There were about 20 people at the dinner party, sitting around a long table. The director had specially arranged for the restaurant to decorate, so the lights around the table were a bit dim, and some background music was playing in the banquet hall. So, apart from Li Bingcheng and Ji Yunli sitting next to her, no one else could hear Mu Yiran's low cry that sounded like a sob.
The woman sitting opposite Mu Yiran tucked her hair, which had been gathered in front of her chest, behind her ear and asked Mu Yiran, "What did Aorsa just say?"
"…………"
Seeing Mu Yiran's stiff expression and noticing that no one around seemed to dare interrupt the woman, Ji Yunli quickly smiled apologetically and said, "Aorsa thinks you resemble her—"
"She just didn't expect you, Hagi Rin, to be here," Lee Byung-seung said with a faint smile.
Now no one paid attention to what the assistant was whispering; they all stared at Li Bingcheng and Mu Yiran with ambiguous expressions.
Li Bingcheng glanced around, his gaze sharpening slightly. He raised his hand and patted Mu Yiran's shoulder in a friendly yet tactful manner. "Ranran, this is Sharon from Fashion Isa, Qi Qiulin."
"Hagi Rin, this is my friend's daughter, designer Aorsa."
Qi Qiulin chuckled softly, "Hello, the famous Aorsa, so you're still just a kid."
"....."
Mu Yiran remained silent, and the atmosphere froze for a moment.
The director, not understanding the hint given by Lee Byung-seung, continued, “That’s right! This is our famous teacher Sharon! Sharon has also been invited to be one of the two judges this time.”
One of the male designers couldn't help but ask, "Assistant Director, where's the other judge?" He looked around but didn't see the person he wanted to see, and said impatiently, "I heard the show invited Lack! Is that true? He's the other judge, right?"
The assistant director teased, "Oh my! Who told you that? We all signed confidentiality agreements! Who told you that? If we get caught, we'll have to pay a penalty for breach of contract!"
The male designer immediately chuckled awkwardly and remained silent, while the producer, who had been keeping his arm around his shoulder, poured him a drink. The producer waved his hand with a smile, "Don't talk nonsense, but saying a little won't hurt, it'll attract attention."
The director pursed his lips in disapproval, "Let's keep the other one a secret for now, everyone please don't ask around."
Assistant Director: "Yes, yes, yes! Having Sharon here is already enough to attract attention, isn't it? Look how surprised Aorsa was when she saw Sharon that she couldn't even react."
Qi Qiulin blinked, her expression alluring and gentle. "Really? Aorsa, is this our first meeting? I don't recall ever seeing you before?"
Mu Yiran had come to her senses. She clenched her fingers and stared at that face and those eyes.
She wasn't unfamiliar with Sharon's photos; she was a renowned fashion queen in the domestic fashion scene, a regular on red carpets and at galas, holding an extremely high status. Mu Yiran often read her interviews, but since the last time she saw them, the woman seemed to have changed slightly. The difference between the real person and the online image was unexpectedly significant. Upon closer inspection, she didn't actually resemble Ms. Wen, but...
“Yes…it’s our first meeting. Ms. Sharon is even more beautiful than she is online. Even though I’ve never met you before, you feel so familiar.” Mu Yiran answered with a serious expression. Her voice was breathless and trembling. Her words would make the listener think of certain things, but she couldn’t control herself.
Hearing the flattery in her tone, Wen Qingyu secretly curled up a cold sneer.
Qi Qiulin smiled gently: "Then it seems I have a special connection with Aorsa. I also feel a strong affinity for Aorsa—"
Before she could finish speaking, Wen Qingyu, who was standing next to her, shook her hand with a hint of jealousy, "Aunt Lin, it doesn't feel like you and your senior are meeting for the first time. You're being so nice to her! You've never spoken to me so gently!"
Mu Yiran sneered inwardly when she heard the word "senior sister". There was no way Wen Qingyu would have any connection with her outside. She was the kind of person who would never share the Wen family title with anyone else. That's right, only she would treat the Wen family as a treasure.
But she calls Qi Qiulin "Auntie"? It seems the Wen family has known Qi Qiulin for a long time?
This Qi Qiulin not only has close ties with the Wen family, but also seems to be an old acquaintance of Uncle Cheng...
Mu Yiran watched Wen Qingyu begin to act coquettishly without showing any emotion. Qi Qiulin's expression was both helpless and indulgent. "You rascal, when have I ever been unkind to you? Who did you come back to China specifically to participate in this program for?"
She felt Mu Yiran's gaze and, recalling Wen Qingyu's earlier mention of their relationship, asked, "But Qingyu, you and Aorsa are classmates? How come I've never heard you mention that?"
Wen Qingyu smiled awkwardly, "Oh dear, I'm not very familiar with my senior. She's a celebrity at school, so I'm always hesitant to talk to her. Besides, there's a bit of a misunderstanding between us..."
Seeing that things were starting to go wrong, the assistant director immediately chimed in, "What misunderstanding? Come on, since we're all gathered here today, let's take this opportunity to clear things up! We'll still be working together for the next month, won't we?"
Wen Qingyu was embarrassed again: "This... Senior, you don't recommend that I say this, do you?"
Mu Yiran: Hehe.
At the dinner table, everyone's curiosity reached its peak. Wen Qingyu was a designer who was temporarily added by capital, causing some of the young actors who had already agreed to join the crew to have their spots snatched away. Everyone was unhappy with Wen Qingyu and Mu Yiran, who had powerful connections behind them.
In this kind of circle, there is no shortage of gossip, and there is also a great lack of gossip. Everyone is eager to know more about other people's private affairs. After a few rumors, they naturally become "dirt".
Even if no one believes it now, little by little, these accusations will eventually become true one day. At that time, the people who spread the rumors will brazenly proclaim themselves morally superior, quietly and condescendingly sweeping away these "filths" and naturally pushing another clean dumping ground in front of everyone.
For them now, it's a trial and an election, a judgment on whether Mu Yiran or Wen Qingyu is the filth that will soon be rejected by them.
Mu Yiran understood, and Wen Qingyu understood too; everyone knew the rules, it was just a matter of how they used them.
Mu Yiran was a little disappointed. Wen Qingyu was still foolish. She didn't even know how to change her methods and only focused on improving her acting skills. But she wasn't without new tricks. At least she brought someone who surprised her so much.
Jiang Wen, who had been standing by and out of sight, also adopted the persona of a gentle and noble lady. She waited until everyone had had enough of their suspicions before speaking up: "Qingyu! You should watch the occasion when you speak. Look how you've ruined such a pleasant atmosphere."
Hearing this, Qi Qiulin became even more curious and teased, "What exactly happened? It can't be that you and Aorsa have taken a liking to the same little boy, can it?"
Wen Qingyu quickly waved her hand, "It's nothing serious. It's just that we had a small conflict during my graduation project. My senior and I had some ideas that might have overlapped, and she even reported it to the higher-ups. I was so stunned at the time that I didn't even have time to apologize. I tried to contact you several times afterward, but you wouldn't answer my calls..." She spoke with utmost sincerity.
"Today I formally apologize to you, senior. I will do anything you need me to do in the future! Please forgive me and let bygones be bygones."
After saying that, with red eyes, he downed the half-glass of white wine in one gulp.
Mu Yiran: 6, Cousin, you're crying again.
candice: 6, is this the persona they're talking about online?
Director: 6. A natural-born actor has appeared before my eyes!
Li Bingcheng wanted to speak up and put Wen Qingyu in a low position, but looking at the composed Mu Yiran, he felt that she had her own opinions, so he remained silent. After all, he and Mu Yiran had the same goal, which was not the Wen family.
Mu Yiran, who was used to such things, still smiled calmly. The assistant director next to her, seeing that she didn't say anything, simply raised his glass and said, "Alright, alright, it's good that the misunderstanding is cleared up! Aorsa isn't that petty, Qingyu, don't keep this little thing to yourself!"
Qi Qiulin raised an eyebrow: "This is no small matter. Qingyu, you can't just apologize verbally and call it a day. If Aorsa has any problems, don't hold back, just say it directly. In our circle, ambiguity is the worst thing."
Jiang Wen didn't condone it either. "Yes, this child has been spoiled since she was little. She should be taught a lesson for doing wrong. She should apologize and make amends. Miss Mu, don't be shy about asking."
She said jokingly, "Otherwise, I'm afraid Chairman Li will hold the Wen family responsible for this."
Jiang Wen wanted to see just how far Li Bingcheng could go for Mu Yiran. What if he really interfered too much...? Then Li Bingcheng might find out about what they had done in the past, which was absolutely unacceptable!
That's why she came with Qi Qiulin.
Qi Qiulin said that her relationship with Li Bingcheng was extraordinary!
Qi Qiulin then looked at the handsome man sitting upright, her eyes filled with indescribable tenderness. "Awen, don't talk nonsense. Senior is not that kind of person. He wouldn't do such a thing."
Mu Yiran understood even more: So they were fellow disciples?
Are they not just old acquaintances, but also former lovers?
Li Bingcheng received a teasing look from the little girl and sighed helplessly. He picked up the hot milk tea on the table and was about to pour it for Mu Yiran when he bumped into Candice, who was also refilling Mu Yiran's soda. His smile, which had just started to appear, fell again. Candice was a little timid and obediently gave up the cup.
Li Bingcheng scoffed inwardly, thinking, "With such little courage, how can he compare to that guy Shi Youxi?"
After he finished tidying up haphazardly, his nonchalant attitude almost made Qi Qiulin lose her composure, he said calmly, "I am indeed not the kind of person who says one thing to someone's face and another behind their back."
Jiang Wen laughed, but before she could speak, Li Bingcheng continued, "After all, I have a grudge, so I'll settle it on the spot."
"So, does Madam Wen still want me to hold the Wen family accountable for this?"
Jiang Wen's lips twitched: "This...it's all a joke, I was just joking, Chairman Li."
Qi Qiulin chimed in, "Yeah, senior, how come you're still so clueless? Wen was just joking, don't scare the kids!"
Lee Byung-seung chuckled but remained silent.
The atmosphere remained tense. Just as the director was about to shout, "Let's raise a glass first!" to act as a peacemaker and let the big spenders forget their grudges over a drink, his savior—Helian Xin—arrived.
Helian Xin's late arrival temporarily drew away some of the firepower on the table.
The seating at the dining table was all arranged, with the goddess seated next to her designer.
Mu Yiran was flanked by either investor number one, Li Bingcheng, or investor number two, Candice, with men on either side of her.
Looking at Helian Xin, who sat down next to Qi Qiulin and Wen Qingyu without hesitation, what else is there to not understand?
As she wished, Helian Xin changed her partner designer, but unexpectedly, it was Wen Qingyu.
This is...
This is even more interesting now.
Helian Xin didn't glance at Mu Yiran once after entering. She simply gave a haughty greeting and then started chatting with Qi Qiulin and Wen Qingyu.
The topic, which had just reached a freezing point, finally dissipated, and for a while, no one dared to talk to Li Bingcheng and his group anymore. Even if they did, it was only about business collaborations.
Quite a few investors and designers have set their sights on Candice, whether for business or personal reasons. Candice is like a sheep caught in a pack of wolves, being stared at relentlessly. Mu Yiran can see that he is struggling to cope, but he stubbornly insists on raising his glass and talking with others. Seeing that he doesn't need to come to his rescue, Mu Yiran is happy to be at ease and, together with Li Bingcheng, they focus on eating like dinner buddies.
Mu Yiran listened intently to the gentle voice whispering until the owner of the voice got up and left her seat. A few seconds later, Mu Yiran also got up.
Seeing her about to leave, Wen Qingyu seemed to only then notice her and immediately asked with concern, "Why didn't you see your goddess, senior?"
"Are you looking for a director? Did they not arrange a goddess for you?"
Mu Yiran had no interest in watching her performance and directly defeated magic with magic, saying, "It's all arranged, isn't it? It's sitting right next to you."
"..."
"I'm going to find the director to demand an explanation. What, you're going to give me this explanation?"
"Or is it Miss Helian who wants to give it to me?"
"…………"
Helian Xin's eyes flashed over like knives, and Wen Qingyu was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to speak or not!
Mu Yiran's two sentences implicated her in stealing someone else's partner and even made Helian Xin seem like she was throwing her weight around and changing teammates. The people around her watched her with amusement. Wen Qingyu's face turned red. Helpless, she held her breath, and before her eyes could even redden, everything went black.
Mu Yiran, who was supposed to watch her performance, had already left. Upon closer inspection, even Helian Xin had moved to another spot with disdain, leaving her alone to perform without props.
...
Mu Yiran walked towards the restroom, but unexpectedly, Jiang Wen, who came out with Qi Qiulin, was not there; only Qi Qiulin was touching up her makeup.
Mu Yiran stared at that profile for a long time from the corner, and finally called her back just as Qi Qiulin was about to return to the banquet hall:
"Sharon".
Qi Qiulin turned around, slightly surprised. Even the way she puckered her lips in surprise was so similar!
"Aorsa, what's wrong?"
Mu Yiran fidgeted with her fingers and pursed her lips: "I...would you mind if I spoke with Sharon for a few minutes?"
She wanted to see and hear more.
I really, really want to.
Qi Qiulin paused for a moment, then agreed, "Okay, what does Aorsa want to tell me? Is it related to Qingyu?"
As if she had anticipated that Mu Yiran was there to complain, she glanced at the entrance of the banquet hall and lowered her voice, "Don't worry, if Qingyu does anything wrong, just tell me directly. I won't cover for her. Or if there's a problem with your graduation project, I can help you talk to the school board, okay?"
“…I wasn’t going to talk about my graduation project,” Mu Yiran said slowly.
There's nothing more to say about that matter. Since Wen Qingyu dared to bring it up in public, it means that the Wen family and Lu Tingyi have probably cleared up all the evidence of her plagiarism. She even got her graduation certificate. They're probably in cahoots with the school board. What's there to argue about?
"I want to talk to you about something else. It's not convenient here. Can we go over there?" Mu Yiran casually pointed to the small living room next to the elevator, as it was too easy to be photographed there.
Qi Qiulin wasn't impatient with her request, but instead raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Aorsa, if you want to whisper something, let's go—"
“…”
Mu Yiran was momentarily speechless. A familiar voice reached her ears again. She saw the person in front of her affectionately stroking her hair, determined to completely remove her bangs, mimicking those in a shoujo manga, before finally being satisfied. His slender index finger lightly tapped her nose—
"Ranran, what do you want to whisper? Can you speak louder? Mommy can't hear you."
The sounds and sensations were so real that Mu Yiran was momentarily lost in a daze and didn't notice reality until it was too late.
She only had time to hear Qi Qiulin scream before she was pushed and stumbled. Mu Yiran fell to the ground and turned to see that Qi Qiulin's foot had been injured by the falling painting.
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