Li Chu quickly accepted the card, promising not to disclose its existence. She didn’t pry into Mu Xiao’s intentions, perfectly portraying the excitement of a good Samaritan receiving a reward.
The secretary realized this young lady was truly unpretentious, her excitement written all over her face.
Li Chu thought, who doesn’t like money? Unless they’re already rich.
After the secretary left, she tucked the bank card into her wallet, happily patting it before heading to the kitchen to wash dishes.
She suddenly felt a sense of overnight riches, incredibly joyful, especially since her previous payment hadn’t arrived yet.
She was also debt-free. She had already repaid Tang Congnan the money she borrowed to buy Ning Manqing’s earrings when the advertising fees came through. Life was truly blissful.
But no matter how blissful, work still beckoned.
A new year, a new day, and Li Chu had a schedule to keep.
With over a month until the Lunar New Year, Li Chu participated in a variety show as a transition between filming projects, to increase her exposure.
Li Chu never expected to run into Zhong Yue here. They weren’t recording the same show, but happened to be in the same building and boarded the same elevator.
Zhong Yue was dressed glamorously, sunglasses perched on her nose, looking triumphant. When she saw Li Chu, her expression became even more haughty.
Qian Duoduo curled her lip at the sight of Zhong Yue, her disdain evident.
Li Chu, however, showed no outward reaction, simply watching the elevator numbers change, not sparing Zhong Yue a glance.
At this moment, she suddenly understood how Ning Manqing felt when faced with her brother’s petty actions. Because she didn’t see herself on the same level as Zhong Yue, she didn’t even bother to react. Ignoring her was the ultimate contempt.
Zhong Yue was displeased by Li Chu’s calm demeanor. Wasn’t the point of all this to anger Li Chu? If Li Chu didn’t get angry, her goal wouldn’t be achieved.
She deliberately started touching up her makeup, using the very lipstick she had snatched from Li Chu’s endorsement deal.
Li Chu’s eyes didn’t even flicker. Zhong Yue blew on her freshly painted nails and said, “The brand knows how to choose the best spokesperson. Some random nobodies think they can endorse products. How delusional.”
This was undoubtedly a direct jab at Li Chu. Qian Duoduo bristled, but Li Chu patted her hand reassuringly.
“Arguing with inferior people lowers your own standards, Duoduo. It’s not worth it.”
Li Chu initially wanted to say ‘dog,’ but then reconsidered. Dogs were cute; some people weren’t even worthy of being compared to them.
“Understood, Sister Li.”
Qian Duoduo responded, the anger fading from her face, replaced by Li Chu’s same indifferent expression.
Zhong Yue, infuriated by their little act, tightened her grip on her lipstick. The elevator dinged; Li Chu’s floor had arrived.
Before leaving, Li Chu looked at Zhong Yue, a subtle curve appearing on her lips. Her eyes swept over Zhong Yue, and she calmly asked, “That’s all you’ve got?”
Not reacting was one thing, but being stepped on was another. She had to retaliate.
Li Chu had fully grasped the art of provocation. After being subjected to such disdainful mockery, Zhong Yue’s face turned green, practically wanting to lunge and claw at Li Chu’s face.
Her assistant held her back, advising, “Sister, the schedule is important. They’re waiting upstairs. And there are a lot of cameras here.”
Zhong Yue, in her rage, backhanded her assistant, her voice icy, “What use are you? You couldn’t even help me scold her back, just standing there playing deaf and dumb. Whose side are you on?”
The assistant immediately apologized, badmouthing Li Chu, which finally appeased Zhong Yue somewhat.
Outside the elevator, Qian Duoduo was shaking with laughter.
“Hahahaha, Sister Li, you’re amazing! Hahahahaha, she’s about to explode!”
“Calm down, we’re about to record.”
Li Chu was reviewing the script in her mind. This variety show had very little scripting, so it relied heavily on improvisation.
The day the indoor variety show aired, Li Chu trended on social media.
Tang Congnan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the trending topic, fearing the worst. Clicking on it, he saw it was filled with laughter and praise, and he instantly relaxed.
@Zowen: #LiChuQuickFireQuestions# Hahahahaha xswl What a treasure this girl is! So cute!
Tang Congnan clicked on the video. It was a 30-second clip of a quick-fire question segment. Li Chu sat there, throwing out answers without hesitation to the host’s questions.
“Your favorite fruit?”
“Strawberries.”
“Favorite color?”
“Yellow.”
“Favorite singer?”
“Ming Zhi.”
“Favorite actress?”
“Ning Manqing.”
“How would you describe yourself?”
“Law-abiding citizen.”
“What kind of person do you want to be?”
“Rich.”
Tang Congnan choked on his own saliva when he saw the last two answers.
@MeowXiaoHei: I’m dying of laughter hahahahahaha Why did I watch this while wearing a face mask hahaha
@LiLiYuanShangCao: Look at our sister’s sincere face. Who doesn’t want to be rich!
@LaoXu: Self-description: law-abiding citizen hahahahaha I’m dead
@YeMeiYouJiuShuWo: Hahahaha such simple and unadorned answers. I feel the same way, sister. Thank you.
Below the comments, besides fans and passersby, there were also praises from fans of other celebrities.
@XiaoAMing: Woohoo! This sister is so cute! Anyone who likes our Zhizhi is adorable!
@ManManChangQing: Speaking of which, our little sister really respects our Manqing. They have a great relationship on set. The way she said Manqing’s name without hesitation, with a hint of admiration… As a long-time fan, I’m touched.
Of course, there were also some negative comments, but they were insignificant compared to the overwhelming positive response.
Tang Congnan called Li Chu, telling her to have some sense of idol image.
“It was quick-fire questions! I didn’t even know that segment was happening. There was no time to think!”
Li Chu wanted to maintain an idol image, but the script didn’t mention that segment. She didn’t have time to think of something cool to say, so she blurted out the truth.
Tang Congnan wanted to say something, but burst out laughing instead.
He found it hilarious and genuinely endearing, so he dropped the subject, reminding her to eat well, but not too much.
Li Chu gained quite a few fans thanks to this clip, and her super topic was filled with joyful “hahahahaha”s.
@SweetLi ZiAction: Sister is so cute hahaha I followed her for her visuals, thinking she was another pretty idol. Turns out she’s talented, cute, and funny. Many of my friends have been converted thanks to my recommendations. Totally worth it!
@SweetPearStorm: Hahahaha speaking of our sister, she has the face of a beautiful idol, always dressed up for variety shows, making people think she’s that kind of idol star. But I realized she’s never actually acted in an idol drama.
@WoYuLiLiGongZhenMian: Yes, never acted in an idol drama! All her roles have been quite diverse. I wonder if her new drama will be sweet.
@MengZhongYuQingLi: Wake up, sister above. Do you think a Ji Yun drama could be sweet? It’s probably another suspense thriller. I can’t imagine any sweet romance.
Li Chu’s super topic was discussing these things, while another super topic was going in a completely different direction.
@WoYouYiKeQingLiShu: Thank you, I’m dead from the sweetness. This is officially feeding me candy!
@AiChiQingLiYa: The way little sister mentioned big sister so decisively, without hesitation! I’m healed! I’m ascending! Rewatching this scene over and over!
@MengZhongYouQingLi: kswlkswl I’m so hooked! And they just collaborated hehe. But I don’t know if there are any romantic scenes. Director Ji always keeps things under wraps, not even any leaked photos. I’m dying of anticipation, wuwuwu. I really hope they have romantic scenes.
@WoDeCPLiKeJieHun: Hehehe am I the only one who noticed little sister said she likes yellow? Hahahahaha, who doesn’t? [dog head]
@QingLiZi: Yellow represents passion, warmth, and sunshine. I think everyone likes it. [cupping face]
@RuoRuoYouQingLi: By the same logic, everyone likes strawberries, especially when wearing yellow and covered in strawberries. You know what I mean?
@ManManYuChu: I’ve already seen some fan artists preparing works. I can only say, sisters are amazing. Also, why is our CP name Qing Li or Qing Li? Why not Man Chu? [manual dog head]
@WoYouYiKeQingLiShu: Famous scene warning? I’m full. I’m overflowing!
Mu Xiao, a busy man who never paid attention to entertainment news, had recently become interested in the entertainment industry. He had been keeping an eye on industry trends, and knowing that the person who helped him that day was Li Chu, he clicked on the trending topic.
After watching it, he felt quite satisfied with the thank-you gift he had sent. The secretary had suggested jewelry, clothes, or resources, but Mu Xiao felt that those could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. In the end, he decided on money.
He had considered poaching her for his own company, but as far as he knew, Li Chu had recently switched agencies. He had some dealings with the owner of Black Gold Entertainment, so he dismissed the idea.
As for Ning Manqing, he was certainly familiar with the name, but they had never met. Their circles were completely separate. However, he had heard that Ning Manqing had presented as an alpha but hadn’t returned to the Ning family.
He wondered how much of her former talent she still possessed, pondering the possibility of recruiting her.
Li Chu was completely unaware that the male lead was already thinking about becoming best buddies with Ning Manqing. She was busy replying to messages teasing her about her viral clip.
The chat group for the Die at Dawn and Dusk cast hadn’t been disbanded yet, and they were all teasing Li Chu in it.
Ji Yun sent Li Chu a red envelope, calling it a gift for the little money-grubber.
Li Chu was indignant. The desire to be rich was such a simple and unadorned aspiration, how could he call her a money-grubber? Still, she happily opened the red envelope.
【Li Chu】: Fifty cents? Just fifty cents! Director Ji!!!
【San Qiu】: Li Zi, be content. Getting this tightwad to voluntarily send fifty cents is already a miracle.
【Zhao Zhichun】: Hahahaha Li Zi, don’t be sad. I’ll send you one too!
After opening it, Li Chu was speechless.
【Li Chu】: I thought it would at least be a dollar, but fifty cents? Is this how you treat people?
【Zhao Zhichun】: Oh dear, Sister Ning will definitely send you more, right? @NingManqing
【Zhao Zhichun】: Wuwuwu I’m so sad. It was clearly a three-person scene, and I was the male lead, yet I’m completely left out QWQ
【San Qiu】: Who says the male lead has to end up with the female lead? I, the genius screenwriter, never follow the beaten path.
Tagged, Ning Manqing appeared, sending Li Chu a 200 yuan red envelope, which earned her more teasing from Zhao Zhichun.
Li Chu’s face flushed with excitement, not because of the 200 yuan, but because of the message Ning Manqing sent her.
【Teacher Ning】: Our Tao Tao likes me so much. I’m very happy.
Attached was a transfer of 52,000 yuan.
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