Why Did the Top Alpha Suddenly Stop Acting Out? - Chapter 46.1

In the conference room where Yi Qian and Ye Shuyi reunited.

Ye Shuyi pushed the door open and entered, noticing that aside from Manager Zhang, there were two women sitting on the other side of the conference table.

The girl on the right, with her hair tied in twin ponytails, looked somewhat familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere before. The woman on the left, with her hair in a high ponytail, was completely unrecognizable.

Upon seeing her enter, Manager Zhang quickly stood up to greet her, politely moving a chair for her. “Ye Manager, please have a seat.”

Ye Shuyi sat down and simply said, “Thank you.”

The atmosphere cooled momentarily as the people on both sides of the table exchanged curious glances. When their eyes met, the woman with the high ponytail smiled warmly at her.

Manager Zhang glanced back and forth between the two sides, then clapped his hands together. “Alright, let me introduce you to each other.”

“First…” Manager Zhang turned to the woman with the high ponytail. “This is Ye Shuyi, Yi Qian’s current manager. She has been in this role for almost two months now, so her capabilities are evident to everyone.”

The woman with the high ponytail glanced at Ye Shuyi and nodded in agreement.

“Ye Manager,” Manager Zhang turned back to face Ye Shuyi and continued, “This is our company’s newly signed female artist, whose stage name is Rou Rou. She is currently active primarily as a singer and, according to the company’s calculations, she is a potential star with a very promising future. As for the person next to her, this is Rou Rou’s manager, Xu Chang.”

As he finished speaking, Xu Chang stood up and extended her hand to Ye Shuyi. “Hello, Ye Manager, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Ye Shuyi also stood up and lightly shook her hand. “Hello.”

After she finished speaking, Rou Rou stood up as well, her face adorned with a gentle smile that made her seem very approachable. She reached out her hand to Ye Shuyi, her voice soft and pleasant. “Hello, Ye Manager, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ye Shuyi returned the handshake lightly and then sat back down, slowly tilting her head to look at Manager Zhang, signaling for him to get to the point.

It couldn’t be that they called her over so urgently just for a simple introduction to the company’s new artist.

Manager Zhang rubbed his hands together, appearing somewhat nervous. After a brief pause, he slowly articulated the purpose of their meeting. “You see, no matter how promising an artist is, they still need resources and exposure in the early stages. With the New Year approaching, in previous years, Yi Qian has performed solo at the New Year’s Eve gala. This time…”

He handed a document to Ye Shuyi. “Coincidentally, the gala organizers have a plan this year for Yi Qian to collaborate on stage with other artists. So, taking this opportunity, the company would like Yi Qian to mentor Rou Rou during the New Year’s Eve gala.”

“Since all matters concerning Yi Qian are now decided by you, Ye Manager, we wanted to ask for your thoughts on this.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the office fell silent. All three pairs of eyes were fixed on Ye Shuyi, and it was evident that they were all a bit anxious. Xu Chang’s hands were tightly clasped on her lap, Rou Rou was nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothes, and Manager Zhang occasionally glanced at the document in Ye Shuyi’s hands and then back at her.

Meanwhile, Ye Shuyi, the focus of their attention, was carefully reviewing the document in her hands, seemingly unaffected by the three gazes, as if she were deep in thought.

In fact, she had already finished reading the document. What she was primarily considering was whether this collaboration could benefit Yi Qian.

The corners of Ye Shuyi’s eyes lifted slightly; it indeed seemed to have its advantages.

Over the years, aside from being labeled a notorious heartbreaker in romantic matters, there was something else that Ye Shuyi was particularly concerned about: rumors circulating in the industry that Yi Qian had been monopolizing resources meant for new artists, leveraging her seniority and fame within the company. Some even claimed that Yi Qian not only hoarded resources but also bullied newcomers.

Ye Shuyi could never believe such things; she understood Yi Qian better than anyone. Yi Qian was the type who wouldn’t even spare a glance at someone unless they provoked her. Most importantly, she had no interest in this line of work.

With that thought, Ye Shuyi silently sighed, temporarily suppressing her personal feelings.

Thinking it over, this collaborative stage might just help salvage Yi Qian’s “bully” image within the company.

Ye Shuyi looked up at Rou Rou, who seemed like the type that wouldn’t stir up trouble.

“I think this plan is acceptable.”

As soon as she spoke, the other three let out a silent sigh of relief.

Manager Zhang looked at Ye Shuyi with gratitude, barely containing his excitement. “So, Ye Manager, does that mean you agree?”

The three pairs of eyes focused on her once more, and upon seeing Ye Shuyi nod, they all relaxed again.

Rou Rou slowly spoke up, “Thank you.”

Manager Zhang clapped his hands happily. “In that case, we’ll need Ye Manager to communicate with Yi Qian regarding this. As for now, we need Ye Manager and Xu Manager to confirm the schedules for both artists. The gala rehearsal is in three days, and both artists will need to set aside time for practice. As for the practice format, you can decide that among yourselves. My suggestion is that no matter how busy they are, they should carve out some time to practice together, as some level of rapport will be necessary on stage.”

Ye Shuyi nodded slightly in agreement.

At the filming location.

In front of a beautifully sculpted wishing well, Yi Qian, playing the role of Qin Le, faced Jiang Shiluo, who played Yan Yi. Yan Yi’s eyes were red, while Qin Le’s expression was cold. They simply stared at each other in silence, creating an incredibly oppressive atmosphere.

The sound of water flowing from the sculpture seemed to announce the tumultuous emotions hidden beneath the surface of this seemingly calm encounter.

As Qin Le turned to leave, Yan Yi stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. A single tear rolled down from the corner of her eye, trailing down her cheek, but was quickly wiped away by her own hand.

“Lele, can we not break up? I… I don’t want to break up.” Yan Yi’s voice trembled, her eyes misty, as if a storm could break at any moment, but the rain never fell.

Qin Le did not turn back, slightly shifting her body to shake off Yan Yi’s grip, her tone indifferent. “I’m sorry.”

Without looking back, she walked away.

“Alright, cut!” Director Zhang excitedly stood up from behind the monitor. “That’s a wrap for this take. Let’s take a break before we shoot the next one.”

Yi Qian took the tissue handed to her by a staff member and offered it to Jiang Shiluo with a smile. “Sister Shiluo, here you go.”

Jiang Shiluo glanced at her, took the tissue, and raised an eyebrow. “Your mood today seems particularly good, or should I say  you’re in a great state of mind. You got into character quickly, nailed the take, and now you’re even concerned about me. Tsk… what good fortune have you encountered?”

The two walked together toward the break area, and Yi Qian’s eyes sparkled with joy, her smile unmistakably radiant. “Well! I’ve just been encountering good things lately.”

Jiang Shiluo looked at her and couldn’t help but pat her on the back, feigning a pitiful tone. “You were so heartless just now, rejecting me. Is it really appropriate to be this happy now?”

As she spoke, she unfolded the tissue Yi Qian had given her, using the corner to dab at her eyes, adding to the dramatic effect.

“Sister Shiluo, your acting is great, but,” Yi Qian raised her index finger and shook it, feigning indifference. “I won’t accept this kind of unreasonable moral coercion.”

Just as she finished speaking, Yi Qian’s phone buzzed beside her. She immediately ran over to check it, her previously feigned indifference vanishing, and her smile involuntarily returned.

Jiang Shiluo returned to her seat, took a sip from her water bottle, capped it, and set it aside. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Yi Qian’s smile, which seemed to be soaring. She teased, “Oh, who’s messaging you that you’re so happy?”

Yi Qian’s fingers flew over the screen as she typed, glancing at Jiang Shiluo. “Just,  happy.”

Jiang Shiluo didn’t disturb her further, merely shaking her head with a smile.

Yi Qian’s phone buzzed with a message from Ye Shuyi: 【When will today’s reshoots be finished?】

Yi Qian replied: 【Soon, just one last scene.】

Noticing that the other party was typing, Yi Qian rested her chin on her hand, pondering for a moment before typing again: 【What? Missing me already after just a few hours?】

Yi Qian’s phone buzzed again: 【Even if I didn’t want to think about you, I can’t help it. You should know that my work is all about you.】

Yi Qian stomped her foot excitedly and continued typing: 【How much do you miss me?】

After sending the message, she propped her phone up on her chin, waiting for a reply. She noticed passing staff members glancing at her curiously, then giggling and running away. She didn’t understand, so she looked at her reflection on the phone screen and saw her own smile, which was bright and reminiscent of a sweet, lovesick girl.

Clearing her throat, she tried to pull her lips down a bit and checked the new message.

Yi Qian’s phone buzzed again: 【It’s not that I’m missing you; it’s that work is thinking about you.】

This little rascal still wouldn’t admit it.

Yi Qian smiled and continued typing, but before she could send her message, another one popped up: 【After you finish work, come by the company. We need to discuss some work in detail.】

Yi Qian replied: 【Are you that eager to see me?】

Yi Qian’s phone buzzed again: 【Aren’t you the one who’s eager to see me? I’m just giving you a chance.】

Yi Qian replied: 【Sure, sure, whatever you say. Once I finish my last scene, I’ll rush over to the company to find you.】

After successfully sending the message, she found a cute sticker of a “dog running fast, hugging a cat” and sent it over.

Yi Qian’s phone buzzed: 【Be careful on your way over.】

Yi Qian sent a sticker of a “dog standing at attention.”

Before the last scene that needed reshooting began, Director Zhang specifically called Yi Qian over to discuss the scene for a while. Finally, he said, “I shot this scene three times last time, but after reviewing it, I wasn’t satisfied with any of them. So today, you need to be prepared for a long battle.”

Yi Qian smiled and nodded. “No problem, I think I can make you satisfied quickly.”

“Feeling so confident today?” Director Zhang looked at her, who was unusually excited, with concern. “But you know the scene we’re shooting today is quite sad.”

He had called her over to discuss the scene to provoke a bit of impatience in her, hoping that would enhance her performance. However, today, she seemed to be in a cheerful mood, unaffected by his words, like a happy bobblehead, always radiating joy no matter what he said.

Usually, if someone received this much criticism, even if they didn’t show it, they would at least frown inwardly.

Today, though Director Zhang furrowed his brow, looking worried.

Yi Qian patted Director Zhang’s shoulder confidently. “Hey, don’t frown. Let’s start shooting; I won’t let you down.”

Director Zhang exchanged a puzzled glance with the assistant director, who shrugged, indicating she didn’t know what was going on either.

As it turned out, Yi Qian truly didn’t disappoint Director Zhang. The moment the staff shouted “action,” she immediately got into character, perfectly embodying the emotion that Director Zhang wanted.

Director Zhang sat in front of the monitor, exclaiming, “Genius! Yi Qian is definitely a genius.”

“As long as you’re satisfied, Director, there’s no need to flatter me so much; I might get shy,” she said, just as Yi Qian’s voice, filled with evident laughter, came from behind her.

She turned around to see Yi Qian already packed up and looking ready to leave, as she had indeed come over to say goodbye.

Director Zhang called out to her, curiosity written all over his face. “We’re all very curious why you’re so happy today. Before you leave, can you share what’s making you so cheerful? Let everyone share in the joy?”

Yi Qian glanced around at the staff members who were eagerly watching her, then mysteriously shook her head. “Even if I tell you, you wouldn’t understand, so I won’t say anything.”

“Goodbye, everyone. I’m off now. Keep up the good work!”

With that, she turned and ran off, leaving behind a cheerful silhouette.

One staff member holding props, hearing her words, suddenly realized and approached the person standing next to her. “I think I know why Yi Qian is so happy.”

“Why?”

“It’s the joy of getting off work! I want to get off work too.” The last part of the sentence trailed off into a whisper.

“She came in today with a smile that could rival the sun.”

“Really?” The girl holding the props scratched her head, looking puzzled. “Then why is that?”

The girl next to her shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Director Zhang watched Yi Qian’s joyful figure running away and leaned toward the assistant director. “I think I know why she’s so happy.”

The assistant director chimed in, “Why?”

“Because of love,” Director Zhang sang the first two words, then continued, “It won’t easily bring sadness.”

The assistant director raised her hand for a high five. “We’re thinking the same thing.”

Director Zhang slapped her hand, the sound echoing loudly in the filming location, drawing the attention of some staff members preparing for the scene.

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