[Chapter 405: Li Bingbing's Move]
Not long after Xu Jinglei left, Li Bingbing knocked and came in.
Compared to Xu Jinglei, Li Bingbing had experienced life's hardships even earlier. Although she inherited her parents' excellent genes -- skilled in singing, dancing, and playing various instruments -- her academic performance was just average. In those days, whether teachers or parents, no one accepted such a serious imbalance in schoolwork. Because of this, her parents favored her sister, who had better grades, which shaped Li Bingbing into a quiet, introverted girl, even a bit insecure.
At 16, after graduating middle school, she didn't choose to continue to high school; instead, she took the entrance exam for the Jixi Normal School. Unexpectedly, because of her talents on piano and accordion, and her singing and dancing skills, she shone brightly at the school. She received unanimous recognition and warmth from both teachers and classmates, which rekindled her strong confidence.
In 1992, right after graduation, Li Bingbing was assigned as a music teacher at an elementary school in Harbin. Due to her outstanding musical and performance talents, she was recommended to perform at the Jixi Spring Festival Gala that same year. There, she met many veterans of film and TV, opening her eyes to a broader sky and bigger stage.
She soon decided to pick up her studies again and prepared intensively for the college entrance exam, successfully getting admitted to the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
However, fate was cruel. Just as she received her self-funded acceptance notice, her mother suffered a sudden heart attack. The surgery alone cost 30,000 yuan. For a family that earned less than 300 yuan a month, this wiped out all their savings and plunged them into heavy debt.
Strong-willed, she refused to bow to fate. During college, she worked every spare moment singing, acting, and filming to earn money to cover her mother's expensive medical bills and the debt, becoming the family's main support.
In May, she saw contacted by an agency associated with Lin Hao. Although working as a server wasn't aligned with her dreams, the $10,000 annual salary was too tempting, so she went for it. She passed through multiple rounds of selection and made it to the final list.
Unexpectedly, that morning, Linton's vision of the film industry opened new doors for her. According to him, acting in China could earn good money moving forward; while it might not match the level of Vivian Chow, it wouldn't be less than $10,000 a year. Besides, acting had always been her dream.
If she really became a star and gained even half Vivian Chow's popularity, the thrill of being in the spotlight would be indescribable. Moreover, Linton promised a $2,000 subsidy for those who dropped out, which would greatly ease her family's financial pressure.
Most importantly, Linton promised that those who performed exceptionally well could get opportunities to shoot movies in Hollywood.
Having spent two years at the Shanghai Theatre Academy and taking part in the TV series Yilu Denghou, she deeply understood the brutal nature of the entertainment world and the importance of opportunities.
Besides, the past two years of college life had been two years of constant hustling. To earn money, she had even performed as a resident singer in bars, experiencing all kinds of human warmth and coldness.
Knowing Linton had gone this far for her, she felt he had done his utmost. Expecting him to remember her and cast her in a Hollywood movie in a few years based on just a brief encounter now was nothing but wishful thinking.
Not to mention, in a year or so, Linton might completely forget about her.
After much hesitation, she finally made the same choice as Xu Jinglei.
Besides, giving her first time to a super handsome man like Linton wasn't a loss. Even if nothing came of it, it would still be a beautiful memory.
After entering the meeting room, she carefully closed and locked the door from the inside.
---
Today, Li Bingbing wore a black, figure-hugging dress paired with white high-heeled sandals, accentuating her slender figure.
Her fair, delicate oval face, finely contoured features, large almond-shaped eyes, and shoulder-length black hair gave her a youthful, sweet charm -- an image of pure innocence.
Though she still had some way to go compared to top beauties, she outshone Xu Jinglei.
After Xu Jinglei's departure, Linton probably realized that although China was still conservative in 1995, the entertainment industry was a different story. For girls already stepping into showbiz, Hollywood was an irresistible lure, capable of breaking through any barriers and prompting behaviors they wouldn't normally dare to try.
"Li Bingbing, hello. Do you have any questions?" Linton asked.
"Mr. Anderson, I'd like to perform for you privately so you can understand me better and give me some guidance. Would that be okay?"
"Sure, go ahead."
Li Bingbing pulled a tape from her bag and put it into the player, but it was actually Linton's song That's the Way Love Goes playing without vocals.
As the music started, Li Bingbing began to strip off her dress, revealing sexy black lingerie underneath.
Then, she sang along and danced a sensuous, energetic routine.
Not bad -- her singing was decent. Though not as polished as a professional, among the actors she was definitely top-notch.
Her dancing was excellent too. Wearing the seductive lingerie, her moves were bold and alluring. At one point, she pulled Linton from his seat, inviting him to join in.
Her talents far surpassed Xu Jinglei's in scope and finesse, successfully stirring Linton's enthusiasm.
At the song's climax, she spun and leaped straight into Linton's arms, grabbing his hands and placing them on her ample chest.
The music stopped abruptly as Li Bingbing clung to Linton and kissed him passionately. Overwhelmed by his strong masculine aura, she soon melted into his embrace like a soft lump of clay.
Before she realized it, the music accompaniment also came to a stop. Li Bingbing gradually caught her breath in Linton's arms but was disappointed that Linton didn't make a move while she was dazed.
Was her appeal not strong enough? No -- the warmth and hardness pressing on her thigh confirmed he was definitely attracted to her. So why no action?
Maybe he wanted her to take the initiative? Thinking this, she reached up and hugged Linton's neck, whispering in his ear, "Darling, can you love me? This is my first time, so please be gentle."
Ah, another first time. Honestly, having such a young, beautiful body writhing inside him, Linton couldn't help but be stirred. But considering Li Bingbing's innocence, her looks not top-tier, and no fan base yet, he held himself back.
But as soon as she said it was her first time, his interest peaked.
"What, this is your first time?"
"Yes, so I hope you'll cherish me and be gentle."
Hearing this, Linton kissed her gently.
"Okay, Bingbing. This is a public place, and it's not the right setting. Besides, a first time should be special. I'm busy today, so come to my room at the hotel tomorrow night. I promise to give you a wonderful memory. No, you should come tomorrow afternoon. Call me before you arrive. I'm busy but I can send my assistant to take you shopping. You can spend up to $1,000 -- anything you want."
"Really? Do you like me?"
"Of course. You're young and beautiful. How could I not?"
"Great, Linton, you're so handsome, I like you so much."
"Thanks, but I need to be clear -- I'm not looking for a relationship." Though interested, he had to set boundaries.
"I don't mind, as long as you remember me."
"You should get up now and put your clothes back on. This is a public place, and someone might knock on the door."
"Don't you have bodyguards outside?"
"If we spend too long, it'll harm your reputation."
"Okay, I'll listen to you." Li Bingbing obediently got up and dressed.
After tidying herself, thinking about other girls who might come later to ask questions, she knew she shouldn't stay too long here.
She gave Linton a quick kiss.
"Darling, I'm off now. See you tomorrow night..."
*****
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