Chapter 44: Rainy Night (3)

Kersen toyed with his wine glass, smiling as he watched the girl before him, whose beauty was both pure and extraordinary. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, and her bright, dark eyes sparkled brilliantly. When she gazed at him with that innocent look, her luminous eyes seemed to pierce straight through to his soul, touching the softest part within him—a place that had remained untouched for many years.

Suppressing a sudden rush of emotion, Kersen said, “Thank you, Miss Meng, for liking my films. I wonder if you might be interested in acting in one?”

Meng Yier’s mouth fell open in astonishment. “Me?”

Kersen nodded, amused by her reaction, his gaze full of gentle warmth.

“But I’m not an actress. I don’t know how to act. Honestly, rather than being an actress performing for an audience, I’d much prefer to be a spectator—a most devoted spectator.”

“You’re not an actress? I thought…” Kersen was surprised. He paused, looking Meng Yier up and down. Indeed, with her appearance and figure, she would stand out even among the most beautiful of women in the entertainment industry. That someone so stunning could attend such an event and not be an actress was hard to believe.

“Did you think I was an actress?” she asked, suddenly worried he might suspect she had approached him with ulterior motives.

Kersen breathed a sigh of relief when he heard she wasn’t an actress, and his smile was carefree and radiant. “Miss Meng, you’re so lovely—I really did think you were a domestic film star.”

Kersen had been in the industry for years, meeting countless people and witnessing actresses go to great lengths—sometimes desperate—to gain a role, fighting bitterly for a chance. When he first met Meng Yier, he sensed she was different. The purity in her demeanor radiated naturally, something rare and unattainable in the entertainment world, which was rife with hidden darkness. He had assumed she was perhaps a newcomer, still retaining that innocence. Hearing she was not an actress brought him genuine relief. He simply hoped that such a girl could always remain so clean and untainted.

“Kersen, you misunderstood. I’m just an ordinary person. Being a star or an actress isn’t for me, nor is it something I desire.”

“Miss Meng, you are a rarity. So many young people nowadays are willing to sacrifice everything—even their dignity—for fame…”

Ding ding ding…

The doorbell interrupted their conversation. Kersen rose to answer it, and when he returned, he was carrying a large paper bag.

“Miss Meng, these are clothes I had sent over for you. I didn’t know your exact size, so I chose something a little loose. Please change into them, and I’ll take you home.”

Meng Yier glanced at him gratefully, nodded, and took the bag, heading quickly to the changing room. Inside was a white dress. She checked the label—she recognized the brand as a high-end one, and guessed the price must be at least four figures. The dress was brand new, but its tag had been removed. She supposed Kersen didn’t want her to see the price, so he’d had it taken off.

She had only just met Kersen today, and it felt improper to accept such an expensive gift. But wandering the streets late at night in a man’s clothes, her bare legs exposed, would be even more inappropriate.

After much hesitation, she finally changed into the white dress.

When Meng Yier emerged from the changing room, Kersen was already standing at the door, keys in hand, waiting for her. As she appeared, his deep eyes grew brighter.

Wearing someone else’s clothes, Meng Yier felt uneasy. “Kersen, thank you. I’ll wash the dress and return it to you tomorrow, or if you tell me the price, I’ll pay you for it.”

Kersen smiled. “Miss Meng, you look beautiful in that dress—it suits you perfectly. Consider it a gift from me.” With that, he stepped outside.