The Breakup Didn’t Stop Me From Owning the World - Chapter 18

Han Feifei’s pupils contracted as she clutched her small bag and took a step back. “H-how did you know?”

Lan Muyu had only been speculating, but Han Feifei’s reaction directly confirmed she had recorded something. Testing the waters, Lan Muyu asked, “Who were you planning to give the recording to?”

“Don’t you dare slander me.”

Lan Muyu continued calmly, “You made such a grand show of treating the entire crew today. If I casually took a photo for the paparazzi, your own affairs could be exposed too. Since you weren’t aiming to expose me, were you trying to fish for information on someone else’s behalf?”

“No! I was going to the paparazzi to expose you! Don’t act all high and mighty, Lan Muyu. We’re all in the same entertainment industry. Once that recording gets out, just wait for the backlash from netizens.”

Lan Muyu extended her hand, composed. “Give me the recording.”

Watching Lan Muyu’s unflappable demeanor, Han Feifei retreated several steps, unable to grasp her opponent’s intentions. To prevent any mishaps, she quickly sent the recording out, then glared defiantly at Lan Muyu. “I’ve made backups. Even if you take it, it’s useless.”

“We’re all in this circle. You know how to record—do you think I don’t?” Lan Muyu turned off the faucet and dried her hands with a nearby paper towel.

“S-so what?”

Delighted to see Han Feifei’s expression darken further, Lan Muyu smiled. “But this time, I really didn’t record anything. You can relax.”

Han Feifei eyed her warily. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll—”

Lan Muyu toyed with her phone, grinning. “What do I have to fear? What if I went to Director Wang outside? Wouldn’t that make the female lead role mine instead of yours?”

“Impossible!” Han Feifei shook her head frantically. “No way! Director Wang likes me—he invested in this production to promote me!”

Lan Muyu smoothed a strand of hair by her cheek. “You never know. Care to make a bet?”

Han Feifei panicked completely. “N-no, you’re not that kind of person. Back on the Whispering Love in My Heart set, when that rich second-generation tried to proposition you, you turned him down. You even dumped Fu Yao! How could you possibly stoop to someone like Director Wang—that old man who looks like a pig?”

Lan Muyu spread her hands innocently. “Well, as you said—I’m desperate.”

Han Feifei was frantic. She’d worked hard to climb Director Wang’s social ladder, and now Lan Muyu threatened to overshadow her at every turn. Her mental alarms blaring, she shot Lan Muyu a glare and hurried back to the private room ahead of her.

Lan Muyu opened her phone, where a thirty-second recording played, “What do I have to fear… No way! Director Wang likes me… You turned them down, even dumped Fu Yao! How could you stoop to someone like Director Wang—that old man who looks like a pig?”

She truly hadn’t recorded anything at first—but she never said she wouldn’t afterward. As long as Han Feifei didn’t stir trouble, she wouldn’t provoke anything.

Otherwise… who knew how Director Wang might react upon hearing this recording?

Meanwhile, Jiang Qianrou’s phone chimed as a voice message came through. She held it out to Fu Yao, who glanced up at her with a hint of confusion.

Ever since Jiang Qianrou pointed out in front of Fu Yao that Lan Muyu had long since sided with Fu Yiming, Fu Yao’s expression had remained grim. No matter how Jiang Qianrou tried to comfort her, it was useless.

Jiang Qianrou wore a look of concern for Fu Yao while seemingly making excuses for Lan Muyu, but inwardly, she was overjoyed.

Jiang Qianrou understood Fu Yao’s personality. Even though Fu Yao had cheated with her while still with Lan Muyu, Fu Yao had always believed Lan Muyu was her possession and would never leave.

Some people become even more unforgettable when they’re out of reach. After Lan Muyu left Fu Yao, Fu Yao claimed to hate her, yet her possessiveness toward Lan Muyu never truly faded.

This set off alarm bells in Jiang Qianrou’s mind. Moreover, Lan Muyu had only landed a supporting role in Limited Edition, and Jiang Qianrou feared that one day Lan Muyu might seek Fu Yao’s help to secure better resources, rekindling their relationship.

However, when Jiang Qianrou saw the lead actress of Limited Edition, she decisively sought out Han Feifei for collaboration—hence the origin of Han Feifei’s recording.

Jiang Qianrou played the recording in front of Fu Yao. As the voices of Han Feifei and Lan Muyu came through, Lan Muyu’s casual “Sure, why not?” caused Fu Yao to sweep the tableware in front of her onto the floor with a loud crash, startling the waitstaff outside.

A waiter pushed the door open, but Fu Yao waved them away.

Jiang Qianrou cautiously took Fu Yao’s hand. “Yaoyao, don’t be angry. Just consider it a misjudgment on your part. There’s no need to waste your emotions on someone like her, okay?”

Fu Yao clenched her fists. “How did you get this recording?”

Jiang Qianrou lowered her eyes, as if on the verge of tears. “Their crew was dining next door. Han Feifei sent it to me. Yesterday, she told me she suspected Lan Muyu was trying to steal her sponsor. I tried to reassure her that Lan Muyu wasn’t that kind of person—she always seemed so kind and pure…”

Before she could finish, Fu Yao pressed a hand to her forehead and interrupted, “Lan Muyu is good at deceiving people with her appearance. She’s exactly that kind of opportunistic person. I misjudged her before. Don’t make excuses for her anymore.”

Jiang Qianrou rested her head on Fu Yao’s shoulder, a faint smile curling her lips. “Mm.”

“Are they still next door?” Fu Yao asked.

Uncertain of Fu Yao’s intentions, Jiang Qianrou hesitated. “They probably haven’t left yet.”

“You mentioned before that you wanted to try your hand at a script. What if I invest in that production?”

Jiang Qianrou lifted her head from Fu Yao’s shoulder and sighed. “But wouldn’t that cost a lot of money?”

“What does that matter? The scriptwriters for a small production like that are probably mediocre. Having you join would be their good fortune.”

Jiang Qianrou had just returned to the country and wasn’t entirely familiar with scriptwriting practices in China. She urgently needed a project to prove her abilities. After all, a screenwriter who initially relied on family reputation for fame couldn’t compare to one who earned acclaim through merit before their prestigious background was revealed.

She had only wanted Fu Yao to give up on Lan Muyu, never expecting Fu Yao would go so far as to buy her a position on the writing team. Once she took charge of script revisions, wouldn’t Lan Muyu be entirely at her mercy in the production?

But despite her inner excitement, Jiang Qianrou feigned hesitation. “But… Lan Muyu is there. What if I mishandle her character and she uses it as an opportunity to frame me?”

“That’s her own lack of acting skills. How can she blame you?” Fu Yao said disdainfully, pulling Jiang Qianrou toward the door. “Come on, I’ll take you to the production team right now.”

When Lan Muyu returned to the private room, Han Feifei was sitting beside Director Wang, serving him food. Seeing Lan Muyu enter, she stopped mid-motion, pulling her collar even lower as she fanned Director Wang coquettishly. “Director Wang, does your earlier promise to me still stand?”

Director Wang glanced at Lan Muyu, noticing she didn’t even look his way as she walked straight to her seat. His displeasure grew, and he hardened his resolve. “Of course it stands. When have I ever lied to you?”

“You there—the producer.” Gu Yan had stepped out to take a call, so Director Wang turned to Li Ming, who had been sitting beside Gu Yan. “As the investor, I think Lan Muyu is completely unsuitable for the female lead’s supporting role. I’m worried about my investment losses, so I demand she be replaced.”

Han Feifei admired her freshly manicured nails and chimed in, “Producer Li, you’d better think carefully. After all, the funds haven’t been transferred yet…”

Director Wang was an investor Li Ming had brought in. With Gu Yan absents, Li Ming naturally sided with him. “Lan Muyu, get out right now. Our production team doesn’t need you.”

Lan Muyu met Li Ming’s gaze. “But I’ve already signed a contract with Director Gu. If you replace me like this, you’ll have to pay the penalty fee.”

Director Wang scoffed. “A penalty fee? I can afford it.”

“Director Wang, don’t be so harsh.”

“All for you, isn’t it?”

Han Feifei kissed Director Wang on the cheek and suggested, “I think the maid role for the female lead hasn’t been cast yet. Out of consideration for our past relationship, Lan Muyu can stay if she really wants to?”

“No need. My acting skills truly can’t compare to Miss Han’s.” Lan Muyu stood up and headed for the door.

“At least you know your place.” Han Feifei grew even more smug, her grin stretching ear to ear.

But as Lan Muyu passed by Han Feifei, she couldn’t hold back a laugh. “After all… Miss Han can still play nice even when the other person is an old man who looks like a pig. That’s something I could never learn.”

Before Lan Muyu could reach the door, Director Wang’s voice rang out behind her. “Lan Muyu, what exactly did you mean by that?”