Chapter 52: A Banquet of Betrayal

Upon waking early, Lin Zhiwei slipped into a low-key black casual suit. Three words flashed through her mind: "Banquet of Doom." In two hours, she would attend the first director's meeting for the debut lineup of "Masked All-Round King." The thought of Chu Chuo and Ye Linyun both appearing made Lin Zhiwei inexplicably restless. At moments like this, she wished she could return to the training grounds in the Nameless Domain and spar to her heart's content, venting her frustrations before facing this precarious situation where one misstep could lead to disaster.

It wasn't until she climbed into the car and saw Ling Ziheng's relaxed and leisurely demeanor that she finally breathed a sigh of relief. The emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is; why was she worrying herself sick? Ling Ziheng dressed simply today—an easy-going shirt paired with fitted jeans, radiating the warmth of a campus heartthrob. He flipped through a magazine, winked at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Lin Zhiwei could only inwardly scold her fluttering heart, telling it to calm down and stay out of trouble. "Chief Pei, play something with a strong beat," she called out to Pei Xi in the passenger seat as she got in, startling him almost out of his wits, unsure what this ancestor was up to.

He hurriedly asked, "Director Lin, what would you like to listen to?"

"Let's go with 'Song of the Brave,'" Lin Zhiwei's vibrant voice filled the cabin.

Both the driver and Pei Xi looked resigned, Pei Xi trembling as he searched for the song.

"The river flows east, stars in the sky join the Northern Dipper..." As the passionate male voice rang out, Lin Zhiwei nodded in satisfaction.

Both Pei Xi and the driver felt helpless inside.

Ling Ziheng merely laughed and shook his head, letting her have her way, still absorbed in his magazine.

Pei Xi: Young Master, save us...

"Let's go, let's go, we all have each other..." Lin Zhiwei sang along enthusiastically, showing not the slightest embarrassment.

When the song ended, Lin Zhiwei's face was flushed, excitement overflowing.

Pei Xi timidly inquired, "Would you like to hear anything else?"

He closed his eyes, as if bracing himself against the answer he dreaded.

"Chopin, Nocturne in C-sharp minor," Lin Zhiwei replied.

Pei Xi released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, turning in shock—Miss Lin, this is quite the leap.

Lin Zhiwei smoothed her slightly disheveled wig, nodded affirmatively, and soon the car was filled with the graceful sounds of piano music.

The driver, Guan Tong, was inwardly terrified—it was hard to drive this car, with emotions running so high. He worried he might confuse the brakes and accelerator.

Ling Ziheng's eyes flickered; he tilted his head, smiling before speaking softly, "Do you like it?"

Lin Zhiwei rested her head on her hand and replied with a hint of annoyance, "They can't handle my taste in music. I was forced to adjust."

Pei Xi inwardly protested—Miss Lin, we're just frightened, not unable to accept it!

"Pei Xi, play something Zhiwei likes," Ling Ziheng instructed.

"Yes," Pei Xi replied, each word uttered as if marching to his doom. "What would Miss Lin like?"

Lin Zhiwei smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. "Love is just one word—I prefer old songs."

Pei Xi quickly adjusted, thinking, Auntie, Young Master has spoken; even if you want to hear the cries of baboons, I'll find it for you...

"Parting the clouds in the sky, beautiful as blue velvet
I cross mountains for you, but pay no mind to the scenery
I miss you, helplessly
Each thought brings a new dream
I hope you haven't forgotten
I'll always protect you
No matter the blows of wind and rain
Wholeheartedly..."

The gentle, melodious voice echoed, and Lin Zhiwei closed her eyes to savor it—ah, there was truly a feeling of seeing sunlight after the clouds parted.

Ling Ziheng watched her intently; dressed in men's attire, she was casual yet unmistakably herself, every smile and frown tugging at his heartstrings.

Seriously, Young Master, you can look at her so dotingly just because the song changed...

This song isn't even meant as a confession to you...

Pei Xi pouted, glancing at the pair through the rearview mirror. The air in the back seat was tinged with the sourness of love—or rather, for now, the sourness of unrequited love.

An hour later, the car came to a steady stop at S City Television Station.

The show had yet to be officially announced, so no media had rushed to the scene; the entrance to the station was deserted.

Lin Zhiwei followed Ling Ziheng out of the car, yawning. Come on, let the storm rage even harder.

As the two prepared to enter the building, the crisp sound of high heels and a sharp female voice rang out behind them.

"Ruoyu," Ye Linyun approached gracefully, walking on ten-centimeter heels, her makeup flawless, her high-fashion dress with a slit accentuating skin as smooth as jade, her long white legs glimpsed beneath the hem.

Ye Linyun's car had circled the station for a while, and she hurried out when she saw Ling Ziheng arrive.

She smiled confidently—experience told her this angle of her smile was her most beautiful, her most invincible; no man could resist it. She strode forward, warmly greeting Lin Zhiwei, "So, this is the new Director Lin? Please take good care of our Ruoyu."

Lin Zhiwei inwardly rolled her eyes—our Ruoyu... how confident could she be...

Ling Ziheng prepared to leave, his gaze not lingering on her for even a moment, unwilling to exchange a single word.

"Thank you, Queen Ye, just doing my duty. Please," Lin Zhiwei replied politely.

Ye Linyun followed, proud and haughty, cursing Ling Ziheng silently—how dare he ignore her, playing the cold and aloof type; let’s see how long he can keep it up. Outwardly, she maintained her noble elegance.

They arrived at the meeting room, just as expected, Chu Chuo was late. Everyone waited, while chief director Lu Ran busied himself, anxious that a misstep in hospitality might cause the stars to walk out, which would mean serious trouble.

Seeing Lin Zhiwei, Lu Ran was visibly surprised; he hadn't expected the new director to be so young, practically a child, though recalling her fluent responses over the phone, he knew she was anything but simple.

"Director Lu, a pleasure," Lin Zhiwei greeted, extending her hand.

"Director Lin, it's an honor at last," Lu Ran nodded. "I've reviewed the first episode arrangement you submitted—it's absolutely brilliant. Director Lin, your talent is remarkable for someone so young."

"You're too kind, Director Lu," Lin Zhiwei replied smoothly.

Around them sat two second- or third-tier artists from the industry, less famous than Ling Ziheng and his peers but classically trained. Lin Zhiwei exchanged pleasantries, and both actresses responded politely, not daring to be disrespectful.