Chapter 57 The Female Secondary Lead

oxī only held the position of Administrative Director within the company, a role neither too high nor too low. It was somewhat unfair for her to hold this position but also fair considering her skill...Chapter 57: The Female Lead (Second)

Yan Luoxi didn't particularly enjoy frequent interactions with her mother because Schuyler's overly enthusiastic attitude made her a bit confused, leading her to suspect that she was trying to make up for the guilt of abandoning her fourteen years ago by giving her warmth.

Sunshi Import and Export Trading Company was an old-established enterprise in this city, with solid assets. It didn't require much effort to manage, as business came naturally to them. Schuyler only kept a close eye on the company's financial department and hardly interfered with other matters, making her vice president position quite leisurely.

Schuyler was forty-five this year but maintained her figure and appearance very well, showing no signs of aging. When she walked out together with Yan Luoxi, some people mistook them for sisters, which Schuyler loved to hear as a compliment.

Yan Luoxi sometimes seriously doubted that it was these praises that made her mother willing to walk with her every day.

This noon, Schuyler called Yan Luoxi again and invited her out for lunch. Previously, Yan Luoxi had already declined her mother twice by saying she didn't have time; if she said it one more time, it wouldn't pass muster anymore. She could only leave the company.

After getting into the car, Yan Luoxi noticed that her mother wasn't planning to take her out for lunch immediately but was speeding towards the outskirts of the city instead. She asked with some surprise: "Mom, where are we going Don’t go too far away; I need to work in the afternoon."

"It's my own company; it doesn't matter if it takes up half an afternoon." Schuyler said proudly and shrugged.

"That can't be right! No one knows about Guangtao and me at the company, and besides, he is very clear about separating his public and private life!" Yan Luoxi frowned in distress. She wasn’t afraid of Zhou Guangtao; she just didn't want to appear too casual.

Zhou Guangtao is highly ambitious and extremely meticulous in his work. Even if he doesn't actively seek progress, he shouldn't appear too dejected.

"How can you not know the situation He clearly distinguishes between public and private matters!" Schue Liping raised her eyebrows. "If you're worried about Guangtao scolding you, I'll give him a call."

"No need. I'll make the call myself." Yan Luoxi didn't want to create a big fuss. While pulling out her phone, she asked her mom, "Where are you taking me exactly"

Schue Liping glanced at her daughter with a slight hint of guilt. "You know how influential the unwritten rules in the entertainment industry can be. Liangliang has been quite high-minded and has mostly played minor roles despite being an actress for many years—supporting characters or attendants to princesses.

This time, she's dating a wealthy and powerful boyfriend who managed to secure her a role as the female lead in this new drama. Today is its opening ceremony at Magnolia Villa on the outskirts of town, so it would be appropriate for some relatives and friends to show up."

Yan Luoxi understood; she softly said, "Oh." Her mother really was playing her stepmother role well—coming herself to support Liangliang and even bringing along her own daughter!

Schue Liping thought her daughter was unhappy and explained with some difficulty: "Luoxi, I know that over the years, I've treated you unfairly. I will make up for it in every possible way from now on. Although it may seem like I'm giving much attention to Liangliang, she's not my biological child. This is just a formality."

"I understand." Yan Luoxi gave her mother an assuring smile and said, "It’s tough being a stepmother." She didn't feel unaffected by this situation, but over the years, she had become accustomed to such disregard.

Schue Liping was left speechless by her daughter's response and awkwardly smiled.

The Jasmine Hill Villa is quite famous in the city for its large scale, high profile, and beautiful scenery.

Xue Liping's car drove along a tree-lined driveway flanked by jasmine trees, passing several uniquely designed reception buildings before arriving at an open venue.

The outdoor area was close to a huge swimming pool, beautifully decorated with champagne towers and flowers everywhere. A pianist played elegant music.

At this time, many people had already arrived. The women were beautiful and the men were gentlemanly; everyone seemed to be wearing masks of nobility and grandeur, creating an extremely poetic scene.

Near the swimming pool, a high platform was set up with an electronic large screen, and banners hung everywhere, making the opening ceremony very high-profile. The venue was packed with media journalists, who were bustling around on both sides preparing for the event.

This lively and grand scene made Yan Luoxi slightly nervous, but Xue Liping didn't seem to mind at all. She elegantly linked arms with Yan Luoxi and walked confidently into a luxurious building beside the venue.

Yan Luoxi suddenly realized that those who had come outside were guests, while the truly important people were inside.

Xue Liping showed her VIP invitation to the reception staff at the entrance. The security guard scrutinized both of them before allowing them entry.

Xue Liping was well-prepared for today's event. She wore a black long dress, with her slender fair arms and neck delicately exposed, contrasting sharply against her flowing black dress. A silver necklace that hung down to her chest gave her an air of star motherliness.

In comparison to Xue Liping's elegant and refined attire, Yan Luoxi's outfit seemed rather casual. Zhou Guangtao had been too busy recently to implement a dress code for the company employees, so this morning, Yan Luoxi simply grabbed a fluffy skirt with Snoopy on it.

Before she could even make her way inside, she spotted several star faces that she usually only saw on screen. Each of them was fashionably dressed. She couldn't help but murmur to Xue Liping in complaint, "If you're going to bring me here, why didn't you give me a heads-up I should at least change my clothes!"

Xue Liping gave a slight smile with a hint of mystery on her face. “Everyone here is a celebrity or big shot; even if you dress beautifully, no one will notice you. On the contrary, dressing in something unconventional might catch more attention.”

Yan Luoxi snorted sarcastically. "Mom, your scheming really knows no bounds!"

Xue Liping ignored her and scanned the crowd with a quick glance. In the dazzling group of people, she spotted Sun Liangliang's figure and tugged on Yan Luoxi. “Come on, Liangliang is over there.”

Today, Sun Liangliang was wearing a rose-pink off-shoulder evening gown with a pale white ribbon around her waist that swayed gently as she moved. She stood beside the director, smiling along with the male and female stars.

As Yan Luoxi walked over, she scanned her surroundings where people of all kinds came and went, her eyes unable to take it all in.

The main actors from this production were not only good-looking but also quite famous. Standing next to Sun Liangliang was Zhu Yan, one of today's hottest young actresses who had been on the scene for four or five years already and starred in several critically acclaimed films. She wore a long red dress that made her face look like spring water; she seemed far more eye-catching than Sun Liangliang. At this moment, with slightly opened cherry lips, she appeared to be talking with Ran Xu beside her.before understanding why Ran Xu had done so after seeing how terrible she looked when vomiting.The LCD clock on the bedside table showed 5:00 AM. Outside, the lights were still on. She walked barefoot...