Chapter 96: The Performer Only
Zhao Dong grabbed Cheng Haoyuan's legs and squeezed hard.
CRACK! CRACK!
Two sharp snaps echoed as Cheng Haoyuan let out a bloodcurdling scream, his legs brutally broken. The sound of splintering bone was enough to make one's scalp crawl. Standing to the side, Yang Sixue was utterly horrified by the scene.
With his legs completely crippled, Cheng Haoyuan was now disabled. Zhao Dong gripped his chin, his gaze as sharp as a blade as it pierced into Cheng Haoyuan's eyes. "I'm sparing your life," he said coldly. "Go tell your uncle to come and find me for revenge. Tell him that I, Zhao Dong, am waiting."
With that, Zhao Dong hauled Cheng Haoyuan to the door and flung him outside. His body hit the ground in the distance like a discarded ball.
Zhao Dong closed the door. A moment later, Yang Sixue, now fully dressed, emerged from the bedroom. As she looked at Zhao Dong standing by the entrance, a peculiar light flickered in her eyes.
I thought he was just an honest-looking guy, but his methods are so domineering.
Women are often drawn to strength, and many fantasize about being swept off their feet by a domineering CEO-type. They long for a handsome, tall, and powerful man who can give them a sense of security. Zhao Dong's appearance fit that image perfectly. For a moment, Yang Sixue was dazed, feeling an unfamiliar flutter of attraction toward him.
Zhao Dong wasn't overthinking it. He just smiled at her and said, "It's all right now. Everything is fine."
Yang Sixue lifted her delicate face to look at him, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry for troubling you again today."
Zhao Dong waved it off. "You're Lin Qingyun's best friend. It's only right that I help you."
"Qingyun this, Qingyun that," Yang Sixue said, her tone tinged with jealousy. "Are you two very close?"
Zhao Dong was taken aback, unsure how to answer. Are we close? Not really... In fact, he couldn't even find the words to describe their relationship. He could only cough and say, "We get along... Anyway, I've taken care of him. If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
He turned to leave, but Yang Sixue's plaintive voice stopped him. "Did I say you could go?"
Zhao Dong froze, turning back with a weary smile. "What's the matter?"
Her beautiful, watery eyes were filled with deep reproach. "You saw every part of me. How are we going to settle this?"
The corner of Zhao Dong's mouth twitched. "That wasn't my fault!"
"I don't care! You're the first man to see all of me... You... you tell me how we're going to resolve this!"
Zhao Dong was stunned. "How would I know?" he said helplessly. "Why don't you tell me how to resolve it?"
A glint appeared in Yang Sixue's eyes, and a charming smile spread across her face. "Your penalty is to accompany me to a party tomorrow."
"Me?" Zhao Dong was confused. "What for? Besides, given our relationship, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to go together."
Yang Sixue huffed. "What's inappropriate about it? It's just a small get-together for the East Sea entertainment circle. You can just be my date. Don't worry, you just have to show up with me, that's all."
She then put on a pitiable expression. "You're not going to abandon me, are you? Please, you saw everything!"
The corner of Zhao Dong's mouth twitched again. "No wonder you're an award-winning actress. Your skills are top-notch."
Yang Sixue grinned slyly. "Is that a yes?"
Zhao Dong rubbed his nose. "I don't mind, but you should probably ask Qingyun."
Yang Sixue smiled faintly. "I don't need to ask. I know she'll agree."
"You're that certain?"
"Of course. She would agree even if I wanted to share a man with her. You underestimate our bond."
His mouth twitched. "Are you being serious? Is Lin Qingyun really that liberal when it comes to relationships?"
Yang Sixue pouted. "You've been with her for a while, don't you know? She was born into a prominent family, where it's not at all unusual for a man to have several women. She's more open-minded than you are. Besides, I've heard her mention that you seem to have some questionable relationships with other women, too~"
She looked into Zhao Dong's eyes, her own smile bright but sharp, as if trying to pierce right through to his heart.
Zhao Dong was momentarily speechless and could only cough to hide his embarrassment.
"Alright, I'll take that as a yes," Yang Sixue said. "I'll talk to Qingyun about this later, so you don't have to worry."
Zhao Dong gave a weary smile. "Then I'll be leaving."
Just as he was about to go, Yang Sixue called out again, "Wait!"
"What is it now?"
She wrung her hands, looking distressed. "It's almost dark, and I... I'm a little scared. I don't want to stay here alone."
"Then what should we do?"
"Can... can you come out with me for a bit? I'm scared..."
Resigned, Zhao Dong figured he might as well see it through to the end. He nodded. "Fine, I'll go out with you."
"Yay!"
A flush of excitement colored Yang Sixue's lovely face, and she immediately ran into the bedroom to change.
Soon, she emerged in a black, hip-hugging dress. Her straight, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a slender waist and beautiful features that seemed divinely sculpted. A pair of simple stilettos accentuated her long, fair legs, and she carried a small black Chanel purse. Her whole look was simple yet exuded a noble, enchanting aura.
Zhao Dong was dazed for a moment. Yang Sixue's combination of aura and beauty was truly a rare sight.
Yang Sixue twirled in front of him, her red lips curving into a captivating smile. "How do I look?"
Zhao Dong rubbed his nose. "Beautiful."
"That settles it. Let's go!"
Yang Sixue proactively took his hand as they walked out of the villa. Zhao Dong could only sigh wryly to himself. Was this girl being deliberately provocative or just naturally playful? This was Lin Qingyun's best friend, after all. Was this really appropriate? But then, thinking about what she'd said... could Lin Qingyun's views on love really be that open-minded? Was he... really going to end up with both Lin Qingyun and Yang Sixue?
The thought had barely formed before he startled himself. What the hell am I thinking? That's impossible. Having Lin Qingyun, the CEO of a publicly traded company, is already the luck of a lifetime. And Yang Sixue is a top-tier actress, famous throughout East Sea and all of China. How could I even fantasize about having her too? In my dreams!
They went outside the villa, where only a dark stain of blood remained where Cheng Haoyuan had fallen. Presumably, he'd managed to call an ambulance and was gone.
Putting the unpleasantness behind her, Yang Sixue walked over to a Bentley Continental GT parked by the entrance and flashed a charming smile at Zhao Dong. "I'm in high heels, Zhao Dong. You drive!"
She tossed him the keys. Zhao Dong caught them and glanced at the car, smacking his lips. "This must have cost four or five million on the road, right?"
Yang Sixue pouted. "It's a custom order. It was nearly seven million by the time it was ready to drive."
They got into the car. Zhao Dong took a deep, appreciative breath. "You celebrities really make a lot of money! I'm envious."
To his surprise, a shadow of sadness crossed Yang Sixue's eyes. She gave a self-deprecating laugh. "It's not as easy as you think. To ordinary people, we seem glamorous, but to the rich and powerful, we're nothing more than playthings. I have to walk on eggshells in this industry. One wrong step could lead to my complete ruin..."
She sighed softly, the sound heavy with helplessness and unspoken grievances.
Zhao Dong remained silent, knowing that what she needed most right now was a moment of peace.
He pressed the accelerator, and the Bentley glided through the city as the streetlights began to flicker on, soon reaching a bustling downtown district. It was around six or seven in the evening, the city's liveliest hour, and the streets were packed shoulder to shoulder.
Even in an affluent city like East Sea, a Bentley was a rare sight, and it immediately drew the attention of passersby. Someone on the sidewalk recognized Yang Sixue and gasped, "Look! Isn't that the movie star, Yang Sixue?"
"Oh my god! It really is! I can't believe I'm seeing Yang Sixue in person!"
Squeals of excitement erupted as more and more people noticed the car and began to gather around it. Yang Sixue rolled up the window, a bitter smile on her face. Zhao Dong understood. Even though she was a kind and polite person, being the center of attention everywhere she went couldn't be a pleasant feeling.
Zhao Dong floored it. The Bentley's engine roared as it weaved through traffic, quickly leaving the agitated crowd behind.
By the side of the road was one of East Sea's famous barbecue restaurants. Suddenly, Yang Sixue said, "Pull over."
Zhao Dong glanced at her but didn't ask questions, parking the car on the street.
Yang Sixue put on a face mask, grabbed her purse, and got out, pointing at the nearby restaurant. "I haven't had a drink in ages. Come on, have a few with me."
Zhao Dong smiled wryly. "Here? Aren't you afraid of being seen?"
"It's fine, let's go. Don't be so wishy-washy."
Resigned, Zhao Dong had no choice but to follow her into the barbecue joint. Between her mask and the bustling crowd, no one paid them any mind.
They ordered a case of beer and some skewers, then found a table in a quiet corner.
Just as they sat down, Zhao Dong spotted a group of people at a nearby table, and a look of surprise crossed his face.
It was Xu Yafei
