After I Let Go, She Regretted It Deeply

Chapter 19: Kneel Before Me, and I’ll Give You Ten Thousand:

I had no intention of warning him. In fact, the thought of Zhang Wangchuan scamming Lin Muyao out of a huge sum of money filled me with satisfaction. I was curious to see if, when the time came, Lin Muyao would still believe he was her true love, if she would continue to stand by him without resentment, willing to cover his losses and bear the burden with him.

I was quite looking forward to how this would unfold.

Not wanting to get involved in unnecessary trouble, I didn’t leave the restroom immediately after washing my hands.

Just then, I heard Zhang Wangchuan’s excited voice.

“You mean I can invest too?”

“Of course! No matter how much you put in, I guarantee you’ll get a hundredfold return. Plus, with your actor’s salary, you’ll basically be set for life after just one film.”

“Really? Then I’ll think about it when I get back. I still have some savings. If everything checks out, I’ll invest with you.”

“Trust me, you won’t regret it. I’ve launched so many new actors.”

“Great! Thank you, Director Feng. I’ll make sure to cover for you with drinks later.”

…

After listening to their conversation and confirming that they had left, I finally strolled out of the restroom.

Watching Zhang Wangchuan’s pathetic bootlicking figure, I sneered. This guy was really desperate—so eager to make money in the film industry that he had completely lost his sense of judgment.

These low-budget films usually took investors’ money and ran, leaving the entire crew stranded.

I returned to the private room and continued my business discussions with President Sun, completely putting Zhang Wangchuan out of my mind.

Coincidentally, as we were about to leave, the group from the neighboring private room also stepped out.

And, of course, it was Director Feng and Zhang Wangchuan.

The moment Zhang Wangchuan saw me, he immediately walked over while no one was paying attention.

Leaning in close, he sneered, “Do you think mooching off a fancy dinner will help you climb the social ladder and impress Muyao? Keep dreaming.”

I glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

Jingxiang Pavilion was one of the top restaurants in Beicheng, a place where only the most influential figures hosted their business meetings. A single meal here cost five figures.

Clearly, Zhang Wangchuan thought I couldn’t afford such a place.

At that moment, Shen Mengbai was escorting President Sun and his associates outside. Right now, I was standing alone.

“Something wrong, Xiao Zhang? You see someone you know?” Director Feng slurred, clearly tipsy.

“Heh, not really. Just spotted someone who doesn’t belong here. Probably snuck in with someone else.”

“Hah! These young people these days love to act like they belong. One meal at Jingxiang Pavilion costs them a year’s salary, yet they still pretend. I can’t stand people like that.” Director Feng waved dismissively, his voice brimming with disdain.

Zhang Wangchuan quickly echoed his sentiments. “You’re absolutely right, Director Feng. Some people just love putting on an act when in reality, they’re nothing.”

“I don’t know about pretending, but it’s definitely better than being someone’s lapdog.”

I smirked as I looked at Zhang Wangchuan, my tone dripping with contempt.

“Who are you calling a lapdog? You think you’re some big shot?”

“Listen up. When we come to places like this, we’re discussing real business. One investment alone could buy your entire life. You’d better watch yourself—just because I don’t bother with you doesn’t mean the people around me will let you off easy.”

Zhang Wangchuan’s face turned red with anger at my words.

Director Feng, emboldened by Zhang Wangchuan’s flattery, puffed out his chest even more.

“Who the hell do you think you are, acting up in front of me?! Go ask around in Beicheng—everyone calls me ‘Director Feng’ with respect. Let me tell you, Xiao Zhang is under my protection. If you want to mess with him, you’ll have to get through me first!”

With Director Feng backing him up, Zhang Wangchuan’s smirk widened in arrogance.

However, the financial company’s boss standing next to them kept staring at me, as if he recognized me from somewhere.

“All the same worthless scum. None of you are even worth my time.”

Even if a real top-tier director stood in front of me, they’d have to show respect. Song Enterprises invested in multiple films every year and even had its own entertainment subsidiary—though we kept a low profile.

“Who’s he talking about?”

“Hahaha, what an arrogant fool. Let’s see who this big shot thinks he is.”

Director Feng staggered over, reeking of alcohol, making me frown in disgust as I took a step back.

Just then, Shen Mengbai returned and, seeing this crowd gathered around me, frowned in displeasure.

“Gen—” She was about to call me ‘General Manager’ when I subtly signaled her to keep quiet. Immediately understanding, she corrected herself, “Mr. Song, we should be going now.”

“Oh? This little beauty looks nice—so fair-skinned, great figure too…”

Director Feng’s lecherous eyes roamed over Shen Mengbai, his gaze filled with ill intent.

I stepped in front of her and snapped, “Watch your damn eyes.”

“Hey now, Song Shiyue, why are you acting like some knight in shining armor?”

“And who is she? Another one of your new flings? You sure change them fast. But I wonder… do you only date women for their money? Isn’t that what ‘kept men’ like you do?”

Zhang Wangchuan’s eyes flashed with admiration for Shen Mengbai, but his tone dripped with jealousy. Since he couldn’t get her, he decided to insult me instead.

“Hahaha! So he’s a little gigolo, huh? He does have the look for it!”

“Here’s an idea—since you’re so lucky to have met me, how about this? Kneel down and shine my shoes, and I’ll give you five hundred bucks.”

“How about it? That’s probably more than you get from those rich women you sleep with.”

Director Feng smirked arrogantly, sticking out his shoe and tilting his chin up in a look of utter disdain.

Shen Mengbai, unable to tolerate this any longer, was about to speak up when I stopped her.

I chuckled and turned to Director Feng, enunciating each word clearly.

“You kneel before me, and I’ll give you ten thousand.”

“Oh? Still acting tough? If you can really pull out ten grand, I’ll call you ‘Daddy’ right here. A gigolo like you has nothing to be proud of.”

“Exactly, Director Feng! I guarantee he can’t do it. He’s just a pathetic loser. Hell, he couldn’t even control his own wife. Running into him today is just bad luck.” Zhang Wangchuan spat at me, a look of pure contempt on his face.

Director Feng smoothed a hand over his balding head, his confidence growing as he eyed me with malice.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he sneered at Shen Mengbai, “this guy doesn’t even have ten thousand to his name. Why don’t you ditch him and come with me? I’ll make you a superstar.”

“Keep dreaming!” Shen Mengbai’s cold laugh carried an undeniable authority, sending a chilling aura through the air.

I glanced at her in surprise—my chief secretary was no ordinary woman.

But this wasn’t the time to dwell on that.

Turning back to the arrogant Director Feng and Zhang Wangchuan, I smirked coldly.

“Since you two refuse to recognize reality, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

I was fully prepared to teach them a lesson.

Even without bodyguards today, handling these two would be a piece of cake.

Unexpectedly, Director Feng waved his hand first, signaling for his men to make a move.

Two thugs lunged straight at Shen Mengbai.

Despite her usual composure, she paled slightly in alarm and instinctively glanced at me, preparing to call for help.