The Abused Heroine Stops Pretending [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 39

The contract signing was left to Ying Tianhe, while Tang Jing pulled Meng Xue into the car.

Meng Xue glanced back worriedly. “Teacher Tang, is it really okay for us not to go over there?”

“It’s fine.” Tang Jing reassured her, knowing what she was concerned about.

Before long, Ying Tianhe returned, slamming the car door shut as she got in, though her face was brimming with smug satisfaction. “Fighting me? Zhao Kuang is still way too green.”

Seeing Ying Tianhe like this, Meng Xue couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Her radiant smile made Tang Jing’s eyes darken for a moment before she quickly lowered her lashes, hiding her reaction.

Noticing her happiness, Ying Tianhe grinned and said, “Xiaoxue, go home and study the script carefully. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask Tang Jing. Don’t worry about bothering her, it’s not like she has anything better to do anyway.”

Tang Jing: “…”

Meng Xue looked at Tang Jing and frowned. “But doesn’t Teacher Tang also need to read the script?”

Ying Tianhe shot Tang Jing a sidelong glance. “This script is child’s play for her. She’ll memorize it with just a quick skim.”

Tang Jing: “…”

Meng Xue gazed at Tang Jing with admiration and blurted out, “Teacher Tang, you’re amazing.”

Under the glow of those sparkling eyes, Tang Jing’s heart skipped a beat. Her fingers clenched at her side, and for a moment, it felt as though time had frozen around them.

Ying Tianhe was initially surprised by Meng Xue’s fangirl expression, but when she caught Tang Jing’s flustered, bashful reaction, she burst into loud laughter.

The atmosphere instantly shifted.

Tang Jing shot her a resentful look.

Meng Xue, meanwhile, blinked at Ying Tianhe in confusion before realizing what she had just said. Her eyes darted away in embarrassment, too shy to meet Tang Jing’s gaze.

While watching the variety show, Ying Tianhe had been speculating about Tang Jing’s feelings for Meng Xue. Now, witnessing this scene firsthand, she confirmed her suspicions.

Tang Jing liked Xiaoxue.

Ying Tianhe wasn’t particularly surprised after all, Xiaoxue had a sweet personality and was beautiful. Anyone would be drawn to her.

She quickly accepted this fact.

Neither Tang Jing nor Meng Xue had any idea what she was thinking. Thanks to her laughter, the two of them now felt awkward.

Ying Tianhe paid them no mind. After dropping them off, she headed back to the company.

When news broke that Tang Jing would be starring in the TV drama Dark Colors, netizens were stunned especially Tang Jing’s fans, who were completely baffled.

[Tang Tang is acting in a TV drama, and she’s only playing the fifth female lead?]

[What the hell? They’re making our Tang Tang a supporting character?]

[Who are the male and female leads of this drama? They’ve got some nerve.]

[Oh, it’s these two. But still, Tang Tang shouldn’t be playing second fiddle.]

The CP fans who had emerged from Diverse Life also flooded in, eager for new content since there hadn’t been much lately. They checked out Tang Jing’s new drama, only to unexpectedly spot another familiar name on the promotional material.

[AHHHHHH MENG XUE IS IN THIS DRAMA TOO!]

[I’ve read the original novel, Meng Xue plays the second female lead!]

[The second lead and the fifth lead are supposed to be surface-level rivals but secret lovers.]

[OMG WHAT KIND OF INTENSE DYNAMIC IS THIS?? I NEED TO SEE IT NOW!]

The CP fans went wild, with many rushing to leave comments under the original novel’s page.

#JingShangNongXue# and #MengLiHuiTang#’s CP thread has been revived, with fans clamoring for the production team to start filming they can’t wait to see the two collaborate again.

Although their first collaboration was on a variety show, their chemistry on-screen was just as captivating as any meticulously scripted drama.

Coincidentally, the author of the novel Dark Fragrance turned out to be a fan of Tang Jing and Meng Xue’s pairing. Upon learning that the two would be playing the roles from her book, she was overjoyed and immediately reposted the production team’s promotional material, specifically highlighting Fu Wen and Su Xiaoran, the characters portrayed by Tang Jing and Meng Xue.

Anyone familiar with the original novel would recognize these names. With the author herself endorsing the pairing, not only did CP fans rejoice, but even die-hard book fans were instantly won over.

However, not everyone was pleased. One such person was Qiao Xiaorou, the daughter of a major investor.

Originally, the role of the second female lead should have been hers, and she was supposed to be the one paired with Tang Jing for promotional buzz.

But now, out of nowhere, Meng Xue had swooped in and taken everything she wanted.

She whined over the phone, “Dad, I don’t care, I want the role of Su Xiaoran! Tell Zhao Kuang to change the casting!”

Though Boss Qiao doted on his daughter, recasting was already a done deal. Moreover, Tang Jing’s stance made it even more complicated. Zhao Kuang had already warned him, if they insisted on replacing the second female lead, Tang Jing would walk away from the project.

The only reason Boss Qiao had invested in this drama in the first place was Tang Jing’s star power. Without him, he wouldn’t have given the project a second glance.

Of course, he didn’t explain this to his daughter, opting to placate her instead. “Sweetheart, I’ll make sure you get a great role in the drama, one with plenty of scenes opposite Tang Jing. How does that sound?”

Qiao Xiaorou wanted to throw a tantrum, but after a moment’s thought, she swallowed her protests and obediently replied, “Fine, I’ll listen to you, Dad.”

Boss Qiao chuckled. “Good girl. I’ll have someone buy you two new bags.”

Qiao Xiaorou smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Dad.”

But the moment she hung up, her smile vanished, replaced by a cold sneer.

Her disdain wasn’t directed at her father after all, she had been his daughter long enough to know his priorities. Though he spoiled her, business would always come first.

No, her contempt was reserved for Zhao Kuang and Meng Xue.

If recasting wasn’t an option, she’d just have to wait until filming began to teach Meng Xue a proper lesson.

Meanwhile,

Sun Sijia flew into a rage at home upon learning that Tang Jing and her senior were collaborating on a drama.

She never expected that the two, one who had once liked her, and the other whom she had once liked, would share the screen again.

Over the years, she had managed to appear alongside Tang Jing and her senior a few times, but she knew those moments were the result of her scheming.

Thinking back to what she had recently said to Tang Jing, it all felt like a joke now.

But no matter how ridiculous it was, she had to keep up the act because it was her only chance to turn things around.

Dark Fragrance officially began filming.

That morning, Ying Tianhe personally escorted Tang Jing and Meng Xue to the set.

Throughout the ride, Tang Jing noticed how nervous Meng Xue was and reassured her twice.

By now, Meng Xue had relaxed considerably and smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Teacher Tang. I’m fine now.”

The tightly clenched fists resting on her knees betrayed her nervousness, though she was trying hard not to show it to avoid worrying her.

Tang Jing didn’t press further.

Once they arrived on set, she would gradually ease into it.

After all, this was Meng Xue’s first time acting. Claiming she wasn’t nervous would be a lie. Over the past week, she had practically worn out the script from flipping through it so much, even memorizing every line backward.

When the car pulled up at the set, Ying Tianhe led them inside, primarily for Meng Xue’s sake. Tang Jing had spent more time on film sets than at home this year, so there was no need for concern.

But Xiao Xue had only recently returned to the country. Though she had participated in a variety show, acting was still unfamiliar territory for her. Ying Tianhe went ahead to speak with the director though, of course, a little “reminder” was the most important part.

“Sister Ying, Teacher Tang, you’re here!” Zhao Kuang spotted them from afar and immediately walked over with a smile.

The rest of the crew noticed too, especially when they saw Tang Jing. Many couldn’t resist gathering around.

“Teacher Tang!” Their gazes were filled with enthusiasm and reverence.

This was Tang Jing, after all, the double-award-winning actress. Who wouldn’t want to work with her? Even if they didn’t share any scenes, just seeing her on set every day was more than enough.

Tang Jing nodded in acknowledgment.

Standing beside her, Meng Xue felt the weight of so many eyes on her and subtly inched away to ease the pressure.

But every time she created distance, Tang Jing would quietly shift closer.

Once or twice, Meng Xue thought it was a coincidence. But by the third time, she’d have to be dense not to realize Teacher Tang was deliberately moving toward her.

She just couldn’t figure out why.

Puzzled, she glanced over just as Tang Jing was speaking with Director Zhao.

“Teacher Tang!” A bright voice suddenly rang out from behind, accompanied by the sharp click of high heels rushing toward them.

Before Meng Xue could turn to look, someone shoved her aside. Caught off guard, she stumbled and nearly fell.

Everything happened too fast. Tang Jing’s pupils contracted as she pushed past the person blocking her way and lunged forward, swiftly grabbing Meng Xue’s wrist while her other arm wrapped around her waist.

The scene, straight out of a romantic drama, left everyone present wide-eyed.

Meng Xue was stunned too. She had braced for impact, eyes shut tight, but instead of pain, she felt a steadying hand at her waist.

Blinking in surprise, she found herself face-to-face with Tang Jing and murmured, “Teacher Tang.”

Tang Jing quickly steadied her.

“Teacher Tang.” A tearful voice piped up beside them.

Tang Jing and the others turned to look.

Qiao Xiaorou sat weakly on the ground, her face streaked with tears as she whimpered, “I’m sorry, Teacher Tang, I didn’t mean to.”

With such a forceful shove, it was obvious she had done it on purpose.

Tang Jing’s expression turned icy. She didn’t say a word didn’t even spare her a glance before turning to leave.

“Teacher Tang!” Seeing her about to walk away, Qiao Xiaorou hastily called out, scrambling to her feet. “I have something to say to you.”

Tang Jing frowned.

Five minutes later, the crowd had dispersed, leaving only Tang Jing and Qiao Xiaorou behind.

Qiao Xiaorou had just been pushed away by Tang Jing and felt a bit wronged. But now, facing Tang Jing alone, she was also somewhat shy. “Teacher Tang, I’ve liked you for a long time, ever since middle school,”

“Miss Qiao,” Tang Jing had no choice but to interrupt her.

She had just learned from Director Zhao that the girl in front of her was the daughter of the investor, the one who was replacing Meng Xue’s role.

Tang Jing didn’t believe this girl was as innocent and easy to bully as she appeared. From the way she used her father’s influence to replace Meng Xue to how she had just shoved Meng Xue aside without hesitation though Tang Jing didn’t know her well, these two actions alone told her this girl was anything but simple.

“Say what you need to say directly. I have other matters to attend to shortly,” Tang Jing said without hesitation.

Qiao Xiaorou hadn’t even gotten through a tenth of the speech she had prepared in her mind before being abruptly cut off. She was left hanging, unsure how to proceed, and could only conclude one thing: Teacher Tang was way too blunt, showing no tenderness at all toward her.

Thinking about how Tang Jing had pushed her away earlier for Meng Xue’s sake, she felt even more aggrieved.

“Teacher Tang, I just wanted to express how much I like you and that I want to be friends with you,” Qiao Xiaorou said, looking at her with determined eyes.

If the person standing before her had been someone who liked her back, they would surely have been moved by her expression and words. Unfortunately, the person in front of her was Tang Jing someone fiercely protective of those she cared about. The mere thought of how this girl had nearly caused Meng Xue to fall earlier made Tang Jing want to settle scores, let alone consider becoming friends.

“Sorry, I have no such intention,” Tang Jing said before turning to leave.

“Teacher Tang!” Seeing her about to walk away, Qiao Xiaorou panicked and grabbed her wrist.

“Let go,” Tang Jing said coldly.

Meeting her icy gaze, Qiao Xiaorou’s hand trembled, and she released her grip. By the time she reached out again, Tang Jing was already far away. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, nothing came out.

Filled with resentment, she stomped her foot in frustration, puffed out her cheeks, and stormed off.

Just then, the producer walked in with a cheerful smile and greeted her. “Miss Qiao.”

“Get lost!” In her foul mood, Qiao Xiaorou didn’t even spare him a glance.

The producer’s expression darkened, but remembering the investor backing her, he forced a smile. “Miss Qiao, the opening ceremony is about to start. Aren’t you joining?”

Qiao Xiaorou had been about to refuse, but the thought of Tang Jing made her reluctant to give up. Biting her lip, she turned back. “who said I’m not joining? I’m going, just to spite you!” With that, she marched toward the film set.

Watching her erratic behavior, the producer chuckled to himself but said nothing and followed her to the set.

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