CHAPTER 19

Xiao Wen smiled and said, "Although the final decision hasn't been made yet, it's basically going to be you. You're the brightest star of this year! Are you honored? You'll have the opportunity to get close to Qin Yinong, who is like a deity."

Another roommate joked, "Well, she may be a deity to us, but not necessarily to Tang Tang. Who knows, maybe they'll even collaborate on a film in the future."

"Exactly." Xiao Wen chimed in, "After all, Tang Tang is already a film queen. As soon as she entered our Room 405, it started to shine brightly, bling-bling."

As Xiao Wen said this, she walked up to Tang Ruoyao's bed and stretched out her arms in a radiant gesture, symbolizing a dazzling light.

Tang Ruoyao's expression remained blank from above.

Xiao Wen and the other roommates exchanged puzzled glances.

"Tang Tang?" a voice called out.

Tang Ruoyao snapped out of her daze, slow to react. "What's wrong?"

Xiao Wen asked, "What were you daydreaming about?"

"Nothing, I just suddenly remembered something." Tang Ruoyao vaguely brushed it off and asked, "What were you talking about just now? I didn't catch it."

Xiao Wen said, "Oh, it's nothing much. We were just talking about you sharing the stage with Qin Yinong and asked if you feel honored."

Tang Ruoyao smirked and said, "Of course, I feel honored. She's someone I rarely have the chance to see in person. I want to see if she's even more beautiful than in the movies."

Xiao Wen exclaimed, "Haven't you seen her before?"

Tang Ruoyao calmly lied, "No, I haven't."

"I thought you were filming with a famous director before. You must have seen her at least once." Xiao Wen said.

"No, I haven't." Tang Ruoyao insisted.

Another roommate chimed in, "Hey, I heard some gossip about Qin Yinong and Director Mei..."

There seemed to be a growing interest in discussing gossip about Qin Yinong, but Tang Ruoyao suppressed her annoyance and casually changed the subject, "How's everyone doing with their graduation presentations?"

People started talking about the actual topic, discussing their preparations for the presentation.

In today's challenging job market, the Room 405, where Tang Ruoyao resided, was fortunate enough to be flourishing. Tang Ruoyao, without a doubt, had signed with a talent agency early on, shining on her path to stardom. She squeezed her time for filming even during her studies, and before graduating, she had already won the "Triple Crown" of Best Actress, rightfully becoming the "Queen of Room 405."

Xiao Wen, whose full name is Wen Shuxian, has an inherently likable round face, which appeals to the audience. In her sophomore year, she caught the attention of a major talent agency and starred in an idol drama, quickly rising to fame. Now she has a busy schedule with numerous film contracts and has gained some fame in the TV drama industry as a promising young actress.

Fu Yujun, the one who made jokes, has a beautiful appearance and a righteous demeanor. She has a solid foundation in acting and is pursuing a supporting role path. She also has a contract with a talent agency. Currently, she hasn't landed a leading role in a major drama, but her performances in the aired TV dramas have received positive feedback. Given the opportunity, she has the potential to soar to great heights.

Cui Jiaran, on the other hand, has the most unremarkable appearance among the four. However, she has already signed a contract with a theater company and will directly enter the world of stage plays after graduation, which is considered a good career path.

It's often said that there is a lot of backstabbing and rivalry among girls in a dormitory, but at least in Room 405, it's not the case. They are all dedicated to their studies, mutually encouraging each other, excelling in both academics and character. They consistently rank top in their class, which has earned them the reputation of being the "Academic Overachievers' Dormitory Room."

The friendships formed during their student days are among the few precious relationships devoid of ulterior motives. All four of them cherish their bond and hope to maintain it despite the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Someone quietly spoke up, "I heard that Huo Yuke has also returned, strutting around with an air of superiority. It's as if she's walking with eight legs. Have you guys seen her?"

The previously lively dormitory suddenly fell silent, and you could hear a pin drop.

The other three people in the room simultaneously turned their gaze towards Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao continued tidying up, seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

Wen Shuxian said, "Tang Tang, aren't you angry at all?"

Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment and replied calmly, "Why should I be angry?"

Wen Shuxian exclaimed indignantly, "She stole your role!"

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

A few days ago, Ruan Qin told her about the female lead role she was brushed off from in a movie, and the person who took it away was Huo Yuke—her classmate.

Huo Yuke was considered an outstanding figure in their class, enjoying the benefits of having a powerful backing. Since their freshman year, she had been cast as the female lead in movies and had abundant resources at her disposal. She even won the Golden Laurel Award for Best Newcomer and received nominations for the lead role in several domestic film festivals. Although she didn't have the same industry recognition as Tang Ruoyao's "Triple Crown," she had solid achievements. If it weren't for Tang Ruoyao, she would have been the most outstanding person in the Class of 2014.

But in reality, there are no "ifs." She was in the same year as Tang Ruoyao, and both of them were pursuing the same path. Huo Yuke's excellence was overshadowed by Tang Ruoyao's radiance, making her seem ordinary in comparison.

That role may not necessarily be the one Huo Yuke wanted, but Tang Ruoyao wanted it, so she's determined to snatch it. Coincidentally, during this period, Qin Yinong seemed to be "neglecting" Tang Ruoyao, intentionally allowing her to make her own way without inquiring about her audition situation. This ultimately led to Huo Yuke stealing the role.

Wen Shuxian, at the very least, is a rising star in the industry and has signed with a major talent agency, so she's well-informed. Huo Yuke doesn't shy away from talking about her connections, and she might as well announce it to the world. The news of her snatching Tang Ruoyao's role reached Wen Shuxian's ears, and she then told the other girls in the dorm.

As a result, the girls were furious, while Tang Ruoyao seemed unfazed.

"What can I do? Should I just beat up Huo Yuke?" Tang Ruoyao faced her roommates' fiery questioning gaze and smiled calmly. "Assaulting someone is illegal."

"We can just make sure she doesn't know it was us who beat her up." Wen Shuxian said, propping her chin with one hand and seriously considering the idea. "Find a secluded place, put a sack over her head, and then beat her up."

Fu Yujun shook her head. "That's not safe. What if she manages to break free from the sack and sees us?"

Cui Jiaran, who usually spoke less, softly suggested, "We can hire someone. My boyfriend practices Sanda as a hobby, [A modern unarmed combat sport that developed from traditional wushu techniques, and primarily makes use of punching, kicking, throwing, wrestling and defensive techniques.] and there are quite a few big and strong men in their club. We could probably ask a few of them to help."

Wen Shuxian clenched her fist in her palm and exclaimed, "Great, it's settled!"

Cui Jiaran reached for her phone and said, "I'll make the call now."

Tang Ruoyao casually grabbed a pillow and threw it at them, jokingly scolding, "What 'great,' what 'settled,' what 'beat her up.' It's just a role. If I lose this one, there will naturally be another."

Wen Shuxian felt sorry for her and muttered, "But you've been preparing for it for a long time."

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow indifferently and said, "Just because I prepared doesn't mean it's guaranteed to be mine, right? Maybe Huo Yuke has been preparing even longer? I admit defeat if my skills aren't on par with hers."

Wen Shuxian's expression visibly soured, and she clenched her fists. "Nonsense! Huo Yuke—"

Fu Yujun intervened, grabbing her and smiling playfully, "Wen, you're using foul language. We shouldn't use foul language." Avoiding Tang Ruoyao's gaze, Fu Yujun tightened her grip on Wen Shuxian's arm and gestured frantically with her eyes.

Wen Shuxian's chest heaved up and down for a moment, but she managed to hold back.

Tang Ruoyao got off the bed and faced the three of them, locking eyes with each of them. With a serious tone, she said, "Huo Yuke has bodyguards with her at all times, and not just one. Do you think I don't want to take her down?"

Wen Shuxian, without thinking, said, "Then let's hire a few bodyguards ourselves and have a brawl. Let's see who can win." As soon as she finished speaking, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Everyone laughed together in the end.

The crisis finally dissipated into thin air.

After they had enough laughter, Wen Shuxian pouted and said, "But I'm still really annoyed with her. I heard people say that she badmouths Tang Tang everywhere, saying she has a financial backer supporting her. Pfft, as if she doesn't have her own secrets. Thieves accusing thieves, does she think everyone is as despicable and shameless as her?"

Tang Ruoyao's gaze dimmed slightly, and she awkwardly pursed her lips.

Fu Yujun glanced at Tang Ruoyao out of the corner of her eye and whispered, "Alright, let's not talk about these petty people anymore. It ruins the mood for everyone. To celebrate our reunion in the Room 405 dormitory, what do you guys want to eat? Tonight, it's on me!"

Wen Shuxian raised her hand and said, "Hot pot. Any objections?"

Cui Jiaran whispered, "I have no objections."

Tang Ruoyao smiled and shook her head. "Me neither."

"Then it's settled." Fu Yujun warmly wrapped her arms around her three roommates and they left the dormitory, crowded together.

The dormitories of the performing arts department were all on the same floor, with some doors wide open. They greeted others along the way and went downstairs. Wen Shuxian said, "Luckily, we didn't run into the repulsive Huo Yuke. Otherwise, I would have to have a showdown with her."

Fu Yujun nudged her arm and warned in a hushed voice, "Is it not over yet? If you mention that person again, you can have dinner by yourself."

Wen Shuxian shut her mouth and said nothing.

She was straightforward and quick-witted, but because of her outspokenness, she had been criticized by the entertainment media for having low emotional intelligence. Fortunately, she had a broad mind and didn't care about the media's criticism. She focused on her acting with peace of mind.

No matter how noisy it was around her, Tang Ruoyao remained quiet throughout. Her silence wasn't a deliberate display of coldness or reticence, but rather, she seemed detached from it all, as if it had nothing to do with her.

Fu Yujun felt a bit nostalgic for the Tang Ruoyao from before.

In their freshman year, Tang Ruoyao, though not talkative, had a cold and proud aristocratic face. But privately, she was a bit shy and awkward when faced with unprovoked kindness. She had sharp edges, a strong personality, and a sense of pride. She was a vibrant person. However, something happened later, and she changed completely, as if she had hidden herself away, with a heavy burden in her eyes. She became indifferent to everything, exuding a coldness and indifference that seemed to come from deep within her bones.

If it weren't for the fact that the three of them were still the same as before, Fu Yujun would have suspected that Tang Ruoyao had been possessed by someone.

Just now, Tang Ruoyao said seriously that Huo Yuke had bodyguards, which dispelled Wen Shuxian's idea of beating her up. Tang Ruoyao even said she wanted to fight her too, seemingly standing on the same side as them, but her eyes remained calm like a stagnant pool of water.

She didn't seem to care at all about Huo Yuke snatching her role.

Fu Yujun didn't want to confirm it, but she had a vague guess. Huo Yuke's claim that Tang Ruoyao had a financial backer might be true. That might be the main reason for her drastic change in personality.

Perhaps others didn't know, but within their room dormitory, they knew the inside story. Tang Ruoyao came from an ordinary background and certainly didn't have the illustrious family background rumored about her. In just three years, she had access to resources that a newcomer to the industry couldn't obtain.

Lost in her thoughts, Fu Yujun suddenly felt something and looked up, meeting Tang Ruoyao's thoughtful gaze.

Fu Yujun froze.

Tang Ruoyao raised her eyebrows for a moment and smiled lightly at her.

Fu Yujun's scalp instantly went numb, trembling uncontrollably, and she inexplicably broke out in goosebumps.

Tang Ruoyao withdrew her gaze.

Fu Yujun quietly touched her back, feeling the thin short sleeves sticking to her body, her back covered in cold sweat.

She was wrong.

Tang Ruoyao hadn't smoothed out her edges. She had simply learned to conceal her sharpness, occasionally revealing a glimpse of it, enough to send shivers down one's spine.

What had happened to her?

Wen Shuxian had been chattering all the way, and she could turn a passing flower into a lengthy discourse. Cui Jiaran recorded it on her phone while laughing, saying, "Wen, if I post this online, your little fans will unfollow you in a minute, do you know that?"

Wen Shuxian turned her head proudly, "No, they won't. My fans like it when I babble. It's called being real. I'd rather have fans like the real flawed me than them liking my persona."

Cui Jiaran was momentarily taken aback and half-jokingly praised, "Wow, a philosopher."

Wen Shuxian then turned to Tang Ruoyao and asked, "Tang Tang, do you think I'm right or not?"

Tang Ruoyao calmly said, "They might prefer your persona. You're an actress, so they should see the character you portray. Why would you want them to see the real you?"

Wen Shuxian was left speechless by her remark.

Cui Jiaran quietly cheered for Tang Ruoyao on the side, "Cold and ruthless Tang Ruoyao, selfless and impartial Tang Ruoyao, sharp-tongued Tang Ruoyao, the best protector Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao walks the flowery path, Mom loves you, go for it!"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wen Shuxian was furious and went to twist Cui Jiaran's face. Cui Jiaran held her phone up, recording the video while trying to hide behind Tang Ruoyao, saying, "Mom, no, Tang Tang, help!"

Wen Shuxian laughed, "Hahaha, this must be posted online. Let's see who loses followers, me or you."

Cui Jiaran replied, "I don't have any fans. I'm just an ordinary person. How can I compare to Wen?"

Wen Shuxian squealed and chased after Cui Jiaran, pinching her. Unable to withstand the tickling, Cui Jiaran shoved the phone into Tang Ruoyao's hands. Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment, then calmly continued recording.

After the two finished playing around, a cool voice came from behind, "I recorded everything and will post it online. Get ready to trend."

Wen Shuxian: "!!!"

She wanted her fans to see the real her, but that didn't mean she wanted them to see her acting like a crazy person!

Wen Shuxian frantically grabbed her phone and nervously checked their Weibo accounts, but there was nothing there. She realized she had been tricked and looked up abruptly, "Tang! Ruo! Yao!"

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow, unperturbed by anything happening around her.

Wen Shuxian glared at her for a moment, then extended her wicked claws and grabbed... Cui Jiaran's face.

There was no other choice. Tang Ruoyao's face was too ethereal, and she couldn't bring herself to touch it, so she could only take it out on poor Cui Jiaran, who happened to have a slightly less pleasant appearance.

Cui Jiaran: "...Damn it!" She couldn't help but mutter a curse under her breath.

The two of them engaged in a heated struggle.

Fu Yujun sighed on the side, "Poor Jiaran."

The instigator of the chaos, Tang Ruoyao, had no trace of guilt in her heart. Her lips curled up and said, "Yeah, exactly."

The two of them exchanged a smile.

On the first day back in the dormitory room, Tang Ruoyao was surrounded by a long-lost sense of relaxation and lively atmosphere, which helped ease her heavy heart like never before.

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran were back to their playful antics, rolling around on the bed with laughter. Tang Ruoyao chuckled and shook her head, spreading out her graduation thesis on her knees. The plagiarism check had long been passed, and the defense required her to speak without notes, so she needed to be able to recite the contents of the thesis fluently.

Her phone, placed on the bedside table, vibrated. Tang Ruoyao slid the screen open and stared at the message from her family. Slowly, her smile faded, and her eyes gradually became heavy.

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