After Marking a Paranoid CEO [Transmigration] - Chapter 9

Han Bei had seen Mu Huayue from afar at business gatherings. As the one who had given Xia Weixi the “brilliant” idea, she was initially stunned to see CEO Mu, assuming she was here to defend her “lover.” But when she noticed CEO Mu’s unwavering gaze fixed solely on her, completely ignoring Xia Youxi, she dismissed her suspicions as overthinking.

If Xia Weixi had actually seduced CEO Mu, would she still be working as my assistant? Han Bei reasoned. CEO Mu must despise Xia Weixi’s shamelessness and came here specifically to make her suffer.

Convinced of her theory, Han Bei eagerly chimed in, “Exactly! This coffee is terrible. Only a lunatic would drink it.”

As the words left her lips, she suddenly felt every eye in the room turn toward her. Glancing around, she noticed a box nearby filled with Percentage coffee cups. Nearly every crew member held one, and a stern-faced woman in a black suit and glasses was serving coffee to Mu Huayue.

Even Han Bei, no matter how dense, understood the situation. CEO Mu had kindly brought coffee for the crew, only to overhear her insulting remark upon arrival. Though her family owned Kengren Entertainment Company, it was a mere roadside stall compared to the Ba Feng Group. She couldn’t afford to offend someone as powerful and influential as Mu Huayue.

Han Bei glared angrily at Xia Youxi, wanting to explain herself to Mu Huayue. But she saw Mu Huayue, her face cold, instructing her subordinate to hand Xia Youxi a cup of coffee. Perhaps she was mistaken, but as the subordinate passed the cup, CEO Mu seemed to glance pointedly at Xia Youxi’s hand.

Could she be wrong?

Has Xia Youxi truly won CEO Mu’s favor?

Impossible.

Stunned, she heard Mu Huayue instruct her subordinate, “Go ask this young lady if she’d like a decent cup of coffee.” With that, she turned and left.

Han Bei understood the sarcasm in those words perfectly. Ignoring the ultra-thick platform boots she was wearing, she hurried after Mu Huayue. “CEO Mu, CEO Mu, let me explain—ah!”

The rain-slicked road and her greased high heels caused her to slip and fall heavily. Her precious costume was smeared with mud, and as she scrambled to her feet, her hair bun tumbled down. Now she looked no better than Xia Youxi, who stood nearby watching with cold indifference.

A few snickers drifted from nearby. Despite the commotion she’d made, Mu Huayue, still facing away from her, didn’t even glance back. Han Bei watched the tall CEO Mu get into her car and slowly drive out of sight.

Her heart seethed with frustration, convinced Xia Youxi was to blame for everything. She whirled around and snapped at her innocent assistant, “Xia Weixi! What are you standing there for? CEO Mu didn’t even glance at you—stop daydreaming! Come help me up now!”

Xia Youxi, still sipping the coffee CEO Mu had given her, glanced at Han Bei and briefly considered helping her up only to let her fall again. But Wen An stepped in front of her, approached Han Bei, who was half-sitting on the ground, and asked politely but distantly, “Young Miss, what kind of coffee would you like?”

Coffee?

Who wants coffee at a time like this?

Han Bei suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and tried to reason with Wen An, “The coffee CEO Mu gave me is fine. Please explain to her that I wasn’t talking about her coffee. It was my assistant—that clumsy girl gave me a spilled cup. It’s a misunderstanding.”

“Understood,” Wen An replied expressionlessly, then repeated, “So, what kind of coffee would you like?”

Han Bei’s composure finally cracked. Her features twisted in a chaotic display before she forced a strained smile and said, “Whatever you think is best.”

After Wen An left, Han Bei turned her anger on Xia Youxi. “Still drinking? Come help me up!”

Xia Youxi, holding her coffee in one hand, went to assist her. Suddenly, she noticed Han Bei staring at her with a probing expression. Han Bei muttered softly, “Xia, don’t be a stranger. Tell me honestly, did your attempt to seduce him fail?”

Xia Youxi lowered her head in frustration. “Yeah,” she admitted. “I couldn’t get close.”

Han Bei finally felt relieved. She used Xia Youxi’s support to stand up, instantly switching to an angry demeanor. She tried to pinch Xia Youxi in retaliation, but Xia Youxi quickly dodged, letting go. With a yelp, Han Bei tripped over Xia Youxi’s foot and fell backward. Xia Youxi landed awkwardly beside her, clutching her coffee tightly, head bowed in silence.

In a nearby SUV, Mu Huayue watched the dumb girl who couldn’t even retort. Her brow furrowed slightly as she pulled out her phone and made a call.

Moments later, the production manager approached, scolding, “What’s all the commotion? Are we shooting or not? Han Bei, you’re up next. Get ready. CEO Mu specifically asked to see your scene.”

To see my scene? Han Bei thought bitterly. More likely, she’s looking for an excuse to fire me.

Han Bei frowned, determined to drag someone down with her even as she faced death. If she was going to suffer, then Xia Weixi, who was performing the kneeling scene, wouldn’t get off easy either.

“What are you just sitting there for? Come change clothes with me!”

The Young Miss, in a fit of pique, dragged Xia Youxi to the dressing room and shoved a foul-smelling costume at her. As Xia Youxi watched the Young Miss retreat to her private dressing room, she prepared to change when the costume supervisor handed her a clean costume and the script. “The Director just said you’re playing Senior Sister Han Bei in the next scene.”

Xia Youxi glanced at the script, a smile tugging at her lips. She was more than satisfied with this turn of events.

With the help of the makeup artist and stylist, Xia Youxi transformed into a vision of ethereal beauty: flowing white robes, a jade hairpin, and an air of refined, icy elegance befitting a protagonist of a cold-hearted sect.

Is Sister Mu helping me?

Xia Youxi gazed at her reflection, her eyes curving into a smile. The makeup artist urged, “Teacher Xia, let’s head back to the set.”

This was to keep her and Han Bei apart, ensuring a dramatic surprise for the latter.

Xia Youxi complied, carefully descending from the car with her elaborate hairstyle. A chorus of gasps greeted her arrival. She smiled faintly, her lips pressed together, and scanned the crowd for Mu Huayue. She spotted Mu Huayue sitting regally in the Director’s booth, and her smile widened, revealing her dimples.

Sister Mu’s gaze also fell on Xia Youxi, but her expression remained impassive, a fleeting glance before she looked away.

Xia Youxi took it as Sister Mu being aloof. After greeting the director, she entered the set with her script. Soon after, the other lead of the scene arrived—Young Miss Han, the Female Third Lead.

Stepping out of her nanny van, Han Bei felt all eyes on her. Assuming her new outfit had captivated everyone, she twisted her neck smugly, lifted her skirt, and alighted. In the distance, she spotted a figure in a white gauze robe standing with their back to her, mistaking them for the female lead.

Squinting for a closer look, she realized the figure was shorter and seemed thinner than the female lead. As she drew nearer, she recognized it wasn’t Sang Rourou, the female lead who had risen to prominence, but Xia Weixi, the minor artist she usually trampled underfoot.

“Why are you dressed like this?” Han Bei stormed over, grabbing Xia Youxi’s robe. The fabric felt far superior to her own, clearly not the attire of a servant.

A strange unease rose within her. She glared at Xia Youxi, scolding her for wearing the wrong clothes and violating the rules.

Xia Youxi clutched her script, her face a picture of grievance. Mu Huayue noticed and shot a pointed glance at the Director, who immediately spoke up, “Han Bei, we’re about to start filming! What’s all the commotion? Get your lines down with the actress now. We’re shooting in five minutes!”

Han Bei glared at Xia Youxi, thinking, Just wait until you flub your lines and have to kneel until your knees give out.

She haughtily demanded Xia Youxi hand over the script, opening with, “You lowly servant girl!”

When Xia Youxi remained silent, Han Bei sneered, “What’s wrong? Can’t even deliver a line? You’ll just freeze up when the cameras roll for real?”

“The lines are wrong,” Xia Youxi replied.

“Do you think I’m as inexperienced as you? How could my lines possibly be—” Han Bei glanced down at the script and stammered, “N-no, no, no, no, this isn’t right at all!”

“Director, aren’t we supposed to be filming the scene where I punish the disobedient servant? Why is this a flashback scene about my Senior Sister?”

In this drama, the Senior Sister was a White Moonlight figure for the Female Third Lead. Like a mother to her younger sister, she had been strict in her teachings, often punishing the lazy Junior Sister. Yet the Junior Sister’s most vivid memories were of the Senior Sister’s tenderness and her tragic death, shielding her from a sword.

Although Senior Sister had limited screen time in the drama, she was a pivotal figure in the Female Third Lead’s memories. When the show aired, comparisons between her and the Female Lead were inevitable, given the script’s setup: the Female Third Lead saw the Female Lead as a sister because of their resemblance to Senior Sister.

Han Bei could already imagine the company’s obscure starlets riding the coattails of a trending topic. What infuriated her even more was the thought of her, the Junior Sister, being forced to kneel and receive hand-slapping punishment from Senior Sister.

Me, a Young Miss, kneeling before my own maid?

What a joke!

Han Bei’s script crumpled in her grip. The Director, unfazed, glanced at her and said, “These scenes with intense emotional shifts are perfect for showcasing your acting skills. Get ready quickly and show CEO Mu what you’ve got.”

Han Bei realized he was right. The company’s new starlet had just signed, hadn’t undergone proper training, and had been repeatedly criticized by directors for her lackluster performances in minor roles. Even if she somehow managed to catch CEO Mu’s attention, her true incompetence would soon be exposed, leading him to discard her. At that point, Han Bei might seize the opportunity to rise through the ranks and become Mrs. Mu herself.

The more she considered it, the more she saw this as a golden opportunity. Her mood brightened, and she smiled, replying, “You’re right. I’ll give it my all.” With a contemptuous glance at Xia Youxi, she deliberately held onto Xia’s script, refusing to return it.

Xia Youxi couldn’t help but smile wryly at Young Miss Han, finding her naivety almost endearing.

Mu Huayue watched from afar, thinking the girl was being foolish. She’s right here! Why doesn’t she speak up about being bullied?

She glanced at the Director, who misinterpreted her look and immediately shouted, “All departments ready! Actors, take your positions! Action!”

Han Bei set down her script, her confidence soaring. This scene centered on her character, Junior Sister, arriving late for morning practice, losing focus during sword training, and being punished by the strict Senior Sister with kneeling and a palm strike.

This lively role is a piece of cake, she thought. There’s no way that minor artist who relies on my connections would dare to keep a straight face while striking me. I’ll overwhelm her with my presence and humiliate that arrogant little actress who doesn’t know her place.

Hmph.

Han Bei leaped onto the stone steps with a smile, tilting her head playfully. Through the rows of extras in horse stance, she spotted a white-robed figure. She quietly took her place at the end of the line, preparing to assume the horse stance herself. As she did, the figure slowly turned. It was still the Minor Artist’s youthful face, but whether due to makeup or something else, Han Bei suddenly saw an air of authority in that stern expression. When the other woman approached, Han Bei involuntarily took a step back.

“Late?” The voice was different from usual, lower and chillingly cold.

Han Bei shrank under those ice-cold eyes, but remembering her plan to humiliate Xia Youxi, she straightened her neck and recited her line, gesturing with her fingers: “Just a tiny bit late.”

The Minor Artist standing before her was clearly shorter, yet her gaze carried an air of superiority. Her vermilion lips parted slightly as she uttered two simple words: “Kneel.”

Han Bei froze, her legs suddenly weak. With a thud, she dropped to her knees.

Her knees stung against the ground, snapping her out of her daze. Realizing what she had done, a mixture of shame and anger flooded her face. She glared at Xia Youxi, bracing her hands against the ground to stand up, but then saw the other woman casually eyeing her with a ruler in hand. “Hold out your hand.”

The fire in Han Bei’s eyes could no longer be contained. But if she endured this one strike, the scene would be over. Having already knelt, she might as well finish the performance.

She thrust out her hand resentfully, her eyes burning into Xia Youxi’s insolent gaze.

Xia Youxi didn’t even glance at her, casually swinging the ruler.

Whack!

Without any rehearsal or warning, Han Bei couldn’t dodge the blow. The ruler struck her hand squarely, leaving a welt. She finally snapped, screaming at Xia Youxi, “How dare you hit me?!”

Xia Youxi continued to regard Han Bei with a faint, silent gaze. This look inexplicably made Han Bei shrink back, her eyes trembling slightly. Summoning her courage, she continued to shout, “You think I—”

Before she could finish, the Director yelled, “Cut! Junior Sister, you flubbed your line. Let’s try again!”

Han Bei cursed under her breath, the Young Miss unaccustomed to such humiliation. Just as she was about to storm off, Xia Youxi suddenly knelt down, took her hand, and looked at her with tender concern. “I’m sorry, Senior Sister. Did I hit you too hard? Come, let me help you up.”

The person before her now wore a gentle expression, utterly unlike the cold, stern demeanor she had shown moments before. Han Bei was momentarily stunned and unconsciously stood up. Then she heard Xia Youxi ask, “Shall we continue?”

As if possessed by some strange impulse, she nodded. “Yes.”

Across the studio, Mu Huayue watched Xia Youxi’s hand resting in Han Bei’s palm, her eyes darkening slightly. Just then, she heard the Director beside her exclaim in surprise, “I called ‘Cut!’ Why is Xia Youxi still in character and continuing the scene?”

Method acting, perhaps?

Mu Huayue glanced over again, and Xia Youxi happened to turn, their eyes meeting. The gentle, composed aura had vanished, replaced by a sweet smile. Her little kitten was back.

She truly is a promising talent.

Mu Huayue withdrew her gaze and told the Director, “Let’s continue.”