When it came to confronting someone, the momentum couldn't falter, even if it was just in her mind.
"Xia Qingtian, is it?" Yu Linwan's gaze swept from top to bottom over Xia Qingtian, a hint of ruthlessness lurking in her eyes.
It was this woman who had sabotaged her plans twice and caused endless trouble for Wanqing Entertainment.
"I never expected the head of Wanqing Entertainment to know the name of a small fry like me. It's my honor," Xia Qingtian said with a faint smile.
"The names of mere clowns are hardly worth remembering. I've just seen them so often that I have a vague impression," Yu Linwan's tone was laced with mockery.
Xia Qingtian hadn't intended to confront Yu Linwan for now, as the latter was the boss's wife at Wanqing Entertainment and far surpassed her in terms of tactics and connections. However, Yu Linwan clearly had no intention of letting her off easy.
[BEEP—
The Chosen One System has been activated.
Choose A: Endure and concede for your future, maintaining peace. Reward: Trouble Index for the entire filming of "The Most Cherished Spring of Flowers and Moon" -20 (out of 100, current index is 80).
Choose B: Talk back and don't tolerate her arrogance. Reward: One lucky roulette spin and 5 points.]
Xia Qingtian wasn't exactly a pushover. Hearing the system's suggestion, she understood that this was just the beginning, and there would be plenty more troublesome matters ahead.
Even if she swallowed her pride, it would likely only reduce one conflict. Wanqing Entertainment would still find ways to subtly undermine her during filming, as a rival company, they would never want Gu's Entertainment to have too smooth a ride.
Since that was the case, why hold back?
She would talk back!
"Then it's good that you remember now, because you'll be seeing a lot more of me in the future." Xia Qingtian's smile remained unchanged.
"In this industry, no one can say for sure who will become famous. You're just a newcomer, so it's better not to be too confident," Yu Linwan's eyebrows rose, a hint of anger in her voice as she saw Xia Qingtian daring to retort so calmly.
"It's just a coincidence, but I did become famous," Xia Qingtian's smile widened.
"Just appearing on trending searches a few times doesn't mean you're famous. Truly a novice who understands nothing," Cheng Feiran said sarcastically.
"Speaking of which, Wanqing Entertainment also appears on trending searches quite often. But, you know..." Xia Qingtian paused before continuing, "Your proficiency in apologizing is truly heartbreaking."
"You!" Hearing Xia Qingtian's words, Cheng Feiran immediately flared up and was about to step forward to teach Xia Qingtian a lesson when Yu Linwan stopped her with a raised hand.
"It's better not to be too arrogant. If you truly offend someone you shouldn't, even Wen Ning won't be able to protect you," Yu Linwan looked at Xia Qingtian, her hatred no longer concealed.
"We'll see about that then," Xia Qingtian shrugged, acting as if she didn't care.
At this moment, the sales assistant who had gone to fetch the items brought over the pink and white bag Xia Qingtian wanted.
Xia Qingtian thanked her and smoothly handed over her card for payment.
"Xiaoxiao, let's pack up and go," Xia Qingtian handed the bag to the sales assistant for packing after confirming there were no defects.
After all, it was a gift for Xia Qingyu, so it was better to check first.
"Pink is so delicate. How old are you?" Cheng Feiran couldn't help but mock Xia Qingtian when she saw the pink and white bag, clearly a style for students.
"I'm 18," Xia Qingtian replied with a smile. "I should wear it more these past two years. In a few years, when I reach your age, Auntie, pink and white won't suit me anymore~"
Cheng Feiran's expression immediately soured, and even Yu Linwan's complexion changed slightly.
Few women weren't concerned about their age, especially in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. Xia Qingtian's words had truly hit them where it hurt the most.
"Those shoes..." Li Mengxiao put away the items and then remembered the shoes Xia Qingtian wanted to buy. She couldn't help but whisper, "Shall we look around at other places?"
"No need," Xia Qingtian said casually. "They don't look that good up close."
"Sour grapes because you can't get them," Cheng Feiran said with a smug smile after successfully snatching the shoes from Xia Qingtian.
"The style is too dated and doesn't suit me." Xia Qingtian had originally intended to buy them for Aunt Liu, so she had been looking for styles that were more mature and elegant. With her saying this, Cheng Feiran seemed to notice this too, and the smile that had just risen on her lips froze.
"It seems more suitable for an auntie," Xia Qingtian said with a smile, looking at Cheng Feiran. "We won't disturb you two any longer."
As she brushed past Yu Linwan, Xia Qingtian stopped and turned her head to look at Yu Linwan. "Oh, by the way, that bag is nice."
"Hmph," Yu Linwan snorted coldly. That bag was indeed her favorite, and one she had purchased at great expense.
"It's just a pity the style is a bit outdated, and it's not very well-maintained, with fine scratches on the surface. Moreover, the designer of this bag is facing a sexual assault scandal... Tsk tsk tsk... Now, its value has depreciated quite a bit, hasn't it?" Xia Qingtian said with a look of regret.
"You!" Even Yu Linwan wanted to hit her now.
Because Xia Qingtian had spoken the truth. The bag she had bought for eight figures back then, and other styles from the same batch, were now valued at eight figures, if not soaring to nine. Yet, this particular style of hers had depreciated to seven figures due to the designer's scandal.
"It's okay, it will get better." Xia Qingtian walked away.
In her previous life, she remembered that this designer was cleared of charges a year later and designed the flagship explosive style for brand D in the same year. This bag later soared in value, directly reaching nine figures, and eventually became incredibly sought after, causing a global sensation.
"You stop right there!" Yu Linwan called out to Xia Qingtian, her voice cold. "Xia Qingtian, you remember this."
Xia Qingtian turned back to look at Yu Linwan, tilting her head.
"Even if Gu's fully supports you, I dare to promise you that as long as I, Yu Linwan, am in this industry, you will never become famous!" Yu Linwan warned coldly.
Xia Qingtian looked at the enraged Yu Linwan making threats, faintly recalling that in her previous life, when Gu Yaoqing and Wen Shengsheng's scandal broke out, an entertainment insider's anonymous account revealed that the two seemed to have started their affair around this time.
Thinking of this, Xia Qingtian felt like a bright green light was faintly emerging from above Yu Linwan's head.
The most dazzling neon green.
For a moment, Xia Qingtian felt a pang of sympathy for Yu Linwan. After a long pause, she said meaningfully, "As long as you're happy."
With that, Xia Qingtian turned and left the luxury store with Li Mengxiao.
Clearly not achieving the desired effect, Yu Linwan was furious to the point of breakdown but didn't erupt in public. Instead, after returning to the hotel, she went straight for a pair of scissors and destroyed her bag before throwing it into the trash.
"Xia Qingtian..." Yu Linwan's eyes were red with anger, and she gritted her teeth, "I remember you!"