Chapter 73
Shen Tang returned to her room, her mind full of the scene just now. Ah!!!
Did he just try to kiss her?
She was actually looking forward to it for a moment before they got interrupted. She didn't know whether to feel regretful or what.
Shen Tang forced herself not to think about this.
Think about the orphanage instead. With Gu Huaian's help, things would definitely work out.
She wondered if the matron was scared.
She called the matron, who picked up right away.
"Tang Tang, something wrong?"
"Are you alright?" Shen Tang asked.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Tang Tang, is that man your boyfriend? He sent a lot of supplies over and had people fix some worn down places. The acquisition has also been resolved thanks to him. He is truly a good man. Tang Tang, you have to treat him well."
"Huh? It's been resolved already?" Shen Tang was surprised. Gu Huaian was just...
That jerk must have done it on purpose!
The matron's voice was full of smiles. "Yes, yes. Those who owed apologies apologized, those who deserved punishment got punished. Turns out they heard this place was going to be demolished so they wanted to snatch it for themselves. Your boyfriend said the demolition plans do exist but not for a long time."
Shen Tang understood. The orphanage did occupy a large piece of land after all. Money moves people's hearts!
"How are the children?"
"They are fine. You just take care of yourself, no need to worry about us. In the future when you visit, don't bring too many things... don't overspend..."
The two chatted for a while before hanging up.
Shen Tang clutched her chest. She didn't know why, but talking with the matron gave her a sense of familiarity.
"What's going on..."
She couldn't figure it out.
After resting for a bit, it was time for Shen Tang to get back to work.
When Pei Kesong called, Shen Tang almost forgot who she was.
Of course that was impossible.
But the days off were truly happy and hard to part with.
Arriving at the company, Pei Kesong walked around Shen Tang twice with knitted brows. "Did you gain weight?"
Shen Tang said guiltily, "No, just drank more water so looks a bit bloated."
"Is that so? Then let's weigh you."
Shen Tang didn't expect she had to get on the scale. She stripped down to her undergarments and stepped onto it.
One look at the number and she knew she was screwed.
Sure enough––
Pei Kesong gave her death glare. "Very good, you gained 22 lbs. Remember you are a female celebrity? You forgot even basic body management." Shen Tang mumbled, "I just got out of the hospital not long ago..."
Pei Kesong shook her finger. "Excuses won't work. Lose weight. I'll send you a weight loss schedule later and you have to strictly follow it."
Shen Tang drooped her head dispiritedly. "Fine... By the way, what's the job you mentioned?"
"A supporting female role No.3 in a big IP production. Not much screen time but excellent character design. Take a look."
Shen Tang read it. The No.3 female lead came from a prominent military family and was skilled in martial arts. She was doted on by her family.
Her father and brothers died in battle one day. Her mother died from depression after, leaving her an orphan girl.
Her betrothed looked down on her unladylike behavior and broke off the engagement to marry someone else instead, making her the laughing stock of the capital.
Later when enemy troops invaded, several generals of the dynasty suffered crushing defeats.
She took off her makeup, put on armor, and volunteered to join the fight. No one looked favorably on her but having no other choices, she was allowed on the battlefield.
Unexpectedly she performed valiantly and thoroughly routed the enemies, earning everyone's praises.
But a big tree attracts the wind. On the way back from the triumph, she was ambushed and fell off a cliff.
It was an open ending whether she died or survived.
Not being the female lead, there were no detailed accounts of her.
After reading, Shen Tang instantly fell in love with this character. Women striving for achievement was difficult in patriarchal societies.
"I'll take the role!"
Pei Kesong rolled her eyes. "You can't just say you want the role and get it. Hurry up and lose weight. Go audition next week."
Right, a female general must have a good figure and not soft flab like hers.
"Don't worry, I will lose weight properly!"
Come night time, Shen Tang started regretting a little. Was doing this role a must?
Tiring and hungry, Pei Kesong even had Yuan Yuan keep an eye on her so she couldn't slack a bit.
Wah... she committed too early.
Yuan Yuan cheered at the side, "Sis Tang Tang, jiayou! Just a bit more!"
Shen Tang had no energy to even speak. "How...how long more...a bit?"
Yuan Yuan grinned. "Not long, just the last 30 minutes! Jiayou!"
Fine, just 30 minutes. She already promised so no quitting halfway.
Besides, everyone meant well for her.
Shen Tang endured the tears and continued exercising. She didn't know how much time passed until she heard Yuan Yuan said "Done!". She promptly laid down with eyes staring straight at the ceiling, looking as if refusing to blink even in death.
"Sis Tang Tang, you alright?" Yuan Yuan asked worriedly.
"Still...still breathing..." Shen Tang panted heavily.
If just pursuing thinness, dieting would do. But to have good body lines required exercise too.
Of course she was crash dieting because of the urgent audition. She had professional nutritionists plan her meals and supplements too. Don't try this at home.
In a blink of an eye, a few days passed. Shen Tang went from a dead dog tired initially, to a masochist by the end. Her figure now looked much better than before.
Indeed, expert guidance brought obvious results.
Faint abdominal lines could be seen. Just a bit more and abs would show!
That day, Shen Tang brought Yuan Yuan along to the audition. Right after getting out of the car, they met the intimidating Qi Yue.
Shen Tang was surprised. "You came to audition too? Didn't you retire from the industry?"
Qi Yue took off her shades and smiled charmingly. "I did, but not completely. I'm here in another capacity today."
"Huh? What capacity? Don't tell me you're the interviewer? "
"That's right."
Shen Tang was only joking but correctly guessed it anyway. She was shocked. "Damn girl, so you joined them after not being able to beat them. Became capitalist now huh."
Qi Yue fluttered her lashes flirtatiously. "That's right. Want me to give you some backdoor help?"
Shen Tang was a little tempted.
Before she could answer, Qi Yue continued on her own. "Forget it, I know you won't want it. It's an insult to your personality."
Shen Tang: "???"
"No wait, I didn't say I don't––"
"You don't have to say it, I understand you. Rest assured I'll be fair to everyone." Qi Yue said and left gracefully, leaving Shen Tang frozen there.
"No no, I want it! I do!"
Who would reject backdoor opportunities?
Insults to personality, as if! She's not that narcissistic.
Yuan Yuan covered her mouth and giggled at the side. When Shen Tang looked over, she instantly shut up. "Erm, Sis Tang Tang, don't worry. You'll definitely get selected."
Shen Tang pouted. "Hopefully..."
While she said that, knowing Qi Yue was one of the interviewers did boost her confidence quite a bit.
Even if no favoritism, at least no unfair treatment would happen to her.
She really didn't expect Qi Yue to become an interviewer though. Looks like the Qi family invested heavily in this production to have such influence.
Then might she run into the female lead...
Sometimes thinking too much of something summoned its arrival. Shortly after entering, Shen Tang saw a familiar face walking over smilingly.
"Sis Tang Tang, what a coincidence~"
"Mian Mian, you came to audition too?"
Female lead Lin Mian Mian smiled shyly. Seeing no one was paying attention, she whispered, "Nope, I've already been confirmed internally. It's a show the company invested in for me."
Shen Tang was unsurprised.
Indeed Qi Jue moved quickly. Just after starting his company, he already got resources for his girlfriend.
Shen Tang almost shed tears of envy from the corners of her eyes.
Damn unfair heaven!
She transmigrated here so why didn't she land in the body of the female lead?