The two had endless things to talk about, and when discussing funny matters, they would laugh together.
In the evening, they even nestled in the same bed, chatting deep into the night before falling asleep.
Early the next morning, Tong Yan, who hadn't slept much, was awakened by the phone. It was her agency calling, asking her to head to the office first thing in the morning.
Tong Yan sensed the manager's tone wasn't good and rushed to the company, located conveniently not far from the city center.
Tong Yan's agency is Eastern Entertainment, a small company with limited resources and a wealth of signed artists competing fiercely for them. At Tong Yan's level, she doesn't have a personal manager but shares one with several other actors, leading to intense rivalry, yet Tong Yan doesn't flatter or fight, so she's had few big opportunities to date.
Initially, she became a stunt double because she was short on money and the job wasn't appealing to others. It involved long hours and martial arts scenes without ever showing her face, leaving it to Tong Yan by default.
In her past life, she climbed to her later status step by step, without any background or ability to curry favor, and the bitterness can be imagined.
Her contract with the agency is ending in two months. In her past life, she renewed with the company to be in the same agency as Qin Yikuo. In this life, she naturally wants to stay as far away from him as possible.
As soon as she entered the office, she saw her manager Liu Zhe slamming the table, "What's wrong with you? I worked hard to get you an opportunity, and you squandered it? Director Zhang said he won't invite you for any future role. If he says something about you in the circle and your reputation spreads, how do you plan to survive?"
Tong Yan learned it was about that matter, "That was my mistake. I've already apologized to Director Zhang and promised not to repeat it."
"That insincere apology?" Liu Zhe looked her up and down with disdain, "This afternoon, I'll personally take you to apologize to Director Zhang."
Tong Yan, seasoned in the entertainment circle, immediately sensed trouble, "Brother Liu, I have plans this afternoon."
"Then..."
Tong Yan was uncompromising, "I'm busy tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that."
Liu Zhe had never been snapped at like this since becoming a manager, and his face darkened, "Tong Yan, do you still want to stay in this circle?"
Tong Yan replied earnestly, "Brother Liu, I really have things to do."
Liu Zhe was infuriated, muttering harshly, "Fine, we'll see."
The two parted on bad terms, but Tong Yan didn't dwell on it. She called Yin Weiyi to go shopping together after leaving the company.
That night, when she saw a certain news segment on TV, she suddenly recalled something and whispered a few words to Yin Weiyi.
Yin Weiyi looked excited, "Is what you said true?"
Tong Yan sent Qin Yikuo the dining place and time, then raised her phone, blinked, smiling cunningly, "Do you trust me?"
Needless to say? Yin Weiyi held her arm, "Come on, let's watch the show."
About half an hour later, the two stood at the entrance of Jinhua Restaurant.
Jinhua Restaurant is a four-star establishment, lavishly decorated with a nouveau riche vibe, frequented by those with some assets.
The entrance usually bustles with people, but now it was surrounded by police cars, with a row of officers standing at the door.
As the two attempted to go inside, they were stopped by a policeman, "Miss, entry is not allowed at the moment."
Tong Yan looked worried, peering inside with anxiety, "I made a reservation here with a friend. What's going on? He's still inside, and he's a good person. Can you let him out?"
The policeman remained expressionless, "No comment."
Retreating to the corner, Yin Weiyi looked excited, "Big Sis, you're amazing for knowing this. Now Qin Yikuo's definitely in trouble."
"Don't rush, there's more," Tong Yan said.
Not long after, a group of reporters arrived, surrounding the restaurant and beginning to interview the police outside. The scene became very lively, even causing traffic congestion.
Soon, police officers inside the restaurant escorted groups of detainees out, and Tong Yan noted the appearance of the detainees wasn't much different from before, remembering hearing in her past life that on the 15th of each month, the group's leaders would hold a meeting at this restaurant, and today was the 15th.
Qin Yikuo was among the last to come out, and the reporters seemed oblivious until someone shouted, "Isn't that Qin Yikuo, the actor from 'Nice to Meet You'?"