Without her support, Ji Ziyu's assistance to Bai Jia'an would also be significantly reduced. After all, the strength of the Ji Group in Country A is only considered to be in the lower-middle tier!
——
That evening, when Huo Muchen came downstairs, Bai Nuanxi eagerly ran over, diligently massaging his shoulders.
"Brother, my script has been finalized. I might start filming tomorrow."
"Hmm. If you're filming locally, remember to come home at night."
Bai Nuanxi thought for a moment and asked, "What if I have to go on location?"
"Then I'll make sure to find you."
Bai Nuanxi: "..."
You're kidding, right? If the big boss shows up at a small production set, it would be like an emperor descending into a refugee camp—utter chaos!
"Alright, I'll make sure to come back." Seeing the girl lower her head in disappointment, Huo Muchen reached out and ruffled her hair.
The next day, Bai Nuanxi woke up early and headed to the set.
"Miss Bai, please follow me." Zhao Tingting had already arrived at the set and immediately came over when she saw Bai Nuanxi enter.
Before Bai Nuanxi could approach, another 'Miss Bai' had already walked up to Zhao Tingting. "Hello, may I help you?"
Zhao Tingting looked at Bai Jia'an in confusion. Just as she was about to speak, Bai Nuanxi walked over, "Bai Jia'an, what are you doing here?"
The moment Bai Jia'an saw Bai Nuanxi, remembering how she had treated Ji Ziyu before, a surge of anger rushed through her. She looked at Bai Nuanxi with complete disdain. "What are you doing here?"
Bai Nuanxi raised an eyebrow. Bai Jia'an really has no sense of propriety—shouldn't questions be asked in order? "I believe I asked first, didn't I?"
"You..." Bai Jia'an instinctively wanted to curse, but at this moment, besides the two of them, there was also Sheng Yun's top manager, Zhao Tingting!
If she could gain Zhao Tingting's favor now, becoming an internationally renowned actress would no longer be an impossible dream!
Bai Jia'an swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue and instead said, "I got a supporting role in this drama and came to shoot a promotional video."
Bai Nuanxi nodded thoughtfully. "There's really no need for me to report to you why I'm here, but since you mentioned your supporting role, I guess I should say something—I am fortunate enough to be the lead actress in this drama, here to shoot the promotional video as well."
"What did you say?! You're the lead actress?!" Upon hearing this, Bai Jia'an gritted her teeth in hatred!
"I remember you still don't have an agent, right? Tsk, tsk, tsk. If someone had recognized your acting skills, you would have been a star by now. But alas, no one seems to appreciate you." As she spoke, Bai Nuanxi moved closer to Bai Jia'an, tidying up her collar. "You are, after all, my sister. I know exactly what you're plotting in your heart. You better remember, your only hope for the future lies in this golden agent, Zhao Tingting. If you miss this chance, you might never have another shot at fame."
"Miss Zhao, this is my half-sister, but we don't have any emotional connection," Bai Nuanxi introduced Bai Jia'an to Zhao Tingting.
Almost at the moment Bai Nuanxi spoke, Zhao Tingting understood what she intended.
Although Zhao Tingting had never acted herself, having produced so many award-winning actors and actresses, she had learned a thing or two. Instantly, she put on a disdainful look at Bai Nuanxi.
"You secured the lead role in this drama because of your connections, and now you have the audacity to recommend someone else to me? Haha..." After saying that, Zhao Tingting turned and walked away.
Bai Nuanxi rolled her eyes secretly, thinking, "Dare to speak to your superior like that—be careful you don't get your salary deducted or face some subtle retribution when you get back!"
"Connections? Bai Nuanxi, did you use the Huo family's influence to snatch this role? You disgust me." Hearing the word 'connections,' Bai Jia'an immediately thought of the Huo family.
After all, Bai Nuanxi had married the business tycoon Huo Muchen. With such a powerful backing, what could she not do?
But hadn't she already told Bai Nuanxi before? Bai Nuanxi had fully believed her and avoided Huo Muchen like the plague, so why would she now accept something from him?
Could it be that Bai Nuanxi was just pretending to agree with her?
"Bai Jia'an, you're truly foolish. I don't have the patience to argue with you." With that, Bai Nuanxi headed in the direction Zhao Tingting had left to find her.
Bai Nuanxi found Zhao Tingting at a corner. "Tingting, I'm here."
"Alright, let's go. I'll take you to meet the director. I know the director of this production; I'll put in a word for you. He shouldn't make things too difficult for you."
"Director Wang, long time no see." Zhao Tingting walked over and hugged Director Wang.
"Hey, it's you! It's really been a long time." Director Wang saw his old friend and smiled with joy.
Zhao Tingting nodded and pushed Bai Nuanxi forward. "Of course. Director Wang, let me introduce you to someone—this is Bai Nuanxi, a promising newcomer from our company. I hope you won't make things difficult for her on my account."
Director Wang naturally wanted to give Zhao Tingting face, but he still had his principles. "I won't make things difficult for anyone you bring in, but if her acting skills are lacking, I won't let her off easy!"
Zhao Tingting laughed, "Director Wang, you must be joking. Would I bring out an actor whose skills are lacking?" Zhao Tingting's words left a hidden implication. She mentioned actors with poor skills, but Bai Nuanxi isn't an actor—she's the boss!
Bai Nuanxi clearly noticed this, but she didn't say anything. If acting depended on life experience, then she had nothing to worry about.
"That's true. Alright, come with me and we'll shoot the promotional video."
"Okay, Director Wang." After greeting Zhao Tingting, Bai Nuanxi followed Director Wang.
"Miss Zhao, do you remember me?" As soon as Bai Nuanxi left, Bai Jia'an appeared, smiling humbly at Zhao Tingting.
It hadn't even been long since they last met. Zhao Tingting pursed her lips and nodded, "Of course."
Bai Jia'an smiled and said, "Miss Zhao, do you have a grudge against Bai Nuanxi?" She had guessed this based on Zhao Tingting's attitude towards Bai Nuanxi earlier.
Zhao Tingting thought for a moment and nodded. "So what if I do?"
"I'd like to apologize on behalf of my sister. I'm truly sorry. Her personality has been spoiled by our family. She's the eldest daughter, and everyone dotes on her, which led to her current attitude. I'm really sorry." Bai Jia'an clasped her hands together, apologizing sincerely.
"What are you to her? You two don't seem close. If that's the case, why do you have the right to apologize for her?"
"I... To tell you the truth, it's because I'm her younger sister, and I took away some of Daddy and Mommy's affection. That's why Bai Nuanxi holds a grudge against me. But I'm innocent too. If I could control Daddy and Mommy, I'd definitely ask them not to like me and to treat my sister better."