Nan Zhi furrowed her brow, knowing she couldn’t refuse the drink, and had to accept and down it in one gulp.
She then put on an inscrutable smile, "Producer Huang, I drank the wine, but can you return my phone now? It could be my boss calling."
The signing of a new artist by Qiao Xi’s studio had started being talked about in the industry.
Wang Li would also accompany Nan Zhi to various events, and she would be there with her during filming.
It was clear that Qiao Xi’s studio still valued Nan Zhi highly.
Qiao Xi’s fame skyrocketed within the industry after she won the Movie Queen title, and Producer Huang had some reservations about her.
But that trepidation was not nearly as strong as his lust for Nan Zhi.
Coincidentally, Producer Huang had known Nan Zhi before she was blacklisted. Back then, with a powerful backer behind her, he didn’t dare harbor other thoughts. Now, the situation was different.
With this thought, Producer Huang impetuously said, "If it’s actually your boss on the phone, then this is the perfect opportunity for the three of us to talk about the role."
Producer Huang was certain Qiao Xi wouldn’t be here.
He poured another drink for Nan Zhi, heavily implying, "The role of the Third Female Lead is desired by many, others too are fighting for it. Your chance right now is the greatest."
Although it was only for the Third Female Lead, the role was throughout the whole show and a significant supporting character.
If played well, this role could definitely become popular, and it was Nan Zhi’s opportunity to rise again.
How could Nan Zhi not understand Producer Huang’s intentions?
She needed money, fame, and to become strong, but she refused to accept the unspoken rules.
With Wang Li not present, Nan Zhi could have easily walked away, but by doing so, she might affect Qiao Xi’s studio.
And this was indeed a rare opportunity.
Suddenly, Nan Zhi found herself in a dilemma.
After some consideration, Nan Zhi asked, "If I finish this drink, do I get a chance to audition?"
She couldn’t let this crafty old fox take advantage of her, right?
Producer Huang’s eyes narrowed, "You only have a chance if you drink first, right?"
Nan Zhi clenched her teeth, "Fine, I’ll drink!"
She couldn’t lose this opportunity!
"Miss Nan is straightforward, I’m sure you’ll make it big."
Nan Zhi gave a wry smile, closed her eyes, and downed the glass of wine. It tasted bitter, mirroring the bitterness in her heart.
She had been popular once, but was easily blacklisted at someone’s mere whim.
After finishing her drink, Nan Zhi felt even dizzier, and her stomach started to feel uncomfortable.
She had drunk too much that night and was suffering from a stomach ache.
Biting the tip of her tongue to stay alert, Nan Zhi asked, "Producer Huang, is this okay?"
She endured the nausea to force out a smile.
After getting her phone back, Nan Zhi wanted to message Qiao Xi, but Producer Huang didn’t give her the chance.
"Miss Nan, you seem unwell. In that case, let’s go up to the room and have a good talk."
Nan Zhi pushed away the hand that Producer Huang extended, and a fierce look crossed his face as he tried to forcefully take her away.
The people around watched with cold eyes, and none intended to help Nan Zhi. They all didn’t want to offend the producer.
The entertainment industry is just this cruel a place.
This shameless old bastard!
Nan Zhi had reached her limit with Producer Huang and was about to confront him when the door of the private room suddenly opened.
Nan Zhi looked toward the door and saw Bei Bei walk in, followed by an elegant and beautiful woman.
Seeing Qiao Xi, Nan Zhi let out a big sigh of relief.
Her support had arrived.
Seeing Nan Zhi’s pale face, Bei Bei hurried to her side to steady her.
Producer Huang’s face turned the color of boiled vegetables, not a good look at all. "Boss Qiao, why are you here when you’re so busy?"
Producer Huang had a bad reputation in the industry, often using his position of power to take advantage of female stars.
Scum like him would never be fully eradicated.
Qiao Xi felt a strong aversion inside.
With a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, Qiao Xi said, "My person is here, so I thought I’d come check in. If Nan Zhi has offended you, I apologize on her behalf."
She was standing up for Nan Zhi.
He hadn’t expected Qiao Xi to actually show up.
Producer Huang chuckled, "No, no, Miss Nan is very sensible. Boss Qiao, there’s absolutely no need for you to apologize."
How could he accept such an apology?
What if she complained to someone influential?
Producer Huang knew he couldn’t afford to provoke Shen Dang.
Qiao Xi sneered inwardly, "So is our Nan Zhi doing okay?" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ɴovᴇl(ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt
Could he say otherwise?
Qiao Xi had been waiting for this response; she nodded with a smile, "In that case, Nan Zhi and I will be on time for the audition."
"Boss Qiao takes great care of your artists."
Producer Huang’s words were loaded.
Qiao Xi smiled coldly, "Nan Zhi is my person; naturally, I should look out for her. It’s getting late; I will take Nan Zhi back now."
"I’ll have my assistant escort you."
"That won’t be necessary," Qiao Xi declined, her gaze shifting to Nan Zhi, "Let’s go."
Nan Zhi looked at Producer Huang, "Well then, Producer Huang, we’ll be taking our leave. Thank you for taking care of me tonight. I won’t forget."
Upon seeing Qiao Xi, the old fox had completely changed his attitude.
A bully to the weak, but a coward to the strong!
"Boss Qiao, have a safe journey."
Producer Huang greeted them with a smile as the three women left. Once they were gone, his expression immediately darkened.
Stumbling in her steps, Nan Zhi would have been unable to walk straight if not for Bei Bei’s support.
As Qiao Xi steadied the other side of Nan Zhi, she asked, "Are you okay?"
"Fine, it’s a good thing you came, boss."
Nan Zhi gave her a heartfelt, albeit alcohol-laden, smile.
"From now on, if you can’t drink, don’t force yourself. Even if Producer Huang isn’t a viable option, you can still get an audition elsewhere. If not for this role, there will be other scripts and other roles to compete for."
Qiao Xi couldn’t deny that the big IP Third Female Lead had a stunning setup, but she didn’t agree with accepting the unspoken rules just to get ahead.
"I just thought after a few drinks, it would be over."
"I signed you and I’ll be responsible for you."
Nan Zhi smiled bitterly in her heart.
Over the past year, she had grown accustomed to the coldness and disdain from others.
From heaven to hell and now pulled back to the human world by Qiao Xi.
Qiao Xi provided a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time, making her feel that some warmth still existed in this world.
Once back in the car, Nan Zhi collapsed onto the back seat.
"Bei Bei, go to the pharmacy and get some hangover medicine."
Bei Bei ran to the pharmacy and returned with a bottle of water, feeding Nan Zhi the hangover medicine.
Nan Zhi fell asleep in the car before they even got home.
As Bei Bei smoothed out Nan Zhi’s messy hair, she commented, "If we hadn’t come, I don’t know what Nan Zhi would’ve done."
Once home, Bei Bei took care of her.
Qiao Xi opened the window and stepped onto the balcony, overlooking Hai City’s dazzling and blurred lights, illuminating the bustling city that never sleeps.
Here in the urban village, the distant skyscrapers starkly contrasted with her surroundings, as if drawing a line between two different worlds.