The Scumbag A Really Doesn't Want to Become Famous [Entertainment Circle] - Chapter 53

After Jiang Musheng arrived, the dinner party that could have dragged on for hours ended swiftly.

As everyone knew, Jiang Musheng was famous in the industry for her integrity and had always disliked such frivolities.

No one dared to force Jiang Musheng to stay at the drinking table for entertainment nor would they dare to try.

In the end, it was the director herself who approached Yu Youqing, not only exchanging contact information but also warmly assuring her that any updates would be shared immediately, and decisions would be finalized as soon as possible.

The script was still in the discussion phase for investor involvement, yet the director’s promise was as good as a done deal.

Sweetie had drunk quite a bit during the gathering. Though she had a high alcohol tolerance, the sight of Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing standing side by side still left her dazed.

No one had expected Jiang Musheng to show up. These dinners, ostensibly for actresses but secretly attended by investors with ulterior motives, were always understood to exclude Jiang Musheng by default.

Jiang Musheng was the absolute top-tier in the industry, she chose others, never the other way around.

Truthfully, Yu Youqing was personally signed by Lin Xuqiao. She could have acted recklessly, refusing to play along.

At worst, the company would have had to work harder suppressing negative reviews, scrambling to handle the fallout, and dealing with endless complications.

She might have lost the director’s approval, faced blacklisting from investors, and encountered countless obstacles, though not insurmountable ones just more exhausting and resource-draining.

Even with strong company backing, the industry thrived on collaboration. No single entity controlled everything, and everyone crossed paths eventually.

But Sweetie had fully expected Yu Youqing to flip the table and walk out.

She knew some of the reasons behind Yu Youqing’s fallout with Zhao Guili, so she understood just how much Yu Youqing despised these ambiguous social gatherings. When Mr. Zhang pressured Yu Youqing to toast, Sweetie wanted to intervene, but Yu Youqing went on her own. Later, when Mr. Zhang took the opportunity to grope Yu Youqing’s hand.

Yu Youqing endured it silently, her humiliation palpable.

It was then that Sweetie realized how much Yu Youqing had changed.

This wasn’t just about her. Yu Youqing understood that too. She was enduring for the sake of the entire team, for everyone involved. Back when Liang Yitang had provoked her, snatched endorsements, or when others misunderstood her, Yu Youqing had never held back.

But for the people behind her, she was willing to swallow her pride.

The thought made Sweetie’s nose sting with unshed tears. She wished she had the power to just buy out Yu Youqing’s former agency and be done with it.

At one point, Sweetie had picked up her glass, ready to drink more if it meant shielding Yu Youqing. But Yu Youqing saw right through her and took the cup away.

If not for Teacher Jiang’s arrival, even more humiliating things might have happened.

But Yu Youqing had no choice. Although her popularity had just started to rise, she hadn’t yet built a solid fanbase or produced any truly outstanding works. This drama was her big chance, so she had to seize this opportunity even if it meant being at others’ mercy.

Right, Teacher Jiang.

Wait, why was Teacher Jiang here?

Tiantian’s gaze shifted between Jiang Musheng and Yu Youqing.

At the dinner table, Jiang Musheng’s protectiveness toward Yu Youqing had been unmistakable. The investors didn’t dare cross Jiang Musheng her family background was formidable, she didn’t rely on sponsors, and her reputation and body of work spoke for themselves.

This drama had only secured funding because Jiang Musheng was attached to it. If she withdrew, the project would collapse. When she spoke, no one dared oppose her.

Now, Yu Youqing was handing Jiang Musheng a glass of warm water she’d just gotten from the waiter. “Why did you come all of a sudden? Are you okay. Why did you drink so much? I could’ve handled it,you’ve never had a high tolerance!”

Teacher Jiang can’t hold her liquor?

Tiantian racked her brain but couldn’t recall anyone ever mentioning Jiang Musheng having a low alcohol tolerance.

Jiang Musheng had been drinking quickly.

She’d arrived late and, given the tense atmosphere, had drunk more than usual to smooth things over socially.

Mainly, she’d intercepted every drink whether overt or subtle that had been aimed at Yu Youqing.

In all her years in the industry, Jiang Musheng had never done anything like this. She hadn’t realized she could be so impulsive when she’d seen that investor’s wandering hands near Yu Youqing, she’d nearly lost control of her pheromones, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

Even after drinking the water Yu Youqing gave her, her mind still felt foggy.

No one noticed her regret, but she felt it keenly.

Why hadn’t she come with Yu Youqing sooner?

“Are you okay? Teacher Jiang, are you feeling unwell?” Yu Youqing walked slowly beside Jiang Musheng, naturally supporting her arm. Worry gnawed at her when Jiang Musheng remained silent.

Jiang Musheng shook her head. “I’m fine.”

She pulled Yu Youqing’s wrist into view, examining the faint red marks left by that person’s rough handling under the light.

Yu Youqing’s skin was pale and delicate, making the marks stand out even more.

Noticing Jiang Musheng’s gaze, Yu Youqing smiled reassuringly. “It’s nothing, they’ll fade soon.”

Tiantian hurriedly called the car over, concern etched on her face. “Should I come with you to take Teacher Jiang home? Where do you live, Teacher Jiang?”

Yu Youqing hesitated, unsure how to respond, but Jiang Musheng spoke first: “No need to trouble yourself. We’ll manage.”

Seeing how firm Jiang Musheng was, Tiantian looked to Yu Youqing. “But…”

“I didn’t drink, don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” Yu Youqing said calmly. “We’re heading out now.”

She helped Jiang Musheng into the car and waved goodbye to Tiantian.

As the car drove away, Tiantian watched with a complicated expression.

Why does it feel so strange? The way Teacher Jiang and Youqing interact seems off their conversations are odd, and they keep saying “we” this and “we” that.

There’s no explanation for this weirdness.

This doesn’t match the “not getting along” narrative the fans keep pushing. If anything, it feels more like they’re about to start dating.

Holy shit.

Tiantian felt like she’d just had an epiphany.

Meanwhile, Yu Youqing and Jiang Musheng were once again sharing a car ride home that night, yet the atmosphere was silent.

Only now did Yu Youqing realize how much Jiang Musheng had drunk. Even without sitting close, she could faintly detect the scent of alcohol lingering in the air.

Worried, she leaned in to check on Jiang Musheng, only to find her eyes closed, reclining against the seat as if genuinely unwell.

She seemed drunk, but not in the same way as last time.

Yu Youqing reached out, intending to touch Jiang Musheng’s cheek, but Jiang Musheng spoke softly, “Don’t move.”

Yu Youqing: “?”

“I thought you were asleep,” Yu Youqing said, awkwardly withdrawing her hand. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to check if you were okay, maybe see if you had a fever.”

Jiang Musheng didn’t open her eyes. “I’m fine.”

Yu Youqing let out an “Oh” and fell silent, only to hear Jiang Musheng repeat, like a broken record, “I’m fine.”

This.

Yu Youqing suddenly wondered was this what Teacher Jiang was really like when drunk?

Her courage grew slightly, but as she leaned in again, she lost her balance.

Jiang Musheng, as if anticipating her movement, suddenly acted. A hand pressed against Yu Youqing’s shoulder, pulling her gently but firmly into Jiang Musheng’s embrace.

In the next moment, Jiang Musheng lowered her forehead, resting it lightly against Yu Youqing’s. Warm breath brushed over the bridge of her nose, and in Jiang Musheng’s half-lidded eyes, the fragmented glow of streetlights flickered. Her voice was tender, almost languid. “This is how you check for a fever.”

“…” Yu Youqing didn’t dare move a muscle. She had no idea what this gesture meant.

The skin where they touched burned whether from Jiang Musheng’s heat or her own, she couldn’t tell.

“Teacher Jiang,” Yu Youqing murmured, “you’re drunk. We’ll be home soon.”

Jiang Musheng hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t release her grip.

Though she wasn’t holding tightly just resting her hand lightly on Yu Youqing’s shoulder Yu Youqing made no move to pull away, letting Jiang Musheng lean against her.

This was nothing like the violation she’d felt with Director Zhang. The contrast made her acutely aware of the difference in her feelings toward Jiang Musheng.

Jiang Musheng’s breathing gradually evened out, as if she’d fallen asleep.

“I shouldn’t have let you drink so much.” Guilt gnawed at Yu Youqing. Jiang Musheng had done this for her, and seeing her like this was unbearable.

Her whisper reached Jiang Musheng, whose eyes flickered open with sudden clarity. Only then did she realize she’d been leaning against Yu Youqing. She withdrew her hand from Yu Youqing’s shoulders, bracing it against the seat behind her instead, straightening up.

“Sorry,” Jiang Musheng said.

Yu Youqing knew she was apologizing for her earlier actions and didn’t know what to say.

Jiang Musheng’s apology made her feel even more unsettled, as if Jiang Musheng was drawing a clear boundary between them.

Yu Youqing said nothing and simply sat properly.

After that, neither of them spoke again, leaving the car in a subtly awkward silence.

When it was time to get out, Yu Youqing stepped out first. Remembering that Jiang Musheng was drunk, she naturally reached out to support her.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Musheng stood there motionless, staring at Yu Youqing’s hand.

Recalling Jiang Musheng’s earlier apology, Yu Youqing felt a wave of helplessness. Jiang Musheng suddenly seemed excessively polite toward her, carefully maintaining distance.

“It’s fine,” Yu Youqing said. Jiang Musheng seemed both drunk and sober at the same time. The two of them stood motionless at the deserted neighborhood entrance. Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Yu Youqing looked at Jiang Musheng and asked softly, “Why apologize to me? You didn’t do anything impolite.”

“Didn’t I?” Jiang Musheng gazed back at her, stepping closer as she spoke. She then spread her arms slightly, exhaling a faint mist of cold breath. Yet, her dark eyes carried a warmth that felt like a gentle smile. “Then, can I ask for a hug?”

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