69novels Chapter 163 A cheerful facade masking a stabbing in the back
Chapter 163 A cheerful facade masking a stabbing in the back
Chapter 163 A cheerful facade masking a stabbing in the back
At 12:40 PM on August 23, Beijing Capital International Airport.
Jiang Yu's private Gulfstream G550 business jet landed smoothly on the dedicated runway.
This aircraft was purchased last year and delivered earlier than the G650. It was only delivered to China a few days ago. The interior was completely customized to his needs, with a bedroom, meeting room, and rest area, so that he could have a mobile office and rest space when traveling around the world.
The cabin door opened, and Wang Wei was already waiting at the bottom of the gangway with two black Mercedes-Maybachs.
This female assistant is known for her high efficiency and is responsible for all his schedules and business arrangements.
"Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu," Wang Wei bowed slightly, "the car is ready, lunch at Yintai will start promptly at 1:30. Also, Mr. Cao, Mr. Han, and Mr. Ren have all called, and I have arranged their reply times as requested."
Jiang Yu nodded and naturally put his arm around Liu Yifei's shoulder: "Let's go."
Liu Yifei, wearing sunglasses, a simple white T-shirt, and jeans, still exuded star quality.
She glanced curiously at the two Maybachs. She knew Jiang Yu was rich, but these kinds of details always amazed her.
After getting into the car, Wang Wei turned around and handed over a tablet computer: "President Jiang, this is the complete schedule and seating chart for tonight's premiere. You and Ms. Liu are in section C of the third row, the same row as President Han and President Ren. The artists from Chasing Light Pictures are in the fifth row; President Jiang has already made the arrangements."
Jiang Yu quickly glanced at it, then handed it to Liu Yifei: "Take a look, is there anything that needs adjusting?"
Liu Yifei took it; the seating chart was densely packed with names, encompassing almost all the top figures in the Chinese entertainment industry.
She saw that her name and Jiang Yu's name were placed in a very central position, surrounded by industry leaders.
"Wouldn't this be too conspicuous?" she hesitated.
"It's all about making a splash," Jiang Yu said calmly. "Tonight isn't just about watching a movie; it's about announcing to the entire industry that you're going to Venice soon and need this level of exposure."
Wang Wei added at the opportune moment: "Ms. Liu, we have prepared the press release for tonight, which will focus on your Venice nomination and your appearance with President Jiang. The publicity team from Light Chaser Pictures will follow up throughout the process."
Liu Yifei nodded, understanding that this was a necessary business operation.
She looked at Jiang Yu, who was resting with his eyes closed, his profile clearly defined in the light streaming through the car window.
This man always arranged everything perfectly, allowing her to do what she wanted with peace of mind.
As the car entered the East Third Ring Road, the three iconic buildings of Yintai Center came into view.
Jiang Yu's penthouse is on the top floor of the main building, covering an entire floor of about 800 square meters.
The elevator goes directly to your apartment.
When the door opened, two housekeepers in uniform were already waiting in the entryway: "Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu, welcome back."
This wasn't Liu Yifei's first visit; she was always awestruck by the grandeur of the house.
The entire wall of curved floor-to-ceiling windows offers a 270-degree panoramic view of Beijing's CBD, including the China World Trade Center and CCTV building.
The interior design was done by an Italian designer in a minimalist style, using extremely luxurious materials. The floor is made of a single piece of Carrara white marble, all the furniture is custom-made, and several original works by contemporary artists are hanging on the walls.
"Lunch is ready and is in the dining room," the butler said softly.
Lunch was exquisite but not overly extravagant: matsutake chicken soup, steamed grouper, stir-fried asparagus with black truffle, and a small bowl of osmanthus-flavored sweet rice balls, which Liu Yifei loves the most.
The chef was poached by Jiang Yu from the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong and specializes in fusion cuisine.
"Try this fish," Jiang Yu said, placing a piece of fish on Liu Yifei's plate. "It was air-freighted over this morning and is still alive."
Liu Yifei took a bite, and the freshness made her squint her eyes: "Delicious."
"I'm glad you like it." Jiang Yu smiled, took a bite himself, and said, "The makeup team will arrive at three o'clock this afternoon. You can rest for a while. I have some work to take care of."
"You're going to work again?" Liu Yifei pouted, a little annoyed. "Didn't you say you'd spend today with me?"
"Just one hour," Jiang Yu coaxed her. "I need to handle a few urgent emails. Then I'll spend the whole afternoon and evening with you, okay?"
"Okay," Liu Yifei reluctantly agreed, "Just one hour."
After dinner, Liu Yifei went to the guest room to rest. Although Jiang Yu kept saying that the master bedroom was hers, she still preferred to sleep in the guest room to keep some of her own space.
Jiang Yu then went into the study.
The study is Liu Yifei's favorite place in the apartment.
Two walls are floor-to-ceiling walnut bookshelves, filled with books, from the original English version of "The Art of War" to "An Introduction to Film Art," from "The Morgan Family" to the thread-bound edition of "Dream of the Red Chamber."
Beside the window is a huge mahogany desk with three monitors displaying real-time global stock market indices.
Jiang Yu turned on his computer and first checked the closing figures for US stocks: the stock prices of several technology companies he privately owned had risen again.
After finishing his work, he glanced at the time; it had been exactly one hour.
I turned off the computer and left the study.
Liu Yifei was still asleep, and the guest bedroom door was ajar.
Jiang Yu gently pushed open the door and saw her lying on her side on the bed, fast asleep.
He stood at the door for a few minutes, then tiptoed out and closed the door.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the doorbell rang on time.
The makeup team arrived; four people, carrying six large suitcases.
"Mr. Jiang, is Sister Xixi still sleeping?" Assistant Xiao Yang asked.
"Let her sleep for another ten minutes," Jiang Yu said. "You guys get ready."
At 3:10, Liu Yifei was woken up by Jiang Yu: "The makeup artist is here."
"Hmm..." she groggily sat up. "What time is it?"
"3:10. You'll make it."
The makeup team set up a temporary work area in the living room.
The lighting, mirrors, and makeup table made it look like a professional photography studio.
Liu Yifei sat in front of the mirror, letting makeup artist Lisa apply makeup to her face.
Jiang Yu sat on a sofa not far away, using his computer to check the final plan for launching Weibo.
The document sent by Cao Guowei was very detailed, outlining the countdown publicity starting tomorrow and the launch plan for the 25th, with specific arrangements for each step.
"President Jiang is so considerate to Yifei," hairstylist Kevin whispered to Lisa while tidying up his tools. "Such a big boss, and he still makes a point of accompanying her."
They were speaking very softly, but Jiang Yu still heard them.
He looked up and saw Liu Yifei in the mirror. She had her eyes closed while the makeup artist applied eyeshadow. Her eyelashes were long and thick, making her look like a delicate porcelain doll.
At 4:30, the makeup was finished.
Liu Yifei stood up, turned to face Jiang Yu, and asked, "How did it go?"
For a moment, Jiang Yu felt his breath catch in his throat.
The bright red strapless tulle dress perfectly accentuated her figure, and her skin glowed white against the backdrop of the red dress.
Her makeup was exquisite but not overdone, with the focus on her eye and lip makeup, which made her features more three-dimensional and bright.
Her hair was half-tied up, with the back part permed into natural waves that fell over her shoulders.
"Turn around," Jiang Yu said.
Liu Yifei obediently turned around.
Jiang Yu walked over and carefully inspected every detail of the dress, checking whether the back tie was secure, whether the pleats of the skirt were smooth, and whether there were any disheveled parts of her hair.
His fingers inadvertently touched her back, and Liu Yifei trembled slightly.
"Perfect," he finally said.
"Really?" Liu Yifei was still a little unsure.
"Really." Jiang Yu took out a small box from his pocket, opened it, and inside was a pair of ruby earrings. "Wearing these will suit you even better."
Those are pigeon blood rubies, their color is stunningly pure, and under the light they look like two drops of congealed blood.
Liu Yifei recognized this level; it was at least seven figures.
"This is too expensive..." she hesitated.
"It suits you, it's not expensive." Jiang Yu personally put it on her. "Alright, now it's truly perfect."
Liu Yifei in the mirror, dressed in a red dress, adorned with rubies and red lips, looked like a burning flame, her beauty strikingly aggressive, leaving even the makeup team stunned.
"Sister Xixi, you're definitely going to be the center of attention tonight," Xiao Yang said sincerely.
We set off promptly at 4:30.
Wang Wei was already waiting downstairs in two Maybachs. Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei rode in the first car, while the makeup team rode in the second.
The car drove towards the China World Trade Center, the headquarters of Light Chaser Pictures.
At 5 p.m., some media and fans had already gathered downstairs at the China World Trade Center office building.
Although the premiere of "The Founding of a Republic" was held at the Olympic Sports Center, the collective appearance of the artists from Light Chaser Pictures, one of the fastest-rising new forces in recent years, was also a newsworthy event.
Jiang Yu drove his car directly into the underground parking garage's dedicated passage, avoiding the crowd.
Even so, it was still captured by several reporters who were lying in wait.
"It's Jiang Yu's car!"
"Liu Yifei is definitely in the car!"
.
"Quick, take a picture! You'll be on the front page tomorrow!"
The elevator goes directly to the 12th floor where Light Chaser Animation Studios is located.
As soon as the door opened, the two young women at the front desk immediately stood up, their eyes lighting up: "Hello, Mr. Jiang! Hello, Ms. Liu!"
The company's interior is designed in a modern style, with an open-plan office area, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and movie posters and trophies everywhere.
The most eye-catching thing is the wall at the entrance, which displays posters for all the movies produced by the company, starting with the very first one, *Taken*.
From the upcoming global releases of "Avatar" and "2012," the films chronicle the company's rise in just a few short years.
Jiang Xuerou was already waiting in the rest area with her people.
Everyone stood up when they saw Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei enter.
"President Jiang, Yifei." Jiang Xuerou greeted them, dressed in a champagne-colored dress, looking elegant and capable. "Everyone is ready."
Jiang Yu nodded, his gaze sweeping over his artists: the two young directors, Lu Yang and Shen Ao, were still a little reserved; Wang Zhi, Zhu Yilong, and Zhang Jin were dressed in formal attire, clearly having dressed up carefully; Shu Chang was wearing a light purple dress and was smiling and winking at Liu Yifei.
"Please sit down," Jiang Yu gestured for everyone to sit. "Relax. Tonight is just about showing your face and meeting some people. Don't be too nervous."
That being said, with the big boss present, who can truly relax?
Lu Yang stood ramrod straight, while Shen Ao kept adjusting his tie.
Jiang Xuerou began her report: "President Han gave us very good seats, in the middle of the fifth row. Although they're not as close to the front as yours and Yifei's, it's still an exceptional treatment for newcomers."
"Hmm." Jiang Yu took a sip of the coffee his secretary brought him. "Lu Yang, how's the new script coming along?"
Suddenly called out, Lu Yang almost choked on his own saliva: "Ahem... President Jiang, the first draft of the new script 'Brotherhood of Blades' is finished and has been sent to you. It's a martial arts film, with a budget of about 4000 million..."
"40 million isn't enough," Jiang Yu said directly. "If we're going to do it, we'll do a masterpiece. Raise the budget to 60 million. Hire Yuen Woo-ping for action choreography, Ye Jintian for art direction, and don't skimp on costumes, props, and sets."
Lu Yang was stunned.
"Mr. Jiang, isn't this... too risky?" he asked cautiously.
"I'll take the risks," Jiang Yu said casually. "You just focus on making a good film. Zhang Jin," he turned to the action actor sitting upright beside him, "Have you read the script?"
"
Zhang Jin nodded quickly: "I've seen it, Mr. Jiang. The role is very challenging, and I like it very much."
"Then prepare well," Jiang Yu said. "This movie will transform you from an action actor into a real actor. The action scenes need to be exciting, and the dramatic scenes also need to be convincing."
"Yes! I will definitely try my best!"
Then Jiang Yu asked about the progress of the new Olympic bid projects and the development plans of Wang Zhi and Zhu Yilong.
He remembers everyone very clearly, and can even describe their recent performance and strengths and weaknesses.
Liu Yifei watched from the side, her heart filled with pride.
This is the man she loves—not just an investor, but also a talent scout who knows how to discover and cultivate talent.
"Alright, that's enough about work." Jiang Yu put down his coffee cup. "Let's talk about something lighter. Tonight, when you go out, observe more, listen more, and speak less. Be polite to your seniors, courteous to your colleagues, and cautious with the media. Remember, you represent the face of Light Chaser Pictures."
"Understood!" everyone answered in unison.
Shu Chang leaned closer to Liu Yifei and whispered, "Qianqian, you look so beautiful tonight! What brand is this dress? Wait, those earrings... oh my god, pigeon blood red? Did President Jiang give them to you?"
Liu Yifei nodded, her face slightly flushed: "He said it goes with a skirt."
"It doesn't just match the dress, it matches your whole person!" Shu Chang said exaggeratedly. "Let me tell you, Fan Binbin is going to be furious tonight. She prepared three months of haute couture to outshine everyone, and this outfit of yours... tsk tsk, those earrings alone are enough to trend on social media."
"Don't say that," Liu Yifei gently patted her. "Everyone's there to support the movie."
"You're so naive." Shu Chang shook her head. "In this kind of setting, beauty, star power, and resources are far more important than the movie itself. But with President Jiang around, you're guaranteed to win."
As they were talking, Jiang Xuerou checked the time: "It's about time, let's go."
The group traveled in three cars to the Olympic Sports Center.
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei rode in the first car, Jiang Xuerou and the directors rode in the second car, and the artists rode in the third car.
On the way, Liu Yifei looked at the darkening sky outside the window and suddenly said, "Jiang Yu, you are so good to them."
"Who?"
"Lu Yang and the others," Liu Yifei said, "You're so busy, yet you still remember everyone's development, giving them plans and resources... Many bosses can't do that."
Jiang Yu held her hand. "Lu Yang is talented, but lacks confidence. Giving him a large investment is forcing him to grow. Zhang Jin is capable, but lacks opportunities. Giving him good roles is giving him a stage. Investors don't just invest money, they invest in people. When the right people are in the right place, money can make money."
"So you invested in me because you think I'm worth it?" Liu Yifei tilted her head to look at him.
"You're different." Jiang Yu looked at her earnestly. "I voted for you because I love you. But I love you because you deserve to be loved."
That simple sentence made Liu Yifei feel as sweet as honey.
She leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I will also try my best to live up to your love and investment."
"You've done very well." Jiang Yu kissed her hair.
As the car approached the Olympic Sports Center, the grand spectacle outside could already be seen.
The red carpet stretched for nearly 100 meters from the entrance, with media and fans crowding both sides.
The lights illuminated the night sky as bright as day, and screams and camera shutter sounds could be heard even through the car windows.
"Are you ready?" Jiang Yu asked.
"Hmm." Liu Yifei took a deep breath.
The car door was opened by staff.
The next second, they were engulfed in a sea of flashing lights.
Jiang Yu got out of the car first, then turned around and extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Liu Yifei helped him out of the car and stood still.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still.
All the cameras and all the eyes were focused on this point.
The man was dressed in a black tailored suit, with a tall and straight posture and a cold and stern face; the woman was dressed in a red dress, with stunning beauty and an elegant smile.
The two of them standing together resembled a meticulously composed movie poster.
"President Jiang! Look this way!"
"Yifei! Look here!"
"You two, come closer!"
Jiang Yu naturally put his arm around Liu Yifei's waist, and the two smiled at each other.
This moment was captured simultaneously by hundreds of cameras and is destined to make headlines in all entertainment media tomorrow.
They began to walk slowly along the red carpet.
Every step was accompanied by media shouts, and every pause was followed by cameras.
Liu Yifei maintained perfect posture and a smile, occasionally waving to the fans.
She could hear the fans screaming wildly: "Sissi! You're so beautiful!"
"CEO Jiang is so handsome!"
May you be happy forever!
Jiang Yu, on the other hand, appeared much more composed.
He rarely looked at the camera, but occasionally whispered to Liu Yifei with his head down, his posture intimate and natural, which caused another round of screams from the fans.
As they walked to the middle of the red carpet, the host greeted them: "Welcome, Mr. Jiang! Welcome, Yifei! You two are absolutely dazzling tonight!"
"Thank you." Jiang Yu took the microphone, and his voice resonated throughout the venue through the speakers.
"Mr. Jiang, this is your first public appearance since you and Yifei officially announced your relationship. How does it feel?"
"Very good." Jiang Yu said succinctly, tightening his grip on Liu Yifei's arm. "Thank you everyone for your concern."
"Yifei is going to the Venice Film Festival soon. Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?"
Liu Yifei smiled and said, "I'm very nervous, but also very excited. I hope to live up to expectations and bring the film's great story to the world."
"You can definitely do it!" the host said enthusiastically. "Please come forward and sign the backdrop."
They signed their names on the huge backdrop of "The Founding of a Republic".
Jiang Yu's calligraphy is vigorous and powerful, while Liu Yifei's calligraphy is elegant and neat; the two names are placed side by side.
Just as I was about to leave after signing my name, an even bigger commotion suddenly erupted at the other end of the red carpet.
Looking back, Fan Binbin had arrived. Just as Shu Chang had said, she was wearing an extremely extravagant gold dress with a skirt so large that it required three assistants to help carry it. Every step she took looked like she was walking a coronation ceremony.
"Wow..." Even the host couldn't help but exclaim.
Fan Binbin had clearly calculated the timing carefully, waiting until most of the celebrities had entered before making his grand finale appearance.
Her appearance instantly captured half the camera's attention, and the screams from both sides of the red carpet reached a new climax.
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei exchanged a glance, both seeing a smile in each other's eyes.
Fan Binbin truly understands the survival strategy in the entertainment industry; topics and exposure are everything.
Once inside, the noise was shut out.
Staff guided them toward the main guest area.
The venue was packed, filled with stars, and you could see someone who could shake the entertainment industry with a stomp of their foot every few steps.
"President Jiang!"
"Yifei!"
People kept getting up to greet him.
Jiang Yu nodded in response to each question, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding an aura of complete control.
Liu Yifei, holding his arm, could feel countless eyes on her; curious, admiring, jealous...
It was calculated.
Their seats were in the middle of the third row, next to Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun.
Before he could even sit down, Han Sanping got up to greet him.
"President Jiang! We've been waiting for you!" The head of China Film Group warmly shook Jiang Yu's hand. "I heard you came straight here after getting off the plane. Thank you for your hard work!"
"Mr. Han, you're too kind." Jiang Yu smiled. "Of course I have to come and support such an important event."
"Yifei looks beautiful tonight!" Han Sanping then turned to Liu Yifei, "Go Venice! Bring glory to Chinese filmmakers!"
""
"Thank you, Mr. Han," Liu Yifei replied politely.
Just as he sat down, Ren Zhonglun, president of Shanghai Film Group, came over: "President Jiang, long time no see! It's been almost a month since we last met in Shanghai, hasn't it?"
"Mr. Ren has a good memory." Jiang Yu stood up and shook hands. "I heard that Shanghai Film Group has had several good projects recently. Congratulations."
"Not at all, it can't compare to the international reach of Light Chaser Pictures." Ren Zhonglun said with a smile. "By the way, I heard that President Jiang's Weibo account is about to launch? If you need any promotional resources, just ask, and Shanghai Film Group will fully support you."
"Thank you in advance."
Ren Zhonglun had just left when Ye Ning from Wanda Pictures arrived.
Next were Wang Changtian from Enlight Media, the Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei brothers from Huayi Brothers, and Yu Dong from Bona Film Group...
One by one, bigwigs from film and television companies came over to exchange pleasantries, each with a sly smile, their words full of flattery and probing.
Watching from the side, Liu Yifei deeply understood what it meant to be "surrounded by stars".
These bigwigs, who usually act superior in front of the media, all lowered their stance in front of Jiang Yu.
It's not because they're afraid of Jiang Yu, but because they need Jiang Yu, his funds, his Hollywood resources, and his international network.
"President Jiang!" a loud voice called out.
Jackie Chan strode over and gave Jiang Yu a hug. "I'm so glad to see you! Filming '2012' was so much fun!"
Director Roland Emmerich has consistently praised the Chinese team's professionalism; this is all thanks to you!
"It's because Brother Long is so capable," Jiang Yu smiled. "I heard Brother Long has a new film coming out next year and is looking for investment?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Jackie Chan's eyes lit up. "An action film, budget of 3 million, just needing a strong co-producer. Brother Jiang, are you interested?"
"Send me the script to take a look," Jiang Yu said. "If the project is good, Light Chaser Pictures can participate."
"That's great! I'll have someone send it to you tomorrow!" Cheng Long said excitedly, then turned to Liu Yifei, "Congratulations Yifei, you've been nominated for Venice, amazing! Brother Jiang, you have a good eye!"
Liu Yifei blushed slightly: "Thank you, Brother Long."
After Jackie Chan, Zhang Yimou also came along.
He maintained his serious demeanor, his tone sincere: "President Jiang, thank you again for casting Gong Li. She told me this is one of the best commercial scripts of her career."
"It's Gong Li's performance that's so good," Jiang Yu said. "We're also really looking forward to Director Zhang's 'The Flowers of War,' and Light & Shadow Digital will provide the best technical support."
"Then I'll leave it to you." Zhang Yimou nodded, and then said to Liu Yifei, "Venice is a great stage, do your best."
"Thank you, Director Zhang."
Chen Kaige and his wife Chen Hong also came.
Chen Kaige, one of the directors of "The Founding of a Republic," is also here tonight.
He chatted briefly with Jiang Yu about film aesthetics, while Chen Hong pulled Liu Yifei aside for a private conversation between women.
This series of pleasantries lasted for nearly twenty minutes.
Liu Yifei's feet were aching from standing, but she still had to keep smiling.
She glanced at Jiang Yu secretly. He remained calm and composed, calling out the names of everyone who came to greet him and chatting with them for a few minutes, neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite.
Finally, the lights dimmed, and the premiere was about to begin.
Everyone then returned to their seats.
Liu Yifei sat down, let out a long sigh, and whispered to Jiang Yu, "My face is practically frozen from smiling..."
'
"You've worked hard." Jiang Yu held her hand under the table. "It'll be over soon."
"Why are they all so... attentive?" Liu Yifei couldn't help but ask.
"Because I have what they want," Jiang Yu said bluntly, "funding, resources, and access to Hollywood."
In this industry, these are the hard currency.
Liu Yifei understood.
This is not a simple social interaction; it is a power struggle involving alliances and betrayals.
Jiang Yu sitting here is like a magnet, attracting all those who want to climb up.
The movie started playing.
A grand historical panorama unfolds on a giant screen, accompanied by majestic music.
Liu Yifei was quickly drawn into the plot and temporarily forgot about the noise around her.
Halfway through the movie, her scene appeared. She was dressed in military uniform, sitting in front of a simple broadcasting device, reading her script in a clear and articulate voice.
Although it was only a few dozen seconds long, the acting was natural and the temperament was fitting.
Jiang Yu felt the gazes directed at him from all around.
Those gazes held admiration, envy, and jealousy.
He knew that many people were thinking: Liu Yifei's ability to get nominated for the Venice Film Festival, to star in "The Founding of a Republic," and to sit in this position was all because of him.
To some extent, this is true.
Jiang Yu was even more aware that Liu Yifei had her own strengths.
He merely paved the way for her; she walked the path herself.
After the movie ended, the entire audience stood up and applauded.
The lights came back on, and the main creators went on stage to express their gratitude.
Han Sanping delivered a speech on stage, thanking all the performers and supporting organizations.
When Light Chaser Pictures and Jiang Yu were mentioned, the camera immediately switched to them.
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei's faces appeared on the big screen. Jiang Yu nodded slightly in greeting, while Liu Yifei smiled and clapped.
After the premiere ended, the crowd began to leave.
But the real socializing had just begun; a reception area had been set up at the back of the venue for guests to continue their conversations.
Han Sanping came over again: "President Jiang, are you really not going to the party? I was thinking of introducing you to a few friends."
"No, I have plans for tonight," Jiang Yu declined. "The movie was great, congratulations, Mr. Han."
"I'll definitely do it next time." Han Sanping didn't insist. "By the way, if you need any support for the Weibo launch the day after tomorrow, just let me know."
""
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Han."
After saying goodbye to Han Sanping, Jiang Yu led Liu Yifei outside.
Along the way, people kept coming up to greet them, and the two of them responded politely.
Upon reaching the exit, Jiang Xuerou was waiting there with her own artists.
Lu Yang and Shen Ao were clearly very excited, their faces flushed, indicating that they had met quite a few people.
"President Jiang, Yifei," Jiang Xuerou greeted them, "We'll head back now. See you at the company tomorrow?"
"Mm." Jiang Yu nodded. "You've worked hard."
After parting ways, Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei got into the car.
The car door closed, and the world finally quieted down.
Liu Yifei let out a long sigh of relief, slumping into her chair: "My God...it's finally over..."
7
"Are you tired?" Jiang Yu gently helped her remove her earring.
"My feet hurt, and my face is stiff." Liu Yifei turned to look at him, "But I'm so happy."
Why?
"Because everyone can see that I'm standing next to you," Liu Yifei said earnestly. "This isn't showing off, it's... a declaration."
Jiang Yu smiled and pinched her cheek: "My Qianqian has grown up."
"I learned it from you." Liu Yifei leaned on his shoulder. "By the way, didn't you notice that Fan Binbin kept trying to talk to you?"
"I noticed," Jiang Yu said casually. "I have no interest in talking to her."
"what?"
"That's how the entertainment industry is. They smile to your face but stab you in the back," Jiang Yu said calmly. "So you have to see clearly who your friends are, who your enemies are, and who are just passing through."
The car drove back to Yintai Center.
Back in her apartment, the first thing Liu Yifei did was kick off her high heels and step barefoot on the floor.
"Ouch..." she rubbed her sore ankle.
"Sit down." Jiang Yu pressed her down on the sofa and went to the kitchen to get an ice pack and a towel.
He knelt down in front of her, carefully lifted her foot, and gently placed an ice pack wrapped in a towel on her ankle.
Looking at his focused profile, Liu Yifei felt a warm current welling up in her heart.
This man, who is the esteemed and fawned President Jiang in public, is gentle and considerate like an ordinary person in front of her.
"Jiang Yu," she whispered his name.
"Um?"
"It's so kind of you."
"what?"
"You showed me such a... real world," Liu Yifei said. "Powerful, realistic, complex. And thank you for protecting me in this world."
Jiang Yu looked up at her, his eyes gentle: "If I don't protect you, who will?"
He put down the ice pack, sat down next to her, and pulled her into his arms.
The two sat quietly, looking out the window at the night view of Beijing.
After a while, Liu Yifei said, "I'm hungry."
Jiang Yu smiled: "What would you like to eat? I'll have the chef make it."
"I don't want the chef to cook." Liu Yifei's eyes darted around. "You cook noodles for me, like last time."
"it is good."
Jiang Yu went to the kitchen to cook noodles.
Liu Yifei changed into her home clothes and sat cross-legged at the dining table to wait.
Soon, two steaming bowls of tomato and egg noodles were served, simple yet incredibly fragrant.
"Your noodle-cooking skills are getting better and better." Liu Yifei took a bite and squinted her eyes in satisfaction.
"Practice makes perfect." Jiang Yu sat down opposite her. "Eat."
The two ate noodles quietly, their atmosphere as warm and cozy as that of an ordinary couple.
After the meal, Liu Yifei took the initiative to wash the dishes, while Jiang Yu went to the study to deal with several urgent emails.
Just as Liu Yifei came out of the kitchen, Jiang Yu came out of the study, carrying a laptop.
"Here, take a look." He handed her the computer. "The final version of the Weibo launch plan, just sent by President Cao."
Liu Yifei took it, sat down on the sofa, and carefully looked through it.
The plan is very detailed; starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow, the promotional content for each hour has been arranged.
Her first official Weibo post was scheduled for 10:00 AM on August 25th, with carefully designed text and pictures.
"This photo..." Liu Yifei saw the photo used in the proposal. It was a candid shot taken last month when she was reading in Jiang Yu's study. It was very natural and lifelike.
"I chose it." Jiang Yu sat down next to her. "Don't you like it?"
"I like it." Liu Yifei nodded. "It just feels...so real, without the glamour of a celebrity."
"What we want is authenticity," Jiang Yu said. "The charm of Weibo lies in its authenticity. You don't need to deliberately create any image; just be yourself."
Liu Yifei continued reading.
The plan also includes a series of interactive initiatives: she will follow the first batch of celebrity users, participate in discussions on trending topics, and host a short online Q&A session in the evenings.
"I feel so busy," she said.
"The first day will be a bit busy, but it will get normal after that," Jiang Yu said. "And you have a team to help you, so you don't have to do everything yourself."
Liu Yifei closed her laptop and smiled, "Yes, I'm ready."
Jiang Yu looked at her and suddenly smiled.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I remember the first time you posted on Weibo," Jiang Yu said. "You were in Zhangjiajie, just posting a test," and you were incredibly nervous.
Liu Yifei blushed: "That was the first time..."
"Aren't you afraid now?"
"I'm not afraid anymore," Liu Yifei said, leaning on his shoulder. "Because you're here."
Those four simple words warmed Jiang Yu's heart.
He held her tighter: "Yes, I'm here. I've always been."
The two chatted for a while longer until Liu Yifei started yawning.
"Go to sleep," Jiang Yu said. "We still need to prepare for going online the day after tomorrow."
"Okay." Liu Yifei nodded and stood up.
Liu Yifei walked towards the bedroom, but as she reached the door, she suddenly turned back and said, "Jiang Yu."
"Um?
""
"Um... I've thought it through about moving in." Liu Yifei's face flushed slightly, but her eyes were firm. "I'll move in as soon as I get back from Venice. Not the guest room, but the master bedroom."
Jiang Yu's eyes lit up, and he stood up and walked towards her: "Have you thought it through?"
"I've thought it through." Liu Yifei nodded. "I want to see you the first thing I see when I wake up every morning, I want to share a walk-in closet with you, I want to make breakfast together in the kitchen... I want to truly live with you."
Jiang Yu lowered his head and kissed her. The kiss was gentle and lingering, carrying the taste of a promise.
When they parted, their foreheads touched.
"I've already cleared out half of the wardrobe in the master bedroom for you," Jiang Yu said in a low voice. "The vanity is also empty; it's waiting for you to fill it in."
Liu Yifei laughed: "How did you know I would agree?"
"I don't know," Jiang Yu said honestly, "but I'm prepared, I've always been prepared."
"Then I will definitely live up to your expectations." Liu Yifei tiptoed and gave him a light peck on the lips. "Goodnight, my Mr. Jiang."
Goodnight, my Miss Liu.
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