Chapter 82 - 82 082 Desire

Chapter 82: 082 Desire Chapter 82: 082 Desire He looked up and realized that Liang Tao had entered his office at some point and was now standing in front of his desk, a cup of coffee in hand.

As their gazes met at close range, Liang Tao was so startled it was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head. He hurriedly explained, “Mr. He, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I knocked but you didn’t answer, so I thought you didn’t hear and just came in.”

“Let it go for today, but don’t just come in uninvited in the future,” He Xing was in a good mood at the moment and didn’t care to fuss about it.

Liang Tao immediately broke into a pleased smile and excitedly asked, “Mr. He, that voice sounds like Lady Bai Wei, is she with Miss Fu now?”

“Yes.” He Xing leaned back in his chair and smiled, “That girl just happens to be filming a snow-themed blockbuster nearby, so I had her drop by Antarctica on the way.”

“That’s brilliant,” Liang Tao expressed his admiration by raising his thumb and flattering with eyes closed, “You’re always so capable, Mr. He. When I tried to contact Lady Bai, following your instructions, she wouldn’t even pay attention to me.”

“Stop your nonsense,” He Xing’s expression cooled, speaking mercilessly, “If you hadn’t pestered her for autographs every time you saw her, would she have ignored you?”

Bai Wei was a curious existence. Despite being a well-known actress for many years and a daughter of immense wealth, she lacked an arrogant demeanor and would even joke around with assistants like Liang Tao.

With an embarrassed smile, Liang Tao dared not say any more and left dejectedly after reporting on his work.

He Xing’s eyes returned to the email, pondering for a moment before replying, “You must journey with them and reply to my emails at least once a day; try to make the photographs clearer next time.”

A few minutes later he received a reply, “I can meet your demands, but what’s in it for me?” Accompanying the email was a clear photo of Fu Han’s back.

He Xing saved the photo first, then replied to the email, “The request is up to you, as long as I can fulfill it.”

Not long after, another email arrived, this time with a front-facing picture of Fu Han. Although the distance was a bit far and the resolution somewhat poor, He Xing still felt satisfied.

He picked up today’s schedule and looked at it, the A4 paper crowded with dense text—a busy day ahead.

In the morning, he had to discuss a movie production with investors; it was one of He Group’s major recent projects and the only one he was personally handling.

By nearly ten o’clock, Liang Tao came in to say that the representative of the investors had arrived and was waiting in the Meeting Room.

Before leaving, He Xing sized himself up in the Dressing Room mirror, ensuring everything was in order before marching out first, Liang Tao hurrying after him.

In the spacious, well-lit Meeting Room, the door was ajar. He Xing glanced at the doorway and snapped, “Ridiculous!”

Liang Tao, helpless, explained, “Mr. He, Miss Xia insisted that I not tell you; she said she wanted to surprise you.”

“Such childish antics must not happen again, or you can pack up and leave,” He Xing said sternly, radiating anger, leaving Liang Tao too scared to even breathe; inwardly, he complained, “Miss Xia, this time you’ve really done me in.”

Xia Ning, hearing the commotion from inside the Meeting Room, turned her head and, seeing He Xing, came over with a beaming smile, “Big Brother He Xing, you’re finally here. How about it? Are you surprised to see me?”

He Xing stepped back, causing Xia Ning to miss her presumed embrace, and he looked at Xia Ning expressionlessly, “I have important things to do today. Go amuse yourself and don’t treat work as a game.”

“Who says I’m treating work like a game?” Xia Ning pouted, pushing a document into He Xing’s hands, “Take a look at this first.”

He Xing skimmed the document. His already pallid face turned even more unsightly. “Take this back,” he said as he threw the document back at her.

“Why?” Xia Ning clutched at He Xing’s clothes, agitated, “Big Brother He Xing, I heard that He Group is currently low on liquid assets; that’s why you’re fundraising for the movie. This is my investment, sign the contract and I’ll wire the money straight away.”

“You think I’m a beggar to be fobbed off?” He Xing frowned and spoke coldly, “He Group doesn’t need anyone’s pity. Just because I’m raising funds doesn’t mean I’m short on cash; it’s a business strategy, understand?”

How could Xia Ning understand? All she thought about every day was He Xing: what excuse to use to see him, what clothes to wear that would be more attractive, what she could do to make He Xing like her.

Though she didn’t understand, she persisted, “I know, I know, He Group is the largest enterprise in City A and has plenty of money. But since you’re looking for investors, why isn’t my money acceptable?”

“This is your money?” He Xing’s face flashed with fleeting anger, as he kept his fury in check, “This is money raised by the Du Wanting Motherly Love Foundation for charity, not for you to misappropriate public funds for personal use.”

“It’s all the same,” Xia Ning argued in a low mutter, “That money was donated to my mother; I’m just borrowing it temporarily. Once the investment pays off, I’ll put it back.”

“Ridiculous,” He Xing paid her no more attention and instructed Liang Tao coldly, “See Miss Xia out; I have to leave for something important.”

“Don’t!” Xia Ning spread her arms to block He Xing’s path, “Big Brother He Xing, I… my mother’s dream was to be a superstar. She couldn’t fulfill that dream, and I… I want to do it for her.”

“You?” He Xing scrutinized Xia Ning.

“I think I can do it,” Xia Ning blushed demurely, “Everyone has always said I’m beautiful, and to be a superstar, being pretty is enough, right?”

“Is that really your mother’s wish?” He Xing was still focused on her previous statement, his expression growing serious.

“If you don’t believe me, look.” Xia Ning fished out an aged piece of paper from her bag and handed it to He Xing.

He Xing unfolded the paper to see what looked like a page torn from a notebook with neat handwriting, apparently from a diary. It indeed mentioned a dream to one day become a superstar.

“See? I didn’t lie to you, did I?” Xia Ning looked up at He Xing with a small face beaming, “I’ll fulfill my mother’s unachieved dream.”

He Xing’s gaze lingered on the paper in his hands for a long time until he finally said softly, “Let me think about this. You should go back for now.”

Xia Ning’s eyes lit up, excitedly looking at He Xing, “What about my investment…”

“Take it back. I don’t need it,” He Xing did not look at Xia Ning again, but instructed Liang Tao to hurry and send her away.

Xia Ning bounced back home, already picturing herself as a superstar, surrounded by a sea of people captivated by her presence, causing a stir wherever she went.

As for He Xing, Xia Ning was confident that once she became a superstar and garnered the public’s attention, He Xing would surely notice her. Then he would realize how wonderful and likable she was.