Chapter 153: If Not, I’ll Teach Myself

Chapter 153: If Not, I'll Teach Myself

Guo Lu: "During lunch, we assumed you weren't coming, so we removed your chair. We didn't prepare for you now."

Guo Lu added fuel to the already awkward situation, seemingly locking horns with Tang Fei.

The people on site exchanged glances, wondering what was going on. Some staff approached Guo Lu for clarification, while others stepped to the sidelines to make calls, investigating her actions.

The production team was annoyed. Delaying the shoot was one thing, but kicking someone out was another. It was crossing a line and pushing their luck too far.

Tang Fei was currently at the peak of her fame, with "Si Cuichuan" airing on Xiangnan TV, nearing its finale. The average viewership had reached 2.1, and the buzz around it remained high. She had a devoted fan base.

If she wanted to act like a diva, she could.

But those who worked closely with her knew that her sudden emotional response might be due to a deep connection she felt with the handwritten books and the stories behind them.

She wasn't the type to throw tantrums, and her temperament was generally good. Despite rumors of her temper, no one had ever witnessed an actual outburst.

Guo Lu's disruption went too far, but given her age and status, those who tried to reason with her did so cautiously.

1 The group director stepped to the back to communicate with the coordination department staff. They nodded at each other in discussion, both sensing that Guo Lu was exploiting the situation for her own purpose, intentionally so.

Xiao Yuan's gaze remained fixed on Tang Fei, witnessing her flushed ears. She could somewhat empathize with the discomfort of such direct and unyielding criticism.

In this circle, inexperienced newcomers like them, with no background or connections, can easily get lost amidst the glamour and glitter if they don't have a wise mentor. If they happen to gain instant success, playing leading roles and being showered with fan adoration, and are further boosted by the flattering attention of the production team, they might swiftly become arrogant and forget their origins.

Believing oneself to be the dazzling center of attention, captivating all.

People adrift amidst the clouds witness nothing but illusory fantasies, and, at any moment, might offend those with the power to act on their displeasure towards you.

They would publicly humiliate you without mercy, and no one around you would come to your aid.

Countless onlookers have long been waiting for your downfall, and in that moment, the illusion of being the center of attention at the peak of success crumbles.

Given the presence of cameras and journalists, you cannot afford to lose your cool. They occupy the moral high ground, being senior figures, and any of your grievances or reasons would merely fuel accusations of melodrama and arrogance.

No amount of explanation could save you; no one would believe you.

At the height of her fame, she was trapped by her parents' and talent agency's insatiable greed. They colluded to restrict her personal freedom, preventing her from joining a production after signing a contract, demanding a last-minute increase in pay and additional screen time.

The incident blew up, and she was labeled as arrogant by industry bigwigs and TV stations. From then on, she could no longer join top production teams, nor could she play lead roles on satellite TV. Her career stagnated, her acting skills failed to improve, and her popularity dwindled. It was like watching herself slowly commit suicide, filled with anxiety, agitation, and helplessness.

She was the victim, but no one would believe it. Who would suspect that parents would harm their own child? Why would anyone think she was unaware of her parents' affairs? How could an adult be restricted in their personal freedom?

Logically and analytically, it seemed impossible, yet the impossible was the truth, a truth that nobody believed.

When Xiao Yuan recalled these events and thought about her gradual downfall over the years, her heart ached unbearably, and her eyes reddened before Tang Fei's.

Song Li was relishing the spectacle. As the foil to Tang Fei's public opinion turnaround, her image had suffered significantly, resulting in several endorsements not renewing their contracts with her this year.

Now, witnessing Tang Fei stumble in the reality show, she felt an overwhelming joy akin to a mountainous roar and oceanic surge. She tried to suppress her smile, but her lips still curled upward.

She even wished for Tang Fei to never recover from this setback.

However, in front of so many people, she had to strive to appear sympathetic while maintaining a smile, creating an odd expression on her face.

The camera focused on her, capturing the expression on her face.

Fuming inwardly, Jiang Xiaoying thought that in a show like this, one could easily target the weaker party – a young actor who wouldn't dare to speak up for their image's sake.

The impact of this incident would be significant once it aired, and that was going too far.

She stood up from her chair, rushed to Tang Fei, and took her hand. "We're slim, we can sit together. It's not a big deal to share a chair."

Tang Fei didn't budge. As soon as Jiang Xiaoying spoke, Guo Lu's face darkened. Pushing away the staff member trying to persuade her, Guo Lu turned to face Tang Fei straight on.

Jiang Xiaoying was the granddaughter of Master Jiang Yuan. Though offended, Guo Lu couldn't scold Jiang Xiaoying directly, so she folded her arms and glared fiercely at Tang Fei instead.

Tang Fei considered letting it go for the sake of peace, acknowledging that she was at fault for being late. "Teacher Guo, I admit that I was late today. Please continue with the lesson."

It was irresponsible for the teacher to interrupt during the limited learning time.

Though not explicitly stated, Tang Fei's meaning was clear, indicating her willingness to compromise without backing down.

Guo Lu's gaze toward Tang Fei was filled with undisguised disdain. She couldn't reprimand Jiang Xiaoying, but surely she could still criticize Tang Fei, right?

Dare you lecture me now?

As for the rumors about Zhou Weichuan's ruthless nature, others might fear Time Culture and Tang Fei, but it was irrelevant to her. She was almost retired and currently relied on hosting one show for her pension. Could Zhou Weichuan's darkness extend to their television station?

Guo Lu said, "I may not have the authority to eliminate you, but I can choose my own students. If I don't teach you, you might as well prepare to go back."

Tang Fei frowned. Did they think she was an easy target to bully?

So what if they refused to teach her? Did they truly believe they held all the power?

Her small compromise had invited further aggression.

Where was she supposed to go?

Would she be eliminated just because Guo Lu refused to teach her?

In her dreams!

Tang Fei promptly turned around, striding away with poise. Her voice echoed clearly behind her back, "Having vacation time is perfect. I prefer to manage my own study schedule anyway. It'll make for an interesting control group in the show, allowing us to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of self-directed learning versus passive learning.

I appreciate Professor Guo's concern about my return, but you should focus more on teaching. We all value our dignity, and the comparison results shouldn't be too embarrassing, right? It's better to devote time to meaningful tasks."

"You should stick to your role as a teacher and not indulge in non-essential duties as a judge. Otherwise, it might show that students fare no better than those who study on their own."

Tang Fei's temper flared because she held herself back, not because she allowed others to take advantage of her.

Tang Fei smiled gently, not at all bothered by the lack of a formal instructor.

There are plenty of locals here; does learning a language really require a host to teach?

Everyone present gasped, astounded by Tang Fei's fiery temperament!

She didn't spare anyone any face!

She created a rival group for a showdown!

Our production team didn't even approve this segment, yet she's taking it seriously!

But Tang Fei turned and walked away, leaving everyone stunned, and the situation spiraling out of control! Guo Lu's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. "Why did your production team invite someone like her to promote Qin Xi? She should be eliminated – her conduct is so poor."

A person who rarely loses their temper isn't inherently good-tempered; it's just that they haven't been provoked yet!

The production team remained silent, but you persist in stirring trouble, even accusing them of lacking manners. If not for your age and status, they would have considered replacing you.

The director from Team 1 actually quite liked Tang Fei and went up to pull her aside. "Teacher Tang, we'll discuss this matter later. Please don't be too upset."

Tang Fei replied, "I'm not upset. Learning is one's own responsibility. Teachers are merely guides. I believe the local villagers would make better mentors."

Guo Lu had a narrow-mindedness as small as a needle's eye, while Tang Fei's mindset was like clay that could stretch and reshape according to the situation. In front of a needle, she might only mold something the size of its tip, but faced with an ocean, she could shape the world.

You can choose to bully the weak and avoid the strong, manipulate situations with ulterior motives, but who fears whom? The world keeps spinning regardless of who's around. Let alone with advantages, even without them, there's no need to cater to such people.

It's not about the bread, but the pride! Stand firm!

Jiang Xiaoying hurriedly followed. "I'll self-study too! Two against two in the control group is perfect!"

Tang Fei teased, "Are you here to sabotage us as a mole?"

Jiang Xiaoying placed a hand over his heart. "Sis Fei, you've hurt my feelings. Given how loyal I am, can't you say something nice?"

Tang Fei: "You'd better make me proud. If you don't study well, I'll spank you."

Jiang Xiaoying jumped as if she had been slapped. "No way! I'm afraid of pain."

Xiao Yuan adjusted her position and sat up straight. She had sacrificed so much for this opportunity; she couldn't afford to offend anyone again.

Her eyes were filled with envy towards Tang Fei.

How wonderful it must be to live so freely and follow one's heart in this industry. Yet, she didn't have the courage, she was too afraid to do the same.