Chapter 282: Film and Television Festival

Xia Yangyang feigned hurt. "Why are you so good at crushing my spirit?"

Chen Yu sighed. "Shen Manbing has been in this industry for ten years. She's spoiled and capricious, but commands respect, and her acting skills are top-notch. She's friends with the judges for the SH Film Festival (hosted by Global International Entertainment), and the Global president is one of her admirers. She's capable and lucky. How can you possibly beat her?"

Xia Yangyang shrugged. "Alright, Chen Yu. You can stop talking now. Worst-case scenario, I quit acting. It's not a big deal."

Chen Yu stared at the rebellious girl, speechless. So many people scramble for roles; some have toiled for a dozen years and remain minor performers. But Xia Yangyang soared to stardom immediately, earning a Best Actress nomination after just one TV series. She has a bright future, yet seems unconcerned.

Then, Xia Yangyang asked, "Do you know what's going on inside Starlight?"

As Starlight's top talent, Chen Yu had been given a stake in the company by Xia Liangdong to retain him, making him a shareholder. He frowned. "I don't know everything, but nearly all of Starlight's big-name stars have left."

"Why?"

Chen Yu's expression grew grave. "In recent years, your father has been largely hands-off, leaving the company to your stepmother. She lacks business acumen, makes arbitrary decisions, and is harsh with performers. I'm not surprised by Starlight's current state."

Xia Yangyang felt distressed. She knew the situation, but for the past decade, regardless of Liu Ruyan's flaws, she was the person Xia Liangdong trusted most. Xia Yangyang found it awkward to discuss this with her father.

Chen Yu paused, then said, "However, Yangyang, there's something you should pay attention to."

"What?"

"I once saw your stepmother with…" He stopped. "Never mind, I don't have solid proof. Keep an eye on your stepmother—who she meets, who she hangs out with."

Xia Yangyang was perplexed. What was Chen Yu insinuating?

Just then, Xiao Mi appeared. "Sister Yangyang, Brother Chen Yu, it's time for the red carpet."

Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu left the hotel. Luxury cars waited downstairs—top-of-the-range automobiles. The drive to the venue was three minutes, yet the organizers had prepared over a hundred cars to transport the stars.

Chen Yu helped Xia Yangyang into a convertible Ferrari. The car moved slowly, as drones filmed from above, projecting their movements onto a giant screen at the end of the red carpet. A few minutes later, they arrived at the Jolson Grand Hall. A five-hundred-meter red carpet was laid out, flanked by barricades, security, and countless journalists snapping photos and filming. Flashes popped constantly; it was a star-studded scene.