Chapter 21: I’ll Sing Another Song for You
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Ling turned over and ignored him, yet he still rambled. “You’re being petty if this makes you angry, little beauty. Have you forgotten that while you slept, you wouldn’t let go of my hand and even demanded that I sing for you?”

Her heart clenched. Perhaps the voice was not a dream.

She raised her head incredulously. “You… you sang for me?!”

His face broke into an attractive smile. “That’s right, if I wouldn’t sing, you wouldn’t let me go. You wouldn’t sleep well, waking up in a cold sweat. I had no choice, I had to just hold you and sing. I sang so many songs — I think I sang all the songs I know before you finally went to sleep.”

Li Lei mockingly continued, “You’re so hard to please, little beauty.”

Xia Ling could not understand. In this life, she would consider herself pleasant looking at best, but she was nothing compared to the stunning drop-dead gorgeousness from her last life. Even among all the other celebrities, she was average. How could he call her Little Beauty so easily?

Of course, at this moment, her main concern was not his peculiar choice of nickname. She had more urgent things to settle as she frenziedly asked, “What did I say when I was sleeping?” She could vaguely remember Pei Ziheng somewhere, and she prayed that she had not let slip what she should not have said.

Li Lei squinted in her direction and broke into a grin. “Don’t be so nervous. I only understood what you were saying when you were begging me to sing. Anything beyond that escaped me entirely.”

“Really?” she asked, not quite convinced.

“Why would I lie to you?” Li Lei leaned back into his chair, hand outstretched to pat her head before closing his eyes yet again. “Go to sleep, we still have a long way to go.”

Cocooned in a soft, warm blanket, his steady breathing low by her ears, she gently drifted back into a dreamless sleep. When she woke up, it was already the next day’s afternoon, in her luxurious room in the mountains.

She had been given a prescription and even got a shot, but most importantly, the doctors advised her to rest.

Her rest days were fundamentally different from before though — no thanks to Wei Shaoyin.

From the day he borrowed her song sheets for study, he would come to her every other day. In the beginning, he would discuss matters regarding the song sheets with her, and gradually, the topic of conversation gradually deepened. It began by analyzing the different transitions and continuations of different musical theories. The discussion was mostly centered around the works of her previous incarnation. There was no other way about it. Xia Ling’s music style was just too classic.

Anyway, Wei Shaoyin’s MV was in honor of Xia Ling.

The song title was lyrical and melancholy, called “I’ll Sing Another Song for You”.

I’ll sing another song for you/the last song/bid farewell to yesterday’s blossoms/yesterday’s legends

I’ll light you another lantern/a lotus lamp on the other shore/forget the ebb and flow of time/let the smoke and rain bring you home

The production was Wei Shaoyin’s style, no doubt, but for some reason, it was lacking something. This was inevitable, after all, why did he want to work on a song for her? In Xia Ling’s last life, they were never familiar, neither with each other nor her work.

They were essentially strangers.

In this life, Xia Ling and Wei Shaoyin met by chance. He was a top producer, she was an unknown trainee. And she sometimes felt like she was not in the position to pry into certain things. However, as their musical discussions deepened, she let the question slip. “Mr. Wei, if I’m not wrong, you and Xia Ling have never been close, why do you want to dedicate a song to her?”

The bitter aroma of his deep roast Mandheling coffee punctuated the air as Wei Shaoyin swirled the porcelain cup in his hand. His posture was elegant, and in his voice, she could hear a note of feigned ignorance and helplessness. “I have no choice, Mai Na forced me into it. I don’t think you know her, she’s the most difficult manager in our company, and a famous, die-hard Xia Ling fan.”

Mai Na…

Xia Ling turned the name over in her head for a moment, but to no avail. The truth was, in her last life, she hadn’t kept tabs on her fans, so it was not surprising that not a single fan’s name could come to mind.

Thinking back to how they had mourned for her after her death, she could not help but feel that she had let them down.

Xia Ling took a shallow sip of her tea and softly asked, “Just this reason?”

Wei Shaoyin smiled. “Of course, there’s also the money. Xia Ling’s popularity is no joke, writing her tribute song will be extremely profitable.” Even though he was a genius producer, he was still essentially a businessman.

She nodded in comprehension but faltered. “But if the company releases a tribute song, and then all the other companies follow in succession, I don’t know if the fans will follow.” After all, in her last lifetime, she had ten years in the spotlight, spanning from her debut to her suicide, and all of it was spent in Imperial Entertainment.

“This is the magical part.” Wei Shaoyin laughed, reminding her of a sly fox. “I met Feng Kun the other day. He said he wasn’t intending on writing any tribute.”

Feng Kun had been her producer, and all her songs from her last lifetime had been exclusively produced by him. In the company, if Feng Kun did not take on the responsibility of the tribute song, then nobody else could.

Xia Ling’s heart sank, probably like how the remaining notes of Wei Shaoyin’s coffee settled deep, bitter and sour. She supposed that Feng Kun had simply abandoned her after her death. Feng Kun, her most treasured and trusted friend on her musical journey, didn’t even want to do her a last favor.

Wei Shaoyin continued, “Feng Kun says that Imperial Entertainment doesn’t deserve it.”

“What?” She had to take some time to react.

“He said, ‘Imperial Entertainment doesn’t deserve to make Xia Ling a tribute song, and doesn’t deserve to make this money’.” Wei Shaoyin repeated. “A gold-star producer that has worked for Imperial Entertainment for over a decade said this. It really makes people wonder what relationship he has with his own company… Or perhaps, what relationship Xia Ling had with the company.”

She did not hear his last sentence, only fixated on the fact that Feng Kun had said that Imperial Entertainment was unworthy.

She shut her eyes, overwhelmed. Feng Kun and Chu Chen were the same. They had both known the truth, except unlike Chu Chen, Feng Kun had not abandoned her. Out of all the people who had been around her, there was only him. Only him.

In her memory, Feng Kun was like her. They had great pride, and demanded nothing less than perfection in their work, despising anything less than that. He was much more mature though, and like an older brother, he was always keeping her in line. Whenever Xia Ling offended people, he would chide her. “Xiao Ling, be more down to earth, please. After all, being the bigger person is how we can be happier.”

Unfortunately, she never listened.

Until today, after everyone had left her. He really had her best interests at heart.

Feng Kun…

I’m sorry that I put so many years’ worth of your work to waste.

Since she had a second shot at life, she promised to herself that she would never forget his words, to never commit the same mistakes again.

Chapter 22: Would You Like To Come To My Recording Studio?
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Wei Shaoyin fiddled with his cup as usual. “Feng Kun provided his two cents on this song, and the removal of some of Xia Ling’s music segments was also authorized by him. He even recommended that Shen Manyao be the main singer for this song.”

Xia Ling was bewildered. “Shen Manyao? Why would he recommend her?”

“Feng Kun says that a lot of those who praise Xia Ling sky high are actually hypocrites, they can’t wait to do her in. I think he’s right, given Xia Ling’s arrogance and temper, it’s no wonder she’s not well liked,” said Wei Shaoyin matter-of-factly, before carrying on. “He said that Xia Ling detested being lied to and betrayed more than anything else. If those hypocritical artistes were to sing for her bereavement, Xia Ling’s spirit wouldn’t be happy about it. In this case we might as well get Shen Manyao to sing it. Her singing might not be exceptional, but at least she was the only one who dared to voice her unhappiness to Xia Ling’s face.”

So that’s why.

Xia Ling couldn’t decide if it was funny or sad, but she felt warm inside. Feng Kun had always known her well, and now it seemed like the one who knew her best wasn’t Pei Ziheng nor Xia Yu, but him.

Choosing Shen Manyao based on such a reason seemed odd, but it was exactly what she would’ve wanted. Previously, Xia Ling had no idea that those who flattered and exalted her were so hypocritical. Now that she knew, she indeed would rather pick someone like Shen Manyao than give the rest of them a chance to boost their reputation with this opportunity.

She nodded. “Feng Kun… that’s great.”

She couldn’t think of how else to say it, no words could express the gratitude she felt.

Wei Shaoyin did not notice the slight change in Xia Ling’s mood. He simply said, “Yeah, he has always been very nice to Xia Ling. But I’m the one suffering now, having to work with someone like Shen Manyao who can’t even vocalize properly — half of the time was used just to teach her singing from scratch!”

Xia Ling snorted, but quickly kept her smile when she looked up to see Wei Shaoyin’s deadly glare. “Uh huh, at least the melody of the song is catered for the masses, it doesn’t require much of a prerequisite for the singer.”

“We’re working under time constraints for the song, and Shen Manyao’s standards are just — there’s no way we can give her a challenging song,” said Wei Shaoyin. “Moreover, this song was written by Xia Ling’s fans, and most of her fans don’t have much singing capabilities. For it to be sung well and be moving, the only way is to have a melody that’s mass-oriented.”

On this note, he seemed to have another thought as he said, “I really wonder what the fans are thinking. Singing any of Xia Ling’s songs make them sound like they’re making a racket, yet they just like her anyway. Like Sister Mai Na, for instance…”

Xia Ling slowly sipped her fruit tea, her head held low. She had no comment. It’s true, her songs easily make it to the top hits, but her fans rarely won by singing her songs at competitions.

If she could do it all over again, she would be nicer to them — she would write a few songs that they could sing well and sound good.

“The good thing is that you’re around,” said Wei Shaoyin. “Some of Xia Ling’s original tunes are incorporated in this song. Her songs have always been challenging to perform, thus having them in here is causing some problems with the bridging. I’ve tried working it out with a few songwriters, but it hasn’t been very fruitful. Talking it out with you, on the other hand, has given me some direction.”

Xia Ling looked up and smiled. “Oh well, I’m just glad I’m of help.”

Wei Shaoyin nodded. “You’re of a very big help here. I’ll make some modifications to the song, thus the final product should be way better than what we have now.” As he said this, a new thought seemed to have come to mind. He turned and looked straight at her. “Ye Xingling, I never knew you had a talent in this area. Would you consider coming to help us out at the recording studio?”

Help Wei Shaoyin out at the recording studio?

Xia Ling was a little stunned, and then casually asked —

“Will I get paid?”

Wei Shaoyin was stunned as well now. After pausing a moment, he said somewhat seriously, “This is more than what most people can even dream of, and all you’re thinking of is whether you’ll get paid?”

She believed him. In her previous life she’d seen how people had fought with their lives to get a place in Feng Kun’s recording studio. People were willing to even pay to that job, not to mention work with no pay. He and Wei Shaoyin were considered to be in the same league, thus it seemed like the situation wouldn’t be much different over here.

But Xia Ling was different. She didn’t need the experience, wasn’t interested in the credentials, and had no intention to get close to anyone — Wei Shaoyin’s invitation was of no use to her. She said, “Mr. Wei, thank you for your suggestion. But I already owe the company a lot of money and my priority now is to clear my debt. Whatever doesn’t help me achieve that is not within my consideration.”

Wei Shaoyin was slightly taken aback. “You owe the company money?”

Seeing that she wasn’t about to reply, he didn’t probe further. He simply said, “Trainees who haven’t made it big yet are not paid for these contributions to the company, and I can’t make it an exception for you. However, if you do make it big, I’ll write your first song. How’s that?”

This time it was Xia Ling who was surprised. Who knew he’d be so magnanimous?

A newbie’s first song as a celebrity is of great significance. If they could rise to stardom with that song, their road ahead would be a lot easier. And if their first song was a flop, they could forget about breaking out of that vicious cycle of unpopularity and lack of opportunity.

There were way too many newbies out there who resorted to unthinkable means just to secure a good enough first song.

Yet over here, Wei Shaoyin had so lightly made such a promise to her.

She couldn’t figure out why he was doing it. “Mr. Wei, I heard you’re very particular about who you pick. I have enough self awareness to know that I’m not fantastic at dancing and my voice is nothing out of the ordinary. You already surprised me when you picked me out to be featured in the MV, why are you still willing to write that song for a nobody like me?” She obviously did not really think she was a nobody, but on the surface, she really was just average.

“You’re very special, Ye Xingling,” said Wei Shaoyin. “I’ve found you special the very first time I saw you.”

Now that’s weird. Their first meeting was during the MV selection, where she deliberately appeared as just an average dancer. He managed to get something out of that? Xia Ling shifted a little, now looking all ready to listen on.

Wei Shaoyin spoke pleasantly. “If we’re talking about your dance moves and posture alone, you were indeed just average. And if that was a solo audition, I definitely would have just overlooked you. But you were lucky.” He smiled. “the other candidates who were at the selection that day were confused by you — they messed up their steps.”

“Huh?” She was beginning to sense that there was a problem.

As she guessed, Wei Shaoyin went on. “You had an aura that wasn’t dimmed by anybody in your surroundings — even those who seemed to have beautiful dancing techniques. On the contrary, your seemingly-ordinary moves managed to sway the people around you naturally and subconsciously, even when your ways were wrong.”

“And that’s why you selected me to be part of the MV?”

Chapter 23: A Gift Impossible to Reject
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Yes. You never got your dance moves wrong, and you’re able to spur the people around you. That’s what it takes to be a good candidate for a group dance.” Wei Shaoyin told her.

The question was finally answered. Xia Ling now knew why he had specially picked her then. Besides her, all the other trainees have only been dancing for a few shorts years, how could they even come close to her with her 15 years or so of intensive practices in her previous life? Moreover, as a diva, she had encountered all sorts of situations, including tough ones; spurring them on was no big deal to her.

“During the MV itself, I focused on observing you in particular. Although you weren’t especially spectacular, your improvements were impressive — you seemed to learn something new to better yourself each day.” Wei Shaoyin explained. “The others just regard this filming process as a task, but you’re able to pay attention to the learning points and experience gained. You’re an intelligent and diligent dancer.”

“… Thank you.” Xia Ling had no idea how to respond to his praises. She wasn’t even gaining experience, in fact, she was being extremely careful in revealing her actual ability, so as to “improve” to her former standard at a believable rate. Otherwise, it would be too much of a torture for her to pretend to not dance well despite being outstanding.

“But this can’t be all there is to you offering to write my first single for me, right?” she asked. The entertainment industry was full of smart, diligent people willing to strive for their dreams. It was not easy for someone to be able to truly shine and thrive in their career.

“Of course, there’s more.” Wei Shaoyin laughed easily. “What struck me more than anything was when I heard you singing the other day — you were standing on the veranda and singing Xia Ling’s song. Your voice obviously wasn’t suited to sing a song with that melody, yet with the modifications you made, you managed to sing it beautifully. The entertainment industry is indeed full of intelligent people, but few are actually wise and creative. You have a very good understanding of yourself, and you’re motivated and capable enough to work on your shortcomings. If this doesn’t change, you will definitely achieve great things.”

“So,” Wei Shaoyin concluded. “being able to write your first single does not deflate my reputation in any way. On the contrary, being able to have a hand in grooming a rising star makes me more than happy.”

“Many thanks for your favor and looking out for me. In that case, I will do as you wish and help out at the recording studio.” Since all had been laid out, Xia Ling had no good reason to reject him. Truth be told, she was very happy to know that Wei Shaoyin was willing to write her first single for her. At the very least she didn’t have to worry about ending up with a song made by a third-rate producer. After all, nothing annoyed her more than having to work with silly people.

The thick of autumn was approaching.

The trees outside were beginning to fall and flutter to the ground, and Xia Ling’s condition was also taking a turn for the better. It’s time she left.

The butler led her to the back garden to inform Li Lei about her leaving. In that garden, the hibiscuses bloomed splendidly. She was a little surprised to see him trimming a large bush — his skill was professional, his movement leisurely. She thought to herself: this man really is good at everything.

The butler smiled at her. “Miss Ye, the hibiscuses that were sent to your room last time were also personally trimmed by Young Master.”

The house servants were not very friendly towards Xia Ling initially, as in the case of the hibiscuses, nobody told her about this when she received the flowers. But ever since her meal with Li Lei and her being carried home by him, their attitude towards her improved slightly.

Xia Ling was not bothered by such a change. The world is as such, people are as such, there’s nothing much to it.

What bothered her was that Li Lei actually trimmed flowers for her personally. Did he have too much time on hand or was there another motive? Not that she was being narcissistic, but it was beyond odd for someone of his status to be this nice to just another dancer like her.

Li Lei put down the shear in his hand and walked over. His outfit for the day was a grey long-sleeved round collar, loose fitting and casual, bringing about a homely feel. As he moved towards her, the faint outline of his toned muscles beneath the fabric surfaced, diffusing an air of masculinity that was seductive yet threatening.

He stopped in front of Xia Ling and smiled lightly. “Not going to stay a few more days?”

“My health is restored and the schedule at the training camp is very tight. I have to go back to practice.” She explained politely.

Li Lei paid no attention to it, and instead prompted her to take a seat on a deck chair by the side. “You can always choose not to go.”

Her brow twitched ever so slightly as if it was a premonition.

Indeed, what came after was his voice of insolence. “As long as you’re willing, you can continue to stay by my side. I will get somebody to handle it over at the training camp. If you wish to continue practicing, you can go for a class or two when the mood arises, but it’s also alright if you don’t wish to attend at all.”

There are things that need not be said explicitly, but in this case, Xia Ling still did not understand what she was hearing. Oh, how she had lived two lifetimes in vain.

Li Lei meant to provide for her as his own.

This was not something new or uncommon in the entertainment industry, there was nothing to be surprised about. If not for Pei Ziheng’s protection in her previous life, there would have been plenty of people harboring designs on her. In hindsight, wasn’t she his mistress anyway, despite how she naively thought that she and Pei Ziheng were a couple?

That thought stung a little, and Xia Ling turned away to mask her emotions.

Li Lei took his sweet time to sip his tea, patiently waiting for her response. He had an elegance in the way he was in control of the suspense — easy, firm and even charming. She couldn’t help but think. For a man who had wealth, power and status, and not to mention a handsome face, wouldn’t he be able to have any belle and beauty he liked? Why did he only have eyes for somebody just ordinarily pleasant like her?

She really was puzzled.

“Why?” she asked, with the slip of tongue.

Li Lei looked at her, his smile dissipating in his deep jade-green eyes. “As I said before, you’re the type I like. And also, you’re very pure, and you know how to behave in delicate situations.”

Xia Ling’s eyes hardened. Pure — he was already evaluating her body based on terms associated with mistresses. Maybe he had even hired somebody to do a background check on her love life. She felt insulted.

She suddenly stood up. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I in no way know how to ‘behave in delicate situations’. Boss, Your Honour, thank you for your hospitality all this time. I’m leaving tomorrow.”

He did not stop her.

In fact, when she set out the next day, he got the butler to see her out.

The butler helped Xia Ling load the luggage, and even handed her a beautifully packaged box. “Miss Ye, Young Master said he’d dirtied your mobile phone the last time, so he’s gifting you this new one. Please keep it well.”

Only now did she remember that her phone was covered in blood last time after she had lent it to him when he was injured. She was already unhappy with it at that time, who knew he had noticed it all along.

The only issue was since he had ulterior motives with regards to her, his gifts must not be accepted.

Xia Ling gently declined the box. “I appreciate your Young Master’s goodwill, but please keep it.”

The butler seemed to have seen it coming as he handed it over once again. “Young Master said if Miss Ye would not accept the gift, then it must mean that he hasn’t been sincere enough. In that case, I would have to bring a group of people along with me to send this gift to the training camp. Miss Ye, please don’t make things difficult for a servant like me.”

Chapter 24: Obsessively Clean Virgo Boy
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

It was a very tactful statement, but the threat that was packed into it was no less felt.

Lead a group of people to the training camp? God, how big a hullabaloo that would be. Xia Ling chewed on it — Li Lei must have known that she wouldn’t want to blow things up, such that he could be so sure of his ways.

She swallowed her annoyance and received the box. “Extend my thanks to your Young Master.”

The butler remained warm and respectful. “Young Master also said that you can give him a call anytime you feel that you’ve changed your mind. There is a speed dial button on the side of the phone, which would be his number.”

“Thank you, but I will never use it.” Xia Ling resisted the strong urge to hurl the phone to the ground. She finished her sentence with teeth clenched and got into the car.

When she returned to the training camp, she realized that a lot had changed in the time she wasn’t around.

For one, Lu Tao had found a street dance buddy, a teenager called Leng Hui. With dark hair, delicate eyes, and an ever expressionless face, he was the cool guy type that swooned all the girls.

He transferred over from Imperial Entertainment, and at the same time, Luo Luo had chosen to go over to Imperial.

Xia Ling had her concerns for that adorable girl. Imperial Entertainment’s training was the best and also the harshest in the industry — competition was extremely intense, the elimination rate was incredibly high, and every year there would be news and rumors that someone had committed suicide due to the immense pressure. She wondered if Luo Luo could persevere.

Tan Ying called Xia Ling into the office and handed something to her. “Luo Luo told me to pass this on to you. She said that it must’ve been because you were in a bad mood from being taken advantage of last time that you didn’t regard her as a friend. And that she would always see you as a friend and support you no matter where she goes. She hopes that both of you would make it big soon.”

Xia Ling looked down at the four-leaf clover pendant that was lying still in her palm, her heart aching a little. Luo Luo was such a pure and simple child, she could still show unbounded life and magnanimity even after such a rejection.

She said, “Please let Luo Luo know to take good care of herself.” However, after a pause, she changed her mind. “Forget it.”

Tan Ying poked fun at her. “How cruel. You very well know that she admires you a lot, how could you bear to treat her like that?”

“What do you expect me to do then? Cry and sob and tell her I’m wrong and let’s reconcile?” Xia Ling couldn’t contain her irritability, and her tone was curt. “Chairman Tan, this is my personal matter, thus I won’t bother you with it.”

Who doesn’t want a friend? Who doesn’t want another person to look out for them?

But she could not — never.

From then on, she just wanted to walk her journey alone. With no worries and cares, there would be no betrayal.

The days went by like water flowing out a stream.

Xia Ling went about her days in solitude — in practice, having meals, brushing up for bed. Apart from that, she occasionally went to Wei Shaoyin’s recording studio to help him out with the miscellaneous work, organizing the scores and assisting in the recording. She also followed him around sometimes and heard him discuss his plans and proposals with people from all walks of life. They were usually beautiful and elegant works, vastly different from her gorgeous, demonic works.

After increased exposure with such a style, she had learned a fair bit about this once foreign genre.

Incorporated into her voice, it slowly evolved to become her very own aria style. In Wei Shaoyin’s words, her voice was sounding cleaner and more distant, like watching a world on a rainy day through crystal clear glass panes; simple yet beautiful.

“Coupling that with your face, it’s a pretty good match.” Wei Shaoyin concluded.

He handed Xia Ling an invitation card. “Attend it with me when the time comes.”

Xia Ling studied the invitation. It looked familiar with its golden rim on a dark red velvet card. It was the annual ceremony hosted by the nation’s largest, most popular music and television station. Every year they would invite the big shots in the industry, including singers, producers, and songwriters. It was a splendid event, a truly honorable get-together.

She used to be invited every year, but she never once saw Wei Shaoyin there.

“You don’t seem to be very interested in such events. Why this time then?” she asked.

“Events like this are a hassle.” Wei Shaoyin frowned and sipped his coffee, the rich aroma of his quality Mandheling brew dissipating around him. “It’s crowded, noisy, and extremely dirty.” He paused for a while and repeated. “Extremely dirty.”

Xia Ling laughed a little.

Wei Shaoyin’s mild obsession with cleanliness, she only found that out after getting along with him for a while. He disinfected his office every day, brought his own utensils and tumbler around, and never used tissue paper, only his handkerchief that he carried everywhere he went… she heard he was a Virgo.

He side-eyed her unhappily. “You think I’m in for this? Feng Kun rejected their invitation first, and Chen Yu, Mu Rongshao and a few others are either hospitalized or on their honeymoon. The only person left in the production team is me. The station came personally a few times and even made a call to the boss. They promised a year of golden opportunities next year, thus I have no choice but to make a trip down.”

“Feng Kun rejected it?” This was surprising to Xia Ling. He used to attend it every year, what happened this year?

Wei Shaoyin dully said, “He said he’s been too busy and drained recently, and wants to recuperate overseas for a while to get back in shape. Everyone knows that it’s been an eventful few months — Xia Ling has left, Xia Yu is releasing her debut — there’s been too much on his hands.”

Right, Xia Yu’s debut.

Xia Ling did not just find out about it. In fact, posters and publicity materials were spread soon after she had returned to the training camp. News about Xia Yu was everywhere, she was famous even before she had released her first song.

Wei Shaoyin rose from the wide leather couch and accompanied Xia Ling as they looked out the full-length window.

Outside, the streets were bustling, and the enormous LED screen featured Xia Yu’s delicate features. In terms of her appearance, she shared some similarities with the previous Xia Ling, but she was nowhere as stunning as her. On the other hand, what she had was a look that moved many, one that had the ability to sway people into adoring her —

“It’s very suitable for her current status.” Wei Shaoyin commented, after having a taste of his coffee.

“What?” Xia Ling was baffled.

“Xia Ling’s helpless and lonely sister, people feel for her.” He sneered discreetly.

Xia Ling was having mixed feelings. “You don’t seem to like Xia Yu that much.”

Wei Shaoyin did not deny. “Xia Ling might have been hot-tempered, but she never portrayed her weak side. All of her successes were achieved with her actual strength and substance. Xia Yu is different, she’s simply taking the shortcut with her sister’s reputation.”

Xia Ling stayed silent. Wei Shaoyin had no idea how much thought and effort Xia Yu had put in for this day. She might be riding on her sister’s fame, but this “shortcut” was painstakingly built by Xia Yu and it was in no way easy on her, nor did it have any bit of luck at play.

Now that she thought about it, maybe Xia Yu had started planning from a long time back.

The year that they were taken in by Pei Ziheng, Xia Yu was only nine and very sickly. She was sent overseas for the best possible treatment, but congenital heart disease was in itself extremely difficult to treat completely, and it was even more so that she had delayed it for so long.

In that period of time, Xia Yu went through unthinkable and unbearable pain by all the surgeries and medication she had been put through.

Pei Ziheng rarely let Xia Ling visit her, as he did not want her to delay her practices nor secretly shed tears in a corner every time she saw her. So he went on her behalf and provided for what she needed, even telling her bedtime stories and gifting her little trinkets once in a while.

She did not know when it was that Xia Yu fell for him.

Chapter 25: Grudges and Complaints
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Ling only found that Xia Yu increasingly did not welcome her visits but instead was exceedingly close to Pei Ziheng, using her nasal, high-pitched voice to plead him to stay longer with her. The funnier thing was that Xia Ling then had just thought Xia Yu was going through an attention-seeking phase and did not take any of it to heart.

Xia Yu was getting better day by day, the yellowness of her skin fading away and the swelling in her limbs reducing. What remained was a beautiful girl who looked like an exquisite porcelain doll made by a master dollmaker. The year Xia Yu turned 15, Xia Ling decided to send her overseas to study.

She stayed up several nights to pick what she thought was the best school for Xia Yu and brought the application documents before her.

Xia Yu pushed the documents away, barely glancing down at them. Smiling at her sister, she said, “I’ve already decided to be homeschooled.”

Xia Ling voiced her objection. “Xiao Yu, you should be mingling with children your age. Going to school would be the best way to do that.” In all the years that Xia Yu received treatment, she was constantly in the hospital alone, without playmates or friends. The person she spent the most time with was Pei Ziheng, who only flew down once a month to visit her.

Xia Ling did not want her to be so lonely.

“You should make more friends, Xiao Yu. Ziheng is busy with matters in the company, he can’t spend too much time with you.” She persuaded gently.

Xia Yu face swiftly turned pale, a mist of tears entering her eyes. She pleaded. “But sis, I want to help the both of you. I want to enter the best university and learn business management so that when I graduate I can go to Imperial Entertainment and help lift some of the pressure and burden off you and Brother Ziheng. My foundations are weak, and if I go to school as you say, I won’t be able to keep up, and I definitely will not make it to a good university… Sis, let me be homeschooled, please. You and Brother Ziheng will get me the best homeschooling teachers won’t you?”

Xia Ling was unable to decline Xia Yu’s begging. She thought that perhaps this was for the better. Xia Yu had always been weak and susceptible to illnesses. Letting her stay at home would mean that her daily meals and living conditions would be well taken care of.

Eventually, Xia Yu managed to fulfill her wishes and was successfully accepted into Cambridge University.

After she had successfully graduated, she entered Imperial Entertainment in a managerial position.

Pei Ziheng was a strict superior and expected Imperial Entertainment to function with precision and efficiency. As a result, the work was intense and with long hours, the projects neverending. Xia Yu worked hard and excelled beyond what anyone expected of her. However, her body was weaker than others, after all, and within a few months, she had lost a lot of weight from the pressure.

Xia Ling persuaded her sister to stop working.

She had already made it big in the entertainment industry then, amassing a small fortune that was sufficient for Xia Yu to comfortably live her entire life without worry. Yet, Xia Yu did not want to stop and continued to press on with difficulty at Imperial Entertainment. She executed Pei Ziheng’s every command with perfection, running in and out of the Chairman’s office where he sat more often than everybody else.

Sometimes, Xia Ling would be in the Chairman’s office as well, exchanging loving endearments with Pei Ziheng and being embraced in his arms. They would be admiring the latest new expensive toy that he bought or sharing a pot of exquisite tea. Whenever she saw Xia Yu enter to report neverending pages of numbers and spreadsheets, Xia Ling would feel disinterested, stand up from within Pei Ziheng’s embrace and making to leave.

Every time this happened, Pei Ziheng would frown slightly.

Seeing this, terror would enter Xia Yu’s face, and she would softly stutter. “Sis, Brother Ziheng, I’m so sorry, I’m disturbing the both of you… Should I perhaps come back later…”

Xia Ling would smile and assure her that everything was fine, shooting a glare at Pei Ziheng, wordlessly warning him not make Xia Yu feel bad. As this happened more often, Pei Ziheng became accustomed to it. After all, Xia Yu was highly competent and the reports that she delivered were on topics at work that he was strongly interested in.

They would engage in long discussions forgetting about the time.

Xia Ling would return home first and wait alone on the sofa for Pei Ziheng, many times waking in the middle of the night in the same position.

This was until she received a call from Pei Ziheng one day, telling her that Xia Yu had fainted during a meeting in the office. She frantically rushed to the hospital, her hands, and feet cold from fright. The doctors informed her that Xia Yu had fainted from fatigue and that her old ailment had relapsed.

She canceled her attendance at an important awards ceremony scheduled for the next day, staying by Xia Yu’s side in the hospital for three days and three nights.

Ever since that incident, she refused to allow Xia Yu to continue working at Imperial Entertainment. Pei Ziheng never went against her wishes. Kissing her lightly, he said, “Ok. I can always hire a new manager for the office. As long as my dear Xiao Ling is happy.”

After being removed from her position in Imperial Entertainment, Xia Yu was depressed and unhappy. She would squeeze out a smile whenever Xia Ling asked about it, saying, “Sis, I’m fine. I was too stupid and incompetent. Sorry for having made you worry.”

But, Xia Ling caught her one day, crying in secret behind her back.

Xia Ling could not bear to see Xia Yu in such condition. She took out her entire savings from under the care of her financial consultant and handed them over to Xia Yu. She said, “Xiao Yu, this is all the money that I have earned these few years. I’m handing it over to you now to manage. You needn’t do too much, nor am I concerned about how much you make or lose. Just do whatever you want with it in your spare time — the money here is yours as much as it is mine.”

She wanted to give Xia Yu something to do to apply what she had learned, but that was not too taxing on her body. She hoped that this would make Xia Yu happy.

Xia Yu accepted the money, gratitude shining through her eyes. She resolutely said, “Sis, I will not disappoint you.”

Xia Yu chose a highly risky venture to invest in and, within a year, she had lost more than 50 percent of the money that Xia Ling had given to her. Xia Ling hadn’t said a word of reproach before she found a suicide note left by Xia Yu to her. Xia Yu had swallowed sleeping pills in an attempted suicide.

Xia Ling hugged Xia Yu tightly when they had saved her from death’s door. She consoled her, saying, “Xiao Yu, don’t scare me. Even if you had lost all the money I wouldn’t care, I just want you to be ok…”

Then, Feng Kun had been suspicious, saying to Xia Ling, “Xiao Ling, your sister has been astute and clever in all the decisions she made while being a manager at Imperial Entertainment. How did she make such a big mistake once she took over your finances?”

Xia Ling had defended Xia Yu, saying, “When Xia Yu was at Imperial Entertainment, whatever she did was still under Pei Ziheng’s supervision even if she was in a managerial position. She simply executed Pei Ziheng’s commands. Now that she had to do things by herself and make her own decisions, it’s normal to make some mistakes. She’s still so young, and it’s her first time.”

Thinking back, she had been too naive then.

Later, when she was imprisoned by Pei Ziheng, Xia Yu would visit her every now and then. It was only then that Xia Yu told her all her grievances —

“Sis, why do you think I worked so hard? What did you do to deserve everything — money, fame, status… and Brother Ziheng’s love?!”

“What did you do to deserve his undivided attention? That whatever I do is not enough to get him to take notice of me?!”

“Whatever he did for me, it was all because of you! It is unfair, completely and utterly unfair!”

Xia Ling stared incredulously at her sister as if she was looking at a stranger. She was shocked to the core of her existence.

Xia Yu had continued, coming closer to Xia Ling with a chilling smile and sinisterly said, “Sis, didn’t you care for me the most since we were kids? Why don’t you do one last thing for me…. just kill yourself. Don’t you feel disgraced and tortured being kept here against your wishes? Someone as prideful as you would not be able to sit this down right? Just kill yourself and you will be free from this. Then I will be free to take your place and win the affection of Brother Ziheng.”

Xia Yu had tenderly held Xia Ling’s face in her hands, saying, “So yes, please go and die, my dear sister.”