Chapter Twelve: Cui Hao Becomes the Boss

Right at twelve o'clock, as promised, Zhou Xiao Qi arrived at the bar. "Over here, Xiao Qi," a voice called. In the dim lighting, she could only make out two figures; their faces were hidden in the shadows. As she drew closer and recognized them, she felt that the resolve she'd taken such pains to muster in recent days was dissipating effortlessly into the air. Fate, she thought, had a penchant for such ironies: what should not arrive always comes, and what ought to come never does. Sometimes, it seemed, no amount of running could stop certain things from happening. People always said that life depends on one's own striving, yet Zhou Xiao Qi couldn't shake the feeling that so much of it was orchestrated by the heavens.

"Xiao Qi, this is Cui Hao—the one I mentioned before. He owns a film company. You're applying to the Film Academy, aren't you? If you could become one of his artists, that would be wonderful." As Ling Nan spoke, he warmly pulled Zhou Xiao Qi to sit beside him.

Seated, Zhou Xiao Qi unconsciously tightened her grip on her skirt. She had never imagined that the person Ling Nan referred to would turn out to be Cui Hao. She knew nothing about him, so when Ling Nan made the introduction, disbelief flickered in her heart. She'd wanted to avoid Cui Hao, and yet here he was, a prospective future boss.

Cui Hao, for his part, was sizing up Zhou Xiao Qi. He had to admit, her appearance tonight was stunning; even on ordinary days, with her bare face, she was beautiful. In this era, acting began with looks and then with talent. On the first count, Zhou Xiao Qi was undoubtedly qualified. Whether out of a personal desire to help her or from a business perspective, Cui Hao believed she was destined to shine in the entertainment world. This was an opportunity devoid of risk, so there was no reason for him to refuse.

"Xiao Qi, would you be interested in joining my company?" Cui Hao asked straightforwardly.

"Am I... really eligible?" Even facing Cui Hao, Zhou Xiao Qi was cautious, knowing how much her future depended on this.

"You are, but you'll need to get into the Film Academy first. After you receive professional training, then I can arrange work for you. I want you to be a genuine actress, not just a fleeting internet celebrity." When it came to business, Cui Hao spoke with the candidness of a professional. They always said men were most attractive when focused on their work, and Zhou Xiao Qi found herself momentarily entranced. "Is there anything you're dissatisfied with? Feel free to say so," he added, frowning slightly at her silence, thinking perhaps his terms were not to her liking.

"No... everything is fine. And since Ling Nan introduced you, I trust you," Zhou Xiao Qi replied, snapping out of her reverie and feeling a little apologetic. She hadn't paid close attention to most of what Cui Hao said about the contract, because deep down, she simply trusted him.

"Don't worry, Xiao Qi. If you do join Cui Hao's company and he doesn't treat you well, just tell me. I'll stand up for you," Ling Nan vowed, patting his chest, making it clear to Cui Hao that he would be the first to object if Zhou Xiao Qi were wronged.

"Rest assured, I would never do that," Cui Hao replied, reassuring Ling Nan. After all, they had known each other for years. "I'll have my assistant prepare the contract and contact you later," he told Zhou Xiao Qi, making his decision explicit.

"Thank you, and I look forward to working with you." The sudden change in her role left Zhou Xiao Qi marveling at the whims of fate.

"Give me your number, so we can keep in touch," Cui Hao requested. To any outsider, it was the most ordinary of gestures, but it was also the beginning of their entanglement.

With work matters settled, their conversation drifted to lighter topics. Suddenly, the lyrics of a song played: "Those daring dreams of yours, I'll chase them with you; paper airplanes falling in the rain, destined to crash." At that moment, her phone rang.

"Sorry, my phone's ringing—I need to take this," Zhou Xiao Qi said, rising and walking to a quieter corner. The moment she placed the phone to her ear, she had to pull it away; her eardrums nearly burst.

"Xiao Qi! Xiao Qi! I got news about the second-round audition too! Wow, does this mean I’m one step closer to you? Maybe we can even keep being together," Xue Ran shouted, oblivious to her own volume, her joy drowning out all minor considerations.

"Really? I'm so happy for you! But Xue Ran, could you keep your voice down a little? My ears are about to explode." Zhou Xiao Qi was genuinely delighted at Xue Ran’s news; if they could go to school together, her university days would be far less lonely.

"Really? You’re truly happy for me? I want to ask Li Feng out tomorrow at six, after the audition. I plan to dress up and confess to him. You promised to help me arrange it!" Xue Ran exclaimed, feeling as if happiness was raining down on her without end.

"Of course I'm happy for you. We could even be together at university again. Sure, leave it to me. But see if you can get Li Feng's number for me—I don't have it," Zhou Xiao Qi replied, thinking how beautiful it was for Xue Ran to love so loudly.

"Leave it to me! I’ll send you his number tonight," Xue Ran promised confidently.

Noticing she had been away for a while, Zhou Xiao Qi ended the call and returned to the booth. "Sorry to keep you waiting," she apologized. After all, it was her first job interview, even if the interviewers were familiar faces.

Zhou Xiao Qi hesitated, feeling awkward as she looked at Ling Nan. He’d already helped her more than she could expect; surely he wasn’t obliged to do more. But she still wanted to try, at least, to help Xue Ran—no matter the outcome, she would have given her best.

Ling Nan, ever attentive to others’ feelings, would never make anyone feel embarrassed. Seeing the struggle on Zhou Xiao Qi’s face, he took the initiative. "Xiao Qi, is something wrong? You seem troubled."

After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke up. "Ling Nan, you’ve met my classmate Xue Ran before. She’s applying to the Film Academy with me. I was wondering if you could let Mr. Cui take a look at her as well, to see if she meets his company’s standards."

Ling Nan burst out laughing, realizing it was such a simple request. "Xiao Qi, you’re so endearing. Of course Cui Hao wouldn’t object to something so small." He winked at Cui Hao across the table.

The long-forgotten term "Mr. Cui" sent a faint tremor through Cui Hao, though his face remained impassive. "Of course. Arrange a time for your friend to visit my company," he replied.

Cui Hao’s agreement brought a radiant smile to Zhou Xiao Qi’s face. She knew it was a trivial matter to him, but the kindness shown by him and Ling Nan was something she would never forget.