Chapter Thirty-Two: A Disgusting Person

Rong Qing seemed to sense the probing gaze upon her, her expression subtly shifting. She smiled as she stepped forward, her demeanor earnest and friendly. “Thank you, King Xie. I owe it all to your guidance and support.”

Everyone immediately understood—King Xie must have given Rong Qing ample room to shine, without overwhelming her with his own acting prowess, allowing her to deliver an extraordinary performance.

Xie Mutian was inwardly surprised, but quickly concealed it. The girl before him was truly remarkable; she credited him for her success, both flattering her senior and cleverly masking her own brilliance. In the entertainment world, those who fail to hide their talents or remain humble—even the most gifted actors—can easily stumble. To possess such refined acting skills and remain modest is rare. Her ability to blur her own presence would soon make her a dark horse, outshining the stars and multiplying her worth. The entertainment industry was becoming ever more exciting…

Director Wang Zhang’s face was now radiant with pride, his wrinkled visage blooming like a chrysanthemum. Indeed, selecting actors required an open audition—passing over mediocre ones and enriching the cast in one go. Unlike those producers who forced third-rate actors upon him, who knew nothing but flaunting their looks, scratching about, and taking dozens of NGs without improvement. Hmph! None compare to his obedient apprentice—talented, diligent, and genuine. Wang Zhang had already claimed Rong Qing as his protégé in his heart. No one would dare challenge him for her!

“Qing, your scenes are done for today. Go home early and rest,” Wang Zhang said with a cheerful squint, ignoring Rong Qing’s startled look. He didn’t forget to add, “Be on set tomorrow right on time!”

Such was the style of an international director—strict with himself, kind to his crew. Unlike some famous domestic directors who, riding their own reputation, made actors wait deliberately, kept them hanging, and only after shooting was done barked at them to leave.

Thus, under the gaze of all—envy, jealousy, and resentment—Rong Qing walked away with calm grace.

“Wen Rui, you’re up next, get ready!” Wang Zhang barked impatiently. Everyone wanted an apprentice as outstanding as his, so he wouldn’t have to wear himself out serving these people daily!

Superstar Wen Rui’s face was now a mix of green and purple, barely having warmed her seat before being called up. But she knew better than to offend the director. A trace of resentment lingered in her eyes as she watched Rong Qing leave. Hmph, a second-rate celebrity dares to compete with her!

Rong Qing, refined in spirit and mood, stepped out of the gates of the Capital Academy humming a tune. Her fresh floral dress made her shine with youthful beauty.

“Qing—” A man emerged from the shadows, dressed in immaculate white suit, spotless, but his eyes were bloodshot and his stubbled face appeared disheveled and sleazy in the sunlight.

Rong Qing made no effort to hide her disgust. Honestly, she must have been out of her mind before—such a man, she wouldn’t even bother with him if forced. His body wasted by wine and women, his eyes murky and tainted.

Wang Chenhao saw Rong Qing’s avoidance and dislike, his heart full of anxiety. He blocked her path, his face stretched in a shriveled smile. “I… waited for you a long time. Can we have a meal together?”

Rong Qing couldn’t dodge him. Her clear, elegant eyes pierced straight through him like swords. She spoke slowly and distinctly, “Do you think we still share the kind of ties to eat together?”

Wang Chenhao met those star-bright eyes—once, once he too had possessed… His face was pleading, almost begging, “Qing, I… I don’t ask for forgiveness. Just give me a chance… I have something to say to you.”

Rong Qing lowered her gaze, turned abruptly, and strode away. Wang Chenhao, even if you knelt before me today, I wouldn’t spend another moment with someone so revolting.

“Rong Qing, I truly cared for you before. Everything I did was willing!” Wang Chenhao shouted after her, watching her cold, resolute departure, his voice low and frustrated. “It was that vile woman who tempted me, it was her, all her fault…” Wang Chenhao slowly squatted down, a shadow falling over him. His eyes reddened as he stared at her departing figure, his gaze full of predatory possessiveness. “Qing… you’re mine, I won’t let you go!”

Huo Lingtian called her—he was already on a flight to Europe. This trip would last at least a week. The head of the Huo family sat in a luxurious private jet, relentlessly reminding Rong Qing, as if he were leaving home for years.

“Mm, alright, my friend will stay with me,” Rong Qing replied obediently, though inwardly she rolled her eyes. Oh, please!

Meng Lin was sprawled on the opulent European-style sofa, her mouth agape at the lavish decor. “Boss, your man really is the CEO of Huo Corporation? He’s even more nagging than my mom.” Her eyes darted around, having already appraised the place. “But it really is extravagant—the land here is prime, close to downtown and quiet, and just these high-end European furnishings are worth more than the villa itself.” Meng Lin wasn’t exaggerating; she’d be thrilled to stay here for a week, even a day.

“Just look at yourself!” Rong Qing knocked her on the head, her mischievous friend grinning. “But you’ll help with the housework—and cook!”

“OMG, I hate chores!” Meng Lin scratched her messy hair, her face full of reluctance.

That night, after dinner, the two friends sat side by side with a bag of chips each, sipping chilled cola from giant bottles, watching the latest drama. Listening to the melodramatic dialogue and plot, they occasionally wiped away streaming noodle tears with tissues.

“Boohoo… She’s so pitiful—her husband cheated, her mother-in-law treats her terribly, and she’s raising little Dou Ding alone. How can she go on?” With the high-definition 3D surround sound playing out the melodrama, Rong Qing, cold and ruthless on the outside, was powerless against these family soap operas. Judging by the mountain of tissues, their situation was clear.

“That kind of man deserves a beating—first fry him, then kill him, then bankrupt him. Hmph, let him taste the bitterness of betrayal!” Meng Lin crunched her chips, grumbling.

——— Side Note ———

Collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect! Thank you all for your support.