The vicious female supporting role is posted in the opposite direction by the cub

The main conference hall on the twelfth floor of Zhongxing Entertainment was brightly lit, but the air was tense and solemn.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's neon lights flickered silently, reflecting the faces inside—some expectant, some nervous, some deep in thought.

Yan Yueqing sat in the main seat, her sharp black suit accentuating her cool and aloof demeanor.

She had just finished dealing with a thorny matter with Du Mansheng, and there was a hint of fatigue between her brows, but her eyes were still as sharp as a hawk's. When she scanned the room, no one dared to meet her gaze.

Knowing that she was about to travel overseas again to handle important matters, Director Tang specially summoned the core figures of both Xingxing and Xingyue companies here.

This was not just a report, but more like a pre-departure rally and a setting of the tone.

The seating in the conference hall was clearly divided into two camps.

On the left is the core force of "Zhongxing Entertainment". Meng Chengchu sits at the head of the table, still with his calm and reserved demeanor. Beside him is the radiant and powerful Meng Yingge. Behind them, six or seven artists or agents with A-level contracts sit upright, each with a face full of anticipation for the future.

On the right is the elite team of "Xingyue Entertainment". Leading them is Si Younian, Xingyue's only S-level artist. Given his experience, getting this contract is nothing special. Everyone is just happy to work together, and no one wants to challenge his authority.

Standing close to him were Xingyue's pillars: the stunningly beautiful and sharp-witted Xi Hongxia, the gentle yet determined Xue Yi, and... Xu Mengjie, sitting a little further back, her head bowed, her slender fingers nervously twisting together. These holders of A-level contracts formed the cornerstone of Xingyue's rapid rise.

Director Tang stood up first and reported in a loud and clear voice: "President Yue, since the Xiaoluling Film and Television Base officially announced its concept and some of its actual scenes, it has caused a huge sensation in the industry. To date, seventeen production teams from top-tier production companies with mature scripts and investment guarantees have submitted applications to us to move in, including many works by famous directors and S+ level projects."

"As per your instructions, we are not currently opening external application channels. The resources of Xiaoluling, including its unique natural scenery, state-of-the-art virtual shooting studio, and the technology eco-park under construction, are currently only open to self-produced projects by Zhongxing and Xingyue."

"This move is not only to ensure the uniqueness and mystery of the Xiaoluling premiere project and avoid falling into homogeneous competition too early, but also to maximize the appeal and market expectations of our two companies' self-produced dramas by leveraging the gimmick of 'exclusive experience'. We want to make Xiaoluling a synonym for quality and innovation, and the first step must be solid."

Zhou Jue then added more practical data and results: "After the large-scale withdrawal of capital from the traditional film and television industry, the market landscape is being reshaped. Those large film and television cities that used to be high and mighty are now feeling unprecedented pressure. In the past month, we have received invitations and preferential offers from at least eight well-known film and television cities. The lowest venue rental fees they have offered have been reduced to 30% of the regular market price, and they have promised to provide priority scheduling and supporting services."

A subtle, victorious smile appeared on Zhou Jue's lips. "This means that the production costs of our non-Xiaoluling project, especially the major expense of the venue, will be reduced like never before, and the utilization rate of funds will be greatly improved."

He stood up and respectfully placed a beautifully bound project schedule in front of Yan Yueqing: "Take our star-studded key project, 'The Heart Is Not Seen,' as an example. The crew has completed more than 60% of the core scenes at Xiaoluling. In particular, the newly built 'Phantom' virtual shooting studio and the real-scene scanning modeling system have improved shooting efficiency by nearly 40%..."

As she listened to the reports from the core members of the two companies, Yan Yueqing tapped her fingertips lightly on the smooth mahogany table, producing a regular and soft "tap, tap" sound.

The sound was exceptionally clear in the otherwise silent conference room, as if striking a chord in everyone's heart.

She paused for a moment, then her cool gaze swept across the room once more, and everyone whose eyes met hers instinctively straightened their backs.

“Overseas affairs are urgent, and my return date is uncertain.” Yan Yueqing’s voice was not loud, but it had a penetrating quality. “The advancement and decision-making of all subsequent projects, including the specific operational details of Xiaoluling and the coordination of resources between the two companies, will be fully handled by Director Tang and Zhou Jue. If there are any major disagreements or strategic issues, you can contact me at any time to communicate.”

The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly became even more tense.

"There is only one point, which I will reiterate one last time, and which is an inviolable red line—" Her gaze became unusually sharp, as if trying to pierce through everyone's disguise and reach their very hearts.

"Xingyue and Zhongxing are sister companies, bound by a common destiny. Resource sharing is the principle, and complementary strengths are the method. Your goals are aligned: to build a top-tier content ecosystem. Any form of internal friction, malicious competition, or poaching is strictly prohibited! Whether it's project resources, artist resources, or technical resources, they must be prioritized for internal utilization and collaboration. If anyone disrupts this overall framework for short-term gains..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the warning in her clear, cold eyes was more powerful than any harsh words.

Everyone present, especially the agents and artist directors who held resources, felt a chill run down their spines!
They were well aware of Yan Yueqing's ruthless methods and understood that this red line was not to be crossed.

Xi Hongxia smiled confidently with a hint of sharpness, her red lips parting slightly, and was the first to declare: "Don't worry, President Yue! Xingyue's cash cows will only shake more gold leaves for the company and will never let you down."

Meng Chengchu nodded gently but firmly.

Si Younian nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

However, amidst the solemn and agreeable atmosphere, Xu Mengjie, standing beside Xi Hongxia, remained like a soulless puppet.

She had barely raised her head since the meeting began, and now she buried it even lower, almost burying it in her collar. Her slender fingers twisted the hem of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force, and her body seemed to be trembling slightly.

Even from a distance, you could feel the intense unease and struggle emanating from her.

Yan Yueqing's gaze lingered on her for a moment, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, but she said nothing. Xue Yi also noticed her unusual expression, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

The meeting ended after Yan Yueqing announced its adjournment. Everyone rose and filed out, whispering amongst themselves.

Xu Mengjie was almost the first to flee her seat, her steps unsteady as she rushed out of the conference room, as if something terrifying was chasing her.

As Xi Hongxia watched her hasty retreating figure, a layer of frost instantly settled on her beautiful face.

She quickened her pace, her high heels striking rapid beats on the polished corridor floor.

At a dimly lit corner, in a blind spot of surveillance, Xi Hongxia finally caught up with the absent-minded Xu Mengjie.

"Mengjie!" Xi Hongxia grabbed her and pulled her to a corner, lowering her voice, "You've looked like you've been bewitched ever since the meeting started! What's wrong with you?"

Xu Mengjie leaned against the cold wall, raised her head, and her face was deathly pale.

When Xi Hongxia asked him this, his eyes instantly reddened, and his voice was trembling with sobs: "Sister Xia... his... his mother... called me suddenly today..."

Xi Hongxia's pupils contracted, alarm bells rang in her mind, and her tone became even colder: "That old woman who looked down on you for your humble background, forced you to break up with him, and forbade you from ever showing your face in public again?!"

“Mmm…” Xu Mengjie’s tears finally rolled down her cheeks, her voice breaking, “She…she said…this weekend…this weekend she wants me…to come to her house for dinner…she said…that before it was her…she was too stubborn…”

"Ha!" Xi Hongxia let out a short, sharp laugh, full of undisguised mockery and a cold, world-weary shrewdness. "How long have I, Xi Hongxia, been in this circle? What kind of monsters and demons haven't I seen? I've dated and met more rich second-generation heirs than you've eaten rice! I can see through this kind of trick with my eyes closed!"

She took a step closer, almost touching Xu Mengjie's face, her gaze piercing, each word cutting to the heart: "Before, you were an unknown nobody, she looked at you like dirt! And now? You're Xingyue's rising star! You're famous! You're valuable! And only now has she 'suddenly' realized it?! Has she given in?!"

Xi Hongxia's voice carried a cruel clarity: "Xu Mengjie, wake up! Do you really think she's accepted you? She's only after your current fame and potential benefits! Are you really going to be so foolish as to believe your boyfriend's sweet talk and marry into the family? Believe me, the day after the wedding—no! Maybe right at the dinner table—that old woman will put on airs and tell you: 'How can our daughter-in-law still be out there acting? It's so disgraceful!' Then she'll force you to sign a retirement statement and obediently go home to be her kept woman! Everything you've worked so hard for will vanish overnight! Your life will be over!"

“But…but…” Xu Mengjie trembled all over from Xi Hongxia’s sharp words, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls. “He said…he said he would protect me…he said he would definitely persuade his mother this time…he said he loves me…” Her voice was full of confusion and struggle, the vulnerability unique to someone who was giving their all to love for the first time.

"Protect you?!" Xi Hongxia seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. Her fingertips, burning with anger, stabbed Xu Mengjie's heart with considerable force. "Who was it that scared you so much by his mother's words that you didn't even dare to participate in the last few rounds of the 'Star Girl' talent show? You gave up your chance to debut?! Who made you hide in your dormitory and cry for three days and three nights, so distressed that you had to participate in Xingyue's auditions to distract yourself?! Who almost caused you to have a depression and collapse during your best period of growth?! It was him! It was his mother! And it was his weakness and incompetence! And now you're telling me he would protect you?!"

Xi Hongxia's voice trembled with emotion, filled with deep disappointment and heartache: "Xu Mengjie! Wake up! President Yue has extraordinary abilities; she can pull us out of the mire of capital, protect us from those dirty tricks and unspoken rules, and prevent us from being exploited and bleed-blooded by unscrupulous capital! She can give us the best platform and opportunities! But—"

She took a deep breath, and each word struck Xu Mengjie's heart like a heavy hammer: "She can't protect a love-struck fool who's willingly jumping into a fire pit! Even a god can't save someone who's courting death!"

“But…but Sister Xia…” Xu Mengjie sobbed uncontrollably, her shoulders shaking violently, “This is the first time…the first time I’ve loved someone so much…I really…really can’t let go…” The sweetness of love intertwined with the fear and grievances of the moment, almost causing her to collapse.

"Then you should hold on tighter to your current career!!" Xi Hongxia interrupted her sharply, her voice resolute and brooking no argument. "The opportunity that President Yue has created for us is something so many people dream of but can't even dream of! Xiaoluling! Do you know how many big directors and big production crews are pulling strings and offering exorbitant prices just to get the filming rights to Xiaoluling?! It's the future trendsetter of the industry! It's top-tier resources! If you leave now, who will you be letting down?!"

"Do you think you're being fair to yourself for persevering through the tough times on the Starry Night audition stage? Do you think you're being fair to yourself for practicing until your voice was hoarse in the recording studio? Do you think you're being fair to Xu Mengjie for bravely singing 'Moonlight' a cappella during a live stream, facing criticism and insults from haters, and proving yourself with your talent?! Your talent and hard work have just been recognized, and you're already giving it all up for a family that once abandoned and hurt you?!"

Seeing Xu Mengjie still teary-eyed and hesitant, the last bit of warmth in Xi Hongxia's eyes vanished, leaving only cold disappointment and resolute determination.

She abruptly shook off Xu Mengjie's hand, the force of which made Xu Mengjie stagger.

"Fine! Fine! Fine!" Xi Hongxia said "fine" three times in a row, her voice as cold as ice. "You've grown wings and won't listen to reason anymore, huh? Fine! You chose this path yourself! If you want to leave, no one will stop you!"

She turned around, her back to Xu Mengjie, straightened her back, and her voice regained its usual calmness, but carried a detached air of complete abandonment: "Let me remind you, you signed a Class A contract with Xingyue. The penalty for breach of contract is clearly stated in black and white—five million. You should weigh it yourself and see if your good mother-in-law is willing to pay it!"

"she--"

"Don't tell me you're going to pay to terminate the contract yourself? How could anyone be so stupid?"

"I didn't?" Xu Mengjie suddenly straightened up. "She agreed and will pay for it for me."

Xi Hongxia's gaze was icy, as if she were watching a joke: "As colleagues, I'll give you one last piece of advice. She's willing to spend five million, so you'd better provide her with more than five million in value in the future!"

Having said that, she didn't hesitate for a moment. Stepping into those high heels capable of crushing any obstacle, she resolutely disappeared at the end of the corridor, her back showing no sign of lingering regret. (End of Chapter)