Chapter 2The Breakup Contract

The next morning, I woke up at 6:30 as usual.

No man lying next to me, no one complaining my hands and feet were cold, no one asking me to sleep five more minutes.

When the phone alarm rang, I got up briskly, washed, did makeup, changed clothes. Half an hour to get everything done.

My name is Serena Lin, founder of Serendipity Communications and creative director.

Graduated from one of the top media colleges in the country.

In the first few years of my career, I worked like a dog in a 4A agency, getting stomach problems and dark circles, then gritted my teeth to start my own business, struggling to make the company somewhat famous in the industry.

"Morning, President Lin!"

Entering the company, the receptionist waved at me. I nodded and pushed open the office door.

My assistant Lulu followed me with a folder, like a hyperactive squirrel. "President Lin looks so handsome today!"

I glanced at her. "Such a sweet mouth, did you stay up late watching handsome guy livestreams again?"

"Oops, you caught me." She giggled. "But seriously, your complexion is especially good today. Is it..."

She deliberately lowered her voice and leaned in. "Love life going well?"

I smiled. "Breakup going well."

"Huh?" She froze. "What?"

"A non-national standard slag has finally been deleted from my life resume." I took a bite of the bread she bought me, in a great mood. "This is a good thing."

She blinked confusedly. "You... you aren't really saying you broke up, are you?"

"Do I look like I'm heartbroken?" I raised an eyebrow.

She looked me up and down seriously. "No. You look like you just landed a few big projects."

That's right then.

"Stop gossiping." I took the schedule from her hand. "This morning is the Blue Ocean proposal review, afternoon—"

Her eyes lit up. "Afternoon is the main event! New beverage ad model selection! I've already screened their profiles in advance. President Lin, you really have to take a good look, top-tier quality legs."

I rolled my eyes. "Choosing models based on face results in momentary pleasure; choosing models based on tone results in constant pleasure."

"That's true," she nodded like pounding garlic, "but it doesn't hinder me from appreciating the view along the way."

She couldn't help gossiping again. "By the way, did you really break up with someone yesterday?"

"Mm." I responded faintly.

"Then do we need to go for a drink tonight?"

"No need."

She was surprised. "No need to drown sorrows in alcohol? No need for sisters to curse the ex together?"

"The kind of breakup that needs drowning sorrows is called heartbreak." I closed the schedule. "My kind is called taking out the trash."

She stared for two seconds, giving a thumbs up. "Cool. Too cool."

2 PM, photo studio.

A dozen male models lined up. From number one to twelve, the shortest was 5'11", the tallest almost 6'5". Long legs, thin waists, broad shoulders, abs visible or hidden, all decorations of youthful hormones.

Lulu stood next to me, practically glowing. "Oh my god, this scene is too eye-candy..."

I said seriously, "Wipe your drool, this is work."

"But... work is so happy."

I laughed out loud.

"Hello, President Lin."

"Hello, President Lin."

"Hard work, President Lin."

The boys greeted one by one, eyes carrying awe and a bit of expectation.

Some were already slightly famous, some just entered the industry, some still in college. But in this studio, they all had the same identity—"ad faces" waiting to be chosen.

I picked up the list, checked one by one, put the file aside, sat on the high stool next to the camera, and nodded to them:

"Don't be nervous, everyone. Today is just a normal audition. Just relax and show your state."

The audition began, group by group. Running, jumping, drinking beverages, smiling, playing basketball. Everyone had their own flavor.

Some looked obedient and soft, like the class monitor next door.

Some looked ruffian-like, like they would pull you to the back door for a secret kiss.

And some had charming eyes, discharging electricity at the camera.

I watched and scored in my heart.

—Have to say, being young is great. The muscle lines on the calves could be directly used for sports drink posters.

After two rounds of shooting, everyone took a break.

Lulu whispered in my ear: "President Lin, seriously asking, how many are you choosing?"

"One main male lead for the ad, one backup," I said.

Her eyes lit up slightly. "I mean, besides work."

I looked at her for two seconds, corners of my mouth curling up. "You want the truth?"

"Yes."

I put the pen in my hand on the table, stood up, and walked in front of the row of boys drinking water and resting.

Seeing me, they instinctively stood a bit straighter.

Like the habit of lining up when the morning exercise bell rings since seventeen.

"Good work," I smiled.

Originally, I could have just said "Rest for ten minutes, we'll do a dynamic set later," which is what a qualified creative director should say.

But.

Last night I was just lectured by a parasite living off me about "not trampling on his dignity."

Just dumped a high-minded puppy dog who I raised with money but who disliked me for not respecting him.

That blocked unhappiness in my heart suddenly wanted an outlet.

So—

I looked at this row of male models and said slowly:

"Handsome guys, don't fight—"

The row of people: "?"

I hooked my lips.

"One for the company, and one for me."

The air was silent for a full two seconds.

Then, Lulu at the other end of the studio burst into laughter, clapping wildly while laughing: "President Lin is awesome!!!"

Several photographers held back until their faces were red, eyes full of "those who know, know" laughter.

Those boys were stunned for a moment, a bit startled, then all a bit amused.

A few quick-witted ones laughed along directly, teasing along with my words: "President Lin, are you planning to work overtime to shoot two ads?"

"We are all here, take your pick."

I smiled, hiding that bit of bad intentions. "Just kidding, don't take it seriously. The ad only needs one male lead, the others—"

I pointed to my heart: "Just stay in my heart."

Yes, from now on, anyone can stay in my heart. Beauty, abs, smiles, voices, all can. Except—

I will never put my whole wallet, a whole period of life, on a man again.

I turned back to the monitor, that bit of secretly held sullenness in my heart dissipated.