Ruoxue is very angry.
"If VX were Dior or Coach, I might understand, but a small brand just starting to expand in the mainland, and they don't even take me seriously!" she snapped. "I'm not going!"
Her manager, Sui Yu, who had been in the entertainment industry for years and was an old veteran of Chengqian Entertainment, was used to calming her down. Despite her calm demeanor, she wasn't pushy or as sharp as many others in the industry, almost like a nurturing teacher. When Sui Yu spoke, it was hard for Ruoxue to argue directly.
"Come on, stop throwing a tantrum and think long term," Sui Yu said patiently, her tone soothing.
"But Yu Jie, this really isn't fair! VX clearly thinks Zoe is more important than me, don't they?" Ruoxue countered, her voice still laced with anger.
Sui Yu tried to reason with her, "In all fairness, Zoe picked the dress first. You insisted on picking something she had already chosen, and that's not reasonable."
"VX should've sent me the dress first! Why am I picking from what Zoe left behind?" Ruoxue was still fuming.
Sui Yu let out a soft sigh. "Don't forget, Zoe may be a newcomer, but she was just a guest at VX's big show, and the collaboration went really well. You don't have that kind of connection with them."
Ruoxue's face flushed with frustration. "Yu Jie, are you saying I'm not as good as Zoe just because of some 'connection'?"
Sui Yu was well aware of Ruoxue's temperament. Ruoxue had been handpicked by her, and her journey had been smooth sailing so far—protected by the company, with no real struggles. She had competed with a few main rivals, but nothing had truly tested her. In terms of social dynamics and understanding the complexities of the industry, Ruoxue wasn't as sharp as someone like Zoe. However, Sui Yu didn't see this as a flaw—it was better for an actress to retain a little innocence in the industry. Keeping some purity in her heart would make her more invested when acting.
Sui Yu put a hand on Ruoxue's shoulder and said, **"It's not about 'connections.' It's about you not lowering yourself to fight over something with a small star. Do you remember what I told you when you started? If someone less capable than you tries to provoke you, don't waste your time reacting. No one will think you're losing to them—they'll just think you're dealing with a mad dog. You shouldn't lower yourself to their level. No matter how good Zoe's connection with VX is, she's not right for the endorsement role. But you, Ruoxue, you are the perfect candidate. Think long term. Once you get the VX endorsement, you'll have plenty of opportunities to work with them again. And when the time comes, you'll be more than just a 'connection.' You'll be true partners, and that's where the real value lies. Don't lose the big picture over a small matter."
Her words struck a chord with Ruoxue, and her anger slowly dissipated.
"Yu Jie, am I being immature?" Ruoxue suddenly opened her arms and hugged Sui Yu, her tone almost childlike. "Ugh, when will I ever control my temper?"
Sui Yu smiled and patted her shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with that, I like this side of you. I don't like the meek version. As long as you stick to the principles, don't worry about anything else. I've got your back."
"Yu Jie, you're the best!"
...
On May 1st, at the opening ceremony, when Zoe encountered Ruoxue in the dressing room, Ruoxue was wearing a stunning golden gown, her hair elegantly styled with a golden leaf accessory. She looked like a goddess straight out of a European myth, absolutely breathtaking. Zoe, on the other hand, wore the sea-blue dress she had chosen earlier, her black hair cascading over one shoulder—two very different yet equally striking styles.
"Ruoxue, you look absolutely gorgeous today! How can I even dare to stand next to you?" another invited guest, Cheng Jialin, exclaimed in awe.
Ruoxue smiled modestly. "Oh please, where's your flaw? You're just as beautiful today."
Cheng Jialin gave Zoe a sidelong glance, sighing. "You two sisters from the same company really are unreal. It's almost unfair how stunning you both are."
Zoe smiled sweetly, her face tinged with a bit of shyness. "Jialin Jie, you're making me blush."
Ruoxue raised her hand, flashing a wide smile. "Come on, Zoe, let's take a picture together!"
Zoe was a bit surprised. "Does she want to create a 'sisterhood' image in front of everyone?" she thought to herself. But regardless of her thoughts, she still stepped forward and stood beside Ruoxue.
The two embraced and took several pictures together—holding hands, hugging, and even cheek-to-cheek shots. The camera flashes went off non-stop.
The VX opening ceremony had seven invited celebrity guests, but the majority of the guests were socialites—VX's future core customer base. Zoe wasn't particularly familiar with them, but Ruoxue and Cheng Jialin seemed to be old friends with many of the prominent guests, laughing and chatting easily.
Just then, a familiar voice called out to Zoe.
"Xiaoyun."
Zoe turned and saw Chen Fusi, whom she hadn't seen in a while.
"Mr. Chen!" Zoe was a little surprised. "Long time no see."
"I was handling some things in Hong Kong recently. Just got back." Chen Fusi smiled slightly. "I saw the video of you walking in the big show the other day. You really suit VX."
Zoe smiled faintly, lowering her gaze. "I think so too."
"I heard you'll be starting filming in June?" Chen Fusi asked.
"Yes," Zoe nodded.
"If you have time, I'll visit the set."
Zoe knew Chen Fusi was interested in her, but she wasn't in the mood to entertain such thoughts.
"Mr. Chen, I'm currently embroiled in some rumors."
"Don't worry, no one will spread rumors." Chen Fusi said with a confident, almost playful smile.
As they were talking, suddenly, Ruoxue walked over.
"Mr. Chen! You've finally returned from Hong Kong!" Ruoxue greeted, her posture showing familiarity, even adding an extra touch of warmth in her smile—something unusual for her. "You know Zoe too?"
Chen Fusi smiled knowingly. "Yes, she's from the same company as you, right?"
"That's right," Ruoxue replied. She took a step back and struck a pose, asking, "Mr. Chen, how do you think this outfit looks on me?"
Chen Fusi responded smoothly, "You look divine."
Ruoxue smiled confidently, flashing a perfect set of white teeth, which seemed ready for a toothpaste commercial.
Chen Fusi then asked, "Your manager, Yu Jie, isn't here today?"
"Yu Jie? She had something to take care of but will be here soon. Why, do you need to talk to her?"
"We'll talk later," he said, then turned to walk away.
As Zoe was about to turn and leave, Cheng Jialin suddenly appeared beside her and whispered in her ear, "It must be frustrating having Ruoxue as your senior, right?"
Zoe looked at Cheng Jialin, surprised by her sudden change in attitude. Just moments ago, she had been singing Ruoxue's praises, but now there was a tinge of jealousy in her gaze.
"She's like that—can't stand anyone doing better than her. You're probably going through a lot because of it," Cheng Jialin said with a pat on Zoe's shoulder, as though she completely understood Zoe's situation.
Zoe felt a strange mix of emotions. "..."