Chapter 269 Going Home to Bake Sugar-Free Cookies

By the end of March, spring was settling in.

One of the most eye-catching office buildings in City A’s CBD had just put up a sleek new sign—Mo’er Entertainment.

In just a few months, Lu Er had turned his bold declaration of becoming a capitalist after leaving the industry into reality.

The company had an impressive start. Its first batch of signed artists included Gu Jinzhou, who had just won the title of Most Commercially Valuable Actor of the Year, and Ye Qingge, an award-winning actress known for both her reputation and acting skills.

This move caused quite a stir in the industry.

One was a red-hot rising star, the other a powerhouse of acting. Together, their popularity and credibility instantly gave “Mo’er Entertainment” weight and confidence.

Through investments, project collaborations, and strategic alliances, Lu Er methodically built the company’s business empire.

Bai Zhi became an agent, managing a group of carefully selected newcomers from major academies, staying busy around the clock.

That afternoon, Lu Er was in the CEO’s office, having a video call with Yan Huaijin.

On the screen, Yan Huaijin spoke steadily, “Director Zheng is preparing an S-tier historical romance drama with a strong production team. They’ve seen Jinzhou’s recent work and are very interested in having him play the male lead.”

“This is a good opportunity. We can talk to them—see if we can place a few of our newcomers in the drama. Even small roles will help them gain audience recognition.”

Sitting behind his spacious desk, Lu Er thought for a moment before asking, “How’s the script?”

“I’ve reviewed the outline and part of the script. The story is fresh, and the characters are well-crafted. It’s not some low-quality assembly-line production.”

“As long as the script is good, money isn’t an issue.”

Lu Er made a decisive call. “We can increase our investment to secure more say and a larger share of roles. Set up a meeting with Director Zheng’s team so we can discuss details.”

“Got it. I’ll arrange it.”

After ending the call, Lu Er rubbed his slightly aching temples.

He had just finished handling the last document and was about to pack up for the day when there was a soft knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Without looking up, he assumed it was his secretary delivering files.

But when the door opened, a young girl in a pale yellow dress walked in.

She was a newly signed artist, fresh out of film school. With her pure temperament, she was someone Bai Zhi had high hopes for.

“President Lu…”

Li Wanrou’s voice was soft and timid.

She had clearly dressed up carefully, wearing light makeup. In one hand, she held a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice; in the other, a delicately wrapped box.

“Do you need something?” Lu Er set down his pen.

Li Wanrou stepped closer and placed the juice and the small box on the desk.

A rich, sweet floral-fruity perfume scent drifted over.

Lu Er frowned almost imperceptibly.

“President Lu, I came to thank you,” Li Wanrou said, lowering her head slightly. “The 400,000 you lent me… my mother’s surgery was very successful. The doctor said she’s recovering well.”

She looked up cautiously. “I didn’t know how to repay you. These cookies—I baked them myself. And the juice is freshly made. They’re not worth much…”

“I just… I’d like to treat you to a meal, to properly thank you. Is that okay?”

Facing this anxious girl from the countryside, Lu Er did feel a bit of sympathy.

“There’s no need to be so formal. That amount of money isn’t much to me, and you don’t need to feel pressured. Just do your job well—that’s the best way to repay the company.”

“There will be many expenses for your mother’s recovery. If you run into difficulties, talk to Bai Zhi.”

Hearing this, Li Wanrou’s eyes grew redder. “President Lu… 400,000 is an astronomical amount to me. I don’t know how long it will take to repay it.”

“I’m truly grateful. If… if there’s anything you need me to do, I… I’m willing to do anything.”

As she spoke, her head lowered even more, her ears flushed red, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress.

Lu Er wasn’t naïve. Having spent years in the entertainment industry, he understood the hidden meaning behind such words all too well.

Looking at the young girl trembling slightly from nervousness and embarrassment, he sighed inwardly.

“Just repay the money according to the company’s loan agreement. Don’t overthink it. In this industry, many people want shortcuts—but standing firm on your own abilities is more important than anything.”

His blunt and somewhat cold words instantly shattered Li Wanrou’s faint hopes and illusions.

“S-sorry, President Lu… I didn’t mean it that way…”

At that moment, the office door was pushed open from the outside.

Song Jingmo walked in, dressed in a light gray casual suit, his steps calm and composed.

He had gotten off work early today and came to pick Lu Er up to try a newly opened private restaurant.

“Er’er, we can—”

He stopped mid-sentence, his gaze falling on the orange juice and the neatly wrapped box on the desk.

The sweet floral-fruity perfume scent in the air—he had faintly noticed it on Lu Er over the past few days.

Subtle, but unmistakable.

Walking up to the desk, his eyes briefly swept over the flustered Li Wanrou. His voice remained calm. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Dr. Song, you’re here.” Lu Er immediately smiled, the earlier seriousness gone. “I’ll be done in a second.”

Li Wanrou grew even more flustered, lowering her head in panic. “President Lu…”

It was as if the two of them had completely forgotten there was a third person in the room.

Song Jingmo reached out and picked up the cookie box.

The packaging was carefully done, tied with a pretty ribbon.

He untied it, opened the lid, revealing neatly arranged butter cookies—golden, cute, and giving off a rich, sweet aroma.

He picked one up with his slender fingers.

Under Lu Er’s gaze, he brought it to his lips and took a small bite.

After chewing twice, his brows furrowed ever so slightly.

Then he walked over to the trash can and decisively threw the remaining half of the cookie away.

“Too sweet.”

He took a wet wipe from the desk and wiped his fingers. “Too much sugar and butter. It’s cloying.”

Lu Er froze for a second—then burst out laughing.

Song Jingmo was always elegant and composed, rarely giving anyone anything to criticize.

Throwing away someone’s gift right in front of them—this was a first.

The irritation Lu Er had felt earlier because of Li Wanrou instantly disappeared, replaced by amusement at Song Jingmo’s childish yet adorable behavior.

He stood up, walked around the desk, and stopped in front of him.

Reaching out, he tugged lightly at Song Jingmo’s perfectly pressed collar, his eyes curving like crescents, his tone coaxing and playful.

“Dr. Song doesn’t like sweets, huh?”

“Then I’ll bake sugar-free cookies when we get home. Just a little salt and vanilla—guaranteed to be exactly your taste. How does that sound?”

Song Jingmo looked down at his sparkling eyes and smiling lips. The slight displeasure caused by the perfume scent completely melted into a gentle smile.

He reached out, pulled him into his arms, and rested his chin lightly on the top of Lu Er’s head, his voice low and content.

“Sounds good.”