Two months later, outside the rehearsal room of Shen Media, the corridor was bright and spotless.
Lin Shu, dressed in a striking red dress with exquisite makeup, was about to find her agent to discuss the details of her next schedule.
Looking up, she saw Su Qianqian emerging from another classroom.
Su Qianqian wore a simple white cotton blouse and a light blue pleated skirt, her long hair falling softly over her shoulders, looking fresh and pure.
Holding sheet music in her arms, she was speaking softly to the vocal coach beside her, the corners of her eyes curved in a gentle, warm smile.
That appearance of innocent, untainted goodness stung Lin Shu's eyes.
In just a short period, this former assistant who used to follow her around, timid and submissive, seemed like a completely different person?
Not only had she voided the contract Lin Shu gave her, joining the company with the most favorable terms instead, but she had also landed several decent minor roles and advertising shoots. Rumor had it that even several executives thought highly of her, finding her both talented and hardworking.
Hardworking? Lin Shu sneered inwardly.
In this industry, hard work is the cheapest commodity.
Without connections and a network, all the effort is futile.
This little bitch must have used some underhanded methods!
"Sister Shu." Su Qianqian saw her and immediately stopped, giving a slight bow. Her voice was soft and obedient, no different from before.
The vocal coach also greeted her politely.
Lin Shu walked over step by step in her high heels, posture haughty. Her gaze swept over Su Qianqian, and her red lips curled into a meaningful smile:
"Qianqian, you've been quite busy lately, haven't you? I hear you're doing well?"
Her tone carried concern, but her eyes held no warmth.
Su Qianqian lowered her eyelids, her long lashes casting a small shadow beneath her eyes, making her appear exceptionally docile. "Not at all, I'm still in the learning phase. There's so much I need to learn from Sister Shu."
"Is that so?" Lin Shu let out a light laugh, her eyes falling on the sheet music in Su Qianqian's hands.
"It seems you're really putting in the work."
"But, Qianqian, hard work alone isn't enough in this circle. You need a bit of luck too. Otherwise, something that finally reaches your lips might still fly away."
Her words carried a hidden meaning, a veiled threat.
Su Qianqian looked up, her clear eyes meeting Lin Shu's as if she didn't understand the sarcasm. "Thank you for the reminder, Sister Shu. I'll be even more diligent."
At that moment, Lin Shu's agent, Sister Li, hurried over, her expression somewhat troubled. She whispered to Lin Shu:
"The endorsement for the Zhiyu Light Luxury series... they just sent word. The brand feels it's not quite the right fit and wants to reconsider..."
"What?" The smile on Lin Shu's face began to slip.
She lowered her voice. "Reconsider? Weren't the terms almost finalized?"
Sister Li looked uncomfortable, her eyes flickering briefly towards Su Qianqian before she whispered even lower:
"The brand side... seems to be considering a new candidate. Someone recommended by the company..."
Lin Shu whirled around, her gaze sharp as a knife towards Su Qianqian.
Su Qianqian seemed startled by her look, taking a small step back. Her fingers tightened slightly around the sheet music, her face wearing an expression of confusion and unease as she asked softly:
"Sister Shu... what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Her dewy almond-shaped eyes were utterly clear, showing no trace of smugness, as if she genuinely knew nothing.
Lin Shu's chest heaved. Looking at Su Qianqian's innocent, fragile appearance, a wave of fury rushed to her head.
A new candidate? Recommended by the company? Who else could it be but this suddenly heavily promoted Su Qianqian?
She was almost certain it was this seemingly pure-hearted little bitch scheming behind her back! Stealing her resources and still daring to put on an act in front of her!
She forcibly suppressed the accusation almost ready to burst from her lips, her nails digging deep into her palms, forcing a twisted smile onto her face. "It's nothing, just a minor issue."
She stared at Su Qianqian, each word seeming squeezed from between her teeth. "Qianqian is becoming more and more impressive. It seems in the future, I'll have to rely on you more, little sister."
Su Qianqian quickly shook her head, her eyes timid. "Sister Shu, you must be joking. How could I compare to you..."
"I need to go practice now."
With that, as if unable to bear the sharpness of Lin Shu's gaze, she gave a slight bow, clutched her sheet music, and hurried away.
Her retreating figure was slender and delicate, enough to evoke pity in anyone.
Watching her disappear, the smile completely fell from Lin Shu's face, leaving only jealousy and rage.
"Investigate!" she hissed sharply at her agent.
"Find out for me! Exactly who is backing her! And who ordered my endorsement to be snatched!"
Sister Li quickly agreed.
Lin Shu stared in the direction Su Qianqian had vanished, her eyes sinister.
A mere assistant, daring to climb over her head? Just you wait!
Meanwhile, Su Qianqian, having turned the corner of the corridor, gradually came to a stop.
The look of unease had long vanished from her face, replaced by utter calm.
The corner of her lips curved upwards slightly.
This was only the beginning.
