Chapter 5: A Lesson in Experience

Hearing Chu Luoxi's words, Zhu Xueshuang, who had originally planned to step inside, give a little face, and leave, halted in her tracks. Her eyes widened as she looked at the man whose lips twitched, her delicate face tinged with a hint of anger. "Mr. Tang, so this is what you meant?"

It was her roommate's stage, after all, and she must support it. Regardless of what the other party thought or what Chu Luoxi intended, all that mattered was to echo her and stand by her side.

Chu Luoxi’s lips curled in appreciation of Zhu Xueshuang’s tacit understanding. As a student of Imperial Film Academy, there was indeed reason for pride. This man’s words, at their core, trampled on the dignity of the academy. To be honest, students from Imperial Film’s acting department agreeing to be models for a photography studio was a rare stroke of luck—especially for such a modest establishment. Yet this fellow dared to threaten and despise them? Did he think he was fooling some random extras?

By now, Mr. Tang’s face had darkened beyond recovery. He hadn’t expected Zhu Xueshuang to bring along such a difficult classmate. A shadow flickered in his eyes, but he forced a smile. “Sorry, sorry, look at my tongue—never knows what to say. Let me treat you to lunch today, make it up to you properly. Shuangshuang, surely we don’t have to stand out here talking all day? Let’s go inside and continue, it’s nearly lunchtime.”

Chu Luoxi didn’t miss the fleeting emotion in his eyes. She was highly alert; no matter how inept he seemed, his restraint was impressive, which made him all the more worthy of caution.

Tang—she tried to recall, certain that she hadn’t known such a wealthy heir in her previous life, and their connection to the film industry should have been slight. Yet why did she feel he looked so familiar? As if she’d seen him somewhere before. If not in her past life, then when?

As she pondered, the three, unable to resist his enthusiastic invitation, entered the shop. Truth be told, there was no real reason to refuse; this fellow’s skin was thick enough. Besides, Chu Luoxi wanted her two friends to “experience” a little more, so they wouldn’t be so easily duped in the future.

Inside, Chu Luoxi surveyed the place, much as she’d seen from outside. The shooting costumes were numerous, making the space feel even more cramped. Fortunately, a comfortable sofa was set up for guests, adequately furnished. Chu Luoxi, unceremonious, pulled her friends down to sit, denying the others any chance to take advantage. Before Mr. Tang could boast about offering tea, she launched straight into her questions: “Since we’re here, let’s skip the formalities. You’re inviting our Xiaoxue to model—how much are you offering? You know full well, Xiaoxue is from Imperial Film Academy, a golden brand. Even if she hasn’t graduated yet, everyone in the industry knows the academy’s reputation. If you want to talk, you’d better show some sincerity!”

Chu Luoxi had stepped fully into her manager role for Zhu Xueshuang; her commanding speech stunned not only their hosts but Zhu Xueshuang and Liu Yujia as well, who glanced at her with newfound admiration.

With things as they were, Zhu Xueshuang had long since lost interest in continuing. It was obvious the other party was setting her up, but she couldn’t just tear off the mask and invite resentment, so she’d lingered. Now, with Chu Luoxi’s words, she couldn’t help but want to cheer her on.

Hearing this, the young man’s smile faded again. His expression tightened, his gaze at Zhu Xueshuang full of displeasure. “Shuangshuang, is that what you want too?”

“Of course!” Chu Luoxi shot him a meaningful glance, her tone unwavering. “Frankly, I don’t think Xiaoxue should bother helping you. This little shop isn’t worth it. But Xiaoxue insists you’re her friend, so for the sake of that. As the saying goes, even brothers keep accounts clear, so as friends, Xiaoxue has spoken up for you—surely you won’t let her suffer a loss. So, how’s the contract written? Let’s have a look…”

Mr. Tang’s complexion darkened once more. She was actually asking for a contract—and disparaging the studio? What was she here for, then? The frustration welled up in his chest, leaving him short of breath.

The others lacked his patience. A beautiful woman carrying water, who happened to overhear the last exchange, immediately dropped her smile. “If you think our shop is too small, why come at all? As a friend, shouldn’t you be helping more? Mr. Tang, look at this—what kind of friend is she? Is she even worth your time? What’s so special about Imperial Film, to bring up money right from the start…”

Her words were unpleasant. Chu Luoxi narrowed her eyes, a chill emanating that silenced the woman instantly. Who really didn’t understand the situation here? “Mr. Tang’s secretary is quite capable—can she even decide for her boss? Or is my eyesight poor, and I failed to recognize that she’s actually the owner of this ‘photography studio’?”

A friend’s photography studio? It seemed this shop belonged to the Tang family, with even that being concealed. Wasn’t there something shady behind it? Luckily she’d come along today; she would see what tricks he intended.

The young man glared fiercely at the meddling woman, but sensibly sided with his guests, refraining from venting his frustration on his own people. He shot Chu Luoxi a strange look, then turned to Zhu Xueshuang with a melancholy air. “Shuangshuang, didn’t we agree? You help me out, and I introduce you to a director, so you can get some extra roles?”

Chu Luoxi was astonished—so that was his idea of a deal? If that were all, Zhu Xueshuang would be at a terrible disadvantage; it wasn’t remotely fair. Moreover, relying on connections and offering no compensation, and by the looks of it, not even planning to sign a contract—did he take them for fools?

No contract meant no time limit. Imagine, if a person became famous, their portrait rights could be used indefinitely—what a bargain for him! In the end, only Zhu Xueshuang would lose out.

Most girls, deceived by the promise of opportunity, blind themselves to the risks. Even knowing it’s unwise, they harbor hope and take the chance, gambling their lives on a slim possibility. Standing on the edge of the precipice, many hearts waver and lose clarity; making the right choice becomes harder.

But Zhu Xueshuang had snapped out of it, and wouldn’t be swayed again. She’d climbed back from the edge. “I’ll listen to Xiaoxi—she’s more experienced than I am.”

The implication was clear: Chu Luoxi spoke for her. No more appeals to friendship. If they were friends, it shouldn’t be her alone offering unconditional help while he dangled introductions as bargaining chips. Truly chilling!