The Vicious Female Supporting Character Goes Viral After Her Masks Drop During the Talent Show - Chapter 60

When Zhong Yan received the message from Dingming Media, she thought to herself that Lu Tingshen’s methods were truly efficient. The investment contract with Yuandian hadn’t even been signed yet, and the news hadn’t been made public, but he already knew almost everything.

Adhering to the principle of keeping business and personal life separate, she considered the proposal. Recalling how Lu Tingshen had recently shown signs of turning over a new leaf, she figured improving relations with Dingming wouldn’t be a bad thing for Yanxing Entertainment. She agreed to meet.

Two days later, she arrived at the Dingming headquarters. Secretary Wen was already waiting at the entrance to welcome her.

That same morning, Xia Meng arrived at Dingming for the first time in a while.

Her agent had finally managed to land her a small job—recording a public service announcement for a minor charity event. It paid nothing, but her agent felt it was a necessary step toward rehabilitating her public image. Xia Meng followed orders; she no longer had the luxury of being picky.

While waiting in the lobby, she unexpectedly ran into Zhong Yan.

Secretary Wen was respectfully escorting Zhong Yan toward the executive elevators. Xia Meng overheard fragments of their conversation: “President Lu is waiting for you.”

Unlike her usual stage outfits, Zhong Yan was wearing a sophisticated, well-tailored purple Chanel-style suit. She looked elegant and capable. Zhong Yan noticed her and, after a brief moment of surprise, offered a polite smile and a nod.

The elevator arrived. As Zhong Yan stepped in, she waved to Xia Meng. “Aren’t you coming up?”

Xia Meng was supposed to go up to meet her agent. But, as if possessed, she shook her head and lied. “I’m waiting for someone here. You go ahead.”

The elevator doors closed. Xia Meng exhaled a sigh of relief, but her heart felt heavy. Standing next to Zhong Yan made her feel utterly worthless. Deep down, an emotion she knew she shouldn’t have—but couldn’t control—began to fester.

Jealousy.

“President Lu, it’s been a long time.”

In the CEO’s office, Zhong Yan sat across from Lu Tingshen. This was their first meeting since the finale of Best Girls.

“A long time indeed, Ms. Zhong.”

Hearing him call her “Ms. Zhong” made her smile inwardly. He had finally learned some manners and stopped treating her like a subordinate he could order around.

Lu Tingshen invited her to sit and asked if she wanted tea or coffee. When she chose tea, he grew oddly meticulous, asking whether she preferred red or green. Zhong Yan was slightly annoyed—she wasn’t here for a tea tasting.

Finally, Secretary Wen served her a cup of black tea. In truth, that was all they had in the office, but Wen knew that if Zhong Yan had requested something else, Lu Tingshen would have sent him out to buy it immediately.

After a few sips, Zhong Yan expected to get down to business, but Lu Tingshen started asking about her breakfast and what she wanted for lunch.

“President Lu,” she said, checking her watch. “Let’s talk about the matter at hand.”

Lu Tingshen straightened up. “Dingming is very optimistic about your new drama. We would like to collaborate through investment.”

“And what is your intended share?” Zhong Yan asked.

Instead of answering, he asked, “What did Yuandian Entertainment offer you?”

Zhong Yan arched an eyebrow. “I thought a man of your means would have found that out already.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not trying to pry into your trade secrets,” Lu Tingshen said. “My point is: whatever Yuandian is investing, Dingming will double it. However, we won’t ask for extra shares. Whatever percentage they get, we’ll take the same.”

Zhong Yan was stunned. Was he doing charity or just showing off?

“However,” Lu Tingshen continued, “I have two conditions.”

Zhong Yan felt a familiar sense of dread. “Go on.”

“First, I want this drama to be an exclusive collaboration with Dingming. You must replace the producer, Xu You. Dingming has many famous producers for you to choose from.”

“Second, you must replace the male lead, Yan Shi. Dingming will recommend a replacement.”

Lu Tingshen knew Yan Shi was the lead and that Zhong Yan would be acting in it. He assumed she was the female lead, and he couldn’t stand the thought of her playing opposite Yan Shi.

Zhong Yan let out a cold laugh. She thought he had found his conscience, but his controlling nature was still there.

“President Lu, we can discuss investment and shares, but those two conditions are impossible.”

“If you feel the sincerity isn’t enough, I can triple the investment for the same shares.”

“It’s not a matter of sincerity—”

“Four times.”

Zhong Yan stopped talking. She felt Lu Tingshen had lost his mind. She stood up and signaled to Secretary Wen.

“Secretary Wen, your President seems unwell today. Please look after him. I’ll take my leave.”

“Zhong Yan!” Lu Tingshen stood up abruptly, his composure crumbling. “You said before that if Dingming wanted to cooperate, we should show sincerity and only talk about work. I am here talking to you with sincerity. What is this attitude?”

Zhong Yan stopped and looked back at him. “Lu Tingshen, is your ‘sincerity’ really just about work?”

Lu Tingshen choked on his words. He couldn’t answer, because he truly didn’t want it to be just about work. Zhong Yan turned and walked out.

Back at Yanxing Entertainment, Zhong Yan was still fuming. She realized Lu Tingshen hadn’t changed at all; he just wanted to use money to control her, just as the Zhong family used “filial piety” and authority. She hated being controlled more than anything.

As she entered her lobby, two figures stood up from the waiting area and ran toward her.

“Ms… Ms. Zhong!”

Zhong Yan turned, surprised. “Mr. Xia? Mrs. Meng? What are you doing here?”

The receptionist whispered to Zhong Yan that they had been waiting since early morning, refusing to leave even when told the Chairman might not come in.

“Do you need something?” Zhong Yan asked them.

“We… we wanted to ask a favor regarding Mengmeng,” Xia Yuansheng said, looking around nervously at the crowded lobby.

“Let’s talk in my office,” Zhong Yan sighed.

In the spacious office overlooking the city, the Xia couple sat awkwardly on the sofa. After the secretary served tea and left, they finally spoke.

“Ms. Zhong, we came today to ask you to help Mengmeng.”

Since the disastrous meeting at the Zhong villa, they had given up hope of the Zhongs recognizing Xia Meng. However, they noticed that Zhong Yan seemed much more approachable and polite than the others. They figured if they couldn’t get into the Zhong family, they could at least use Zhong Yan’s influence.

They explained that Xia Meng was struggling to find work after the show ended. Since Zhong Yan was successful and owned a company, they wanted her to look after her “sister.”

Zhong Yan found it farcical. “Mr. and Mrs. Xia, you’re mistaken. Xia Meng is signed with Dingming. If you want her to be promoted, you should go to President Lu.”

“People like us can’t see the boss of Dingming,” they pleaded. “But you’re a big figure, and you have the connection of… well, blood. You know the boss there. If you helped Mengmeng, things would be different. She’s your sister! For the sake of your biological parents, please look after her!”

“Biological parents?” Zhong Yan arched an eyebrow.

In the original story, these people had known for over a decade that their biological daughter was out there, but they never looked for her because they didn’t want to lose Xia Meng. When the original Zhong Yan was locked in a mental asylum for a year, they never visited her once. They were busy attending Xia Meng’s wedding while their biological daughter was committing suicide.

Zhong Yan’s voice turned cold. “Providing a fertilized egg doesn’t make you a parent. You gave birth, but you didn’t raise me. Where do you get the nerve to call yourselves my parents?”

“We didn’t want to abandon you!” they stammered. “We just thought… since you were in such a wealthy family, you’d be better off there, so we didn’t seek you out.”

“You assumed I was fine without ever checking?” Zhong Yan sneered.

“Mr. and Mrs. Xia, we are all adults. Rights and obligations go hand in hand. Since you chose to abandon your obligation to raise me, you have lost the right to ask for my help. Every adult must face the consequences of their choices.”

The Xia couple lowered their heads, speechless with shame.

“I assume we’re done here,” Zhong Yan said, standing up. She called the secretary. “See them out.”

The Xia couple had no choice but to leave, defeated.