Chapter 135 Bai Xi Yuan
Song Ni heard the number without batting an eye. She looked at the troublemaker with a beaming smile. "Mm, over a million, indeed a small sum, but I see you're enjoying yourself. I, on the other hand, have many quirks. I just don't like my hard-earned money spent on uncouth people. You heard what I said just now, three thousand three hundred and forty-four." Song Ni paused, a mocking smirk curving her lips. "Please transfer it, every penny. Alipay or WeChat are both fine." With that, Song Ni didn't spare her another glance. Zhang Jin, with remarkable perceptiveness, stepped forward, took out his phone, and presented his QR code for payment to the person. The person was first flushed red by Song Ni's bloodless insult, then their eyes widened at Zhang Jin's action of presenting the QR code. Three thousand yuan wasn't a lot, but for others, it was an extravagant meal. "Why? I just had a milk tea and some skewers, why do I have to give you so much money?" Zhang Jin maintained a professional and seemingly insincere smile. "I believe I've explained quite clearly. The items you consumed, just those few pieces of beef and seafood alone, are worth three thousand three hundred yuan." Everyone's attention was on the two, with some curious onlookers even pretending to be indifferent while their ears and eyes were glued to the unfolding scene, forming a dense crowd. Not paying would be equivalent to backing down from their earlier assertion of it being 'small money.' Paying, however, felt like a waste and a humiliation. The situation was at a standstill. Song Ni had returned to her lounge chair, leisurely reviewing her script. Zhang Jin didn't seem embarrassed by being stared at. Only the troublemaker wished they could disappear into a hole. Director Jiang seemed to be enjoying himself outdoors, eating hot pot, drinking milk tea, and discussing the script with the producer. He always detested drama within the crew. Since Song Ni intended to teach someone a lesson, he was content to let it unfold. Finally, pressured by the crowd, the person had no choice but to scan the code and transfer the money, then ran out in shame. Song Ni didn't care about any of this. She simply couldn't stand people being shameless, eating her food and then gossiping. "Xiaxia, go find out who that person was." The person was clearly trying to stir up trouble and ruin her image. With many eyes and ears on set, finding out who someone was wouldn't be difficult, especially since they held a minor official position. "Her name is Bai Jinyun, the team leader for the costume department. I heard she has some connections." Song Ni raised an eyebrow. Chi Xia looked around to confirm everyone else was eating, then leaned in and whispered in Song Ni's ear. "It seems she's a distant relative of Bai Xiyuan, the highly acclaimed actress. Bai Xiyuan has a good relationship with Director Jiang, which is why Bai Jinyun can be a team leader in the costume department. I heard she doesn't put anyone in her eyes." "Bai Xiyuan?" Song Ni narrowed her eyes slightly. The name rang a bell, but she couldn't recall who it was. "Mm-hmm. If it were just her connection to Bai Xiyuan, Director Jiang, with his temper, would have dealt with her long ago. However, Bai Xiyuan seems to be related to the Bai family, and the Bai family has invested quite a bit in this film." The Bai family? Song Ni frowned. If she remembered correctly, the Bai family had only one descendant, Bai Yunji. Otherwise, given the Bai family's patriarchal mindset, they wouldn't allow Bai Yunji to participate in the management of the Bai family company. "I understand. Go eat now." Chi Xia had been tempted by the aroma, but after hearing Zhang Jin's words, she hesitated for a long time. Three thousand yuan was more than half a month's salary. "Alright, you'll eat well and drink richly following me. Don't worry about it. Everyone else is eating, so go ahead." Hearing this, Chi Xia felt a lot less burdened. ... Perhaps one shouldn't discuss people behind their backs. In the afternoon, while filming, Bai Xiyuan arrived, stating she had work in the area and was visiting Director Jiang. Bai Xiyuan was known in the industry as a jade-like actress, her outstanding temperament rare even in the star-studded entertainment circle. She was comparable only to Liang Qian, who also gained renown for her temperament. However, Liang Qian was of the cool, detached type, so their temperaments didn't clash. They had even co-starred in a film by Director Jiang, becoming the first "double film queens" at the film festival. Their relationship was cordial, but in the entertainment industry, even if they played sworn enemies in a film, their real-life relationship might not be very close. Liang Qian had climbed to her current position entirely through her own efforts, deeply understanding that there were no true friends in the entertainment industry, so she rarely formed deep bonds. However, since Bai Xiyuan was here, she felt obliged to make an appearance. Their stature meant there was no shortage of people eager to approach and make acquaintances. Only Song Ni and Su Jingxi did not join the throng. Song Ni had entered the entertainment industry on a whim and saw no need to socialize with established actors. Moreover, even if she intended to develop her career in the industry, her status meant she wouldn't need unnecessary social interactions; Lu Fang would arrange everything for her. Besides, despite only a fleeting glance, Song Ni inexplicably felt she would not get along with this so-called jade-like actress, Bai Xiyuan. No reason, and no need for one. As for Su Jingxi, it was purely to avoid suspicion, as he had only had one scandal in his many years of debut, and it was with Bai Xiyuan. Bai Xiyuan, who had debuted not long before, had latched onto a big star like Su Jingxi and naturally wouldn't pass up the traffic. At that time, Su Jingxi hadn't expected a rookie actor to dare to do such a thing, which is how the scandal spread. One male lead and one female third lead, leisurely reading scripts in the courtyard, enjoying the rare sunshine – a picturesque scene. Bai Xiyuan glanced into the courtyard as if by chance. "I heard Director Jiang found a very talented newcomer. This is the first time I've heard him praise a rookie; I was severely scolded back then." Director Jiang's eyebrows shot up, his face beaming with joy. "Your news travels fast. She is indeed a promising talent, her acting is very spirited." Speaking of Song Ni, Director Jiang seemed to have a lot to say. After all, with Song Ni's talent and her willingness to work hard, becoming a film queen was only a matter of time. Moreover, Lu Fang was behind her. "In time, she will be able to be like the two of you." Liang Qian showed no reaction to this, but Bai Xiyuan's eyes flickered. "Is that so?" Her gaze fell on the figure in the courtyard, her eyes deep, pondering something unknown. She smiled faintly. "Hearing Director Jiang say that, I am rather eager to meet this new actress you praise so highly." "Then I'll take you to meet her," Director Jiang said, smiling as he stood up. Given his stern nature, so much smiling was a rare sight. Bai Xiyuan suddenly remembered that when she was filming Director Jiang's movie, she was scolded relentlessly and hid in her room to cry more than once. Now, Director Jiang was personally leading her over, instead of asking the other person to come. The gap between people was truly evident. Some were born with immense affection, a happy family, and a good marriage. While others were born to endure trials and tribulations, and even after enduring, they remained unwelcome. The smile on Bai Xiyuan's lips faded slightly. Song Ni was engrossed in watching when a shadow suddenly blocked the sun. She looked up and saw the three of them standing before her. After a moment of stunned silence, she stood up and turned her head, only to see that Su Jingxi had slipped away at some point. (End of this chapter)