Chenelle's face twisted with jealousy, her eyes filled with venom as she glared at Jade's office building. She wished she could burn Jade's company to the ground.Why did Jade have everything? Why did she get to be happy while Chenelle lived like a beggar?The resentment drove Chenelle mad—she couldn't stand to see Jade and Caelan living happily together. If she couldn't have it, she would ensure Jade couldn't have it easily either.Glancing at the hotel room key card in her hand, Chenelle memorized the room number and then called the hotel. "Hello, I'd like to book a room.""Which room would you like, miss?" The receptionist's voice was friendly and polite.Gritting her teeth, Chenelle replied, "I want Room 2021.""I'm sorry, miss, but Room 2021 is already booked. Perhaps you can choose another room?""I want Room 2021, and I'll pay ten times the price."There was a brief silence on the line before the receptionist responded. "Alright, miss. Room 2021 is now reserved for you.
Jade shrugged with a light laugh. Last semester, Melanie skipped too many classes and failed several courses. She was probably dragging Tiffany to catch up right now. 'Forget it. Since they're not coming, I'll just go eat by myself.'...Orion looked at his phone screen with disgust. Chenelle's text was filled with threats. Chenelle was getting greedier, thinking she could hold onto him with such clumsy tactics. He lit a cigarette, but just as he was about to take a drag, his manager rushed in and snatched it away. "Why are you smoking? You'll reek of smoke during the commercial shoot. If it gets out, it'll cause trouble."With his cigarette taken, Orion sighed, showing his displeasure as he got up to leave. "Hey, where are you going?" his manager asked."To eat," Orion replied without turning back.…The shopping mall was extra crowded today because of the commercial shoot.Orion wore a large hat to conceal his face, trying to minimize his presence. Countless fervent fa
Orion scoffed and gestured to himself, signaling Jade to take a look. "I'm a hot commodity right now, a rising star. Who would believe I'm dining with a woman in a place like this? Even if they saw me, they'd think I'm just some random guy. Especially dressed like this."Orion was wearing a white T-shirt, cropped shorts, and... Jade's gaze traveled downward, and she could hardly believe it—he was wearing flip-flops. It was no wonder he was so bold. No one would guess that the current heartthrob had no regard for maintaining his image.The dishes arrived, filling the table to the brim/Jade looked at the overwhelming spread with some apprehension. It was enough food to last her two days."Why are you daydreaming? Eat!" Orion enthusiastically pushed the dishes toward Jade, smiling. "This steamed bass is excellent, very fresh. Try it."Jade forced a polite smile, picked up her utensils, and took a small, symbolic bite. Finally, she voiced the question that had been on her mind. "Yo
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Jade said, a bit deflated. "I promised to treat you to a meal."'Now it’s messed up! I didn’t finish the meal and still owe Orion a favor.'Orion didn’t mind and smiled. "Consider yourself treated."He chuckled softly and walked ahead.Seeing him head toward the elevator, Jade could only follow, thinking she would have to find a chance to repay the favor.After just a few steps, Orion turned back. He put on a hat and even donned a mask.Jade noticed his tense demeanor and instinctively glanced downstairs.Several paparazzi were huddled together, occasionally glancing in their direction.Jade's heart sank. In a hushed voice, she asked Orion, "Are you being followed?""Isn't it obvious?" Orion muttered.The paparazzi were unlike those rabid fans. They specialized in sneaking shots of celebrities off guard. Unflattering photos, all kinds of scandalous news—they wrote anything to stir up buzz.To avoid trouble, artists kept their distance from th
The next day was a Sunday.There were no classes at the university, and Jade didn't have to go to the office either, giving her a rare chance to relax at home. She cleaned the house, watered the plants, and enjoyed her leisurely time.After tidying up, Jade grabbed her textbooks to review for the second half of the semester. Finding the house too quiet, she casually turned on her computer. As soon as she opened it, a piece of news popped up.A popular young actor was spotted secretly dating his girlfriend. Below were several photos of Orion laughing and chatting with a woman. Initially, Jade didn't pay much attention to it. But when she saw the female lead in the photos, she couldn't stay calm. Despite the woman's face being pixelated, anyone who knew her could easily recognize that it was her.What was going on? How could she and Orion be photographed like that?The photos seemed deliberately staged to make them look intimate as if they were lovers.At first, Jade thought th
Jade was packing her things while speaking to Tiffany over the phone."Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Jade reassured her.After hanging up, Jade was about to head out when Orion's call came through. She didn't want to answer, but since it concerned him, she had no choice."Hello?" Jade's voice carried a hint of anger. If it weren't for Orion, she wouldn't be caught up in this mess. What irritated her more was that an hour had passed since the incident, and Orion had done nothing. Did he intend to just let it be?"Jade, it's me, Orion," he said, sensing the displeasure in her tone. He softened his approach. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this.""If you realize it's unfair, then why haven't you handled the PR? I don't believe your team can't manage such a minor issue. If that's the case, forget I said anything.""Listen to me," Orion replied over the phone. "I'm working on it. Don't worry, there will be a resolution soon. I promise you, within an hour, your name will be cle
When Jade arrived, Chenelle was already seated opposite Kennedy, meticulously peeling fruits with the demeanor of an obedient child."Grandpa, have some fruit," Chenelle said, offering a peeled orange to Kennedy with a flattering smile.Kennedy couldn't stand seeing her like this. He always felt her smile was fake, a deliberate act to achieve some ulterior motive. But since she was already there and had done nothing wrong, he couldn't exactly throw her out.Chenelle glanced at Kennedy, noticing his sour expression. She assumed he was troubled by Jade's situation and secretly smiled to herself, though outwardly she displayed a concerned look."Grandpa, I believe there's been a misunderstanding. Jade wouldn't do something like that. The paparazzi must have exaggerated. She was probably just having a meal with a regular friend."Kennedy's hand paused in mid-air as he was about to take the fruit. He glared at Chenelle and couldn't help but reprimand her, "Who told you that was Jade? T
Seeing her calm and unassuming demeanor, Jade felt a wave of nausea.With a serene smile, Jade replied, "Chenelle, you're overthinking it. There's nothing wrong with me, but thank you for your concern.""Really nothing at all?" Chenelle blinked mischievously, feigning innocence. "But I saw the news today. Many netizens claimed the woman dining with Orion was you. I was so shocked. How could Caelan's fiancée be out with another man? Hearing you say this now, I'm relieved.""They must have mistaken me for someone else. Chenelle, don't learn from those bad people who gossip, or you'll leave a bad impression on Grandpa."Playing the innocent act to stir things up? Two could play that game.Using her own tactics against her, Jade watched Chenelle's face turn pale.Feigning grievance, Chenelle pitifully said, "Jade, you've wronged me. I had no other intention but to care for you.""I didn't mean anything either, just speaking casually. Don't take it to heart," Jade remarked indifferen