Chapter 94: Stealing People

Jiang Lai forced herself awake with a cup of iced coffee and headed to Xu Ruobing’s studio, only to find that today felt like a day off—every curtain inside was drawn shut.

If it weren’t for the faint light filtering through, indicating someone was still inside, Jiang Lai would have thought she had the wrong day and just happened to come on a holiday.

Seeing the studio door tightly closed, Jiang Lai hesitated, unsure of what to do.

She could only take a quick photo and send Xu Ruobing a message.

[Did something happen? Why is the door closed?]

Almost immediately, the chat box showed the other side typing.

[I’m dealing with a troublesome person right now. Just knock on the door; someone will open it.]

Curious about who could be causing trouble for Xu Ruobing, such a big star, Jiang Lai nervously knocked on the doorframe.

The next second, a shadowy figure quietly opened the glass door and let her in.

The moment Jiang Lai stepped inside, she felt an indescribable eerie atmosphere.

There were many unfamiliar faces in the studio, and the colleagues around her all looked at the newcomers with hostility.

Could these be the troublemakers Xu Ruobing mentioned? Jiang Lai glanced toward Xu Ruobing’s office.

Though the door was firmly shut, she could still hear another woman’s voice inside.

In the office, Xu Ruobing looked at the uninvited guest in front of her.

Neither in the past nor now had she imagined getting involved with someone like Si Yina, a genuine Jin Spoon heiress.

Others might not know the depth of Si Yina’s background, but Xu Ruobing was well aware that Si Yina wasn’t just an ordinary Second-generation Rich.

She was a true heiress, delicate and precious, born different from ordinary people.

“I can’t possibly accommodate a Goddess of Mercy like you here.

If you’re only here about what just happened, don’t waste your time.

I absolutely won’t agree to any of the demands you just made.”

As a popular Actress, Xu Ruobing had filmed ads for many companies, including the Group owned by Si Yina’s family.

The Advertiser for that particular commercial had been none other than this heiress before her.

Although the shoot went smoothly overall, Xu Ruobing had felt, in subtle ways, that Si Yina treated her with a superiority complex—as if she were just a useful actor, not an equal.

Xu Ruobing knew the nature of her industry was to serve others, but that didn’t mean anyone could dismiss her efforts and the sacrifices she’d made for her career just because she was an actor.

She had put in effort beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

That feeling of disrespect, no matter how smooth the cooperation, always left a sour taste.

Though she never showed it, after that ad, she never worked with that Group again, keeping a cautious distance from a privileged heiress like Si Yina.

Xu Ruobing had thought she’d never cross paths with Si Yina again, but unexpectedly, the heiress had sought her out over a video.

Even now, Xu Ruobing hadn’t recovered from Si Yina’s domineering attitude.

Early this morning, she came to Xu Ruobing’s studio, asking what it would take to let Jiang Lai go, promising to compensate for any losses—even signing a contract if needed.

Xu Ruobing felt like a villainous domineering woman in Si Yina’s mouth.

But despite Si Yina’s relentless pressure, Xu Ruobing still clung to her own sense of dignity.

As a Public Figure, every move Xu Ruobing made was scrutinized and overanalyzed, forcing her to cultivate a habit of controlling her emotions and maintaining rationality at all times.

Except in front of Jiang Lai, the one she cared about, Xu Ruobing herself couldn’t recall the last time she lost control in front of others.

But at this moment, she truly wanted to cast aside her composure and send Si Yina back to wherever she came from.

Seeing someone like her this early was truly frustrating.

“If you don’t agree to this, I’ll just stay here and won’t leave.

Do you realize your behavior is harming her?

I don’t want Jiang Lai to end up on the same path as you.

If you really want to help Jiang Lai, why would you push her into becoming an Internet Celebrity?

You’re in this industry yourself, don’t you know that traffic brings more harm than good? Someone like you, always putting yourself out there to please others—is that really good for her? I won’t let a woman with integrity be ruined by you.”

Si Yina didn’t want Jiang Lai to change herself because of online drama or be tainted by messy public opinions.

But her words were filled with disdain, fueled by stereotypes about Xu Ruobing.

Xu Ruobing knew it was impossible to get any politeness out of this person now; all she could do was silently hope Si Yina would leave soon.

For a moment, even the urge to retort died in her throat.

Thinking it best to avoid unnecessary trouble, Xu Ruobing never imagined she’d be silenced like this.

All she wanted now was for Si Yina to shut up.

Her rare good mood from finally seeing Jiang Lai was completely ruined by this self-righteous tirade.

Si Yina had been born with a golden spoon in her mouth.

Whatever she wanted, she could have.

Dignity, pride—everything bent to her will.

She was like a flower growing recklessly, blessed by heaven itself.

No matter what form she took, nature would support her.

Even Xu Ruobing had to compromise on many things—always hiding herself when going out, never openly expressing her preferences, even unable to voice her true thoughts.

“If you want to play this game, I can play too… Do you really think you came all the way here early this morning just to criticize me for being a villain?”