Chapter 79 — Together

Without a doubt, Mu Ran’s championship was well deserved.

Everyone craned their necks to gaze at the giant screen in front of them, where Mu Ran’s recently taken photographs scrolled by. The slender, graceful hands appeared soft and delicate, fingertips adorned with rounded, full nails. It was only a pair of hands, yet the unique atmosphere emanating from them could be felt.

“Nothing special,” someone muttered.

A photographer with long hair and a beard squinted his small eyes, chin cocked upward in smugness, a lollipop clamped between his lips. He stood with arms folded, wearing an expression of disdain, even glancing sidelong at the contestants behind him.

“Whose hands are those in the photos?” he asked, standing in front of the screen, conveniently blocking Mu Ran.

“What’s the matter?” A cold, icy female voice rang out in the quiet studio.

“Nothing much. Just thought these hands look rough. Must do a lot of menial work at home. The poses are innovative, but still too dry. But what can you do? The public judges like it. If I were a judge, I wouldn’t have chosen these hands.”

His words sparked discussion, some even clamoring for a rematch.

Mu Ran’s lips curled in a smile, her eyes cold. “That’s because you’re not a judge.”

The long-haired man spun around, his face grim. He knew the woman behind him was the champion of the competition, and had a close relationship with Zhou Muyang.

“Miss Mu, do you think your win is honorable?” He swept a strand of hair from his nose, lips curled, his sallow complexion tinged with green.

“Why wouldn’t it be? Are you bitter about something?” Mu Ran wore a simple white shirt, her hair tied in a high ponytail. Her small, pale face was bare of makeup, but under the glaring studio lights, her features appeared even more exquisite, brimming with aristocratic grace.

The man’s eyes slowly relaxed, arms dropping to his sides and hands slipping into his pockets, his smile fading. “So what if I’m jealous of your beauty?”

Everyone: “…”

Mu Ran: “…”

Well, she’d expected trouble, but instead got a clown.

“You’ve succeeded in catching my attention, sir.” Mu Ran’s lips twitched as she lazily swept her gaze over the murmuring, varied expressions of the contestants around her, then turned to leave.

She’d just overheard two young men whispering behind her, pointing at the long-haired photographer and saying that this sharp-tongued man was actually the boss of ECCX Model Company—photography was merely his side hustle.

But whoever he was, it didn't concern her. Winning the prize money was her only goal.

“Miss Mu, wait! I’d like to invite you to join ECCX!” The man gave an awkward smile, meeting her expressionless gaze directly, brushing aside a stray lock of hair, then grinning widely.

“Miss Mu, apologies for earlier, but I meant what I said. Your hands, while commercially valuable, lack a certain aesthetic—especially the thin calluses on your palms.”

Mu Ran followed his gaze to her hands, instinctively touching the slight calluses with her thumb. She smiled coldly, “No, thank you. I won’t be joining.”

By now, the other contestants had left the studio, and Mu Ran hurried off to find An Lan and collect her prize.

“Miss Mu, please consider it.”

“Ranran.” Gu Beicheng’s voice was deep, betraying no emotion.

“Beibei?” Mu Ran followed the voice and saw a tall man in a black shirt and suit pants approaching her.

“Yes, I was just discussing some matters with Mu Yang.”

Though Gu Beicheng spoke to Mu Ran, his cool, unfathomable gaze was fixed on the long-haired man beside her.

The long-haired man raised his neck; the instant Gu Beicheng’s gaze met his, it felt as if he’d been struck by lightning. He trembled all over. “Then, Miss Mu, I’ll take my leave. We can talk about that matter another time.” Without waiting for Mu Ran’s reply, he strode off in haste, his large steps causing his half-long hair to tumble loosely over his shoulders, giving the impression of a hasty retreat.

“Why are you everywhere?” Mu Ran naturally grasped the man’s large hand, tilting her smooth, pale face up. The icy mask melted, leaving her soft and gentle.

Gu Beicheng brushed her nose with his finger, chuckling, his chest vibrating, “I’m afraid you might be wronged.”

“You worry too much. What brings you here? I have work to do at the company.” Mu Ran took his hand, ready to find An Lan. A million wasn’t much, but even a small fly is still meat.

“I just bought five percent of your shares from Mu Yang.”

Mu Ran’s pupils contracted; she shook off his hand, her voice cold and warning. She frowned, reaching out to push Gu Beicheng away, “Didn’t I tell you? Don’t interfere in my company’s affairs!”

“Ranran, don’t be angry. Be good, just listen to my explanation, please?” Seeing her angry face, Gu Beicheng gently poked her puffed cheek, “Baby, I don’t want to meddle. I have confidence in your company. I won’t interfere in its future development, but if your company ever faces trouble, CityStar Group will be its backing.”

Mu Ran’s company had a philosophy that other entertainment firms lacked the courage to adopt—every actor, regardless of their status, received equal resources in the early stages and a generous monthly salary. There was a monthly assessment to ensure everyone maintained professional standards and abilities.

In her company, professionalism was paramount.

Mu Ran was silent for a moment. “Alright.”

It would be foolish not to accept such a benefit.

Gu Beicheng breathed a silent sigh of relief, his affection for the woman before him growing stronger.

He couldn’t help but grasp her shoulders, his taut lips moving closer to hers.

“Ranran…” His voice was hoarse, intimate as he called to her.

“Can’t you pay attention to where we are?” Mu Ran pushed his face, full of desire, firmly away.

“What’s wrong?” Gu Beicheng frowned, unhappy, his black eyes narrowing with lingering passion.

By now, most people had left; the staff in the studio were busy with their own tasks—who would notice them?

“Be good. If you want to kiss, do it at home. If someone posts online that CityStar Group’s CEO is a lecher, where would you hide your face?”

Gu Beicheng’s handsome face was warm and silly with her first words, but as she finished, his eyes narrowed again.

He stretched his long arms, pulling her into his embrace.

“Are you calling me old?”

Mu Ran, still tilting her neck, fox-like eyes shimmering with surprise. She’d been charmed by his cuteness just moments ago, but in a blink, his gaze had shifted from innocence to devilish allure.

“Isn’t a daddy-type boyfriend good?” Gu Beicheng was three or four years older than her. She was already twenty-three, and he was nearly thirty!

“You say I’m your boyfriend?” Mu Ran broke free, arms crossed. “No…”

“Yes!”

Seeing Gu Beicheng’s face grow colder and his aura darken as he advanced step by step, Mu Ran caved instantly, admitting it.

Though she maintained a cool facade around Gu Beicheng, she was occasionally nervous. After all, this man ruled the entertainment industry and even the capital’s business world—a god in his own right.

To him, her status was nothing.

“Yes, yes, you’re my boyfriend, but give me a bit of time, I…”

Gu Beicheng lowered his head, gazing at her small face with deep affection. His once icy eyes warmed and finally brimmed with happiness.

He hugged her tightly, burying his head in the crook of her neck, breathing deeply. “Ranran, my sweet baby, I’ll wait for you. Thank you.”

Mu Ran stiffened, feeling a warm rush slide across her neck. “What are you thanking me for?”

“I’m not perfect. Thank you for accepting me, for loving me.”

Mu Ran gently patted his back, her heart melting.

If she hadn’t been reborn, she’d never have known Gu Beicheng had such a tender side.

Perhaps it was childhood trauma, or perhaps powerful people are always lonely…

Mu Ran simply stroked him quietly, not asking about his earlier words. She believed that if he wanted to tell, he would.

“Well, Beicheng, you look like a little wife,” Zhou Muyang and An Lan stood behind the sweet couple, arms folded and frowning as only single people do.

Hearing Zhou Muyang’s teasing, Gu Beicheng looked up, his eyes sharp as blades directed at the pair.

“She’s my girlfriend; I’ll hug her if I want.”

His tone was uncharacteristically proud. Straightening up, he dropped a kiss on Mu Ran’s cheek before preparing to leave with her in his arms.

Gu Beicheng never spared Zhou Muyang and An Lan a glance.

“Ran, don’t worry about the company. We’re temporarily collaborating with CityStar Pictures. Tonight we can sign artists,” An Lan called out loudly, waving stacks of contracts in excitement. “Ran, with CityStar backing us, our company can definitely make it!”

Mu Ran turned, clear eyes tinged with helplessness, but her upturned lips hinted at joy. “Contact the artists I sent you yesterday, offer them ten times their current salary, and poach Mu Yuewei, CityStar’s top actress.”

“Beibei, will you be angry if I snatch Mu Yuewei for my company?”

Invisible An Lan and Zhou Muyang exchanged glances, chiming, “Overflowing with tea!”

Gu Beicheng simply smiled lazily, bending down, his eyes crinkling with laughter and showing his gleaming white teeth.

He knew this little woman never forgot a slight.

“Alright, all CityStar artists are at your disposal.”

Mu Ran’s beautiful eyes curved in delight. She rose on tiptoe, gently leaping to kiss his chin. “Thank you, big brother.”

“What did you call me?”

“Brother!”

The couple’s laughter faded into the distance, leaving An Lan and Zhou Muyang shaking their heads.

Zhou Muyang smirked mischievously, “Should we give it a try?”

“Are you joking, sister-in-law?”

“What?”

Zhou Muyang followed the woman’s gaze to his own hair, his pupils dilating as he pointed accusingly at her mocking face. “Don’t insult my hair!”