C24 Big Breasts Without Brains
"I'm truly sorry for the rumors that have been circulating within the company. It would be greatly appreciated if Director Lu could clear things up," Ye Tian expressed with regret.
Lu Jingyue simply smiled, offering no immediate response. He gave Ye Tian another look, pondering whether she was genuinely naive or playing a more calculated game. If he were to publicly deny the rumors, it might only serve to confirm them in the eyes of others, a classic case of protesting too much. Nevertheless, he had decided to address the situation.
"Alright," he finally agreed.
As she was about to leave, Ye Tian added, "Director Lu, please just treat me like any other employee."
"Do I not treat you like any other employee?" Lu Jingyue countered.
Instantly, Ye Tian's face flushed with embarrassment. She regretted saying anything at all. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Jingyue treated her differently than the rest of the staff. After all, it wasn't every day that one got to ride in the boss's car or share breakfast with him. Linda's gossip had reached her ears too; despite Lu Jingyue's gentle demeanor, he was considered out of reach, like a rare flower atop a high peak. It was a shame, she thought, that she would no longer have the opportunity to catch a ride with him.
At Gu's headquarters, Han Cheng entered Director Gu's office, a cup of coffee in hand. Before he could set it down, Director Gu rose from his seat and walked away, his profile grim. Han Cheng shivered slightly, realizing the gravity of the situation. Second Miss Ye had not only gotten involved with Director Lu but had also slapped Ye Ziyan. Despite suspecting that the rumors were largely inflated, as Gu Qinian's man, he felt obligated to report them.
Upon hearing the initial report, Gu Qinian had stood up, his mind racing. This woman, who had gone to great lengths to marry him, was now entangled with another man?
During the photo shoot for the second scene, it was evident that Ren Yuanhua was no longer cooperating. Ye Tian understood that public opinion was on her side, and any of her unreasonable behaviors would now be perceived as the actions of a victim.
"Is this the best you can do for Yuanhua's shoot? Are you really proud of this work?" Ye Ziyan criticized for the third time, her tone laced with disdain. The photography team had their reservations, but none dared to voice them.
Firstly, the reason they didn't speak up like Linda could was that Ye Ziyan's rumored boyfriend was also their boss, and they lacked her courage to be so forthright. Secondly, Ye Ziyan had been slapped, putting her in a vulnerable position.
"If there's anything you're not satisfied with, we have post-production," Ye Tian said, gesturing towards the Photoshop expert.
"Are you implying I'm not pretty enough?" Ren Yuanhua challenged, glaring at her.
Ye Tian shrugged. "If that's what you want to believe, there's nothing I can do about it."
"I don't care, we're reshooting!" Otherwise, we'll just stir up more controversy.
Ren Yuanhua had this in mind, unaware that Ye Ziyan had already secretly paid people to spread the news of her being slapped in Liyang, subtly implicating Ye Tian. But the news vanished within minutes of posting. Undeterred, she posted it again, only to have it disappear just as quickly.
Her instincts told her Gu Qinian was behind it. He was the only one with the swift decisiveness and power to do so. She couldn't fathom why Gu Qinian would want to help Ye Tian, but it didn't matter as long as he was aware of the situation.
"You've seen the results of the shoot. Reshooting would just waste everyone's time. My advice? Choose from the shots we've already taken."
After a non-stop afternoon, the screen was filled with the day's work. Ye Tian was growing impatient. Dealing with a troublemaker was indeed challenging.
"It must be your outdated equipment, the poor environment, and most importantly, your lack of skill. New World? How did they even hire you?" Ren Yuanhua blurted out without thinking. By the time Ye Ziyan nudged her as a reminder, the words were already out.
Ye Ziyan gave Ren Yuanhua a look of frustrated disappointment.
"You think New World's equipment and environment are subpar, and you question my choice of staff? Maybe you should try your luck with another magazine," Lu Jingyue said as he entered the room, his gaze icy as he regarded Ren Yuanhua.
"Director Lu!"
Upon recognizing Lu Jingyue, everyone in the photography team promptly stood up.
Ren Yuanhua's expression soured. She had only intended to take a jab at Ye Tian, but her words had reached Director Lu's ears.
"No, no, Director Lu, you've misunderstood me. That's not what I meant at all." Ren Yuanhua knew she had to keep up appearances and flash a smile at this moment. She tugged on Ye Ziyan's arm, giving her a look that pleaded for her to vouch for her.
Ye Ziyan internally cursed at the incompetence but managed to maintain a smile. "Director Lu, Yuanhua just has a way of speaking without considering the implications. There's no better magazine company in the country than New World."
Lu Jingyue remained unimpressed. "Don't play two-faced with me. If you're dissatisfied with the conditions, then don't bother filming."
His repetition sealed the deal. This was now set in stone.
Ye Ziyan's smile faltered, and Ren Yuanhua was completely flabbergasted. What were they to do now? She had finally secured the contract and had even spread the news within the Lady Circle. If she couldn't go through with the shoot, how would she save face?
That's right, Ye Ziyan!
Ren Yuanhua hastily clung to Ye Ziyan. Wasn't her boyfriend Gu Qinian? And wasn't New World also under Gu Qinian?
Ye Ziyan clearly understood Ren Yuanhua's intention. If it weren't for the crowd, she would have already dismissed this witless woman. Best friend? She didn't deserve the title!
"I'm not deliberately going against New World. It's just that I can't stand Ye Tian," Ren Yuanhua whispered.
With a sidelong glance, Ye Ziyan thought to herself, "Just keep your mouth shut and you'll avoid trouble."
Yet, she realized she needed to intervene. The question was whether to involve Gu Qinian or not. If she didn't, she'd have to swallow her pride. But if she did, it might change how Gu Qinian viewed her.
Considering the bigger picture and her future prospects, Ye Ziyan decided to bite her tongue for the moment. Once she rightfully became Mrs. Gu, she would reclaim every bit of respect she was owed.
As for Ren Yuanhua, she was of no use to her anymore. A useless pawn was not worth keeping. When it came to her interests, she was never short of allies.
"Hold on," Ye Ziyan was about to speak when the man at the door stood like a slab of ice, chilling even under the blazing sun, his presence still commanding attention.
Ye Ziyan approached with a smile, appearing slightly aggrieved, "Qinian."
Gu Qinian cast her a reassuring glance before stepping forward. The photography crew was taken aback, having not anticipated the arrival of two heavyweights today, and they began to call out to Director Gu in excitement.
"Director Lu, quite the assertive tone you have there. Since I'm the one who signed the contract, I believe I should have the final say on whether we shoot or not," Gu Qinian pressed on, his gaze shifting between Lu Jingyue and Ye Tian, eventually settling on Ye Tian with intent.