Gao Nanbin, kneeling on the ground, looked at the woman before him with disdain. Suddenly, he felt she was both unattainable and incredibly powerful.
But why, in his memory, had he only seen her as a gentle, weak little boss?
If he had known Lin Xingwan's strength was terrifying, that even Jin Shunzi was no match for her, why would he have provoked her?
"Ms. Lin, I don't quite understand what you mean. Everything I did was at Jin Shunzi's command. As you know, as an actor, we have no chance to resist in front of someone like her."
Since Jin Shunzi could no longer protect him, it was every man for himself in times of crisis.
"Oh? Is that so? So, you were forced into it?" Lin Xingwan looked at Gao Nanbin's greasy, disgusting face and could only lament how this man had ruined a good hand.
He could have had a decent future if he had just focused on his acting.
"Yes, I was threatened by that old woman. I beg Ms. Lin to spare me. I will never repeat my mistakes."
Gao Nanbin wanted to crawl to Lin Xingwan, but he dared not approach due to the terrifying aura and murderous gazes of Zhou Jinbai and Bai Xiao.
Seeing Lin Xingwan lost in thought, Gao Nanbin's heart leaped with joy.
Could this woman be swayed by his words?
After all, his looks were admired by many women.
"Ms. Lin, I'm serious. If you let me go this time, I'll do anything. I'm very good at serving people. Otherwise, how could someone as picky and experienced as Jin Shunzi like me so much?"
Gao Nanbin had already begun to fantasize uncontrollably. At first, he would try his best to please the old woman Jin Shunzi. Later, he grew tired of it and needed medication every time. But Lin Xingwan before him was different. Just thinking about serving this exquisite woman made him shamelessly aroused.
"Disgusting. Do you think every woman is as desperate as Jin Shunzi? Gao Nanbin, you don't even deserve to lick her shoes, let alone serve Xingwan."
Liu Mengqin felt like she was going to vomit. Xingwan was surrounded by countless handsome men, including Ge Xuanxi, whose looks and physique overshadowed Gao Nanbin, and Jiang Wenyuan, and the god-like Zhou Jinbai. Who gave Gao Nanbin the confidence to think he was worthy of serving Xingwan?
"Sister Qin—" Lin Xingwan whispered something in Liu Mengqin's ear, and the joy in Liu Mengqin's eyes spread like ripples, growing wider and wider.
Soon, Liu Mengqin left the ward.
Lin Xingwan then turned her gaze back to Gao Nanbin. "What, you want to serve me?"
Gao Nanbin nodded frantically. "As long as Ms. Lin is willing, I will definitely make you happy."
The next second, Zhou Jinbai's dark gaze locked onto Gao Nanbin.
If it weren't for letting his wife enjoy herself, he would have already dealt with such scum.
"You've piqued my interest. How about this: if you can fulfill two of my wishes, I'll let you go. What do you say?"
Lin Xingwan leaned slightly, her pure eyes full of laughter, her lips curved upwards, exuding a captivating charm.
Ge Xuanxi, lying in bed, frowned deeply.
He couldn't stand seeing Lin Xingwan smile so innocently and brightly at another man. Gao Nanbin didn't deserve it.
But at the same time, he wondered if, if Lin Xingwan were truly such a woman, did that mean he could too?
"As long as Ms. Lin lets me go, let alone two wishes, I'll fulfill two hundred." Gao Nanbin fawned over Lin Xingwan like a dog, his pale face showing a lost and dazed look, a stark contrast to his arrogant demeanor when he first entered the ward to threaten Ge Xuanxi.
"My first wish is..." Lin Xingwan paused deliberately. Liu Mengqin, who had just left, returned and threw the blood-stained cloth shoes that Ge Xuanxi had worn in front of Gao Nanbin.
"I want to see you run ten laps in this room wearing these shoes."
Lin Xingwan's pretty face still held a smile, but her words made Gao Nanbin's hair stand on end. He instantly lost any improper thoughts about this woman.
Her previous words were just toying with him.
Especially the needles inside the shoes, some of which were from syringes, were clearly embedded in the soles.
With a needle piercing his heel, let alone running ten laps, he would have trouble standing.
"I was wrong, Ms. Lin. I truly know I was wrong. I'll kowtow to you. I'll never dare again." Gao Nanbin banged his head on the floor, his soul nearly scared out of him.
"Take him away," Bai Xiao commanded impatiently.
Two police officers walked towards Gao Nanbin, who quickly dodged backward.
"Don't arrest me, I'll wear them. I'll wear them." Fearing Lin Xingwan would go back on her word, he quickly put the shoes on his feet.
Screams erupted, and sweat poured down Gao Nanbin's forehead from the pain.
Then, he put on the second shoe.
He ran around the room as if being chased by a ghost.
One lap, two laps, three laps...
Before he could even finish half, he collapsed on the ground in pain, unable to stand up.
Where he had run, a line of blood stained the floor.
Gao Nanbin crawled to Lin Xingwan. "Ms. Lin, it hurts so much, it's unbearable... I really can't run anymore. Please, let me go. I don't want to go to jail."
Clang—
Lin Xingwan threw a dagger in front of Gao Nanbin. "As for the second wish, it's for you to take this knife and stab yourself in the heart. If you live, I promise to let bygones be bygones. If you die, then it's your fate."
This dagger was the one Ge Xuanxi had accidentally injured Jiang Wenyuan with.
Gao Nanbin screamed in terror, his expression filled with despair.
Even if he didn't go to the police station today, it was a near-certain death.
But for that one chance of survival, he had to fight for it.
Gao Nanbin extended his trembling hand, fumbling twice before picking up the dagger.
As he slowly raised the dagger, his previously humble and fearful eyes suddenly changed. He lunged towards where Lin Xingwan was standing.
Even if he died, he would take this woman with him.
Lin Xingwan's smiling expression froze. She hadn't expected this man to dare attack her in front of so many people.
She wasn't afraid, because Zhou Jinbai had already kicked him, sending the dagger flying from his hand. He fell backward, and Zhou Jinbai's second kick landed directly in his lower abdomen.
"Ah—" With a scream that could pierce the heavens, Gao Nanbin writhed in pain, his eyes rolling back, foam appearing at his lips, and he fainted.
Bai Xiao sent people to take him away. Before leaving, he glanced at Liu Mengqin.
"Since this matter is resolved, I'll return to the company to handle today's affairs. Mr. Zhou, I'll leave Xingwan in your care."
Liu Mengqin found an excuse and left, leaving only Lin Xingwan, Zhou Jinbai, and Ge Xuanxi in the spacious ward.
"I'm very sorry about today's events. Falling into the trap three times in a row, it's all my fault that so many things happened." Ge Xuanxi's voice sounded extremely dejected. Because of his foolishness, Top Entertainment had almost gone bankrupt. He felt like a sinner.
"You should focus on recovering. Since it's all over, don't dwell on it. Once your injuries have healed, you can go back to filming. Don't worry about the crew; I and Sister Qin will communicate with them, and they will understand." Lin Xingwan comforted Ge Xuanxi. Although the incident was caused by him, he was also the biggest victim.
Ge Xuanxi was silent for a moment, then said, "Let the crew choose someone else. I don't want to act anymore."
Lin Xingwan's expression changed drastically at his words. "You don't want to act anymore? Ge Xuanxi, do you know what nonsense you're talking about? So many people wish they could get this role."
"Problems have already arisen at the very beginning. I'm not suited for acting. I'm afraid more problems will occur if I continue. If it can be resolved once or twice, what about three or four times? I'm sorry, I'm not cut out for acting."
Fortune never favored him.
He was afraid of bringing more trouble to Lin Xingwan.
Lin Xingwan was about to say something more, but Zhou Jinbai stopped her.
"There are no mountains that cannot be climbed, only people who cannot find the way. If you have truly made up your mind, then go back to the company and complete the contract termination procedures." After saying this, Zhou Jinbai left with Lin Xingwan.
In the hospital corridor, Lin Xingwan complained that Zhou Jinbai had been too stern with Ge Xuanxi, as he was just a young adult.
"Precisely because he is an adult, he should understand that he must take responsibility for every decision he makes. If a person doesn't genuinely want to become stronger, any persuasion from others will be like pulling up seedlings to help them grow."
Lin Xingwan: "..."
Her husband's words made perfect sense, and she had no argument. She took out her phone to browse the news.
Gao Nanbin was arrested, Yan Yuxi apologized, and the morning's events had taken a shocking turn.
Gao Nanbin's agent posted online admitting his crimes, and photos of Ge Xuanxi's injured feet were also shared.
The netizens who had previously used vicious words to insult Top Entertainment, Ge Xuanxi, and Lin Xingwan were now apologizing one after another.
Ge Xuanxi became the epitome of the new generation's "beautiful and strong, yet tragic" archetype, gaining a large following.
Gao Nanbin would not only go to jail but also pay a sky-high breach of contract fee.
Reports about Jin Shunzi also hit the trending searches, with the topic #Jinlin Female Boss Involved with Multiple Celebrities# appearing at the very bottom of the list.
Normally, this would have shot to the top of the trending list.
But there were too many shocking revelations for netizens today, and they expressed that they were no longer interested in stories about wealthy women keeping male celebrities.
The director and author of "Immortal Path" apologized to Ge Xuanxi, and the crew of "Immortal Path" urgently replaced the actor playing the third male lead.
Jiang Wenyuan, who was injured, woke up after eight hours of surgery and posted a message asking everyone not to worry.
This series of events directly propelled Ge Xuanxi and Top Entertainment to their peak popularity. More major endorsements began to extend olive branches to Ge Xuanxi, and many high-quality artists also sought to sign with Top Entertainment.
Initially, Lin Xingwan was worried that Ge Xuanxi would truly give up acting, but a week later, he returned to the set. Only then did her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally relax.
Lin Xingwan and Liu Mengqin worked tirelessly for over half a month, not only hiring a few employees but also selecting a variety show that was very suitable for Ge Xuanxi – "Brothers Who Survived the Thorns."
This variety show had been very popular in the past two years, inviting only the hottest male celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Being able to participate in such a show was a demonstration of one's strength.
Now, the show was preparing to film its winter series, and Ge Xuanxi's schedule was also free, so they intended to try and secure this opportunity for him.
Lin Xingwan stood on the rooftop of the villa and called the person in charge of the variety show, arranging a meeting for 7 PM tonight.
After she hung up the phone, Zhou Jinbai wrapped his arms around Lin Xingwan from behind, gently nuzzling her neck with his prominent nose.
"This variety show belongs to the Oriental Consortium. Just ask Chen Yuchu to say a word. It's just one spot; she'll give it to you."
Zhou Jinbai bit Lin Xingwan's earlobe lightly, as if savoring a delicious meal.
Lin Xingwan felt Zhou Jinbai was too naive, but she could understand his lack of knowledge in these matters.
"It's already a great honor for Top Entertainment to cooperate with the Oriental Consortium. Countless people are waiting to see us fail. Even if Secretary Chen is a good person, we can't trouble her just because we have some acquaintance. Even if she gives us a spot, she'll look down on us as freeloaders."
Zhou Jinbai looked at Lin Xingwan's serious expression and couldn't help but sigh: If his wife asked, he would give her the Oriental Consortium without batting an eye, let alone a small spot on a variety show.
"I'll go talk to the person in charge of this variety show tonight. After all, Ge Xuanxi is on a strong upward trend, and the probability of success is high."
Lin Xingwan's attitude was firm, and Zhou Jinbai didn't say anything more.
He knew his wife was always independent and self-reliant, especially when it came to work, progressing step by steady step.
As Lin Xingwan was thinking about the evening's matters, the man's hands, which had been around her waist, slipped under her hem.
"Stop messing around." Lin Xingwan tried to remove his offending hand, but Zhou Jinbai flipped her over, facing him. His dark eyes appeared particularly dangerous.
"Wife, do you know you've been neglecting me for several days?"
For the past half month, he had felt sorry for her staying up late and working overtime for Top Entertainment, so he hadn't touched her.
Now that he saw she had finally relaxed, his restless heart could no longer be contained.
Although he had promised to save the "main course" for marriage, he could at least have some "broth" before getting married, right?
Otherwise, eating vegetarian every day would lead to malnutrition.
"I need to go downstairs to work." Lin Xingwan didn't want to do anything scandalous with this man in the company, especially since they now had over thirty employees.
She couldn't afford to lose face.
However, how could Zhou Jinbai comply? He directly carried Lin Xingwan to the tea table, roughly swept everything off the table, and then knelt down almost reverently.
With a "ripping" sound, Lin Xingwan didn't need to look down to know that one of her stockings was ruined again.
This guy!
He was really too much!
Lin Xingwan looked down at the black head, unable to think clearly.
When he carried her back to the lounge, Lin Xingwan clung to Zhou Jinbai tightly, her heart pounding.
She was afraid someone would pass by and discover her, completely naked under the man's coat.
Being with this man would eventually scare her to death.
Zhou Jinbai carried Lin Xingwan back to the lounge, and she realized that the half hour on the rooftop had only been an appetizer for this man.
When everything returned to peace, it was three hours later.
Lin Xingwan rubbed her sore mouth, inwardly cursing the man's rough and domineering nature.
She felt like she was suffocating, but he didn't pity her at all.
Lin Xingwan glared at the energetic Zhou Jinbai, who was diligently helping her put on her clothes.
"Wife, you've worked hard. After we get married, you won't have to work so hard." Zhou Jinbai gave Lin Xingwan a brilliant smile, but Lin Xingwan found it infuriating.
She kicked Zhou Jinbai, but he kissed her leg. "It's okay to kick me, I deserve it. But my precious wife's feet shouldn't be hurt."
Lin Xingwan snorted at the man's fawning demeanor and pinched his waist.
After tidying up, Zhou Jinbai drove Lin Xingwan to the place where she was to discuss cooperation that evening – Yaxing Hotel.
However, as Lin Xingwan opened the car door to get in, she saw two figures running towards her, shouting her name.
Lin Xingwan focused her gaze and saw two figures running towards her, shouting her name. Her eyes flashed with deep surprise and disbelief, but her expression immediately turned cold.