Chapter 163 The Password Is My Birthday

Chapter 163 The Password Is My Birthday
“This is the script for Zane's next film. He wrote it himself, and the investment has already been secured. All the lead roles have been cast. The female lead was originally an actress that the investors wanted to cast—she had the credentials, but Zane refused. He held onto the role, angering the investors. When they pressured him, he simply returned the funds.”
Kai's eyes fixed on Lia, a deep look flashing in them. With that portion of the funds withdrawn, over half the investment was lost.
Lia's eyebrows twitched. “And then?”
"And then?" Kai chuckled. "I invested."
Lia froze. She turned to Lukas and blurted out, "Lukas, Kai invested under the company's name! But I'm an artist under your company. Does that count as your help?"
This forced argument was clearly a semantic sleight of hand.
XH belonged to SJ, making it his domain. How could this not be leveraging his influence?
Still, Lia's cautious demeanor stirred his reluctance.
He hadn't expected her to monitor their agreement so strictly.
"Who said I invested in the company's name?"
Kai suddenly interjected with a mischievous grin. "I invested personally."
Lia didn't grasp it at first, but Eliza's soft chuckle made the realization click.
The entire XH collective held less weight than Kai's standing within the Müller family.
He'd done it deliberately.
Investing under his personal name rather than the company's meant unrestricted use of funds and swift action, instantly silencing the hesitant investors.
They all added another round of funding.
It was obvious to anyone that they weren't valuing Zane or the film itself. They were drawn by Kai's reputation. Getting the chance to meet him was a rare opportunity.
Besides, Kai was clearly favored by Lukas.
"You really know how to cause mischief."
"Riley told me that Zane personally invited you to act. Since he sees potential in you, and since you're interested, I just lent a hand—as long as you're happy."
Such flattery!
Lia was pleased, but then worry crept in. "But doesn't that make me the one bringing capital into the production?"
"Does anyone even know about our relationship?"
"Right!"
Lia tapped her forehead. How could she have forgotten that?
"Still, Zane overruled everyone to cast you as the lead actress despite your lack of fame..."
Suddenly, her tongue felt frozen, unable to form words.
As she turned her neck, she could almost hear the mechanical clicks of gears grinding.
Seeing Lukas' stern face out of the corner of her eye, she quickly turned around.
No longer daring to sit casually, she sat upright and didn't lean against the chair back.
What had started as a playful remark came out stiff and formal.
"But you're still relatively unknown, and many opposed it. Zane played clips from your shoot of Bloodline and Crown, including behind-the-scenes footage. When everyone saw you in that ensemble scene, where the other actors kept breaking character while you remained fully immersed, they were all stunned into silence."
Lia hadn't anticipated it at all.
This treatment and honor was unprecedented in her past life.
No!
Though she had been reborn, her acting skills hadn't vanished.
In her previous life, she spent nearly a decade honing her craft to earn recognition, delving deeply into every role.
This lifetime offered immense advantages—it was as if those ten years had been compressed, yet now everyone treated her like a precious treasure.
Nervously touching her lip, she said in an low voice, "Zane is exaggerating."
"No, Lia. You earned it with your talent!"
"Keep it up! I have hopes for you!"
No sooner had he finished than Kai turned to Lukas, saying, "You are exceptional. You've gained a rare treasure!"
Lukas remained sullen-faced.
The more others praised Lia, the more displeased Lukas felt.
Even Kai's flattering words did little to soften his expression.
"Anything else? If not, get out."
Eliza quickly scooped some stewed meat, mixed it with the remaining bread, and shoved it into her mouth in a few bites.
Without chewing it properly, she stood up and bowed to Lukas. "Thank you, Mr. Müller. I'm full now and will go rest. Good evening, Mr. Müller.”
With that, she ran off.
In her haste, she collided with Kai, who was scrambling to his feet.
A loud clang echoed.
His face crumpled in fright as he shakily righted the overturned chair.
"Um, I'm done eating too. Bye, Lukas! Bye, Lia!”
The bustling restaurant was now empty except for Lia and Lukas at the table.
A glass of milk appeared before her.
Her gaze followed the man's slender fingertips to his face.
Her heart skipped a beat and pounded fiercely.
"Lukas, are you angry?"
"No."
But his expression clearly showed otherwise.
His fingers tapped impatiently on the table. “Drink it. Go upstairs and sleep.”
Lia picked up the drink and downed it in one gulp. After burping, she suddenly froze.
“Lukas, were you just being mean to me?”
Lukas stiffened, and the frown between his brows instantly smoothed out. “I wasn't.”
"Yes, you were! You definitely were!"
Lia pushed back her chair abruptly and stood, pretending to be disappointed before darting away.
She clutched the thick stack of script pages tightly to her chest.
She couldn't let him take the script away.
She didn't think this way, and Lukas had never gone back on his word before, but she simply couldn't bear his dark expression.
She felt like she'd done something wrong.
Lia dashed into the bedroom, ducked into the walk-in closet, and reached the innermost cabinet housing a safe.
Trembling, she entered the code while peeking out and shoved the script inside.
After closing the door, she exhaled a long breath.
Now, even if Lukas wanted to confiscate it, he couldn't.
"Honey."
Suddenly, the man's deep voice came from behind her.
Lia felt a chill run through her body as she turned around mechanically.
Her gaze met Lukas' eyes, which held a faint smile.
"The password is my birthday?"
"You saw it?"
Lukas raised an eyebrow slightly and used his index finger to gently lift her chin upward.
As if under a spell, she tilted her head up, following the gentle pressure of his touch.
"Yes."
Lia's eyes suddenly trembled violently.
She was still searching for an excuse to cover up and avoid feeling passive.
But before she could think it through or utter a word, his chest suddenly pressed against hers.
Before she could lift her head, his chest bumped against hers.
Lia stumbled back several steps.
Behind her was the wardrobe door—no way out.
Lukas braced one hand against the cabinet door beside her and wrapped his other arm around her slender waist.
He leaned in, his face drawing close to hers.