This is how people are.

Once you have concerns, everything you say and do is confined within a framework.

In the face of challenges, you naturally fall behind.

Finally, the performance began.

Everyone quieted down and watched attentively. It was a dramatic love story about a fox demon seducing a monk, and eventually, to defy the will of heaven, they perish together.

Xiao Nan was the actress in this stage play.

As the show started, she, as the fox demon, wore seductive attire. Her every move was naturally alluring, and all the audience’s eyes were glued to her.

Xu Zeqing stared at the mesmerizing woman on stage, itching with curiosity.

In private, Xiao Nan was pure and innocent, almost pitiable. Yet on stage, she was truly like a reincarnated fox demon, accurately capturing the heart of every man.

It was understandable that the monk fell into her tender trap.

Watching the entire performance, Xu Zeqing felt a burning sensation in his lower abdomen.

He struggled to repress his desire, but his thin moral sense ultimately collapsed.

He wanted her!

As soon as the performance ended, You Jiaoyang stood up and left early, declining Chu Zimu’s offer to drive him home, opting instead to take a cab back to his workplace dormitory.

Chu Zimu asked if Xu Zeqing would go back with him, but Xu Zeqing replied, "I drove myself here, you guys go ahead, I have plans with some friends later."

"Alright then."

Once most people had left, Xu Xingguang and Huo Wen’an finally stood up to leave.

Xu Zeqing was the last to leave the golden hall; he sent a message to Xiao Nan: [I’m waiting for you in the garage.]

Xiao Nan read the message and blankly set her phone down.

As she reached out to remove the hair accessory from her head, a gentle hand clasped her fingers, delicately taking out the hairpin.

Xiao Nan looked up in surprise and saw a face of exquisite beauty. "You..."

Xiao Nan’s mind was full of questions.

The person said, "Your mother’s surgery was successful; once you complete your task, you should take her to another city for a fresh start. Don’t linger in West Continent City or Yujiang City."

With that, Xiao Nan recognized Xu Xingguang’s identity, "Benefactor, thank you."

Her mother had severe malignant bone cancer, with expensive treatment costs. To afford it, she borrowed from loan sharks. Being hounded by debt collectors, she was taken to a club.

Just when she resigned to fate, someone approached her with a deal.

Her task was merely to seduce a man, and the person behind it would not only help her pay her debts but also cure her mother’s illness.

Xiao Nan agreed.

Xu Xingguang suddenly asked Xiao Nan, "Do you blame me?" For having her engage in such a transaction.

Hearing this, Xiao Nan shook her head vigorously.

Xiao Nan said, "I have a few female classmates who, during their romances, gave everything to men, loved fervently, yet ended up deceived. Purity doesn’t reside beneath a skirt; I see nothing wrong with what I did."

"I didn’t have to become a soulless product in a nightclub. I could still study well, and my mother could survive. Benefactor, how could I blame you?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xingguang felt some of the guilt in her heart dissipate.

Xiao Nan informed Xu Xingguang, "He asked me to meet in the underground garage."

Xu Xingguang smiled, saying, "Then go. Soon, you’ll complete the deal and get to see your mother."

"Alright."

Huo Wen’an stood by the car, waiting for a moment until he saw Xu Xingguang wrap her shawl tightly as she came out from the golden hall. "Why did you take so long in the restroom?"

"I ran into the leading actress, chatted for a bit." Xu Xingguang showed an autograph she obtained, saying, "I got her autograph, I have a feeling she’ll become a big star."

"Are you a fan?" Huo Wen’an asked in surprise.

Xu Xingguang laughed, "I do appreciate good looks."

"But I think that actress isn’t as good-looking as you." After a pause, Huo Wen’an added, "Neither as good-looking as me." Is he not good-looking enough that you go see other women?

Xu Xingguang found Huo Wen’an’s possessiveness excessive, but it was within her tolerable range. "I have to go to Bingfeng Entertainment tomorrow, let’s head back now."

"Alright."

*

The next day, Huo Wen’an acted as the driver and personally took Xu Xingguang to the entrance of Bingfeng Entertainment.

Seeing Xu Xingguang prepare to enter the building alone, Huo Wen’an couldn’t help but volunteer, "Actually, I could be your bodyguard, accompany you inside."

Xu Xingguang joked, "With your physique, are you up for a fight?"