Chapter 36
Sheng Xiran left the training camp at the resort.
She couldn't understand how Bai Yin, who was clearly the least favored daughter in the Su family and just a country bumpkin, could possess such remarkable talent.
She probably never would.
With Sheng Xiran gone, no one dared to create trouble, and the training camp became quiet for a long time.
Bai Yin still came to the classroom every day, leaving last and using the rare training time to improve herself.
Cangxing Media spared no effort in training their artists. All the teachers were well-known masters, including veteran artists who had been famous in the industry for years, generously imparting their knowledge to the artists.
In the middle of the second month, their vocal coach, Chen Jingye, was brought in by their agent, Sun Lili, causing excitement among all the artists.
Chen Jingye was a top-rated singer, with millions of fans and incredible popularity. He had previously played in a band, with a bold and wild personality that many people adored.
Such a superstar was coming to teach at their training camp.
The resources of Cangxing Media were truly remarkable!
When Bai Yin's college roommate, Xia Qiaoxi, learned that Chen Jingye was coming, she immediately called her to offer her congratulations.
"Hey, baby! I miss you so much! How are you? Has anyone been bullying you? Wah, Sun Lili is a total airhead and won't be able to protect you. I'm going to be transferred to the northern city next month and will have to come to your rescue then. Wait for me, okay?"
Xia Qiaoxi was a first-class fashion designer in China. In college, she could easily win international awards with her casual sketches. She truly possessed an exceptional talent.
However, her only weakness was Chen Jingye. She was his super crazy fan and even failed her final exams in pursuit of attending his concert.
Nevertheless, after graduation, she successfully became the chief designer at a top international luxury fashion company.
"Has Sun Lili told you about Chen Jingye?"
Xia Qiaoxi said, "Enough about that! I'm calling to check on you."
"Do you want an autograph?"
"Ah! I love you, sis! Kisses, mwah!"
Thinking back to the college years when Xia Qiaoxi stood in front of her to protect her, Bai Yin couldn't help but smile.
Like Sun Lili, Xia Qiaoxi was also one of her best friends.
"How many autographs do you need?"
"Not too many. 1200 is enough."
"..."
Bai Yin exclaimed, "Do you think he's coming just to sign for me? 1200 autographs are enough to reach the sky!"
"Okay, how about 120?"
"Maximum one autograph."
"Then I want a signed picture of him with abs at the swimming pool!!!"
"Don't push it. Chen Jingye is here to teach us, so where do you want me to go to get his pool abs photo?"
Xia Qiaoxi laughed and said, "Isn't the resort you're staying at equipped with an indoor swimming pool? Our brother is a swimming enthusiast. He'll definitely go to the pool and even have a pool party. You can use an instant camera to take his photo, and he'll sign it on the spot. Perfect!"
"..."
The plan was truly detailed.
"I can sneak into the pool and improvise," Bai Yin said helplessly. "But I can't guarantee success."
"Girl, I believe in you. There's nothing you can't achieve, even taking down men like Chen Huaixiao and making them your loyal followers," Xia Qiaoxi teased.
"He's not my loyal follower, thank you very much."
"Then what is he?"
Bai Yin thought for a moment and said, "A minister under my skirt."
"Ha!"
The phrase "minister under my skirt" sounded exciting to Bai Yin, so she changed Chen Huaixiao's nickname from "chx" to "minister under my skirt."
On the green path in the early morning, the artists were doing their daily physical training, including weight-bearing running.
During the mid-point break, Qiao Yan handed Bai Yin a thermos filled with warm water, warning her, "After exercising, don't drink cold water. This one contains warm water."
Bai Yin hesitated, but Qiao Yan quickly explained, "This is a new thermos. My thermos is a separate one."
Pointing toward the black thermos on the table, he said, "Lily prepared this for you. She was afraid you wouldn't want to carry something heavy, so I put it in my backpack."
"Thank you for having thoughtfulness, both of you," Bai Yin said, taking the water bottle from Qiao Yan.
Qiao Yan saw the sweat on her forehead, so he used a tissue to wipe it off.
At that moment, a sharp and piercing car horn sounded.
Bai Yin and Qiao Yan instinctively covered their ears, frowning.
Several cool black cars zoomed past on the road beside the green space, with a Maybach leading the way.
Bai Yin clearly saw Chen Huaixiao sitting in the car with his dignified suit, cold and noble profile, and straight gaze. As the car passed by her, it caused a gust of wind, blowing her hair around.
Without a doubt, the shrill car horn came from Chen Huaixiao's vehicle.
Bai Yin rubbed her ears and grumbled at the passing car. Nearby, some artists whispered and exclaimed excitedly, "That was Chen Jingye in the last car!"
"Oh my god, he's here!"
"Wow! Our idol will soon come to teach us singing! I can't wait to see him!"
"Well, we still have to wait. Chen Jingye is the kind of person who would go hiking and camping for days after the singing class," someone commented.
The next day, Bai Yin received a high-definition instant photo from the stargazing girl Xia Qiaoxi, along with a note, "Brother's autographed abs in exchange for a set of my top-level private-design custom clothing!"
Xia Qiaoxi had become a rising star in recent years in the fashion world, one of the brightest young fashion designers. Even top international superstars had to book her custom clothing six months in advance.
For Bai Yin, Xia Qiaoxi's custom clothes were extremely tempting. She played with the instant photo in her hand.
It seemed like she had to get Chen Jingye's swimsuit photo, no matter what.
The only problem was...Chen Huaixiao and Chen Jingye seemed to be traveling together, and Bai Yin wasn't sure if they knew each other.
After thinking about it, Bai Yin realized that she would probably have to keep this a secret from Chen Huaixiao. Otherwise, with his temper, he would most likely oppose her.
...
Due to the early training the next day, most of the artists went to bed before ten o'clock. Bai Yin received an exclusive message from Sun Lili - "Tonight at midnight, Chen Jingye has booked the backyard of the resort's swimming pool and invited many models to a swimsuit party. PS. Your husband has already gone back to his room to sleep. He also asked someone to buy him melatonin this afternoon."
"He's taking melatonin?"
"Wait, shouldn't you be focused on the big star Chen Jingye's pool party? Why do you care about plastic husband's sleep problems?"
"Just curious."
Bai Yin hung up the phone and immediately dialed the housekeeper Tang Ka's number.
After two rings, the phone was answered. Tang Ka's low, steady voice came through. "Madam?"
"Is Chen Huaixiao taking melatonin lately?"
"Yes, young master has been having trouble sleeping for the past two months."
Although Chen Huaixiao was a light sleeper, the few times they had slept together, he had always slept deeply.
"I've never seen him with sleep problems before."
Tang Ka coughed lightly and explained, "For so many years, young master has only been able to sleep well when he's in the same room as madam."
Bai Yin understood the hidden meaning behind Tang Ka's words, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Alright, I understand."
She hung up the phone.
As Sun Lili had said, what did she care about her plastic husband's sleep problems?
...
Chen Jingye's pool party was held at the resort's circular pool in the backyard. He was a very playful person and invited many hot models.
Although many of the artists in training camp wanted to attend the party, they were afraid that Tang Yu would deduct points from their courses, which would affect their future. So they stayed in their rooms and went to sleep.
Bai Yin also felt a bit hesitant, looking at the Polaroid camera on the table and thinking about Xia Qiaoxi's protection and care for her over the years.
While she had always believed in an eye for an eye, she also recognized the importance of returning favors.
Forget it, she would go.
Bai Yin came to the makeup mirror and took out the foundation and eye shadow palette, giving herself a special effect makeup that not even her grandmother could recognize. She darkened her skin by a few degrees and lengthened her already charming peach blossom eyes.
Bai Yin's makeup skills were incredible. After a few touches, she looked completely different - still beautiful, but unrecognizable.
Although she changed her appearance, she did not intentionally make herself look ugly. Her beauty was still outstanding.
Considering Chen Jingye's arrogance, if she intentionally looked ugly, he would probably kick her out before she could even get an autograph.
Sun Lili brought her a two-piece pool staff swimsuit, which accentuated her long legs and flat stomach.
But compared to the sexy bikinis worn by the models on site, this lace strapless was much more conservative.
She dressed up as a staff member of the swimming pool, holding a tray of fruit and drinks, and arrived at the pool party.
Loud music mixed with the cheers.
Bai Yin wandered around the pile of attractive people, finally spotting Chen Jingye on a lounge chair by the pool.
Chen Jingye had dyed his hair a trendy shade of grey and was wearing a pretentious pair of sunglasses while lying on the chair, either taking a nap or admiring something.
He was at the pinnacle of the music industry in terms of looks, with delicate and beautiful features and fair skin. However, because of his sharp contours, he did not have the feeling of a delicate pretty boy, but instead added a touch of sexy masculinity.
Bai Yin could understand why Xia Qiaoxi was so obsessed with good-looking people, especially why she liked him.
He was really... so handsome!
Bai Yin approached Chen Jingye and put the fruit plate she had prepared on the table in front of him.
Without lifting his head, Chen Jingye extended his slender fingertips and picked up a grape, tossing it into the air before catching it in his mouth.
After Bai Yin put down the fruit plate, she politely said to him, "Hello, Mr. Chen. I'm your fan. Can I take a signed photo of you back for safekeeping?"
Chen Jingye heard her and took off his sunglasses, giving Bai Yin a glance.
The girl in front of him had dull skin, almost like she had done a fake tan, but her features were beautiful with a unique charm of an Eastern beauty, and her figure was hot. He estimated that none of the young models present could match her.
It was no wonder that it was the vacation villa of Chen Huaixiao, the entertainment industry giant, and even the hotel staff was this outstanding.
He said, "You're not my fan."
Bai Yin was taken aback, "Yes, I am."
Chen Jingye smiled faintly, "If you were my fan, you would have already come over and kissed me passionately."
Bai Yin: ???
Brother, what have you been through?
Seeing that he was easy to talk to, Bai Yin explained, "I'm not really your fan, but my best friend really likes you. Look, here she is."
As she spoke, she dialed Xia Qiaoxi's video call.
Xia Qiaoxi answered immediately, "Hey! Darling, did you get a picture of my brother's hot and explosive pool abs yet?"
Bai Yin said, "Your brother is right here. Say hello to him."
With that, the phone's camera was turned to Chen Jingye lying on the chair.
Chen Jingye lifted his sunglasses with a charming smile, "I hope my abs didn't disappoint you."
Xia Qiaoxi went crazy, "Ahhhh!"
Chen Jingye hadn't even seen her yet, and she hung up the call in embarrassment!
Chen Jingye still had a happy smile on his face, "Your friend is cute. Go ahead and take the photo."
Bai Yin thanked him again and picked up the Polaroid camera, pressing the shutter button while Chen Jingye cooperated with various poses.
With a "click," the Polaroid camera in Bai Yin's hand was snatched away by the man behind her.
She turned around and saw Chen Huaixiao's handsome and cold face.
Chen Jingye's white trendy hair was very eye-catching, but when Chen Huaixiao came over, everyone's attention shifted to him.
Compared to Chen Jingye, Chen Huaixiao's aura was too strong.
He pulled out the Polaroid photo and his indifferent gaze swept over the image of the man Choi's upper body, curling his lips in a cold smile.
"Taking a picture of me, the celebrity?"
"Yeah! Give it to me!"
Bai Yin tried to snatch the photo from him, but Chen Huaixiao's beautiful fingertips tilted slightly upwards, preventing her from reaching it.
"Chen Jingye's photo cannot be leaked out," Chen Huaixiao pushed away the woman who was clinging to him to grab the photo, and emphasized each word: "This one is confiscated."
Bai Yin was so angry that her little face turned red. She glanced at Chen Jingye.
Chen Jingye shook his head, "Nothing to be done. My boss is here and he doesn't allow it, so we can't take the photo."
Bai Yin knew Chen Huaixiao was definitely going to spoil her plans. This man was so sleepless that he couldn't even sleep after taking melatonin!
Bai Yin stood up, but Chen Huaixiao sat down on another lounge chair and said casually, "Waiter, come here."
She turned her head and looked at him unwillingly.
"What are you looking at, aren't you a waiter?"
Chen Jingye also looked at Bai Yin with a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Bai Yin had not given up on his swimming photo. She couldn't let Chen Jingye be suspicious, so she had to play the role of a respectful service staff: "Mr. Chen, what can I do for you?"
Chen Huaixiao reclined his lounge chair and said, "Put on some sunscreen for me."
"..."
Chen Jingye looked up at the stars and said with a twitch of his mouth, "Brother, it's midnight now."
Chen Huaixiao glared at the small bottle next to him, "What's that?"
Chen Jingye quickly handed over the bottle, "Body lotion."
"Just use that."
Bai Yin was speechless, so she squeezed the body lotion into her palm and rubbed it on his chest and abdomen.
His muscles were almost perfect, even Chen Jingye, who frequented the gym, felt inferior when looking at his cousin's physique.
Bai Yin's hands, rubbing the sunscreen on him, were very restless. Chen Huaixiao occasionally glanced at her, and she would smile seductively as if trying to provoke him, but this man had strong self-control and could endure it.
Chen Jingye had not realized the undercurrents between them and asked, "Cousin, I heard that you got married. Why doesn't your wife come and visit us?"
Bai Yin was surprised to learn that Chen Jingye was Chen Huaixiao's cousin.
Chen Huaixiao's tone was plain, "She is very ugly and doesn't want to see people."
"I don't care about her looks," Chen Huaixiao repeated what he had said to Bai Yin: "As long as the taste is right."
Chen Jingye laughed, "So you're still keeping your marriage a secret. Your wife is too good at hiding it."
It's rare to find a woman who married Chen Huaixiao and didn't shout it out to the world. Instead, she covered it up.
Chen Huaixiao looked at Bai Yin and smiled coldly, "It's not that she's good at hiding, she's just afraid I'll block her path."
"I heard from Grandpa that you weren't happy about coming to the wedding," said Chen Jingye. "Since it's a forced marriage, when are you planning to get a divorce?"
Chen Huaixiao looked down and saw the marks from her nails on his arm.
"I have no plans for a divorce."
"Really? You mean it?" asked Chen Jingye.
Chen Huaixiao replied, "If we get divorced, she'll take half of our post-marital assets."
"Didn't you sign a prenuptial agreement with her?"
"No, we didn't."
"But what if Qin Yao comes back in the future?" asked Bai Yin, her hand suddenly stopping.
She didn't care about anything else he said before, but this one sentence hit a nerve.
Chen Huaixiao noticed the pressure of her nails digging into his skin. "Who is Qin?" he asked.
"Qin Yao! Have you forgotten your first love?"
"If you don't mention it, I forget. Also, she's not my first love," Chen Huaixiao said, seeing Bai Yin's well-manicured nails already digging into his flesh, almost drawing blood.
After a moment of silence, Chen Huaixiao was about to say something when Bai Yin stood up and left without looking back.
Chen Jingye noticed the blood on his brother's arm and exclaimed, "Wow, bro, your arm is bleeding! This masseuse must have been too intense!"
Chen Huaixiao grabbed a tissue to wipe off the blood and said to his brother in annoyance, "Why did you have to bring her up?"
"I was just joking," Chen Jingye muttered. "But, seriously, you're not getting divorced?"
"No way."
Chen Huaixiao then picked up the white blanket and left.