The Exclusive Bodyguard of the Top Idol - Chapter 32

Ji Qingshi was the type to act on her thoughts immediately. Once the idea of confessing her feelings took root in her mind, she wasted no time putting it into action.

She was also self-aware enough to recognize that she wasn’t the most romantic person. No matter how hard she racked her brain, she probably wouldn’t come up with any particularly unique or unforgettable confession plan. It was better to keep things simple and sincerely express her feelings.

But she wasn’t entirely sure how to go about it. This was something she genuinely had no experience with, nor had she witnessed anyone around her confessing their feelings. She considered asking Qi Xuesong for advice, but the woman had been emotionally unstable lately, and the task force was swamped with work. She probably wouldn’t have the spare energy to help brainstorm ideas.

After returning to Bincheng following the concert, the members of S-Group continued working on their new album. Ren Jiao had originally planned to spend the next few days holed up at home writing songs, with the most she’d venture out for being a jog with Ji Qingshi in the neighborhood. But unexpectedly, the day after returning to Bincheng, Cen Shu suddenly called her, saying that CEO Lian wanted to discuss something with her.

Ren Jiao was surprised and had no idea what Lian Na wanted. When she asked Cen Shu, the latter remained mysteriously tight-lipped, only saying it was “good news.”

If the boss wanted to talk, it had to be work-related. Regardless of Lian Na’s personal character, Ren Jiao trusted Cen Shu’s judgment. If she said it was good news, then it definitely wasn’t a trap.

So that afternoon, Ren Jiao and Ji Qingshi went to the company, where they met Lian Na in her office.

“You’re here. Have a seat.”

Lian Na looked up from a stack of documents and gestured for Ren Jiao and Cen Shu to sit across from her. Ji Qingshi, who had come along, could take a seat on the nearby sofa to listen in.

Lian Na didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “The company is currently preparing a TV series, a serious counter-terrorism drama. The script, director, and lead actors have already been finalized, and funding is secured. Right now, there’s a minor supporting role that hasn’t been cast yet. I think you’d be a good fit. Would you consider giving it a try?”

“Me?” Ren Jiao’s eyes widened in shock. “I can’t do it. I don’t know how to act. I’d just hold everyone back.”

Her immediate triple denial even took Lian Na by surprise.

After a brief pause, Lian Na chuckled and shook her head, turning to Cen Shu. “You really do know her well.”

Ren Jiao blinked and glanced at Cen Shu.

Cen Shu smiled. “Before you came, I made a bet with CEO Lian. I said you’d reject it outright and insist you couldn’t act, while CEO Lian thought you’d at least hesitate before refusing.”

“Yeah, you shut me down so decisively that I lost completely,” Lian Na said with a helpless shrug. “But even though you rejected it right away, hear me out first before reconsidering.”

Ren Jiao pressed her lips together, then nodded slowly.

“This script is high-quality, and the genre is popular with audiences right now. The lead actors are award-winning veterans. Playing a small role in this series would be a great opportunity for you.” Seeing that Ren Jiao’s expression remained indifferent, Lian Na felt a headache coming on. “Since you don’t want to do it, can you at least tell me what’s holding you back?”

Hearing Lian Na’s question, Ren Jiao straightened up slightly and said, “President Lian, I actually never considered venturing into acting. I only know music, only singing. I understand that when someone casually tries a field that isn’t theirs, it can easily backfire.”

“Just now, you mentioned how strong this production’s team is, and how much effort the company has put into it. I wouldn’t want to ruin it just because an amateur like me took on a minor role.”

Her words were filled with self-doubt, which surprised Lian Na. “I thought your personality was the type to embrace challenges and take risks.”

Ren Jiao lowered her gaze, her head dipping slightly, her bangs partially covering the corners of her eyes.

Seeing her like this, Lian Na frowned lightly and exchanged a glance with Cen Shu.

“President Lian, I think there’s a difference between embracing challenges and overestimating oneself. I know I can’t act, I have enough self-awareness.”

Her words carried such obvious self-deprecation that even Ji Qingshi, who was sitting on the sofa and liked her, frowned in displeasure.

Lian Na paused for a moment, tapping her fingers lightly on the table before softening her tone. “What you mean is, you believe in sticking to what you’re good at, right?”

Ren Jiao gave a slight nod.

“Actress X, Actor L, the power couple Actress Z and Actor G from Hong Kong. When they were already thriving in fame and fortune in this industry, you were still a child. Every single one of them could act and sing. None of them were formally trained in acting, nor were they all naturally gifted actors. They got to where they are through hard work, step by step.”

Lian Na paused briefly, observing Ren Jiao’s expression before continuing, “No one is born knowing how to do something. It’s the same with your songwriting and singing. You’ve studied music since childhood, so starting to learn acting now isn’t too late as long as you put your heart into it.”

“I’m not forcing you to make a decision right now. I just hope you’ll give it serious thought.”

Ren Jiao kept her eyes downcast and said softly, “President Lian, even if I were to pivot, it doesn’t have to be acting, does it.”

Lian Na’s tone grew gentler. “Of course, with your talent in music, transitioning purely as a singer is also an option. My suggestion about acting is just that—a suggestion. With your looks, I’d like to see you explore as much as possible while you’re still young. In this industry, every new path opens up endless possibilities. At your age, challenging yourself with new opportunities is what’s best for you.”

“I’m only offering you one possibility, one opportunity. Whether you want to take it or whether you can succeed is entirely up to you. I advise you to think carefully. This minor role only has a few key action and gunfight scenes, with very few lines. Perfect for a young newcomer’s first attempt at acting. There’s still time before filming starts, so you can take your time to consider it properly and give me your answer once you’ve made up your mind.”

It had to be said, Lian Na was truly patient with Ren Jiao. She must have genuinely valued her to speak so much.

Cen Shu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Given Lian Na’s status in the industry, few would dare to refuse when she personally recommended someone for a role. Yet now, faced with a girl like Ren Jiao who lacked confidence, Lian Na had patiently said so much—clearly, she had high hopes for her.

Ren Jiao was sharp; she could easily discern the weight behind Lian Na’s words. A smart person wouldn’t continue to refuse at this point. That would just be ungrateful.

“I understand, Ms. Lian. I’ll give it serious thought.”

Lian Na finally breathed an inward sigh of relief and smiled. “Alright, take your time to think it over. Let me know once you’ve decided.”

As Ren Jiao and Ji Qingshi left the office, Cen Shu didn’t follow to see them out, instead staying seated.

Once the door closed behind them, Lian Na took a sip from her cup and mused, “That girl seems to have some self-esteem issues?”

Though phrased as a question, her tone carried certainty, as if she’d already reached a conclusion.

Cen Shu didn’t hold back either, nodding frankly. “She does, but I don’t think she’s even aware of it. She subconsciously belittles herself without realizing it’s a sign of low self-worth.”

“With her qualifications…” Lian Na frowned slightly. “What’s there to be insecure about?”

“Probably tied to her past experiences.”

Lian Na, of course, knew about the scandals involving S Group’s former company. Their boss had been implicated in serious criminal cases involving bribery, prostitution, drug trafficking, and even murder. While most colleagues remained unaware of Ren Jiao’s role in the case, Lian Na, as the company head, had some insight.

Outwardly, she never mentioned it or acted like she knew. After all, everyone had their secrets, and some things outsiders shouldn’t pry into. So she played the part of an oblivious outsider.

She could also guess that the person accompanying Ren Jiao wasn’t a relative but a police officer. She just chose not to bring it up.

“A personality like hers isn’t ideal in this industry. It’ll hold her back. She’s clearly talented, it’d be a shame if she stayed like this.”

Lian Na had high expectations for Ren Jiao. At just 20, she could write songs and sing, and with her looks, breaking into the acting scene wouldn’t be hard with proper guidance. Such potential wasted by her own mindset would truly be regrettable.

Cen Shu pondered for a moment before suddenly remarking, “Maybe the person by her side could be the key to changing her.”

“Hmm?” Lian Na blinked, studying Cen Shu as if sensing hidden meaning in her words.

But Cen Shu didn’t elaborate, only adding, “I’ll try to guide her when I get the chance.”

Lian Na nodded. “No matter how much her past has affected her, as her manager, you should steer her mindset toward a more positive direction.”

Cen Shu hummed in agreement. “The internet is full of extremists. She’s probably already anticipating backlash. If she were to cross over into acting. Even for a minor role with just a few fight scenes, there’d be plenty of haters ready to tear into her. I can already imagine the comments: ‘Idols should know their place,’ ‘Stick to singing and dancing, don’t invade other professionals’ turf,’ ‘Does popularity give you the right to steal roles from real actors?’ and so on.”

It was indeed inevitable that once Ren Jiao’s involvement in acting was discovered, there would be haters stirring up drama, sparking a wave of online backlash. This wasn’t just something Ren Jiao had anticipated. Even Na and Cen Shu, along with everyone else, were fully aware of it.

Yet they chose to ignore it and still gave this opportunity to Ren Jiao.

“In this internet age, as a public figure, I thought she would have gotten used to this long ago.”

Cen Shu sighed and said, “Getting used to it is one thing, but anyone would hope for less malice, especially when she’s only twenty. And besides…”

“And what?”

“Her mother back then…” Cen Shu sighed again, shaking her head before falling silent.

……

“Why don’t you want to take that role?” On the way home, Ji Qingshi finally found a chance to ask.

Ever since leaving the company, Ren Jiao had been silent. Ji Qingshi quietly observed her expression, noting her melancholy and dejection, and suddenly had an epiphany. Ren Jiao probably wasn’t actually opposed to acting. Her refusal had been so decisive because of other concerns, or perhaps it was a form of self-sabotage.

It wasn’t that Ji Qingshi was particularly sharp or clever, but because she liked Ren Jiao, she was more attuned to her every move, every smile, and more willing to decipher her thoughts.

Ren Jiao leaned against the car window and answered offhandedly, “I don’t want to cause trouble. I don’t know how to act. Even for a small supporting role, I’d have to learn from scratch. What if I just don’t have any talent for it? Then others would have to waste their time on a minor character like me.”

Ji Qingshi didn’t respond immediately, quietly driving them home. Only after parking the car smoothly did she speak again, “Director Lian was right. No one is born knowing how to do anything. I don’t know much about acting, but even the best actors had to practice and improve step by step.”

“Take me, for example. I wasn’t born knowing how to shoot. Do you know how long it took me to go from missing the target to becoming a provincial champion? I was around your age when I started learning marksmanship. I trained under my master for a long time before gradually improving my accuracy.”

She used herself as an example, hoping to persuade Ren Jiao not to give up the opportunity.

But Ren Jiao visibly grew more agitated, frowning as she said, “It’s not just about learning and practice, sis. You don’t understand this industry. My involvement would bring a lot of trouble to the show. The reputation might even suffer because of me! I’d be a huge problem!”

Her self-deprecation ignited Ji Qingshi’s frustration. “Stop saying you’re a problem! I don’t like hearing you talk about yourself like that!”

It was the first time Ji Qingshi had ever spoken to her in such a stern tone. Ren Jiao looked at her in surprise but was instantly burned by the emotion flickering in Ji Qingshi’s eyes.

Someone as sharp as her couldn’t possibly misunderstand the meaning behind that gaze. Almost instinctively, she averted her eyes, trembling hands fumbling to open the car door before fleeing at top speed like a cowardly, shameful deserter.