CHAPTER 177: CHAPTER 172 NIGHTTIME HOTEL CONVERSATIONS

Xiao Wu watched the other person leave, spat a thick glob of phlegm into the trash can, and sat back down, picking up the small bell on the table and shaking it lightly.

A tall, sharply dressed young man in a checkered suit walked in from outside.

"Xiao Liu, did you get all the information on Lan Yening?" Xiao Wu asked in a slow and deliberate tone.

"Boss, I got it. But don’t forget, tomorrow you’re scheduled to record that ’actor’ variety show," Xiao Liu reminded.

"Alright, I know. I’ll look it over in the car tomorrow. That trashy show—if it weren’t for networking with some big-name directors and promoting the upcoming film, I wouldn’t bother attending. As a director, one should focus on the art and humanity," Xiao Wu said seriously.

Xiao Liu knew better than to interject at this moment; Xiao Wu was deeply immersed in his own world.

"Look at this, the show’s production team gathers a bunch of what? Talentless pretty boys, combined with a few washed-up has-beens with zero market value—none of them worth anything. Huaxia’s film industry, this is how it goes to ruin," Xiao Wu sneered.

After Xiao Wu finished, Xiao Liu kept his face unchanged and said, "Boss, the Wu family film company scheduled a meeting with you the day after tomorrow."

Xiao Wu’s expression shifted instantly upon hearing this, and he replied, "Tell them that I’ll handle this matter personally. They don’t need to teach me a lesson."

"Understood."

"Wait, what time and where is the meeting the day after tomorrow?"

Calming himself down, Xiao Wu reflected for a moment and decided to meet Wu Jingxiang. He was already aware that the situation had escalated beyond control. Without robust support, there was no way to navigate through the crisis.

At the hotel, Lan Yening was video chatting with Zhang Shuya.

"Xiao Ning! After finishing the variety show, you need to meet Director Xiao Wu."

"The company put in enormous effort to get you this role. I hope you seize the opportunity."

Zhang Shuya appeared warm and motherly, like a kindhearted confidant.

Though Lan Yening felt somewhat irritated deep down, his face displayed a gentle and grateful smile—he was growing increasingly adept at navigating this circle.

"Sister Shuya, I will definitely do my best. The company has worked so hard to secure such great resources for me; I can’t let them down," Lan Yening said seriously.

"Haha, stop calling me Sister Shuya. I told you already, in private, just call me Yaya—or sweetheart, that works too," Zhang Shuya said with a passionate gaze that made Lan Yening’s skin crawl.

"Yaya!" He couldn’t bring himself to say "sweetheart," so he reluctantly uttered "Yaya."

"Good, Xiao Ning," Zhang Shuya nodded approvingly before continuing:

"Xiao Ning, I heard about those idiots. For this variety show, you’ll go solo; consider it a little ’lesson’ for them." Zhang Shuya noticed Lan Yening’s hesitant expression and added:

"Those idiots dug their own graves. If not for the fact that we can still squeeze some ’fan cash’ out of their delusional supporters, the company would’ve punished them long ago."

Lan Yening, though he agreed they were "deserving of their fate," couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anxiety—like watching the fox mourn the rabbit.

"Xiao Ning, be sure not to lose your temper when meeting Director Xiao Wu. He’s infamous in the industry for his controlling nature."

"I understand, Yaya."

Lan Yening had heard stories about Xiao Wu before. He lowered his head and bit his lip.

"Xiao Ning, don’t worry. The company is the second investor in this film; Xiao Wu won’t dare mistreat you. But if enthusiasm is required, don’t take it too seriously."

Zhang Shuya felt the need to give Lan Yening a heads-up.

"I understand, Yaya!" Lan Yening replied with a strained smile.

"Remember, this was my big break when I first appeared on the main stage," Lan Yening added with a smile.

"Xiao Ning, look at those struggling nobodies around you. They have to crouch outside just to eat a boxed lunch."

"But you, with backing from the company, have your own private resting area, your personal manager and assistant. So many people envy you for that," Zhang Shuya said, aiming to console Lan Yening.

"Yeah, those poor souls have it so rough. They don’t even have a place to rest, sometimes they’re forced to sit on the ground. What’s even worse is how the staff treats them like they’re not even humans," Lan Yening admitted candidly, lamenting their miserable lives.

"That’s why, Xiao Ning, with such good support behind you right now, you need to cherish it. Don’t let a bad attitude screw everything up," Zhang Shuya advised lightly.

"Yaya, I know you want the best for me. I won’t let you down," Lan Yening declared firmly.

"Good, Xiao Ning. You’re no longer a newcomer to society. The harsh lessons from life should have taught you well—learn to seize the opportunity," Zhang Shuya encouraged.

"Mm!"

Lan Yening responded with a seemingly sincere "Mm."

"That guy from ’Duck Sugar-Sweet’—someone’s starting to get ideas about leaving. Foolish of him, does he not realize who I am—Zhang Shuya?"

Her words sent a jolt through Lan Yening. He couldn’t help but shiver inwardly, wondering if this was directed at him.

"Yaya, who’s planning to leave?" Lan Yening asked cautiously.

"It’s Li Nian, the leader of ’Duck Sugar-Sweet.’ He’s cozying up to some sugar momma outside and wants to jump ship," Zhang Shuya sneered, continuing:

"In the past, he’d simply pay the penalty, and we’d let him go. But now that you’re starring in Xiao Wu’s film, ’Duck Sugar-Sweet’ can’t risk any breakup scandals. If he dares mess things up, I won’t let him off the hook."

Staring at Zhang Shuya’s ruthless expression, Lan Yening—already harboring his own guilty conscience—felt like he was suffocating.

"Yaya, how do you plan to deal with Li Nian?"

"The company invested in a web drama recently. I’ve already spoken to the director—I’ll arrange for Li Nian to get a decent role, and then in an explosive stunt, we’ll destroy his face," Zhang Shuya said with a venomous smile.

Lan Yening gasped in horror at her plan. He hadn’t expected Zhang Shuya to be this cruel, crafting a flawless scheme with no visible trace.

Zhang Shuya didn’t linger on the topic; instead, she shifted back: "Xiao Ning, we’ll be pouring a massive budget into promoting this film for you. Prepare yourself."

"Rest assured, I’ll follow the company’s plans in every way. Alive, I serve Cool Star; dead, I’m Cool Star’s ghost—I’d never betray you," Lan Yening declared with dramatic fervor, almost making himself gag.

"Haha, Xiao Ning, I knew I was right about you. You’re a sentimental, good kid," Zhang Shuya said, visibly pleased.

"Xiao Ning, have you missed me?"

"... Of course I have! How could I not miss you?"

"Haha, how can I know you’re not just saying that?"

Zhang Shuya’s suggestive gaze disgusted Lan Yening, but he put on a facade of infatuation.

"Yaya, I can’t express my longing for you properly through a screen!"

"You absolutely can. Let me teach you how, sweet boy," Zhang Shuya said while tossing her long hair over her shoulders, giggling wickedly.