Chapter 45: Can’t Offend, Ghosthand’s True Strength

Translator: _Min

Indeed, the brand East Moon had never been in the public eye.

Other than the internal staff, no one knew it was under the umbrella of Lan.

Xu Ruotong was naturally oblivious.

She had started as a model and had acted in a few low-budget web dramas but had never broken into the exclusive circle of professional actors.

But that didn’t mean some obscure brand could stand her up.

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Apart from East Moon’s lack of fame, their traditional-styled clothing lines genuinely appealed to her.

The retro trend was in full swing, especially the clothing from the early era of the Great Xia Dynasty

—a period when the Ying Emperor’s glory still reigned.

Many people sought closeness to that illustrious era, yearning for a glimpse of his majestic past.

The assistant director wiped his sweat, “Miss Xu, we just—”

“You just found out? So someone else made the choice?” Xu Ruotong impatiently interrupted. “Who made the choice? On what authority did they choose without even meeting me?”

She thought of Qu Lingyun, the top director of the Great Xia Empire. Who is so capricious?

Before the assistant director could speak, an irate voice rang out.

“Who’s making all this noise?”

Qu Lingyun had just finished his duties. As before, he was clad in sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf, fully armed, leaving only his eyes exposed.

He had long lost the good temper he had displayed during his meeting with Si Fuqing. Impatiently, he gestured, “Didn’t I say the auditions are over? What’s all the fuss about? Everyone, disperse.”

Qu Lingyun hurriedly left, eager to get to his next destination, giving Xu Ruotong no chance to stop him.

“Miss Xu, you’re wrong on that count,” the filming director retorted, emboldened by Qu Lingyun’s backing. “Firstly, we never signed a contract.

Secondly, this was just a preliminary screening; all auditions are voluntary.”

“Even if you passed the initial round, it doesn’t guarantee that you’d pass the final one. What makes you think you were selected?”

“And besides, whoever is chosen, you can’t afford to mess with them,” the filming director added politely. “Miss Xu, please leave. We need to tidy up the studio.”

Xu Ruotong’s face changed colors, shifting between green and red.

As if all the shame and indignation had congregated on her forehead, she was agitated from head to toe.

“I look down on you as well! A small brand without even a physical store, yet you act so high and mighty. I’d like to see how you survive in the market!” Would you even measure up to Lan?

She wouldn’t even consider working for them, even if they begged her.

Hoisting her bag, Xu Ruotong turned and left, her departing figure somewhat disheveled.

The filming director paid her no mind. After instructing the assistant director, he returned to the audition room, where he encountered Si Fuqing, who was about to leave wearing her mask.

“DO you nave any specltlc requests, MISS SIC” tne tilmmg director asked cautiously.

She was handpicked by Qu Lingyun, after all.

The future Qu Girl.

And who knows, maybe even a future Glenn Award nominee?

Si Fuqing pondered for a moment, “I’m currently recording a show. Please keep my makeup-free appearance confidential.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Si,” said the filming director. “We fully understand and respect any reservations you may have.”

“As Qu Lingyun has chosen to contact you privately, everything will be arranged according to his wishes. He is very fond of you; feel free to share your thoughts with him.”

Qu Lingyun might have a bad temper, but he was incredibly indulgent toward those he had chosen.

Si Fuqing touched her chin, “It’s not some unspeakable secret, really. I used to be mentally ill, quite severely.”

The filming director was puzzled, ? ?”

Why would she insult herself?

Si Fuqing lowered her gaze.

The reason was actually both absurd and laughable.

Old Master Zuo said that Yu Yue didn’t like her appearance and asked her to wear makeup.

In reality, it was to better harness her luck.

Facial features were crucial.

Master of Yin-Yang could discern one’s future blessings or misfortunes and pinpoint the moments of crisis by observing the facial features.

Therefore, if her facial features were concealed, her luck would likewise dissipate.

She had always worn makeup because she liked it and it shielded her from unnecessary complications.

However, she had slightly modified her makeup technique, so it no longer affected her luck.

Si Fuqing didn’t say anything more. She gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

Just then, an enthusiastic voice called from behind her, “Miss Si!”

Si Fuqing turned her head.

The filming director clenched his fist, “I’ll vote for you!”

Si Fuqing,

It wasn’t necessary.

The show “Youth With You” not only ranked the trainees but also had a voting channel for the mentoring team.

At the end of the twelfth episode, they would select the best mentor.

She had no interest in this kind of empty fame and just wanted to be a laid- back individual.

“Oh, Miss Si, could you give me a few autographs?” the filming director added,

“I’m sure you’ll become famous, and these autographs will be worth a lot!”

Si Fuqing paused, “You have a good sense for business, Director.”

She autographed a few pieces for him and then left the audition venue.

Jiang Changning was waiting for her outside.

Seeing her come out, Jiang Changning approached and handed her a bottle of juice, asking routinely, “How did it go?”

Si Fuqing sighed, “Not good, I have a headache, and my heart hurts.”

Jiang Changning frowned, “What happened? Did someone give you trouble inside?”

She was unaware of why Si Fuqing always wore such extravagant makeup.

In fact, no one in their group had ever seen Si Fuqing’s real face, except for the time Jiang Changning had encountered her collapsed outside their dormitory

in the middle of the night. Si Fuqing lamented, “I got selected.”

Jiang Changning, “…”

Where’s my knife?

“This small, innocent, and pitiful salted fish was forced to stand up, ” Si Fuqing said sorrowfully, “Ningning, you have to cook me some comforting food for my wounded soul.”

Jiang Changning smiled, “…”

She couldn’t restrain her knife back anymore.

“Isn’t getting selected a good thing?” Jiang Changning said calmly, “Apart from group performances, you haven’t had any gigs or activities for a long time.”

Essentially, she was being semi-benched by Tian Le Media, which meant Si Fuqing had no connections in the entertainment industry.

It was nearly impossible for her to operate in the industry. Jiang Changning paused, then asked, “Did you sign the contract?” “Not yet,” Si Fuqing replied lazily, “We’ll negotiate that later.”

“The company didn’t take this advertisement seriously; otherwise, they wouldn’t have sent you for the audition,” Jiang Changning frowned again. “If the contract is signed, the company’s commission…”

Si Fuqing had the lowest-level contract with Tianle Media, a I-to-9 revenue split.

Si Fuqing took one, and Tian Le Media took nine.

And in the middle, their manager also took a cut, leaving very little for Si Fuqing.

Unlike the group’s leader, Meng Xue, who had a team behind her, Si Fuqing had neither an assistant nor a makeup artist.

“Mhmm,” Si Fuqing said nonchalantly, “I’m planning on terminating the contract.”

Jiang Changning fell silent.

Terminating a contract with Tian Le Media was exceedingly difficult, not to mention the astronomical penalty fees.

How would she do it?

Si Fuqing flicked a stray hair from her lips, her eyes twinkling. She smiled,

“Ningning, if I ever decide to stand up, will you follow me?”

“Talk about standing up when you can actually stand,” Jiang Changning was noncommittal, “You can’t even cook.”

“Actually,” Si Fuqing said earnestly, “I can do everything but cook.”

Jiang Changning didn’t take this to heart, “Let’s go have hot pot.”

As they walked and chatted, they suddenly came across a woman dressed in a qipao.

The woman had an excellent figure and demeanor, exuding the aura of a genuine socialite.

Si Fuqing took an extra look and narrowed her eyes.

Just as they were about to pass by, the woman suddenly collapsed.

Her lips were bloodless, and even her hands were turning cyanotic.

Her eyes were tightly closed, clearly in a deep coma.

Jiang Changning took a step back, “Insurance scam?”

It was not surprising she thought so; such incidents were commonplace.

Si Fuqing had already crouched down, furrowing her brows, “Her heart rate is dropping, only 30 beats per minute and still decreasing. Estimated survival rate is 19%, 18%…”

Jiang Changning was stunned, “Sisi, what are you talking about?”

“Call an ambulance,” Si Fuqing’s fingers moved swiftly, pressing on a few acupoints of the woman. “She’s having a sudden heart attack; we need immediate medical assistance.”

Jiang Changning didn’t have time to question and immediately began dialing for help.

On the other side, Xu Ruotong stormed out, fuming.

“Qingyan, I can’t stand this garbage brand,” Xu Ruotong seethed. “They haven’t even made a name for themselves and already they’re acting like prima donnas. ”

“I’ll spread the word among my friends in the industry. They won’t find a single model willing to work for them! ”

“Don’t be angry, Ruotong. I have audition slots with another brand lined up for you,” Lin Qingyan consoled her. “Speaking of Si Fuqing’s pictures…”

“She’s hiding her identity too well. Even without makeup, she’s still wearing a mask,” Xu Ruotong sneered. ‘Watch me, I’ll definitely take that mask off her.”

Lin Qingyan looked concerned. “Be careful.”

“Enough talk, Qingyan. I’ve spotted Si Fuqing, and she’s knocked someone over,” Xu Ruotong seized the opportunity and nudged her assistant. “Quick, go snatch her mask off while she’s not looking.”

If they could unmask Si Fuqing, they could finally expose the so-called ‘ugly monster.’

As for the woman who had fallen, whether or not Si Fuqing had knocked her over was irrelevant to her.

She was far too busy to be scammed by a faker.

Her assistant acknowledged hurriedly and moved swiftly towards her..