She Wants to Divorce Me

Chapter 31

Ji Yaoguang was in no mood to act as a single life advisor when she couldn't even solve her own problems. She detected the joking tone in Cheng Henian's voice but simply pursed her lips without responding. The idea of Bian Yuting and Cheng Henian together seemed ill-suited. If that fellow could rein in her playful nature and focus on being a manager, it might be a good choice. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed Chang Yu sitting quietly in a corner. Perhaps it was her strong aura of aloofness that kept people hesitant to approach her with their drinks, with few daring to come close for small talk. Meanwhile, a group of lively individuals were busy toasting and engaging in animated conversation with Li Ou. Ji Yaoguang decisively abandoned Cheng Henian and walked towards Chang Yu.

The smile gradually faded from her lips, and even a sigh was lost in the clamor of the vibrant party atmosphere. Leaning her back against the counter, Cheng Henian rubbed her eyes, suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of melancholy. She was aware of her own capriciousness; sometimes yearning for noise and excitement, finding meaning in the hustle and bustle, while at other times abruptly despising it all, unable to muster even a hint of a smile amidst the surging crowd. Her reasons for attending this gathering were twofold: partly to discuss some matters with Ji Yaoguang, and partly due to Li Ou's invitation. Regardless of whether it aligned with her true feelings, the renowned director had given her an opportunity, not to mention the special treatment she had received on set. How else could a minor extra like her enjoy such privileges?

Isolating herself in a lonely space on a low stool in a corner, Cheng Henian no longer had any desire to join the lively and prosperous scene. When happy, she was like a dazzling sun, but sometimes she could only shroud herself in darkness. The light in the corner was particularly dim, with only the glow of her phone screen illuminating her face. As she read the nonsensical chatter in the group chat, her gloomy thoughts gradually dissipated.

"Cheng Henian." A cool voice, devoid of any emotion, reached her ears, and her vision suddenly darkened. Cheng Henian was startled, feeling as if she had been caught red-handed while gossiping about someone. Enveloped in Lu Yusheng's shadow, Cheng Henian took a deep breath and put on her trademark smile, saying, "What a coincidence." Inwardly, she muttered, wasn't this big shot supposed to have confirmed she wasn't coming? As the saying goes, enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road—perhaps this was just such an occasion? Conflicting emotions clashed within her: on one hand, she feared Lu Yusheng would inquire about being blocked, while on the other, she dreaded the possibility of Lu Yusheng not caring at all, treating her with cold indifference like a stranger.

"Not a coincidence. I knew you'd be here," Lu Yusheng said as she sat down beside Cheng Henian, her gaze and words unusually direct and frank. Cheng Henian was caught off guard by this statement, laughing nervously, unsure how to employ her usual wit and banter. Lu Yusheng was also a person of importance; even her quiet arrival could attract attention from many. Compared to the aloof Chang Yu, she seemed much more approachable. With her proper bone structure, she exuded a sense of dignity, warm and polite, maintaining just the right distance—unlike Chang Yu, whose courtesy was tinged with a bone-deep coolness and detachment.

Cheng Henian thought to slip away while Lu Yusheng was occupied with various people, but just as the idea crossed her mind, Lu Yusheng grabbed her hand firmly. Maintaining a composed expression, she fended off those who came to curry favor. In a brief moment, she shot Cheng Henian a look that clearly said, "Don't move." Cheng Henian felt dazed, having missed Lu Yusheng's glance as all her attention was focused on the hand holding hers. Fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead, her heart pounding rapidly as she suddenly rediscovered an emotion called "nervousness." Once the socializers had retreated, Cheng Henian withdrew her hand. She heard her own slightly trembling voice say, "Originally, many people had no connection, so there was no need to stay in touch. After all, no one can linger forever."

"Hmm?" Lu Yusheng raised an eyebrow.

"It's nothing." Finally regaining her usual demeanor, Cheng Henian concealed her momentary embarrassment. Raising an eyebrow, her face now displayed a hint of frivolity and nonchalance. After a moment of hesitation, she used the innate rebelliousness ingrained in her bones as a defensive weapon, tightly wrapping her soft heart.

Lu Yusheng, of course, observed Cheng Henian's reactions and could guess at the strong resistance and defensiveness in her heart. She decided not to pursue the topic further, instead adopting a rather comfortable and self-satisfied posture, as if chatting casually with an old friend not seen in years. She said, "I've given serious thought to your suggestion and feel I could join your radio drama group."

"What?" Cheng Henian thought her ears must be playing tricks on her. She jumped up from her stool, staring at Lu Yusheng with wide eyes. Was this still the same music industry icon? She actually said she wanted to join the radio drama group? But her previous invitation had been mere nonsense, not to be taken seriously. If this big shot were to join... who knows what kind of storm it would stir up, given that she was a benchmark figure in the music industry.

"I said I'd join your radio drama group," Lu Yusheng repeated, slightly raising her head to look at Cheng Henian's delicate features filled with shock, seeming quite cheerful.

"I... I before was..." Cheng Henian stammered, but Lu Yusheng's tone was clearly enticing her. If one could set aside all the titles and honors attached to Lu Yusheng, even if it meant clinging to her coattails, she would be willing.

"Then it's settled," Lu Yusheng said, gazing at Cheng Henian before adding, "Now you can release me from your blacklist, right?"

...So after all that talk, it still came down to this? Cheng Henian was speechless. After a long moment, she responded with a complex expression, "Alright, but you don't have to go to such lengths. There's no need to force yourself to join our group."

"It's not forcing myself," Lu Yusheng replied calmly. She had listened to Cheng Henian's radio dramas, naturally glossing over the 'um's and 'ah's in the dialogue, focusing mainly on the ED. Most of the lyrics and music were original creations. Their small group likely didn't have the financial resources to provide top-notch equipment, and there was still a significant gap compared to professional recordings. "I can provide a recording studio, professional post-production, and help develop the radio drama properly."

"But—" Cheng Henian didn't know how to refuse, hesitating for a moment before finally jabbing at Lu Yusheng, "But this is a hobby for young people."

Bringing up age repeatedly would anger even the most patient person. Lu Yusheng stood up, staring coldly at Cheng Henian: "Humans are social animals. Do you think you can truly survive on your own? Sometimes, think before you speak, and consider your own worth before opening your mouth. No one will indulge your willfulness. Your rebelliousness and sharp edges might seem cool to some, but remember, in adult interactions, only interests and power matter. Your otherworldly chuunibyou attitude isn't needed. Don't end up not knowing what hit you."

Cheng Henian remained silent for a moment, then burst into laughter under Lu Yusheng's increasingly cold gaze. She bowed slightly and responded flippantly, "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher Lu." Her exaggerated and comical manner showed not a hint of sincerity. It seemed to be an incurable rebelliousness; perhaps only after a major setback would she realize her mistake. Lu Yusheng withdrew her gaze and turned to leave. Cheng Henian watched her figure disappear into the bustling crowd before dropping her frivolous demeanor. With an ugly smile tugging at her lips, she whispered, "I'm sorry." Sometimes she hated herself intensely, but what could she do?

Lu Yusheng's sudden appearance would inevitably occupy Chang Yu's time, as the two were friends, and it would be odd for them not to interact when appearing at the same event. In fact, Ji Yaoguang had noticed Lu Yusheng as soon as she entered, but remained silent. Now she shot a disapproving glance towards Cheng Henian, inwardly blaming her for failing to detain Lu Yusheng. She and Chang Yu had been discussing crucial matters, after all, matters that concerned her future happiness. Who would have thought that Lu Yusheng, heading in their direction, would suddenly interrupt their conversation?

Scanning the room, it seemed that apart from Cheng Henian, there was no one else suitable for casual conversation. Just as she was about to head in that direction, she was abruptly blocked by a figure. If Ji Yaoguang were a cat, she would surely be a bristling one right now. The person blocking her path was Jiang Huai, his eyes somewhat hazy from drink. Resisting the urge to throw her drink in his face, Ji Yaoguang took a step back and forced a fake smile. The party was about to end, yet this person was still lingering like a persistent ghost.

"Sister Ji," Jiang Huai's voice was hoarser than usual.

"Is there something you need?" Ji Yaoguang asked coldly, maintaining a certain distance from Jiang Huai. This fellow must be up to no good; his repeated hesitation surely hid some ulterior motive. Ji Yaoguang no longer bothered to conceal her impatience. While Jiang Huai's gaze was fixed on her, she looked back towards Chang Yu.

"Sister Ji, I'd like to ask a favor of you," Jiang Huai's tone carried a hint of pleading.

"What is it?" Ji Yaoguang inwardly rolled her eyes. Why was everyone coming to her for help? Could it be another mess that Bian Yuting had gotten into? But Jiang Huai was male, not at all the type Bian Yuting would fancy.

"I want to terminate my contract with Sheng Tang," Jiang Huai said. After speaking, his eyes reddened slightly, and he even appeared somewhat ferocious when mentioning Sheng Tang.

"What?" Shouldn't this matter be discussed with Jiang Shoufa, the CEO of Sheng Tang? What did it have to do with her?

"After I leave Sheng Tang, I'm afraid no company will dare to take me on. I heard that Sister Chang is planning to open her own studio. I was hoping you could help me. Would it be possible for me to sign with her studio?" Jiang Huai was somewhat intimidated by Chang Yu's aura, but based on various rumors, Ji Yaoguang seemed more approachable. With this in mind, he had tried to get closer to her time and again, but reality had clearly left him deeply frustrated.