Chapter 54: Perhaps Fu Jianzhi is Just Too Outstanding

Director Zhao’s film featured two major stars, both with significant clout in the industry. The leading actor, Gan Wen, had been famous for over ten years, was married with children, and had a large fan base.

The leading actress, Huo Minli, had won countless awards since her debut, both domestically and internationally. She was highly influential in the industry and reportedly had a significant background, making it impossible for anyone to coerce her into compromising situations.

Gan Wen’s prejudice against Mu Ruo had not diminished, and he still showed her little kindness.

Huo Minli had a cold demeanor and a poor temper, and the actors on set were afraid to approach her. Others were better acquainted with Gan Wen.

Especially Xia Wanwan, who, after filming, thoughtfully brought a bottle of ice water to Gan Wen: “Mr. Gan, you must be tired from filming. Here, have some water.”

Gan Wen had seen all kinds of beauties in the entertainment industry over the years. A fresh, kind, and adorable girl next door like Xia Wanwan was quite rare.

Previously, he had maintained a cold attitude toward Mu Ruo, but upon seeing Xia Wanwan, he smiled warmly: “Thank you.”

Initially, Gan Wen thought Xia Wanwan’s acting was subpar and had a low opinion of her. But now he felt that a poor acting skill was better than a poor character.

At least Xia Wanwan didn’t send late-night texts asking if he was satisfied with the scene or malign other women afterward, claiming false information.

Gan Wen’s assistant thought Xia Wanwan was an angel of kindness.

Xia Wanwan was aware of her acting shortcomings but worked hard to improve. She followed Gan Wen closely: “Mr. Gan, could you please teach me how to perform the next scene?”

Facing such a lively and charming girl, Gan Wen felt a protective instinct rise: “Sure, come with me, and I’ll teach you.”

Xia Wanwan felt a bit smug and deliberately glanced at Mu Ruo.

Unfortunately, Mu Ruo didn’t care about Gan Wen at all and didn’t pay attention to their interaction.

After all, there were many leading actors in China, and there were several who had won more awards than him. He was nothing special.

If he didn’t like her, so be it.

Was she supposed to bow and beg for his favor?

Mu Ruo had already explained the text message situation last night. If he didn’t believe it, that was his problem.

She was not interested in an old man nearing forty.

Honestly, Gan Wen was handsome and stood out among male stars.

But compared to Fu Jianzhi, he was far behind.

“……”

Mu Ruo pinched her face, puzzled why she kept comparing every man to Fu Jianzhi.

Perhaps it was because Fu Jianzhi was just too exceptional.

There seemed to be no one richer than Fu Jianzhi in Rongcheng.

As for handsomeness, Mu Ruo hadn’t seen any man more handsome than Fu Jianzhi.

Mu Ruo sighed.

Indeed, the provider of her needs, the investor who gave her money, was the best person in this world.

If Fu Jianzhi divorced her, losing two million a month would surely lead to misery.

“I just started in the industry and haven’t considered signing with a company yet.”

Huo Minli seemed disappointed by Mu Ruo’s response: “Alright then.”

The two of them sat together.

Mu Ruo pulled out a box of strawberry milk from the sleeve of her costume: “Ms. Huo, would you like some?”

Huo Minli frowned slightly: “I don’t drink sugary beverages.”

Recently, Mu Ruo had gained a bit of weight, and her studio had high standards for her physique.

Huo Minli glanced to ensure her assistant wasn’t following her, took the strawberry milk from Mu Ruo’s hand, and took a quick sip: “… It’s not undrinkable.”

On set, Huo Minli rarely had new actors approach her. They either avoided her due to rumors of her being difficult and temperamental, or they were excessively obsequious, which made her uncomfortable.

Mu Ruo’s calm and natural demeanor, without sycophancy or fear, was refreshing and made Huo Minli feel positively toward her.

Half an hour later, Mu Ruo and Huo Minli were playing a game on their phones, sitting face-to-face.

When Xia Wanwan and Gan Wen came out of the lounge, they saw Mu Ruo and Huo Minli getting along well.

It was rumored that Huo Minli had a terrible temper, so Xia Wanwan had only dared to be nice to Huo Minli’s assistant and not to Huo Minli herself.

Now, seeing Huo Minli with her arm around Mu Ruo’s shoulder, she looked nothing like the rumored temperamental diva and seemed almost like a caring senior.

Xia Wanwan bit her lip.

She knew Mu Ruo liked to oppose her.

Seeing Xia Wanwan getting along well with Gan Wen made Mu Ruo jealous, so she turned to curry favor with the more prestigious Huo Minli.

Mu Ruo always sought to surpass her.

Huo Minli had a late-night scene left, so Mu Ruo quickly left after finishing her part.

Xia Wanwan, seeing Mu Ruo leave the set, approached Huo Minli with a sneaky expression: “Minli, are you close with Mu Ruo?”

Huo Minli frowned: “What’s it to you?”

To be honest, Huo Minli looked down on actresses like Xia Wanwan, who had poor basic skills and dragged the entire production’s progress with repeated retakes.

Xia Wanwan was momentarily stunned: “I just wanted to remind you to be careful of Mu Ruo. She and I were classmates, and she had a bad reputation during school.”

Huo Minli’s expression darkened instantly.

Because Huo Minli herself had skipped classes frequently and wasn’t highly regarded as a student either.

Xia Wanwan didn’t realize she had touched a nerve: “Also, she’s trying to steal my boyfriend. I saw in the media that you recently got a handsome new boyfriend, so you should be cautious about this.”

“Steal your boyfriend… What kind of treasure is your boyfriend that a beautiful woman would be interested?”

It wasn’t that others were unjustly accusing Huo Minli of having a bad temper; she truly could explode over the smallest things. “People who talk behind others’ backs are not good themselves. If you have the guts, say it to Mu Ruo’s face.”

Xia Wanwan was shocked by Huo Minli’s reaction.

Huo Minli’s voice was loud enough that almost half the crew heard.

Embarrassed and flustered, Xia Wanwan lowered her head, blushing.

Gan Wen and Huo Minli had never gotten along well, having had a lukewarm relationship through several collaborations.

However, Huo Minli’s status was much higher than Gan Wen’s, and she had a background that Gan Wen did not dare to provoke easily.

Seeing Huo Minli bullying a newcomer, Gan Wen’s protective instincts kicked in, and he wanted to take Xia Wanwan away: “Minli, don’t bully the girl. She’s twenty years younger than you, still a child. Show some mercy.”

Xia Wanwan, tearful, wiped her eyes: “Teacher Gan, it’s all my fault. Please don’t blame Teacher Huo.”

Huo Minli rolled her eyes: “… Truly unbelievable. Not good when she should be, and pretending to be better when she shouldn’t.”

Director Zhao, seeing the commotion, came over and scolded everyone, telling the actors to get ready for filming.

Gan Wen informed Director Zhao about the previous night’s incident, implying that Mu Ruo’s character was questionable and hinted at his own attempts to pursue her.

Director Zhao was at a loss for words, patted Gan Wen’s shoulder, and said: “Let’s not be so narcissistic.”

Regarding Mu Ruo’s background, Director Zhao couldn’t reveal much and just advised Gan Wen not to overthink it.