Being a "Golden Finger" for my Movie Queen Love-Rival (GL) - Chapter 4

Pei Zishu sent Li Man off to make a cup of coffee so she could talk business with Ming Xu. “The Golden Instrument Awards ceremony is the day after tomorrow. I haven’t scheduled any events for you for the next few days; get some good rest and prepare yourself.”

Westward had high expectations for Ming Xu. Her winning the “Best Actress in a Television Series” award this year was practically a sure thing. Her red carpet gown had been specially custom-made well in advance and had only recently been brought back from abroad.

Ming Xu set down her cup. “Mm, I know.”

“Anything else?” Pei Zishu had left a message asking her to come in this morning; surely it wasn’t just to tell her to get some rest.

“I just got word today that Director Bei is starting a new project and has invited you to audition.”

“A movie?” Ming Xu mused. “That’s an opportunity.”

“Yes. You don’t have many film credits yet and haven’t won any significant awards in that area. It would be best if you could join Director Bei’s crew.”

Ming Xu nodded. “Did they give a script?”

“Not yet.” Pei Zishu also found it strange. Ordinarily, while audition scripts aren’t handed out to every actor, first- and second-tier actors invited specifically by the director are definitely given one.

After some thought, Ming Xu looked up and said, “I’m a newcomer to the big screen. If Director Bei invited me, there must be an aspect of me that fits the character.”

“Let’s set it in stone then,” Ming Xu decided.

Pei Zishu most admired Ming Xu’s decisiveness. She said briskly, “Fine. The audition is one week after the Golden Instrument Awards. Prepare well and polish your acting skills even further.”

“Mm.” Ming Xu stood up. “Nothing else? I’m heading back.”

“In such a hurry? I thought we’d have lunch together.”

“No, catching up on sleep,” Ming Xu said succinctly. She tilted her head slightly, her eyelashes fluttering. “I didn’t sleep much last night.”

Song Jianzhi had just gotten her new phone and “rejoined society” when she saw a WeChat friend request from Xie Xun, the General Manager of Star Universe.

Xie Xun enthusiastically welcomed the daughter of his big boss into the entertainment industry. In one breath, he suggested she first attend the Golden Instrument Awards to experience the current state of the domestic entertainment scene.

Song Jianzhi typed: Hasn’t the attendee list for the gala already been finalized? Will it cause trouble?

She didn’t want to bump someone else just so she could sit in the front row.

Holding his phone, Xie Xun said to his executive assistant, “Miss Song… is quite polite?”

A simple statement was delivered with a complex mix of doubt and surprise. The assistant smiled politely as the boss’s fingers flew across the keyboard.

Xie Xun: The Song Group is one of the sponsors of the Golden Instrument Awards. Usually, even when you aren’t here, the Song family is always invited. The Eldest Miss never participates in entertainment events, and when the Second Young Master isn’t in the country, the seats are left empty. There is no problem with you appearing on behalf of the Song Group!

Song Jianzhi agreed without much thought. This gala was the first time Ming Xu would win Best Actress; it was only right that she go and see it.

She put down her phone and rubbed her hands together. “Let’s see what’s in my walk-in closet!”

In novels, the wardrobes of top-tier heiresses were always full of haute couture!

Song Jianzhi clicked the door open, only to find the closet… completely empty.

Song Jianzhi: What’s going on? Am I not the author’s favorite wealthy supporting character anymore?

Uncle Li heard that the young lady was looking for clothes and hurried over. “Third Young Lady, the Eldest Miss came by to look at the closet after you went to the banquet that night. She said your domestic wardrobe was prepared two years ago and is out of style. She ordered us to empty this place and purchase this season’s latest fashions.”

Internally, Song Jianzhi shouted that her sister was the “GOAT.” Outwardly, she looked worried. “I have to go to the awards ceremony tomorrow night.”

Uncle Li bowed slightly. “Your gown and accessories will be prepared by the end of the day.”

For the first time, Song Jianzhi truly felt the power of a top-tier wealthy family in this world.

That evening, she returned from a walk in the garden to aid digestion. When she opened the closet door again, it was packed. A dozen or so haute couture gowns were particularly eye-catching. Opening a jewelry display drawer, she saw gems of all colors sparkling against black velvet.

Song Jianzhi: “Money really is a great thing.”

System: “Having money is a temporary thrill; having money forever is a permanent thrill. Do your missions well, and you’ll be the ‘Rich, Young, and Beautiful’ girl herself, staying at the peak of life without ever coming down.”

Encouraged by wealth, Song Jianzhi was full of energy.

The awards gala was in the evening. During the day, a top-tier team came to the Song residence to provide skincare treatments and styling.

Song Jianzhi’s looks and figure leaned toward the “femme fatale” type. The stylists didn’t try to force her into a “pure and innocent” look. Instead, they picked a backless gown similar in style to the one Ming Xu had worn at the banquet.

Song Jianzhi thought this was fate. She had long limbs and a delicate frame; she looked beautiful in the dress. While she lacked Ming Xu’s cold elegance, she was vibrant and alluring.

The stylist was nodding in satisfaction until he walked around her, paused, and then pushed her back into the dressing room to pick a more conservative gown.

“What’s wrong?” Song Jianzhi was confused.

The stylist’s expression was hard to describe. He pushed her toward the mirror, made her stand sideways, and pointed at her back.

Song Jianzhi: [Face turning exploding red]

Ming Xu, were you eating spare ribs?!

The second gown was a deep-V, sleeveless black dress. The back was completely covered, while the front was full of charm. The V-neck was trimmed with semi-transparent black mesh, creating a “now you see it, now you don’t” effect.

The hem was adorned with many tiny, gold, hand-sewn beads that shimmered like a “cloud of stars” as she walked.

The stylist tidied up her chestnut waves. Since she was attending on behalf of the company, she needed to look somewhat dignified. Her hair was loosely pinned up with a few stray curls left to frame her face, revealing a beautiful neck. Against the black dress, her skin was dazzlingly white.

With a few pieces of precious diamond jewelry, a pair of stilettos, and a luxury clutch, the look was complete.

Held every three years, the Golden Instrument Awards represented the highest honor in television, and the production was always massive. Celebrities arrived in cars at the end of the red carpet and entered in the order coordinated by the organizers.

Xie Xun was messaging Song Jianzhi to ask if she had arrived. Since she was a new face in the domestic scene, he planned to walk the red carpet with her.

His assistant called out, “Manager Xie, Agent Ji asked me to inform you that President Wei has invited her artist, He Xilan, to walk the red carpet together tonight.”

Xie Xun frowned. “Why are they only saying this now?”

“President Wei was busy and only just remembered he needed a female companion.”

The phone vibrated with a new WeChat message. Xie Xun looked down and waved his hand dismissively. “Let her go.”

He opened the message.

Song Jianzhi: I appreciate the offer, Manager Xie, but I found someone to walk the red carpet with.

Xie Xun: Huh? Who?

Song Jianzhi: The “National Little Brother,” Chen Yuanning.

He Xilan was sitting in a car. Her original plan for tonight was to walk with Chen Yuanning; they were even in the same vehicle.

Chen Yuanning was chewing gum. “It’s no big deal, Sister He. Go ahead.”

The agent opened the door to signal that everything was settled. He Xilan apologized to Chen Yuanning, stepped out of the car, and smiled gently before closing the door. “Perform well tonight, Yuanning. See you inside.”

She and her agent walked forward, looking for Wei Xiao’s car among the fleet.

The agent asked, “Is this really okay? I heard Chen Yuanning’s family background is quite good.”

He Xilan smoothed a strand of hair blown by the wind and smiled at the reporters who noticed her. She replied to Ji Yun: “He’s only 19; I can’t bring myself to make a move. Wei Xiao has more money than brains; he’s a better fit.”

The agent choked, unable to argue.

By then, He Xilan saw Wei Xiao’s Maserati. She immediately put on her most tender and pleasing smile. “Young Master Wei.”

Wei Xiao gave the starlet a cool look. He was satisfied; as long as they were obedient, he didn’t mind giving these women some benefits. Seeing He Xilan blush slightly under his gaze, Wei Xiao felt even more comfortable. He said coldly, “Get in the car.”

Chen Yuanning’s agent was still complaining: “The news that you’d walk with He Xilan was already leaked. Now she’s dumped you to walk alone. The anti-fans will have a field day.”

Chen Yuanning waved it off. “I have so many ‘Mom’ and ‘Sister’ fans; what are you worried about?”

The agent rubbed his chin. “True. When they see He Xilan abandoned their ‘son’ to run into Wei Xiao’s arms, she’s the one who’s going to get dissed.”

Chen Yuanning was about to say something when his phone lit up. He fished it out from a corner, opened it, and his eyes bugged out. He almost swallowed his gum.

“What is it?” the agent asked.

Chen Yuanning’s face was contorted with emotion as he summed up everything in one sentence: “My family member is coming to walk the red carpet with me.”

“Huh?”

To pay tribute to the art, the entry order for the Golden Instrument Awards always started with the nominated television crews.

The crew of Like a Dream, the favorite to win, was the finale of the television section on the red carpet. As the team walked out, the most eye-catching figure was Ming Xu in a deep gray gown.

Dusk had fallen, and Ming Xu’s dress relied entirely on its tailoring rather than extra embellishments. The dark gray looked noble and aloof on her, carrying a cold texture, while the high-slit design allowed a hint of sexy charm to leak out as she walked.

The crowds and reporters on both sides surged with excitement, and the camera flashes became even denser.

Ming Xu walked to the top of the stairs, where the hosts conducted brief interviews. Below, the red carpet show continued.

The host was currently interviewing Ming Xu: “I remember this is Ming Xu’s first time attending the Golden Instrument gala. How do you find the scene tonight? Is everyone very enthusiastic?”

Ming Xu was about to answer when her gaze swept below the steps. Song Jianzhi was holding the arm of a male star. Her hair was loosely pinned, her beauty as radiant as peaches and plums. In her black gown, her skin was like snow, and the hem of her dress was covered in starlight.

Ming Xu answered in a low voice: “Yes. I’m fortunate to be here thanks to an excellent work. I could feel the thick atmosphere before even entering. As for my thoughts on the gala…”

She paused, looking at that figure, and gave a light smile.

“I think it’s very beautiful.”

Song Jianzhi, sensing something, looked back. The crimson carpet, the golden dust, the crowd suddenly falling silent—the camera flashes in the dark night were like stars flickering in and out.

Song Jianzhi stood on the red carpet, her face tilted upward. Her amber cat-eyes were full of thick honey. Her dress was adorned with a cloud of stars, and her feet were bathed in scattered starlight.

Her face was as exquisite and vivid as a fairy’s, yet her expression carried a unique, innocent purity. Her eyes were round, and her lips were like pearls.

Ming Xu looked down from her height, taking in the entire scene.