Danger is approaching

Over the years, Xiao Lu has been unethical. We had agreed to let bygones be bygones over drinks, but she secretly sabotaged us, saying that she was difficult to work with. As a result, after Song Zhao finished filming "The Legend of Jie Yu," she didn't get any work for almost a year. Some directors didn't even give her a chance to audition. It wasn't until more and more artists who had worked with her spoke up for her that her reputation improved.

Their car was parked near the residential area. Song Zhao asked Xiao Hou to buy water while she raised her binoculars and watched quietly for a while until the two people were hugging and kissing by the window. Only then did Song Zhao put down the binoculars with satisfaction. At this time, Xiao Hou returned with the water.

“Let’s go to the filming location,” Song Zhao said.

Xiao Hou quickly started the car, drove for a kilometer, and then glanced at the rearview mirror. "The paparazzi really stopped following us."

Song Zhaoxin lit a cigarette with satisfaction, her red lips exhaling smoke, the swirling smoke making her even more charming.

“There’s a cocktail party tonight, organized by Chairman Zheng, and you’re on the guest list,” Cindy told her.

"oh?"

“Now that you’re more famous, the company’s higher-ups must be paying attention to you. And since you’ve been dragging your feet on renewing your contract, I guess they want to take this opportunity to ask you about your attitude in person.”

Song Zhao leaned against the window, speechless, and said, "If I keep not renewing my contract, will they keep coming to me?"

"Hmm, I might have to see you every now and then."

"Damn it, this is so annoying!"

The car pulled up in front of the Vance Hotel, the filming location for today. Cindy had hesitated for a moment after seeing the Vance case, but after glancing at the endorsement fee, she agreed on her behalf.

As soon as Song Zhao got out of the car, a group of people surrounded her, having put on her hat and mask. In order not to affect the filming schedule, Cindy had instructed Vance's manager in advance to keep her itinerary a secret, but it was still leaked.

As they took photos, they shouted loudly. Most people called her by her character name, Jiang Ying, while others called her Xiao Wei or Song Siwei.

Xiao Hou and Cindy stayed by her side, and the hotel security guards also ran over to help, helping her squeeze out of the crowd.

Once inside the hotel room, Song Zhao asked worriedly, "Take a look, is there any chance my makeup and hair can be saved?"

Cindy said, "Whether it can be saved or not, you'll have to redo it later."

"I asked the director yesterday, and he said the makeup on my face is usable right away," Song Zhao said helplessly.

The hotel's publicity manager explained, "I'm so sorry, Ms. Song. Our hotel has always been very good at keeping secrets. No one else knows about Ms. Song's endorsement for us except our senior management and our department staff. We have repeatedly emphasized that no one should spread this information. We really didn't expect this to happen today."

Song Zhao smiled slightly and said, "What's done is done, let's get back to filming."

"Miss Song is truly beautiful inside and out. No wonder she's a big star. She's so magnanimous. Please come with us. The director has arrived."

Upon arriving at the filming location, the director glanced at her and immediately arranged for someone to touch up her makeup. Just as Song Zhao was getting her makeup done, Cui Yingying from the hotel's publicity department ran over.

"Hello, Miss Siwei, my friend and I are both your fans. Could you please sign your autograph?" Cui Yingying said with a lovestruck expression.

Song Zhao maintained her usual cheerful demeanor at work: "Of course."

Song Zhao helped her sign two sheets of colored paper.

"My friend's birthday is coming up soon, could you please add a 'Happy Birthday' message to this piece of paper?"

“Okay, what’s your friend’s name?” Song Zhao asked.

Cui Yingying rolled her eyes and said, "You can just write 'Xiao Zhang'."

Song Zhao picked up her pen and wrote: To: Xiao Zhang, Happy Birthday. Signed Song Siwei.

Upon receiving the autograph, Cui Yingying was so happy she almost jumped for joy. "Sister Siwei, you're so kind!"

Song Siwei smiled and said, "Your hotel's..."

At this moment, the director interrupted them and shouted that filming had begun.

Cui Yingying said, "Sister Siwei, is there anything you need? We have everything here."

Song Zhao shook his head and said, "It's nothing."

Today's filming content is about celebrity Song Siwei finishing her day's work and checking into the Vance Hotel. The camera follows her location, showcasing the Vance Hotel's security facilities, the smart design of the room, and the delicious food in the restaurant. Finally, it says, "Vance Hotel, bringing you the warmth of home."

"Thanks for your hard work."

As the director's applause rang out, Song Zhao's filming was officially over. Urged by Cindy, she hurriedly changed into her dress, recorded a video for her fans in the car, and then went to attend a drinking party that evening.

Song Zhao was already used to such entertainment venues. Tonight, the guests included popular artists from Canxing Entertainment as well as stars from other companies—a veritable feast. The female celebrities were dressed to the nines, heavily made up, while the male celebrities wore various suits and designer brands, each vying for attention—it was no different from attending a grand event. Song Zhao took a glass of champagne and exchanged a few pleasantries with his fellow artists. They had been chatting for almost an hour until Lin Ruizhe and Zheng Shiqiu arrived.

During the conversation, Song Zhao learned that Zheng Shiqiu was the younger brother of Zheng Shihe, the major shareholder of Canxing Entertainment. He had no real ability and relied entirely on his older brother to acquire some shares in Canxing. Later, he also invested in other entertainment companies, not for any other reason than to enjoy the treatment of entertainment industry bigwigs. For example, the artists invited tonight were all from the entertainment companies he invested in, and no one dared to refuse.

Zheng Shihe handed over the management of Canxing to Lin Ruizhe. He didn't want Zheng Shiqiu to interfere in the company's affairs, and the position of director was just for show. However, in front of Lin Ruizhe, Zheng Shiqiu could still act like a director. For example, he wanted to promote a newcomer or put a second female or male lead in the company's projects. In short, he didn't do any work but just made trouble.

Upon seeing the protagonist arrive, some artists seize the opportunity to go on stage and showcase themselves, dancing, singing, and doing somersaults, putting in their best efforts in an attempt to secure an important role in the new project.

As someone who has no shortage of resources and no intention of renewing his contract, Song Zhao naturally wouldn't compete with them for this opportunity to perform. He simply enjoyed the moment on his own and then politely went around to each table to offer toasts.

Having been in the business for so many years, she was already very familiar with the ins and outs of banquets. She first ate some pastries, and when she saw the other artists moving, she followed them to each table to offer toasts. After a few rounds of toasts, she hid behind the crowd and secretly added water to her glass.

When the toast was served at the main table, Zheng Shiqiu asked her what her thoughts were on the next phase of her work. She said she just wanted to fill her working hours to repay the company for recognizing her talent and for their generosity in the past.

Song Zhao didn't mention the renewal of the contract at all, and just casually brushed it off.

Two hours later, Song Zhao was slightly tipsy, but not to the point of being incoherent. Seeing the other artists saying their goodbyes, Song Zhao decided to go over and offer one last toast before leaving.

"Chairman Zheng, General Manager Lin, and all seniors, I have to rush to work early tomorrow morning, so I need to go back and sober up first. I hope you will all understand."

After Song Zhao finished his drink in one gulp, he said, "Chairman Zheng, thank you for your kind invitation. I had a great time tonight."

Zheng Shiqiu, holding an actor's hand, stared at Song Zhao with a smile that made his face wrinkle, and said with a hint of drunkenness, "Don't rush, it's the first time I've met you, stay a little longer, I'll arrange for someone to take you home later."

Song Zhao pretended to be embarrassed: "I just remembered, Vance asked me to go and reshoot some outdoor scenes. I have to go there first. Maybe next time. Next time, I'll definitely have a good drink with you."

“It’s alright, let them wait a bit,” Zheng Shiqiu said. “I recently acquired a few bottles of red wine, a domestic brand. Try them out, and let me know what you think. I’m considering acquiring it.”

Lin Ruizhe himself was also surrounded by women on either side, not even giving her a glance.

Helpless, Song Zhao could only force a smile and sit down. The party didn't end until all the other actors had left and most of them were sober.

Song Zhaozheng felt a little dizzy, and at this moment Zheng Shiqiu called over two male assistants and asked them to take her to rest.

Song Zhao waved her hands repeatedly, saying it wasn't necessary, but the two men acted as if they hadn't heard her. They directly put her in the car, claiming they were taking her home, but in reality, they were taking her to a hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, they dragged her along, pulling her towards the elevator. Song Zhao could feel the immense strength and physique of the two men. With the effects of alcohol in her system, the chances of her succeeding by taking direct action were very low. Therefore, she decided to call for help and inform the outside world of her danger.