Xia Qing Tian, who had always been an adventurous spirit, found her visa application proceeding smoothly this time.
Although Wen Ning had to remain in the country to handle his work, fortunately, Li Meng Xiao would accompany Xia Qing Tian abroad, offering companionship and care along the way.
Even though Mobius was an acquaintance, and they had shared life-or-death experiences on the deep mountain, he was, after all, just a male friend.
It wasn't as casual and natural as being with Li Meng Xiao and Wen Ning.
The boarding date was set for December 1st.
There were no direct flights from Z City to Paris, requiring a layover in Kyoto. The actual flight distance was over ten hours, but with the transfer, it would take about 20 hours.
Long-haul flights were grueling, especially with the subsequent hassle of adjusting to time differences. Fortunately, Gu Shi Entertainment was always generous; Xia Qing Tian and Li Meng Xiao were both flying first class, from Z City to Kyoto and then from Kyoto to Paris.
This ensured they could get adequate rest on the plane.
They landed in Paris precisely at 11 PM local time. Xia Qing Tian and Li Meng Xiao directly took a car arranged for their pick-up to their hotel to rest.
Both women were refreshed and full of energy the next morning.
The hotel breakfast was also excellent.
“Qing Tian, I never imagined we’d receive such great treatment even without Mr. Gu!” Li Meng Xiao exclaimed excitedly. “I didn’t even notice last night. This morning, when I stretched by the window, I realized we could see the Eiffel Tower directly from here!”
Mr. Gu still had some work to handle and was expected to arrive tomorrow morning.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would accompany him to Madame Camille’s manor tomorrow evening.
Today, Xia Qing Tian could explore around with Li Meng Xiao.
The hotel's interior was elegant, and its location was superb, only a ten-minute walk from the Seine River, close to the Champs-Élysées, and near a subway station.
Wen Ning seemed to be very familiar with the area. Before they departed, he had sent them a map of the surroundings, which Li Meng Xiao was using to plan their itinerary.
“It’s just a tower, and you’re already so excited,” Xia Qing Tian said, resting her face on her hand and stirring her coffee to better blend the milk and coffee.
“Heh, such a big mouth,” a female voice came from behind Xia Qing Tian and Li Meng Xiao.
Hearing the voice, Xia Qing Tian and Li Meng Xiao turned back simultaneously, meeting a beautiful face.
“Qing Tian, she’s the top star heavily promoted by Wan Qing Entertainment, Cheng Fei Ran,” Li Meng Xiao whispered to Xia Qing Tian, recognizing the person. “She’s won many awards and is likely here for Madame Camille too.”
“Oh…” Xia Qing Tian narrowed her eyes slightly and then remembered something. “Wan Qing Entertainment? It hasn't collapsed yet?”
Although Wan Qing Entertainment had developed quite well in her previous life, ever since her rebirth, it had been embroiled in various scandals and even faced industry boycotts multiple times.
The incident with Wen Sheng Sheng last time was managed by having the agent take the blame, followed by a monetary apology to ensure peace.
However, the issue of impersonating Sui Sui, although arguably caused by her pig-headed teammate Mo Jia Ning, did not earn them forgiveness from the domestic entertainment industry.
Otherwise, “Best Partners” wouldn't have removed artists from Wan Qing Entertainment and replaced them with her and Wen Ning.
“Not yet, for now,” Li Meng Xiao shook her head.
Xia Qing Tian nodded silently.
If it were any other entertainment company, it might have already collapsed.
But Wan Qing Entertainment not only survived but also obtained an invitation to Madame Camille’s banquet, truly showing they had some capabilities.
“Hey! I’m talking to you, are you deaf?” Cheng Fei Ran, having been heavily promoted by Wan Qing Entertainment for years, had grown accustomed to a smooth career where everyone called her “sister.”
Being ignored by Xia Qing Tian and Li Meng Xiao in public now made her instantly displeased.
“Or perhaps, people from your Gu Shi Entertainment are just that impolite? Hmm?”
Upon hearing Cheng Fei Ran’s words, Li Meng Xiao instinctively flinched.
“How dare we,” Xia Qing Tian replied with a light smile. “It’s just that we haven’t encountered such a big star like you before, so we weren’t sure how to address you.”
“Hmph.” Hearing Xia Qing Tian’s response, Cheng Fei Ran’s expression clearly improved.
“We were just thinking if we should call you ‘sister’… Firstly, we’re not that familiar, and secondly, we’re both rookies, little shrimps, so it wouldn’t be appropriate,” Xia Qing Tian said, feigning a troubled look.
“It’s good that you know your place,” Cheng Fei Ran’s voice was full of arrogance.
“So, we finally decided that calling you ‘Auntie’ would be better,” Xia Qing Tian said with a smile.
“You!” Cheng Fei Ran’s expression immediately changed upon hearing Xia Qing Tian’s words.
“This way, it not only highlights your seniority but also shows our respect for you, right, Auntie?” Xia Qing Tian said with a smile.
“You! Damn you!” Cheng Fei Ran raised her hand, intending to slap Xia Qing Tian.
“You want to hit me?” Xia Qing Tian raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think Wan Qing Entertainment already has enough headlines this year? Don’t forget, my agent is Wen Ning!”
At this, Cheng Fei Ran’s hand froze mid-air.
Xia Qing Tian tilted her chin up, her eyes challenging, giving the impression that if Cheng Fei Ran dared to make a move, she would drag the entire Wan Qing Entertainment down with her.
If anyone else had dared to be so arrogant in front of her, Cheng Fei Ran would have long since made them kneel and beg for mercy.
But it just so happened that Xia Qing Tian was under Wen Ning’s management, and coupled with Yu Lin’s repeated warnings not to cause any more trouble for Wan Qing Entertainment, Cheng Fei Ran endured.
She awkwardly lowered her hand and said coldly, “You’re just a sycophant! What are you without Wen Ning? There are plenty of people in this industry you can’t afford to offend!”
Xia Qing Tian responded with only a bright smile. “You don’t need to worry about that, Auntie. You should go touch up your makeup; it’s caked on.”
“You!” Cheng Fei Ran’s eyes widened in anger. Just as she was about to retort, she saw a handsome young French man approach and speak a string of French to Li Meng Xiao, who had remained silent among the three.
“H-hello?” Li Meng Xiao blinked blankly.
Oh dear! She couldn’t understand a single word!
If he had spoken English, she could have understood, but French was truly beyond her!
“Tsk.” Cheng Fei Ran, seemingly finding a point to mock, chuckled and then spoke a string of words to the French man in fluent English, eliciting an awkward expression from him.
Seeing that the man wasn’t responding, Cheng Fei Ran’s expression became somewhat subtle.
“Oh, Auntie, he doesn’t seem to speak much English. Perhaps you could try another language?” Xia Qing Tian suggested.
Cheng Fei Ran’s expression grew increasingly awkward. “If you’re so capable, you do it.”
“Xiao Xiao, see if you have your passport on you,” Xia Qing Tian said, looking at Li Meng Xiao.