After Becoming a Film Queen, She Dumped Her Financial Sponsor - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Stop, Being a Human Means Having No Manners

Qiao Sijin rolled her eyes to the heavens — now she understood: that “dog” earlier hiding in the shrubbery outside the club was really Xu You.

Bracing herself against the ruins of her cracked phone, Qiao Sijin carefully typed back. The screen shards could easily cut her fingers if she wasn’t cautious.

“I’m fine… But what about you? Don’t tell me you got chased all over town by the security dogs?”

Hiding in a narrow alley and finally having shaken off the security guards, Xu You felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She patted her chest with relief.

Good, at least she replied.
That meant she hadn’t been tricked into bed by Fu Qingyun.

The alley reeked faintly of urine — likely left by some drunk idiot who couldn’t hold it in.

Reading Qiao Sijin’s message, Xu You immediately fired back a voice message, livid.

“I was worried about your safety, okay? I got chased by dogs for three miles! And the whole time, I was worried if you’d even be able to get out of bed in time for tomorrow’s shoot!”

God, was there a better best friend in the world than her?

“Too late. I already saw Fu Qingyun.”

As she typed this, Qiao Sijin’s mind flashed back to Fu Qingyun’s face — all the more confirming her decision.

She had to stay away from that lunatic.

Honestly, with all the money the Nanshan Group had, couldn’t they at least pay for a check-up? Qiao Sijin leaned back against her seat.

Even when they were together, she always thought Fu Qingyun needed a neurological evaluation.

“Holy crap… you okay, Sijin?”
“Still alive?”

Xu You’s imagination was already running wild again. If it were her running into an ex — or worse, a “former hookup partner” — she’d rip off her heels and hurl them right at their nose without hesitation.

Stop.
Being a human means having no manners.
Otherwise, you’ll just emotionally destroy yourself.

But of course, she knew Qiao Sijin — with her obsession over image — would never go that far.

And besides, Fu Qingyun was loaded. Probably surrounded by bodyguards. Even if Qiao Sijin did try to fight back, she’d be pinned in a second.

“Of course I’m fine. If I were in bed, you think I’d have time to text you? … But honestly, she was acting weird tonight.”
“Back then, Fu Qingyun would’ve never behaved this rudely… she seemed desperate.”
“I’m still a little shaken, to be honest.”

What if the refined, polite Fu Qingyun she knew back then had just been an act?
And the one tonight — aggressive and unhinged — was her real self?

Xu You fell silent after reading that. She and Qiu Zhirou hadn’t met Fu Qingyun many times — only occasionally when visiting Qiao Sijin on set.

Their impression of Fu Qingyun came mostly from news reports or magazine interviews.
But as a studio owner herself, Xu You knew how fake those elite socialites could be.

“Weird how? I mean, she’s rich — she can have anyone. Why’s she clinging to you?”

That line made Qiao Sijin pause.

Couldn’t she at least throw her a compliment?
Like: Even the CEO of Nanshan Group fell for your charm!

“I just feel like this isn’t the end of it… Don’t tell me Fu Qingyun really has feelings for you?”

That hit right where Qiao Sijin had been avoiding. She paused a moment, flipped her hair back, and quickly typed:

“Then next time, I’ll give her a slap.”

Sounded badass on paper.
But… not very practical.

“Save it. With your noodle arms, even a sneak attack wouldn’t work.”
“She’d just pin you down.”

Of course, this kind of banter only happened between her and Xu You.
Qiao Sijin knew this kind of emotionally charged run-in wouldn’t likely happen again.

They’d both been drunk. Emotions were loose. That was it.
Once she left this time, maybe she wouldn’t see Fu Qingyun again for the whole year.

Still, just because she knew the reality didn’t mean she wouldn’t talk big.

“Come on, don’t underestimate my muscles! If I fought Fu Qingyun, I’d totally win!”
“Sure you would. The only thing tough about you is that smart mouth.”

….

Meanwhile, back at her villa, Fu Qingyun sat restless.
It felt like all her plans — everything she’d carefully constructed — had suddenly unraveled.

Even when she let Qiao Sijin go the first time, she hadn’t felt this frustrated.
Or… maybe not frustrated — more like conflicted.

In her heart, she’d always assumed:
They hadn’t really ended.
Qiao Sijin was just throwing a tantrum — they’d reconcile, like they always had before.

“Qingyun… are you sure you two weren’t in a relationship? You were just… friends with benefits?”

After hearing the story, Shen Ran looked doubtful.
Something just didn’t add up.

Fu Qingyun nodded, raising a finger to her lips.
“Shhh. Don’t let your sister hear us.”

She looked like a guilty kid hiding something from the grown-ups.
Her long black hair framed her face, and Shen Ran couldn’t help but laugh a little.

She didn’t think her sister was harsh — just too blunt for someone like Fu Qingyun.
Shen Dai had a way of pointing directly at the truth, the kind you didn’t want to hear.

And today, Shen Ran realized something:
Even someone like Fu Qingyun — who controlled empires — had this awkward, vulnerable side.

Not exactly charming, but definitely rare.

“My sister might’ve been right, honestly. She just doesn’t know how to say things nicely… don’t let it get to you.”

Still her sister after all — Shen Ran felt the need to defend Shen Dai.

“Shen Ran, the way you’re talking doesn’t sound like a compliment.”

From upstairs, Shen Dai leaned over the railing, smirking.
She had a perfect view of the living room and let out a small chuckle.

Hand resting on the banister, she began walking down the stairs.

“Qingyun, you realize there’s only one explanation for all this. Want me to tell you?”
“Or would you rather keep hiding from it?”

Just moments ago, Shen Ran had told Fu Qingyun not to take her sister seriously — now she looked terrified.

She leapt off the couch and immediately gave up her seat.

“Sister, please, sit.”

Shen Dai didn’t stand on ceremony.
She crossed her legs and sat down coolly.

“Want to hear what I think?”
“You can say no. That’d be your loss.”