Chapter 72 - n.o.ble Character
Chu Ling agreed. "Then go ahead and take care of it."
"Sure thing," replied Hu Lai.
Although he was a celebrity with a ma.s.sive following, great reputation, and high income, it was lonely at the top. The moment he got careless, he would come tumbling down.
There were too many new idols breaking into the entertainment industry and threatening Chu Ling"s status, so it was not easy for Hu Lai to work as his talent agent.
s.h.i.+ Xuexin called Hu Lai while she was working on the auction.
"I heard you are taking Ling to some event, right?" s.h.i.+ Xuexin spoke in a gentle, pleasant voice.
Hu Lai naturally knew about her relations.h.i.+p with Chu Ling. She smiled as she told s.h.i.+ Xuexin of her plans.
"Uh huh. This auction will be a real boon to Chu Ling"s image and status."
s.h.i.+ Xuexin said, "Then can I go to the auction? I can bid for the orchid and give it to Ling."
s.h.i.+ Xuexin was his fiancé and the daughter of the s.h.i.+ family, so her request was reasonable.
Hu Lai contemplated before she answered, "Sure thing. You can just come along with us."
s.h.i.+ Xuexin said thoughtfully, "I will wear a mask so as not to make trouble for Ling."
"Got it. You are always so good to Chu Ling," flattered Hu Lai. In comparison to s.h.i.+ Jin, this true daughter of the s.h.i.+ family was far easier to handle.
They were going to attend the auction, so Hu Lai got it out in the news and told everyone about the auction and the orchid. In the three-by-three photo spread intended for the orchids, she secretly added two pictures of Chu Ling.
Chu Ling"s fans were delighted by the news. Everyone kept saying how n.o.ble and dignified Chu Ling looked. It felt as though these words were exclusive to Chu Ling.
She had done a good job with publicity.
***
On the actual day of the auction, the venue bustled with activity.
s.h.i.+ Jin was very low-key when she turned up and came dressed in a white s.h.i.+rt and black pants. She dressed minimally. Her mask and cap concealed her face completely.
After she entered the venue, she sat in a corner and swiped through her phone as she quietly waited for the auction to commence.
Moments later, she heard a familiar voice. "Ling!"
It was s.h.i.+ Xuexin"s gentle voice.
s.h.i.+ Jin glanced around and caught sight of s.h.i.+ Xuexin all geared up as she walked over to Chu Ling and Hu Lai.
The three of them were dressed discreetly, so it was impossible to get a clear look at their faces. However, s.h.i.+ Jin definitely heard s.h.i.+ Xuexin"s voice and quickly recognized Chu Ling and Hu Lai.
Chu Ling greeted her softly and said, "Take a seat."
s.h.i.+ Xuexin was so happy that her joy could be sensed from behind her mask and it was impossible for s.h.i.+ Jin to ignore it.
"My bad for being a little late. I was busy practicing piano and painting," said s.h.i.+ Xuexin sheepishly.
Chu Ling"s voice became gentle. "It"s fine. It"s not like the auction has started yet anyway. Oh yes. How is your painting coming along? Also, when is your piano compet.i.tion?"
He was very patient with s.h.i.+ Xuexin. Back in the day when he was young and insensible, he was equally gentle with s.h.i.+ Jin.
He considered the time he spent with s.h.i.+ Jin a mistake he made when he was young and did not know better.
After he became an idol, he learned that true love was worthless. Partners had to be useful if he wanted relations.h.i.+ps to last long.
s.h.i.+ Jin was only capable of giving him a brief period of hype. However, s.h.i.+ Xuexin was different.