chapter 11
Liu Xin never expected Su Jinfan to strike at such a moment. Just as she tried to get up from the ground, she accidentally stepped on her dress, causing it to tear open and expose her in a compromising position, leaving everyone present stunned.

“Ah…” Liu Xin lay on the floor, clutching her clothes in panic, her eyes filled with terror.

All the staff members present were shocked by Liu Xin’s sudden fall and the tearing of her clothes.

The staff had just wanted to call for a halt and pause the recording, but before they could even speak, they saw Su Jinfan sneering coldly at Liu Xin on the ground and saying, “You wretched servant, how dare you defy the Emperor! Do you know your mistake now?”

Though Su Jinfan wasn’t wearing the empress’s robes—Liu Xin was—her commanding presence and the intensity of her acting completely overshadowed Liu Xin at that moment. The hatred in her eyes was truly intimidating.

After delivering her lines, Su Jinfan pretended to be the good person and went to help Liu Xin up, rushing to her side and saying, “Sorry, sorry! Sister Liu Xin, are you okay? I just got carried away with the emotions. You know how actors are—once we get into character, we lose ourselves. You understand, right?”

Liu Xin’s eyes burned with fury, but she had no choice but to accept the out Su Jinfan gave her. Gritting her teeth, she forced out a single word: “Yes…”

Su Jinfan then said to Liu Xin’s assistant in the audience, “Hurry up and get an ice pack for Sister Liu Xin! If her face gets injured, will you take responsibility?”

Before the assistant could react, other staff members had already panicked and carefully helped Liu Xin up. But the show had to go on, so the director had no choice but to shift the camera focus to Su Jinfan and continue recording.

Liu Xin was so furious she could practically spit blood. Who gave Su Jinfan the audacity to hit her? If she had lost her temper just now, she would have been labeled as petty by the industry! Su Jinfan, you truly are a venomous woman!

The producers and others in the audience kept apologizing nonstop. Liu Xin stood with her hands on her hips, a bright red slap mark on her cheek, forcing a smile as she addressed those around her: “It’s fine. Such things happen often when actors are performing.”

Clearly trying to keep up appearances despite being out of one’s depth!

Unfortunately, she still looked utterly disheveled. It was obvious that Liu Xin was destined to lose face in front of everyone today.

Liu Xin had no choice but to hastily change into another outfit. The director arranged for her to appear on stage alongside Director Fang Hua. After such an incident, Liu Xin needed to put on a good show from now on.

“Miss Su’s acting skills have always had my utmost admiration. The character’s intensity she just displayed was perfectly executed,” Director Fang Hua openly praised Su Jin in front of Liu Xin on stage.

He is the most famous director in recent years, both domestically and internationally. His last film, *Formation*, starred a top-tier international actress and not only won the highest global film award but also swept all the accolades at the time. Most importantly, any actress who collaborates with him can expect her market value to double—no question about it. He is extremely demanding when it comes to the script and equally strict with his actors.

That’s why every actor and actress is eager to cozy up to this big-shot director.

Back then, Su Jinfan wasn’t originally cast in this director’s film. It was only after he watched her previous work that he decisively invited her to take on the role. As for why she was later replaced—well, that’s probably something only Director Fang Hua knows.

“Director Fang Hua, based on your earlier comments, what are your thoughts on Liu Xin?” The atmosphere grew slightly awkward, prompting the host to quickly and respectfully ask.

He looked somewhat dissatisfied: “Not bad, but there’s room for improvement.”

Before Liu Xin beside him could even say a word, she was left utterly stunned by Director Fang Hua.

This meant that not only had Su Jinfan slapped her, but now even Director Fang Hua favored this young girl.

“Director Fang Hua, was there any particular reason you chose Liu Xin for the film role?” Chang Shan abruptly changed the subject.

Director Fang Hua held the microphone and said, “Actually, when it came to this film, we initially considered the challenges of age span and acting skills, so we were hesitant to cast a newcomer. At first, we auditioned many actresses for this role. Although Liu Xin wasn’t the ‘Bright Moon’ I envisioned, she did put in a lot of effort.”

‘Not the Bright Moon I envisioned’—Director Fang Hua actually said that. No matter how popular Liu Xin was, she didn’t dare throw a tantrum in front of Director Fang Hua. She could only suppress her frustration and maintain a forced smile.

After the program finished recording, Su Jinfan was still removing her makeup when Director Fang Hua walked into the dressing room. He looked her up and down with evident satisfaction and said, “Miss Su, I wonder if you’d be interested in my next film.”

The atmosphere around them was quiet. The host and other guests were still present, and Director Fang Hua’s request made everyone else envious. Su Jinfan was the first actress to receive his favor twice.

Originally, they all thought Su Jinfan was rejected by Director Fang Hua, which was why Liu Xin got the role. Now they’re wondering if Liu Xin pulled some shady strings.

“Director Fang Hua, please discuss this with my agent Fang Yao later. I’m currently filming another movie and can’t spare the time right now.” Su Jinfan stood up and responded with a smile.

The people around gasped even more—how could she turn down such a golden opportunity? This was Su Jinfan’s best chance to make a comeback. Is she out of her mind?

“Miss Su, do you find my project lacking in appeal?”

“Everyone wants to act in Director Fang Hua’s films, but Su Jinfan values character more.” Su Jinfan bluntly tossed out this remark, picked up her bag, and walked out.

After Su Jinfan left, the dressing room erupted in chaos. Director Fang Hua had approached Su Jinfan, only to be rejected—leaving everyone stunned.

“Wow, I never expected Su Jinfan to have such backbone.”

“From their conversation just now, it seems Director Fang Hua had no choice but to cast Liu Xin.”

“Now there’s some juicy gossip to spill!”

“The entertainment industry is always the same old story. One female star rises, another falls.”

Just as she stepped out of the dressing room, Fang Yao was met with another round of harsh scolding. This time, she was completely infuriated.

“Miss! Miss Su! Whose invitation was that? Director Fang Hua’s offer, and you just turned it down? Do you have any idea how many stars would kill for a chance to work with Director Fang Hua?”

Su Jinfan is indeed a rare talent among actresses, but with her personality, even with influential help, it’s hard for her to become popular! Rejecting in front of so many people—now there’s fresh material for gossip!

Doesn’t she know that the most important things for an artist are resources and positive publicity? Especially during this awkward phase of hers. Fang Yao rubbed her forehead—among all the artists she’s managed, Su Jinfan is the least cooperative.

“Fang Yao, don’t be nervous. I didn’t outright refuse, did I?” Su Jinfan grabbed her bag and got into the car with Fang Yao.

Fang Yao flailed her arms in the car: “You didn’t refuse, but you didn’t agree either. In Director Fang Hua’s eyes, you’re already out. Plus, you offended Liu Xin today. Su Jinfan, do you even want to stay at Dingsheng anymore?”

“I absolutely won’t accept Director Fang Hua’s project until this matter is resolved.” Su Jinfan checked her phone messages and said directly to Fang Yao.

The words lingered on her lips, making the atmosphere in the car unbearably tense.

“Xiao Fan, tell me, why do you stay in this industry?” Disturbed by what had just happened, Fang Yao leaned back against the car seat, her eyes fixed on Su Jinfan.

“I’m not here for the money, nor for the so-called spotlight. I just want to play different roles and explore different versions of myself.” Su Jinfan continued managing her Weibo account.

“I’ve been watching you in the entertainment industry for these three years. You’ve never been willing to create romantic rumors with male celebrities, nor have you accepted any arranged scandals by the company. In these three years, apart from today, you’ve never appeared on any variety shows. Xiaofan, as a friend, I’m reminding you—this industry has its own rules.”

Su Jinfan’s fingers, which had been typing, paused for a moment before she turned to Fang Yao: “Fang Yao, back then you told me you just wanted to do your best in everything you handled. But now, it seems you’re also living for money.”

Fang Yao was momentarily stunned. Su Jinfan’s gaze felt like it was stripping away all her pretenses. Indeed, her original aspirations when she first entered the industry were completely different from now. Gradually, she had become addicted to this game.

Su Jinfan got out of the car and prepared to leave.

Behind her came Fang Yao’s voice, “Su Jin Fan…”

“Do you think what I just said to you was ridiculous, Fang Yao? Everyone has their own way of living. I just want to be myself.” She didn’t turn around.

“He is your only chance. If you don’t seize this opportunity, it might be hard to establish yourself in the entertainment industry. Dreams are always there, but reality is cruel.”

As Su Jin Fan walked away, her heart was filled with mixed emotions. For the current Su Jin Fan, there were indeed two paths laid out before her. Becoming famous could happen in an instant, but what comes after? It would just be the same cycle of forced smiles, becoming yet another money-making machine for the company.

She had also been at the pinnacle of the pyramid and witnessed many who attempted to climb to the top only to plummet to the bottom in misery. Therefore, what she wanted wasn’t merely fame.

[Breaking news: Renowned director Fang Hua, who recently returned from the UK, appeared on a variety show yesterday. According to insiders, Director Fang is currently scouting actresses for his next film. Rumors suggest he has once again invited Su Jin Fan to play the lead role, though it remains uncertain whether she will accept.]

Netizens are commenting…

[Wasn’t Su Jin Fan already out of the last film? This just confirms she’s all about hype…]

【The entertainment industry is truly chaotic…】

Da Bai sent a private message to Su Jin Fan: You seem really frustrated. I saw the recent news. *pat pat* Don’t cry.

Su Jin Fan: (sad, sad) Actually, I’ve just been feeling really exhausted lately.

Da Bai: (acting cute) It’s okay, you’ve got to keep fighting! Stay strong!

Su Jinfan sat on the sofa and opened her phone, noticing several missed calls from Shen Bai. She tapped the call button, and within seconds, Shen Bai answered the phone.

“Miss Su finally decided to pick up my call.”

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