I'm Interested In Your Friend - Chapter 27
27
The glass elevator descended.
The numbers on the display panel slowly decreased.
5, 4, 3…
But the expected second floor never came.
Most likely, someone was getting on or off at the third floor.
The surroundings became very quiet, so quiet that even the hum of the elevator couldn’t be heard.
“Just stand behind me.”
“I can protect you.”
Tan Suran’s words echoed in Yu Lili’s mind.
Speaking like that—
Was just too breaking the rules.
Yu Lili secretly raised her head, stealing a glance at Tan Suran, who was also waiting by the elevator.
Tan Suran’s brown hair curled slightly, her chin delicate and fair, her lips full and red, her side profile equally stunning.
As if noticing her gaze, Tan Suran turned her head slightly.
But Yu Lili, feeling guilty, turned her head away before Tan Suran could look back.
Then, as if nothing had happened, she turned back to look at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Making it seem as if it was Tan Suran who had been secretly watching her.
Yu Lili remained calm, turning the tables without batting an eye.
Tan Suran shook her head, but before she could say anything, a phone rang.
She glanced at the caller and whispered to Yu Lili, “I need to take this call.”
Tan Suran stepped aside to answer the phone, and Yu Lili also moved aside, deciding not to take this elevator.
The elevator that had stopped at the third floor began descending again, its doors slowly opening.
There weren’t many people inside—just a few well-dressed, attractive young men and women scattered around.
Some wore masks, others wore caps.
Like some shady little group.
Yu Lili curiously took another look.
Just that one glance, and she locked eyes with a tall girl in the far corner.
The girl was tall with a small face, a black cap pulled low over her forehead, no mask, her bare face pale, her aura transcendent—clearly, she had become more star-like since entering the entertainment industry.
Aside from her beauty, Yu Lili was also very familiar with this face.
Yu Lili quickly averted her gaze, turned around, and faced the wall, muttering a spell: “Can’t see me, can’t see me, can’t see me…”
“Li? Li?” Zhu Jingxiang’s uncertain voice came from behind.
—Spell failed.
“Why are you dressed like this?” Zhu Jingxiang stepped out of the elevator and walked over to Yu Lili.
This immediately shut down Yu Lili’s planned “You’ve got the wrong person.”
“Here for dinner too?” Zhu Jingxiang continued.
“Uh…”
With Zhu Jingxiang recognizing her in front and Tan Suran on the phone behind her,
Yu Lili’s heart pounded like a drum.
Her brain raced to find a way out.
“Xiao Zhu, aren’t you coming?” Inside the elevator, Zhu Jingxiang’s companion held the door open, waiting for her.
Yu Lili licked her lips and hurriedly urged Du Tanyu, “Ah, you should go ahead, don’t keep your friends waiting.”
“It’s fine, you guys go ahead.”
Zhu Jingxiang bid farewell to her crew, then turned back to Yu Lili and said, “I’ll take you home.”
Yu Lili resisted, “I drove here.”
Zhu Jingxiang smoothly replied, “Then you can take me. I had a bit to drink.”
Yu Lili: “…”
She had no idea when Tan Suran would be back.
Yu Lili grew increasingly anxious, but Zhu Jingxiang seemed determined to stick with her, standing firmly by her side.
Footsteps echoed from the hallway—it sounded like Tan Suran was returning.
Panicked, Yu Lili grabbed Zhu Jingxiang’s hand and dragged her into the emergency stairwell.
To avoid Tan Suran, she deliberately lingered in the stairwell for twenty minutes before calling Du Tanyu: “Du Du, what are you up to? Can you come get me…”
Before she could finish, Zhu Jingxiang took the phone and hung up.
Zhu Jingxiang frowned, “What’s wrong with your phone?”
Noticing the cracked screen, Yu Lili suddenly felt she should have messed with that Miss Fan a bit more earlier. But she didn’t want to explain much to Zhu Jingxiang, so she casually said, “Dropped it.”
“Where’s your car?” Zhu Jingxiang had heard Yu Lili ask Du Tanyu to pick her up.
Recalling her earlier lie about driving, Yu Lili kept a straight face and spun another tale: “It exploded.”
“Huh?”
“Spontaneous combustion. Called 119 to put it out, then towed to the junkyard. So…” Yu Lili glanced at Zhu Jingxiang and pushed open the stairwell door, “Figure out your own way back.”
“Then I’ll take you home.”
“But you’ve been drinking.”
Zhu Jingxiang: “I didn’t drink.”
Yu Lili stopped in her tracks and glared up at her.
Zhu Jingxiang confessed without a hint of guilt: “I lied earlier.”
Yu Lili stood frozen for a moment, helpless, and finally got into Zhu Jingxiang’s car.
In the parking lot, five meters away, inside a black Pagani.
Tan Suran leaned back in her seat, a mint cigarette between her slender fingers—unlit—narrowing her eyes as she watched the two figures tugging at each other in the distance.
After a long while, her gaze returned to her phone, to the message from her pinned contact: [Something came up, I’m heading out first.]
A self-deprecating smile tugged at her lips.
Tan Suran dialed a number, turned the steering wheel, and drove toward the company: “Lin, let’s resume the meeting.”
Everyone was stunned to see the big boss, who had seemed in a hurry at the start of the conference call—as if she had other urgent matters—and left after sharing her thoughts, rejoin the meeting. Those who had been slacking off, goofing around, or half-asleep instantly straightened up, grateful they hadn’t left the meeting early.
Incredible.
When did President Tan also start bluffing?
—
Yu Lili only had Zhu Jingxiang drop her off at the entrance of her neighborhood.
Once the car stopped,
She didn’t get out immediately.
The car windows, tinted for privacy, provided excellent sound insulation. The radio played a soft female vocal love song.
Zhu Jingxiang lowered her eyelids and said, “You used to love this song in college.”
“Back then, this singer came to Lihe for a concert. If I hadn’t had an unmissable gig, we would’ve gone together.”
Yu Lili turned her face away: “Yeah, I used to like it. But not anymore.”
She looked at Zhu Jingxiang and said deliberately, “And it’s not just the song. I don’t like you anymore either.”
“Don’t waste your energy on me. It’s not worth it.”
Zhu Jingxiang’s eyes flickered as she cut her off: “Whether it’s worth it or not is for me to decide.”
Yu Lili fell silent for two seconds, then said nothing more, quietly opening the car door and leaving.
Zhu Jingxiang rested her pale forearm on the steering wheel, watching Yu Lili’s retreating figure with a silent, bitter smile: “Yu Lili, you’re really ruthless.”
Back home, Yu Lili flopped onto the sofa and pulled out her phone from her pocket.
Opening WeChat on her alternate account.
The only contact hadn’t replied to her message.
She raised an eyebrow and tentatively sent another: [Did you get home okay?]
By the time she drifted into sleep, there was still no reply from Tan Suran.
The next morning, she saw that Tan Suran had sent her a cold, distant [Yeah] at 3 a.m.
Yu Lili hadn’t expected that [Yeah] to be the only interaction between them for the next month.
In the following weeks, Yu Lili was busy shooting, editing, and finalizing projects.
“Frontier” gained recognition.
Song Yu’s new drama became a hit, and the earlier interview clips were released to capitalize on the buzz, garnering impressive likes.
But the real surprise was that the character who gained the most fans from this hit drama was the seemingly innocent but secretly ruthless female lead, whose early vulnerability and later self-reliant, independent demeanor won over many viewers.
“Our May cover will feature this female lead,” Olivia announced briefly during the morning meeting.
Li Mi, who rarely watched dramas, asked, “Who is it?”
“Zhu Jingxiang,” Guan Xi said, raising an eyebrow.
Li Mi nodded in understanding.
Guan Xi continued, “She’s always been a topic of discussion—slapping investors and all. This drama solidified her ‘cool girl’ image. Her short video likes now surpass even the lead actor’s.”
Olivia: “Lili, you’ll handle the May cover shoot.”
Yu Lili, who had zoned out the moment Zhu Jingxiang’s name was mentioned, snapped back to attention, her pen scratching a long line across her notebook: “Huh?”
“Problem?” Olivia arched a brow at her. Though her expression remained neutral, a hint of displeasure was detectable.
“No.”
Work was work.
Personal feelings shouldn’t interfere.
On the day of Zhu Jingxiang’s shoot, the cover featuring Qin Zhuyu, which had been shot earlier, was teased on the official blog.
Qin Zhuyu’s studio also reposted the announcement.
The post tagged the makeup artist, hairstylist, and photographer.
[This styling suits Qin Qin so well.]
[So incredibly beautiful.]
[Well, she’s stunning to begin with.]
Initially, the comments were quickly flooded by fans.
But gradually, non-fans joined in.
[Not a fan, but this set is really good.]
Of course, there were also haters.
[Pfft, as if we don’t know fans love pretending to be non-fans these days…]
[Wow, didn’t even look at the pics yet, but this set is fire. First time I’ve ever gotten Qin Zhuyu.]
[Ugly as sin. One glance and I’ll need to wash my eyes for a day. Who’s acting all impressed here? Don’t drag innocent bystanders into this.]
[Oh ho, clicked on the profile—big fan of Yu Mu’s supertopic, no wonder the mouth is so foul. Not surprised.]
The fan wars quickly pushed the photoshoot’s popularity, slowly climbing from the tail end of the entertainment hot search list to the main chart.
And Yu Lili—@LiliMe—the photographer, once again entered the public eye.
Yu Mu’s fans: [Why is it her again?]
Fans of other rising stars: [This photographer has shot several viral sets already. @Studio, hurry up and book her.]
“Lili, seems like you’re destined for fame,” Li Mi teased her after seeing the hot search.
Yu Lili rolled her eyes: “You can have this ‘blessing’…”
“No thanks,” Li Mi surrendered, raising her hands.
Li Mi checked her phone: “Lili, can you help me receive the talent downstairs? I need to finalize the interview outline with Xiao Sa and the others.”
“Me… Fine.”
Downstairs, Yu Lili spotted Zhu Jingxiang, fully disguised, waiting with two others—likely her manager and assistant.
Yu Lili jogged over: “Hello, everyone. I’m from Frontier. Let me take you upstairs.”
Before Zhu Jingxiang could speak, her manager frowned: “Why’d you keep us waiting so long?”
There was an accusatory tone in her voice.
“Sorry abou—”
“Was it that long?” Zhu Jingxiang interjected coolly, glancing at her manager.
Both the manager and assistant gaped in surprise.
Wait, wasn’t this diva known for blowing up at the slightest delay? The manager had spoken first precisely to prevent her from offending the entire magazine staff.
“Didn’t wait that long,” Zhu Jingxiang added.
The manager was sure she hadn’t misheard—those words had indeed come from the famously temperamental Zhu Jingxiang.
Zhu Jingxiang, seeing no response, raised a brow: “Right?”
“Y-Yeah, not long at all,” the manager backpedaled, though she didn’t mind. She was just deeply suspicious that her star had taken the wrong pills before leaving home.
The elevator was silent, occupied only by the four of them.
The manager didn’t ask Yu Lili about the workflow, knowing her star preferred quiet and loathed small talk.
“Eaten yet?” Zhu Jingxiang broke the silence.
A joke:
[Loathes small talk.]
The manager’s brow twitched. That question definitely wasn’t for them—they’d eaten together before coming.
So it was…
Did Zhu Jingxiang know this little photographer?
The manager glanced at the assistant.
Not that she expected the assistant to know anything.
Heh.
But the assistant actually did.
During the last crew interview, wasn’t this the photographer who’d come with them? Their Sister Jingxiang had been eyeing her the entire time.
Definitely not a normal relationship.
“Here.” Zhu Jingxiang handed over a brown paper bag. “Bought it on the way.”
The assistant’s face stung slightly.
The bag contained desserts from Man Ji, Lihe’s top-ranked dessert shop.
Not for taste—for queue length.
After finishing her morning schedule, Sister Jingxiang had driven straight there.
The assistant had offered to queue, but Sister Jingxiang stopped her.
“I’ll get it myself.”
“But—”
“No buts.”
Fine.
The assistant had been on edge the whole time, terrified Zhu Jingxiang would be recognized.
But perhaps her aura was too intimidating—no one dared approach. After an hour in line, she returned unscathed.
Yu Lili recognized the bag instantly. She did love this shop’s desserts—she’d brought some for Zhu Jingxiang when visiting her before.
But now: “No thanks, I’ve eaten.”
Olivia was in her office, waiting to meet Zhu Jingxiang’s team.
After pleasantries, Olivia tentatively brought up a ribbon-cutting event next month, a collaboration between Frontier and a brand. Hearing Zhu Jingxiang would attend: “If it’s convenient, could we do an exclusive interview then?”
Zhu Jingxiang agreed immediately: “Sure.”
The manager chimed in: “Of course. We’ll sync on specifics later.”
“Then let Vivi take you to the studio. I’ve got another magazine’s editor-in-chief coming to discuss a collaboration, so I won’t join you,” Olivia said, smiling as she saw Zhu Jingxiang off, though inwardly puzzled.
She’d heard Zhu Jingxiang and her team were notoriously difficult. Their proactive outreach for the cover had surprised her—Zhu Jingxiang’s film credentials might be modest, but her fashion clout was solid, with two luxury brand ambassadorships and several women’s magazine covers.
And just now, she’d been so cooperative.
Olivia opened her group chat and shared her updated take on Zhu Jingxiang.
Before entering the studio, the manager glanced at Zhu Jingxiang: “Jingxiang, if we do Frontier’s interview, Fashion also reached out for that day. Should we—”
“No.”
Manager: “Why?”
“I don’t like pointless, redundant work.”
Manager: “…”
Redundant Fashion: “…”
The manager braced for a diva meltdown.
But inside the studio, Zhu Jingxiang transformed into a model of compliance—”Whatever works,” “Sure,” “No problem”—following the photographer’s every direction, striking every requested pose.
Any photographer who’d shot Zhu Jingxiang before would’ve been baffled. How come she’d been deaf, blind, and willful during their shoots?
After two sets,
During the break,
Zhu Jingxiang changed into the next outfit and went straight to Yu Lili to discuss poses.
When it came to work, Yu Lili had no reservations. They brainstormed concepts, debated poses, and when words failed, Yu Lili physically adjusted Zhu Jingxiang’s stance.
At one point, Yu Lili lifted Zhu Jingxiang’s arm overhead and accidentally spotted someone at the studio entrance.
Olivia and beside her—
Tan Suran?
Yu Lili’s first instinct was to yank her hand back from Zhu Jingxiang.
Her second was to hide behind a prop.
By the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth thoughts, she realized she was Yu Lili—why hide?
Besides, Tan Suran hadn’t contacted Anna in so long—maybe she’d forgotten her already.
And why was her heart racing at the sight of Tan Suran?
With that,
Yu Lili tugged at her clothes and strode out from behind the prop, chin high.
“What’s wrong?” Zhu Jingxiang asked.
“Oh, that backdrop looked crooked. Just fixing it.”
Zhu Jingxiang nodded, not pressing further: “Like this?” She struck another pose.
“Mm…” Yu Lili half-engaged, her peripheral vision locked on Tan Suran by the door.
It’d been so long—her hair seemed longer.
Was her waist slimmer?
Face smaller?
Had work been so busy she hadn’t had time to reach out…
“Lili?” Zhu Jingxiang called hesitantly.
Yu Lili snapped back: “Ah… Let’s finalize poses during the shoot. Rest now.”
Tan Suran watched the two from a distance, subtly steering Olivia toward the set.
This collaboration was originally Fashion’s Fiona’s project, but: “She’s traveling. I wanted to learn more about this side of the business.”
Olivia nodded, explaining: “We’re shooting the May cover now. The set was finalized a week ago, built over three days.”
They greeted staff as they walked.
Yu Lili clenched her fists, joining Li Mi, pouting slightly as she covertly tracked Tan Suran’s path.
Waiting for her to say hello so she could lazily respond.
Waiting, waiting.
Her heart pounded.
Then—
Tan Suran walked right past her.
Just… walked past.
Without a word.
Yu Lili sighed, lowering her gaze.
Whatever.
This was how it should be.
Given the “relationship” between Yu Lili and Tan Suran, a greeting would’ve been the real shocker.
“Where’s the restroom?” Tan Suran asked Olivia.
Olivia: “I’ll take you.”
Tan Suran’s gaze swept the room: “No need. Any staff member can point the way.”
Olivia scanned the room, ready to pick a lucky guide.
Overhearing, Yu Lili unconsciously stepped forward, eager.
“Li Mi, over here,” Olivia’s selection landed on… Li Mi, next to Yu Lili.
Yu Lili sighed again.
But Li Mi nudged her: “Lili, the editor’s calling you.”
Huh?
Li Mi, the unsung hero.
Better a colleague’s mishearing
Than missing a chance.
I’ll treat you to a feast someday.
On the way to the restroom, Yu Lili kept her head down, unsure what to say.
Not that there was much to say.
But Tan Suran’s faint bitter-lemon scent was intoxicating. Just walking beside her inexplicably lifted her mood.
“Left, the women’s room is on the left,” Yu Lili managed—the only line she could think of.
Tan Suran seemed to chuckle: “Mm, I can read.”
Yu Lili debated whether to wait.
She could.
Or not.
So… she waited.
Well…
As far as the magazine was concerned, Tan Suran was a major client.
Neglecting a client was bad form.
Yu Lili selflessly prioritized the company.
She leaned against the wall, pouting, one foot tapping cheerfully to an invisible beat.
The restroom flushed.
Soon,
The click of heels approached.
Yu Lili frowned, sensing something off.
Before she could pinpoint it,
A slender, elegant figure emerged, casually lifting her gaze. Spotting Yu Lili, she showed no surprise.
Waving lazily, she said, “Long time no see. Just dropping by.”
Yu Mu smiled brightly.