Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Wang Da cast a disdainful glance at Sun Hu and said, âWeâve only sworn off participating in shows and dramas produced by Stellar Entertainment. This live broadcast isnât funded by your company, so why shouldnât we be here?â
âFine, fine, fine. Keep pretending,â Sun Hu retorted, his tone dripping with condescension.
Wang Da felt like his words didnât affect Sun Hu but caught himself being emotional.
After listening to the exchange, Xia Xin turned to Zhao Nan, her brows furrowed. She asked, âWhy is Xu Zhi so adamant about not collaborating with Stellar Entertainment?ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Zhao Nan shook her head. Even after working for a month, she couldnât make heads or tails of the situation. Whatâs more, sheâd noticed something peculiar. Every show and drama Wang Da arranged for Xu Zhi seemed deliberately designed to compete with Jing Mo.
The two seemed engaged in a silent battle. Whenever Jing MO played a domineering CEO, Xu Zhi would immediately take on a similar role, regardless of whether it suited his persona or not. Knowing that Jing MO would also be on this variety show and that Stellar Entertainment was not an investor, Wang Da quickly contacted the actual investors to parachute Xu Zhi into the lineup.
Xia Xinâs puzzlement deepened. She asked, âYou were his fan before. Didnât you notice anything off?â
Zhao Nan shook her head again and said, âI was a fan of his, but I never paid attention to Jing Mo. Now that Iâm an assistant, Iâm closer to the core issues and starting to see these inconsistencies. Given the tension between our companies, we should also be cautious in our interactions.â
As they spoke, Xu Zhi walked up and greeted them, âHello, dear upperclassmen.â
Delighted, Xia Xin returned Xu Zhiâs greeting, and the three struck up a warm conversation, seemingly unperturbed by the tension between their studios and Stellar Entertainment.
As they chatted, Xia Xin caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye: the female scriptwriter was leaning too close to Jing MO while discussing script details.
The scriptwriter used the pretext of script discussion to sidle up to him, and Jing MO, visibly annoyed, tried to retreat, only to have her follow. Step back, step forward, and soon they found themselves beside a clump of bushes.
Something heavy settled in Xia Xinâs chest. She couldnât help but inquire about the scriptwriter.
Zhao Nan filled Xia Xin in, âThe scriptwriter and the assistant director are twins. Oneâs named Xu Ping, the other Xu An, signifying peace and safety. They rose to fame with short video content and have been handling projects on major platforms. This is their first venture into the entertainment industry.â
Though sheâd only found out about Xu Zhiâs involvement in the live broadcast the night before, Zhao Nan had diligently reviewed all the relevant information.
Listening absentmindedly, Xia Xinâs gaze kept drifting back to Jing Mo. He looked cornered and displeased. He finally asked Xu An, âWhat are you trying to do?â
Xu An straightened up and adjusted her disheveled collar, revealing an unfastened button and a delicate silver necklace with an âMâ pendant. Her eyes met Jing Moâs respectfully. He said, âMaster wanted me to inquire when you plan to return home, Young Master.â
Jing MO shot Xu An a sidelong glance, attempting to sidestep her but found her blocking his way again. He said, âHe knows my stance. It hasnât changed. I wonât be returning. Now move.â
As Jing MO looked up, his eyes met Xia Xinâs. She initially wanted to avoid his gaze but saw the plea in his eyes and decided to intervene.
Before Xu An could say anything, Xia Xin stepped between them, cutting Xu An off, âMs. Xu, itâs my first time doing a live broadcast, and Iâm a little unsure.
Could you explain what I should be aware of?â
Xu An glanced at Xia Xin disdainfully because she had interrupted her, âPlease come with me, Miss Xia. Iâll explain.â
An alert struck Jing Moâs mind. He gripped Xia Xinâs arm, not allowing them to part. He made a quick excuse, âMs. Xu, please go ahead. Xia Xin and I have matters to discuss.â
With the grace of a swan even in her eight-centimeter heels on muddy groundâXu An elegantly walked away..