Empress of the Entertainment World

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CHAPTER 514

By the time the fashion event was done, Andromeda and Liu Xueyi returned to his apartment.

He couldn't stand the thought of leaving her alone at home.

What if she overthought and failed to sleep? 

Nah!

He wasn't taking such chances.

The soft, ambient glow of Liu Xueyi's elegant home provided a warm backdrop for the intimate evening he had prepared. 

The fragrant aroma of the meal he was cooking wafted through the air, a delicate symphony of flavours awaiting her in the dining room. 

The table was set with care, proof of the love and thought he had put into this evening. 

It was another big day for Liu Corporation and he thought it was best she got a nice home-cooked meal—his home-cooked meal.

As Andromeda sat at the dining table, her gaze was distant, lost in her thoughts. 

The news about Yu Weilan's return to the entertainment industry weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow over the evening meant to be a simple, romantic dinner. 

Liu Xueyi noticed the far-off look in her eyes and couldn't bear to see her like this. 

This was only the beginning and he knew many more disappointing times would come in her career but she needed not to brood as though the world was over and fight for what she wanted. 

He moved about the kitchen with purpose, but he often stole glances at her.

Occasionally, he approached her silently and kissed her cheek, hoping to bring a flicker of a smile to her face. 

He didn't want to press her about what was bothering her. He believed in giving her the time and space to come to him when she was ready.

At first, she barely responded when he did that but Liu Xueyi noticed that with more persistence, she began to loosen up and respond to his kisses—this time meeting his kiss on her lips and giving a smile. 

The dinner was served on the table, a sumptuous feast of flavours and textures waiting to be savoured, but Andromeda's appetite seemed absent.

Once Liu Xueyi was done serving, he snuck up to her. 

It was the ninth time he did that and when he did with Andromeda returning his kiss, he slid his hands down her side and tickled her, earning a sweet laugh from her lips.

"Stop it, hehe, Xue-hon…haha you're going to make me…"

His phone buzzed on the table with a call. Taking his momentary distraction to her advantage, Andromeda stood up and pushed away before his fingers could locate her. 

"Your call," she pointed out when he took a step towards her. 

"Don't hide or brood too much. I'll be right back. Okay?"

She gave a nod but the distant look in her eyes told him she was going to do the opposite. 

Picking up his phone, he made his way to the living room, giving her some space to do as she wished. 

One looks at it and his once cheerful expression changed. It was a call from Zheng Ying.

Connecting the call, Liu Xueyi breathed sharply. "Speak."

"Thank goodness. Good evening, sir."

"Evening. Any news?"

"Yes sir. Director Qi has requested a meeting with you and Ms. Kai. He said it is urgent. He would love to call." 

"Okay. Put him on."

"Yes sir. I will let him know right away."

The urgency in Zheng Wei's voice was palpable, and Liu Xueyi knew that this was a moment they had to face together.

He walked over to the dining room, his eyes settling on Andromeda, her elegant presence framed by the soft glow of the room. 

"Love, Director Qi wants to speak with us."

She turned her gaze to him, her eyes still filled with a hint of melancholy. 

Dropping both hands on the table, Andromeda straightened her back. "Did he say why?" 

"No. Zheng Wei was the one on the phone. Director Qi wishes to speak with us." He paused, assessing her mood. He continued, "Do you want to speak with him? If now is not a good time, I can…" 

Liu Xueyi barely got to finish when Andromeda lifted her palm, cutting him short. "You do not have to worry. It is okay."

"Sure?" She gave a nod but evaded his eyes. "Andy, you know I…"

Ring! Ring!

The sound of his ringtone interrupted him. Liu Xueyi sighed deeply as he made his way to her side and carefully placed his phone on the table after answering it. 

This time it was Director Qi himself and a video call.

"Andromeda Kai, Liu Xueyi. Uh… Good evening."

"Good evening, Director," Liu Xueyi responded. Andromeda gave a weak smile. 

"I huh, where do I start?" He looked around and picked up a white handkerchief, wiping his face before continuing. 

"There's been some changes."

Andromeda gripped the hem of her short skirt while holding her breath. 

"I have come up with a plan to remedy this situation without affecting the previous cast and acts."

Liu Xueyi raised a brow suspiciously. He wasn't trusting of these changes till he knew where Andromeda fit into it after being used for popularity. 

"Okay?"

"Yeah. Andromeda?"

"Hmm?" Her blue eyes went wide as she waited. 

"Sigh, relax dear. You're not going off."

"What?" she questioned sharply. 

"Look. It is true I made changes but you won't be affected."

"Explain," Liu Xueyi cut in. 

Director Qi's voice was filled with a mixture of excitement and relief as he informed them of his plan to make changes to the movie script. 

He wanted to accommodate both actresses, ensuring that Andromeda and Yu Weilan had their place in the film.

Andromeda's shock was evident which made Qi Fuyi smile at her.

Her breath was caught as she realized she wasn't being replaced by Yu Weilan. Not that she hated her or anything, she was relieved she would also get a chance. 

Her talent, her passion, and her hard work were being recognized.

"Andy?" Liu Xueyi uttered softly, gazing at her. 

"Yeah. I huh…"

"Andromeda Kai. You are not going to be replaced. We've found a solution, " Director Qi assured her.

"You see," Liu Xueyi chimed in. "Director Qi believes in your talent, Andromeda," Liu Xueyi reassured her with a gentle smile.

Buzz! Buzz!

Both Andromeda and Liu Xueyi turned their attention to the call. "Umm, I am sorry. I need to take this."

"Sure. Thanks for the information."

"Yeah. See you on set later."

As the call ended, Andromeda turned to face Liu Xueyi slowly. "Tell me it is true," she pleaded, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and disbelief.

His smile was infectious as he turned to her to face him. "My love, every aspect of it is true," Liu Xueyi said, his eyes filled with sincerity and love. "You will remain in the movie."

"Say that again," she breathed out, her eyes glued to his lips. 

"Andy, you will remain in the movie."

Andromeda squealed with delight, her earlier worries vanishing in an instant. 

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!"

She jumped up like an excited child, catching Liu Xueyi off guard as he managed to prevent their heads from colliding with each other. 

Andromeda still wasn't done, she wrapped her arms around Liu Xueyi's neck and her legs around his waist, hugging him with all the strength of her happiness. 

Tears of relief and joy streamed down her cheeks, wetting the vintage shirt she clung to.

Although taken aback by her actions, Liu Xueyi held her tightly, his arms wrapped around her as he kissed the top of her head, petting her hair sweetly. 

They stood there for a while, two souls entwined, sharing a moment.

"Xueyi," she muttered.

"Yes love?"

"I… I'm still in the movie. I'm still with you." This time her voice increased a bit. 

He could tell she was trying so hard to hide her joy and scream her heart out. 

"Hey, you do not have to hold back for anyone's love. Be free. Scream if you want. It's just you and I."

Upon getting his assurance, she pulled back from the hug, her eyes staring into his. "I can?"

She bit her bottom lip, waiting patiently for his answer. To prove to her he meant every word, Liu Xueyi gazed up and with a deep voice, he roared in response, "My baby did it!"

Her heart was filled with joy watching him behave carefreely. At once she did the same, screaming after him. 

"Aaaaahhhh! I made it! Xueyi!!"

For the next minute they were busy screaming their lungs out.

Andromeda's faith in her talent had been affirmed, and her heart had been mended by the man who had vowed to stand by her side.

"I love you!!" she screamed out of the blue. 

Liu Xueyi chuckled and nodded. "I love you most, Andy!"

"I love you more than most!"

Giggling at their childish gimmicks, they pulled closer, resting their foreheads against each other. 

"Thank you for everything."

"You never need to thank me, Andy. Not now, not ever."

"Neither do you." 

With smiles on their faces, lips brushing against each other, breathing ragged, they gave in, parting their lips for a kiss.