The Abused Heroine Stops Pretending [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 38.2

Tang Jing didn’t comment much. Her sole purpose in taking this role was to build momentum for Meng Xue. If judged by her usual standards for selecting scripts, this one would have been the first to be rejected.

Ying Tianhe was worried Tang Jing might criticize it. While Tang Jing was reading the script, Ying kept glancing at her, relieved when she saw no signs of dissatisfaction though she also felt a little disappointed.

Given the current market and the requirements for promoting Meng Xue as a newcomer, this script was the best available.

In fact, many had fought for it. It was only by leveraging Tang Jing’s reputation that Ying managed to persuade Director Zhao to agree to cast Meng Xue as the second female lead.

The script had plenty of flaws, and every time Ying picked it up, she felt the urge to nitpick. Now, not hearing Tang Jing’s usual critiques felt oddly unsettling.

The car stopped at a snack street near Hengdian, a bustling area mostly frequented by extras, though some crews also ordered boxed meals there.

The three of them stepped out of the car. With hats and masks on, they weren’t recognized, but Tang Jing and Meng Xue’s striking presence still drew sidelong glances from passersby.

Zhao Kuang, who had been waiting at a private restaurant, immediately greeted Tang Jing warmly upon seeing her. “Teacher Tang, I finally got you here! I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”

His words completely ignored Meng Xue.

Ying Tianhe glanced at Meng Xue with concern, but the latter remained composed, standing behind Tang Jing with a polite smile as she greeted Director Zhao.

Whether intentional or not, Zhao Kuang responded dismissively before eagerly guiding Tang Jing to her seat to chat.

Ying Tianhe motioned for Meng Xue to sit down.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tang Jing asked, “Director Zhao, when do you plan to start filming?”

Zhao Kuang smiled. “We’re still missing a few actors like the second female lead, Su Xiaoran.”

Meng Xue was auditioning for Su Xiaoran.

Tang Jing introduced her. “This is Meng Xue, an artist from our company. She used to work in Korea and recently returned. Hearing you had a good script, I brought her along to take a look.”

Ying Tianhe scoffed inwardly good script, my foot, but maintained a polite smile.

Meng Xue, however, kept her gaze fixed on Tang Jing. No matter the situation, Teacher Tang was always captivating.

Hearing the acclaimed actress praise his script, Zhao Kuang beamed with delight and finally spared a glance at Meng Xue.

Noting her gentle yet radiant beauty, he exclaimed in surprise, “Miss Meng is quite stunning!”

Meng Xue smiled faintly.

“But,” Zhao Kuang frowned, looking troubled as he turned back to Tang Jing. “Teacher Tang, it’s not that I don’t want to cast Miss Meng, it’s just Su Xiaoran, as you know, is a spoiled rich second-generation heiress, even nicknamed ‘Little Siren.’ Someone like Miss Meng.”

Tang Jing’s expression remained neutral, but her eyes turned cold.

Ying Tianhe also felt displeased. They had already reached an agreement beforehand, yet now he was backing out.

No doubt some investor had pushed their own candidate in. After all, the chance to act alongside Tang Jing was something countless people in the industry would fight tooth and nail for.

But Tang Jing had only agreed to this project on the condition that Meng Xue secured the second female lead role.

“So, Director Zhao already has someone else in mind?” Tang Jing said calmly.

Zhao Kuang rubbed his hands together with a sheepish grin. “You know how it is, our show needs investors, and it’s hard to say no. Teacher Tang, what do you thin?”

Tang Jing remained composed. “Director Zhao, my agent should have already discussed this with you beforehand.”

Zhao Kuang’s smile stiffened, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.

“If we can’t come to an agreement, then forget it.” Tang Jing stood up decisively.

“Ah, Teacher Tang, let’s talk this over!” Zhao Kuang panicked, reaching out to grab her hand, but she sidestepped him.

Too frantic to notice her evasion, Zhao Kuang was terrified she might actually leave. If she walked away now, the impact on their show would be devastating.

Though he was full of himself, even he knew their script was far beneath Tang Jing’s standards. The only reason she had agreed to this project was to help promote Meng Xue, the newcomer.

But the investor had threatened to pull funding unless his precious daughter was cast as Su Xiaoran. Zhao Kuang had gambled on breaking Meng Xue’s spirit first ignoring her, then making things difficult, hoping she’d back down.

He never expected Tang Jing, usually so aloof and reserved, to step in for her.

Tang Jing took Meng Xue’s hand and walked out. Ying Tianhe lingered behind, her expression icy. “Zhao Kuang, seems you’ve lost interest in this collaboration.” With that, she turned and left.

Zhao Kuang groaned, pounding his chest in frustration. Once the investor found out Tang Jing had backed out, he’d surely withdraw his funding.

In one fell swoop, Zhao Kuang had lost both the battle and the war.

“Teacher Tang,” Meng Xue struggled to keep up with Tang Jing’s long strides, jogging beside her. Seeing Tang Jing’s anger, guilt gnawed at her. “Maybe I should ask Sister Ying to find me another project. Please don’t upset Director Zhao on my account.”

After five years abroad, Meng Xue had learned one hard rule: never offend directors. They all knew each other, and crossing one could cost you countless opportunities.

But she didn’t realize the rules were different back home here, an actor’s status and skill mattered most.

Especially someone like Tang Jing, a dual-award-winning actress. Directors didn’t pick her; she picked them. Zhao Kuang wasn’t even on her radar.

Ying Tianhe, catching up, scoffed. “Who does Zhao Kuang think he is? If there weren’t so few decent scripts lately, I wouldn’t have even glanced at his mess of a show. It’s riddled with flaws, I wouldn’t know where to start criticizing.”

Tang Jing pressed her lips together. “I was mistaken. We don’t have to stick to TV dramas.”

Ying Tianhe paused, then brightened. “You mean?”

“Let’s go back to my roots.”

Tang Jing had risen to fame through films, she had far more experience there than with TV.

“Exactly!” Ying Tianhe grinned. “I’ve got a few movie scripts on hand. I’ll help you sift through them when we get back.”

“But what about this?” Meng Xue glanced at the Dark Colors script in her hand.

Ying Tianhe snatched it away. “Straight into the shredder when we get back. We’re not doing this show.”

Noticing onlookers starting to stare, Tang Jing tightened her grip on Meng Xue’s wrist. “Let’s go. We’ll talk at home.”

“Teacher Tang! Teacher Tang!” Zhao Kuang’s voice rang out as he sprinted toward them. “We’ll collaborate! No auditions needed, we’ll sign the contract right now!”

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