Chapter 19: Just Because of You

The soundproofing of the room was excellent. After Duan Qingyu finished washing up, he didn’t hear a single sound from outside.

He opened the balcony door, and the crimson of his fingertips stood out sharply in the night, the smoke swirling around, clouding his vision.

It was already 3 a.m., but he still couldn’t feel the slightest hint of sleepiness, as if he had experienced this countless times before.

The silence around him was suffocating, like an invisible net wrapping around him, with nowhere to escape.

Duan Qingyu extinguished the cigarette, the gloom in his eyes deepening. This scene played out every day. On the outside, he was the powerful heir to Huacheng, someone who controlled life and death. But on the inside, he was already deeply corroded…

The wind from outside had dried some of the strands of hair on his forehead, and his mind cleared a little.

But for some reason, he felt a strong urge to see if the outside world was truly empty, or… something else.

The door opened, and the sound of the TV reached his ears first. Then, Ji Xueli, standing in front of the TV, followed the characters on the screen, mimicking their movements.

It should have been a place of darkness and silence, but at this time, it was suddenly filled with life.

The takeout trash was still on the table.

Duan Qingyu stood still. “What are you doing?”

“You’re awake? Did I wake you up?” Ji Xueli turned her head as she continued her movements, seeing Duan Qingyu standing with his arms crossed. She couldn’t help but ask.

“I haven’t been asleep.”

“Oh, I’m managing my figure. I’m about to join the crew,” Ji Xueli sighed and continued with her yoga.

She acted as if she were completely at ease, like she belonged here.

Duan Qingyu observed her movements for a moment before slowly stepping closer, carrying a chill in the air and the faint scent of smoke.

“Managing your figure while finishing all the food?” He glanced at the empty takeout boxes on the table.

Ji Xueli replied seriously, “It’s shameful to waste food.”

She figured that eating and exercising afterward was almost the same as not eating at all, so it was better to eat.

“Seems like Miss Ji really thinks of this place as her own,” Duan Qingyu said, sipping his water and smirking mockingly.

Ji Xueli ignored the tone in his voice and replied, “Next time, you can come over to my place as a guest, and I’ll let you be the host.”

“The host? Whatever I tell you to do, you’ll do it, won’t you?” Duan Qingyu tapped his fingers on the table, showing a hint of interest.

Ji Xueli switched positions, her eyes glued to the screen. “Do you think I’ll obediently listen to you?”

On the TV, the character switched to a slightly more difficult pose. Ji Xueli hesitated for a moment, struggling with the movement.

But then, a cool hand gently steadied her waist. A man’s scent approached as he helped her complete the movement.

Taken off guard by his sudden closeness, Ji Xueli stiffened for a moment, but quickly relaxed.

“Why do you want to sign with START Entertainment?” Because of their posture, Duan Qingyu was looking down at her. Although it seemed intimate, they both hid their true thoughts.

“Because of you,” Ji Xueli said directly. She couldn’t see Duan Qingyu’s face, nor could she analyze his expression.

She only heard a soft laugh from behind her. Then, as the video on the TV ended, the screen went black, and she saw Duan Qingyu’s dark eyes piercing through her, like a blade, deep and unreadable.

Ji Xueli felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

“Just because of me?” he repeated.

Ji Xueli stopped her movements, stood up, and turned to face him again, affirming, “Just because of you.”

Her beautiful eyes were unwavering as they locked onto his.

For a moment, Duan Qingyu almost believed her words.

“Then come tomorrow to sign the contract, and bring your team,” Duan Qingyu said, no longer saying anything else.

It seemed like being direct worked. Ji Xueli couldn’t hide her excitement. She felt like she was one step closer to success.

“Tomorrow at 9 o’clock. Don’t be late,” Duan Qingyu said, a smirk on his lips.

Ji Xueli’s eyes widened. “9 o’clock?!”

It was almost 4 a.m. now. Asking her to wake up early would be the death of her.

“Can’t you make an exception? 12 o’clock would be fine…” Ji Xueli took a few steps toward him.

Duan Qingyu gave her a cold glance, showing no mercy as he walked toward the door. He left her with a single sentence, “No exceptions.”

The door slammed shut behind him, and Ji Xueli clenched her fists. This was such a ruthless way to punish someone…

It was like killing her heart…