Summers Desire Ch5

8/3/2019 Summers Desire Ch5

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/summers-desire-ch5 1/29

Translator: Blanc

Editors: Felz, Silowwa

Chapter 5Five years later.It was another scorching summer; the rolling heatwaves were almost tangible. All four of the classroom’sceiling fans were turn on, the windows opened as wideas possible, sheets of papers fluttered feebly in thewind, and even the cicadas in trees seemed to be

shouting, “So hot, so hot.” The burning weather,combined with the professor’s droning lecture, madethe students nod off one by one.

Jiang Zhen En secretly took out her phone to look at thetime.“Oh, no!” she exclaimed in a low voice, “How long isthis class? The manager asked us to come early todistribute gifts for the guests. If we’re late…this

month’s bonus is gone!”She grabbed her head and moaned. Those sitting at the same table as her turned silent.Zhen En looked away embarrassed, and almostcollapsed. Sitting beside her, Yi Xia Mo was listeningattentively, her pen moving at lightning speed to takenotes. Her eyes were focused on the notebook and itdidn’t seem like she heard any of Zhen En’s complains.

“Xia Mo!” Zhen En whispered fiercely in Xia Mo’s ears,“We’re going to be late!”Why was she the only one in a hurry? The two of themshould be hopping in their seats together.“No.” Xia Mo’s eyes did not leave her notes, “the

teacher will dismiss the class after this problem, twomore minutes at the most.”“How do you know?”

“Because the next question involves so many thingsthat it will take at least two hours to finish. The teacher



will cover it next class.”Zhen En’s mouth dropped, “Again, how do you know?”“Because I review the materials in advance.” Xia Moanswered while continuing to write“Well, that’s it for today!” The teacher announced,“Goodbye, class.”“Goodbye!”

The students of Sichuan College of Economics Class 3Aall stood up and watched their teacher leave the room.After a brief silence, the classroom was filled with theslamming of textbooks, yawning of students, andlighthearted chatters.“You even review the material in advance?!” Zhen Enasked in disbelief In today’s world, are there still students who review thematerials in advance? They’re not high school studentsanymore, for goodness sake. They were collegestudents now, taking a required economic class. All thatwas expected of them was to listen in class and studybefore the exam.Xia Mo smiled, “Is that so strange?”“It’s very strange!” Zhen replied, “This class isn’t eventhat important. You actually review before class andtake notes in class; you’re a super geek!”“Tuition is expensive.”“Huh?”“The tuition fee is so expensive. We must learn asmuch as possible so it will be worth it.”“Oh. Uh…well, that makes sense. But you work everyday until late at night. How could you have time to readahead?“You were watching TV in the store while I was readingit.” Xia Mo laughedZhen En widened her eyes. Now that she thought aboutit… Whenever there are no customers in the bakery,

she would sit in front of the TV and secretly watchedher shows. Xia Mo would take out a book to read. Zhen



En always assumed it was a novel Xia Mo liked to readin spare time.“We have twenty minutes.”Xia Mo packed her stuff and got up to leave.“What?”“Otherwise, we’ll be really late.”“Ah!!”Zhen En frantically threw the books in her backpackand hurriedly ran out. Unfortunately her skirt wascaught on a loose nail on the table, causing her to tripand collide heavily into a female student entering theclassroom.Bang!

The girl Zhen En ran into fell to the ground.All around, the desks and chairs collapse one by one.Zhen En herself also fell down.“Ouch!”“It hurts!!!”Students gathered around, surprised.

The classroom exploded with whispers. Jiang Zhen En actually dared to hit Yao Shu Er. There wasn’t a single person in the college that doesn’tknow Yao Shu Er.While in middle school, Yao Shu Er had entered theentertainment industry to become a star. When shewas accepted into this college, dozens of reportersshowed up at the opening ceremony like never before.All of the students were very curious about this Yao ShuEr. Just the fact that she was an artist alreadyaccumulated lots of interests. Not to mention, twoyears ago, her song was on the Top Ten Chart. Manycame to ask for her signatures. There were also manywho would eye her evilly and muttered, “Star, whatstar? I look so much better than her.”On campus, Yao Shu Er was very low key.

She walked with her head down, always sat in the lastrow of the classroom, would never speak up in class to



answer questions, never chat with the students, andwould always evaporated from campus after class. Thelovely Yao Shu Er on TV and the quiet Yao Shu Er in theclassroom were like two different people. Over time,the students started to treat her as if she was invisible.One of the desks collapsed on Zhen En’s stomach,causing her face to turn green. Xia Mo rushed over,moving the desks and chairs out of the way, and helpedher sat up.“Are you alright? How badly are you hurt?”“Ugh…okay…” Zhen En groaned, “It’s only an artificialwound. I’ll be fine after resting for a few minutes.”Xia Mo gently touched her stomach, “Does it hurt? Arethere any internal wounds? Do you need to go to thehospital?”“It’s really nothing!” Zhen En exclaimed bravely,feeling a rush of warmth from the concern shown onXia Mo’s face.Seeing Zhen’s complexion returning to normal, Xia Mo

relaxed. Then she turned to look at the girl that wasknocked down. There was a large bruise on Shu Er’sknees along with several gashes. Blood oozed from herskin, creating a large stain on her skirt.“Sorry!” Xia Mo quickly apologizedShe knew that Shu Er was a singer so a knee injurycould cause a big problem.Shu Er shook her head and shyly smiled, “Don’t worry.It was my fault. I wasn’t careful.”She avoided Xia Mo’s extended hand and painfullystood up. Her legs faltered as the gash widen and moreblood dripped down.“We need to take you to the infirmary.” Xia Mo said,seeing her woundZhen En also saw Shu Er’s knee and was stunned. Herface paled and she profusely apologized.

“I’m sorry! Sorry! I’ll pay for your medical expenses! Iwas too reckless! I’ll wash your skirt! I’m sorry…”





looked at the middle aged man, “Jam, let’s go.”Shu Er, leaning on Jam’s shoulder, limped out of theclassroom.A glittering object on the floor caught Zhen En’s eye.Leaning closer, she saw that it was a broken bracelet.She quickly picked it up,“Shu Er, is this yours?” she shoutedBut Shu Er has already left the classroom and drove off in Jam’s car.Zhen En looked around in a daze.“We have to leave quickly if we don’t want to be toolate.” Xia Mo had finished fixing the chairs and desks.She picked up Zhen En’s bag and gave it to her.Ah, that’s right.Zhen En had forgotten about that again.Leaving her guilty conscience behind her, Zhen En ranout.Outside the school, the sun shone down, prickling theirskin like thorns. The air was so hot and humid thatZhen En wished to retreat back to the air conditionedclassroom.“Jie!”Such a pure voice.A tall boy riding a bicycle waved at them.A 16 years old boy, wearing his high school uniform,with long, slender legs and a handsome physique,stopped in front of them. His lovely smile along withbig, round eyes lined by long dark eyelashes, were likea cool autumn breeze, blowing the hot weather away.“Xiao Cheng! You came to see us…”Zhen En suddenly blushed, her heart beating faster.“Hello, Zhen En Jie.” Yi Cheng nodded at her politely,then looked at Xia Mo worriedly, “Jie, I’ve waited at thebakery for a long time but you still haven’t come. Didsomething happen?”

Zhen En scratched her head awkwardly.“A little accident happened in the classroom,” Xia Mo



answered, then asked, “Is the manager very angry?”“No.” Yi Cheng shook his head, smiling, “I was in thestore and Manager Jie asked me to help distribute thegifts. After all the gifts were given out, I said that I willgo to see why you didn’t come and Manager Jie eventold me to not worry too much.“What? How could the manager be so kind? WheneverI’m just a minute late, her face would turn all dark andgloomy.” Zhen En said, “Xiao Cheng, she must havesome evil thoughts about you to treat you so decently.”Xia Mo looked at her.Zhen En covered her mouth quickly, as if those wordsweren’t spoken by her. She almost forgot that Xia Modoesn’t like people teasing Xiao Cheng.“There’s only the manager there so it must be verybusy. We should hurry.” Xia Mo said“Right! That’s right!” Zhen En swiftly agreed“I’ll give you a ride.” Yi Cheng said, motioning hisbicycle. The distance to the bus station is good andlong so to walk would be too slow.“Great!” Zhen En jumped up excitedly, “I want to sit inthe front!”If she sat in the front, then Yi Cheng’s arms would goaround her. That would be too romantic!

Yi Cheng looked at her, embarrassed.“Zhen En Jie…”Under his innocent gaze, Zhen En became frustrated.“Well…it’s…”Xia Mo laughed. Seeing Zhen En and Xiao Chengtogether, it was like Zhen En is Xiao Cheng’s othersister.Sichuan’s summer school.

The students seeking refuge under the cool shade of the trees were surprised to see a bicycle speeding paston the sidewalk.

There were three people riding on it! The boy riding the bicycle was wearing a high school



uniform, his strong slender leg moving in a blur. Therewas a girl sitting in the front and another sitting in theback.

The handsome boy looked so innocent.His hair was swept away by the wind, his eyelasheslong and dark, his round eyes looked as innocent andgentle as a deer’s.

The long haired girl sitting on the bicycle beam lookedas if she was sitting in his lap, his arms wrapped aroundher protectively. The boy would pedal and talk to her atthe same time, his soft voice carried by wind, his smilegentle. The girl in the back looked bored and wasplaying with her fingers.Why don’t I have a brother!At Cartoon bakery, Zhen En was cleaning the glasswindows while muttering and complaining under herbreath. To have a brother like Xiao Cheng is really ablessing! He cooked for Xia Mo, sometimes worked inplace of her, painted beautifully, and studied so wellthat he was able to skip several grades. Now, at theage of only 16, he was preparing to enter college. Notto mention that he was a super cute boy. Today, thanksto Xiao Cheng, the manager was “gracious” and letthem off with a light reprimand. Ah, beauty is reallyuseful.At that moment,

Yi Cheng was sitting in a quiet corner of the bakery,sketching with his pencil. From time to time, he wouldraise his head and his eyes would follow Xia Mo as shebrings cakes to the guests. She send the guests outwith a smile then came back to take the cakes out of the oven.It was obvious that he was sketching Xia Mo.Zhen En’s heart soured as she watched, pouting, with

jealousy. Even if these two were siblings, even if they

depend on each other to live, their relationshipshouldn’t be so good. However, Zhen En sighed, now



that she thinks back, Xia Mo and Yi Cheng’s life werenot so happy. Five years ago, a car accident causedtheir parents to die on the spot and Xiao Cheng to beseriously injured, leaving Xia Mo all alone to fend. Sheheard that Luo Xi went to study abroad and therefore,was able to escape the whole incident.At that time, Yi Cheng was injured so badly that, to takecare of him, Xia Mo had to take nearly a semester off of school. Due to the expensive medical fees, basically allof the money from the family’s saving as well as theinsurance was spent. Everyone had thought that the

Young Master would immediately come to help.However, the Young Master only showed up once and,like a flash, disappeared. No one has seen him since.

The Young Master had abandoned Yi Xia Mo. The news spread throughout the whole school. Then, Xia Mo and Xiao Cheng dropped out for someunknown reasons.Until two years later, after she got in Sichuan College,Zhen En was surprised to find that she and Xia Mo werein the same class. Before, when they were attendinghigh school, Zhen En’s father was sent by the YoungMaster to be Xia Mo’s chauffeur, following her everydaylike a servant. At school, due to the Young Master’sinfluence, Xia Mo was treated like a princess byeveryone. Due to these reasons, Zhen En hated Xia Moand never attempted to talk to her.However, at college, she found that Xia Mo was not atall like how she imagined. In order to pay for tuition, XiaMo, like Zhen En, worked part time. To let Xiao Chengstudy and recuperate in peace, Xia Mo forbade him tohelp out. More importantly, Xia Mo never acted likesnobbish and was rather down to earth. Gradually, sheand Xia Mo became good friends.As to the Young Master’s disappearance, Zhen En had

heard all kinds of rumors; some were too bizarre to betrue, while others were just terrifying. Every time she



tried to get the truth from Xia Mo, the latter wouldmerely smile as softly as the windswept clouds. Overtime, Zhen En accepted the situation as a foreverunsolved mystery.Xia Mo was carrying the tray back when she saw Zhenstaring at the TV as if in a trance. Xia Mo couldn’t helpbut smiled at her friend’s transfixed state.“Is there something interesting on TV?”

“Look…” Zhen En pointed at the televisionXia Mo followed her finger to see a broadcast varietyshow. The host was interviewing Yao Shu Er, who waslooking fresh in her green chiffon dress. She smiledsweetly at the camera and showed off her latest dance.“It’s a live show. Her leg had just been injured; it shouldstill hurt really badly. How could she still dance?” ZhenEn asked, surprised“Being a star is very hard.” Xia Mo put the tray back inits place, “There’s no easy job in this world. Though itmay look glamorous on the outside, who knows whatkind of pain and suffering occurred beneath.”“But stars make tons of money.”“Really?”Xia Mo picked up the mop and started mopping thefloor, “There were a lot of customers today so the floorgets dirty really fast. We should clean up now whenthere are not that many people.”“I’ve worked in a jewelry shop before. The price of thisbracelet would at least be in the ten thousandth.” ZhenEn gently twirled Shu Er’s bracelet between her fingers,“We worked to death in this bakery but our salary forthe whole year could not even afford this bracelet. If only we can enter the entertainment industry, howgreat would that be?”“How can it be so easy?”Xia Mo chatted with Zhen En while carefully clean every

inch of the floor.“Hey, didn’t five years ago you participated in a show…



oh, what’s it called…that’s right, “Superstar!” Iremember that you guys took first place for severalrounds. The whole school went wild because of it! XiaMo, why don’t you go into showbiz? Someone mightremember you.”“A star that appeared one year ago can be forgotten ina blink of an eye, let alone five years. Beside, that waswhen I was still a kid.” Xia Mo said quietly. Yes, she stillremembers those days. The days that passed sohappily that it was like a dream. Unfortunately, theysoon vanished like smoke.“Oh, that’s true.” Zhen En sighed regretfully, “Oh, well.At least summer break is almost here. We won’t beworking in the bakery then. We can find some other

job. Have you thought about what might be suitable forus?”“A western restaurant? Amusement park? Tutoring?Sales clerk? ...The pays are almost the same.” All notenough. Xia Mo turned to look at Xiao Cheng just as hehappened to glance up and look at her. His mouthstretched into a bright smile. Xiao Cheng will be takingthe college entrance exam this year, tuition and artfees will be very high, not to mention living expenses.Xia Mo had thought that she must take advantage of this summer to earn enough money.“A few days ago, I saw an entertainment companylooking for assistants; the salary was quite high. Ialready applied for the both of us.” Zhen En ferventlyprayed, “Let us be lucky, let us be lucky.”Luck…

Xia Mo stood up, dazed. The store’s floor has become crystal clean; the tilesshined in the soft light of the evening sun. The air wasfilled with the enticing aroma of cake. Xia Mo wiped thesweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. Luck,

if God can once again bring luck to her, she will fighther hardest to keep it.



___________ The next day.“It’s you?!” Zhen En exclaimed, surprised.“You guys…how come…?”

Yao Shu Er sat in the corner of the recording studiolooking dazedly from Xia Mo to Zhen En.Zhen En stared at Shu Er, stunned. No wonder theprocess of getting the assistant jobs was easy beyondimagination. She had only applied three days ago andyet had already received a phone call asking for aninterview. The hiring manager didn’t even say muchwhen she saw the two of them. She merely sent themover here, saying that they want the stars to interactwith them and choose the one to their liking. Zhen Ensighed, and here she was, thinking that luck has finallycome their way and the money earned from thissummer will be abundant.But, in reality, they were applying to be Yao Shu Er’sassistants.Zhen En’s heart dropped. She does not like this feeling.

They were obviously classmates; how can the two of them follow her around just like servants? This wasexactly like when her father was sent by the YoungMaster to be Xia Mo’s chauffeur. She had spent somany years trying to get rid of that uncomfortablefeeling of inferiority.“What’s the matter? Do you know each other?” Jamasked Shu Er, apparently forgotten meeting them justyesterday.“They’re…my classmates…” Shu Er answeredmiserably

Jam flipped through the pages of their information, “Oh,that’s right. They knew that you are from the sameschool. The company thought that it would make itmore convenient for them to take care of you, though

we didn’t expect you to be classmates. But what’swrong with being classmates? Are their characters



bad?”“No!” Shu Er blushed, quickly shaking her head, “I justthink…”“Aren’t there any other artist that needs assistants?”Zhen En disappointedly asked, “Shu Er and we are inthe same class. It’s doesn’t look good if we have tofollow and take care of her every day. Uncle, pleasearrange for us to be another artist’s assistants. We’ll bereally diligent and careful. Uncle, please…”Xia Mo stayed silent.She saw that the wound on Shu Er’s knee was slightlyswelling, with some kind of yellow pus emerging. ShuEr sat, cowering, in the corner of the studio, her facepale. Compared to the other female stars that werepassing by, she seemed lacking nourishment, like a dollthat has been forgotten for many years.“Truthfully, the assistants were meant for Wei An.” Jamsaid reluctantly, “But Shu Er got injured yesterday,making it hard for her to even walk. Therefore wedecided that she also needs assistants.”“Wei An!”Zhen En’s eyes lit up; she knew Wei An. Wei An was notonly the hottest singer right now but had also starred inseveral movies. Wei An looked gorgeous, sangbeautifully, and was known as the most popular risingstar.“Please let me be Wei An’s assistant!” Zhen Enexcitedly shouted. She grabbed Jam’s arm and shook it,“I love Wei An! I have bought every single album of hers!”“Wei An, listen. It looks like one of your fans has caughtup with you here.”Sounds of footsteps were coming closer and closer tothe studio. A tall girl entered the room with six to sevenpeople surrounding her. She was wearing a black

harness dress that barely covered her bottom,accentuating her long legs. She held a make-up



compact in hand, powdering her nose as she walked,her high heels creating a beat to the rhythm of hersteps. Beside her, there were people holding drinks,carrying clothes, and hauling cosmetic cases.

The girl closed the compact haughtily.Her eyes swept the room and landed on Shu Er. Shesuddenly stopped walking, her mouth stretched into acontemptuous smile. Leaving the people surroundingher, she walked toward Shu Er and Jam.“Who are they?”Wei An carelessly glanced at Xia Mo and Zhen En.“They were chosen by the company to be the newtemporary assistants. Shu Er’s leg was injured, makingit inconvenient for her…” Jam explained, lookingnatural and smiling broadly.“They’re not to be my assistants? I have said a longtime ago that, since Betty was hospitalized, there wasno one else to help, making it very hard for me. Howcome they became Shu Er’s assistants? Have y’allmade a mistake?”“Yes, yes. But Shu Er’s leg got injured…”Wei An sneered and interrupted him, “If I remembercorrectly, my contract expires next year. If companyfeels that Yao Shu Er is more important than me,then…”“I did not mean that.” Jam anxiously said, sweating. Helooked at the angry face of Wei An, then at Shu Erhuddling in the corner, and said, “It’s fine. There aretwo people, one for each of you. Wei An, why don’t youchoose first?”Wei An smiled.She glanced down at Shu Er, “Then I shall choose.Since you haven’t got that many jobs nowadays, itreally doesn’t matter if you and your assistant do notget along.”

Yao Shu Er bowed her head in silence.Zhen En suddenly felt embarrassed. Truthfully, she



really wanted to be Wei An’s assistant. For one, ZhenEn loved Wei An’s music and two, she felt that being anassistant for her classmate will be really strange.However, Wei An doesn’t seemed like a very friendlyperson and Shu Er’s injury was obviously caused byZhen En. She scratched her head, conflicted, andpeeked at Xia Mo, hoping she can come up with a goodsolution.Xia Mo knelt down and gently pulled Shu Er’s dress upto her knee, careful not to let it touch the wound.“Did you take a bath yesterday?” she asked quietly“…Uh, yes,” Shu Er answered, surprised“The wound cannot get wet. If you must bathe, thenyou have to dry it immediately after and then applydisinfectant.” Xia Mo frowned slightly, “After you’redone recording, I’ll go with you to the hospital. If thewound does get infected then it will take a long time torecover.”“Thank you.” Tears gathered in Shu Er’s eyes.“What’s your name?”Wei An stared straight at Xia Mo. This girl, her eyeswere as bright as the sun shining onto the sea,containing some deep emotions that are hidingbeneath a faint white mist. Her hair was slightly curledand thick as seaweed, her skin like ivory, her faceclever. In the entertainment circle, Wei An was alreadyused to pretty faces, but, in front of this beauty, shewas still taken back.“Yi Xia Mo.”“Yi Xia Mo?” The name was a little strange and feltweird in her mouth. Wei An continued observing her fora while, then said, “Yi Xia Mo, do you want to be myassistant or Yao Shu Er’s?”“What kind of jobs will you need your assistant to do?”“To help me pick out my clothes every day, do some

simple make-up, and other miscellaneous tasks,” WeiAn answered, “Why?”



“Zhen En used to work in bridal shop. She’s reallysuitable to be your assistant.” Xia Mo replied, smiling.“Yes! I even know how to do many different hairstyles!”Zhen En said happilyAt this time, Jam’s phone rang and he hurriedly pickedup, “What…I know…OK,OK, I’ll be there right away…Let him select the girls first…wait for me to get therebefore you begin the interview…”After he hang up, Jam pointed to Zhen En, “You, be WeiAn’s assistant first. The trial time is a week. Wei An, if she’s not good, tell the company, they will help youpick out a better assistant.” Jam looked over at Xia Mo,“As for you, help out Shu Er. She has a recording todayuntil 8:00. After she’s done, go with her to the hospital;be sure to take extra care of her leg. Let’s arrange itthis way for the time being. I have to go first. If youneed something then call me, bye!”

Jam hurried away.Zhen En happily winked at Xia Mo. Standing before WeiAn, she tried to restrain her excitement and extendedher hand.“My name is Jiang Zhen En. I really, really like yoursongs. I will do my best as your assistant. If I dosomething wrong, then please tell me. I will definitelycorrect it!”“Hmm.”Wei An, not seeming to see Zhen En’s extending hand,merely grunted, her sharp eyes still on Xia Mo.“You’ll be sorry.” She coldly saidXia Mo smiled faintly. She went to the water cooler andgot Shu Er a cup of warm water. Wei An turned, fuming,her heels creating a “tap, tap, tap” as she left. Zhen Enshot Xia Mo a victory sign but quickly followed Wei An,not wanting to get left behind.

The recording studio suddenly became a lot quieter.

“I’m sorry…” Yao Shu Er quietly apologized.Xia Mo placed the cup of water in Shu Er’s hand, smiled



and said, “Drink some water. Your voice will soundbetter when recording later.”“Wei An does not like me because…” Shu Er paused,her eyes red, “I’m sorry. I let her anger spread on toyou.”Xia Mo shook her head, “No, you think too much. Look,the director is calling you. Let me help you, careful…”For the rest of the time, Xia Mo sat quietly in thecorner, watching Shu Er dance and sing on stage, as if her knee injury was forgotten. An hour later, the showwas done recording. After taking Shu Er to the doctorthen sending her home, it was already 10 o’clock.

Yi Cheng was sitting in the living room sofa, readingand waiting for her.Seeing that Xia Mo was back, he went into the kitchenand brought out a tray full of food. He stayed to watchher eat and wash the dishes before returning to hisroom. Xia Mo leaned back on the small sofa, staring atthe ceiling in daze. After a while, she took a deepbreath and began to take out her study materials,preparing to study for the final exam.

___________ Under Xia Mo’s care, Shu Er’s knee healed quickly. With

just a little more than a week’s time, the old woundscab had fallen off, exposing the newly grown pink skin.Because she was Shu Er’s assistant, Xia Mo would meether after class and go with her to the recording studio;as the two interacted more with each other, theygradually became closer.Zhen En was a little jealous.Since the two of them have become artists’ assistantsand resigned from the bakery, their only opportunity tomeet was in class. However, Xia Mo was always veryfocused, listening intently and taking notes, tellingZhen En not to bother her. Zhen En really felt pitiful.

The only time the two of them had to chat was thosefew minutes between classes. However, those few



precious minutes were also stolen by Yao Shu Er.Sometimes, she would look like she had a cold, othertimes a sore throat, being all fragile and making Xia Mofuss over her worriedly.How could someone be so delicate?Zhen En thought, displeased.Being an assistant was very different from what ZhenEn had imagined. When they’re busy, she would alwaysbe running; running to get drinks, running to bringclothes, running to get the make-up bags, running toget the umbrella to block the sun rays, running to findthe phone to order lunch boxes. She really wished shecould grow eight arms and eight legs to be able to dothe tasks faster. But when they’re not busy, therewould be absolutely nothing to do. She just sat andwatched Wei An sings or records shows for hours. ZhenEn would be bored to death and she could not doanything else except wait for Wei An to signal for her.It was just so dull.In comparison, Zhen En would rather be running todeath than to sit rotting in a corner.But today was really lucky indeed. Wei An and Yao ShuEr were to participate in a variety show together, givingZhen En an opportunity to chat with Xia Mo.“There is only a week until the final exam. I really don’tknow what to do. I just don’t have time to review thematerials.” Zhen En said, frustrated“The topic for Economy and Trade is very simple.

Tomorrow, at school, I’ll give you my sorted notes. If you don’t have enough time, then just read thehighlighted parts. Those are the parts that are onalmost every past exam. But for Statistics, you’re goingto have to put in a bit more effort. The questions aredifficult to interpret, not to mention that the answerscan vary depending on the way of calculation, so just

reviewing book materials is not enough.” Xia Mo sawthat Wei An had already finished recording and was



talking with Jam, seemingly introducing the tall girlstanding next to her. “Do you need to go? Wei An isalready over there.”Zhen En looked, “Wei An is recommending her cousinagain. Me going over is just going to bother them.”“Cousin?”“Yes, I heard that Jam is in charge of selecting the newartists for the company. There are already several girlsselected, but none are especially outstanding. A lot of current stars are recommending their friends andfamily to Jam, as not to let the opportunities go tooutsiders. I have met Wei An’s cousin several times.She seems very good, very unique. If she does get inthe company, her chances of becoming famous aregreat.” Zhen En turned to look at Xia Mo, “Truthfully, Ithink you’re even more beautiful than she is. If someone would recommend you, then maybe you’llbecome the hottest star yet.”Xia Mo laughed, “I can’t sing.”“What do you mean? You had even participated in“Superstar” before!” exclaimed Zhen En. After a while,she continued, “Did you know? Wei An is completelydifferent without makeup, and Shu Er is not even thatbeautiful. But you, you don’t even have to put on anymakeup in order to shine.” Suddenly her eyes poppedwide open.

Yao Shu Er had also finished recording and came out.As she passed, Wei An, whether intentionally or not,

shifted her shoulder, bumping it into Shu Er, causingher to fall.Zhen En and Xia Mo looked at each other in surprise.Xia Mo bit her lip.

The two of them shot up as Xia Mo ran over. Luckily,Shu Er was not injured. She sat on the ground in shock,staring blankly at Wei An, looking as if she was about to

cry. Xia Mo hurriedly helped Shu Er up, handed her atowel to clean the dirt on her left arm, and worriedly



ask if she was hurt anywhere. Shu Er’s whole bodytrembled, as, drop by drop, her tears fell to the ground.

Jam rubbed his face impatiently. Zhen En stood behindWei An, stunned, unable to say a word. On the otherhand, Wei An’s cousin knelt down to pick up Shu Er’sbag from the ground and, feeling sorry, handed it to XiaMo.“I’m sorry. Just now…”

The girl was slim, about 174cm tall, her hair thin andshort. Even with no make-up on, her face was still freshand bright, though a bit like a boy.“Yao Shu Er!” Wei An shouted, making everyone there

jumped in surprise and glanced over.Zhen En, embarrassed, wanted to grab Wei An back butWei An ignored her and step forward, her eyes wideand furious. She stared intently into the tearful eyes of

Yao Shu Er.“I’m warning you! My patience is limited! Damn it! If you keep making me mad, then I would have to see, inthis industry, are you going to disappear or am I goingto be finished!”

The people witnessing this turned to look at each other,trying to understand why Wei An was yelling crazilywhen she was the one that knocked Shu Er down.

Yao Shu Er stood shaking with her eyes closed. Tears run down her pale cheek like a river.Xia Mo hugged Shu Er’s shoulder, feeling the weight of Shu Er’s entire body leaning against her. Shu Er’s skinwas ice cold, shivering rapidly like a wounded bird. XiaMo took a deep breath, slowly covering up the feelingsin her eyes.She looked at Wei An, “Please do not be so loud. Shu Erhad just fallen down.”“She fell down?! You mean to say I hit her?! I standhere so clearly, how could I have hit her?!” The more

Wei An talked, the angrier she become, the louder hervoice got, “I really don’t understand?! There is so



much space here for her to walk but why must shecrowd over to my side?! Yao Shu Er, if you keep playinggames, I’m going to make sure that there will be nomore jobs for you!”“Jie, stop.” The cousin tried to calm Wei An down whilesmiling apologetically at Shu Er and Xia Mo.“Ok, Ok.” Jam’s patience had ran out as he sincerelywished Wei An would shut up.“I’m sorry…” Shu Er said, trembling. She huddled in XiaMo’s arms as tears continued to silently fall down hercheeks, “Wei An…Wei An did not hit me…I wasn’tcareful…I…I did not mean to crowd over to Wei An…it’s

just…I was looking for Jam…to discuss some things…”“Ha!” Wei An sneered, “You have something to say to

Jam? Can’t it be said on the phone? Can’t it be saidanother time? You just had to come over when I’mtalking?! You really think I don’t know what yourintentions are?!”“Alright. Shu Er, what do you want? Speak.” Jam’s headached severely, longing to sew Wei An’s mouth shut.Luckily there were no reporters in the crowd. If not,tomorrow’s headlines would definitely spell outdisaster.Wei An stared at Shu Er coldly, as if she was waiting tosee what kind of rubbish the latter was going to say.“I heard that there’s a selection for new artists…I…Ithink Xia Mo would be suitable… It looked like Wei Anwas also recommending someone…so I thought sinceit’s the same topic…I wanted to talk to Jam too…”Shu Er’s face was pale, her words disconnected.Zhen En’s mouth dropped in surprised. Wei An was alsostunned, her eyes narrowing to look at Shu Er. Xia Molooked up, startled. Shu Er turned, meeting Xia Mo’seyes with her own. She looked pitiful and apologetic, asif she was sorry for involving Xia Mo.

Jam massaged his temple, his head aching, “You justneed to take care of yourself. You don’t need to worry



about the company’s intention to select new artists.”“But, isn’t Wei An’s cousin…” Shu Er asked quietly“She…” Jam coughed dryly, and shot a glance at thegirl mentioned, “She firstly has to participate in thecompany’s training. The decision will then be based onher performance. Nothing is for sure yet.”“Then can you give Xia Mo a chance?” Shu Er’s voicewas timid, but insisting.“Well…” Jam began coughing“I believe that Xia Mo will be very good. As long as yougive her the opportunity, she will definitely not let youdown.” Shu Er softly pleaded“Yes! Xia Mo had participated in the show, “Superstar,”before and had continuously won first place. A lot of themedia had come looking for Xia Mo then, but she wastoo concerned about her education, or else, now, shewould be…” Zhen En could not help excitedlyinterrupting, not noticing that Xia Mo was signalling herto be quiet, too eager to aid.“On her own effort?!” Wei An glared at Zhen En, thenturned to looked at Xia Mo with disdain.“You want to be a singer? Want to record an album?Want to enter the entertainment industry? What rightdo you have? Based on that face of yours? This circlehas plenty of girls prettier than you are. How many of them failed to climb up, only to sit in a corner, crying.What right do you have to try to squeeze in? You evenhad the gall to get Yao Shu Er to recommend you? Ha!She can barely help herself. What strength does shehave to recommend you?”Xia Mo calmly looked at her and said, “I am merely ShuEr’s assistant.”“Assistant? I’m afraid you’re just using Yao Shu Er asyour springboard! I have seen many people like you inthis circle.”

“Yes, I am a springboard,” Shu Er’s lips were pale butshe turned to look at Wei An determinedly, “That year,



you used me to jump up and now, you are a bright star.Since I’m willing to be a springboard, I’m notcomplaining so why are you? Xia Mo is my assistant,my classmate, and my friend. You can recommend yourcousin. Why can’t I recommend Xia Mo?”“Willing? What have you done-” Wei An yelled furiously,loud enough that everyone in the studio could hearevery word clearly.“All of you shut up!” Jam shouted angrily, his veinlooking like it’s about to burst“You and you,” he pointed to Xia Mo and Wei An’scousin, “3 o’clock tomorrow, go to the company to starttraining. Wei An, Shu Er, please know your own status!”Finished, Jam walked stiffly away.Shu Er and Wei An had rarely seen Jam so angry before,and could do nothing but to stare blankly after him. XiaMo was also bewildered. Only Zhen En was shaking in

joy, wishing she could jump up and cheered. How greatis this?! Xia Mo was going to be a star!

___________ That night.In the open food stall on the street.“Pow!”Opening a can of beer, Zhen En excitedly forced it intoXia Mo’s hands, and loudly said, “Congratulations onentering the entertainment industry! Do well!”Xia Mo gently put the beer down.“I do not wish to enter it.”“Why?!” Zhen En exclaimed in surprise“The entertainment world is too complicated, I may notbe able to adapt.” Xia Mo answered, “Even if I am ableto adapt, that kind of life is not likely to be a happyone.”“…That’s true. Look at Wei An and Shu Er. I can’tunderstand why they are like oil and water. Reading

past magazines, the entertainment world is reallyscary.” Zhen En scratched her head, “But, it does emit



such bright and dazzling lights. After all, why would somany people try to get in?”Xia Mo took a sip of beer.“And, don’t you need a lot of money? Your tuition fees,Xiao Chen’s tuition fees, not to mention his medicalexpenses…” Zhen En looked at her seriously, “Being astar is the fastest way to earn the most money.”Xia Mo’s hand tightened on the can of beer, her eyesgradually dimmed as her smile turned bittersweet.After a long silence.She took a deep breath and looked up, her eyes brightas stars.“Thank you, Zhen En.”“Huh?”“It’s a shame. Being in school for so long had actuallymade me timid. You’re right. I have to earn enoughmoney.” Xia Mo raised her beer can and finished in oneshot, her cheeks slowly turning red like a descendingsummer sun.“Let celebrate the opportunity to enter theentertainment world! I will do my best!”“Go, go!”

The two girls shouted at the top of their lungs.“I will definitely be successful!”“You will win!”“To become popular in all of Asia!”“To become a superstar, a super superstar!”

There were only a few side dishes on the round table,the two girls continued to laugh together as the otherguests hurried away, the stall owner continuouslythrowing worried looks at them. With the starstwinkling in the night sky, Xia Mo drank a total of fivecans of beer. She went home drunk, and spent all nightvomiting. Yi Cheng also spent the whole night takingcare of her, unable to sleep.

The next morning at Sun Entertainment Company,there was no signs of drunkenness on Xia Mo. The



receptionist sent her to the conference room on thethird floor of the East side. Seeing that there were toomany people waiting for the elevator, Xia Mo took thestairs.

The staircase was made of black marble, with mosaicflowers decorating each step. The dark woodenhandrail was lined with gold, revealing a gorgeousextravagance. The conference room’s door was alsoblack, with the company’s logo embedded in gold in themiddle.Xia Mo knocked on the door.Hearing no response, she pushed the door opened andwent in. Inside were three girls. One was very cute,with a face like a doll. Another was glamorous thoughlooked a bit cold. The last one’s beauty was nothingextraordinary but was very voluptuous. They weretalking and laughing with each other when Xia Mowalked in. Seeing Xia Mo, all three were a bit surprisedbut immediately, all of their eyes changed, looking verystrange. They observed her coldly then went back totalking.Xia Mo felt awkward standing there.“Is this where the trainees are supposed to meet?” sheaskedNo one answered.

The three girls completely ignored her, as if she wasmerely air.

There was a large oval table in the middle of theconference room. The three girls were sitting on the leftside; Xia Mo sat on the right, facing them.She smiled at them.

The doll faced girl looked surprised then hesitatinglysmiled back, a bit embarrassed. The other two girlsglared at her and she quickly looked away, her smile allbut gone.

At this time, the conference room’s door opened onceagain. Wei An’s cousin from yesterday walked in. She



was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, looking morelike a handsome boy than ever.

The three girls stared at her just as coldly.Xia Mo, however, gave a shy smile.“Hello, I’m Pan Nan.”She sat down beside Xia Mo and extended her righthand.“I’m Yi Xia Mo.”

The two shook hands.“Ah, how great is this? The people who got in due totheir hard work and talent sit on one side while thepeople who got in due to connections sit on the other.”

The sound of sarcastic mockery rang across the room.Before anyone could respond, the door was pushedopen for the third time.

The five girls quickly stood up.A total of three people came in. Jam was on the right, ablonde-haired man on the left, and in the middle was aman about 30 years old, looking a bit feminine, wearinga rose shaped ruby ring on his finger, and was wavinghis hand in the air.“I am Cai Ni, the company’s publicity manager, incharge of the entire selection of new artists. This is

Jam; he’s the company’s best agent. This is Alan; hewill be responsible for your training. These comingdays, you five will be training together. By the way,have all you become familiar with each other yet?”

The five girls remained silent.Cai Ni looked at them in surprised, “As artists, you musthave the ability to comprehend each new situation andadapt quickly! Alan!”“I will teach them.” The blonde male noddedCai Ni calmly continued, “There are a total of five of you that are selected for this training. The company isvery optimistic about all of you and value each of you

equally. We will invite the best teachers to teach yousinging, dancing, etiquette, etc. Everyone have to try



their hardest! At the end of the training, the companywill select the best two to officially debut. The rest willhave to wait for future opportunities.”

The atmosphere in the room became strangely silent. The three girls on the left looked at each other then, atthe same time, turned to look at Xia Mo and Pan Nanopposite of them. Only two will be able to release analbum. The three of them got this far using their ownability. Why must they be put together with these two,who only managed to squeeze in due to connections? Itwas truly unfair.“Next, I have some good news to tell you!” The rubyring emitted a brilliant light that was dancing in the airas Cai Ni waved his hand, pretending to be mysterious,“When the time comes for you to release your album,in order to increase its popularity, the companydeliberately invited the hottest star to support you.

That star will sing a duet song with one of you for thealbum.”“Who?” the voluptuous girl couldn’t help but ask“Can it be…” The doll faced girl trailed off, thinking itwas impossible.“Is it Wei An? Yu Jing Yi? Yao Shu Er?…” The glamorousgirl asked, leaning on the edge of her chairPan Nan smiled.Xia Mo had been busy studying and working and,therefore, was not too familiar with all the stars. Theirworld was too far away from hers.Cai Ni, proudly shaking his finger, announced, “It’s LuoXi!”“AH!”“AH!!!”“AH!!!!!!!”3 different screams!Earth shattering!

The conference room ceiling was nearly blown off! The three girls rapturously hugged each other. Luo Xi,



Luo Xi! God, it turned out to be Luo Xi. They didn’t dareto think of Luo Xi! Luo Xi was every girl’s ultimatefantasy. Every young girl can die happily screaming hisname. Luo Xi was a myth, a legend. All the stars of theentertainment world combined could not compare tothe light of just one of Luo Xi’s smile.

Jam and Alan were no less surprised. Jam turned to CaiNi, asking about the situation in a low voice. For thelast two years, Luo Xi was the hottest star around, kingof the entertainment world. Countless producers,directors, advertisers, variety shows, and reporterschased after him. It was rumored that even when hewent to the bathroom, he still has to answer a dozenphone calls. The jobs that he turned down in a day aremore than the jobs other stars received in a month. Thecompany had thought of Luo Xi to help out with thepromotions but his assistant had politely refused. Sothey had decided on Wei An.Cai Ni shrugged. He, himself, doesn’t really knoweither. Last night, he faxed the list of the trainees toLuo Xi as one last attempt. Who would have thoughtthat, this morning, he would receive a call from Luo Xi’sassistant, saying that Luo Xi had promised to help?

Jam and Alan stared at each other, wide-eyed.Amazing!Cai Ni waved his arms, waiting until the girls’ screamsand excited cheers were suppressed.He said with satisfaction, “This is a great and rareopportunity. As long as your name appeared next toLuo Xi’s, you will definitely attract the fans’ attentions.

Therefore, make sure to gather your energy and grabhold of this chance!”Pan Nan looked very calm.

The other three girls were excited to the point of tears.At this moment, they didn’t even want to guess who’s

going to be singing with Luo Xi. Just being able to seeLuo Xi with their own eyes will be enough to make them



happy!Luo Xi…Xia Mo sat in the Sun Entertainment Companyconference, trembling, her heart tightening.Five years time.So many memories had already been put away,gradually dispersing.

Though Luo Xi’s face can be seen on posterseverywhere, though he was so popular that every kidand adult knew him, though he would often appear on

TV and magazines; Xia Mo had thought, had vowed,that she will never appear in front of him again, that hislife and hers will no longer intersect.

Documents

Summers Desire Ch5