When Qin Ran returned to the car, she immediately sent Yu Shuman a message. She had taken a picture in front of the Bunny Park earlier and sent it to Yu Shuman, adding: "Shuman, the mall we went to last time just opened a new claw machine store. Their shopping bags are free! Let's go together next time."
Yu Shuman didn't reply for a long time, and Qin Ran knew it was because she was busy working, not because she was ignoring her.
So, Qin Ran hummed a tune happily as she sat in the back seat.
Perhaps it was because she saw an old enemy struggling today, Qin Ran suddenly thought of another troublemaker and asked Wu Special Assistant, "How's the person I told you to deal with recently?"
Wu Special Assistant glanced back at Qin Ran, understanding she was referring to the guy from Zeng Qian's birthday party, and began to report: "Recently, we've diverted their business and made targeted adjustments. Thanks to our efforts, their industry has shrunk by fifty percent, and they no longer have the means to invest in TV dramas or movies."
To put it simply: that person is essentially gone from the entertainment industry.
"But that's not enough. Connect with Sister Li. She's more informed about the entertainment circle. I have a feeling this person's definitely been involved in something illegal, like coercing female artists."
"Understood."
Qin Ran was truly ruthless; when she decided to take someone down, she followed through. From that one comment about Qin Ran needing to star in his sponsored shows, she knew he had exploited many female artists—he said it too casually.
If he's done it before, there must be evidence. And someone like Sister Li, who's well-connected, must have heard some rumors.
Having settled another issue, Qin Ran was in an even better mood.
Later that evening, Yu Shuman finally replied, expressing interest in the Bunny Park:
"Didn't we go to a shop next door to it last time? That place looks familiar."
"Yes, but by the time you're back, the shop next door might have closed down," Qin Ran joked.
"Huh? Why would it close down?"
Qin Ran rambled on about how wonderful the Bunny Park was. Yu Shuman responded with, "The Bunny Park owner seems really nice. Let's definitely go next time."
The Bunny Park's owner, grinning from ear to ear at the praise, replied: "Sure! We'll go when you're back. And their shopping bags are free, really!"
After chatting a bit more, Qin Ran casually asked about the atmosphere on set. Yu Shuman hesitated for a moment before replying: "Lately, things have been tense. The producer's expression doesn't look good, and a few times, when he looked at me, it felt like he wanted to say something."
"Don't worry about him, Shuman. It's close to year-end, and everyone's busy. Maybe there's been a budget cut on the production, and the producer is stressed out. Even 99 Entertainment has reduced some investments."
"Oh…" Yu Shuman responded, and added, "Don't put in extra money just because of me. The company's interests come first."
"Don't worry, Shuman. I'm not that irrational."
If Wu Special Assistant had heard this, he might have rolled his eyes: Are you kidding? Qin Ran is the most irrational person ever!
A couple of days later, on January 5th, Wu Special Assistant handed Qin Ran a list of security companies to review. Together, they set a date for interviews. It was simple to arrange security for Qin Ran herself—she trusted Wu Special Assistant completely. But when it came to Yu Shuman's bodyguards, especially her personal one, Qin Ran was extremely particular and insisted on conducting the interviews herself.
For Yu Shuman's bodyguard, it had to be a woman—absolutely no men. After all, a male bodyguard constantly shadowing Yu Shuman could easily stir up rumors from the media. Plus, Qin Ran wasn't comfortable with the idea. Yu Shuman was so beautiful—what if the bodyguard had bad intentions?
From every angle, hiring a female bodyguard was the right choice. Qin Ran even hired a female bodyguard for herself.
The interviews were set for 2 PM, and after seeing about ten candidates, Qin Ran finally made a decision. She selected a female bodyguard who bore a slight resemblance to Yu Shuman. Rather than looking like a burly fighter, she wore a professional suit with heels and a gentle smile. If you didn't know her background, you'd never guess she was a bodyguard.
Her resume was impressive—she had even provided security for major international leaders. She wouldn't have come to apply if Qin Ran hadn't offered such a high salary.
After shaking hands and agreeing to work together, the bodyguard asked Qin Ran, "May I ask about your relationship with Ms. Yu Shuman? I'm asking not out of curiosity but for professional purposes."
Qin Ran nodded and calmly replied, "We're partners. She's my girlfriend."
The bodyguard understood. "I'll ensure that no intimate photos of you two will be leaked."
Qin Ran maintained a composed exterior, but as soon as the bodyguard left, her face flushed red. She wouldn't mind if a photo of them being affectionate was taken and leaked. Then she could intimidate the media into keeping quiet, but word of their relationship would still spread within certain circles.
Still, Qin Ran lacked the courage to make their relationship public. As someone with social anxiety, she wasn't comfortable displaying overt affection in public. Holding hands or linking arms like ordinary friends was her limit.
If they did anything more intimate, Qin Ran feared she'd explode from embarrassment.
Qin Ran's daily life was very structured. Monday through Friday, she attended classes during the day, worked in the evenings, either at 99 Entertainment or by video conference from home. At night, after Yu Shuman had finished her day, they would video chat.
In the past, Qin Ran had been shy and didn't like video calls. But now, she missed Yu Shuman so much that seeing her even through a screen was enough.
On weekends, Qin Ran would follow the housekeeper around, learning to cook. She'd take plenty of photos to send to Yu Shuman.
A few days later, the producer, still unable to secure more funding, was getting desperate. Someone told him privately that the key was 99 Entertainment's approval. He realized the problem lay with the director.
He approached the director to explain the situation, but after hearing him out, the director lost his temper and wanted to confront Yu Shuman. The producer held him back, anxiously saying, "What are you doing?! Do you really want to be replaced?!"
The director froze, incredulous. "Replaced? Me?"
The producer fell silent, then said, "Why do you think you're irreplaceable? There are plenty of talented directors in the industry who haven't made it yet. If 99 Entertainment announces they're replacing you, there will be others lining up to take your place and pamper Yu Shuman."
"You do have talent and personality. That's why I was willing to pull strings for you. But I'm exhausted from covering for your temper. Do you know how many times I've had to clean up your mess? Actors are people too. If you don't respect them, their companies won't respect you either."
The director stubbornly retorted, "So I should cater to those spineless stars? What good films can you make by coddling them? Just those terrible two or three out of ten productions?! The quality of this drama is all thanks to me!"
The producer shook his head, clearly disagreeing. "Yes, some actors may be like that, but most of the cast in this project are serious about their work. They're good actors, and the lead actress is a respected senior in the industry. Your attitude towards them is simply unacceptable."
Sighing, the producer added, "Think it over carefully. If you don't apologize to 99 Entertainment, I doubt you'll be allowed to continue directing this project." With that, the producer left the room, leaving the director deep in thought.
After contemplating for a long time, the director finally agreed to accompany the producer on a flight to Beijing on January 11th.
Yu Shuman had a rare day off and wasn't quite used to it. She had already informed Qin Ran that the producer and director had urgent matters to attend to, so the crew had given her a day off.
She considered flying out to see Qin Ran, but Qin Ran had school and couldn't meet her, leaving Yu Shuman disappointed.
"Shuman, you've been so busy. Take this time to rest. When the weekend comes, I'll come to see you."
Yu Shuman could only agree with an "Mm."
Before the director and producer even arrived, Qin Ran knew about their schedule. It wasn't just from Yu Shuman's words; the producer had also scheduled a meeting with Wu Special Assistant. Otherwise, they wouldn't even get to see Qin Ran.
That day, Qin Ran took the initiative to request time off from school. She had become known for frequently taking time off, but her reasons were always legitimate—company matters that required her attention. Besides, her grades were good enough that the school allowed her frequent absences.
It was a bit embarrassing, really. Qin Ran's strong academic performance was largely due to her previous life's knowledge. This was, after all, her second time attending university. Apart from the difference in her major, much of the general coursework was the same. Once this semester ended and she advanced to her third year, she'd have more time to travel around.
Soon it would be exam season, and after that, she could enjoy the winter break without needing to request any more time off.
Qin Ran chose to meet with the producer and director in the same reception room she had used when entertaining Mr. Ling. The director looked even more disheveled than before, with an unkempt beard and heavy dark circles under his eyes, likely from lack of sleep.
The producer, all smiles, greeted Qin Ran: "President Qin, we've come all this way not for anything else, but to sincerely ask for your mercy. The director realizes his mistake."
It was clear how anxious they were. The producer had cut straight to the point. Qin Ran, however, was in no rush. She calmly raised a hand to stop him, her gaze falling on the tea on the table. "There's no hurry. You must be tired from your journey. Have some tea first. This is premium Biluochun tea, harvested before the rains."
Qin Ran: This is the same Biluochun you didn't touch last time! (Vengeful.jpg)