“The President's Surrogacy”.

9

The camera flashes flickered erratically before Xia Zixin, and after standing on stage for over ten minutes, she wearily made her way backstage. The event, a new product launch, had concluded successfully.

As she entered the backstage area, the cheers of the staff filled the air. JIN approached her with a grateful expression and said, "Miss Xia, I can't thank you enough. You were absolutely amazing."

She offered a faint smile, her eyes darting around as if searching for someone.

JIN seemed to read her thoughts and smiled, saying, "Zhengxi had some matters to attend to, but he’ll be back soon. You should change your clothes. Later, let’s go celebrate together."

She slipped off her high heels and, barefoot, rushed towards the dressing room.

After she left, a few staff members began chatting among themselves. "I didn’t expect the director's hands to be so skilled."

Park Hyun-chung couldn't help but comment, "Perhaps this is a real-life transformation of the ugly duckling into a swan."

"Haha... but it was only a swan for half an hour before she turned back again."

The more JIN overheard, the angrier he became. He gave Park Hyun-chung a playful smack on the head and scolded, "Enough, enough. When did your mouths get so foul? Finish up your work!"

"Alright, alright. JIN, you have no sense of humor," Park Hyun-chung grumbled.

"Stop your complaining. I haven’t forgotten about today’s incident either," JIN retorted, catching Park Hyun-chung off guard and rendering him speechless.

Xia Zixin quickly changed into her simple clothes and walked out of the dressing room. Glancing at her watch, she realized it was already late and felt a sudden urgency. The dressing room was empty. "What should I do?" she wondered. With no other choice, she placed her clothes neatly on the chair, grabbed her bag, and rushed out of the room.

As she entered the elevator, just as the door closed, the opposite elevator opened. Han Zhengxi hurriedly exited, having just descended from the luxurious suite on the 28th floor, eager to see Xia Zixin. He quickened his pace, heading toward the dressing room.

"Xia Zixin, congratulations..." He pushed open the door, intending to offer his congratulations, only to find the dressing room completely empty. His radiant smile vanished instantly, and he quickly crossed the room to the backstage area, where he grabbed JIN by the arm and asked urgently, "Where is Xia Zixin?"

"She went to the changing room to change her clothes. It's been a while, so she should be done by now," JIN answered, following Han Zhengxi into the dressing room.

The room was eerily quiet, with only a gown and a pair of high heels left on the chair. Xia Zixin had left without a word...

Exiting the elevator, Han Zhengxi walked down the long hallway until he stopped at the door of the farthest room. The door was slightly ajar. He stood at the entrance, about to knock, when he heard his sister’s voice inside. "Is that Zixin?"

Yaqing was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, swirling a glass of red wine. After taking a small sip, she turned around.

Xia Zixin hesitantly entered, but as soon as she saw the figure lying on the bed, she immediately stepped back.

Yaqing smiled and reassured her, "Don’t be afraid, Yiwei is already asleep." She walked toward Zixin, her expression turning serious. "Zixin, thank you..." Just as she spoke, her phone rang, interrupting her. Yaqing quickly picked it up. "Mom, what’s the matter at this hour?"

"Your father suddenly collapsed," came the hurried voice on the other end.

"What’s the situation now?" Yaqing asked anxiously.

"We don’t know yet. He’s just been rushed into the emergency room. By the way, why can’t I reach Zixin on her phone?"

"I don’t know either. Mom, don’t worry. I’ll head over right now." Hanging up the phone, she swiftly grabbed her coat and walked toward the door.

Zixin, who had been listening quietly, noticed the sudden shift in Yaqing’s demeanor and asked, "Sister, what’s going on?"

"Dad's been hospitalized," Yaqing replied, regretting her words the instant they left her mouth.

"What? Sister, let’s go to the hospital!" Zixin's anxiety surged at the news. She immediately grabbed her sister’s arm, ready to leave.

Yaqing, seeing Zixin’s reaction, quickly stopped her, facing her and gripping her shoulders firmly. She looked into her eyes seriously and said, "Zixin, you need to stay here."

"Sister, shouldn’t we go to the hospital first?" Zixin was puzzled by her sister’s unexpected decision.

Yaqing knew Zixin would be unwilling to stay, especially after hearing the news, but this opportunity couldn’t be missed. Who knew when the next chance would come, and next time, Zixin might not help her. She could never let that happen. With resolve, Yaqing shook Zixin's shoulders and spoke calmly, "Zixin, don’t worry. Dad’s fine. The doctors said he just needs rest. Mom’s call was just to reassure us."

Zixin, believing her sister completely, nodded. "Dad really is okay?"

Yaqing gave a reassuring nod and said, "Zixin, listen to me. We can’t afford to miss this opportunity. All my hopes are resting on you. You stay here, I’ll go to the hospital to take care of Dad, and you can join me later."

"But, Sister, if you’re not here, what should I do?" Though reassured by her sister’s words, Zixin still had doubts.

Yaqing, sensing her unease, replied with a calm smile, "Though the plan has changed, you don’t need to worry. I’ve explained the medication to you. Just act quickly when it’s time, and leave without leaving any trace. When Yiwei wakes up, he’ll just think he fell asleep drunk." Originally, Yaqing had planned to appear after the deed was done, but given the circumstances, she had no choice but to adjust her plan.

Zixin felt a wave of hesitation wash over her.

Yaqing, seeing her uncertainty, squeezed her hand tightly and said earnestly, "Zixin, I’m leaving this to you." She gave her a pleading look before rushing out of the room. Zixin knew her sister had always trusted her and would never refuse her requests.

It was this trust that made Xia Zixin feel utterly cornered.

She stood there motionless, unaware that the hardest part of all was yet to come. She looked at Luo Yiwei lying on the bed, his strong shoulders exposed, still in deep sleep. It was clear the medication had taken its toll. Yaqing had warned her that after taking it, he would be in a coma-like state, but any physical interaction would instantly stir him awake.

Does this mean she had to climb into her brother-in-law's bed?

The thought sent a shiver through her, and she began to feel the internal conflict. How should she seduce him? How should she wake him? She had no experience, no idea. But time was running out, and she still had to get to her father.

With a deep breath, she steeled herself. She had no choice.

At that moment, the air in the room seemed thick with tension. Xia Zixin’s heartbeat echoed in her ears, growing louder with each passing second...