---
In the dim back room of an exclusive underground club, shadows danced on the walls as the rhythmic thump of bass echoed faintly from the floors below.
Thick cigar smoke curled in lazy spirals toward the ceiling while the smell of aged whiskey lingered in the air.
William lounged with a glass in hand, his jacket thrown casually over the back of his chair.
Beside him sat Eric, relaxed yet alert, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief under the low, golden lighting.
Across the table, Chen Shao leaned back comfortably with a girl perched boldly on his lap.
She giggled and whispered something into his ear, but he barely heard her—his attention was fixed on the smirking duo before him.
"So," Chen Shao drawled, swirling his drink. "What did you think of Su Meilin?"
William and Eric exchanged a knowing look, then a quiet chuckle passed between them.
"She was good," Eric finally answered, lifting his glass in mock salute. "Very good."
With a flick of his wrist, he pulled a black velvet box from his coat and slid it across the table. "Here. Thought you guys might appreciate a taste of something better."
Zhen Shao's curiosity sparked. He grabbed the box and flipped it open. Inside lay an intricately designed, jet-black invitation card embossed in gold.
"The Phoenix Cage?" Zhen Shao raised an eyebrow. "This place isn't even on the radar."
Shen Zhao whistled. "Not bad, bro. This is where the real fun begins."
Chen Shao smirked, clearly pleased. "Appreciate it."
"You're welcome," William said, his voice casual but laced with warning. "Just don't touch Su Meilin again."
Eric's tone darkened, "She's not your plaything anymore."
A beat of silence passed. The girl on Chen Shao's lap stiffened, feeling the shift in mood. Chen Shao held William's gaze for a moment longer before smirking.
"Of course. Wouldn't dream of it. Bro code."
---
At Rosebell Entertainment's headquarters, the sun was starting to dip, casting long shadows across the sleek floors of the top-level executive offices.
Su Meilin sat behind her desk, her fingers elegantly tapping against her chin.
Her assistant, Lu Anran, stood beside her, holding a tablet in her hand.
"President Su, what do we do now? We only have Yiren, and she's pulling a lot of weight, but we're short on actresses."
Su Meilin leaned back in her chair, a calm smile curving on her lips. "Let's first launch our skincare and cosmetics line. Once it gains popularity, the actresses will come running."
Lu Anran tilted her head. "You really have a vision... Starting a cosmetics company and now an entertainment division?"
"Of course." Su Meilin stood and walked to the glass wall, looking out at the city below. Her reflection stared back at her, poised and controlled. "If I have both in my hand, I won't need to go around begging for brand ambassadors. I'll have my own."
"About the skincare line," Lu Anran hesitated. "GlowVine Cosmetics is launching theirs in the same month..."
Su Meilin's smile didn't falter. "Perfect. Let's see who the market chooses."
After a few hours, Su Meilin finally decided to leave. She grabbed her handbag and tossed a look over her shoulder. "Inform me if anything urgent comes up."
"Yes, President Su," Lu Anran replied with a playful grin. "Are you going to see your future husband?"
A shy smile escaped Su Meilin's lips. She didn't answer, just walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.
---
At the hospital, Lin Yue sat on the edge of the bed, restlessly flipping through a fashion magazine. Boredom gnawed at her. She glanced toward the door for the umpteenth time.
The doctor finally walked in with a warm smile. "You seem ready to break out."
Lin Yue grinned. "Please. I might die from boredom before anything else."
After a thorough checkup and a few final tests, the doctor gave her a thumbs-up.
"You're good to go. Just remember our agreement—this is the last time I want to see you admitted unless it's for checkups or your delivery."
Lin Yue chuckled softly, "Yes, doctor. I promise."
Inside the spacious bathroom, she found a set of fresh clothes folded neatly on the counter. She knew instantly who had brought them.
"Mo Yuwei, huh? You know me too well," she muttered with a fond smile.
After a refreshing shower, she dressed and stared at herself in the mirror. Her hand instinctively moved to her small baby bump, a faint glow in her eyes.
"We're going to be okay," she whispered.
She headed toward the discharge desk, only to find out it was already settled. She shook her head, amused, and pulled out her phone, dialing Mo Yuwei.
"You knew I'd leave, didn't you?"
Mo Yuwei chuckled. "I knew you'd get bored. Take care of yourself, okay?"
After a brief chat, Lin Yue hailed a taxi and settled in, watching the city blur past the window.
"One step at a time," she whispered to herself.
---
Arriving at Yunhe Garden, she thanked the driver and nodded politely at the guards as she passed.
Her house welcomed her with its usual warmth, the scent of jasmine from her diffuser still lingering.
She headed to the kitchen and whipped up a quick meal. After eating, she checked the time—only noon.
Sighing, she grabbed her phone and dialed Du Liyao.
"Can I come to work? I'm honestly bored at home. Will Zhang Qian agree coming afternoon?"
"Of course!" Du Liyao sounded surprised but excited. "CEO is at the office today. He even asked earlier if you were feeling better. He said you should do your sketch presentation, so we could move on to the next step."
Lin Yue's heart skipped. "I'm coming."
She grabbed her bag and quickly left. The breeze outside was light, carrying the scent of early summer.
---
She walked briskly to the bus stop, mind racing with anticipation.
As she stepped off the bus outside the company building, her eyes caught a sleek black SUV pulling up to the entrance.
The driver stepped out and opened the back door.
Su Meilin stepped out gracefully, clad in a maroon dress that hugged her curves perfectly.
Her long hair flowed down her back, and black stilettos clicked sharply against the concrete.
Her eyes sparkled with quiet confidence, her red lips lifting in a smile.
Lin Yue stopped in her tracks, her breath catching for a moment.
Su Meilin glanced around briefly and walked toward the company doors.
Lin Yue felt the tension settle in her chest, and her hand subconsciously went to her stomach.
---