Chapter 1: Encounter
T/N: MTL, accuracy not guaranteed
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After spending a whole day dressing up, Xia Lingying looked at herself in the mirror, adorned with heavy makeup, and revealed a faint bitter smile.
Xia Lingying, you have finally entered the mundane world, haven't you?
The person in the mirror, though expressionless, surpassed the morning dew in charm. The white, dazzling silver-trimmed long skirt was elegant yet not extravagant. As the body gently moved, the long skirt spread out, and every movement was graceful and charming like the wind brushing willow branches. The snow-white skin was as smooth as silk. The contours of the cheeks were gentle, and the jet-black hair had a natural, flowing curve as it cascaded down, inviting various imaginations about the sensation of fingertips lightly touching those strands. Xia Lingying's slender and beautiful eyes were slightly narrowed, revealing a chilling coldness within, and her entire being exuded a strong sense of detachment.
Having looked for a long time, Xia Lingying shook her head, sighed, picked up the bag on the table, and walked out the door. Today was the day the imposing Tian Huang, will choose the female lead for a soap opera with an investment of hundreds of millions. For the sake of her mother and her own dreams, even if Xia Lingying felt reluctant in her heart, she still followed the footsteps of others.
In the taxi, Xia Lingying looked out of the window. It was rush hour and the hustle and bustle of cars passing by, the smelly gases occasionally entering her nostrils, intensified the pain in her heart, and the yearning for her father grew stronger. The taxi driver occasionally stole glances at the ice beauty sitting in the front passenger seat, driving especially carefully. Xia Lingying remained indifferent. From childhood to adulthood, she had become accustomed to this "curious" gaze. Once, her father, who loved and protected her, used to accompany her, but now...
A conspicuous red Ferrari appeared on the crowded road. It was conspicuous not only because of its luxurious body but also because it was driven by a beautiful woman. Compared with Xia Lingying, it had a different flavor.
Her long hair, dyed in a coffee color, casually cascaded over her shoulders. On the palm-sized face, she sported a pair of black sunglasses. With skin fairer than snow, her enticing figure couldn't be concealed by the dazzling red long skirt. She slightly lifted her head, gazing at the congested roundabout. Her attractive eyes furrowed, muttering something under her breath as she picked up the phone nearby.
Xia Lingying stared blankly, recalling a time when she was carefree like that. Her father, engaged in the fur business, had built a prosperous family. From the establishment of the company, everything went smoothly. Following his successes in fur, he ventured into catering and clothing, solidifying his position in the business world. What propelled him to the pinnacle of his career was when he founded Tian Huang Entertainment Company. Her father was amiable, especially loving towards his only precious daughter. He promised Xia Lingying that after she graduates from the film academy, the entire entertainment company would be handed over to her. At that time, Xia Lingying didn't fully grasp the significance, and being a calm person, she didn't dwell on it. This was because she didn't realize that all the glory she possessed was bestowed by her father's influence. Until one day, her splendid dreams were shattered. Her father's company was easily seized by once-"loyal" subordinates. To evade creditors, he fled alone to the United States, leaving her behind, who was still a child, and her mother, who deeply loved him, with no word since then.
Only now did Xia Lingying understand, only now did she realize that she was no longer the princess adored by millions. Her father's former friends had turned into creditors, and the once kind smiles transformed into the sinister faces of debt collectors. Now, she was nothing more than a bastard no one wants.
A sharp gaze interrupted Xia Lingying's reverie. The woman in the car was looking at her through the pedestrian crossing. Removing her black sunglasses, she revealed beautiful eyes. Her rosy lips lifted slightly. Xia Lingying unconsciously shook her head, avoiding her gaze. The kind of scrutiny that seemed to see through everything made her uncomfortable from the depths of her heart.
Arriving at the destination, Xia Lingying stepped out of the car. Even before reaching the scene, she heard the buzzing crowd. Xia Lingying frowned, looked up at the bustling central stage, sighed, and walked slowly towards it.
"Are you Xia Ran's daughter?"
Xia Lingying turned abruptly towards the voice, and there she saw the same beautiful and proud woman. The woman looked at her with a complex expression in her eyes.
Although she didn't get any answer from Xia Lingying, she still nodded affirmatively after a moment.
"Resembles, really resembles."
After speaking, the woman shook her head and walked slowly towards the company. People passing by looked at her, all respectfully making way. As if accustomed, she enjoyed the queen-level treatment with a calm and justified demeanor.
Unaware that because of that woman's words, the entire crowd of nearly ten thousand interviewees became her companions during the audition.
After waiting for a whole day at the audition, Xia Lingying was not dissatisfied at all, unlike other participants. She just quietly stood in line and waited.
When it was her turn to take the stage, facing the judges, she was not nervous but felt relaxed like never before.
The stage was familiar to her.
The performance was her sincere interpretation.
Xiao Nian, I will take back what I have lost.
Her pure beauty, domineering performance, and queen-like demeanor won her unanimous praise from the judges. It wasn't until this moment that Xia Lingying finally lifted her head to look at the judges on the opposite side. In just an instant, her eyes flashed.
Is it her again?
With the same playful smile and the same lazy expression, at the judging site of thousands of people, she arrogantly half-layed on the table. She delicately sipped red wine with her slender right hand, emitting a lazy aura throughout her body like a cat. Feeling Xia Lingying's gaze, the woman lifted her head, and with her fox-like bewitching eyes, she thoughtfully swept over Xia Lingying's cheeks. She smiled gently, resonating like an enchanting seductress.
Some young men waiting outside the door looked on with faces full of excitement and anticipation. They eagerly awaited the queen's reception. However, Xia Lingying remained unmoved. After glancing at her nameplate, she turned away.
Xiao Moyan, Vice President of Tian Huang Entertainment.
Upon seeing it, Xia Lingying felt a chill in her heart. After bowing, she quickly walked out.
It's her, Xiao Nian's daughter, the daughter of the person who pushed her father into an abyss of calamity.
Xiao Moyan stared in the direction Xia Lingying left, a strange smile playing on his lips. He reached out and scribbled something whimsical on her name, arrogantly declaring,
"It's her."
Several people beside her sighed, shaking their sore shoulders. Their faces showed a relaxed expression, feeling tired. Finally, they concluded this utterly meaningless fashion show. One woman lifted her head and gazed towards the direction where Xia Lingying departed, shaking her head. What a pity, another flower about to wither.
After entering the big vat dye of the entertainment industry, who else can emerge from the filth without being stained and remain clean? It is a well-known "secret" in the industry that Vice President Xiao specializes in engaging with potential female stars. Even so, for the sake of fame, for money, and power, numerous beautiful women will still willingly throw themselves into her embrace. Such is the nature of this world; who can be blamed? Xiao Moyan's taste seems rather unique, and the women who catch her eye are extremely few. Therefore, from beginning to end, she has not stirred up any major incidents. Her father, Xiao Ning*, turns a blind eye to his daughter's decadent lifestyle due to a sense of indebtedness, spending large sums of money to quell one peachy news after another for her. And Xiao Moyan becomes increasingly indulgent.
*not sure but could be a typo, it's supposed to be Xiao Nian
After the audition, Xia Lingying was left alone. She was still dressed in white and sitting on the black sofa in the Vice President's office, waiting for Xiao Moyan's arrival.
“Sorry for the wait.”
Xiao Moyan pushed open the door and walked in with a smile, but in this short moment, she had changed into another outfit. Wearing a fitted black suit, she looked handsome yet graceful, appearing tall and straight. The black color accentuated her already fair cheeks, making them even more crystal clear. Around her neck, she wore a thin platinum necklace, adding a touch of nobility and elegance. As if aware of Xia Lingying's gaze, Xiao Moyan lifted her head and smiled as she met Xia Lingying's eyes. After noticing the coldness in her eyes, there was a moment of surprise in Xiao Moyan's beautiful eyes, but it quickly vanished.
Xiao Moyan sat on the boss' chair, crossed her legs, and stared at Xia Lingying
"Do you know why I called you here?" she inquired.
Xia Lingying shook her head. Truth be told, she genuinely didn't know why Xiao Moyan had summoned her, and she harbored doubts about her "high school" performance today. While she performed well, amidst the thousands of talented individuals, she was by no means the most outstanding.
Xiao Moyan thoroughly observed Xia Lingying's expression, intensifying her smile as she rocked the boss’ chair and chuckled.
"No need to be nervous, I'm not a bad person." Xiao Moyan reassured, wearing a charming smile.
Despite this, Xia Lingying remained indifferent, feeling a chill from the depths of her heart. How could someone with such a nonchalant attitude possibly hold the position of Vice President at Tian Huang?
Xiao Moyan saw Xia Lingying's disgusted expression but still smiled brightly.
"I know you must look down on me now, and you probably think I don't deserve to have this position that should have belonged to you."
Upon hearing it, Xia Lingying's beautiful eyes widened abruptly, and she stared at Xiao Moyan without blinking.
Xiao Moyan seemed quite satisfied with the impact of her words, as she set down the pen in her hand. Leaning slightly back in the boss chair, her elbows resting on it, she interlocked her fingers, looking at Xia Lingying with a thoughtful gaze.
"I can give you everything you desire – money, material possessions, benefits, including the leading role in this drama as the female lead."
"What do you want?"
Unexpectedly, Xia Lingying didn't let her continue speaking but abruptly interrupted Xiao Moyan's words.
She is no longer the young and ignorant rich young lady from the past. Xia Lingying understands that to gain, one must first give.
The originally pleasant atmosphere vanished with these words. Xiao Moyan displeased, frowned and paused, then looked at Xia Lingying with a suddenly sharp gaze.
"What do I want?"
Xia Lingying felt uneasy with her sudden change and subconsciously took two steps back.
Xiao Moyan noticed Xia Lingying's tension, eased her demeanor, and revealed a playful smile on her face. She stood up, pushed the boss chair aside with her right hand, took light steps with her long legs, circled the table, and walked to Xia Lingying's side. With both hands supporting the sides of the sofa, she enclosed Xia Lingying, gazing intently into her bright eyes.
"The unspoken rules* of the entertainment industry, I believe you understand. What I want, do you not know?”
*certain practices in some industries that are more or less unethical but are tacitly agreed upon by people within to ease up the process or gain advantage and favors. In the entertainment industry, it's usually sexual favors for a career boost
“Hehe~"
Playfully chuckling, the refreshing scent of mint danced into the nostrils, meeting Xiao Moyan's amber eyes. In that fleeting moment, Xia Lingying was momentarily lost in thought.
After a moment, she immediately leaned back, vigorously shaking her head. Xia Lingying, feeling a bit flustered, grabbed her bag from the sofa and swiftly walked out of the president's office, almost as if escaping.
The door closed with a heavy thud, yet the woman sitting on the sofa displayed no trace of anger on her face. She continued to squint her eyes, watching Xia Lingying's departing figure, a slight smile playing on her lips.
After a while, Xiao Moyan took the phone and dialed
"Xiao* Lin, it's me, Xiao Moyan."
*小 means little or young, different from the character used for Xiao Moyan's surname 萧
“...”
"Tell all the major entertainment companies that anyone who values me, Xiao Moyan, should freeze Xia Ling Ying."
Author's Note:
Yezi’s* new article is written with great care.
*adding -zi to the name is a cutesy way of addressing someone or oneself
Different attempts, hope everyone likes it.
Hoho, the first chapter, everyone raise your hand for Yezi to see!