Chapter 10: The Beginning of the Binding Deal

"Then here's to a pleasant collaboration," Lin Zhiwei said, raising her glass with practiced ease.

Ling Ziheng curled his lips into a faint smile and raised his own glass.

The glasses clinked together—a deal was struck.

What a profitable transaction, Lin Zhiwei mused inwardly. Perhaps fortune truly favored those who helped themselves; just as she was steeling her resolve, a spring breeze seemed to deliver opportunity right to her door. This was rare good luck in years.

Looking back, what Lin Qiongjiu had said to her wasn’t exactly wrong—it was she herself who had given up. Her greatest flaw since childhood had always been laziness. Not when it came to food, certainly, but she’d always been reluctant to use her brain.

"Um, I should give you a friendly reminder," Lin Zhiwei said, suddenly a little guilty. "Tying yourself to me, you’re bound to attract... a lot of negative attention. Just be prepared for that." After all, her reputation these last few years was notorious in its own right.

"I've heard a bit about it. But I find you pleasing to the eye, so it doesn't matter," Ling Ziheng replied, raising his brow, utterly unconcerned.

Pleasing to the eye? Lin Zhiwei glanced down at herself. Brother, your taste is truly unique—I can’t even be bothered to look in the mirror myself.

Ling Ziheng noticed Lin Zhiwei’s slight discomfort and added, "What I mean is, you and I are the same kind of person."

"Oh? And what kind is that?" Lin Zhiwei swirled her wine with interest.

"Good at acting, good at pretending, and knowing exactly what you want," Ling Ziheng said decisively.

Lin Zhiwei lowered her head and laughed softly, shaking her head, her expression serene.

It was the same face, yet Ling Ziheng felt that this woman before him possessed a different sort of bearing and aura. The more one tried to understand her, the more it seemed she wore a mask—a mask that made people want to peel it away, to see her true self beneath the disguise.

"That’s high praise. But the feeling is mutual—I thought the same of you," Lin Zhiwei said, meeting his gaze, the lively spark in her eyes like a sprite darting into Ling Ziheng’s heart.

He was momentarily distracted. "In ten days, I’ll return to China," he said.

"Ten days is enough," Lin Zhiwei nodded, gazing out the window. Ten days was plenty.

Submit evidence against Xue Yuanyuan to the Arbitration Council, win over the Zhao and Shen families.

Before heading back to China, she would pave the way. By then, the handsome men of the entertainment industry would be hers for the choosing...

"But I am curious about something."

"Go ahead," Ling Ziheng invited.

"Why do you need so much money?"

Lin Zhiwei considered this carefully. How to answer? Inspiration struck. "Plastic surgery, of course," she said quickly, nodding to herself. Clever—if she ever regained her looks in the future, she could just say it was cosmetic surgery. Otherwise, it would be too shocking.

Now it was Ling Ziheng’s turn to be dumbfounded. Well, at least she was honest.

Lin Zhiwei suddenly felt that, with such an ordinary face, there were advantages—she wouldn’t attract attention in China, nor would she need to fear being robbed or harassed. Perhaps Lin Qiongjiu had done her a favor after all.

"By the way, there are a few things I need to ask up front—just to do my homework." Lin Zhiwei pulled out her phone, ready to take notes.

"Ask away," Ling Ziheng replied graciously.

"Are you seeing anyone right now?"

"No."

"Any... casual partners?"

"No... no," Ling Ziheng stammered, surprised by her bluntness.

Lin Zhiwei typed away at her phone, adding, "Don’t mind me. It’s fine if you do. I just need to know who, so I can plan ahead."

"Really, there’s no one," Ling Ziheng replied seriously.

Lin Zhiwei nodded calmly, typing "boring" under the personal life section.

"Who’s your current biggest rival?"

"Chu Chuo."

"Chu Chuo...," Lin Zhiwei mused, tilting her head as she recalled the person. "She really has been putting herself out there these last few years. But compared to you, her figure falls short. Too slender, too soft—not enough allure..."

Ling Ziheng coughed lightly, taking a sip of wine, visibly uncomfortable. How could this girl discern his physique through clothes? And was she even focusing on the right things?

Noticing the awkward cough, Lin Zhiwei realized she’d been too direct and explained professionally, "For a star, looks, physique, and presence are all weapons. Only by balancing all three can you get the best results in your work."

Ling Ziheng was taken aback by her professionalism—her thinking was certainly suited for a strategist.

"Which of singing, dancing, or instruments can you do?"

"Singing, piano, violin, guitar."

"Good."

"How much money do you have left?" Lin Zhiwei asked, her tone level.

Ling Ziheng opened his banking app and laid the phone on the table. Lin Zhiwei counted, then nodded. "Just about enough."

"Alright, I think I’m clear on everything. I’ve seen all your films—your acting is impeccable," she said, setting aside her phone and propping her chin in her hand. "I have a few minor suggestions, if I may."

"Go ahead."

"First, I think you should prepare your own film—perhaps even moving into directing and starring yourself. Second, you need to find a female lead who can match you, even if you don’t like being paired up. Otherwise, you’ll have to work with a male lead you like, which I wouldn’t mind either, though it’s... you know, more complicated."

She gestured as she spoke, her earnestness inviting him to follow her train of thought.

Ling Ziheng remained silent, and Lin Zhiwei couldn’t quite read his thoughts. She continued, "What I mean is, since you’re already in the messy world of entertainment, you can’t really stay above it all. Why not select a few sharp, appealing actresses to collaborate with? It’s mutually beneficial."

"I understand," Ling Ziheng replied, his eyes dimming. He knew it was a good plan, but he loathed the scheming, pretentious women in showbiz.

"Since you’ve hired me, I won’t let you work with those messy women," Lin Zhiwei assured him. "We can train our own people, start with newcomers. Actually..." Her eyes darted thoughtfully as she tapped the table. "Once you have your own team, they can make money, and you can focus on what you want to do—isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?"

She spread her hands, then leaned back comfortably in her chair.

On hearing this, Ling Ziheng looked up sharply, stunned that she could so incisively voice all his plans and schemes. And yet, the woman before him just languidly admired the night view, sipped her wine, utterly at ease, even humming a little tune.