One Kiss Less

As Melissa Shen walked into the darkened room, she saw Colin Ling sitting in the chair by the desk with his fingers crossed pensively before his face. There was only a dim lamp shining to the side, which plunged his handsome face into a chiaroscuro effect of half light and shadow. He was like a devil as he leaned forward out of the darkness behind the desk, but he was so charming that it could suffocate anyone watching him. He said, "Come here!"

Melissa Shen walked towards him, and he pulled her into his strong arms. Squinting at her, he said coldly, "You're finally back! I told you that after sleeping with me, other men would never again satisfy you. But you still wanted to leave me. Do you regret that choice now?"

Melissa Shen shivered and gritted her teeth before saying, "Colin, I will never forget how you have treated me, no matter what you do. I will never fall in love with you, even if you try every means at your disposal!"

Colin Ling sneered, "Then give me your body. Your body will always be more honest than your heart. Don't forget that I can make you a popular international movie queen. But, I can also oppress you and keep you by my side like a bird with broken wings. Melissa, everything of you belongs to me, only to me! Thoughts of other men are just delusions!" After saying that, he violently pushed her over the desk, pressed her under him and kissed her fiercely. Then he held her down and gave her another round of impassioned abuse.

His aggression was pervading around the room when their lips and teeth were constantly intertwined. However, he could not get her love by any means!

Five years ago

Neon lights flashed in the nightclub and in the bright flashing red and yellow lights people were dancing with wild abandon to the ear-splitting music. A group of men and women were cavorting wildly on the dance floor. Young people were slumped on the stools at the bar, drinking like old time alcoholics. There were also various couples madly groping each other in the shady corners. This was a world of debauchery and vileness.

Standing at the door, Melissa Shen felt lost. In her short 20 years, she had never thought that the private life of a star could be so messy and jaded. So far, she had managed to avoid such messy entanglements.

The nightclub was called "Heaven Night". It was reported to be elegant and sacred. Who knew what was really happening inside?

Held by Colin Ling, the nightclub was a famous entertainment venue among those in the film and television circle. It was only open to the stars as a venue where they didn't have to hide anything. They took off their public polished masks and showed their primitive desires here, looking crazed and depraved as they engaged in their dark needs.

There was a rumor among the public that the man in the corner, known as the Movie King, was a respectable man who loved his wife and was always responsible for his family–yet here he was! Melissa Shen had never thought that such an elegant man would cheat on his wife and seduced another female star! And to the side was a famous actress, Junia Zhou, who was considered to be innocent and sweet. It was said that she was deeply admired by many young men.

All of these sights shocked Melissa Shen and shattered her illusions. Were all the stars of the world double faced? She thought that this was utterly ridiculous. It was Zack, her agent, who had invited her to a party here. He told her that it was just a normal party, that she would come to meet directors and get acquainted with some people. It was supposed to be some simple social activities for her to broaden her personal connections in the film and television industry. But she had never expected that she would come to such a hedonistic place.

Seeing all this, she began to shrink back. She turned around and said to her agent, "Zack, can I go now? My father doesn't allow me to come such places! He will blame me if he knows!"

Her agent, Zack, giggled and said, "It seems that you really are just a child. You are already 20 years old, but you still listen to your father? Do you know that Junia Zhou has come to this kind of place since she was only 17 years old? How else could she have become so popular? Since you are already here, there is no reason to go back, is there? Come on in. Many directors and investors are waiting to meet you. How can you shoot the movie without seeing them?"

"I don't want to. I'm not desperate for money. Acting is just my hobby, and even if I can't act anymore, I don't want to be in a place like this!" Melissa Shen retorted

Zack at once said coldly, "If you don't go, you'll be breaking our contract, won't you? What did you say when you signed the contract with me? You said you had a dream to be famous and wanted to shoot some movies but now you back off at the first step?"

Melissa Shen had no reply to that. When she had joined the film and television company, those had been her words. Her dream had been very simple and naive at that time. She had only paid attention to acting and hoped to shoot something amazing. Her mother had been a famous dance artist, who had achieved great fame in the industry. Melissa had been greatly influenced by her mother since her early childhood. She had followed a pursuit of art like her mother, but she had never thought that it would require social engagements like nightclubs!

After Zack scolded her, he laughed and comforted her, "Don't worry. I will take care of everything. Besides, not all the people here act like that. Look at the other guests! Aren't there many who come here just to simply relax? Besides, no one will interrupt us when we get into the private room! You can rest assured. I will protect you. After all, I brought you here. When have I ever lied to you? Let's go! Let's go!" Zack pushed her onwards.

Although Melissa Shen was not willing to, she was relieved by his words, and she entered the venue with some trepidation.

They walked around the dance floor and headed towards the room at the other end of the corridor. Along the way, Melissa Shen kept her head down, not daring to look around. She was afraid that her eyes and mind would be stained by something unclean. Likewise, she was unwilling to be caught by her parents for being here.

In fact, her family education had been very strict. Her mother was a dance artist, and her father was a high-ranking official in the G City. She came from a strong background, so she hadn't really pursued fame or money. What she was interested in was only acting. At the beginning, her parents didn't approve of her choice at all when she wanted to be enrolled at the most famous Harvey Film and Television School. Later, she had finally convinced them, but she had been instructed to keep herself away from any ugly or illicit things that tended to be prevalent in the entertainment circle. However, hardly a year after starting her career as a star, she had entered a nightclub. She could hardly image what her parents would do if they knew this. Would her father teach her a lesson in fury? Melissa Shen shuddered at the thought of that punishment.

She didn't know that when she walked towards the corridor with her agent she was being watched. In a private room on the second floor, a man was holding a goblet and tasting a deep red wine by sipping slowly. He stood by the floor to ceiling window and looked at the dance floor below him. His handsome face had a devilish quality, like he came straight from hell. His face was so evil and arrogant that no male star on the dance floor was more beautiful than him!

With an elegant smile hanging at the corners of his mouth, he asked the man behind him, "Who is the girl who just walked into the corridor? Find out for me!"

Quintin Lu, Colin Ling's male secretary, immediately nodded and said, "Yes!" Then Quintin Lu sent someone to investigate. The man returned after a moment and said, "Boss, her name is Melissa Shen. She's starring in the popular ancient costume drama, The Empress Woman. She seems to be a new actress and has not graduated from the Harvey movie academy yet."

"Is she the pure lamb at the company's celebration party? The one even knew nothing about how to serve the superiors wine?"

"Yes!"

Hearing that, Colin Ling suddenly burst into laughter, his face full of schemes. He took a sip of wine and said lazily, "It seems that I've found my most interesting prey this year. I don't know what will happen if a little sheep becomes a seductive woman? Hum, go and see which room she is in. I'm going to meet her!" he said gracefully, issuing an order that had the power to change someone's life!

Melissa followed Zack into the room. As soon as she opened the door and witnessed the scene inside, she felt something was terribly wrong. It was obviously not a place for people to meet over dinner, but a KTV! In this place, there were complicated and licentious relationships happening among the groups of men and women. Everywhere women were busy drinking and offering lewd acts to attract and entertain their guests, and they were openly throwing themselves into the arms of the waiting men.

The men did not resist at all and even showed coquettish smiles as they kissed and hugged those women eagerly. Men with fat bodies and leery grins were hugging those women, and they didn't seem to be satisfied that anyone be left alone.

At first, Melissa thought those women were the so-called "Misses", meaning prostitutes. But she was shocked when she took a closer look at them. There were actually many stars present, though most of them were not very famous, so they were willing to buy their fame at the cost of sacrificing their own bodies. So were these the people Zack had wanted her to meet? The directors, investors, and producers who would help her career?

All of a sudden, Melissa felt very angry and turned around to leave. However, Zack blocked her way out and said, "Alas, where are you going?"

Melissa said coldly, "I want to leave. This is not where I should be. Also, I don't want to buy my acting career by these means!"

Seeing the sullen expression on her face, Zack sneered and said, "What's wrong? Do you think that you will become famous after you played the leading role of that TV play? The idol Eric Chen and the new star Sophia Mi have both become popular among the public due to this play. But you have not. Even if you are lucky enough to enter this circle through your abilities and play the leading role of that play, do you think you are popular? I know you work hard, but so what? Will someone come to look for you to cast you in a film?"

"I don't want to be famous in this way!" Melissa shouted furiously and sharply, which startled everyone in the room. All of them stopped writhing and turned to look at them.

Seeming to be aware of the disruption, the DJ in the room turned off the music. Then, except for the flickering and colorful lights, the room became quiet. A middle-aged man asked, "What's wrong? Zack, are you here with your little star?" When he was speaking, a model leaned over suggestively and lit a cigarette for him.

Zack immediately nodded and bowed with a smile. "Yes, Mr. Liu! Last time you called me to bring 'Ice Hua'. Here she is."

Ice Hua had been Melissa's character of a heroine in her first TV play, The Empress Woman. After staring in the play, she soon earned the title of "Little Fairy" and "Lover in Men's Dreams". She didn't know who Mr. Liu was and why there were so many beautiful women waiting to fawn over him, and she even asked her agent about it.

Another middle-aged man in a flat cap with a thin face spoke up, "Since you're here, why don't you come in?"

At the same time, Zack immediately and firmly pushed Melissa in the room. Melissa didn't like being there at all, but Zack gave her a meaningful look and instructed her with a few secret words to pretend for a while. After she got the new role, she could do anything. Under duress, Melissa was caught in a dilemma and found herself under the control of Zack. At last, she had to stay in the room, though she did so unwillingly.

When they saw how aloof Melissa was, some of the women laughed scornfully, shook their heads, and rolled their eyes at her. They all thought that Melissa was rude due to her innocence. A female star even put her hand on Mr. Liu's shoulder and said in a sweet voice, "Boss, some people are so pretentious. They even think they are the really fairies!"

The crowd of women all laughed, teased, and flirted with their partners.

Melissa sat in a quiet corner, keeping still. However, the fat man called Mr. Liu suddenly reached out his hand and pinched her face. He squinted over her, roving his eyes from her head to her toes and said, "You look very pretty. You are more beautiful and pure in real life than that on TV. Billy, is this the new actress you were speaking about?"

The middle-aged man called Billy had a thinner body and a flat cap, and he finally looked up and at her. It was then that Melissa recognized him as the famously renowned director, Billy Zhang.

He was the famous director, Billy Zhang! Melissa had always liked his movies, including his literature and commercial shoots. She had wanted to work with him for a long time. But as a newcomer, she didn't think she would have earned the chance. He always looked for famous A-list actors to cast in his productions. But she hadn't expected to see him here today. And when she saw that there was no other female stars around him, and he seemed to be unsociable and self-conscious, she had even higher admiration for him. Suddenly, she felt more relieved at this party. Since Billy Zhang was here, it shouldn't be a messy party.

Billy Zhang looked at her for a while and then nodded, saying, "She fits the image of the supporting actress." Although it was very simple, Melissa caught the gist of it. Was Billy Zhang going to ask her to audition for the supporting role in his new movie? This was really what she wanted. She was willing to act in any play directed by him, even if he asked her to only star in a small role. But here he was asking her to play the supporting actress! Melissa's cheeks flushed in anticipation.

Mr. Liu, the fat man, took a drag on his cigarette and replied wickedly, "Okay, I believe you are right, Billy. You can cast her as the supporting actress, but we have to follow the rules!"

Billy Zhang tucked his hands into his pockets and leaned back casually in the chair as he said, "Whatever. As long as you are happy to pay for it!"

Then Mr. Liu burst into a roaring laughter. For some inexplicable reason, he seemed to be having some secret communication with Billy Zhang. But Melissa had no idea regarding this. She was clueless, until Mr. Liu looked at her with lustful eyes. He reached out to put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. He whispered in her ear, "Do you know what I just said to Director Billy?"

Melissa struggled against his hold. She wanted to fight against him, but she didn't dare to do anything because of the man's influence. She could only push his hand away from her as she said, "You... Mr. Liu, can you let go of me?"

Mr. Liu laughed, but he didn't release her. "How can you play the supporting role if you refuse me? Don't you know that I'm the investor in all of Director Billy's movies? There is a precondition for acting in a movie directed by Director Billy!"

"What? What is the condition?" Melissa asked foolishly, her voice trembling slightly. The other revelers gathered around them burst into laughter. Mr. Liu continued to explain, "Don't you know what it is? Didn't Zack teach you? There is this rule in the industry. It is..." He leaned closer and whispered in her ear as he suddenly reached out and rubbed her round shoulder, saying, "You have to stay with me for two days and two nights. If it is your first time to accompany a boss, then you will be placed in a higher position. Maybe Director Billy can even double your acting parts in the movie!"

Hearing Mr. Liu's words, Melissa was shocked. She was already an adult even though she was innocent. Of course, she knew what he meant. She looked at Mr. Liu, who was openly staring at her with obscene and ravenous eyes, and then she turned to Billy Zhang in a panic. Billy Zhang seemed to be totally indifferent, which was a stark contrast to the impression she had formed of him just now. So she pushed Mr. Liu away immediately and jumped up.

Mr. Liu was a little displeased and asked, "How dare you treat me like that? Aren't you happy now? This is what you want, isn't it? Who do you think you are now that you've entered this circle?"

Melissa looked appealingly at Billy Zhang, who she always admired, and asked, "Director Billy, is this your opinion? Do you always choose the actresses like this for your movies?" Did the actresses play a leading role and get more acting gigs by selling their bodies? Was Billy Zhang, who had won many awards in the movie industry really so awful?

Billy Zhang slowly lit a cigarette, looked up at her calmly and said, "I give equal opportunities to all newcomers, no one forces you to act. But if you want to star in my films, you have to get chosen like this!"

Melissa shook her head in horror. She didn't expect Billy Zhang to be such an evil man. Wasn't this then a pornographic circle? How many female stars have been abused like this by him? So she was about to throw a tantrum, but her agent, Zack, stepped up to her and scolded her, telling her to stop causing trouble.

At last, Melissa swallowed her anger, turned around, and walked to the door, intending to leave.

Zack asked, "Melissa, where are you going?"

Melissa ignored him and kept walking. But when she was about to step out, she suddenly collided with a man's chest, and she had to step back because of the pain. At the moment she looked up, she saw a handsome and charming face. The man she had collided with had a pair of deep and piercing eyes, and he stared at her like an eagle staring at its prey. He looked at her steadily. The corners of his mouth curved into an evil yet charming smile. He was so seductive that she was almost mesmerized by him entirely.

"Mr. Colin!" the people behind Melissa called out. They all stood up and greeted the man while she stared at him. Even Mr. Liu stood up and greeted politely, "Oh, Mr. Colin is here. What a rare treat!" Everyone was respectful to this man as if he was royalty.

He was the boss of the nightclub, and the head of the entertainment circle, Colin Ling.

Colin glanced around at the gathering who greeted him, and then he smiled like a benevolent king looking down at his kingdom. He said, "It is not a rare thing for me to come here. Since Mr. Liu and Director Billy are both here, of course, I had to come and have a look."

Others immediately rushed forward in order to fawn over him. Mr. Liu reached out his hand and said enthusiastically, "Mr. Colin, come and take a seat."

Colin turned to look at Melissa with a vague smile coloring his face as if he could see right through her whole body and into her heart!

Melissa had never been looked at like this before. The sexy glance was full of promise and enchantment. It was both a little flirtatious, a little evil, and also somewhat aggressive like he was a playboy. The way he looked at her made her feel as if she was the only one in the room, and he was flirting with her. It was odd, and it left her a little scared. She lowered her head, intending to pass by him.

But she couldn't leave the room as Colin flashed a smile on his face and just took a step to stand in front of her. Melissa raised her head and stared at him. She didn't know what this tall and handsome man was planning on doing. So she said blankly, "Could you please give me some room to let me pass?"

Colin stared at her with a smile and asked, "Are you afraid of them?"

Melissa was confused.

Colin spoke softly with an aggressive expression as he said, "You don't have to be scared of them now that I'm around." Then he looked up and turned to Mr. Liu while saying, "Mr. Liu, look what you did. You scared this girl."

Mr. Liu glanced at them and then looked at Colin. He knew instantly that Colin was interested in the woman, and he didn't dare to annoy Colin. So he nodded quickly and said, "Sorry, Miss Melissa, we were just joking around with you. Do not take it so seriously. Director Billy is a capable man and has gained so many movie awards. How could he rely on such illegal ways to choose his actresses? We were just testing you because the supporting role should be played by a very pure woman. We didn't expect that you'd pass it this easily!"

"You were just testing me?" asked Melissa with a confused expression settling on her young face.

"Of course! If you don't believe me, you can ask Director Billy. Isn't that right, Director Billy?" Mr. Liu looked at Billy.

But Billy didn't answer him. Instead, he was smoking alone.

Melissa thought the atmosphere in the room was strange, and she found that all the people in the room became different upon the arrival of Colin. But she didn't have time to ponder it because Colin put his hand on her shoulder and led her back into the room, saying, "This is a good opportunity to cooperate with Director Billy. Miss Melissa, are you willing to give it up? Can't we sit down and discuss it first?"

Seeing him suddenly touching her, Melissa struggled and shouted, "Let go of me! What are you doing! Let go of me!"

But Colin held her so tightly that she couldn't shake him off at all. No matter how hard she struggled, he simply tightened his one handed grip on her, and with the other hand in his pocket, he smiled faintly as if her refusal did not bother him at all.

As soon as he walked into the room, the young stars and models who had been lounging with Mr. Liu and the other wealthy businessmen, immediately rushed towards him. With sweet smiles on their faces, they greeted him in reverent tones, "Mr. Colin." They stretched out their hands, trying to touch him like he was their idol.

Looking at the women's fervent gestures, Colin waved them off and gave them a look to tell them to back off. Then he walked on, still with Melissa in his grip, and sat on the soft sofa, forcing Melissa to sit next to him, trapped in the corner.

All of a sudden, Melissa jumped up and wanted to leave again. However, Colin held her hand and said in a sincere and innocent tone, "What are you afraid of, Miss Melissa? Are you afraid that I will do something bad to you in front of so many people?"

"I don't want to have the supporting role anymore. I just want to leave here," said Melissa in a cold voice.

Hearing Melissa's words, Colin gave her a smile and instantly loosened his grip on her hand. Then, he lowered his head and played with his expensive emerald ring. He slowly said to Zack, "Zack, is this the new actress you've been cultivating so seriously this year? It seems that you really don't understand your boss' instructions!"

He smiled amiably while Zack felt a sensation of terror running down his spine. It was undeniable that he heard the blame voiced in Colin' words, which clearly indicated that the new comer didn't understand the rules! So he hurried up to scold Melissa and with honeyed words he coaxed her to stay for a while. Only after that did she become a little more obedient to him.

For Zack's sake, Melissa didn't want to cause trouble. After all, Zack was her agent. If it were not for him, she wouldn't have made her entrance into the entertainment circle and wouldn't have played the female leading role of The Empress Woman. Seeing that Zack was really scared of Colin, she didn't want to make him lose his dignity in public like this. So she chose to keep silent.

Seeing that Melissa had finally sat down, Colin smiled and then knocked on the glass table. A waiter instantly appeared and served him a bottle of vintage wine. He poured himself a glass of the deep red wine, but as he was about to pour a glass for Melissa, Mr. Liu stopped him and served another glass of red wine to him. He said, "Mr. Colin, you should offer this wine for the beauty to drink. It is the best wine!" Mr. Liu smiled meaningfully.

Colin looked at him with deep cunning reflected in his eyes like a fox's as it moved in for the kill. Then he picked up the glass of bright red wine and handed it to Melissa.

At that moment, Zack opened his mouth in surprise next to them. Subconsciously, he wanted to stop them. "Mr. Colin..." But he didn't dare to say anything more when he watched Colin offering the wine to Melissa. He just stared at Colin as he toasted to Melissa.

Colin politely said, "Miss Melissa, can I offer a toast to you?" He looked at her with a possessive glance. It was an intimate gesture, but it was accompanied by a sincere sounding voice, and Melissa didn't know how to refuse him. At last, she had no other choice but to accept the glass, and she quickly clinked it with his. Then she bowed her head, set her red lips to the glass, and drank deeply.

Colin drank some of his wine as well and kept staring at Melissa's pretty face over the rim of his glass. He watched her every move as she drank the whole glass. Meanwhile, he was finalizing a scheme in his mind. He merely sipped his wine until she had finished.

Melissa put down the empty glass and said, "I've finished. Can I leave now?"

Colin smiled and asked, "Leave? Where are you going?" He leaned over and slowly drew near to her. He stretched his hand across her body and rested it on the armrest of the sofa next to her, effectively trapping her on the sofa. Then he smiled vaguely and said, "Miss Melissa, are you going to leave after drinking with me? Isn't that being too rude to me?"

"What else do you want?" Melissa felt anxious, but she held back her fear as she saw him leaning over with an evil smile. Yet she had no other place to go except to curl up on the sofa with her back pressed up against the padded backing of the seat.

Colin smiled and lifted her chin towards him with one hand. He said flirtatiously, "I'll let you go if you give me a kiss."

All around them, people chuckled as if they were waiting for the next episode in a good show. Melissa's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe what she had heard.

Seeing that she didn't offer a reply, Colin flashed a smile and threatened her, "If you don't kiss me, I will kiss you..." Meanwhile, he slowly began to unbutton her shirt, exposing her delicate neckline as he bent over to kiss her.

Provoked by his words, Melissa used all her strength to push him away and leaped up. She grabbed a glass of wine from the table and splashed out the contents in his face. Suddenly, Colin was drenched in red wine. She scolded, "You are shameless! I can't stand this anymore. Celebrities have dignity. Do they have to put up with being bullied by rich people like you even though they are just starlets? After today, I no longer want to act. Even if I can't get the supporting role and never have another chance to act in the future, I won't let you people humiliate me!"

The crowd screamed as they witnessed the scene of Melissa pouring a glass of wine on Colin's face. They couldn't believe it, and the female stars were even frightened and kept screaming. No one could have imagined that a newcomer like Melissa would throw wine at Colin, the most powerful man in the entertainment circle! Did she really want to give up her bright future? Colin wouldn't ever forgive her for what she had done to him! Even Zack was terrified. He didn't dare to say a word from where he was standing behind Melissa.

A female star took out a tissue and wanted to wipe the wine from Colin's face, but Colin refused. He licked the wine that dripped from the corners of his lips and stared at Melissa. Suddenly, he smiled like a demon who took off his mask to show his lurid desires. He stood up and loosened his stained tie. Then he said to everyone with a smile, "Look, Miss Melissa really is a wild cat. Don't you want to see a good show today?"

Of course, the crowd knew what he meant. They cheered immediately and shouted, "We do! Mr. Colin, you are the best!"

With a vicious smile, Colin said with a hint, "Well, I'm in the mood for some fun today. Let's see how I can tame the wild cat!" Then he suddenly grabbed Melissa and pulled her into his arms. Ignoring her screaming and attempts to fight him off, he shoved her onto the sofa, pressed on her with all his might, and kissed her fiercely!