Chapter 282: Chapter 282

"Is that so? Yunqi, what kind of person is Director Cen Shu? Everyone says he’s very strict and has incredibly high standards, even making plenty of newcomers cry during scoldings. I’m quite curious—does he have any plans for a new movie coming up?"

Luuo Yunqi suddenly turned to glance at Xiao Ling.

Her deep, dark eyes seemed to see through something.

Xiao Ling awkwardly rubbed her nose: "N-No... If it’s inconvenient to say, then never mind."

Luuo Yunqi’s lips curved slightly: "Director Cen is great, an exceptional and dedicated director. He’s always supportive of newcomers. At the very least, he’s never scolded me."

Xiao Ling exclaimed in admiration: "Yunqi, you’re amazing! You’re born for this business."

Luuo Yunqi gave her a once-over: "I don’t know if he has any plans for a new movie at the moment. But if you’re interested, I’ll look for an opportunity to recommend you to Director Cen."

Xiao Ling instantly lit up with joy: "Really? Yunqi, thank you!"

Luuo Yunqi’s tone turned gentle: "We’re friends, aren’t we?"

Xiao Ling nodded fervently, affectionately clinging to Luuo Yunqi’s arm, smiling so widely that her grin practically reached her ears.

She always had good qualifications and dreamed of entering the entertainment industry, but lacked opportunities.

Her mother did have connections in this field, yet each time Xiao Ling pleaded, her mother refused. High-minded artists probably held disdain for the messiness of showbiz.

Xiao Ling had no choice but to try and figure something out herself. Luckily, Luuo Yunqi was a "Cen Girl," someone associated with Director Cen. Xiao Ling could ride her coattails.

The two walked along the main path toward the cafeteria. It was nearing noon, with the occasional student passing by.

As they passed the administrative building, a woman garbed like a secretary walked out from inside.

Xiao Ling recognized her at first glance and excitedly shook Luuo Yunqi’s arm: "Isn’t that Mrs. Liu’s secretary?"

Luuo Yunqi’s steps paused slightly, her gaze lifting.

The woman clearly noticed them as well and walked directly over in their direction.

"Miss Luuo, what a coincidence. I was just looking for you and happened to run into you here."

Xiao Ling suddenly turned to stare at the girl beside her—she actually knew Mrs. Liu’s secretary?

And judging by her tone, they seemed quite familiar.

Luuo Yunqi smiled lightly: "Secretary Han, is there something Madam Liu needs?"

Secretary Han wore an impeccably professional smile: "Miss Luuo, please follow me."

With that, she turned and made a polite gesture, beckoning Luuo Yunqi to follow.

Luuo Yunqi gently withdrew her arm from Xiao Ling’s grip and softly said: "I’m sorry, Xiao Ling, I won’t be able to have lunch with you."

Xiao Ling covered her mouth, whispering excitedly: "You know Mrs. Liu? Why haven’t you ever mentioned this before?"

Luuo Yunqi raised an eyebrow: "Have you ever asked me?"

With that, she gave Xiao Ling’s hand a pat and walked away with Secretary Han.

Leaving Xiao Ling standing frozen in place.

Shen You’an entered the cafeteria, where everyone avoided her like the plague, their eyes revealing complex emotions. Find the newest release on NoveI★Fire.net

Her brazen remarks from earlier in the morning had thoroughly offended Mrs. Liu.

Afraid of being dragged down, everyone kept their distance from Shen You’an, as if she were some terrifying force of nature.

Shen You’an remained calm and composed, carrying her tray to find an empty spot.

The moment she sat down, the people seated nearby scattered in an instant.

Leaving Shen You’an all alone.

Shen You’an shook her head, chuckling faintly. She never regretted her actions. Her only lament was that, in retrospect, her words could have been sharper and more incisive.

She didn’t think she had wronged Mrs. Liu, yet Mrs. Liu was aggressive, even stooping so low as to publicly humiliate her. Clearly, Mrs. Liu found her utterly repugnant.

Thinking it over, Shen You’an recalled Song Xiaojing’s inexplicable expulsion, and a vague understanding began to form in her mind.

She let out a self-deprecating laugh. That woman was sick—deeply sick.

She couldn’t help but shed a mental tear of sympathy for Liu Runxi.

A gentlemanly man like him saddled with such a mother? It was like a flaw on an otherwise perfect gem—a true pity.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her, accompanied by a whiff of perfume. A tray was set down in front of her.

Shen You’an sighed helplessly: "I’ve already told you—you should keep your distance from me these days."

Gao Yuyue plopped down casually, her beauty radiating alongside a hint of pride and indifference: "I’m not afraid. After all, both Mr. and Mrs. Liu rely on my dad to help them out. Let them try to touch a single hair on me."

Not far away, Gu Bichen paused in his stride, a faint smile flickering in his eyes. He veered his path, heading toward Wang Chiru’s table instead.

Shen You’an shot Gao Yuyue a glance: "That doesn’t mean you should act so recklessly."

"Shen You’an," Gao Yuyue’s brows furrowed sharply: "Do you have any conscience? I’m here out of kindness to keep you company, and all you do is try to push me away. Fine, I’ll leave—who cares?"

With that, she made to pick up her tray and leave in indignation.