Chapter Thirty-Four: I Refuse to Believe He Can Still Resist!

The pale dawn was not yet bright, and the world appeared in a haze. Through the mist, one could make out the figures of several lightly-clad staff members in the filming area, cameras already set up and positions adjusted, as they went about their preparations. The chill carried by the breeze failed to drive them away, yet the conduct of their subject left them disheartened.

Bai Yuan lay languid and carefree upon a soft tatami mat, a silk-like thin blanket draped over her, tracing the alluring curves of her figure. In her hands, a thermos cup—filled with coffee her assistant had specifically bought—sent up spirals of fragrant steam, the aroma of freshly ground beans mingling in the air. She was also accompanied by a dainty Cantonese-style breakfast, a stark contrast to the staff standing out in the cold wind.

Pei Susu entered the filming site to witness this scene, her cheeks stung by the cold wind, now as numb as if pressed to ice.

“Miss Bai, I believe you should make the most of your time and begin shooting, rather than wasting it. Otherwise, you may be liable for a hefty penalty for breach of contract—don’t you agree?” Pei Susu had assumed that since Bai Yuan had agreed to participate, she would cooperate, and so hadn’t watched her every moment. She hadn’t expected that, after only a brief absence, Bai Yuan would again start her antics.

“President Pei, people can’t work on an empty stomach, you know,” Bai Yuan replied, unfazed by Susu’s cold gaze. It was as if she had some reassurance; her lips curled into a smile, less arrogant than their first meeting but no less disdainful. “You can’t expect me to work for you while starving, can you? I doubt you’d want rumors spreading that you exploit your collaborators. Besides, there’s still time left—what’s the rush?”

She was clearly in no hurry herself; after all, she could always pay the penalty and walk away. Compared to the losses that would come from failing to complete the Fu Group’s project, that penalty was insignificant.

Had there been more time a few days ago, Pei Susu might have let it go. But now—

“Miss Bai, I feel obligated to remind you: the filming schedule is only three days, and you’ve already caused significant delays. If we’re unable to finish on time, you won’t just be responsible for the penalty—the losses incurred by the Fu Group will also be yours to pay.”

Pei Susu’s expression remained calm, her eyes shining like polished jade in the dim light, serene as a winter pond, as if she were discussing the most ordinary matter.

“President Pei, are you threatening me?” Bai Yuan rose with languid grace, her costly blanket slipping to the floor and gathering dust, which she ignored. Her smiling eyes met Pei Susu’s, sparks flying in the charged air, tension thick enough to ignite.

“Pei Susu, don’t think you can walk all over me just because I’ve been polite. I, Bai Yuan, have worked with the Fu Group three times before—back when you were probably still unknown. What right do you have to speak to me this way?”

In this industry, only she, Bai Yuan, had collaborated with the Fu Group so many times. Did that not prove her importance? If things truly escalated, who was more vital—a general manager who could be replaced at any moment, or the nation’s top female star? The answer was obvious.

She spread her feathers like a peacock, eager to showcase her superiority. Yet Pei Susu found it all rather amusing, suppressing the curve of her lips as her breath remained steady.

“First, I’m not threatening you. I’m stating facts. Second, your haughty airs strike me as laughable. For someone who’s worked with the Group multiple times, you’re still only an option among many—selected by me, who came after you. Have you never considered…”

At this, a frigid, superior smile blossomed on Pei Susu’s lovely face, each word landing like a blow: “If you can be chosen, you can also be abandoned.”

Every word struck home, stirring the seeds of fear in Bai Yuan’s heart. She could hardly imagine what would become of her pride if she lost her endorsements with the Fu Group.

“Impossible!” Bai Yuan steadied herself, her flickering gaze belying her bravado. “President Fu would never replace me. He’d never allow you to do such a thing. Pei Susu, you can’t scare me—the Fu Group answers to President Fu.”

She repeated these lines, as if repetition alone could make them true.

“Please, begin your performance,” Pei Susu said, stepping aside with a gesture of invitation.

Bai Yuan was right about one thing—the real power in the Fu Group lay with Fu Zhichen. At home, he might be soft and clingy, trailing after Pei Susu like a loyal puppy. Yet in the company, he was the president above all, wielding power and control with absolute authority.

No corporation could tolerate a second voice; if Pei Susu wished to deal with Bai Yuan, there was no avoiding Fu Zhichen.

A few minutes later, in the president’s office.

“President Fu, we’ve worked together so many times. You must stand up for me!” The affected sweetness in her voice sent shivers of discomfort through staff passing by the office door.

Within the spacious office, the slanting light softened the sharp features of the man in suit and tie, easing the chill in his gaze. But when his eyes landed on the woman before him, her eyes red from crying, his expression turned to ice.

“So you expect me to punish my general manager, who acts in the interests of the Fu Group, all for a spokesperson who shirks her duties and throws her weight around?”

If his sister’s look hadn’t held him back, Fu Zhichen would have thrown the weeping woman out the moment he understood the situation. Running to him to complain about his sister—she must have a death wish.

The man’s crisp voice, carried on the breeze, only made Bai Yuan’s blood run cold. Her act nearly fell apart. How could this be? In their previous collaborations, President Fu had always treated her with kindness and respect. She’d assumed he liked her—if not, he should at least be less indifferent. What was more, she’d deliberately presented herself in the most vulnerable, alluring light, the sort that awakened a man’s protective instincts. Where had things gone wrong?

“Miss Bai?” Pei Susu clicked her tongue inwardly—what a show, and she was enjoying it thoroughly. She’d never seen enough of it. The little puppy who was so gentle and submissive to her, showed remarkable ferocity to others. Not bad—he deserved praise. In fact, Pei Susu decided she’d reward him well tonight.

“President Fu…” Bai Yuan was jolted back to herself by Pei Susu’s call. She thought of the confidence she’d felt on her way here—if she were thrown out now, who knew what Pei Susu would think of her?

“I was just too tired, that’s all. If President Fu could help me relax a little, today’s shoot would go off without a hitch.” She bit her lip delicately, a blush dusting her cheeks, her eyes brimming with seductive intent as she gazed at Fu Zhichen, her voice dripping with sweetness.

She refused to believe she could not win him over this way.