The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 52

Having Her Back.

Yu Youqing kept mulling over these three words long after getting into the car.

She had never expected to hear such weighty words from Jiang Musheng. If anyone else had said them, Yu Youqing would have dismissed it as a joke with a laugh. But she knew Jiang Musheng’s character this wasn’t something she’d say lightly.

There was no doubt Jiang Musheng could shoulder the weight of those words.

Yu Youqing was acutely aware of her own situation. After waking up to a second chance, she hadn’t allowed herself a moment of slack, constantly reminding herself that this path could only be walked with unwavering determination.

She knew the turning point in her life had been refusing to sign that new company’s contract and script, so now she didn’t dare deviate even slightly from her course. She couldn’t afford to relax. Having died once, she had no idea if the next misstep would send her spiraling back to where she’d been.

These were thoughts she couldn’t share with anyone, so she kept them buried deep inside. The fearless, brazen, and slightly affected version of herself had long since vanished under her own intervention. Yu Youqing refused to let that side of her resurface in front of others.

But there was an exception.

Even if it was just that one time, in Jiang Musheng’s presence, she had felt an unfamiliar urge to act spoiled.

How long had it been? She’d almost forgotten she used to be someone who could still act coquettish. Once she’d wrapped herself in an armor of resilience, acting spoiled became something only those with someone to rely on could afford. She had no one to lean on.

Yu Youqing had always walked forward alone.

If only she and Jiang Musheng had met at the right time perhaps she would have followed her heart and fought for herself. Or maybe, back when Jiang Musheng had suggested giving it a try, she would have replied, “Let’s try, then.”

But fate had other plans. If she wanted success in her career, she inevitably had to tie herself more closely to Jiang Musheng. Yu Youqing couldn’t shake the guilt, even knowing Jiang Musheng tacitly allowed her to ride on her coattails. It was still exploitation, and she couldn’t bring herself to feel at ease about it.

Then there was the matter of Jiang Musheng’s irreplaceable someone. Yu Youqing didn’t want to be a stand-in. She had her pride, in matters of the heart, she wanted to be the one cherished above all, not second best.

“What a hateful, enviable white moonlight.” Yu Youqing muttered under her breath.

Later, she would replay that day in her mind countless times, the day she woke up, coinciding with Jiang Musheng’s radio interview where she mentioned having a white moonlight. Yet despite the internet scouring every corner, not a single trace of this person could be found.

Some speculated it might just be Jiang Musheng’s way of self-promotion.

But Jiang Musheng had no reason to lie. Anyone who knew her character would understand that.

Yu Youqing wondered if she’d missed something. No matter how much she racked her brain, she couldn’t recall Jiang Musheng ever publicly acknowledging a white moonlight in her past life.

In other words, in her previous lifetime, Jiang Musheng had never done such a thing.

So what had changed?

Yu Youqing couldn’t make sense of it. By the time she reached the private room, the sounds of laughter and chatter were already spilling out from inside.

There were definitely a lot of people.

She frowned.

After the server led her here and politely left, Yu Youqing took a moment to steel herself. Yet the moment she pushed the door open, she was nearly choked by the thick haze of smoke inside.

The room was filled with people drinking and smoking, the swirling smoke casting a hazy numbness over everyone’s expressions.

“Over here!” Tiantian waved at her from deep inside, several bottles of alcohol already lined up on the table. As expected, the room was packed with producers and investors most of whom Yu Youqing didn’t recognize, though there were a few familiar industry faces and some lesser-known artists.

In a gathering like this, where investors held the real power, even the director took a backseat, forced to drink alongside them, completely at the mercy of capital.

The moment Yu Youqing entered, all eyes in the private room turned to her, their appraising gazes unmistakable.

She walked in, meeting the collective scrutiny with composure, greeting each person politely before finally taking her seat beside Tiantian.

Tiantian stood up. Yu Youqing knew the empty glass in front of her was meant for her, there was no way she could leave without drinking at least something in a setting like this. Just as she reached for it, Tiantian snatched the glass away and poured herself a drink instead.

“My artist already had a drink before coming, so I’ll drink for her. Come on, Youqing-jie, don’t just stand there greet everyone properly!” In this environment, Tiantian shed all traces of her usual playful demeanor, shielding Yu Youqing from the predatory stares with unwavering determination. She gestured toward a portly middle-aged man in his forties sitting at the head of the table. “This is Mr. Zhang, our biggest investor. Say hello.”

Yu Youqing naturally obliged.

“I’ve heard so much about how stunning Xiao Yu is, that she stands out even among actresses. And now that I see you in person wow, truly a beauty!” Mr. Zhang’s gaze roamed freely over Yu Youqing’s figure, shamelessly appraising her. He dismissively waved away the young actress sitting on his lap, and someone immediately scooted over to make space beside him.

“Come, sit here. Let me see if you really have the face of a leading lady.” Mr. Zhang beckoned her over with a grin. “Your director sings your praises, says you’re just missing the right opportunity, that your attitude needs a little refining otherwise, you’d already be unstoppable. Young people, always so quick to get carried away, don’t you think?”

Yu Youqing hesitated for a moment, knowing that refusing would only make things harder for Tiantian.

She took the glass from Tiantian’s hand and walked over to sit beside him.

The moment she approached, Mr. Zhang’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. As soon as she sat down, Yu Youqing subtly shifted her chair slightly away but Mr. Zhang immediately leaned in closer, draping an arm over the back of her seat. The stench of alcohol hit her nostrils in an overwhelming wave.

“Come, let me take a good look at you! I’ve heard there are many actresses eager to collaborate with Jiang Musheng, and you’re the favored one. Oh, don’t be shy, you’re not a little girl anymore. Afraid I’ll eat you up?” Director Zhang chuckled as he moved closer to Yu Youqing, pressing down on her wine glass with one hand while patting the back of her hand with the other. “No rush, no rush! If we get to work together, there’ll be plenty more chances to drink, won’t there?”

Yu Youqing had initially planned to toast Director Zhang once before returning to her seat, but now she was forced to stay, forcing a smile. “You’re absolutely right, Director Zhang.”

She couldn’t afford to offend him not just for her own sake, but for the sake of her hardworking team. If only they could finalize the script soon.

Director Zhang was pleased with Yu Youqing’s compliance.

As soon as she set her glass down, he immediately covered her hand with his own, gripping it firmly and rubbing his thumb over her skin. His palm, slick with either sweat or alcohol, left a lingering, nauseating sensation that made her stomach churn.

Just as he had done with the previous actress, Director Zhang pulled Yu Youqing’s chair closer until she was nearly in his embrace, satisfied only when she was within arm’s reach. His alcohol-laced breath brushed against her cheek. “Why sit so far? Isn’t this chair in the way? Come on, bring out the food and drinks, let’s eat!”

Yu Youqing no longer had the energy to care about the onlookers. To them, this was probably just another ordinary scene, but she had to suppress the overwhelming disgust rising in her chest.

“Xiao Yu, pour me some!”

Director Zhang’s words were cut off as the door suddenly swung open.

Whoever had arrived, Yu Youqing felt an immediate wave of relief. But when she looked up, before her surprise could fully register, the director jumped to his feet in a panic.

“Musheng! What brings you here?!” The director’s exclamation was like a boulder crashing into a still lake. Many in the room stiffened those smoking hastily stubbed out their cigarettes, flustered, knowing full well how much Jiang Musheng despised the haze of smoke in enclosed spaces.

The newcomer removed her mask, her nose wrinkling in clear discomfort as she scanned the table. Her gaze lingered on Yu Youqing for a fleeting moment before she spoke, her voice cool and detached. “You’re selecting my co-star without even consulting me?”

Someone immediately offered their seat, but Jiang Musheng ignored it.

Yu Youqing watched as Jiang Musheng strode toward her. In that instant, all the suppressed revulsion and anguish surged forth, spreading through her limbs until even her fingertips trembled uncontrollably. The humiliation she had tried to ignore now overwhelmed her, welling up as moisture in her eyes.

She clenched her jaw, holding it in.

Jiang Musheng didn’t take the seat that had been vacated for her. Instead, she stopped beside the spot where Yu Youqing had originally been sitting.

Pointing to the empty chair beside her, the one that had been Yu Youqing’s, she said, “What are you waiting for? Sit here.”

The room’s atmosphere shifted instantly, a silent tension thickening the air.

No one dared to make a sound.

The moment Jiang Musheng spoke, Yu Yousheng immediately stood up, breaking free from the greasy hands that had been trying to embrace her.

Mr. Zhang’s expression darkened. Unwilling to back down, he had always relied on his position as the primary investor to act domineeringly. He roughly pulled Yu Yousheng’s temporary seat and gripped her wrist, refusing to let her leave. With displeasure in his tone, he glared at Jiang Musheng, “Xiao Jiang, what exactly do you mean by this?”

“Nothing much. I just wanted to see the actress I’ll be working with.” Jiang Musheng’s gaze fell on Mr. Zhang’s hand still clutching Yu Yousheng’s wrist. The slightest pressure on her fair skin left a noticeable redness around it. There wasn’t a trace of warmth in her eyes as she spoke, her voice devoid of inflection, yet an inexplicable pressure radiated from her, an alpha’s dominance.

Then she looked at Yu Yousheng, the coldness at the corners of her lips softening slightly. “Are you not coming over? Do I have to beg you?”

Only then did someone whisper into Mr. Zhang’s ear, “Let it go, Mr. Zhang. We can’t afford to offend Teacher Jiang either. This project still depends on her.”

Seizing the opportunity, Yu Yousheng quickly escaped and took a seat beside Jiang Musheng.

No sooner had she sat down than Jiang Musheng picked up a freshly delivered warm towel. In full view of everyone, she gently took Yu Yousheng’s hand and meticulously wiped her wrist and the back of her hand everywhere Mr. Zhang had touched, with utmost courtesy.

Once finished, she picked up the wine glass originally meant for Yu Yousheng and poured herself a drink.

“My apologies for arriving late. Let me make it up to everyone.” Without hesitation, Jiang Musheng downed the strong liquor in one go, as if it were nothing more than water. Only then did her voice take on a more amiable tone. “Thank you all for your hard work in selecting the actress for me. It was my oversight to leave such matters to others.”

Yu Yousheng wanted to intervene, but beneath the table, she felt Jiang Musheng’s fingertips lightly tap the back of her hand, twice.

Just two fleeting touches, light as a dragonfly skimming water.

Yet Yu Yousheng understood perfectly.

This alpha was telling her: I’m here now. Leave the rest to me. Don’t worry.

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