If it were a young, naive girl, they might be mortified to hear they were being set up with a sugar daddy to get to the top. But Chu Xiaxing, having spent decades in the industry and once holding immense prestige, only found the situation amusing when she encountered this.
It was like a "stubborn bronze player claiming that he would lead the strongest king to rank up." Logically, Chu Xiaxing shouldn't encounter bronze-level situations anymore. Who would have thought she'd end up with a smurf account. She wasn't embarrassed or afraid upon hearing the golden sponsor's theory. After all, no matter how hard a Bronze player tries, they can't beat a King. How could she be afraid?
Chu Xiaxing: To think I'd encounter such a clueless, money-flaunting fool! My youth has returned!
Seeing her interest in the arrangement, Han Chuning couldn't help but furrow her brow. "Auntie, do we have different definitions of 'golden sponsor'? I'm not talking about brand sponsors or Party A side kind of sponsors, but an actual human golden sponsor..."
Chu Xiaxing: "I know, I know, just like Qin Mei's rich boyfriend back then. Everytime she got a new boyfriend, she'd immediately get the heroine of a new drama."
Qin Mei was an actress in the circle. In her youth, she was known for her sharp mind and skillful maneuvering. She openly dated each of her rich boyfriends, even coming close to marrying into a rich family several times. Chu Xiaxing felt Qin Mei's acting was average, but she was excellent at planning her life. Ultimately, she chose a man who was easy to handle as her husband and lived a relatively comfortable life.
"Ah, I was young and naive back then, insistent on relying on strength to prove myself. No wonder I scared away all the clueless fool rich guys…" Chu Xiaxing lamented with a shake of her head. "Qin Mei played the damsel in distress so well in front of men. I, on the other hand, insisted on doing everything myself and ended up working myself to the bone!"
When Chu Xiaxing first became a director, she was often looked down upon because of her gender, so she was determined to surpass male directors in a fit of anger, displaying a stubbornness of not turning back until she hit the wall. She eventually proved her talent and ability, but instead of acknowledging that "female directors are no less capable than male directors," people would say, "Director Chu is even better than men," and simply did not regard her as a woman.
Chu Xiaxing understood her competitive and self-esteem mentality when she was young. But she had already fought her way through life. The knots in her heart from her youth had long since untied. In fact, being criticized by others would not lose a few pieces of meat, and you are a fool if you don't take advantage!
Chu Xiaxing: If I could do it all again, I'd rather be a lazy person instead of a leading person. How relaxing that would be!
Han Chuning muttered: "Isn't this a bit of a green tea? Auntie, your personality is different from hers. You wouldn't have been able to do this kind of thing."
Han Chuning: When you lose your temper, you just twist the other person's head off. And you want to play helpless damsel in distress? Others are green tea, and you are an iron goddess?
Chu Xiaxing was unconvinced: "I can pretend! I'm a director, I'm particularly good at theater!"
Han Chuning complained: "No, but why do you have to pretend? Aunt Qin had no background and resources back then, and you are already a maxed-out boss. What exactly are you trying to..."
Han Chuning didn't believe this sugar daddy's network could surpass Director Chu's, so naturally she couldn't figure out Chu Xiaxing's brain circuit.
Chu Xiaxing said confidently: "I just want to feel the feeling of being stuffed with resources! I've worked my butt off my entire life. I also want to get something for nothing!"
Han Chuning: "?"
Han Chuning felt ridiculous, and she hurriedly said: "I can also stuff you with resources ah, how can our family lack resources..."
Chu Xiaxing said loudly: "You're a domesticated sugar daddy, your resources are all mine anyway! This is a wild sugar daddy, I just want to try if the resources out in the wild taste better!"
Han Chuning: "..." So you are the Sea King? Can you still distinguish between aquaculture and wild waters?
How could Han Chuning not understand the mentality of her aunt, it was another one of her intermittent bursts of enthusiasm. She found the "sugar daddy" game novel and amusing.
After Chu Xiaxing retired, there was a period when she'd brew traditional Chinese medicine at home like a madwoman. She'd obsessively watch over it every day, only to lose interest after a while and toss it aside in boredom, never to touch it again. She'd then move on to something new with the same fickle enthusiasm.
Chu Xiaxing's emotions came in waves. The thing she had persisted in for the longest time in her life was filming. However, as she got older, her body couldn't handle the intensity of film sets, forcing her to stay home and tinker with various hobbies. Han Chuning certainly could not blame her aunt for being restless. If Chu Xiaxing couldn't film, how else would she pass the time without playing these things.
Chu Xiaxing wasn't serious about being a sugar baby. She was more intrigued by the novelty of it, even harboring a playful "cat-and-mouse" mentality.
Considering her aunt's personality, Han Chuning actually started to mourn for the unlucky sugar daddy in her heart, muttering: "Okay, anyway, you will forget about this in two-three days, so I won't argue with you..."
Han Chuning: It's his fault for engaging in this unethical sugar daddy business. This time he hit a wall. He thought he was getting a delicate white flower, but it's an overlord flower.
Han Chuning decided to retrieve Chu Xiaxin's contract soon. Chu Xiaxing would likely forget about the sugar daddy in a while. Her current novelty stemmed from boredom. Once she had something serious to occupy her, she'd quickly forget about it.
In a high-rise office, Song Wenye had just finished a busy and tense video conference. Returning to his office, he saw Xia Hong lounging on the sofa, flipping through a book.
Xia Hong looked at his old friend in a suit, and leisurely waved at him in greeting, "Yo!"
Song Wenye took off his tie and suit jacket, hanging them on the rack. Rolling up his sleeves, he finally felt a bit of relaxation. He asked: "How is the matter going?"
Xia Hong said lazily: "This is the first time for Mr. Song to support a little starlet. Of course, I will do it flawlessly and will never let you down!"
Song Wenye whispered: "...I have said it is not like that." He has explained it a thousand times, but Xia Hong acted like he didn't understand human language.
Xia Hong joked: "But do you have the energy to pick up girls now? You are so busy every day, do you still have time for entertainment?"
Song Wenye was an out-and-out workaholic. He was currently caught between tigers and wolves in his company. Outwardly, he maintained a spotless, calm, and composed demeanor, not someone who could be associated with an 18th-tier actress. He was handsome with a sharp aura, buttoning his shirt all the way up to his chin. He looked unapproachable and alienated.
Listening to Xia Hong's jokes, Song Wenye's gaze darkened. He silently stared at his babbling friend, and pursed his lips slightly impatiently. His eyes held quite a warning.
Instantly straightening up, Xia Hong waved his hands defensively. "Alright, alright, just kidding! I know her family did you a favor, that's why you asked me to help. You two are purely innocent, no entanglement whatsoever. I shouldn't tarnish the pure reputation of the chaste Mr. Song!"
"But are you sure you didn't get the wrong person? I checked her family background. You two have never crossed paths before." He had helped Song Wenye take control of the agency, naturally leading him to investigate Chu Xiaxin's background. She had just gone through a scandal, making her connection to Song Wenye even more improbable.
"I didn't," Song Wenye said, his gaze dropping. "If it weren't for the recent news, I wouldn't have known she was his daughter."
After Chu Xiaxin's scandal broke out, her family background was completely exposed. Her father went bankrupt and died early, and her mother had been seriously ill for a long time and just passed away recently. It was a tragedy. Song Wenye had met Chu Xiaxin's father once when he was young. If he hadn't seen the news by chance, he wouldn't have recognized Chu Xiaxin.
Due to his special status, Song Wenye couldn't directly control the agency, so he asked Xia Hong to do it for him. Xia Hong, with his playboy, little dandy image, owning a couple of small entertainment companies wasn't unusual and wouldn't attract too much attention.
Xia Hong asked curiously: "So how do I arrange this person now? Should I put her in the crew?"
"Let her work get back on track first. I don't know much about the film and television industry, so you can handle it." Song Wenye thought for a few seconds. Although Chu Xiaxin was the daughter of his benefactor, he didn't know how to get along with her for a while, and hesitated, "Wait until I finish dealing with the company matters, and then find a chance to meet her."
"You're such a saint," Xia Hong said. "Shoving resources at her without asking for anything in return!"
He marveled at the simple life of the rich. To think someone like Song Wenye existed, spending money on a woman without asking for anything. He suddenly thought of something and spoke out to remind him. "Oh right, a certain young master has been picking on me recently. You have to help me vent my anger!"
Song Wenye said calmly, "He's already at the end of his rope, he won't be able to make waves for much longer."
Xia Hong couldn't help but clap his hands and praise, "As expected of our President Song, every word screams 'final villain'!"
Inside the office building, Chu Xiaxing and Han Chuning arrived at the agency. They looked at the inconspicuous office space before settling down on a sofa outside the conference room, bored. They ran into Xiao Cheng, the agent, passing by.
"CEO Xia is in a meeting. He'll see you later…" Xiao Cheng raised her eyebrows in surprise seeing Han Chuning, who was wearing a black mask. "And this is?"
Chu Xiaxing: "My friend."
Xiao Cheng looked subtle, "You have friends?" She had always felt that Chu Xiaxin was quite solitary, with few friends and family around her.
After Xiao Cheng left, Chu Xiaxing and Han Chuning peered through the glass wall of the conference room, looking at Xia Hong, who was speaking eloquently at the conference table. The man looked young, and carried himself with a roguish air. His clothes screamed "idle rich heir."
Chu Xiaxing said disdainfully: "That's it? He is obviously a greenhorn, and he is still learning from others to support a little starlet."
In her eyes, Xia Hong was nothing but a playful little boy. His looks and charm might fool girls in their teens and twenties, but he reeked of inexperience, lacking a manly charisma.
Chu Xiaxing had encountered countless men like him in the industry. They were usually rich kids from wealthy families who became actors and stars for fun. They were naive and didn't have any great skills.
Knowing that Chu Xiaxing was already disappointed, Han Chuning couldn't help but tease, "Auntie, aren't all sugar daddies like this? He's considered a good catch. At least he's not balding with a beer belly. He doesn't look greasy!"
Chu Xiaxing: "Forget it, just find a way to buy out my contract and get this over with."
She had initially entertained the thought of pretending to be weak to get close to the sponsor, but seeing Xia Hong had extinguished any remaining interest. She could handle a real villain, but facing a naive kid like him immediately made her lose all fighting spirit.
Used to her aunt's fickleness, Han Chuning reminded her, "I can't get it done before you start filming. Chu Xiaxin has already signed the contract..."
Chu Xiaxin had signed with the production team of "You in the Distant Heart" a long time ago. The project almost fell apart but was now inexplicably revived. It was impossible for her to terminate the contract immediately. After all, her agency contract stipulated that she had to comply with the company's arrangements. By the time Han Chuning sorted out the contract, the drama would probably be finished filming.
"It's just acting in a drama," Chu Xiaxing said nonchalantly. "How long can it take? It's been a while since I've been on set. I can use the opportunity to get back the feeling."
She wasn't afraid of acting. There was a saying in the industry that acting and directing are inseparable, believing that acting and directing have something in common. Top directors had unique insights into acting, just as some top actors could transition into directing.
Chu Xiaxing felt that she'd warm up on the set, and the contract would be resolved smoothly after the filming was completed. This way, nothing would be delayed, and her itinerary was planned quite perfectly.
"Chu Xiaxin, CEO Xia is calling you in." Xiao Cheng said, appearing at the door. The staff inside the conference room started to file out as if deliberately leaving the room empty. Their gazes lingered on Chu Xiaxing with knowing smirks, obviously knowing some inside information, and felt that Chu Xiaxing had an impure relationship with the new boss.
Chu Xiaxing remained unfazed by their scrutiny. She stood up calmly and walked towards the meeting room.
Han Chuning: "Do you need me to accompany you?"
Xiao Cheng glared at her, thinking the other party was really tactless and said, "Just wait here. It's a company matter."
Ignoring her, Han Chuning looked at Chu Xiaxing, waiting for her answer.
Chu Xiaxing: "No need."
Han Chuning muttered, "Oh, then you go and come back quickly, or I will call the police..."
Chu Xiaxing didn't respond. She had already opened the glass door and entered the meeting room to talk to CEO Xia, shutting the door behind her.
Xiao Cheng mocked, "The walls of the meeting room are transparent. What could possibly happen to her there?" Besides, it was a little late for Chu Xiaxing to pretend to be innocent now, who didn't know her relationship with the golden sponsor.
Han Chuning froze, then explained, "No, her temper can flare up suddenly. I'm worried your CEO Xia might be on the receiving end."
Xiao Cheng: "?"
Han Chuning wasn't worried about Chu Xiaxing. Her aunt had lived through a lot. She had seen more wild beasts during her time in Tibet than this CEO could ever imagine. Her insights and experience far exceed that of children. Now equipped with a young body, the real question isn't what Xia Hong can do to her, it would be good if she doesn't twist Xia Hong's head off. How can he do anything to her?
Xia Hong made things not quite like a decent person. If he talked dirty to Chu Xiaxing or used his salty hands, she was afraid that blood would be splattered on the spot.
Han Chuning said thoughtfully, "After all, she is a woman who has fought wolves in Tibet. A sleazy guy should be nothing compared to the wild wolves."
Xiao Cheng: "..."