It was a flicker of recognition, not from memory, but from the soul.
The film emperor stepped forward again, and this time, Ling Yu didn't move away.
"You've suffered," he said softly. "More than most. But you wear it well."
Her fingers curled tightly around her notepad. Xie Linzhou wasn't talking about her resume, but about her life.
"I think we'll meet again," he said, reaching for his glass.
"Let's not," she replied coolly, turning toward the door as she closed it behind her and left without looking back.
Inside the VIP private room, after being left behind by her, Xie Linzhou stood silently, his fingers hovering over the untouched wine.
His chest felt tight, like someone had just told him he was about to die, but hadn't given him a reason.
***
After coming out of the private room, Ling Yu directly ran to the common room used for staff. Since the staff can take a rest after their shift is over, Ling Yu was free after her work in the VIP room.
