Chapter 77: Separation
When one chooses compliance over defiance, their options become limited. Like Shen Zhu, from being led to the table by the assistant, to being pressed into a seat by Jiang Lingling, to taking the first bite, each act of submission led her down a path of forced consumption.
And this path wasn’t easy.
If, at first, Shen Zhu still held a sliver of hope that Jiang Lingling was just promoting her restaurant, then after the first bite of pork ribs, she knew there was a hidden agenda. But facing the increasingly cheerful and enthusiastic Jiang Lingling, Shen Zhu was trapped. She couldn’t refuse to eat and could only hope that the other dishes weren’t as disgusting as the ribs.
In fact, the ribs were indeed the worst of the breakfast spread. But the other dishes, although not as repulsive, were also surprisingly bland. If it weren’t for this situation, Shen Zhu would have definitely rejected them.
The fishy pork ribs, the dry shumai, the dense and chewy sponge cake, the bitter radish cake, the tasteless custard buns, the wontons filled with ginger and scallions, the mushy noodles…
Shen Zhu forced herself to try everything Jiang Lingling placed in front of her. By the time she put down her chopsticks, her stomach churned, and she felt nauseous. But it was over. She breathed a sigh of relief, swallowing hard to suppress the urge to vomit.
“I’m… full,” she said to Jiang Lingling with a forced smile, hoping that Jiang Lingling, seeing her suffering, would let her go.
She looked full, but… Jiang Lingling’s expression was full of shock. “Impossible, you’re already full? This is just a small appetizer. Do you think the restaurant I bought with a fortune can’t even make a decent breakfast?” She clutched her chest dramatically, as if about to collapse.
Such good acting, what a waste not to become a professional scammer, the assistant thought. Every time she thought Jiang Lingling couldn’t be any more devious, she would surprise her.
Jiang Lingling’s shocked and hurt expressions were so convincing that Shen Zhu almost believed them. But when Jiang Lingling piled more food in front of her and enthusiastically urged her to continue eating, Shen Zhu knew that the shock and hurt were all an act.
The food was so bad, and she was being forced to eat it. Shen Zhu wasn’t stupid, she knew Jiang Lingling was messing with her. But why? … She hadn’t offended Jiang Lingling, she was just Ji Junxin’s assistant. They barely interacted, oh, wait, they did. Shen Zhu suddenly remembered that she had approached Jiang Lingling’s assistant a few days ago, asking a few questions. But Jiang Lingling wouldn’t be doing this just because of that, right?
Shen Zhu looked at the seemingly normal breakfast, her appetite completely gone. But Jiang Lingling, relentless, kept piling food in front of her, urging her with a smile. Everyone in the crew knew about Jiang Lingling’s arrogance. This sudden attentiveness, it was abnormal. Shen Zhu didn’t dare to refuse directly. But she really couldn’t eat anymore. Perhaps seeing Shen Zhu’s hesitation, Jiang Lingling picked up her chopsticks, picked up a piece of dim sum, and held it to Shen Zhu’s mouth.
Being fed by Jiang Lingling, what an honor, something Shen Zhu wouldn’t have even dared to imagine before. Of course, she didn’t want to imagine it now either. The sponge cake was right in front of her mouth, and even though she knew it would be terrible, Shen Zhu had to open her mouth and take a bite.
She finished the sponge cake in a few bites. As soon as she swallowed the last piece, Shen Zhu jumped up and retreated a few steps. “That’s enough…” she said, forcing a smile.
Enough? She was far from bursting. Jiang Lingling looked at her assistant, who, with a helpless expression, quickly moved to Shen Zhu’s side and grabbed her arm.
The prey was wary, any further pretense of kindness was useless. Jiang Lingling’s smile, however, became more genuine. She beckoned Shen Zhu. “Come here,” she said, pointing at the chair. “Sit down.”
If earlier, Shen Zhu had been trying to avoid offending Jiang Lingling, now she realized that whether she left or not, she had already offended her. So, if not now, when? Shen Zhu stopped talking and struggled to free herself from the assistant’s grip.
The assistant wasn’t particularly strong, and with Shen Zhu struggling, she couldn’t hold her. She looked at Jiang Lingling, hoping for instructions. This was on set, after all. Earlier, Shen Zhu had been cooperating, but if she made a scene now, it wouldn’t be good for anyone.
Jiang Lingling understood the assistant’s unspoken question. But… she didn’t care.
She pointed at the breakfast spread. “Sit down and finish this. Then you can leave.” Since Shen Zhu wasn’t cooperating, she wouldn’t waste time on pretense. “Of course, if you don’t mind offending me, you can leave now without eating.”
Shen Zhu stopped struggling. Was Jiang Lingling showing her true colors? She was practically saying that if Shen Zhu left, there would be consequences.
“Why…” Even if she was doomed, Shen Zhu wanted to know why.
Jiang Lingling just smiled, not answering.
“Because of Mi Hongdou?” Shen Zhu finally asked. Mi Hongdou’s sudden enthusiasm earlier, urging her to have breakfast with Jiang Lingling, had seemed strange. After getting out of the car, she hadn’t wanted to come. But the assistant had insisted, and Shen Zhu, thinking it was just a meal, had agreed. But after the first bite, she knew she was wrong, although she still held a sliver of hope that it was just Jiang Lingling’s unique taste. Then she suspected that Mi Hongdou, knowing how bad the food was, had deliberately sent her here. But now, with Jiang Lingling’s blatant hostility, Shen Zhu realized that she had been too naive. This wasn’t just a prank, it was a deliberate act of retaliation, orchestrated by Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling.
Jiang Lingling had brought so much food, and Shen Zhu had already tried everything, she felt sick. Making her finish it all was torture… She had only made a few comments to Mi Hongdou in the car, there was no need to be so ruthless, Shen Zhu felt miserable. Mi Hongdou had a good reputation on set, she was always kind and friendly, she didn’t seem like the type to be so unforgiving. Confused, Shen Zhu asked Jiang Lingling for confirmation.
However, Jiang Lingling just smiled, leaning against the table with her arms crossed, not answering.
Jiang Lingling’s demeanor made Shen Zhu, who had been almost certain it was Mi Hongdou’s doing, unsure. Had she offended Jiang Lingling, not Mi Hongdou? Was it because of the questions she had asked the assistant a few days ago? Just asking a few questions shouldn’t warrant such treatment. Shen Zhu racked her brains, trying to figure out the reason, but she couldn’t.
Of course, she couldn’t. Who would believe that Jiang Lingling would go to such lengths just for a meal?
“You’ve been thinking long enough, the food will be cold soon, and it won’t be as delicious.” Seeing Shen Zhu just standing there, Jiang Lingling checked her phone and gave a “kind” reminder.
“But it’s… too much…” Shen Zhu knew she could leave, even make a scene and avoid eating all this. But she didn’t dare… Jiang Lingling… having said this much, if she didn’t eat, even if she escaped today, there would be consequences later. No one could protect her, not even that person… Shen Zhu suddenly thought of Ji Junxin. If Ji Junxin was willing to protect her, perhaps Jiang Lingling would also let her go for Ji Junxin’s sake.
“Don’t negotiate with me.” Jiang Lingling tapped the table impatiently. “Either eat, or leave.”
Even if Ji Junxin was willing to protect her, it would be difficult to ask for help now. Shen Zhu glanced at the empty chauffeured car. And it seemed that Ji Junxin really cared about Mi Hongdou. Before becoming Ji Junxin’s most trusted person, she couldn’t ask for her help with this kind of thing.
Shen Zhu sat down silently and started eating.
Seeing this, the assistant felt a pang of sympathy. She and Jiang Lingling often played pranks, but it was usually just retaliation against those who bullied Jiang Lingling. This time was different, Shen Zhu hadn’t done anything to Jiang Lingling, but Jiang Lingling seemed relentless.
Seemingly sensing the assistant’s sympathy, Jiang Lingling beckoned her over.
“You said Shen Zhu talked to you a few days ago,” Jiang Lingling said, her voice low, ensuring Shen Zhu couldn’t hear.
The assistant nodded.
“And you said she asked you what we were doing when we went back to Jiang City with Ji Junxin,” Jiang Lingling continued.
The assistant nodded again.
Jiang Lingling’s expression turned serious. “Think about it, she’s Ji Junxin’s assistant, if she wanted to know what Ji Junxin was doing in Jiang City, couldn’t she just ask her directly? If you wanted to know where I went, would you ask Bai Tang? Would you ask Shen Zhu? You would ask me directly, right?”
The assistant thought about it and nodded.
“So, Shen Zhu not asking Ji Junxin, but asking you instead, is definitely suspicious. If she was truly loyal to Ji Junxin, why would she ask you? Asking you means she’s not completely loyal, perhaps she’s being bribed by someone. Do you still feel sorry for her?” Jiang Lingling said righteously, brainwashing her assistant.
Although the assistant knew Jiang Lingling was manipulating her, she had to admit, it made sense. The sympathy in her eyes when she looked at Shen Zhu disappeared.
Jiang Lingling mentally praised her own cleverness. As for the things she just said to brainwash her assistant, haha, of course, they were all made up. But her assistant had a strong sense of justice. If she knew that she was doing this to Shen Zhu just for a free meal from Mi Hongdou, it would disrupt their harmonious relationship.
But Jiang Lingling didn’t know that her made-up story was actually very close to the truth.
Similarly, Mi Hongdou, nibbling on the sticky rice roll, didn’t expect Jiang Lingling to take her angry words so seriously.
For Mi Hongdou, the pickled mustard greens, youtiao, and meat floss filling, although not Ji Junxin’s favorite, was the classic version. And today, the half-eaten roll, having been bitten by Ji Junxin, tasted strangely sweet. Mi Hongdou didn’t dare to dwell on this sweetness, it felt… creepy.
Ji Junxin also didn’t want to overthink the exchanged rice rolls. Her earlier, random thought of an indirect kiss had made her blush furiously, she couldn’t handle any more wild imaginations. But even so, she ate the rice roll slowly, savoring each bite. It must be because there was only half left, she had to cherish it, Ji Junxin told herself.
They were both eating breakfast, but those outside the car were suffering, while those inside were happy.
Even savored slowly, the half-eaten rice roll was quickly finished. Ji Junxin licked her lips, glanced at Mi Hongdou, who, sensing her unsatisfied gaze, offered her the other half. “Not full? Want some more?” One bite led to another, this time, Mi Hongdou offered without hesitation.
Ji Junxin shook her head vigorously. “No, no need, I still have soy milk.” She started searching for her cup in the insulated bag.
Soon, she found it, along with a piece of paper.
“What’s this?” Ji Junxin unfolded the paper. “Rice roll with egg, sausage, and pork tenderloin in the bag with the bow. Rice roll with pickled mustard greens, youtiao, and meat floss in the bag with the single knot.”
“…” Mi Hongdou looked at the surprised Ji Junxin and smiled. “Did Bai Tang write this?”
Bai Tang… “Oh…” Ji Junxin suddenly exclaimed. “I remember now, Bai Tang told me she left a note in the bag. But then Shen Zhu came and I forgot.”
As expected of Bai Tang, she was always so meticulous. Mi Hongdou smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay, we’ll ask Bai Tang to buy more tomorrow.”
Ji Junxin felt a little guilty. But thinking about the accidental exchange, it was actually quite amusing, so she didn’t dwell on it.
There were always unexpected twists and turns in life, not always smooth sailing, but… not always bad either.
After finishing their breakfast and chatting for a while, Bai Tang came to the car to call them for makeup and costumes. This task was usually handled by Ji Junxin’s two assistants, but today, it was just Bai Tang, without Shen Zhu or the other assistant.
Mi Hongdou, getting out of the car, immediately looked towards Jiang Lingling’s large table. Jiang Lingling and her assistant were standing by the table, and Shen Zhu was sitting opposite them, her back to the car, seemingly eating. As Mi Hongdou got out, Jiang Lingling also happened to look over, and Mi Hongdou, while Ji Junxin was still in the car, gave Jiang Lingling a thumbs-up.
Jiang Lingling grinned and returned a “V” sign for victory.
Shen Zhu, focused on eating so she could leave quickly, missed this exchange.
Jiang Lingling had scenes today, so after Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou left to prepare, she also left. Before leaving, she instructed her assistant to film Shen Zhu eating, not letting her go until she finished. After giving these instructions and a few more threats to Shen Zhu, Jiang Lingling went to join Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou.
Shortly after Jiang Lingling left, Shen Zhu put down her chopsticks and looked at the assistant pitifully. “I really can’t eat anymore. She’s gone, just pretend you didn’t see anything and let me throw this away.”
Earlier, the assistant might have felt sympathetic and let her go. But after being brainwashed by Jiang Lingling, she felt that Shen Zhu, having asked her about Ji Junxin’s activities, was disloyal, so she wouldn’t agree.
The assistant took out her phone and showed it to Shen Zhu. “Miss Jiang asked me to record everything before she left.”
“…” Shen Zhu looked at the assistant, who was starting to record, and felt a surge of resentment. Who had she offended? … She picked up her chopsticks and continued eating angrily.
Jiang Lingling caught up with Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin and started to take credit. “I…”
“I saw you treating Shen Zhu to breakfast, thank you,” Mi Hongdou quickly interrupted, glancing at Ji Junxin and giving Jiang Lingling a look.
Ji Junxin also smiled. “Thank you.”
“Heh, it was nothing, nothing.” Jiang Lingling saw that dealing with Shen Zhu was Mi Hongdou’s idea, kept secret from Ji Junxin. Looking at Ji Junxin’s sincere expression of gratitude, she couldn’t help but say, “By the way, there’s something, it’s not a big deal, but I overheard it, so I thought I should let you know.”
Mi Hongdou gave Jiang Lingling a warning look.
Jiang Lingling raised her chin slightly, annoyed. Did they think she was so unreliable?
“Shen Zhu came for breakfast today, and it reminded my assistant of something. She said that she hasn’t interacted much with Shen Zhu since joining the crew. But a few days ago, Shen Zhu suddenly approached her and, after chatting about everything, asked her a question. She asked where we went when we went back to Jiang City together.” Jiang Lingling finished and added, “That time we went back to Jiang City and picked up Ji Junxin from Nan Tian.”
No wonder Shen Zhu seemed suspicious today. Mi Hongdou frowned. So what was Shen Zhu’s intention? Whose side was she on? …
The Nan Tian incident had resulted in Lu Gaoshi’s dismissal. Could Shen Zhu have been bribed by Lu Gaoshi? To try and get her back? Mi Hongdou’s first thought was Lu Gaoshi. She instinctively felt that Shen Zhu must have been bribed, which wasn’t good.
“Junxin…” Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin worriedly, wondering if Shen Zhu had said anything to her before she got in the car. If Lu Gaoshi returned, it would be a disaster.
Ji Junxin also frowned, she didn’t understand why Shen Zhu would ask about that after so long.
“Perhaps… Shen Zhu was just asking casually?” Ji Junxin, of course, hadn’t guessed Mi Hongdou’s thoughts and didn’t understand her worry.
What an idiot, Jiang Lingling and Mi Hongdou exchanged glances, reaching the same conclusion.
“Regardless, it’s still a bit strange.” Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin with concern. “Don’t be alone with her anymore. If she wants to talk to you privately, call me over.”
Although she didn’t think Shen Zhu would cause any real trouble, Mi Hongdou’s words warmed Ji Junxin’s heart. But then, thinking about the future, the warmth turned into a chill. “After this film, we’ll eventually go our separate ways. Then Shen Zhu will still be my assistant, and you won’t be with me all the time.”
Ji Junxin’s words, tinged with an unexpected sadness, surprised everyone.
“What if I were your assistant?”
If Ji Junxin’s words had surprised Jiang Lingling, then Mi Hongdou’s almost made her jaw drop.
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