Bathing

What did the director mean by that?

The things they brought back were clearly the most valuable; how had they ended up at the bottom?

Yu Ling and Qi Yao both wore expressions of utter disbelief. The director seemed to have expected exactly that and simply waved a hand. “Charred insects. Are you eating them or not?”

Qi Yao nearly dropped the thing in his hands. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Director Liu, may I ask what the scoring criteria are?”

The director frowned. “The items you were asked to bring back were supposed to reflect the local customs and culture. What you brought back can be found everywhere; there’s nothing local about it.”

“The local flavor is in the footage,” Yu Ling argued, staring straight at the production team. “We already filmed the most authentic side of this place. Isn’t that enough?”

The director said, “What you filmed isn’t suitable for broadcast.”

“Why not!”

He didn’t answer, only repeated that it wasn’t suitable.

Suddenly, Yu Ling remembered what Li Lan had just said.

Li Lan had said it wasn’t suitable too.

Not suitable.

Why wasn’t it suitable?

Why should it be “not suitable” just because Li Lan said so?

“What exactly isn’t suitable?” Yu Ling asked. “We were handing out food and doing a good deed. What’s wrong with that?”

The director was getting impatient. He had dealt with plenty of entertainers, but when it came to people like this, people who seemed shrewd and self-serving but were actually stupid, there really wasn’t much point in trying to explain.

In front of the cameras, everyone was putting on an act. That was nothing unusual. If you wanted to build a public persona by doing good deeds, as long as you weren’t harming anyone else’s interests, the production team didn’t care.

Take Li Lan, for example. She immediately understood how serious it would be if Qi Yao went missing; she led Zhu Qing to look for him at once and even got Xu Yuzhi to join in, showing team spirit, salvaging the show’s reputation, and improving her own image at the same time. It was a win-win, so of course the production team was happy to support it.

But what about Yu Ling? Using someone else’s poverty to put on a show—well, that wasn’t entirely off-limits. If she wanted to post it on her own social media later, that would be fine. But don’t do it under the production team’s name.

What the production team liked was Li Lan’s kind of high EQ, where you win and I win too, not Yu Ling and Qi Yao constantly stepping on other people to make themselves look good, only to end up dragging everyone down with them if they weren’t careful.

The director’s tone was unpleasant. “Insects. Are you eating them or not? If not, then fine. That’s all for today’s shoot.”

Qi Yao clearly didn’t want to eat them. “That’s unfair. I don’t accept this. I’m not eating.”

With that, he turned to leave. People from MeiYu Media came out, made a gesture toward the director, and asked to pause filming. “Director Liu, we’d like to say a few words to Mr. Qi.”

The director nodded.

They stopped Qi Yao and quietly said something in his ear.

Qi Yao’s face went red and pale in rapid succession. He argued back several times, and it looked like he was about to throw everything aside and quit. Then someone got through to Mr. Qi on the phone. After Qi Yao heard the voice on the other end, he looked like a dog with its throat squeezed shut; all his emotions abruptly vanished and were forced back down.

After a while, Qi Yao asked Yu Ling, “Can you eat it? If not, I can help you…”

Before he could finish, Yu Ling cut him off coldly. “You’ll help me eat it, and then the audience gets to call me delicate and fake while sympathizing with you, is that it?”

Qi Yao froze. “What kind of thing is that to say? I’m just being nice.”

Yu Ling gave a sharp laugh. “Whether you’re being nice or not, you know best.”

Then she walked up to the fried insects. “How are we supposed to eat them? Do we have to finish them all?”

Seeing that the two of them had decided to cooperate, the director ordered them to finish filming this segment.

Zhu Qing, watching the accident unfold from the sidelines, felt like she was on a roller coaster, soaring up and dropping down over and over again.

“We’re not actually the last ones.” Zhu Qing grabbed Li Lan’s sleeve and glared at the insects. “Thank heaven and earth. They smell delicious, but they’ll probably taste even better… I mean, I absolutely am not eating them.”

Li Lan caught Zhu Qing’s arm with one hand, barely holding back a laugh. “Mm. Think about spiders.”

“Don’t even bring that up!” Zhu Qing rubbed her arms. “But why? The director was clearly looking at us just now.”

Li Lan deliberately lowered her voice and leaned close to Zhu Qing’s ear. “I’ll tell you tonight.”

Li Lan’s voice had always sounded pleasant. Zhu Qing rubbed her ear and stopped talking, looking down.

That night, after the others returned to the hotel, Zhu Qing snatched up a bath towel and claimed the bathroom. “I’m tired today. I’ll go first.”

Li Lan didn’t argue with her. Curving her lips, she said, “Sure.”

Zhu Qing stepped into the bathroom. After adjusting the water temperature, she thought of Li Lan’s expression from earlier and poked her head out. “Teacher Li, want to take a shower together?”

Li Lan had been drinking water and nearly choked through her nose.

She turned and shot Zhu Qing an annoyed look.

“Nothing,” Zhu Qing said, struggling to suppress her laughter. “I just thought you were kind of eager. Fine, if you don’t want to shower, then don’t. I’ll wash first.”

Before Li Lan could answer, she quickly pulled her head back in and shut the door.

Li Lan pressed her fingers to her brow, utterly helpless.

She went out to the balcony and, after a few moments of calming herself down, dialed Qian Chu.

After briefly explaining what had happened today, Li Lan asked, “Did you get the thing I asked for last time?”

Qian Chu sounded cheerful. “I got it. Wang Yier has always been very grateful that you helped her, so she sent it over without a second thought.”

Wang Yier was the model who had recently shot a magazine spread with Li Lan. Her photos had been swapped out with one offhand remark from Yang Huayi.

Li Lan always felt that Wang Yier’s situation carried something of the sentiment that someone else’s misfortune was her own doing. Later, she had secretly had people look after her and introduced her to quite a few resources.

Although Wang Yier had started out as a glamour model, she knew how to repay kindness. When she learned that Li Lan was gathering dirt on Qi Yao, she immediately agreed to help.

As it happened, Wang Yier had a friend who had blackmail material on Qi Yao. Li Lan was no stranger to that person either; she had once filmed an advertisement with Qi Yao, and that person had been one of the crew on that shoot, quietly recording the moment when Qi Yao cursed Li Lan out.

Qian Chu considered it carefully. “Are you sure you want to use this piece of dirt? You’re in it too. You’ll get dragged into this as well.”

Li Lan’s tone remained as steady and cool as ever. “I’m going to settle the score with Qi Yao once and for all. It’s not good to drag anyone else into it. This video is perfect.”

Qian Chu knew she couldn’t talk her out of it and sighed. “All right. Once you’ve made up your mind, let me know. I’ll choose the right time to release it. And enough about him; the variety show is almost over. Have you decided whether you want to take on that script Chairman Yang gave you?”

Li Lan glanced subconsciously at the suitcase.

Yang Huayi had given her a script and told her to take a good look and give her an answer as soon as possible.

Of course, Li Lan wasn’t going to obediently listen. She still hadn’t given Yang Huayi a clear response.

But she had looked through the script. She had to admit Yang Huayi had a vicious eye for talent; it was a good script, very good, both in artistic value and in market appeal.

It was a literary film with very strong commercial potential.

If it was shot well, it could make money and win awards.

Li Lan lowered her lashes slightly, gaze downcast; it was the look she always used when thinking. “We’ll talk after the variety show ends.”

“You really need to think it over carefully,” Qian Chu said. “Your performance in the variety show has been pretty good. The studio has received a lot of collaboration requests these past two days, though many of them want you and Zhu Qing together. I haven’t replied to any of them yet. We can decide after you’re done.”

Li Lan’s brow twitched in displeasure. “Xiao Qing doesn’t take part in those.”

“Don’t make that decision for her. She has an appearance fee now too, and compared with her salary, that’s much better,” Qian Chu said with a laugh. “We’ll talk about it later. Things have been going pretty well lately anyway, so everyone’s working with more motivation.”

Looking out at the night outside the window, Li Lan said indifferently, “I’ve never shorted any of your salaries or bonuses.”

“That’s not the same,” Qian Chu said with an exaggerated laugh. “If you’re a top star, then our studio is a top studio. We’re all employees of a top studio. When you shine, we all shine.”

Li Lan said flatly, “And when I go down, you all fly off on your own.”

Qian Chu choked for a moment. “…That’s also true.”

Li Lan didn’t bother replying. “Tell everyone to work hard. After the variety show ends, bonuses will be distributed based on the ratings.”

Qian Chu turned on speakerphone. “What? I didn’t catch that.”

Li Lan repeated it expressionlessly, and then heard a roomful of cheers and excitement pouring out of the phone.

Boss Li hung up with reserved dignity.

Still, thinking about Qian Chu’s report on the work situation, her heart did soften quite a bit.

She was thirty now, at the peak of her career. Of course, after the peak came the decline; she didn’t know how long she could hold this period steady, but one more year meant one more year of income. She had to earn enough money to support Yan Xiaobao and Zhu Qing.

The variety show was the first step toward increasing her national recognition. So far, the effect seemed pretty good. After all, she was good-looking; a model with outstanding looks always had an easier time fitting into the entertainment industry.

Next was that film, the kind of work that could stand as an award-winning credit… Li Lan mentally ran through the script again, staring into the space before her as she sank into thought.

That night, the assistant director in charge of Li Lan and Zhu Qing came over to discuss the editing.

They all worked overnight on the cut. Li Lan didn’t make too many demands; she simply handed over the GoPro she had brought herself and the camera hanging around Zhu Qing’s neck. “There’s footage in here that the two of us shot. See if you can use it, or put it in our blooper reel.”

What Li Lan had filmed herself was that misunderstanding at the restaurant, when you kissed me and I kissed you. She didn’t mind it being released at all; after all, the two of them weren’t exactly shy in front of the camera.

As for the camera around Zhu Qing’s neck, it had originally belonged to the production team. Li Lan had borrowed it for two days and let Zhu Qing have her fun taking pictures; returning it now was so they could import the photos, and afterward they’d have to give the camera back to Zhu Qing.

What Li Lan mainly wanted was for the production team to use the photos Zhu Qing had taken. “She’s pretty talented. The compositions in these photos are really good, and the color grading is gorgeous. They’ll look great on camera.”

The assistant director didn’t stand on ceremony. He took the camera and flipped through the photos, his eyes lighting up as he looked. “They really are good. We can pick a few to post on the official account.”

A bright, proud look flashed across Li Lan’s brows and eyes. “Sure. Just include the credit.”

The assistant director happily left the room.

At the same time, several messages popped up on Li Lan’s phone.

The moment she saw that name, all expression vanished from her face.

Chairman Yang: [Call me back]

Li Lan glanced at the missed call log. Yang Huayi was actually being polite this time and hadn’t called directly.

Li Lan originally didn’t want to respond, but thinking of that script, the one with awards potential, she hesitated for two seconds before dialing Yang Huayi back.

Yang Huayi answered quickly. Her voice was hoarse. “Yu Ling went to the slums this afternoon.”

Li Lan responded with an impassive “Mm.”

Yang Huayi said in a low voice, “She didn’t come to you before going? Why didn’t you take her with you? Didn’t you give her any advance warning? You let her go to that kind of place and film a bunch of useless material that can’t be edited or broadcast?”

Li Lan’s tone was respectful enough, but the content was still extremely irritating. “She’s Qi Yao’s CP. What was I supposed to do by taking her along? Keep her in a CP with me and Zhu Qing instead? I finally got those two fan circles reported and taken down.”

Yang Huayi’s voice remained calm, but there was a faint, elegant chill to it. “So that’s what you’re angry about. Hah. Immature. You’re all too immature. There was really no need for you to avoid Yu Ling like the plague.”

Her tone deepened further, and Li Lan realized she was truly angry.

Maybe it was because of Yu Ling’s rapid fall in public opinion; maybe it was because Li Lan wasn’t cooperating at all. When Yang Huayi spoke again, her tone no longer carried the easy teasing she usually used with Li Lan. Instead, it had turned cold. “Li Lan, have you finished reading that script?”

Li Lan tightened her grip on the phone, her brow suddenly knitting.

Yang Huayi didn’t wait for her to answer. “Yu Ling is the other female lead.”

Li Lan’s pupils contracted sharply; her expression turned ugly at once. “…When was that decided?”

“Just now,” Yang Huayi said coolly. Her tone returned to its lofty, ambiguous warning. “Her variety-show performance was poor. I can only let her act in a good film to recover her reputation. I’ve invested so much in Yu Ling. I finally shaped her into the kind of person I’m satisfied with; she has to earn back ten or a hundred times what I put in.”

Yang Huayi warned her in a low voice, “Li Lan, whether this is cooperation or hostility, think it over carefully.”

Then she hung up.

Li Lan stared at the phone screen for several seconds and silently cursed under her breath.

Businessmen pursue profit; Yang Huayi was the most sinister kind of businessman.

Yang Huayi’s judgment had really gone downhill over the years. Yu Ling was decent enough, could act, and had almost fooled even Li Lan at the start. Her appearance was top-tier, and even after the scandal broke, she still had a group of fans who followed her for her looks.

But her character was no good.

When had Yang Huayi… no, maybe she had always known. Maybe she had never cared about an artist’s character at all. As long as they could bring her profit, none of that mattered.

Li Lan thought of the script, her brow faintly furrowing as she gradually calmed down from the initial panic.

She wanted both things. She did not want the other female lead to be Yu Ling, so she had to think of a way to kick Yu Ling out.

Standing motionless by the bed, Li Lan wore a look of sharp, focused concentration. It was as if her thoughts were racing along countless invisible paths, only to be rejected one by one, leaving behind just that deep, heavy line of contemplation in her eyes.

Half an hour passed before Zhu Qing knocked on the bathroom door. Her voice drifted out sweetly. “Teacher Li, can you pass me the bath towel?”

Li Lan’s lashes trembled slightly as she came back to herself. Without even looking up, she said, “You took it in with you. I saw it.”

Zhu Qing muttered something softly on the other side. “My underwear is outside.”

Li Lan said expressionlessly, “There’s a new set in the cabinet inside.”

Zhu Qing: …

She angrily banged on the frosted glass door once.

Li Lan turned, took the bath towel and her change of clothes, and when Zhu Qing finally came out after dragging her feet for a long time, Li Lan walked in with a calm face.

Zhu Qing glared at her in annoyance, her cheeks slightly puffed with childish indignation.

Li Lan only gave her a light look, the corners of her mouth revealing a faint, elusive smile.

After the door closed, Zhu Qing stared at the bathroom door and replayed what had happened today in her mind.

So annoying. It felt like every time something like this happened, Li Lan was always dignified and self-possessed, cool and composed, while the one who blushed every time was her!

That fall in the bathroom had been like this, and today was the same!

Enough was enough.

She was going to get her revenge.

No sooner had the thought formed than Zhu Qing acted on it. Tiptoeing softly, she crept to the bathroom door and moved her hand to the edge of the crack.

A little force, and she could push it open.

Inside came the rustle of clothes being removed, followed by the sound of running water. A blurred silhouette appeared on the frosted glass.

A narrow waist, long legs, a beautiful curve that the blur couldn’t hide.

Zhu Qing’s throat bobbed. She pressed her palm against the door.

Then she pushed hard—

————————

Zhu Qing: Hahaha, I’m going to scare Li Lan.

Li Lan, with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes: Try it.

Zhu Qing: …