Chapter 014: Daily Needs

A few days later, during the recording of the second episode of The Actor, Fang Yimeng appeared at the judges’ table in a black velvet mini-dress and Jimmy Choo’s ALIA pointed heels. Beside her was a new, striking figure.

The production staff of The Actor had already met this major investor in person a few days earlier, so they weren’t surprised.
But the celebrity guests and judges were visibly curious about this mysterious, sudden-appearing capital tycoon.

“Hi, Sister Yimeng,”

Bai Lechi, a former child star known online as the ‘frothy puppy’, walked over with a warm smile, clutching a thermos in both hands.

The young man’s features were bright and full of youthful energy—Fang Yimeng remembered him well.

Back in episode one, when she had clashed with Liao Ran, Bai Lechi had played the peacemaker.

“Long time no see, Lechi. I was just watching your new drama while resting at home. That ‘borderland wild pup’ character of yours is pretty good.”

She effortlessly steered the conversation into friendly, familiar territory.

Now it was Bai Lechi’s turn to look surprised.

Just a few days ago, Director Zheng had organized a private dinner with the judges—but none of them had invited Fang Yimeng.

Adult social gatherings always come with unspoken rules.

Whoever isn’t present at dinner… usually becomes the main topic.

Coincidentally, that dinner happened right after Huailing’s CEO had publicly announced his collaboration with Fang Yimeng on Weibo.

Naturally, the discussion got heated.

Rumors said Fang Yimeng never had a pleasant demeanor on set, and even Liao Ran—known in the industry for her gentle and friendly attitude—had complaints about her.

Yet, the worse her reputation became, the more blatant and extravagant her resources got.

It led many to speculate: Had she really hooked the CEO of Huailing?

A low, deep voice interrupted their conversation.

“You go ahead, I’ll be in the meeting room next door talking to Director Zheng.”

Bai Lechi turned to look at Lu Jingshan and tightened his grip on the thermos.

“Wait,” Fang Yimeng interrupted quickly. “Liao Ran isn’t here yet anyway, and we’re not starting anytime soon. I need to talk to you.”

Without giving Bai Lechi another glance, she stood up and grabbed the collar of Lu Jingshan’s white shirt, dragging him outside.

Their interaction was natural and fluid—so in sync that Bai Lechi couldn’t find a way to insert himself into the conversation.
He could only watch helplessly as Fang Yimeng walked off with the Huailing tycoon.

Backstage was crowded and noisy. Fang Yimeng simply took him through the emergency exit, pulled open the heavy iron door, and dragged him into the stairwell.

The dim corridor muffled the outside noise, creating an oddly private atmosphere.

Even in her heels, she barely reached his eye level.

“This is about you investing over a hundred million into The Actor,” she said with a teasing tone, biting down playfully on the word “brother.” “I’m very touched, little brother, but if you keep backing me like this and your company goes bankrupt, it’s going to be humiliating if word reaches Li Jinchen.”

She grinned, lips glistening with gloss, clearly proud of herself.
“But don’t worry—I’ll earn that hundred million back for you, hard.”

She reached out and dusted off his shoulder dramatically, her eyes bright and mischievous, like a seductive fox spirit.

Lu Jingshan’s brow twitched involuntarily, and his deep gaze lingered on her face. His lips pressed into a tight line, a hint of restraint flashing in his eyes.

“Well then, big sister,” he said slowly, “you’d better make sure you really do earn it back for your little brother.”

Their eyes locked.

Just then, noise erupted below—staff members laughing and joking, their voices getting closer.

Fang Yimeng instinctively stepped back, alert like any seasoned celebrity. She was about to leave the stairwell, but her wrist was suddenly grabbed.

The next second, she was pulled upstairs, practically dragged along by Lu Jingshan.

At the landing, Lu Jingshan’s arm wrapped around her slim waist, pressing her to him as he leaned against the wall, shielding her from view.

Thankfully, the group of staff downstairs exited through the emergency door without noticing them.

Caught off guard, Fang Yimeng staggered and ended up pressed against Lu Jingshan’s chest.

His cool, familiar scent enveloped her. Masculine pheromones filled her senses completely.

Since breaking their emotional cycle, this was the first time they’d been this physically close.
Memories buried deep within their bodies stirred again, unbidden.

In the quiet stairwell, their breathing grew heavy, tension laced with an air of unspoken intimacy.

She looked up and saw the heat in his deep-set eyes.

His shadow crept closer, and in the stillness, she could feel his warm breath brushing her skin.

Something cool and damp touched the tip of her nose. She instinctively pursed her lips but held his gaze boldly.

Then her hand loosened. As she pulled it back, her fingers brushed the open collar of his shirt.

A bold thought flashed through her mind.

Her fingers grazed his shoulder, then her middle finger swept down his collarbone. With her thumb and middle finger, she yanked his collar toward her.

He was forced to lean in, bringing their faces even closer—practically nose to nose.

He froze, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly. His dark eyes shimmered with emotion.

She, too, released her clenched lips and, standing on tiptoe in her heels, closed the gap between them.

Their lips met—soft against cool.

They lingered like that, shaping and memorizing each other’s breath and warmth.

No one knew how long it lasted. Only a soft whimper from her throat finally broke the spell.

And with it, her senses returned.

Realizing what she’d just done, she stepped back, putting distance between them with a couple of hurried steps.

Lu Jingshan instinctively leaned forward to follow her lips, but the clicking of her heels echoed in the stairwell—and with it, the emergency lights snapped on.

She looked back and saw him still bent slightly, frozen in the position he’d taken to match her height.

Under the dim light, his deep eyes reflected a stronger, clearer emotion.

“We’re all adults. Physical needs… you get it,” she said awkwardly, her voice soft and breathy as she tried to rationalize what had just happened. Without waiting for a response, she turned and tried to walk away.

But Lu Jingshan took one long stride and blocked her path.

“Since when was that enough to satisfy you, sister?” he said lowly.