Lan Jinyao

The next day, the first thing Li Xiuying did was call her personal assistant and close friend, Hou Chen. With the Li family's intention to remove Mu Jianyu from the board of directors and from his executive position, Li Xiuying had to step up and assume her previous post in Li Corporation soon. 

Not only that, she also had to find a way to retrieve the money her husband embezzled from the company. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to produce any artworks and paintings anytime soon, Li Xiuying had to give up her passion. 

After she finished her meeting with a curator for her final exhibit at one of the high class hotels in the capital, Li Xiuying decided to return to the Li Mansion. After all, the apartment she was sharing with her husband was under Mu Jianyu's name and she didn't feel like staying in a place that would remind her of how miserable her life was. 

However, before she could step out of the hotel, her eyes spotted a familiar woman being forcibly dragged to the main lobby by a man. This woman was none other than Lan Jinyao, the lead actress of the upcoming film 'To You With Love' where Lin Meirong was also casted as the second female lead. 

Lan Jinyao was begging for help, resisting from the tight hold the man had on her arm. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she felt helpless. None of the spectators wanted to help her and would refuse to meet her gaze as her eyes pleaded for them to help her.

Li Xiuying crossed her arms over her chest and cupped her chin as she stood several meters away from the commotion. This wasn't the first time she'd seen Lan Jinyao but Li Xiuying bet that this woman had no idea who she was. A thought crossed her mind and she wondered if Lan Jinyao would like to cooperate with her. 

"Let me go, Director Yao! You're already drunk. Please, let me go. I don't even know what you are talking about!" She cried out. Lan Jinyao was afraid that people would start talking about her and believe the nonsense their director was spouting.

"Why are you resisting now?" The man sneered at Lan Jinyao's face. "Didn't you sleep with the producer to secure the role for the film? Lan Jinyao, the lead role was supposed to be for Lin Meirong but a bitch like you took her chance." 

At those words, Li Xiuying froze, her blood started to boil with rage upon hearing Lin Meirong's name. She watched as Lan Jinyao staggered on her feet with her face flushed, Li Xiuying wondered if she was drugged or something. There was clearly something wrong with Lan Jinyao but she couldn't pinpoint what it was. 

"Su Ling," Li Xiuying called the name of one of her bodyguards and a man stepped forward beside her at once. 

Of course, the issue about actresses sleeping with notable people to get roles in films wasn't new to her. This was one of the unspoken truths within the show business but Li Xiuying won't believe that Lan Jinyao had done what the man was accusing her of. 

Lan Jinyao's wide expressive eyes revealed her fears and confusion. She looked like a prey that was trapped in the corner watching as the predator staked its claim on her. 

"Miss Ying," He gave her a slight nod in respect. It was rare for his miss to ask something from him.

Most of the time, Su Ling and the other lady bodyguard named Song Zexi, only needed to follow her and watch her from a safe distance. Of course, as her personal bodyguards for the past ten years, Su Ling and Song Zexi were also aware of Mu Jianyu's betrayal 

"That woman," using her eyes, Li Xiuying pointed towards Lan Jinyao. "Bring her to me." She told Su Ling before turning her head to her other bodyguard. "Song Zexi, please book a hotel room under my name."

"As you wish, Miss Ying." 

Su Ling left at once to save Lan Jinyao from humiliation and rumors. If this persists, this could ruin her name even before she starts making a name in the industry. Lin Meirong surely knew how to ruin other women, and taking away what truly belongs to them. 

Meanwhile, Li Xiuying followed Song Zexi to the reception area to check in, her eyes never leaving Lan Jinyao. She wasn't the one who could take advantage of one's situation but she was curious if she could gain an upper hand against Lin Meirong by using Lan Jinyao. 

Lan Jinyao was forced to walk towards the elevator by the man but even before she was able to step inside, they were halted by a deep masculine voice. 

"Miss Lin, I see that you are here. My Madam has been waiting for you. I hope you didn't lose your way?" Su Ling was staring at her with such intensity, rendering her speechless. 

Lan Jinyao had no idea who he was and which Madam he was referring to but if they could help her escape from this man who wanted to molest her, she would be grateful for their help.

"I-I…" She stuttered, not knowing what to say to Su Ling. 

"Who the hell are you?" Yao Qigang was the director of the film that Lan Jinyao and Lin Meirong were casted in. He gave Su Ling an annoyed look, his grip on Lan Jinyao's arm tightening. 

"As I said, Mister, our Madam seeks Miss Lan's presence, and has been kept waiting. Now, if you don't mind, can you please unhand her before my madam loses her patience?" 

Su Ling was smiling but there was something in his aura that made Director Yao uncomfortable. He wanted to say something but no words came out of his mouth. 

Who the hell was this man anyway? His question was answered when his eyes caught the insignia of the Li family embroidered on his collar. 

Director Yao broke into a cold sweat. This wasn't part of the plan! He looked around hoping that Zheng Yue wasn't around to witness his attempt to rape Lan Jinyao. In his mind, the Madam Su Ling mentioned was Zheng Yue since she was Li Yuren's wife so he never suspected that it was Li Xiuying who wanted to meet Lan Jinyao. 

Today's event was something he'd planned with Lin Meirong. By creating a scandal and tarnishing Lan Jinyao's name, they would be able to force her out of the casting, giving way for Lin Meirong to snatch the lead female role from her. 

However, with Su Ling's appearance and Madam Li's involvement, would he really gamble his career over Lan Jinyao by offending the Li family? No, he wouldn't. He released Lan Jinyao at once and gave her a fierce glare, warning her not to say anything to Zheng Yue. 

"I understand. You don't have to escort me to my room, Miss Lan. You go and meet Madam Li. You wouldn't want her to wait for too long, right?" he said, lying through his teeth.