Chapter 12: Don’t Cling to Me So Tightly

“Mom?” Aunt and the big guy exclaimed in unison, one angry, the other surprised.

Liu Jing was in a foul mood. His beautiful aunt was being courted by a hopelessly fat man—how could he feel comfortable about that?

Even if his aunt wasn’t his type, he didn’t want a pig rooting around.

A good woman fears a persistent suitor, and if he’s wealthy, success is nearly guaranteed.

That was the experience of a second-generation heir.

Unfortunately, Liu Jing only inherited that experience, not the mindset.

Perhaps there was a glitch in the memory integration; he hadn’t learned the tactics, only how to be a pain.

Zhou Xingxing trailed behind Liu Jing, scratching his nose discreetly after hearing the conversation. That uncle seemed to be talking about me, didn’t he? Such a brat.

He had been fully engrossed in listening when Liu Jing suddenly dashed off. Instinctively, he chased after him.

After hearing the story and the prodigal’s insights, he had gained quite a bit.

But what excited him more was that inspiration had struck—vaguely, a script was beginning to take shape.

Who was the big guy? Naturally, he recognized him—Wang Jing, a frequent collaborator.

The man was busy courting a woman, and she was the mother of a child; this was no time to disturb.

At the same time, Zhou Xingxing had a rough idea who Liu Jing was.

He didn’t know Liu Jing personally, but he remembered the aunt—after all, a beauty always attracts attention wherever she goes.

“Mom, who’s this fat grandpa? Your friend?” Liu Jing feigned innocence. If it weren’t for his daily background check, he would have confronted Wang Jing right away. As for paying for verification, forget it—not worth it.

“Wen Qiong, your son’s already this big?” Wang Jing sounded a bit disappointed. A kid this old really wasn’t suited for the entertainment industry anymore.

He didn’t know Zhou Wenqiong personally; he was just visiting the set and happened to see her, playing the part of a scout.

Learning that she used to be an actress, he grew even more enthusiastic, spinning a smooth pitch to coax her into developing her career in the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets.

“Director Wang, sorry, I’m just educating my child.” Aunt pressed one hand on her hip and the other lightly on Liu Jing’s neck. “Little one, I think you’re itching for trouble—come with me.”

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This time, Liu Jing obediently let his aunt lead him away.

Once outside the crew area, she exhaled sharply. “You came just in time. Wang Jing really knows how to cling. I’ve turned him down several times, but he just won’t give up.”

“You’re also dumb for not telling him you have a boyfriend. Now I have to step in and make you lose face for life,” Liu Jing complained disdainfully.

“Why would I have to tell him if I have a boyfriend? And what do you mean ‘lose face for life’? I’m your aunt!” She finally caught on, almost dragged down by her nephew’s antics.

“That’s not the point. That fat guy looks shifty—obviously no good. If you live with him, not only will you have to put up with his piggish figure, but also his womanizing. When you grow old and lose your charm, or when he’s tired of playing around, you’ll be abandoned.” Liu Jing patted her knee earnestly.

His well-meaning expression left his aunt dumbfounded. When she came to her senses, she rolled up her sleeves, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“You blockhead! Today, I’ll teach you a lesson for your mother.”

*Whack! Whack!*

Women back then still knew how to blush. Such words were unbearable to her.

Ten minutes later, Liu Jing limped behind his aunt and returned to the set.

He sat quietly on a bench, wearing a look of utter despair. Being spanked by a woman was a grave humiliation. Just wait—you may be anyone, but I, Liu Jing, swear to avenge this.

Zhou Xingxing and Wang Jing were chatting nearby when they approached.

Wang Jing asked Aunt, “Wen Qiong, have you thought it over? Want to develop your career in Hong Kong and Taiwan? Your image is great, very fitting the popular style there. With some packaging and a few films, you could become famous quickly—like another Maggie Cheung.”

“Director Wang, sorry, since I’ve already left the industry, I don’t plan to return. I have business in the US and can’t split myself. Thank you for your kindness.” Aunt replied politely but firmly.

“That’s a shame. Here’s my card.” Wang Jing wasn’t ready to give up, handing over a finely crafted card.

“Thank you.” Aunt smiled gently and accepted it, then pointed to Liu Jing. “This is my nephew, fortunate enough to have a small role in *The Martial Champion Beggar Su Qi’er*. Director Wang, this child is very talented. Please take good care of him in the future.”

“I thought so—you’re so beautiful, how could you have a child?” Wang Jing chuckled. He had no interest in the little boy; there were plenty of talented kids.

Liu Jing’s despondent expression shifted slightly as he glanced at the fat man. This guy looked down on me. But whatever—since you can’t be my uncle-in-law, I won’t stoop to your level.

Zhou Xingxing showed interest. “Kid, what’s your name?”

“You usually introduce yourself before asking others’ names—that’s basic courtesy,” Liu Jing replied half-heartedly.

His aloofness didn’t deter Aunt, who hurried to introduce him. “His name is Liu Jing, three years old. You can call him ‘Wood.’ He’s very smart, quick to understand, and can draw inferences from one example. He can be a bit blunt, so please don’t take it personally.”

“You misunderstand; this kid is really interesting. I like him a lot,” Zhou Xingxing said lazily, his tone revealing no real affection.

“Haha, since he’s playing your son this time, you’d better look after him well,” Aunt teased.

“Mm!” Zhou Xingxing nodded seriously, then smiled at Liu Jing. “Wood, that story was great. I’m planning to write a script based on it and will invite you to continue playing my son.”

Liu Jing raised his eyelids but hadn’t spoken when Aunt jumped in, “Sure! Wood has great acting talent, especially at crying scenes—he cries on cue, no hesitation.”

“Kiddos cry easily,” Wang Jing scoffed.

Zhou Xingxing agreed wholeheartedly, having just witnessed it. “Wood, the story’s not over yet, right? What happened next?”

“You should start filming. I want some peace and quiet to think about the next scenes,” Liu Jing said, closing his eyes—a clear sign to send them away.

“Hey! What an interesting kid. Our...” Wang Jing’s eyes lit up—now he was interested. This kid would surely make an interesting actor.

Zhou Xingxing didn’t argue, pulling Wang Jing away to avoid disturbing Liu Jing’s creative process.

“Wood, I have high hopes for you. You’re going to make it big. Once I wrap up my business in the US, I’ll come back to be your agent. Haha, the best child star will be born under my guidance. Just thinking about it excites me...” Aunt whispered, unable to hide her joy.

“Qiong... Aunt, please give me some privacy. Don’t cling to me so tightly,” Liu Jing hurriedly pleaded under her threatening glare.

She just spanked me and now wants to be my agent? There’s no such good luck.

Right now, he only wanted to get Aunt to leave so his system could upgrade.

When the system activated last year, strange phenomena appeared. He wasn’t sure if upgrades would cause similar effects, so he needed a place with no one around.

“Tch! Little brat, with your gift of gab, who knows how many girls you’ll charm in the future,” Aunt sneered.

“That’s a problem for the future—you worry too far ahead.”