Yu Shuman ultimately secured the role, so naturally, a celebration was in order. Zeng Qian also landed the role she wanted and immediately called Yu Shuman. At the time, Yu Shuman was chatting with Qin Ran. Just as Qin Ran was suggesting that they have a private celebration, the phone rang.
Qin Ran gestured for Yu Shuman to take the call, and Yu Shuman, feeling a bit guilty, answered, "Qian Qian."
Hearing "Qian Qian," Qin Ran felt her molars itch again, nearly grinding her teeth. She tried to be patient as Yu Shuman conversed on the phone, listening to them exchange congratulations. After a while, Yu Shuman said, "I'll think about it."
When Yu Shuman hung up, she looked at Qin Ran, her expression hesitant. Qin Ran instinctively asked, "Manman, what's up?"
Yu Shuman set her phone down and explained, "Well, Qian Qian also got a role, and since she's been busy for a while, and her birthday is coming up, she's planning to throw a party to celebrate. She asked if I'd like to join. She promised it's just a healthy party with some barbecue in the afternoon and karaoke in the evening."
Qin Ran knew Yu Shuman was waiting for her response. Yu Shuman had said before, "I won't do anything I don't want to do," which is why she told Zeng Qian, "I'll think about it." Yu Shuman truly lived by her words, which made Qin Ran incredibly happy.
Qin Ran could also tell that Yu Shuman wanted to attend the party. There was no reason to stop her, even if it made Qin Ran a little jealous. "I was hoping we could celebrate just the two of us…" Qin Ran started to say, but Yu Shuman quickly added, "We can still have our private celebration. This is really just Qian Qian's birthday party."
"would you like to come with me?"
As someone who was socially anxious, Qin Ran's first instinct was to refuse. But this was Yu Shuman's invitation, and the words to refuse got stuck in her throat. Besides, she was always jealous of Zeng Qian. She worried that if Yu Shuman went alone, she might get too close to Zeng Qian. So, Qin Ran agreed to go.
The start date for filming was still a while away, but since Zeng Qian's birthday fell after the filming began, she decided to celebrate it early. Since Qin Ran and Yu Shuman were going to attend Zeng Qian's birthday party, they had to bring gifts.
If their relationship was public knowledge, they could have brought one gift, but for now, they had to give separate gifts. As a broke student, Yu Shuman could only think of using the products she endorsed, ultimately choosing a new perfume gift set and a diamond bracelet.
Qin Ran, on the other hand, was much more generous. She decided to buy the latest designer bag that Sister Li had been eyeing and give it to Zeng Qian. When Qin Ran asked Sister Li about the bag, Sister Li was thrilled, but when she found out it was for Zeng Qian, she just pursed her lips and went back to work.
Before leaving, Sister Li made a snide remark, reminding Qin Ran to be careful at the party. Even though Zeng Qian promised it was just a regular party, you never know if there might be someone with bad intentions or suspicious drinks.
Qin Ran nodded, assuring her that she understood.
As soon as the bag arrived, it was time for Zeng Qian's birthday party. Qin Ran and Yu Shuman drove Qin Ran's luxury car to the party, which was held at Zeng Qian's villa on the outskirts of Beijing. Her manager had arranged for staff to help, considering most of Zeng Qian's friends were in the industry and valued privacy.
Before arriving, Qin Ran had expected a small gathering but was surprised to see so many people. Zeng Qian had some connections, and her family had some money, so many people showed up to give her face. When Zeng Qian saw Yu Shuman and Qin Ran arrive, she squeezed through the crowd to greet them briefly before her manager whisked her away to continue greeting guests.
Just as Sister Li had warned, there were indeed all sorts of people at the party. Zeng Qian had a wide social circle, with connections ranging from fellow celebrities to directors and producers, and even some close industry staff. With so many people, the atmosphere was lively.
As someone who was socially anxious, Qin Ran wasn't comfortable in such settings. She stayed close to Yu Shuman. Yu Shuman noticed Qin Ran's discomfort and felt a bit guilty, suggesting, "Xiaoran, why don't we leave early?"
Qin Ran didn't want to spoil Yu Shuman's fun. Although she didn't like these gatherings, Yu Shuman had a need to socialize. On their way to see Zeng Qian, several people had greeted Yu Shuman. Qin Ran guessed they were staff and colleagues from previous shows and programs.
Qin Ran shook her head. "I'll just sit over there and relax."
Seeing how determined Qin Ran was, Yu Shuman didn't push further and said, "I'll get you some skewers to eat."
Qin Ran nodded and found a swing in a corner of the garden to sit on. Zeng Qian's backyard had barbecue equipment set up. Her manager had hired staff to cook, but some guests were grilling themselves. Many people were chatting in the yard, with a DJ playing music, making for a lively scene that suited Zeng Qian's taste.
Yu Shuman took a little while to get the skewers because she was pulled into a conversation with someone she knew. After chatting for a bit, she managed to grab a disposable plate and loaded it with Qin Ran's favorite skewers, along with a bottle of Sprite, before returning to Qin Ran.
She sat down, and the swing gently swayed. Just as Yu Shuman was about to say something to Qin Ran, someone approached them. Qin Ran's social anxiety kicked in, and she shrank behind Yu Shuman, keeping her head down to avoid the newcomer.
The group didn't pay much attention to Qin Ran. Though she looked familiar, her timid demeanor made them dismiss her. Instead, they eagerly chatted with Yu Shuman. At first, Yu Shuman engaged in polite conversation, but when she realized they had no intention of leaving, she firmly said, "We just got here. Let us eat something first; we're starving."
They laughed and left. Once they were gone, Yu Shuman and Qin Ran started eating their skewers. Yu Shuman brought up leaving again, "Xiaoran, maybe we should go." But before she could finish, Zeng Qian called out, "Manman, come here! I want to introduce you to someone!"
Qin Ran, holding a skewer, said, "I'm fine. I'll just sit here and play on my phone or something. You go ahead, Manman. It's good to meet new people." Yu Shuman still worried about leaving Qin Ran alone, but seeing Qin Ran's insistence, she reluctantly got up and said, "I'll be back soon."
Yu Shuman walked away in her high heels, leaving Qin Ran alone on the swing, gently swaying. With Yu Shuman gone, no one paid attention to Qin Ran. Even if people knew that "Qin Ran" was the boss of 99 Entertainment, they couldn't connect her to that role, especially in such a crowded setting, where her social anxiety was on full display.
At that moment, all Qin Ran wanted was to find a place to hide where no one would notice her.
Looking timid and out of place, Qin Ran seemed like a fresh-faced newcomer. The entertainment industry is a place where people pursue fame and fortune, so who would waste time on a small-time rookie? Even if they wanted to get close to Yu Shuman, they wouldn't approach Qin Ran. Everyone assumed Qin Ran was just a young junior from Yu Shuman's company.
Oddly enough, this suited Qin Ran just fine. Left alone, she quietly enjoyed her time on the swing, munching on skewers.
Yu Shuman kept checking on her, occasionally coming over to ask how she was doing. If Qin Ran's food ran out, Yu Shuman would grab more before returning to her. This allowed Qin Ran to fully relax, reassuring Yu Shuman not to worry—she was fine.
Since no one approached her, Qin Ran busied herself with her phone. At first, she regretted coming, disliking the environment, but as she settled into her game, she found some peace—watching Yu Shuman from a distance. In hindsight, Qin Ran felt it wasn't so bad coming along because Yu Shuman was genuinely enjoying herself and making new connections.
Others fawned over Yu Shuman, their intentions clear. Only Zeng Qian was straightforward, drawn to Yu Shuman because of her help on the show and her charismatic personality. Zeng Qian's true friends were like her, and it was a good thing for Yu Shuman to meet them.
Seeing Yu Shuman happy made Qin Ran happy too.
Fortunately, it was a decent party. Despite the variety of people, it wasn't the kind of place where things could go south, like the wild parties Qin Ran had been invited to in the past. In those places, anything went—if you saw someone you liked, you could just take them home, regardless of gender.
Once, as a business rival, Qin Ran attended one such party. The atmosphere, with men and women entangled, disgusted her to the core. She left as soon as she could. But at Zeng Qian's party, though it was crowded and lively, everyone maintained a respectable distance, making it a much healthier social scene.
Qin Ran stayed on the swing, playing on her phone until six in the evening. As the sky darkened, lights were strung up in the yard, and the DJ started encouraging the celebrities to sing a few songs. A few carefree singers took the stage, grabbed the mic, and started singing.
Thank goodness Zeng Qian's villa was in the suburbs, with plenty of space between houses; otherwise, the neighbors would've complained.
Qin Ran's mind wandered through all sorts of thoughts until the evening breeze grew cold. She pulled her coat tighter, considering moving inside. But before she could get up, a guy sat down next to her, holding a half-drunk bottle of beer.
The smell of alcohol hit her, and Qin Ran frowned, immediately standing to leave. But before she could take a step, she felt a hand grab her arm. Despite the layers of her coat and shirt, Qin Ran's skin crawled—she felt utterly repulsed.
The man's first words were, "Where are you going, little girl? Stay and chat with your big brother." His teasing tone made Qin Ran's skin crawl even more. She was beyond disgusted.
Taking a deep breath, she warned, "Let go."