Chapter Thirty-Eight: Turmoil and Confusion

The first episode concluded long ago, and although there had been constant commotion in between, Yu Zhi had still managed to participate in the filming of a TV drama.

Thanks to Shi Hailing, some overly confident directors still handed her the scripts.

She only needed to pick through them one by one and wait for Ning Qier to wrap up the final touches, then she could settle into the crew without stepping out.

She wouldn’t have to meet with them, so naturally, she wouldn’t have to worry about their intentions or attitudes.

The plan was well thought out, but one early morning, Yu Zhi received a call from the program team about the start of the broadcast.

“Teacher Yu, the second episode is ready. When will you be available? We’d like to schedule you in.”

“You still want me to join? Don’t you know I’m married now?”

“Teacher Yu, you haven’t officially announced it yourself, and most of the online audience doesn’t acknowledge it yet. Besides, why not take advantage of this momentum and appear on the show to boost your following…”

Hearing the same persuasion over and over, Yu Zhi’s patience was wearing thin. She replied evenly, “How did the others get selected? Who are the guests this time? You didn’t tell me in the first episode due to confidentiality, but surely you can say now?”

“Teacher Yu, you’ll find out when you join. So your schedule is free, right? Then we’ll arrange the guest appearances according to Professor Li’s availability.”

“Alright…”

After the call ended, Yu Zhi picked up the items she had prepared to send to Jiang Weicheng and flipped through them carefully.

The gossip inside the industry updated in real-time—one moment it was this actress, the next it was that actor. Usually, such news wouldn’t stay on Xingbo for very long.

Only her own news lingered for a day or two each time, making it hard to believe no one was targeting her.

Previously, she had thought this was merely a tactic by “Flash Ming” to abandon her, but back then she was still under contract with them. If so, wouldn’t that have been self-sabotage?

After dealing with Director Ling, she learned there was a mastermind behind the scenes.

Someone who bypassed the executives and directly worked with the rival’s leadership—such a person could stir up trouble for as long as they wished.

Among the list, one inconspicuous yet striking name caught Yu Zhi’s attention.

She whispered, “Zhou Ziqin… is she behind this too?” A sneer curved her lips. After organizing all the evidence, she got ready to leave.

The familiar car at the community gate was gone. Since she left the Ning residence, someone had been waiting here daily, supposedly for security but in truth for surveillance.

It seemed last night’s argument had some effect—Ning Qier had probably given up on pursuing her.

After Ning reclaimed his territory, he wouldn’t dwell on romance forever, right?

Stepping out of the community gate at midday, a chilly breeze carrying a rusty tang swept into Yu Zhi’s nose, causing her to frown slightly.

She tightened her thin clothes and hurried toward the parked car.

It was getting cold…

The place where she and Jiang Weicheng lived wasn’t far. Soon, she arrived downstairs at his building, having called ahead to ask him to wait for her at the café below.

They hadn’t seen each other since their last quarrel over the phone.

Seeing Yu Zhi, Jiang Weicheng’s expression was as unreadable as ever.

He snorted coldly before taking the documents she handed over. “Miss Yu, have you finally remembered me? I wonder if you’ve already fired me as your agent.”

Yu Zhi casually pulled a sleek, black, exquisitely crafted box from her bag and pushed it toward him.

Simply put, “An apology…”

Jiang Weicheng’s surprise hadn’t faded as he flipped through the papers. Yu Zhi’s new move gave him fresh space to act.

“Tch, you always use these little tricks to fool me. Don’t think a gift like this means I’ll forgive you!”

Yu Zhi pursed her lips silently, only smiling. That was her cue—Jiang Weicheng’s words were practically forgiveness.

Though it was a soft way to wear him down, which was a bit annoying, it was better to handle things straightforwardly and solve the root problem.

“I was wrong to lie about the marriage, but I never planned to keep it long. That’s not important.”

What Yu Zhi had given Jiang Weicheng was a watch—a newly released limited edition from the M brand, a niche but high-end label. Ordinary people had no chance to buy one.

His shock was evident. “Sister Yu, you’re daring to steal such a model for me…”

Yu Zhi waited silently for him to praise her, but instead, he said sharply, eyes darkening.

“Get lost. Don’t give it to me. Follow the information I gave you, contact each person, and dig out the final mastermind.”

“They’ve already told me to join the second episode of the dating show. Be careful when the time comes.”

Jiang Weicheng’s admiration for the watch faltered. “You’re going on the dating show too? You really don’t care about your life. Fine, I’ll agree for the sake of the watch.”

After discussing related details, their talk finally ended.

Then Jiang Weicheng asked the crucial question, “Who did you marry?”

“Ning Qier. That’s not important. Just follow the plan I gave you, and everything will be foolproof.”

Jiang Weicheng suddenly tapped his own face, clearing some confusion. “Sis, you truly are my sister. I didn’t expect what I said back then would come true.”

Yu Zhi was speechless, not wanting to entertain this workaholic who’d gone crazy without a job.

She trusted Jiang Weicheng completely and entrusted him with the matter.

“You just handle the rest as you see fit. I have an appointment with Sister Ling. I’m off.”

Having been temporarily ‘fired’ by Yu Zhi in terms of work, Jiang Weicheng silently watched her leave. Clutching the watch, he headed home happily.

No job, yet still receiving gifts from a big boss—who wouldn’t call that a good life?

Yu Zhi worked nonstop. Because she met Jiang Weicheng, she was a few minutes later than expected in arriving. Shi Hailing was already waiting.

“What are you doing, Sister Ling?”

In the serene, elegant tea pavilion, a laptop sat before Shi Hailing, surrounded by sheets of paper as white as snow. At first glance, it looked like an overworked office clerk on a trip.

Shi Hailing adjusted her glasses without turning her head. “Zhi Zhi, you’re here. Find a seat first; we’ll talk later. Something urgent came up on my end.”

Yu Zhi tiptoed cautiously and finally found a pitifully crowded stool in the corner, sitting at a distance from Shi Hailing.

Unsure what the other was busy with, Yu Zhi refrained from touching the documents. If the information leaked later, she’d be the first suspect.

She had learned that lesson the hard way—no matter how much you trust outsiders, you must always be vigilant.

“Sister Zhi, does your earlier offer to collaborate with me still stand?”