STYL - 13

At the opening ceremony for Sheng Xiao Zhi Yuan Qian , Shen Tang finally met the actress who had brought her own funding to secure the role of the second female lead—Chu Ran.

Shen Tang and Chu Ran had never gotten along.

She couldn’t remember when their feud began. All she knew was that the first time they met, Chu Ran had been subtly cutting with her words, openly and covertly trying to provoke her.

It was Chu Ran who, during a TV program, relentlessly questioned her about her parents and asked to see photos of them.

Though Shen Tang had tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, Chu Ran had continued to push buttons like she didn’t understand social cues.

That incident ended with Shen Tang losing her temper.

Their conflict worsened over an endorsement deal.

Although Chu Ran didn’t have many notable works, her powerful background secured her top-tier S-level fashion and commercial resources.

Including international sports brands.

The sports brand A that Shen Tang now endorsed had previously been represented by Chu Ran. When Chu Ran’s contract with the brand expired this summer, they chose not to renew it and instead approached Shen Tang.

In Chu Ran’s eyes, Shen Tang had “stolen” the endorsement from her.

This only deepened their animosity.

At least one-third of the negative rumors about Shen Tang online originated from Chu Ran and her team.

Now that they were working on the same production, the drama would undoubtedly generate plenty of buzz.

“What kind of karma is this?” During a break, Huo Teng handed Shen Tang a cup of hot tea and sighed in resignation.

Huo Teng had endorsed the men’s line of the same sports brand for years. Back when Chu Ran was the women’s spokesperson, they often attended events together.

He knew all too well how the endorsement controversy played out.

No one expected Shen Tang and Chu Ran to end up in the same drama.

“Thanks,” Shen Tang accepted the tea. “Looks like things won’t be boring on set.”

Huo Teng felt an instant connection with Shen Tang. Out of goodwill, he warned her: “Chu Ran’s family background speaks for itself. She’s backed by the Xiao family. Try not to clash with her directly—it’ll only harm your reputation and cost you resources. Not worth it.”

Chu Ran was the beloved princess of the Chu family. While her father was unremarkable, her influential uncle was married to Xiao Zhen, Chairman Xiao’s cherished daughter.

Many of Chu Ran’s high-profile endorsements came courtesy of her uncle and aunt.

Shen Tang stayed silent, sipping her tea quietly.

But Huo Teng could see the disdain and mockery etched on her face.

“When under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head,” Huo Teng concluded. “There’s a dinner tonight. If your alcohol tolerance isn’t great, I’ll help block a few drinks for you.”

Shen Tang casually asked, “Is it a cast dinner?”

“There are also investors,” Huo Teng wasn’t sure who exactly but mentioned something his agent had said earlier. “The boss of Evergreen Entertainment is coming too.”

Evergreen Entertainment was a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group, led by President Zhao Chiyi. Chu Ran was one of the signed artists under Evergreen Entertainment.

By bringing her own funding into the project, Chu Ran ensured that Evergreen became one of the investors in Sheng Xiao .

Rumors suggested that Chu Ran had feelings for her boss, and that her boss reciprocated those feelings.

Tonight’s dinner seemed to confirm the gossip.

Otherwise, why would a CEO travel all the way to Hengdian?

________________________________________

The restaurant where the dinner was held wasn’t far from their hotel—a five- or six-minute walk.

Shen Tang and her assistant arrived ten minutes early, but others had already beaten them to it.

Her assistant escorted Shen Tang to the private room’s door, “Tang, painkillers are in the inner pocket of your bag. Here’s your water bottle.” She’d prepared a thermos of warm water beforehand.

Eight out of ten times when Shen Tang drank alcohol, her stomach would hurt. She tried to drink as little as possible, but sometimes avoiding it wasn’t an option.

So, she carried painkillers with her wherever she went.

Tonight, the main cast and investors were seated in one private room, while everyone else was in separate rooms. The assistant returned to her table.

Shen Tang knocked before entering. As the door opened, there was a brief moment of silence.

All eyes turned to Shen Tang. Wherever she went, she commanded attention effortlessly.

Chu Ran inwardly sneered, rolling her eyes.

What a diva.

Arriving so late, acting like she was making a grand entrance at a red carpet event.

Everyone at the table had been waiting for her.

“We were just missing you,” Huo Teng patted the chair next to him, joking to lighten the mood. “I saved you a seat.”

At the head of the table sat Zhao Chiyi, the host of the evening.

His black shirt stood out, exuding an air of authority that demanded attention.

A cigarette burned halfway between his fingers as he lazily glanced toward the door.

Shen Tang took her seat, giving Zhao Chiyi a perfunctory nod as a greeting.

She wasn’t close to him, though they weren’t strangers either—they’d crossed paths at film festivals before.

The director excelled at livening up the atmosphere, cracking a few jokes that kept the room filled with laughter.

Once everyone arrived, the drinking culture commenced.

After several rounds of drinks, some people started slurring their words.

Shen Tang still couldn’t fathom why people insisted on getting so drunk they didn’t know who they were, clinging to bottles and sobbing uncontrollably about their woes.

Case in point—the assistant director.

This was what happened when he drank.

During the meal, Shen Tang excused herself to use the restroom to get some fresh air.

She had just downed three shots of baijiu, and her stomach was beginning to ache faintly.

She retrieved a painkiller, popped it into her mouth, tilted her head back slightly, and washed it down with a few sips of warm water.

Her body reeked of alcohol.

Mixed with cigarette smoke and various perfumes, it gave her a headache.

“Why aren’t you going back in?” A deep voice sounded from behind her.

Shen Tang turned around. Zhao Chiyi had already approached. He’d also had quite a bit to drink, his breath heavy with alcohol. Perhaps feeling the heat, he had rolled up his sleeves.

Perhaps due to her conflict with Chu Ran, Shen Tang viewed Zhao Chiyi through a prejudiced lens.

Zhao Chiyi pulled out a cigarette and shook it lightly. “You mind?”

Considering the room was already clouded with smoke, he didn’t expect her to make a fuss.

To his surprise, Shen Tang replied, “Yes, I do.”

Zhao Chiyi paused mid-light, exhaling a short laugh.

He extinguished the lighter, tapping the unlit cigarette against it twice. “Your contract with your current agency is almost up, right?”

Shen Tang was momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to pay attention to her situation.

It was true—her contract was nearing its expiration, with only six months left.

Zhao Chiyi turned to look at her. “Once your contract ends, sign with us at Evergreen. Whatever you want, we can give you.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Zhao,” Shen Tang shifted the conversation tactfully. “But I haven’t decided my next move yet.”

Their exchange was accidentally overheard by Chu Ran, who had stepped out to find Zhao Chiyi. To her shock, Zhao Chiyi intended to sign Shen Tang and even planned to shower her with resources.

She bit her lip and quickly returned to the private room.

The gathering lasted until 11:30 PM.

Shen Tang’s head throbbed painfully. Instead of calling a driver, she walked back to the hotel with her assistant.

With security escorts, the assistant relaxed.

The streets were deserted and cold, the lampposts dimmer than they had been at 7 or 8 PM.

At the cusp of late autumn and early winter, the nighttime temperature dropped sharply. Shen Tang wrapped her coat tighter around herself.

As she walked, she suddenly found herself missing Jiang Chengyu intensely.

She wondered where he was and what he was doing.

________________________________________

Over the next two weeks, Shen Tang and Chu Ran maintained a façade of civility on set.

Today was November 21st—a special day for Shen Tang—and she was in a good mood.

The afternoon scene was one of the key confrontations between the male lead, female lead, and the second female lead.

Chu Ran struggled to get into character, resulting in nearly ten failed takes.

The director called for a break, urging everyone to regroup and find their rhythm.

It was chilly, so Chu Ran treated everyone to hot drinks.

They were filming in two groups, A and B. With over a hundred people on the A set, Chu Ran instructed her assistant to count heads and place the order accordingly.

Everyone thanked Chu Ran as they eagerly inserted straws and began sipping their drinks.

Each person received a cup, and the assistant handed the last one to Huo Teng.

“Oh, sorry!” Chu Ran sucked on her straw, feigning regret. “I forgot to order yours.”

Had she not said anything, no one would’ve noticed that Shen Tang hadn’t received a drink. But now, all eyes were on her.

Such petty behavior was typical of Chu Ran. However, since everyone’s mouths were full of gratitude for the free drinks—and considering Chu Ran’s powerful connections—no one dared to speak up and risk offending her.

They simply sipped their beverages silently.

Of course, there were more spectators enjoying the spectacle.

The director and cameramen were smoking in the distance, oblivious to the unfolding drama.

Huo Teng approached, half-jokingly addressing Chu Ran: “Are you so immersed in the scene that you forgot after losing that fight? Your memory seems to have suffered too.”

Chu Ran chuckled, willing to humor Huo Teng. “Maybe so.”

Huo Teng added, “Remember to buy me two drinks next time.”

Chu Ran understood his implication—he planned to give his drink to Shen Tang. Since her goal of embarrassing Shen Tang had already been achieved, she didn’t care whether Huo Teng shared his drink or not.

Pretending generosity, she waved her hand dismissively. “Make it three drinks then. Give yours to Teacher Shen Tang first—I’ve already started mine.”

Huo Teng handed the fruit tea to Shen Tang. “Drink this to restore your energy.”

He was smoothing things over.

They still had five months left on set, and creating tension wouldn’t benefit Shen Tang.

Shen Tang declined, referencing their script. “Didn’t you just vomit blood in the fight? You need it more than I do.”

Huo Teng unwrapped the straw, inserted it, and joked, “I need to save my chances of survival for you.”

Shen Tang smiled faintly, accepting the drink.

Tonight’s face-saving gesture was thanks to Huo Teng.

The director called for Huo Teng, who patted Shen Tang lightly. Everything was conveyed through that simple gesture.

As soon as Huo Teng left, Chu Ran leaned closer, lowering her voice mockingly. “I thought you had backbone. Tsk.”

Her eyes gleamed with provocation, lips curled into a smirk of ridicule.

Shen Tang locked eyes with her for a few seconds before turning toward the trash bin—thud .

Chu Ran’s expression instantly changed. Shen Tang had publicly thrown her gift—a fruit tea—into the trash!

Others exchanged bewildered glances.

Huo Teng, who hadn’t walked far, turned back and shook his head in resignation. Shen Tang’s stubbornness made her an easy target for criticism. If she didn’t tone down her independent streak, she might find herself in trouble sooner than later.

But she didn’t care.

________________________________________

“What can I say about you?” Huo Teng threw up his hands in exasperation. “Take a step back—it’s a broader sky.”

After wrapping up, he accompanied Shen Tang back to the hotel and couldn’t resist lecturing her a little.

Shen Tang gazed out the car window. “I never step back; I only move forward. That’s why I often end up in dead ends.”

Turning to him, she added, “Some people aren’t worth taking a step back for. And I’ve never valued insincere apologies after being deliberately hurt.”

Huo Teng didn’t know what to say. “Next time, I’ll treat you to fruit tea.”

“Sure, but don’t let Sister Li know. If she finds out I drank such a high-calorie drink, she’ll chase you down with a knife.”

Huo Teng laughed, offering to take her out for dinner that night.

Shen Tang declined. “I’m tired.”

Back in her room, Shen Tang took a hot shower, too lazy to dry her hair.

Dinner was routine: no staple food, just a bowl of mushroom soup, two small plates of greens, and some fruit.

It tasted bland.

After applying a face mask, she reviewed her lines for a while before picking up her phone. Jiang Chengyu had once told her that she could call him whenever she wanted—but she never had.

Today was different from all the others.

Shen Tang dialed Jiang Chengyu’s number.

“Back at the hotel?” His voice carried warmth, transmitted from Beijing.

Shen Tang peeled off her face mask. “Yes, I returned early.” She asked, “And you?”

“Still at the office, heading to the club soon.” Jiang Chengyu shut down his computer, leaning back in his chair to chat with her. “What did you have for dinner?”

Shen Tang recounted everything, including the two slices of kiwi.

Their conversation mirrored that of ordinary young couples—lacking substance yet endlessly flowing.

Jiang Chengyu asked, “How did the audition for That Early Summer go?”

“I haven’t received a call yet.” Whether she’d hear back was still uncertain.

Shen Tang added, “I hope it goes well.”

Jiang Chengyu grabbed his trench coat, turned off the lights, and left the office. He had plans for the evening.

Hearing the door close, Shen Tang said, “Then I’ll let you go.”

“No rush, it’s peak traffic. It might take an hour to get there.” Jiang Chengyu didn’t hang up, continuing the conversation as he rode the elevator and got into the car.

There was a knock at Shen Tang’s door. “Sis, it’s me.” Her assistant spoke from outside.

“Hold on, my assistant is looking for me.” She went to open the door.

When the door opened, Shen Tang was surprised.

Not only was her assistant there but also the bodyguard.

The assistant carried a large bouquet of roses, while the bodyguard held a cake box.

“I’ll put these on the table for you.”

“Who sent them?” Shen Tang was confused.

It wasn’t her birthday.

The assistant didn’t answer, waving cheerfully before both disappeared as quickly as they had come.

Silence lingered on the other end of the call.

Shen Tang glanced at her phone screen—the call was still ongoing. “Jiang Chengyu?”

“Mm, I’m here.”

“Could be a fan’s gift. Let me check.” Shen Tang switched to speaker mode and placed her phone aside.

Carefully opening the cake box, she found an exquisite six-inch cake inside.

The candles matched the theme.

The number was three.

On the cake was a message: [Shen & Jiang — 11.21]

Shen Tang picked up her phone. “You remembered it was today?”

“Yes.”

Turns out she remembered the correct anniversary date as well.

They had never celebrated their first or second anniversaries—both were always busy, their schedules rarely aligning. They hadn’t celebrated any holidays either. A few months ago, she had suddenly told him, “Jiang Chengyu, we’ve been together for three years this month.”

Even if she had misremembered the exact date, he hadn’t corrected her. Whatever she said was fine—he celebrated with her.

He assumed she had forgotten.

Jiang Chengyu’s voice was tender: “Happy third anniversary.”

Shen Tang’s lips curved upward: “Happy third anniversary.”