Chapter 61: Especially in Front of Your Husband

Xia Wanwan, still shaken from the earlier incident, had not fully processed her actions. Now realizing what had happened, she quickly went to check on the assistant. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry, I was really scared just now!”

The assistant was the aide to the actor playing the tyrant, and both she and the actor had previously gotten along well with Xia Wanwan. The actor was quite influential and found Xia Wanwan endearing like a little sister. The assistant had often received coffee and snacks from Xia Wanwan and had thought well of her. After the incident, however, the assistant’s attitude became a bit guarded.

Xia Wanwan, with a face full of guilt, said, “I was so shocked that I acted on reflex… Are you really upset?”

The assistant, regretting not recognizing Xia Wanwan’s true nature earlier, felt a mix of shame and discomfort. What could be more distressing than being saved by someone you had judged harshly?

The assistant pushed Xia Wanwan’s hand away. “I’m fine.”

She then caught up with Mu Ruo, who was gathering her things to leave. “Mu Ruo, thank you for what you did just now.”

Mu Ruo responded with her usual indifference and simply nodded.

Everyone in the crew had their own perceptions. After this incident, they gained a better understanding of Xia Wanwan’s character. Those who had previously been friendly with Xia Wanwan were now hesitant to approach her, fearing a sudden backlash from her.

As for Mu Ruo, people realized she was actually quite impressive. Her acting skills were superb; she could handle scenes with the Best Actor without delaying the shooting schedule. Though some had initially said Mu Ruo was dismissive of others and had an air of arrogance, she had never mistreated any staff members on set.

The negative impressions of Mu Ruo seemed to stem solely from Xia Wanwan. With Xia Wanwan’s true nature revealed, all the negative views about Mu Ruo dissipated.

As Mu Ruo left, others continued to whisper.

“I found Mu Ruo to be quite good, not the scheming type Xia Wanwan described.”

“The fact that she handled the snake—something I could never do—shows she’s brave. I’m terrified of such things.”

“Hey, did you notice? Xia Wanwan and Mu Ruo do look a bit alike, especially their eyes and noses.”

“I noticed that too. Xia Wanwan said Mu Ruo was trying to seduce her boyfriend, but Mu Ruo doesn’t have any signs of plastic surgery. Director Zhao’s movies reject cosmetic surgery faces. But Xia Wanwan has some slight scars on her nose and ears.”

“……”

Hearing this gossip, Xia Wanwan’s face stiffened. She quickly packed her things and left the set. She knew the director didn’t like her. With her reputation plummeting, she had no reason to stay in the crew.

That night, Xia Wanwan packed up and left with Lu Beichen.

Lu Beichen was puzzled by Xia Wanwan’s sudden departure. “I did you a huge favor, and now you’re just quitting?” Lu Beichen was unhappy. “My dad wanted Director Zhao to make a promotional video for our company. I used my favor on you, and now he’ll surely be angry with me!”

Xia Wanwan’s eyes flickered. “Beichen, have you ever thought about developing a career in the entertainment industry?”

Lu Beichen hesitated. Normally, he would be expected to take over the family business. However, for some reason, he felt that fate was favoring him in his career. No matter what he tried, even if he faced initial setbacks, he always found success in the end. His successes seemed less related to his abilities and more to an unusual streak of good luck compared to others with greater abilities but less fortune.

Xia Wanwan thought for a moment. “I think you should give it a try. Show your family what you’re capable of! Beichen, I believe in you!”

Encouraged by Xia Wanwan, Lu Beichen immediately gained confidence.

Xia Wanwan, however, still felt a bit reluctant. She had always considered herself a success in life. While Mu Ruo was more beautiful than she was, Xia Wanwan was closing the gap in beauty. Although Mu Ruo’s family background was better, Xia Wanwan had been using Lu Beichen’s money and resources to support her own family, bringing the Xia family onto the right track.

Now, with Mu Ruo leaving her role as a full-time wife to pursue a new path, Xia Wanwan felt a sense of crisis. She sensed that Mu Ruo had changed and couldn’t accept that someone she had once defeated could rise up and surpass her. Xia Wanwan wanted to enter this new field and be even more successful than Mu Ruo, just as she had once looked up to Mu Ruo when she was surrounded by admiration.

If Mu Ruo wanted to be a star, Xia Wanwan decided she would become one too— and even more successful.

A few days later, Mu Ruo wrapped up filming. To celebrate, she ordered a large cake and shared it with her colleagues.

The initially cold attitude from others had thawed, and everyone congratulated Mu Ruo on finishing filming.

Huo Minli and Gan Wen still had many scenes left to shoot and didn’t know how many more months they would be working, as Director Zhao was notoriously picky and would not approve anything that didn’t meet his standards.

Huo Minli was reluctant to see Mu Ruo leave and sighed, “Mu Ruo, who will play games with me now that you’re gone? Come on, are you really not going to become my disciple in the game? I’ll even spend money to get you a mount.”

Mu Ruo replied, “…Minli, you’re worse than me at this game. Let’s not talk about taking on disciples.”

Gan Wen, still a bit awkward due to previous events, was somewhat regretful and said, “If you’re having trouble finding work in the future, you can contact me. Your acting is pretty good.”

Mu Ruo responded, “Oh, okay.”

She wouldn’t turn down resources from a Best Actor level.

Director Zhao patted Mu Ruo on the shoulder and said, “Mu Ruo, don’t forget about me after you wrap up.”

Mu Ruo replied, “Director, please don’t touch me. I’m afraid others might think I got into the crew through underhanded means.”

Director Zhao: “…”

Even if he had a thousand guts, he wouldn’t dare.

Director Zhao said, “I’m planning to shoot a film set in the 1980s. The story is very interesting. Would you like to know more?”

Mu Ruo’s eyes lit up. “Will I be the female lead?”

Director Zhao replied, “Not exactly.”

Mu Ruo’s temperament and appearance didn’t fit the character he had in mind for the lead role in his next project. More importantly, Director Zhao was eyeing Mu Ruo’s husband’s money. If the big shot was willing to invest one or two billion, it would be perfect.

Director Zhao sighed, “Mu Ruo, make sure to speak highly of me in front of your relatives and friends.”

“Especially in front of your husband.”