It was a sunny day, but Shen Tong was in no mood to enjoy the scenery. Her mind was preoccupied with how to help Chen Xiaoyong seize the opportunity to release an album from Xie Sangyan.
Xia Zixuan had given both Xie Sangyan and Chen Xiaoyong a chance to record a demo. Shen Tong had worked tirelessly to secure the first recording slot for Chen Xiaoyong and intended to make the most of it.
Arriving at the office, Shen Tong set everything up, only to realize Chen Xiaoyong hadn't arrived yet. Glancing at her watch, she grew anxious. The scheduled recording slot was fast approaching, and there was still no sign of her. Why did something always go wrong at such critical moments?
After a few more minutes of waiting, with the recording slot about to start, Shen Tong decided she couldn't wait any longer. She rushed to the recording studio to negotiate with the staff for an extension on Chen Xiaoyong's recording time.
"To make things more convenient for everyone, let's decide this way," Shen Tong overheard Liang Xiaoyuan talking to the staff as she entered the recording studio.
Seeing Shen Tong, the staff asked, "Miss Shen, is Chen Xiaoyong here yet?"
Shen Tong shook her head, feeling a deep sense of frustration.
"Perfect timing. Let's have Xie Sangyan record first. We can't keep everyone and the equipment waiting," the staff suggested, clearly siding with Liang Xiaoyuan.
Shen Tong knew it was Liang Xiaoyuan's idea and felt a wave of resistance.
"Please, just wait a bit longer. She'll be here any minute now," Shen Tong tried to calm everyone down, then stepped outside to call Chen Xiaoyong. "Miss Chen, where are you? The recording slot is now!"
"Oh, I'm on my way. I'll be there in two or three minutes. Just hold them off for a bit," Chen Xiaoyong responded nonchalantly before hanging up, showing no remorse for being late.
Shen Tong was infuriated by Chen Xiaoyong's arrogant tone, especially in such a critical situation. After taking a moment to compose herself, she returned to the staff with a diplomatic plea. "Miss Chen encountered some issues on the way but will be here in two or three minutes. Please, just wait a little longer."
"Two or three minutes is enough to record a song. If she can't make it, let's give the time to someone who can use it," Liang Xiaoyuan suggested.
The staff agreed, clearly favoring Liang Xiaoyuan's practical approach. "That's right. Let's have Miss Xie Sangyan record first."
Outnumbered and unable to argue further, Shen Tong reluctantly agreed.
After a brief discussion, Xie Sangyan entered the recording studio, donning her headphones to start singing. Liang Xiaoyuan stood outside, encouraging her with cheers of "Good luck!"
Seeing this, Shen Tong felt a surge of anger. Perhaps it was because Chen Xiaoyong was still absent, or maybe because she and Chen Xiaoyong couldn't be as harmonious as Liang Xiaoyuan and Xie Sangyan. Or it could be that Liang Xiaoyuan was so gentle with Xie Sangyan.
At that moment, Chen Xiaoyong finally arrived, moving leisurely toward the studio, her confidence radiating as her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, asserting her presence as the star of the world.
However, upon seeing Xie Sangyan in the recording studio, her expression darkened. She turned to Shen Tong, seething, "What's going on? Wasn't I supposed to record first? Are you playing games with me? Forget it, I don't want to release any album!"
"Who's playing games with whom? If you hadn't been late, I wouldn't be watching someone else record right now. Not releasing an album just means one less job and one less chance to become famous. It doesn't affect me much. If you want to leave, I have no objections," Shen Tong, unable to contain her frustration, pulled Chen Xiaoyong aside.
Stomping her foot in anger, Chen Xiaoyong spat, "It drives me crazy! Why does Xie Sangyan always get ahead of me?"
"Watch your language and your attitude. Miss Chen, I'm your manager and responsible for your actions. Right now, all you can do is compose yourself and perform well," Shen Tong advised.
Meanwhile, Liang Xiaoyuan was completely engrossed in Xie Sangyan's performance, not sparing a glance at Shen Tong.
Shen Tong suddenly realized how insignificant she felt compared to Xie Sangyan when they were both in front of Liang Xiaoyuan. This realization brought a wave of sadness.
"Alright! Miss Xie Sangyan's recording is done. Let's get Miss Chen Xiaoyong in here," a staff member called out.
Shen Tong quickly shook off her despondency and escorted Chen Xiaoyong into the recording booth.
As Chen Xiaoyong sang, Shen Tong's mind was elsewhere. No matter how she tried to avoid it, her eyes kept drifting towards Liang Xiaoyuan and Xie Sangyan. Seeing Liang Xiaoyuan with Xie Sangyan made her inexplicably irritated. She kept telling herself that this irritation was due to competing against Liang Xiaoyuan, but another part of her knew it was because Liang Xiaoyuan was competing with her for Xie Sangyan's sake.
"How did I do?" Chen Xiaoyong asked confidently after her recording, clearly not needing Shen Tong's validation.
Shen Tong, snapping out of her thoughts, replied, "You did very well."
Just then, Liang Xiaoyuan approached, "Shen Tong, I'm going to give you a tough competition for this album release. So, you can't afford any mistakes!"
"Got it," Shen Tong responded half-heartedly, her mood plummeting at the sight of Liang Xiaoyuan. She quickly led Chen Xiaoyong away.
Liang Xiaoyuan watched Shen Tong's retreating figure, feeling uneasy. Ever since their competition began, Shen Tong had seemed like a different person, making Liang Xiaoyuan wonder if her previous warmth and concern were just a facade to get close to him.
After leaving the recording studio, Chen Xiaoyong touched up her makeup and, with a haughty stance, informed Shen Tong, "Shen Tong, I'm going to eat. And, I checked my schedule. There's nothing planned for this afternoon, so I won't be coming back!"
Knowing there was no point in asking Chen Xiaoyong to stay, Shen Tong nodded in agreement.
She had no energy left for conversation, exhausted by Chen Xiaoyong and Liang Xiaoyuan alike.