Chapter Fifty-Eight: Grievances and Gratitude

Bai Chenxi spoke with utmost confidence, “Sister Wang, I can handle this kind of small scene by myself.”

But Wang Ling was uneasy. “No, I just don’t feel comfortable.”

Bai Chenxi clung to Wang Ling’s arm, acting coy. “Sister Wang, how can you be so wonderful? What kind of celestial agent are you?”

Wang Ling lightly tapped her forehead. “You do talk sweet. Go on in now!”

As soon as Bai Chenxi and Wang Ling entered, the person they’d met at the audition waved them over. “Bai Chenxi, you’re here!”

Everyone turned at the sound, their ambiguous, appraising gazes making Bai Chenxi instinctively uncomfortable.

Wang Ling pulled Bai Chenxi behind her and stepped forward. “Oh, it’s President Li. Hello, President Li.”

“Good, good, good!” President Li replied absently.

He looked at Bai Chenxi behind Wang Ling. “Bai Chenxi, come here, let me introduce you. This is the biggest investor in our drama, Chairman Che.”

Bai Chenxi forced a smile. “Hello, Chairman Che.”

Chairman Che looked her up and down. “Bai Chenxi, right? Since you’re here, you should show some sincerity.”

President Li quickly pressed a glass of wine into Bai Chenxi’s hand, winking at her repeatedly. “Shouldn’t you offer Chairman Che a toast?”

Bai Chenxi held the glass awkwardly, but Wang Ling took it from her with a smile. “Chairman Che, she can’t drink. I’ll toast on her behalf. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation.”

Chairman Che didn’t object. Only after Wang Ling drained the glass did he speak slowly, “Seems I’m not worthy of drinking with Miss Bai.”

Bai Chenxi and Wang Ling exchanged a glance. No one in the room tried to mediate; instead, everyone seemed to be waiting for drama.

Bai Chenxi stepped forward. Wang Ling tried to hold her back, but Bai Chenxi said softly, “Sister Wang, I’m fine.”

She picked up another glass from the table and poured herself a drink. “Chairman Che, this one is for you.”

She had barely taken a sip when she started coughing, choked by the taste. Chairman Che’s brows twitched, but Bai Chenxi continued drinking.

Chairman Che wasn’t impatient; he watched her drink, sip by sip. Inside, Bai Chenxi was fuming: This isn’t right. After all this, they still want me to drink?

Watching Bai Chenxi drink despite clearly not being able to hold her liquor, Chairman Che felt a surge of superiority.

So what if you’re proud? At this moment, aren’t you still here, forcing yourself to smile for me?

When Bai Chenxi finally finished, Chairman Che spoke leisurely. “Everyone, sit down.”

President Li, perceptive as ever, seated Bai Chenxi right next to Chairman Che. “Our leading lady has to sit beside the main investor, of course!”

Wang Ling tried to follow, but President Li blocked her. Bai Chenxi shot Wang Ling a reassuring look.

Bai Chenxi glanced around and frowned slightly. “Where are the other actors?”

President Li replied, “This banquet is specially for our leading lady.”

Bai Chenxi said nothing, but was on guard, planning to slip away at the first opportunity.

Before she could find her chance, Chairman Che’s hand landed on her thigh.

Bai Chenxi instantly stood up, her abrupt movement drawing everyone’s attention.

Suppressing her emotions, Bai Chenxi said, “Chairman Che, I’m feeling unwell. I need to go to the restroom.”

She signaled to Wang Ling, and the two prepared to leave.

But Chairman Che grabbed Bai Chenxi’s hand, and she couldn’t shake him off.

He smiled maliciously. “Leaving so soon? This is all for you. If you leave, what am I supposed to watch?”

Bai Chenxi’s expression turned cold. “Chairman Che, please have some respect.”

“Respect?” Chairman Che sneered. “What? Did you ask Chu Muyun to respect you when you were with him?”

He laughed brazenly, and some others joined in as if they’d just heard a joke.

Wang Ling hurried over to protect Bai Chenxi. Chairman Che didn’t care; he was certain these women wouldn’t be leaving tonight.

He looked Bai Chenxi up and down, his eyes full of desire. “What’s the use of sticking with him? He’s just a useless entertainer. With me, you could have whatever resources you want.”

His words stung Bai Chenxi.

With disdain, she retorted, “Do you really think you can compare to Chu Muyun? Someone like you is an insult to anyone you’re compared with. Do you think you’re worthy?”

Chairman Che wasn’t surprised. “As expected of his woman—just as infuriating. You may defend him, but who knows if you matter to him at all?”

He stared at her face, trying to discern something in her expression.

“You’re not the first woman he’s had. For that other woman, he once risked everything in a fit of passion.”

“As for you,” Chairman Che sneered, “at best you’re a stand-in for when she isn’t around.”

His laugh grew more lecherous. “How about it? Rather than being dumped by him in the future, why not consider me instead?”

As soon as he finished, Chairman Che was doused in wine.

“Consider yourself?” Bai Chenxi scoffed.

“Well done!” Applause suddenly rang out from the distance.

Chairman Che, furious, looked over and was taken aback.

“President Jiang, what are you doing here?”