Professional Substitute

Chapter 4: Short Drama Turmoil

"Great, Yu Xiao, since you're the investor yourself, you don't have to worry about outsiders directing insiders. I believe anything produced by Yu Xiao is bound to be a masterpiece."

The Maserati sped away. Yu Xiao's studio and administrative apartment were in the east of the city, while Cloud City University was in the west, meaning he had to traverse a diagonal across the city. The car's display showed the time as 4:20.

Yu Xiao tossed the script over and smirked, "I was planning to show it to you once we got there, but our diligent Qingqing couldn't wait! I bet you're eager to know the plot, right?"

A thousand curses flashed through Mo Qinglan's mind. She didn't want to read it in the car; her beautiful fox-like eyes couldn't handle it. She had hoped to catch a nap in the car. But alas, those were luxuries. Could she refuse her benefactor? At least not on the surface.

"‘Temptation, You, Sink, and Fall’—is this the title?" Mo Qinglan's eyes widened in disbelief. The first scene was indeed... the typical domineering CEO's forced love story. What a decline in morals! Lazy writers! Lazy production team! Lazy investors!

"I was worried you'd say I'm not cherishing my reputation. But this is the market trend. If you don't film it, someone else will," Yu Xiao said, feigning regret and self-pity. Mo Qinglan had already cursed him eight hundred times in her heart. But understanding clients' true emotions and providing positive feedback was her job.

"No, Yu Xiao, I've always believed that while there are bad films, there are no bad roles. If you bring your own style and uniqueness to the role, you might even set a new trend in short dramas!" Sure enough, Yu Xiao's eyebrows relaxed, and he smiled, "Later, let's rehearse the first scene together. I was originally going to rehearse with the female lead, but she has a strong background. She's the white moonlight of Sheng, the president of the Sheng family in Cloud City. When it comes to actual filming, it'll probably be a misplacement. My acting skills might not have a chance to shine."

"Your looks are on par with hers, and you'll definitely inspire all my acting talents!" Mo Qinglan was shocked! The president of the Sheng family wouldn't be her client—the one called President Sheng, right? Was she going to step into the shoes of Miss Xia? Was it too late to back out now?

What was supposed to be an hour-long session doubled because Yu Xiao was so immersed in the rehearsal.

This short drama focused on deep, torturous love, and the first scene was about the white moonlight, played by Mo Qinglan, returning to the country. Yu Xiao, playing the CEO, created a "golden cage" for her—a gilded house to hide his beloved, a prison of literature. During this process, there was physical contact between the two.

Yu Xiao's emotions were very intense, presenting the pain of unrequited love, the joy of regaining what was lost, and the future worries of losing it again. His peach blossom eyes were glistening and moist, with a hint of red at the corners, adding a touch of fragility to the character amidst his madness.

As he personally pushed the white moonlight into the cage, Mo Qinglan's leg accidentally or intentionally hit the railing, scraping it and causing blood to seep out immediately.

"Qingqing, I'm sorry, you're bleeding. Does it hurt?" Guilt was evident in his eyes. Anyone who looked at Yu Xiao would see a deeply affectionate expression, captivating and moving.

Mo Qinglan was in so much pain that tears welled up in her eyes, and the muscles at the corners of her lips twitched imperceptibly. Yet, she still managed to pull out a slight smile, covering the wound with her hand. These clients were truly insane. Sheng Yunzhou was openly insane! This Yu Xiao was like black sesame paste insanity, only visible when you peeled away the layers. Just this action of closing the cage, he had bumped her leg more than once. If it was unintentional, Mo Qinglan wasn't quite convinced...

Fortunately, her body had a self-healing function. But that was her secret, and she didn't want him to know. Once she paid off her debts, she planned to blacklist all these benefactors.

"It doesn't hurt! I'm fine, you must have seen wrong." When Yu Xiao moved her hand aside, her leg was indeed smooth as ever, without a single scar. A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes; he had clearly seen blood just now. He breathed a sigh of relief and smiled gently, "It's good that you're not hurt, otherwise I'd be heartbroken today."

Heartbroken? Yu Xiao asked himself, no. He just liked seeing her so bewitched by his acting and charm, unable to find her way. Even if it hurt, she had to endure it. Because back then, she had the opportunity to watch a movie with him. Yet she wasn't grateful or moved and even tried to earn his money. Well, her level was several notches above those naive fans, successfully catching Yu Xiao's attention. But now, after two years of interaction, she was repeatedly teased by him without realizing it, falling deeper and deeper for him, unable to extricate herself. Yu Xiao only found it boring and tiresome. It was time to say goodbye. As for whether she'd be heartbroken, who cared? Just thinking about how she'd stubbornly keep contacting him, sending him little essays, made him curl his lips.

Mo Qinglan put on a full act, exclaiming, "Yu Xiao, your performance was amazing! No, you are the epitome of the domineering CEO! Female fans love this kind of obsessive, pathological, and intense love. Thank you for letting me experience it firsthand."

At 7:20 PM, Mo Qinglan left Yu Xiao's studio.

She was escorted by Yu Xiao's agent—Mai Jing, known in the industry as Sister Mai. She wore a sleek, high-end gray professional outfit, with slightly high cheekbones, exuding the aura of a career woman with a strong disposition.

"In the blink of an eye, Ah Xiao has been rehearsing with you for so long. He's mentioned more than once that he's particularly grateful for your dedication." A strange feeling rose in Mo Qinglan's heart. Polite small talk often set the stage for a twist. She remained unfazed.

"Sister Mai, you're too kind. It's what I should do. Besides, being able to rehearse with the youngest TV emperor of our time, the future film emperor, is such a... rare experience."

Mai Jing scrutinized her. She said her partner was the TV emperor, yet she always seemed so delighted when getting paid. If Yu Xiao hadn't said it himself, Mai Jing wouldn't have believed it. She must be money-hungry. A fleeting hint of sarcasm crossed Mai Jing's lips.

"The shooting cycle for the short drama is very short. We plan to hold a small press conference in Cloud City next month. You must remember to come." Many films hold roadshows and extensive promotions before release. Mo Qinglan had never heard of a short drama holding a press conference. The invited guests were mostly veteran film critics, drama critics, and top fans who dominated the charts. Others would have to pay. After Mai Jing finished speaking, she offered no further details. Ha, no internal invites or tickets?

Mo Qinglan maintained her graceful smile, adept at commercial praise. "Got it, Yu Xiao's small step is a giant leap for short dramas. I believe this new track will take on a fresh look with his entry."

"Yes, Ah Xiao used to be an artist, and he was always busy; now that he's become his own boss, I'm sure you understand. So your... collaboration will have to end." Finally, they got to the point. It seemed Yu Xiao wanted to terminate this employment relationship. Mo Qinglan wasn't surprised. Transactions aren't about the heart; they always have a time limit. There's no reason for them to continue indefinitely.

However, she felt somewhat uncomfortable. Yu Xiao could have told her himself; why did he have to have Sister Mai convey it in a roundabout way? Afraid she'd cling to him? She was overthinking it.

"Understood. Is there anything else, Sister Mai?" Mai Jing: "..." This wasn't what she expected. She was so calm and indifferent.

"Ah Xiao couldn't bear the farewell, so he didn't come forward. Do you have anything to say to him?" Just then, Mo Qinglan's stomach growled. She hadn't eaten anything since leaving the dessert shop. That bit of energy was now depleted.

"Thank you, Yu Xiao, for your generosity?" Mai Jing was speechless.

"Then I'll be off?" Mai Jing had nothing to say. People like her are loyal to whoever pays them.