Chapter Six: And Who Do You Think You Are?

As Shangguan Renran and Xia Wanqing approached the commotion, the crowd instinctively parted for them—no other reason than the sheer force of her presence. Those gathered couldn’t help but lift their phones to take photos. No matter the angle, she looked striking; even beneath dark sunglasses, her aura captivated everyone.

Only after stepping closer did Xia Wanqing realize that the commotion was caused by that wretched Bai Xi, always pretending to be innocent—a sight that left her speechless with exasperation. Bai Xi today wore a white dress and light makeup, her whole demeanor as pure and elegant as a lotus.

Xia Wanqing couldn’t stand that act. She leaned in to whisper to Shangguan Renran, pointing discreetly, “There she is, Bai Xi, the eldest daughter of the Bai family. No acting skills at all, yet insists on joining the entertainment industry.”

Bai Xi was deep in conversation with Huangpu Qingyin when she overheard the sales staff murmuring about how beautiful the newcomers were. Curiosity piqued, her gaze followed theirs—only to spot Xia Wanqing, the woman who had nearly stolen her role as the second female lead. Thankfully, her father’s company had invested in the production, otherwise, the role would have slipped away.

The new drama they invested in, “Love Me Once More,” was set in the Republican era. The male lead, a general, abandons the heroine for the sake of his family and becomes engaged to the second female lead from another influential family. Upon learning the truth between the main couple, the second lead encourages the general to pursue his true love, gracefully withdrawing herself—a tangled web of romance. If performed well, the second lead could easily win hearts, while the third female role was that of a venomous rival, desperate to see the heroine fall and seize her place.

“So, it’s Miss Xia. Didn’t land the second lead, so you’re here to bask in my spotlight?” Bai Xi taunted.

“Me? Basking in your spotlight? Don’t flatter yourself. I’m simply here to buy jewelry. You think too highly of yourself.”

“You—” Bai Xi sputtered.

“Bai Xi, do you know them?” Huangpu Qingyin asked, puzzled. She had never met these two before, especially the one in sunglasses, whose presence was even more commanding than her own.

“How could I possibly know her? Probably some country bumpkin,” Bai Xi sneered.

Xia Wanqing had never revealed her status as the heiress of the Xia family in the entertainment industry; she preferred people to judge her work before her background.

“Even a country bumpkin is better than you, Bai Xi. Your attitude is truly unpleasant, a disgrace to the standards of A City,” Shangguan Renran retorted, encountering such a person for the first time.

“And who are you supposed to be?” Huangpu Qingyin demanded, certain she had never seen this woman among the city’s elite.

Slowly, Shangguan Renran removed her sunglasses, revealing bright, obsidian eyes. Her presence became even more daunting as she stepped closer to Huangpu Qingyin, her tone icy: “And who are you to question me like this, hmm?”

A collective gasp rippled through the nearby saleswomen—they had never witnessed anyone speak to Huangpu Qingyin in such a manner.

No one from the crowd dared step inside; even through the glass, the tension in the shop was palpable.

The sales staff felt more than tension—they sensed a fight was imminent. They feared overhearing something they shouldn’t, lest they lose their jobs.

Huangpu Qingyin’s pupils contracted; no one had ever dared speak to her this way before. “Do you believe I can make it impossible for you to survive in A City?”

“Anyone can talk tough,” Xia Wanqing interjected coolly. She wasn’t the least bit afraid. Never mind that the Huangpu family wasn’t hers to command; even if it were, she still had Renran by her side.

Renran had grown up in her maternal grandfather’s household and had seen every trick in the book; this kind of bluster was child’s play to her.

“Do you even know who she is? How dare you talk to Miss Huangpu like that? You really are country folk—do you have any idea who you’re offending? This luxury store belongs to the Huangpu family!” someone snapped.

“Oh, I’m so scared,” Xia Wanqing replied mockingly. “The Huangpu family doesn’t revolve around you. Why are you so worked up?” She shoved aside Bai Xi, who had rushed up to yell in her face. “You’re so loud—what if you disturb my Renran?”

“You—” Bai Xi started again.

“Enough, Bai Xi. If they’re this ignorant, there’s no need to stoop to their level. Go fetch the manager; I want them to see what happens when you cross the Huangpu family,” Huangpu Qingyin said coldly.

“Right away, Miss,” the saleswoman replied. In no time, the manager was summoned.

He happened to be inspecting the second floor and, upon hearing that Miss Huangpu required him, hurried over immediately.

“What are your orders, Miss?” The manager bowed deeply to Huangpu Qingyin, his tone fawning, resembling a dog begging for a bone—his eagerness all too apparent.

Xia Wanqing rolled her eyes in disdain; she loathed such sycophantic behavior.

Of course, so did Renran. Without a word, Shangguan Renran put her sunglasses back on, unable to stomach another second of their performance.