Chapter 111: Use Your Mind

"Thank you to our two idols. Please step off the stage to take a rest. We shall leave the suspense for tonight and announce the theme and the vote tallies for each contestant before the next performance." After a few standard questions, He Liang brought the premiere to a perfect conclusion.

As a seasoned industry veteran, he finally felt a sense of relief now that the first show had wrapped up smoothly. When he first accepted the job and scanned the list of performers, he couldn't help but worry, fearing that one wrong word might spell disaster for him—especially given the rumors that Ye Linyun was sharp-tongued and ruthless. Fortunately, everything had gone well.

Exiting the stage accompanied by Qin Yue amidst the audience's cheers, he let out a breath he had been holding. "That was truly walking on the edge of a blade," he sighed.

"That Ye Linyun really didn't give me any face. Even if my status isn't as high as yours, she didn't have to humiliate me right on stage," Qin Yue pouted, looking deeply displeased.

"Keep your voice down. Do you have any idea what kind of background that woman has?" He Liang nervously covered his partner's mouth. "Don't go looking for trouble."

"Oh, fine," Qin Yue replied sullenly, though in her heart, she cursed Ye Linyun a thousand times. *One day you will fall from your pedestal. In this entertainment industry, where people fawn over the powerful and trample the weak, it happens all the time. Today you’re a goddess; tomorrow you’re a nobody. Who knows how many days you’ll stay popular?*

Yu and Mei Ning had long since rushed to the backstage area, declaring their intention to protect their boss, terrified that the "Medusa" would find another opportunity to take advantage of her.

Lin Zhiwei and Zhao Lei remained off-stage, chatting happily with the director, Lu Ran. Lu Ran was so excited he kept rubbing his hands together. "Director Lin, Director Zhao, this is fantastic! The first show was a complete success. Xin Xin just showed me the live streaming stats—it was an unprecedented turnout. It’s wonderful!"

"Congratulations, Director Lu," Lin Zhiwei said politely. "You can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

"You can say that again. I haven't slept well for two whole months preparing for this show. Thank heavens, the premiere was a success; the ratings for the rest of the season should be stable now."

"Heh, don't worry, Director Lu. With all the bosses backing this, the show is bound to be a massive hit," Lin Zhiwei remarked, touching her chin.

Lu Ran took a deep look at the young man before him. His straight, short hair obscured his eyes, and the dim lighting off-stage made it hard to read his expression. Yet, that clear, refined voice and the unique insight he displayed truly shocked him. To be able to analyze such a complex situation in just a few words was no small feat.

"Director Lin, you are wise and see things clearly. I will keep in mind the great help you provided in persuading the Best Actor to cooperate. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, or if you have any good recommendations from your agency, I’m happy to help," Lu Ran said, extending his hand sincerely.

Lin Zhiwei gave his hand a light shake and smiled. "Then thank you in advance, Director Lu. Our future collaborations certainly won't let you down."

Lu Ran nodded in appreciation. Lin Zhiwei exchanged a glance with Zhao Lei, and the two prepared to head back to the dressing rooms.

"Director Lu is willing to extend an olive branch; that will make things much easier for Mi'er in the future," Zhao Lei noted. Usually a man of few words, he was filled with admiration for Lin Zhiwei after witnessing the director's promise.

"The benefits go beyond just that," Lin Zhiwei said with a faint smile. She knew that if she ever wanted to make a move into the entertainment industry herself, she would have to do so under the banner of being Lin Zhi's cousin.

Whether for herself or others, she was paving the way. She didn't mind forging more useful connections now.

Zhao Lei nodded in agreement. Though he didn't know what other benefits Lin Zhiwei was hinting at, he felt that Director Lu was reliable—unlike other variety show directors who were short-sighted and relied solely on sensationalism. If there were opportunities to collaborate in the future, it would be a great chance.

In truth, he would most prefer to manage Director Lin himself, but it seemed she had no intention of entering the industry. Brother Ling would eventually announce his retirement from acting, and if he could push both Yin Mi'er and Director Lin together, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.

***

In VIP Dressing Room No. 2, Chu Zhuo had taken off his jacket and was lounging with his head propped up, listening to music, waiting for his assistant to notify him so he could return to his hotel. The grueling rehearsals and the intensity of his performance on stage had left him exhausted; he really needed a break.

He lowered his gaze, turning the ring on his pinky finger, wondering which girl he should call for the night.

Suddenly, the door was shoved open with a loud bang, cutting his rest short. "Chu Zhuo, you have to help me figure something out!"

Chu Zhuo frowned, unwilling to look up at the intruder. "Ye Linyun, didn't you already lay out your plans? What else do you need me for?"

Ye Linyun had changed out of her performance gown into a striking, wine-red dress from Chanel. She sat on the sofa, fuming. "I don't care. Linlin has already spent time with you!"

"And so?"

"This Saturday, I'm inviting Lin Zhi—just him alone," Ye Linyun said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, a cunning smile playing on her lips. "The Emerald Pavilion is registered under your name. When the time comes... you must help me seal off all the exits."

A sharp glint flashed in Chu Zhuo's eyes. He asked in a low voice, "I advise you to use your brain. So what if you ruin Lin Zhi’s reputation? Do you think Ling Ruoyu will fall in love with you? You’re dreaming."

"Heh, I've figured it out. Whether he loves me or not doesn't matter. I just want to eliminate every other possibility around him and leave only myself," Ye Linyun said, staring ahead with absolute certainty.

"Have you never thought about pulling Ling Ruoyu down from his pedestal once and for all?" Chu Zhuo lit a cigarette, tempting her through the hazy smoke.

This woman had the brain of a pig; she kept cleaning up the periphery but never struck at the heart.

Ye Linyun sneered. "Don't think I don't know what you're plotting. Pulling Ruoyu down from his pedestal? Don't be ridiculous. You might be done with it once and for all, but what use is a useless wreck to me?"

She stood up slowly. "Chu Zhuo, it’s not that easy to use me. I may be obsessed with Ling Ruoyu and want to possess him, but that doesn't mean I’ll help you harm him." With that, she swayed her slender waist and strode out of the dressing room.

Chu Zhuo extinguished his cigarette and glanced at the direction she had left. *This woman may be foolish, but she isn't stupid.*

*Lin Zhiwei, how will you escape next Saturday? This cat-and-mouse game is getting more and more interesting. But in the end, who is the cat? I’m afraid that remains to be seen...*