Chapter 16: Who Is Your Disciple

Mo Qi turned her head to look at Shen Yijue. His face remained utterly impassive, yet no one would doubt the truth of his words.

Mo Qi couldn’t help but complain inwardly. Nonsense! I’m only temporarily yours as a bed partner—when did I ever become your apprentice?

To be Shen Yijue’s apprentice was the wildest dream of countless aspiring actors, a dream so unattainable that few dared speak it aloud. Yet, what others wouldn’t even dare to wish for had somehow become Mo Qi’s reality.

Mo Qi, Shen the King’s apprentice? That wasn’t just saving the galaxy—it was saving the entire universe.

Several people in the classroom cast Mo Qi envious glances. Lin Zheng surreptitiously gave her a thumbs-up.

Girl, you’re amazing!

Mo Qi felt wronged, unable to explain, and frustrated, unable to vent. To have Shen the King’s guidance in acting was, of course, a great opportunity—but that was before.

Now, Mo Qi wanted nothing more than to defeat him. How could she let herself be led by the nose?

“A wise student learns from many teachers.” Mo Qi smiled, turning to He Long. “After the competition, I’ll be counting on you to help me find a mentor at school.”

Shen Yijue cast her a cool glance but made no move to object.

Seeing that, He Long smiled, patting Mo Qi on the shoulder. “Good. Here’s my number, write it down. Remember to contact me when you’re back at school.”

Only then did He Long turn to Shen Yijue. “Mr. Shen, your sudden visit—was there something you needed?”

Shen Yijue nodded. “I need to speak with Mo Qi for a moment. I hope I’m not interrupting your class?”

“Not at all.” He Long glanced at Mo Qi, then said, “Mo Qi is a talented child. Her ability will let her shine on her future path. Since you’re her master, I hope you’ll fulfill your duty and guide her well.”

Though He Long’s words were circumspect, most people present understood his meaning. He was standing up for Mo Qi, hoping Shen Yijue wouldn’t use improper means to pressure her.

Mo Qi hadn’t expected He Long to risk offending Shen Yijue to protect her. Her smile gained an extra layer of genuine warmth.

Even if Teacher He was a stubborn old scholar, he was a lovable one.

He Long had taught many students, some of whom were now famous stars. He knew enough about Shen Yijue’s character to say what he did—he simply didn’t want to see a promising seedling ruined by the mess of this industry.

“I’ll remember your advice,” Shen Yijue replied, then strode out of the classroom.

Mo Qi nodded to He Long, made a quick hand gesture to Lin Zheng, and followed after him.

The girls in the classroom craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of Shen Yijue’s retreating figure.

Aside from acting, Shen the King never seemed to smile.

Shen Yijue walked out without pause, heading down the corridor and up the stairs.

Mo Qi followed behind, looking up at his tall, straight silhouette.

“King Shen, is there something you need from me?”

At her words, Shen Yijue stopped and stood silently for a moment before turning to grip Mo Qi’s delicate chin. He leaned down, his gaze intense. “You belong to me now. Understand?”

“I understand.” With her chin pinched, Mo Qi could only lift her head stiffly, blinking twice. “I keep our contract with me at all times—how could I forget?”

Shen Yijue’s eyes narrowed. “I recall making it clear: during both training and the competition, you’re to stay in the apartment.”

“There are evening classes during training—it’s more convenient to stay here.”

“Did you ask the program team yourself, or did they approach you?”

Was Shen the King a fortune-teller? He seemed to know everything.

“I asked them myself!” Though everyone on the production team fawned over Shen the King, Mo Qi had no intention of offending them—or the TV station and entertainment company behind them—without reason.

She was willing to use Shen Yijue’s power for now, but she would never rely on it—let alone become dependent.

“King Shen, I want to compete in ‘Let Dreams Soar’ on my own. Can you stay out of it?”

This wasn’t Mo Qi being reckless or stubborn. She desperately needed this stage to prove herself.

If she couldn’t find the confidence to stand on this stage, to survive in this industry, then no matter how strong her backing, she would never meet her own expectations.

Shen Yijue held her chin in silence, his gaze locked on her unwavering eyes. After a long moment, he released her. “Self-reliance is a good start. I agree. And since you asked, during the competition, I won’t offer you any help.”

He stepped down a stair, drawing closer, his tone cold and lofty. “Consider this your small punishment for defying me.”

Of course, he was a tyrant. His expression had revealed nothing, but he was clearly displeased that she had defied him in front of everyone, asking He Long to find her a mentor.

Mo Qi pouted. “You were never my master to begin with.”

“I’ve already accepted you as my apprentice.”

“That’s monarchist nonsense—forced buying and selling!” Mo Qi blurted out, her true self slipping through.

The moment the words were out, she wanted to bite off her tongue in regret. Why pick a fight with Shen Yijue now? In this industry, of all people, he was the last one she could afford to offend.

“But I like it!” Mo Qi quickly tacked on, hoping it might patch things up, even a little.

She lowered her head, her mind racing. Principles? Until she’d stepped over He Shuai, principles were nothing but dirt beneath her feet.

“King Shen...” She gritted her teeth, about to say something ingratiating, but before she could finish, a cold wind brushed past her—Shen Yijue had already walked away, heading downstairs.

With his long legs and tall frame, his movements seemed elegant, but he moved quickly.

Mo Qi blinked, and his figure had already vanished around the corridor’s corner.

Was he angry?

Would Shen Yijue, in his anger, talk to the producers and have her disqualified?

Mo Qi regretted her impulsiveness.

She was not, by nature, someone who would submit quietly. She lived by: if people don’t cross me, I won’t cross them; if they do, I’ll repay them a hundredfold.

Even being able to suppress her temperament to accommodate Shen Yijue was something she’d never imagined she could do.

But old habits die hard. She’d slipped today and revealed her true nature.

Mo Qi gripped the stair railing. She couldn’t afford to lose her place in the competition. If she couldn’t even debut, how would she ever become famous, or get back at He Shuai?

She clenched her teeth and quickly ran downstairs, heading back to the rehearsal room.

“Mo Qi.”

As she left, He Long told the others to take a break and continue studying their roles.

Mo Qi hurried back and ran into Lin Zheng just outside the classroom.

“Mo Qi, what’s wrong? You don’t look well,” Lin Zheng asked, worried.

Mo Qi ignored her, walked in, grabbed her backpack, and bowed to He Long. “Teacher He, I have something very important to handle and must leave for a while.”

Seeing her pale face, He Long didn’t ask further. “Don’t be late for tonight’s class.”

“Thank you, Teacher He.”

Mo Qi turned and dashed out.

Lin Zheng grabbed her arm, concern in her voice. “Mo Qi, what happened? Is there anything I can do?”

“I’m fine. Just focus on your class.” Before the words were finished, Mo Qi was already gone.

She ran out of the teaching building without stopping, straight for the school gate.

Shen Yijue was just getting into his car when Mo Qi, panting, rushed over and banged on the door.

The window stayed up. Xiao Zhang got out from the driver’s seat, puzzled. “Mo Qi, you’re just in time. I’ve already delivered your daily necessities and clothes to your dorm.”

Mo Qi caught her breath and forced a smile. “Brother Zhang, could you wait outside the car for a moment?”

“Hmm?” Xiao Zhang glanced at the dark tinted rear window, then nodded. “Alright, but say what you need quickly—Brother Shen has another engagement to get to.”

“Thank you.” Mo Qi slipped in from the other side and sat down.

Shen Yijue was holding a stack of papers, his face expressionless.

Mo Qi gritted her teeth, then suddenly leaned over and pressed her lips to his.

How absurd—she had once despised the unspoken rules of the industry, yet now, she found herself willingly giving in, offering herself up to be taken.