novelraw Chapter 809: Shut Out
Chapter 809: Shut Out
Wednesday, January 10, 2024, clear.
Shen City, Shekou Hillside Villa.
The morning sun pierced through the thin mist, spilling onto the ancient podocarpus tree in the courtyard.
Inside the master bedroom, a faint scent of agarwood lingered in the air.
Ouyang Xianyue had long since risen.
Steam filled the bathroom; she had just concluded an elaborate, lengthy morning bath.
She stood on the warm marble floor, only a white bath towel loosely wrapped around her waist.
Before the enormous floor-to-ceiling mirror, the reflection showed a body that had been refined by the years, becoming only more full and lustrous, like a pearl.
She tilted slightly, scrutinizing her own figure in the mirror.
As if evaluating a precious treasure about to be presented on the most important exhibition stage.A moment later.
She let out a soft laugh, turned, and walked out of the bedroom.
Secretary Chen was already waiting silently in the living room as usual.
"Good morning, Ms. Ouyang."
"Morning."
Ouyang Xianyue sat down by the floor-to-ceiling window in the dining area. Secretary Chen poured her a glass of warm water and immediately began her report: "All VPs and above at [Xuanji Optical World] have confirmed they will arrive at Guanlan Lake on time this morning. Several specially invited members of domestic family offices also arrived in Dongguan last night and have been properly accommodated."
Ouyang Xianyue gave a slight nod, taking small sips of the warm water, her posture graceful and dignified. "What about Jiang Yourong?"
Secretary Chen replied promptly, "Director Jiang arrived in Yangcheng last night and checked into the Four Seasons Hotel."
"Hmm." A flicker passed through Ouyang Xianyue's eyes.
She naturally understood Jin Meixiao's intention in placing Jiang Yourong there.
She felt nothing but contempt in her heart for Jin Meixiao's almost overt, crude, and direct method of intervention, yet she was helpless against it.
After all, she had always adhered to rules and propriety.
Secretary Chen, reading her expression, continued smoothly with the main itinerary for the day.
Then, she lowered her voice slightly, saying, "There's one more thing, specifically requested by Miss Su Yu yesterday. She hopes to temporarily revoke the event access of one invited guest."
Following that, Secretary Chen briefly and clearly reported the limited information she had gathered.
It covered Hengke Group, Young Master Zhou Ran, and Bei Yuwei.
After listening, Ouyang Xianyue's face showed not the slightest ripple. She merely said indifferently, "Such a trivial matter, you handle it as you see fit. No need to report it to me again."
In her eyes, not to mention a playboy like Zhou Ran, even his father, Zhou Lingjun, was not worth mentioning, far from reaching a level that required her personal attention.
As for that little starlet called Bei Yuwei.
Such fleeting flowers and drifting willow catkins in the entertainment industry didn't even have the qualification to stir a ripple in her heart.
What she truly focused on was only Tang Song.
The morning light outside the window grew brighter, dispelling the last traces of mist.
Ouyang Xianyue set down her water glass, stood up, and returned to the bedroom.
She sat before the mirror and began an exceptionally meticulous skincare and makeup routine for the day.
She chose a foundation that better matched her skin tone and could brighten her complexion. For eye makeup, she used an ultra-fine eyeliner and earth-toned eyeshadow to subtly outline the deeper, more spirited contours of her phoenix eyes. The lipstick was a classic dusty rose, gentle and sophisticated.
Everything had to be perfect.
It couldn't appear overly deliberate, yet it had to showcase her physical charm to the fullest.
After finishing, she walked to the walk-in closet, her fingers gliding over rows of haute couture garments.
She didn't choose the professional suits she most often wore, but instead selected a deep brown double-breasted wide-leg pantsuit.
Paired with a silk beige blouse inside, it wouldn't appear dull and perfectly accentuated her fair skin and full yet perfectly proportioned curves.
Utterly minimalist, yet every detail exuded impeccable taste and the absolute confidence belonging to her social stratum.
Ouyang Xianyue gazed quietly at her reflection in the mirror.
Her full chest rose and fell slightly with the inner turmoil.
She gripped tightly the [Xianyue's Blessing] pendant resting against her skin, warm from her body heat.
The woman in the mirror remained dignified, magnificent, flawless, but within those serene phoenix eyes, one could now clearly see the spring waters and desires, long suppressed and restrained, finally breaking through the soil and emerging.
And Jin Meixiao's kind of sneaky obstruction and surveillance not only failed to make her retreat, but instead stirred an impulse to do something "out of line."
"Ms. Ouyang." Secretary Chen's voice came softly from outside the door.
Ouyang Xianyue's fingertips released the jade pendant, her expression instantly reverting to its usual grace and authority.
"President Tang has already departed from Yangcheng and is expected to arrive at Guanlan Lake around 9:30."
Ouyang Xianyue stood up and walked towards the door with elegant, unhurried steps. "Let's go."
Dongguan, Film and Television Base, InterContinental Holiday Hotel.
Morning, with pleasant sunshine.
A luxurious business coach bearing the "Fingertip Starlight" crew logo was smoothly departing the hotel, heading towards the Mission Hills Golf Club dozens of kilometers away.
The atmosphere inside the vehicle was subtle.
Everyone knew full well that their roles today were more like high-end background pieces to embellish the scene.
Bei Yuwei sat alone in a window-side independent seat, wearing large sunglasses that covered half her face, her head slightly tilted towards the window as if resting with closed eyes.
She wasn't wearing any ostentatious gown today. Following her agent's advice, she wore a simply designed little black dress, with that beige trench coat draped over it for cover.
It maintained decency while trying as much as possible to lower her presence.
She glanced at Bei Yuwei several times, wanting to say something but swallowing her words each time.
For this event, the organizers had invited the director and 6 actors in major roles.
Originally, Lin Keke, as the third female lead, was also on the invitation list.
Even though her role had changed later due to Young Master Zhou's intervention, the crew didn't dare arbitrarily alter this already-sent invitation list.
If it were before, being able to attend such a gathering of top-tier big shots would have excited Lin Keke so much she couldn't sleep.
But now, her significant scenes were gone; she was just a minor supporting character.
Her mindset had somewhat collapsed.
What made her even more uneasy inside was that last night, Bei Yuwei's agent, Sister Bing, had specifically instructed her to be sure to take good care of Bei Yuwei today, whose "condition might not be good."
Add to that that persistently pestering, using capital to exert pressure on Zhou Ran, Young Master Zhou...
This was a classic "battlefield of carnage."
She had no background in the entertainment industry. Bei Yuwei was her only support.
Now, even her backer was struggling to protect herself, making the fear of the unknown in her heart grow even stronger.
A gentle male voice broke the heavy silence.
Xu An, the third male lead, walked over holding several exquisite paper bags, a perfectly appropriate look of concern on his face.
"Morning. I noticed you didn't go to the restaurant. Didn't have breakfast? I happened to buy some freshly made sandwiches and hot milk downstairs. Have something to fill your stomach?"
He had many scenes with Lin Keke and had been discussing the script together before, so they were somewhat familiar.
She indeed hadn't managed to eat, to be exact, was too nervous to have any appetite.
Bei Yuwei, however, maintained her posture facing the window. Her eyes behind the sunglasses didn't move; she merely shook her head slightly in polite refusal.
Xu An's hand froze for a moment in mid-air. "Alright. If you get hungry later, just call me anytime. I'll save some for you."
"Any other beauties and handsome guys who haven't had breakfast? Authentic black pepper beef sandwiches, gone if you're slow!"
"Ah! An'an is so thoughtful! Give me one quick! I didn't eat this morning either to fit into this gown!" A charming and straightforward female voice immediately came from the back. It was the crew's second female lead, Ning Yufei.
With Ning Yufei's voice, the frozen atmosphere in the vehicle was instantly broken.
Others also began making small jokes, harmless little quips, using them to ease the tension in their hearts.
Mission Hills Golf Club.
The luxurious bus slowly drove through the club's grand gate.
Passing through the lush, tree-lined avenues on both sides, that imposing and magnificent clubhouse main building finally came into view.
Outside the windows, rolling stretches of emerald green fairways stretched under the sunlight.
From time to time, business cars could be seen, guided by security personnel in white gloves, elegantly gliding into the VIP parking area.
The bus stopped at the designated group reception area.
The crew members gathered their composure and adjusted their attire. Under the guidance of the club's concierge staff, they walked through a landscaped corridor planted with expensive palm trees towards the clubhouse main lobby for check-in.
Entering the luxurious lobby with at least two-story high ceilings and a floor so polished it could reflect light, the crew members who had been chatting and laughing softly suddenly halted their steps. Their expressions subtly changed in unison.
An extremely conspicuous figure stood up from the lounge area not far away and walked directly towards them.
Today he wore a well-tailored light-colored casual suit. He hadn't brought bodyguards, but the aura of a wealthy young master was undiminished.
Bei Yuwei's body under the trench coat stiffened almost imperceptibly.
"Hello, Mr. Zhou!"
Director Li Wenmo was the first to react, instantly piling on an enthusiastic smile and quickly stepping forward to greet him.
The other actors also nodded in greeting one after another, their attitudes polite and ingratiating.
"Hmm." Zhou Ran responded perfunctorily, his eyes always carrying a hint of amusement and certainty, fixed on Bei Yuwei.
"Good morning, Mr. Zhou. Quite smooth, thank you for your concern."
Bei Yuwei took off her large sunglasses, revealing an exquisite face, a standard sweet smile on her face.
Zhou Ran seemed not to catch her coldness, or simply didn't care.
He continued on his own, "Let's stick together later. I prepared a limited-edition golf outfit for you; the color really suits you. Go change into it later, I'll take you out on the course, and by the way introduce you to a few friends."
As he spoke, he very naturally made a "please" gesture.
For a moment, everyone's gazes gathered on her.
Her fingers holding the trench coat lapel slowly tightened.
She knew this was Zhou Ran's final ultimatum to her, also the last step down.
If she refused... that would be publicly slapping this crown prince's face.
At such a time, she had to make a clean break, no matter how severe the consequences.
If she continued being indirect, and if by any chance Tang Song misunderstood that she had ambiguous relations with Zhou Ran... that would be the real catastrophic disaster.
"Sorry, Mr. Zhou." Bei Yuwei took a deep breath, raised her head, and looked directly into his eyes. "I have work duties today. And... I've already made plans with someone. I'm afraid I won't have much time to play golf with you."
Complex gazes fell upon her one after another.
A kind of tension and excitement akin to watching a good show filled the air.
For this suddenly popular rising star, who was also the most favored person in the crew, underlying competitive mentality and subtle jealousy had already placed her in the spotlight.
Now, her such public refusal of Zhou Ran would inevitably have a huge impact.
Zhou Ran's eyes instantly narrowed, the faint smile finally vanishing from his face.
He stared at Bei Yuwei, asking word by word, "Oh? Made plans with someone? Who?"
His tone was full of doubt and a veiled threat.
"Are you sure?" Zhou Ran's voice grew colder.
"Yes." Bei Yuwei met his gaze. Though her heart pounded like a drum, she still nodded firmly.
"Very well." Zhou Ran suddenly gave a cold laugh, no longer looking at Bei Yuwei. Instead, he abruptly turned to the second female lead, Ning Yufei, standing nearby. "Yufei, it seems someone is very busy today. So, are you interested in playing a couple of rounds with me today?"
"Very well." Zhou Ran suddenly gave a cold laugh, no longer looking at Bei Yuwei. Instead, he abruptly turned to the second female lead, Ning Yufei, standing nearby. "Yufei, it seems someone is very busy today. So, are you interested in playing a few rounds with me today?"
Ning Yufei clearly hadn't anticipated this sudden "being called upon" surprise.
After a few seconds of weighing her options, a charming and tactful smile bloomed on her face. "Ah, that would be wonderful! As it happens, I haven't touched a club in ages, my hands are itching! President Zhou, you'll have to teach me more!"
As she spoke, she stepped forward two paces, very "naturally" lightly linking her arm with Zhou Ran's, her body slightly leaning towards him. Her posture showed closeness, yet maintained the propriety and flattery an artist should have when facing an investor.
It was important to know that, according to the host's rules, they, the invited artists and celebrities, actually had no qualification to play on the course as VIPs.
Their main scope of activity was usually limited to designated viewing areas and social venues, more like performing guests.
Bei Yuwei stood quietly where she was, putting her sunglasses back on, concealing the emotions in her eyes.
"Alright, alright, everyone check in first, don't delay matters." Director Li Wenmo timely stepped in to smooth things over.
Everyone immediately took the opportunity to cluster around Zhou Ran and head towards the check-in counter ahead.
Zhou Ran gave Bei Yuwei a deep look, that calm and composed smile reappearing on his face. He led Ning Yufei straight to the check-in counter.
With a composed manner, he took a gilded invitation card from his suit's inner pocket and handed it over.
A well-trained female staff member accepted it with both hands, scanning the QR code with professional equipment.
However, the next second, the staff member's expression changed slightly.
She looked up and said in a clear voice, just loud enough for those nearby to hear, "Mr. Zhou, I sincerely apologize. The system indicates you do not have access permissions for today's main event venue. Please proceed to the adjacent public lounge area. You are free to use some of the entertainment facilities within the clubhouse and the associated resort hotel areas. We wish you a pleasant day at Mission Hills."
As soon as the words fell, the crew members behind, who had still been whispering, instantly fell completely silent.
The smile on Zhou Ran's face instantly froze, as if he had been slapped hard.
He leaned slightly forward towards the counter, his voice lowered,
He brought up his father and an acquainted senior executive, trying to exert pressure.
The staff member's expression showed not the slightest wavering, maintaining her professional calm.
"I am very sorry, Mr. Zhou. The overall VIP access permission management for the club today is fully handled by a third-party professional security company designated by the event host. We are merely cooperating in its execution. Our terminal shows you are not authorized to enter the main venue. Please understand and cooperate with our work."
She didn't acknowledge Zhou Ran's mention of "contacting Manager Zhang." Instead, she slightly turned her body, her gaze politely shifting to the side.
Almost simultaneously, several security personnel in uniform black suits swiftly approached the vicinity of the check-in counter.
The lead security personnel timely stepped forward half a pace, coming to a stop in front of Zhou Ran's side.
He didn't say anything superfluous, merely extended a hand in a clear guiding gesture. The movement was standard, yet carried intangible pressure.
Bei Yuwei, who had been on edge the whole time, was completely stunned.
Immediately afterwards, an indescribable elation surged in her heart.
She almost failed to control her own expression.
But it meant the trouble that had been terrifying her had vanished.
The immense pressure suddenly released, making her almost weak, while also filling her with the relief of having survived a disaster.
Zhou Ran's face turned from pale to red, then from red to white.
With his usual temperament, if subjected to such treatment, he would absolutely fly into a rage.
But he knew today's occasion was special.
According to his father, the identities of the guests were extremely special, all were important figures.
If he truly caused trouble here, that would be inviting disaster for the family.
In the end.
Under the gazes from the crew members behind him that felt almost tangible.
Zhou Ran took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the churning anger and immense sense of humiliation in his chest.
Clenching his teeth, his voice tense, he said, "Fine. Then I'll await your explanation."
Just moments ago, he had been using his extraordinary "membership qualification" to display superior sense of superiority and control before Bei Yuwei, enjoying the envious or awed gazes of everyone.
Yet in the blink of an eye, he was publicly slapped in the face.
A searing anger simmered in his heart.
Ning Yufei beside him looked awkward, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
That bit of secret delight and scheming from earlier instantly vanished without a trace.
But Zhou Ran directly shook off her hand, adjusted his suit, turned, and strode with large steps towards the adjacent lounge area. His back appeared particularly disheveled.
In a subtle and eerie silence.
The crew members stepped forward one by one to check in and receive their badges.
The entire process was efficient and quiet. No one dared to speak loudly; only frequent and rapid eye contact exchanged information in the air.
Bei Yuwei kept her head down, following the flow of people, walked through the gate leading to the internal core area.
Passing through a corridor laid with thick wool carpet, the noise was completely shut out.
This area was more private and restrained than the entrance lobby. An entire huge curved floor-to-ceiling window framed the continuous emerald green of the Olazabal course's signature hole and the distant mountain scenery outside into a painting.
A sparse few earlier guests were already scattered across various wide leather sofas.
Their expressions were composed, their every movement exuding a relaxed air of wealth and status.
Occasionally, waiters carrying silver trays weaved among them.
Just as Bei Yuwei and the others had just stepped into the lounge, a familiar figure hurriedly came up to meet them.
It was one of the crew's co-producers, Wei Tingsong.
He was also the vice president of a quite influential local media and advertising company in Dongguan, considered the key person who facilitated the connection between the crew and the host.
Seeing someone from their own side, Director Li Wenmo and the others immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Wei Tingsong's gaze swiftly swept over the crowd, frowning as he asked, "Where's Mr. Zhou? Didn't he come in with you?"
As a well-connected local power player, he had long-standing ties with Zhou Ran. The itinerary arrangements of Bei Yuwei and others had also been intentionally or unintentionally disclosed to him by the other party.
He had originally calculated that today, leveraging this Young Master Zhou's face, he could more comfortably chat and expand connections with some truly important figures at the event.
Thus he paid extra attention to Zhou Ran.
Li Wenmo's expression changed slightly, he leaned close to him, and in an extremely low voice, briefly recounted what had just happened at the check-in counter.
Wei Tingsong's pupils suddenly contracted, and he was completely stunned.
Having mixed in Dongguan for so many years, he certainly knew the weight of the Hengke Group.
He never imagined Zhou Ran would be denied entry like this in Dongguan.
He rapidly snapped out of his shock, forcibly suppressing the emotions in his heart. Turning to face the crew, his expression unprecedentedly serious:
"The scale of today's event is several levels higher than we previously anticipated. Due to some special circumstances, many heavyweight guests have been added at the last minute. So, I hope everyone watches their words and actions carefully!"
"Be extremely careful. Absolutely cannot allow any mishaps to occur."
Hearing this warning, everyone's expressions became solemn.
They all understood in their hearts that in the eyes of the outside world, they were glamorous, star-studded celebrities.
But in this gathering that brought together the real top-tier power, they might not even count as exquisite embellishments or movable background pieces.
Merely dispensable decorations in this grand ceremony.
Under Wei Tingsong's meaningful glance, the group walked to a set of sofas on one side of the lounge, slightly off-center but with a decent view, and somewhat stiffly took their seats one after another.
Only at this moment, with her bottom landing on the soft leather sofa, did Bei Yuwei feel as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted, letting out a long sigh.
"Yuwei..." Lin Keke beside her leaned closer, her voice pressed extremely low, carrying uncontrollable excitement and lingering fear, "That's great... he... that trouble..."
She didn't dare mention Zhou Ran's name, but the meaning in her eyes was clear.
Bei Yuwei didn't respond immediately, merely closed her eyes slightly, calming her own equally pounding heartbeat.
Then she took out her phone from her clutch and opened the chat window with Tang Song.
Her fingertip paused for a moment on the screen, carefully choosing her words: "President Tang, I have already arrived at the venue. Approximately when will you arrive? Would it be convenient to let me know before you do? It's been a long time. I really wish to see you the moment you arrive and personally welcome you."
A hint of soft anticipation appeared on Bei Yuwei's pretty face.
With the ticking time bomb of Zhou Ran eliminated, her heart, repeatedly tormented, finally could temporarily settle back into her chest cavity.
What she needed to do next was, when meeting Tang Song, explain the matter of Zhou Ran in a clever and seemingly unintentional way.
After all, Zhou Ran's identity was indeed significant. She had thoroughly offended him now, and there might be some retaliation.