<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chapter 9: Yellow Waste “Zhao Jichuan, do whatever you want…”
The next day, the weather cleared, and the city of Beicheng returned to its usual bustle and noise.
Han Rao had already paid the penalty fee early in the morning and smoothly completed the termination process.
For an artist like her who was shelved, the company wouldn’t feel any loss from terminating the contract\u2014on the contrary, they’d be relieved to pocket a hefty penalty fee.
Her company was doing well, with a few truly popular artists under its wing. The rising star Su Wan from the past two years was personally nurtured by her agent Li Mengyang.
Han Rao knew that the scariest truth was how many agencies in the industry survived precisely by exploiting artists’ exorbitant breach penalties. They’d sign young talents to decade-or-longer contracts, withhold decent opportunities, then wait until desperation forced them to terminate\u2014leaving the company to happily collect the penalty fees.
The filth in the industry is too numerous to count, and countless dreamers like Han Rao without resources vanish into this dark abyss.
Han Rao should consider herself fortunate to have met Zhao Jichuan in this lifetime.
To put it bluntly, he was actually the turning point in her fate.
Han Rao terminated her contract, and the company didn’t care at all. However, Li Mengyang made a phone call as soon as he heard she had actually paid the penalty fee.
Recently, rumors about Su Wan have been circulating online. Li Mengyang has been swamped with work\u2014handling PR, suppressing trending topics, and buying marketing accounts…
In my spare time, I just heard that Han Raozhen has terminated her contract.
“Where did you get so much money?” Li Mengyang asked.
Others might not know Han Rao’s financial situation, but Li Mengyang couldn’t be unaware. Han Rao’s pockets were emptier than her face\u2014her income over the past two years didn’t even meet the threshold for personal income tax, making it impossible for her to come up with that much money to compensate the company.
If she could afford it, given Han Rao’s personality, she would have terminated her contract with the company long ago and certainly wouldn’t have accompanied President Du for drinks just for a minor supporting role.
Li Mengyang was certain Han Rao couldn’t afford the compensation, so when she proposed terminating the contract that day, he simply thought she was acting on impulse\u2014nothing more than venting her frustration.
So she didn’t take it to heart at all, letting Han Rao do as she pleased\u2014she’d turn back once she hit a wall.
“…”
Han Rao remained silent.
Li Mengyang’s temples throbbed, “You damn well better not have done anything illegal!”
In the acting profession, one must avoid issues related to “sleeping” and “taxes.”
There’s a saying circulating online: “Pay what should be taxed, don’t sleep with who shouldn’t be slept with,” which sums it up vividly.
Over the years, every celebrity who has faced downfall can’t escape these two words. In other words, as long as they maintain a bottom line with these two matters\u2014or if they’ve done them without being exposed\u2014even if they commit other offenses that provoke public outrage, after enduring online backlash, there’s always a chance for revival.
But there are still some people who take chances and sleep with those they shouldn’t.
Like Han Rao.
Han Rao lowered her head, fiddling with her smooth nails\u2014she had just removed the manicure she got last time two days ago.
She said with a bright smile, “No law-breaking, no stealing, no robbing.”
Li Mengyang pressed for answers repeatedly, but Han Rao chose to remain silent.
“Alright, Mengyang, I won’t chat with you anymore. I need to pack and head back to Jiangsu.”
Han Rao’s hometown is in Jiangsu. She’s a classic southern beauty, but after living in the north for a few years, she’s picked up some of the boldness typical of northerners.
“Why are you going back to Jiangsu?”
“To see my mom and grandma,” she lied casually, brushing off Li Mengyang before hanging up the phone.
Han Rao naturally wouldn’t actually return to Jiangsu. In fact, over the past two years, she had always been afraid to go home, feeling that she had achieved nothing and let Xu Lianqiu down. She was also afraid her grandmother would ask why, despite having acted in so many dramas, she had never once been seen on TV.
So, Han Rao would rather choose to be a rootless drifter in Beijing, only returning home for the New Year.
Her family thought she was too busy running between film sets, but in reality, she had no roles to act in and didn’t dare go home.
When Han Rao said this to Li Mengyang, she was actually guarding against her.
Ever since the incident with Director Du, or perhaps even earlier, the image of Li Mengyang as a caring elder sister had long shattered in her heart. The reason she hadn’t torn off the facade was simply because there hadn’t been any substantial conflict of interest between them.
Han Rao returned to her rented apartment with the contract in hand. Lying on the sofa, she lit a cigarette pensively, staring at the black words and red seal on the white paper, feeling as if she had just woken from a long dream.
Her
indenture contract\u2014had it really been retrieved so effortlessly?
Han Rao’s thoughts were drifting, the ash on her cigarette growing long before suddenly falling to the ground.
She hadn’t taken a single puff of that cigarette until the burning tip reached her fingers, the searing pain finally snapping her back to reality.
Han Rao quickly stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray, then turned and pulled out her phone to send Sun Hao a message, asking him to inform Zhao Jichuan that her contract termination had been finalized.
She thought, since he was the one who paid the money, he at least deserved to know.
I just didn’t expect that this message would sink like a stone into the sea.
Sun Hao replied emotionlessly with “Got it,” and then there was no further news from him.
And Zhao Jichuan didn’t seem to have any intention of asking anything more from her or offering her anything either.
He vanished without a sound, as if evaporated from the face of the earth, disappearing from her world for a full half month.
Half a month later, it was Han Rao who couldn’t hold back any longer and took the initiative to ask Sun Hao about Zhao Jichuan’s schedule.
She felt that Zhao Jichuan had left her as a half-finished project over the past two weeks\u2014he helped her terminate the contract and regain her freedom, but didn’t offer her any acting roles.
It wasn’t that she was lazy or greedy, putting all her bets on Zhao Jichuan alone and waiting for him to spoon-feed her.
She wanted to go out and audition for roles herself, but the problem was that the industry feared the Lin family, and the grudge between her and the Lin family was something she couldn’t overcome on her own.
Therefore, Li Mengyang went out of his way to help her get close to General Du, securing a powerful ally for himself.
Whether it’s a real backer or a fake one, as long as it makes the Lin family dare not pursue the matter further, it’s a good backer.
\u3000\u3000-
Zhao Jichuan’s reply came ten days later, by which time autumn had begun to settle in Beicheng, with leaves along the streets gradually turning yellow.
Instead of having Sun Hao contact Han Rao, Zhao Jichuan actually took the initiative to call her himself.
When Han Rao received the call, she was lying on her bed hugging a heating pad while analyzing a film. There were two film analysis bloggers on Bilibili she particularly liked, whose interpretations of movies sometimes even surpassed a professional actor’s understanding of the script.
She enjoys reading these, always feeling she can gain great enlightenment.
Han Rao looked at the unfamiliar number on the screen and paused the video. “Hello, who’s this?”
Zhao Jichuan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window with one hand in his pocket, sunlight streaming in and bathing him in its glow.
Upon hearing Han Rao’s soft and sweet voice, the man couldn’t help but chuckle quietly.
He didn’t speak, and Han Rao keenly sensed who the person opposite was.
She had been lying on the bed, but now she rolled right off it. “Zhao Jichuan.”
She stepped barefoot on the floor, only belatedly remembering to put on her slippers.
If Zhao Jichuan had seen her flustered and panicked state with his own eyes, he would surely have laughed at her for being so silly.
But this was the most genuine Han Rao, no different from any other girl in her early twenties.
It’s a pity she only sheds that protective shell and reveals her truest self when there are no outsiders around.
But Zhao Jichuan never had the chance to see this side of her, because from the very beginning, she had shut him out beyond that protective shell.
Han Rao covered her lower abdomen, reverting to her usual aloof demeanor. “Director Zhao, why are you contacting me personally?”
“Just checking if you’re still alive?” he teased.
Han Rao pursed her lips, “Thanks for your concern. I’m doing just fine\u2014no missing limbs, and certainly not starving to death.”
Zhao Jichuan chuckled at her sharp tongue, then turned to ask if she blamed him for not contacting her for so long.
Han Rao lowered her eyes, “How dare I?”
Her little pouts delighted him.
Zhao Jichuan was in a good mood and told her, “I’ll have the driver pick you up tonight.”
To the hotel?
Han Rao immediately thought of last time\u2014the experience had been pleasant then, but now her heart was pounding with uncertainty.
Reason told her she shouldn’t refuse him. But her body wouldn’t allow it, so after hesitating for two seconds, she faltered and said, “Zhao Jichuan, I’m on my period\u2014it’s not convenient.”
Han Rao was on the second day of her period today, the most disastrous day of her month. The pain was so unbearable that she felt like banging her head against the wall if she didn’t take any medicine.
Every time her period comes, Han Rao can’t help but sigh that she’s really getting old.
She remembered when she first got her period in middle school\u2014she could eat, drink, jump, and run without any physical discomfort, a privilege of youth. But in recent years, backaches, stomach pains, and fatigue… a whole list of symptoms had started plaguing her.
Afraid he might get angry, she glanced at the calendar\u2014it was Monday\u2014and thoughtfully asked, “How about the weekend?”
Zhao Jichuan remained silent, his steady breathing coming through the phone, while Han Rao’s heart pounded in her throat.
She was actually quite scared, afraid that he might be perverted and insist on her going over.
“It’s fine, come over. I need to talk to you,” he said calmly, without explaining what it was about.
Han Rao’s attention was entirely focused on his first two sentences. She felt as if her ears were ringing and she had plunged into the abyss.
Well, life just loves to give you a sweet date and then slap you hard across the face.
She had just emerged from the joy of successfully terminating her contract, only to face the task she dreaded.
Han Rao clenched her phone, biting her lip tightly, struggling desperately. “I’m not available, can I not go?”
Zhao Jichuan’s eyes darkened, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Han Rao, did asking you to come over turn into me begging you?”
He had manners and didn’t say things like she turned her back on him the moment she got his money, tearing away her last shred of dignity.
But his tone clearly carried a trace of anger\u2014he disliked Han Rao stubbornly talking back to him. He was a man of his word who preferred absolute control. Moreover, from his perspective, Han Rao’s actions seemed ungrateful.
Han Rao slumped her shoulders, feeling the pain in her lower abdomen flare up again. A layer of cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she gritted her teeth and said, “No.”
“Get dressed and make yourself pretty,” he told her, then added firmly, “Don’t be late.”
Han Rao suppressed her sobbing voice and calmly responded with a light “Mm.”
Zhao Jichuan felt somewhat irritated and, not bothering to consider her feelings, hung up the phone directly.
He wasn’t a dutiful or devoted lover, but he was a man of his word. When it came to promises made to her, he kept them in mind. Ironically, it was she who proved unreliable, always faltering at critical moments.
He would not allow it.
At that time, in Zhao Jichuan’s understanding, menstrual cramps couldn’t kill anyone\u2014if she was alive, she could damn well come.
Little did he know, he had brought upon himself a major trouble.
Han Rao’s tears never fell in the end. She sniffled, swallowed a tablet of ibuprofen with warm water, then proceeded to put on makeup and change clothes.
The weather in Beicheng is already quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Han Rao had initially planned to wear a pair of well-fitting jeans, but then she remembered Zhao Jichuan’s specific instructions to dress up and put on makeup, so she took out a dress from the wardrobe instead.
A black French-style retro camisole mini dress with a deep V-back, revealing glimpses of fair skin.
In fact, Han Rao used to adore this style of little dresses in her earlier years when she was financially comfortable, stocking up quite a few outfits of this design.
But over the past two years, after experiencing certain events, I’ve gradually settled down and now prefer casual styles in my everyday wear.
Han Rao had been feeling unusually cold these past two days, so much so that she feared she might freeze to death. To ward off the chill, she deliberately draped a coat over her shoulders.
Opening the wardrobe, she suddenly remembered that Zhao Jichuan’s suit jacket was still with her from last time. He hadn’t asked for it back, so she assumed he wouldn’t want it anymore. Yet she kept it anyway\u2014had it dry-cleaned and stored it properly.
Han Rao was cautious; she ran her hand over her own coat but didn’t take it, instead putting on Zhao Jichuan’s jacket again.
His coat was oversized, and she was slender, making it hang loosely on her frame. With just a few steps, the entire garment billowed as if filled with wind.
Han Rao wrapped herself tightly in her clothes, then carefully placed four heating pads on her lower abdomen and lower back for warmth. After that, she quietly waited for the driver to call her.
She was quite conflicted, but after some thought, quickly let it go.
She had come this far\u2014didn’t she forfeit the right to say “no”? Besides, she had just taken over twenty million from them; she couldn’t possibly take it for free.
Han Rao summoned the spirit of Julien Sorel, telling herself that tonight was just like acting\u2014love what you do, excel in what you love, and master what you excel in.
Dealing with Zhao Jichuan was also a career in itself\u2014she had to grit her teeth and push through the difficulties.
She remembered how, back when they were filming, the autumn mornings were spent shooting one river-jumping scene after another.
Even wrapped entirely in plastic wrap, the icy river water still seeped through to her skin, carrying a bone-chilling cold.
But after filming, she wrapped herself in a blanket, teeth chattering, shivering as she insisted on checking the playback on the monitor. She feared the water temperature was too low, affecting her physical performance, and worried this scene wouldn’t turn out well.
She would go all out for acting.
Now, she could also go all out when dealing with Zhao Jichuan.
Not long after she finished packing up, the driver called and asked her to come downstairs.
The person who came to pick her up wasn’t Wang Jie, but a driver surnamed Chen.
Han Rao wasn’t familiar with him, and there was little conversation along the way.
As the car traveled on, Han Rao watched the sky gradually darken, with the last traces of the setting sun’s afterglow disappearing at the end of the road.
She suddenly realized that every time she met Zhao Jichuan, it was always at night.
The night conceals desire and filth, yet like bubbles floating in the air, they shatter the moment light touches them.
Just like their relationship, it couldn’t withstand the test of time.
Finally, the car
Smoothly parked in the hotel parking lot.
The driver told her to go to the Bentley parked nearby, saying President Zhao was waiting for her.
Han Rao didn’t ask further, walking over in her high heels and gently tapping twice on the car window.
The car door unlocked. She took a light breath, pulled it open, and sat down next to Zhao Jichuan.
He looked more formal today than the last time we met, deliberately wearing a sapphire blue tie.
He glanced up at her\u2014her complexion was good, she looked quite lively, nothing like the near-death appearance she had when she was avoiding him.
Little did they know, it was all thanks to that single ibuprofen tablet.
Han Rao smiled at him, leaning lazily against the back of the chair. The temperature in the car was high, so she casually took off her coat and said frankly, “Zhao Jichuan, do whatever you want.”
Seeing his silence, she pondered for a moment before adding, “Can we use hands?”
She didn’t expect him to show mercy and spare her, only hoped he’d have some conscience not to take her life.
She was such a resolute person.
Zhao Jichuan’s eyes darkened as he stared at her incredulously. It took him two seconds to realize she had misunderstood.
No wonder she was so reluctant to come\u2014did she think he was a pervert?
He couldn’t help but find it amusing\u2014was that all she ever thought about?
Moreover, who knows how she’s been badmouthing him behind his back\u2014probably painting him as some heartless lecher?
Interesting.
Zhao Jichuan firmly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. Though his tone carried the weight of an interrogation, it was laced with flirtation.
He asked, “Han Rao, what kind of dirty thoughts are filling that head of yours?”<\/p>","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-2967","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2967","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2967"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2967\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3023,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2967\/revisions\/3023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2967"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=2967"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}