Since the scandal broke out, the atmosphere within Jiang Entertainment has clearly changed.
First, some well - known brands began to successively invite Qin Yaoyao to be their brand ambassador. Then, from time to time, at business dinners, Xiao Yanzhi would also take Qin Yaoyao with him.
Jiang Li seemed to have fallen out of favor overnight.
She didn't care. She just went about her previously scheduled work as usual. Director Zhang called her. First, he thanked her, and then sent her the shooting schedule.
"Miss Jiang, my movie depends entirely on you!" Director Zhang said gratefully, "I believe this will be the biggest hit movie this year, no doubt about it!"
Jiang Li smiled, her voice gentle, "Director Zhang's ability is obvious to all. It's my honor to act in your movie."
She was always meticulous in dealing with people and very good at choosing her words. "If there's anything I do wrong at that time, I'll have to trouble Director Zhang to be more understanding."
With such a personality and character, Jiang Li was bound to earn the respect of the industry.
Just after she hung up the phone with Director Zhang, Sister Chen called, her tone a bit urgent.
"Li Li, there's bad news. Sway informed that they're going to change their brand ambassador."
Jiang Li leaned back in her chair. The recent busyness had exhausted her physically and mentally.
She rubbed her temples irritably. "Why? Just because I soiled their dress last time? Didn't we already compensate them?"
At the beginning of the year, Sway had just signed a three - year contract with Jiang Li as their brand ambassador. It had been less than a year, but they were willing to pay the penalty for breach of contract. There must be a reason.
Sister Chen sighed on the other end of the phone. "Maybe. The specific reason is not clear yet, but their person in charge has clearly stated that they've found a more suitable brand ambassador."
"I was so angry I almost swore! A brand that doesn't keep its promise will go bankrupt sooner or later!" Sister Chen said indignantly.
Jiang Li didn't say a word. Her attention was on the phrase "more suitable brand ambassador" that Sister Chen had mentioned.
She had a premonition.
"Sister Chen, do you know who Sway's new brand ambassador is?" She lowered her eyelids, already having a guess in her mind.
Sister Chen said, "I didn't ask, but they hinted that they've found someone with a higher status than you."
While angry, Sister Chen couldn't help but be confused. "This is nonsense! In the whole North City, where is there a female star with a higher status than you?"
Jiang Li looked down at her slender fingers, her expression calm.
Of course, there was. Qin Yaoyao was one.
Although she wasn't now, it didn't mean she wouldn't be in the future.
Xiao Yanzhi was the boss of Jiang Entertainment and the biggest capitalist in North City. There were so many people eager to please him, and naturally they would also curry favor with Qin Yaoyao around him.
Sway's sudden breach of contract and replacement was the best evidence.
Now, not only within Jiang Entertainment, but probably the whole North City would soon know that Xiao Yanzhi clearly intended to promote this newcomer, Qin Yaoyao.
Just like he did with Jiang Li four years ago.
—
Brand owners and investors were very sensitive to these changes. Now they all flocked to Qin Yaoyao. She had only been signed with Jiang Entertainment for a short time, but she was already inundated with endorsement offers.
In contrast, Jiang Li seemed a bit lonely.
Although there were still a few sporadic cooperations, she was much more idle than before.
She was happy to have some relaxation. She didn't have to interfere in many company affairs, and it was like she was on paid leave every day.
One noon, Jiang Li was taking a lunch break in the lounge when a sudden burst of cheers outside woke her up. She frowned slightly and pushed open the door to go out.
The people outside were in a commotion, gathering together as if discussing something.
"Yaoyao, you're amazing! You've only been here for a little over a month, and you've already landed the lead role in this popular short drama. The potential of a newcomer is really huge!"
"I heard the lineup of this short drama is very strong. You're sure to become an instant hit!"
"Back then when Sister Jiang Li first entered the industry, she didn't get such good resources. I remember she was just a supporting actress."
Qin Yaoyao smiled sweetly. Although being praised by so many people, she still remained humble. "Really? But I still have a long way to go compared to Sister Jiang Li. She's a very outstanding senior, and I need to learn from her."
If it weren't for the obvious self - satisfaction in Qin Yaoyao's eyes, one might really believe her words.
Jiang Li stood expressionlessly at the door and coughed twice.
Her voice was very distinctive. As soon as the people recognized it was Jiang Li, they immediately fell silent. Those who had been fawning on the powerful and bullying the weak even lowered their heads guiltily.
"What are you all making such a ruckus for at noon?"
Jiang Li's voice was cold. "The company is a place for work, not a playground for your revelry. If you want to celebrate, do it after work."
Jiang Li was always strict with others and herself, and she had great authority in Jiang Entertainment. With just a few words, no one dared to make a sound and quickly rushed back to their work.
Qin Yaoyao was left standing alone. When she met Jiang Li's cold eyes, she seemed a bit at a loss.
She tugged at the corner of her clothes and walked obediently in front of Jiang Li, whispering, "Sister Jiang Li, I've only been here for a short time and don't know the rules of Jiang Entertainment yet. I'll pay attention in the future and won't make such a fuss."
Jiang Li's gaze fell on her innocent and sweet face, her tone unchanged. "There aren't many rules in Jiang Entertainment. But as an artist, you need to pay attention to your words and deeds, and be more down - to - earth in dealing with people and things."
Qin Yaoyao lowered her head and bit her lip. "I understand, Sister Jiang Li."
Seeing the little girl who had been so happy just now suddenly looking so down, Jiang Li felt a bit uncomfortable.
So, she quickly added, "Also, congratulations on getting this new drama so soon. I hope you can keep it up and become more and more outstanding in the future."
This was a sincere blessing from her as a senior.
But Qin Yaoyao's eyelashes trembled, and she looked panicked, her voice crisp. "Sister Jiang Li, you don't have to force yourself to say that. I know I'm actually very bad and have a lot to learn."
Jiang Li was silent. She knew Qin Yaoyao had misunderstood her.
She wanted to explain that she meant no harm, but looking at her aggrieved expression, she estimated that if she said one more word, Qin Yaoyao's tears would fall.
Jiang Li's eyebrows knitted together bit by bit, and then she sighed. "Forget it. Go and get busy."
But before she could turn around and enter the lounge, a deep male voice came from behind, the tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Jiang Li, come to the office."
Jiang Li paused for a moment, then looked up at Xiao Yanzhi.
She walked into the president's office. The moment she closed the door, she heard someone outside say disdainfully, "She's fallen out of favor now. President Xiao likes Yaoyao now. What airs is she still putting on?"