Easy To Manipulate

~Unknown Location: Private Booth

Zhang Wei sat on a Zabuton cushion behind a low wooden table, his fingers steepled in front of him, eyes slyly planning his next moves.

His arrogance was palpable, emanating from him in waves and firmly rooted in his fierce gaze as he stared at the woman before him.

She could feel the prickling heat of his haughty stare on her forehead, but she refused to be intimidated.

Her sole focus was fixed on the cheque for 350,000 yuan resting before her, and she made no effort to conceal the greed and longing in her gaze as she stared at it with hungry eyes

His lips curved into a smirk,

He confidently slid a glossy photo across the table with a sly smile. "I can easily double that," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

"But I just need one thing." The picture revealed a stunning woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. 

Her expression immediately shifted from neutral to fiery rage, her teeth gritted in anger. Liling - always Liling. Even though she was out of The Organization, it felt like her presence would continue to haunt her.

But he paid no mind to the sudden change in her demeanour. He liked the jealousy, it would prove her useful.

He simply continued speaking, his tone business-like and unaffected. "I need someone to keep an eye on her", he stated firmly, "Someone who can report back to me on everything she does. Are you up to the task?"

Her eyes flashed with a mix of hatred and longing. 'Why is it always Liling? What makes her so special?'

His smile widened at her expression, a glint of amusement in his eyes,

"Consider that an advance. There'll be more if you do your job well" 

She clutched the cheque to her chest, her lips twisting into a smile, her eyes brimming with hatred and the contempt tugging at her lips,

"You do remember what happens to people who fail or betray me" He let his words hang in the air, his meaning very clear,

She nodded swallowing hard.

"Good. Now go. And you will breathe not a word of this to anyone"

She turned and walked out of the room, her steps more confident now that she had the cheque in her hand.

She found a twisted solace in the fact that she was at least earning something at Liling's expense.

As the door slid shut behind her, Zhang Wei leaned back on his cushion, a cunning smile on his lips. "People are so easy to manipulate," he mused aloud, "A little money and they become puppets on a string"

He chuckled to himself, the sound echoing softly in the tranquil room. Zhang Wei relished the power he wielded.

With his new informant in place, he felt more confident that he could keep Liling under his thumb.

He couldn't wait to see her face again when he finally had his clutches around her again. She would most definitely be his then.

But for now, he was content to wait. After all, good things come to those who wait.

He had all the time in the world to watch his plans unfold, one careful step at a time.

******************************

~Li Corporation

"Liling, come on! We have to see her!" Shen Ru's voice was urgent, her grip on Liling's arm firm as she practically dragged her.

Liling sighed, not bothering to resist. One way or the other, she would end up there anyway. Arguing was a waste of time.

It was already the end of the day, and they had just finished packing up. There had been a sudden burst of commotion, and word had rapidly spread around the floor, that the new upcoming singer, Zhang Mei, who had recently joined the Li Corp's entertainment company- Shooting Star Entertainment, was visiting that day.

The company lobby was already buzzing with excitement by the time they arrived. A large crowd had gathered, all eager to catch a glimpse of the new starlet.

Liling allowed herself to be pulled through the throng of employees, her expression one of complete disinterest. She preferred to stay in the background, away from the spotlight and the chaotic energy of these events.

She naturally gravitated towards an isolated corner, away from the crush of bodies.

She pulled out her phone and quickly texted Li Hao, asking him to hurry up. They were going to the marriage registry that evening, and she would love more than anything to have an excuse to be away from the crowd.

The noise increased as the starlet made her appearance, glancing up, she caught sight of Zhao Mei.

The starlet stood in the centre of the lobby, surrounded by admirers and flashing cameras. Zhao Mei was strikingly beautiful, with brown hair that cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders, gorgeous green eyes and pale skin that seemed to glow under the lights. She wore a short white, tailored dress that accentuated her slender figure, exuding confidence and poise.

Liling watched as Zhao Mei smiled and waved at the crowd, her every movement calculated and graceful. There was an undeniable charisma about her, a presence that demanded attention.

But as their eyes met for a brief moment.

Liling saw something unexpected.