Chapter 3

When Jin Si walked out of the study room, he was greeted by the sight of Qi Wu watching the cartoon featuring a family of pigs on the TV in the living room while wearing her dry white dress. A few strands of her silky smooth hair were slightly curled because of a lack of thorough care. The way she would occasionally nod in response to what she was solemnly watching made her look rather goofy.

By now, Jin Si had gotten used to the family of pink pigs that stood out like a sore thumb in his home. His gaze shifted from Qi Wu to the house entrance.

The doorbell rang as someone appeared on the surveillance camera’s display screen located next to the door.

The newcomer had curly brown hair and wore black-rimmed glasses while an unlit cigarette hung from his mouth. He was holding a phone up to his ear like he was on a call.

Jin Si opened the door after taking one glance at the screen.

Chang Xun, his manager, was going to walk in as soon as the door opened, but then he recalled Jin Si’s weird quirk. Worried, he declared, “I didn’t light up the cigarette.”

Jin Si silently shot him a look.

Chang Xun was already used to Jin Si’s behavior though, so he turned his attention back to grumbling at the person at the end of the call. “Song, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but you know that I have stopped working with newbies for a long time now. I still have a very demanding talent to serv- D*mn!”

Chang Xun immediately stopped talking when Qi Wu turned to curiously look at him.

Before Qi Wu realized what was going on, Chang Xun had instantly started a whole new speech in an eager voice, saying, “Song, you lucky man! I have just met a top-tier candidate! No one like her exists in the entire industry. Putting aside everything else, just her face alone would make her famous! What? What do you mean she can’t do it just because of her beauty? Jin Si is only able to live a good life all thanks to that handsome face!”

“Ahem.”

Jin Si coldly glared at Chang Xun. “Get out if you’re going to keep shouting.”

Despite his anger, Chang Xun did not dare to say a thing. He was itching to make use of the wonderful potential he could see, but Jin Si’s warning glare meant he had no choice but to abandon his good friend on the other side of the call who was just as eager to know what happened.

After Chang Xun hung up, realization abruptly hit him. In a high-pitched voice, he shrieked, “No way! Why is there a woman in your house?”

Qi Wu silently covered her ears.

Due to Jin Si’s oppressive nature, Chang Xun swiftly quieted down after that shriek and cautiously directed his question to Jin Si in as timid a voice as possible.

“What’s going on, Jin? Who is this girl?”

“She’s here to repay a debt.”

Jin Si’s short and simple answer resulted in Chang Xun imagining an entire soap opera featuring a relationship of love and torment where an innocent young woman willingly allowed herself to be held captive for the sake of love.

One look into Chang Xun’s eyes and Jin Si knew Chang Xun was imagining an utterly ridiculous story.

“She is my bodyguard.”

“Try that lie on someone else! Look at how slim her arms and legs are. It’s easier to believe you are her protector.”

Chang Xun did not even pause to think before shooting out a retort.

As one of the top managers in the entertainment industry, Chang Xun could only stay at the top for years because of his sharp eyes.

In his eyes, the young woman he was looking at was like a bird in a gilded cage that was ignorant of the ways of the world. The noble way she held herself was only possible if someone was born into high society. It was not an air that could be cultivated late in life.

Chang Xun had also completely forgotten about how he had misjudged Jin Si back then.

Qi Wu had been staring at Chang Xun the entire time, so when she heard him doubt her ability, she turned and solemnly stated to Jin Si, “I always keep my word. I will not let anyone hurt you.”

Jin Si raised his eyebrows. For some reason, he ended up saying in agreement, “Okay.”

After all, Qi Wu was right. With her monstrous strength, who could get past her?

Chang Xun silently stared.

There was a conflicted and confused look on his face. What were these two doing?

Jin Si was not a talkative person. Thus, that brief explanation was all that he could be bothered to provide on this matter.

“What are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask what is going on in your life recently, but now… Step aside. It’s time for me to discuss with the young woman about her future.”

All Chang Xun could think about right now was Qi Wu’s incredible potential. Thus, he mustered up his courage for once.

Jin Si sneered. “Step aside so that you can spin a story?”

In order to prevent himself from falling ill once more due to anger, Chang Xun ignored Jin Si and sat down beside Qi Wu with a smile on his face and hands rubbing together.

Qi Wu glanced at him, then turned to Jin Si. “What does that mean?”

Chang Xun also started speaking at the same time. “Miss, do you want to be famous? Would you like to shine bright like a stare while millions adore you?”

Jin Si smirked and jerked his chin at Chang Xun. “Exactly what that is.”

Qi Wu seemingly understood what he meant and nodded. “Thank you.”

Chang Xun’s face had turned dark as she sincerely thanked Jin Si.

“Stop badmouthing me. Song has worn away at my patience. Now that I’ve finally bumped into an amazing talent, can’t you just let me have what I want for once?”

When Jin Si heard that, he languidly asked, “Song Qi?”

Chang Xun nodded. “Yes, it’s him. Do you remember how he has been preparing for ‘Rookie Assembly’? Now that the higher-ups are giving him some support, he will be filming soon. I suspect there is a lot of support behind this push since I saw a lot of controversial names on the list of candidates.”

“What does that have to do with my bodyguard?”

“The show is about to start soon, and they need a rookie who can get discussions going. Song’s standards are so high that he does not like any of the talents recommended to him!”

After Chang Xun’s rant, Jin Si did not say another word. Thus, Chang Xun turned back to Qi Wu and asked, “Did any of what I said tempt you at all? The show is going to be one of the biggest hits of the summer. You just need to show up on camera a few times. I guarantee that no one can ever forget about you!”

As long as Qi Wu left a lasting impression in the audience’s minds, Chang Xun believed that it was only a matter of time before she became famous.

“I’m not tempted.”

Qi Wu did not even spare the offer more consideration. After lazily responding to Chang Xun’s question, she turned her attention back to the family of little piggies.

Jin Si had expected that to happen. He shot his manager a look. “I’m going to be on a break. If that’s all, you may leave.”

“I changed your stubborn mind back then, so there’s no way I can’t convince a young woman to see things my way.” Chang Xun evidently had not given up.

“Miss, there’s no future in being a bodyguard, especially when you’re working for Jin Si!”

At the end of his sentence, Chang Xun fearfully glanced at Jin Si. When he saw that Jin Si was not paying attention to him, he lowered his voice to cautiously whisper, “This man’s temper is just horrible. I guarantee you will want to resign in a few days.”

Qi Wu looked up and curiously asked, “Is his name Jin Si?”

Chang Xun was confused.

He had multiple scripted replies ready to go, but all of his planning fell short because of her question.

He whipped his head around to stare at Jin Si in shock. “No way! Jin, did you kidnap an innocent young woman?”

Why else would she not know Jin Si’s name? There was no way she was sent to the wrong house, right?

“I asked him to take me away,” Qi Wu solemnly corrected.

“Yes, yes.

Chang Xun looked at Qi Wu with pity lurking inside his eyes.

Did she gain her unforgettable beauty by trading in her brains?