What's Wrong with Spoiling You? [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 14

“Yes, yes, yes, absolutely stunning,” Cheng Xiaoai praised.

Tan Yun covered the painting with a cloth and said, “Xiaoai, let’s go play on the beach.”

Cheng Xiaoai naturally knew her real intention—she just wanted to see Yun Bo again. After a moment of thought, she replied, “Since the design draft is finished, we should head back. There’s still a lot of work waiting for me at the company. Gu Yuan’s sample garment is almost done, and your outfit still needs embroidery. We need to hurry.”

Tan Yun thought she made a fair point—it really was time to return. But she couldn’t bear to leave just yet.

Cheng Xiaoai patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Tan Yun, if you want a love that lasts, you can’t rely on just acting cute or going on dates. To build something meaningful, you need a career. If you keep getting lost in happiness like this, how are you going to win over your beauty in the future?”

“Alright. But can I at least say goodbye to Yun Bo?” She was afraid Yun Bo wouldn’t know she was leaving and might wait for her on the beach.

“She already knows. I ran into her during my morning jog.” Cheng Xiaoai knew that if Tan Yun went to see Yun Bo now, she’d discover her superstar status. The sudden shock of that revelation might kill the spark Tan Yun currently felt.

“You saw her?” Tan Yun looked at her enviously. “I should’ve gone jogging too.”

Cheng Xiaoai gave her a deep look. “No need to regret it. Isn’t she your neighbor? Now that you’ve met, you’ll have plenty of reasons to chat and spend time together.”

Hearing this, Tan Yun brightened up, thinking about Yun Bo’s invitation last night—even if it was just for chores, it still made her happy.

Cheng Xiaoai pulled out the suitcase, and the two began packing to leave.

This time, Tan Yun had learned her lesson. She only reported the completion of her design draft to the higher-ups but left the actual garment production to Cheng Xiaoai—though she kept an eye on it herself to prevent any more mishaps.

When Gu Yuan heard that Tan Yun’s design was finished, she couldn’t help but worry. The competition rules stated that the preliminary and final rounds couldn’t feature the same work, preventing plagiarism or cheating.

She had relied on Tan Yun’s design to make it to the finals, but her own work for the final round couldn’t possibly match Tan Yun’s level.

She had foolishly hoped that if Tan Yun lacked inspiration and couldn’t produce anything, she could secure a spot with her existing work. But now, Tan Yun had actually finished her design.

Panicked, Gu Yuan was desperate to find out what she had drawn.

Tan Yun was overseeing the progress of the sample garment and searching for an embroidery master. The qipao demanded intricate embroidery, which was the highlight of her design.

Just as she was about to call a renowned embroidery master, a text message popped up on her phone.

The number wasn’t saved, but she recognized it immediately—it was Gu Yuan’s.

Gu Yuan: Long time no see. Want to grab a meal together?

Instead of replying directly, Tan Yun sent a message to Cheng Xiaoai.

Tan Yun: Gu Yuan texted, inviting us to dinner.

Cheng Xiaoai: She’s trying to dig for information.

Tan Yun: Should we go?

Cheng Xiaoai: Of course. Why not? If we can’t outsmart her, we’ll at least eat her broke.

Tan Yun replied to Gu Yuan after getting Cheng Xiaoai’s response.

Over there, Gu Yuan stirred the coffee in her cup and smiled smugly, “Tan Yun, you’re still so naive!”

The agreed-upon restaurant was near Tan Yun’s company. After discussing with Cheng Xiaoai, they decided that Tan Yun would go alone while Xiaoai kept watch outside.

Seeing her arrive alone made Gu Yuan even happier. Feigning concern, she asked, “Xiaoai, why didn’t you come together?”

Tan Yun smiled at her and replied, “Xiaoai has some matters to attend to. What did you want to talk about?”

The obvious distance in her tone didn’t faze Gu Yuan. She pushed the menu toward Tan Yun, “Xiao Yun, see if there’s anything you’d like to eat. My treat.”

Tan Yun declined, “Just get to the point.”

Gu Yuan knew that having deceived her once, it would be harder to do so again. She needed to employ a gentler tactic now. With a hint of grievance in her voice, she said, “Xiao Yun, I know you must still be angry with me. But you have to understand, I truly consider you a genuine friend. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have resigned and left the company immediately after our misunderstanding.”

Tan Yun suppressed the disdain in her heart. How eloquent—using her job-hopping as an excuse! The entire company knew she had stolen Tan Yun’s design drafts before jumping ship. If not for the lack of direct evidence, Tan Yun would have sued her long ago. Despite these thoughts, her expression remained perfectly controlled.

Seeing the slight furrow in Tan Yun’s brow, Gu Yuan took it as a sign that her words were having an effect. She continued, “You know I had some achievements at the company. But at the new place, I don’t have any friends. Tan Yun, I really want a chance to explain things properly to you.”

Tan Yun clenched her hands tightly, still wrestling with her thoughts. Gu Yuan took a sip of her juice, her gaze drifting outside at the bustling crowd. With a touch of melancholy, she said, “I remember back then, you, Xiaoai, and I used to come here often to eat.”

Tan Yun was someone who cherished nostalgia, but not when it involved certain people. Picking up her cup, she replied uncertainly, “Is that really true?”

Suddenly, Gu Yuan grasped her hand and said earnestly, “Xiao Yun, don’t you believe me? When have I ever lied to you?”

At that moment, a black Bentley pulled up by the roadside. The window rolled down slowly, revealing a person inside who frowned deeply at the sight of their clasped hands in the restaurant.

Repressing her disgust, Tan Yun withdrew her hand and forced a relieved smile. “Then why did you steal my competition design drafts?”

Gu Yuan lowered her head, her expression sorrowful. “I didn’t steal them. You know I would never do that. I don’t understand why everyone suspects me.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Tan Yun’s lips before she regained composure. “If that’s the case, then let’s make up.”

Having achieved the desired effect, Gu Yuan didn’t rush to agree, wanting to deepen Tan Yun’s guilt further.

“Xiao Yun, do you know how difficult things are for me at the company now? I don’t even want to participate in this competition anymore.”

Hearing this, Tan Yun nearly burst out laughing but managed to control herself, feigning regret instead. “Why? Is it because of me?”

Gu Yuan looked up at her, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “No, don’t overthink it.”