A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

The song “Powerful Opponent” that she sang with Bai Murong immediately became a hit.

Both their voices were powerful, and together, they achieved a perfect balance of mysteriousness and charm. Some even commented that both of them were, in fact, each other’s “Powerful Opponent,” and that they didn’t expect such exceptional work even before the start of the music festival.

Skyart, recording studio building.

Sister Mai Na accompanied Xia Ling down the corridor as the warm, comforting sunlight poured in through the glass windows. Xia Ling was in a light-colored outfit, flat shoes, and had only applied a thin layer of foundation. The nude makeup and the simple apparel brought out the natural beauty in her, appearing at ease.

But right now, she was far from feeling at ease.

She whimpered as she walked.

Sister Mai Na helped her at her elbow. “I really take my hats off you and Boss. What a couple, really! The both of you know full well that the wound on your stomach hasn’t fully recovered, and you still decided to go for a preliminary round of some competition. Serves you right! Now, how is your wound ever going to recover properly!”

Xia Ling’s tears pooled in her eyes as she quietly spoke for herself, “I forgot…”

The wound had been inflicted over at Pei Ziheng’s place, but after she had returned to Li Lei, she had managed to nurse it rather well. The wound had closed nicely and only left a small scab. Xia Ling was the active sort and often forgot about her aches and pains once she started her dance practices or performances.

Until yesterday when she showered, she discovered that it had opened again.

It was still hurting.

“Why don’t you let Boss know? You shouldn’t be running around like that.” Sister Mai Na told her off.

“I dare not…” Xia Ling spoke softly, “He’ll be mad at me.”

Sister Mai Na rolled her eyes. This couple had barely gotten back together for a few days, and they were bickering already? She knew what Xia Ling meant—she hitched a ride in Li Lei’s car to the recording studio that day, and if she went home all of a sudden, Li Lei was definitely going to ask about it. By then, it would be difficult to keep the truth from him.

This silly girl probably wasn’t just afraid of being told off.

She was also afraid his heart would ache for her.

Sister Mai Na sighed and resisted the urge to just send her straight home. “Just bear with it for a bit more, we’re reaching Ah Wei’s recording studio. Once you’re in, you can sit, or stand, or lie down, or even court death by jumping about. You can do whatever you want, I won’t say any more.”

Xia Ling looked downward as Sister Mai Na said that. If she actually had long bunny ears, they would be drooping at this point.

People on the corridors were shooting glances at them and speculating: “Ye Xingling must really have abandoned Pei Ziheng and returned for Boss because Imperial Entertainment is facing its downfall. Though Boss accepted her back, it seems like he doesn’t like her that much. Otherwise, why would Sister Mai Na be telling her off like a little child?”

If only Li Lei knew what they were thinking, he would think — Who doesn’t seem like a little child when Sister Mai Na is the one doing the scolding?

With much effort, Xia Ling finally found her way to the lift lobby. She was just about to press the button when she noticed Su Tang walking towards her.

Su Tang was as elegant as usual, her skin delicate as jade, and her makeup highlighting her already beautiful features. She looked splendidly attractive. As she stood before Xia Ling, the air of arrogance she exuded dissipated as she courteously said, “Miss Ye, could I have a word with you?”

“Personal Assistant Su wants to speak with me?” All Xia Ling wanted was to get to Wei Shaoyin’s office and lie down to relieve her pain.

Bu Su Tang happened to be in the way.

“I need a few minutes of your time.”

Ding — the lift had arrived.

“If there’s anything, let’s talk in the lift.” Sister Mai Na helped Xia Ling in. “Excuse us, Xiao Ling is in a hurry.” She knew that Xiao Ling was in pain and wouldn’t allow Su Tang to be a hindrance here.

Although they were both colleagues in Skyart, Su Tang and Sister Mai Na were not close and often did not see things eye to eye. Sensing Sister Mai Na’s attitude towards her today, Su Tang could barely mask her unhappiness. However, she had a favor to ask of them and had no choice but to bear with it.

“Shoot, what is it?” Xia Ling was not all that nice to her either. With the pain bugging her, being polite was the least of her worries.

Su Tang felt a prick in her heart—this woman had been married to someone else, and even had a kid before, but why was she fortunate enough to be cherished so dearly by Young Master? Earlier that day, Young Master had even asked her to be transferred to another post, and the reason he gave was that she had been disrespectful to Xia Ling!

Holding that thought, Su Tang said, “I don’t know what you’ve told Young Master, but I’ve been his assistant for so long, I’m basically his right-hand woman when it comes to business matters. Now, he wants to transfer me away for fear that you’ll be unhappy. Do you know how much trouble that would bring him?”

Xia Ling took a while to understand what Su Tang was referring to.

She blinked her eyes in shock. “It was just a casual remark I made the other day.” She could swear that she had nothing against Su Tang. She was simply not in a good mood that day and was just pouring her grievances. She did not expect Li Lei to take it so seriously.

Su Tang would take it even harder if she knew the truth.

Sister Mai Na understood what was going on as well. She couldn’t believe it. This silly girl had barely been back for a few days and had already managed to get Personal Assistant Su to ask for forgiveness. This was a skill in itself.

Su Tang tried harder. “Could you help me speak to Young Master again, and get him to think twice before transferring me away? If I’m not around, he’ll face a lot of inconveniences. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see him tire himself out, right?”

She felt like she was being as polite as she possibly could.

Xia Ling did not like her tone though, it was as if Li Lei could not do without her.

Her wound began hurting again just as the lift came to a stop at their floor. “You can settle it with Li Lei on your own.” She pushed the responsibility back to Su Tang. “Just don’t come and bother me.”

She limped out of the lift step by step.

Sister Mai Na helped her along carefully and didn’t even bother to give Su Tang a second look.

Su Tang stood in the lift and clenched her teeth as she watched them walk away. Ye Xingling… you better remember this. I’ll make sure you feel this humiliation you’ve brought upon me someday!

Also…

The way Ye Xingling was walking seems a little weird. What is going on?