Chapter 50: First Come, First Served

Page 1/3

More than concern, it was a feeling of guilt and apology. Although she had taken the initiative to stir up rumors with Xia Xing, objectively, she indeed had to bear immense pressure because of it. Moreover... what she sought might not truly be fulfilled by Xia Xing. He would have to firmly establish his position within the family and gain a certain degree of influence before he could give her what she wanted.

As an idol watched by millions of eyes at all times, even a slight mistake in reading words on stage would invite the harshest scrutiny and criticism from the audience. Not to mention Liu Zhimin, who always ranked at the top in popularity among the fifth-generation girl groups, carrying a tremendous burden.

The romance between an idol and the heir to a wealthy family might bring her traffic, but it would also bring even more scorn and criticism. If coupled with people's resentment toward the wealthy... Xia Xing could hardly imagine how terrifying the public opinion would be.

If Liu Zhimin and Li Zaiyu faked a relationship and broke up after a month or two, anyone with eyes would know it was the usual SM Entertainment publicity stunt. But once the label of “hanging onto a wealthy family” was stuck on Liu Zhimin, it would be much harder to shake off than tags like “five romances in one.”

Xia Xing might not care, but Liu Zhimin’s livelihood depended on her image. If that day truly came, how strong would her resilience and faith have to be to endure it?

“Were you cold that night?” The voice on the phone asked tentatively.

In fact, when Liu Zhimin dragged Xia Xing to meet Li Zaiyu that night, she was already feeling cold. But for some reason, she didn’t want to clarify this misunderstanding and only muttered a quiet “hmm,” waiting for his response.

“I should have lent you my hoodie earlier that night. When you took back your notebook, your hands were really cold. I’ll pay more attention to those details next time.”

“Next time?”

She let out a low hum, her lazy voice tinged with a hint of grievance: “Who says there’s going to be a next time? We’re just pretend boyfriend and girlfriend.”

Originally hoping he would show her more tenderness, after a brief silence, Liu Zhimin couldn’t help but speak again.

“I think you still owe me an explanation—why did you leave me hanging all day today?”

Page 2/3

Why did she feel a little wronged inside, even wanting to restrain Xia Xing? Liu Zhimin couldn’t sort it out for a moment. Perhaps it was just her worry about the prospects of their future collaboration, not wanting any unexpected troubles after the rumors were reported.

Or maybe... it was Liu Zhimin’s pride. Although she always spoke modestly, deep down she truly believed she was the brightest and most dazzling idol of her generation.

Therefore, everyone around Liu Zhimin should naturally give her all their tenderness and care.

Was this a form of arrogance? Maybe not; it was simply the pride and sense of conviction she needed to support herself through the darkest times. Just like when she first debuted.

The hand that had been fiddling with the potted plant suddenly rested on the window, gently pushing the glass open. A cold breeze rushed in through the gap, and Liu Zhimin, who had thought her fever from the cold was burning hot, now only felt a sharp, fiery pain.

She hurriedly closed the window again, and as her rationality returned, she suddenly realized her earlier outburst. Her tone softened as much as she could:

“Sorry, I think I overstepped. After all, we’re not really boyfriend and girlfriend; you don’t owe me explanations like that.”

“You didn’t overstep. Even if we’re fake boyfriend and girlfriend... we still need to pay attention to each other’s feelings and thoughts.”

Xia Xing knew Liu Zhimin needed a graceful exit at this moment, so he offered one:

“Cut me some slack today, will you? I’ll try harder to play my part properly in the future.”

He was indeed good at saying things with a serious face that made people’s minds wander. Feeling that she still cared about his feelings, Liu Zhimin deliberately adopted a tone of regret and quickly said:

“On second thought, it’s better if you say I overstepped.”

“Makes it sound like we’re really boyfriend and girlfriend. Wouldn’t that be too cheap for you?”

...

An empty whiskey bottle was toppled over by a slender wrist, rolling slowly along the coffee table. Fortunately, it landed softly on a thick cushion, shattering no glass.

Mina Myung’s other hand propped up her head. Her pale face, tinged with a flush of red from the alcohol, turned slightly aside. The coldness and aloofness in her eyes faded, replaced by a sly, fox-like allure.

Watching her junior sitting cross-legged on the floor, burying her face in the sofa, she felt both triumphant and a little helpless:

“I told you not to be so impatient, but you’re just like this—always acting as if you must win at whatever you do.”

“Now you know, not everything in this world can go your way, right?”

Seol Yoon seemed to hear her words, but her language system, no longer functioning properly, couldn’t analyze the deeper meaning behind them.

Page 3/3

She merely spoke to herself:

“Senior Mina, do you understand that feeling?”

“My things will be mine sooner or later...”

“Sooner or later, they’ll all be mine. Even if they’re in someone else’s hands, I’ll take them back.”

Mina Myung summoned all her strength to lift Seol Yoon, laying her fully on the sofa.

Just supporting Seol Yoon onto the sofa had already cost her considerable effort. She couldn’t help but recall that night when Park Ji-hyo carried Yoon Sung-bin home, feeling a newfound respect for her.

Because of the recent exertion, the alcohol absorption into her bloodstream accelerated. Wiping the sweat from her temple, Mina Myung struggled against the swiftly spreading intoxication and sighed softly:

“I really owe you; no matter where I go, you always torment me.”

She set the living room air conditioner to 26 degrees Celsius, then brought a cashmere blanket from the bedroom and carelessly threw it over Seol Yoon.

But after all, she was gentle at heart. Though she complained aloud, she still followed through on being a good person, bending down carefully to cover Seol Yoon’s most vulnerable stomach area.

Having done that, intoxication finally overpowered her last bit of sobriety. Mina Myung, who had drunk even more than Seol Yoon, staggered and sank to the floor.

A piercing pain radiated through her body from bottom to top. The murmured words from her junior seemed hauntingly familiar, transporting her back to a past she wished to forget.

“I’ve always believed that love can be cultivated.”

“Is that so?”

The Seol Yoon in her memories smiled faintly, looking at her with a determined gaze:

“I believe more in first come, first served.”

“Maybe I made some mistakes in between, but I believe whatever is mine will, sooner or later, only be mine.”

“Why do you have to cling to my man so stubbornly...”

Mina Myung whispered, glancing at the peacefully sleeping Seol Yoon. In her slightly narrowed eyes, there was no longer any hint of sorrow or helplessness.

“But now, there’s no such thing as first come, first served.”