Transmigrating into the Rival's Fanfiction - Chapter 39

Zhao Tang pondered the retreating figure she had just seen.

Could Sheng Mingluo’s Sugar Daddy be President Qin of Bai Ling Group? The thought wasn’t entirely unfounded. Qin Zhi, with her haughty and imperious demeanor, seemed like the type only her elder sister, Qin Li, could keep in check.

No, something still doesn’t add up.

If Sheng Mingluo were Qin Li’s mistress, Yin Qianxue wouldn’t have been able to maintain that radiant smile. Everyone knew Yin Qianxue’s endless resources and endorsements all stemmed from Qin Li’s influence.

It was the kind of privilege that made everyone in the industry seethe with envy.

If Qin Li had taken a new lover, Yin Qianxue would have been the first to lose her composure. How could she possibly smile so serenely at her rival?

A second possibility made Zhao Tang’s heart skip a beat: Could it be Big Shot Qin?

Qin Zhi might have a notoriously foul temper, but her lavish productions and resources were no empty boasts. After filming this drama, Sheng Mingluo could very well soar to new heights, transforming from a mere canary into a phoenix.

What a fortunate canary.

“Teacher Zhao, you’re too kind. After being apart for so long, let me offer you a toast.”

Sheng Mingluo hadn’t touched a drop of the wine on the table. Though her tolerance wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t great either, and she wasn’t sure how strong this wine was.

Better to abstain if possible.

But social obligations were unavoidable. Just like when returning to her hometown, surrounded by nosy relatives, refusing a drink was impossible.

Seeing her proactive and considerate toast, Zhao Tang smiled faintly, picked up her empty glass, and poured a small amount of red wine.

“Then I’ll respectfully accept your offer.”

Zhao Tang had two main objectives for coming here.

First, she wanted to probe Sheng Mingluo’s background and uncover the identity of her Sugar Daddy. Second, Sheng Mingluo’s recent buzz was excellent. She’d landed a major S+ production, collaborated with Best Actress Qin, and been linked in rumors with rising star Luo Hu.

Her name was still trending on Weibo.

Whether the attention was positive or negative, “black-red” fame was still valuable exposure.

By associating herself with Sheng Mingluo, Zhao Tang could ride the media hype and marketing campaigns, buying a little extra traffic to boost her own visibility.

Having finally finished filming the “sisterly affection” scene with Zhao Tang, Sheng Mingluo was eager to sneak a peek at the message Qin Zhi had just sent her. But before she could, she was pulled into a group photo session, leaving her phone untouched.

Qin Zhi, growing increasingly impatient waiting for Sheng Mingluo’s reply, scratched her head in frustration. Was my message too cold? Is that why she’s ignoring me?

Maybe I should send another one…

Five minutes later, Qin Zhi finally sent the message:

Address.

Address. I’ll come pick you up.

The two messages, sent back-to-back, carried a somewhat aggressive tone. Qin Zhi immediately regretted it and tried to recall them, but the two-minute recall window had already passed.

Just as Qin Zhi was about to shut off her phone in frustration, it vibrated. Sheng Mingluo had replied.

Her initial joy vanished the moment she saw the message. It wasn’t Sheng Mingluo herself who had replied, but her assistant, Xu Yun.

Teacher Qin, this is Xu Yun, Sister Mingluo’s assistant.

Thank you for your concern, Teacher Qin, but it’s not necessary. I’ll take Sister Mingluo home later.

What is this? Qin Zhi thought, growing angrier with each passing moment. She deliberately teased me, only to send her assistant to brush me off? This woman is definitely doing this on purpose.

Xu Yun nervously replied to Qin Zhi’s message, but Big Shot Qin didn’t respond for a long time.

The hope in her heart finally died.

Lao Tie, it wasn’t her fault! Xu Yun thought. When I grabbed Sister Mingluo’s phone earlier, I didn’t see the message, so I didn’t know Qin Zhi had already asked Sheng Mingluo and received no reply.

Am I just a pawn in your game?!

Xu Yun felt that being a personal assistant was truly a thankless job. This is what they mean by “hard-earned money and sh1t-tasting food”!

After several group photos, Sheng Mingluo finally managed to slip away. Whether the organizers had deliberately placed her between several A-list celebrities or it was just a coincidence, she didn’t know.

But Sheng Mingluo didn’t need to think twice to realize that tomorrow would bring a storm of criticism and controversy crashing down on her.

What merit do I have to stand alongside these top-tier stars and rising talents? she wondered. Others might think she’d lucked out, but Sheng Mingluo knew the organizers had likely noticed her earlier interaction with Qin Li, combined with her recent sudden casting in a major drama.

As a result, the seating arrangement for the charity gala’s VIP guests was hastily rearranged.

After the group photo session, the top-tier celebrities had hoped to mingle with Sheng Mingluo, but she vanished in a flash, leaving them no chance to react.

Please, please, please, don’t let these big shots cling to me, Sheng Mingluo prayed inwardly. You have no idea how possessive that deadbeat Qin Zhi is. If he sees a cozy photo of me with anyone else, he’ll go ballistic again, all passive-aggressive and snide.

“Sister Mingluo, you’re finally out… Teacher Qin just sent a message.”

Xu Yun hastily retrieved Sheng Mingluo’s iPhone 15 Pro Max and tossed it to her like a hot potato, clearing her throat twice.

“Sister Mingluo, you should reply to Teacher Qin right away.”

Seeing her assistant’s terrified expression, Sheng Mingluo’s legs began to tremble slightly. Sure enough, there were two messages with a significant time gap between them, and she hadn’t replied to either.

She opened the chat window, and now it was her turn to feel conflicted. How should I respond? Forget it, I’ll just tell the truth.

Teacher Qin, I’m so sorry! I was pulled into a group photo earlier, so my assistant was looking after my phone.

As soon as the message was sent, a video call came through. Qin Zhi appeared to be in her car; the leather seats alone hinted at its exorbitant price. Her window was half-open, letting the night breeze stir her long black hair, her features softened under the warm glow of the streetlights.

The delicate silver chain around her neck, draped over her chest, caught the light, reflecting a silvery sheen against her pale skin, which looked particularly alluring. Qin Zhi spoke in a low, husky voice, a hint of resignation in her tone.

“Tell me your location. I’ll come pick you up.”

“You were the one who said… Sheng Mingluo, what exactly is our relationship now?”

Hearing her full name spoken like that made Sheng Mingluo’s heart skip a beat. She pressed her lips into a tight line.

Seeing her silence, Qin Zhi pulled the car over to the side of the road. Hearing the engine cut off, Sheng Mingluo finally relented and sent her location.

“Focus on driving. Don’t call me again.”

Hearing Sheng Mingluo agree to let Best Actress Qin come pick her up, Xu Yun looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, barely daring to breathe for fear of interrupting the moment. She pointed at herself with her index finger.

What about me? Am I supposed to go home alone?

As an assistant, I’m really failing at my job.

The video call ended.

“You can go home.”

“My boss… I have to work overtime today.”

That’s just how life is.