Got a Happy Ending With My Ex’s Sister? (GL) - Chapter 11: Gap

Chapter 11: Gap

The person was none other than Tao Ziyan, who’d been viciously feuding with her online. Today, she wore a black coat and light makeup, looking less like someone here for hotpot and more like she was ready for a media interview.

Shi Huan stood at the back, locking eyes with Tao Ziyan. Tao Ziyan curved her lips, softly calling, “Huanhuan,” her voice hoarse, as if she’d suffered a great wrong.

Instantly, all eyes turned to them, gossiping, some clueless onlookers even showing Tao Ziyan sympathy.

But Shi Huan acted like she didn’t know her, ignoring her bait and turning to chat with the assistant director. Tao Ziyan was left awkward, lips pursed, retreating like a desperate, low-tier star failing to steal the spotlight.

The assistant director whispered an apology to Shi Huan. “Sorry, didn’t expect it was Tao Ziyan’s crew. Want to head back and sit for a bit?”

Shi Huan shook her head. “An upright person fears no crooked shadow.”

At that moment, Chen Ling was shaking hands with the other director, Yang Hao, a notable figure in the industry known for idol dramas.

Yang Hao spoke first. “Heard from a friend you’re shooting a same-s3x film. That’s risky for release. These films get heavily censored, and there’s no market for them.”

It was true, but saying it so bluntly felt malicious. Chen Ling smiled, unfazed. “Still better than those hyped-up flops that never get approved. A good film will always see the light.”

This jabbed at Yang Hao’s last project, still unreleased. In both skill and influence, Yang Hao couldn’t match Chen Ling. He forced a laugh. “Look at my big mouth! I’ll down a drink as punishment later!”

Then, he gestured to Tao Ziyan behind him. “Let me introduce Ziyan, my lead actress. Very obedient, great at her craft.”

Chen Ling smiled. “No such thing as a bad-tempered actor. Filming’s about acting and insight. My actors are all great.”

Shi Huan, often scolded, was touched hearing Chen Ling praise her for the first time, the gloom in her heart lifting.

Yang Hao took another hit, coldly glancing at Shi Huan. She smiled back, letting him taste Tao Ziyan’s embarrassment.

Tao Ziyan stepped in to save face. “Director Yang, it’s crowded here. Why not find a quieter spot to talk?”

“Good idea. Let’s crash Chen’s table and learn from him.” Yang Hao shamelessly sat down.

You don’t hit a smiling face, and in the same industry, Chen Ling fired back a few sharp words. Yang Hao stayed put, so Chen Ling sat with a tight face. The others at the table lost their appetite.

Tao Ziyan smiled at Chen Ling. “Director Chen, I often hear Director Yang praise your filming skills, saying I should learn from you if I get the chance.”

Flattering Chen Ling while smoothing things over, she played both sides, showing diligence. In just a few months, she’d honed a slick, all-pleasing persona.

But Chen Ling ignored her, freezing the smile on her face. Passing Shi Huan, she said sourly, “Huanhuan, you’re doing well lately. Even Director Chen likes you.”

Shi Huan meant to ignore her, but Tao Ziyan kept pushing, dropping ambiguous remarks. Shi Huan stared at her. “You’re not bad either. Never short of a home, always finding a bed.”

Tao Ziyan choked, reaching for Shi Huan.

“Don’t try that trick.” Shi Huan dodged quickly. Once, when confronting Tao Ziyan, her anger was slightly visible, and Tao Ziyan bought articles to play the victim, claiming Shi Huan harassed her.

“Huanhuan, that’s not what I meant.” Tao Ziyan chased after her, but Yang Hao called her back. She forced a polite smile, returning to pour drinks for everyone.

Watching her busy figure, Shi Huan was glad for her past choices. This industry was a dye vat—once stained, it’s hard to climb out.

As a minor figure, Shi Huan stayed in her corner, unnoticed. About to text Tang Yiqiu about the situation, she saw Tang Yiqiu step out of the elevator.

Tang Yiqiu paused, clearly surprised by the scene. She’d timed her return thinking the meal was nearly done, not expecting a new table.

Once she understood, people at the table spotted her, especially Yang Hao, waving. “Come, come, Yiqiu! Been looking for you. Why’re you just now here?”

Tao Ziyan, quick on the uptake, stood to offer her seat. “Teacher Tang, take my spot.”

Tang Yiqiu glanced over, saying coldly, “No need.” She sat in the empty seat beside Shi Huan, leaving Tao Ziyan’s smile frozen in embarrassment.

Shi Huan hadn’t expected such an obvious rejection. Her own smile faltered as she kept glancing at Tang Yiqiu.

Everyone noticed Tang Yiqiu’s clear dismissal, watching like it was a show. But Tang Yiqiu didn’t spare a glance, as if she didn’t even care who Tao Ziyan was.

Yang Hao coughed, raising his glass. “Yiqiu, I waited for you upstairs forever. Ye Rong said you went up, but I didn’t see you.”

Ye Rong had texted her, but Tang Yiqiu only made a quick trip upstairs to cool off.

Tang Yiqiu said, “Couldn’t find the place.” She ignored Yang Hao after that.

Her status in the industry and the Tang family behind her were things Yang Hao could only curry favor with, not challenge. He brushed it off, waiting for Ye Rong to return before chatting her up.

Yang Hao loved money, and his films were increasingly bizarre. As audiences grew tired of his shallow dramas, he aimed higher, planning a grand historical epic as his signature.

He’d hired big names for clout, made a splash, and pulled strings to pitch a script to Ye Rong, wanting Tang Yiqiu as the lead.

Ye Rong, not wanting to offend, skimmed it and nearly lost her composure. The characters were like superheroes, crushing skulls barehanded, kicking down walls. Tang Yiqiu’s female general was absurd, mowing down armies with a cleaver, then kissing the male lead on a battlefield atop a prized horse—a “beautiful” scene.

Ye Rong still shuddered at the memory. She smiled. “I’d love to take it, but Qiuqiu’s not taking roles after this. Plus, we’re at Director Chen’s table. It’s not the time…”

“Chen won’t mind, right?” Yang Hao looked at Chen Ling, who’d been silent since Tang Yiqiu arrived. How could he not be annoyed? His film wasn’t done, and someone was poaching his star. He stood and left for downstairs.

While they vied openly and covertly, Tang Yiqiu acted unbothered, playing on her phone. Shi Huan, however, eavesdropped intently.

Honestly, she felt uneasy. Filming with Tang Yiqiu, she admired her acting. At the table, she felt the gap.

Tang Yiqiu’s background, her industry stature—these were untouchable. Shi Huan’s ambitions felt so small…

For the first time, she was so subdued. The mood lingered until the gathering ended. Only then did she notice Tang Yiqiu looking at her. She whispered, “What’s up?”

Tang Yiqiu didn’t speak, just looked at her phone.

Shi Huan didn’t get it, hugging her arms as she trailed the group. The night wind stung her face. Her mind was still on the earlier events—the gap between her and Tang Yiqiu, and Ye Rong saying Tang Yiqiu wouldn’t take roles after this…