The Scheming Ex-Husband's Courtship-Chapter 477 - 424 Who Dares

Chapter 477: Chapter 424 Who Dares
Because of Bai Chengxi, Su Yingluo had been in an especially bad mood these past two days. Even the lunch brought by Xiao Lan had gone uneaten and was left to cool off to one side.
She was browsing her phone alone when a call came in from a familiar producer, who had invested in quite a few of her films before.
She did not expect him to seek her out so soon.
"Producer Sun, hello," Su Yingluo greeted with a polite smile, "It’s been a long time since we last contacted each other."
"Su Ying, I heard you’re developing your career back in the country and have signed with Chengguang Entertainment. How’s it going lately? Would you be interested in coming over to talk about a new film?"
"Producer Sun, I appreciate the kind offer, but my leg is injured, and it’s not convenient for me to come over," explained Su Yingluo. Her swelling had subsided, and she did not seem to have any serious issues. However, since she had publicized that she had a broken calf bone, she couldn’t just go out and about brazenly. Now she was somewhat regretful that her ploy did not succeed in bringing Bai Chengxi over; instead, it left her grounded and also at the risk of getting caught in a state of constant anxiety, just like with that entertainment journalist by the surname Zhuo, who almost blew the lid off her affairs.
"Oh, is that so? I thought it was merely a rumor," Producer Sun said, somewhat embarrassed, "Then never mind, you should focus on your recovery. I actually thought that President Bai from Xingdong was here too, and I was hoping to promote cooperation between Chengguang and Xingdong. You know how us producers are—our ultimate goal is to make money. If the two companies could join hands in creating a big-budget production, the impact goes without saying. Moreover, I was thinking of offering you the lead actress role."
Although the term ’lead actress’ was tempting, what truly caught Su Yingluo’s attention was the mention of Bai Chengxi. Her expression instantly lit up with excitement, but she deliberately kept her voice subdued, "Is President Bai also here?"
"Yes, he stepped out to make a call and will be back shortly."
"Producer Sun, actually, I have something I’d like to discuss with you in person as well. How about this—I’ll ask my assistant to accompany me to come over."
"That would be really great, Su Ying. Do take care of yourself, and don’t push it."
Su Yingluo hung up the phone and glanced at her injured foot. She figured that Bai Chengxi’s assistant must have recounted her condition to him after returning, but in front of others, she still needed to maintain the pretense of a patient.
Su Yingluo and Xiao Lan left through the hospital’s back door, where there were no ers on watch, and no journalist would expect Su Yingluo to go out dragging an injured leg.
～
Zhuo Yuqing came out of the café, waited a considerable time to hail a taxi, and believed Bai Chengxi didn’t lack a driver—it was just a ploy to have her come pick him up. This slightly clingy gesture did not annoy Zhuo Yuqing; instead, she found it endearing.
After arriving at the hotel Bai Chengxi had mentioned, Zhuo Yuqing did not rush inside, nor did she send him a message to disturb his socializing. She decided to wait for him in the hotel lobby, where there happened to be a row of magazines, and she casually picked one up to read.
Zhuo Yuqing had only flipped through a few pages when she overheared whispers—two waiters passing by her side, the young girl’s voice filled with excitement: "It really is Su Yingluo, she looks even more beautiful in person than on TV."
"But why is she sitting in a wheelchair? Some say she broke her leg during filming, and it seems like it’s true."
Hearing the name Su Yingluo, Zhuo Yuqing couldn’t help but look up from her magazine and just happened to catch a glimpse of a somewhat familiar figure heading towards an inner private room—it was Xiao Lan, Su Yingluo’s assistant.
Xiao Lan wheeled Su Yingluo into the private room Producer Sun had mentioned; there were already a few celebrities inside, all big names. But compared to Su Yingluo, they seemed slightly less prominent, and as soon as they saw her they stood up to greet her respectfully: "Sister Luo, hello."
For Su Yingluo, these male and female actors were her juniors, being several years younger than she was, and thus they all addressed her as ’sister’ respectfully.
Su Yingluo smiled and then her gaze fell on Bai Chengxi, sitting at the head of the table. He seemed to have drunk quite a bit, his face pale. Su Yingluo knew him well; he was the type whose face grew paler the more he drank.
"Su Ying, come sit over here," urged Producer Sun, who had previously heard about her relationship with Bai Chengxi. Eager to facilitate a good turn, he had been sitting next to Bai Chengxi but immediately scooted over one seat, beckoning, "Come, come."
Xiaolan pushed Su Yingluo over, then helped her to sit down at the seat Producer Sun had vacated. She smiled politely at Producer Sun: "Long time no see."
"Indeed, it’s been ten years since our last collaboration,"
Bai Chengxi’s expression was impassive. Ever since Su Yingluo entered, he had been twirling his wine glass, occasionally taking a sip. While everyone else spoke, he seemed not to hear, immersed in his own world.
Su Yingluo naturally noticed Bai Chengxi’s cold attitude, but she couldn’t say anything about it. Instead, she turned to Producer Sun beside her and said: "President Sun, here, let me toast you. I’ve been abroad in recent years and have lost touch with you all. This is my fault, and I accept the punishment."
Su Yingluo didn’t drink much alcohol and usually stuck to juice during social events, a habit well-known to everyone, so few tried to make her drink heavily. There was just one time when a producer looking to invest insisted on getting her drunk. For the sake of clinching that rare opportunity, she fearlessly kept him company for several rounds of drinks, only to end up violently ill when she got home, eventually landing in the hospital in the middle of the night. Upon learning what had happened, Bai Chengxi resolutely rejected that producer’s investment and even nearly came to blows with him.
So when Su Yingluo raised her glass, her gaze involuntarily swept towards the silent Bai Chengxi. She was currently injured, a poor drinker; surely, Bai Chengxi would speak up to stop her.
Su Yingluo didn’t expect to bring her glass to her lips only for Bai Chengxi to remain silent, his attention fixed on his wristwatch as if he was waiting for someone.
"Sister Luo, the doctor said you shouldn’t drink," Xiaolan quickly intervened right then, apologizing: "Producer Sun, I’m really sorry, but Sister Luo had an IV drip and took anti-inflammatory medication today. The doctor strongly advised against drinking. Please understand."
Upon hearing this, Producer Sun immediately advised Su Yingluo: "Su, don’t force yourself. Take good care of your injury. My leading lady role is still waiting for you to perform."
Su Yingluo didn’t make any pleasantries with him. She was performing this act for Bai Chengxi to see. If the audience wasn’t buying it, why should she trouble herself? Sneaking another glance at Bai Chengxi, Su Yingluo felt overwhelmed by a sense of defeat. To salvage their relationship, she really tried every strategy, a pity that Bai Chengxi was impervious. She even began to doubt whether he had any feelings for her anymore.
This thought suddenly brought a chill to Su Yingluo, and she couldn’t bear to think about what it would mean to lose Bai Chengxi.
"President Bai, since Miss Su is here today, why don’t we discuss the potential cooperation?" Producer Sun asked enthusiastically.
Finally, Bai Chengxi shifted his gaze, his expression still polite: "President Sun, if you wish to collaborate with Xingdong Entertainment, I warmly welcome it. However, if Chengguang Entertainment also wants to get involved, then I must speak frankly. I will not work with them, no matter how lucrative the deal might be."
Producer Sun didn’t expect Bai Chengxi to be so definitive and was momentarily taken aback, looking puzzled at Su Yingluo. He began to wonder, had this once loving couple really become sworn enemies?
Su Yingluo realized everyone was looking at her, as she was the only one from Chengguang Entertainment there. Bai Chengxi’s implication was clear; he would not collaborate with her.
Su Yingluo felt it was difficult to maintain composure, with her complexion looking worse for wear. As she parted her cherry lips and was about to say something to Bai Chengxi, he suddenly stood up, bringing a cool breeze with him: "Excuse me, everyone. I have another matter to attend to, so I won’t be able to stay. I’ll cover the meal; please continue without me."
Having said that and paying no mind to everyone’s reactions, he picked up his coat from the chair and walked out.
Following his departure, Su Yingluo’s face turned deathly pale. His blatant disregard left her feeling deeply embarrassed, infuriated, and at the same time, a sense of despair rose from the bottom of her heart.
Bai Chengxi had intended to call Zhuo Yuqing after leaving the hotel, but upon turning into the lobby, he saw her sitting on a sofa engrossed in a magazine, basked in the warm afternoon sunlight that seemed to coat her in a dazzling golden glow.
A tender smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth, and he walked towards her with lightened steps.
Zhuo Yuqing hadn’t noticed the approaching figure, still lost in her magazine, until she saw the familiar face in front of her. Only then did her heart, which had been suspended in mid-air, slowly settle.
"Bai Chengxi, you’re so quiet when you walk; why not make some noise to let me know."