From Dropout to Housemaid-The Upper Crust's Favorite - Chapter 54 - Saving the Day

Chen Siling saw Producer Zhang making things difficult for her sister and stepped forward to smooth things over, “I’m sorry, Producer Zhang, my sister isn’t familiar with the ways of this circle…”

Jiang Xianyu watched the producer clutching his drink and handed her purse to her sister, Chen Siling, who was about to continue speaking. She then took off her scarf and placed it in her hands.

Next, she took the glass from Chen Siling, filled it up, and said to the flushed-faced man, “Producer Zhang, right? I really had to leave early this time, so as a self-punishment, I’ll drink three glasses.”

With that, she tilted her head back and downed the glass of baijiu¹ in one gulp.

Then she poured a second and a third glass.

Chen Siling was terrified. She grabbed Jiang Xianyu’s hand, wishing she could drag her away.

She had never seen anyone drink like this.

After the third glass, Jiang Xianyu looked at Producer Zhang, turned her glass upside down, and shook it, declaring, “There, I’ve finished them.”

Producer Zhang slammed his glass down on the table and exclaimed loudly, “Good! That’s the spirit!”

Then he too downed his drink in one gulp.

“What company’s artist are you? Name yourself, and next time there’s a project, I’ll call you for an audition!”

The atmosphere, now lively and colorful, had improved significantly.

Producer Zhang, known for his amiable nature once his drinking needs were met, seemed pleased.

Jiang Xianyu, aware that he was too drunk to discuss her not being an artist, simply said, “I’ll be relying on you in the future, Zhang-Ge². My sister and I have matters to attend to, so we won’t bother you any longer.”

As she was about to leave, Producer Zhang insisted they stay.

“Wait, why are you leaving already? No, no! You need to drink a few more with me.”

He started to pull Jiang Xianyu towards him.

Jiang Xianyu, seeing her sister’s anxious gaze, gave her a reassuring look and then moved closer to Producer Zhang with her glass in hand.

“Alright, today I will keep Zhang-Ge company.”

She disliked banquets and social obligations, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t adept at them.

Her tolerance had been honed in numerous such gatherings, entertaining clients. In this drinking game, Producer Zhang might not necessarily be her match.

Producer Zhang, delighted, went glass for glass with Jiang Xianyu.

Other guests, relieved to have dodged the bullet, were also curious about Jiang Xianyu’s identity.

Her drinking style clearly showed she was an old hand at this.

Lou Mingyan leaned toward Chen Siling and whispered, “Is that really your sister?”

Seeing their contrasting attitudes towards drinking was like night and day.

Chen Siling watched Jiang Xianyu, her emotions a complex mix. It was her first time seeing her sister like this.

Given her proficiency, it was clear she had been through many such situations before.

This was Chen Siling’s first time playing such a significant role and attending such a banquet, and she was already feeling suffocated. She couldn’t imagine how her gentle sister had managed to endure all this.

Her eyes reddening slightly, she said, “She is my dear sister.”

Lou Mingyan, seeing her visibly upset and tense, patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry, seeing how your sister is holding up, Producer Zhang might be the first to fall.”

Bai Ke, overhearing this, didn’t dare say anything to Lou Mingyan but snorted coldly at Chen Siling, “You’re really lucky.”

Chen Siling glared at her, “This is all thanks to you. If it weren’t for you, none of this would have happened.”

It was simply because she wasn’t well-known that she was easy to bully.

Everyone somewhat looked down on Bai Ke’s behavior.

As for Chen Siling’s retorts, they all pretended not to hear.

Jiang Xianyu glanced in Bai Ke’s direction.

She knew Bai Ke.

In her past life, she was somewhat famous, but it was more of an infamous kind of fame.

From their conversation, Jiang Xianyu picked up on something and, with a smile, raised her glass to Bai Ke from afar, “Miss Bai Ke, right? I know you. You’re with Nanyu Entertainment, aren’t you?”

Bai Ke was a bit unnerved by her smile, “What do you want?”

Jiang Xianyu’s tone was calm, “I remember handling your company’s IPO. How is Mr. Wan doing these days?”

Jiang Xianyu was telling the truth. She had indeed been involved in Nanyu Entertainment’s IPO, although at that time she wasn’t yet a VP.

That Nanyu case had her running around to the point of exhaustion.

The entertainment industry was chaotic, and investigating it was truly troublesome, full of pitfalls.

Bai Ke was somewhat startled, “You really know Mr. Wan?”

Others were also curious.

People in the circle were all astute. If Jiang Xianyu really knew Mr. Wan of Nanyu, they would have to be more cautious in their treatment of Chen Siling.

Jiang Xianyu coldly stated, “Of course.”

Although she had resigned, only some in the investment bank knew, and indeed she had had her dealings with Mr. Wan.

Lou Mingyan whispered to Chen Siling, “What does your sister do? How is she connected to Nanyu?”

Forgive her, a graduate from an arts academy, for not understanding all this IPO business.

Chen Siling replied, “My sister was a VP at an investment bank.”

Lou Mingyan expressed her awe, not fully understanding.

Jiang Xianyu then shifted her gaze from Bai Ke and resumed drinking with Producer Zhang.

Half an hour later, Producer Zhang slumped over the table, dazed.

Jiang Xianyu looked at him, shook her hair, and drank the rest of the wine in her glass.

Everyone looked at her face, which was a bit red, but otherwise showed no signs of discomfort.

Her eyes were clear and her demeanor showed no trace of drunkenness.

Jiang Xianyu poured another glass and addressed the director, “Director Chen, this one’s for you, thanks for giving my sister this opportunity. She’s still young and might make mistakes. I appreciate your guidance. I’ll drink this one; you do as you wish.”

Besides the actors, there were only Producer Zhang and Director Chen, so Jiang Xianyu made sure not to exclude anyone.

Director Chen smiled and graciously drank, “Not at all. Chen Siling has a real knack for acting, truly a trained professional.”

Lou Mingyan also smiled, “Yes, Siling graduated from Haishi Drama Academy. I was there during her audition, and her acting was excellent.”

Jiang Xianyu smiled, “I didn’t realize Miss Lou and my sister were alumni. No wonder her acting is so good. Haishi Drama Academy has indeed trained many fine actors.”

With many from Haishi Drama Academy present, the conversation lightened the atmosphere.

When the time seemed right, Jiang Xianyu excused herself and confidently left with Chen Siling amid the farewells of everyone.

Chen Siling followed Jiang Xianyu worriedly, draping a scarf around her and carrying her bag, occasionally reaching out to steady her.

Her actions were a bit clumsy, although Jiang Xianyu seemed more stable than her.

Upon leaving the private room, Chen Siling repeatedly asked, “Sis, are you really okay?”

Jiang Xianyu spun around on the spot, “I’m perfectly fine. This amount of alcohol is nothing. I’ve seen people who can drink much more than Producer Zhang.”

Chen Siling, noticing her sister was more talkative than usual and thinking about how she had been drinking with Producer Zhang, guessed that even if she wasn’t drunk, the alcohol had some effect.

After all, isn’t it said that alcohol can magnify a person’s senses and emotions?

Chen Siling’s car was parked in the downstairs parking lot. Once inside, Jiang Xianyu asked, “You sure you haven’t been drinking? Remember, no drinking and driving.”

Chen Siling was almost ready to swear to the heavens, “I really haven’t touched a drop. Otherwise, I’ll blow in a test if we run into a police officer later.”

Jiang Xianyu nodded, finally buckling up with peace of mind.

Footnote:

1. Baijiu(白酒):Baijiu is a traditional Chinese distilled liquor, typically made from grains such as sorghum, corn, and wheat. It has a much higher alcohol content compared to beer, making it significantly stronger.
2. Ge(哥):In Chinese culture, it is quite common to address someone as “xx 哥” (pronounced as “xx ge”). The term “Ge” means “older brother” and, when used in this context, typically carries a sense of affection and friendliness. It indicates respect and amiability towards the person, similar to calling someone “bro” or “big brother” in English.