Fall In Love With A Substitute

TL Note: 

Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay

TL;DR: poll result is (LQL), “director” (for department leaders) –> “department head”/”head”, dark mode button (bottom right)

And thanks to everyone who answered the poll! “(LQL)” ended up winning so I’ll be going with that

btw “director” for department heads was changed to “head” and “department head” instead to differentiate between those from the board of directors and department heads

i.e.
“Director Xu” is now “Head Xu”/”Department Head Xu”

Changed the website up a bit and there’s a dark/light mode button now, too.
It’s in the bottom right-hand corner if you’d like to use it

Hope you enjoy the chapter!

The Movie Queen’s Little Fortune Butterfly (25)

Brilliant Moon Entertainment.

The higher-ups suddenly said that they would hold a board of directors meeting, and all the departments began to bustle with activity, especially the upper floors.
From the president to each department head, every one of them needed to prepare a complete business report and strived to make no mistakes in front of the directors.

As the president, Yue Li in particular needed to submit a summary and the company’s development plan.

Because Yue Li was partial to Xu Guanghui and his own abilities were poor, he called Xu Guanghui over to the president’s office for a chat.
On the surface, he listened to each department’s views.
In reality, however, he was hinting to Xu Guanghui to offer his own suggestions.

Xu Guanghui’s mind switched into action.
Seizing the chance, he handed over the next hole he had dug for Lin Qinglu—

“You see, President Yue, what is it that the higher-ups care about the most? It’s public finances.
Currently, our company has been completely trapped by Starlight, and the financial reports are not looking good.
In my opinion, we can let some artists take more variety shows, returning to the small screen with the quickest profitability.”

“Take Lin Qinglu for instance.
She’s been a very popular topic lately, and quite a few variety talk shows have offered sky-high prices in order to invite her.
Same with some TV dramas that are looking for a few stand-ins.
Her revealing her face a few times will do and is much faster than the three, four months it takes for a single movie.”

Yue Li felt a throb of desire: “But Qinglu, she’s unwilling.
She only wants to do movies.”

“It’s precisely because she hasn’t done it before! Once the gimmick of first appearance on the small screen is thrown out there, there will definitely be a sky-high compensation!” Xu Guanghui said, “Qinglu is too ambitious and proud.
Those of lower caliber than her, after making a guest appearance in a popular live broadcast only once, earned us an enormous fortune.
It’s just that, to make her go up on a variety show or TV drama…”

“It’s not as if we’re targeting her alone.
Everyone in the company is pulling together to pass this difficulty.
Qinglu will be able to understand.”

But the only person who devoted herself solely to acting was Lin Qinglu.
As for the others, it did not affect them whatsoever.

As long as this actor’s position was disrupted and broken, afterward having her appear as a guest on a popular live broadcast’s annual meeting and do work of a similar kind was not an impossibility.

In such a way, only then would Lin Qinglu fall from her altar.

What is it that fans like? Thirty percent is the person themself.
Seventy percent is the person’s public persona.
Once the goddess filter is mostly gone and some dust is smeared onto it, along with the mixing of truths and lies, at that time how little trust and fondness will be left?

Xu Guanghui calculated well: he was able to make suggestions to Yue Li and even gossip about Lin Qinglu and Luo Chun.
And best of all, he could take credit for the other’s achievements while he was at it—

Although Ji Jing is currently unable to protect himself, what if he does end up holding out? It’s difficult to say.

Under Xu Guanghui’s expectant gaze, Yue Li hesitated for a long time before nodding:

“Then…Then, I will call Qinglu back and talk with her.”

***

Brilliant Moon’s top floor’s large conference room, which had not been used in a long time, was untainted by even a speck of dust right now.
As the directors entered the room, the usually aloof and condescending department heads and president had their waists completely bent in their presence.
At this moment, they were maintaining their respect and humility.

It was already almost time to begin, but there was still no one seated in the two highest seats.

“Director Sun isn’t here yet?” Yue Li asked, finding it odd.
Sun Wen was his uncle-in-law and also the person he relied on to occupy the position of President.
The mister placed heavy importance on time, always arriving earlier than scheduled.

“Director Sun is next door chatting with the new director,” one director said.

“Shall I go and check on Director Sun?” Xu Guanghui said attentively.
He was the manager assigned to Sun Wen for when he arrived at Brilliant Moon, so he spoke with much more familiarity than the others and was much more confident within this sort of context.

Yue Li glanced at his watch, about to tell Xu Guanghui to do so until the sound of footsteps interrupted him.

Among them, the sound of high heels was the most soul-stirring.

Clack, clack, clack.

Crisp, capable, and not in the least bit sluggish.

Yue Li recalled the person during the phone call who had once instructed him to handle some matters.
The female director who he had never met before.

“…Pianxian, oh, no, we’re at the company now, so I should be calling you Director Song.”

“Uncle Sun sure likes to joke— See, I also spoke incorrectly, Director Sun.”

“Haha, then it’s been settled.
If there’s time, CEO Song can come over to my mountain villa and play.”

“Of course.”

As they had gotten nearer, those from inside the conference room were able to hear the conversation of the two highest-ranked directors very clearly.

They were very familiar with the hoarse, aged voice: it was Sun Wen.
The other voice sounded young, but fortunately they were all mentally prepared.
Xu Guanghui was only one of the many people from the management level who hadn’t yet come in contact with the new director and was surprised.
They couldn’t help but want to look over in that direction.

How come it was a woman? And this young, too?

One person, a step ahead of the rest, pushed the glass door open and respectfully invited the two directors inside.
Xu Guanghui stood up along with everyone else, their gazes stuck on the doorway.

Sun Wen and the new director walked side-by-side into the room.
Nearly every person’s gaze stopped on the young lady next to him.

She wore a spotless white fitted suit that, while succinct and keen-witted, also exuded a gentleness that was unique to such a color.

When the room full of appearance-prioritizing creatures looked at her, the first thing they noticed was not her looks but rather the bearing and upbringing she displayed.
Moreover, once they had scrutinized her carefully, they would be bewildered by those eyes that seemed to be as deep and vast as the autumn waters.

Xu Guanghui almost thought that she had come to the wrong floor and had meant to report to the Artists Department.

With her appearance and temperament, even if Lin Qinglu can obtain the best of the best within the entertainment circle, there’s still only one of her in Brilliant Moon.
I can convey how she’s not fit for the company.

But, for this kind of woman, who only has her beauty, to be a director?

She seems to lack any experience.
From what Yue Li has said, she’s from a rich and powerful family and joined the board of directors for fun.

Having this sort of boss was not so bad either.
The personnel below would be free only if such a person did not know how to handle matters.
Xu Guanghui gradually relaxed.
Today’s board meeting was practically settled and shouldn’t have any twists and turns.

He was not the only person to think this way.
They were all old foxes of the business world.
After seeing that the other party was young, beautiful, and didn’t have any decent experience, they immediately underestimated her a little.

In line with their expectations, Director Song kept smiling the entire time and didn’t interrupt unnecessarily.
It was only when Sun Wen had asked for her opinion that she said a sentence or two.

Xu Guanghui’s vigilance had now completely vanished.

By the time Yue Li had begun reporting about his summary and future plans, Xu Guanghui was already thinking about what drinks he should arrange for the directors when treating them to a meal this afternoon.

“…In regards to the future resource initiative and allocation, it has been planned that the head artist will participate more in other projects and activities, such as variety shows…”

As Yue Li spoke while in front of the smart board, all of his previous points had smoothly gone through, and this was the last one.
Once it got passed by the directors over here, he could say goodbye to Lin Qinglu and finally be done with this matter— 

“Head artist?”

A soft and unhurried voice broke his train of thought.

Attracting his attention, Yue Li looked over.
It was Director Song.

She doesn’t even know this? A hint of disdain flashed through Xu Guanghui’s eyes, and he said while smiling, “Oh, do you not know, Director Song? It just refers to those actors who star in movies and shows, have a big influence, and are commonly the topic of conversation.”

Jian Yixin’s lips curved, and she similarly smiled and said, “Such as?”

“Lin Qinglu, for instance,” Xu Guanghui said unconsciously.

Director Song tapped on the reddish-brown wooden table with the black metal pen in her hand, and a dull, oppressive sound echoed out.

Everyone looked at her.

The smile around her lips diminished slightly, revealing a noble and alienating side that made them involuntarily keep quiet.
Or to say it differently, they had subconsciously begun to question themselves.

“You are saying that, Lin Qinglu is also part of this plan?”

Xu Guanghui sensed something was amiss and sat upright, prudently restraining his voice.

Yue Li, this simple-minded person, continued the conversation: “Well, of course.
Lin Qinglu is also an artist of the company.”

“But from what I remember, Lin Qinglu never takes part in these activities.
She only participates in movies.”

Before she spoke, it had already been very quiet in the conference room, but right as these words fell, no one dared to come forward and speak.
Even Yue Li eventually noticed something wasn’t right.

Why was it that once Lin Qinglu was brought up, the new director immediately became active?

She came to the company to chase stars?

The room full of high-level directors, big or small, was dead silent.
Jian Yixin, as if unaware, faced Sun Wen and spoke like she was just exchanging small talk:

“I really like Qinglu’s movies.
But how come, will she not continue acting in the future?”

Without waiting for Sun Wen’s reply, she turned toward Yue Li and then Xu Guanghui soon after, her smile completely gone.

“I think that being an actor still suits Lin Qinglu.”

“What do you think? Department Head Xu.”

Previously, he had only thought that they were a pair of gentle and beautiful eyes.
However, when they watched him attentively, Xu Guanghui felt an extreme amount of oppression, as if a chilly lake had submerged his body, the boundless force engulfing him and the damp, needle-like cold penetrating deep into his bones.

His forehead was covered in a layer of cold sweat.
How could he have the guts to say another no?

What would he say? He didn’t dare to say anything!

Director Sun shot a glance at Xu Guanghui and knit his eyebrows, directly giving the final verdict:

“Continue.
Of course, she’ll continue.”

What a joke.
The Song family has the intention to invest, so if the Song family’s miss wants to watch a movie, is it even possible that she won’t be able to?

To say nothing of the plan, once Song Pianxian has been satisfied, just the tiniest amount that trickles from the cracks of the Song family’s hands is enough for Brilliant Moon to live off of for one to half a year.

Yue Li still hadn’t caught up with the situation somewhat: “But—”

“Let’s settle it as so.” Sun Wen was frustrated, glaring at this nephew of his who could only grow older and not smarter.

Jian Yixin laughed softly, not saying anything else.
She took a sip of tea as she minded her own business, but no one dared to look down on her a second time.

The appearance and momentum she had when she put pressure on Xu Guanghui just now was shocking.
Sure enough, a miss from a rich and prominent family, even if young, was not that easy to take advantage of.

Among those seated, some had a vast social network and had already faintly guessed which “Song” family she was from.
Frightened out of their wits by their own thoughts, they didn’t dare to think any further.

“One final announcement,” Sun Wen said, “Director Song will also serve as our company’s CEO.”

The whole room fell silent.

CEO?

Then, wouldn’t that mean she was the same rank as the president?

Jian Yixin stood up, the sleeves of her shirt not a tiny bit messy, the contours of her shoulders and neck smooth and fine, and the sides of her lips carrying with them hints of a smile.

She lightly nodded in the management level’s direction, her voice like a warm breeze lightly brushing over and clearing up the dew:

“From hereafter, please take care of me, everyone.”

“It’s an honor, an honor,” each person responded hastily.

Now this was a director!

With such a status, along with abilities obviously better than Yue Li, it went without saying who would be in charge in the future.

Brilliant Moon was about to undergo a major change.

After the conference, Xu Guanghui cautiously distanced himself a little from Jian Yixin and moved closer toward Sun Wen: “Director Sun, I’ve finished arranging a hotel.
Would you see whether or not you would be able to do me the honor and—”

Sun Wen paused and turned to Jian Yixin: “Does Director Song have any plans? Shall we go together?”

“I don’t have any plans.” Jian Yixin did not decline the offer but took another glance at Xu Guanghui.

“This department head is called…Xu Guanghui?”

“Yes, Director Song,” Xu Guanghui swallowed his saliva and said while under that clear, intimidating gaze.

“Little Xu is one of my people.
Usually, his abilities are not bad, but I’ve let you see something laughable today.”

“Not at all.” Jian Yixin chuckled and then said, “I believe in Head Xu’s abilities.”

Slowing down her pace until only Sun Wen’s close acquaintance was next to her, Jian Yixin then continued to speak:

“Even Starlight’s Ji Jing has praised Head Xu before, after all.”

“……”

Xu Guanghui’s complexion turned pale.
The corridor was clearly in the shade, and yet a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

Sun Wen didn’t react at first, but how could he not understand after seeing Xu Guanghui’s appearance?

Miss Song had dug up something, and after taking into consideration this old fellow’s face, she was indirectly warning me to clean up the filth!

Sun Wen glared daggers at Xu Guanghui.

Director Sun had a smile on his face as he switched the topic to something else, but Xu Guanghui knew that it was over for him.

He only had one thought in his mind right now—

From Ji Jing to me, not a single one of us were able to escape.

Just how is Lin Qinglu this bizarre? No matter who it is, if someone messes with her in any such way, then that person is just harming themselves!

Yue Li’s thoughts could not keep up with the rest of the group’s, and he lived an extraordinarily relaxed life.
When he reached the elevator doors, he recalled that there was still one matter he had yet not done, so he gave instructions to his secretary:

“Go inform Qinglu’s side.
The meeting’s been canceled.
Let her continue acting accordingly.”

The secretary showed signs of uncertainty: “They have already boarded the plane and will be arriving in the afternoon.
Should it be canceled or should we continue with the meeting?”

Yue Li hesitated for a moment.

“Since that’s the case, let’s have the new executive meet the company’s pillar.”

***

“Who knows what other evil ideas Yue Li has heard from Xu Guanghui,” Luo Chun said, wrinkling her eyebrows as she sat in the van.
“I have to say, when the time comes, I will refuse anything unreasonable.”

Liu Lele gestured in a low voice: “We’re obviously from the same company, but he stabs us in the back using underhanded methods.
Is Xu Guanghui’s head only filled with tofu?”

This caused Luo Chun to smile.
She turned her head and saw Lin Qinglu’s mind wandering to outer space, clearly not listening.

Luo Chun pushed her glasses up and said intentionally, “That’s right, Song Pianxian—”

“Hm?” A certain absent-minded movie queen instantly looked over.

Really, how unfortunate.

Luo Chun let out a small sigh and said, “Once Song Pianxian is brought up, you’re suddenly energetic?”

“That’s not true.” Movie Queen Lin shrunk back into her seat, her cat ears drooping.

She just completely disappeared.
Energetic how?

Once Song Pianxian came back, she had to properly teach her a lesson.
Movie Queen Lin resembled a cat that was currently sharpening its claws, and her attitude was just as fitting.

“Right now, your coming out of the closet can be considered successful.
Have you thought about what should be done from here on out?” Taking into account the company’s chauffeur who came to pick them up, Luo Chun spoke ambiguously.

The implication was, how was it going with Song Pianxian?

Lin Qinglu claws stopped, and she raised her head to look at her.

“What do you mean ‘what should be done’, Big Sister Luo.
What are you two talking about? Weren’t you talking about Pianxian?” the pure and simple Liu Lele asked with curiosity.

“It’s nothing.
Go over there and play.”

“Oh.” 

After Lin Qinglu dismissed Liu Lele, her ears quickly began to heat up in realization, and she spoke once she cleared her throat:

“It’s going pretty well right now, you know.”

The two of us have been getting along extremely well.
Very harmoniously and comfortably.

It’s just that Song Pianxian has been running around all over the place lately, and I haven’t seen her in three, four days already.
Anyway, it’s not a big deal.
I don’t need to specifically mention it.

Luo Chun doubted her: “Pretty well?”

Despite having a one-sided love, it’s still going pretty well?

Lin Qinglu nodded with confidence.

“……”

As the car had arrived at the company, Luo Chun had to temporarily give up talking to her about it.

The dignified movie queen’s unrequited love for the cast’s little dance understudy and what not.
It’d be too much if something like that were to spread.

Moreover, with Jiang Meng’s slander about the unspoken rules from before still present, what if it’s spread that Lin Qinglu got together with the person below her? It’s possible that it’ll be used by some repulsive marketing accounts as material for their stories.
In no time at all, they’ll weave together Lin Qinglu and the dance understudy’s development of love after Lin Qinglu uses the unspoken rule.

Later, I need to have a proper conversation with her.

The present issue is this Brilliant Moon over here.

Luo Chun sorted out her thoughts and brought Lin Qinglu in the direction of the president’s office, full of fearlessness and vigor.

Just as they were about to reach the door, a young lady at the president’s office took them to another meeting room:

“Please wait just a moment.
The CEO will be here soon.”

Lin Qinglu paused and slightly raised her eyebrow.
Her voice was low and a little husky:

“CEO?”

TL Notes:

TL;DR: will probably have an inconsistent release schedule for now

The chapter release schedule might look a little weird for a while as the next several chapters are beefier being around 6k–9k words.
For reference, the chapters i’ve TL’ed so far have been at most 2.5k, and this chapter is 3.4k

My TL speed’s kinda slow so i can’t do much about it.
Hopefully my Chinese improves and the speed increases as time goes on, but those who can TL 1k or more/hour are actual gods (シ_ _ )シ