"It’s gone," Qin Mengyao said with delight.

Although Qin Mengyao’s tactics were somewhat underhanded, as a man, Ye Fan considered it a test of his willpower.

Qin Mengyao was a restless sleeper. She threw herself directly on top of Ye Fan and fell into a deep slumber.

Ye Fan was frustrated because something felt off. When his hand accidentally brushed against that soft peak, he lost his composure entirely.

So, he asked Qin Mengyao, "Mengyao, how can you sleep like this!"

"Is there something wrong with it? I’ve always slept like this!" Qin Mengyao asked.

Something wrong with it? It might be great for you, but you can’t just forget I’m right here! Don’t you have any sense of propriety? I’m so frustrated I could spit blood!

So, he said to her, "But I’m right here next to you!"

Qin Mengyao replied, "We’re all family anyway. You’ll get used to it!"

How could anyone get used to this?! Ye Fan was truly at a loss. He tried to shift to the side, but in the blink of an eye, Qin Mengyao had scooted closer. By the time he was at the very edge of the bed, he couldn’t move any further.

Being pressed so tightly against her felt terrible. He even had an impulse—an impulse to flip her over and take her right then and there.

But he quickly suppressed the urge. He was currently in control; if he acted on that impulse, he would be put in a vulnerable position later, and who knew what kind of headaches that would cause? So, he endured.

In the middle of the night, while in a hazy state, he felt someone forcefully kissing him. Dark hair spilled across his neck, making him intensely uncomfortable. He woke with a start and saw it was Qin Mengyao.

Evidently, Qin Mengyao had lost her last shred of patience and was preparing to take matters into her own hands.

In his panic, Ye Fan landed a light chop on her neck. Qin Mengyao instantly passed out. Looking at her unconscious form, Ye Fan breathed a sigh of relief.

He pulled the blanket over her, then staggered out into the living room.

A moment ago, if the thought hadn’t crossed his mind that Qin Mengyao’s sister was Qin Yanran—making Qin Mengyao his own sister-in-law—he would have taught her the price of provoking him. A man was not someone to be trifled with so easily.

Ye Fan wasn’t the type of man who fell for every woman he met; he had his own principles. Take Qin Mengyao, for example. If he crossed that line with her, it would deeply hurt Qin Yanran. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to cross that line with her, but he couldn’t bear to make Qin Yanran sad. She was a woman completely devoted to him. So, between Qin Yanran and Qin Mengyao, he chose Qin Yanran. It was a difficult choice, but in life, one can’t always have the best of both worlds.

The next day, Qin Mengyao struggled to sit up, her neck aching. The memory of Ye Fan striking her last night ignited a fury within her.

She seethed, "Ye Fan, I swear I’ll make you pay for this. Do you think you can just walk away unscathed? You’re dead wrong."

One could only imagine how furious she was. If Ye Fan had been there, she might have beaten him to death with her bare hands. That was the price for crossing her.

「...」

Today was a joyous occasion for Luo Ling. It was the day of her screen test. Ever since the incident with Ye Fan, she had become a well-known figure at her school and was now a key actress being groomed by Huayu Film Industry. Coincidentally, Huayu Film Industry was producing a fantasy epic, and she was slated to star as the female lead.

So, with her makeup done, she headed to the director’s office.

"Good day, Director. I’m Luo Ling, here for the screen test," she said respectfully.

The director, who was reading a script, glanced up at her and was instantly captivated by her beauty. She was breathtaking. Although Luo Ling was only about twenty, to possess such timeless beauty at her age meant her looks were unlikely to fade much as she grew older. While she might be wearing makeup, it was only a light touch; her beauty was clearly natural.

The director immediately said, "So you’re our female lead. I’m certain there’s no issue with your acting ability. You are more than capable of handling this role! However, this film has a budget of nearly one million, and the competition for the lead role is fierce. I can’t guarantee you’ll get it." He leaned in. "But if you’re willing to pay a small, insignificant price, the role is as good as yours!"

Luo Ling was taken aback. "What price would I have to pay?" she asked.

"Just a little trip with me to a hotel to... discuss the script and the meaning of life. That’s all. I have the final say on this film’s casting, so I can definitely lock you in as the female lead! It’s a tough call, but I can make it happen for you!"

He assumed Luo Ling was just a naive newcomer and that it would be a piece of cake to have his way with her.

However, Luo Ling’s expression instantly turned to ice.

"So that’s how it is," she said to the director. "In that case, I’d rather not take the role at all!"

"You could become famous overnight with this film. It’s a fantastic opportunity. I hope you’ll consider it carefully!" the director pressed.

Luo Ling replied, "There’s nothing to consider. I won’t sell my body and soul for a movie. You’re a director I respected, but I never expected you to be this kind of person!"

"Fine. Just fine! In a few years, you’ll realize how laughable your words today are. I am now officially announcing that you are not qualified to play the female lead!" the director declared, his voice dripping with spite.

"So be it!" Luo Ling retorted.

She pushed the door open and stormed out. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Watching her leave, the director smirked lewdly. You’ll come crawling back to me. No prey I’ve set my sights on has ever escaped.

「...」

Meanwhile, Ye Fan was walking down the street, planning to head home. He still hadn’t told Su Qingxue and Fang Nan that he was back in Jiangning, so it was the perfect time to do so.

No one knew what happened last night except for him and Qin Mengyao, who probably hated his guts right now.

This is for the best. The more she hates me, the less we’ll have to do with each other.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Luo Ling.

He had always treated her like a beloved little sister, so he answered immediately.

"Brother, are you back in Jiangning?" Luo Ling’s voice came through the phone.

"I’m back. What’s wrong?" Ye Fan asked.

"Brother, I need to talk to you about this in person!"

"Okay!"

Ye Fan hailed a taxi. When he met up with Luo Ling, he asked, "Little sister, what happened?"

Luo Ling explained, "Brother, a little while ago, Huayu Film Industry started preparations for a new fantasy film. They hired a big-name director, and I was supposed to be the heroine. But another actress, who has an improper relationship with that director, got my role instead."

"What? Does Walker know about this?" Ye Fan demanded, his mood souring.

He would forgive his little sister for almost anything, but this clearly wasn’t her fault.

"He doesn’t know. The final casting decisions haven’t reached his level yet. It was decided among the higher-ups."

Luo Ling looked dejected. It was supposed to be her first film, and she had worked through grueling training only to have her role snatched away.

Ye Fan was furious. The consequences would be severe.

"Come on," he said, his voice hard. "I’m taking you to see this so-called ’great director’!"

I’d like to see just how arrogant this director is. Of course, that’s just how the entertainment industry works. There’s nothing to be done about it. Still, I have to stand up for her.