CHAPTER 8

Unable to find Qin Yinong anywhere in the house, Tang Ruoyao returned to her room to retrieve her phone.

She unlocked the screen, and there lay a silent message in WeChat.

[Have something to attend to.]

Short and concise, without any punctuation.

The message was sent exactly at 6 o'clock. Although it was sent by Guan Han, Tang Ruoyao knew that the subject of this sentence was Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao didn't have any contact information of Qin Yinong. All their communication was mediated through Guan Han. If Tang Ruoyao needed to reach out to Qin Yinong, Guan Han would first consult with Qin Yinong, and only if she agreed could Tang Ruoyao have a direct conversation with her.

It was usually a cold and ruthless arrangement.

Recalling Qin Yinong's words from last night, "You're not the only one." felt like a resounding slap to Tang Ruoyao's face, making her once again realize the vast chasm that separated her from Qin Yinong.

The master and the canary, it sounded pleasant to call it a lover, but in less flattering terms, it was an unspoken agreement of using one's body to gain resources. One bought, the other sold. Ever since she signed that contract, she had destined herself to throw away her self-esteem at the feet of the other party. What right did she have to expect genuine affection from the other side?

Tang Ruoyao chuckled in self-derision and replied calmly with a single word.

[Okay.]

While Guan Han was on her way to pick up Qin Yinong, her phone vibrated. She took it out and glanced at it, as she had expected, there was only one reply.

"I messaged Miss Yao, but she didn't ask anything." Guan Han reported to Qin Yinong as she stood at the bathroom door.

Qin Yinong spat out the toothpaste foam, rinsed her mouth, and said lightly, "I see."

"Did you take your medication last night?"

Qin Yinong's hand paused as she was pouring water, and she replied, "I did."

Guan Han sighed inwardly.

Qin Yinong's insomnia had been getting worse since three years ago. She had seen numerous psychologists during that time, but each time it was just treating the symptoms rather than the root cause. She would have some relief for a few days, but it wouldn't be long before it recurred. This time, with several months of filming abroad, even drinking alcohol in the evening no longer helped. She had to rely on sleeping pills for the most part.

"I'm going to take a shower." Qin Yinong said in a flat tone, devoid of any fluctuations.

"I've set your clothes on the bed. I'll be waiting in the living room." Guan Han replied knowingly and exited the room.

"Okay."

Qin Yinong stood on the white porcelain tiles of the bathroom, turned on the shower-head, and warm water cascaded down her smooth back, meandering along her slender waist before reaching her shapely calves. It briefly lingered at her feet before flowing into the drainage system.

She tilted her head back, slowly closing her eyes, lost in her thoughts, her breathing gradually becoming heavier.

Guan Han waited outside for a while before Qin Yinong emerged, looking somewhat languid. Her fair and flawless face had a touch of unusual flush, and the corners of her eyes shimmered with a hint of spring-like affection, perhaps influenced by the steam.

Guan Han didn't ask what she had been doing. Out of habit, she glanced at her wristwatch and reminded, "It's exactly eight o'clock. Should we go downstairs for breakfast?"

Qin Yinong shook her head.

Guan Han said, "Then I'll have it sent up by room service."

Qin Yinong: "..."

She said, "I meant I don't want to eat downstairs, not that I don't want to eat at all."

Guan Han replied, "I know, I haven't eaten either." Breakfast was included in the room rate, and she had purposely come on an empty stomach. It would be a waste if they didn't eat.

Qin Yinong was taken aback by her response. "...Then go ahead and order."

She leaned lazily on the sofa, propping her forehead with one hand and half-closing her eyes to rest. Her skin was fair, and the dazzling red dress made her appear even paler. The radiance emanating from her skin outshone the morning light outside the window.

Guan Han glanced at her several times and silently thought: If Daji  in history [According to historical record, Daji was the beautiful daughter of a noble family named Su in the state of You Su, and the favorite consort of King You of Zhou] looked like this, how many people in the world could resist the temptation and not become like the King You of Zhou, just to earn a smile from a beautiful woman, even at the cost of wars among the feudal lords?

The hotel breakfast arrived quickly. Shortly after Guan Han finished the phone call, a hotel staff member knocked on the door and wheeled in a food cart.

There were many options for breakfast. Guan Han arranged a few items on the coffee table, purposely tempting Qin Yinong. "Are you really not going to eat?"

"I have no appetite." Qin Yinong replied indifferently, without even lifting her eyelids.

Just as the words left her mouth, Qin Yinong's stomach growled loudly.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Guan Han suppressed her laughter. "At least eat a little. If An Ling catches you, she'll give you an earful. You've been away for so long, and I'm sure there are many things she can't let you off easily."

An Ling was Qin Yinong's manager, who tirelessly worked to secure resources for her and managed the studio in her absence.

Qin Yinong sat up. "Get me some fruit salad. You didn't forget the salad, did you?"

"No, I made sure to mention it." Guan Han replied, bringing a plate with a neatly arranged fruit salad and a small fork.

Qin Yinong glanced at it and furrowed her brows. "There's too much."

Guan Han said, "I'll eat whatever you can't finish."

Qin Yinong ate a few pieces of cut fruit, reluctantly filling her stomach with a little something. She then placed the plate back on the coffee table.

It was 8:30 a.m.

Guan Han escorted Qin Yinong out of the hotel, heading towards the studio.

***

Yi Yi is a signed artist under Qin Yinong's studio. At the age of twenty-five, she has already been signed for three years and her career is flourishing compared to other female artists of the same period. She has two representative television drama works that are highly popular online and has gained recognition from older generations as well.

Initially, Yi Yi's entry into Qin Yinong's studio was purely accidental. Not all film school graduates are able to successfully sign with a talent agency. Many end up working as extras in the film and television industry or change careers altogether. The entertainment industry is vast, and there are only a few who can make a name for themselves each year. Nowadays, the environment is even more harsh, filled with impatience and a desire for quick success. It's increasingly difficult for young actors to stand out without power, connections, or a strong backing.

Qin Yinong's studio has been mockingly referred to as the "Golden Chamber" by some media outlets, implying that it is a secret den where fresh bodies are kept for Qin Yinong's pleasure. There have been several "informants" who have come forward with allegations, making the situation sound credible.

Yi Yi believed it too when she received an offer from Qin Yinong's studio. Her roommates advised her not to succumb to such a situation. However, Yi Yi was nearing graduation, and all her roommates had already signed with talent agencies. She was determined not to be left behind. She believed in justice and fairness, and she didn't want to sell herself out. If others could force her, so be it. It was better to take risks and seize opportunities than to have no acting opportunities at all.

Furthermore, Qin Yinong possesses top-notch looks and a stunning figure that surpasses any other female star in the entertainment industry. She is also Yi Yi's idol in terms of acting skills. If Qin Yinong were to truly sleep with her... Yi Yi secretly entertained this possibility, knowing that she wouldn't lose out.

In any case, she entered the studio in a state of confusion.

However, she soon discovered that the reality inside was completely different from what she had imagined. It was indeed a "Golden Chamber," but with a gilded façade.

Yi Yi had heard from her senior colleagues who were already in the entertainment industry that there was no artist, from top-tier superstars to small-scale newcomers, who were not subject to certain restrictions. Even the superstars had moments when they were overshadowed by higher powers. As for small-scale newcomers like her, they were akin to ancient courtesans, humbling themselves to serve the bosses and more popular artists, abiding by unwritten rules such as pouring tea, pouring wine, lighting cigarettes, and providing companionship with a smile. Some managers even engaged in transactional relationships, directly offering their artists to the bosses' beds.

Yi Yi was terrified by these stories for a long time. However, within the renowned "den of debauchery" that was Qin Yinong Studio, she did not witness these customary practices. Her manager never asked her to accompany anyone for drinks, there were no social obligations, and the idea of being sent to someone's bed was nothing but a myth. She didn't have to worry about anything as long as she obediently accepted the resources provided by her manager, focused on acting, and gained popularity. With each new resource, she continued to rise to fame.

For every actor who aspired to solidly pursue acting, this place was a utopia.

After realizing this, Yi Yi was on the verge of tears, and she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Qin Yinong, who had been demonized in the media. When she heard that Qin Yinong had returned to the country, she purposely visited the company, hoping for a chance encounter.

"Yi Yi, stop pacing around. My head is spinning just watching you." her assistant reminded her.

"I know, but I can't control myself." Yi Yi nervously paced back and forth in the corridor, her eyes fixed on the path leading to An Ling's office. If Qin Yinong returned, she would definitely go to see An Ling.

The assistant wanted to persuade her again when suddenly she heard Yi Yi let out a scream.

Yi Yi covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes staring blankly ahead.

The assistant followed her gaze.

Two people walked out of the elevator. The one walking in front was tall with a long, fiery-red dress that was even more dazzling than the red carpet. But what caught everyone's attention was her face, radiant like a blooming rose, emitting a radiance that was too bright to gaze directly at.

Yi Yi lowered her head but couldn't help but sneak a glance through the corner of her eye.

Qin Yinong, accompanied by Guan Han, walked towards the manager's office without glancing sideways. Suddenly, a faint voice resembling a mosquito buzzed in her ears, saying, "Hello, senior."

Qin Yinong turned around, and a young woman stood a few steps away, looking nervous. Qin Yinong quickly assessed the situation in her mind, and a gentle smile formed at the corners of her lips as she nodded and replied, "Hello."

Yi Yi was stunned for a moment, and then her face flushed.

She... so gentle.

Completely different from the rumors.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Qin Yinong politely half-bowed and asked. She was quite tall among female artists, and she was wearing high-heeled shoes, making her more than half a head taller than the person in front of her.

Yi Yi's head was spinning, and she could barely stand. Her assistant silently approached her and pinched her from behind.

Yi Yi snapped back to reality, digging her fingertips into her palm. Suddenly, she deeply bowed to Qin Yinong and exclaimed loudly, "Senior, I'm sorry!"

Qin Yinong: "???"

She turned to look at Guan Han, and Guan Han whispered, "Her name is Yi Yi. I'll tell you about it later, it's a small matter."

Qin Yinong held Yi Yi's arm and personally helped her stand up. "Your name is Yi Yi?"

She actually knows my name!

Yi Yi was excited, her face turning red. "Yes!"

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "There's no need to be so loud; I can hear you."

"Yes!"

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Hmm?"

"Yes." Yi Yi replied softly.

"Good girl." Qin Yinong placed her hand on Yi Yi's hair.

Being treated like a pet and having her head petted didn't make Yi Yi feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, she felt a mix of excitement and joy, and her hands twisted nervously, not knowing where to put them.

"I accept your apology." Qin Yinong withdrew her hand and smiled, "Is there anything else?"

"No!" Yi Yi, as if experiencing temporary amnesia, stood up straight instantly and reported loudly.

Qin Yinong found herself amused and bemused by the consecutive shouts. She still spoke softly, "Then I'll take my leave?"

"Goodbye, senior!"

"Goodbye, Yi Yi." Qin Yinong patted her shoulder and said, "Keep up the good work and act well."

"Yes!"

Yi Yi watched as Qin Yinong left, her eyes full of yearning.

Guan Han glanced back and leaned closer to Qin Yinong's ear, whispering, "When will you change this habit of patting people's heads?"

"She's adorable, isn't she?" Qin Yinong replied in a playful tone.

Guan Han couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Are you jealous? You're adorable too, young people are adorable." Qin Yinong laughed and raised her hand, but Guan Han skillfully dodged it.

Guan Han: "You're only four years older than her."

Qin Yinong smirked, "But my heart feels like it's eighty years old. I envy you energetic young people."

Guan Han: "..."

Qin Yinong continued to smile for a while before asking, "By the way, why did she apologize to me earlier?"

Guan Han replied, "During a previous interview with the media, you know how it is with the entertainment industry. Sometimes they say things in a harsh manner. They asked her about her experience in the studio and her opinion of you. She said you were a good person and that all the negative things about you were fabricated by unethical media. The next day, she trended on social media, with people accusing her of seeking attention and claiming that you instructed her to say those things to whitewash your image. It backfired and you were criticized again."

Qin Yinong fell silent for a moment and asked, "Is she a newcomer?"

The artists signed to the studio were initially instructed not to clarify things for Qin Yinong publicly, as it would only provide fodder for the media to spin new stories, portraying the studio as a den of snakes and rats, and everyone involved as being in cahoots.

Guan Han shook her head. "No, she has been with the company for three years."

Qin Yinong furrowed her brow. "But she still..."

Guan Han said delicately, "She's straightforward, and well, her thinking is a bit..."

Qin Yinong chuckled. "She's quite silly." She paused and instructed, "When you get a chance, find her manager and ask them to advise her not to speak about me in the future. Also, thank her for me."

Guan Han rolled her eyes. "You always like the foolish ones."

Qin Yinong tilted her head and said, "I also like smart people like you."

She appreciated and would protect every bit of genuine kindness and goodwill she received, even if they were few and far between.

***

Tang Ruoyao took two showers, scrubbing her body until it turned red, and the marks left by Qin Yinong faded slightly. She changed into fresh clothes and headed to the company.

"Sister Qin seems to be in a bad mood today." her assistant Xin Qian whispered in her ear before they entered the building.

"I understand."

Tang Ruoyao raised her hand and knocked on the door of her manager's office.

A voice from inside said, "Come in." and she entered with her assistant.

"Sister Qin," Tang Ruoyao greeted the short-haired woman sitting behind the desk, her tone casual.

Ruan Qin raised her chin slightly. "Have a seat."

Tang Ruoyao walked over and sat on the sofa. Ruan Qin came over with a stack of documents and a phone with the screen lit up. She handed the phone to Tang Ruoyao and said coldly, "Take a look for yourself."

"Mind if I smoke?" Ruan Qin skillfully shook a cigarette out of a cigarette box.

Before Tang Ruoyao could respond, Ruan Qin had already lit the cigarette and started blowing smoke, leaning back on the sofa.

Tang Ruoyao was sensitive to the smell of secondhand smoke and couldn't help but frown. Her assistant, Xin Qian, even coughed from the irritation. Tang Ruoyao waved away the smoke and turned to Xin Qian with a gentle tone, "Qianqian, please wait outside."

Her assistant looked at Ruan Qin, who was smoking and paying no attention to her. She quickly left the room.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head and looked at the phone screen.

She was trending.

Title: Tang Ruoyao Displays a Diva Behavior

Clicking on the trend led to a video of the Golden Laurel Awards ceremony. Throughout the event, she appeared distracted, even scowling at certain moments. When she went up on stage, her expression was blank, and her acceptance speech lacked sincerity. It was evident to anyone with discerning eyes that she wasn't interested.

The comments were harsh.

[She's an 85 in attitude and a 90 in arrogance. What a great actress, Tang Ruoyao, who's renowned both domestically and internationally. Applause!]

[If I remember correctly, this is Tang Ruoyao's first Best Actress award, and she's so disdainful. If you don't want it, don't accept it. It's hypocritical to act all virtuous while being a b*tch. Disgusting.]

[Haomei Hua was right. Some young people really need to be more humble. Don't let a little success get to your head. I used to be a fan of Tang Ruoyao, but after seeing this awards ceremony, I'm truly disappointed.]

[I suggest adding a category for moral character in the next Golden Laurel Awards selection. These haughty individuals, no matter how talented they are, make me sick.]

[Are the people praising her acting skills serious? Isn't it because none of the other nominees were any good? She's just the best among the worst. Tang Ruoyao, the most mediocre Best Actress in history. She should forever be pinned to the pillar of shame at the Golden Laurel Awards.]

The fans' argument of "not overanalyzing" couldn't withstand the overwhelming force of the "passersby."

Tang Ruoyao put down her phone and clenched her fist, then relaxed it. She closed her eyes, lowered her head, and apologized, "I'm sorry, Sister Qin, for causing you trouble."

Ruan Qin sneered, "Is it because Qin Yinong didn't attend the awards ceremony that you acted so out of sorts?"

Tang Ruoyao remained silent.

Ruan Qin took a strong drag from her cigarette and raised her hand, intending to push Tang Ruoyao's forehead but ended up landing on her shoulder instead.

Tang Ruoyao staggered from the push.

"Tang Ruoyao, do you actually naively believe that you really mean anything to her? She's been ignoring you for so long, haven't you realized that?" Ruan Qin jeered and taunted.

Tang Ruoyao used to be just an unknown artist under Ruan Qin's management. Ruan Qin could control her life and death. But unexpectedly, Tang Ruoyao happened to catch the attention of a powerful figure, and the sparrow perched on a branch transformed into a phoenix. Not only did she ruin Ruan Qin's plans, but she also became someone untouchable. If she deviated even slightly, Qin Yinong's assistant would warn her. Which artist doesn't go out for drinks? Why was she the only one forbidden from doing so at Qin Yinong's command?

She heard that Qin Yinong hasn't been in contact with Tang Ruoyao for the past few months. Ruan Qin is convinced that she has fallen out of favor and dares to bully her again.

A trace of embarrassment flashed in Tang Ruoyao's eyes as she tightly pursed her pale lips, remaining silent.

Ruan Qin pushed her again and said in a sinister tone, "Speak up, are you mute? Who are you to her?"

Tang Ruoyao's face turned extremely pale, and her nails dug deep into her palms.

.....

"She is the person I like." Qin Yinong leaned back on the couch in her office, facing her manager An Ling. Her expression was serious as she spoke deliberately, word by word.

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