Chapter 137: In No Hurry at All

As the private jet soared above the clouds, the signal was lost, and the image of the music video’s lead actress, just sent from the other end, broke into a fragmented mess.

Su Xiaolin looked at Lin Yu in frustration. "You kid... you really aren't in a hurry at all!"

"What does Ms. Ji like?"

"Huh?"

Su Xiaolin was dumbfounded by his sudden question. Shouldn't they be discussing the music video? How did they jump to Ms. Ji?

"We can't go to see her empty-handed, can we? We should bring a gift."

A gift?

Su Xiaolin fell into deep thought. She had truly never considered buying a gift for Ms. Ji. Ji Ya had grown up in a wealthy family, and with a grandfather who adored her, she had never lacked for anything in her childhood. After her parents died in an accident when she was fifteen, she went abroad for further studies, and her grandfather had certainly provided her with the best life possible. Not to mention that now, as the CEO of the largest talent agency in the country, she was a woman who could hold her own.

A gift should be something the recipient needs or likes. As an assistant, Su Xiaolin only handled professional matters, while Ms. Ji's personal life was managed by others. The only thing she knew was that Ji Ya liked the scent of Chance by Chanel.

The question stumped them both. They looked at each other in awkward silence. Suddenly, an image flashed through Lin Yu's mind: that lingerie shop on the first floor of the plaza.

Although... he was simply curious if that bunny-girl outfit would look better on his boss. But if he actually gave her that, he’d probably be fired by tomorrow for the mere act of breathing!

...

The following afternoon, the private jet arrived in the United States. Unable to find the beautiful CEO in the originally scheduled conference room, the two set off toward the Statue of Liberty to track her down. From a temporary assistant hired by Ji Ya, Su Xiaolin learned that there was a fashion show today and that Ji Ya had been invited. The two hurried there without a moment’s delay.

At the fashion show, lights flooded the stage as tall, beautiful models in haute couture walked with elegant cat-like strides. Photographers and audience members alike followed the models' every move with their eyes. The atmosphere was electric, filled with shimmering lights and a passionate musical performance on stage.

Ji Ya sat upright, as elegant as ever, her hands folded neatly on her lap. A nameplate hung from her chest.

As the show concluded, the models returned for a final walk. The host stepped forward, smiling as he thanked the show’s investors, among whom were Ji Ya and a certain Mr. Song.

The two were called onto the stage together to give speeches, followed by a symbolic embrace. When Mr. Song tried to grab her hand, she pulled away. A flash of displeasure crossed his eyes, but with so many people watching, he hid it well and did not lash out.

The socialites in the audience, seemingly well-aware of their intimate relationship, let out exclamations, and some even began jeering, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Mr. Song proactively reached out, trying to pull her into his arms again. Their reunion and today’s fashion show were all part of his plan; his goal was to complete the rituals they had missed for years.

Su Xiaolin watched them from the audience with great anticipation. In everyone’s eyes, they were the perfect couple.

Amidst the cheers, however, Ji Ya instinctively scanned the crowd. Halfway through the show, she had felt a burning gaze fixed upon her. Just then, she spotted a familiar figure sitting in a corner—inconspicuous, quietly seated, yet watching her the entire time.

*He came and didn't even tell me?*

Without even realizing it, a remarkably gentle smile tugged at the corner of Ji Ya's lips.

Mr. Song followed her gaze and saw an unfamiliar face. The man did not look like part of the social elite; his attire was ordinary, and compared to himself, he was not worth mentioning. Yet, knowing Ji Ya as he did, he realized the man held some special significance to her. Adults often don't need much explanation to understand such things; he realized he had failed to win her over, and though he didn't intend to fight openly, he planned to snatch her away in the shadows.

He took the microphone from the host and suggested picking a "lucky audience member" to come on stage. His eyes landed on Lin Yu, and the host immediately took the hint and signaled the lighting technician.

The next second, Lin Yu was "chosen" to go on stage.

It was clearly a deliberate provocation, but Lin Yu remained composed. After he went up and introduced himself, Mr. Song realized he was an artist from Ji Ya’s company. The name sounded familiar—where had he heard it? After a moment of thought, he recalled information from some of his background checks.

Ji Fei Agency’s most favored newcomer, Lin Yu!

The flames of jealousy ignited silently. He narrowed his eyes, examining Lin Yu, his handsome face turning icy. Accustomed to being surrounded by superiority, he had never taken anyone seriously, especially an insignificant newcomer in the industry—he could crush him like an ant.

The cameras focused on them, and the journalists in the audience egged them on. Mr. Song decisively pulled Ji Ya into his arms, his hand sliding from her arm down to her waist.

Ji Ya struggled, feeling uncomfortable, but she felt a sharp pain in her waist. Song Zhixiao detested rejection and would use force to make others submit. Ji Ya winced, her brows tightly knit. If not for the fear of causing a scene in front of so many people, she would have lashed out long ago. She already knew Mr. Song’s true colors; going abroad was merely an excuse to escape that devilish arranged marriage.

Lin Yu had noticed the man's small movements as soon as he stepped on stage. He casually reached out, pulled Ji Ya toward him, and said with a grin, "Boss, I came all the way here to give you a surprise!"

Before Mr. Song could react, Lin Yu seemed to pull a bouquet of flowers out of thin air and handed them to Ji Ya.

Mr. Song glanced at them—Chinese roses, Ji Ya’s favorite. A look of disdain crossed his lips. *What could these flowers possibly represent? If she wanted them, he could give her a whole cargo hold! How much could these few measly flowers be worth?*

Ji Ya took them and smiled slightly, proactively reaching out. "May I have a photo with this lucky audience member?"

Mr. Song froze.

"Xiao Ya, it's just a bouquet of roses. If you want them, I can give you a whole carriage full." Mr. Song’s words were dripping with mockery—the kind of disdain for such "low-level" tactics.

They had grown up together, and their interests were deeply intertwined; marriage between them was inevitable. Even if they had been apart for a while, his feelings hadn't faded. Besides, he had never failed to get what he wanted since he was a child.

This man was nothing but a clown!

"But have you ever given them to me?" Ji Ya looked at him from the side. He always talked but never acted, always confusing what he said with what he felt, calling it "love." Was this his so-called love?

Not to mention, she had only ever seen him as a brother in her heart. Mr. Song was momentarily stunned, seeing a cold detachment on her face—the same as before, both familiar and like a stranger.

*This woman... she’s damnably ungrateful!*