CHAPTER 242: CONSPIRACY UNVEILED

When Han Bi tried to sow discord between them, Wen Nuan would also counterattack against Han Bi and Linda. No one would look good, and that was perfectly fine; she didn’t like being a passive Wen Nuan.

Cai Xiaojing’s biggest worry was Wen Nuan’s habitual insecurity when facing Han Bi, always feeling inferior to her. But now, Cai Xiaojing finally felt at ease; her girl had become brave and mature.

Tang Shuwen and Chen Xueru also came over after their interview. Even if Han Bi was furious, she had to control her temper. She didn’t dare to act out in front of Tang Shuwen; he had no liking for her.

Firstly, because of Ye Feimo and her past, as good brothers, he had always been indifferent to her.

Secondly, Gu Rui and she had once hurt Chen Xueru. With old and new grudges, there was even less to say.

Chen Xueru had always been gracious and composed in her interactions. In the past, she showed no reaction upon seeing Han Bi on set, always meeting her with a smile. It was even more so now. Han Bi glanced at Chen Xueru and simply smiled.

Chen Xueru smiled and said to Wen Nuan, "We’re just about to go for a drink. Come join us, Sister Xiaojing, you call Director Lin."

"Why do I have to call him?" Cai Xiaojing pouted. Tang Shuwen and Chen Xueru exchanged glances. Wen Nuan leaned in, smiling. "Beautiful Lin is harder to invite, so Sister Xiaojing definitely has to do it."

Cai Xiaojing clicked her tongue and went to find Lin Ning, who was discussing business with an investor.

Han Bi and Linda, seeing Tang Shuwen and Chen Xueru arrive, bid their farewells and left. Chen Xueru chuckled, "Wen Nuan, call Young Master Ye Second. Let’s all go for a drink. Your alcohol tolerance is so low; who will take you home if you get drunk?"

Her voice was a bit louder. Han Bi paused in her steps. Wen Nuan pursed her lips and said, "He said he has something to discuss tonight."

"What’s more important than picking you up? Call and ask," Chen Xueru said. Han Bi gritted her teeth. She knew Chen Xueru was intentionally saying it for her to hear. Wen Nuan, however, wasn’t thinking that way and genuinely called Young Master Ye Second.

The group went to their usual bar for drinks. No one mentioned Wen Nuan not winning any awards tonight. Cai Xiaojing was already showing her displeasure, and everyone knew how to read the room.

It wasn’t Cai Xiaojing’s fault. She wasn’t a newcomer who had just debuted and didn’t understand how to play tricks. Cai Xiaojing must have worked hard for Wen Nuan’s situation, but her influence was simply not enough to sway the Film Critics Awards.

Cai Xiaojing was indeed dissatisfied with Wen Nuan receiving nothing, but having been in the industry for so long, she could endure anything. A single success or failure didn’t matter much.

When Wen Nuan went to the restroom midway, Lin Ning kicked Ye Feimo. "How did you handle things? She shouldn’t have lost the Newcomer award. You didn’t see the look on that girl’s face when she heard she didn’t win; otherwise, it would break your heart."

Su Ran was also puzzled. "Feimo, don’t tell me you didn’t even make arrangements?"

Cai Xiaojing turned her face away, complaining in dissatisfaction, "Young Master Ye frankly told me that Wen Nuan wouldn’t win anything tonight. Didn’t you see my witch’s face tonight? He didn’t just not make arrangements; he deliberately messed things up."

Ye Feimo silently drank his wine, his narrow phoenix eyes glancing towards the restroom. Wen Nuan had only had two drinks tonight, so she was fine; her mood wasn’t particularly bad. She could handle this setback.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be Wen Nuan.

Chen Xueru pursed her lips and said, "I just can’t understand why she lost the Newcomer award. That other newcomer is no match for Wen Nuan at all. Wen Nuan’s current worth is almost on par with an A-list celebrity, yet she lost the Newcomer award. It just doesn’t make sense, even with Han Bi involved. She can’t possibly influence all the judges. The judges aren’t blind. I thought the Newcomer award was a sure thing."

Ye Feimo said indifferently, "It’s not an important award anyway. If she doesn’t win it, she doesn’t win it. She doesn’t lack this."

"You can’t say that," Lin Diyun interjected. "Look how awkward that scene was. Anning clearly wants to promote her, and yet ’Beauty in the City’ won all the awards except for its female lead, who got nothing. Isn’t that stepping on her? Such high box office, such great reviews, even any negative news was suppressed. There was basically nothing to criticize. Not to mention Wen Nuan feeling uncomfortable, anyone in her shoes would be in a bad mood."

Tang Shuwen said, "I think Feimo is right. The Film Critics Awards aren’t very important. Wen Nuan’s focus this year is on the Golden Seal Awards in March; that’s the main event. The overseas rights for ’Beauty in the City’ are currently being negotiated and it will remain hot for a while. It’s probably going to be announced soon, and the North American box office will be out before the Golden Seal Awards, which will create another buzz. Hopefully, she can win Best Actress there."

"No chance!" Lin Ning said decisively. "To win Best Actress at the Golden Seal Awards after only one film? Who has ever had that honor? Unless all the judges are perfectly arranged, but that’s difficult. The guys at the Golden Seal Awards can’t be bought with just money. At most, it’ll be a Newcomer award. With some behind-the-scenes manipulation of the audience votes, she might also get Most Popular Female Artist. Winning two would be great. The judges also have to spread out the awards and balance things out. Winning Best Actress at the Golden Jade Awards in September is also out of the question; ’Red Jade’ hasn’t even premiered yet, so she’ll only have a chance next year."

Ye Feimo raised an eyebrow. Tang Shuwen put his arm around Chen Xueru. "Wen Nuan has no chance, but my wife does, right?"

If Wen Nuan didn’t win, Chen Xueru couldn’t also not win, could she? Although Chen Xueru had never had high expectations for winning awards or a strong desire to win, every actor wants to be recognized and winning an award is naturally the best.

"Xueru has no chance either. How could she win Best Actress? The lead in ’Beauty in the City’ is Wen Nuan. Best Supporting Actress might be a possibility, though," Lin Ning said.

Producer Gu asked Ye Feimo, "Do you know the list of Golden Seal Awards judges already?"

"No!" Ye Feimo said blankly, looking profound. Then he added, "But I heard that Cheng Yu will be attending."

"Oh, you’ve got skills," Lin Diyun exclaimed. Lin Ning burst out laughing. Cai Xiaojing was still unconvinced. "Anyway, I’m very unhappy that she didn’t get the Newcomer award."

"Wen Nuan doesn’t even mind, so why do you? Drink up," Lin Ning poured her a drink.

Chen Xueru said worriedly, "I hope Han Bi won’t be a judge at the Golden Seal Awards."

Tang Shuwen smiled. "She definitely won’t."

"Why?"

"I think Young Master Ye Second already has the list of Golden Seal Awards judges," Su Ran said, answering for Tang Shuwen. "Honestly, Young Master Ye, did you secretly make some deal with the film association?"

"No!"

"I don’t believe you."

"Then why do you ask?"

"Your mouth really needs a beating. Oh well, she’s your woman anyway, as long as you can handle it."

Cai Xiaojing glared at him. "Young Master Ye, I’m truly puzzled. Can you tell me why you didn’t let her win this award?"

Ye Feimo’s expression was blank. "I cannot!"

Everyone: "..."