Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Chapter 37: Top celebrities are really expensive!

Inside the private room, the smoke and smell of alcohol grew thicker. Xu Lei was getting into the swing of things, waving his arms as he described his grand vision for his next novel.

Tang Yan's sweet smile remained flawless. She gently set down her wine glass, then leaned slightly towards Ma Dong and Zhang Yuxin, who were listening to Xu Lei's eloquent speech, and softly said:

"Mr. Ma, Mr. Zhang, I'm going out for some fresh air and to touch up my makeup."

Ma Dong was being addressed as brother by Xu Lei, who had his arm around his shoulder. Upon hearing this, he simply smiled and nodded.

"Okay, Tangtang, please do as you please."

Zhang Yuxin smiled politely in return.

Tang Yan stood up, picked up her handbag, and walked lightly out of the private room, leaving behind a faint scent of perfume.

Lin Shen caught a glimpse of her leaving out of the corner of his eye, but his expression remained unchanged. He continued listening to an investment manager talk about big data in the film and television industry, occasionally nodding in agreement, but his mind had already wandered a little.

About seven or eight minutes later, Lin Shen felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Lin Shen walked back to his seat, picked up his glass, which still had quite a bit of wine left, and smiled broadly as he gestured to Ma Dong, who was seated at the head of the table:

"Mr. Ma, Mr. Xu, Mr. Zhang, and all the other executives, I have a brand meeting early tomorrow morning, so I really can't drink anymore. I have to go now, otherwise I won't be in good shape tomorrow and it will interfere with the important matters."

Thank you so much for today. I apologize for the poor hospitality. Next time, I'll host the event and make sure everyone has a wonderful time.

Xu Lei was in the middle of a good drink when he heard this, and immediately objected, shouting with a slurred speech:

"Lin Shen! Don't go! This is just the beginning! There's another show later... hiccup... We have to go!"

Lin Shen's smile remained unchanged: "Teacher Xu, I really can't. Tomorrow's business is quite important; it relates to the brand's launch. Next time, next time for sure!"

Ma Dong squinted, his gaze subtly sweeping between Lin Shen and the already empty seat of Tang Yan, a knowing smile appearing on his face. He then reached out and stopped Xu Lei, who was about to urge him to drink more.

"Old Xu, forget it, forget it. Lin Shen is different from us idle folks. He's a top star, busy! Lots of things to do! I understand, I understand. Lin Shen, be careful on the road."

Xu Lei was pressed down by Ma Dong, and seeing Ma Dong's meaningful smile, he wasn't truly stupid. He understood what was going on, chuckled, and didn't insist on staying any longer.

"Alright, alright, Lin Shen, you're busy! You can't escape next time!"

"Definitely." Lin Shen nodded to the other investors before calmly pulling out a chair and leaving the smoke-filled private room.

The door closed behind him, and the air in the corridor became much fresher. Lin Shen hadn't walked far when he saw Tang Yan waiting with her arms crossed in the shadows at the corner of the corridor.

Her beautiful curves were on full display in the dim light. Seeing him come out, she frowned slightly and said reproachfully:

"Why did you take so long? It's so cold outside, you know?"

As Lin Shen approached, he could smell the scent of red wine and perfume emanating from her. He raised an eyebrow and said:

"It hasn't been that long. We need to finish making some polite remarks."

"Anyway, I've been smoking a cigarette for ages and you still haven't come out." Tang Yan pouted, extending her icy fingers as if to poke him, but then stopped in mid-air.

"Where to?" Lin Shen asked directly, looking at her calmly.

Tang Yan's eyes lit up, her previous reproach turning into joy, and she grabbed Lin Shen's wrist:

"You'll find out when you come with me!"

Her palms were slightly cool, but her grip was quite strong.

Lin Shen let her pull him along, and the two quickly crossed the corridor and exited through a side door of the hotel that was not frequently used. A black minivan was parked on the side of the road.

The car was well-heated, and in addition to the driver, there was a capable-looking woman with short hair sitting in the passenger seat, who was probably Tang Yan's assistant.

The two showed no surprise at Lin Shen's appearance; the assistant even turned around and smiled politely, saying, "Teacher Lin."

Tang Yan pulled Lin Shen into the spacious airline-style seat in the middle, and the car door slid shut automatically, shutting out the cold night.

"It seems Tangtang didn't like that atmosphere either?" Lin Shen sat down, released her hand, and asked casually.

"Who likes it?" Tang Yan sighed, took off her high heels, curled her legs up on the chair, and turned to face Lin Shen. "It's noisy and smelly, and I have to smile at her. It's so annoying."

She leaned closer, scrutinizing Lin Shen's face under the car's interior lights, then suddenly laughed, her breath, tinged with the scent of alcohol, wafting towards him:

"Lin Shen, you can really hold your liquor! I see you've had quite a bit, but your face isn't even that red."

"It's alright." Lin Shen leaned back, creating some distance between them.

"Not just 'okay,' it weighs at least a pound more, and its eyes are still so clear. Impressive!"

Tang Yan reached out and gently poked Lin Shen's cheek; her fingertips were slightly cool.

"Look, it's only a little bit hot, much better than mine. My face gets hot after just a little red wine."

Lin Shen raised his hand, grasped her mischievous fingers, and smiled: "Sister Tangtang, you have to give us a definite answer about where you're going, right? It's time to set off."

Tang Yan's fingers were held by him, but she didn't pull them back. Instead, she gently scratched his palm with her fingertips, her eyes sparkling.

"What's the rush? Afraid I'll sell you off? Top celebrities are just that expensive!"

"Not expensive, but it's definitely not cheap." Lin Shen smiled.

Tang Yan rolled her eyes at him and said to the people in front, "Let's go, the usual place."

The driver responded, and the car turned onto a wider main road.

About twenty minutes later, the car stopped at the side entrance of an inconspicuous building.

Tang Yan was clearly familiar with the place. She led Lin Shen straight inside, through a dimly lit corridor, and pushed open a heavy soundproof door. The sound of music mixed with flashing lights rushed towards them.

This is a rather private, upscale bar with scattered booths, dim lighting, and decent music—not some lowbrow DJ mix.

Instead, it leans towards jazz and funk, and the volume is controlled to a level that creates an atmosphere without making conversation impossible.

The guests all looked well-dressed and chatted in hushed tones, creating a languid and decadent atmosphere.

As soon as Tang Yan entered, she was like a fish in water; the impatience she had shown in the car vanished without a trace, and her face radiated a vibrant glow.

She led Lin Shen to a relatively secluded circular booth, and a waiter immediately came over. Without even glancing at the wine list, she deftly ordered a few drinks and snacks.

"How is it? Much better than that smoky, chaotic place from before, right?"

Tang Yan took off her coat, revealing a fitted black knit dress underneath. She naturally sat down on the soft sofa, crossed her long legs, and gestured for Lin Shen to sit down as well.

"It's much quieter now." Lin Shen sat down opposite her, his gaze casually sweeping over the surroundings.

It is indeed safe here. There aren't many customers, and they are spaced far apart. The lighting is dim, and the waiters are well-trained; at least their eyes don't wander.

The drinks were served quickly. Tang Yan picked up a Martini, while Lin Shen had a glass of single malt whisky on the rocks.

"Jing... successfully escaped?"

Tang Yan raised her crystal wine glass, her eyes darting around in the dim light, carrying a hint of mockery.

"Respect for free time."

Lin Shen clinked glasses with her, the glasses making a crisp sound.

"Ding! The plot has entered a clichéd sequence—"

"Seriously writing is too boring, let's try something more fun."

[Multiple Choice Questions]

A. Adults never waste their nights.

B. Auntie, can we please stop dating younger men?

C. Sister, your shoe is stepping on my bottom line.

D. The art of tug-of-war, the perpetual motion machine of ambiguity.