CHAPTER 190: CHAPTER 190: SUPPORTING ROLE TO HIGHLIGHT OTHERS

This summer vacation, because Meng Cheng’an was too busy, he only accompanied Tian Xiang back to her parents’ home for a week, after which they returned to Beijing.

Actually, Tian Xiang was on vacation and hadn’t taken any work, so she could have stayed at home a bit longer.

But with the drama she starred in with Chang Wan airing, her fame outside was growing, and Meng Cheng’an could no longer allow her to be out there alone,

though Hu Honglian was reluctant to see her daughter go. She knew her daughter was no longer suited to living in a place like Sanli Lane.

Not to mention she couldn’t go outside, and there would be people who heard rumors coming to disturb her, endlessly annoying.

Tian Xiang returned to Beijing; feeling bored, she decided to take on a movie role.

By the time she completed filming, it was September, and the school was preparing to start the semester.

It was her final school year, with increasingly less time needed on campus. After registering at school, Tian Xiang was a bit hesitant about whether to continue living in the dormitory.

Xiao Lei, seeing that Tian Xiang also wanted to stay at home, sighed.

With barely anyone in the dorm, if Tian Xiang left too, she would feel very lonely!

As they headed to the cafeteria together, they encountered new students who greeted Tian Xiang and asked for her autograph along the way.

The drama starring Tian Xiang and Chang Wan had aired all summer non-stop. By now, very few people didn’t recognize her.

After signing seven or eight autographs, Tian Xiang met Chang Wan at the cafeteria door.

Chang Wan looked at her, her face gloomy.

One was the protagonist, the other a villain; they naturally clashed, but previously, they maintained a façade of courtesy, never making it too awkward.

However, since Chang Wan’s incident, this balance had been broken.

Although Chang Wan was also one of the main characters in the drama they starred in, it was obvious she was overshadowed this time.

During filming, in order to fit her temperament, Liu Jun adjusted the script a bit. Although it suited Chang Wan more and her scenes remained the same, it gave a supporting role vibe.

Her popularity increased, stronger than before, but it didn’t meet Chang Wan’s expectations.

After painstakingly squeezing out Pang Meiqi, she hoped to make a big splash, but in the end, Tian Xiang was the one who stood out, making her, the protagonist, a foil for others.

Ever since the drama started airing, Chang Wan’s dissatisfaction and dislike for Tian Xiang were no longer hidden. Upon meeting, she’d either roll her eyes or glance at her meaningfully.

Tian Xiang just found her childish and couldn’t be bothered to care.

Brushing past Chang Wan, she entered the cafeteria, and Xiao Lei breathed a sigh of relief, whispering, "She’s getting more arrogant, and I heard she’s been quite temperamental on set."

In the new drama airing, though Chang Wan was dissatisfied with being overshadowed by Tian Xiang, it was undeniable her fame had risen, and she’d recently accepted several new roles.

Tian Xiang didn’t want to discuss her and stayed silent.

Xiao Lei sighed again, saying, "I’ve decided to intern at a theater company afterwards and work in a theater in my city."

Tian Xiang looked at her a bit surprised, "You’re not going to act anymore?"

Though Xiao Lei only played small roles, getting into the industry wouldn’t be a problem.

Xiao Lei shook her head, "Forget it, it was just for fun. I feel like the theater suits me better."

Having joined a few crews, Xiao Lei realized it wasn’t as easy as she imagined in this field.

Sometimes, ability and conditions are one aspect, but more important perhaps is your background.

Like Chang Wan, her capability isn’t much different from mine, and while my looks have some unique features,

she has a father in the Ministry of Culture, granting her plenty of job opportunities and even leveraging family connections to secure lead roles.

Even an experienced actor like Pang Meiqi was pushed out by her, while only someone like Tian Xiang, with such a background, could surpass her.

For small roles like mine, navigating here is uncertain and arduous.

Though Xiao Lei isn’t from a wealthy family, she’s still her parent’s beloved child, and considering all factors, it’s better to return, join a theater company; it may not be glamorous, but it’s stable.

Since she had made her decision, Tian Xiang didn’t say much.

After finishing their meal, Tian Xiang prepared to head back as she had no classes that afternoon.

It’s no longer suitable for Tian Xiang to ride public transport, so she wore a hat and mask, ready to ride her bike home.

Only when she reached the school gate did Meng Cheng’an arrive, talking to the security guard in the guard room, waving to her when he saw his wife.

Tian Xiang walked up with her bike, "Why are you here?"

Isn’t he supposed to be working?

Meng Cheng’an: "Finished my work."

Tian Xiang: "Then ride the bike and give me a ride."

Meng Cheng’an: "We’re not riding bikes today."

Saying that he took over the bike, heading towards the dormitory to park it well.

Tian Xiang: "Did Xiao He bring you here?"

Meng Cheng’an shook his head.

Tian Xiang puzzled, "Then what car are we taking back?"

Meng Cheng’an: "You’ll see in a moment."

He was being mysterious.

After parking the bike, they walked back to the school gate.

Meng Cheng’an pointed to a car parked by the roadside, "We’re taking this."

Tian Xiang: "A new one?"

Meng Cheng’an nodded.

"Did you buy it?"

"Yeah."

"Where’d you get the money?"

Cars are expensive.

He just started his venture; how could he have the money for such a car?

Meng Cheng’an: "I’ll tell you once we get in."

However, Tian Xiang suspiciously asked, "You didn’t sell the things Grandma left, did you?"

For the past two years, those private courtyards and antique items could be circulated on the market.

Grandma Meng left Meng Cheng’an plenty of these; selling a few could easily buy a car.

Meng Cheng’an looked at her, speechless, "No."

They both got into the car.

Tian Xiang took off her mask and hat, looked around, feeling it was very nice, even more upscale than the old man’s car.

"What model is this?"

Meng Cheng’an: "My little uncle gave it, a model from abroad."

So it was a gift from his uncle.

Tian Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.

Meng Cheng’an’s little uncle, Grandma Meng’s brother, was still around, just living abroad.

Back when Meng Zhi and Meng Shaoqing were out, they received a lot of help from him. Even after the grandmother passed, they maintained their relationship.

On the way back, Tian Xiang also discussed with Meng Cheng’an about whether to live on campus.

Initially, it was mainly because traveling was inconvenient; now that Meng Cheng’an had a car, she thought it’s better to live at the Military and Political Institute, where Meng Cheng’an could come to pick her up, and she could learn to drive and drive herself later.

Meng Cheng’an naturally supported Tian Xiang’s decision to live at home.

As for learning to drive...

Meng Cheng’an: "How about hiring an assistant for you?"

While there’s staff from the production side during filming, having someone personally hired could help outside of work too, which would be better.

Thinking of how busy Meng Cheng’an was, Tian Xiang nodded in agreement.

Meng Cheng’an: "I’ll have Grandpa help choose someone for you."

"Alright."