Chapter 227: Winning Lan Jieying

Hearing Xu Yuexin's voice made Lan Jieying's heart flutter like a startled deer.

He really hadn't forgotten me.

But it's already ten o'clock; would it be unsafe to go out?

"I heard Qingxia say your movie wrapped today."

"So I'm planning to treat you to a late‑night celebration snack, right on my rooftop."

"How about it? If you're willing, I'll pick you up."

Seeming to sense Lan Jieying's hesitation, Xu Yuexin said over the phone,

Huh? A Xin plans to pick me up? And the place to eat isn't a street night‑snack stall but his own rooftop? Then there's no safety issue.

Lan Jieying set her heart down and immediately agreed to Xu Yuexin.

"Okay, after we eat, could you take me back?"

Lan Jieying requested.

"Don't worry, I'll see you home."

Xu Yuexin assured from the other end of the line,

"Then come to my place; I'll be waiting at home."

Lan Jieying said, feeling sweet inside at that moment.

Xu Yuexin is young, handsome, and wealthy; Lan Jieying had once doubted he was a man who flirted everywhere, thinking his words after buying a phone that day were just casual talk to her.

In fact, Xu Yuexin actually paid attention to the day she wrapped, which somewhat surprised Lan Jieying.

This made Lan Jieying start to think Xu Yuexin might be serious about her.

With a shy, throbbing feeling, Lan Jieying waited and waited at home.

Soon after, her mobile phone rang again.

"Hey, I'm downstairs at your place; come down."

"Okay, okay, I'm coming."

Lan Jieying whispered in agreement, tiptoeing out of the cramped room so as not to disturb her sister.

After going downstairs, she saw Xu Yuexin leaning against the door of a Rolls‑Royce, waiting for her, and she happily walked up to him.

"Actually we finished filming in the morning, and had a celebration lunch at noon."

"You can meet me this afternoon."

After meeting, Lan Jieying pursed her lips, showing a pure and sweet smile as she said,

"What, not happy with the time I invited you?"

Xu Yuexin gave a slight smile and said,

"No, no."

Lan Jieying quickly waved her hand to explain, "I was worried it wouldn't be safe for you to drive at night."

"It's fine, I'm an Old Driver."

"Old Driver? You're only four years older than me; why call yourself that?"

"It's a secret."

Xu Yuexin winked at Lan Jieying and said, "You'll know later."

"Leaving me hanging…"

Lan Jieying let out a coquettish whine, shooting Xu Yuexin a glance.

When Lan Jieying opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat, Xu Yuexin started the car and drove toward the alley exit.

The alley where Lan Jieying lives is extremely remote; Xu Yuexin didn't find it at first and had to ask a passerby.

After exiting the alley, the Rolls‑Royce drove smoothly on the street, and inside the car the only sound was the soft rustle of tires.

Because it was a night drive, Lan Jieying didn't talk much with Xu Yuexin on the road, even though she had many things she wanted to say.

In front of the mansion at Taiping Shan, Xu Yuexin stopped, opened Tong Yi Da Men, then got back into the car and drove forward.

After entering the underground garage and parking, Xu Yuexin and Lan Jieying took the elevator up to the ground floor, then entered the house.

"A Xin, how many floors does your house have?"

Even though it wasn't her first time at Xu Yuexin's place, Lan Jieying was still full of curiosity about everything inside the villa.

Last time she came in such a hurry and was so nervous that she couldn't appreciate the villa's details.

Now, entering again, Lan Jieying fully felt the imposing aura of wealth inside the villa.

The art gallery's antique calligraphy paintings, rock‑slab backdrop wall, silver tableware on the dining table…

"Don't just stare, help me carry the ingredients upstairs."

While Lan Jieying was entranced by the villa's scenery, Xu Yuexin reminded her from ahead,

"Hey."

Lan Jieying, as if waking from a dream, said, looking up ahead.

She saw Xu Yuexin's hands already occupied by a grill, a folding table, and utensils, with ingredients and drinks piled on the floor.

Lan Jieying hurried forward, first taking out the bag of drinks, holding it with one hand, then lifting the ingredients, and walked with Xu Yuexin toward the elevator.

Inside the elevator, Xu Yuexin pressed the button and, together with Lan Jieying, arrived at the top‑floor rooftop.

The moment the elevator doors opened, Lan Jieying was captivated by the starry sky overhead.

"Wow, so beautiful."

Lan Jieying exclaimed in awe.

Xu Yuexin looked up at the sound, seeing the sky ablaze with brilliant stars and a vast Milky Way, stunningly beautiful.

"There aren't that many lights up here, so we can see the stars, right?"

Lan Jieying asked Xu Yuexin enthusiastically.

"Right, too many lights cause light pollution."

Xu Yuexin walked to the edge of the rooftop, set down the grill, and said, "Alright, let's eat right here."

After he set up the table, Lan Jieying placed the ingredients and drinks on it and prepared the charcoal together with Xu Yuexin.

"Crack!"

When the charcoal was arranged beneath the grill, Xu Yuexin lit it with a lighter.

Soon, the pieces of charcoal turned bright red one after another.

Xu Yuexin bought the finest Silver Frost Charcoal; it burns quickly and produces no smoke, so it doesn't choke anyone.

"A Xin, do you prefer beef or squid?"

Lan Jieying lifted the elegant box containing the ingredients and asked him.

"Beef, and salmon."

Xu Yuexin said, understanding that Lan Jieying wanted to grill his favorite first.

Lan Jieying arranged several skewers of beef and salmon in a line on the grill and fanned them with a small handheld fan.

"How's it feeling to be filming movies lately?"

Xu Yuexin asked at that moment.

"It feels great; no one dares to bully me."

Lan Jieying lifted the corner of her mouth slightly and said, "Because I have you and the Entertainment Company backing me."

"It just gets a bit tiring."

"Yeah, to be a star, you have to be this tired."

"I remember the fee for this film is 150,000, right?"

"Right, according to the Contract I get 75,000."

At the mention of it, Lan Jieying became extremely happy and said, "I want to buy an apartment so I don't have to keep living in a small room."

"Seventy‑five thousand isn't enough, is it?"

"No problem, I can take a loan."

Lan Jieying's eyes were full of longing as she said, "My monthly salary is over 10,000, enough to repay the loan."

"Then you can only afford a small house."

Xu Yuexin said, "I'll sponsor you a bit, and you can buy a larger one."

Even though it's the 1980s, housing prices in Xiangjiang have already reached 4,000–5,000 per square meter.

Even with a 70% loan, Lan Jieying's 75,000 would only buy a 40‑50 square‑meter small house.

"But big houses are really expensive, huh."

Lan Jieying said shyly, "I really can't keep spending your money."

"It's just one house, what's the big deal?"

Xu Yuexin replied lightly, flipping the beef skewers and salmon, "You already have a work under your belt, so your living conditions should naturally be better."

"I hope the box office does great."

At the mention of her own film, Lan Jieying instantly filled with hope.

This is Lan Jieying's debut work; if the box office sells well, she could become an overnight star.

At the same time, it could repay Xu Yuexin.

Lan Jieying knows the Entertainment Company invested in this film, so the box office will directly affect the company's profit.

"It's best if it sells big, but it's okay if it doesn't."

Xu Yuexin said, "Making movies is all about constantly trial and error."

Finishing his sentence, he picked up two grilled beef skewers and handed them to Lan Jieying.

"Thank you… but it would be best if it succeeds."

Lan Jieying took the skewers, ate them bite by bite, and felt moved inside.

Other Entertainment Companies outside have very strict requirements for their artists.

Especially for newcomers like her, there's almost no margin for error; if the first film flops, they face a fate of being shelved.

Xu Yuexin can give her a chance to trial and error, which is a very rare opportunity.

"Want a beer?"

While Lan Jieying was still eating the beef skewer in her hand, Xu Yuexin had already finished his and lifted a drink, asking.

"Okay."

Lan Jieying agreed.

She rarely drinks, but today she does because she's with Xu Yuexin.

"Bang!"

"Glug glug…"

Xu Yuexin popped the beer bottle cap, poured a large glass for himself and half a glass for Lan Jieying.

"Cheers to the wrap of your debut work."

Xu Yuexin raised his glass and said to Lan Jieying with a smile.

"Yeah, all thanks to your support!"

Lan Jieying also smiled, raised her glass, and said.

After finishing the drink, Xu Yuexin picked up a fresh skewer and placed it on the grill.

One piece of salmon on the skewer had an uncut back; Lan Jieying saw it, took a small knife, and tried to slice it open.

"Be careful not to cut your hand."

Xu Yuexin pressed Lan Jieying's jade hand and said.

Lan Jieying felt a little nervous after his touch and instinctively pulled her hand back.

At that moment, the blade slipped across Xu Yuexin's hand.

"You weren't hurt, were you, Director Xu?"

Startled, Lan Jieying flinched, quickly stood up and said.

"It's fine, it was just the back of the blade that brushed me."

Xu Yuexin shook his head and said, "Also, why has the way you address me changed?"

"Um, um, sorry…"

Lan Jieying still sounded a bit frightened, "I was too nervous just now."

"Also, it's not that I dislike you; it's just that I've never been in a relationship, so…"

As she spoke, Lan Jieying's voice suddenly stopped.

She lowered her head nervously, secretly watching Xu Yuexin's expression.

"I remember you said that."

Xu Yuexin smiled brightly and said, "Give it to me."

After speaking, he picked up the knife and began slicing the back of the salmon.

Phew… luckily he wasn't angry.

Lan Jieying finally breathed a sigh of relief and dared to look up, continuing to talk to Xu Yuexin.

After the fear faded, Lan Jieying felt shy again.

She only then realized that, in her fear, she had spoken some of the thoughts in her heart.

Fortunately, Xu Yuexin's expression didn't change, nor did he seize the chance to press further.

That somewhat comforted Lan Jieying.

After a while, Xu Yuexin finished cutting the salmon, set the knife down, and leaned against the lounge chair.

"I told you before not to fall in love; do you remember?"

Xu Yuexin looked at Lan Jieying's crystal‑clear eyes and asked her.

"I remember, what's up?"

Lan Jieying didn't understand the meaning behind Xu Yuexin's words, and nodded softly.

Facing Lan Jieying's trembling question, Xu Yuexin didn't answer immediately; instead, he squeezed her smooth little hand and wrapped his arm around her fragrant shoulder.

…

Lan Jieying's cheeks flushed red, her shoulders trembling slightly under his arm, and she was so nervous she couldn't say a word.

"Good girl, don't be nervous."

"Just holding hands."

Xu Yuexin coaxed softly, "Um… I'm sorry, I was a bit… uh…"

Hearing Xu Yuexin's words, Lan Jieying relaxed a little.

At that moment, Xu Yuexin moved straight toward her, firmly kissing Lan Jieying's cherry‑red lips, drawing a soft whimper.

Lan Jieying's face flushed deep red, and her jade hand pushed forward, trying to block Xu Yuexin.

But Xu Yuexin was not someone she could fend off.

After kissing Lan Jieying, Xu Yuexin held her tightly in his arms, giving her no chance to escape.

Lan Jieying was panicked at first, but then gradually relaxed, eventually shyly accepting Xu Yuexin's kiss, no longer pushing her hand outward.

…

After a while, Xu Yuexin released the nearly breathless Lan Jieying, gently running his hand through her hair.

"Good girl, you're really beautiful."

Xu Yuexin whispered warm breath into Lan Jieying's ear.

Lan Jieying rested her face on his shoulder, eyes half‑closed, gently nodding, feeling her neck and earlobes heat up again from his breath.

Even now, Lan Jieying remains bewildered.

She never expected her first love to arrive so quickly.

After the kiss ended, Lan Jieying stayed limp on Xu Yuexin, breathing weakly.

"The salmon is burnt to a crisp."

She poked Xu Yuexin's chest with her slender jade finger, scolding him in his arms, "Cook it again."

Xu Yuexin, still holding Lan Jieying in one arm, removed the charred salmon and beef, replacing them with fresh ones.

When he sat back in his chair, Xu Yuexin deliberately furrowed his brows and covered his chest with his hand.

"What's wrong? Does your chest hurt?"

Seeing something amiss, Lan Jieying quickly asked with concern.

"Um… it hurt when you poked me earlier."

Xu Yuexin pretended it was difficult and said.

"That little poke just now hurt? I clearly didn't use any force."

Lan Jieying was initially surprised, then realized Xu Yuexin was messing around.

"Really? Then should I apologize to you?"

Lan Jieying gave him a sharp look and said.

"An apology is required."

Xu Yuexin said with a serious expression.

"How do you plan to make me apologize?"

"I'll poke you in the same spot."

"Rascal…"

Lan Jieying blushed again at his remark, covering her flushed face as she said.

While they were talking, the salmon, beef and other items had already been grilled, emitting an enticing aroma.

Lan Jieying had already had dinner, but after Xu Yuexin's commotion just now she actually felt a bit hungry.

However, she didn't just eat for herself; she first handed Xu Yuexin two skewers of beef and one skewer of grilled fish.

"Do you usually live here alone?"

Lan Jieying asked Xu Yuexin.

"Yeah, you want to come live with me?"

"No way, don't say that recklessly."

Lan Jieying quickly denied.

"Then I want you to come over and stay."

"Being home alone every day sometimes feels too empty."

Xu Yuexin bluntly said, "Starting tonight, you can stay here."

"Huh?"

Lan Jieying hadn't expected Xu Yuexin to make such an invitation and was at a loss for a moment.

If I actually moved in, would he do something to me?

Lan Jieying thought fearfully.

"You can sleep in the bedroom opposite mine."

Xu Yuexin added sincerely.

"Sleep in the opposite bedroom?"

Since Xu Yuexin can bring it up on his own, that means he probably doesn't have any bad intentions? "It can be, but you mustn't do anything excessive."

After some thought, Lan Jieying, her face flushed red, answered in a voice as thin as a mosquito's.

She never imagined before leaving that she would agree to spend the night at Xu Yuexin's house.

After a while, Xu Yuexin and Lan Jieying finished the barbecue, packed up the grill and utensils, and went downstairs.

"Your house has many rooms."

After putting away the tools, Lan Jieying looked at the rows of bedrooms on the second floor of the villa and said, "You can house many people at once, right?"

"There are twelve rooms in total."

Xu Yuexin said, "Six are suites, six are single rooms."

"The suite you're staying in tonight has a bathroom you can use directly."

"Oh… a suite? That's really great."

Lan Jieying breathed a sigh of relief again.

She had been worried about the awkwardness of being seen by Xu Yuexin right after a shower, but now realized she had overthought it.

"There's a set of pajamas prepared for you in the room; you can put them on."

Xu Yuexin said to Lan Jieying.

"Mm‑hm…"

Lan Jieying nodded, and only after turning around did she realize.

"Even the pajamas were prepared in advance?"

That would mean Xu Yuexin had already been planning for tonight?

Lan Jieying thought shyly, feeling as if she had fallen into Xu Yuexin's palm.

Shortly after she turned and entered the bedroom, the sound of running water came from inside.

Xu Yuexin showered before her, opened his bedroom drawer, and took out a cartridge‑based game console.

The console, which he bought recently, contains classic games such as Pac‑Man.

Xu Yuexin connected the console to the TV and power, inserted a game cartridge, and, after the screen loaded, became engrossed in playing.

The old mechanical controller's button clicks were loud, and Lan Jieying, after showering, heard his activity.

"What is Ah Xin doing?"

Curious, Lan Jieying opened the door and asked Xu Yuexin, who was intently watching the screen and pressing the controller.

"Playing a game."

Xu Yuexin, without turning his head, continued controlling Yellow Brain eating beans on the screen.

Lan Jieying was also drawn by the screen, walked over to sit beside Xu Yuexin.

"Game? An electronic game?"

She had only heard people mention a kind of game that could be played on a TV, but had never experienced it herself.

"Yeah, want to play together?"

"Sure, I'd like to try."

"Wait a moment…"

After finishing the current round, Xu Yuexin got up, handed Lan Jieying a second controller, and started a new game for her.

Lan Jieying focused all her attention on the TV screen, reading each option and grasping their meanings.

"Hey, look at the controller."

Xu Yuexin lightly patted Lan Jieying's fragrant shoulder and said.

"Hey, hey."

Lan Jieying came to herself and hurriedly lowered her head.

"Here, this is down, this is up, this is left and right. As long as you press the corresponding button, the brain will move in the corresponding direction."

Xu Yuexin operated the game screen for Lan Jieying, his hand pausing on each button as he explained to her.

"The character's task is to eat as many beans as possible while avoiding being caught by these four ghosts. Understood?"

"Mm, I understand."

Lan Jieying said cheerfully, feeling the game was so simple that she should be able to handle it easily.

Soon, the first round began.

"Pat— pat—."

Lan Jieying immediately followed Xu Yuexin's instruction, earnestly using the controller to maneuver Yellow Brain, dodging ghosts while continuously eating beans.

Lan Jieying's expression was very focused, her mind wholly on the controls.

But words are one thing, deeds another.

After a short while, her Yellow Brain was still caught by a ghost.

"Oops, I was pressing continuously without stopping."

"The ghosts moved too fast."

Lan Jieying gloomily set the controller down, pouting as she said.

"Don't rush; it's always like this at the start."

Xu Yuexin stifled a laugh, patted Lan Jieying's fragrant shoulder, picked up the controller and said, "Watch how I play."

The screen shifted to the game view, and the Yellow Brain inside began moving swiftly.

Dodge, dodge, dodge.

Eat, eat, eat! As Xu Yuexin performed click‑clack maneuvers, the beans on screen kept dwindling.

In front of Xu Yuexin, the ghosts moved so slowly and clumsily that they could never catch his Yellow Brain.

Moreover, after Xu Yuexin made Yellow Brain consume a pill, it could chase the ghosts and wreak havoc across the screen.

Seeing this starkly different situation, Lan Jieying felt astonished.

It's the same game, yet Xu Yuexin is so skillful while she is just the opposite.

Lan Jieying thought, lowered her head and carefully observed Xu Yuexin's play, hoping to learn.

First, Xu Yuexin's actions are much faster.

Even though Lan Jieying pressed the buttons with all her might, the gap remained huge compared with Xu Yuexin's fluid, cloud‑like speed.

Moreover, Xu Yuexin's simultaneous use of mind and hands, and his coordination, were clearly stronger than hers.

Whenever a change appeared on screen, his hands could instantly react, executing the appropriate dodge or chase.

Lan Jieying concluded.

Soon, Xu Yuexin's Yellow Brain ate all the beans, declaring victory.

"So, what did you notice?"

Xu Yuexin set the controller down and turned to Lan Jieying, saying.

"Mm, I want to play another round."

Lan Jieying nodded.

"Play on; any number of rounds is fine."

Xu Yuexin said, "See, with this control, you can enter the game..."

After teaching Lan Jieying to enter the game, Xu Yuexin watched from beside her.

"Pat— pat— pat—."

Lan Jieying's hands pressed the controller back and forth; it was clear her reaction time had improved greatly.

Although still not as masterful as Xu Yuexin, it was at least competent.

After a hard struggle, the candy beans on screen dwindled as she ate them.

The later it got, the more nervous Lan Jieying became.

Her eyes stared tightly at the screen, her palms nearly sweating.

"Oops."

At that moment, a misstep let a ghost catch up and eat the Yellow Brain.

"I almost won."

Lan Jieying couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"It's fine; you've improved a lot. Let's do another round."

Xu Yuexin encouraged.

Lan Jieying said nothing, merely started a new round silently.

This time, Lan Jieying performed better than before, her control becoming more proficient.

Finally, through Lan Jieying's relentless effort, Yellow Brain ultimately evaded the chase and ate all the beans.

"Yay…"

Lan Jieying happily set the controller down, raised both arms and shouted.

"Great."

Xu Yuexin laughed, praised, and pulled Lan Jieying into his arms.

Because Lan Jieying's hands were raised, she was defenseless; after Xu Yuexin's embrace, they were pressed together instantly.

Mwah.

Xu Yuexin kissed Lan Jieying on the forehead, hugged her and rolled onto the sheets, pressing her beneath him.

(End of Chapter)