Chapter 278: Listening to Gossip in the Dead of Night, I Uncovered the Entertainment Industry's Secrets

Night fell, it was cool on the mountain, and everyone hid in their rooms to stay warm.

Until late at night, when insects and birds had slept, Lin Meng felt the air on the mountaintop was excellent, as if spiritual qi were more abundant than in the city, so she sat cross-legged on the viewing platform outside the room and meditated to cultivate.

It's a pity the Spirit Gathering Array is still set up in the villa for the spirit beast eggs' use; otherwise, placing such an array here would yield better results.

Suddenly, she heard a commotion coming from downstairs.

Out of curiosity, Lin Meng poked her head out to look and saw a woman sneaking into the night, quickly disappearing within the hotel grounds.

After thinking, Lin Meng immediately went downstairs and followed.

Feeling a bit bored, it being the middle of the night on the mountaintop, Lin Meng originally didn't want to pay attention.

She only thought that, since it was a variety show invested in by the Fifth Lord, if something happened to someone he'd likely lose money, so she followed to see what was going on.

If it turned out to be secret gossip, she'd pretend she hadn't seen it; but if there was danger, she'd act promptly to help the Fifth Lord as logistics.

Ahead, Song Zhi looked left and right, heading all the way to the back of the hotel, stopping from time to time to check behind her, making sure no one had noticed her before daring to go on.

Behind the hotel was an undeveloped area, with scattered rocks and dry grass standing thickly, a warning sign blocking the way, so basically no one would go there.

Lin Meng followed from a distance, using her mental power to track, so she wasn't afraid of losing the person.

After walking to a relatively open area, Song Zhi stopped, and Lin Meng also halted her steps, watching Song Zhi's every move from several dozen meters away.

She knew this person, who had appeared in many film and TV dramas, usually playing minor female supporting roles, her face familiar but not famous, and she seemed low-key on social media as well.

At that moment, Song Zhi took something from behind her back, unfolded the velvet cloth, and inside was actually a long sword.

Under the moonlight, Song Zhi exerted herself waving the long sword, repeating the same motion over and over.

Lin Meng then realized she was here to practice swordsmanship, perhaps for a role needed in the next drama, or for recording the love‑variety show, but she also couldn't neglect preparations before joining the cast.

Seeing how diligent Song Zhi was, Lin Meng felt reluctant to leave, so she quietly stayed beside her under the moonlight, planning to wait until she finished practicing before departing, just in case something happened.

Song Zhi likely had a dance background; though her swordplay wasn't professional, her poses were graceful and quite pleasing to watch.

If it weren't for a kung‑fu film requiring genuine skill, her level of sword dancing would be more than enough.

She practiced for a full hour, until Song Zhi felt a bit short of breath, then she stopped, wiped her sweat, sheathed the sword, and intended to go back.

Suddenly, Lin Meng sensed someone else approaching.

She furrowed her brows and hid to the side, not exposing herself.

Until another familiar figure passed by her side, Lin Meng's heart sank sharply.

How could it be Movie Emperor Chen Yuqi?

Why are these people awake in the middle of the night? And why did Chen Yuqi also come here?

Not long after, Chen Yuqi came before Song Zhi, startling her.

"Brother Yu, what are you doing here?"

Song Zhi was obviously surprised by Chen Yuqi's arrival, her hand gripping the sword tightened slightly, and she instinctively stepped back several paces.

Lin Meng clearly saw this scene, noticing that Song Zhi was both wary and on guard toward Chen Yuqi, which reminded her of the Fifth Lord's words.

The Fifth Lord especially told her to stay away from Chen Yuqi, indicating he had strong objections to him.

Seeing Song Zhi's guard against him, Chen Yuqi let out a sudden light laugh.

He glanced at her unsheathed long sword, his eyes flashing.

"You've been auditioning for a drama troupe lately; it's already decided that I'll play the male lead, and the female second role really suits you—would you like me to talk to the producer and investors for you?"

Hearing this, Song Zhi was somewhat surprised; she and Chen Yuqi usually had no interaction, yet he was offering to help her.

Having struggled in the industry for several years, Song Zhi knew Chen Yuqi wouldn't give her resources for nothing, so she probed:

"If you can really help me secure this role, what would I need to give in return?"

Chen Yuqi assumed Song Zhi was savvy, and immediately replied with a beaming smile:

"You're smart, so I'll be blunt: after joining the crew, we'll pretend to be a couple on set; if you agree, I can guarantee you'll get the female second role without any opposition."

Song Zhi was greatly alarmed upon hearing this, and Lin Meng, hidden in the dark, stared wide‑eyed, almost thinking she had misheard.

Could she actually hear that?

No wonder the Fifth Lord said Chen Yuqi played tricks behind the scenes; it seems true.

Pretending to be a couple on the crew—how dare he say that and act so brazenly; surely someone is backing him.

Song Zhi furrowed her delicate brows, anger welling up inside.

Although she also wanted to climb higher, get a good script, and play a good role, she had always relied on her own effort, advancing step by step, never accepting unspoken rules.

She never expected a Movie Emperor‑level figure like Chen Yuqi to be so blatant; this is practically an insult!

"Sorry, I can't agree to that—I'm here to film, not to play house!"

Song Zhi refused in words; Chen Yuqi wasn't angry, merely giving a cold smile, his handsome face half‑bathed in moonlight, which only made him seem more sinister.

"Do you know what the consequences of refusing me like this are?"

Song Zhi was terrified, her lips and teeth trembling.

She knew her acting career might be over, for with Chen Yuqi's influence, even a hint of disapproval from those famous directors and producers would be enough to strike her name from the industry.

But she couldn't compromise; once she gave in this time, she'd likely have to rely on currying favor and pleasing them to get scripts thereafter.

"Chen Yuqi, aren't you afraid I'll expose you?"

Chen Yuqi still sneered, "Do you have evidence? Did you just record it?"

He was certain Song Zhi hadn't recorded anything, so he had nothing to fear.

"You little girls, trying to make a name for yourselves in the circle—how could you get anywhere without relying on me?"

"Expose me? The last person who exposed me probably has grass growing high on his grave by now."

Song Zhi hadn't expected Chen Yuqi to be so shamelessly arrogant; her body trembled even more.

She gritted her teeth, refusing to yield or beg, merely glaring fiercely at Chen Yuqi.

"What does it matter that she's insignificant and her voice weak? One day she'll make this kind of shameless behavior public!"

Chen Yuqi narrowed his eyes, gave Song Zhi a glance, then turned and left.

For him, there were always plenty of women eager to serve him; he fixed on Song Zhi simply because he found her aloof demeanor to his taste—he had never tried this type before.

Furthermore, Song Zhi is ultimately a contracted artist under Ye Chenjing's entertainment company; although her current standing isn't enough for her to have any dealings with Ye Chenjing yet, if he helps push her, she could soon become the company's top star.

He had long wanted to get close to Ye Chenjing, but finding the other party utterly out of reach, he could only resort to this roundabout tactic.

If Song Zhi fails on this front, it's no matter—there's still Lin Meng.

Whether that woman really has business dealings with Ye Chenjing as she claims, he'll know after a quick check……