"If you're not suited for acting, don't force it," Qing Muye said against his better judgment.
He believed Meng Jingwei would be an excellent actress in the future.
Having experienced so much in the past few years, Meng Jingwei had mastered the art of putting on an act, making acting itself a trivial challenge for her.
Qing Muye was brimming with confidence in her abilities.
However, when he heard in the afternoon that Meng Jingwei had many NG takes during her scene with Tang Wanxing and was being severely reprimanded by the director, he came to the film set, unable to rest easy.
"You don't need to worry about it," Meng Jingwei retorted teasingly.
"As my ex-wife, I expect you to conduct yourself with discretion," Qing Muye stated, his perfectly chiseled face tinged with a chilling coldness. He dropped the remark and left ruthlessly.
"Her words are so sharp."
"Mr. Qing must really dislike Meng Jingwei."
"Isn't that obvious? I feel sorry for Meng Jingwei. Her ex-husband visits the set to see another woman and even brings her flowers. How infuriating."
"She brought it all upon herself."
Despite knowing it was all an act, Meng Jingwei still felt a pang of sadness hearing Qing Muye's words.
Afterward, Qing Muye spoke a few words with Tang Wanxing and then departed.
While everyone was still buzzing about the incident, in Tang Wanxing's dressing room, Qiao Ziqian sat casually on the sofa with his legs crossed, his gaze fixed on the bouquet of flowers. "When did you meet my elder brother?"
Tang Wanxing found a vase, cleaned it, filled it with water, and carefully arranged the flowers. "A long time ago."
"It seems my elder brother has some interest in you," Qiao Ziqian said, his demeanor shifting from the gentle one he showed to Meng Jingwei. He tugged at the collar of his white shirt, his actions exuding a touch of roguish charm.
"Does he?" Tang Wanxing paused in her movements, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. "Perhaps."
"In public, his attitude towards you and Meng Jingwei was a stark contrast. It appears Brother truly dislikes Meng Jingwei."
Qiao Ziqian mused aloud.
Tang Wanxing gathered the flower wrapping paper and tossed it into the trash bin. She then asked, "Then you have no need to pretend to be around Li Shang and suffer."
"No, no, no. Meng Jingwei is Big Brother's ex-wife, and ultimately the mother of his two children. She still has some value."
Qiao Ziqian raised his right hand and wiggled his index finger, a smug expression of confidence on his face.
He added, "If you have dinner with my elder brother tonight, it would be best to bring Meng Jingwei along. I guarantee you'll be on the trending headlines tomorrow."
"You understand me," Tang Wanxing said. Her slender fingers picked up a rose, and she leaned in to inhale its fragrance. The pleasant aroma filled her heart, giving her an unprecedented sense of sweetness.
"Your Qing family is truly terrifying. Initially, you wanted to get rid of Meng Jingwei because she was Ye's wife; now that you know their relationship was strained and they divorced, you still want to use her."
As she spoke, Tang Wanxing turned her head to look at Qiao Ziqian. "Once I marry Ye, I'll have to be wary of you all."
Her tone was half-joking, half-serious.
"You haven't even married my elder brother yet, and you're already thinking about burning bridges. Xingxing, that's not very considerate." Qiao Ziqian rested his elbow on the sofa backrest, propped his head with his hand, and scratched his brow with his fingers, a playful smirk transforming his handsome face into a charmingly roguish one.
"I'm just kidding. If I marry Ye, we'll be family," Tang Wanxing explained.
Qiao Ziqian put on a look of disappointment, feigning hurt and helplessness. "I'll have to find a reputable plastic surgery hospital and get a face transplant to look like my elder brother. Maybe then, my Xingxing will change her mind and fall in love with me."