Chapter 127: The First Face-to-Face Confrontation

“Yangyang, what’s wrong? You look pale,” Lu Yao said, shaking Xia Yangyang’s arm. Xia Yangyang remained dazed. Shen Manbing coming to the set? Could it be a coincidence?

As if summoned, the lounge door opened. A crowd of people entered, several assistants carrying belongings into the makeup room. The director and Shen Manbing followed.

Everyone’s eyes widened at the sight of Shen Manbing. She was even more radiant in person than on screen. Even seasoned entertainment professionals rarely encountered a star of her caliber.

The director warmly introduced her: “Sister Bingbing has joined our Cinderella crew today. Everyone should learn from her.” Everyone immediately crowded around. Xia Weiwei, pushing to the front, gushed, “Sister Bingbing, I’m Xia Weiwei, Xia Liangdong’s daughter—a huge fan! I’m so lucky to meet you!”

The others joined in with praise and admiration, but Shen Manbing remained indifferent, seemingly unimpressed. Her gaze swept the room, finally settling on Xia Yangyang, who sat unmoved in her lounge chair.

Lu Yao, sensing Shen Manbing’s icy stare, urged Xia Yangyang, “Yangyang, greet Sister Bingbing.”

Xia Yangyang stood and mumbled, “Hello, Sister Bingbing.” Shen Manbing gave her a cold glance and didn't respond. Turning to the director, she requested, “Get me a separate resting room. It’s too noisy here.”

“Of course,” the director replied. “The next room is smaller, but it has a nice atmosphere. We’ll use it as your temporary makeup room, Sister Bingbing.”

Even after Shen Manbing left, the awe lingered.

“Her presence is so strong; I was too scared to speak when she looked at me.”

“It’s so unfair. Some people are born for the screen. Sister Bingbing’s beauty is top-tier, even her cold demeanor is attractive.”

“But why did Sister Bingbing seem unhappy?”

Xia Weiwei chimed in, “Because some people, clinging to their last lead role, didn’t even greet Sister Bingbing upon her arrival. Did she expect Sister Bingbing to greet her? She needs to know her place.”

Xia Weiwei’s words clearly targeted Xia Yangyang. Their rivalry was well-known within the crew, but the complex Xia family ties prevented anyone from interfering.

Everyone returned to their makeup stations. Seeing Xia Yangyang’s unconcern and the lack of support, Xia Weiwei huffed and stormed off.

Lu Yao softly asked, “Yangyang, what was that about? Did you know Sister Bingbing before?” Xia Yangyang’s reaction was unusual; she was typically affable and enthusiastic towards new crew members, regardless of their experience.

Xia Yangyang forced a smile. “I’m alright. I’m just not feeling well today.”

During filming, the director announced a scene change. Given Shen Manbing’s tight schedule and three-day availability, her scenes needed priority. The scene for the day was a confrontation between “Kim Shimei” and “Lin Xiaofan.”