Chapter 2 (1/2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

“This is my glory. You are my glory.”

Standing under the brilliant spotlights, the woman with the smokey gray makeup had her long hair nonchalantly rolled up. An errant strand caught at the corner of her lips as she kissed her wooden guitar.

As the last notes subsided, the entire stadium of fans began screaming fanatically. This was the rock star “Jiang Jiusheng,” who had once been described in an entertainment tabloid by the following statement: “In the past decade and for the next decade, there will not be another Jiang Jiusheng in the music industry.”

In three years, she’d made it to the top of the rock music scene with three albums breaking the 100-million target and seven concerts. She was also the first female artiste in the country to have performed at the Central Stadium.

Backstage, leaning against the makeup stand, a woman smiled. “The concert was a success with record-breaking attendance and live effects.” She was Mo Bing, Jiang Jiusheng’s manager.

Four years older than Jiang Jiusheng, Mo Bing had been in the business for six years. Before she’d started managing Jiang Jiusheng, she had been a mediocre manager with Tian Yu Media. Mo Bing had once asked Jiang Jiusheng why she’d selected her as her manager, to which Jiang Jusheng had given an elusive yet serious response: “Because you fit the bill.”

In time, Jiang Jiusheng’s choice had proven correct. Mo Bing was highly capable, strong, resolute, and level-headed. “Iron Lady” Mo Bing was the perfect match for Jiang Jiusheng, who was lazy and lackadaisical. Most importantly, Mo Bing was beautiful, with a great body to boot. Jiang Jiusheng preferred all things pleasing to the eye and soul. They had an amicable and comfortable relationship.

With a faint smile, Jiang Jiusheng replied, “Thanks for the hard work.” Sweeping up her hair and securing it in a bun with an eyebrow pencil, she asked, “I’m going for a smoke. Do you mind?”

“Would you not smoke if I said yes?” Mo Bing retorted.

Shaking her head, Jiang Jiusheng laughed. “I will go next door.”

She was addicted to smoking, especially during her songwriting sessions, when she could go through pack after pack continuously. Mo Bing had tried a few times to get her to quit, but to no avail, so she resorted to searching for cigarettes of different flavors and compositions that were somewhat healthier and more suitable for women. After all, she was a singer, and she had to protect her “rice bowl”—her voice.

“You little imp!” Mo Bing chided. She reached into the drawer and retrieved a box of cigarettes for her, saying, “Take it easy. You have gastric issues.”

Green More was a light cigarette that Jiang Jiusheng found to be mild. She preferred her cigarettes and alcohol strong and concentrated, and she loved beautiful people. But, of course, Mo Bing was not going to indulge her.

“Yes, ma’am,” Jiang Jiusheng replied with a salute. Reaching for the pack, she lit one easily with a handheld lighter with a striking wheel, the type generally favored by men.

With the slim cigarette nestled between her fingers, she leaned back lazily on the chair with half-closed eyes, slowly inhaling and exhaling thin wisps of smoke that partially blurred her profile. Mo Bing had never seen a cigarette-smoking woman look more alluring or charming.

Truth be told, in the entertainment industry flooded with beautiful people, Jiang Jiusheng wasn’t considered as top of the class. However, she had a unique persona of enigma and elegance, characterized by her detached beauty, slightly upturned lips that were seductively innocent, and eyes that portrayed masculine nonchalance.

Initially, Mo Bing had categorized her as an unreachable bloom, but Jiang Jiusheng was too lazy by nature to give credit to that title, preferring comfort and simplicity. It was this very trait of casual chic that her fans loved and embraced, branding it as in-your-face godliness.

Jiang Jiusheng stubbed out the cigarette, her brows still showing signs of weariness.

After calling out to the makeup artist to give Jiang Jiusheng a touch-up, Mo Bing said, “The others have gone ahead to the club.”

Mo Bing was referring to the band members that accompanied Jiang Jiusheng. They had wrapped up and left for the club first, since the last song had been a solo by Jiang Jiusheng.

Rubbing the space between her brows, Jiang Jiusheng said, “I’ll go home for a shower first. Pick me up in two hours.”

Mo Bing made an “okay” sign with her hand.

At this time, the door suddenly opened, and in walked a good-looking man in a suit and leather shoes, a bouquet of roses in his hand.

Alas, he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Recognizing him, Mo Bing stepped forward with a professional smile, saying, “Mr. Jian, next time, please knock before you come in.”