Chapter 102: Tang Ziyu’s Drunken Reverie

Since Bai Chenxi took on the role in "Peony Chant," she had been rushing non-stop between two film crews. Whether it was because Meng Ling had trouble catching anyone lately or because Bai Chenxi had doused her with a bucket of water, Meng Ling had become unusually low-key.

Although Bai Chenxi was exhausted recently, no one was bothering her anymore, and life was relatively comfortable. Now, whenever she got the chance, Bai Chenxi just wanted to sleep. Xia Yan watched as she kept nodding off.

Without mercy, he teased, "I really don’t understand what you’re thinking. You’re exhausted like a dog, getting scolded every day—what’s in it for you?"

Bai Chenxi, too tired even to lift her eyelids, replied lazily, "A sister’s joy is priceless."

Xia Yan was left speechless by her retort. Just as he was about to snap back, he noticed Bai Chenxi had already fallen asleep. He found himself momentarily lost in thought.

Lu Tao walked in and was about to speak but was stopped by Xia Yan with a silent gesture to leave and talk elsewhere. Lu Tao exchanged a quiet nod with Xiao Yu, and the two quietly slipped out.

Xiao Yu glanced at Bai Chenxi, who was still sound asleep and oblivious to everything, and shook her head helplessly. She even felt a bit sorry for Xia Yan.

Before even Xia Yan realized it, the drama should just be wrapped up quickly—it would be better for everyone.

Amidst the hectic rush, Bai Chenxi finally arrived at the wrap party for "Red Beauty’s Calamity."

Jiang Jize, who had been awkward all along, finally had a legitimate, dignified chance to meet Tang Ziyu.

Director Li had planned for Bai Chenxi and Jiang Jize to sit together to save himself the trouble of socializing, but Bai Chenxi, refusing outright, pushed Jiang Jize to sit beside Tang Ziyu instead.

Director Li glared at Bai Chenxi in frustration, clearly displeased. But Bai Chenxi wasn’t thinking so much—she knew better than anyone who Jiang Jize was here for.

Seeing his awkward expression, she didn’t hesitate to push him next to Tang Ziyu. Let me give you this step—you’ve helped me enough!

When Jiang Jize was firmly seated by Bai Chenxi, he suddenly recalled the last time he had pushed Chu Muyun next to Bai Chenxi—indeed, fate’s wheel was turning.

Jiang Jize gave Tang Ziyu a proud sidelong glance. “It’s not like I wanted to sit here.”

Tang Ziyu didn’t even look at him, offering no reaction. Feeling ignored, Jiang Jize tried to stir things up by kicking her foot.

Tang Ziyu acted as if she didn’t feel a thing, showing no response. Jiang Jize, simmering with anger, whispered, “Why are you ignoring me?”

Tang Ziyu glanced at him, then firmly stepped down with force. Jiang Jize, caught off guard, cried out in pain.

All eyes at the table turned toward them. Director Li asked perfunctorily, “Mr. Jiang, what’s wrong?”

Jiang Jize winced but forced a smile. “Nothing, just misjudged.”

The crowd lost interest and returned to their lively chatter.

Jiang Jize hissed under his breath, “Tang Ziyu, are you crazy?” Wearing heels, the impact was hardly light.

Tang Ziyu took a bite of her food and lazily replied, “This is how I pay attention to you.”

Jiang Jize was so irritated he was speechless, glaring fiercely at her, ignoring the curious glances around. After a while, he finally muttered, “You’re crazy.”

“Got medicine for that?” Tang Ziyu shot back without hesitation.

Jiang Jize turned his head away in frustration, drinking quietly. The atmosphere around them turned as cold as autumn frost.

Since sitting down, Bai Chenxi had been watching their every move, afraid to miss any gossip. Soon, the tension between the two reached freezing point.

This distressed Bai Chenxi, the innocent spectator, who finally understood how “head-pushing” factions formed. She felt anxious just watching them.

Meng Ling, noticing Bai Chenxi’s unwavering gaze fixed on Jiang Jize, sneered inwardly, “Always wanting more—just having Brother Muyun isn’t enough; now she’s trying to monopolize Mr. Jiang too.”

Her eyes darkened with malice. “Bai Chenxi, one day Brother Muyun and Mr. Jiang will see who you really are. I’m just waiting for your downfall.”

Bai Chenxi suddenly felt uneasy and looked up to see Meng Ling staring right at her. No wonder she felt uncomfortable—being watched like that, who knew what ill wishes were brewing in that gaze?

Unwilling to be outdone, Bai Chenxi shot back a glare. Afraid of you? Not a chance. Meng Ling, meeting Bai Chenxi’s fierce look, involuntarily recalled the expression on Bai Chenxi’s face when she doused her with water.

Meng Ling visibly faltered but forced herself to look away casually.

Proud, Bai Chenxi took a sip of wine. “Come on, try to challenge me!”

Meanwhile, Jiang Jize nursed his silent anger, gulping down one glass of wine after another. Tang Ziyu appeared unfazed but drank at an equally steady pace.

When Tang Ziyu got up, Jiang Jize left without a word.

Tang Ziyu had just come out of the restroom when Jiang Jize grabbed her arm and dragged her into the corridor.

Tang Ziyu struggled to break free, but Jiang Jize suddenly let go. Off balance, she bumped into the wall.

She looked down, rubbing her arm in pain. Jiang Jize quietly withdrew his outstretched hand, feigning indifference. “Tang Ziyu, if you apologize now, I might consider forgiving you.”

Tang Ziyu snapped her head up and shoved Jiang Jize. “Forgive you? What do you mean? How dare you push me!”

Jiang Jize, caught off guard, stumbled back. Seeing her dazed, glassy-eyed state, he thought: Damn, I shouldn’t have let her drink so much.

He immediately switched tactics, soothing her gently, “You’re drunk. Let’s go home, okay?”

He cautiously reached to support her, but Tang Ziyu swung her arm, and with practiced reflexes, Jiang Jize ducked the blow.

Tang Ziyu waved her arm again. “I don’t want to go with you. You’re a bad person—you just pushed me.” Tears welled up in her eyes.

Quick-witted, Jiang Jize covered her mouth. If anyone heard this, they’d think I harmed her or something!

Focused on the outside noise, Jiang Jize suddenly felt a sharp pinch on his hand.

“Tang Ziyu, are you crazy or what?” she stared defiantly, refusing to back down.

Jiang Jize had no energy left to argue with a drunk, especially one who turned vicious when intoxicated.

He couldn’t fathom how such a gentle person could become such a shrew when drunk.

Recalling the days Tang Ziyu got drunk, he shuddered at the memory. But the pain on his head reminded him the past was past, and worse was yet to come.

Tang Ziyu grabbed Jiang Jize’s hair fiercely, pulling as if uprooting weeds. Jiang Jize protected his hair, pleading desperately, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Please let go.”

When Tang Ziyu grew tired of the game, she finally released him. Jiang Jize rubbed his hair and quickly coaxed, “Look, it’s so cold here. Let’s find somewhere else, okay?”

Tang Ziyu agreed decisively this time, then stretched out her arms. “Carry me.”

Jiang Jize sighed resignedly. “Fine, I’ll carry you.”

He muttered to himself, “Must’ve owed you in a past life. Wait until you sober up—I’ll settle the score.” Meanwhile, Tang Ziyu happily played with his hair as he carried her along.