Chapter Sixty-Four: The Gatekeeper

Liu Long was surprised when the girl before him ignored him. Usually, as soon as he revealed that he was the director of Nebula Entertainment, girls would flock to be near him. Yet this girl acted as though he didn't exist.

Feeling thoroughly embarrassed in front of Han Xuefang, Liu Long resolved to conquer her, if only to satisfy his bruised ego.

"Miss, our company is currently recruiting a group of young actresses. I think you have a wonderful presence. I could recommend you to the director for a supporting female role." Liu Long had often used this trick to deceive girls—eight out of ten would fall for it and end up in his bed.

Han Xuefang continued playing with her phone as if she hadn’t heard him. In truth, she had caught every word, but seeing the lascivious look in Liu Long's eyes, she guessed his intentions were far from pure.

Seeing her still glued to her phone, ignoring him completely, Liu Long felt a surge of anger. In the past, girls would have been fluttering coyly in his arms by now.

“Excuse me, but this is my seat. If you want to eat, please find another table. Don’t disturb me and my girlfriend.” Liu Long was about to speak again when a voice interrupted him. He turned to find an ordinary-looking young man, holding two bottles of mineral water.

This was Chu Feng. He had been watching from a distance, curious to see what Liu Long was up to with Han Xuefang, and was surprised to discover the man was from an entertainment company.

“Chu Feng, you’re back! This gentleman is a director from an entertainment company. He says I have the potential to be a star and wants to offer me a supporting role,” Han Xuefang said as she quickly stood, walked over, and took Chu Feng’s arm.

The sight made Liu Long’s eyes blaze with fury. Han Xuefang’s arm should have been linked with his, not with this plainly dressed nobody.

“How famous is Nebula Entertainment? I’ve never heard of it. Sorry, but our food will be here soon. Please find another table,” Chu Feng replied with a look of perfect innocence, as if he’d never heard of the company.

In truth, Nebula Entertainment was modestly well-known in China, with a few actresses who had risen to fame through manufactured scandals, but it had little reputation abroad.

“And may I ask where you work, sir? Or did your family just get internet access and you’re still unfamiliar with the outside world?” Liu Long’s words were a clear sneer, implying Chu Feng was a country bumpkin who had never seen much of life.

“Oh, I’m just an attending physician at the Air Force Hospital. I make a mere seven or eight thousand yuan a month—just enough to scrape by. Compared to a renowned director from Nebula Entertainment like you, I suppose I’m a bit lacking.” Chu Feng’s words dripped with irony; moments ago he’d claimed he’d never heard of Nebula Entertainment, now he called it “renowned.”

Liu Long’s hair practically bristled with rage. He shot Chu Feng a poisonous glare, then stormed off.

“Don’t mind people like him. Calls himself a company director, but if you look it up, he’s probably just a security guard with a business card, trying to pick up girls. He must think he’s some kind of superstar, but he looks like a country hick.” Chu Feng’s voice wasn’t loud, but Liu Long, not far away, caught every word. Grinding his teeth in anger, Liu Long cursed Chu Feng’s sharp tongue.

Fuming, Liu Long stalked off, planning to find someone to teach Chu Feng a lesson. Absorbed in his anger, he failed to notice a bottle on the ground. His foot slipped, and he went sprawling face-first.

Laughter erupted from the onlookers nearby, with Chu Feng’s laughter ringing out the loudest.

Liu Long struggled to his feet, realizing that his expensive suit was now stained and reeking of alcohol—likely from someone who had overindulged earlier.

He shot Chu Feng a venomous look before hurrying away.

“Chu Feng, do you think he’s gone to find someone? I’ve heard from colleagues that there are a lot of thugs around here who make their living by fighting for others,” Han Xuefang said worriedly, afraid Liu Long might bring back reinforcements.

“Don’t worry. Even if he brings every thug in town, I’m not afraid. Don’t forget, your husband is both brain and brawn,” Chu Feng replied, shamelessly self-assured.

“Who said I’d marry you?” Han Xuefang’s cheeks flushed, and she muttered something under her breath, though Chu Feng didn’t catch it.

Soon, the stall owner brought out all the food Chu Feng had ordered. Both he and Han Xuefang set their manners aside and dug in.

As they ate, another striking woman arrived at the stall. Her figure was impossible to ignore; the twin peaks on her chest swayed conspicuously with every step, making heads spin all around.

She spotted Chu Feng at once and made her way directly to his table, seating herself beside him.

“Well, if it isn’t Officer Li! What brings you here, dining among us commoners?” Chu Feng was about to take a bite when he noticed the new arrival and looked up to see Li Yanran.

“What, can’t I eat here? Are you here trying to trick another innocent girl?” Li Yanran’s brows snapped together at Chu Feng’s words, and she looked ready to argue, but seeing Han Xuefang beside him, she restrained herself.

“I’m telling you, he’s a real scoundrel. Don’t eat with him, or you’ll end up in his bed before you know it—and then you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.” Li Yanran, unaware of their relationship, assumed Chu Feng was out to seduce Han Xuefang.

“It’s fine! Even if he does sweet-talk me into bed, I’ll go willingly. I’m not like you, Officer, always seeing people through tinted lenses. If you end up an old maid, don’t blame anyone else. And even with those, who’s to say they’re real?” Han Xuefang retorted, unable to hold back at Li Yanran’s disparaging remarks, and even hinted that Li Yanran’s ample figure was surgically enhanced.

“You—you’re insulting a police officer! Both of you, come with me to the station!” Li Yanran shot to her feet, nearly overturning the table in her anger.

“Well, if your development is so poor, don’t take it out on me. If you’re unhappy with your own, you can always get some work done. Mine is all natural, you know.”