CHAPTER 756: CHAPTER 746: PROVOKING LONELINESS

Jiang Cisheng drove his daughter’s little white car, carrying his wife and mother-in-law, and returned to Xiyuan.

By the time they went back and forth, the sun was already high in the sky, and Shen Chuyue and the others just got up, so they decided to have breakfast and lunch together.

After eating, they said their goodbyes and each drove off to attend to their own work or studies.

Jiang Lingxi also welcomed the return of Lu Zhengzheng and Fang Yao from their extended holiday, which meant her leisure days were also coming to an end.

As soon as Lu Zhengzheng arrived, she brought along a lot of gossip from the entertainment industry, which Jiang Lingxi felt she must have saved up during the holiday just to tell her.

But, it must be said, once everyone gathered together, sipping tea and sharing their gossip, any initial awkwardness from not seeing each other for half a month during the New Year vanished completely.

"Recently, there’s been a lot of black info on Dong Wei online, probably released by Zhou Lingyue."

"The ’Xiao Empress’ crew is likely going to officially announce Dong Wei as the lead actress Xiao Chan, is she trying to bring Dong Wei down to take the role herself?"

"Maybe it’s her last shot, and who knows, she might really succeed."

"Spare me, I’ve watched too many of Zhou Lingyue’s Empress roles, I’m really fed up!"

"I’d also prefer Dong Wei to act. Her acting is much better than Zhou Lingyue’s, but I wonder if her skills have regressed after being out for so long."

Jiang Lingxi put down her teacup and nodded at Fang Yao, "I can actually answer that for you, she hasn’t regressed."

Fang Yao was taken aback, then thought of something, "Xixi, have you had a meal with Teacher Dong Wei?"

"Yes, I even asked her for advice on how to improve my acting skills."

"Then I’m relieved, I’m now a bit eager to see her play the ruthless Empress Dowager Xiao."

Jiang Lingxi gave a soft hum; she was a bit eager as well.

Only, the filming hasn’t even started, and with post-production, it might be the end of the year or next year before it airs.

"By the way, Xixi, ’Qingcheng Legend’ has announced it will be airing soon, but it couldn’t get on TV, only on streaming sites."

"After Xu Qingmei was replaced, who was cast as the lead?"

"A girl named Yu Si. Initially, she was supposed to play the lead’s disciple, but was pushed aside by Jiang Xiyu before filming started. Later, after Xu Qingmei and Jiang Xiyu both fell out, she seized the opportunity."

"Yu Si, I think I recall her. I’ll check out this series then."

"Hehe, I’ve subscribed already, so I’ll be notified when it starts."

"I heard from Sister Tong that you, Xixi, are going to closed training in a couple of days. There are two other actresses competing for a role, should I go investigate first?"

"No need," Jiang Lingxi waved off the eager Lu Zhengzheng, "We’ll know who they are once training starts."

Lu Zhengzheng: "..."

Suddenly felt pointless!

But while Jiang Lingxi wasn’t checking up on the other two, the other two had already inquired about her.

Even if they were only backups now, and even if Jiang Lingxi was still a newcomer compared to them, being noticed by Director Feng wasn’t something they could take lightly.

Jiang Lingxi was unaware of this, but even if she was, she wouldn’t care.

Very soon, it was the day before she was to head to the largest racing training ground in the Imperial City for a training camp.

Jiang Lingxi looked at the luggage Shen Yunqing packed for her.

"When did you prepare the racing suit?"

This person did things so discreetly; coexisting with her every day and she didn’t notice at all.

"Started after the New Year, but the time was a bit tight. Couldn’t tailor it from scratch, so made alterations on a ready-made one. It’s a little surprise, do you like it?"

Jiang Lingxi touched the helmet placed on top, "Director Feng said they’d provide it during training, but I like this one you prepared better."

It’s even cooler than the ones in the racing videos she watched.

Her Prime Minister really knew her tastes thoroughly!

"Even though we have racing suits and helmets, it’s not real racing, but still, you must pay attention to safety."

Jiang Lingxi sealed his mouth that kept nagging her over and over.

After some time, their breaths became slightly rushed as they parted.

Jiang Lingxi returned to seriousness, "I’m going to closed training, so please take good care of and pay attention to Little Uncle and Yue Sheng."

Shen Yunqing pursed his lips, calming himself before saying, "I was just about to tell you, this morning Assistant He sent me a list of daily chemicals inspected products, and three of Yue Sheng’s products are on the blacklist."

"Blacklist, meaning non-compliance; what will happen?"

"Companies with a high rate of non-compliance in inspected products will be ordered to suspend operations for rectification. Coupled with the previous tax issues Yue Sheng was exposed for, they’re likely in a frantic state now and probably won’t have time to bother us here."

"Seeing it this way, Wei Ke has been quite effective."

The downfall of Yue Sheng happened quicker than she expected.

"The thing is, Yue Sheng already had many problems; this time they were caught red-handed with our help."

Exchanging looks, Jiang Lingxi raised her hand.

Shen Yunqing couldn’t help but smile, raising his hand to match hers, their palms meeting.

"Let Little Uncle know about this, he can handle the rest, and maybe get some satisfaction from it."

"Okay."

Early the next morning, Jiang Lingxi didn’t let Shen Yunqing drive her, instead she drove herself to the address Director Feng gave her.

After parking at the venue gate, she sent a message.

In no time, someone came out from within the venue on a self-balancing scooter, stopping beside her open car window.

"Teacher Jiang, are you alone?"

"Yes."

"Please come in."

Jiang Lingxi was about to start the car when she saw through the rearview mirror a racing car with a white base and colorful graffiti race up behind her. It stopped so quickly at the gate that it left a long black tire mark, just beside her car.

Out of the already open racing driver’s side window stretched an arm clad in black leather. As Jiang Lingxi turned to look, the person removed their sunglasses and flashed her a smile, though it didn’t reach their eyes, "Good morning!"

Jiang Lingxi replied, "Good morning."

The two exchanged pleasantries and simultaneously looked away, their smiles fading as the windows closed.

When the barrier for vehicles went up, Jiang Lingxi was about to ease off the gas when the car next to her roared ahead, speeding past her through the entrance.

Finally reaching her designated parking point, Jiang Lingxi parked, turned off the engine, and got out to grab her luggage, just as the owner of the neighboring white racing car called out an apology, "Sorry, I drove out of habit and instinctively stepped on the gas to get in first, hope you don’t mind, Teacher Jiang?"

"I don’t mind." Jiang Lingxi took her luggage down, pulling it as she walked over, "May I know your name?"

The escort who caught up on a balancing scooter: "Pfft, ahem!"

It’s just a provocation, but I don’t even know who you are!

This is, quite literally, provoking no one!