Chapter Eight: Praise

Liu Shangshang linked arms with Yao Ling, her face glowing with joy and gratitude. “Sister Ling, I knew it all along—you care about me the most.”

Yao Ling patted Liu Shangshang’s hand and smiled warmly. “You’re one of my artists. Isn’t it only natural that I treat you well?”

“Don’t worry, Sister Ling, I’ll work hard and never let you down,” Liu Shangshang replied with a smile. “By the way, Tiffany just released a new bracelet that suits you perfectly. I’ve already ordered it, so please don’t dislike it when you receive it!”

A flicker of delight crossed Yao Ling’s eyes, though her expression remained composed. “Shangshang, what exactly are you up to? You’re making it sound like I’m expecting something from you.”

“Sister Ling, I know you’re only looking out for me with all your heart!” Liu Shangshang continued earnestly. “I have no other intention—I just want to give you a gift.”

“I even had your name engraved on the bracelet. If you refuse it, then you must be looking down on me.”

With things said so openly, refusing would be far too pretentious.

Yao Ling nodded. “This will be the only time. No more of these empty gestures in the future.”

Just as the two of them were chatting and laughing, Li Chuxi slowly entered the room.

“Carry on with your conversation,” Li Chuxi shrugged indifferently. “Don’t let me spoil your fun.”

“Chuxi, you’re here!” Liu Shangshang was momentarily taken aback, then smiled brightly. “Sister Ling helped us land a variety show. We’ll be on it together next week. Aren’t you excited?”

“Not at all.”

Liu Shangshang hadn’t expected such a response and was momentarily stunned.

“Li Chuxi, what do you mean by that?” Yao Ling’s expression instantly darkened. “I’ve been working hard to get you gigs, and now you have complaints?”

“You never asked me what I thought!” Li Chuxi glanced coolly at Yao Ling. “Besides, Sister Ling, are you really doing this for my benefit? Can you guarantee you don’t have other motives?”

“Li Chuxi, what are you implying?” Yao Ling’s face grew even more sullen. “You think I’m trying to harm you, don’t you?”

“I didn’t say a word. Don’t falsely accuse me.”

Yao Ling’s face twisted with displeasure, but Liu Shangshang quickly soothed her. “Sister Ling, don’t be angry. Chuxi just doesn’t understand that you’re doing all this for our good.”

Then she turned her gaze to Li Chuxi. “Chuxi, you’re being unreasonable. Why misunderstand Sister Ling’s kindness? You should apologize.”

But Li Chuxi said nothing. Instead, she looked at Liu Shangshang with a faint, enigmatic smile. Her clear eyes seemed to see right through her.

Liu Shangshang, who had been trying to mediate, suddenly felt a pang of guilt under Li Chuxi’s penetrating gaze.

Seeing Li Chuxi’s attitude, Yao Ling’s anger flared further. “Li Chuxi, listen carefully. I’ve already signed the contract for that variety show, and you have no choice but to participate. The contract clearly states you must accept company assignments unconditionally.”

Li Chuxi shrugged nonchalantly. “Alright, I got it.”

Her sudden change in tone nearly caught Yao Ling and Liu Shangshang off guard.

But Yao Ling wasn’t about to let Li Chuxi off so easily. Fixing her with a stern look, she pressed on, “Yesterday, I asked you to join President Wang and the others for dinner. Why didn’t you come?”

“And why must I go?” Li Chuxi replied with a sly smile. “Does the contract also say I have to drink with them?”

“The contract says you must fully cooperate with company events,” Yao Ling said firmly. “Next time there’s an event like this, you have no right to refuse.”

“Oh, so drinking parties are part of the contract too? Got it.”

“Good, you’re wise,” Yao Ling nodded, satisfied. “Li Chuxi, if you dare skip again, I won’t let you off.”

“Okay,” Li Chuxi nodded, then asked curiously, “But even if there is a next time, I’m not planning to go!”