CHAPTER 16

Xiang Xiaoyuan's expression darkened as the words "I am Wei Jiabao" echoed in her ears, each word striking her one by one. "Mr. Wei, how did you get my number?"

"If you want to know, you can find out." Wei Jiabao's voice sounded cheerful. "How have you been lately?" He spoke as if they were old friends, as if cutting her scenes and pushing her out of the production had nothing to do with him.

Xiang Xiaoyuan pressed her lips together and remained silent.

Wei Jiabao didn't seem to notice the awkwardness and continued, "The movie 'Choice' is in post-production now, and I've been quite busy these days."

"Choice?" Xiang Xiaoyuan recalled that the name she had seen at the time was 'Sisters.'

"Oh, right, the final title is 'Choice.' You know how it is. After all, the sister's role didn't have much left in the end."

Xiang Xiaoyuan closed her eyes, clenched her fist, and didn't speak further.

"Oh, by the way, I heard you've been filming a TV drama recently, how's it going?" Wei Jiabao asked with a cheerful tone.

"...It's going well." The words slipped out almost defensively, tinged with caution.

"Haha, that's good." Wei Jiabao chuckled. "I have other things to attend to, so let's chat next time." He hung up the phone, not as if he was just wrapping up the conversation, but more like he had nothing to fear in saying, "Let's leave it at this for today."

Xiang Xiaoyuan immediately blocked the number, took a deep breath, exhaled, but couldn't dispel the heaviness in her chest. The fluorescent light piercing into her eyes was a painful warmth.

Cai Juan wasn't kept in the dark about this. He was silently worried and frustrated. The Wei family was too persistent, but despite his anger, there was nothing he could do.

After filming for a while, the crew was well aware of the situation with the main actors, but Wang Ji once again surprised everyone.

He didn't show up the next day, claiming he had fashion week shows to attend, which would last a week.

His scenes had to be rescheduled, using long shots when he was needed on set, finding stand-ins, and saving close-up shots for post-production.

Although Lu Jingnian and Fang Hao had previously tried to comfort Xiaoyuan, they mostly just observed. Now, they were also quite vocal about their concerns. This was not only unprofessional but would severely affect the atmosphere of the entire production. How could the director agree to let him use a stunt double? They also had scenes with Wang Ji—did that mean they would have to act with a substitute?

In the midst of winter, they had to wake up early to shoot, and by evening, it was already dark. Not to mention, there were times they had to film at night.

Lu Jingnian and Fang Hao, being actors under the investors, naturally went to confront the director and producer in dissatisfaction. Xiang Xiaoyuan didn't know what they discussed, but in any case, Wang Ji didn't return.

"It seems being the CEO's lover at Tonghua is quite something, huh!" Cai Juan snorted coldly.

"Have you ever met Wei Zhuang?" Xiang Xiaoyuan asked him.

"Never had the chance." Cai Juan tried to recall, "The Wei family started in real estate. For decades, the heads of the family have all been men, with only her as a woman, and it was under her leadership that they ventured into the film and television industry. She has a keen eye and is very skilled, these are the industry's evaluations. There are very few private rumors, it seems like there haven't been any reports of lovers..."

"Not many doesn't mean none. Just look at Wei Jiabao's behavior, if the lower beam is crooked, the upper beam isn't straight either." Xiaoyuan's disgust towards the "Wei" surname had reached its peak.

"Heh, they are siblings, it's not a matter of hierarchy."

"Then they're just two crooked fruits on the same vine!"

......

However, Xiang Xiaoyuan would rather act with a stand-in. At least she wouldn't have to face a piece of wood, and she would rather act with thin air, pretending there was no physical performance involved.

She did her best in this TV drama, regardless of how it turned out. She didn't expect to expand her resources or attract fans through this series. As long as she could finish it smoothly, she would consider it a lesson learned. In the future, when taking on TV dramas, she would have to be more cautious and inquire about the situation of the production crew. Just the thought of how the ratings of this drama would affect her future development made her feel a bit suffocated, but what she didn't expect was even more suffocating.

Another unfamiliar phone number.

When she picked up, it was that annoyingly cheerful voice again.

This phone number changed but felt the same as before?

"Xiaoyuan, hello." Wei Jiabao spoke as if nothing had happened.

"...What do you want?" Xiang Xiaoyuan didn't want to beat around the bush this time.

Wei Jiabao asked, "Still angry? Don't be mad, Tonghua also has several TV projects. Do you want to take a look?"

"If I take a look, what will it cost me?"

Wei Jiabao's voice was pleasant, light, and clear, "Be my girlfriend."

"Not interested." She decisively rejected him.

Wei Jiabao was silent on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, then chuckled lightly before saying, "I heard you've had an unpleasant time with Wang Ji on set?"

"Wang Ji may not exactly be an actor yet, but he has quite a few fans on Weibo, especially female fans. If they find out you're throwing tantrums on set, pressuring him, bullying him, and using your professional background to take advantage of a newcomer, that won't be good for your reputation and image..."

He really knows how to turn the tables and talk nonsense.

"Is Wang Ji on good terms with you?" Xiang Xiaoyuan inquired calmly.

"Never met him, not familiar." Wei Jiabao chuckled lightly, "But people go from being unfamiliar to familiar, becoming friends. Don't you think so?"

He wasn't giving up, he stuck to her like glue, which made him so knowledgeable about her affairs. Xiang Xiaoyuan felt a chill down her spine and bit her lip, "...Were you threatening me just now?" Her throat felt dry, hearing a hissing sound in her throat and chest, something she had never experienced before. She was trembling with anger.

"What threat? That sounds too harsh. I'm just looking out for you. I really hope you can become famous, let more people know about you, Xiaoyuan."

"Too bad, you just don't like me." His tone sounded both genuine and fake as he complained, still smiling. It seemed like he was genuinely looking out for Xiaoyuan, but she was just being ungrateful, so she would have to bear the consequences.

Xiang Xiaoyuan was furious. She had always been pampered by her brother and had limited exposure to people. In that moment, she was disgusted by this shameless man to the point of feeling nauseous. She was so angry that her head buzzed, and she couldn't think of a single curse to throw back at him.

"Well then, let's leave it at this. You don't have to block me again." Wei Jiabao's laughter faded, and his voice dropped, taking on a slightly sinister allure. "Do you want to reconsider one last time?"

Xiaoyuan burst out laughing in anger, instinctively blurting out, "F**k you! Reconsider my ass!"

She had never cursed at anyone before, let alone using such vulgar language. Without waiting for a response, she immediately hung up the phone, trembling fingers blocking the number, cheeks burning red with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She muttered a few more curses at Wei Jiabao, calling him shameless and cunning, throwing every negative phrase she could think of.

Once she calmed down, she realized she had messed up again, offending him once more.

Xiang Xiaoyuan slowly sat back on the bed.

She had signed a contract for this drama and had already filmed most of it, so she shouldn't worry about being replaced. Thinking about it carefully, she felt a big weight lifted off her shoulders, laughing bitterly a few times. Saying she wasn't afraid was a lie. She feared not being able to film such TV dramas in the future... In the end, what she feared most was not having any roles to play, not being able to become an actress...

She didn't tell Cai Juan about this incident.

In the following week, nothing much happened. The filming went smoothly, but Xiang Xiaoyuan couldn't relax completely. She asked Cai Juan, "Have the roles in those two other TV dramas we looked at already been cast?"

Cai Juan nodded, "Yes, why do you ask?"

Xiang Xiaoyuan fell silent, lowering her head.

Thinking that she was still thinking about those other roles, Cai Juan advised, "It's okay. We will have better roles in the future. After we finish this one, if we encounter anyone from 'Tonghua,' let's keep our distance, the farther, the better."

Xiang Xiaoyuan forced a bitter smile but didn't say anything. She was unusually quiet, her expression wooden, her eyelashes trembling slightly as if holding back tears.

Cai Juan waved his hand in front of her, "Yuan'er, Yuan'er, what are you thinking about?"

Only then did Xiaoyuan manage a weak smile, "It's nothing."

A week later, the script was changed. Xiang Xiaoyuan's character was written to go abroad, and the plane she was on crashed, leading to her character's death with no further storyline for her.

They took the high-speed train back to Shencheng [It is a colloquial name for Shanghai in China.]. With the New Year approaching, Cai Juan went back to his hometown to visit his mother.

The Xiang siblings spent a simple Chinese New Year in Shencheng.

In the middle of the night, unable to sleep, Xiang Xiaoyuan went to the dining room to pour herself a glass of water and walked to the windowsill.

Firecrackers sounded faintly outside, and snowflakes fell gently.

The crew of "Their Little Affairs" had already wrapped up filming. Xiang Xiaoyuan saw a group photo from the wrap party in Lu Jingnian's Moments. Everyone was smiling, and the atmosphere was joyful, even Wang Ji was present.

Lu Jingnian had added her on WeChat, and Xiaoyuan didn't have any particular dislike for her. Not being familiar with others, she only added Lu Jingnian. When she left, Lu Jingnian sent her a message: "Nice to meet you." It came with several hugging and heart emojis, but she didn't pursue further conversation.

Today, on New Year's Eve, she had also sent a message.

Xiaoyuan politely replied, "Wishing you a happy New Year."

The curtains were slightly drawn open, and the dark night was filled with shimmering snowflakes.

When Xiang Zhishi walked out wearing a coat and saw her, it seemed she had been standing on the balcony for quite a while.

Xiang Xiaoyuan had a good habit. When not filming, she would go to bed at exactly eleven o'clock. Staying up so late definitely meant she had something on her mind.

"Yuan'er." He called out to her after a moment.

On New Year's Eve, a few ceiling lights illuminated the living room, casting a gentle light on Xiaoyuan's slightly damp, pale face as she turned towards her brother.

"Brother, will I not have any more roles in the future?" Her voice was very low, and so were her emotions.

Xiang Zhishi replied, "The situation isn't great, but it's not terrible either. However, you should be prepared for it."

Xiang Xiaoyuan crouched down, resting her head on her knees. "...I'm a bit scared."

Xiang Zhishi tousled her hair and chuckled, "You've already offended the people you shouldn't have, isn't it a bit late to feel regret now?"

"I'm sorry, I've caused trouble again..." Xiang Xiaoyuan buried her face even lower.

Xiang Zhishi chuckled softly, "It's not your fault, don't overthink it." As he spoke, he coughed a few times. The room was warm with underfloor heating, while outside it was damp and cold. He had gone out yesterday and was showing some cold symptoms upon returning.

Xiang Xiaoyuan lifted her face and carefully observed his complexion.

"I'm fine, don't worry."

"Brother, why don't you go to Hainan? The air there is better." Xiang Zhishi had undergone a major surgery before and now needed proper care. Xiaoyuan asked with concern, "Do we still have enough money?"

In the past, she only focused on whether there were good scripts to act in or what she needed to learn for potential future roles, never worrying about money.

"I earned 300,000 from movies this year, 180,000 from TV, and 480,000 from last year." she counted on her fingers, "It's too little..."

The smile at the corner of Xiang Zhi Shi's lips was warm and gentle. "I think it's quite good, better than the year before."

Two years ago, they had spent quite a bit on medical fees, and she hadn't acted, resulting in negative income.

"Brother, your expectations for me are really low." she laughed, propping her chin on her hand.

"What have you gained from acting in these two films this year?" Xiang Zhishi leaned back on the sofa and continued, "Let me start for you. Hmm, you got to collaborate with He Chenying. That's quite rare, so count it as a win."

"Yeah!" Xiang Xiaoyuan tilted her head, furrowing her nose, then truly smiled.

"And also with Director Chen Yunxiu."

"Mhmm."

"And with Scriptwriter Cheng Yi."

"I didn't really have a chance to talk to her, but I guess I acted in her script."

"And Lu Jingnian."

"...I guess that counts. She seems quite popular and well-liked."

"Interacting and collaborating with such outstanding people brings you a wealth of experience. I think your gains are much greater than just 280,000, right?"

"That's true." Xiaoyuan smiled, her eyes sparkling again.

"...So there's no need to be afraid." Xiang Zhishi looked at her and said, "We don't have to follow others' paths."

Xiaoyuan paused, her bright, watery eyes lowering as the mist faded. She smiled, "Yeah, I'm not afraid, I can play any role."

If she really couldn't land any decent roles, she would just take on extra roles.

Xiaoyuan moved closer to Xiang Zhishi, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his waist.

Outside the window, firecrackers sounded again. The siblings fell silent, leaning on each other in the dim light.

"Brother, do you know how I cursed Wei Jiabao?"

"I said, 'F*** you!'"

"I found cursing quite satisfying, haha..."

"Behave!" Xiang Zhishi raised his finger and tapped her forehead.

"Hmph. I should have also cursed at Wei Zhuang, her lover..." Xiaoyuan began, but was interrupted by Xiang Zhi Shi. "This time it was probably just a coincidence that you ran into Wang Ji, it has nothing to do with Wei Zhuang. Wei Jiabao has likely been keeping an eye on you, using Wang Ji's name to suppress you and trying to get you to agree to his terms."

Xiaoyuan said angrily, "I should have cursed him a few more times!"

Xiang Zhishi advised her, "Alright, stop thinking about it. Go to sleep." He couldn't help but cough several times.

She jumped up, pulling her brother up, "You too! You should go to sleep, hurry!"

Xiang Zhishi smiled and said, "I took cold medicine. You should go to sleep too." He reached up to ruffle her hair, his eyes full of affection.

After sending him back to his room, Xiaoyuan returned to her own room, climbed into bed, and covered herself with the blanket. She thought she would have trouble sleeping, but out of habit, she quickly drifted off.

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT