Chen Ze was taken to the hospital with Wang Chengyao’s help. The diagnosis revealed two fractured ribs and a mild concussion. Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoke, feeling deeply guilty, reunited with Su Man.

After the two exchanged accounts of their experiences, Su Man asked, “Was that guy who just went to the hospital your handiwork?”

Wang Xiaoke replied, “No, my dear, that was the result of our joint effort.”

Su Man: “…”

“I checked the data on your computer. There was absolutely nothing there,” Su Man rationally changed the subject.

“I definitely saved my work before I left yesterday. Could someone have tampered with my computer?” Wang Xiaoke speculated.

In the end, the two came up empty-handed and had no choice but to proceed with their original plan.

“Director Zheng, this is the friend I told you about—her name is Wang Xiaoke. I brought her here today to apologize to you in person,” Su Man said.

Director Zheng appeared to be in his forties, slightly overweight, with a round face and a noticeably receding hairline. His demeanor seemed kind, but he was extremely serious and meticulous about his work.

When he heard that the script was unfinished, he became visibly agitated. “What do you mean, Su Man? The script is supposed to be ready for the actors to use during auditions in a bit. How can you come here now and tell me there’s no script? What am I supposed to do?”

“That’s why I brought her here to take responsibility and seek your forgiveness. Since there’s no script, I actually have a suggestion. How about turning it into a themed audition instead? What do you think, Director Zheng? Not only would it better test the actors’ improvisation skills, but it could also help unleash their potential.”

“Well, it looks like we don’t have any other choice.” Director Zheng had no other option and reluctantly agreed to Su Man’s suggestion.

“Xiaoke feels really guilty for not being able to finish the script as promised. So, throughout the entire process of completing the script, any requests you have, she will do her best to fulfill them,” Su Man said, pulling Wang Xiaoke forward.

“Su Man, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but my film is about to start shooting. If things go like last time and the script isn’t ready, I’ll have nowhere to cry,” Director Zheng said, casting a doubtful glance up and down at Wang Xiaoke.

Wang Xiaoke felt frustrated. She understood that he didn’t trust her, but did he really need to make it so obvious? She still had some pride.

“Director Zheng, you can rest assured about this. Xiaoke and I have already discussed it. To make up for her mistake this time, she’ll come here every day to work on the script. You can follow up on the progress at any time, and we’ll make sure to deliver a satisfactory script in the shortest amount of time possible,” Su Man said confidently, subtly pulling Wang Xiaoke along.

Wang Xiaoke quickly chimed in, “That’s right. Whatever requirements you have, feel free to mention them. I’ll work hard to complete everything.”

“Hmm, your idea seems good, but I don’t have a place for you to work here,” Director Zheng said, his tone softening after seeing Wang Xiaoke’s attitude of taking responsibility.

Su Man, of course, understood what Director Zheng was thinking. It’s not that there’s no place to work—it’s just that he’s worried Xiaoke might take up resources.

“It’s fine. Aren’t you short a personal assistant? You can have her help you with tasks. It’ll be for one month, without any pay—just the script fees. How does that sound?” Su Man countered quickly, worried that the old fox might change his mind. She didn’t want her good reputation to be ruined just like that.

Su Man was the owner of a publishing studio and had many friends in the literary world. She had a wide network, and sometimes the film and television industry needed good scripts to shoot, which meant talented individuals were needed for creation. Su Man played a role in bridging these gaps, and that’s why Director Zheng had come to her for help—she had a solid reputation in the industry and her recommendations were always reliable.

Wang Xiaoke inwardly groaned. She had already nearly finished writing the script. Even if she had to do it again, it would only take about ten more days. That meant she’d be working here for more than half a month without any pay.

Director Zheng hesitated for a moment before looking at Wang Xiaoke. “Wang Xiaoke, do you think you can handle this?”

“Of course,” Wang Xiaoke gritted her teeth and forced a smile.

“Alright, then. You two can discuss the specifics,” Su Man said, feeling relieved that the situation was mostly settled. She waved her hand as she walked away. “Director Zheng, I leave her in your hands. You can use her however you like. I’ll go handle my own matters now.”

Director Zheng smiled warmly. “Su Man, I’ve always trusted your judgment, and I believe Miss Wang won’t disappoint me.”

Wang Xiaoke thought to herself: I’m extremely disappointed in both of you.

“Hey, who’s this?” As soon as Wang Xiaoke heard that sarcastic voice, she couldn’t help but feel disgusted.

Turning around, Wang Xiaoke saw Feng Ning walking toward her, wearing a tight-fitting purple dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure. Her long hair flowed smoothly down her back like a waterfall, and her delicate features, with a heart-shaped face and eyes slightly slanted at the corners, held a captivating, mesmerizing allure. Her high nose and fiery red lips, combined with her fair and flawless skin, made her the epitome of beauty.

At this moment, she walked toward Wang Xiaoke with her head held high, exuding an air of arrogance.

Wang Xiaoke glanced at her but showed no interest in engaging.

“How does it feel to run away from home?” Feng Ning asked, undeterred by Wang Xiaoke’s coldness. She smiled brightly, standing in her way.

Wang Xiaoke realized that Feng Ning was deliberately trying to provoke her. “No need for you to put on a fake act,” she said dismissively.

Feng Ning wasn’t about to let such a perfect opportunity to insult Wang Xiaoke slip away. She looked Wang Xiaoke up and down, then, with a provocative flick of her eyes, sneered, “I didn’t expect you to look somewhat decent in that outfit, but to me, you’ll always just be a defeated foe.”

“Feng Ning, don’t go too far,” Wang Xiaoke said, clenching her fists, trying to suppress her anger. “Instead of worrying about what I wear, you should focus on keeping your man’s heart.”

“I don’t want to bother with you,” Feng Ning responded, her tone filled with mock sympathy. “But seeing you now reduced to doing manual labor on set like this, I can’t help but feel sorry for you. Work hard, and maybe, just maybe, the director will throw you a bone and give you a small role as an extra.”

Feng Ning patted Wang Xiaoke’s shoulder with an air of smugness, as if she were pitying her. In her eyes, Wang Xiaoke was nothing more than a rich, idle girl who spent her days wasting away at home.

Wang Xiaoke, seeing her smugness, couldn’t hold back her irritation. “You’re just a minor actress. What’s there to be so proud of?”

“Sorry, but the lead role for this drama has already been decided. It’s me,” Feng Ning said casually, though her face was full of pride. She clearly relished the opportunity to flaunt her success in front of Wang Xiaoke.