Chapter Forty
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Qianzhan, having temporarily wrapped up her work, took Shen's Mother to a hot spring spa to cheer her up. After their skin gained a healthy glow, mother and daughter reconciled and made up.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Qianzhan, who firmly believed life should not be wasted on anything other than making money and maintaining her beauty, invited Ai Yi for a hair appointment. Ai Yi got a perm and dye, while Shen Qianzhan opted for hair treatment.
Shen Qianzhan finished earlier than Ai Yi and lounged lazily on the sofa, taking selfies.
After the stylist applied color to Ai Yi’s hair, they discreetly left the room, leaving the two “plastic sisters” alone.
The room was warm and cozy, but after sitting for hours, Ai Yi was so drowsy her eyes watered. Glancing over at Shen Qianzhan, who looked radiant while taking selfies, and comparing it to her own messy, mid-transformation state, she rubbed her temples and struck up a conversation: “How’s your project going?”
Shen Qianzhan pursed her lips slightly, her crimson lips lethally captivating.
Once the self-timer ended, she admired her flawless beauty while replying, “We just had the first script meeting two days ago. The core creative team isn’t even fully assembled yet.”
Ai Yi smiled. “Having a script meeting is still progress.”
Shen Qianzhan brushed it off. “Isn’t your ‘still’ a bit insincere? The progress bar is at 0.01%—can that even count?”
Through the mirror, Ai Yi watched Shen Qianzhan strike poses and find angles, finding it somewhat cringeworthy. “It’s not bad,” she said, shifting her gaze to examine herself. “How’s the collaboration with Mr. Ji going?”
At the mention of Ji Qinghe, Shen Qianzhan’s enthusiasm for selfies cooled considerably. She glanced at Ai Yi with a forced smile. “Are you doing this on purpose, Ai? I already said we just had the first script meeting. What collaboration could there be with Mr. Ji?”
Shen Qianzhan had excellent bone structure and features; whether her appearance seemed aggressive depended entirely on her makeup. Today, meeting Ai Yi, she hadn’t gone for heavy makeup—just a light touch, leaving her features delicate, her face soft, pure, and innocent. “Do you believe those messy rumors from before the New Year too?”
This preemptive strike shut down Ai Yi’s budding curiosity. The latter’s expression remained unchanged, her tone sincere. “Would I believe such baseless gossip?”
Shen Qianzhan was currently allergic to the phrase “baseless gossip.” She wrinkled her nose slightly but said nothing.
Noticing her discomfort, Ai Yi didn’t press further. Of course, she had no idea that what bothered Shen Qianzhan wasn’t her tone or attitude, but the fact that she’d inadvertently echoed the provocative words a certain “dog man” had used to tease Shen Qianzhan.
As the atmosphere grew chilly, Ai Yi casually changed the subject. “You haven’t run into Jian Xin in a while, have you?”
Shen Qianzhan suddenly felt she’d picked the wrong day to go out—one that clashed with her fortune. Otherwise, why would Ai Yi, with all her perceptiveness, keep stepping on landmines all afternoon?
“Why would I go out of my way to run into her?”
She couldn’t stand her enough as it was—why would she seek out more trouble?
Hearing the casual dismissal in her tone, Ai Yi chuckled and reminded her, “I’m just chatting casually with you. Once we leave today, I won’t acknowledge any of this.”
Shen Qianzhan’s curiosity was piqued. She sat up straighter, smiling as she looked at her. “I know the rules. Say what you want—I definitely didn’t hear it from you.”Ai Yi said, "That Xiang Qianqian from your company is no simple character—she’s managed to catch the eye of a powerful patron. Just wait and see. After the New Year, not only will your boss Su make a peaceful settlement with her, but she’ll also send her off with all due respect. After all the effort you put into grooming that little ingrate, she shows no gratitude or loyalty, just walks away. Whether she soars to great heights or lives a life of luxury, none of the credit will be yours."
Shen Qianzhan had never heard this take before. Her relationship with Xiang Qianqian wasn’t what outsiders assumed. Still, there was no need to explain this to Ai Yi. She lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers, her mood dipping slightly. "It has nothing to do with me anymore. It’s good if she can smoothly terminate her contract."
Shen Qianzhan recalled that Ai Yi had first mentioned Jian Xin. After a moment’s thought, she understood. "Have those two been in contact recently?"
Ai Yi hummed lazily in agreement. "Jian Xin offered Xiang Qianqian a period political drama, just waiting for her to sign the contract after she breaks ties with Thousand Lights. Jian Xin isn’t lacking in ability, but she’s petty. You and she were basically competing fairly, yet she holds a grudge against you as if you wronged her ancestors. Recently, she’s been spreading rumors to anyone who’d listen that you stole opportunities from her. And she didn’t hesitate to embellish those rumors about you and Mr. Ji." As she finished, she glanced at Shen Qianzhan’s reflection in the mirror. Seeing her expressionless face, Ai Yi felt a bit deflated. "With those two women teaming up, you’d better watch out."
Shen Qianzhan absentmindedly acknowledged the warning but didn’t take it to heart.
Wasn’t it said that in the world of interests, there are no permanent friends or enemies?
When Xiang Qianqian was still with Thousand Lights, Jian Xin had looked down on her, her hostility plain to see. But as soon as Xiang Qianqian terminated her contract, Jian Xin immediately drew the defector into her own camp, using her as a weapon to spite Thousand Lights and Shen Qianzhan.
Shen Qianzhan didn’t know whether to praise Jian Xin for her stupidity or not.
She was genuinely happy for Xiang Qianqian that she could part ways with Thousand Lights amicably. Jian Xin’s foolish move had also given Xiang Qianqian a future path. From now on, whatever lay ahead truly had nothing to do with Shen Qianzhan.
But who was this powerful patron?
It was unlikely to be Jiang Yecheng. He couldn’t even handle his own wife, so he wouldn’t dare openly wade into the muddy waters surrounding Xiang Qianqian. Even if it were him, Su Lanyi—a woman who never looked at anyone with respect—probably wouldn’t grant him such a big favor.
A figure vaguely surfaced in Shen Qianzhan’s mind. She didn’t dare confirm it, nor did she dare dwell on it. She could only furrow her brow and dismiss her wild thoughts.
But once she returned home, Shen Qianzhan still couldn’t resist sending Su Zan a WeChat message: "Has your sister returned to the country yet?"
Su Zan replied, "Not yet. Her flight lands in Beijing on the evening of the seventh. She has an early meeting on the eighth."
Shen Qianzhan said, "Oh, never mind then."
Su Zan, who had been inexplicably disturbed, responded: "I was in the middle of a game and switched out to reply to you, and this is what you want to talk about? Tell me, are you just trying to get my attention?"
Shen Qianzhan: "Get lost."
Su Zan: "Wah, so mean."
—
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, heavy snow blanketed the city.
After waking up, Shen Qianzhan stood by the window for half a moment before decisively canceling all her plans for the day and settling in at home.
She had recently discovered the secret to getting along with Shen’s Mother: as long as she kept her mother occupied, the nagging would be cut in half. So, over the past few days, she had gradually unlocked all the kitchen appliances—the oven, the steamer—and dusted off long-forgotten skills like baking and making desserts. These had nothing to do with making money but allowed her to savor the simple joys of life.On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Qiao Xin confirmed her work schedule with her.
Their last conversation had remained on the New Year’s Day red envelope Shen Qianzhan sent her and Qiao Xin’s notification of receiving it. Silently criticizing herself for not putting on a better show of politeness, she added a belated “Happy New Year.”
Shen Qianzhan was just placing a cherry on top of some cream when she saw Qiao Xin’s WeChat message. Grabbing a handful of cherries, she headed to the study to reply: “Are you back in Beijing?”
Qiao Xin said, “On the way.”
“Sis Qianzhan, is the snow heavy in Beijing? My hometown is snowed in, and the high-speed rail was almost canceled. I had to change my ticket twice to catch the last train to Beijing.”
The weather in Beijing had been terrible lately, with either continuous heavy snow or gloomy, windy days. The icy particles in the air felt like they were piercing every capillary in your nasal cavity, sharp and bone-chilling.
Shen Qianzhan popped a cherry into her mouth and sent a voice message: “Isn’t the neighboring county in your area hit by a snow disaster? I was thinking you might not make it back to work on the eighth and was planning to hire another assistant.”
Qiao Xin knew she was teasing her but still stomped her foot playfully, whining, “Sis Qianzhan, how could you?”
Shen Qianzhan loved teasing the girl until she pouted or got annoyed: “If you can make it back, resume work tomorrow. Besides the morning meeting, prepare a contract for Lin Qiao and get it signed as soon as possible. The outline should be ready by Friday at the latest. You’ll be responsible for coordinating with Teacher Jiang and pushing for progress.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “If the snow keeps up like this, it’ll likely cause a large-scale snow disaster. Although it doesn’t directly affect our department, other departments will be mobilized. Keep an eye on it.”
—
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Thousand Lights gradually resumed work.
Shen Qianzhan’s workplace shifted from the sofa, bay window, and bed at home to her office.
The low temperatures and harsh weather had the department grumbling, with many employees unable to report on time due to being snowed in or facing transportation disruptions.
After the morning meeting, Su Lanyi had the secretariat issue a snow disaster contingency plan.
Shen Qianzhan was idly browsing online reports about the snow disaster when Qiao Xin knocked on the door and entered her office: “Sis Qianzhan.”
The person addressed lazily lifted her eyes, issuing a silent command: Speak.
Qiao Xin carefully phrased her words: “Lin Qiao is asking if we can increase her script fee per episode.”
Over the years, Lin Qiao had been grateful for Shen Qianzhan’s support and had quoted Thousand Lights a price lower than her market rate. She had never brought it up, and Shen Qianzhan hadn’t felt it appropriate to proactively apply for an increase on her behalf. Hearing this, she tapped the table understandingly: “How much is she asking for?”
Qiao Xin replied: “An extra twenty thousand per episode.”
Shen Qianzhan nodded: “Take this quote to Su Lanyi. If she approves it, it’s settled.”
Qiao Xin chirped an acknowledgment and happily went off.
Shen Qianzhan watched Qiao Xin head to Su Lanyi’s office before returning to her Weibo feed to catch up on the world.
Ten minutes later, her phone vibrated lightly. Qiao Xin had sent her a WeChat message: “Huh, Sis Qianzhan, I saw Mr. Ji in Su Lanyi’s office. Did we have an appointment with Mr. Ji today? 【Panicked.gif】”
Shen Qianzhan raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.
So the influential figure involved in Thousand Lights and Xiang Qianqian’s contract termination was indeed Ji Qinghe.
She set her phone down, then picked it up again, repeating the motion several times before narrowing her eyes and replying: “Let me know if he’s about to leave.”
Qiao Xin obediently acknowledged.Twenty minutes later, Qiao Xin’s reminder message arrived. Shen Qianzhan put on her coat and took the elevator down first to the parking lot in the basement of the office building, which belonged to Thousand Lights Pictures.
Ji Qinghe’s car was parked right across from the elevator exit, impossible to miss.
—
Ji Qinghe was escorted by Su Lanyi all the way to the elevator lobby. Just before the elevator doors closed, he glanced at Qiao Xin leaning against the wall and gave an almost imperceptible smile.
Ming Jue noticed and reminded him, “Mr. Ji, that was Qiao Xin, Assistant Planner to Producer Shen.”
Ji Qinghe lowered his head to adjust his cuff, his tone casual. “I know.”
Ming Jue pressed further, “Assistant Qiao is in charge of coordinating the official schedules between us and Thousand Lights. We didn’t have any such arrangement today.”
Ji Qinghe looked up and glanced at his unusually slow-witted assistant. “What are you trying to say?”
Ming Jue steeled himself and said, “If Assistant Qiao informs Producer Shen that you were here…”
Ji Qinghe cut him off. “Afraid of being checked up on?” His voice was low and carried a hint of laughter. “I’m only afraid she won’t check.”
Author’s Note: Surviving on coffee every day. Didn’t have any today and was dead tired in the afternoon.
Sorry for the wait. Dropping a hundred red envelopes in the front row tonight as a small apology.
Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me with overlord tickets or irrigated with nutrient solution between 2020-03-13 19:01:19 and 2020-03-14 21:52:34~
Special thanks to: 24870954 for the shallow water bomb;
Qu Qu Qu Qu for 2 grenades; Mu Hanhan’s Little Shadow Mio for 1 grenade;
Yue Banban for 4 mines; Bei Za’s Little Fairy for 3 mines; Wang Shiyu, Fu Shen Ruo Meng, Qiao Yi Qiao Qiao Qiao Ah Qiao, Cha Shao, Josie for 2 mines each; Rachaeling, Hu Beiyi, Pinki1y, Want to Meet You Ya ·, Luka_Home, Meiyan Rusi, Jing Yu, Lemon Actually a Bit Sour, Weiyi hhh, Mu Cheng, Lion King Xiuxiu 007, 37635390, Yu~Mo, Zui Ai Bei Qing’s Jing Bai, One Grapefruit, Zhou Du, 20336505, Zhang Zhang Zhang Zhang Ping, 30960848, Yu Yue, Xing Fu, Lan Lan Tian Kong, 25848462, Fan Fan, Yang Juzi for 1 mine each.Thank you to the little angels who irrigated nutrient solution: Fantasy Glass 100 bottles; Magnolia Flowers Fade, Apricots 46 bottles; Rain Falls 30 bottles; Big Chicken Leg, Wifi Wangji 20 bottles; Old Scenery 18 bottles; Remembering Yan and First Journey 14 bottles; Full of Talent 12 bottles; Non-Zero, 39263220 10 bottles; Senior Year Always?? 9 bottles; Fluttering, cxh's Little Sun 8 bottles; yan 6 bottles; april, A Plump Weiwei, ellyn, Mrs. Lü 5 bottles; blinkblinku, The Cat Ignores Me 4 bottles; Fushen Ruomeng, Iam Little Pincers 3 bottles; Picking Up Memories, pluto, Galaxy Vending Machine, karen, Manman, A Smile, Shu Yi katirry, villkan, Silly Lala, elaine 2 bottles; Wen Zhuo, Momo, Corgi Ah Corgi, Young White, a-Ma Qian, Mi Le, Pu Pu, Mu Se, Returning Person, duya, Sugar-Fried Chestnuts with Milk Tea, Fairy Ah, Asarum Not Exceeding q, Salty Fish Fish Doesn't Want to Turn Over, Bo Bo, Love You Hey, Round and Plump, First Silent 1 bottle;
Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!
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