She Said She Has Feelings For Someone - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Confidence — I’ll go with you.

Due to that previous episode, the celebration banquet ended up being quite large. Min Wutong had even decided to treat it as an investment fair for the next season of Silence is Gold. Consequently, almost every person of status in the industry had gathered here.

When Lu Shuyu arrived, Xia Leshuang and the others hadn’t appeared yet. As the “Golden Sisters” group, the guests were scheduled to film a collective vlog today and participate in a photo session at the signature wall.

Scanning the room, the banquet hall was filled mostly with women in suits and flat shoes. They looked relaxed, and the atmosphere was harmonious, which helped ease Lu Shuyu’s nerves.

“Shuyu!” Xiang Wan was the first to notice her.

Lu Shuyu walked over with a smile. “President Xiang, President Shen.”

She was surprised not to see Qian Rong, but Shen Jun explained, “Xiao Rong will be coming later with President Min.”

“PD Lu!” A voice called out from behind her.

Lu Shuyu turned and saw someone she definitely hadn’t expected. “President Que,” she acknowledged with a nod.

None of them expected Que Ying to show up. After the unpleasant fallout at the Spring Orchid event, both sides had tacitly agreed to minimize contact. Xiang Wan, in particular, who had once been on good terms with Que Ying, hadn’t contacted her since learning what had happened that day.

“President Shen and President Xiang are here too. What a coincidence,” Que Ying said, beaming.

In the end, they were all mature professionals in a social setting; Shen Jun and Xiang Wan weren’t going to make a scene. Shen Jun, always cordial, offered some polite small talk to diffuse the tension. “President Que looks well. I heard you’ve invested in a new project; things must be going smoothly.”

Que Ying gave a dismissive wave. “Just a small project.” Despite calling it small, she couldn’t hide her smug expression. Xiang Wan smiled without speaking, while Lu Shuyu felt a headache coming on and wanted to flee.

Que Ying continued, “Of course, the hottest major project right now is still Silence is Gold~ Even though President Zhou was upset that President Min didn’t give him face and the partnership fell through, I feel like I’ve personally witnessed the show’s growth.”

Lu Shuyu tried to turn away, but Que Ying stopped her again. “PD Lu, you’re very famous now. I heard many platforms want to collaborate with you.”

What is she doing? How am I supposed to respond to this? Lu Shuyu complained internally, though her smile remained fixed. “President Que flatters me. I’m blushing.”

“No need to be humble,” Que Ying laughed, a pointed look in her eyes. “If you ever have a falling out with President Min, you can always come find me~”

“As expected of President Que—poaching my people right in front of me.”

Min Wutong had arrived. Lu Shuyu breathed a sigh of relief.

Que Ying’s smile stiffened slightly as she turned. “President Min, you’ve arrived just in time.”

If her instincts weren’t wrong, Lu Shuyu sensed a strange surge of hostility. Min Wutong noticed it too and gave a light laugh. “I recall that my invitation list didn’t—” She paused, glanced at Xiang Wan as if realizing something, and said, “Then again, President Que naturally has her ways.”

She didn’t leave her any face. Even Xiang Wan, one of the involved parties, couldn’t help but shuffle to the side. Though she was a victim of that day’s scheme, it was her last-minute absence and trust in Que Ying that had allowed the opening. Every time it was mentioned, she felt a mix of irritation and guilt.

Que Ying’s expression was rigid as she attempted to smooth things over. “Don’t misunderstand, President Min. I’m here representing Star Universe today.”

“Oh~ Star Universe.” Min Wutong narrowed her eyes, speaking the name as if she had never heard of it. “Well, I wish you a pleasant ‘representing’.”

She walked away immediately, and Que Ying didn’t stay either, turning to leave. Lu Shuyu finally caught her breath and greeted Qian Rong. “President Qian.”

Qian Rong smiled. “Your President Min’s arrogance is becoming truly peerless.”

Xiang Wan moved back into the circle. “Well, Silence is Gold was a massive hit, and she’s signed several gems. I heard the Cherry TV Film Department has been swamped lately with invitations for major productions.”

“True,” Shen Jun agreed. “Especially for Best Actress Xia; her future is incredibly bright.”

Lately, Lu Shuyu had been so busy with preparations for the second season that she hadn’t paid attention to the rising popularity of the guests. In their group chat, they seemed the same as ever, just busier.

Seeing the blank look in her eyes, Qian Rong teased, “PD Lu is a shining gold nugget herself now; she doesn’t even notice the light from others anymore~”

Lu Shuyu’s composure shattered. She waved her hands frantically. “No, no! I’ve just been so focused on Season 2 that I forgot to keep track.”

As they discussed the second season, a few screams erupted from outside. “Looks like the guests have arrived,” Xiang Wan said.

Lu Shuyu used the commotion to slip toward the entrance. Through the crowd, she saw the “Golden Sisters” posing at the signature wall. Xia Leshuang stood with her back to the door, looking tall and dashing in a high-end black tailored suit. She was a total eye-catcher. Lu Shuyu herself was wearing a white suit with a similar cut; it was hard not to suspect Min Wutong had intentionally made them look like a couple.

Suddenly, the figure in black turned sideways, and their eyes met. The look was brief, but Lu Shuyu caught the flash of surprise in Xia Leshuang’s eyes, followed by a relaxed, warm smile.

Once everyone was present, the production crew sat at one table, the guests sat next to the investors, and Min Wutong had several other tables for famous directors and industry figures. There were also a few unfamiliar girls accompanying the renowned director Luo Le and screenwriter Rong Shu—likely new talents they were mentoring.

One person among them was quite conspicuous—not just because he was one of the few men present, but because Lu Shuyu recognized him.

“Is that Director Xia?” Chi Shan whispered. “Did he come to support Teacher Xia?”

Xia Ye’s presence was indeed surprising. To an outsider, it might look like a display of fatherly devotion.

“But where is Actress Xu?” Chi Shan scanned the room. According to their long-standing marketing, this “model couple” went everywhere together.

Lu Shuyu’s heart stirred. It seemed that, at the very least, Xu Ruyue and Xia Ye were not entirely the same.

“I knew that ‘model couple’ marketing was fake,” Chi Shan shook her head. “The more people lack something, the more they show it off. Tsk tsk.”

Lu Shuyu couldn’t help but laugh. “Keep it down before someone hears you.”

…

A moment later, Min Wutong took the stage. She remained her usual self, wearing a Klein blue suit with an emerald green silk shirt, standing under the spotlight looking bold and arrogant.

“Oh boy,” Chi Shan shielded her eyes. “Too bright. But aren’t you going up to say something today?”

Lu Shuyu rolled her eyes. “Have mercy on me, will you?”

Chi Shan giggled. Lu Shuyu instinctively looked toward Xia Leshuang and caught her eye again. Xia Leshuang quickly looked down, appearing to hide her phone under the table. A second later, Lu Shuyu’s pocket vibrated.

— Is today going smoothly?

Lu Shuyu smiled and replied under the table: With such a reassuring word from Teacher Xia, of course it’s smooth~

That night, she hadn’t had the chance to respond to Xia’s “I’ll stay by your side” comment because the actress had been called back to work. Amazingly, even though it was just one sentence, and she knew Xia couldn’t literally be there every second, the words had taken root and grown into a giant tree in her heart. Even when Xia Leshuang wasn’t beside her, she provided Lu Shuyu with immense confidence.

The phone vibrated again. — Let’s take a photo together later?

A photo? Lu Shuyu realized that in all the time she’d known Xia Leshuang, they didn’t have a single photo together. She smiled and replied: Sure!

…

Once the opening ceremony ended, Lu Shuyu moved toward Xia Leshuang, but someone blocked her path. “PD Lu, hello! I’ve heard so much about you!” The man was in a sharp suit, not very tall, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He looked… respectable enough on the outside.

“Hello,” Lu Shuyu gave a professional smile. “And you are?”

The man smiled and handed her a business card. When she saw the title, she was incredulous. The head of the Variety Department for the Heart Platform?

“This is…?” she asked, confused.

“If PD Lu is interested, Heart is always welcoming.”

Lu Shuyu’s smile almost faltered. Poaching someone at their own celebration banquet? Bold move. “Mr. Lin, thank you. For collaboration matters, you can contact Cherry TV’s relevant department.”

Fortunately, Luo Le and Rong Shu were passing by. Lu Shuyu grabbed them. “Director Luo! Screenwriter Rong!” Once the man left, she sighed. “Thank you both for passing by!”

Luo Le and Rong Shu were a famous director-screenwriter wife-and-wife duo. They had recently opened a production company to mentor female creators. Min Wutong had decided to start her director variety show because of them.

“PD Lu is too kind,” Luo Le smiled. “Congratulations on your success. We’re looking forward to our future collaboration.”

The two raised their glasses—champagne shimmering in the light—as a friendly gesture. Lu Shuyu instinctively reached for her own glass, but a hand beat her to it.

“PD Lu doesn’t have a high tolerance for alcohol. I’ll drink for her.”

Luo Le was surprised, then apologized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know PD Lu couldn’t drink.” In the directing world, alcohol was a social staple.

“In that case, none of us will drink.” Rong Shu set her glass down and reached out. “PD Lu, I look forward to working with you.”

Lu Shuyu shook her hand warmly. “Me too. I look forward to chatting about our collaboration over tea in a more comfortable environment next time.”

…

After saying goodbye to them, Lu Shuyu and Xia Leshuang walked to the signature wall. The background was the Silence is Gold logo—the perfect spot. They stood on either side of the logo and snapped a photo.

“Let’s take another one,” Xia Leshuang said.

Lu Shuyu looked up from the screen and saw the nervous expectation in Xia’s eyes. She smiled and reached out, hooking her arm around Xia Leshuang’s neck. They pressed their cheeks together for a harmonious, intimate photo.

When the warmth and touch vanished, Lu Shuyu felt a bit awkward. She pulled out her phone. “Remember to send it to me.”

“Oh, okay.” Xia Leshuang’s fingers fumbled. “Did… did you get it?”

Before Lu Shuyu could reply, a voice suddenly called out:

“Peng Yue.” (Holding the Moon)

Sullen, malicious, and cold as a snake. Those two words instantly shattered the ambiguous atmosphere between them.

Xia Leshuang turned, shielding Lu Shuyu with her body. “Director Xia, can I help you?”

Xia Ye had a smile on his face, but his eyes were void of warmth. “Is it not normal for a father to want to say a few words to his daughter?”

“Let’s talk somewhere else.” Xia Leshuang didn’t even bother to feign a smile.

Xia Ye glanced at Lu Shuyu, then turned and walked away.

Exhaling softly, Xia Leshuang said, “I’ll go. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll go with you.” Lu Shuyu grabbed her sleeve, her expression worried and stern, brooking no refusal.

Xia Leshuang froze, then her smile softened. She nodded. “Okay. But stay a little distance away.”

Lu Shuyu thought she wanted privacy. “As long as I can see you.”

Xia Leshuang laughed and took Lu Shuyu’s hand. “Let’s go.”