An Empress’s Return to the Present: The Real Young Lady’s Strong Comeback

Chapter 33: Chen Li Withdraws

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

A new week began, and Chen Li had withdrawn from the show.

The night before, after Chen Li returned, the director pulled her to a spot out of camera view to talk to her.

“Chen Li, what did those people tell you to do?” the director asked.

“They told me to pay compensation, and that I would have to pay over 100,000 yuan… Wu, wu, wu…” When Chen Li thought about how she had suddenly taken on a debt of over 100,000 yuan, she fell to her knees in despair.

“It’s like this, Chen Li. You also know that we are very particular about reputation when we film a show, but the moment this incident of yours comes out, you would be affecting the whole show.” The director seemed to have considered for a very long time when he said this, “Thus, you may have to withdraw from the show.”

“Then what about the money that you promised to give my parents?” Chen Li didn’t even raise her head, and it was as if she had lost her soul.

“That money can only be given to you if you participate in all the recordings. Now that you have withdrawn for personal reasons, we will not give you this sum of money.”

“Director… please, please don’t do this. My parents really need this money…” Chen Li tugged at the director’s trouser leg as she begged.

The director merely shook his head.

Hence, on Monday, Chen Li didn’t return to the school.

At the same time, the director also informed everyone that Chu An would replace Chen Li as the new permanent participant.

When this piece of news came out online, it immediately climbed to the top of the list of trending searches. After all, the incident had just happened, and the director had already removed her name from the list. He had even replaced her with the very popular Chu An, which won countless positive reviews for the director.

Though there would occasionally be a few discussions about the show and the script in the comments section, they were all overshadowed by an overwhelming denunciation of Chen Li.

It could only be said that the online world had a short-term memory.

However, people had memories.

Gu Xiao and the others were all aware that Chen Li had already become someone else’s stepping stone. The death of Aunty Wang and Chen Li’s withdrawal had updated the memories of the netizens, causing them to forget all of Ji Yao and Meng Fei’s previous misdeeds.

The masses were outraged, and even some of their classmates were discussing this matter.

“You’ve become a permanent participant?” When she was handing in her assignments, Gu Xiao asked Chu An while she was at it.

“En, the production team communicated with my father, and when they communicated, they didn’t tell me about Chen Li withdrawing,” Chu An replied as he sorted through his exercise book.

“My father also said that he heard that the schedule for the show has been shortened, so it’s not planning to continue filming after this month ends.” Chu An handed his homework to the class representative, and continued when he returned1.

“What!” Gu Xiao exclaimed in shock, drawing the attention of her classmates.

“Many things have exceeded the expectations of the director’s team, and also caused some people to be dissatisfied, right? Some investors have directly withdrawn their investment. The funds for the show were not enough, so they could only shorten the schedule.”

Chu An looked at Gu Xiao, whose eyes were widened like she was a frightened kitten. He couldn’t help but pat her head, saying, “So cute.”

Gu Xiao’s face instantly flushed red, and the surrounding students all hooted. Gu Xiao hurriedly pulled Chu An’s hand down from her head.

Chu An smiled, then asked, “What are you planning to do after the show finishes? Go back to your home?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet. At first, I thought there would still be some time.” Gu Xiao sighed.

“Why don’t you stay in the No. 1 High School?” Chu An suggested.

“Can I?!” Gu Xiao was both shocked and delighted. If it weren’t for the fact that there were so many people present, she would definitely give Chu An a bear hug.

“I can help you settle the matter of an entrance spot, and added with the fact that it’s not like you’re not working hard yourself, the form teacher also likes you quite a lot. Though your results can only be considered average now, you’ve only been in school for a week, and that’s already very impressive.” Chu An did not hold back in praising Gu Xiao.

“Thank you, Chu An,” Gu Xiao said happily.

The time for studies passed in the blink of an eye. After Chu An and Gu Xiao returned to the dormitory, Gu Xiao began to study earnestly, while Chu An was greeted with the gossip from his roommates.

“Chu An, tell me!” Li Xiang and Wang Ming asked at the same time.

“What else could it be? It’s just like what you guys imagine it to be.” Chu An didn’t avoid the topic at all, and answered directly.

“I couldn’t tell, Old Chu. Is the iron tree really blooming?1 ” Li Xiang and Wang Ming’s mouths were both wide open in shock.

“What do you mean by ‘the iron tree is really blooming’? I’ve liked her since childhood.” Chu An couldn’t be bothered to deal with those two people.

“We have a sister-in-law!” The two of them were laughing foolishly over there.