The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

Li Lin's stamina was clearly insufficient to support a long horseback riding game.

After being in Shen Mo's arms again, Shen Mo grabbed the doorknob and rang the doorbell for a long time.

Finally, they knocked on the door and went inside.

Li Lin rested for a long time before finally regaining some composure.

However, she was clearly exhausted and didn't even want to move her fingers anymore.

She let Shen Mo carry her to the bathroom, and lazily lay in the bathtub, enjoying the fully automatic bathing service.

After Shen Mo changed the spare sheets, he carried her out.

She lay languidly in Shen Mo's arms, her voice returning to its usual cool tone, though still tinged with a hint of softness.

"Bai Lu...she likes you very much."

"I can tell it's the kind of love that's all-encompassing and unconditional."

Shen Mo paused for a moment, tightened his arms, and hummed in agreement.

"And what about you?"

She asked without turning around, reaching out and placing her hand on Shen Mo's palm, interlacing her fingers and gently stroking the back of his hand.

"What does it mean to her?"

He hesitated for a moment, then chose to be honest.

"Responsibility, heartache, compassion, and pampering."

He paused, then added.

"And then there's the dependence that can't be ignored."

"Is that all?" Li Qin's voice was devoid of emotion.

"More than that," Shen Mo finally admitted.

"And what about me?"

"What does it mean to me?"

She finally turned her head slightly, her profile stunningly beautiful in the warm light, her eyes filled with expectation, but also with trepidation at the fear of hearing the answer.

Shen Mo gazed at her and gently kissed her lips.

"It's attraction," he said slowly, his fingers unconsciously tracing her palm.

"It's the tacit understanding of two equally matched opponents, it's the flutter of excitement when I see a different side beneath your cool exterior."

"Too……"

He paused for a moment, as if searching for the right words.

"I saw the heartache and guilt in your eyes just now."

"Guilty?" Li Qin raised an eyebrow.

"You took the initiative to back down, to yield, and to avoid putting me in a difficult position."

He sighed, "I also feel guilty that I can't give you a clearer, more unreserved love."

Li Lin smiled softly after hearing this.

She turned around, pressed herself against his chest, and looked him in the eye.

She cupped his face in her hands, her gaze earnest and clear.

"Shen Mo, I don't want you to be reckless, nor do I want your explicit promises."

That's unrealistic.

"I never thought about falling in love, getting married, or even retiring from the entertainment industry right now."

"This is not what I wanted when I first approached you and joined InkScars."

Her fingertips traced his brow bone.

"I know this industry better than you think, and I understand your current situation better than you do."

"What I want..."

She leaned in and planted a deep kiss on his lips.

"Now."

"At this moment, you only have eyes for me, and your heart is only thinking about this moment of mine."

Even if we return to the public eye tomorrow, you will still be my boss, and I will still be your employee.

"But I know that this real night belongs to you and me."

Her clarity and lucidity shook Shen Mo, stirring up even more complex emotions within him.

He took her hand that was cupping his cheek, brought it to his lips, and kissed each of her fingertips.

"Hmph, you..."

He didn't know what to say; it seemed that any words would be inadequate at this moment.

"Shh..."

Li Qin placed her index finger on his lips, her eyes sparkling with a cunning yet gentle light.

"Stop talking."

"It's enough that you know I've always belonged to you."

"All I need is for you to be there for me when I need you."

"That's good!"

She snuggled back into his arms, found the most comfortable position, and lazily yawned a little.

"We've celebrated enough tonight."

"Now, I'm sleepy."

"Hold me close until I fall asleep, then go sleep on the sofa."

"Otherwise, your little Lulu will wake up tomorrow morning to find you lying in my bed."

"I don't want to fight her."

Shen Mo chuckled, the tension in his heart completely relaxing, replaced by a warm and peaceful feeling.

He adjusted his position to make her more comfortable and pulled the soft down comforter over them both.

Goodnight, Hanhan.

He turned off the bedside lamp, leaving only a dim nightlight.

In the renewed darkness and stillness, he pulled her into his arms, his chin gently brushing against her hair.

"Go to sleep."

Li Qin breathed a long, satisfied sigh in his arms, and soon her breathing became even and long.

About half an hour later, Shen Mo quietly got up, tucked her in, and gently opened the door and went out.

Lying on the sofa, he couldn't fall asleep for a while, lying awake in the dark, pondering Li Lin's words.

In the latter half of the night, the suite was completely silent, with only the very faint hum of the central air conditioning.

Bai Lu's sleep was restless due to the combined effects of champagne and exhaustion; a strong urge to urinate pulled her from her light sleep.

She sat up groggily, rubbed her eyes, tiptoed out of bed, groped her way to open the bedroom door, and walked barefoot onto the soft carpet toward the bathroom in the living room.

As she walked out of the bathroom, still somewhat dazed after regaining her senses, her gaze inadvertently swept across the living room.

By the faint light from the window, she saw a familiar, tall figure curled up on the sofa.

Shen Mo lay on his side, simply covered with a sheet, his long arms and legs making him look particularly aggrieved as he slept on the not-so-spacious sofa.

Shen Mo lay on his side, simply covered with a sheet, his long arms and legs making him look particularly aggrieved as he slept on the not-so-spacious sofa.

Bai Lu's heart felt as if it had been gently squeezed by a small hand.

Brother Mo, why is he sleeping here?

Is it because he and Sister Lin each have their own room, so he has to sleep on the sofa?

He was clearly exhausted after a day of activities, but in the end he just curled up on the sofa and fell asleep.

She bit her lower lip and gazed at him quietly for a few seconds in the dim light, her eyes filled with heartache and reluctance.

She barely hesitated before tiptoeing over, squatting down beside the sofa, and carefully reaching out to gently shake Shen Mo's arm.

"Brother Mo, Brother Mo?"

She kept her voice very low.

Shen Mo was not sleeping soundly and woke up soon.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I met Bai Lu's gaze, filled with worry and heartache, in the dim light.

"Yume-gen?"

His voice was a little hoarse as he struggled to sit up.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine."

Bai Lu quickly shook her head, but her eyes remained fixed on him.

"Why are you sleeping here? The sofa is so uncomfortable."

His tone betrayed his heartache.

"It's fine, I'll make do for one night."

Shen Mo rubbed his stiff neck and said casually.

"That won't do!"

Bai Lu frowned instantly.

"Why don't you sleep in my room? The bed is much more comfortable!"

She paused, then added.

"I... I can squeeze into Sister Qin's room with her! She shouldn't mind!"

She spoke earnestly, completely disregarding the subtle awkwardness that knocking on Li Lin's door late at night might cause.

Looking at her innocent and anxious appearance, Shen Mo felt a pang of tenderness, but more than anything, he felt helpless.

"Don't bother, I'm fine here, you should go back to sleep."

He reached out to ruffle her hair, but she turned her head away.

"No!"

Bai Lu pouted, then decisively reached out and grabbed Shen Mo's arm, applying slight pressure.

"Get up and go to bed!"

"The sofa is so short, you can't even stretch your legs out. You're going to feel uncomfortable tomorrow!"

She didn't pull very hard, but her attitude was unusually firm.

Those big eyes that were looking at him couldn't hide any emotion.

It was obvious that she would be angry if Shen Mo didn't go.

Shen Mo saw right through her thoughts; he knew her personality all too well.

He knew she genuinely cared for him, and he also knew how difficult it was to persuade her when she was stubborn.

After a few seconds of stalemate, he finally gave in, sighed, and let her pull him up.

"Okay, okay, I'll go, stop pooping."

The tone was helpless, yet it also carried a hint of doting and indulgence.

Bai Lu immediately revealed a triumphant smile and led Shen Mo towards her bedroom.

Shen Mo pushed the door open and was about to turn around and tell Bai Lu to go and rest as soon as possible.

But Bai Lu was standing at the door, showing no intention of leaving.

She gripped the doorframe, leaned half her body inside, her eyes darting around as if making some important decision.

"Dream Research?" Shen Mo asked, puzzled.

Shen Mo's call made Bai Lu suddenly raise her head. Her eyes were fixed, as if she had made up her mind. She quickly slipped in and gently closed the door behind her.

Before Shen Mo could react to what she was going to do, Bai Lu had already run to the bedside and pounced on him!

Caught off guard, Shen Mo was tackled backward onto the soft bed.

Bai Lu leaned against his chest, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, buried her head in the crook of his neck, and greedily inhaled the reassuring scent emanating from him.

"Yume-gen?"

Shen Mo was a little confused by her series of actions, and instinctively wrapped his arm around her.

"Brother Mo..."

Bai Lu's muffled voice came from his chest, filled with a deep sense of dependence and a coquettish sweetness.

"I'll just hug you for a little while... just a little while."

"Let me calm down a bit before I go find Sister Qin..."

As she spoke, she looked up at him, but tightened her arms around him, showing no intention of getting up.

Shen Mo lowered his head and met her eyes, which were so close to his.

In the darkness, her eyes shone brightly, carrying a hint of guilt, but more than anything, they held trust and affection.

What else could he say?

He shook his head helplessly, his soft heart ultimately prevailing. He tightened his arms around her, holding her more securely in his embrace.

"it is good."

Bai Lu snuggled against him contentedly, finding the most comfortable position, and quieted down.

After a while, just when Shen Mo thought she was about to fall asleep, she suddenly scooted up and climbed up to his eye level.

In the darkness, her facial features were soft, and her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.

She looked at him for a few seconds, then quickly pecked him on the lips.

The sensation was fleeting, carrying her unique sweetness and a hint of lingering champagne flavor.

"Brother Mo," she said, looking at him, her voice soft but filled with pure joy and contentment.

"It's so kind of you."

Bai Lu nestled contentedly back into Shen Mo's arms, her cheek pressed against his chest.

This sense of security made her feel more fulfilled than when she received the "Weibo Goddess of the Year" award.

She secretly sniffed; it was still his familiar scent.

as well as……

She suddenly frowned.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside her, and she began to feel restless.

Her fingers moved stealthily, carefully skirting around his shirt, and poked Shen Mo's abs.

The sudden stimulation made Shen Mo's lower abdomen tense instantly, and Bai Lu couldn't help but touch his familiar eight-pack abs.

She secretly curled the corners of her mouth as if she had successfully pulled off a prank.

Then, her fingers began to slowly move upwards, unbuttoning each button from the hem upwards.

Until there are no obstacles.

She pressed her face against his chest, greedily inhaling his breath.

Shen Mo felt a little ticklish from her teasing, so he grabbed her mischievous hand and held it in his palm.

"Stop fooling around, Mengyan."

His voice was full of helplessness, and his sleepiness began to dissipate after being woken up.

Bai Lu took the opportunity to interlock her fingers with his and held their clasped hands up to their eyes.

In the dim light filtering through the window, two slender, long hands with distinct knuckles were tightly clasped together.

"Brother Mo, your hands are so big!"

She muttered to herself, her tone filled with innocent amazement.

She squeezed her fingers one by one between his fingers, one long and one short, ten fingers intertwined.

Then, she intertwined her fingers again and waved them in front of them with satisfaction.

Shen Mo let her do as she pleased, simply resting his chin on the top of her head and gently... .

"It's the middle of the night, aren't you sleepy? You should get some rest."

"I'm not sleepy anymore."

Bai Lu shook her head, her hair brushing against his chin and making him feel slightly itchy.

She turned to her side, half-lying on his chest, so that she could see his face more clearly.

In the dim light, his outline was somewhat blurred, but his eyebrows and eyes remained deep-set.

She reached out her finger and gently touched his brow.

"Brother Mo, stop frowning all the time."

She tried to smooth it out with her fingertips.

Shen Mo closed his eyes, feeling the touch of her cool fingertips.

Seeing that he didn't react, Bai Lu seemed to become even bolder.

Her fingers traced his brow bone and slowly slid down to the bridge of his nose.

Then, after a moment's hesitation, her fingertips gently touched his lips.

She recalled the stolen kiss she had just given him, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Feeling the soft touch of his lips with her fingertips, she suddenly asked softly.

"Brother Mo... I just kissed you, didn't you react?"

Shen Mo finally opened his eyes and met her bright, sparkling gaze in the dim light.

He raised his hand, took her hand that was resting near his lips, pulled it to his lips, and gently kissed her fingertips.

"What kind of reaction do you want?"

The sensation at her fingertips made Bai Lu's heart skip a beat, followed by an even stronger surge of sweetness.

Her eyes narrowed to slits, and she lowered her head again, burying her face in the crook of his neck, gently kissing his Adam's apple.

"I want your happy and excited reaction."

Shen Mo smiled slightly, tightened his arms, and pulled her into his embrace.

A hand lifted her chin, and he spoke with a slightly flirtatious tone.

"Xiao Mengyan, do you know you're playing with fire?"

Bai Lu opened her big eyes again, bright and sparkling, without blinking.

A hint of emotion gradually surfaced within her, and a sly smile appeared on her face.

"Brother Mo, is your fire still burning bright?"