Chapter Fifty-One: Not Breaking the Law

After finishing the hangover soup, Jiang Yunzhu took another shower. She was just about to make a list and finalize the direction of her video when Sang Bai called.

“It’s our first day of shooting today—aren’t you coming to the set to take a look?” Sang Bai’s voice sounded lively on the other end.

This time, Sang Bai had a fair number of scenes. Her excellent audition had impressed Director Shang, who immediately cast her as the third female lead.

Although it didn’t sound like a protagonist’s role, it was already one of the largest and most prominent parts Sang Bai had ever landed.

Jiang Yunzhu rubbed her temples. “I don’t think I need to go. I trust you and Shao Shu’s abilities.”

“My dear Yunzhu, don’t forget—Zhou Qingpei is here too.” Sang Bai lowered her voice. “And I heard Shen Ruizhang will be coming by later. I don’t know how he managed to get Zhou Qingpei into this crew, but I’m just worried the two of them will stir up trouble together.”

Jiang Yunzhu took a sip from the cup on her desk. “It won’t come to that. This isn’t back home.”

“Even so, you should make a trip,” Sang Bai said softly. “It would be best if you brought your boyfriend along. If Zhou Qingpei behaves, then all is well. But if she causes trouble, with Mr. Shen around to keep things in check, we won’t have to worry about her making any waves.”

Jiang Yunzhu couldn’t help but laugh. “So, you don’t really want me there—you just want Shen Tingxiao to back you up.”

Sang Bai was completely unabashed and chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I use such a powerful connection? I’m not stupid, am I?”

Jiang Yunzhu glanced at her door, a little uneasy.

She wasn’t exactly Shen Tingxiao’s girlfriend in the true sense of the word. She wasn’t sure if she could get him to go with her.

“I’ll ask,” Jiang Yunzhu replied, sensing the anxiety in Sang Bai’s tone.

It must have been Zhou Qingpei’s previous antics that left her with a psychological shadow and made her a bit jumpy.

Jiang Yunzhu didn’t believe Zhou Qingpei could cause any trouble in Director Shang’s crew; after all, this wasn’t like some of the crews back home.

But such subtle anxieties would inevitably affect Sang Bai and Shao Shu’s performance. Her going over would be a reassurance for both of them.

Jiang Yunzhu didn’t know which hotel Shen Tingxiao was staying at, so she sent him a message.

[Mr. Shen, where are you staying?]

Shen Tingxiao responded quickly, sending her a location.

A question mark followed.

Leaning back in her chair, Jiang Yunzhu considered her words: The crew starts shooting today. How about we go together and take a look?

Shen Tingxiao: ?

Jiang Yunzhu pressed her lips together: Aren’t you one of the investors? It’s the first day of filming. Isn’t it inappropriate not to show up? Back home, there’s usually a commencement ceremony. I’m not sure if they do that here.

No reply.

Jiang Yunzhu decided to seal the deal: I’ll come pick you up and drive us over.

Only then did Shen Tingxiao reply: I’m just an investor, not the director. I don’t need to be on set all the time.

That dampened Jiang Yunzhu’s spirits.

She racked her brains.

[What if something happens on set?]

Shen Tingxiao: There’s security.

Jiang Yunzhu bit her lip gently. She couldn’t think of anything better and could only say: But I want to go. Come with me, Mr. Shen.

She sent an adorable sticker along with it.

Shen Tingxiao seemed unmoved: What are you up to?

Jiang Yunzhu raised an eyebrow. How did he see through her?

She scrolled through their conversation. It all seemed official enough; nothing she said gave anything away.

After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to be honest: I heard Shen Ruizhang is going to the set. I’m worried Zhou Qingpei might use his influence to cause trouble. I want to ask you to come and support me.

Shen Tingxiao: What’s in it for me?

Jiang Yunzhu huffed. The man just wouldn’t budge without a benefit.

Luckily, she’d bought a bunch of those figurines last time. She sent him a photo: I’ll give you another one.

Shen Tingxiao: I’m not a collector.

Jiang Yunzhu scratched her chin. She really couldn’t think of anything. Name your terms?

Then she added: Nothing illegal or indecent.

Shen Tingxiao replied with a cold, mocking emoji and didn’t say anything more.

Jiang Yunzhu felt a little anxious, but she’d never been one to sit and wait. She changed clothes, got in her car, and drove to Shen Tingxiao’s hotel.

At the hotel entrance, she snapped a photo and sent it to him: I’m here, Mr. Shen~

Still no reply.

She waited a while and then sent a tentative question mark: ?

Still no response.

Resting her face on her hand, Jiang Yunzhu sent a voice message: “Maybe you could just tell me your room number, Mr. Shen, and I’ll come up to find you?”

The message sent successfully.

But there was still no response.

If not for the lack of an error notification, Jiang Yunzhu would have suspected Shen Tingxiao had blocked her.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her car window.

She turned and saw Shen Tingxiao standing outside, dressed in a black trench coat, one hand in his pocket, his eyes cool and emotionless as he stared at her.

“Mr. Shen.” Jiang Yunzhu perked up immediately, quickly opened the door, got out of the car, hurried around the hood, and—with a hint of flattery—opened the passenger door for him. “Please, get in…”

But Shen Tingxiao ducked down and got straight into the driver’s seat instead, then gestured for her to get in.

Well, that worked too.

Jiang Yunzhu climbed into the car, shut the door, buckled her seat belt, and sat quietly, waiting for Shen Tingxiao to drive.

The car was silent.

Shen Tingxiao made no move to start the engine.

He propped his head on one hand, his right hand gripping the wheel, index finger tapping lightly against it.

“Mr. Shen?” Jiang Yunzhu feared he was about to play some trick.

He was always unpredictable.

“Sang Bai’s issue has been resolved. There’s no need to worry.” Shen Tingxiao spoke at last. “But I need a scarf. It’s getting cold and my neck is chilly.”

Jiang Yunzhu was taken aback, then quickly understood and pulled out her phone. “No problem, I’ll order one right now—next-day delivery, it’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Buying one shows no sincerity.” Shen Tingxiao started the car, his tone light.

Jiang Yunzhu tightened her grip on her phone, silent for a moment before saying, “You don’t mean you want me to knit one for you, do you?”

“If you can’t, then forget it.”

Jiang Yunzhu barely had time to breathe a sigh of relief before he spoke again.

“I have a meeting soon. I’ll drop you off in front. You go to the set yourself.”