3 Listen to Me
Liu Residence.
"Lao Bao, I'll be back late. If my father comes home, please tell him that I'm helping out at the school festival tonight." Li Mei hurried downstairs in her messy bun and white jumpsuit, immediately leaving without glancing back.
"Wait, young miss! What about breakfast?" Lao Bao called out.
Li Mei had changed. The girl who used to find no meaning in life became an energetic, rebellious teenager. And so, there was never a day when Liu Shen could stop worrying. He became overprotective of Li Mei— maybe too overbearing.
Although she was decent in her academics, Lei Mei had a musical talent and was very popular among the boys. She held two titles—the 'beauty queen' and 'Liu Shen's pampered daughter.' Most of the girls at school were envious of Li Mei for being Liu Shen's daughter because even with their age gap, they looked more like siblings than father and child. On the other hand, the teachers would flatter her to get on Liu Shen's good side. If anything were to happen to Li Mei, they would be fired.
As soon as Li Mei came out, a yellow Lamborgini was parked in front of the gate. The person in the car rolled up her window and unlocked the door for Li Mei to get in.
"Did you inform your father about this?" Fei Hong worriedly continued, "I don't want you to get in trouble—like last time when you sneaked out of your house..."
Li Mei interrupted, "Don't worry, he won't notice. And plus, that day it was just a minor punishment."
"Are you kidding me?! You call it a 'minor' punishment? Li Mei! You were locked in your room for a whole week!" Her best friend shook her head, defeated by the response.
"If you ask for permission, I think he would let you."
When Li Mei heard that, she sighed, "Well, he said I needed to study rather than daydream about something that will never come true."
Fei Hong became baffled. She didn't understand why Liu Shen would not let the talented young Li Mei follow this type of career. Liu Shen is the most influential person not only in the business world but also the entertainment industry so why not let her?
K Entertainment Company.
Li Mei waved goodbye to her friend and entered the building where her audition was held. In the car, she did not feel as nervous, but now, both of her palms began to sweat.
The waiting took longer than planned, and before Li Mei got the chance to sing her song, one of the judges interrupted. He apologized, "You are Li Mei? I'm sorry but we cannot accept any more contestants."
"Wh—what? But I'm already here. Can't you at least listen to me before making that decision?" Li Mei felt frustrated to the point that her veins could pop out at any time.
"Once again, we're very sorry. If there is a spot available, we will definitely contact you," The judge gave a genuine look, eyeing his fellow colleague with an expression full of regret.
JS Corporation.
While Liu Shen was in the middle of a conversation with some clients, his secretary came in to notify him about a matter.
"Sir...Ms. Li Mei.... she was not at school this morning. She went out with her friend to—to audition..." His voice softened.
When Liu Shen heard about this, his face grew fifty shades darker. Everyone in the room stopped whatever they were doing and prepared themselves for a bomb to explode at any minute. But luckily, he held in his anger by clenching his fists and simply nodded—an even more terrifying response than expected. The poor secretary stood, trembling in front of the cold-blooded demon, regretting what he said since this was just the calm before the storm.
Liu Residence.
"Where is Mei Mei?" As soon as he got back, Liu Shen slumped onto the couch with an irritated look.
"Young miss went out for—for her school festival," Lao Bao replied weakly.
Liu Shen knew the old man would lie. Raw anger shot through him and he couldn't control his temper anymore.
"How long has she been gone?"
"The whole—ah just a few hours ago." Another lie!
"Call her right now!" In that instant, Liu Shen smashed the table, leaving everyone in horror.
Nanjing Road.
It was late when Li Mei checked her phone. She saw a hundred missed calls from 'home' and knew that there could only be one reason—her father.
"Please tell your father before you go somewhere. Seriously, he's going to kill me!" Fei Hong banged her forehead on the steering wheel, completely done for.
On the other hand, Li Mei giggled, "Stop worrying, alright? I'm not going to tell on you."
"But what if he finds out?"
"Then you're... DEAD MEAT, HAHAHA."
Liu Residence.
When Li Mei got back, Liu Shen recognized her footsteps straightaway. He turned his attention to the petite figure and locked eyes with her. But there was fear written all over her face. Li Mei scanned the mess and finally had the confidence to look at Liu Shen. She noticed that there were broken shards lying everywhere and his knuckles were bleeding.
"Why are you home so late?" Liu Shen still clenching his fist, "Where were you?"
"I was at school, performing—" she was cut off with a loud crash. The flower vase fell off the table and broke into pieces, causing her legs to go numb and collapse on the spot.
Never did she feel so scared. Li Mei could not say anything back as if her mouth was blocked by duct tape.
"DON'T LIE TO ME!" Liu Shen observed those sparkling, round eyes ready to spill tears. The girl who made him feel this way was no other than Li Mei. When did his heart betray him like this? Not wanting to hurt her, not wanting the world to know about her.... why?
He grasped Li Mei's wrist when she stood back up. While they were face to face, Liu Shen lowered his head and declared, "Don't even think of becoming a star, your voice is only for me to hear."
