That night, Chen Huaixiao had the carefully framed painting ‘The Goddess of the Luo River' hung in his study directly across from his desk so that he could see it as soon as he looked up.
Previously when he looked at 'The Goddess of the Luo River', it was only with an artistic aesthetic appreciation, but after seeing Bai Yin's breathtaking solo dance performance, Chen Huaixiao had a different feeling when looking at the goddess in the painting.
The immortal woman in the painting, and Bai Yin's costume when she performed the 'Long Sleeve Dance'... were almost identical.
Even the details like the style of the white dress and the embroidery on the hem, she had recreated them true to life from the painting.
Her 'Long Sleeve Dance' also dynamically presented the ancient style depicted in the painting. It was exactly as Cao Zhi described in 'Ode to the Luo River Goddess': "Her hair like light clouds covering the moon, fluttering like flowing snow in the wind."
The reason she was able to achieve this level was because in just half a month, Bai Yin had gathered all kinds of ancient texts as reference material. Relying on her own understanding and creativity, she perfectly recreated this ancient long sleeve dance, as well as the Luo River goddess' striking appearance.
Chen Huaixiao could imagine how much thought and effort she had put in to turn things around for this performance and make up for her previous loss.
Ku Wen was such a lover of traditional Chinese culture. No matter how vivid or lifelike, a painting is just a painting after all.
Using the state-of-the-art 3D holographic stage that Chen Huaixiao had spent a fortune to build, Bai Yin brought to life before Ku Wen an enchanting goddess of unparalleled beauty straight out of the painting.
Not to mention Ku Wen, even Chen Huaixiao, who was used to seeing the ins and outs of the entertainment industry, was stunned beyond words.
In the afternoon, Sun Lili posted some edited clips of the 'Long Sleeve Dance' online.
Young internet users who were used to flashy, crowd-pleasing short videos were instantly gripped when they saw this high-quality artistic dance video—
"This dance is so high-class, stunning and shocking don't even begin to describe how I feel right now."
"Coming back on loop to feast my eyes."
"Bai Yin's dancing is just too good."
"Stunning leaves me speechless."
"It's like a fairy stepping out of a painting!"
"This is what real traditional Chinese culture is!"
...
The 'Long Sleeve Dance' shot up the trending topics chart. Many companies and performing arts troupes reached out to Xingxing Media wanting to purchase the rights to the 'Long Sleeve Dance'.
Since Bai Yin was the choreographer of the 'Long Sleeve Dance', her agent Sun Lili helped negotiate with these companies on her behalf. They would likely get a great price.
Delighted, Bai Yin went home. As she passed by the second floor study, she saw that the exquisitely framed 'The Goddess of the Luo River' had already been hung on the futuristic space walk-themed backdrop wall.
She had assumed Chen Huaixiao would take the painting back down to the secure basement vault.
She didn't expect he would hang it so openly in the study he went in and out of everyday. It was impossible not to see it when looking up or when bending down.
Bai Yin pushed open the door and marched in indignantly, saying to Chen Huaixiao, "Chen Huaixiao, this painting was a gift to me from Mr. Ku. How can you keep it for yourself like this?"
Sitting properly at his desk, Chen Huaixiao looked up at her, giving the painting a meaningful glance before sizing up the alluring woman before him.
The more he looked... the more alike they were.
"Bai Yin, I'm keeping this painting."
Bai Yin went to stand by his desk, leaning on it lightly as she mocked, "The esteemed president of Xingxing Media is actually fighting with his contracted artist over a possession?"
"You're not only my contracted artist, but also my wife." Chen Huaixiao said matter-of-factly. "What's my wife's is mine."
"Oh I see. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is still yours. Is that right?"
A smile spread across Chen Huaixiao's lips. "The basement vault code is the last six digits of your phone number."
"Huh?"
Bai Yin was stunned for a second. She didn't expect Chen Huaixiao to tell her the basement code so readily!
How could there be such a good thing? He wouldn't have set a one-time use code, right?
Chen Huaixiao seemed to read her mind. This little vixen's mind worked in crooked ways. She wouldn't readily trust others one bit.
So he simply said, "It's the permanent code. Take whatever you like."
Bai Yin tested him by saying, "I like everything, I want it all."
The antiques, paintings, vases, porcelain, and all those shiny gold bars - she wanted them all!
Seeing the greedy glint in her eyes, Chen Huaixiao felt a certain way for some reason. He liked seeing her make demands of him.
"They're all yours." Chen Huaixiao agreed readily.
Bai Yin was somewhat incredulous that he had acquiesced so blatantly.
That basement was filled with rare treasures and collectibles that he had spent a fortune on at auctions around the world. Many were absolutely priceless.
Bai Yin looked at the exquisitely framed 'The Goddess of the Luo River' on the wall and asked, "Are you trading that painting for your treasured antiques and collectibles worth a fortune?"
"Wrong."
Chen Huaixiao's gaze moved from the painting to her as he looked at her deeply and enunciated each word. "This is my priceless treasure."
...
Two days later, Bai Yin ran into her little stalker Li Chunhong again at the tennis club.
He still wore a cap and swung a tennis racket, smiling brightly with youthful vigor.
Seeing Bai Yin walk in, he hurriedly jogged halfway across the court to her, waving and calling out, "Hi, long time no see!"
Bai Yin was dressed in a graceful white tennis dress. She did some warm up stretches and said cheerfully, "Wanna play a set, little stalker?"
"Sure!"
Li Chunhong joined her on an empty court, but his skills were rather poor.
Bai Yin served beautifully, each hit strong and powerful. Li Chunhong was focused and on high alert, but he could barely return her shots. After exchanging a few volleys, he would inevitably lose.
During their break, Bai Yin handed him a bottle of mineral water and said, "You've improved a bit after following Coach Li these days. You used to not even be able to return a single shot. Now you can return a few."
Li Chunhong gave an unconcerned laugh, took a drink and swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing youthfully. "You've been really busy lately, haven't been coming around."
"Yeah, quite busy."
Lately, Bai Yin had shut herself in the gym practicing her dance routine. She rarely even looked at her phone, let alone checked social media.
"So you're done being busy now?"
"If I wasn't, would I have the time to come to the tennis club and practice with you?" Bai Yin took a sip of water and laughed breezily.
Li Chunhong hesitated, then said, "Since you're free now, how about Li Chunfeng's song..."
"Let's forget about Li Chunfeng's song."
"Forget about it?" Li Chunhong looked startled. "What do you mean forget about it? How can we just forget about it?"
Bai Yin casually said, "A big shot like him must have people begging him everyday to write songs.
"That's true."
"So there you go." She leisurely stretched. "He's obviously selective about who he works with. I figured it's best not to force it if we're clearly not a good match."
Li Chunhong was visibly anxious as he quickly said, "How do you know you're not a good match for him? What if you hit it off!"
Bai Yin shrugged indifferently. "Sometimes you shouldn't force things. Forcing it might ruin it. I could even end up offending him. Oh right, don't try to connect me with him anymore. I've thought it through. Approaching him privately like this could make someone with severe social anxiety uncomfortable."
Li Chunhong raised his voice. "I've explained it to you many times. Li Chunfeng doesn't have social anxiety! He just doesn't want to deal with boring people!"
"..."
Bai Yin side-eyed him and retorted, "Seems like you've met him already huh?"
"How else would he start following you on social media?"
"I knew it was you!" Bai Yin slapped his back. "I knew there was no reason for Li Chunfeng to randomly follow me."
Li Chunhong was nearly slapped into internal injury. He grimaced, "So don't give up! Victory is right around the corner."
Bai Yin shook her head. "Mainly because my agent already connected me with another producer. He's amazing too."
"I knew it. No wonder you suddenly gave up. You already found a backup plan."
"What's wrong with me finding a backup? Li Chunfeng's songs are hard to get. My debut single is coming up soon. Picking another producer to work with is a wise choice, okay?"
Li Chunhong rolled his eyes. "A fickle woman like you doesn't deserve a good song."
"Say what you want."
After a while, he still couldn't resist asking, "Who did your agent hook you up with?"
"You won't know him anyway."
"There's only so many famous producers. I might know him."
Bai Yin went on, "Qi Yao. He's written a lot of pop songs, and has produced many chart-topping hits."
Li Chunhong's eyes nearly rolled out of their sockets. "His pop songs are so basic."
"..."
Bai Yin was annoyed by his comment and shot back, "And what do you know?"
"More than you, clearly. I'd bet the songs he writes for you might be popular for a while, but they definitely won't stand the test of time. No one's gonna play them on loop more than 10 times before getting sick of them."
Seeing his reaction, Bai Yin had to admit... he did seem to know his stuff.
"You sure have a lot of interests - tennis, music. Impressive."
Li Chunhong let out a disdainful snort, not wanting to talk to her further.
Bai Yin glanced at the time and said, "Alright, I gotta go. I have a music social tonight."
Li Chunhong hurried to catch up with her. "What music social?"
"It's just a party that people in the industry go to. Lots of music professionals will be there, including the producer I'm in talks with, Qi Yao. My agent wants me to go and meet more producers, and network with people in the industry to prepare for my future singles and albums."
"Can I come?"
"What for?"
"I, uh, I have a thesis to write." Li Chunhong blurted out without thinking. "I forgot to mention - I'm a doctoral student in the arts department now, and I'm working on a music-related thesis. I need research material from events like this. Hey superstar, think you can bring me along?"
"Are you for real?" Bai Yin was a little incredulous, "Which school are you from?"
"Beicheng Media University."
She frowned slightly, "I've noticed you're full of nonsense."
"If you don't believe me, I can show you my student ID," Li Chunhong said sincerely, "You know I don't know any celebrities, but I need relevant materials for my dissertation. Please help me out, miss. You know how hard it is for a doctoral student to graduate!"
Bai Yin thought tonight's banquet wasn't too formal, so bringing one more person wouldn't be a big issue.
"Then be my assistant for tonight. I'll take you to see the scene," she said.
Li Chunhong smiled, revealing a sweet dimple on the left corner of his mouth, "Miss Bai Yin, you're really an angel coming down to earth. How can there be such a beautiful, kind-hearted, and super cute miss like you!"
"Okay."
...
That night, Tang Ka drove Bai Yin to the Maurice Hotel to attend a music soirée. At the gate of Beicheng Media University, Bai Yin met Li Chunhong, who was dressed formally in a tailored suit.
The cut of his suit was well-fitting, seeming like high-end quality. Getting a custom-made high-end suit like this wouldn't come cheap.
"Little assistant, you're quite rich to be able to afford a high-end custom suit," she remarked.
Li Chunhong got into the car and glanced down at his suit, looking a little nervous. "Do I look handsome?" he asked.
Looking at him, Bai Yin saw his slim and graceful figure with a nicely outlined physique. His fair skin, handsome features, and elegant demeanor resembled a good-looking vampire aristocrat from American dramas.
"Good-looking yes, but isn't it a bit too formal?"
"Too formal?" Li Chunhong glanced at Bai Yin's charming black evening gown. "I don't think I'm overdressed compared to you."
"But the problem is...you're my assistant."
Li Chunhong only then realized assistants weren't supposed to dress so formally. "Sorry, I rarely attend events like these."
"Never mind," Bai Yin said lightly. "Let my butler Tang Ka change into something else later."
Li Chunhong readily agreed, "No problem."
...
Many celebrities and music producers attended the music soirée, chatting in small groups while holding wine glasses and discussing music and pop culture.
Wearing Tang Ka's suit, Li Chunhong followed Bai Yin, looking a little nervous. It was clear he had never attended an event like this before.
Bai Yin whispered reassuringly, "Don't be nervous. Listen to their conversations, it should help with your dissertation."
"Miss, should I take your arm?"
"No need, just follow behind me."
"Oh."
Bai Yin saw the producer Qi Yao and went over with a wine glass to greet him, "Producer Qi, long time no see."
Seeing Bai Yin, Qi Yao looked a little uneasy, "Bai Yin, hello."
"Lili sent you my audition tape before, did you get it?"
"I did. Your voice is very unique, singing pop should have a very different effect."
"I'll have to trouble Producer Qi to put in some effort then."
Qi Yao swallowed and hesitated as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Just then, Su Anning walked over unsteadily with a wine glass in hand.
Seeing Bai Yin reminded her of the kowtowing incident at her mother's grave. She was still seething with resentment over it.
The Su family mansion was now under Bai Yin's name. Her family of three had moved into another new mansion. Su Anning felt uncomfortable everywhere in the new home.
Su Yecheng lost money over the forged painting and ku video work he distributed. He was frustrated and bad-tempered at home, arguing with Zou Meizhi every day.
Su Anning was about to explode from frustration.
She must turn the tables, no matter the cost! Otherwise she would really blow up on the spot.
Su Anning walked up to Qi Yao and raised her glass with a faint smile, "Producer Qi, hello."
Qi Yao's expression immediately became solemn, his attitude clearly respectful, "Miss Su, hello, hello."
"Producer Qi, I'll have to trouble you for my album."
"Miss Su, please be assured, I, Qi, will do my utmost! I won't let you down."
Overhearing Su Anning and Qi Yao's conversation, Bai Yin frowned slightly and asked, "Producer Qi, didn't we agree you'd produce the music for my new songs?"
Qi Yao scratched his head, struggling to explain, "Bai Yin, the thing is, although I really like your vocal tone, I feel your voice doesn't quite suit my pop style. So after careful consideration, I've decided to collaborate with Miss Su instead."
Su Anning sneered contemptuously at Bai Yin, looking very smug.
Bai Yin immediately saw through it. It wasn't that her voice didn't suit his style, but that Su Anning was determined to compete with her. She wanted to snatch all the music producers Bai Yin had her eyes on.
First Li Chunfeng, now Qi Yao... She just wanted to block her path completely.
Seeing Bai Yin's ugly expression, Su Anning was dying to give the fallen dog a beating.
She slowly walked to Bai Yin's side and whispered in her ear, "As long as I, Su Anning, am in this entertainment industry, don't expect to make any headway. I'll always stand in your way."
Bai Yin smiled faintly, "As long as you, Su Anning, are in the entertainment industry, I'll never make any headway. Sister, I hope you won't regret saying this."
Her response to roadblocks had always been the same—
Kick them aside.
Su Anning looked at her, their gazes clashing like lightning.
Just then, Li Chunhong, who had been silently watching behind Bai Yin, suddenly spoke up, "Director Qi's style of catering to vulgar tastes indeed does not suit Miss Bai Yin's debut single. I've heard Miss Su's songs before, every single one becomes unbearably boring after looping it just five times. In this sense, you and Director Qi are a perfect match. I'm sure your collaboration will create unique sparks."
Qi Yao and Su Anning's faces sank instantly, livid with anger.
The remark was quite cutting, insulting both of them in one go.
Bai Yin couldn't help but chuckle softly. This bratty kid sure had a way with words when insulting others.
Suppressing her fury, Su Anning asked coldly, "Who are you?"
"He's my assistant," Bai Yin said, pulling Li Chunhong behind her lest Su Anning take out her anger on him.
Su Anning was a pampered princess who had been doted on since childhood. She couldn't endure the slightest grievance.
While she could deal with Bai Yin slowly, this assistant who didn't know his place could be taught a lesson right away.
"Just a mere assistant, what right do you have to spout nonsense here? Do you believe I can kick you out in minutes?" Then she called over her manager Lu Yi, "Get security to throw this rude man out!"
Lu Yi glanced at Li Chunhong and nodded, then headed towards the security booth by the door.
He had barely taken a few steps when his phone suddenly rang. Lu Yi was shocked to see it was the call of the music producer Li Chunfeng. He respectfully greeted, "Producer Li, hello, hello! Long time no contact. How's the song I commissioned for Miss Su? Have you had any inspiration?"
Behind him, a clear, deep male voice rang out, "Sorry, Manager Lu, your artist wants to kick me out. I have no other flaws, I just tend to bear grudges over petty matters. I'm afraid I won't be able to write songs for your artist anymore."
Lu Yi looked back in shock and saw Li Chunfeng beaming brightly at him, waving his phone mockingly.
Not only Lu Yi, but Bai Yin and Qi Yao beside him, as well as the dumbfounded and pale-faced Su Anning, were all stupefied.
"You...you're Li Chunfeng!" Qi Yao cried incredulously. "You're really the legendary Li Chunfeng!"
If he really was Li Chunfeng, then his earlier remarks were not offensive at all, but exceptionally valuable instead. Any music professional in the industry would kill to receive commentary from Li Chunfeng.
With Li Chunfeng's seniority, accomplishments, and the numerous domestic and foreign awards he had received, any music producer in the Chinese pop scene would address him as "Senior" when they met him.
Su Anning looked at him furiously and yelled at Lu Yi, "What nonsense! This guy is Bai Yin's assistant, how can he be Li Chunfeng? Have you lost your mind?"
Lu Yi was also extremely confused, not knowing what to do as he held the phone.
Everyone in the industry knew Li Chunfeng never attended any music events or award ceremonies. He was very mysterious and had never appeared in public.
How could this man possibly be Li Chunfeng?
Besides, how could Li Chunfeng be a personal assistant to Bai Yin?
His trembling finger redialed Li Chunfeng's number.
Li Chunfeng's phone rang out a clear, melodious tone. He waved his phone mockingly at Lu Yi and smiled gently, "I already said I'm Li Chunfeng. Still don't believe me? Want to see my ID?"
Lu Yi finally believed him.
He quickly pulled Su Anning over to Li Chunfeng and apologized profusely, "Producer Li, terribly sorry! It was Anning's fault for being rude to you. She's not malicious, just has a bad temper. Please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart."
Su Anning looked very resentful, grumpily tugging at Lu Yi.
Lu Yi knew when to bow his head. He desperately signaled at her to do the same.
If they offended this heavyweight over some petty argument, it would be far too costly!
Seeing Su Anning's sullen, resentful look, Li Chunfeng chuckled generously, "No matter. I don't need her apology anyway."
"Then...the contract we discussed, you producing a single for Miss Su..."
"Hasn't she already found a better music producer?" Li Chunfeng glanced at Qi Yao. "I said earlier, Director Qi's style suits Miss Su very well. I believe she chose him for that reason. I'm certain your collaboration will create unique sparks. All the best."
Just as he said those words, everyone scoffed. However, when Su Anning and Qi Yao heard them now...they could only feel an indescribable mockery and an extremely grating feeling.
"Mr. Li, please reconsider." Lu Yi was also doing his best to fulfill his duties and had decided to lose face today: "Regarding the price, we can negotiate further. Let's consider this an apology from me for Miss Su's inappropriate remarks today."
"I will be quite busy with my schedule recently," Li Chunfeng glanced at Bai Yin beside him. "I will be fully responsible for producing the music for Miss Bai Yin's new album, so I won't have time to write songs for others."
Upon hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded.
Li Chunfeng was going to write songs for Bai Yin, not just a single but a whole album! He had never written a full album for any artist before, what an honor!
When Su Anning heard this, her blood pressure rose and her nose started bleeding immediately.
