She Said: A Passionate Kiss [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 31
“I’m not talking about that,” Gu Pingwan said speechlessly.
Qiang Huai made a face. “Well, there’s nothing else I’m hiding from you.”
“Back in high school,” Gu Pingwan prompted when she saw that Qiang Huai hadn’t caught on.
“High school? That was so long ago.” Qiang Huai looked guilty—there were plenty of things she’d kept from Gu Pingwan back then.
Gu Pingwan narrowed her eyes. “Didn’t Qiang Huai say she had a good memory?”
Qiang Huai took a few steps ahead, and Gu Pingwan caught up to her. “I’m talking about when you got caught by Director Qin for dyeing your hair and wearing makeup.”
“Oh, that—I remember,” Qiang Huai replied.
“Director Qin already told me,” Gu Pingwan said, moving a bit closer. “You don’t have to hide it from me.”
“Thank you, Classmate Qiang Huai.” Gu Pingwan grabbed her arm and let her gaze fall on Qiang Huai’s lips.
Qiang Huai acted nonchalant. “It’s all in the past. Not worth mentioning.”
“I still want to know what exactly happened back then. Is that okay?” Gu Pingwan’s gaze was sincere, making it hard to say no.
After a moment of thought, Qiang Huai began to explain what had happened.
“Long story short—you were being followed, and I taught them a lesson.” Qiang Huai talked casually as she walked, pulling Gu Pingwan into the school convenience store.
Gu Pingwan saw how lightly Qiang Huai brushed it off and didn’t press any further, but she was thinking about how to repay such a huge favor.
“It looks much nicer in here than before.” Qiang Huai looked around the shop. It was brighter, with more shelves and fully stocked.
“Yeah,” Gu Pingwan replied absentmindedly. Watching Qiang Huai picking out snacks brought back memories of high school.
“What do you want to eat?” Qiang Huai grabbed two bottles of soda and turned to ask.
Gu Pingwan pointed to the chocolate bars behind her. She waited by the door while Qiang Huai made the selection and paid.
“Here, I opened it for you.” Qiang Huai handed her a peach-flavored soda.
“Thanks,” Gu Pingwan said and took a sip.
“Still thinking about earlier?” Qiang Huai caught the scent of peaches from the bottle, fresh and calming.
“If you really feel bad, then make it up to me.” Qiang Huai beckoned mysteriously with a finger.
Gu Pingwan tilted her head. “How should I make it up to you?”
Qiang Huai leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Give me a kiss.”
“Seriously?” Gu Pingwan’s round eyes widened in surprise.
“You’re not actually going to do it, right?” Qiang Huai used the bottle to shield the spot where Gu Pingwan had bitten her earlier.
The two locked eyes for a few seconds and then burst into laughter.
…
After leaving the school, Qiang Huai headed to the company while Gu Pingwan went home.
Downstairs at the company.
Just as Qiang Huai swiped her access card, she ran into a woman.
“Teacher Qiang Huai,” the woman called.
Qiang Huai frowned. “Zheng Yu?”
Zheng Yu had her head wrapped up, making her almost unrecognizable.
“Can we talk upstairs?”
Qiang Huai signaled the security guard to let her in. She had a rough idea of why Zheng Yu was here.
On the elevator ride up, they ran into Lian Tang.
They had met during a previous award ceremony. Lian Tang greeted Qiang Huai, then looked at Zheng Yu.
“Teacher Zheng Yu? You’re here to sign with our company?” Lian Tang sized her up.
Zheng Yu avoided eye contact and didn’t remove her scarf.
“I’m all wrapped up and you still recognized me,” she mumbled.
Lian Tang snorted. “Your aura is unforgettable.”
Qiang Huai felt Lian Tang’s tone was too sharp and softened the mood. “Lian Tang, don’t you have a full schedule?”
“Just came back to grab something. Heading to Hengdian this afternoon,” Lian Tang replied.
Lian Tang got off at the 40-somethingth floor. At the top floor, Qiang Huai brought Zheng Yu into her office.
“Alright, what do you need?” Qiang Huai tossed her bag on the desk and lounged in her chair.
Zheng Yu finally removed her scarf, revealing a bare face.
“Teacher Qiang Huai, would you consider signing me to your company?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
“I know about your situation.” Qiang Huai tapped her fingers on the desk. “But I’ll need to see whether you’re worth signing.”
Zheng Yu lowered her head slightly. “I’ll send my work samples to your email.”
Qiang Huai’s gaze turned cold. “So this is what you meant by working hard to join our company?”
“Te-Teacher Qiang Huai, I don’t have a team or an agent anymore… I’m on my own now, so…” Zheng Yu began to cry.
“No crying. What’s the point of that?” Qiang Huai frowned. “You’re the victim. I understand.”
“If you want to join our company, I’m willing to help you. But don’t use your grievances as bargaining chips. Understand?” Her tone softened.
Zheng Yu sniffled. “I understand. Thank you, Teacher Qiang Huai.”
“Wipe your tears and speak up if there’s anything else.” Qiang Huai tossed her a pack of tissues from her drawer.
Zheng Yu wiped her tears. “Please take a look at my work.”
Qiang Huai opened her laptop and checked her email—sure enough, Zheng Yu had sent over her portfolio.
“I’ve seen your films. Your professional skills are solid,” she said as she closed the email. Then she called Sister Qin on the office phone.
Sister Qin came in and was surprised to see Zheng Yu.
“Sister Qin, arrange a spot for Zheng Yu on the 12th floor. Pair her with a female agent,” Qiang Huai instructed.
“You really want to sign her?” Sister Qin mentally assessed the potential risks.
Qiang Huai nodded. Zheng Yu hadn’t actually caused her any harm. Plus, Zheng Yu had publicly spoken out for many women in the industry. Her work was good—it wouldn’t hurt to lend her a hand.
“But don’t rush her into any projects yet. Get a therapist to help her process everything,” Qiang Huai said, unsure if Zheng Yu was truly listening.
Zheng Yu hesitated but quickly nodded when she caught Qiang Huai’s gaze.
Sister Qin had a junior agent come up and take Zheng Yu downstairs to review the company rules. She’d only sign the contract after agreeing to them.
“I didn’t expect you to be so forgiving,” Sister Qin said, settling onto the couch.
Qiang Huai pressed her lips together. “She didn’t actually hurt me. Besides, the girl’s been through a lot.”
“Why the therapist though?” Sister Qin asked, puzzled.
“Don’t you think she’s too quick to play the victim?” Qiang Huai explained. “It’s a classic symptom of someone who’s been oppressed too long. I don’t know how her old company trained her.”
“For an actor, self-awareness comes first. If she’s always placing herself in a subordinate role, she won’t last long in this field.” Qiang Huai got up to pour some water.
Sister Qin chuckled. “When you put it like that, it does make sense.”
“How about you and your Chief Engineer Gu?” she asked casually.
Qiang Huai took a sip of water. “We’re doing well.”
“I saw the school’s promo video—her speech was so thoughtful and elegant. And then there’s you…” Sister Qin teased.
“I’m full of wisdom too, thank you very much,” Qiang Huai grinned as soon as she brought up Gu Pingwan.
“So, when are you two taking it to the next level?” Sister Qin asked. She’d been worried for ages that Qiang Huai wasn’t making a move. Their PR team was already prepared for any scenario.
Qiang Huai turned to look out the window. “Taking the next step… I’m conflicted. I’m afraid I’ll scare her off if I push too hard.”
“Wow, Teacher Qiang Huai’s got cold feet?” Sister Qin teased.
“I’m usually brave, but when it comes to her, my courage disappears,” Qiang Huai admitted.
Knock knock knock—
They both turned at the same time. Gu Pingwan stood at the door holding a takeout box.
They were both stunned. Neither of them knew how long she’d been standing there.
“What are you doing here?” Qiang Huai quickly invited her in.
Sister Qin awkwardly greeted her. “Well, you two chat—I’ve got things to do.”
After she left, Gu Pingwan entered. “I remember you like the food from the restaurant downstairs, and I never got a chance to treat you, so I brought it over today.”
Qiang Huai looked at the logo on the box—it was the place she’d ordered from using her own account to avoid Gu Pingwan spending too much. She hadn’t expected Gu Pingwan to remember.
“Come, sit,” Qiang Huai gestured toward the sofa.
Gu Pingwan’s expression was calm. It was hard to tell how she felt.
“How’d you get up here without a keycard?” Qiang Huai asked.
“I ran into Xiao Yu downstairs. She brought me up,” Gu Pingwan replied, lowering her head to unpack the food.
“You went home to see your mom—everything okay?” Qiang Huai said while checking her phone. Sure enough, Xiao Yu had texted her seven minutes ago. She hadn’t seen it at the time.
Seven minutes… She’d probably heard everything they said.
Gu Pingwan took out some chopsticks. “Everything’s fine. Come eat.”
“Thanks.” Qiang Huai took the chopsticks, already thinking of ways to explain herself if Gu Pingwan brought it up.
“You heading back to Beijing this afternoon?” she asked while picking up a piece of steak.
“Mm.” Gu Pingwan unpacked all the food and only started eating after arranging it nicely.
Qiang Huai nodded. “So when’s your next break?”
Gu Pingwan checked her calendar. “It’s early February now… probably not until Qingming Festival.”
“I’ll come back then,” she said in a softer voice. “My dad’s memorial is the day before Qingming.”
Qiang Huai hesitated, unsure how to phrase it, and then blurted out, “Then I’ll go with you—to visit our dad.”
Gu Pingwan tilted her head. “Our dad?”
“Uh… I mean, think of me as your older sister,” Qiang Huai tried to cover up, cursing herself for screwing up her lines at the worst time.
Gu Pingwan said seriously, “No way.”
“Qiang Huai, I’m older than you. You should be calling me sister.”
“Just one year older and you think that counts?” Qiang Huai grumbled. She knew Gu Pingwan was a year older because she’d started school early, making her the youngest in their class.
“How does that not count?” Gu Pingwan tried to hold back her laughter. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you call me ‘sister.’”