How should one describe Zhang Xueyan? If you call her smart, she certainly ruined a golden opportunity for herself. After all, everyone knows films directed by Gui Kairong are masterpieces. Yet, if you call her stupid, she clearly knows when to yield and when to stand firm. Not daring to challenge Gui Kairong directly, she employed an indirect tactic: "Director, I was wrong about what happened before. I shouldn’t have been so afraid of being burned into an idiot that I insisted on going to the city for treatment. Since the production team couldn’t wait due to scheduling issues and replaced me, I’ve accepted it. However, I figured that since you all appreciate Chuyunyi’s acting, she must have her merits. I’d like to accompany the team to observe; please consider it a learning experience for me." Gui Kairong had some dealings with Zhang Xueyan’s uncle, Luo Yihai. Since Zhang Xueyan had put it that way, he couldn’t very well refuse. "I have no objection to you observing," he said, "I just hope you won’t do anything out of line." You had better not do anything detrimental to others and useless to yourself, lest you squander what little goodwill remains between us. Zhang Xueyan cleared her throat. "Director, rest assured. Although I’m unhappy about this, I know what’s appropriate and what’s not." Her words sounded agreeable, but inwardly she sneered. Just you wait. My eldest brother is in the Northwest, and I told him long ago I’d be going there to film. When he finds out my role was snatched by someone else, if Chuyunyi still manages to have an easy time, then I’ll concede defeat! Hmph. Yunyi had no idea that Zhang Xueyan was also coming along, much less that Zhang Xueyan was going specifically to trip her up. However, even if she had known, Yunyi would have simply retorted: in the face of absolute strength, all schemes are futile. Murong Linna leaned in and whispered, "Zhang Xueyan’s maternal family has some influence. Her uncle, Luo Yihai, is a significant figure in Beijing and knows many influential people." Seeing that no one was looking their way, she lowered her voice further. "Her uncle originally pulled some strings to get her the lead role—though, of course, Zhang Xueyan herself does possess some talent. The director’s initial choice for the lead actress actually wasn’t Zhang Xueyan. But as soon as word of that got out, Duan Rongrui ’accidentally’ fell from an upper floor and broke her lower leg." After saying this, she gave Yunyi a knowing look. Although one couldn’t entirely trust Murong Linna’s words, there’s no smoke without fire. If Duan Rongrui was indeed injured as part of a scheme for the lead role, it would be a terrible injustice. Yunyi glanced out of the vehicle and saw Zhang Xueyan, dressed in a red woolen coat, boarding a nearby Jiefang truck. Zhang Xueyan didn’t forget to shoot a provocative glance Yunyi’s way. Witnessing this, a smile touched Yunyi’s lips. This journey shouldn’t be boring, now that a performing monkey has arrived. Yunyi subtly lifted her hand, and a pulse of Inner Strength emanated from her palm. Zhang Xueyan, who had just shot Yunyi that provocative look, suddenly slipped and tumbled down the ladder used to board the Jiefang truck. It was such a nasty fall that even Yunyi, watching it unfold, winced in vicarious pain. Li Meiwen, who was right behind her preparing to board, was caught in the mishap. Zhang Xueyan crashed into her, knocking her over. Li Meiwen cried out, "ARGH! ARGH!" in pain. Newest update provıded by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁 Everyone already on the truck crowded to the back to look at the two sprawled in the snow. Some, who didn’t get along with Zhang Xueyan, laughed outright and couldn’t resist jeering, "Comrade Zhang Xueyan, couldn’t you bear to leave the snow of Ji Province? Did you need one last intimate embrace with it?" Hearing this, Zhang Xueyan, enduring the pain, gritted her teeth. "Sun Caihong," she seethed, "no one will think you’re mute if you just shut up!" With that said, she struggled to get up but failed. Zhang Xueyan truly felt like she could just die of humiliation right there and then.