Wen Ying had just been schooled by Xie Qian, rekindling her lawyer mindset, only to be taught another lesson by Qin Jiao.
Being lectured by a male god and a goddess left Wen Ying blushing, but she didn’t mind at all—both were pushing her to improve.
What if she didn’t want to improve?
Well, that’d be that.
Xie Qian and Qin Jiao wouldn’t force her.
Their friendly advice was worlds apart from Chen Ru’s high-pressure control.
Wen Ying wasn’t sure how Song Shao convinced Song Foxiang, but on Thursday, Song Chan’s lackey came to Class 16 with two fancy invitations for a provincial writers’ association event, asking if Wen Ying and Xie Qian would attend.
“It’s a donation ceremony.”
The lackey tilted her head, scrutinising Wen Ying, clearly puzzled about how Wen Ying connected with Song Chan.
Both Wen Ying and Song Chan had won first prize in the New Concept contest. Song Chan’s followers couldn’t help comparing them, concluding Song Chan was superior. Plus, Song Chan had reached out to Wen Ying before, only to be rebuffed.
The lackey couldn’t figure it out, and Li Mengjiao was even warier.
—When did Song Chan get close to Wen Ying without her knowing?
—Was Song Chan behind hiding the retest notice? Wen Ying mustn’t be fooled!
Wen Ying gave Li Mengjiao a reassuring look and took the invitation, “Alright, tell Song Jie I’ll go if I have time.”
The lackey still had to deliver Xie Qian’s invitation. In front of him, she was much tamer, eyes glued to the floor, too shy to look at him, fearing she’d blush.
“Thanks.”
Xie Qian took the invitation, and the lackey fled, face red.
“Something’s off. Since when are you two so chummy with Song Chan?” Li Mengjiao pulled Wen Ying aside.
Wen Ying, not wanting to spill Xie Qian’s family drama, vaguely explained it was through Xie Qian’s mum: “Song Chan’s dad and Auntie Zou work together, that’s how we met. I’ll let you in on a secret—don’t tell anyone—but my serialised novel might get published, though it’s not decided which publisher yet.”
Li Mengjiao was so excited she could’ve done a split on the spot!
“Getting published?”
Her voice was loud, but she quickly covered her mouth, glancing around to ensure no one overheard.
“So Auntie Zou kept you back last night to talk about this?”
Seeing Wen Ying nod, Li Mengjiao circled the desk, “That’s amazing!”
Her simple mind was entirely consumed by the news, leaving no room for other thoughts.
“You’ll work with Auntie Zou, right?”
Li Mengjiao was certain.
But Wen Ying shook her head, “Not sure yet. The magazine has priority. Whether Auntie Zou’s team publishes it depends on the final talks.”
Li Mengjiao was a bit disappointed.
She hoped Wen Ying would work with Zou Weijun.
As a rising star, Li Mengjiao’s weekends were packed with out-of-town promotions. Though well-protected, she’d glimpsed the adult world’s rules.
Kindness was scarce in the grown-up world. Companies didn’t sign newbies out of charity—they wanted profits.
Who’d turn down money?
Li Mengjiao, signed with Tianjiao, didn’t have such worries yet.
But Xu Mei, signed with Mr. Guan’s company, wasn’t so lucky.
“Mr. Guan treats Xu Mei like she’s not human. You know how many gigs she has? Seven days a week, she’s either performing or travelling to one. Last Saturday, I saw her backstage, sick as a dog, hooked to an IV while getting makeup done, pulling the needle out just before going on stage.”
Barely able to stand, Xu Mei still had to perform.
In that state, she couldn’t sing properly—she was lip-syncing!
When Li Mengjiao realised, her first thought wasn’t to expose Xu Mei but to pity her.
Everyone gets sick.
Office workers can take sick leave; Xu Mei couldn’t.
Mr. Guan saw her as a cash machine, not a person.
And Xu Mei’s boyfriend, Cao Shao, wasn’t supportive either. While she was sick, he flirted with Li Mengjiao instead.
It gave Li Mengjiao goosebumps.
“Xu Mei just wanted to sing—she loves it and she’s good at it, so she joined the competition. But after signing with Mr. Guan, she’s lost control. She probably doesn’t want to lip-sync, but she can’t refuse. She can’t afford the breach penalty… I think even if the money’s less, it’s better to work with someone you trust.”
Simple people have simple thoughts, often cutting to the core.
Wen Ying understood Li Mengjiao’s point: working with Zou Weijun, regardless of royalties, meant no deception.
Compared to strangers, Li Mengjiao trusted Zou Weijun more.
Why was Li Mengjiao so worried? Her blind faith in Wen Ying. A rookie writer might not be worth scamming, but Wen Ying was bound to be a bestseller someday, and where there’s profit, there’s deceit!
“I get it. Let’s see what the magazine says,” Wen Ying replied.
She asked Xie Qian if he’d attend the donation ceremony. He shook his head, “I might head to Shanghai. You go alone.”
It was a writers’ association event, and as an aspiring author, Wen Ying saw it as a chance to connect with Rongcheng’s literary circle—she’d have to deal with them eventually.
Wen Ying suspected Song Chan really wanted to invite Xie Qian and only included her to be polite.
But with Xie Qian off to Shanghai, Wen Ying went alone.
On Friday afternoon, Song Chan was disappointed to see only Wen Ying.
She didn’t ask why Xie Qian didn’t come.
Honestly, if Xie Qian had shown up, it might’ve been awkward.
The donation came from Xie Jinghu’s money, “earned” by Song Foxiang getting beaten. Song Foxiang probably didn’t want to see Xie Qian.
Wen Ying thought Song Shao might come, but he didn’t either.
Jiang Xuekun was there, though—the most familiar face to Wen Ying.
But Jiang Xuekun, a big shot, sat with other big shots, leaving Wen Ying in an inconspicuous seat.
On stage, Song Foxiang spoke and took photos with the writers’ association reps, praising Jinhu Group’s generous support for writers. The million-yuan compensation had hit Song Foxiang’s account, and parting with it felt like cutting flesh.
Song Shao and Song Chan had persuaded him to agree reluctantly.
So the money became a donation secured by Song Foxiang for the association. Why Jinhu Group gave him face, outsiders didn’t know—Jiang Xuekun had quashed publishing group gossip. Even days after Zou Weijun’s return, no colleague dared pester her with rumours!
Wen Ying thought the matter was settled as Song Foxiang spoke on stage. Then the venue door opened.
—Zhao Dong arrived!
