Extreme Pampering

The marks indeed weren't left in spots that others could see, and there was no need to cover them with clothing. Shen Zhiyi arrived at the company early in the morning, thinking that her work for the day was to do a photo shoot, but she was informed that she had to attend a script reading session for a new drama.

It was the role she had clearly expressed she wouldn't take.

"I said I wouldn't do this drama."

To Guo Ting, her opinion didn't matter at all, "The contract has been signed; the company accepted this role for you, and even negotiated with the director to waive your audition. What more do you want?"

Similar incidents had happened many times over the years; the company always ignored Shen Zhiyi's opinion and forcibly signed contracts for her. Shen Zhiyi had always thought it was just the talent agency's way of strong-arming, but now she suddenly thought of another possibility.

"Did Huo Heng make you do this?"

The director was approached by Huo Heng, the role was brought to her by Huo Heng; he couldn't possibly be unaware of the situation.

"So what if he did?" Guo Ting didn't see anything wrong with it, "Huo Heng is busy to death but still looks out for you. You're not grateful, but the least you can do is cooperate, right?"

His slanting gaze expressed, "You still have half a month left on your contract with the company. Whether you like it or not, you have to do as the company says for this half-month."

He had made up his mind to squeeze her for all she was worth using the contract.

"Huo Heng and I have broken up. If we both star in the same drama, how will you handle public opinion?"

"That's for the PR team to deal with, not for you to worry about."

Shen Zhiyi understood then; they intended to continue using her as a scapegoat. After all, it was always her clinging and pestering, and the fans would only attack her.

Truly, a well-played hand.

"In that case," Shen Zhiyi said indifferently, "then I see no need to save you any face, either."

Guo Ting laughed scornfully, not believing she could really do anything.

Two hours later at the script reading session.

As the male lead of the drama, Huo Heng naturally sat at the very center, while Shen Zhiyi's seat was arranged in the farthest corner. Her appearance immediately drew many curious glances.

Ever since her relationship was made public, Shen Zhiyi's name had always been tied to Huo Heng's, having to star in a TV drama together. Yet now, she had suddenly announced their breakup, leaving those looking for gossip wondering what she was thinking.

Even the director asked, "Xia Huo, I heard you've broken up recently?"

He discreetly glanced at Shen Zhiyi in the corner, quite surprised. When he had originally sought Huo Heng for the lead male role, he had specifically requested to reserve a role for Shen Zhiyi. The director didn't think much of an actor who got parts through connections, so he had the screenwriter create a villainous role for her. Although counted as the fourth female lead, she didn't have many scenes, and the character was brainless and malicious.

They were so close they shared resources, but to break up just like that?

The people around them were curiously watching, evidently eager to get in on the gossip.

Huo Heng smiled gently, "Nothing much, just some misunderstandings with Zhiyi that weren't clarified. Although we've broken up, we're still friends."

He turned his gaze to Shen Zhiyi and sighed subtly, "I wasn't good enough for Zhiyi. Now Zhiyi has found someone who treats her better, so naturally... I've said too much; don't mind me."

A collective gasp arose from the crowd. Everyone was sharp-witted; how could they not understand such words? Huo Heng was implying there was a third party involved in their breakup!

Thinking of Shen Zhiyi's reputation online, perhaps she had found someone of higher status than Huo Heng.

No wonder she could easily give up on Huo Heng.

Shen Zhiyi lifted her head to meet Huo Heng's meaningful gaze, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, "Someone better for me? Whom are you referring to?"

Huo Heng looked away, his expression somewhat sorrowful, "I know you're angry with me, but you can't—"

The highly suggestive words "willfully degenerate" hadn't even left his mouth when Shen Zhiyi cut him off.

"Huo Heng, you told your fans that you were with me all day on our anniversary, but I only saw you once. Who were you actually with all the time?"

Huo Heng abruptly turned his head, his feigned gentility cracking, anger surging up in an instant.

Did she want to expose his affair with Xiaxia?!

Shen Zhiyi looked at him expressionlessly, "You talk too much. This is a script reading session, not a relationship advice column. Don't bring your personal issues here and make a laughingstock of yourself."

In just a few short sentences, the crowd's imaginations ran wild. Although they were unclear about the actual truth, they were certain that the separation between the two was anything but amicable.

"What's everyone talking about? Sorry I'm late."

The female lead arrived fashionably late, and the atmosphere around the table instantly livened up, while Shen Zhiyi understood the moment she saw the newcomer exactly why Huo Heng was insistent on her being cast in this drama.

The female lead she had to act opposite was none other than Xu Xia.

Xu Xia had an innocent and cute appearance, and since her debut, she had cultivated the image of the nation's sweetheart. This TV drama was her first project in transitioning to more mature roles.

As soon as she appeared, even Huo Heng's expression returned to normal, and by an unspoken agreement, no one mentioned the unrelated topics again, finishing the script reading session smoothly.

After the reading session, there was a dinner with the drama team. After toasting the director and the screenwriter, Shen Zhiyi stepped out to the corridor to catch a breath of fresh air.

"Sister Zhiyi,"

The girl's voice was as sweet as her appearance, making it easy for others to feel fond of her.

Xu Xia stood on the step below, looking up at Shen Zhiyi leaning against the balustrade. Her slender figure was graceful, and even in a simple shirt and long pants, it could not conceal her perfect bearing and comeliness. Even when the fans' criticism toward her was at the worst, nobody ever attacked her looks.

Shen Zhiyi turned her head slightly, her gaze quietly falling downward observing Xu Xia taking two steps closer.

"Sister Zhiyi, is the disagreement you have with Huo Heng because of me?"

Xu Xia sighed, guilt in her voice, "I'm sorry Sister Zhiyi, Huo Heng has a bad temper but it's inadvertent. If he has upset you, please don't take it to heart."

"I have known Huo Heng longer and understand him better than you do," Shen Zhiyi's face showed little emotion, "You don't have to make excuses for him. It's not as simple as just a falling out between us."

"But Sister Zhiyi," Xu Xia looked up, "you've had so many years of friendship, how can you just sever it like that? Huo Heng considers you his best friend."

"His best friend?"

Shen Zhiyi's tone was sarcastic, "I don't deserve that."

Perhaps as a child she was indeed Huo Heng's best friend, but so many years had passed, and that friendship had long since dissipated.

The sad thing was that she only realized this now.

Shen Zhiyi spoke without any expression, "I won't act as your shield anymore, nor will I disclose your matters, but that is under the condition that Huo Heng stops his petty actions."

"You remember to remind him."

She walked past Xu Xia when suddenly she heard Xu Xia ask, "Did you really find yourself a backer?"

Curiosity showed on Xu Xia's innocent face as she naively said, "If you lack resources, you can talk to us. Why must you debase yourself?"

"Debase myself..."

Shen Zhiyi suddenly smiled, a slight arc forming in her delicate brows and eyes, "Being entangled with you all these years has been the real self-degradation."