CHAPTER 520: 206 PEARLS LOST IN THE SEA

Li Zonghong was taken away in front of a good number of hotel staff, and within minutes, the whole hotel knew about it.

The hotel higher-ups were livid when they learned the details.

The hotel was full of students—imagine the negative impact this would have on the hotel’s reputation! How could they explain this to their customers?

The higher-ups immediately issued a notice, terminating Li Zonghong’s employment.

They also gathered several gifts and personally went to apologize to the victim.

Well, that’s what makes a scholar different. If it were an ordinary person, who could possibly untangle the complexities of these chemical elements and understand what had really happened? They’d probably die without knowing why.

Knowledge is indeed useful.

When the higher-ups met the victim, they found it was a girl with exceptional looks and demeanor. Their opinion of her instantly improved as they handed her a VIP card offering free stays in the hotel’s business suites for three years.

Of course, Shen You’an refused to accept, citing her studies as a reason, and politely sent them away.

Gao Yuyue emerged from the bathroom, her skin glistening faintly with moisture, her cheeks flushed like ripe peaches from the heat.

"An’an, what did Officer Xiang say to you? Who was the mastermind behind Li Zonghong?"

"There was no mastermind."

Shen You’an sat at the computer, focused on her work, and responded without even lifting her head.

"No mastermind? How is that possible?"

Gao Yuyue found it hard to believe. Why would Li Zonghong, with no prior conflict with An’an, drug a customer for no apparent reason?

Though Gao Yuyue wasn’t privy to the case’s details, her instincts insisted that Li Zonghong had to be acting under someone’s orders.

"That Officer Xiang might look decent, but he’s just another incompetent bureaucrat. I misjudged him," Gao Yuyue muttered irritably.

"The case is over. Don’t bring it up again."

Gao Yuyue grumbled, "Ever since we came to Chunzhou, nothing has gone smoothly. We should just head back to Qingzhou."

She sat down at the vanity table, picked up a variety of skincare products, and started applying them to herself.

"You’re joining the crew tomorrow morning, right? I’ll come with you—let’s say I’m your assistant. While I’m not into acting, watching others act can be pretty entertaining."

"Alright."

"Actually, forget it. Mr. Meng won’t grant me leave that easily. Not everyone has the kind of sway you do."

"I’ve already helped you request leave."

While massaging her calves with a roller wrapped with spiked beads after applying lotion, the sensation made Gao Yuyue wince and cringe. Her exaggerated expressions made it hard to tell whether she was grimacing or grinning.

"An’an, you really know me so well."

"An’an, you’re going to be a superstar one day. How about I become your manager?"

Shen You’an replied with just one word: "Alright."

Gao Yuyue began envisioning their future with enthusiasm: "The two of us, unstoppable! Conquering the entertainment world, defeating deities, toppling idols—every male celebrity and heartthrob will kneel before this lady in her power suit, haha..."

As she rambled on, Gao Yuyue grew more and more pleased with herself. Unable to wait, she pulled out her phone to start researching information about being a talent agent.

Her research lasted until midnight.

Turning her head, Gao Yuyue realized that Shen You’an had long since fallen asleep in the neighboring bed.

That unwavering sleep routine...

~

After returning from the police station, Shen You’an went to see Meng Junzhu.

First, she wanted to explain the case and alleviate any worries Meng Junzhu might have.

Second, she needed to request a few days off and skip the academic presentations scheduled for the next couple of days.

Meng Junzhu assumed Shen You’an had been frightened by the incident and didn’t hesitate to approve the leave.

Shen You’an didn’t want to lie: "I’m not requesting leave because I was scared by the case. In truth, this matter hasn’t left much of an impact on me. A few days ago, some classmates and I visited Lushui Ancient City and accidentally walked onto a film set. By chance, I tried out a scene, and the director said I have great acting talent. I discovered that I really enjoy acting, so these next few days, I’ll be filming with the crew."

The sheer amount of information left Meng Junzhu momentarily stunned.

"Filming?" she repeated, her tone slightly shrill.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t understand, but it was jarring—such a promising student suddenly delving into acting. This, well, this felt like heading down the wrong path.

To put it bluntly, it seemed like a detour.

Shen You’an, having no parents and no guidance growing up, was bound to take a few missteps along the way.

"You’an, don’t take this the wrong way, but this is an especially critical time for you. With the Young Talent Class’s selection approaching, you absolutely mustn’t get distracted, or you’ll regret it later," Meng Junzhu admonished earnestly.

Shen You’an lifted her head and looked at Meng Junzhu. Her clear, dark eyes shone with a resolute brilliance that was incredibly captivating.

"Mr. Meng, do you trust me?"

Meng Junzhu froze for a moment before instinctively replying, "Of course, I trust you."

"Even if I choose acting, I won’t neglect my studies. As for the Young Talent Class selection, if there’s no underhanded manipulation, I’ll undoubtedly secure a spot for myself."