“Last year. I released my first album and first song in China.” Jiang Yuanheng smiled with pursed lips. “Brother Pei, you must have heard my first song. It was quite popular at the time.”
Su Zhiyi knew that Jiang Yuanheng had become famous overnight with one song.
Jiang Yuanheng not only had exceptional talent but also a superior appearance and a strong family background.
With the backing of capital and the undeniable quality of his first song, he exploded into fame, becoming a hot popular strength singer.
Hearing Jiang Yuanheng’s words, Pei Yan’s expression didn’t change at all.
Assuming the attitude of a senior, he suddenly started lecturing a junior who had just entered the industry about the principles of life.
“Although I only focus on acting, I know many singers. Among them, I’ve seen plenty of small-time singers like you.”
“Of course, I also know many singers who are more successful than you.”
“You’ve achieved a little, and now you’re eager to pursue what you’ve longed for. I don’t see your dedication to your career—I only see your arrogance.”
The usually stern-faced Pei Yan smiled—a sneer of mockery.
“After all, unlike me, who has reached the peak of the industry, you still have a long way to go.”
“Don’t you think I’m right?”
Su Zhiyi: “…?”
Heavens! What was Jiang Yuanheng saying? And what was Pei Yan saying?!
She quickly looked around to confirm that no one had overheard their conversation, which, if leaked, would dominate the trending topics for a whole month. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.
She could already imagine what the trending topics would be:
#JiangYuanhengImpliesPeiYanIsOld#
#JiangYuanhengDisrespectsSenior#
#PeiYanActsLikeSenior#
#PeiYanCallsJiangYuanhengASmallTimeSinger#
Every single one sent chills down her spine.
To prevent the situation from escalating further, Su Zhiyi stepped forward and tugged at Pei Yan’s wide sleeve, softening her voice to soothe him. “Alright, Yuanheng is just visiting the set today. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate to talk about all this?”
Pei Yan was easy to coax. Being comforted by Su Zhiyi in such a gentle tone in front of Jiang Yuanheng did calm his anger.
“I’m just giving a friendly reminder to some juniors who easily get cocky after a little success.”
If Jiang Yuanheng was born to be a star singer standing under the spotlight,
Then Pei Yan was an indescribable legend in the acting world.
Pei Yan didn’t rely on family backing or capital hype. Since entering the industry, he had only relied on his strength.
His first film role was an extra with only half a minute of screen time and no more than three lines, yet without any capital manipulation, he became famous because of that half-minute and those three lines. His second film was the male lead of a movie directed by a renowned director.
He was indeed qualified to offer advice to juniors as a senior.
“But you can’t…” Su Zhiyi choked, looking worriedly at Jiang Yuanheng, “say it so bluntly…”
An imperceptible darkness flickered in Jiang Yuanheng’s eyes.
He concealed his emotions well. The confidence previously in his words faded, and he humbly said, “It’s okay, jiejie. Brother Pei is right.”
His voice was very soft, like a string on a violin that, when gently plucked, produces a very light but pleasant sound.
“I really was arrogant.”
“My life has been too smooth. It’s good to have some setbacks. They can motivate me to keep moving forward.”
His words carried a faint sadness.
“Brother Pei, thank you. What you said today makes a lot of sense. I understand now—I need to reach the peak of my career before I can pursue what I want.”
“Heh…” Pei Yan scoffed. “I hope you truly understand.”
Jiang Yuanheng didn’t say anything more, just giving Pei Yan a strained smile.
This was the first time Su Zhiyi had seen such a sorrowful smile on Jiang Yuanheng’s face, and it made her heart ache.
What Pei Yan said was indeed a bit too harsh.
Well… she would comfort Jiang Yuanheng after filming ended.
As they remained in a stalemate, Jiang Yuanheng’s assistant Xiao Chen, along with several crew members carrying milk tea, walked into the set and began distributing the drinks.
Feeling extremely awkward caught between the two men, Su Zhiyi quickly found an excuse to slip away.
“Brother Pei, do you really think you’ll be the final winner?”
After watching Su Zhiyi leave, Jiang Yuanheng asked Pei Yan.
“If I answer ‘yes’ to a question, then the result of that matter will only be ‘yes.’ I won’t let it go in any other direction.”
Pei Yan didn’t answer Jiang Yuanheng’s question directly.
Because he had already made a decision regarding Su Zhiyi, so the final outcome of the matter would only be the decision he made.
He wouldn’t let events derail and head toward an unexpected result.
“Such an arrogant tone, Brother Pei.”
After hearing Pei Yan’s answer, Jiang Yuanheng laughed heartily, his smile bright as light, with not a hint of darkness.
“I think you’re even more arrogant than me.”
“But… this time, the outcome might disappoint you.”