Burning Passion

CHAPTER 180: MIN XI'S DECISION

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Kyle bent down and picked up the gadget. He almost cried, staring at his broken phone. It was the second phone he bought since they arrived in New Jersey.

Min Xi's temper has gone worse. She is unhappy with all the trending news she found in social media. The Li-Shang has released its teaser for their new product. And Min Xi dreamed to be that woman Theo embraced in the Ads.

The teaser Ads showing the intimacy between the two models, in which everyone could perceive how they were in love with each other. 

Kyle, who only observes Min Xi, he approached the girl to discuss a few things. All the years he becomes Min Xi's manager. He is patient with her attitude. He has known her moods, and so her sudden decision worries him.

"Min Xi, what is your plan? Are you certain to retire this early?"

Min Xi was thinking of ending her contract. She wanted to retire from the modeling industry. But she remains to accept a few offers and will turn down any runaway invitations and compete to stay on top. 

"Are you sure about this Min Xi? How about your family?" Kyle asked further.

However, Min Xi only shrugs a shoulder. She kept staring at the dark clouds forming far ahead. It looks like a storm is coming. Just like how her life has been.

No response from her, Kyle heaves a long sighed. He added. 

"How about talking with the first young master? Should you at least share to Master Jeremy about your plans? He holds evidence about Hong's scheme. If you would not properly explain it to him, he might do something and destroy your family, including your name. You can go back on the runway if your mind changes after a long rest. Do you realize how much it costs for you to end your contract when it was just renewed?" 

"I have shares in the company. That's more than enough compensation for them," Min Xi replied.

Kyle, who knew about her secret investments, couldn't believe that Min Xi would give up her money. "That's a lot of money, Min Xi! At least you take it!" 

"I don't care! As long as my contract ends right away!" Min Xi blurted out. She doesn't want to talk about anything at the moment. She needs peace of mind.

However, Kyle would not give up. He has to convince Min Xi to change her mind. She was still on the peak of her success. Everything she works hard for fifteen years would have thrown away.

"Why don't you talk to Master Jeremy?" 

"No. He will know my whereabouts," Min Xi lazily replied Kyle. She picked up a pillow and hugged it.

Kyle is no longer questioning his model. But it worries him for this girl. Even though she was a moody person, Min Xi was not a bad person. She was just crazy in love with Theo and had her fairy tale wishes to live happily ever after with her dream prince.

But that prince is in love with another princess. According to Mr. Rubin, that girl is the Young Master Theo's girlfriend before he lost his memories. But ten years ago, he forgot about her after that incident that almost killed the young masters. 

And the first young master wants the couple to unite. It made Min Xi have no hope with her unrequited love. But she deserves to be happy too. 

"How if you will tell Mr. Rubin the truth?" 

"No!" 

"It was his right, Min Xi." Kyle insists. He attempts to convince her again, might her mind changes and figure out other ways she remains in show business.

But Min Xi is not in a good mood to talk at this time. She would only yell at Kyle over again, "Please, just stop bothering me, Kyle!" 

"You should not stay like this forever!" Kyle retorted.

Min Xi deserves to be happy. She just loved the wrong person. Who she needs is someone who will treat her right and love her back. Kyle thoughts. 

Since she was a kid, Min Xi could take everything she wants. When her father arranged a marriage with Theo, she was happy and looked forward to the day she became his wife. 

But one thing that Min Xi cannot win over. Theo's heart belongs to someone. Her fantasies shattered into pieces, and her dream ended.

Kyle heaves a long sigh. He heard Min Xi sobbing. He comes close to pat her back as only what he could offer to her. Kyle knew how Min Xi feeling down lately. And she needed a friend who would stay by her side. 

None of her family cares about her feelings. They only scolded her for not seducing the young master so that they could force him to marry her after. In this way, they can take advantage of Shang's wealth and their crime would be forgiven.

After a long moment and Min Xi settled down, she said to her manager. "Kyle, I'm sorry. You should find another model to manage." 

"What are you saying now?" Kyle could not believe that Min Xi says this. It never crossed his mind that a day would come, and he would hear Min Xi saying it. 

All these years… what she aimed is to be on the top to prove to someone that she could reach fame without making a mistake. But in the end, she is not different. However, she can make a change, not become like that woman she knew.

"I won't be like my mother, who chooses her fame over me." Min Xi mumbles to herself. 

Kyle, who listens, continues to comfort his model.

"If that was your choice, know that I am here. I won't leave you. And don't you worry! I had a lot of savings too! It won't make us starve for years! Well, first, we need to limit our expenses." 

"I have my savings too. You need not bother about our expenses. I still have several projects here in the US before I officially retire. That would be enough to support us," Min Xi said.

"What are you saying? Of course, I'm going to help!" 

"Thanks, Kyle." Min Xi tore a sad smile. Whatever happens to her life now, she will live on. If her fate, she gladly accepts it without thinking twice of what she best does to have a future. 

"You know what? You better asked Master Jeremy's help to end your contract with your agency and get your shares in that company." Kyle suggested after the long silence between them.

"I don't know, Kyle. I'll think about it." 

"With it, you can start afresh life. How about putting up your collections? A boutique with all of your sponsor's items."

Min Xi lifted her head and gaped at Kyle. She said to him, "But you know my situation, Kyle."

Kyle heaves a long sighed. He understood that it was a sensitive topic for her. "Okay. You should rest now. You have a photoshoot tomorrow morning. You need not stress your beauty. Okay?" 

"Yeah." After all, she is grateful that she has a friend like Kyle. The only person who never leaves her, but comforts her during her vulnerability, which is the one who encourages her during the times she just began as a model.

Now it made her a realization. The only person by her side is Kyle. Her family only needs her to gain something for themselves. 

The next day, Min Xi smiles charmingly in front of the camera. She finishes the first set of clothes she will model. She took a break and ate some snacks. 

"You know what, Miss Min Xi? It's the first time you eat on the set," said Amanda. She was the company representative that manages the photoshoot. 

"Oh, really?" 

"Yes! You have been working with us for five years, so I have prepared none other food for you since you never eat during your pictorials. And you gain weight. But the place, don't get it wrong! It's not bad. I like it!" Amanda explained it to Min Xi. 

Min Xi smiled. She said, "I will only choose the projects I will accept from now on. And your theme this year is totally my type. So I need not starved myself for several weeks to stay fit." 

"Aw, hun. Take care of yourself. There are a lot of ways to stay fit and healthy." 

"I think it's a great change and a beginning for me to eat a lot." Min Xi pursued a genuine smile. She was thinking another thing, actually.

"Yeah!" 

Later, the photographer now called out the models. 

"Okay. The break is over." Min Xi sat up from her chair as she strode toward the wardrobe to wear the next set of clothes she has to pose. She waited on the corner for her, turned, and joined with the other supermodels if needed a group pose.

It was the last set of the photoshoot. Min Xi changes her clothes, she scans her reflection in the mirror. 

This year's project with the Helen Collections is office suits and formal wear. It means she need not show a lot of her skin like the usual she modeled for them.

The entire week, Min Xi finishes all her photoshoots. She accepts as many projects within two months before her belly grows lump. 

After then, she will end her career and focus on her pregnancy. She need not a man. But she will raise her child alone.

Two weeks later…

The plane has just landed at New York International Airport. Instantly, Rubin headed to the EXIT door. He spotted his long-time friend from college waving from his car. He asked the guy to pick him up to drive around the city.

Rubin did not waste time. He visits the apartment where Min Xi was staying when she had projects in New York. However, Min Xi wasn't there, and she was never there in these passing months.

Also, he had already visited the Hong residence in San Francisco, but Min Xi was never there, said the maid. 

"Where are you, Min Xi?"