Speak Money Not Love with the Master - Chapter 1

It was 7 o’clock at night in the Beijing Time Zone, at the Luo Family’s jewelry exhibition.

Yu Qiao stood at the entrance, anxiously looking around. The opening of the exhibition was near at hand, yet Ye Wei still hadn’t arrived.

No one picked up the phone even after dialling several times. With the voicemail further urging her, she could only keep dialling.

A few minutes later, a luxurious car stopped in the distance. Doors opening, a pair of slim and straight long legs stepped out of the car.

The person who arrived was tall, beautiful and aloof-looking. Held in her hand was Hermès’s latest crocodile skin bag. Her windbreaker curled from a gust of cold wind while in the middle of walking.

“Sister Wei Wei.” Yu Qiao went up to meet her.

The tall, beautiful and aloof woman agilely took off her windbreaker and threw it to the assistant behind her.  She strided towards the security screening.

“Has it begun yet?”

“It has begun. Sister Fan let me wait for you at the entrance.”

Security screening was set up from the 1st floor to the venue, with a total of three checkpoints. Security was tight, as any and all sharp and hard objects weren’t allowed to be brought onto the site.

Ye Wei put down her handbag to go through the security check, as a scanner was swept around her front and back two times. The security personnel made the gesture for her to proceed.

She stepped forward, taking the bag from the security checkpoint and walked inside.

The exhibition was being held in the exhibition hall on the 27th floor of the hotel. After entering the elevator, Yu Qiao leaned closer to Ye Wei’s ear.

“Yuan Lu came.”

It wasn’t surprising that Yuan Lu could come. Her connections with the senior management of <Zhongshen Films> wasn’t a secret in the circle. On the other hand, Ye Wei being able to come was due to her status in the entertainment circle, as well as the personal invitation from Xu Zhi’ang.

Not long ago, a week before, the much-anticipated rally competition came to a close. The ASS Captain, Xu Zhi’ang, did not betray expectations and took the title of champion for the third consecutive year.

The news spread through the Beijing circle, only just moments after the event. It being in the center of attention was not because of the competition itself, but because of the Luo Family in Beijing.

The Luo Family dealt in numerous industries, one of which among them was jewelry. Luo Yingxin, the aunt of the Luo Family’s current head, Luo Chengyu, was the manager. And that Luo Yingxin was Xu Zhi’ang’s mother.

After going through the two layers of security checkpoints at the entrance of the exhibition on the 27th floor and entering the exhibition hall, within the vast exhibition hall gathered the business world’s biggest figures and beautiful women. Ye Wei’s aloof expression instantly changed into that of a smile that was neither too deep nor too shallow. Whether one was acquainted or not, a nod was still expected in a stage for social courtesies.

“How did a rich and powerful family like the Luo’s come to allow him to play in such a dangerous event?”

“As the wealthy young master of a household, it must be because he got tired of the peaceful days and went to look for an adventure.” The acquaintance opposite of the person nodded her head and laughed.

“Where’s Sister Fan?”

“No idea.”

Yu Qiao walked into a place with a mirror before she subconsciously came to a halt: a TF champagne-colored, belted, knee-length tuxedo. For a little-known figure in the entertainment circle like her, it’d be impossible to afford… She swayed Ye Wei’s arms like a spoiled child.

“Sister Wei Wei, I love you to death.”

“You’ve stared at it for so long, I guess you’re pleased.”

Ye Wei’s outfit was very simple: an apricot-colored, chiffon qipao. On the shoulders, two sleeves hung down separately, showing the slenderness of her long arms. The skirt length reached down to the ankles. Her height was her advantage, and not to mention the addition of thin, 10cm long high heels. In the jewelry exhibition filled with beautiful women, it was especially eye-catching.

“There’re so many beauties here, is the purpose the jewelry show or the Xu Family’s young master?”

The sound of heels gradually came closer in which the devil manager Fang He arrived imperiously, and with squinted eyes, began to criticize Yu Qiao.

“Do you even understand jewelry? Smile a few times in front of Xu Zhi’ang and perhaps he’ll fancy you.”

Yu Qiao clasped her hands on her chest, “God, Sister Fan has finally become aware of my beauty.”

“Don’t show off if you don’t have any IQ in that brain of yours to show.” Fan He placed one of her palms to her rear. “Throw a few more eyes at Young Master Xu and he may fancy you due to blindness.”

Yu gave a brilliant smile showing the teeth, “Beautiful, am I not?”

“Very deathly beautiful. If you don’t have enough IQ in store, then use your face. Then, this sister (T/N: Ye Wei is speaking and referring to herself when she says this) will be able to lose a few less hairs.”

Watching Fan He once again try to come down on Yu Qiao with her poisonous tongue, Ye Wei couldn’t help but chuckle. Fan He turned to her.

“News about <The Seamen> should come out next week.”

As she said this, she screwed her brows. “You shouldn’t hold out too much hope though. Director Qu’s movie has so many people waiting in line. The earth shattering pancake* will unlikely fall into your hands.” (T/N: I’m assuming that she’s talking about a role in the movie)

The many pairs of eyes which longed for the top resources all had capital manipulation behind their backs. The one who held hope was Fan He, not Ye Wei at all. As the manager, it really wrecked both one’s mind and heart to obtain the actor’s resources. Fan He had extremely wide connections, but for this kind of thing, she had no way to assure the outcome.

“The watch that Xu Zhi’ang gave you, I see you’ve returned it.”

Ye Wei gave an “en”.

“Do you still need me to remind you of the power behind his backing.” Fan He gritted her teeth in bitterness because she’s been racking her brain bald when it came to a production as big as <The Seamen>.

“I don’t feel anything towards him.”

“Others have all treated me as an ancestor. But looking at you now, I’d think you’re my ancestor.” (T/N: By ancestor, Fan He’s implying that Ye Wei doesn’t put anyone in her eyes.)

When Ye Wei made her first debut, a single shot of her naked back had made her become famed as the entertainment circle’s most sexiest goddess. The outstandingly cold temperament and small mole on her eyelid added even more points to her charm.

Fan He had sharp eyes, she took matters in her own hands quickly and ruthlessly as she got the newly debuted Ye Wei to sign under her. Ye Wei did not fall short of expectations, for her fame was spread in the short period of four years. The only thing was that her character was very aloof. Many young masters from illustrious families and business tycoons expressed their affections to her, but she’s completely ignored them. An enraged Fan criticized her for being “self-degenerate”.

With that said, however, the two people were mentor and friends at the same time. Fan He wouldn’t excessively interfere with her private life.

Someone lowered their voice and said: “I heard the Luo Family just auctioned off a natural yellow diamond at 522 carats.” The speaker paused for a moment, and then blurted out a frightening figure, “16 billion US dollars.”

The crowd drew in a breath of cold air. Fan He sighed, “This is indeed the Luo Family, the top tycoon in the Beijing circle.”

“I wonder if that certain someone will come.”

That someone.

As to who that implied, the crowd knew very well in their hearts.

“He doesn’t ever attend this kind of event. When have you ever seen him in a public occasion?”

“But today is different. Young Master Xu has won three consecutive rally championships, and it’s even the Luo’s greatest jewelry exhibition in the past few years.”

Fang He humphed from her nose, “If you want to climb using relationships, Xu Zhi’ang is enough for all of you to leech off of.”

In the circle, Xu Zhi’ang is known for being unrestrained and unruly. As compared to a certain Master… Fan He felt a chill run down her spine and shook her head.

Fan He whispered into Ye Wei’s ear: “There are many esteemed guests who came today, some of whom stay hidden and seldom make appearances. I’ll go around, so that you’ll get to know them in a while too.

Ye Wei doesn’t enjoy it, but making connections in this circle was an act of necessity.

Right after she said that, the sound of a commotion was heard at the entrance. Everyone looked towards the sound. Tall and dressed in black, the slender and upright man, while entering, was surrounded by group executives.

Even Fan He, who’s seen countless big spectacles, was among the people who were shaken. “He actually came.”

The bigshots of Sijiu City, the Luo’s, and their head honcho was Luo Cheng Yu. With an iron-blooded wrist (T/N: same meaning as an iron fist), he’s taken the helm of the entire Luo Family in his 30s. This person was the so-called Master.

Ye Wei never imagined that he would come.

But as for the shock going around, Ye Wei didn’t hold much of an interest. Her main aim today was only to stroll around the exhibition area. What she cared about were the jewelry designs. Designing jewelry was also her original dream. Unfortunately, it got shattered four years ago, which was also on the day when a certain someone left.

Yu Qiao found her.

“That person came, and you’re still in the mood to look at the exhibition.”

“Go up to the front and fawn, or drool at the person’s behind from afar? You guys sure are free.”

Yu Qiao giggled. This was indeed Ye Wei’s temperament, but she was already used to it.

“Xu Zhi’ang is even more handsome than in his photos.”

Ye Wei warned with her eyes, “Restrain your nympho of a brain, how many times have you fallen and still can’t learn your lesson?”

“Wasn’t I just blind before?”

“You’re not blind, just stupid. All five senses are good, and it’s not like it’s bad for only the IQ to be defective.” She patted her shoulder. “Good girl, go play over there. Don’t bother Sister from doing her business.”

Ye Wei stopped in front of a necklace which was seemingly unremarkable, but was extremely conspicuous in the location. In the center of the delicately carved decorative border of the openwork, a small diamond was embedded. Seeing her stare for a long time and not knowing what she was looking at, people gathered to check it out.

No one noticed anything interesting, so much that they felt it was totally ordinary. And with that, they changed the topic. For women, it was more within their interests to engage in small chatter.

“Given that person’s identity and personality, it’s not even certain he’ll give jewelry to his female partner.”

“He’ll need a female partner, first of all”

The moment these words were said, the crowd of girls squealed continuously. Unconsciously, they gazed towards a certain direction.

The man was slender and tall, standing with his hands held behind the back. Around him, people were all chattering and laughing. Yet his calmness was without any ripples. The noble and aloof temperament exuded by his entire body was like that of a thousand sails unruffled and withdrawn.

“He’s definitely not like Young Master Xu, that Master is a magnet for gossip who’ll really get himself on the news someday. Before he’s an executive, he’s still a celebrity.

Xu Zhi’ang, who was next to him, looked over right at that moment. It wasn’t the first or second time he expressed affection towards Ye Wei. Upon meeting his gaze in which one would think that he’s looking at himself (T/N: in other words, he’s looking over very intensely), the peacock immediately fanned out his tail.

“What are you guys chatting about?” Xu Zhi’ang walked over, with a handsome face that baffled all living things. With one wink, a few girls’ faces all went red.

As he spoke, his gaze was definitely on Ye Wei.

“We’re looking at this splendidness,” she replied.

Seeing where she stood, Xu Zhi’ang then walked to her side. “It’s history’s first-ever naturally occurring ‘diamond within a diamond’ found in the Siberian mines. The internal diamond is just 0.2 carats, yet is able to rotate freely within the 0.62 carat outer diamond.”

Just a moment ago, she did think that it was really peculiar, but did not expect that it was a naturally occurring diamond within a diamond.

“It’s because it’s precious that it is valuable.” She spoke.

“You like it?” He asked.

Ye Wei shook her head.

Xu Zhi’ang saw that she was interested in the jewelry, and then continued to speak up freely.

Xu Zhi’ang’s charm was in his humor, which all the little girls by his side were then rendered with bashful faces. Ye Wei’s eyelids curved slightly, her eyeliner and eyebrows overlapped and revealed a faintly discernible, tiny mole which was so lovely and charming.

Eyelids flickering, she then caught a cold gaze. She was briefly startled before showing an extremely devilish, wide smile.

Fan He rushed as she came, pulling her to the side. “I obtained the info just now, the decision for <The Seamen> was made.” She paused a moment before she spat out two words through clenched teeth: “Yuan Lu.”

Ye Wei grunted in response, “If you don’t lose heart, that’s good enough.”

“Because of Yuan Lu’s relationship with the senior management of Zhong Shen, it’s not strange to choose her. She’s not suitable though.”

“Suitable or not, it’s all on the director. Actors are all tools, only the director is the director who controls everything.”

“Can’t you care a bit more?”

“The audition wasn’t randomly done, whether one studied the script is made obvious. Small fry rely on hard work, large fry put in their life. This is what you have kept telling me.” Ye Wei raised her tender arm and put it on Fan He’s shoulder, fiddling with the tassel. “I just saw a naturally occurring diamond within a diamond. If I had the money, I would’ve bought it.”

Fan He laughed, “If you really paid more care to your issues, then you would’ve already become a rich lady.”

“What would I become a rich lady for. To provide for you?”

Ye Wei swept her gaze across the room, which ran into the gaze of a woman off in the distance. That person laughed while saying, “You’re really a beauty.”

Fan He turned her head. It was Yuan Lu.

Yuan Lu and Ye Wei were known as sworn enemies within the circle, but the two’s pursued line of work as actresses were not the same at all.  Ye Wei’s tall stature brimmed with a heroic spirit, while Yuan Lu was soft, with a voice so coyish that it revived the bones of men.

Ye Wei possessed strength in her countenance. Pitting her against a pretty flower vase (T/N: someone with a pretty face) like Yuan Lu in a battle, Fan He has long thought she couldn’t stand to look at her. She clenched her teeth.

“Announcement’s on Monday.”

“You’ve already done your best, so stop clenching your teeth. Who doesn’t know the tolerance level of our Sister Fan.”

Yuan Lu erupted with laughter while nodding. The corners of Ye Wei’s mouth lifted slightly as she lightly nodded.

On that evening, it was already very early in the morning by the time it came to an end. Ye Wei was riding the car back before the emergency brakes were suddenly slammed on.

“Miss Wei Wei, we got blocked by a car in the front.”

Ye Wei leaned her head over to look, a Bentley was positioned horizontally inclined in front of her car. As to who sat within the car, she couldn’t be more clear.

The car in the front did not move. The chauffeur said he would go down to check it out before Ye Wei stopped him. “You can go home, I’m on break tomorrow so you won’t have to pick me up.”

Ye Wei got out of the car and walked in the forward direction. The chauffeur was already standing by the door of the car, helping her open the door.

She got in the car, staring intently into the murky interior of the car.

The color of the man’s black eyes was as dark as dense ink. The corner of his eyes swept over to her but lacked warmth.

Red lips inadvertently twitched for a moment. Slender fingers massaged the temple. Will someone let her get a good night’s sleep or not.