Alright then," Zhao Chun scratched his head with a goofy grin. "I guess I did ask too much. Making a pregnant woman travel around like that is indeed not appropriate." He glanced nervously at Guan Kunling. "Ya Dan..."
Guan Kunling’s composed expression softened slightly. She glanced at Tian Sangsang, then said to Zhao Chun, "Speak your mind. Don’t hold back."
Zhao Chun smiled awkwardly. "Here’s the thing, I recently got word about a scriptwriting competition TVB in Hong Kong is hosting. There are first, second, and third prizes, and first place cos with a five-thousand-yuan cash reward. Folks from the mainland can participate too." He grinned slyly, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Guan Kunling.
Under his fervent gaze, Guan Kunling responded slowly, "I’ve heard about it."
Zhao Chun couldn’t quite figure out her intentions. Was she going to participate or not? He felt that Ya Dan had remarkable talent, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed. Competitions like this were the perfect chance to get so recognition. Of course, he also had his own selfish motives—if Ya Dan’s script got picked, there was a chance he could be the director, wasn’t there?
After seeing Guan Kunling off, Zhao Chun stood rooted to the spot, looking at Tian Sangsang with wide, eager eyes. "What’s Ya Dan trying to say?"
Tian Sangsang chuckled. "Zhao Chun, if you want to find Ya Dan in the future, you can just co to directly."
Zhao Chun’s eyes sparkled. "...Why?"
Tian Sangsang tilted her head. "Because I am Ya Dan."
Zhao Chun’s eyes widened in shock, and he stamred, "Y-you..."
"It’s . Always has been ."
He exhaled sharply. "I should’ve figured it out earlier."
She asked, "How much was the first prize you just ntioned?"
Zhao Chun raised his hand. "Five thousand yuan! Are you in?"
Tian Sangsang was determined. "In. Absolutely. That’s five thousand bucks! By the way, are there any popular films or shows in Hong Kong right now?"
"If you want to watch, I’ve got DVDs." Zhao Chun smirked and offered, "There are, of course. As for movies, gangster thes are the most popular at the mont. TV series are mostly period martial arts dramas."
"Are there any about Shanghai?" She hinted slyly, "I’m planning to write a story set in Shanghai during the Republic era. I’m worried about overlapping with others—losing originality that way."
Zhao Chun shook his head. "Shouldn’t be any. I’ll help you check it out."
"Good. Know your enemy, win your battles. We need to innovate within the tropes, find individuality in innovation, and break through that individuality." Tian Sangsang added, "By the way, the fact that I’m Ya Dan—let’s keep it a secret."
Zhao Chun nodded understandingly. "No problem."
**
Hua Jun had received a few more reports. After personally investigating the truth, those involved were promptly sent to the police station for education. This ti, Hua Jun handled the handover procedures herself. She walked deliberately, step by step, in short heels, exuding an aura of cold righteousness.
A forr schoolmate of hers, Xiao Lin, worked at the police station. When the two t, they inevitably chatted a bit. After discussing their respective work, Xiao Lin sighed, "Yesterday we arrested a woman. Everyone confessed that she was the mastermind, but she just refuses to admit it."
People who refuse to admit to anything like that were all too common, requiring harsher interrogation sotis. Hua Jun had seen such suspects before. She replied calmly, "Maybe she has thick skin, or maybe she’s truly innocent."
Xiao Lin said, "Nine tis out of ten, she’s guilty. But these kinds of cases are always tricky. It’s all under-the-table money dealings, and without solid evidence, it makes our job extrely difficult. She’s a business owner, but her ans are downright indecent—hiring thugs to smash a rival store. Luckily, the rival wasn’t a pushover, or else two won facing gangsters—who knows what might’ve happened."
Hua Jun’s gaze carried a faint sneer. "Can’t compete, so they resort to underhanded moves—just business instincts." At that mont, she thought of Tian Sangsang. That woman who was kicked out—wasn’t she just another rchant?
"Exactly. And the store she targeted was pretty well-known—’Deluxe Fragrance House’ on West City Road. I’ve used their skincare products before," Xiao Lin added.
"’Deluxe Fragrance House’? I’ve heard of it. Their products are supposed to work quite well." Hua Jun arched an eyebrow, her piercing phoenix eyes flashing with a sharp glint. "The one who hired people to smash it wouldn’t happen to be... Hua Zifeng’s mistress? And she went head-to-head with Tian Sangsang?"
"It was the owner of the store across the street." Xiao Lin sighed. "That’s just how it is—big stores attract hatred."
"There might be a misunderstanding." Hua Jun responded noncommittally.
Xiao Lin looked at her, puzzled. "A misunderstanding?"
Hua Jun nodded but did not elaborate. Instead, she said, "I’d like to et this Boss Ji."
Ji Qin had been detained for an entire night, unable to eat or sleep well. She was panicked and frustrated, yet also growing disheartened. Frankly, she had no one to bla but herself. Li Qiong’er wouldn’t help, Hua Zifeng was unreliable, and without any backing, the situation dragged on until she had no choice. Would she really have to confess?
But she was unwilling. She’d just arrived in Beijing, and now she had to lose to Tian Sangsang? Last night, she’d replayed the events over and over in her mind—her downfall had been her own folly, her arrogance. She’d thought that Guan Kunling was weak and defenseless, and, worse yet, she’d foolishly left evidence. By any asure, it was just one word—stupid!
She had always been calm before. But this ti, she’d been pushed into a corner and acted with reckless desperation.
Ji Qin sighed heavily, burning with resentnt. Hearing footsteps approach, she imdiately lifted her head.
The woman who appeared had delicate features, a tall figure, and an air of sophistication. Her attire was smartly put together, exuding authority. In just one glance, Ji Qin’s sharp instincts told her this was soone important. She racked her brain—had she t or offended this person before? But there was no clue.
As she scrutinized Hua Jun, Hua Jun was also examining her. She hadn’t expected Hua Zifeng’s taste to have deteriorated so much. This woman, with her garish makeup and glaringly red lipstick—how could he even stomach her?
Without betraying her thoughts, Hua Jun asked coolly, "You’re Ji Qin, the owner of ’Blooming Years’ across the street from ’Deluxe Fragrance House’?"
At this, Ji Qin imdiately shook her head in denial. "Stop asking . I won’t admit it! I didn’t hire thugs to vandalize Deluxe Fragrance House! It’s all Wang Dafoot framing !"
"Don’t get excited. I didn’t co to question you." Hua Jun raised her hand slightly, her eyes unreadable and tinged with an air of superiority. "I believe that whoever my brother chooses wouldn’t be such a fool. This tactic—it’s both stupid and clumsy."
Ji Qin hesitated. "You’re..."
"I’m Hua Zifeng’s sister, Hua Jun."
Hope ignited in Ji Qin’s heart. Hua Zifeng hadn’t abandoned her? Her gaze toward Hua Jun changed entirely.
Hua Jun, on the other hand, basked in her look. "Boss Ji, since you’re associated with my brother, please start conducting yourself with more dignity. Don’t tarnish the Hua Family’s reputation. This ti, I’m here on account of my brother. Of course, I also believe you’ve been wronged. But let this be the last ti. From now on, I expect you to be smarter."
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