The next day
The city, silent through the night, began to regain its vitality.
Lan Yening followed the company’s arrangents and arrived at Xiangbei’s "Honeyfruit" TV station to participate in a program.
During a break in the recording, he couldn’t help but rub his leg.
Running back and forth for too long had left his calf muscles aching as though they were being torn apart.
The others who were also participating in the program were sitting in different places, taking their own breaks.
The previously lively scene had suddenly beco desolate and quiet.
Because he was a newcor, no one paid him any attention, especially those big-na male stars.
To them, Lan Yening was just here to steal their rice bowl.
However, the older actress notorious for her poor acting skills was surprisingly warm toward him.
But her gaze made Lan Yening feel sowhat disgusted.
At this mont, a staff mber walked over: "Brother Lan, the host Wang Xianiang invites you to have so tea with him."
Lan Yening’s heart skipped a beat. Of course, he had heard rumors about Wang Xianiang, but given his current status, offending soone like that was out of the question.
When the staff led him to a private lounge, Wang Xianiang—with his small eyes and round face—was there waiting for him, sipping red wine.
"Xiao Lan! Feeling comfortable on this program?" Wang Xianiang’s sharp, snide voice reached his ears as he put down the wine glass.
"It’s fine." Lan Yening smiled.
"Xiao Lan, I’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since you joined the program. You really are a good seedling."
Wang Xianiang twisted his waist coquettishly, his movents resembling a bizarre fusion of a eunuch and a madam.
"...Thank you, Senior Wang." Lan Yening hurriedly expressed his gratitude, simultaneously stepping back a few paces.
Seeing Lan Yening’s reaction, Wang Xianiang’s face changed montarily, but he quickly resud smiling and said, "Xiao Lan, in this circle, if you want to rise, you need to make connections with useful people."
As he spoke, he reached out, intending to touch Lan Yening.
"What connections I make is up to the company." Lan Yening dodged tactfully.
"Xiao Lan, you seem smart. Surely you know my influence at this station? Just one word from , and you’ll appear on a few more hit programs." Wang Xianiang’s expression darkened.
When Lan Yening remained silent, Wang Xianiang raised his effeminate voice and said, "I’ll cut to the chase—be good to today, and I’ll make sure you benefit in the future."
"I’m sorry, Senior Xianiang." Lan Yening, now wearing a cold expression, turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, a figure flashed in front of him—Wang Xianiang had blocked the door.
"Kid, stop playing dumb. Do you think I don’t know how you got these resources? If you don’t beco friends with today, don’t even think about leaving this room." Wang Xianiang’s facial muscles twitched with a nacing sneer.
"Get out of my way."
Finally unable to hold back, Lan Yening shoved him aside and pulled open the door to leave.
But he hadn’t anticipated that soone outside would kick him in the abdon, sending him stumbling back into the room.
"Not accepting a toast, but asking for punishnt!" Wang Xianiang sneered coldly.
Lan Yening doubled over in pain, coughing and gasping violently, nearly vomiting whatever was in his stomach.
Just then, the staff mber who had struck him stepped forward, about to land another blow when soone rushed into the room from outside and whispered a few words in Wang Xianiang’s ear.
"Hmph! Lucky break for you. Don’t even think about climbing the ladder with underhanded tricks," Wang Xianiang said, shifting bla shalessly, leaving Lan Yening stunned.
Though he was familiar with the face-changing nature of people in the industry, this level of brazenness was a first.
As Lan Yening, whose body felt as though it had fallen apart, was helped out of the room, Wang Xianiang’s gaze remained venomous.
"Switch his milk with engine oil for the next segnt," he instructed.
"Got it, Xianiang!"
At this mont, Lan Yening was clutching his stomach, standing before his manager, Lu Tianxiang.
"Xiao Ning, are you okay?" Lu Tianxiang asked, his face full of concern as he grasped Lan Yening’s hand.
"Thank you, Brother Lu, I’m fine!" Lan Yening forced a smile.
"When I heard you were called over by Wang Xianiang, I hurried over. He’s already ruined several young artists using these kinds of tricks," Lu Tianxiang said, his face livid.
"Don’t worry, Xiao Ning. I’ll avenge you for this," Lu Tianxiang said through gritted teeth.
"Brother Lu, let’s forget it. Wang Xianiang isn’t easy to deal with. Sotis, it’s better to avoid confrontation," Lan Yening replied, unsure whether Lu Tianxiang truly intended to take revenge or was just making empty threats, so he chose to deescalate things.
"Don’t worry, Xiao Ning. We can’t let this slide. If we don’t strike back, others will think you have no backing and treat you as easy prey," Lu Tianxiang said, his expression growing colder and more ferocious.
But before Lu Tianxiang could act on his promise, Lan Yening was rushed to the hospital for stomach pumping after the program recording; he’d consud half a cup of diesel oil.
Lan Yening knew exactly who was behind it, but he was forced to endure.
anwhile, Wang Xianiang, brimming with satisfaction after Lan Yening was sent off, gathered a group of friends, planning to have a good ti at Rainbow Bar.
But when they arrived at the parking lot to retrieve their cars, several n suddenly appeared.
A tall, thin man rushed forward and punched Wang Xianiang directly to the ground.
"We’re here for him. Anyone else who wants to die can try stepping in," barked a bearded middle-aged man, glaring fiercely at Wang Xianiang’s group.
Those who initially contemplated intervening imdiately backed off; dealing with various types of people regularly made them quick to recognize these were no ordinary thugs.
One unbeliever tried to make a phone call but had his arm broken by a subordinate on the spot.
"Don’t ss around; I’m..."
Before Wang Xianiang could finish his sentence, he was kicked in the chest and then sward by the group, who began stomping on him violently.
He curled up on the ground, holding his head and crying out in agony. Within monts, he felt the world spinning, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
He thought he was going to die—every part of his body hurt: his head, back, legs, all felt like they’d been broken apart. But they hadn’t touched his face.
"Kid, this is your lesson for today. Feel free to co at us again if you’re not convinced," the bearded man spat before leading his crew away.
"Brother Wang, should we report this to the police?" one person timidly asked.
"Report it. I want these bastards dead," Wang Xianiang hissed through clenched teeth.
But as they waited for the authorities, Wang Xianiang received a phone call—his pain-wracked face instantly went pale as a sheet.
"Withdraw the case."
Seeing Wang Xianiang’s dejected and resentful expression, everyone knew he had clearly crossed the wrong people. What kind of background did Lan Yening have to wield such influence?
anwhile, Zhang Shuya sat in her office chair, her fists clenched tightly and her face dark.
"This Lu Tianxiang, he’s becoming bolder and bolder, daring to go so far against soone like Wang Xianiang."
Although Zhang Shuya wasn’t pleased with Lu Tianxiang’s unilateral action, she was equally furious at what Wang Xianiang had done to Lan Yening.
After several performances at the Grand Theater, Lan Yening had already earned the admiration of influential figures, becoming a critical asset for her.
She needed Lan Yening to solidify her company’s branding after transitioning industries; this was key to whether she could successfully land on her feet.
Thus, she wouldn’t allow anyone to destroy the promising talent on her roster—and this was why she had gone to great lengths to clean up Lu Tianxiang’s ss.
"I must plan carefully and make sure Xiao Ning stars in a major film to elevate his standing," she mused.
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