CHAPTER 34

[Miss Yao wants to have a phone call with you.]

Guan Han truthfully relayed Tang Ruoyao's words.

Qin Yinong's emotions had been fluctuating greatly today, and her mental state was particularly bad in the evening. When she saw that even Guan Han was acting foolishly and almost couldn't control her temper.

She forcefully pinched her brow and suppressed her anger, sending a voice message.

Guan Han opened it, and a faint, eerie voice came out, hauntingly chilling in the late night, as if a ghost: ''Am I with you right now? Why would I talk on the phone with her? Where is your brain?''

A chill ran down Guan Han's back, and she almost broke out in a cold sweat as she replied: 【I understand.】

"Goodnight." Qin Yinong's expression darkened, and she sent another voice message.

Qin Yinong's eyes turned bloodshot. She casually threw her phone onto the soft bedspread, picked up the bottle of liquor from the bedside table, and drank it all in one gulp.

The icy liquid went down her throat, but she drank too quickly and forcefully. Qin Yinong choked, coughing with one hand bracing against the edge of the bed, clutching the bedsheet tightly with fingertips turning white. The other hand pressed against her chest as she bent over, coughing violently.

Fortunately, she lived alone on the second floor, and she couldn't disturb Ji Shulan and Qin Jianing, who had already fallen asleep.

After her coughing subsided, Qin Yinong poured herself another glass of liquor and sat on the single sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Only one wall lamp was lit in the bedroom, and the farther areas were dim. When she reached the window, it could only cast shadows on Qin Yinong's features, making it difficult to discern her expression.

She wondered if Tang Ruoyao really didn't understand?

Or did she understand but pretended not to, using her feigned ignorance as a strategy?

After the incident with the ointment delivery, Qin Yinong didn't underestimate Tang Ruoyao's sensitivity and intelligence, especially when it came to matters concerning herself. Whether Tang Ruoyao truly didn't understand or was pretending not to, Qin Yinong wouldn't waver anymore.

She had already paved the way for what was to come, and if she couldn't walk it...

Qin Yinong closed her eyes, leaning against the back of the chair. Her jaw tightened gradually, and her hands clenched into fists.

.....

Tang Ruoyao received a negative response, but she wasn't discouraged.

After thanking Guan Han and considerately telling her to rest early, Tang Ruoyao put her phone down and sat in the chair in the study. She interlocked her fingers and rested her chin on them, a faint smile flickering in her eyes.

With Guan Han's confirmation, she believed that she hadn't misunderstood Qin Yinong's intentions. This situation left her somewhat both funny and exasperating at the same time.

Although she appeared indifferent on the surface and her relationship with Qin Yinong wasn't that significant, Tang Ruoyao couldn't shake off Qin Yinong's "earnest expectations." It felt like she was trapped in a dream.

Tang Ruoyao knew what the entertainment industry was like. Especially in recent years, she had seen all sorts of things within the industry—manipulations, favoritism, backstabbing behind the scenes. While Qin Yinong had protected her well, it didn't mean she turned a blind eye. She had always been observing, accumulating, and summarizing, like a migratory bird preparing for a long journey, quietly gathering her strength for the time when she would no longer be under Qin Yinong's protection.

Her progress was slow, as she feared Qin Yinong would notice her "disloyalty." She still remembered that scene at the dinner table when Qin Yinong casually pointed at her and openly declared ownership of her. No one dared to object, not even her supposed benefactor, who awkwardly said that he already had someone. Qin Yinong rested her chin on her hand with a smile that was more like a smirk, and the men fell silent. Her supposed benefactor even willingly handed herself over to Qin Yinong, urged by their mutual friends, and ended up in Qin Yinong's embrace.

At that moment, Tang Ruoyao saw it clearly. Qin Yinong was formidable, a person in the entertainment industry whom ordinary people wouldn't dare to provoke. Offending her was much more terrifying than offending Tang Ruoyao's intended benefactor. Tang Ruoyao was under Qin Yinong's protection, and even though Qin Yinong treated her well, her heart was always hanging by a thread. She didn't know when Qin Yinong would become angry. In front of Qin Yinong, she was like an ant that could be crushed at any moment. Who would take the favor of a monarch seriously? In the industry, her life and death were at Qin Yinong's whim.

Tang Ruoyao tried to please Qin Yinong, willingly playing the role of a gentle and dependent flower, in order to leave herself a way out. When her contract expired, she still wanted to survive in the entertainment industry. She had new paths to explore, new air to breathe, and a new world to conquer. Therefore, she couldn't afford to cause any trouble during the contract period. Four years might seem short, but at that time, and she had just graduated from university. Her life's journey was still long, and she looked forward to the day when she would regain her freedom.

Her feelings for Qin Yinong were genuine. Sometimes, young people couldn't control their emotions and acted impulsively. They could also have untimely fantasies because humans couldn't be rational all the time. But her life didn't revolve solely around love, and love wasn't the most important thing for her, at least not at the moment. She hadn't yet developed the capacity for love, especially when it came to Qin Yinong's feelings.

Her conviction remained steadfast throughout. She wanted to survive, she wanted freedom.

If she couldn't even stand firmly on her own feet, what was the point of talking about love?

She previously thought that Qin Yinong wanted a little white rabbit, so she naturally played the obedient and submissive little white rabbit, fearing to displease her. Now, Qin Yinong wanted her to be a hunting eagle, which coincided with her own plans for the coming year. However, she didn't know the extent to which Qin Yinong wanted her to play this role. In this game of nurturing, she wondered how far she should push herself.

If she were to immediately reveal her true colors, would Qin Yinong realize that she had been pretending all along and become furious?

Tang Ruoyao squinted her eyes, lowered her hand from her chin, and tapped the tabletop with her slender fingertips, deciding to proceed slowly and cautiously.

Let's test it out with Ruan Qin, see how Qin Yinong reacts, and then decide on the next steps.

Thinking of Ruan Qin, Tang Ruoyao had initially pondered whether Ruan Qin was intentionally placed by Qin Yinong's side as a spy. However, she later dismissed that thought, considering Ruan Qin to be too foolish and having known her before she met Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao made up her mind, went to the bathroom to wash her face, returned to her bedroom, and lay on her back, blinking her eyes at the ceiling.

Reason would remain rational, and now it was time to let her emotions run free.

One of life's three major illusions—she likes me.

Tang Ruoyao fell into this trap just like anyone else, especially considering the slightest change in her crush's behavior, which was enough to make her think along those lines. Qin Yinong's remark, "You're not the only one." brought her back to reality. The encounter with Ji Yunyao during the day left her feeling desolate, but this phone call in the evening somehow hinted at something out of the ordinary.

It was a matter of intuition, something that couldn't be explained.

She took out the long message from Guan Han and read it again. There was no need for doubt; Guan Han's intentions were aligned with Qin Yinong's. Before sending it, Guan Han must have consulted Qin Yinong. Thanks to her "poor language skills," the message was simple and straightforward, conveying the care Qin Yinong had for her between the lines.

She didn't notice what Guan Han's words. Last time, Ruan Qin slapped her, and this time her role was stolen. There were also past incidents that Qin Yinong remembered. Love runs deep, and so does the sense of responsibility. That's why she couldn't bear it anymore and became furious. Besides teaching her acting, when did Qin Yinong ever speak such a long conversation with her? That's why pretending to be clueless and playing dumb this time had its benefits. At least she got a glimpse of Qin Yinong's true thoughts and didn't continue with the misunderstandings.

Tang Ruoyao changed her posture, folded her arms and resting them behind her head, a smile on her face.

She had a good sense of self-awareness, and this self-awareness allowed her to quickly digest Qin Yinong's harsh words. She could remain calm in the face of Qin Yinong's kindness and tenderness, not letting herself become too indulgent and causing trouble out of arrogance. She had never foolishly placed herself on an equal footing with the other party, as that would be a foolish thing to do.

If Qin Yinong liked her, she would certainly be pleased. But if Qin Yinong didn't like her, she wouldn't be heartbroken for too long because that was to be expected. Between them, it was an exchange of bodies and resource value. Anything beyond that, what Qin Yinong gave her was out of affection, and what she didn't give was within her rightful boundaries.

Today, Tang Ruoyao fell asleep with the thought that Qin Yinong liked her, and her dreams were sweet.

.....

The next day. Star Media.

"General Manager Gao, I want to change my manager." Tang Ruoyao stood in the office of a high-level executive in the company and said to Ruan Qin's superior.

The high-level executive's surname is Gao, Gao Hai. He has a broad and kind appearance and a friendly personality. He is a relatively easy-to-talk-to boss. Most importantly, he is cautious and always sought to cover all bases in his work. Tang Ruoyao chose him.

The reason why she didn't inform Ruan Qin in advance was that there was no need to notify her. With Ruan Qin's temperament, she would definitely make a big fuss and might even be forced to argue with her in front of the higher-ups. Tang Ruoyao couldn't be bothered with her nonsense.

Gao Hai was taken aback, and slowly stood up from behind his desk, speaking gently, "Please have a seat."

Tang Ruoyao sat on the sofa, and Gao Hai's secretary poured her a cup of tea. Tang Ruoyao received it with both hands and looked up at her, nodding slightly, "Thank you, Xiao Zhou."

Gao Hai's secretary was surprised that she remembered her surname. They seemed to have hardly met before and didn't even greet each other in the company. It took her a moment to react and then showed a friendly and sincere smile.

After pouring the tea, Secretary Zhou discreetly closed the door behind her, taking into consideration Tang Ruoyao's privacy. Just before closing it, she glanced inside and saw Tang Ruoyao sitting there.

Gao Hai sat across from her, smiling, "Why do you suddenly want to change your manager?"

Tang Ruoyao was an exception at Star Media. Star Media was not a large entertainment company that could silence everyone by just mentioning its name. It was only at a level where it had some recognition. Tang Ruoyao had started to gain fame since signing with the company a year ago. She had taken on films by renowned directors and her popularity had risen. Normally, the company should have invested heavily in her development, but the management seemed indifferent to her career planning, as if she didn't exist. Gao Hai, at his level, couldn't reach the truth, but he had a faint suspicion that someone was protecting her.

Her career planning was held in someone else's hands, so she didn't bring it up proactively, and the company had never considered changing her manager for her. There were only two or three capable managers, and taking her away as an artist within the same company would be equivalent to robbing their own artist of resources. The company didn't want to engage in a losing business.

Tang Ruoyao casually said, "My family thinks that since I've graduated, I should go out and make a name for myself."

She deliberately spoke vaguely, and Gao Hai's mind suddenly raced, taking numerous twists and turns in an instant.

The "family" she mentioned should be the people behind her, so the rumors about her "family background" were true? Tang Ruoyao's personal file was in the company, and although there was nothing noteworthy among her immediate relatives, it didn't mean that she didn't have some influential extended family members. Gao Hai's heart raced as he thought about the sudden arrival of the Ji family yesterday.

"Yes, young people should explore and venture out more. Your family is right." Gao Hai echoed with a smile.

"General Manager Gao must be well aware of Ruan Qin's capabilities." a hint of displeasure appeared in Tang Ruoyao's eyes. "Apart from networking, she's useless."

Gao Hai's smile faltered. How could he not be aware of his own subordinates? Ruan Qin had been working in the company for many years and could be considered a senior employee. While she didn't have exceptional skills, she could generate profits for the company. He had turned a blind eye to her shortcomings.

Gao Hai remained silent for a moment before saying, "You shouldn't say it like that. She works hard most of the time."

"Working hard by slapping people?" Tang Ruoyao said coldly.

"Huh?" The sudden change in tone caught Gao Hai off guard for a moment. "What slap?"

Tang Ruoyao retrieved the photo from her phone and handed it over to him.

Gao Hai looked at the photo, then raised his head to look at her, unable to find the words to express his shock. His voice lowered, and he cautiously asked, "When did this happen?"

"Two days after the Golden Laurel Awards ceremony."

"But why did you only...?"

"I was busy with my graduation defense and preparing for graduation at that time." Tang Ruoyao furrowed her brows. "Then I forgot about it, and only remembered recently." She seemed regretful for forgetting about it.

"Your family..."

"They don't know." Tang Ruoyao waved her hand dismissively.

Gao Hai discreetly breathed a sigh of relief.

Gao Hai wasn't particularly bold, and it took him many years to climb to his current position. He was afraid of making mistakes and facing the consequences. If Tang Ruoyao were to sue him, he wouldn't have a good life either.

Tang Ruoyao confirmed that Gao Hai was unaware of her background and continued to use the pretext of her "family" while offering a sweet date. "My family's intention is that, during the remaining contract period, I will follow the company's arrangements." she paused and added, "as long as they're not too excessive."

For an artist to rise to stardom, they have to go through many ups and downs. Film and television resources, fashion resources, and advertising resources are not easily obtained. It is a process of going from bad to good, from ordinary to top-notch. Tang Ruoyao, on the other hand, had reached the pinnacle as soon as she debuted. A film by a renowned director, top-level endorsements—everything was thrown at her without cost. Even if she were to decline, she wouldn't fall as far as a newcomer since she had a solid foundation. The company would also consider her foundation and make appropriate considerations for quality. The company wanted to make money, so she could take on commercial films where there was room for negotiation. The smokescreen about her family background would continue to be effective for some time. Small companies had their advantages too—they wouldn't dare risk offending the people behind her. Once the company discovered that she had no background, she would have even more bargaining chips in her hands.

Most importantly, these were things she could control, things that truly belonged to her.

Gao Hai's eyes lit up slightly, clearly intrigued by her proposal.

The company had a cash cow, but they could serve obediently. Several high-ranking executives often lamented this fact during their casual gatherings. Now, the cash cow was saying that she would make money for the company, and they were all entitled to a share!

After their conversation, Gao Hai personally escorted Tang Ruoyao to the door.

"We need to have a meeting to discuss this matter, and once we have a resolution, I will inform you." Gao Hai kindly advised her. "Take care of yourself and avoid seeing Ruan Qin these days to prevent any further outbursts from her."

"Alright, thank you, General Manager Gao." Tang Ruoyao nodded gracefully, her smile elegant and composed.

.....

In the past two days, Ruan Qin couldn't help but feel restless.

Whenever she had this feeling, it was always related to Tang Ruoyao. It got to the point where she would wake up and immediately check her phone, wondering if it Guan Han had called to scold her again. It had been several days since she last saw Tang Ruoyao, and she hadn't responded to her messages either. Ruan Qin asked her assistant, Xin Qian, who said that Tang Ruoyao was staying at school with her roommate.

Ruan Qin felt slightly relieved.

She hadn't done anything wrong recently.

However, on the first day of July, Gao Hai called her into his office with a single phone call.

In the office, besides Gao Hai, there were two other people: Tang Ruoyao and Mu Qingwu, the artist manager from the Talent Management Department. Ruan Qin greeted Gao Hai politely and initially wanted to question Tang Ruoyao about why she hadn't replied to her messages. However, when she saw Mu Qingwu, she immediately became submissive and didn't dare utter a word.

Mu Qingwu was the top artist manager at Star Talent Agency, and the most popular rising star in the company was the one she had brought in. Even Gao Hai had to give her face.

Gao Hai put on a signature smile, resembling Maitreya Buddha, and said, "Ruan Qin, you can hand over your duties to Qingwu. From now on, Tang Ruoyao will be under her management, and you don't have to take care of her anymore."

Ruan Qin looked at Tang Ruoyao in disbelief. "You... How could you?" Her expression was filled with anger and resentment.

Tang Ruoyao said to Mu Qingwu, "Sister Mu, let's go."

Mu Qingwu nodded and looked at Ruan Qin with impatience in her eyes. She coldly said, "Don't waste time. I still have to catch a flight after this handover."

Mu Qingwu had no patience for people without real talent. Having Ruan Qin in the artist management department was simply a disgrace.

Ruan Qin dared not voice her anger and stepped froward to led the way.

After the handover was completed, Tang Ruoyao completely ignored Ruan Qin's darkened face and followed Mu Qingwu straight to her office.

People are inherently different from one another, and their temperament can be easily seen. Mu Qingwu stood there, dressed in a white women's suit, pointed high heels, with a straight back and a poised posture. She held a folder in one hand and casually doodled on it with a pen, though it was unclear what she was drawing.

The aura emanating from the newly appointed manager overwhelmed Tang Ruoyao, and she slightly pursed her lips.

Mu Qingwu kept her head down, sketching with her pen without looking at Tang Ruoyao. She spoke in a casual tone, "I heard that you chose me."

"Yes."

"When did you become interested in me?"

Tang Ruoyao coughed, thinking she had misheard.

"I'm asking you, when did you become interested in me?" Mu Qingwu repeated, suddenly raising her gaze. Her eyes were sharp as a hawk, and she spoke sternly, "Tell the truth."

"It was not long after I joined the company." Tang Ruoyao hesitated but still told the truth.

She had been signed into the company by Ruan Qin and had been around for a while. On one occasion, she saw Mu Qingwu handling an urgent PR (Public Relations) matter from outside the glass room. She found her decisive and had strong presence, exuding great momentum—exactly the kind of manager she had envisioned for herself.

"Honesty and good judgment." Mu Qingwu threw the folder onto the coffee table and motioned for Tang Ruoyao to sit. "Have a seat."

Tang Ruoyao sat down, feeling somewhat nervous inside, but she didn't show it on her face.

"What are your expectations for your future?" Mu Qingwu adjusted her wording, concerned that Tang Ruoyao might not understand. "I mean your career plans. What path do you want to pursue?"

"Can it be the same as now?" Tang Ruoyao asked.

"It can." Mu Qingwu agreed readily, but her refusal was even more straightforward. She shrugged nonchalantly. "But I can't make that happen."

"Pfft."

Tang Ruoyao heard laughter.

At first, she thought it was her own laughter and wondered why she couldn't control herself. But then she realized it was Mu Qingwu laughing.

Mu Qingwu's serious expression changed, and she chuckled. "Since you've signed under me, we're a team now. Let me be honest with you. I can't access half of the resources you currently have. So, if you want to maintain the status quo, it's basically impossible."

It turns out she was testing Tang Ruoyao just now.

Tang Ruoyao nodded, displaying a humble attitude. "I understand. Sister Mu, your decision is final."

Mu Qingwu raised an eyebrow and took the folder she had doodled on from the coffee table. She spoke in a relaxed tone, "I don't have the final say, I don't believe in dictatorship. This is the career plan I've prepared for you. Take a look and see if there's anything difficult for you. We can discuss and make adjustments together."

"Okay, I'll take a look."

After the conversation, Tang Ruoyao found that Mu Qingwu had a pleasant personality. She had an elder sister-like style, not using phrases like "you must" but rather seeking a mutual agreement to satisfy both parties.

Regardless of whether Mu Qingwu was wary of her "background" or not, this situation secretly relieved Tang Ruoyao.

Although she had observed Mu Qingwu for a long time, she needed to interact with her personally to feel at ease.

"Sister Mu, before officially starting with the filming schedules, I would like to request some time off." Tang Ruoyao said.

"What for?"

"To visit my hometown."

"Alright." Mu Qingwu said, "How long do you need? I can rearrange your schedule accordingly."

"One week."

Mu Qingwu had a good memory and said, "Filming for 'Under the Southern Mountain' starts in two weeks. After you return, you'll still have to do auditions. There won't be much time for preparation. Remember to do your homework while at home. Director Lin is very meticulous and nitpicky."

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

Mu Qingwu asked, "Do you have the list of other main cast members for this movie?"

"No." Tang Ruoyao honestly replied.

Mu Qingwu muttered a curse under her breath, and Tang Ruoyao didn't catch what she said, but it was probably directed at Ruan Qin. After cursing, Mu Qingwu pinched her brow and said, "I'll organize a list and send it to your email later. Pay attention to the notes I provide."

Notes?

Tang Ruoyao nodded again.

"Alright, you can go home now." Mu Qingwu waved her hand. "This is no longer your concern."

That night, Tang Ruoyao received the email from Mu Qingwu and learned why she had mentioned the notes. Due to the background of the story, "Under the Southern Mountain" had cast several young actors. The entertainment industry is a small circle, and Mu Qingwu had made specific notes about certain young actors' resumes, their companies, any deliberate controversies or marketing stunts they were involved in, as well as their moral character. She instructed Tang Ruoyao to be cautious. There was a male actor who had a note about having a chaotic personal life and a penchant for gathering a crowd for scandals. Mu Qingwu even added three red prohibition symbols and three crossed-arm emojis to emphasize that it was absolutely forbidden.

After reading the email, Tang Ruoyao was stunned for a while. She had been left to her own devices by Ruan Qin, who had neglected her and even made her clean up her mess for so long. Now, she encountered someone who was so dedicated and capable, and she found it hard to believe.

So, this is what a good manager is like?

Well, not every manager has the same style. Mu Qingwu belonged to the type who treated their artists like children, fearing that they might stumble.

Tang Ruoyao replied to the email with a "Thank you." but she felt it was too perfunctory. So, she reached for her phone that was lying nearby and sent a message: [Received, thank you, Sister Mu. I will follow your instructions.]

Mu Qingwu didn't reply immediately. After two hours, she responded with a "OK" gesture and said, [I just landed. It's late now, so go to bed quickly.]

Under Mu Qingwu's management, there was another popular young actress whose contract would expire in six months. It seemed that the actress was gaining more influence and might establish her own studio. Tang Ruoyao's filming for "Under the Southern Mountain" would last three to four months, providing a seamless transition.

This was also why Tang Ruoyao was confident that Mu Qingwu would agree to take her under her wong.

Tang Ruoyao: [Goodnight.]

Mu Qingwu: [Night.]

.....

"Mu Qingwu?" Qin Yinong sat in the living room of her house, going through the documents of Tang Ruoyao's current manager, carefully flipping through each page. She commented, "Her resume looks impressive, but the actress she previously managed was more focused on the television industry. Will she be able to navigate the film industry?"

There was a divide between the film and television industries, and Qin Yinong wasn't sure if Mu Qingwu would have access to the audition opportunities with renowned directors in the film industry.

Guan Han pretended not to notice the suppressed smile on Qin Yinong's lips.

When Tang Ruoyao changed managers, the news spread quickly because both of them were well-known in Star Media. The insiders at Star Media were the first to inform Guan Han. Guan Han brought Mu Qingwu's information, and immediately rushed to inform Qin Yinong of this surprise.

Guan Han remembered that when Qin Yinong heard the news, she turned around with a look of surprise, and her first words were, "Ruan Qin had a car accident?"

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