Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 450 - 451: The Exchange of Lovers

Chapter 450: Chapter 451: The Exchange of Lovers

After glancing at Cheng Xiaoshui, Song Xiaodong nodded his head and said, "Not bad, you’re indeed very beautiful, and as a hostess, you have that extra bit of celebrity charm."

Cheng Xiaoyue smiled sweetly and asked, "How do I compare to your girlfriend then?"

"I can only say it’s a tie." Song Xiaodong thought for a moment, then gave a fair evaluation.

The smile on Cheng Xiaoyue’s face grew thicker as she said, "With such an evaluation from you, it seems I still stand a chance."

Song Xiaodong smiled indifferently and asked, "What chance? You’re not thinking of being the other woman, trying to steal me away, are you? That seems quite difficult."

"How dare I think such a thing. I do have some self-awareness, you know. When compared to Miao Qingqing, I fall far short. She is a billionaire with both wealth and power, while I’m just a minor artist."

Song Xiaodong, curious, asked, "Then what do you mean?"

Cheng Xiaoyue’s expression suddenly became very serious, and after taking a deep breath, she said, "I can be your mistress."

"Oh? That direct?" Song Xiaodong’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

Cheng Xiaoyue looked at Song Xiaodong and said, "Yes, just that direct. I need a backer, someone who can ensure I’m not bothered by others anymore. Mr. Song, you’re young and promising, with exceptional strength. If I were your mistress, I believe nobody in Tiannan City would dare to harass me again."

"That might not necessarily be the case, I’m not that capable."

"Mr. Song, I’ve done some research on you through some friends these past few days. Your medical skill is unparalleled, so much so that even Vice President He Wenbai treats you with the respect due to a master. You’re financially powerful; Qingyuan Group thrived under Miao Qingqing’s control only with your assistance. You have extensive connections; the Ding family, the number one family in Tiannan City, now respects you immensely, and Chen Zixu, the underworld boss, now has to call you ’Eldest Brother.’ Even Deputy Mayor Shen welcomes you as a personal guest in his home. In Tiannan City, it is truly impossible to find someone with the same strong influence as you, Mr. Song."

Song Xiaodong laughed heartily and said, "I didn’t feel all that impressive myself, but after hearing you say it, I’ve realized that I’m indeed quite a figure here."

Cheng Xiaoyue said earnestly, "Yes, and that’s why nobody would dare to target me if I were your mistress."

Song Xiaodong smiled faintly and said, "Unfortunately, I won’t agree to your proposal."

"Why? Rest assured, as your mistress, I will only come to you when you need me. When you don’t, I absolutely won’t pester you."

Song Xiaodong said indifferently, "It’s not for that reason. Because I don’t lack women, and even if I did, I wouldn’t fancy a woman who’s trying to trade benefits for a relationship."

"Mr. Song, please consider it. I can even tell you..." Cheng Xiaoyue bit her lip and said, "I’m still a virgin!"

"Oh?" Song Xiaodong looked at Cheng Xiaoyue in surprise, finding it a bit unbelievable.

Cheng Xiaoyue clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and said, "I know you won’t believe it, but I can get proof from a hospital. If it was restored, that would be detectable. Mine is definitely genuine."

"Genuine... For you to be in this business and still be untouched until now, that’s quite an accomplishment," Song Xiaodong said with a touch of admiration for Cheng Xiaoyue.

Cheng Xiaoyue said, "I won’t lie to you; when my father was a leader at the TV station, no one dared to bully me. But last year, my father... got arrested, and I lost my support. Now, many are eyeing me. I’ve managed to avoid trouble so far thanks to some of my father’s lingering influence, but I believe it won’t be long before they stop caring, making it easy for me to become someone’s plaything."

Song Xiaodong’s expression remained calm, and he didn’t let Cheng Xiaoyue’s words stir up any pity as he said indifferently, "Life is a path you walk yourself. If one road is tough, you can choose another. Knowing the entertainment industry is rough and climbing the ladder requires sacrifices, why insist on sticking to it?"

Cheng Xiaoyue said, "I... Besides hosting, I really can’t do anything else. And for a woman, no matter what job it is, without a backer, I’d still be an object of desire wherever I go."

Song Xiaodong narrowed his eyes and said, "Is that so? Seems to me you’re just unwilling to give up what you have now."

Under Song Xiaodong’s gaze, Cheng Xiaoyue felt as if all her inner thoughts were transparent to his piercing gaze, making her somewhat flustered. She bit her lip and said, "Yes, I’ve grown used to living under others’ attention. I’ve maintained such a life for years, and a change would truly be uncomfortable for me. But this is also my own ability. The attention I receive now is thanks to my hosting skill, and I have always maintained my integrity, never using my appearance to ingratiate or advance my career."

"What about now?" Song Xiaodong’s tone was still as calm as ever.

"Now... I’m just driven to desperation," Cheng Xiaoyue said with a touch of distress, biting her lip. "I would rather find someone stable to take care of me than to be harassed by disgusting men. Mr. Song, please, just agree. I will really be obedient and won’t trouble you. Whenever you need me, I will be there instantly, and I will satisfy whatever you ask of me."

"Cheng Xiaoyue, don’t you think you’re degrading yourself a bit?" Song Xiaodong casually took a bite of his food and asked leisurely.

"Yes! I am degrading myself, but what other choice do I have? I don’t want this, but don’t think I don’t know how shameful it is to be someone’s mistress. Don’t you think I wish I could just marry someone who loves me? But I really can’t accept it. I want to make something of myself. Why is it so hard for a woman to achieve something?" Cheng Xiaoyue said, tearing up.

Song Xiaodong sighed, thinking of the difficulties Li Sijie had faced before, he felt a bit of sympathy for Cheng Xiaoyue. Most importantly, he saw that though Cheng Xiaoyue was practical, she had not lost her true nature; she wasn’t an unlikable woman. He said, "Alright then, I’ll agree to help you."

"Really?" Cheng Xiaoyue stopped crying, her eyes suddenly widened as she looked at Song Xiaodong, and then her face flushed as she said timidly, "I stand by what I said, I... I... whatever you want to do with me is fine." Saying that, she leaned toward Song Xiaodong.