Keeping Secrets from Her

"Sauerkraut fish, stir-fried choy sum!"

The waiter called out the dishes as they were served.

Sheng Xiangsi picked up her chopsticks, eager to start eating.

"Wait!"

Just as she was about to dig in, Zhong Pei stopped her. He smiled, holding up his phone, "Let me take a photo."

He opened the camera app and snapped a few shots.

"Okay, now we can eat."

…

Mountain Sea City.

Qin Yanzhi looked at his phone and scoffed, "Hmph..."

"What are you laughing at?"

The question came from Fu Hanjiang.

"Forget it." Qin Yanzhi stifled his laughter, "It's better you don't know. It would just add insult to injury."

What the heck?

Fu Hanjiang rolled his eyes at his friend, got up, and went to the restroom.

Then, he pulled out his phone.

Opening WeChat and browsing the Moments, he saw Zhong Pei's latest update.

"Having dinner."

Just two words accompanied by a photo.

The picture showed only the dishes, not the people. But two figures could be vaguely seen. The taller one was undoubtedly Zhong Pei, and the petite one next to him—who else could it be?

And that wasn't all. Among the string of likes below, one name stood out—'Xiangsi'!

Suddenly, Fu Hanjiang looked away, turned off his phone, and shoved it back into his pocket.

Why was he putting himself in such a bad mood?

Why did he feel so unhappy?

Maybe after a while, he wouldn't feel this way anymore?

…

Getting Zhou Jinting's mother to intercede for Sheng Xiangsi, as expected, did not go smoothly.

Zhou Jinting relayed the news to Zhong Pei, "Sorry, it didn't work out. My mom tried, but Ms. Gu wouldn't budge."

You couldn't blame Gu Shaohua.

She had already bent the rules once for her friend, but Sheng Xiangsi had made a mistake.

"I understand, brother. Thank you."

Zhong Pei couldn't hide his disappointment.

If he felt this way, it wasn't hard to imagine how Xiangsi would feel.

However, Sheng Xiangsi handled it better than he expected.

After the incident, she was indeed very upset.

But it had happened, and being upset wouldn't help. In her years in Philadelphia, she had been through a lot.

Dwelling on sadness was no longer her style.

Even if she regretted it, life had to go on.

"Xiangsi, I'm sorry." Zhong Pei frowned slightly, feeling guilty for not being able to help.

"Don't say that."

Sheng Xiangsi smiled calmly, "It was my own mistake. Why apologize? Adults have to take responsibility for their actions."

In this regard, she couldn't blame anyone else.

"So..." Zhong Pei still couldn't relax, "What are your plans for the future?"

"The future..."

Sheng Xiangsi answered honestly, "I'm currently working in a film crew. If I get the chance, I'll see if I can develop further."

Ren Ce already knew she had been expelled from the dance troupe.

Although he wasn't gloating, after finding out, he extended an olive branch to her.

"Since you're no longer with the dance troupe and have no other plans right now, have you thought about developing a career in the entertainment industry?"

"Director Ren, this..."

Sheng Xiangsi couldn't answer immediately.

Honestly, she had never considered this path. Previously, she took up the film crew job purely to make more money.

But now, with the alimony from Fu Hanjiang, that wasn't necessary anymore.

Ren Ce persuaded her, "You can think about it. With your looks, isn't it a waste to be just a dance double? Even Director Bai said if you were willing, you could go far."

Some people could live comfortably just by relying on their looks.

And fate had already given her this physical advantage.

"Director Ren, let me think about it."

"Sure."

Ren Ce didn't rush her, "Think it over. The dance double work for this film doesn't have many scenes left. What will you do after it's done?"

According to Ren Ce, Bai Yuanzhou was preparing a new film, and he wanted to use new actors.

Bai Yuanzhou had already been impressed with Sheng Xiangsi, so this was a great opportunity.

And opportunities didn't wait for anyone.

After thinking it over, Sheng Xiangsi decided to give it a try.

She knew the entertainment industry was a big melting pot, but the path was made by walking it. How to walk it was up to her.

Moreover, she was only getting an opportunity. Whether she could succeed was still uncertain.

…

After Sheng Xiangsi gave Ren Ce a positive answer, he was very pleased, "Great, I'm glad you made the right decision."

He patted her shoulder, "Trust me, I don't misjudge people. Xiangsi, you will definitely make it big!"

Of course, Ren Ce's words weren't the final say.

As Bai Yuanzhou's assistant director, the decision to use her ultimately rested with Bai Yuanzhou.

However, Ren Ce could put in a good word for Sheng Xiangsi.

After the shoot that day, Ren Ce took her to see Bai Yuanzhou.

"Director Bai, Xiangsi is here."

"Oh."

Bai Yuanzhou looked up, motioning for Sheng Xiangsi to come closer, "You're here?"

"Yes, Director Bai." Sheng Xiangsi stood respectfully.

"Have you thought it over?"

Bai Yuanzhou was indeed satisfied with her. In the entertainment industry, the primary factor was appearance.

"Ready to give it a shot?"

"I would appreciate your guidance."

"Sure."

Bai Yuanzhou smiled, noticing her nervousness, "Relax, I know a bit about you. Don't be afraid, everyone starts as a newcomer."

He glanced at Ren Ce.

"Give her the first few episodes of the script."

"Okay, Director Bai."

Bai Yuanzhou pointed at Sheng Xiangsi, "Although I appreciate your looks, being just a pretty face isn't enough. Take the script, read it, and write a character analysis—your understanding of the character. Make it as thorough as possible, got it?"

"Yes, Director Bai."

Soon, Ren Ce handed her the script, whispering, "Read it carefully and write seriously."

"By the way."

Bai Yuanzhou added, "I'm not yet sure which female role suits you. Write an analysis for all the female characters, from the lead to the supporting ones."

"Okay, Director Bai."

Holding the script, Sheng Xiangsi felt a bit overwhelmed.

So complicated? She still preferred dancing.

…

Hospital.

"Han Chuan?"

Yao Leyi pushed open the door and entered.

Fu Hanchuan's assistant, Qi Si, was standing by the bed, seemingly discussing something with him. When she entered, Qi Si immediately stopped talking.

He smiled at her, "Miss Yao."

"Yes."

Yao Leyi was full of curiosity about what they had been discussing. Was it her imagination, or were they hiding something from her?

"Young master."

Qi Si smiled, "I'll take my leave then."

"…" Fu Hanchuan nodded.

"Miss Yao, goodbye."

"Take care."

After Qi Si left, Yao Leyi pulled a chair to the bedside, holding Fu Hanchuan's hand and pressing it against her face.