The 'Involution King' Second Female Lead Quits [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: It’s Not Like We Missed Out, Anyway!

Shu Heng had to admit, sometimes wearing clothes was more exciting than not wearing them. So, the first thing she did after groggily waking up the next day was to grab her phone and start shopping.

If the combat uniform was so exciting, what about other uniforms?

Like a doctor’s, a nurse’s, a pilot’s, a German military uniform, or a police uniform. After trying out some serious, no-frills looks, she could also get some different styles, like a maid, a sailor, or other special outfits.

Shu Heng was completely absorbed in her costume-shopping spree. Meanwhile, Li Jianwei, after finishing a work session, was invited to a dinner with a brand representative. Before all the food had even been served, she received a subtle hint from the other party.

“Working for a company is not a long-term plan, after all. Teacher Li, have you ever considered making your studio completely independent and building your own career in the industry?” the brand representative said with a smile, pushing a document toward her.

“What do you mean, Director Gao?” Li Jianwei lowered her eyes, her gaze falling on the title of the document.

A share transfer agreement. And it was for shares in her own company. Was this a gesture of goodwill or a bribe to get her to do something?

“This is 2.9% of Yuehua’s shares. I’m willing to sell them to you at a relatively low price, as a token of my sincerity,” the brand representative said, not revealing too much. It was as if he was just being a good Samaritan, helping Li Jianwei become independent from the company and transform from an employee into a boss.

Something was fishy about this, so Li Jianwei didn’t agree immediately, but she didn’t refuse either. She said she needed some time to consider. The brand representative was also very generous, allowing Li Jianwei to take the agreement to study it. As long as she agreed, she could sign the document at any time.

After Li Jianwei left the private room, the brand representative made a phone call, saying in a confident tone, “Li Jianwei is tempted. All we need is enough leverage to win her over.”

“But she’s very cautious. My suggestion is not to mess with the contract at first. Once she trusts us, we’ll slowly plan to bring her in.”

The brand representative laughed. “Didn’t I tell you? Li Jianwei comes from a very ordinary family. She only got her start after entering the entertainment industry. How can a person like that resist a bribe?”

“Maybe the reason she’s with Shu Heng is because she found out about Shu Heng’s identity and wants to profit from it, which is why she seems so devoted to her.”

“As long as Li Jianwei can keep Shu Heng happy and make her only think about romance, the company will fall into our hands sooner or later. What good is all that old woman’s power if her only child is useless? Is she going to hand the company over to an outsider?”

…

The share transfer agreement was legitimate. This was the conclusion after Li Jianwei had three professional lawyers review it. But the more legitimate it was, the more cautious Li Jianwei became. She had never forgotten that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. No one is kind to you without a reason.

The young miss was good to her because she genuinely liked her as an artist, and she had helped the young miss before, so it wasn’t a kindness without a reason. Li Jianwei couldn’t figure out the brand representative’s background right away, but she had shown the agreement to her agent, Sister Lu, an experienced veteran in the industry.

Sister Lu’s answer was simple: the agreement was fine. The risk was the unknown intentions of the other party, but the benefit was the tangible shares she would get. The 2.9% combined with the 6% Li Jianwei already had was enough to turn her into a company executive and allow her studio to develop independently.

After some thought, Li Jianwei realized she couldn’t refuse such a tangible benefit, so she decided to take the risk. After confirming that the funds would not be an issue, Li Jianwei, with the help of a lawyer, purchased the shares. A public announcement of the share change was made, and the ownership structure of Yuehua Entertainment was updated.

The brand representative was disappointed with Li Jianwei’s excessive caution because it meant he couldn’t mess with the process and get leverage on her as quickly as possible. But his original plan was to play the long game. Using a difference of tens of millions to gain Li Jianwei’s trust was a small price to pay for him. After all, they were plotting to take over a company worth hundreds of billions. Even if it cost them billions, they would still end up with a huge profit.

…

Shu Heng didn’t care about the share change. She was more concerned about whether her girlfriend would be too busy to spend time with her after becoming a company executive.

“The progress is much smoother than expected. I might start looking for good scripts earlier. As for the company and the studio, I can handle the related work at home,” Li Jianwei said after thinking it through.

Li Jianwei wouldn’t interfere with the management of Yuehua Entertainment. Most of the studio’s work was handled by Sister Lu. Her role was mainly to sign documents, provide connections, and receive her cut of the profits.

“So, Teacher Li, you’re not going to act this year?” Shu Heng’s eyes lit up.

“I won’t completely stop acting, but I won’t be on set for a long time unless there’s a really good script,” Li Jianwei said, reaching out to pinch her girlfriend’s cheek. “And don’t forget, just because I’m not acting doesn’t mean you won’t be on set.”

“Why do you say that?” Shu Heng blinked, looking confused. “Sister Lu hasn’t given me any scripts recently. I only have a few brand endorsements, and a few days of filming for promotional videos will be enough.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to catch up to me and win Best Actress?” Li Jianwei said, pulling out a printed script from her bag.

“This is a script that Director Zeng has been working on for three years. It’s a film from the perspective of a revolutionary hero, and it will be filmed over a year, with the timeline spanning summer, autumn, winter, and spring.”

“The main character is most active in the summer, autumn, and winter. She falls on the coldest winter day, but she brings a spring of new life for those who come after her.”

The theme was a main-line one, but it didn’t have many grand scenes. It was more about revealing that dark but hopeful era from a personal perspective. Shu Heng was reading the script very seriously, and after only a few pages, she was full of praise for the content. “Teacher Li, this script is great, but why aren’t you playing the lead?”

“Because you’re a better fit, appearance-wise. Director Zeng wants to find an artist who is both a good physical match and has excellent acting skills for her lead role.”

Shu Heng was tempted. A good script was hard to come by, not to mention a main-line film. As long as it didn’t fall apart later, a Best Actress nomination was almost guaranteed.

“Teacher Li, will you be on set with me?” Shu Heng asked. For the young miss, who had no shortage of money, her love life was more important than a career she could always pursue.

“I won’t be in the film,” Li Jianwei replied.

Shu Heng’s face fell. She held the script, unsure of what to do. The script was good, but if it meant being separated from Teacher Li for a year…

“But I’m one of the investors,” Li Jianwei added calmly. “I have the right to visit the set at any time. As long as I’m not busy with work, I can be there with you.”

Shu Heng’s mood went up and down like a roller coaster. Realizing her girlfriend was teasing her, she ‘angrily’ bit her on the neck.

“You have to try out the new toys with me tonight as an apology!” Shu Heng said poutily.

“Meow,” a voice said. Panda, who had appeared out of nowhere, seemed to agree with Shu Heng’s words. Fortune, on the other hand, didn’t meow. She just cocked her head and looked at the two cat-parents cuddling on the sofa.

“Okay, I’ll go with you,” Li Jianwei said with a smile, pinned under the young miss. Based on her experience, the young miss was always the one to start using the toys, and she was always the one to finish using them.

…

The brand representative’s second offer came quickly. Right after Li Jianwei helped the young miss get Director Zeng’s role, he asked to meet with her for work-related reasons. This time, he revealed more information, and his identity changed from a brand representative to a senior director of a publicly listed company.

“The new artist your studio just signed has a lot of potential. I can arrange a well-known home appliance endorsement for her,” Director Gao said with a smile. “I wonder if Teacher Li would be willing to accept it?”

“I can’t accept a favor without earning it,” Li Jianwei’s expression didn’t change. “I’m afraid I can’t take this gift.”

“That’s fine. It’s just a small appetizer. I believe Teacher Li is a smart person and knows what I want,” Director Gao’s expression also didn’t change. “If Teacher Li didn’t recognize who I was last time, I’m sure you do now, right?”

Li Jianwei didn’t say anything. She just scrolled on her phone and then placed it face down on the table. “I’m not interested in the feuds of the wealthy. The entertainment industry is my comfort zone, and I have no plans to leave.”

“That doesn’t stop us from working together. I can give you many things you need, whether it’s resources or cash,” Director Gao said with confidence. In his opinion, people were greedy, especially someone like Li Jianwei, who had barely made it into high society from a common background. She would fight tooth and nail to stay in the higher circles. Li Jianwei couldn’t even refuse the temptation of 2.9% of the shares. How could such a greedy person resist an even bigger temptation?

To be fair, Director Gao’s thoughts weren’t entirely wrong. If it were Zhou Zhao, he would have gladly agreed. But Li Jianwei wasn’t Zhou Zhao. She was greedy, but her mind was much sharper than his.

“What do you need me to do?” Li Jianwei asked directly.

Director Gao, thinking his offer had already swayed Li Jianwei, smiled even wider. “Just maintain the status quo. Don’t leave the entertainment industry, and don’t let Shu Heng leave the entertainment industry either.”

“A well-known brand endorsement is nice, but I can get that on my own,” Li Jianwei said, crossing her hands on the table. “With all due respect, I don’t see your sincerity.”

Director Gao: “This endorsement is just a gift for our meeting. As long as we maintain a good relationship, I’ll regularly prepare suitable gifts for you.”

“Then I’ll look forward to it,” Li Jianwei said with a half-smile.

…

Since it was a gift, there was no reason to refuse it. Li Jianwei went back and introduced the resources to her artists. Then, while the young miss was working out, she made a call to a number she had contacted a week ago.

“Auntie, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I need to give you a heads-up about a few things…”

The call ended half an hour later. At the same time, Shu Heng had finished her workout and was getting ready to shower, wearing a sports tank top.

“Are you done with work, Teacher Li?” Shu Heng asked casually, holding a special drink and taking a few sips. The young miss was still a little miffed and was trying to be the last one to fall asleep in bed.

“Almost,” Li Jianwei said, tossing her phone onto the bed and getting up to grab a towel. “Do you need me to help you wash up?”

“Of course! Thank you, Teacher Li~” Shu Heng blew a kiss to Li Jianwei, a prelude to a wonderful night.

…

Director Zeng was a relatively strict director. She required her lead actors not to take on any guest roles during filming, not even for a few minutes. Shu Heng, as the undisputed lead, was repeatedly reminded of this before filming started. After confirming that her schedule was completely free, they chose the anniversary of the revolutionary hero’s birth to start filming.

Looking at the rising smoke, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Director Zeng’s eyes. Then, with the clapboard sound, the film that was destined to be a masterpiece in film history officially began.

Shu Heng worked very hard. If Li Jianwei hadn’t been there with her, she probably would have had a hard time getting out of character after filming, and she might even have had some mental issues from the year-long immersive role-play. The history of that era was too heavy. The more she learned, the more she felt sorry for the pioneers who had died for their great cause, regretting that they had fallen on the eve of victory.

“Wuwuwu, I don’t even read sad stories! How can I handle this pressure!” Shu Heng broke down one night, sobbing. In the end, she had to hug Li Jianwei, and even move Panda and Fortune’s beds into the bedroom to calm down. For the young miss, who had plenty of money, staying in a hotel for a year was too painful. So, she bought a one-hundred-plus-square-meter apartment near the main filming location and had the two cats move in with her.

When Li Jianwei was there, she would cling to her Teacher Li. If she wasn’t, she could hug Panda and Fortune to calm down and get out of character.

Shu Heng’s hard work wasn’t in vain. When the film was released on National Day, Shu Heng was elevated to an unprecedented level. She was even praised by the government for her performance, which was seen as a tribute to the revolutionary hero. The next year, Shu Heng got to attend the awards ceremony, nervously waiting for the host to announce the winner. When she heard her name, she was stunned for a moment, then she wanted to share the news with her Teacher Li.

But when she looked back, she found that Teacher Li was no longer in the audience. She had transformed into a presenter and was waiting for her on the stage.

[Wow, so sweet! Teacher Li, who has won the award before, is presenting the award to Teacher Shu Heng! This power couple is too perfect to ship!]

[Did you hear that! I told you they were just working on their projects! All those rumors about them breaking up were just from those mindless entertainment accounts!]

[Today is another day to cry over the beautiful love of Teacher Li and Teacher Shu Heng!]

[Today is another day I want to join the Li-Shu family!]

[Wait, wait, wait, the conversation is getting a little weird?]

[Huh? What’s going on? Shu Heng is leaving the industry? It’s not April Fool’s Day, is it? Who leaves the entertainment industry right after winning Best Actress!]

[What? She’s going home to inherit the family business and help the revolutionary hero’s legacy by establishing a charity fund to give girls who couldn’t get a higher education a new opportunity?]

[This is great! If they help the girls in the mountains, they can live freely under a clear sky.]

Shu Heng hadn’t planned to leave the industry so soon, but when the moment was right, she just said what was on her mind. The young miss had only entered the entertainment industry to fulfill her dream of winning an award. Now that her dream had come true, it was time to say goodbye to the industry and move on to a new chapter in her life. Of course, her performance and in-depth understanding of the revolutionary hero were also a big reason for her decision. A new era had indeed arrived, but it was still a long way from the perfect society the heroes had dreamed of. As someone who could help build a better society, Shu Heng felt it was her duty to do something.

Li Jianwei was a little surprised that her lover had made up her mind so quickly, but that didn’t stop her from supporting her wholeheartedly. It had been over a year. Auntie Shu had probably already dealt with those self-proclaimed smart people and paved the way for Shu Heng to take over.

…

Shu Heng’s abrupt departure from the industry at the peak of her career quickly became a trending topic, and netizens argued about it for a long time. Some believed Shu Heng was just trying to get publicity, some thought she had a change of heart and was leaving to do charity work, and some believed that Shu Heng really had a family business to inherit.

When Shu Heng appeared with her mom in a public event, the netizens who supported the first two views quickly disappeared, and more and more people wanted to join the Li-Shu family.

And so, Li Jianwei continued to scout for new talent in the entertainment industry. She would invest in a project, use the resources from the investment to make the newcomer famous, and then make a huge profit and expand her studio, creating a perfect cycle.

Shu Heng, on the other hand, slowly accumulated experience, learning management skills from her mom. A year later, she became a manager. Two years later, she was promoted to director. Three years later, she became a vice president with real power. Her career in the company rose as fast as a rocket.

After going through many things, Shu Heng looked back and realized something was off. When she was “pursuing” Teacher Li, it seemed like she was the one taking the initiative, but Teacher Li had never rejected her. In fact, she had even given her opportunities! Was she playing hard to get?

Shu Heng decided to ask when they were in bed. She asked fiercely, “Teacher Li, tell me the truth. On that night when I was drugged and hugging you, did you want to do something to me too?”

“Okay, I admit it. I was tempted at the time. But just because I was tempted doesn’t mean I had to act on it,” Li Jianwei said with a smile when she was being held accountable.

“Then why didn’t you make a move afterward? If I hadn’t gone on that travel reality show with you, would I have been out of the picture?” Shu Heng bit a firm, red fruit, expressing her dissatisfaction with her actions.

Li Jianwei couldn’t help but gasp. The young miss’s teeth were as sharp as ever. “If we hadn’t gone on the show together, I would have still invited you to dinner after filming was over as a thank you for the resources you gave me. I think we still would have had a chance to develop our relationship.”

“Really?” Shu Heng started biting her ear.

Li Jianwei coaxed her gently. “Really. I’m just a little slow when it comes to relationships. I’m not a block of wood. How could I not be moved by such a cute and tempting young miss?”

“Maybe I fell in love with you at first sight, but I just didn’t realize it. Please forgive me. At that time, I was only focused on my career. I didn’t know that you would be my only treasure.”

Shu Heng, who was easily appeased, started to whimper. Even though she had a commanding presence among her subordinates and could intimidate many people with just a look, she was still the spoiled and loved young miss in front of Li Jianwei.

Who could blame Shu Heng for realizing how much Li Jianwei loved her as she became more mature? For example, when Shu Heng became vice president, she found out that many of her cousins were trying to take her place and had even tried to bribe Li Jianwei. But they were too arrogant and underestimated Li Jianwei. In the end, they were handled by her mom and Li Jianwei working together.

Shu Heng’s mom also revealed the smokescreen she had set up back then. She had tried to use her power and money to tempt Li Jianwei on the first day they met. Shu Heng had asked her at the time, “Mom, if Teacher Li had agreed, what would you have done?”

“If you really loved her, I would have made sure she would spend her life with you, spoiling you. If you didn’t love her, she would have been a useless pawn,” was Shu Heng’s mom’s answer.

Fortunately, that day never came. Li Jianwei and Shu Heng both achieved success in their respective fields. Li Jianwei became a major figure in the industry who could not be offended. It was an unspoken rule that anyone who could join her studio was bound to be famous for a while. Shu Heng focused on her business, appearing in many CCTV interviews. She even appeared with Li Jianwei at a meeting as a representative of the National People’s Congress, giving the “couple” fans a reason to ship them every year.

With only a three-month age difference, Li Jianwei and Shu Heng fulfilled their wish of holding hands and going to the next world together at the end of their lives. The one who handled their affairs was a younger relative of the Shu family, specifically a promising one Shu Heng had picked out from her own grandchildren. He eventually became the legal heir to their businesses.

As her consciousness faded, Li Jianwei found herself in a life review. But many of the scenes were completely foreign to her. When had she become a tech CEO? Shouldn’t that be Professor Liu Zhen and her partner Hua Ke? And what about that beautiful starry sky? When they could travel through space, she and Shu Heng were already over seventy, so they had to settle for a holographic experience.

“How are you doing? Is your consciousness recovering?” a familiar voice appeared in Li Jianwei’s mind.

“The same as last time. It’s helping, but not much. Maybe the stimulation to the deeper consciousness is too gentle.”

“Then let’s switch,” the voice said again after a moment. “Let’s switch to this one.”

“Your… Your Highness, is… is this appropriate? If we guide the Marshal’s consciousness into a world like this, the Marshal will… will…”

“It’s fine. I’m not an incompetent Crown Prince, and I would never doubt that my Marshal would betray me,” the familiar voice became resolute. “This is an order. Do as I say.”