Chapter 10: Sow Discord

Xia Weiwei turned and put away her phone.

Lu Yao said, “You should delete that photo.”

Xia Weiwei retorted, “You’d better not interfere in my business with Xia Yangyang.”

Lu Yao replied, “Since I’ve seen it, I can’t ignore it. Yangyang and I are friends.”

Xia Weiwei smirked. “Friends? You’re just trying to curry favor. You used to work for a smaller agency, and I know you wanted to sign with Starlight. If you think pleasing Xia Yangyang will help, you should please me instead. Xia Yangyang holds no sway in our family.”

Lu Yao said, “You seriously underestimate me. Starlight isn’t the only agency. I don’t need to flatter anyone. Besides, if your sister is so unimportant, why is she the heroine of this film, and you’re only fourth billing?”

This struck a nerve with Xia Weiwei. She was upset, but an idea formed.

Abruptly changing her tone, Xia Weiwei said, “Sister Lu Yao, you auditioned for the lead role, didn’t you?”

Lu Yao asked, “What are you implying?”

Xia Weiwei said, “My sister got the part because this film is co-produced by my father and Shen Shichuan. My father wanted to launch her career, so she got the lead. You were originally top choice, but my sister’s involvement relegated you to a supporting role.”

Lu Yao said, “Don’t try to sow discord. I won’t fall for it.”

Xia Weiwei feigned innocence. “I’m not lying. Isn’t it strange? You and my sister went to the same school. How did a journalism student suddenly become a lead actress? It’s impossible without connections. And my sister is only doing this film because of Chen Yu.”

Lu Yao looked visibly shocked.

Xia Weiwei knew Lu Yao was infatuated with Chen Yu; she’d seen a “Yutou” (Chen Yu fan) tattoo behind Lu Yao’s ear.

Xia Weiwei continued, “Didn’t you know? My sister’s a huge Chen Yu fan. She’s hypocritical and hides it, but our house is covered in his posters. She’s using this film to pursue him.”

Later, in the dormitory, Xia Yangyang noticed Lu Yao’s subdued mood.

Xia Yangyang asked, “What’s wrong? You seem upset.”

Lu Yao said, “Where were you after work? I couldn’t find you.”

Xia Yangyang said, “Oh, I went to the snack street for dinner. I forgot to tell you.”

Lu Yao’s expression changed. “You ate at a street stall?”

Xia Yangyang nodded. “Spicy and sour noodles and lamb skewers.”

Lu Yao said, “I see,” then climbed into her bunk, turned her back, and lay down.

Xia Yangyang was puzzled. She suspected Lu Yao was unhappy. Xia Yangyang didn’t reveal her dinner with Chen Yu, fearing it would upset Lu Yao further. She knew Lu Yao had a crush on Chen Yu, but since Lu Yao never mentioned it, Xia Yangyang avoided the topic.

Under the covers, Lu Yao felt uneasy. Chen Yu had just driven her home in his Ferrari; they’d had dinner together. How could he have eaten at a street stall with Xia Yangyang? Everyone knew Chen Yu was fastidious; he never ate the food on set and always had his private chef.

Xia Yangyang was clearly lying. Perhaps Xia Weiwei wasn't entirely wrong. Lu Yao clenched her fists under the covers.