CHAPTER 167: CHAPTER 167 BURIED PAIN

In the afternoon, coming out of the set, Li Jing was in an exceptionally good mood.

Not only had he smoothly finished his two scenes for the day, but he had also unexpectedly met Liu Shou, a professor from the Celestial Sea Drama Academy.

On the way back, Li Jing didn’t notice anything amiss with Yang Xiaoxiu, just talking about topics he wanted to, most of which were inevitably about today’s acting.

Getting recognition from Wen Lan on his first acting experience was already better than many classically trained actors, which was indeed something worth celebrating for Li Jing.

So, Yang Xiaoxiu continuously smiled and agreed, even though deep down inside, her heart was shattered.

She was already down because her scenes were cut, and seeing Li Jing happy for passing his acting tests felt even more miserable in contrast.

But even if she was upset, she knew she couldn’t show it in front of Li Jing.

In her eyes, only after going through considerable effort had she been able to get closer to Li Jing. If she were to take herself seriously at this point and complain extensively in front of him, not only would it be pointless, but it might also wear away any goodwill he had just developed towards her.

More importantly, she understood the principle of her relationship with Li Jing, which was one of equivalent exchange.

By relying on her professional skills to teach him acting, she received compensation and his goodwill.

If she were to express her needs and discomfort without providing equivalent value to Li Jing, she wasn’t sure whether he would feel dissatisfied with her because of it.

That was the last thing she wanted to see.

Because, in her view, Li Jing was an important benefactor who could help turn her life around; she must carefully maintain this hard-won relationship and strive to keep earning his goodwill.

Instead of letting the relationship, which had just become a bit closer, be ruined due to her senseless complaining.

Men never fall for women who constantly complain; they only fall for smart, uniquely valuable women.

Because the former is like a shadow, only bringing endless suppression; the latter is like the warm sun, capable of lighting up life and creating beauty.

This was something Yang Xiaoxiu had seen in a movie about relationships.

Now this remark had also become her guideline for interacting with Li Jing.

Besides, even if she told Li Jing about her situation, he might not be able to help.

She knew Wen Lan’s character: once he decided to cut that scene, the perfectionist Wen Lan wouldn’t change his mind just because of Li Jing’s suggestion, so there was almost no chance of restoring her scene and shots.

Thinking of this, Yang Xiaoxiu felt ashen-hearted, her mood sinking to a low point.

Originally, she valued this opportunity very much and had high hopes for this film.

If the character she played as a supporting role reached the big screen and this film became a big hit, then this experience would be an exceptionally positive enhancement for someone like her with no resources and would significantly help her in finding roles in the future.

But ideals are beautiful, and reality is always gritty; all her wonderful thoughts were shattered by a single unintended comment from Zhang Bing today.

"Xiaoxiu, Xiaoxiu?"

At this point, Li Jing finally noticed she seemed a bit absent-minded, and while driving, he turned his head with confusion to look at her: "What’s the matter, any concerns?"

"Ah, no, nothing."

Yang Xiaoxiu’s expression slightly changed as she quickly answered and then softly explained, "Maybe I’m just a bit tired."

Seeing Yang Xiaoxiu like this, Li Jing didn’t understand but didn’t intend to ask more. After dropping her off back at school, he drove back to An Tong’s house.

...

In the period that followed, Li Jing needed to go to the filming crew from time to time.

Before each scene, Li Jing would find Yang Xiaoxiu to help him practice and guide him, of course paying her the tuition fee according to the previous rate.

About this girl, Yang Xiaoxiu, Li Jing also got to know more and more; she wanted to become a top star not only to change her life but also because she genuinely loved acting and indeed had a remarkable talent.

However, what puzzled Li Jing was that while Yang Xiaoxiu still maintained contact, her trips to the set became fewer and fewer.

Once, Li Jing even took the initiative to invite Yang Xiaoxiu to come with him, but she declined saying she had classes in the afternoon.

This left Li Jing quite confused, but he didn’t probe further.

Since she didn’t speak, Li Jing didn’t delve into her inner affairs.

However, as these days went by with Li Jing performing well, his relationships with Liu Shou, who occasionally visited the set, and Wen Lan became more and more familiar.

That night, Wen Lan invited Li Jing and Liu Shou to dinner, but Liu Shou couldn’t come due to other commitments.

Li Jing thought the dinner would be canceled since Liu Shou couldn’t make it, but unexpectedly, Wen Lan sent him an address, insisting that Li Jing come to the restaurant on time.

Li Jing was initially puzzled about what kind of gathering he would have with Wen Lan alone, but upon arriving at the restaurant and seeing the casual suit-clad silhouette from behind, he understood the reason.

"What’s up?"

Wei Jia, dressed in a high-end blazer with a shirt, turned around with a slight raise of her eyebrows. Her gaze fell on Li Jing at the restaurant entrance, with a mix of coldness and a hint of teasing: "From your expression, it seems you’re not too eager to see me?"

Seeing that familiar yet mature and alluring face, Li Jing shook his head and smiled: "I told you, there’s no need for a special dinner with just me and Wen Lan, as we see each other practically every day. I didn’t expect it would be you here."

"Indeed, I asked Wen Lan to set this up."

Wei Jia slightly raised her exquisite chin, consistently radiating her queenly presence, and walked up to Li Jing, making eye contact: "Seeing me, are you disappointed or surprised?"

Facing her direct gaze, after their previous encounter, Li Jing was no longer intimidated by her aura and instead reached out as if to caress her face, grinning: "With you, Wei Jia, a big beauty accompanying me, it’s naturally a surprise. I’m still eager to try that hot kiss from last time again."

"Get your stinky hands off me."

Wei Jia, annoyed, slapped away his outreaching hand and crossed her arms: "Want to kiss me again? Sure, but only if you drop those other backups of yours, then I’ll immediately confirm our relationship."

Seeing her so direct and blunt, it was now Li Jing’s turn to be at a loss for words. He then started playing dumb: "That won’t do. I’ve never liked making choices. I want them all."

"Ha, greedy as a snake swallowing an elephant, too many women, you should be careful not to wear it out." Wei Jia sneered.

Li Jing shrugged: "Don’t worry, you can try it yourself if you don’t believe me."

"You..."

"Alright, alright, you two don’t start flirting and bickering in front of me."

Wei Jia was about to lose her temper when Wen Lan walked over helplessly from not far away and said, "There’s still business to discuss, let’s move to the private room."

"Business to discuss?" Li Jing was taken aback.

Wei Jia snorted coldly: "Of course, you thought I really wanted to see you, huh? You’re way too confident."

"Isn’t that so?" Li Jing spread his hands: "If you didn’t want to see me, why would you dress up and wear perfume? This is from the Encounter series, right? I happen to know it’s perfect for dates..."

Wei Jia, whose ears turned slightly red upon her perfume being identified, immediately retorted: "That’s not my perfume, it’s from Wen Lan."

"From Wen Lan?"

Knowing she was being evasive, Li Jing deliberately looked at Wen Lan with a teasing gaze: "Director Wen, does Wei Jia mean you’re trying to pursue me?"

Wen Lan: "??????"