When Jiang Li walked out of the CEO's office, her expression was no different from usual, and her cold and aloof look remained the same as ever.
Quite a few people in the company had craned their necks, eager to watch the show. But when Jiang Li's gaze swept over them lightly, they all quickly shrank their heads back.
Over the years, Jiang Li had always been very strict in her conduct. Even with the backing of Jiang Entertainment, because of her self - restraint, the public relations department of Jiang Entertainment rarely had to do anything for her.
This was the only time things had gotten out of hand, and Xiao Yanzhi had just sat by and done nothing. It was only natural for people to be curious.
However, Jiang Li appeared calmer than anyone else. Her unflappable demeanor discouraged others from making wild speculations.
Although everything seemed calm on the surface, quite a few people could vaguely foresee that—
Jiang Entertainment was about to undergo a major change soon.
The atmosphere in the company was extremely oppressive. People kept stealing glances at her from time to time. Feeling suffocated, Jiang Li decided to go out for a stroll to clear her mind.
Just as she drove out of the underground parking lot, her phone rang. It was Song Yu calling.
When she answered the phone, Song Yu sounded rather apologetic. "Sorry, Jiang Li. I just woke up from the hangover and saw all those flying rumors."
"It doesn't matter. The impact is not that big," Jiang Li replied equally calmly. "I'll issue a clarification statement later."
Xiao Yanzhi could do whatever he wanted just because he was the big boss, with his amorous rumors flying everywhere. But she definitely couldn't.
A group of Jiang Li's fans were clamoring for an explanation. If she just sat by and continued to act like a coward, her reputation would surely take a nosedive.
She still had to make a living in this industry.
"Do you need me to do anything?"
Feeling guilty, Song Yu's tone became much more solicitous. "How about I ask my law firm to issue a statement indicating that I'm your legal advisor and also your friend in private?"
Jiang Li pondered for two seconds and didn't refuse. Her tone was very polite and reserved. "If it's convenient, that would be great."
Although Song Yu wasn't well - known in the entertainment circle, he was a top - notch lawyer in the legal circle of Beicheng. There was no lawsuit he couldn't win, and he was highly authoritative.
If both of them issued clarifications, it would surely shut up those who were fanning the flames.
Seeing that Jiang Li's tone had softened a bit, Song Yu heaved a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I was too impulsive last night. I forgot about your special status. I've caused such a big mess. Let me treat you to dinner to apologize."
"I appreciate your apology, but there's no need for dinner," Jiang Li said in a soft voice. "It's not long since the rumors broke out. If I'm photographed again, it'll be even harder to explain. It's better to avoid suspicion during this period."
Hearing this, Song Yu didn't insist. Instead, he asked another question. "By the way, are you and Yanzhi... having a fight recently?"
At the mention of Xiao Yanzhi's name, Jiang Li frowned slightly and then relaxed. "No, it's always been like this."
She and Xiao Yanzhi had always been in an employment relationship. What kind of conflict could there be?
Even if there was, it was just her own wishful thinking.
Sensing that she didn't want to continue this topic, Song Yu raised his eyebrows. "So, according to you, is Yanzhi serious about that Qin Yaoyao?"
"I don't know." Jiang Li was in a bad mood and tightened her grip on the steering wheel. "Lawyer Song, I'm driving. I'll hang up first."
Without waiting for a response, Jiang Li ended the call.
After going out for a meal and dropping by the hospital to get some anti - inflammatory medicine, Jiang Li's mood improved a little.
At 2 p.m., she sat in the practice room on time, waiting to teach Qin Yaoyao.
However, it was already 3 p.m., and there was still no sign of Qin Yaoyao.
Jiang Li's face darkened. She frowned and checked the time, then called Qin Yaoyao directly.
"Sister Jiang Li?" The other person's tone was even a bit surprised. "Why are you calling me now?"
Jiang Li suppressed her anger, and her voice was as serious as usual. "I told you yesterday that we'd gather in the practice room at 2 p.m. every day. What time is it now?"
Qin Yaoyao was stunned for two seconds and then said with some difficulty, "Didn't President Xiao tell you? I pulled a muscle in my calf yesterday. I probably can't attend the classes for a while. I'm sorry, Sister Jiang Li."
For a moment, Jiang Li almost threw her phone out.
The training volume yesterday was only one - fifth of her usual amount. Moreover, they had just familiarized themselves with a few basic movements. How could it lead to a muscle strain?
Also, she had just met Xiao Yanzhi in the morning, but he hadn't mentioned a single word about this, making her wait here for so long.
Her subconscious told her that Xiao Yanzhi must have done it on purpose.
"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me yourself?" Jiang Li closed her eyes and unconsciously frowned. "I'm your teacher. I should be responsible for all your problems."
As soon as she finished speaking, there was a change of person on the other end of the phone. A deep and authoritative male voice came through. "Jiang Li, you don't need to teach Qin Yaoyao anymore."
Even through the phone, Jiang Li could almost see his expressionless face.
"You're not suitable to be a teacher. I'll arrange a professional teacher to give Yaoyao one - on - one tutoring later."
Jiang Li paused for a moment and then calmly pursed her lips. "Okay, I got it."
Just as Xiao Yanzhi was about to say something else, Qin Yaoyao's soft voice came through, gentle like a little white rabbit. "President Xiao, you'd better give the leading female role back to Sister Jiang Li. I may not be able to shoot for a while."
She said this so lightly that an outsider might think that Qin Yaoyao had given the leading female role to Jiang Li.
Hearing this, Xiao Yanzhi really fell silent for a few seconds, probably thinking about the feasibility of this decision.
Jiang Li felt a lump in her throat, and her emotions welled up instantly.
Without waiting for the man to say anything, she immediately said indifferently into the receiver, "No, I think it's a good opportunity for Qin Yaoyao to get some training. Just let President Xiao arrange the leading female role to whoever he wants."
Qin Yaoyao could decide to act or not act as she pleased. Were they all just going to be led around by the nose by her?
Whoever wanted to act could have it. Anyway, she, Jiang Li, was done with it.
"Jiang Li, who are you throwing a tantrum at?"
As expected, the man's tone turned cold. "Do as Yaoyao said. I'll ask Director Zhang to contact you."
Jiang Li bit her lower lip and was about to speak when the man's next words made her fall silent instantly.
"Think about what you owe Jiang Entertainment. Once you've paid off your debt, you'll have plenty of confidence to challenge me."
His tone was condescending. "For now, you're not qualified."
With that, Xiao Yanzhi hung up the phone without hesitation.
Jiang Li sat in the empty practice room, her hands hanging on her legs. She clenched them tightly for a few seconds and then reluctantly let go.
Yes, he was right. No matter how famous she was, in the end, she was just an artist of Jiang Entertainment.
Apart from following Xiao Yanzhi's arrangements, she didn't have the right to make any other choices.