The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 213

Chapter 213: There’s a Fox Here (Entertainment Circle) Part 26

The film’s official release date was set for a snowy day in midwinter.

Having decided against the competitive Lunar New Year holiday season, not a suitable time for such a film, they chose the winter break instead.

A week later, the box office numbers exceeded expectations, defying the negative predictions and accusations of hype, attracting even more viewers.

Its popularity grew, becoming one of the most acclaimed films of the year.

Qingying Entertainment held a celebratory banquet, Yiwen Entertainment having already held their own, Yu Shuangjiang attending both.

As the lively banquet ended, the crowd thinned.

The door opened, the sound of chatter spilling out, a few people emerging, exchanging farewells.

The door closed, and the lead actress, turning around, saw a figure in the corner, surprised: “Tao Laoshi, why are you here alone? I thought you had already left.”

Tao Ning, who had been looking out the window, turned around, her face familiar: “I needed some fresh air, and I’m waiting for someone.”

The actress, Zhou Yulan, played a significant role in the film, a glamorous and alluring woman in a red dress.

In reality, she looked much younger, not much older than Yu Shuangjiang.

Slightly tipsy, her words barely coherent, if she were sober, she would have realized who Tao Ning was waiting for.

Zhou Yulan: “Waiting for someone? That’s good, I’m also waiting for someone, been waiting for over a decade… hiccup…”

She was referring to her character in the film, who had been waiting for a lost love.

Her two assistants, horrified, looked around, only the screenwriter understanding her words, the others oblivious.

If this was recorded and uploaded, it would be a disaster.

Before she could say anything else, her apologetic assistants led her away, towards the elevator, wanting to get her out of there before she said something even more embarrassing.

Zhou Yulan waved her hand dramatically: “Bye, Taozi Laoshi! Peaches are delicious, sweet and crunchy…”

The rest of her words were slurred and unintelligible.

Her assistants: “Zhou Jie, you’re going the wrong way, this way!”

They quickly left, and Tao Ning, watching them go, turned back to the window.

Snow fell softly outside the warm and brightly lit hotel, a stark contrast.

Soon, the door behind her opened again.

A figure emerged, full of energy, then suddenly slumped against Tao Ning’s back.

Yu Shuangjiang’s voice: “I couldn’t find you inside, I knew you were out here, and I was right.”

“I was just wondering how long it would take you to find me,” Tao Ning said, not turning around, her gaze fixed on the window.

Their reflections in the glass, their faces almost touching, a picture of intimacy.

“Such sentimental thoughts.” Realizing they were in public, Yu Shuangjiang quickly straightened up, also curious about the answer. “So, what’s the verdict? I want to know too.”

Tao Ning: “Five minutes.”

“Just five minutes? It felt much longer…” Yu Shuangjiang, processing this, said proudly, “So you admit you love me, couldn’t bear to be away from me for even five minutes.”

Tao Ning, not bothering to argue, just smiled: “Yes, you’re right.”

Yu Shuangjiang held out her hand: “Give me the car keys, I’ll be your chauffeur tonight.”

Qi Xiaojia had left early, and Tao Ning, having had a few drinks, couldn’t drive, so the task fell upon Yu Shuangjiang, who hadn’t had any alcohol.

Tao Ning handed her the keys, then noticing something was missing: “Where’s your bag?”

Yu Shuangjiang looked down at her empty hands, then realized: “I left it inside, I snuck out while everyone was distracted, I’ll go get it.”

She turned to go back inside.

Tao Ning quickly stopped her: “I’ll go, it’s easier for me to get in and out.”

They wouldn’t dare keep Tao Ning, her aloof demeanor freezing anyone who approached, but they wouldn’t hesitate to drag Yu Shuangjiang to another party.

Having agreed on this, they went their separate ways.

The elevator descended, and the doors opened to the quiet parking garage, most cars gone, only a few belonging to hotel guests remaining.

Yu Shuangjiang walked towards where they had parked, seeing a figure pacing nearby, a slender woman, seemingly searching for her car, checking the license plates.

The figure looked familiar, but the feeling was fleeting, and she dismissed it.

Hearing footsteps, the figure turned around, a look of recognition and joy spreading across her face as she saw Yu Shuangjiang.

Yu Shuangjiang also recognized her, her face familiar.

The woman walked towards her, her tone enthusiastic: “Shuangjiang? I thought I saw you from afar, it’s really you! What a coincidence!”

Initially unsure, Yu Shuangjiang now recognized her former manager,

Cao Dairou, who had abandoned her, claiming she was disobedient and difficult to manage, then taking another artist with her to a different agency.

Years had passed, and she hadn’t expected to see her again, almost not recognizing her.

Cao Dairou approached, her tone as warm and friendly as before, as if she had never been harsh or critical: “Long time no see, what a coincidence, want to grab a coffee? My treat.”

Yu Shuangjiang, calmly: “This isn’t a coincidence, you were waiting for me.”

Cao Dairou’s expression faltered, then she smiled: “What are you talking about? I just finished dinner upstairs and was about to leave when I saw you…”

Yu Shuangjiang, not interested in her excuses: “Just say what you want, I don’t have time for coffee.”

“After all these years, you can’t just ignore me now that you’re successful, can you?” Cao Dairou, knowing Yu Shuangjiang’s personality, stopped beating around the bush. “I just have a small favor to ask.”

Yu Shuangjiang, maintaining a safe distance, wondered why Cao Dairou was here, considering various possibilities.

Cao Dairou: “Honestly, I’ve regretted my actions all these years, my arrogance caused you so much trouble, and I’ve always wanted to make amends, but our companies were rivals, I couldn’t find an opportunity, I didn’t want to cause you more trouble…”

“Recently, I finally realized my mistakes and left Jiang Li, I was wondering if I could make it up to you now?”

Yu Shuangjiang: “?”

She almost thought she had misheard or entered the wrong dimension, this wasn’t a parking garage, but Cao Dairou’s stage, her dramatic performance leaving Yu Shuangjiang speechless.

Actions speak louder than words, she thought.

Cao Dairou’s “almost ruining her career” had almost been a reality, Yu Shuangjiang had been on the verge of being blacklisted.

The internet had been filled with criticism, and Cao Dairou, adding fuel to the fire, had made it seem like Yu Shuangjiang had committed some unforgivable crime, demanding her expulsion from the entertainment industry.

Even Yu Shuangjiang herself had considered retiring then, all thanks to Cao Dairou.

Yu Shuangjiang, cautiously: “There’s no need for amends, I’m doing fine now.”

She wasn’t sure if Cao Dairou was recording this, hoping to manipulate her, her current popularity making her a target.

Cao Dairou’s expression turned sad, her voice hesitant: “I know, you don’t need me anymore, and you don’t trust me, I just wish I could work closer to you.”

“…” Yu Shuangjiang’s face was impassive, What’s with this sudden change of heart? Did she take acting lessons?

Then she finally realized Cao Dairou’s true intentions.

Yu Shuangjiang: “If you want to return to Yiwen, you should talk to them, I can’t make that decision.”

She walked away, towards her car, Tao Ning would be down soon.

Cao Dairou, however: “I’ve already contacted them…”

Yu Shuangjiang continued walking, and Cao Dairou, still hoping for her sympathy, followed: “Jiang Li is downsizing, focusing on marketing now, so…”

“So you’re looking for a new job.” Yu Shuangjiang understood.

After Ji Ruoyi’s imprisonment, Jiang Li had tried to promote another artist, but she had left, refusing to renew her contract.

Several top artists had left, the remaining ones not promising, their stock price plummeting.

Recently, they had decided to focus on marketing, no longer needing so many managers.

And Cao Dairou’s performance had been mediocre, her only achievement being Yu Shuangjiang, whom she had abandoned.

In short, she had been laid off, desperate and now turning to Yu Shuangjiang for help.

Some moved forward, others remained delusional.

Yu Shuangjiang turned around, stopping her before she could continue: “Cao Jie, after all these years, you haven’t changed at all.”

Cao Dairou paused, the words strangely familiar.

Seeing Yu Shuangjiang’s unwavering resolve, even if she couldn’t get her job back, she would still have her revenge.

Cao Dairou: “Yes, you’re a big star now, a Best Actress, but if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be here, you would have been devoured by this industry long ago.”

“I signed you because I thought you were grateful, but you’re just like the others.”

Yu Shuangjiang still didn’t turn around, and Cao Dairou, her heart hardening, threatened, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose your secrets?”

This was a blatant threat, even if Yu Shuangjiang had nothing to hide, it would still cause trouble.

Yu Shuangjiang was about to turn around,

When a voice came from behind them, instantly cooling their anger, and Yu Shuangjiang looked up.

Cao Dairou, a chill running down her spine, turned around sharply: “Who’s there?!”

It was a young woman in a long coat, a faint smile on her lips, her glasses reflecting a cold light.

Cao Dairou quickly recognized her, surprise flashing in her eyes.

Tao Ning approached, her gaze aloof: “Is this why you’re so desperate, Cao Dairou, harassing Xiao Shuang?”

Cao Dairou, hearing the sarcasm in her voice, but not daring to retort: “What do you mean?”

Tao Ning pulled out a business card: “I can give you what you want.”

Cao Dairou’s gaze was fixed on the card, Tao Ning’s name and contact information printed on it, and she carefully took it.

Holding the card, a flicker of hope, but also disbelief: “Why are you helping me?”

While a normal person would be genuinely touched and confused, Cao Dairou’s question meant—What do you want in return?

Yu Shuangjiang, although puzzled, didn’t interrupt, just watching silently.

Tao Ning, as if finding the question strange, countered, “I need your skills, I’m planning to start my own studio, and I need someone to handle the day-to-day tasks.”

Cao Dairou understood, Tao Ning knew everything, about Jiang Li and her own situation, and her eyes lit up.

If Tao Ning knew everything and was still willing to help, what was there to worry about?

Not having access to the inner circle, she didn’t know the true nature of Tao Ning and Yu Shuangjiang’s relationship, whether they were truly friends or just business partners.

She assumed it was a publicity stunt, as Jiang Li often did.

Cao Dairou, clutching the business card, happily left.

“She’s gone, let’s go back,” Tao Ning said, touching Yu Shuangjiang’s arm and leading her back to the car.

After they got in, Yu Shuangjiang finally spoke: “Don’t be fooled by her, she’s only interested in profit, she always said I was disobedient and difficult to work with, it wasn’t like what was said online, I never acted like a diva or deliberately breached contracts, she was the one…” who always arranged those shady meetings, which I refused to attend.

“I know, I only believe you,” Tao Ning said, of course not believing Cao Dairou’s lies, “Don’t worry, she’ll get what she deserves, it’s late, let’s go home.”

Yu Shuangjiang, her mind still a mess, started the car.

Tao Ning, in the passenger seat, sent a message: [She’ll contact you soon, you can release the information now.]

Zhang Ke’s quick reply: [So soon? Saves me the trouble, I understand.]

Yu Shuangjiang knew nothing about this.

The next time she heard about Cao Dairou, it was news of her arrest for embezzlement and tax fraud.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg.

With all the charges and evidence, she wouldn’t be out for at least ten years.

Yu Shuangjiang, on vacation, was at home with Qi Xiaojia, enjoying the gossip.

It was a rare day off, she had slept in, and it was Qi Xiaojia who informed her of Cao Dairou’s arrest.

Having done some digging, she even found the court hearing video, a surprise for Yu Shuangjiang.

Yu Shuangjiang, initially thinking she was still dreaming, clicked on the link, and it was indeed Cao Dairou, in a yellow vest and short hair.

Although Qi Xiaojia had joined later, almost at the same time as Tu Xue, after a drunken heart-to-heart, she knew about Yu Shuangjiang’s past struggles.

Yu Shuangjiang, shocked, jumped off the sofa and ran to the kitchen, holding her tablet: “Wifey, wifey, why was Cao Dairou arrested?”

Tao Ning, slicing oranges, the kitchen filled with a citrusy aroma, glanced at the video: “Zhang Zhu sent it to you?”

Yu Shuangjiang shook her head: “No, Xiao Jia sent it. Shouldn’t she be working with you? Why is she involved with Jiang Li again?”

She looked at the video, her voice filled with surprise: “Years of embezzlement, forcing illegal transactions, she’s even worse after leaving Yiwen.”

She finally understood Cao Dairou’s strange behavior that night.

She had been busy all these years.

Probably blacklisted by the industry for something, desperate and turning to Yu Shuangjiang for help, only to run into Tao Ning,

A true fox, not to be trifled with.

“The oranges are sweet, try some,” Tao Ning said, offering a slice.

Yu Shuangjiang, still focused on the tablet, opened her mouth and took the orange slice, her eyes lighting up: “It is sweet.”

Tao Ning: “My mother sent them, I haven’t had time to eat them, there’s a whole box…”

[Ding! Mission accomplished!]

The long-dormant mission panel suddenly lit up, a new message.

The progress bar flickered, then disappeared, indicating the mission’s completion.

Tao Ning paused, then continued slicing the oranges.

Yu Shuangjiang, leaning against the counter, watching the video, her tablet suddenly buzzed, a news notification:

Yan Corporation CEO and Changfu Heiress’s engagement party photos revealed, the luxurious and romantic ceremony sparking discussion, the two families joining forces…

Yu Shuangjiang, not recognizing the names, ignored it, returning to the video.

Their rare vacation, a precious moment of peace, time moving slowly.

The oranges were gone, only the empty fruit bowl remained on the coffee table, bathed in sunlight.

A fluffy creature in the corner of the sofa, Zhi Ma Juan the cat, awakened by the faint noises, twitched her ears and opened her eyes.

She stretched, then, having learned her lesson, found a comfortable spot and went back to sleep, not bothering to investigate.

The warm sunlight, a perfect nap.

A voice from the bedroom: “Your tail, stop poking my back, it tickles…”

Tao Ning took Yu Shuangjiang’s hand and placed it on her lower back, which was slightly damp with sweat: “My tails are hidden.”

Yu Shuangjiang, nestled in the soft bedding, puzzled: “If it’s not yours, then whose is it?”

She reached behind her, and a familiar-looking tail appeared before her eyes.

A fluffy, calico-colored tail, not a pure white fox tail.

Its owner obvious.

Yu Shuangjiang: “…”

Not again.

Tao Ning started to suggest, “Actually, my demon core…”

Yu Shuangjiang, without hesitation, covered her mouth with her hand, silencing her: “Don’t even mention it.”