Baihe Fan

Chapter 2: The Meeting

As soon as Xia Linxia left the restroom, her face fell, and she quickly pulled her hand back, disdainfully brushing it off. “Don’t get any ideas, that was just an act.”

Hearing no reply, she glanced sideways and suddenly found Ji Fengxue turning sharply towards her. Startled, she stepped back until she was pressed against the wall, looking at Ji Fengxue in surprise.

“You dare to corner me like this… mmph.”

She stared in shock as Ji Fengxue covered her mouth and then turned her head, appearing as though they were embracing.

Ji Fengxue whispered, “Don’t say such things in the future, and remember to control your volume.”

Several employees who had been watching them with curious and delighted expressions were now discreetly excited and couldn’t help but comment, “You two are such a perfect match.”

Xia Linxia glanced at them, her mouth twitching. She subtly took Ji Fengxue hand down and pressed her head onto her shoulder, then turned and smiled gently at them, “Thank you. My Xiao Xue is a bit shy, sorry about that.”

Ji Fengxue: “…”

“No worries, you two continue,” the employees chuckled, moving away from the “loving couple.”

Xiang Huaimeng came out looking for them and saw them huddled together in a corner of the hallway, nearly tripping in surprise. She overheard some passing employees chatting.

“Oh my god, when did they get together? Their chemistry is off the charts!”

“Xia Linxia is actually so gentle and affectionate?”

“No wonder Ji Fengxue fell for her. That smile from Xia Linxia just now made me swoon!”

“They’re so bold, the first same-sex couple to go public. Aren’t they afraid of losing fans?”

“Check online. Aside from a few extreme fans, most people are supportive and shipping them!”

“By the way, didn’t Xia Linxia used to say she hated Ji Fengxue? I remember when Ji Fengxue signed with our company six months ago, Xia Linxia even threatened to jump off a building in front of the general manager.”

When Xiang Huaimeng was two meters away, she saw the two, who had been embracing passionately, push each other away simultaneously—one looking disdainful, the other indifferent.

Xiang Huaimeng: “…”

“Linxia, I picked out a jacket for you. Put it on,” Xiang Huaimeng said.

“I’m not wearing it,” Xia Linxia snorted, brushing past Ji Fengxue with an air of arrogance, her slender arms and legs swaying as she walked, flaunting her figure.

Ji Fengxue calmly observed her slim waist. “You’ve gained weight.”

Xia Linxia: !!!

She quickly felt her waist, measured it with her hands, and checked her abs. Confirming there was no unwanted fat, she sighed in relief and shot a glare at Ji Fengxue. “You’re just jealous. It’s getting cold, you should take care of your arthritis.”

Ji Fengxue smiled.

Xia Linxia felt unnerved by her gaze, and in a fit of anger, she snatched the blazer from Xiang Huaimeng’s hand, stretched it out, and dramatically draped it over herself, completely forgetting her earlier vow never to change.

Ji Fengxue’s gaze lowered slightly, noting Xia Linxia’s long, pale legs still exposed to the air. She realized she had never noticed how nice the girl’s legs looked before.

In the office, the two sat diagonally across from each other. Their agents exchanged awkward glances, unsure of what to do.

A moment later, General Manager Jiang Yuan walked in.

Jiang Yuan, a woman in her thirties, dressed in business attire with light makeup and a low ponytail, had sharp eyes. “Sit closer together. Since you’ve signed the contract, you need to be aware of it. Linxia, move closer. You can’t always rely on others to supervise you.”

Xia Linxia opened her mouth to retort but was silenced by a stern look, reluctantly moving to sit across from Ji Fengxue.

Jiang Yuan clasped her hands on the table, her expression softening slightly. “First, thank you for supporting this plan. Contract couples come with great benefits but also high risks. Currently, only the five of us know the details. I hope it stays that way until the contract ends, at which point we’ll announce your amicable breakup. Your resources won’t be neglected during this time. So, be mindful of your behavior. Don’t show obvious discord like just now.”

Xia Linxia said, “It’s just us here, what’s the worry? We can sit however we want.”

Another stern look shut her up. She stood up in frustration. “Why are you always scolding me? You never scold Ji Fengxue!”

Jiang Yuan replied, “Do you still not understand why? Do you think everyone’s as volatile as you?”

Not a shred of face was given!

Xia Linxia crossed her arms, feeling aggrieved. She glanced at the calm Ji Fengxue opposite her and couldn’t help but wave a fist, threatening without daring to make a sound.

“Pfft.” Ji Fengxue laughed at her paper tiger act, turning her head slightly to suppress a smile.

Ignoring their interaction, Jiang Yuan discussed the upcoming plans with the two agents. Tomorrow, they’d have a simple couple’s interview followed by a staged dinner, with paparazzi capturing it. After covering the key points and subsequent tasks, she left to handle other matters.

As soon as Jiang Yuan left, Xia Linxia’s demeanor changed. She slammed the table, leaned forward, and stared directly at Ji Fengxue, issuing a warning. “Don’t think I don’t know why you agreed to this contract. You’re just trying to cling to me for fame since you’re washed up. Know your place—who’s in charge here!”

She even flicked her jacket for dramatic effect.

“Linxia, your brother is calling,” Xiang Huaimeng pointed to her phone on the table.

“What?!”

Ji Fengxue watched the fierce woman from a moment ago pick up the phone with both hands, bowing and scraping. “Brother, how are you? Your little sister is doing well, no need to worry. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up, hehe.”

Whatever was said on the other end made Xia Linxia glance at Ji Fengxue, gritting her teeth. “Yes, I’m in a relationship. With a woman. You don’t need to say more, I know she’s ugly and unworthy of me, but since she pursued me, I’m reluctantly… What? You’re her fan?!”

Ji Fengxue: “…”

“Brother, our sibling bond is over!” Xia Linxia clenched her fist. Her brother, who usually found her annoying, was a fan of Ji Fengxue!

“Then your credit card is canceled,” Xia Yangxuan said coldly.

“No, brother, you look so handsome today!” Xia Linxia said sweetly. “We can discuss the money, okay~~~”

Her voice trembled, making Ji Fengxue shiver.

A simple response came from the other end, and the call ended.

Xia Linxia, like a defeated rooster, sat down dejectedly, deep in thought.

Xiang Huaimeng and the other agent discussed the interview details for tomorrow.

As they finished, Ji Fengxue got up to leave. When she reached the door, someone grabbed her wrist.

She turned around, looking at the hand. “What is it?”

The agents also looked at Xia Linxia in confusion. She awkwardly lowered her head, mumbling with feigned indifference, “Can I have your autograph?”

Ji Fengxue smirked. “Such a harsh tone. No.”

Cursing silently and blaming her brother, Xia Linxia forced a polite smile. “Please give me your autograph.”

“Will you behave in the future?” Ji Fengxue asked.

Behave? Xia Linxia felt like she’d heard the biggest joke. No one ever thought she would behave!

“Of course,” Xia Linxia said without a blush. “I’m very obedient,” which was a lie. “You tell me to go east,” I’ll send you west. “I won’t go west.”

Ji Fengxue didn’t believe her but decided to give her the autograph, guessing it was for her brother.

With the autograph in hand, Xia Linxia left immediately, like a jerk dumping someone.

Ji Fengxue stood there for a moment, sighing. The coming year would be tough.

“Are you regretting it?” asked her agent, Lu Nian.

“No…” Ji Fengxue brushed her hair aside. “She wasn’t wrong. I don’t have many resources. Let’s go.”

Ji Fengxue was a naturally gifted actress. She debuted nearly ten years ago, focusing on the big screen, winning Best Actress at 25, becoming the youngest Best Actress in mainland China.

But she later shifted her career focus, almost retiring. Her low-key nature and reluctance to engage in publicity stunts left her overshadowed by younger stars.

In recent years, the rise of popular idols impacted dedicated actors like her. Many idol-led movies emerged, making her almost forgotten.

Fortunately, her talent and looks still held a place in the audience’s hearts. Whenever she appeared, people remembered the stunning beauty who once dominated the screen.

So now, the priority is making a comeback.

Of course, there were other ways, but why agree to this contract couple plan?

It all started about half a month ago when she first heard about this in the company. She initially didn’t want to accept it. After all, she and Xia Linxia didn’t get along and found each other mutually annoying.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Yuan mentioned that Xia Linxia had already agreed and made a phone call, putting it on speaker.

Xia Linxia’s voice immediately filled the quiet office, “Hello, Sister Yuan? I already said I’d do it.”

Jiang Yuan: “Are you sure? If we switch to Fu Xiaoxuan, that’s also an option.”

Xia Linxia: “No way! If you dare switch to Fu Xiaoxuan, I’ll jump out of your office window! I don’t care, I just want Ji Fengxue!”

Ji Fengxue raised her eyebrows slightly.

Jiang Yuan asked with a smile, “You insist on Ji Fengxue?”

“Yes! Otherwise, I’m not participating in this plan. I’m not short of money,” Xia Linxia said nonchalantly.

“Why do you want her?”

Xia Linxia snorted, “I want to show that blind fool what true affection and love are! Don’t worry, Sister Yuan, I will definitely treat her very, very well.”

Jiang Yuan ended the call and looked up at Ji Fengxue, confidently asking, “So, are you willing to collaborate with her?”

Ji Fengxue’s usually calm demeanor stirred for the first time in years, a strange sense of excitement and challenge rising within her. A playful smile spread across her face.

“Of course, leave Xia Linxia to me.”