Chapter 9: Welcome Back to Shangjing District

Duan Qingyu turned the steering wheel, looking ahead. “You just abandoned the BMW like that?”

“I’ll have someone drive it tomorrow. I don’t feel like driving today.” Ji Xueli pressed the car window, and the cold wind blew in, messing up her hair.

“So, you want me to be your driver?” Duan Qingyu’s tone was somewhat dangerous and impatient.

Ji Xueli turned to look at him and straightforwardly said, “I just want to stay with you a little longer.”

A red light appeared ahead, and Duan Qingyu slammed on the brakes. Ji Xueli’s body lurched forward uncontrollably, but luckily the seatbelt held her back.

He glanced at her, his gaze strong and direct. Though it was tinged with a smile, his aura was one of authority, exuding an unsettling pressure.

“Why are you chasing after me?”

Ji Xueli knew from his question that he must have been told everything. She wasn’t planning to hide anything anyway.

“It wouldn’t be fun if I explained everything so clearly.” Ji Xueli looked back, unafraid.

Duan Qingyu’s voice was indifferent. “Don’t you know that we didn’t part on good terms before?”

“Now, I just want things to end on a good note.” Ji Xueli shrugged, showing she didn’t care.

If things could truly be happy, she wouldn’t be chasing after him like this, looking for reconciliation.

“The light’s green.” Ji Xueli noticed he hadn’t moved and reminded him.

Duan Qingyu now found the person beside him hard to understand. If it was intentional, it should have ended when they saw Ji Yanzhou, but she still wanted to continue…

Well, let’s continue then, this game is quite thrilling—let’s see who gives in first.

He concealed the emotions that had surfaced in his eyes, pressing the gas pedal. The car shot forward like an arrow, the sound of the engine cold and violent. “Ji Xueli, think carefully, once the bow is drawn, there’s no turning back.”

“Since I’ve said it, I’ve made up my mind.” Ji Xueli looked out the window at the swiftly passing scenery, unconcerned.

She couldn’t exactly say “I want to reconcile,” after all. She had left without a word for so many years; starting anew was the only way to show sincerity. The past should remain unspoken.

Though, she didn’t even remember it anymore.

“Then this game starts because of you. When it ends, that’s my decision…” With a sharp turn, the car drifted, tires screeching against the ground, and Duan Qingyu’s voice followed.

He looked at her, his exquisite face cast in the dim light, casting a shadow that softened his features. He gave a mocking smile, like a ruler declaring the rules of this world.

“Ji Xueli, welcome back to Shangjing District.”

Shangjing District… a world of fame and fortune, a banquet for the rich, where he ruled the game, and she was just a newcomer who had inadvertently offended the big boss…

The gates of hell were about to open…

This successfully piqued Ji Xueli’s strong interest. Since it was a game, let’s see how she plays through it, her big boss.

She smiled back. “Deal. But what if the young master has plans to make things difficult?”

Up ahead was the famous wealthy villa district in Hua City. Duan Qingyu stopped the car in front of a villa, leisurely watching her. His tone was languid yet composed. “Is that how you see me?”

Ji Xueli grabbed her bag and leaned forward, slipping her business card into his chest pocket. The cold fragrance from his body enveloped her, and she could see his smooth, white neck and faint blue veins.

“I hope not.” She looked up, meeting his bottomless eyes.

Duan Qingyu didn’t move, just watching her actions with lowered eyes.

“My number. See you tomorrow.” Ji Xueli waved at him, her cool and aloof face still proud when she smiled.

Her figure disappeared, and the car started. The business card vanished into the wind.

—

Ji Xueli entered her house, panting as she clutched her chest. The pressure from him was too strong—acting opposite him was so difficult. Plus, she didn’t even hope for him to call her. She just wanted to make her presence known.

He might even throw her business card away.

“Li Li, don’t forget dinner tomorrow. I’ll have Uncle Li pick you up at ten in the morning,” her mother reminded her when she saw her.

She almost forgot about that. Ji Xueli nodded. “Hmm, I won’t forget.”

“Make sure to dress nicely; it’s been so long since you’ve seen them.” Her mother walked over and patted her hand, which was a bit cold.

“Mom, you’re not arranging a business marriage or something, are you?” Ji Xueli asked suspiciously.

Her mother laughed helplessly. “What are you talking about? Does our family need something like that?”

Right. That put Ji Xueli’s mind at ease.

“Li Li, I heard your studio is starting to select scripts.” Her father looked up from his computer and asked.

“Yes, after we choose a script, we’ll have a reading session, and then you won’t see me for a while.” Ji Xueli clung to her mother’s arm, acting coquettishly.

Her mother was reluctant. “Can’t you stay a little longer? Take a few months off before you start.”

“How fast is the entertainment industry changing? Besides, I’ve already faded out for three years. If I take a break now, I’ll be forgotten.” Ji Xueli shook her head.

“I remember Yanzhou has an entertainment company under him. Why don’t you go work for his?” Her mother suggested.

Yanzhou? Ji Xueli had no memory of him, and she had already found a place. That place was Duan Qingyu’s company, a highly coveted entertainment giant.

And it just so happened there would be more opportunities to interact.

“No, no. I have my own plans.” Ji Xueli waved her hand to decline.

“Alright then. Don’t forget tomorrow’s dinner. Dress up nicely.” Her mother reminded her again.

Her mother kept reminding her, and Ji Xueli started to suspect the true intention behind the dinner. Surely, they weren’t selling her off…

Ji Xueli smiled. “I know, Mom. I’ll dress up properly.”