Chapter 157: Active Provocation
Chapter 157
Rong Dai looked at the table full of cosmetics and listened to her sister-in-law's chattering. The smile on her face remained undiminished.
It was just as expected - no matter the era, women would always pay extra attention to their appearance.
"Mei Shu, it should be about time for us to attend the dinner party, right?"
Rong Dai glanced at her watch to check the time and reminded Huo Mei Shu.
Huo Mei Shu also took a look at the time and quickly nodded, "Yes, it's time to go, but sister-in-law you need to change into another outfit."
Rong Dai looked at her clothes in confusion, "What's wrong with this outfit?"
Huo Mei Shu folded her arms and shook her finger, "No no no, sister-in-law, you're the female lead, how can you dress so casually?"
"Although this is just an internal cast dinner party, you need to know that people judge others by their clothes in this world."
"I see, one should respect the clothes before respecting the person," Rong Dai nodded, feeling a little helpless that this was the same no matter which era it was.
Huo Mei Shu had great taste. She selected a black evening gown that went past Rong Dai's knees for her and did her hair up.
"There's no time for makeup, but sister-in-law your skin is good, so it's fine without makeup for an occasion like this."
Rong Dai smiled helplessly. The two sisters-in-law then went downstairs after getting ready.
"Get in."
"You bought a car?"
Rong Dai got into the passenger seat, buckled her seatbelt, and asked Huo Mei Shu.
"I'm not rich, this was arranged by my elder brother. I'm just showing you the way," Huo Mei Shu explained helplessly. She had truly witnessed how extremely doting her elder brother was on his wife!
The two sisters-in-law then arrived at the hotel where the dinner party was held. They could see many reporters surrounding the perimeter, blocked by security guards.
After all, "The Supreme Empress" was a hugely anticipated production in the industry when it was announced.
"Isn't that Rong Dai? She's the female lead!"
A sharp-eyed reporter immediately spotted the two sisters-in-law and started snapping away wildly with cameras and recorders.
Rong Dai was already used to the filming equipment from following Jiang Ling on set before, so she had overcome her initial fear and discomfort towards them.
The sisters-in-law quickly entered the dinner party venue, which was very nicely decorated and spacious.
Because of what happened with Qiao Wanzhou, she had read up some information online. Combined with the intel Huo Shaojie gave her, she recognized some of the cast members who would be participating.
"Sister-in-law, drink juice," Huo Mei Shu quickly brought her a glass of juice and was drinking juice herself.
Rong Dai stared straight at the champagne, "Can't I drink that?"
Huo Mei Shu hurriedly shook her head, "Sister-in-law, this dinner party is basically socializing and everyone getting to know each other."
"You're in the spotlight right now. The news about you has been making waves in Shengjing these days."
"I read up on the actress who was competing with you for this role. She's someone you don't want to provoke."
"Although we're not afraid of her, getting disturbed by this flea would be very annoying. If you show that you drink alcohol, it'd just cause more trouble later."
"With elder brother here, and the Huo Family here, as long as you don't drink alcohol, they wouldn't dare force you to drink."
Huo Mei Shu quickly explained.
Rong Dai nodded and took a sip of the juice. She really didn't like being forced to drink either.
"Let's go sit over there," Huo Mei Shu picked a quieter spot and Rong Dai followed her over to sit down.
Worried that Rong Dai wasn't familiar with the "trade", Huo Mei Shu introduced everything to her one by one.
Although Rong Dai had read up on this already, she still listened attentively.
"Well well, if it isn't our female lead? Why are you hiding in this corner? Feeling a little undeserving of this role?"
Just as the sisters-in-law were talking, a slightly shrill female voice rang out above them.
"She's Yang Wanwan. She was late for the audition before and was acting snooty, which gave you the opportunity, sister-in-law. She's not a good person," Huo Mei Shu quickly explained to Rong Dai when she saw who it was.
Rong Dai nodded. Even without her sister-in-law's explanation, she could tell.
She put down the juice in her hand and stood up, looking down at Yang Wanwan before her.
Having lived through the later decades of her past life, the aura of an empress was ingrained in her bones.
Her expression was calm, but faintly carried a dignified and authoritative air.
Yang Wanwan's face stiffened slightly as she stared intently at Rong Dai.
"Miss Yang, haven't you heard that one should know oneself? I'm well aware that I'm just a newcomer and it's not my place to interfere with my seniors. I was just minding my own business in this cool corner, is that an eyesore to you too, Miss Yang?"
The other party clearly had ill intentions, so what was there for her to fear?
If this was anyone else, she may not have retorted so sharply, but this Yang Wanwan... bore some resemblance to Imperial Concubine Guigui from her past life.
She loathed Imperial Concubine Guigui's face the most. In her past life, she didn't get too involved in the imperial harem, but kept falling into traps and incurred the emperor's displeasure. Imperial Concubine Guigui played no small part in that.
Yang Wanwan didn't expect Rong Dai to directly clap back at her so sharply. She was at a temporary loss for words.
Rong Dai gave a light laugh and picked up the glass of juice on the table. "I have you to thank for the opportunity to take on this role, Miss Yang, since you were late. I'll drink this juice in your honor in lieu of alcohol."
She took the lead in making the toast, then put the glass back down.
Her actions were calm and composed. She didn't shrink back at all despite being a newcomer.
Huo Mei Shu also didn't expect her sister-in-law to be so fierce and directly stand up to Yang Wanwan head-on. She didn't even need to step in!
"Sister-in-law, awesome!"
She gave Rong Dai a big thumbs up right in front of Yang Wanwan, making Yang Wanwan turn green with anger!
She had just overslept a bit and arrived an hour late. Yet this woman of unknown origin had taken advantage of that opening!
This role could have led her to acclaim and glory, but now this Rong Dai had messed it all up. There was no chance left for her now.
Many people at the dinner party had looked over. Seeing Yang Wanwan being put in her place, not a few laughed quietly.
If this was some other rookie performer, she wouldn't have been so courteous!
But the other party was Rong Dai, the wife of the CEO of Huo's Enterprise. She had to be apprehensive.
"Miss Yang, do you have any other instructions? I'd like to go over there and get acquainted with the other crew members," Rong Dai spoke up.
Although she was gradually getting used to life here, the fate of the Rong Household in her past life was still her nightmare.
Seeing this face that resembled Imperial Concubine Guigui, she would think of the Rong Household's tragic end.
While Yang Wanwan's words were provocative, Rong Dai had already retorted back. There was no need to keep quibbling.
"You..."
Yang Wanwan's face turned bright green with anger, but could only watch as Rong Dai and Huo Mei Shu left.
If this was some other rookie performer, she would have shown no courtesy!
But the other party was Rong Dai, the wife of the CEO of Huo's Enterprise. She had to be wary.