During lunch, Shen Tong took the opportunity to call Fang Xiaoxi. Whenever they were busy with work, Shen Tong and Fang Xiaoxi would usually grab a quick bite near the office instead of going home.
"Sister Xiaoxi, where are you now?" Shen Tong put down her chopsticks, her demeanor becoming serious. She always treated matters concerning her cousin Fang Xiaoxi with extra caution.
Fang Xiaoxi's cheerful voice came through the phone, "What's up? I'm with Xiaoyan practicing songs, we'll be done soon."
"It's not that. I just wanted to remind you to be careful of Chen Xiaoyong. You don't need to tell Xie Sangyan about this, otherwise, it'll be difficult for me too," Shen Tong said after a pause.
"What?!" Fang Xiaoxi was shocked, then lowered her voice, "Do you mean Chen Xiaoyong might do something to Xiaoyan?"
"No, I'm not sure. That's why I'm asking you not to tell Xie Sangyan. Just be careful," Shen Tong replied, genuinely unsure of what Chen Xiaoyong might do. The hatred in Chen Xiaoyong's eyes back in the office had really unsettled her.
"I understand, Tongtong. You be careful too," Fang Xiaoxi said, worrying not just about Xie Sangyan but also about her cousin.
Shen Tong's eyes softened, "Sis, don't worry about me. Chen Xiaoyong won't do anything to me right now. Our interests align."
After a brief exchange of concerns, they ended the call. Shen Tong quickly finished her lunch and headed back to the company. She had no time to waste; she needed to contact Yang's people and arrange for the ride.
After making the call, Shen Tong hurried to the company entrance to meet them. About half an hour later, a black car pulled up in front of her. Shen Tong quickly ran over and opened the door politely.
"Hello, Brother Sun!" Shen Tong greeted with a big smile.
The man, who appeared to be in his late twenties, had ordinary but clean features. He looked at Shen Tong and said, "You must be Shen Tong, Chen Xiaoyong's assistant?"
"Yes, yes!" Shen Tong nodded eagerly.
The man, named Sun Qi, saw Shen Tong's politeness and smiled, "Yang instructed me to take care of this. I've brought two cars to take them to the show."
"Great, I'll call them right away!" Shen Tong replied promptly.
Just as she was about to make the call, Sun Qi stopped her, "Wait. Yang specifically requested that Miss Chen and Miss Xie sit in the same car."
"Of course, we'll follow your arrangements!" Shen Tong said with a bright smile.
After speaking with Sun Qi, Shen Tong immediately called Chen Xiaoyong, who naturally complained. She then called Liang Xiaoyuan, asking him to bring Xie Sangyan down. Within ten minutes, Xie Sangyan and Liang Xiaoyuan arrived, accompanied by Fang Xiaoxi. Chen Xiaoyong, however, showed up almost thirty minutes later.
By then, Sun Qi's face had darkened considerably, though he kept his temper in check.
Chen Xiaoyong was obviously dressed up, her makeup heavy and her appearance stunning. In contrast, Xie Sangyan wore light makeup and simple attire, exuding a different kind of simple beauty. The two women got into Sun Qi's car without exchanging greetings.
"Director Liang, Yang said only one person needs to accompany them. Will it be you or the assistant?" Sun Qi asked Liang Xiaoyuan.
"I'll go. Thank you for your help. Please thank Yang for me," Liang Xiaoyuan replied.
Thus, Sun Qi's two cars set off, with Chen Xiaoyong and Xie Sangyan in one car, and Shen Tong and Liang Xiaoyuan in the other. In the car, Liang Xiaoyuan remained calm, but Shen Tong felt a bit uneasy.
"Shen Tong, we haven't had a proper conversation in a long time. We're always busy with work, and I haven't even taken a good look at you," Liang Xiaoyuan said with a touch of melancholy after a while.
Shen Tong's expression stiffened, but she smiled nonchalantly, "It's my fault, always bothering you with things."
"I never see you as a bother. But I'm finding it harder to understand you," Liang Xiaoyuan said, leaning forward slightly.
Shen Tong's eyelashes fluttered as she tried to control her emotions. Her hands clasped tightly together, she felt a bit nervous, "You think that way because you've never tried to understand me."
Liang Xiaoyuan was about to say more when the car suddenly braked, stopping abruptly.
Shen Tong quickly got out of the car, not giving Liang Xiaoyuan another chance to speak. To her, some things were better left unknown; knowing them would only make things more awkward. In fact, Shen Tong had considered not bothering Liang Xiaoyuan anymore, not wanting him to feel awkward because of her and Xie Sangyan.
Sun Qi first led them to the dressing room for the entertainment show. After touching up their makeup, Xie Sangyan and Chen Xiaoyong changed into the show's designated outfits in the dressing room.
"Remember, there must be no unpleasantness on the show. When the host asks you questions, think of each other and firmly deny any conflict between you. Understand?" Sun Qi emphasized, especially looking at Chen Xiaoyong with distrust.
Chen Xiaoyong, known for her temper, surprisingly smiled at Sun Qi, "I understand. I'll get along with Miss Xie. Even if I have to pretend, I'll do it."
"Good. You have the right mindset for the greater good. Negative news is definitely not good for you just starting out," Sun Qi said, satisfied with Chen Xiaoyong's response. "And Miss Xie?"
"I have no objections," Xie Sangyan smiled, as if none of this concerned her.
Only Shen Tong could see that Chen Xiaoyong's compliance was not genuine. Her easy submission meant she wasn't going to let it go.
"Alright, I'll take you to the waiting area. Director Liang and Shen Tong, please wait in the dressing room until they finish. It'll be crowded over there," Sun Qi said.
"No problem, we can wait here," Shen Tong and Liang Xiaoyuan said simultaneously.
Sun Qi nodded and took Chen Xiaoyong and Xie Sangyan away. Left alone in the dressing room, Shen Tong didn't give Liang Xiaoyuan a chance to speak, focusing on her phone instead.
Liang Xiaoyuan wanted to talk to Shen Tong but couldn't when she didn't even glance at him. The atmosphere became tense, and time passed slowly.
But reality seemed to have other plans for Shen Tong. Less than an hour later, a strange woman burst into the dressing room.
"Xie Sangyan! Chen Xiaoyong! Where are the assistants and managers?!" The strange woman shouted anxiously from the doorway, "Something happened!"