Ning Ran was dumbfounded by Nan Chen’s response.
Some people were just born narcissistic, and the man in front of her was one of them.
He was surrounded by luxury and was revered by everyone around him. Therefore, his words had to be taken as gospel – whatever he said goes.
He was the one who made the rules. Within his interactions with Ning Ran, he was both a participant and a judge at the same time. Where is the fun in that?
“Sir Chen.”
“What is it?” Nan Chen was focused on eating his noodles and didn’t even look up.
“Have you always been so conceited?”
Ning Ran was also having noodles of her own. From her perspective, the noodles deserved at least a nine.
“I’m not conceited. I’m just a capable person.” Nan Chen corrected her.
Ning Ran couldn’t bear to continue the conversation. What the flippin’ hell?
“Fine, you’re capable. You’re the best.”
“That is a mere fact. You don’t have to repeat it,” Nan Chen replied.
Ning Ran rolled her eyes at him before stuffing herself with another mouthful of noodles.
“Tonight, Sound of Thunder 2 will resume its broadcast and is expected to break new viewership records,” Nan Chen remarked.
“That soon?”
“It wasn’t supposed to be a problem until someone tried to derail it on purpose.”
“Who were they? Have you found out yet?”
“It must be a competitor, but it’s not important.”
“Not important?” Ning Ran was puzzled.
“Your strength determines your future. Others may affect you for a short while, but they can never stop you from moving forward,” Nan Chen elaborated.
After pondering on it, Ning Ran saw the truth in his words.
“How do you know that it would break new records?”
“That goes without saying as the script itself was excellent. Furthermore, the stoppage has helped bolstered the publicity for the show. People who were previously not interested have also taken notice. That’s why the show will have a significant increase in viewership.”
Feeling confident, Nan Chen was sure of it.
His confidence was so infectious that even Ning Ran was convinced of the same.
At that moment, Ning Ran’s phone rang, and it was Wang Xiaoou that called.
She told Ning Ran that there would be a meeting in the afternoon at the office. Though the agenda was still unknown, her attendance was required.
Having finished his noodles, Nan Chen returned to his study and continued working.
Ning Ran decided to take a nap so that she would be feeling refreshed for work later.
After a while, she was woken up by Wang Xiaoou’s call again, instructing her to head to the company at once.
After washing her face and changing her clothes, Ning Ran came to the study and informed Nan Chen that she was heading out.
“I’ll come with you,” Nan Chen told her.
“Don’t you need to return to your office?”
Nan Chen stood up without a word. All Ning Ran could do was to follow him obediently into the car.
Once they arrived at the entrance of Star Entertainment, Nan Chen motioned Ning Ran to get down. “You should head up first as I still need to reply to a couple of emails.”
“Can’t you do it inside?” Ning Ran asked.
“Why can’t you stop talking for a second?” Nan Chen was suddenly annoyed.
“Fine, I’ll stop nagging you.”
Ning Ran rolled her eyes at him before heading towards the elevator.
Inside, her phone rang, and it was Wang Xiaoou again.
“Ou, I’m in the elevator and will be there soon.”
“Once you’re out, don’t speak to anyone. Just come straight to my office,” Wang Xiaoou instructed.
“Ou, what happened?”
“We’ll talk later.”
Once she exited the elevator, Ning Ran wondered if she were being too sensitive because she could feel everyone was looking at her strangely.
Following Wang Xiaoou’s instructions, Ning Ran headed straight to her office.
As Wang Xiaoou was a very senior manager, her office was as big and as spacious as the Deputy CEO’s.
Once she entered, Wang Xiaoou quickly closed the door behind her.
Her actions caused Ning Ran to feel anxious, and she wondered if something serious had happened.
“The new script was leaked online. It was the result of three months’ worth of blood, sweat, and tears. Now that it had been leaked, it can no longer be used. All the investors are having a meeting now to discuss how they are doing to deal with the situation,” Wang Xiaoou explained.
“Huh?” Ning Ran was stunned.
“The only actress who saw the script was you. Hence, you’re the one who leaked it,” Wang Xiaoou stated.
“It’s not me! I haven’t even seen it!” Ning Ran desperately denied it.
“Ouyang Qing said that she sent the script to you. Other than you, only the three members of the screenwriting team saw it. Why would they leak something that they have painstakingly created?” Wang Xiaoou asked.
“Ou, don’t you believe me?”
“It doesn’t matter whether I believe you or not. No one does,” Wang Xiaoou stated.
“Someone has framed me. The USB drive that Ouyang Qing sent was password protected. When I opened it, it was empty, and there’s nothing inside. So I have no idea what the contents of the script are. To finger me for leaking it is just a baseless accusation!”
“It was empty?”
“Yes, there’s nothing inside at all. I called Ouyang Qing, but she refused to pick up.”
“Is there anyone else who could prove that there was really nothing in the USB drive?” Wang Xiaoou asked.
“No one, because I was the only one there,” Ning Ran replied.
“That is troublesome. Without any witnesses, no one would believe your one-sided story?”
“We can make a police report and get them to investigate.”
“Even if the police are involved, it’s still hard to prove it.”
“Then what shall we do? Is there a way to prove my innocence? But there are no security cameras back home to prove that the USB drive was empty when I opened it.”
Nodding, Wang Xiaoou reassured her, “But, I believe you.”
“Thanks, Ou. I’ll explain to them that it really wasn’t me. I haven’t the faintest idea what happened and have no incentive to do so either.”
“I understand that. But it doesn’t matter if I’m the only one who believes in you. What we need is the rest to do so. Once the meeting starts, you have to be careful with what you tell them. Don’t say anything which they can use against you,” Wang Xiaoou advised.
“Ou, given how fast they’ve gathered for a meeting. What do you think they are planning?”
“I haven’t figured it out yet. However, you are one of Star Entertainment’s actresses. Now that they presume you’re the one that leaked it, they will make demands upon Star Entertainment. They might ask for compensation or perhaps even halt the collaboration altogether,” Wang Xiaoou surmised.
“Stop the collaboration? Wouldn’t the movie fail to be filmed then?” Ning Ran asked.
“Perhaps, so let’s hope they don’t take it that far,” Wang Xiaoou replied with a worried look.
“I suspected something was amiss. Now, it’s clear that there’s someone out to harm me. Could it be Ouyang Qing? She definitely knew that the USB drive was empty. She must have done it on purpose,” Ning Ran speculated angrily.
“That may not necessarily be the case as it’s still too early to judge. The entertainment business is a murky place to be in. Without evidence, we can’t jump to conclusions.”
“You’re right. I understand now, Ou. Please guide me on what to say and do later. I’ll do whatever I’m told to,” Ning Ran conceded.
“Don’t be in a rush to defend yourself, and remember to keep your cool. More importantly, don’t claim that you’re being framed. Without any evidence, you shouldn’t make wild accusations against anyone. Or else you will end up being seen as running away from your responsibilities.”
Ning Ran nodded. “Those are good bits of advice, Ou. I will definitely keep my composure.”
