CHAPTER 99: AURA

Wen Nuan looked at Cai Xiaojing in confusion, tilting her head as if deep in thought. After a moment, she finally asked, "Sister Xiaojing, do I even have this ’aura’ thing?"

Cai Xiaojing nearly coughed up blood, but then she couldn’t help but laugh. Was Wen Nuan being completely oblivious? Was she really that nonchalant, not even putting Han Bi in her eyes? "Yes, yes, yes! Bring out that aura you used to intimidate her last night! Get up, or you’re not allowed to eat meat for half a month!"

Wen Nuan didn’t hear anything except the last sentence. Not being allowed to eat meat for half a month was absolutely unacceptable. So, Miss Wen immediately stood up, puffed out her chest, raised her chin, and adopted a blank expression.

Cai Xiaojing really wanted to stomp her to death. Was she a pig?

She hadn’t heard anything else, but the moment she heard "no meat," she immediately got up. If she had known this, she wouldn’t have wasted so much breath.

"Miss Han, could you tell us about your relationship with Ye Ershao?"

"Miss Han, are you and Ye Ershao dating?"

"Miss Han, why were you and Ye Ershao seen at the bar?"

"Miss Han, we heard that you and Ye Ershao were a couple seven years ago. Is that true? What’s the real story?"

"Miss Han, please say something."

"Miss Han, may I ask if your return to the country this time is related to Ye Ershao?"

"Miss Han, we heard that you dumped Ershao seven years ago. Is that the truth?"

...

There was also a live broadcast, and this scene quickly made it to various television stations. Han Bi said nothing, with only Linda blocking the reporters’ questions. "Excuse me, please make way. Miss Han is not available to answer any questions today. Please make way."

The bodyguards cleared all the reporters and paparazzi, escorting them out of the studio. Amidst the chaos, Han Bi remained composed, elegant, and commanding, her long hair flowing, every bit the queen.

Director Zhang’s expression darkened. He never gave a pleasant look to anyone or anything that interfered with his filming. However, he had worked with Han Bi several years ago when she was still a newcomer. Director Zhang had liked her very much and had high hopes for her.

Later, Han Bi’s career indeed soared, and she even made a name for herself in Hollywood, a rare feat for a Chinese actress, gaining international recognition.

Today wasn’t a scheduled visit day, and she had entered the studio privately, which displeased Director Zhang. But unlike usual, his temper wasn’t as obviously explosive. In life and work, no matter how unpleasant or volatile one’s temper was, one still had to consider social graces.

Han Bi smiled and greeted Director Zhang, who responded perfunctorily. Her gaze then swept towards Wen Nuan on the side, who remained expressionless, her eyes passing over Han Bi to look at a light box in the distance.

"Han Bi, do you have something you need at the studio?" Director Zhang asked, trying to be as amiable as possible.

Han Bi smiled. "Director Zhang, how have you been lately? I haven’t been back in the country for long, and I’ve been meaning to visit you. Today, I visited an old friend at the film and television city, and she mentioned that you were also filming ’Princess Qinglian’ here, so I came over to see you. It’s been a long time, but you still look as vibrant as ever."

Her smile was gentle, and her attitude was respectful.

Director Zhang’s displeased expression instantly vanished. Wen Nuan thought to herself that Han Bi really knew how to talk beautifully, seeing Director Zhang’s face light up with a smile.

"I’m still the same old me. You, on the other hand, are doing very well. I didn’t expect you to still remember me."

Han Bi smiled respectfully. "I gained a little fame by acting in your drama, and my career has been smooth ever since. You were my mentor; how could I forget you? These past few years have been too busy, and I rarely returned to the country, so I haven’t contacted you much. But I have never forgotten your kindness in promoting me. Without you, there wouldn’t be the Han Bi of today."

When Han Bi had just started out, she had struggled for two years, mostly in terrible productions, either as a body double or playing minor roles. It was after filming a television drama directed by Zhang that Anning International began to focus on cultivating her, promoting her rapidly within a year.

Her most important turning point was when she starred in a Hollywood blockbuster, a film directed by a renowned Italian director. It did exceptionally well at the box office in Europe and America and also caused a sensation when it was introduced to China.

Although she wasn’t the main lead, she was the only Asian actress and had thirty minutes of screen time, a very significant role. Her earnings were calculated based on the box office share, and with that, she became the highest-paid female star in China at the time.

But her saying that she started her career by filming Director Zhang’s drama was also true, as her fame indeed began to accumulate from her work with him.

Cai Xiaojing thought to herself that Han Bi was indeed quite different now. In the past, the proud her wouldn’t have said such polite words. She had always believed that she was talented and capable, and she would definitely become famous eventually, even without anyone promoting her.

So, she had disdained flattering others and associating with those she deemed beneath her.

Now, things were very different.

These words made Director Zhang’s heart bloom with joy. Everyone loved to hear pleasant words. Besides, being complimented by a superstar like Han Bi would make anyone happy. It was human nature. The last bit of Director Zhang’s displeasure also dissipated.

Han Bi then smiled and greeted Cheng Ying and Peng Yuming politely. Everyone had worked together before and had good impressions of each other. Although Han Bi had many scandals and was rumored to be very high-maintenance, even said to have slapped her assistant, those who had worked with her all had very positive impressions of her.

Zhuo Bingbing, Chen Hang, Li Chengming, and some other actors went over to talk to Han Bi. She was a role model in the eyes of female stars and a sex symbol in the eyes of male stars. Her appearance made the set lively.

Everyone eagerly asked her for autographs, and Han Bi was also generous, agreeing to sign for all of them. Her good temper and friendly attitude won the favor of everyone on the crew. Everyone thought this international superstar was very approachable.

Wen Nuan only felt that this act was going too far. After putting on such a show last night, she had changed completely in the blink of an eye.

Did this person really have two faces, one for day and one for night?

Linda looked at Cai Xiaojing with a smug expression, full of pride. Cai Xiaojing shook her head, too lazy to argue with her. Since that deadhead Wen Nuan didn’t care, she didn’t need to care either.

There would be plenty of time in the future!

Cai Xiaojing’s skills, experience, connections, and diplomatic abilities were definitely among the best in the agent world.

With Wen Nuan under her management, the originally clueless Wen Nuan had learned in just half a month how to seize loopholes in reporters’ questions, how to pique the paparazzi’s interest, and how to guide the narrative without losing the public’s attention.