Chapter 1025: Here for the little gift.

The second time lying in Jing Yu’s arms, Tang Shu surprisingly found herself beginning to adapt. Instead, she felt… a warm flow spreading within her heart, profoundly satisfying.

It was a novel experience, so much so that she maintained her previous position and quietly stared at the stunningly handsome face mere inches away—even reaching out to touch it.

She didn’t manage to touch it, though; her hand was accurately caught by the other party.

“It’s still early. Sleep a while longer.”

Jing Yu didn’t open his eyes, his voice hoarse with the unique rasp of someone who had just woken up. He tucked her hand under the blanket while bringing her close into his embrace.

The distance between them, initially inches apart, transformed into zero in an instant.

Tang Shu’s muffled voice came from within his arms, “It’s not early anymore. My biological clock is very punctual; it’s definitely 8 in the morning.”

“Oh, this time I didn’t fool you.”

The voice above her head carried traces of delight and lightness, making Tang Shu lift her head abruptly, glaring furiously at him.

“So before, you were playing with me?!”

“I just wanted to hold you a little longer.”

“Hmph~”

Tang Shu snuggled further into his arms, lazily unwilling to get up. After all, having a natural heater beside her was much better than being alone.

Jing Yu hugged her tighter. “What, not getting up yet?”

“Let me sleep a little longer.”

“…”

***

In early February, Vast Entertainment’s production of , which had been promoted for two months, officially announced its finalized cast and began filming.

The lead character of the drama was played by renowned international star Feng Yan. The audition process, which lasted a full two months and involved a star-studded lineup of celebrities from the industry, made the filming launch a truly bustling scene.

Simply put, just the number of Entertainment Reporters attending to gather news occupied half the venue—not to mention the crop of new-media writers drawn here by the buzz.

On-site, the director led the crew in offering incense and blessings, surrounded by a semi-circle of photographers who incessantly clicked photos, creating a thunderstorm-like effect under the clear daylight.

“If you didn’t know, you’d think some cultivator is crossing tribulation here…”

One person muttered under his breath. Yet, despite his complaining, his hands were far from idle—holding his phone steadily as he live-streamed the event, raising a selfie stick high into the air. The flood of comments on the screen showed it was indeed a popular live broadcast.

Because of this single remark, the comment section exploded in waves of “hahahaha.”

After the opening ceremony, the director and Feng Yan led the crew in standing on-site for formal interviews with the media.

“Director Zhao, may I ask how you managed to invite Miss Feng Yan?”

“Miss Feng Yan, as this marks the first domestic television series you’ve taken on since returning home, what ultimately convinced you to join this production?”

“Miss Feng Yan, will you be building your career in the country going forward? Could you share your future career plans?”

“We’ve heard Vast Entertainment extended audition invitations to major agencies. Does your involvement indicate high expectations for this drama?”

“Mr. Qiao, as a Television King taking on the supporting male role, do you feel it’s unfair?”

…

From casting to investment, Vast Entertainment’s grand gestures shocked the media and elicited amazement—though it also thrilled reporters, as grand gestures mean big stories. These were walking sources of momentum after all!

One question after another was hurled at the crew. Feng Yan, several Television Kings and Queens, as well as the well-known Young Leading Actresses stood out individually, making interview-worthy material for any production. Together, they generated an immense ripple effect.

For a moment, the room was filled with the buzz of interviews, spanning across topics far and wide. The director and others skillfully handled all questions over the course of a full half-hour, until the final queries on-site were addressed.

At Palm Pavilion, Tang Shu, having finished breakfast, was scrolling through short videos when she happened upon the scene. After confirming that no Starshine Media actor appeared among the rows of cast members from the production team, she quickly made a call to Luo Lin.

“I remember that the company had five or six actors audition for this—none of them succeeded?”

“Vast Entertainment is deliberately targeting us.”

Luo Lin was already hot-tempered, and with every big platform now broadcasting rival company promotions, it was hardly surprising her mood was foul.

“Jiang Yan and another person did pass the auditions, but their roles had too little screen time. Since they received invitations for better roles elsewhere, I told them to decline.”

“Was this intentional?”

“Of course. Feng Yan reached out to me after she came back… arrogant as ever, claiming her current accomplishments prove her decisions back then were correct. She even said how glad she was she didn’t listen to me. What kind of nonsense is that?”

Tang Shu understood Luo Lin’s personality; under normal circumstances, she respected her artists’ choices. If she strongly opposed something back then, it must’ve carried significant risks.

“Sounds like you had dirt on Feng Yan. Why would she come to provoke you?”

“Of course, it wasn’t just provocation—it was an attempt to shut me up.”

Recalling their meeting that day, Luo Lin’s face darkened. “She claimed I have no evidence, and indeed, I don’t. It’d be pointless to say anything without proof; no one would believe me.”

That was eight years ago. Luo Lin clearly wouldn’t have had her guard up against this promising talent she had groomed herself—there naturally wouldn’t be any evidence left from back then.

Who would have thought that the leverage she held would lead her into a battle like this today?

“Tang Shu, I dragged you into this mess.”

“You’ve implicated not just me, but every Starshine Media artist out there.”

“… Hey, stop rubbing it in!”

“I’m just pointing out that you can’t apologize seriously enough; figuring out a response would be better.”

“I figure Feng Yan must’ve already handled the situation back then—there’s likely no evidence to find now. I had Shen Yan and Xiao Li look into it, but it was useless.”

“Why not just tell me the whole story in brief?”

The irritated Luo Lin suddenly widened her eyes and straightened her back, the exhaustion in her gaze now replaced by a sharp glint.

“Wait—maybe you actually can do something. Honestly, your connections are broader than mine could ever be.”

Five minutes later, Tang Shu received a time and location, totaling no more than twenty words—shockingly simple.

***

The “She and You” live-stream broadcast was bustling for three consecutive days, with the initial online audience jumping from three million on the first day to eight million.

On the fourth night, as the stream reopened, Tang Shu stared at the screen in disbelief as it displayed an opening viewing figure of ten million.

“You all… What’s going on? Are you all so interested in these newly discovered herbs? Planning a career change?”

She could understand the interest shown by medical professionals—after all, her explanations were more detailed and in-depth than textbooks. But why were the casual viewers so enthusiastic?

As soon as she finished speaking, the comment section erupted with waves of “hahahaha.”

“Not gonna lie, I’m here for the little giveaways!”

“Me too. These herbs are extraordinarily rare, worth literal fortunes. You can’t put a price on them!”

“Uncle She always delivers top-quality items. They’re perfect for collecting~”

“Even the Medical College doesn’t have these. Such rare treasures must be snatched up!”

Tang Shu: “…”