Bai Yi smiled gently, looking at the beautiful and pure girl in front of him, and asked warmly, "Hmm, how have you been lately?"
Jiang Ruan complained, "I’ve been swamped, either shooting ads or attending events every day."
Bai Yi laughed heartily, "No matter how busy work gets, you need to take care of your health."
"You’re still young. Don’t end up like me with gastritis, unable to eat what you want."
Jiang Ruan responded, "I know."
The two were chatting happily.
After the recent scandal, everyone knew Bai Yi and Jiang Ruan were good friends. Besides, this was a public place; avoiding interaction would only make it seem suspicious.
It’s better to chat openly; after all, who doesn’t have a few good friends?
Being friends with a movie star was enough to make the artists in the private room jealous.
It’s fair to say Jiang Ruan was exceptionally lucky, having a smooth journey in the entertainment industry so far.
Not everyone is fortunate like that.
Li Xin, on the other hand, sat alone, cold and distant.
With her scandal blowing up recently, who would dare get close to her without risking getting dragged into trouble?
Artists secretly mocked her behind her back.
Fans saying Li Xin and Bai Yi had a CP vibe must be blind.
Bai Yi hadn’t interacted with Li Xin at all since arriving, not even giving her a glance.
Probably just fans imagining things.
Instead, he was chatting warmly with Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan was so popular recently that many artists were envious and eager to cozy up, joining her in conversation.
Jiang Ruan noticed but didn’t say anything. The entertainment industry is a vanity fair; the popular ones attract more trouble.
Besides, she didn’t have any conflicts with them, so she smiled and introduced what they were performing to Bai Yi, offering him face, and Bai Yi naturally showed face as well.
Sticking to topics about the crew, everyone was chatting happily.
Li Xin watched, envy and hatred filling her eyes, but she hadn’t forgotten the purpose of tonight.
Looking at the tightly closed door, she couldn’t help but feel excited.
A cruel smile played on Li Xin’s lips.
Everyone was chatting happily.
At that moment, the private room door was pushed open by a waiter, and the director entered with a smiling middle-aged man with a bald head, typical of someone from Beijing’s circles.
Knowing this man was the so-called big shot for the night, everyone quieted down.
"Let me introduce everyone. This is the director of Beijing’s finance bureau, Director Rong Cheng." The director said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished.
They knew there was a big shot official tonight, but never expected it to be a bureau director.
They lowered their heads in greeting, "Hello, Director Rong."
Bai Yi also nodded, "Director Rong."
Rong Cheng nodded back, "Hello, everyone."
Seeing them all bowing to Rong Cheng, Li Xin felt incredibly pleased inside.
Although this old man was hideous and aged, he wielded real power and had money.
Whatever one says, it’s good to have shelter under a big tree.
Rong Cheng glanced around and smiled, "No need to be formal, treat it as a casual meal. Sit down, everyone."
The director arranged for Rong Cheng to sit at the head seat.
Couldn’t be more respectful in conduct.
No nonsense, after all, this was a bureau director.
He wouldn’t dare not be respectful.
Rong Cheng’s gaze lingered on Li Xin for a few seconds; Li Xin felt disgusted inside but lowered her head bashfully.
In Rong Cheng’s view, she appeared even more petite and shy.
All the more to Rong Cheng’s liking.
Soon, dishes began to be served.
But everyone gathered here knew clear well that the purpose wasn’t really eating.
It was about the interests of the crew and their own benefits.
Not a single chopstick was moved.
The director smiled and introduced to Rong Cheng, "Director Rong, this is Bai Yi, the leading actor of our crew, a talented star."
Rong Cheng glanced over, "I know Bai Yi, the famous movie star, right?"
Bai Yi smiled, "I wouldn’t dare to claim that, it’s all just empty fame."
Then he picked up his glass and filled it with baijiu himself, "Director Rong, I toast to you."
Rong Cheng graciously drank it.
Next was Jiang Ruan, after the introduction, she picked up her glass and also filled it with alcohol.
Jiang Ruan stood up gracefully and elegantly, with a smile on her lips, "Director Rong, a toast to you."
Just as she was about to drink.
Rong Cheng’s displeased voice was heard.
"I have a temper, you know? I don’t drink just anyone’s toast."