Whether Rong Qiao would meet a good end was unknown, but Qiao An'an certainly would not. Lu Yanbei had spared her once before, and he hadn't expected her to show no remorse and instead escalate, using the Qi family's influence to repeatedly target Su He.
This time, Lu Yanbei would not let her off.
Qiao An'an had been extremely anxious ever since she learned Rong Qiao had betrayed her.
Qi Zhao had returned to Nancheng a few days ago, making her even more unsettled.
"An'an, aren't you ready yet? You have a meeting with the director and the others soon. It's not good to be late." Qiao An'an's agent, Song Youran, frowned when she saw her staring blankly out the window.
When she was assigned to this client by the company, Song Youran had been quite reluctant. Miss Qiao An'an was notoriously ill-tempered, not only uncooperative but also prone to putting on airs, often leaving Song Youran in awkward positions, having to apologize to one person or placate another.
In her long tenure at the company, she had never felt so downtrodden.
She had wanted to quit early on, but Qiao An'an had a wealthy patron. To stay in the industry, she had no choice but to endure.
Frankly, with Qiao An'an's looks and talent, if she were willing to work hard, she could have become a popular young actress. Unfortunately, she always maintained an aloof attitude, unwilling to humble herself. Most of the roles she took were for wealthy heiresses, and she rejected any that required even a slight dishevelment. With too many similar roles, the audience would inevitably grow tired of her.
What's worse, she was unheeding of advice and unwilling to endure hardship.
Despite Song Youran's repeated urgings, Qiao An'an remained seated, unmoving.
"I'm not in the right state today. Help me postpone it." Qiao An'an said impatiently.
Behind her back, Song Youran rolled her eyes so hard they nearly flew out.
Did she really think of herself as a major star, to utter such irresponsible words! Who knew how many people longed for a chance to work with this director, and she didn't cherish it!
If it weren't for her professionalism, Song Youran would have slapped her a few times.
It was a complete waste for the company to give such a good opportunity to Qiao An'an!
"An'an, think carefully. Director Chen already had a poor impression of you. If you miss this meeting again, I'm afraid..."
Before Song Youran could finish, Qiao An'an retorted angrily, "I said I'm not going, didn't you hear me?"
"You!" Seeing her attitude, Song Youran's temper flared immediately. "Qiao An'an, don't be ungrateful! Do you think it's easy to get by in this industry? Without Young Master Qi the Third, you're nothing!"
Mention of that man caused Qiao An'an's eyes to turn sharp. "Your tone is quite bold! Don't forget, you're just assigned by the company to serve me, what makes you so arrogant!"
"Serve you? Heh! You really have the nerve to say that! You truly think of yourself as a princess!" Song Youran scoffed. "Qiao An'an, you're not the only woman around Young Master Qi the Third! Do you think, at his pace of changing girlfriends, you can last long?"
"Without him speaking up for you, let alone a supporting role, you wouldn't even have the chance to be considered for this movie!"
Song Youran was somewhat renowned in the industry, comparable to Xu Jing. She had managed dozens, if not hundreds, of artists, and every one of them had been completely under her control.
"I advise you to put away your spoiled-child attitude and come with me obediently. Otherwise, I'll show you what it feels like to fall from grace and have everyone trample on you."
Perhaps it was Song Youran's threat that worked, or perhaps her mood grew more agitated by staying in the room, but Qiao An'an eventually put on her makeup, changed into a figure-hugging outfit, and went out.
The undercurrents at the dinner table were quite dramatic. Qiao An'an sat by, forcing a smile.
"Why is Miss Qiao just sitting there? Come, let me have a drink with you." The bald man sitting opposite her stared at her with narrowed eyes, a smile of determination on his face.
"I'm not feeling well and can't drink much." Qiao An'an, accustomed to arrogance, was unwilling to stoop to drinking with a so-called assistant director.
The bald man was displeased. "Is Miss Qiao looking down on me, Sun?"
Qiao An'an took a sip of her juice and did not reply.
The bald man immediately slammed the table and stood up. "You're just selling your body to get ahead, aren't you? What are you pretending to be so pure for! Whatever price Young Master Qi the Third offered, I can match it!"
At the man's words, the surrounding people's gazes towards Qiao An'an changed.
They hadn't expected that the pure-looking Qiao An'an would be so unrestrained in private!
This contrast piqued the interest of many.
Qiao An'an felt insulted, her face flushing crimson. "You're talking nonsense! I'm not... I'm Young Master Qi the Third's girlfriend, please be respectful!"
"Girlfriend? His official girlfriend is the daughter of the Fang family in Nancheng. They've been engaged for years!" the bald man sneered, his tone full of mockery. "All other women besides Miss Fang are just his playthings!"
Someone of Qiao An'an's status wouldn't have access to such information, and her expression shifted.
Qi Zhao actually had a fiancée!
"You... you didn't know, did you?" Seeing her surprised expression, the bald man's smile grew more triumphant.
"Hahahaha..."
None of the people present were decent. Even Song Youran joined in their laughter, paying no attention to Qiao An'an's expression.
At this moment, the bald man had walked up to Qiao An'an, one hand restlessly placed on her exposed shoulder. "So, want to come to my room tonight to discuss the new script?"
After speaking, he lightly caressed her face.
Qiao An'an, filled with shame and indignation, splashed the juice in her hand without a second thought.
"You damn bitch, you ungrateful wench!" The bald man wiped the juice from his face, angrily raised his hand, and slapped Qiao An'an.
He was already tall and strong, and his slap was surprisingly forceful. The slap left a red mark on Qiao An'an's cheek, and half her face swelled up.
"Ah~" Due to the force, Qiao An'an lost her balance and fell to her knees.
She clutched her reddened and swollen face, tears streaming uncontrollably.
This damned man actually hit her!
She glared at him resentfully. "When Third Young Master returns, he won't let you off!"
"Oh, still so feisty?" The bald man, already notorious in the industry and arrogant due to his influence, sneered. "Have you heard the saying? A strong dragon can't suppress a local snake! Young Master Qi the Third might be someone in Nancheng, but here, he's nothing!"
"Don't think he'll stick up for you just because you're with him! If you don't believe me, call him now and see if he'll help you!" The bald man spat at Qiao An'an and kicked her again with disgust.
He had seen plenty of women like her!
She was just a cheap tramp!
A man's promise in bed was not to be taken seriously!
She needed to wake up!