novelraw Chapter 250: Su Yu, Wen Ruan
Chapter 250: Su Yu, Wen Ruan
2017.
March in Modu resembled a vibrant, colorful painting brimming with life.
The spring breeze gently swept away winter's lingering chill.
Yet Su Yu, sitting in the lounge, felt only an icy coldness throughout her body.
Her mind kept replaying the words her manager had told her:
"Xiao Yu, I'm sorry, but there's no room for reversal in this matter."
"Black PR articles about you are flooding the entire internet. The company can't possibly clean this up, and we have our own difficulties."
"Tomorrow we'll officially announce your withdrawal from Echo. Lin Yue will replace you as main vocalist."
"Lay low for a while, go study and recharge. You're still young."
...She had debuted at 17 as one of Echo's first-generation members.
Three years later, while all three original teammates had been replaced twice, she alone remained as the group's main dancer and visual center.
Later, when the company wanted to train new members and had her give up the main dancer position, she voiced no complaints.
She worked tirelessly on her vocals instead, transitioning to become the main vocalist.
As team leader, she helped teammates gain fan recognition, voluntarily reduced her own exposure, coached and encouraged them, helping each cultivate their own fanbase...
Slowly elevating Echo's fame and influence.
The hardships behind this were unimaginable to outsiders.
The overwhelming stress gave her severe sleep disorders and eating disturbances.
Only her identity as Echo's leader and fan support kept her going.
Just as her and Echo's popularity was peaking, she suffered betrayal from three teammates.
Those who once sweated together pursuing dreams now became those who hurt her most.
Group bullying, tearing up teammate posters, smoking and alcoholism...
A series of fabricated scandals paired with maliciously edited clips and photos subjected her to unprecedented online violence and slander.
The management's indifference and abandonment left her utterly heartbroken.
...
At the concert venue,
she received boos from the audience as countless glow sticks extinguished.
Her world completely darkened and collapsed.
She began having frequent nightmares, even showing signs of depression. Get full chapters from novel★fire.net
After repeated urging from family and friends,
she put on a hat, sunglasses, grabbed her guitar, and went to a secluded park corner to vent through music.
One early April day,
he suddenly sat beside her,
handing her a budding cherry blossom branch.
He wore ordinary sweats and jeans, a baseball cap and black-framed glasses, with a faint smile.
Clean-cut yet carrying an ambitious youthful aura, his demeanor was unusually composed and aloof.
Most importantly, though she felt she'd seen him before, she was certain they'd never met.
Taking her guitar, his masterful playing with mesmerizing melodies reignited light in her eyes.
Standing up, he blocked the harsh sunlight for her,
shielding her from all external oppression and slander.
A sheltering presence under clear skies.
He was a walking contradiction.
...
Modu, Emerald Lake Residences.
Su Yu awoke to find her pillow damp with tears as usual.
Sitting up, the silky sheets slid to her waist, revealing graceful curves.
Her rounded shoulders and delicate collarbones formed alluring lines.
Sighing, she stepped barefoot onto the soft rug.
Parting the curtains slightly, morning light illuminated her face.
Long lashes fluttered, casting faint shadows.
Her flawless porcelain skin carried a refined coolness.
84 hours until the concert.
In the dining room,
an elaborate breakfast awaited.
Eating slowly, she recalled last night's dream.
Recently, or rather since Tang Song appeared in Modu, her dreams became frequent and vivid.
Somehow she kept feeling she'd see him again soon.
Perhaps because of that song "Dream Echoes"?
"Tap tap tap—" Her assistant Cheng Xiaoxi hurried over: "Sister Yu, Ji Qiuyu from Nebula International arrived in Modu yesterday midnight. Will you meet her today?"
"Jingwu Capital's acquisition of Lightshadow Media shares is proceeding."
"Ms. Ouyang is attending the 2023 New Energy Expo and can't make your concert."
"Smile Holdings' Assistant Lin says Director Jin can't go to Yancheng but will watch the livestream."
"Understood." Wiping her mouth, Su Yu showed little disappointment.
Taking her phone, she opened a screenshot of a hand-drawn portrait sketch:
Dappled light, flowing hair, raised shoulders, tear-filled eyes...
"Wen Ruan, Wen Ruan. Jin Meixiao has turned her attention to you."
She silently repeated the name with complex emotions.
...
June 17, 2023, Saturday, cloudy, 24-35°C.
Yanjing Tiancheng, secondary bedroom.
Tang Song awoke to bright daylight.
Lin Muxue was absent from the bed.
Raising an eyebrow, he sat up,
noticing the messy traces and the dress hanging nearby.
Memories of last night surfaced:
Undulating curves, smooth skin, slender legs...
Flushed face, sharp cries, flying water magic...
Recalling the soiled sheets, his expression turned oddly amused.
This wild passion was something Qianqian never displayed.
Who knew you had this side, Xiaoxue?
Finding no clothes, he walked naked to the master bedroom.
Last night's bedding had disappeared,
but Lin Muxue's Hermès bag remained, indicating she hadn't left.
Donning sportswear from the closet, he heard laundry room noises down the hall.
The frosted glass door was ajar.
Lin Muxue adjusted an electric drying rack
with freshly washed bedding.
Hearing footsteps, she turned quickly,
tucking hair behind her ear, blushing: "Good morning, Tang Song."
Her embarrassment was unmistakable.
Last night's excitement had numbed her, but now she felt she'd lost all dignity.
She'd imagined their one-night stand as impulsive, hormonal, romantic and passionate.
Never expected to lose control and wet the bed before him.
She'd never done such things since childhood.
This completely contradicted her usual persona, devastating her.
"Morning." Leaning against the doorframe, Tang Song admired her resilience.
After last night's first-time marathon session,
she'd already showered, done makeup and hair.
Wanting him to see her at her best?
Quite the little schemer.
Biting her lip, she approached in slippers: "I...bought breakfast. It's in the dining room."
"Thanks, let's eat together."
At the solid wood table,
Lin Muxue ate some wontons before murmuring:
"My classmates are coming around 10:30. May I host lunch here as we discussed?"
"Of course."
"Thank you. I'll move out after they leave Yancheng."
She didn't assume one night made her his girlfriend entitled to trusts or property.
If anything, she'd benefited greatly -
sleeping with this godlike man while landing a high-paying job.
Only regret was not leaving a romantic impression.
"No rush."
After breakfast, she tidied the bedroom
and changed into homely attire.
Finishing emails in the study, Tang Song found her on the sofa:
"I bought computer parts. Want to help me build a PC today?"
Startled, she quickly stood: "I know nothing about tech but can hand you tools."
She recognized his goodwill.
In the media room,
Tang Song unpacked components, happily assembling while explaining parts to her.
Having a beauty beside made the work enjoyable.
Lin Muxue sat quietly, offering compliments and emotional support.
A WeChat alert sounded.
Checking her phone, she said: "My classmates left. They'll arrive in half an hour."
"OK." Putting down parts, Tang Song pulled her close:
"I'll change clothes. Time to play boyfriend-girlfriend, right?"
Blushing brightly, she whispered:
"I took morning-after pills. Don't worry - I won't cling or tell Qianqian."
"Ah..." Surprised but not regretting his unused protection,
he appreciated her thoughtfulness.
Leading her to the closet,
he opened the safe and gave her concert tickets and gold bars:
"Small gifts for you."
Stunned, her heartbeat accelerated.
"Thank you." She kissed him passionately, body swaying gently.
...
At Yanjing Tiancheng's east gate,
a white Corolla parked.
Two women emerged.
"Is this it?" Chen Siyue aimed her camera at the entrance.
Mao Wenqiong nodded: "One of Yancheng's most luxurious complexes - 30,000+/sqm and extremely scarce listings."
As someone planning marriage in Yancheng, she knew real estate well.
Though buying here was unimaginable.
"Pricey but central with great environment." Chen Siyue patted her:
"You just watch while I film later."
After last night's incident, He Xiaohui refused to come, still sulking.
Another classmate Li Da was unreachable.
Only these two remained of the original four.
"Is her boyfriend really that handsome?" Mao Wenqiong asked shyly.
"Wait and see - no exaggeration." Chen Siyue said enviously:
"Isn't Xiaoxue here yet?"
"She texted saying something came up - asked us to wait."
After ten minutes, Lin Muxue arrived in white tee, skinny jeans and sneakers - youthful and bright.
"Sorry, our kitchen pipe clogged and flooded. My boyfriend helped fix it."
"No problem!" Chen Siyue said excitedly: "Let's film the compound first!"
Before classmates, Lin Muxue resumed her aloof financier persona -
though her walk seemed slightly off.
Walking through elegant gardens,
Chen Siyue filmed while discussing the complex's features.
Mao Wenqiong gazed longingly - her dream was owning a Yancheng home with her boyfriend.
Entering the luxurious lobby,
Lin Muxue said: "I'm sorry Xiaohui didn't come."
"She's unwell...preparing for the concert." Chen Siyue explained awkwardly.
The elevator reached the 20th floor.
Turning down the wide hallway, they faced an imposing armored door.
Even before entering, they were awed.
Inputting the code gracefully, Lin Muxue ushered them in.
Despite expectations, the sight stunned them.
This was a penthouse!
Mao Wenqiong recalled seeing Yanjing Tiancheng penthouses on Douyin -
one per floor in a single building,
owned only by Yancheng's elite.
"How big is this?" Chen Siyue asked hoarsely.
"390 sqm."
"Holy shit!"
Mao Wenqiong froze - with this decor, it must cost nearly 20 million!
Unfathomable.
"It's alright." Lin Muxue smiled calmly:
"My boyfriend's working in the study - can't appear on camera. I'll show you around."
She knew boundaries - this was Tang Song's home, not for excessive exposure.
"Just film your living spaces - bedroom, closet, kitchen etc."
As they walked,
the penthouse's luxury unfolded:
270° windows, artistic island counters, designer furniture...
Perfection blending comfort and aesthetics.
Their hearts raced taking it all in.
Entering the walk-in closet,
they gasped at the lavish display -
like a luxury boutique.
Every girl's dream closet!
Though pleased by their envy, Lin Muxue felt little excitement -
nothing compared to last night's intensity with Tang Song.
After recent experiences, especially with someone like him,
her mindset had elevated beyond high school rivalries.
She'd leveled up - time to aim higher!
...
Huaxiang Restaurant, Qiaoxi District.
Delicate dishes covered the table as soft music played.
Zhao Mingying gazed at Wen Ruan:
"Returning to Yancheng was right - you look much better!"
Wen Ruan smiled: "You haven't changed much - just less hair."
Touching his bald spot, he sighed:
"Living in the Imperial Capital is hard."
"With family and mortgage at over 35,
I'm walking on eggshells to avoid layoffs.
Working till 9pm daily, losing hair by the handful."
"Nebula's expanding under Tang Entertainment. You might still advance."
"You were always outstanding - without those scandals,
you'd be mid-management by now."
Eight years ago they'd joined Nebula together.
He remembered her vibrant ambition,
and regretted her misfortunes.
"No use dwelling. I'm happy in Yancheng -
easy job near home, with...interesting friends."
In the Imperial Capital, she'd poured everything into her career.
After years of effort when promotion seemed certain,
colleagues' rumors destroyed it.
Returning to Yancheng defeated,
her five years there amounted to nothing.
The sole benefit was media connections through Nebula.
Now she freelanced for them, earning well through ads -
funding her travels to maintain these ties.
Far better than her Imperial Capital days.
If laid off later, she could start a media agency.
Her prepared backup plan.
"Actually, I came to tell you -
Nebula's opening a Yancheng branch.
The project head is VP Ji. We joined together -
I could recommend you if you're interested."
"Media VP Ji Qiuyu?"
"Yes! You could restart your career here in Yancheng."
"I'll consider it. I'm visiting the Imperial Capital next week for Simin's wedding."
Her calm heart stirred again by this possibility.