Ever since she started dating Xiang Yang, Chen Jiaojiao hadn't interacted much with Zhou Jinbei.
Her days were spent working and then doting on him at home.
But today, Lu Mingzhe's sudden visit and words had disrupted her usual routine.
She felt a pang of sadness at the thought of breaking up with Xiang Yang and becoming alone again.
However, she couldn't avoid it.
Her relationship with Lu Mingzhe was too awkward.
And Lu Mingzhe and Xiang Wan had fallen out so badly.
If she were caught in the middle at a time like this...
Forget it, it was obvious what everyone's reaction would be if this situation between her and Xiang Yang were known.
She didn't want to make a fool of herself.
She wondered what Xiang Yang was busy with and if telling him about the breakup would affect his mood.
After much thought, Chen Jiaojiao decided it was best to talk to him in person. On impulse, she drove to Xiang Yang's film set.
Xiang Yang had been completely honest with her, sharing his work location, hotel, and even room number.
Chen Jiaojiao took the highway, driving for over two hours to the film city. She found the hotel according to the address he gave and knocked on the door, but no one was inside.
It was already this late, had they not finished filming? Were they shooting a night scene today?
Fearing it might be inconvenient for Xiang Yang, Chen Jiaojiao called his agent.
—
Sister Hua personally came to see Xiang Yang, and there was no reason for him not to be touched.
After the scene was finished, the agent immediately told Xiang Yang to change and invite Sister Hua to dinner.
"Don't forget you were directly recommended by Sister Hua; your current position is all thanks to her favor."
"Moreover, she's so busy, traveling all this way just for you. This will earn you respect from everyone on set. Consider how much of a favor this is."
"No matter what, you must treat her to a meal. You need to behave yourself well tonight."
Xiang Yang understood.
Sister Hua had treated him well, and her status in the industry was evident to everyone.
Since her arrival today, others had cast envious glances his way. His status on set would undoubtedly be elevated, so Xiang Yang was very grateful to her.
He genuinely saw her as an elder sister, with heartfelt gratitude.
Xiang Yang sincerely invited her to rest in his dressing room first, and they would have dinner together later.
The last time he saw her, although he was meticulously styled, wearing makeup and fashionable trendy clothes,
He was handsome, but not much different from other young idols.
Today was different.
With his hair tied up in an ancient noble prince's headdress and wearing the dark makeup befitting a villain,
Even though he had changed back into trendy clothes, there was a hint of coldness amidst his devilish charm.
This gave him a mature handsomeness that belied his age, making Sister Hua find him increasingly likable.
Xiang Yang emerged from the dressing room, removing his hairpiece as he apologized to Sister Hua for keeping her waiting.
"I'll be ready after I remove my makeup."
Sister Hua gazed longingly at his handsome features.
"No need, this is perfectly fine. Let's go after you take off the headdress."
Those who are active in the entertainment industry are well aware of the best hotels and restaurants in the film city.
Some celebrities, due to consistently filming historical dramas, spend half the year here and have even bought property in the film city.
Familiar with the surroundings, they ordered their meal, and after some casual conversation, Sister Hua asked Xiang Yang if he had ever been here before.
Xiang Yang replied truthfully, "No."
"Do you like the current drama you're filming?"
"I like it very much. I've discussed this role with the scriptwriter and assistant director privately, and they've shared a lot with me. I feel great about it."
"Then you can take on more roles like this in the future."
Sister Hua looked at him kindly.
"If you spend a lot of time in the film city, staying in hotels will be inconvenient. A new residential complex has recently opened, and I have some shares in it, so I can get an internal price."
"Let's go out and take a look later. Pick whichever unit you like, and I'll get one for you."
Sister Hua was incredibly generous.
After just giving him the role, she was now offering him a house?
Xiang Yang's heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked up, preparing to refuse.
His agent, seeing this, subtly clutched his stomach.
"Oh, my stomach hurts, I don't feel well."
"What's wrong?" Xiang Yang turned to look at his agent.
"Perhaps I've eaten too many box lunches these past few days; they're not very healthy, and my stomach has been hurting."
"It's been hurting vaguely all afternoon. I thought it would be fine... but I can't eat tonight. I need to go buy some medicine quickly."
"Is it serious? Do you need me to accompany you to the hospital?"
"No need. It's not a big deal. It used to hurt occasionally, and it would get better after taking some stomach medicine and sleeping. How about this, you chat with Sister Hua, and I'll go buy medicine first."
Sister Hua's assistant was also quite astute.
Seeing her action, she quickly stood up as well.
"I'll go with you. If the medicine doesn't help, we can go to the hospital. I'll drive you."
Thus, only the two of them remained.
No matter how naive Xiang Yang was, being alone with Sister Hua and facing her confident gaze, he sensed a different meaning.
He felt incredibly awkward from head to toe.
He could only stand up and pour her a drink.
"I'm not very eloquent, so please bear with me."
"Thank you for helping me secure this role. A house isn't necessary; I don't have the financial means to buy one yet."
"I will work hard in the future and not bring shame to you or the company. I toast you with this drink."
That was also good. Not overly smooth or flattering.
Sister Hua had heard plenty of such flowery, lengthy, deeply grateful, and beholden speeches.
Hearing something genuine and heartfelt from time to time was quite refreshing.
Sister Hua smiled and clinked her glass with his.
"You've been on set for months. What happens when your girlfriend misses you?"
She didn't expect her to bring up his girlfriend so frankly.
Xiang Yang, being naive, thought she had truly let him off the hook.
"She loves her work very much; her career ambition is even stronger than mine, and she's very supportive of my work. We chat on the phone when we have time. A few months should pass quickly."
Sister Hua's smile gradually faded.
"Is that so, how wonderful. It seems you like her very much."
Xiang Yang smiled, thinking: Of course. Otherwise, why would she be my girlfriend?
"Does your girlfriend know how you got this role?"
The previous moment, Sister Hua had a gentle and tolerant expression, but the next moment, her face became serious.
She adopted a look of disdainful interrogation.
Facing her, Xiang Yang couldn't help but feel nervous.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Xiang Yang, you're already twenty, you've had a girlfriend, you're not a naive kid who knows nothing."
"Are you getting any enjoyment out of playing dumb with me repeatedly?"
"You've known what I want from the very beginning. I've given you ample time to handle it, and it seems you haven't handled it very well."
"Since you're not willing to do as I wish, then there's no need for us to continue this conversation."
Xiang Yang's heart grew cold, realizing his words had angered her.
But he refused to yield.
"So, Sister Hua means you want to terminate my contract?"