Chapter 19: The Drinking Party
Soon, Hu Yun went to Bai Jiajia to boast, her face beaming with excitement:
"It's done, Sister Jia. She agreed."
Bai Jiajia wore an inscrutable expression, as though everything unfolded according to her design.
"But Sister Jia, I still don't understand. You're handing such a prime role to her for free. Aren't you afraid she'll skyrocket to fame with this chance? Didn't you waste all that effort suppressing her before?"
"What do you know? That role's notoriously difficult. With her measly experience from minor supporting parts, how could she possibly deliver? She's just cannon fodder at best..."
"The key is—this movie's packed with fight scenes for the female lead. If an 'accident' happens, who'd bother investigating? This way... it'll vanish without a trace."
Bai Jiajia smirked triumphantly as Hu Yun nodded in dawning comprehension.
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In the hospital room, Yun Xinyu meticulously practiced her lines, murmuring to herself as her expressions shifted with the script's emotional beats—now sorrowful, now tender, now jubilant.
Yet the dialogue carried a nagging familiarity, particularly in its phrasing and cadence...
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Yun Xinyu possessed extraordinary memory and learning abilities.
When she'd first entered acting years ago, she'd mastered every essential skill and theory, though perpetual minor roles left few opportunities to shine.
She'd worked as a stunt double, studying taekwondo and sanda for years to hone her combat choreography skills. This allowed her to absorb fight sequences rapidly, earning admiration from martial arts coaches who praised her time-saving efficiency.
Her photographic memory resulted from relentless training rather than innate talent. During downtime, she memorized English novels and vocabulary through innovative techniques until her recall became lightning-fast. Her improved fluency even led to side work as a tour guide, explaining intricate historical sites to foreign visitors.
Later, she began memorizing classical poetry and literary essays—sharpening her Chinese script retention while immersing herself in language, steadily preparing for her ultimate dream of becoming an editor.
Bai Jiajia had gravely underestimated her.
Lacking industry connections, Yun Xinyu understood better than anyone the necessity of relentless self-improvement. While Bai Jiajia preened for producers and directors, Yun Xinyu dissected the nuanced expressions of international actors. While Bai Jiajia skimmed lines before rushing to touch up her makeup, Yun Xinyu drilled textbooks and scripts until they etched into her mind.
Bai Jiajia's arrogance stemmed from pure delusion—a fatal underestimation.
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Yun Xinyu's script study was interrupted by a call from Ruo Huanhuan, a friend from her early acting days who'd since rocketed to A-list stardom through a lead role. Yun Xinyu remained stagnant, lingering beyond the third-tier periphery.
"Hey, Xinyu?"
"Yeah?"
"I need a huge favor. Please help me!"
"What is it?"
"I know you're tough—that's why I'm asking. I accidentally caught the eye of an entertainment CEO. He's forcing me to attend this high-profile drinking party—basically a private biz meet with industry heavyweights. If I refuse, he'll blacklist me. But going alone? It's dangerous! I've stayed pure for my childhood sweetheart all these years... I clawed my way up to the A-list. I can't lose everything now! He'll pay me afterward—I'll give you every penny!"
"No. This sounds like compensated dating."
"What choice do I have? If I say no, my career's over! Just watch my back—don't let him touch me!"
"And if someone targets me instead?"
"With your skills? You could handle drunk ninjas! Please? I'll give you 300,000—my entire fee!"
"...Let me think."
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To go or not?
If she went: What if things spiraled beyond control?
If she refused: What if Ruo Huanhuan got assaulted? Wouldn't that make her complicit?
300,000 wasn't trivial. With her upcoming film schedule leaving no time for side jobs, her father's mounting medical bills demanded immediate payment.
Besides—if she stayed sober, her taekwondo black belt could easily protect them both. Subduing multiple attackers? No sweat.
Resigned, Yun Xinyu agreed—it was her only viable option. The future? She'd face it later.
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"Xinyu? Decided?"
"Text me the time and place."
"7 PM tomorrow. Free?"
"Free. But I need formal wear."
"I'll lend you something conservative."
"Also—rumor says some secret tycoons will attend. Everything's confidential—appearances included. Just sit quietly, eat, don't draw attention. Avoid all drinks except what you pour yourself. Critical."
"Understood."
"Bye."
"Mm."
(End of Chapter)
