After those days of intensive one-on-one tutoring at the film academy, the script reading stage soon arrived.
This drama was adapted from a popular novel, a major IP production. Although the role Ji Xueli played was not the female lead, it was precisely this villainous second female lead that made the novel a hit.
Thus, there was considerable controversy online about her taking on this role.
Yawning, Ji Xueli arrived early at the launch ceremony venue and saw an unfamiliar woman standing in the female lead’s spot. She frowned, “Who is this woman?”
“Guan Ru, the female lead,” Han Chen handed her a small fan and replied.
“I remember the female lead wasn’t her,” Ji Xueli took it.
“Indeed, it’s said there were some changes to the female lead role, and they felt the previous one wasn’t suitable,” Han Chen sighed, though in truth, it was a case of capital forcing its way in…
He couldn’t say it, because that capital was Ji Yanzhou.
“Only realizing she’s unsuitable just before filming starts—who are they trying to fool?” Ji Xueli sneered, already having her suspicions.
But who could deny that the entertainment industry is essentially a game of capital? As long as it didn’t threaten her, they could do as they pleased.
“That’s Ji Xueli over there. Why not go say hello?” Guan Ru’s manager looked toward the girl across the way and spoke to her.
Guan Ru glanced over. The girl wore the same black crew shirt as her, her face appearing cool and aloof, with the air of a wealthy heiress who wasn’t easy to approach.
“Have you forgotten how condescending she used to be? Why go over just to face her disdain?” Guan Ru snorted coldly, feeling contemptuous.
“She’s the one the Crown Prince is heavily promoting, and she’s also the Ji family heiress. It’s important to build good relations,” the manager advised.
He knew most people in the industry disliked Ji Xueli, largely because of her background, yet what they feared was precisely that same background.
The Crown Prince?!
She had already become an artist under START Entertainment. The Crown Prince was someone to be deeply wary of; in the Upper Capital District, he was the sole object of reverence.
Guan Ru hesitated for a long moment, gritted her teeth, and finally walked over. “Xueli, long time no see. You’ve finally returned from abroad.”
Ji Xueli was scrolling through Weibo when a voice came from in front of her. She put away her phone and looked up.
“Xueli? Aren’t I your senior?” Hearing her address her so familiarly, Ji Xueli couldn’t help but whisper to Han Chen.
Han Chen smiled. “Guan Ru debuted two years earlier than you.”
Oh.
“Guan Ru, it really has been a long time,” Ji Xueli replied with a bright smile.
Regardless of who debuted earlier, she had no reason to call her “senior.”
Still acting like the pampered heiress, Guan Ru suppressed her disgust and maintained her smile. “I heard you’ve signed with a company. Congratulations.”
“Likewise, you got the female lead role,” Ji Xueli’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
This woman clearly had ulterior motives, probably just like Ren Tang, only better at hiding it.
“It’s just a title. The real lead is still Miss Ji,” Guan Ru’s manager chimed in with a smile.
“That’s…” Han Chen couldn’t help but say proudly, only to be cut off by an elbow jab from Ji Xueli.
Without knowing the full situation, it was best to be cautious for now—not too flashy or arrogant.
“You’re too kind,” Ji Xueli shot Han Chen a subtle glare.
Drawing hatred in the entertainment industry won’t get you far. Her current priority was to shed the labels of being a mere pretty face and being universally disliked online, so she could approach Duan Qingyu as a Capture Target with a positive image.
Han Chen immediately pursed his lips, mainly because he truly couldn’t stand Ji Yanzhou forcing Guan Ru into the project—wasn’t it blatantly targeting Ji Xueli?
“The opening ceremony is about to begin. Please follow me, both of you,” someone approached and said to them.
“Alright.”
Ji Xueli withdrew her stiff smile and cast a cold glance at those two: “I remember this person doesn’t have a good relationship with me, right?”
“Yeah, there aren’t many in the industry who treat you well…” Han Chen murmured.
She knew it…