Conflict in the Dressing Room

Though Shen Tong held a seemingly insignificant assistant position, she felt considerably fulfilled these past few days. Compared to her days in the UK when she had to juggle part-time jobs for living expenses and school, serving the picky Chen Xiaoyong was surprisingly more manageable.

With her talents, being merely an assistant was an underutilization of Shen Tong's abilities. However, she knew she wouldn't remain in this position forever; one day, she would achieve great things. With this mindset, Shen Tong diligently performed her duties as an assistant, and soon, it was the day for Chen Xiaoyong to shoot on set.

"Why are you so slow? Do you know what today is? Shen Tong, you better pull yourself together and do a good job. Once this drama is filmed, I'll be a superstar!" Chen Xiaoyong barked at the plainly dressed Shen Tong.

Shen Tong didn't have much reaction after hearing this. Shen Tong, familiar with Chen Xiaoyong's temperament, calmly replied, "Yes, I understand the importance of this drama to you. Please rest assured, Miss Chen."

In fact Chen Xiaoyong's statement wasn't an exaggeration; this drama had all the makings of a hit: the best script, significant investment, and the most popular actors. Barring any accidents, it was bound to be a success. How could such a drama not be popular?

Upon arriving on set and getting out the car, Shen Tong and Chen Xiaoyong first headed to the dressing room. When they got there, both Shen Tong and Chen Xiaoyong couldn't help but sigh in their hearts impressed by its luxury, far superior previous dressing rooms.

The room was crowded with makeup artists and actors, bustling around preparing for the shoot. Chen Xiaoyong, as the second female lead, felt slighted that no one greeted her, with everyone too busy to notice her presence.

Shen Tong, perceptive as ever, noticed Chen Xiaoyong's displeasure. Before Chen Xiaoyong could take it out on her, Shen Tong grabbed a nearby staff member and asked, "Excuse me, the second female lead is here. Who is in charge of her makeup?"

The staff member, puzzled by the plainly dressed yet striking girl, wondered if she was really an assistant. They thought to themselves: Is this girl an assistant? She doesn't look like one!

But seeing Shen Tong's smiling face, he replied with a smile, "The second female lead's seat is just ahead. Walk straight and you'll see it; the seats are labeled with names."

After thanking the staff member, Shen Tong turned to Chen Xiaoyong, "Let's go; your seat is ready, just ahead."

Chen Xiaoyong, with no reason to be angry, merely lifted her head haughtily and said, "Lead the way."

After settling Chen Xiaoyong in her seat, Shen Tong read lines to her while Chen Xiaoyong, enjoying a coffee, listened to music with an earphone in one ear, occasionally humming along. Things were going smoothly until Chen Xiaoyong, swaying to the music, accidentally spilled the coffee in her hand behind her.

As the coffee spilled, a loud curse erupted, "Which uncivilized person.....?"

Chen Xiaoyong, with her back to the person, couldn't see who had been splashed. But hearing the words, she got angry and snapped back, "The coffee may not have eyes, but it seems you don't either!"

Shen Tong, who was reading lines, glanced behind Chen Xiaoyong and internally exclaimed, "Oh…God No." The person splashed by the coffee was none other than Linda Murong, the lead actress of the drama and a top-tier celebrity. 

Hearing Chen Xiaoyong's retort, Linda Murong didn't get angry; instead, she laughed. Slowly, she walked over to Chen Xiaoyong, the sound of her expensive high heels clicking ominously on the smooth floor.

"Who are you? Oh, Chen Xiaoyong," said Linda Murong as she approached Chen Xiaoyong, her eyes full of undisguised mockery.

Seeing Linda Murong in front of her, Chen Xiaoyong's heart skipped a beat and sank. She knew she was in trouble. But with so many people around, she couldn't lose face. To her, nothing was more important than her dignity.

Forcing a smile, Chen Xiaoyong said, "Oh, it's you, Linda Murong. We'll be working together from now on. I look forward to a pleasant collaboration!"

Linda Murong, sizing her up, replied sarcastically, "Collaboration? Who said that? I think there's a good chance we won't be working together on this drama."

Both Shen Tong and Chen Xiaoyong were shocked, realizing that Linda Murong intended to push Chen Xiaoyong out of the drama.

Chen Xiaoyong clenched her teeth, knowing now wasn't the time for a confrontation. She couldn't say what she wanted, but she also couldn't bring herself to apologize.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shen Tong quickly walked over to Linda Murong and said, "Linda, I'm so sorry. Xiaoyong didn't mean it. I bumped the chair, causing her to accidentally spill coffee on you. Please forgive us."

Linda Murong, looking at the girl apologizing on Chen Xiaoyong's behalf, coldly replied, "You're her assistant? I accept your apology, but as for working together..."

The underlying threat was clear. Shen Tong, unfazed, continued to smile apologetically, "Linda, there are so many people here. Please don't hold it against us. With you here, who would dare act out of line? It was my mistake; I'm sorry for offending you!"

"Hmph!" Linda Murong, considering Shen Tong's words, realized it wouldn't be wise to cause more trouble. Going too far might backfire. But she didn't want to let Chen Xiaoyong off easily, either.

"Linda, it's all my fault. The company is arranging a private dressing room for you, currently under renovation. You'll be the only star with a private dressing room! Meeting you is an honor; you're even more beautiful in person than on TV!" Shen Tong knew the production planned to give Linda Murong a private dressing room. Though it wasn't ready yet, it would be soon.

Linda Murong, taking the hint, replied, "Alright, for everyone's sake, Chen Xiaoyong, you better perform well."

With that, Linda Murong walked away, leaving Shen Tong and Chen Xiaoyong behind. Reflecting on what had happened, Chen Xiaoyong felt touched by Shen Tong's defense. After all, Shen Tong had genuinely helped her in a critical moment.

For Shen Tong, she and Chen Xiaoyong were like grasshoppers tied to the same branch— If something happened to one of them, the other wouldn't have an easy time either.