I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

The three got out of the car, and the driver helped them take the suitcases down. Lan Manwen whispered a few words to the driver about the follow-up arrangements, and then led Shu Zi and Fang Zhizi straight into the lobby and took the elevator upstairs.

With a "ding," the elevator stopped at the floor where the artist management department was located, and the metal doors slowly slid open to both sides.

As Shu Zi, Lan Manwen, and Fang Zhizi stepped out of the elevator, they ran into Fang Yutong, who was also coming out of the elevator next door.

Today she wore a light blue knee-length dress with a graceful design, her makeup was light and delicate, her long hair was draped over her shoulders, and she was carrying a delicate handbag that looked quite expensive.

She looks gentle and dignified, the kind of person who easily evokes a protective instinct in others.

She was accompanied by her manager and two young women who looked like assistants, carrying large and small bags.

When they met on a narrow path, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Fang Yutong clearly hadn't expected to run into Shu Zi here, and her steps faltered almost imperceptibly.

But only for a moment. A flawless smile immediately spread across her face, and she took the initiative to greet him, her voice gentle and soft:

"Zizi, Sister Lan, good morning! What a coincidence!"

Her gaze landed precisely on Shu Zi's face.

Lan Manwen nodded politely: "Good morning."

Fang Zhizi quickly followed suit, greeting, "Good morning, Sister Yutong."

Shu Zi's face didn't show any particular expression; she simply nodded slightly in response, her tone calm: "Good morning."

Fang Yutong seemed completely unconcerned by Shu Zi's coldness; her smile even softened, and her tone carried just the right amount of concern.

"Zizi, are you going to Sister Lan's office? The second episode is going live tonight, how are your preparations going?"

"The conditions might be tough filming at the beach this time, and the UV rays are strong, so you need to be careful to protect yourself from the sun."

Shu Zi spoke casually, as if she were saying the weather was nice today: "Yeah, thanks, you too."

"Caring" is something everyone knows how to do.

She paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and looked up at Fang Yutong, her tone carrying just the right amount of "concern":

"But you, you just finished the fan meeting yesterday, and today you have to prepare for the live broadcast. It must be even more tiring working non-stop, right? Don't overwork yourself."

Fang Yutong's smile remained unchanged, even revealing a sense of determination that "everything is worth it for the dream."

"It's all for work, it's not hard work."

Looking at her earnest expression, as if she were about to receive the "Top Ten Model Workers Who Moved China" award, Shu Zi subtly glanced around.

I had a bad feeling. Wait, could this girl have set up a hidden camera in some nook or cranny?

She's such a talented actress! She deserves an Oscar!

Fang Yutong paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and added meaningfully:

"The company has a new boss now, Zihao... Ah, look at me, it's General Manager Liang."

She seemed to have let something slip unintentionally, then quickly corrected herself, a perfectly timed, slightly embarrassed blush spreading across her face.

"Mr. Liang is very supportive of our work and hopes that we can work together to bring everyone better works and performances."

Lan Manwen frowned almost imperceptibly, but did not reply.

Shu Zi listened, her face remaining calm, but inwardly she exclaimed, "Oh wow!"

It seems that the news of Mr. Liang, who is "very supportive of his work," going to the countryside for "training" has not yet reached her ears.

She raised an eyebrow, gave a slight twitch of her lips, and said in a calm, even casual tone, "That's good, congratulations."

After saying that, she didn't give the other person another chance to continue playing the "sisterly affectionate" or "casually showing off backstage skills" act, and turned directly to Lan Manwen:

"Sister Wen, let's go over there, don't waste any time."

Lan Manwen immediately understood, smiled politely at Fang Yutong, and nodded slightly to her agent, her smile as precise as if it had been measured with a ruler:

"Then we'll head over first, Yutong, you're busy too."

"Okay, Sister Lan, Zizi, see you at the recording location tonight."

Fang Yutong smiled and stepped aside, but her gaze remained seemingly fixed on Shu Zi until the three of them turned and walked towards the office at the other end of the corridor.

After walking a few steps, Shu Zi could clearly feel the gaze behind her, sticky and cool, following her relentlessly.

She didn't turn around; her back was ramrod straight.

The line of sight was completely cut off only after turning a corner.

The three of them walked to the door of Lan Manwen's office, pushed it open, and went inside.

"Gardenia, go check the afternoon's schedule and see if the production team has sent any new updates."

As soon as Lan Manwen entered the office, she spoke to Fang Zhizi, her tone regaining its usual crispness.

"Received, Sister Wen." Fang Zhizi replied, picked up her work bag, went to her workstation in the outer room, and gently closed the door to the inner room.

At the other end of the corridor, Fang Yutong watched Shu Zi's figure disappear around the corner. The flawless smile on her face gradually faded, and her eyes slowly darkened.

She took out her phone, tapped the screen quickly a few times, made a call, and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

"Da, da, da—"

The sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor seemed somewhat abrupt and clear in the suddenly quiet corridor.

She always felt that Shu Zi's last "Congratulations" sounded strangely bland.

It even carries a hint of something indescribable... profound meaning.

Only Lan Manwen and Shu Zi remained in the office.

Lan Manwen walked behind her desk, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, she crossed her arms, leaned forward slightly, and looked at Shu Zi's innocent and obedient face, raising her eyebrows slightly.

She cut to the chase and asked directly: "You and Gu Yan...?"

Shu Zi immediately raised her hands, making a standard "surrender" gesture, her expression incredibly sincere and earnest:

"Sister Wen! I swear to God! We really aren't together yet!"

"Don't listen to Xiaozhi's nonsense in the car!"

"I swear!"

She held up four fingers to show her determination.

Lan Manwen raised an eyebrow, her eyes clearly saying, "Let's see if I believe your nonsense."

Shu Zi darted to the sofa in a flash, sank into the soft cushions, grabbed a nearby pillow with a cartoon cat pattern, and hugged it tightly to her chest.

Her tone was as serious as if she were taking an oath to join the Party:

"He's pursuing me, waiting for me to say yes, really! At this stage, our relationship is very pure and very healthy!"

"Don't believe me? Ask distilled water!"

Lan Manwen: "...Pure? Healthy?"

She was almost amused by the girl's shamelessness. She walked halfway around the desk, stopped directly in front of Shu Zi, and looked her in the eye:

"Shu Zi, do you think I'm blind? Just now at the door, the way Gu Yan looked at you, the way he acted, are you telling me that's pure and healthy?"

Shu Zi blinked behind the cushion and nodded vigorously: "Yes, pure, very pure."

Lan Manwen: "..."