CHAPTER 226: CHAPTER 224: THE SHARP GLINT IN SHI SU’S EYES

Shi Su was on the film set, getting ready to remove her makeup, when the producer suddenly approached with a mysterious expression, placing his hand on her shoulder and asking warmly, "Do you have time tonight?"

If Shi Su didn’t know that the producer, a charming old fellow, had a same-sex partner and had been happily living together for years, she might have thought he had other intentions towards her, given how puzzling his expression was.

"I still have two days’ worth of scenes to shoot in Z City, so of course, I’ll be heading back to the hotel to read the script tonight," Shi Su said, while noticing that the dressing room was empty except for her two makeup artists. She wondered when the others had left.

The makeup artists turned, busily organizing the clothes she had worn today, and thoughtfully refrained from eavesdropping.

"Then how about having dinner together tonight?"

"...You want to have dinner with me?"

"I advise you not to refuse. It’s a great opportunity, absolutely a great one, something others would fight tooth and nail for." The producer squeezed her shoulder, trying to curry favor.

Shi Su sensed something amiss and decisively declined, "Regardless of what opportunity it is, I’m still injured, and apart from filming, I mainly rest in my room. I don’t participate in other activities. The director is aware of my current situation, isn’t he?"

"It’s not about the director. I organized this meeting, and it involves leaders from Jiang City. You have to attend."

"Leaders from Jiang City? I have nothing to do with them. Why should I go?"

"Isn’t Mr. Jing going to be there? Wouldn’t you go if Mr. Jing were there?"

"..."

She cast a suspicious glance at the producer, "Who else is going?"

"The ones you met at the holiday villa last time, Mr. Hao and the others, including Mr. Jing. Rest assured, no one will sell you out with Mr. Jing there. No one dares to do anything to you."

What does it mean to say no one dares to do anything to her with Jing Jihan present?

In broad daylight, under the clear sky, with so many people dining together, both Jiang City and Z City aren’t remote little towns. Who would dare to do anything to her?

Still, considering Jing Jihan’s influence, she couldn’t just ignore it. But in such an occasion, it probably wasn’t Jing Jihan’s initiative.

Yet outright refusal wouldn’t be beneficial either.

Seeing Shi Su stay silent, the producer was about to reason with her when Shi Su suddenly glanced out the dressing room window.

Given the small nanny car used for resting, the cramped interior wasn’t comfortable for sitting, but due to the weather, it was cold outside. At the moment, Chujio and Jun were holding hand warmers, chatting outside the car, pacing back and forth to keep warm, and within minutes, they went back inside the car for warmth.

Shi Su said, "Do you remember the terms we discussed when joining the crew?"

The producer glanced outside, immediately understanding, "Of course, once we return to Jiang City, we will definitely sort out the RV issue. It’s indeed unreasonable to treat you poorly in this cold weather."

"Can we switch to having drivers from our studio when we return to Jiang City?"

"This...is doable."

"I want no part in gossip after the show airs, nor do I want any association with the popular idol Tong Yuanyuan."

"..." The producer raised an eyebrow, seeing the clarity and shrewdness in Shi Su’s eyes, "You..."

Shi Su lazily tilted her head to the side, faintly smiling.

This troublesome production team already has so many issues; there’ll likely be no boundaries in the future. It’s better to clear things up and establish rules early on. Pretending to be weak may lead to oppression; it’s better to clearly show your stance.

"Alright, during the promotional period, the focus will solely be on your acting, no gossip, no speculated couples, no friendship ties with dual female leads, is that okay?" The producer added with unavoidable sarcasm, "You and Tong Yuanyuan indeed have no friendship ties, not fighting is already fortunate."

Shi Su chuckled, "What time tonight, and where for dinner?"

-

At seven thirty in the evening, Shi Su left Junkai Hotel to head to Yating Xuan in the center of Z City.

Yating Xuan is a well-known restaurant in Z City. Although termed a restaurant, it’s more of a grand, national banquet-style dining venue in the tourist area.

She rode in the producer’s car, listening to endless chatter about how the investors of this show have recently been tormenting him, and how the production team wanted the filming to wrap up quickly to avoid further agony from the investors.

Shi Su had a bottle of pepper spray in her bag, which, although seemingly unnecessary tonight, had become her habitual companion after recent events.

Wen Ke initially brought her only two bottles, but before heading out tonight, she specifically requested that Wen Ke get her a few more for backup.

She hadn’t yet discussed the incident in Z City with Wen Ke, but Wen Ke, being overly perceptive, asked her what happened. Shi Su briefly explained, after which Wen Ke responded with an OK emoji, suggesting getting her a small electric baton as well.

The car stopped in front of Yating Xuan, and Shi Su followed the producer inside.

Initially believing this would be a gathering of men, Shi Su thought she was only attending due to Jing Jihan’s presence. But upon entering Yating Xuan, she noticed a familiar figure at the corner of the hallway.

Tong Yuanyuan?

She’s here too?

"Tong Yuanyuan came too?" Shi Su asked.

The producer was momentarily stunned, "We didn’t invite her, what’s up?"

Shi Su glanced at the producer, who genuinely seemed unaware of Tong Yuanyuan’s presence, then proceeded straight inside, though she grew suspicious.

Tong Yuanyuan likely hadn’t noticed Shi Su, only passing through the corner corridor. Her laid-back outfit—black top and jeans—didn’t look suitable for an event, and wouldn’t easily attract attention.

Upon entering the banquet hall with the producer, she indeed saw those few Jiang City leaders she’d met before. They were unusually courteous upon her arrival, with Mr. Hao calling for drinks and dishes. Shi Su didn’t feel particularly honored, merely sensing ulterior motives from this group. Though they wouldn’t harm her, they clearly had intentions.

However, everyone at the event mentioned Mr. Jing would arrive soon. Yet, despite sitting there for over half an hour, Jing Jihan hadn’t shown up, nor was Zhou He present.

Even when Mr. Hao requested another bottle, smiling as he personally came over to pour her wine, Shi Su excused herself for the restroom, leaving the banquet hall. Upon reaching the restroom door, she hesitated, her heightened alertness prompting her to go to the restroom on the second floor.

Within the cubicle, she sat on the toilet lid, carefully analyzing the evening’s situation, feeling like tonight was an ambush not against her, but targeted at Jing Jihan.

Shi Su sent Jing Jihan a WeChat message: [Are you at Yating Xuan?]

After sending the message, she received no reply for over ten minutes.