Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 58: You Have No Choice!

MGM Grand Ballroom.

The crystal chandelier shimmered with dappled light, and a gramophone played languid jazz. Zhou Xiao led six of his men onto the dance floor, his leather shoes clicking softly on the mahogany floor.

"All expenses tonight are on my tab." He waved his hand, a hearty smile on his face. "Dance wild, drink to your heart's content!"

"Thank you, Director Zhou!" the crowd responded in unison, their laughter clinking against the glass.

He brought his men here for two reasons: first, to win people over—the aroma of wine and meat mixed with laughter was ten times more effective than any lecture; second, to make connections—Li Xiaonan would be coming tonight. This "chance encounter" was a play he had personally orchestrated: first, they would become lovers, then he would lay the groundwork.

After all, according to the original plan, he was supposed to get closer to her. With this relationship as a foundation, exchanging messages and information wouldn't attract attention.

Of course, the risks are also obvious: if Li Xiaonan's identity is exposed, Zhou Xiao will inevitably be dragged down with her.

However, if they always meet in the dark, they are more likely to be exposed. Chen Shen almost fell into Shen Qiuxia's "accident" back then. If Zhou Xiao hadn't cut off the clues at the last minute, that sparrow would have been nailed to the wall of the interrogation room long ago.

After much deliberation, Zhou Xiao concluded that outward displays of closeness were the strongest shield.

Even if Li Xiaonan is actually exposed, he can immediately distance himself and pretend to be a lovelorn man who is kept in the dark.

Moreover, he trusted his own hands—that he could protect her.

This move is a solid one.

After a few rounds of drinks, Gao Xiang leaned back on the sofa, smiling with narrowed eyes: "Director Zhou, who in Special Operations Headquarters doesn't give you a thumbs up these days? Section Chief Aoki even praised you to your face for your 'sharp insight and ruthless methods'!"

Another immediately chimed in, "Exactly! All the brothers know perfectly well now—the true backbone of headquarters is right here at our table!"

Zhou Xiao swirled his wine glass and chuckled, "These kinds of things are best left unsaid. Outside, who knows how many people are spitting 'traitors' at us, cursing us even more harshly than they would 'thieves'?"

Gao Xiang sighed, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of his cup: "Who doesn't want to eat a clean bowl of rice? But sometimes, who the gun is pointed at... isn't something you can choose for yourself."

The room fell silent for a moment.

In turbulent times, life is like a drifting duckweed.

Zhou Xiao glanced at Gao Xiang and already knew what to do: this person was useful and worth training slowly.

As they were talking, the wind chimes at the door trembled slightly.

Li Xiaonan entered gracefully.

She wore no heavy makeup, just a touch of lip rouge, and her dark green cheongsam accentuated her slender waist; her steps were unhurried, like a silent film heroine zooming in, every gesture exuding natural charm.

"Hey, look—Li Xiaonan!" someone exclaimed.

Zhou Xiao looked up casually, feigning unfamiliarity: "Oh? And this is...?"

Gao Xiang immediately leaned closer: "Director Zhou, you haven't seen him before? He's from the Shanghai Film Studio. He acted in 'Spring River Night' and 'The Lonely City Moon.' He's not a top star, but you can often see him on local theater posters. He's barely a third-tier actor."

"Oh..." Zhou Xiao stared intently for two seconds, then nodded slightly. "She has very expressive eyes and brows; she's a charming beauty."

Gao Xiang lowered his voice: "I heard she has a very clear-headed personality. People in the industry call her 'Cold Jade'—she doesn't curry favor with the powerful or attend drinking parties, and once she sets her mind on something, she sticks to it to the end. She believes in fate, and even more so in love."

Li Xiaonan is a girl with flawless features and a striking figure, and she has a natural talent for acting—yet she has always remained in a state of mediocre fame. The root of the problem lies not in her talent, but in her being too serious and too rigid.

The unspoken rules of the industry have been quietly taking root in the shadows since the very first day film began to roll.

Whether it's a director giving a meaningful glance, clinking glasses at a dinner party, or making veiled threats after a few drinks, Li Xiaonan pretends not to notice. When the other party makes a blatant request, she doesn't hesitate for a second and refuses on the spot.

She's incredibly picky about scripts: kissing scenes are out of the question, bed scenes are off the table, and she won't even glance at roles that are obtained through drinking, laughing, or sleeping with clients. With such a stubborn streak and unwillingness to compromise, it's no wonder she's not going to become famous.

So despite her years of experience in the film industry, with a solid foundation and promising prospects, she has always remained on the fringes of third-tier status, struggling to even land a decent leading role.

Another subordinate turned his head and glanced at Gao Xiang: "Gao Xiang, how come you know so much about Li Xiaonan's affairs?"

Gao Xiang scratched the back of his head and smiled shyly: "To be honest, I admire her quite a bit, I'm practically a die-hard fan."

Zhou Xiao waved his hand and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, let's stop talking about this—cheers!"

The crowd became lively again, with clinking glasses and laughter blending together.

About ten minutes later, a commotion suddenly broke out at the entrance of the dance hall, with voices rising and many people turning their heads to look.

"Hey Du, get your hand off me!" A sharp female shout cleaved through the noise. "Dare to touch me, and I'll cripple your right hand first!"

Before the words were even finished, the man's voice followed with a cold laugh: "Li Xiaonan, do you still want to make a living in this industry? Believe me, I can say anything and you won't get a single role tomorrow."

"I'm not interested in this, and I won't fall for your act!" The voice was resolute.

It was Li Xiaonan.

The person opposite him was director Du Mingsheng—who had directed several blockbuster films and was considered a well-known figure in the industry.

"Li Xiaonan, don't think you're so precious!" Du Mingsheng covered his burning cheek and smiled sinisterly. "That slap just now, you either have to offer a toast and apologize now, or—you won't be stepping out of the MGM gate today."

It turned out that he had approached her under the guise of being a director, intending to take advantage of her, but instead, he was slapped by Li Xiaonan and staggered back two steps.

"Don't even think about it." Li Xiaonan raised her chin slightly, her words clear and distinct.

Du Mingsheng was determined to outdo her today: "You have no choice."

Before he finished speaking, several burly men behind him stepped forward and formed a semicircle.

"Stop!" Li Xiaonan stepped back, her back pressed against the cold marble edge of the bar, her voice tight but not trembling, "I'd rather fall here than bow my head."

Its temperament is as fierce as a blade, even the wind makes a sound.

"Let anyone try to touch her."

A deep voice suddenly cut in, authoritative without being angry.

Everyone turned their heads in unison—Zhou Xiao, along with his intelligence team, was already standing in the shadows by the door, his aura as steady as a mountain.

"Who do you think you are?" Du Mingsheng squinted, his tone defiant. "What business is it of yours to interfere in my affairs?"

This is not acting; it's a real, serious situation.

Du Mingsheng was well-connected in Shanghai, frequently dealing with capital, officials, and underworld figures while making films; he had ties to both the legitimate and criminal worlds. Because of this, bystanders watched helplessly, and no one dared to step forward and say a word in his way.

"Easy." Zhou Xiao's lips curled slightly, his tone as light as dusting. "In this city of Shanghai, there aren't many things I can't handle. Those who know what's good for them, get out of here immediately; those who don't—all of you, handcuffed and taken away."

Du Mingsheng was taken aback, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his imposing manner noticeably diminished.

He wasn't stupid; he could tell how important this person was.

But if you're scared off by a single sentence, how will you establish your authority in the industry in the future?

He gritted his teeth and forced a smile: "Give me your name, so I can die knowing why."

Gao Xiang took half a step forward and said loudly, "You don't even recognize our Director Zhou? The Director of the Intelligence Department of the Special Operations Headquarters—the kind who specializes in catching moles, foreign informants, and defectors."

Special Operations Headquarters—anyone who goes in, even if they're eventually released, will be severely injured and lose a lot of weight.

Du Mingsheng completely backed down, forcing a smile and bowing obsequiously: "Oh! It's Director Zhou! I was blind and offended you, please forgive me!"

Zhou Xiao's gaze swept over Li Xiaonan before returning to Du Mingsheng's face: "Apologize. Now, bow to this lady and admit your mistake."

When you're under someone's roof, how dare you put on airs?

Despite his resentment, Du Mingsheng forced a smile and bowed slightly to Li Xiaonan: "Miss Li, I was rude just now, I'm sorry."

Li Xiaonan glanced at him quietly, then turned to Zhou Xiao, nodded slightly, and said, "Never mind, I won't stoop to your level."

"Thank you!" Du Mingsheng gritted his teeth, his face beaming with a bright smile, but his mind was in turmoil.

He didn't even dare to breathe too heavily, only smiling obsequiously at Zhou Xiao: "Director Zhou, is this...is this alright?"

Zhou Xiao didn't even lift his eyelids: "Director Du, remember this—if I ever hear that you've ever made things difficult for her, suppressed her, or given her a hard time, I'll personally come to your door and send you to the police station for a chat."

"No, no, absolutely not!" Du Mingsheng replied repeatedly, his forehead beaded with sweat.

"roll."

Zhou Xiao didn't bother to look at it again.

"Thank you, Director Zhou! Thank you, Director Zhou!" Du Mingsheng felt as if he had been granted a pardon, turned around and left, his steps as fast as if a wolf was following behind him.

A thrilling "hero saves the damsel in distress" ended just like that.

Li Xiaonan watched the group disappear hastily through the door, then slowly walked up to Zhou Xiao, her smile warm: "Director Zhou, thank you for your help. May I buy you a drink?"

"Director Zhou, I really don't know how to thank you." She looked up and smiled, her eyes clear and bright. "Would you do me the honor of having a drink?"

Zhou Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Didn't you always refuse to drink with people?"

"No, no, no," she shook her head and chuckled, "I only reject scoundrels, not gentlemen—what, you won't even give me this small favor?"

Gao Xiang chuckled to himself, "Ms. Li, I'm a huge fan! Can I get your autograph?"

"Of course!" She readily took out a pen, quickly signed her name, and then casually stuffed the pen into Gao Xiang's hand. "It's my treat today, so you can't refuse."

"Director Zhou, shall we go together?"

Zhou Xiao smiled slightly, his tone light yet confident: "How could I refuse an invitation from a beauty?"

Li Xiaonan then hosted a banquet, inviting Zhou Xiao and his entourage to drink together. During the meal, as they mingled and exchanged toasts, they got to know each other for the first time, thus officially establishing a connection.

Since it was our first meeting, we exchanged pleasantries briefly and didn't delve into any deeper conversations.

Around 10 p.m., slightly tipsy, the group dispersed at the street corner and went their separate ways home.

On the way back, Gao Xiang's steps were slightly unsteady. He grinned and leaned closer, saying, "Director Zhou, you and Miss Li standing together look like a perfect couple—even your features are so well-matched!"

"Exactly!" a young agent nearby chimed in immediately. "If she wasn't interested, why would she invite you for a drink? She's clearly offering you a ladder to climb on!"

Zhou Xiao's expression turned serious, and he said in a calm tone, "Stop making a fuss."

Gao Xiang persisted, shaking the bottle in his hand: "We're not making this up! What you just did was a real game-changer; you were handsome and composed. What girl wouldn't be moved?"