Chapter 3: Almost Forgot Our Yaoyao Is a Celebrity

As Jiang Yaoyao was led out of the room by her wrist, the heat on her face hadn’t entirely faded.

In her mind, two little versions of herself were arguing. One was swooning, her heart racing from Pei Heng’s flirtation. The other was crying and yelling, scolding Jiang Yaoyao for her audacity:

How dare you, Jiang Yaoyao!

That’s Pei Heng, the craziest villain in the entire book!

By the time she stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby, the cool air cleared her head.

Today’s honey trap aimed at Pei Heng was orchestrated by the male protagonist, Wei Changze.

According to their family tree, Wei Changze should technically call Pei Heng “uncle.”

However, their relationship was anything but cordial—more like sworn enemies.

Wei Changze had keenly noticed his “uncle” showing unusual patience toward Jiang Yaoyao. Seizing the opportunity, he approached and successfully manipulated her.

Now, there were plenty of reporters waiting outside the hotel.

According to the plan, the original Jiang Yaoyao would flee wearing a bloodstained white dress, tearfully accusing Pei Heng of using his power to force himself on her.

Such an explosive scandal would tarnish Pei Heng’s reputation, cause the Pei Corporation’s stock price to plummet, and result in a significant loss in market value.

Of course, this was only Wei Changze’s first move against Pei Heng.

He had a whole series of plans to overthrow his cunning step-uncle and help his mother’s side of the family take over the Pei empire.

Unfortunately, the book painted Pei Heng as a villain far too well. Handsome, mad, and almost demonically intelligent.

His characterization was so compelling that the author couldn’t figure out a believable way for Wei Changze to defeat him.

So, the story was abandoned mid-way, leaving both the readers and Jiang Yaoyao—now trapped in this fictional world—to fend for themselves.

A few minutes ago, she’d vowed to keep a low profile as a quiet, unremarkable actress. But now, holding Pei Heng’s hand and walking out together? Forget waiting until tomorrow. The moment she got in the car, “Jiang Yaoyao kept by Pei Heng” would already be trending on social media.

She wouldn’t even have the chance to enter the entertainment industry before being boycotted and forced out of it.

Realizing this, Jiang Yaoyao abruptly stopped walking. Pei Heng, still holding her wrist, paused as well and raised an eyebrow, silently asking her what was wrong.

Jiang Yaoyao, clearly flustered, stammered, “M-Mr. Pei, can we leave through the back door?”

Pei Heng gave her an understanding look, his deep voice calm and composed:

“There are a lot of reporters watching me lately. The back door might have people waiting too.”

Jiang Yaoyao caught the unspoken meaning and nervously curled her fingers inward.

Her neatly trimmed fingertips brushed against the palm of his hand, like a kitten’s tail playfully tickling him. Pei Heng’s lips curved slightly.

“Almost forgot our Yaoyao is a celebrity.”

“Would sunglasses do?”

Half a minute later, Pei Heng took his sunglasses from a bodyguard and gently placed them on Jiang Yaoyao.

Her face was small, her thick, long hair tucked neatly behind her ears. The sunglasses covered most of her face, leaving only her soft, red lips and pointed chin visible, making her look even more demure.

“All set.”

“Mr. Pei—”

A voice called out from ahead. Someone greeted Pei Heng familiarly.

“Seriously, Mr. Pei? All dressed up in the middle of the night—where are you off to?”

The other man’s tone was exaggerated as he crossed his arms, giving Pei Heng a once-over.

Pei Heng was known for being cold and ruthless. Typically, he wore impeccably tailored dark suits, paired with his stern, aloof features, giving off a vibe that kept people at arm’s length.

But today, he was wearing a silver-gray shirt with subtle patterns, accessorized with an exorbitantly priced Nautilus watch on his wrist. Even his hairstyle was meticulously styled, framing his face in a way that made him appear younger and more striking.

The loose strands of hair on his forehead softened his sharp features, contrasting his usual slicked-back, no-nonsense look.

And that shirt! Like a peacock showing off its feathers, he’d left three buttons undone. Who was this person? It was unbelievable.

In a flash, Sheng Yujing’s gaze shifted, landing on the petite beauty beside Pei Heng. His expression turned even more dramatic.

“Ah-ha! Caught you red-handed!”

When his eyes settled on her face, partially concealed by sunglasses, he paused mid-sentence, then briskly approached.

“Why do you look so familiar—”

Before he could get closer, the man standing beside her tightened his grip on her slender wrist and pulled her behind him, shielding her from view.

“Don’t scare her,” Pei Heng said.

The man, who usually wore an icy, unapproachable expression, now had a faint smile on his face. His typically indifferent voice carried a warmth so subtle it was almost imperceptible.

“She’s timid. Don’t make such a fuss here.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll apologize to your wife!” Sheng Yujing relented, adopting a cheeky tone. He made a mock gesture of apology, clasping his hands together toward the beauty Pei Heng was shielding.

“When Mr. Pei finally lets us meet his wife, I’ll make it up to her with a proper gift.”

Pei Heng didn’t bother correcting him. After a polite nod, he led her away.

Still holding her delicate wrist, he guided her through the lavishly decorated lobby toward the entrance.

The autumn night’s chill was sharp, and they could feel the biting wind even before stepping outside.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom waited a dozen meters away from the hotel entrance. Between the car and the door lay a grand staircase, with golden lights reflecting off the steps, creating a dazzling scene of opulence.

The revolving glass doors, embedded with flecks of gold, swirled the autumn wind around them. Her white dress fluttered like a blooming camellia.

It’s so cold.

On such a chilly evening, the original Jiang Yaoyao had worn only a backless white dress. The cold wind stripped away any warmth from her body in an instant.

She suddenly felt grateful for the jacket Pei Heng had given her. Clutching its collar, she was about to step outside when she felt herself lifted off the ground.

The man’s arm wrapped around her back and under her knees, effortlessly picking her up.

“Your heels are too high; walking is inconvenient,” he said softly, his voice low and soothing, as though coaxing a child.

With the light behind him, Jiang Yaoyao couldn’t see his expression clearly, but her heart skipped a beat.

Her long lashes trembled as she looked up at him with wide, watery eyes, her thoughts momentarily halting.

She kept her face tilted upward, watching as Pei Heng strode quickly down the stairs and gently placed her inside the car.

The warmth inside chased away the cold, and even her previously clenched fingers relaxed comfortably.

The car smoothly left the hotel, merging onto a wide asphalt road.

Streetlights on either side flickered past, and the world outside grew quiet.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Jiang Yaoyao lowered her head but couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at Pei Heng.

He sat there steadily, his sharp, handsome features caught between light and shadow, making his expression seem even more cold and distant.

As if sensing her gaze, the man turned his head slightly to meet her eyes.

His thin lips curved into a faint smile, and his deep, star-like eyes softened when they landed on her, drawing her in like a hidden galaxy.

Startled, Jiang Yaoyao instinctively bit her lip and gave him a polite, bashful smile before quickly averting her gaze.

What she didn’t realize was that his eyes had never left her face.

From her clear, watery eyes to her now crimson lips, freshly bitten.

Her lips, soft as flower petals, glowed with a luscious allure, practically inviting a kiss.

Pei Heng’s gaze darkened, fixed on her lips, refusing to look away.

His precious Yaoyao, was simply too adorable.