chen Xiaoyi, dressed in a childish pink tulle dress and teetering on thin heels, trailed reluctantly behind.

“To give you a lesson.”

Mu Ran raised her brow, shooting her a playful glance.

Despite everything Chen Xiaoyi had just said, she didn’t care at all.

Eighteen-year-old Chen Xiaoyi was still young—and useful to her.

Given her future commercial value, Mu Ran decided not to stoop to her level.

The two women stopped before a room.

“Press your ear to the door and listen.”

Mu Ran’s tone brooked no argument.

Chen Xiaoyi squirmed awkwardly but dared not refuse. Though their walk had been brief, she’d already felt Mu Ran’s overpowering presence.

“Listen to what?” Chen Xiaoyi glanced around, saw no one, and pressed her ear to the door.

Her eyes widened in shock, and her cheeks flushed scarlet as she stole a glance at Mu Ran. “Why are you making me listen to that?”

Even as she spoke, sounds not meant for polite conversation drifted from inside.

Beep—

Mu Ran pulled out a room card and pressed it against the lock.

Click—

The door opened.

Mu Ran gently pushed the door open.

The sounds grew even louder.

Chen Xiaoyi shrank back, unwilling to enter. She had no idea why Mu Ran wanted her to go into someone else’s room—especially when the occupants seemed… highly engaged.

“Get in!”

Mu Ran hissed softly.

Chen Xiaoyi dragged her feet, but Mu Ran pulled her by the hand, leading her toward the bedroom.

Suddenly, the girl wrenched free.

Her pupils dilated in shock as she cried out, “Chen Xiang!”

Her boyfriend!