Chapter 124: Effortless Discovery

Night fell, and the glitz and glamour of S City surged forth, trailing the endless stream of evening commuters. It was a scene of decadent, magnificent indulgence. Beautiful men and women shed the masks and constraints of their workday, plunging headlong into a world of debauchery and soft comfort. Pubs and bars across the city were packed with crowds, dancing and venting their pent-up energy.

Lin Zhiwei took a taxi to the Jade Pavilion, a prestigious club located in the very heart of S City.

"Do you need me to drive you inside?" the middle-aged driver asked warmly, noticing the young man in the backseat resting his head against his palm with his eyes lowered.

"Thank you, sir, I’ll head in myself," Lin Zhiwei replied, lifting his eyes with a faint, indifferent smile. He handed the driver cash and added, "Keep the change."

The driver beamed. It was his lucky day; those who frequented the Jade Pavilion were either wealthy or powerful, and this young man clearly came from a rich family. He couldn't help but steal a few more glances through the rearview mirror.

To match the evening's atmosphere, Lin Zhiwei had chosen a black suit paired with a greyish-white shirt.

After stepping out of the car, Lin Zhiwei couldn't help but admire the extravagant spending displayed by the Jade Pavilion—it was certainly Chu Chuo’s taste. From the entrance onwards, every detail, from the service to the decor, was the height of luxury. It was gilded in gold, the very air saturated with the scent of money.

Guided by a waiter, Lin Zhiwei walked step by step toward the Cuiyue Hall, the deepest and most luxurious private room in the pavilion. He scanned his surroundings, observing carefully; black-clad men loitered in groups of two or three, clearly prepared and waiting for him.

"Are there no other guests today?" Lin Zhiwei asked the young woman leading him, as if making casual conversation.

"Oh, whenever Ms. Ye hosts a banquet, she always books the entire venue," the young woman replied habitually.

Lin Zhiwei nodded politely. Such a penchant for spectacle—what a pity. If there were more guests around, Ye Linyun’s face would likely crumble all the faster later on.

The large Roman-arched wooden doors swung open. A crystal table shimmered brilliantly, and in its center, lifelike koi fish swam lazily, flicking their tails. Ye Linyun sat regally at the head of the table, dressed in a dark green gown from a luxury brand. She swirled her long-stemmed glass, gazing at him with a mocking, arrogant expression.

"Film Queen Ye," Lin Zhiwei greeted her courteously as he approached.

"Director Lin, you’re very punctual," Ye Linyun said, staring at the wine in her glass. She didn't stand, instead sitting perfectly upright, radiating an aura as commanding as a queen.

A female assistant directed Lin Zhiwei to take the seat opposite her. A table full of vibrant, colorful dishes revolved before his eyes, dazzling and overwhelming.

"Director Lin, this feast today was prepared entirely for you," Ye Linyun said, her brows arched with disdain.

"You are too kind, Film Queen Ye." As the waiter poured red wine, Lin Zhiwei raised his glass and gave a slight nod toward her.

Ye Linyun scoffed, her eyes instantly sharpening. "Director Lin, it’s not time to toast yet. If you manage to meet my demands later, it won't be too late to celebrate then."

Lin Zhiwei feigned ignorance, stammering, "If you have a request, Film Queen Ye, how... how could I possibly refuse?" He took the opportunity to wipe his brow, masking his feigned nervousness.

"Hah," Ye Linyun seemed to relish his jittery demeanor. She spoke slowly, "Good. I don't want to waste time, so I'll be direct."

"I want you to resign immediately and disappear from Ling Ruoyu's side. Perhaps... perhaps then I might consider letting you off."

As she finished speaking, Ye Linyun set her glass down heavily, causing the red wine to splash over the rim from the impact.

She had revealed her objective so quickly; it was rather boring, Lin Zhiwei thought to himself, having hoped for a more intense buildup. "Film Queen Ye, this... please don’t make things difficult for me. I am the director Ruoyu hired; to resign so suddenly, this..."

"Don't think I can't see how special Ruoyu is toward you." Ye Linyun leaned back in her chair, a sharp, icy smile on her lips, her almond-shaped eyes filled with malice. "You want to cling to Ruoyu? Don't even dream of it. He is destined to be mine. Anyone who covets what is mine... I will make them... know my power."

Lin Zhiwei kept his mouth agape, frozen in place as if at a loss for how to respond. In his heart, however, he was thinking: *Too slow, this isn't satisfying at all.* But since he couldn't turn up the heat too abruptly, he replied with a look of dismay, "Could you... could you please let me consider it? It hasn't been easy for me to come here from the States to make a living; Ruoyu is my only backer."

"A backer? You? You're not worthy. Based on what..." Ye Linyun sneered. "Do you even know who he is? What qualifications do you have to cling to him?"

*Damn it, he’s my man,* Lin Zhiwei cursed inwardly, *I’ll lean on him however I please.* Externally, however, he appeared trembling and uneasy, like a frightened little rabbit.

"Let me remind you, Director Lin, you are a smart person. My demands aren't high. If you resign on your own and help me improve my relationship with Ruoyu, I can give you a sum of money. Even if you leave the entertainment industry, it will be enough to sustain you."

"This is a deal where you only stand to gain," Ye Linyun said, her red lips curving into a seductive, manipulative smile. "Don't forget, you saved that bitch Yin Mi'er from my hands, and I suffered a massive loss... I wonder how I should settle that debt with you."

Lin Zhiwei nearly fell from his seat in feigned terror, waving his hands frantically. "Film Queen Ye, it’s a misunderstanding! I didn't know you were the one who had Yin Mi'er locked up."

"Do you think I'm a fool?" Ye Linyun swept a cold gaze over him. "You know whose territory Moonlight is, don't you?" She leaned closer to the crystal table, squinting her eyes and resting her chin in her hand, looking thoroughly impatient.

Lin Zhiwei could only bow his head, feigning silence.

"I suggest you think carefully about your choice."

"Film Queen Ye, if Ruoyu finds out about this little stunt of yours today..." Lin Zhiwei looked up abruptly, his eyes filled with piercing irony.

"Hah, do you really think you’re getting out of the Jade Pavilion today?" Ye Linyun tilted her head confidently, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall.

Lin Zhiwei hurriedly reached for his phone, but a man in black standing nearby snatched it away instantly. He looked helplessly at Ye Linyun. "Film Queen Ye, must you push me into a corner like this? If Ruoyu realizes he can't reach me, he will... he will come looking for me." His eyes were reddened, filled with a mix of fury and anticipation.

"Hahahaha, Lin Zhi, you really are naive. Although the Jade Pavilion is Chu Chuo’s territory, I have worked in the same company as him for many years and we have many dealings; this place is naturally my territory, too. If you are lucky enough for Ruoyu to come by later... see that Roman pillar behind you? There is a secret room behind it. Once you are locked in, it cannot be opened without Chu Chuo’s retinal scan."

"Besides, it is soundproofed. You could scream until your throat gives out and no one outside would hear you. Ruoyu won't find you here," Ye Linyun said, crossing her arms and mocking him.

*I’m sorry, Lin Zhi, but I’ve cut off all your escape routes.*

"I assume you came alone because you were counting on Ruoyu to find you. But I’m sorry, this secret room was designed by a specialist; unless one is a master of ancient formations and metaphysics, there is no way to detect it." Ye Linyun’s lips curled into a smile. *Everything has fallen into place so easily. Lin Zhi, you have no choice left.*