Eldest Senior Sister Became a Sensation After Being Blacklisted Online - Chapter 14

Song Cheng stopped, the refusal that had been on the tip of her tongue unspoken, when Zhang Yux’s voice rang out again: “The private room is already booked. You can’t waste Ziman’s thoughtfulness.”

Hearing the possessive “my Ziman,” Song Cheng’s gaze immediately locked onto Zhang Yux.

As someone who had been through this before, Zhang Yux smirked knowingly, took two steps back to stand beside Liu Zimang, and deliberately closed the distance between them. “What? Do you have a problem with that?”

Liu Zimang, confused, instinctively tried to move away, but Zhang Yux’s hand gripped her arm, pulling her back.

Song Cheng watched this scene unfold, a surge of irritation rising within her. She strode forward, seized Liu Zimang’s other hand, and with a gentle tug, pulled her close. “Can’t you see she’s uncomfortable?”

Zhang Yux: “……”

Liu Zimang: “……”

“We’re supposed to be celebrating, right? Let’s go!” With that, she naturally took Liu Zimang’s hand and led her out.

Behind them, Liu Zimang kept her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands, the same fluttery sensation from the stage returning.

Unbeknownst to her, Zhang Yux noticed her peculiar expression, her smooth, delicate brows furrowing slightly.

As the pair reached the program’s entrance, they were immediately swarmed by reporters.

“Song Cheng, what are your thoughts on your performance on stage today?”

“Song Cheng, why did you reject your idol’s invitation and make those ambiguous remarks on stage? Is it because of a personal relationship with Best Actress Liu?”

“Best Actress Liu, how confident are you in winning against Xu We this time?”

Faced with the barrage of questions, Song Cheng’s face was etched with annoyance. “Interviews are your job, not ours. Move aside, we have things to do.”

The reporters, of course, ignored her, retreating only as she advanced.

Liu Zimang, who had regained her composure at Song Cheng’s outburst, keenly sensed her anger. She subtly squeezed Song Cheng’s hand, a silent warning against impulsiveness.

Though aware of the signal, Song Cheng’s fury remained unchecked. Just as she was about to erupt, Liu Zimang cut her off, saying, “We apologize, but this isn’t an appropriate time for interviews. We have no comment on your questions.”

Before the words had even left her lips, she raised her hand to summon Zhao Q.

Zhao Q, well-versed in handling intrusive reporters, used his body as a shield to clear a path for Liu Zimang and Song Cheng.

The reporters, unwilling to give up, tried to flank them, but Song Cheng’s unconsciously radiating hostility froze them in place, too intimidated to pursue.

Zhang Yux’s reservation wasn’t at a five-star hotel, but at a secluded private restaurant in the suburbs. The establishment’s decor was meticulously crafted, steeped in ancient charm. Having spent years mingling among mortals in the cultivation world, Song Cheng momentarily mistook the scene for a return to her former realm.

Inside the private room, Yu X and Yang Qiong had already arrived.

Song Cheng casually took a seat. Within moments, dishes began arriving in rapid succession.

Looking at the table full of unfamiliar yet vaguely familiar dishes, she swallowed and picked up her chopsticks, politely saying, “Don’t be shy, everyone. Let’s try the food.”

Seeing her eagerness, Liu Zimang smiled. “I’ve heard this private kitchen is quite good. Teachers, please enjoy.”

Yu X nodded with a smile and began eating under Song Cheng’s watchful gaze.

As soon as Yu X started, Song Cheng didn’t hesitate either, picking up a shrimp and placing it in her bowl. While she was peeling it, Yang Qiong leaned closer. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider?”

Before she could answer, Yang Qiong continued, “You have such a beautiful voice. A concert would earn you just as much as acting.”

Song Cheng’s lowered gaze flickered, and she shook her head. “I’ll still have money even if I retire and go home.”

For the first time, Yang Qiong resented Song Cheng’s nouveau riche background. If Song Cheng had come from a more ordinary family, she wouldn’t have dared to retort so sharply.

Liu Zimang wasn’t surprised by Song Cheng’s refusal. She had already sensed Song Cheng’s aversion to the entertainment industry in the past few days. Moreover, Song Cheng’s temperament wasn’t suited for the industry; she was too easily exploited.

Yang Qiong took a deep breath, turned slightly, and drained her glass of wine in one gulp. Then she turned back to Song Cheng. “I’ll assume you dislike the entertainment industry. But what about traditional music? Are you interested in that?”

Song Cheng covered her bowl with her hand and turned sideways to face Yang Qiong. “Singing isn’t as interesting as listening to music. I’m not going.”

This second refusal clearly irritated Yang Qiong.

How could someone be so stubborn?

Yu X, who had overheard everything, stared at Song Cheng in shock, unable to comprehend why she would reject such a golden opportunity. Many people would give anything for Yang Qiong’s guidance.

“Then tell me,” Yang Qiong’s voice rose, a flicker of anger in her eyes, “what exactly do you want?”

Song Cheng’s patience wore thin. She gently placed her chopsticks on the table. “I have only one thought right now: to leave the industry.”

Yang Qiong scoffed and pulled out her phone, scrolling to today’s trending topics.

#SongChengandLiuZimangTriumphOverXuWe #SongCheng’sVoiceIsAstonishing #SongChengandLiuZimang’sCloseRelationship #Shocking!SongChengHasAWolfdogWaist #LiuZimang’sDanceIsStunning #LiuZimangChangedHerDanceStyleBecauseOfSongCheng

She tapped the screen with her fingertip. “Count how many times you’ve trended this month.” Her hands went to her hips, her breathing growing rapid. “Even top-tier celebrities don’t trend this often! And you want to quit? Are you still half-asleep?”

Song Cheng instinctively glanced at Liu Zimang, clearly skeptical of Yang Qiong’s words.

Liu Zimang nodded slightly, meeting Yang Qiong’s intense gaze. She cleared her throat and said, “Teacher Yang’s analysis is accurate. You’re just one opportunity away from igniting.” After a pause, she added, “In industry terms, you’ve already reached Fifth-Tier status.”

Song Cheng stared blankly.

What the hell? Is she serious?

“Your acting talent isn’t necessarily superior to your singing ability,” Yang Qiong interjected.

Song Cheng stood abruptly. “I’m not singing, and that’s final.” With that, she strode out of the room.

Never one for masks, she was immediately recognized as soon as she left the private room.

“Isn’t that the Song Family’s country bumpkin? I heard she threw money at that show to chase after a star, only to be completely ignored.”

“You’re behind the times. She’s switched tactics now, trying to grab Young Master Xu’s attention with cheap stunts. Honestly, she needs to know her place. Does she really think sticking a couple of feathers in her hair will turn her into a Phoenix? She should look at herself first.”

“She’s already lost all shame. Why would she care about her place? A country bumpkin is a country bumpkin, money can’t change that.”

“Exactly! And I heard the Song Family actually wants to list that Timber Company on the stock market. What a joke!”

Song Cheng turned and walked toward the four women, her eyes narrowed slightly as she approached. “So, you’re quite interested in the Song Family’s affairs?”

The women hadn’t expected her approach, and their expressions flickered with surprise.

But in an instant, they regained their composure. A woman adorned with gaudy jewelry delicately adjusted her earrings, as if desperate for Song Cheng to notice. “Who cares about your family’s petty drama? You really think you’re something special, don’t you?”

Song Cheng crossed her arms, took two steps back, and leaned against a pillar behind her. “Do you know how ancient societies dealt with gossips?” Her gaze sharpened, radiating an undeniable aura of authority. “They’d rip out their tongues and feed them to the dogs.”

The four women trembled slightly, their mouths moving as if to speak, but they swallowed their words when they met her icy stare.

Song Cheng wasn’t about to let them off so easily. She raised her hand and summoned a waiter. “Bring one of everything on the menu.” Her eyes swept over the women as she stepped away from the pillar, raising her voice. “Since we’ve all met today, all expenses for everyone here will be charged to these four ladies.”

She tilted her head with feigned understanding, glancing at the four women, whose mouths had dropped open. “As true Phoenixes, you wouldn’t deign to care about such vulgar things as money, would you?”

The women wanted to deny it, but they couldn’t.

To deny it would be a humiliating admission of hypocrisy. They could only nod stiffly at the waiter, forcing themselves to maintain a facade of composure.

“Don’t stand on ceremony with these four ladies,” Song Cheng interjected smoothly, completely ignoring the fact that the women’s faces had turned the color of foie gras. “Let’s have your signature dishes served to every table.”

Though she didn’t know the exact prices of the dishes, she could tell they weren’t cheap.

So these four think they’re too good for money? she thought. Then let them bleed a little. If they start fighting among themselves, even better.

When Liu Zimang emerged, she saw the mischievous grin still lingering on Song Cheng’s lips. Remembering the accusatory tone from their phone call just now, she frowned deeply.