Chapter 93 – A Turn in the Mission

Chapter 93 - A Turn in the Mission

Today, Xiangnan Star City was blessed with an uncommon winter sun, prompting many to open their windows and let the damp air bask in the warmth.

The office of Tian Ningfang, the head of the Xiang Embroidery Association, was also opened by her secretary, who couldn't help stealing glances at the energetic young man visiting from the north. If she hadn't been familiar with every handsome actor in the entertainment industry, she would have surely mistaken him for one. He was polite and good-looking, his smile warmer than the sun itself.

As the secretary walked out, she regretted not being able to take a picture to share with her sisters in the group.

Zhou Weichuan, through intermediaries, had visited Tian Ningfang, the president of the Xiang Embroidery Association. He spent the morning discussing the promotion and publicity methods for traditional arts like Xiang embroidery, leveraging the prestige of the Nine O'Clock documentary. Approaching noon, Zhou Weichuan finally revealed his true purpose.

"President Tian, you're well acquainted with the former leader of Xiang embroidery, Lu Yan, right? I'd appreciate it if you could introduce us. If we shoot a documentary, I'd like to tell the story from her perspective."

Tian Ningfang looked at the young man before him, finally understanding his intentions. He chuckled. "Ah, your real motive lies elsewhere! You've investigated Little Yan's husband?"

Zhou Weichuan joined in the laughter. "A win-win situation; it won't interfere."

"I have no qualms about introducing you, but I'll keep my opinions to myself," Tian Ningfang said as he stood up, extending his hand to shake Zhou Weichuan's, indicating it was time for his guest to leave.

"Certainly."

As Zhou Weichuan spoke, his phone screen lit up. He read the message from He Zhou and didn't let go of Tian Ningfang's hand. "President Tian, I have another request to make."

"Oh?" Tian Ningfang tried to retrieve his hand but failed. This request seemed rather impolite.

"Since we're here, why don't you introduce me to Teacher Lu today? Teacher Lu just happened to meet my colleague. Should we head over now?"

Zhou Weichuan quickly pieced it together. It must be that Tang Fei couldn't stay put in the hospital and sneaked out with He Zhou. After encountering Chen Ming and Lu Yan, she had no choice but to inform him.

It seemed that his future top star was veering off course. Her focus wasn't on improving her acting skills. While it was understandable for her to step up as a hero, saving lives was still commendable. But now, she was even trying to meddle with the agency's work.

If Tang Fei knew what Zhou Weichuan was thinking, she would definitely cry foul to her older brother Bao Zheng in her previous life. If not for the system leading her astray, how could she have gotten herself into this mess? She was racking her brains, but still couldn't find a solution.

She was even beginning to doubt her own intelligence.

"What if I refuse?" Tian Ningfang glanced at his still-held hand.

"There are many people in the association who have a close relationship with Teacher Lu. If President Tian is too busy, someone else can take your place," Zhou Weichuan released Tian Ningfang's hand.

Ultimately, both parties were benefiting from each other. Although he was eager for help, having a production powerhouse like Nine Points, renowned for its documentary awards, create a promotional documentary for Xiang Embroidery was essentially a gift.

If Zhou Weichuan was unwilling to even make an introduction, the latter would not insist. He appeared courteous on the surface, but when it came to getting down to business, he never showed leniency.

Fine products were never feared to be unwanted; there were always plenty of eager enthusiasts.

Tian Ningfang quickly grasped the situation. Zhou Weichuan didn't seem like an easy person to manipulate. He immediately smiled, breaking the awkwardness, "President Zhou is truly young and accomplished. Your considerations are thorough, and your efficiency in handling matters is impressive. Let's proceed then."

President Tian's ability to switch attitudes was also top-notch, befitting his status as a seasoned veteran.

…

Chen Ming became aware of Ning Xiaodou's tagging along and found his estimation of the young man dwindling. Ning was apparently oblivious to social cues, an undesirable trait for someone who was meant to be the leading promoter for the football-themed youth campaign. Chen Ming concluded that it would be wiser to assign someone else as the primary advocate; entrusting Ning Xiaodou with such responsibility risked accidents born of his lack of tact, which could potentially embarrass both the production team and the platform.

Unaware that she had been inexplicably demoted from the promotional spotlight, with her future exposure destined to plummet, Ning Xiaodou, who had been eagerly trailing behind, hoping to catch Tang Fei in an embarrassing moment, was still fixated on her plan.

Tang Fei and He Zhou pretended to be a romantic couple, with Tang Fei's face nestled in the crook of He Zhou's arm, concealed from view. She even altered her voice using vocal techniques, hunching slightly to appear shorter, creating an illusion of diminished height.

Her distinctive presence, once so prominent among the crowd, instantly blended into the sea of ordinary people.

Ning Xiaodou, following closely, was startled by this transformation.

"How capable she is. Why doesn't she become a spy in films?"

At that moment, he had completely forgotten how he used to look down on the low-quality dramas Tang Fei starred in and how he believed that as a marketing celebrity, Tang Fei must be an empty-headed fool.

Tang Fei's adjustment astounded him. The shift in her demeanor and tone was so natural and effortless.

"Xiaodou, I've done some research. Teacher Tang is incredibly talented. Don't underestimate her just because she looks good. She finished nearly sixty scenes in ten days – all under Director Xu's supervision. Xu Jianguo is notoriously strict, you know."

"{Ning Xiaodou} shrugged. "When did I ever find her attractive?"

"She doesn't look the slightest bit..." Ning Xiaodou gritted her teeth and forcefully continued, "charming..."

"It's difficult to put into words!" The agent shrugged. "Despite all the previous vilification she faced, her face still frequently graced lists of the most beautiful women. Now that her aura has improved and her beauty has increased even more, it's no surprise."

"Pfft." Ning Xiaodou rolled her eyes innocently. "I just want to see what she's up to. If she gets rejected by Director Chen and makes a fool of herself, make sure you all record it and send it to the gossip reporters!"

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At that moment, a petite girl with a sleek ponytail and a wool coat entered the room. She approached Chen Ming and his wife.

"Master, Grandmaster."

"Big Mao is here."

Big Mao? Isn't this Wu Xia, Lu Yan's disciple? Despite her prosopagnosia, she had studied their photos for over ten hours in the system yesterday; she wouldn't mistake identities.

"Big Mao must be a nickname," Tang Fei observed, drawing slightly closer.

"Big Mao, it's not convenient to talk here. Let's go out and grab something to eat."

However, Wu Xia showed reluctance. "Grandmaster, why can't you speak openly in public?"

Both Chen Ming and Lu Yan sensed Wu Xia's resistance. Lu Yan reached out and held Wu Xia's hand. "You can choose where you want to talk. Master just thought that before you leave, we could have a meal together as a send-off."

The guard on Wu Xia's face softened slightly. Along this embroidery path, no matter who pressured or scolded her, there was always one person who was different—her teacher, who had always been patient and gentle.

She didn't want to disappoint her teacher, but now she felt incapable of doing otherwise.

"Just eating is fine. You should drop the idea of persuading me. I despise embroidery now; it makes me nauseous at the sight of it. Teacher, you'd better find a new apprentice soon to carry on your legacy instead of wasting your time on me."

"You silly child, spouting nonsense! Come, let's eat. Mind your words," Chen Ming genuinely lost his temper with Wu Xia. His wife had nurtured her like a daughter, and now Wu Xia was saying she felt sick at the sight of embroidery – wasn't that trampling on his wife's decade-long efforts?

Was this still the Big Mao he knew?

The one who used to trail behind him, calling him 'Teacher', diligently practicing, staying up all night to improve a piece, saying that embroidery could help her forget her pain?

Lu Yan sighed, holding her husband's arm. "Young people can be impulsive. Be more understanding."

After leaving the exhibition, Lu Yan and her companions settled in a nearby hotel. They chose a secluded booth by the window, a spot designed for four.

Soon, others took seats right in front and behind them – Tang Fei and He Zhou behind, while Ning Xiaodou and the others were in front.

He Zhou sent Zhou Weichuan the location. This place didn't look cheap, so if it was for business, the boss should foot the bill.

It must be reimbursed!

In her mind, Tang Fei recalled the information from the system that clearly stated Wu Xia had psychological issues preventing her from embroidering. Why wouldn't she explain this to Teacher Lu? Instead, she spoke harshly, as if intentionally provoking anger.

Wu Xia is lying. The crux of the mission lies in keeping Wu Xia around. Since Chen Ming and his spouse are unaware of her true circumstances, they have no basis for persuasion. If she could find a way to make them understand the issue, might there be a turning point?