Xu Jia Li heard everyone gasped after they heard Jay Chou's words. Even she, herself didn't know how to react as she stood there, looking confused. She even saw the other supporting artists threw a questioning gaze at one another. Like her, they couldn't believe what they heard.
She immediately gazed at Jay Chou and she was shocked to see him smiling big. She was even more flabbergasted when he approached her and held her hands.
"You're really perfect for my studio, Miss Xu. I can't wait to work with you! You won our wager!"
Xu Jia Li didn't know how to react but she managed to give him a meek smile.
"If only I know how great you are, then I wouldn't have to worry about getting a competent model. You made my heart jumped so fast while I stood there taking your pictures."
The jovial Jay Chou waved his hands dramatically. His eyes were misty, "I'll talk to your manager and settle the contract."
Everyone wore a dumbfounded expression on their faces as they began to ask question one after the other, trying hard to comprehend what just happened. They couldn't believe their eyes when they saw how happy Jay Chou was. Just moments ago, he was still cursing her and giving her a hard time.
"Did I hear it right? He called her his Madonna?"
"What wager? Who made the wager?"
"What is happening? Does the arrogant Jay Chou just compliment Xu Jia Li?"
"Did he just say she is perfect for his studio? What contract?"
"Oh my gosh! Can someone explain what's happening?"
The loud chattering continued as Director Han approached Jay Chou, "Mr. Chou."
"Director Han, I didn't know that you have a gem in your roster."
Director Han beamed upon Jay Chou's words, "I know it, Mr. Chou. Ms. Xu is one of a kind."
"Indeed! She's exceptional. If not for her guts, I wouldn't even care going back. She challenged me and even took a wager with me."
"That's right, Director Han. I was there when Miss Xu told Mr. Chou that she would quit the entertainment industry if Mr. Chou didn't like the outcome of the photoshoot. At first, I thought she lost her mind but it seems I was wrong," Assistant Director Chua shyly moved his head, as if acknowledging his fault.
Everyone gasped from what they heard. They had been blaming Xu Jia Li that they didn't even assist her in the dressing room. How wrong they were! They suddenly felt remorseful, feeling so embarrassed to even look at Xu Jia Li.
"How hard is it even to smile and show in your eyes that you're sad? It's very easy. Why is everyone making a big deal out of it? Hmph!" Tang Xie sneered as she whispered.
"Stop speaking, Xiexie."
"But, Miss Lulu, can't you see? This Jay Chou is clearly taking sides. We've witness Xu Jia Li's reactions all the while, there's nothing exceptional about it."
"Even so…"
Meng Lulu fiddled with her fingers as she looked enviously at Xu Jia Li. She did all her best but why did she feel useless like a trash? She didn't realize the brewing jealousy and grudge she had for Xu Jia Li as she thought of the handsome Si Weimin who was also so sweet to Xu Jia Li.
***
The next day – Saturday
After the shoot, Xu Jia Li talked to Director Han privately. When they were inside the room, she told him about the woman who gave her the shoes and the black paint on the door of her dressing room.
"How did that happen?" the shock in Director Han's face was clear. He furrowed his brows as he looked at Xu Jia Li. He didn't know how to react since the first thing that came to his mind was Si Weimin. How could he explain it to him if something happened to Xu Jia Li?
"I still have to find out but I already have a clue," Xu Jia Li wore a mischievous smile on her face as she tilted her head.
****
"Director Han, you're calling me?"
The woman who entered had a smile on her face but it soon vanished when she saw Xu Jia Li sitting next to Director Han in the big room. She pretended to remain calm but her eyes betrayed her. The sweat on her forehead was visible. She started fidgeting as she walked closer to the two.
"Director Han, you called for me?"
"Do you have something to say, Jian Ran?" Director Han asked calmly. He still didn't know that this young woman could be the culprit.
"W-what would I say?" Jian Ran laughed awkwardly, her eyes shifted from Director Han to Xu Jia Li.
"How about you first start telling us about the woman who gave me the shoes?" Xu Jia Li smiled meaningfully.
"H-how would I know that, Miss Xu?"
"I will only give you one minute to settle your thoughts. After that, don't blame me for what will happen to you," Xu Jia Li's eyes showed that she was not kidding nor bluffing.
"Is that a threat? Are you threatening me just because you're the female lead? I didn't know that the rumors are true that you're cruel and wicked," Jian Ran focused her gaze on Director Han, "I didn't do anything, Director Han. Believe me! How can Miss Xu treat me like this?"
Director Han remained quiet as he let Xu Jia Li handled the matter. In truth, he was also nervous to hear what Jian Ran might say. How could he stay calm when the beloved of the devil of the corporate world almost got her whole body with paint?
Xu Jia Li, on the other hand, looked on her watch as she gazed calmly at Jian Ran.
"Don't blame me for being cruel and wicked as you say. Anyway, I gave you a chance, haven't I?"
Jian Rian began to shudder as the sweat on her forehead increased, "Stop it, Miss Xu. How many times do I have to tell you that I have nothing to do with it?!"
"Okay. Then, I just have to turn this over to the police," Xu Jia Li took her phone from her pocket and showed the cctv footage outside the studio. It clearly showed Jian Ran talking to the woman who gave the shoes to Xu Jia Li. She was even the one who handed the shoes to the woman and a small container with the black paint inside. Although the voices on the footage couldn't be heard, the fact that Jian Ran handed the shoes and the paint to the unknown woman was enough.
Jian Ran's eyes protruded as she watched the footage from Xu Jia Li's hands. She shivered in fear. Her whole body trembled. She was so scared that the color on her face faded.
"It's not me, Miss Xu. N-no, believe me – "
Even before Jian Ran finished her words, Xu Jia Li showed another cctv footage. This time, the voices of the people talking could be clearly heard. They were talking about the black paint to sabotage Xu Jia Li.
"I'm sorry, Miss Xu. Please forgive me!" Jian Ran immediately kneeled on the cold floor as she begged for Xu Jia Li's forgiveness.
"I'm not cruel, Jian Ran. But I already gave you a chance."
"I'll speak now, Miss Xu!"