CHAPTER 35

The next day, Xiaoyuan was jolted awake by the alarm clock. Blinking sleepily for a moment, she finally realized where she was. She piled the blanket and pillow back onto the bed, adjusted the lighting on the iPad, raised the curtains, and opened a window slightly. Fresh air filled her nose, fully waking her up.

After washing up and doing her skincare routine in the bathroom, she changed into a pair of jeans and a thin sweater before stepping out of the room.

The house was quiet. She walked around and discovered that Wei Zhuang was already gone, probably off to work. Xiaoyuan once again marveled at how tough it was to be a big boss.

At that moment, the phone in the room rang. She answered it, and it was Assistant Gao, "Good morning, Miss Xiang. Have you rested well?"

Xiaoyuan smiled. "Good morning, Assistant Gao."

What are the arrangements?

"In ten minutes, a housekeeper will bring you breakfast. After breakfast, a staff member will take you to the airport."

Xiaoyuan replied, "You know I'm going to the airport?"

Assistant Gao chuckled lightly, and Xiaoyuan could almost see her professional smile over the phone. "I've also contacted your assistant, Mr. Cai, who will be waiting for you at the airport."

Xiaoyuan was genuinely surprised that even Cai Juan was informed.

When she arrived at the airport, she didn't expect to find a five-seater private jet. Cai Juan was already inside, wearing noise-canceling headphones and his eyes sparkling. "Xiaoyuan, come over! It's my first time on a private jet!"

It was Xiaoyuan's first time on a private jet as well. The captain specifically came over to greet her and explained the flight route, saying they would arrive at Hengdian Airport in about an hour and a half. He informed her that there was a button in the cabin to communicate with the crew up front and that she could call him if needed.

The cabin was spacious and comfortable, equipped with luxurious leather seats. After takeoff, there were only two of them left in the cabin. Cai Juan finally couldn't help but ask, "So... how was it last night? I was worried sick and couldn't sleep all night."

Xiaoyuan nodded, "I slept quite well."

Cai Juan clicked his tongue, "I meant, how did you get along? Did you two hit it off?"

Xiaoyuan paused. She wasn't sure how to describe their interaction. Their conversation in the living room had gone well, and Wei Zhuang seemed easy to talk to. However, in the bedroom, Wei Zhuang was much more inscrutable, and it was hard to express those "details."

So she simply said, "I read the script, the boss rested, we minded our own business, not disturbing each other."

Cai Juan raised an eyebrow, finding it hard to believe, "So the boss called you over just to read the script?"

Xiaoyuan's expression grew more serious. "It seems... that really was the case."

Cai Juan appeared confused. "That's a pretty strange hobby for a wealthy boss!"

Xiaoyuan nodded vigorously, "Who's to say otherwise..."

The plane flew fast and smooth, the weather was great, sunlight streaming in, warming them up. Cai Juan closed his eyes to rest, while Xiaoyuan looked out at the scenery below. The golden light illuminated her face, roads crisscrossed, lakes stretched endlessly, everything looked small from up above. She unknowingly let go of everything from the previous night, her heart and eyes filled with anticipation for Hengdian, eager to start filming, her excitement already taking flight.

Upon arrival in Hengdian, she checked into the hotel arranged by the crew to rest. In the afternoon, she headed to the training location and met the producer, assistant director, two martial arts instructors, and the male and female lead.

When Xiaoyuan saw the female lead, she couldn't help but smile. It was a pleasant surprise. She greeted her first, "Miss Zou, it's been a while! I really didn't expect us to work together again!"

Zou Yirui's expression changed as she saw Xiaoyuan. Her smile appeared forced, as if she couldn't quite remember who Xiaoyuan was. "Hello, may I ask who you are?"

Cai Juan rolled his eyes secretly. It had been two years, but Miss Zou was still as snobbish as ever.

Xiaoyuan's popularity and fame couldn't compare to hers, and she didn't even get a polite response. To the onlookers, it seemed like Xiaoyuan was trying to cozy up to her.

Xiaoyuan smiled, not minding at all. Times had changed, and she was truly determined to shoot from start to finish. She could adapt, saying, "Miss Zou, you really have a lot on your mind! We worked together on the crew of 'Choice.' I played as your sister."

Zou Yirui's exquisite face smiled very unnaturally, "Is that so?"

The smile in Xiaoyuan's eyes grew brighter. "I hope to get your guidance in the future, Miss Zou."

Zou Yirui's lips twitched slightly. "You're too polite."

Those around them were unclear about their history. The interaction between the two actresses seemed harmonious at first glance, but the underlying tension was palpable. The crew, sharp as always, didn't take sides too early, they merely observed quietly, enjoying the spectacle.

Cai Juan stood aside, holding back his laughter until his stomach hurt, feeling emotional. Xiaoyuan's progress was truly remarkable! He was so proud of her!

They stood facing each other, their respective assistants by their sides, with some scattered crew members around, forming a subtle standoff.

Suddenly, a warm, smiling male voice broke the tension.

"Xiang Xiaoyuan? Is that you, Sister Xiaoyuan?"

The crew members parted, and Xiaoyuan saw a familiar face again, genuinely surprised. "Fang Hao?"

It was beyond Xiaoyuan's expectations that both the male and female lead of this crew were familiar faces. Zou Yirui was only surprised, while Fang Hao was a delightful surprise.

During the filming of "Their Little Affairs," Xiaoyuan and Fang Hao didn't share any scenes. That was Xiaoyuan's first time on a TV drama, and she had spent almost the entire time in the crew, watching Fang Hao's acting skills develop gradually.

From the initial awkwardness to later being natural in front of the camera, skillfully acting alongside Lu Jingnian, he worked very hard, had a good attitude towards acting, a sense of conviction, and was diligent. Xiaoyuan had a good impression of him.

"So, it turns out I'm collaborating with Sister Xiaoyuan this time. Now I can relax!" After two years, he was no longer the shy idol who blushed easily. He had become a key young actor for Boyi, with his fame and popularity enhancing his charisma. He looked more polished, tall, and charming, yet remained humble and wore a sunny smile.

Cai Juan couldn't help but praise, 'humble yet proud, proud yet not arrogant, and especially articulate.'

"I didn't expect it to be you either! Now I can relax too." Xiaoyuan smiled as well.

Fang Hao said, "I didn't get your WeChat last time—what a huge oversight! Now there's a chance! Great!"

Xiaoyuan responded, "That's easy, let's add each other now."

Fang Hao: "Here, let me scan yours."

Xiaoyuan: "Sure, let me open my phone first."

Zou Yirui, listening nearby, felt increasingly uncomfortable. The more she watched, the more stiff her expression became. How were these two still old acquaintances? The script already featured a love triangle, with the male lead entangled with both the female lead and the second female lead. Since she was the female lead, she couldn't let the other two exclude her, nor could she allow them to overshadow her.

Zou Yirui steeled herself and quickly interjected, "You're already adding each other as friends? You can't leave me out! I'm adding too!"

Fang Hao added their WeChat, and the martial arts instructor called him over. As he walked away, he turned back and said, "Hey, I'll create a group later and add you all in, so we can communicate better."

"I'll head out first, we'll chat later!"

This guy is really pure and sunny, just like senior and junior brothers on a university campus. He has been in this circle for so long, yet he remains untainted by any worldly airs.

Xiaoyuan suddenly understood why he was so popular and had so many fans.

As she and Zou Yirui's gazes met again, Xiaoyuan raised her phone. "Want to add each other on WeChat?"

Zou Yirui glanced at her, a twitch at the corner of her mouth. "Sure, let's add."

Xiaoyuan added her on WeChat and, before leaving, cheerfully added, "By the way, I'm Xiang Xiaoyuan."

Zou Yirui remembered how she had disliked Xiaoyuan for using her role to overshadow others. After all, she was just an unknown who had starred in a decent film, acting as if her skills were exceptional and everyone else was rubbish. She had been unwilling to call her by name back then.

At that time, Xiaoyuan had looked quite arrogant, arms crossed. "I have a name."

Watching Xiaoyuan now as she chatted with the martial arts instructor made Zou Yirui ponder.

In the past two years, she had been sailing smoothly. After "Choice," the resources provided by Tonghua had been for well-produced dramas that didn't demand much in terms of acting. The roles she played were mostly youthful and charming, naive female leads—very likable and popular, but a bit one-dimensional.

Originally, she hadn't been cast as the female lead in "Zui Xiaoyao." This was a major project for Boyi, and both leads were supposed to be Boyi's artists. However, they had fewer young actresses available, and the most famous Lu Jingnian's schedule had conflicts. The rest either lacked the right temperament or weren't popular enough. Tonghua had jumped in early to collaborate with Boyi, filling the gap.

Tonghua had fewer signed actors, mostly from the film industry, with even fewer young actors. After much selection, she was deemed the most suitable.

Her agent always said she was lucky. Dating Wei Jiabao had led to her successful contract with Tonghua, a notoriously difficult company to sign with. Later, she collaborated with the top actress He Chenying, and their first film was a hit, boosting her popularity. Even after breaking up with Wei Jiabao, her resources were among the top peers. This time, with the online hit 'Zui Xiaoyao,' the leading role practically fell into her lap.

Her luck was exceptional, backed by Tonghua. She had faced almost no difficulties in these years, except for Xiaoyuan. Zou Yirui still remembered the feeling of being overshadowed by her on set, unable to outshine her even when roles were switched. Xiaoyuan could control every move and gesture, which was both terrifying and frustrating.

Zou Yirui knew Xiaoyuan had offended Wei Jiabao. Others might not understand the situation, but she did. She had even laughed at Xiaoyuan's pretentiousness, thinking she would suffer greatly for it. Sure enough, she hadn't heard from Xiaoyuan for the past two years. After inquiring, she learned that Xiaoyuan was acting in low-budget internet films—hardly something to brag about. The moment Zou Yirui found out, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Why live like this? Such a waste of a pretty face!

In this circle, who could solely rely on acting skills to become famous without some luck? Wasn't it all about seizing opportunities? Did Xiaoyuan think she was the only one who could act? With an air of superiority? Had she finally tasted bitterness?

Zou Yirui kept an eye on her as she continued to act in one online production after another, finding it hard to understand, even feeling that she was squandering her talent. But then she thought, if she wanted to waste it, so be it. It meant she would never make it to the top tier.

Zou Yirui thought she would never see Xiaoyuan again, yet unexpectedly, they were going to collaborate? How did she manage to latch onto such resources?

Zou Yirui furrowed her brows, silently scrutinizing Xiaoyuan as past memories replayed in her mind, bringing back all those unpleasant feelings.

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