The Reconciliation Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Catching on Fire

Yu Xi was really upset, but she didn’t express it too obviously. By the time she entered the office, her body was visibly more relaxed. She had on a slight smile, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Her expression was somewhat bland.

Calculating it carefully, she and Jiang Jingbai have not seen each other in eight years. After they broke up, she became severely ill. It was only after she returned to school, she was told that Jiang Jingbai already left school to study abroad. There were no farewells given nor any other information left. Since then, she disappeared from Yu Xi’s life cleanly and completely.

As if she never appeared before.

She left recklessly at her own expense but came back without any warning as well, completely giving Yu Xi no any time to adapt.

Feeling weird, she thought about it some more. Why would she need time to adapt? To her, Jiang Jingbai is at most her first love. Now they’re meeting once again, Jiang Jingbai is her new boss and she is one of the company’s actresses. Only that and nothing more. Where would she need to get used to?

Thinking things out, Yu Xi concluded that she’s overthinking things and unnecessarily adding to her own gloominess.

After she relieved herself of any melancholy feelings, she stood behind Bai Yutang and listened to her report the current developments.

Half of the advertisements companies they signed contracts with called in to discuss termination and two of them even demanded compensation. Even though Yu Xi had just won two big awards, due to what she said during that one program, the situation right now is not very optimistic.

Jiang Jingbai faintly glanced over at Yu Xi and nodded, “What proposals do you currently have right now?”

Bai Yutang took a step closer. Respectfully, she repeated the proposal they just discussed at the meeting earlier. Jiang Jingbai pondered for a couple minutes before lightly saying, “Okay, that’ll work.”

The reply was only a brief three words, yet decisive.

Bai Yutang was relieved. She viewed Jiang Jingbai from the periphery of her vision. Her facial features were sharp and eyes frigid. She’s already heard before that the new boss’s personality was distant and didn’t like talking. Now, it seems like that piece of information was not at all false.   

After discussing the proposal, Bai Yutang did not have any intentions of staying. She said, “President Jiang, we’lll leave first then?”

Jiang Jingbai looked up and said, “You stay.”

Already turned around half-way, Bai Yutang’s movement paused. She turned her head, “President Jiang, are you talking about me?”

Yu Xi’s gaze also followed Bai Yutang’s and looked back. Jiang Jingbai’s appearance has clearly matured, albeit still never smiling. Her brows were furrowed lightly and she looked at people while slightly tilting her head. A silver necklace hung on her lanky swan neck. The necklace and her expression were the exact same, both giving off a sense of coldness.

Jiang Jingbai’s pale lips parted slightly, saying, “Bai-jie, please stay.”

Yu Xi looked away from Jiang Jingbai and spoke to Bai Yutang quietly, “Bai-jie, I’ll go out first then.”

Bai Yutang patted her shoulders, “Wait for me at my office.”

Yu Xi let out a sound of approval and led Zhong Chen out the office without looking back. 

After the door closed, Yu Xi paused for a few seconds. Zhong Chen stood behind her and asked with a worried expression, “Xixi, are you okay?”

Yu Xi tilted her head to look at her, “Why would I not be okay?”

Zhong Chen’s expression was conflicted, “Didn’t you say you’re unhappy?”

Unexpectedly, she still remembered what Yu Xi said before. Yu Xi’s lips raised, revealing a slight smile. She said, gritting her teeth, “I am doing great right now.”

The more one listened to her, the more one felt like she was displaying truly how angry she was by gritting her teeth.

Now silent, Zhong Chen’s shoulders drooped.

After finishing their conversation, they walked towards the elevator. Before Zhong Chen could press the elevator button, the elevator door opened. From within, a woman walked out.

Yu Xi watched the woman wearing high heels walk out. It was Tao Yitong. She frowned. What good day is it today? Why is she coming across all of these acquaintances all of a sudden?

When talking about the actress that finds Yu Xi the most disagreeable, if Liu Yuyao is placed second, no one would dare place first.

When talking about the actress Yu Xi dislikes the most, then that place definitely belongs to Tao Yitong.

That’s right, Yu Xi really dislikes her.

Even though they used to be the closest of friends.

In the past, they attended the same high school and even the same college classes, but never interacted. By the time Yu Xi debuted, she had already forgotten about this person. It was only after she saw her again on a variety show did she realize she also entered the entertainment industry.

However, her debut has not been very smooth. So far, she’s only filmed three dramas, all as the third female lead role.

As for why, despite not liking her, Yu Xi still investigated her that clearly, she herself believes that it was probably because she was so idle recently that she started to get nervous hence also start panicking.

Tao Yitong saw Yu Xi stop. With a light smile on her face, she walked forth two steps and greeted them, “Yu Xi, what a coincidence.”

Her tone was natural and her smile warm. Yu Xi slightly nodded, her expression indifferent instead, “Coincidence indeed.”

The two brushed past each other. It was obvious Yu Xi did not have any words to say to her. She carried an imposing air that seemed to distain everyone else as she walked into the elevator. Standing behind Yu Xi, Tao Yitong turned her head and called out, “Yu Xi.”

Yu Xi lifted her eyelids and looked towards her. Tao Yitong retained her smile, “Did you see Jiang Jingbai earlier? I wanted to tell you she came back a few days ago but it seemed like I didn’t have your contact information.”

When she spoke, her words were dragged out, not at all hurried. After hearing her words, Yu Xi’s lips corners raised, giving a smile, “Why thank you, Yitong-jie. But I’m only mere acquaintances with President Jiang. You didn’t have to tell me she came back.”

 “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave first. I still have some work to do.”

Yu Xi put her finger on the close door button and the elevator door slowly closed, giving Tao Yitong no chance to say anything else.

After leaving the elevator, Yu Xi walked into the dressing room in Bai Yutang’s office. She put on a set of sportswear and tied her hair up into a ponytail. When walking, she seemed to sway. Watching her energetic manner, she rushed to catch up and asked, “Xixi, what are you doing?”

Yu Xi tilted her head, “I’m unhappy again.”

Zhong Chen, “….”

By the time Bai Yutang found Yu Xi, she has already been working on the exercise equipments for the past hour. Lines of perspiration dotted her forehead.  Her slender arms were exposed and her body lines were curvy and delicate. One look and you can see she usually works out.

She was currently stretching. Bai Yutang held onto her documents and walked over to her. She tapped Yu Xi’s shoulder, calling out, “Xixi.”

Yu Xi turned around and controlled her breathing. A few minutes later, she followed Bai Yutang into a lounge off to the side. Right on time, Zhong Chen gave her a cup of spring water and a towel.

Bai Yutang set the documents aside. After Yu Xi received the cup of water, she drank quite a few sips. Her neck fine and slender and collarbone refined. Thin lines of sweat dotted her fair skin. There was a hard to define sexiness.   

Yu Xi handed the cup of water back to Zhong Chen and then used the towel to wipe her face before finally turning her head over, “Bai-jie, what did you want to say?”

Bai Yutang pointed towards the documents set to the side using her chin, “There’s a new drama.”

Yu Xi frowned, “A new drama?”

Bai Yuteng hummed in agreement and nodded, “The company’s investing in a new drama. This is the script.”

This was not the first time their company has invested in a drama, however, their luck the previous few times have not been good. During the first few years, due to the regulations on ancient dramas¹, two of the dramas that they were filming had to halt abruptly. Last year, they filmed a youth idol drama but even before filming finished, the male lead was plagued with an unexpected scandal.  But apparently, after they finally found a new male actor with great difficulty to save the situation, the female lead went on strike.

It is not an exaggeration to describe their history as misfortunes and disasters after one and another.

Previously, Yu Xi thought that the company had given up hope in dramas. She didn’t expect that they started to be swayed over by the prospects again.

But it made sense, the boss has already been changed.

The new boss needed to establish new and vigorous policies in order to establish some achievements. However, choosing to invest in dramas, whether Jiang Jingbai’s strategy can work will still be unknown for the future.

Yu Xi reached her hand out. Zhong Chen placed the script on top of her hand. Yu Xi scanned it. It was an urban drama.

Due to the stricter regulations on historical costume dramas, those types of dramas halved in amount these few years. Two that Yu Xi filmed was still being kept at the broadcasting station and haven’t gone through investigation yet. Many directors have started to find alternative pathways and focused on xianxia², republican, and youth idol dramas instead. Of course, it wasn’t as if historical costume dramas were completely restricted, the investigations were only much stricter. If they find any falsification of the history represented, the directors will have to take it back to be changed.

So, if someone still dares to film historical costume dramas at this time, then if they aren’t a big shot, then they’re a big shot among the big shots. It was obvious Jiang Jingbai was not one.

Yu Xi frowned, “Bai-jie, are you sure you want me to film this?”

It wasn’t because Yu Xi was too arrogant due to being spoiled but rather because she had just received two big films awards. Now suddenly asked to act in this type of urban love drama, no matter how one thought of it, it seemed like her brand was being downgraded.

Bai Yutang nodded, “Director Zhao’s drama. There shouldn’t be any problems. I haven’t agreed to it yet though, I’m just letting you look at the script first.”

 “Xixi, you’re not at the stage to consider your personal brand right now. You should be considering whether you’ll still be able to receive roles.”

If she had not confessed on that program, she would definitely not even have to consider these types of dramas. However, things are very different now. People need to know how to be flexible in different circumstances, which is why Bai Yutang even decided to consider looking over this drama.

Yu Xi pursed her lips, her eyes looking down at the script again. As she flipped through the pages, she said, “But I still want to act in Director Mei’s film.”

Bai Yutang insisted, “The filming doesn’t conflict. If you agree to this, I’ll help you arrange it.”

Her attitude shows that obviously wants her to accept this role.

Yu Xi fell into silence.

Bai Yutang sighed lightly, “Oh right, Xixi, there’s still one more thing I want to talk to you about.”

Yu Xi closed the script and looked up, and said with an indifferent tone, “What is it?”

Bai Yutang hesitated for a few seconds before saying, “Starting from tomorrow, I’ll be managing one other person as well.”

Yu Xi’s furrowed brows had no intentions of loosening up. She blurted out, “Tao Yitong?”

Bai Yutang froze, “How did you know?”

Seeing how unhappy Yu Xi was, Zhong Chen interjected, “Bai-jie, isn’t Tao Yitong Xingyao’s artist?”

Bai Yutang sighed, “We had just poached her over.”

Yu Xi’s expression grew heavier. Discontented, she asked, “Will she also act in this?”

Bai Yutang hesitated before nodding, “She’s the second female lead.”

 “Do you know her?”

Yu Xi’s face was dark and her voice was cold, “I don’t.”

Never collaborated before yet able to identify her so easily and even saying that she doesn’t know her. Who is she trying to lie to?

Bai Yutang looked over at Zhong Chen with a puzzling gaze. Zhong Chen shrugged, hinting that she didn’t know anything either.

Yu Xi did not give her a chance to satisfy her curiosity as she rose up instead, “I’m going to go change.”

After Yu Xi changed and came out again, Zhong Chen had already gathered up the script and was waiting at the side. Watching Yu Xi survey around the area, Zhong Chen piqued up, “Bai-jie left for a meeting.”

Yu Xi nodded, “Let’s go then.”

Zhong Chen followed behind her diligently.

When they reached the parking lot, Yu Xi couldn’t help but remember her conversation with Bai Yutang. Then she thought of Tao Yitong’s smiling face. The more she thought about it, the more her chest ached. She sat in the back seat and rested her chin on her hand. She rolled down the car window.

The black car pulled out slowly from the back of the company.

Originally without a soul in sight, a group of people suddenly flocked over to the car pulling out of the parking garage gate. Cameras hung on their neck and microphones held by their hands, they obviously waited there for an ambush for a long time. After watching Yu Xi’s car pull out, they rushed forward with all of their might.

Just like a bunch of cats who smelled fish!

Yu Xi was stunned and immediately tried to pull up the car window. However, it was too late. Reporters thrusted their microphones into the car window. The surrounding was chaotic. All of the reporters started to ask questions after questions.

 “Excuse me, Miss Yu, why did you come out as a homosexual on broadcast?”

 “Miss Yu, please tell us about your future plans.”

 “Miss Yu, when did you know you liked girls? Have you ever thought about going to see psychologists about this? Do you think your mental health is alright?”

 “Miss Yu, please say a few words.”

The reporters near the back rushed to ask questions, trying their best to push and squeeze to the front. Two microphones were already pressed below Yu Xi’s mouth . Any further, the microphones would jab into her lips instead.  

Yu Xi pursed her lips, not saying anything. Zhong Chen kept repeating, “I’m sorry, no comments.”

 “I’m sorry, please make way.”

On one hand, she tried to stop the reporters’ incessant questionings and on the other, she tried to wave the reporters’ microphones away. Yu Xi sat up straight with her head lowered. She was dodging in between the conflict. All of a sudden, a microphone brushed past her nose and landed on her legs. The reporter who fell from all of the pushing stood with their hands suspending in midair. The atmosphere was very awkward.

Yu Xi’s downcast eyes looked at the microphone and then she picked it up. Immediately, a reporter asked, “Excuse me, Miss Yu, please tell us how you look upon homosexuality?”

The topic was to the point. The other reporters held their breath in wait for the answer.

Yu Xi looked up, her gaze clear and bright. She tilted her head over to the side, the lines of her side profile delicate and cold. Upon hearing the question, her mouth corners lifted. In a sneering attitude, she replied, “Using my eyes to look.”

No one expected that Yu Xi would be such a witty talker, using puns to brush over questions. The reporter that asked the question was stunned. Following his silence, another reporter immediately asked, “Miss Yu, according to rumors, your first love is your high school classmate. Are you two still in contact?”

Upon hearing the words ‘first love’ and ‘high school classmate’, Yu Xi’s complexion slightly changed before returning to normal in no time. Using the same sneering tone, yet no longer polite, she responded, “Has it anything to do with you?”

The reporter was stunned for a few seconds before replying, “You are a public figure. Don’t you think you need to explain it to us clearly?”

Yu Xi laughed lightly, “Nope, my works are the best explanation for the people. So, what if I am a public figure? Am I not a person still? Do I not have any rights to privacy?”

 “Is there a new law against it? Were you the one who passed it?”

Her back to back questions left the reporters that stood by the windows stupefied. All of them were left speechless by her retort. Yu Xi used this opportunity to hand the microphone back out the window.  There were too many people and in addition, the place was also super crowded. She reached her hand out with the microphone and when she touched a reporter’s hand, she let go of it. Yet, the reporter pulled their hand back, letting the microphone smash to the ground with a thump. The microphone let out a loud ear-piercing buzzing sound. All of a sudden, chaos erupted outside of the car.

Yu Xi slightly frowned. She forgot. Reporters were the ancestors of the swindling³ world.

---

1 There have been strict regulations on historical costume dramas starting from 2012 as an anti-imperialist type of attempt. The regulations they mention in here should be the one where the historical costume dramas cannot comprise more than 15% of a TV network’s overall programs hence not being able to finish filming.

2 Xianxia is a genre that is influenced by Chinese fantasy and has many mythical aspects to it.

3 They actually used 碰瓷 or touch porcelain, which is a common phenomenon in China where there would be swindlers who would fake an accident to extort compensation.

Previous

TOC

Next