Chapter 21

Chapter 21

My heart was pounding, and my palms were slick with sweat.

Upon entering, the faint scent of cigarette smoke and cologne greeted me.

The study was massive, the shelves packed with Chinese and foreign classics, popular novels, and a vast collection of DVDs and vinyl records.

Lu Junrong sat behind the desk. He was dressed casually and wore gold-rimmed glasses, his bangs slightly brushing his eyebrows. He looked sophisticated and elegant.

I had to admit, he was a truly charming and handsome man, but his temper was undeniably foul.

He was currently focused on sketching movie storyboards. His artistry was impressive, every frame coming to life on the paper.

“Still here?”

Lu Junrong didn’t look up, his voice flat.

I snapped out of it immediately. I wanted to step forward and serve the coffee, but I was afraid a single slip would spill it and ruin his manuscripts.

“Um, I, I…”

Lu Junrong looked up and let out a short, mocking laugh. “You were so righteous when you were lecturing me the other day. Why are you acting like a timid old lady now?”

I was stunned. “When did I ever lecture you? How would I dare?”

Lu Junrong tapped the desk, signaling for me to put the coffee down. “Who was the one who slammed the door on her way out after scolding me to spend more time with my daughter?”

I shook my head with a small smile.

He actually considered that a lecture?

I set the coffee down and stood a short distance away, hesitating.

“Is there something else?” Lu Junrong picked up the cup and took a sip.

I gave a formal bow. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

Lu Junrong waved a hand dismissively. “Ah Fang said you have potential. If you want to thank someone, thank her.”

With that, neither of us spoke.

He went back to his sketches while I stood there awkwardly.

“If you have something to say, say it all at once.” Lu Junrong lit a cigarette.

I always felt incredibly nervous whenever I faced him.

I hesitated for a long while. “Um… Sister Fang said she’s putting me in a crime thriller next month. It’s a small role. But… but I don’t think I have enough experience. I-I want to join an acting workshop.”

Lu Junrong let out a cold snort. “What, you think playing with Joey for half a day gives you the right to make demands?”

I summoned my courage. “This has nothing to do with Qiaoyi. Our contract states that the company must provide training for its artists. Besides, you signed me yourself. If I mess up out there, it’s your reputation on the line. And if I become successful, I can start making money for you sooner.”

Lu Junrong smiled with disdain. “You’re a long way off from making money. Fine, get out.”

I said urgently, “But-”

Lu Junrong frowned. “Out!”

Alright, I had to admit I was a bit afraid of him.

Failing to achieve my goal, I could only leave dejectedly.

After getting home, I worked out for over an hour before I finally managed to calm my feelings of rejection.

That evening, just after I had showered and put on a face mask, I suddenly received a call from Sister Fang.

“Zhiyi, I have great news!

“Ah Ron secured a spot for you in the TV station’s acting workshop!”

“My god, do you know how hard it is to get into that workshop? They usually only take their own artists. Ah Ron talked with the station executives for ages. He only got them to agree after promising that the female lead of his next movie would be an artist from Station A.”

The surprise was so overwhelming that I couldn’t process it for a moment.

Sister Fang asked on the other end, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

I clutched my racing heart. “I begged him for it today, but he turned me down. I didn’t think he’d care.”

Sister Fang laughed. “He’s all bark and no bite. He actually felt guilty about losing his temper with you last time, but he’s too proud to admit it. Congratulations, Zhiyi.”

My eyes welled with tears. “Thank you, Sister Fang. I’ll make the most of this opportunity!”