The Movie Queen’s Secret Stand-In Lover [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 18

The car was eerily quiet. Apart from everyone’s breathing, only Zhou Ning’s snoring could be heard.

 

The snoring reverberated through the enclosed space like some kind of demonic chant, “Hrrrrrrrr… hrrrrrrrr…”

 

Yuan Zhi frowned as she glanced at Zhou Ning, who was sleeping soundly with her mouth wide open, and reluctantly put on noise-canceling earplugs. She couldn’t understand how Zhou Ning managed to produce such an oddly mesmerizing snore—not only was it loud, but it also had a rhythm, rising and falling in pitch like a yodel.

 

She suspected Zhou Ning’s respiratory system might have some issues and thought she should arrange a thorough medical check-up. She had planned to schedule one when she first brought Zhou Ning under her wing, but since food delivery riders already underwent regular health exams and she had been particularly busy those days, she hadn’t rushed to arrange it.

 

Sun Mingyue, unable to speak or even dare to play with her phone, sat sandwiched in the middle with no easy view of the scenery outside. Out of sheer boredom, she fished out the Peace Talisman Zhou Ning had given her from her pocket and began fiddling with it.

 

Yuan Zhi cast a brief, indifferent glance at the talisman but paid it no mind. In the entertainment industry, people either encountered too much weirdness, had too many guilty consciences, or simply followed trends—many believed in metaphysics. It was common for film crews to set up altars and pray to deities during opening ceremonies.

 

The hotel arranged by the production team wasn’t too far from the filming location, and they arrived quickly.

 

“Ningning, we’re here. Wake up.” Sun Mingyue stole a cautious glance at Yuan Zhi before shaking Zhou Ning, who was dead asleep.

 

“Huh?” Zhou Ning wiped away a bit of drool and groggily blinked awake. “We’re here already?”

 

Sun Mingyue opened the car door and gently nudged Zhou Ning out. Standing outside, she bowed. “Thank you, Sister Zhi.”

 

Still half-asleep, Zhou Ning mimicked Sun Mingyue and bowed. “Thank you, Sister Zhi.”

 

The car door closed again.

 

The driver turned back and asked, “President Yuan, shall we return to the hotel or go somewhere else?”

 

Yuan Zhi sat alone in the spacious, empty back seat. Through the right window, she watched the two of them walking arm-in-arm toward the hotel lobby, their closeness unmistakable. Her tone unreadable, she said, “Drive to the hotel parking lot.”

 

 

“I was so nervous just now,” Sun Mingyue said, still clinging to Zhou Ning’s arm, her voice tinged with lingering unease. “Sister Zhi’s tone was so cold.”

 

Zhou Ning wiped her mouth with a wet tissue, feeling a pang of sympathy. “She’s probably just exhausted. I heard from other extras that Sister Zhi only arrived in Y City this morning, attended an event in the afternoon, and then filmed until late at night. Anyone would be worn out after such a nonstop schedule!”

 

Sigh, it turns out even Sugar Daddy has to work hard for her money. Since Zhou Ning was taking so much of that hard-earned cash, she had to perform well!

 

“That’s what I thought too. When people are too tired, their emotional control suffers. That’s why I was scared!” Sun Mingyue exhaled softly. “I was afraid Sister Zhi would lose her temper at us.”

 

“She wouldn’t. You’re overthinking it, Mingyue.” Zhou Ning said with absolute certainty. “I’m kind of a fan of Sister Zhi, so I probably know her better than you do. She’s super easygoing!”

 

Sun Mingyue gave Zhou Ning a noncommittal glance as the latter looked utterly convinced. “Not that I’m being cynical, Ningning. But as public figures, celebrities always put on an act to some extent in front of cameras. Especially those who claim to be ‘genuine’—they’re often the most pretentious in private. Isn’t there a saying? The more someone boasts about something, the more they lack it.”

 

“You’re a celebrity too! Is it okay to insult yourself like this?” Zhou Ning laughed. As for whether Sun Mingyue believed that Sister Zhi was truly easygoing and pleasant to be around, she didn’t care—time would tell.

 

Sun Mingyue chuckled. “Oh, I do put on an act. Things that would normally make me explode; I’ll endure in front of the camera.”

 

“That doesn’t count as acting,” Zhou Ning said with a laugh as she pressed the elevator button.

 

Just as the doors were about to close, a hand slipped in, followed by a familiar figure shuffling in with an odd gait.

 

Zhou Ning tightened her grip on Sun Mingyue’s arm and retreated further into the corner. That creepy eunuch thief from the set?

 

The eunuch man recognized Zhou Ning… or rather, her bag.

 

Standing with his legs slightly apart, he hissed softly and put on an ingratiating smile. “Weren’t you just a temporary recruit? Why are you staying here too?” Extras were further categorized—temporary recruits weren’t provided lodging. Only those with more scenes and longer stays, like him, got hotel rooms, though the extras’ accommodations were nowhere near the leads’ standards.

 

But that idiot really had no eyes—thinking he could sleep with a rich girl carrying a bag worth over a hundred grand for just twenty thousand! What a joke!

 

Remembering what had happened earlier at another hotel, he gritted his teeth in frustration. Damn it, if only he weren’t so strapped for cash lately…

 

Zhou Ning replied coolly, “I paid for it myself.”

 

The eunuch man glanced at the person beside Zhou Ning, and his eyes lit up. Wasn’t this the supporting actress who had just wrapped filming today? On set, he couldn’t even get a word in with her. Seeing the rich girl arm-in-arm with the second lead, it was clear they were close.

 

He grew even more convinced that Zhou Ning was a wealthy heiress, his gaze toward her turning even more fervent.

 

In terms of looks, the glamorous supporting actress was more his type, and she could directly help his acting career in the future. For a fleeting moment, he had considered switching targets, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

 

Two best friends—if he had already pursued one, his chances with the other would be close to zero. Besides, the supporting actress had graduated from film school and spent years on sets—she was bound to be sharp. A naive rich girl would always be easier prey.

 

“So, are you going to the set tomorrow?” Undeterred by Zhou Ning’s coldness, the eunuch man pressed on. “I heard Yuan Zhi has scenes tomorrow.” He guessed the rich girl was a fan of Yuan Zhi—why else would she coincidentally show up on set during Yuan Zhi’s cameo? As for shaving her head, maybe it was to play a nun and get closer to her idol.

 

Zhou Ning frowned at the eunuch man’s increasingly contorted expression and strange posture. Out of humanitarian concern, she said, “You don’t seem well. Maybe you should talk less.” From the way he stood, it looked like he had severe hemorrhoids.

 

Soon, the elevator reached the extras’ floor. Unable to linger, the eunuch man forced a pained smile and said, “Get some rest. See you on set tomorrow.”

 

“Do you know him?” Sun Mingyue asked.

 

Zhou Ning shook her head with a sense of irritation. “No. Just exchanged a couple of words on set. Doesn’t seem like a good person anyway.” She licked her lips. “My mouth tastes so bitter. Maybe it’s from the coffee the director treated us to, plus I just woke up from a nap?”

 

“I have candy.” Sun Mingyue rummaged through her coat pocket and pulled out a cute ring pop, handing it to Zhou Ning. “Haha, I don’t even like sweets. My little sister forced this on me before I left.”

 

“Perfect!” Zhou Ning unwrapped it, slipped the candy onto her index finger, and began licking it. “So sweet!” She sighed contentedly.

 

The elevator reached Zhou Ning’s floor.

 

“By the way, Ningning. I’m planning to explore Y City tomorrow. Want to join me?” Sun Mingyue stuck her foot out to hold the elevator door open.

 

Zhou Ning nodded without hesitation. “Of course! I was just worried about being bored alone.”

 

Back in her room, Zhou Ning checked her phone and noticed two missed calls.

 

From Sugar Daddy!

 

On set, everyone’s phones had to be silenced to avoid disrupting filming.

 

Zhou Ning sat on the sofa and quickly hit redial.

 

Ring—

 

So fast! It was answered after just one ring!

 

“Zhi-jie, my phone was on silent during filming. Sorry I missed your call.” Glancing at the late hour on her phone, she asked, “Did you need something?”

 

“Come to the hotel’s underground parking lot immediately.”

 

Click! The call ended abruptly after that single sentence.

 

Still licking her ring pop, Zhou Ning stumbled out of her room in confusion. What could Zhi-jie want at this hour? Did she suddenly want to see her face?

 

After searching the parking lot, she finally spotted the familiar car.

 

“Zhi-jie.” Zhou Ning tapped on the window, and the door swung open from inside. She slid into the back seat, puzzled. “Where are Xiao Yuan and the driver?”

 

“I told them to leave.” Yuan Zhi studied Zhou Ning’s stained-red lips under the car’s interior light and let out a cold laugh. Any later, and she might’ve already been undressed.

 

A shiver ran down Zhou Ning’s spine. Sugar Daddy’s smile was so icy and eerie! Had she done something wrong? “Zhi-jie, joining the crew was an accident. I didn’t know you’d be making a cameo! If I’d known, I wouldn’t have gone. I understand the rules—minimize contact with you in public.”

 

“Do you really understand the rules?” Yuan Zhi leaned back lazily, her expression full of displeasure. “I doubt it. Zhou Ning, do you know why I’m paying you?”

 

“Mm-hmm.” Zhou Ning nodded. “To be your memento of Xiao Bai—what people call a substitute.”

 

“Xiao Bai?” Yuan Zhi frowned.

 

“I mean… your white moonlight. I don’t know her real name,” Zhou Ning explained awkwardly.

 

Yuan Zhi ignored Zhou Ning’s odd phrasing and pressed on. “Then do you think it’s appropriate for you, wearing her face, to flirt with another woman right in front of me?” She leaned forward, closing the distance, and smirked at Zhou Ning’s stained lips. “I did say you didn’t have to sleep with me, but that doesn’t mean you can sleep with others. I also said I wouldn’t interfere with your personal life, but that doesn’t mean you can date while under contract.”

 

Zhou Ning was stunned. Who had she been making eyes at? Who had she slept with? Who had she been dating?

 

“But I haven’t…” she defended herself, utterly bewildered.

 

“At least wipe your mouth before lying,” Yuan Zhi straightened up, grabbed her bag, and pulled out a compact mirror, tossing it to Zhou Ning. “Zhou Ning, remember this. That five million bought me one year of ownership over your body! Whether I touch you or not is my business, but no one else can either. Don’t think just because the money’s already in your hands, you can do whatever you want. Don’t use her face to do things that disgust me!”

 

As for the payment, she had left herself a backup plan. She had paid upfront to put Zhou Ning at ease, so she wouldn’t feel the need to flatter or fawn over her for money. She truly believed Zhou Ning was an honest and kind person, but that didn’t mean she’d recklessly throw five million away without any safeguards. Her money didn’t grow on trees. If Zhou Ning behaved, fine. If not… Not to mention, Zhou Ning could easily hold leverage over her—she wasn’t foolish enough to stake her wealth and reputation solely on trust in Zhou Ning’s character.

 

Zhou Ning’s heart nearly shattered. That little mirror looked super expensive! Couldn’t Sister Zhi have thrown it a bit more gently, without being so rough? What if she hadn’t caught it and it broke?

 

Thankfully, she caught it!

 

Zhou Ning opened the mirror and checked, spotting the reddish stain at the corner of her mouth. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Sister Zhi, you’ve got it all wrong. This is just food coloring from candy…” She raised her hand to show the ring pop on her finger. “See? Same color, right?”

 

Yuan Zhi was at a loss. Not because she’d misunderstood Zhou Ning, but because of Zhou Ning’s carefree attitude. Her earlier words had been quite harsh. But then, seeing where Zhou Ning was sitting now and recalling how closely she and Sun Mingyue had been seated earlier, her emotions churned again. “A misunderstanding? So, you and Sun Mingyue weren’t making eyes at each other and getting handsy?”

 

“No?” Zhou Ning tilted her head, genuinely trying to recall. “Sister Zhi, could you be more specific? I really didn’t notice anything.”

 

Yuan Zhi exhaled wearily. “You started calling her by a nickname right after meeting, didn’t you? You were holding her arm the whole time, weren’t you? In the car, you sat pressed right up against her, didn’t you? And tonight, you were planning to sleep together, weren’t you? If none of that counts, then what does? Do you two need to put on a show of sleeping together right in front of me?”

 

Aside from the plan to sleep together, the rest was true. But… Zhou Ning found it baffling. “Sister Zhi, isn’t this just how girls normally interact?”

 

“Would you do this with a man?”

 

Zhou Ning shook her head quickly. “Of course not, that’d be misleading.”

 

“And it can’t be misleading with a woman?” Yuan Zhi had been overworked for too long and was exhausted. She didn’t want to argue in circles with Zhou Ning. Turning her face away, she stared out the window and said weakly, “We’ll talk another day. Which hotel are you staying at in Y City? I’ll take you there.”

 

“Um… right here?” Zhou Ning looked at her Sugar Daddy’s wife, worn out and drained, and felt a pang of guilt. Putting herself in the Sugar Daddy’s shoes, she could understand—right now, she was Xiao Bai’s Substitute. If she got too close to other girls, it would naturally sting in the Sugar Daddy’s eyes. She was straight and didn’t fully grasp the dynamics of women who were into women. Maybe different orientations really did lead to vastly different ways of interacting.

 

Yuan Zhi held her aching head. “So, you’re dead set on sharing a room with Sun Mingyue, is that it?” Zhou Ning was just a temporary extra hired for the day—the production crew wouldn’t arrange accommodations for her. Yuan Zhi didn’t believe it was mere coincidence that the hotel Zhou Ning had booked before coming to Y City happened to be the same one where the cast was staying.

 

“No, really, it’s just this place.” Zhou Ning fumbled with her phone for a while before showing Yuan Zhi her hotel reservation from yesterday before departure, smiling as she said, “Feel better now? Mingyue and I are just regular friends who get along well.”

 

Yuan Zhi remained silent.

 

Zhou Ning rummaged through her trench coat pocket and pulled out a peace talisman. “Oh, Sister Zhi, I got this peace talisman for you at the temple this afternoon.”

 

Yuan Zhi’s expression softened slightly as she casually took the charm. “Thanks.”

 

“And this one’s for the driver, this one’s for Sister Feifei, and this one’s for Xiao Yuan.” Zhou Ning proceeded to pull out three more charm pouches in different colors, each containing a peace talisman. “I didn’t dare give them to you earlier in the car since Mingyue was there.”

 

“Did you actually pray for these, or did you buy them wholesale?” Yuan Zhi’s briefly softened expression turned cold again. She suddenly recalled Sun Mingyue playing with a peace talisman in the car earlier and remarked sarcastically, “I heard there’s a male celebrity in the industry who bought a bunch of heart-shaped stones wholesale from Yiwu Commodity Market to give to every romantic interest he had. Your method—” is strikingly similar!

 

Faced with her Sugar Daddy’s mocking tone, Zhou Ning inexplicably thought of Sister Lin from Dream of the Red Chamber.

 

Is this gift meant for me alone, or do the other girls have them too?

 

Well, in this case, everyone did get one. If she lived in ancient times, she’d probably be an emperor who distributed favors equally.

 

Zhou Ning chuckled. “I’m not like him. True affection can only be given to one person, but peace can be wished upon thousands.”

 

The corner of Yuan Zhi’s lips curved almost imperceptibly as she accepted the other three talismans. “What made you decide to be an extra? For the money or out of interest?”

 

“By accident.” Zhou Ning puffed her cheeks like a tattling child. “I originally wanted to visit the ancient castle, but I got scammed by a shady driver who dropped me off at the filming location instead. Since I was already there, I figured I’d give it a try when I saw the director recruiting extras. Haha, I never expected you’d be there too, Sister Zhi! I was so nervous being so close to you during the funeral scene—thank goodness I didn’t mess up and affect your performance.”

 

Oh? It didn’t affect her performance? Yuan Zhi gave Zhou Ning a resigned look. “Being an extra isn’t easy. Making it big that way is nearly impossible. If you’re interested in acting, I could arrange some minor roles for you.”

 

“No need, no need. I don’t have the talent for it—I’m too blunt.” Zhou Ning gazed at Yuan Zhi with admiration. “But you’re amazing, Sister Zhi! You should’ve seen how mesmerized everyone was watching you perform.”

 

Yuan Zhi smiled, pleased. “You certainly are blunt. Go get some rest—you must be tired after today.”

 

“Okay. You should rest well too, Sister Zhi~ I heard you’re going back to set tomorrow.” Seeing her Sugar Daddy’s weary expression, that uncomfortable feeling welled up in Zhou Ning again.

 

“Will you be there tomorrow too?” Yuan Zhi averted her gaze, her voice returning to its usual soft tone. “At the set, I mean.”

 

Zhou Ning shook her head with a smile. “I won’t go. I don’t have any scenes left anyway. Tomorrow, I made plans with Mingyue to explore Y City—she just wrapped up filming too, and still has a few days left on her school leave.”

 

“Oh?” Yuan Zhi’s voice, which had softened moments ago, instantly cooled again. “Did you not take a single word I said to heart?”

 

“I did take it to heart.” Zhou Ning put on an ingratiating smile as she pleaded, “I promise you; I absolutely won’t have any unnecessary physical contact with Mingyue.”

 

Yuan Zhi stared at Zhou Ning’s smiling face, her mind momentarily adrift. When Zhou Ning smiled like this, she looked nothing like that person’s icy demeanor. So why did she still feel uneasy about Zhou Ning going out with Sun Mingyue? Why did her heart still ache with that sour, unpleasant feeling? She couldn’t afford to get too immersed in the role and mix up her feelings for that person with Zhou Ning.

 

She averted her gaze and said, “Try not to make that expression in front of me from now on. She had an extremely cold personality. Didn’t you say you wanted to curb your arrogance and behave properly? Maybe you should learn from her temperament.”

 

“Oh…” Zhou Ning reluctantly wiped the sycophantic smile off her face. She could work on her appearance, but adjusting her personality? That was a tall order. Still, if it was her Sugar Daddy’s request, she’d give it her best shot. “Understood, Sister Zhi. I’ll do my best to study it—I’ll give you the best Substitute experience possible!” She hesitated, then cautiously asked, “So… can I go out with Mingyue tomorrow?”

 

Yuan Zhi smirked. “No. Have you ever seen someone with a cold personality enjoy crowding around with others?”

 

“Oh.” Zhou Ning pouted in disappointment. “Then I’ll head back now.”

 

Yuan Zhi stared straight ahead, her tone wistful as Zhou Ning opened the car door to leave. “Just kidding. Go if you want.”

 

“Ah! Thank you, Sister Zhi!” Zhou Ning’s face lit up with excitement. But she quickly remembered Xiao Bai’s aloof persona and forced herself to suppress her grin, stepping out of the car with feigned composure. Only once she was a good distance away did she start skipping toward the elevator.

 

 

At nine in the morning, Zhou Ning was woken by knocking at her door. She was the type with a strict routine—asleep by midnight, up by six. After all, having died once from illness, she valued her health more than most.

 

“Who is it?” Zhou Ning stood behind the door in her pajamas, wary and not immediately opening it.

 

“Ningning, it’s me, Sun Mingyue. Are you up yet?”

 

Zhou Ning opened the door, rubbing her eyes apologetically. “Sorry, Mingyue. I rarely stay up late, so I accidentally overslept.” She and Sun Mingyue had agreed to leave at 9:10, but she had only just woken up at nine.

 

Sun Mingyue smiled and sat on the sofa. “It’s fine. I’ll wait here—take your time, no rush.”

 

Zhou Ning gave another apologetic smile. Fortunately, she was low-maintenance, so her pre-outing routine was simple: washing her face, brushing her teeth, combing her hair, skincare, changing clothes, and packing her bag didn’t take long.

 

“All set~” She bounced over to Sun Mingyue. “Where should we go first? I didn’t really look up any guides before coming.”

 

Sun Mingyue naturally linked arms with her. “No worries. Let’s grab breakfast downstairs first, then check out some online guides for ideas.”

 

Zhou Ning recalled the promise she had made to her Sugar Daddy last night and glanced awkwardly at Sun Mingyue’s hand wrapped around her elbow. Did this count as unnecessary physical contact? Probably not, right? It would be weird if she and Mingyue walked separately!

 

“I’m going to have the time of my life this time.” Sun Mingyue, lost in her own world, stroked her cheek dreamily and said with a hint of shamelessness, “To be honest, once the drama airs, it might not be so easy for me to go out like this anymore. Hahahaha…”

 

“Now that you mention it, that’s true.” Zhou Ning nodded in agreement. Take her Sugar Daddy, for example—he was so famous that going anywhere felt like sneaking around. “Alright! I’ll risk life and limb to keep you company. These next few days, we’ll go wherever and do whatever you want. After all, I’ll have plenty of chances later, but you might not.”

 

Sun Mingyue looked at Zhou Ning with gratitude, hugging her arm tighter. “Ningning, you’re really such a sweetheart.”

 

“You’re the sweet one—so down-to-earth.” Zhou Ning suddenly recalled the bizarre woman she’d unfortunately encountered in the garden outside her Sugar Daddy’s studio. “I’ve met other celebrities before who had no fame but plenty of attitude. Just walking past them made them suspect you were secretly taking photos.”

 

Sun Mingyue burst out laughing. “What? Was her bare face so ugly she couldn’t bear to be seen?” Even if she became famous later, she’d never mind being photographed. After all, this was the career she’d chosen.

 

Zhou Ning shook her head. “Her makeup was actually quite flawless. No idea what she was so panicked about…”

 

Right. A chilling thought suddenly struck her. That woman had been dressed stylishly with impeccable makeup—even if someone had taken a sneaky photo and posted it online, it wouldn’t have harmed her image. Yet her frantic, jumpy behavior had seemed more like someone caught with a damning secret.

 

Had she said something incriminating? Was she afraid Zhou Ning had accidentally recorded it?

 

And it had happened near the studio. Could it have something to do with her Sugar Daddy?

 

Lost in thought, Zhou Ning didn’t notice they’d already arrived at the hotel restaurant.

 

“Wow! So much delicious food!” Her eyes lit up, and her worries vanished instantly. But it was so expensive! A buffet breakfast for 388 yuan… After working herself to the bone all day yesterday, how much had she earned? 540? Not even enough for two breakfasts.

 

Noticing Zhou Ning’s hesitation and remembering she was just an extra in the crew—likely not rolling in cash—Sun Mingyue quickly bought two breakfast vouchers before Zhou Ning could decide.

 

“My treat. To celebrate my wrap-up.” Sun Mingyue handed Zhou Ning a plate. “From now on, no matter what we do, I’m covering all the expenses. Haha, only then can I truly indulge without a care!”

 

“No way! Then I won’t enjoy myself!” Zhou Ning took the plate, touched but laughing. “I have money, don’t worry.”

 

Sun Mingyue shook her head firmly. “You’ll have plenty of chances later~ Just humor me and let me enjoy my last days as a nobody, okay?”

 

Unable to argue, Zhou Ning sighed. “Then next time we go out together, it’s my treat, deal?”

 

“Deal!” Sun Mingyue grinned, eyeing the lavish spread with drooling anticipation. “I’m eating like there’s no tomorrow today. Ningning, you have no idea how miserable my diet’s been on set to stay in shape. Wow! That Giant Lobster! That huge roast meat!”

 

True to her word, Sun Mingyue ate until she was stuffed.

 

Zhou Ning looked at Sun Mingyue’s belly, which appeared at least five months pregnant, and couldn’t help but express concern: “Mingyue, can you still walk properly?” This kind of eating habit was too harmful to the body. Besides, could they still go out and have fun?

 

“I can walk,” Sun Mingyue patted her round belly, glancing at the people around them before whispering shyly to Zhou Ning, “But my clothes are too tight. Ningning, do you have any looser clothes with you? Could you go upstairs and get one for me?”

 

“I have a pullover I wear as a morning robe—it’s very loose and beige. If you don’t mind, I can go get it right now?”

 

“That would be perfect!”

 

Zhou Ning got up and left for a while, returning soon with the garment.

 

Sun Mingyue could barely walk comfortably and didn’t bother going to the restroom to change. She simply took off her jacket and pulled on the loose pullover. Satisfied with how it concealed her round belly, she said to Zhou Ning, “Ningning, let’s go. I just checked on my phone—there’s a tower in Y City. If we climb it, we can see most of the city. It’ll also help me digest and make room for lunch.”

 

“Alright.” Zhou Ning quickly tidied up the mess on the table, slung her bag over her shoulder, and went to support Sun Mingyue. “Let me help you. Look at you, struggling to walk. Hahaha…” She chuckled softly. “Mingyue, do you think this will count as a black mark in your history once you become famous?” She could hardly believe that her Sugar Daddy had once been so carefree before making it big.

 

“Probably,” Sun Mingyue laughed too, shooting Zhou Ning a mock glare. “So don’t sell me out! If there’s ever a talk show where I invite friends as guests, you better praise me in line with my image at the time. No undermining me!”

 

Zhou Ning was flattered. “You’d really invite me? But we just met!”

 

“We just met now, but by then, we’ll have known each other for years.” Sun Mingyue leaned happily against Zhou Ning’s shoulder. “I hope both of us will be successful by then!”

 

 

Yuan Xiaoyuan was working as a part-time driver today, steering the rented car while Uncle Hei drove the business vehicle to divert the attention of reporters and fans.

 

“Zhi-jie, are you here to rehearse with the actors in advance?” Yuan Xiaoyuan glanced at the familiar hotel across the street—the one Director Qin’s crew had booked for the actors. They had just been there last night.

 

Yuan Zhi stared expressionlessly at the constant stream of people entering and exiting the hotel entrance. “The shoot starts at 10:30, right?”

 

“Yes. Director Qin said you should rest a little longer.” Yuan Xiaoyuan also looked toward the hotel entrance and suddenly widened her eyes in surprise. “Hey! Isn’t that—” She glanced back at Zhi-jie’s gaze and wisely shut her mouth. So, Zhi-jie wasn’t here to rehearse—she was here to catch someone cheating. Zhou Ning and that girl Sun Mingyue from last night were being a little too intimate!

 

She mourned silently for Zhou Ning in her heart before sneaking another look at Zhi-jie’s expression. Oh no! It was terrifying! Zhi-jie was smirking coldly. Whenever Zhi-jie smirked like that, she was truly furious! Others might not know, but their Zhi-jie was genuinely easygoing when she wanted to be—but when she got angry, she was absolutely terrifying. It was just that Zhi-jie rarely ever got angry.

 

Yuan Zhi watched coldly as the glaring scene unfolded not far away—Zhou Ning supporting Sun Mingyue by the shoulder, Sun Mingyue hugging Zhou Ning by the waist. The two were chatting and laughing, utterly carefree!

 

This was Zhou Ning’s solemn vow and guarantee to her that there would be no unnecessary physical contact with Sun Mingyue? She really fell for Zhou Ning’s nonsense! Unless Sun Mingyue was pregnant or had a broken leg, she couldn’t think of any necessary reason for such contact.

 

“Hello, Director Qin?” Yuan Zhi watched Zhou Ning grinning from ear to ear and spoke to the director on the phone in a businesslike tone. “I thought about yesterday’s Entering the Palace Scene after going back, and I still feel unsatisfied. If it’s convenient, could we reshoot it? We don’t need to gather too many actors—just call back the supporting actress. She hasn’t left yet, has she? Oh, and has the set been dismantled? Not yet? Perfect.”

 

Across the street, Sun Mingyue suddenly stopped to take a call, then began apologetically explaining something to Zhou Ning.

 

Yuan Zhi quietly ended the call and said to Yuan Xiaoyuan, “Let’s go. To the set.” As for Zhou Ning, she’d settle the score with her slowly once they were back in City A.