Thanks to her popularity on the show, Shen Mingyou’s agent, Yu Zhen, received several scripts and advertising offers, keeping Shen Mingyou busier by the day.

After a long day of filming, Shen Mingyou, followed by Yu Zhen and her assistant Xiao Xi, were about to head home when they ran into a group at the studio entrance.

Shen Mingyou tried to walk to the left, but the person in front of her moved left too. When she turned right, they moved right as well.

“…”

Shen Mingyou finally looked up and saw the person in front of her. It was a man who looked like a pretty boy—very fair-skinned, tall, with slightly upturned, charming eyes that held a hint of hostility.

“What’s up?”

Tang Qian thought it was ironic. He had just been talking about Shen Mingyou with Gu Aifei that morning, and now here she was.

Since they met, he figured it was time to settle old scores.

“Sister Mingyou, I haven’t seen you in years. I hope you’ve been well.”

Shen Mingyou looked confused. “Who are you?”

The face seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

Tang Qian’s face turned pale. He had held onto the memory of Shen Mingyou insulting him, and now she didn’t even remember him.

This was a huge blow to his pride.

Having been flattered for years, Tang Qian felt humiliated. “Shen Mingyou, I called you sister, and you actually believe you’re above me? You insulted me years ago and never apologized. If you don’t formally apologize, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

“Tang Qian, that happened years ago. You’re still holding onto it?” Yu Zhen recognized Tang Qian immediately. He had become a big star recently, with rumors of powerful backing. Not wanting to cause trouble, Yu Zhen tried to calm things down. “Let’s just leave the past behind. Besides, it was Mingyou who suffered. She was slandered by tabloid reporters because of the conflict with you.”

“She deserved it! She’s full of herself, thinking she’s better than everyone else.”

When Tang Qian first debuted, like Shen Mingyou, he was labeled as just a pretty face. They worked together on a show, with him as the male lead and her as the female lead. The director constantly criticized them both for their lack of acting skills. Tang Qian had hoped they could bond over their shared struggles, but Shen Mingyou’s arrogance made her ignore him. Eventually, she even scolded him, leaving Tang Qian with a lasting grudge.

Tang Qian felt insulted. When he tried to find Shen Mingyou to apologize, she had already retired from the entertainment industry. 

He sent her numerous text messages seeking an apology, but she never replied. This issue stayed on Tang Qian’s mind. If he never saw Shen Mingyou again, it would be fine. But since he has now seen her, he must get that apology.

Tang Qian is that petty.

Shen Mingyou finally remembered him. She recalled that Tang Qian used to be more handsome. Compared to a few years ago, he looked more refined now, but also more like a pretty boy.

She couldn’t remember what exactly she had scolded him for, but she knew he was extremely annoying. Even when she clearly expressed she didn’t want to talk, he would still shamelessly approach her, like a sticky plaster she couldn’t shake off.

She probably scolded him just to make him go away back then. Shen Mingyou couldn’t believe he still remembered after all these years.

Too lazy to waste time talking, she walked around Tang Qian and left without looking back.

Tang Qian could only watch her leave, clenching his teeth in frustration.

_

The next day, Shen Mingyou was set to sign an endorsement contract. Yu Zhen had chosen this endorsement as the most suitable one for her.

Today was the day to sign.

Sanyan Technology, a company specializing in Internet technology and high-end electronics, was a well-known domestic brand. Their Sanyan mobile phone held a significant share of the domestic market.

Sanyan Technology had carefully selected its two spokespersons.

One was Tang Qian, a well-known male star with many works and fans.

The other was Shen Mingyou, a recently popular female artist who gained fame again from a variety show about caring for children.

Both of them stood out in an entertainment industry full of attractive people. Having them as spokespersons was a win-win.

When Tang Qian arrived at the Sanyan Technology building, he found that fate was truly playing tricks on him — he ran into Shen Mingyou again at the entrance.

Shen Mingyou also saw Tang Qian.

Without a word, both were invited inside by Sanyan Technology’s staff.

_

“There are still a few small details to finalize for this endorsement. Once we’ve discussed them, if there are no objections, we can sign the contract,” explained Director Zheng of the Advertising Department.

After explaining the details, Director Zheng added, “If the two spokespersons have any questions, now is the time. Sanyan Technology will do its best to address them.”

Tang Qian twirled his sunglasses and said, “I have a question.”

“Please go ahead, Mr. Tang,” Director Zheng responded.

“This ad can only feature me, not her,” Tang Qian pointed his sunglasses at Shen Mingyou, “or it can feature her, but not me.”

“You need to choose between us. Director Zheng, make your decision.” His tone made it seem like the choice was obvious.

“This…” Director Zheng was caught off guard by Tang Qian’s request. It seemed the two stars had a personal conflict. Harmony was important for choosing a spokesperson, as bad press could damage their brand.

Director Zheng had to think carefully. Tang Qian was more famous, with a much higher endorsement fee than Shen Mingyou, who had only recently become popular again.

However, Shen Mingyou was also a great fit, especially considering her cost-effectiveness.

Tang Qian saw Director Zheng’s hesitation and added, “How about this? I’ll bring in a top-tier female celebrity, and if her endorsement fee is too high, it’ll come out of mine. You’ll get both of us for the same price. Sounds like a great deal, right?”

Tang Qian was really pushing this. He’d even lose several million to compete with Shen Mingyou. He wasn’t about to back down without getting that apology.

Shen Mingyou watched him struggle, amused.

“I’m curious, who’s this top-tier female star?” she asked.

“Gu Aifei,” Tang Qian raised his chin. “She’s more famous, has more fans, and is more popular than you.”

“If you apologize now, maybe I’ll change my mind.”

Director Zheng didn’t think Gu Aifei was suitable. They had considered her at first, but ultimately chose Shen Mingyou due to her rising potential. Shen Mingyou’s comeback story fit the brand concept of Sanyan Technology better.

Director Zheng realized that Tang Qian wasn’t using much logic here. The company didn’t lack money and didn’t want to waste time choosing new spokespersons. He decided to play peacemaker: “You both were carefully chosen. We don’t want to replace anyone unless absolutely necessary. If there are any misunderstandings between you two, wouldn’t it be better to clear them up so work isn’t delayed?”

Tang Qian realized that even with his generous offer, Director Zheng was reluctant to make changes.

So, he added one final incentive: “If you replace Shen Mingyou, I’ll endorse your company for free.”

No matter what, today, he must make Shen Mingyou bow to him, admit her mistake, and apologize!

As soon as Tang Qian said this, even Director Zheng was tempted. Imagine how much endorsement money could be saved by having a popular male star promote his own products for free!

Otherwise, why not replace Shen Mingyou?

Shen Mingyou sneered. She took out her cell phone and called Zhao Yan in front of Tang Qian: “Zhao Yan, I want to be the brand spokesperson for Sanyan Technology.”

Zhao Yan, who had been trying hard to please his sister recently, answered without hesitation: “Okay.”

“I want to appoint the other male spokesperson for the collaboration myself.”

“Okay, who do you want to designate?”

Shen Mingyou sneered and looked at Tang Qian with a sarcastic tone: 

“Anyone can do it, except Tang Qian!”

Tang Qian was furious and demanded, “Who is this Zhao Yan? Who does he think he is? Do you think you can trick people with just a random phone call?”

Director Zheng, who was standing next to him, recognized Zhao Yan’s voice. He pulled Tang Qian aside and said tremblingly, “Excuse me, Mr. Tang. Zhao Yan is the founder of Sanyan Technology and our big boss.”

Tang Qian: “…”