{"id":791,"date":"2025-10-09T19:41:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sakuratranslation.com\/public-entertainment-circle-04\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T20:13:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T20:13:43","slug":"public-entertainment-circle-04","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/chapter\/public-entertainment-circle-04\/","title":{"rendered":"Public [Entertainment Circle] 04"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

**Chapter 4: Drunk-Roasted Little Lion** 

The He Group was located in Shencheng\u2019s Financial Tech Center, where land was worth its weight in gold. The headquarters, designed by a world-renowned architect, took years to perfect. Its futuristic half-arc structure and the bold “H” shape cutting through the building perfectly complemented the group\u2019s focus on smart technology. 

He Lingji hadn\u2019t returned in three months, and a mountain of work awaited him. 

The CEO\u2019s office was sleek and minimalist, dominated by silver and white tones, with fully automated designs that exuded a cold, high-end vibe. 

Secretary Cong seized the moment to hand him a glass of water. 

\u201cPresident He\u2026\u201d 

Under the bright office lights, the man\u2019s skin was a cool, porcelain white. His long fingers gripped the glass like carved jade, his expression icy and detached, as if carved from ancient, unmeltable frost. He took a small sip. 

The water moistened his pale, thin lips as he uttered a single word: 

\u201cSpeak.\u201d 

As the chief secretary, Cong Zhen knew exactly what to report and what to ignore when his boss was busy. 

But\u2014 

This involved the madam. He wasn\u2019t sure how to handle it. 

After some hesitation, he said, \u201cPresident Jiang called you several times this afternoon regarding the casting for *Dreams of the Capital*.\u201d 

He Lingji glanced at the stack of documents prepared for his review. The glass landed on the table with a dull thud. 

Secretary Cong braced himself. \u201cHow should I respond?\u201d 

The man lazily pressed a finger to his temple, his indifferent gaze masking exhaustion. His words were merciless: 

\u201cIf he can\u2019t even handle casting for a two-billion-yuan production, replace him as producer.\u201d 

This was the He Group\u2019s first foray into the film industry. 

Not child\u2019s play. 

Cong Zhen snapped back to reality, instantly regretting his words. 

President He was still President He. The idea of him losing his cool to charm someone was pure fantasy. 

— 

When Jiang Yulin received Secretary Cong\u2019s reply, he was in a private meeting with Director Zhou. 

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 

Had Qin Man failed to satisfy President He on the yacht that night? 

Spread before them were two sets of data analyses\u2014one for Qin Man, the other for Shen Wanyin. 

The results were identical: 

Qin Man: 95% 

Shen Wanyin: 95% 

Director Zhou tapped the table. \u201cWho do we pick? We need to decide soon\u2014training can\u2019t wait.\u201d 

Jiang Yulin, ever the businessman, skimmed Shen Wanyin\u2019s data, noting her high \u201cmarket appeal\u201d\u2014her fans were the most vocal. 

It wouldn\u2019t be wise to disappoint the audience. 

— 

Qin Man returned to the marital home she shared with He Lingji. 

In their year of marriage, she\u2019d visited fewer than ten times. 

Now, the unfamiliarity was palpable. 

The lakeside estate glittered at night, its grand entrance leading through a sprawling courtyard complete with a helipad discreetly tucked behind landscaped scenery. Every step was a postcard of luxury, an ode to hedonism. 

But tonight, Qin Man had other things on her mind. She declined the maid\u2019s offer of a massage and soaked in the bath instead. 

Later, draped in a long, silky nightgown, she descended the stairs to wait for him. 

\u201cDid he say when he\u2019d be back?\u201d she asked the butler. 

The butler served her a floral tea, replying respectfully, \u201cThe master has a private dinner tonight. He may return late.\u201d 

Expecting displeasure, he prepared to smooth things over. 

To his surprise, Qin Man\u2019s eyes lit up. 

A dinner? Perfect. 

Imagine\u2014deep in the night, a virtuous and beautiful wife waiting by a single lamp for her drunken husband. How touching! 

Qin Man was nearly moved by her own performance. 

She dismissed the staff, leaving only a dim light on. 

Bored, she hugged a cushion and opened the forum link her friend Wu Yuxi had sent her. 

The \u201cExotic Glacier\u201d topic was still trending. 

Her earlier comment had 99+ replies\u2014mostly insults. 

\u201cTsk. He Lingji isn\u2019t even in the entertainment industry, yet he has more fans than me.\u201d 

Qin Man was sour. 

Two years in the industry, and she couldn\u2019t compete with one interview. 

Infuriating. 

Then she saw one reply: 

*[If that\u82b1\u74f6 (pretty but useless) has any real connection to the Glacier, I\u2019ll give every one of the 3,588 users here 200 yuan.]* 

Bored, Qin Man replied: 

**Little Lion Roar-Meow:** *[What if they\u2019re married?]* 

The reply was instant: 

*[If they\u2019re married, not only will I pay up, I\u2019ll livestream myself eating shit while doing a 360\u00b0 Thomas flare and mid-air twist.]* 

**Little Lion Roar-Meow:** *[What a hero. *claps*]* 

Qin Man was unfazed. 

The netizens, however, exploded: 

*[Where did this delusional lion come from?]* 

*[Shipping \u82b1\u74f6 and the Glacier? Is she insane? \u82b1\u74f6 would shatter against that ice!]* 

*[Sure, they\u2019ll get married right after they meet.]* 

*[LOL, in all my years in the CP fandom, this is the first time I\u2019ve seen a live \u82b1\u74f6-Glacier shipper.]* 

*[They\u2019ve topped the \u2018Most Impossible CP\u2019 list for years.]* 

If not for her last shred of sanity, Qin Man would\u2019ve posted their marriage certificate right then. 

How was she unworthy?! 

Scrolling grew tedious\u2014the same old arguments, nothing new. 

The quiet lulled her into drowsiness. Her lashes fluttered as she fought to stay awake, but her body grew heavier, her wrist slipping off the sofa. 

*Thud.* 

Her phone fell onto the plush carpet. 

Qin Man\u2019s sleep was restless, filled with fragments of dreams. 

Endless white fog. She walked and walked until she saw a beautiful woman in an exquisite gown, reaching for a golden Best Actress trophy behind a glass case. 

She tried to help, but the glass kept them apart\u2014so close, yet untouchable. 

As Qin Man stepped closer, the woman suddenly turned and grabbed her hand\u2014 

Her fingertips burned. 

Qin Man jolted awake. 

A dream. 

The floor lamp still cast its warm glow, her racing heart echoing in the silent room. 

Qin Man\u2019s body ran hot when she slept. Thankfully, she hadn\u2019t sleepily stripped in the living room like usual. 

Damp with sweat, her fair skin was flushed a delicate pink. 

The room was silent. She checked the time\u201411:00 p.m. 

He Lingji still wasn\u2019t back. 

She gave up waiting and stepped onto the terrace, letting the summer breeze cool her overheated skin and clear her mind. 

The estate\u2019s lights stretched into the distance. 

Her earlier dream resurfaced\u2014Meng Ting\u2019s words from that afternoon: *\u201cDon\u2019t you want the Best Actress trophy?\u201d* 

Of course she did. 

Qin Man might seem indifferent to her career, but since entering the industry, she\u2019d never stopped chasing one goal: 

To win that trophy. 

To hold it before someone and say, *\u201cSee? I fulfilled her dream. What about you?\u201d* 

Lost in thought, she didn\u2019t hear the door open. 

— 

When He Lingji stepped inside, the house was dark\u2014save for the terrace light. 

The soft glow split the space into two worlds. 

Qin Man stood by the railing, her loose curls cascading down, her long, blush-pink nightgown fluttering like a rose against the night. 

A scene straight out of a vintage film. 

Then she turned\u2014 

For a split second, He Lingji caught a glimpse of something fragile in her eyes before she brightened and threw herself into his arms. 

\u201cHusband~\u201d 

\u201cWhy aren\u2019t you asleep?\u201d 

\u201cWaiting for you, of course! Surprised?\u201d 

\u201cOh?\u201d 

He steadied her with a hand on her shoulder, instantly noticing her unusual body heat. 

His gaze darkened as he loosened his tie with deliberate slowness. 

The faint scent of glacier-cool cologne mixed with alcohol wrapped around them, dangerously alluring in the dim light. 

When He Lingji didn\u2019t play along, Qin Man\u2014oblivious to his state\u2014cheerfully boasted, \u201cWith a wife as perfect as me, you must be the envy of everyone.\u201d 

\u201cAnd you?\u201d 

\u201cLook at the mess you\u2019ve made!\u201d 

She finally got to her point. 

He Lingji didn\u2019t answer. The night\u2019s strong liquor had left him mostly sober, but her proximity was undoing that. 

Unaware, Qin Man poked his chest, ranting, \u201cNo sense of responsibility as a married man. \u2018No interest in women\u2019? Please. The gossip forums have you painted as a playboy by now\u2014\u201d 

His gaze dropped to her moving lips. 

Everything blurred. 

\u201cAh\u2014!\u201d 

Suddenly, she was lifted onto the railing. 

Her protest died in her throat as the world tilted. 

They rarely stood this close. 

His cool, clean scent mixed with alcohol made her head spin. 

Then his palm pressed against her arm\u2014chill against her feverish skin. 

Before she knew it, she was perched precariously on the railing, the void behind her like a whirlpool. 

Realizing he\u2019d been drinking, Qin Man panicked, arms locking around his neck. \u201cNo, no, too dangerous!\u201d 

\u201cI refuse to headline tomorrow as \u2018Couple Dies Mid-Air, Faces Unrecognizable.\u2019\u201d 

She\u2019d rather not die socially after actual death. 

As she clung to him, her silky nightgown tangled with his tailored black slacks\u2014a dangerously beautiful sight. 

\u201cFine.\u201d 

Amused, He Lingji indulged her, carrying her to the bedroom. 

Tonight, they had time. 

— 

The bedroom door shut with a soft click. 

Under the dazzling lights, Qin Man lounged on the bed, watching as He Lingji emerged from the shower. 

Memories of their yacht night resurfaced. 

As he approached, she smirked and tugged off a lace garter, tossing it at him. 

\u201cHere. Use it.\u201d 

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d 

Payback. 

If he liked it so much, he could have it. 

What a generous wife she was. 

He didn\u2019t take it. His stormy blue eyes held hers, unreadable. 

For a moment, Qin Man wondered if she had thalassophobia\u2014why else would she tremble under that gaze? 

\u201cWhat?\u201d she snapped. 

After a beat, his low voice came, rough with want. 

\u201cThis,\u201d his fingers brushed her hair, \u201cwould be better.\u201d 

*!* 

Face burning, she yanked her hair back. \u201cSo you *are* just after my body!\u201d 

\u201c…\u201d 

How could someone so cold-looking be so shameless? 

A wolf in gentleman\u2019s clothing! 

But soon, she lost the ability to retort. 

Much later\u2014 

*?* 

Dazed, Qin Man blinked up at the blinding chandelier. 

Then a hand covered her eyes. 

Without sight, every touch was magnified\u2014his cool scent now laced with her own sweetness, intoxicating and overwhelming. 

\u201cI\u2019m never coming here again!\u201d she gasped. 

Sleeping with He Lingji was torture. 

Wu Yuxi\u2019s words from the yacht echoed: *\u201cWrecked.\u201d* 

At the time, she\u2019d thought it an exaggeration. 

Now she knew\u2014it was an understatement. 

\u201cI have no intention of separate bedrooms.\u201d 

He Lingji\u2019s voice was calm, as if discussing business. 

\u201cAfter all\u2026\u201d 

\u201cHm?\u201d 

\u201cI\u2019m *after your body.*\u201d 

Qin Man: \u201c?\u201d 

*Damn.* (The plant.) 

What kind of grudge-holding monster *was* he?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}}},"novel":[],"class_list":["post-791","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=791"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/791\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"novel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/es_co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/novel?post=791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}