CHAPTER 65: CHAPTER 65: WHO LOWERED THE INHERITED IQ

Over the next few days, Anna kept delivering pig liver to Conrad Sterling every day. But she changed things up—sometimes it was pig liver soup, sometimes stir-fried pig liver with black beans, or with wood ear mushrooms, or with chili peppers...

All those foods were meant to help replenish blood, and the man needed another blood draw before surgery.

Whether he ate them or not was entirely his own business.

Anna spent most of her time in Pop’s hospital room, occasionally switching shifts with Mary to watch over him. The two practically turned the room into a workplace, with Mary even bringing in lots of materials from the company as they discussed Anna’s entertainment career plans.

Once Pop finished with his surgery, it was about time for Anna to take on some work, so she could start planning now.

"Anna, these are the projects the company can offer us right now. I’ve been trying my best to fight for them, but we still don’t have a single script."

Mary let out a long sigh and said, "It’s all just variety shows. They say you just returned from overseas, and because you have no works yet, some directors are taking a wait-and-see approach. The company plans to let you participate in some variety shows first, to get you some exposure, and hopefully with some buzz, you might get a script."

"But Anna, just look at these variety shows they’re offering. ’Motherhood Insights’—that one invites female stars who’ve had children to share their experiences of being a mom and exchanging tips on raising kids. This show usually features semi-retired middle-aged stars trying to make a comeback. But even if you gain popularity through it, the most you can get is milk powder ads, and future roles in film and TV will only be limited to mom characters. You’re still so young, you can’t be pigeonholed with such roles, and besides, Pop shouldn’t be exposed to this!"

"Then there’s ’Food and Love,’ which invites some sizzling hot female celebrities to cook, while discussing topics on relationships. I watched an episode and it’s filled with innuendos and dirty jokes. It feels like desperate B-list stars with no boundaries trying to stand out, and the host is just sleazy. You’ve already been criticized harshly because of your sexy image and some recent rumors—this show is a definite no-go. Hmph! Jane Jennings is specifically picking these shows for us with ill intentions, isn’t she trying to ruin you?"

Anna silently looked at the project list, letting Mary rant on.

Mary really couldn’t swallow this, even with the company backing them now, it felt worse than when they were on their own.

With her stunning looks, Anna’s refined features were enough to stand out among European actresses. Back then, unnoticed and unknown, they were picked by the director of "Revenge," substituting Hollywood stars for a significant role.

How could it be that there’s no script for her here in the country? Even if she doesn’t yet have a lead role to her name, she has plenty of buzz.

Given the current trend in film and TV, isn’t it all about capitalizing on popularity, even allowing talentless pretty boys to stand at the top of the pyramid, picking and ruining scripts at will?

Moreover, Anna’s acting has even won awards abroad—wouldn’t casting her in films be a guaranteed win?

It’s just that all film projects need to pass through the company first, and Jane Jennings is surely holding her back.

According to the company ranking, the scripts must first be selected by Marilyn Ford.

The scripts Actress Ford doesn’t choose then go through a layer-by-layer selection process until they finally land at the bottom.

But Dynasty Entertainment only has two female artists, even in scraping leftovers, they should have grabbed a bunch of scripts.

The current situation clearly indicates that Jane Jennings doesn’t want to give Anna a chance.

Nonetheless, Anna was more optimistic than Mary.

Despite the somewhat odd variety shows offered to her, she diligently reviewed them.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the open door.

It was Conrad Sterling from the next room, letting them know he was dropping by.

The man had often come over these days, each time to see the child.

Upon entering, Conrad’s eyes casually scanned Pop, who was peacefully asleep in the hospital bed.

The chemotherapy period had been truly tough, and the little one had grown much thinner, curled up into a less rounded shape—a heartbreaking sight.

After looking at Pop, Conrad’s gaze lingered on Anna, showing no sign of wanting to leave.

Anna lifted her head to meet his eyes: "Got something to say to me?"

Upon hearing this, Mary promptly got the hint and stood up, ready to make her exit: "I’ll head out first."

Knowing that Anna had been delivering soup to President Sterling next door daily, hoping to melt the eternal iceberg with warmth, Mary decided not to interfere with her flirting.

Yet, just before reaching the door, Mary suddenly remembered and turned back to ask Anna: "Jane Jennings said to at least give her feedback on one project this week, have you decided?"

"Let’s go with that ’Food and Love’ variety show," Anna replied.

"Are you sure? That involves cooking..." Mary hesitated.

"Yes, it’s time to show everyone I have talents beyond just ’looking pretty’."

"Alright...then."

Mary’s expression showed a bit of surprise and a bit of reluctance, yet she trusted Anna’s decision.

After Mary left the room, Conrad Sterling glanced at the variety show proposal in Anna’s hands and asked her: "You can cook?"

"I can do all kinds of things."

Anna confidently raised her eyebrows and gestured to the chair Mary had just vacated beside her: "Have a seat."

Conrad glanced at the nearby chair but didn’t mind sitting close.

"Why did you come looking for me? Are you scared about your impending surgery and seeking comfort from me?"

Anna knew that Conrad wasn’t afraid but was merely joking.

Conrad, in his usual manner, dodged the joke—a grown man had no reason to be scared.

"You’re worried about Pop, aren’t you?" Anna guessed.

Conrad was the kind of person who wouldn’t confess his concern even if it showed.

Anna didn’t expect him to acknowledge her comment, so she continued on her own: "I told Pop she’s actually a little fairy. A fairy’s life is constrained by heavenly rules and forbidden from forming attachments in the mortal world. When she grows up, she won’t be able to fall in love. What she’s going through now is like shaving off her fairy bones—temporarily enduring some pain, and when she fully transforms into a human, she can forever stay in the mortal realm with mom and dad, and won’t have to worry about being chased by the Queen Mother of the Heavens and Heavenly Soldiers and Generals trying to split them up."

Conrad had witnessed Anna’s talent for spinning yarn.

And every time she spun a tale, he was once again astounded!

"Did she believe it?"

"Oh yeah, Pop has always believed she’s a fairy."

"..."

Conrad didn’t know what to say, his expression complex as he glanced at the little one on the bed, then turned back to Anna.

"Hey, Conrad! What’s with that look in your eyes?"

"Just thinking she’s somewhat like someone from four years ago." President Sterling replied, cryptically.

"That someone is me, right?"

"..." Conrad didn’t respond but slightly curled his lips.

"What are you smiling at? Don’t think I didn’t catch that—you’re suggesting I’ve lowered her IQ, aren’t you?" Anna glared at the man defiantly, "Let me tell you, it’s intentional to make Pop believe these myths and fairy tales, to help her feel relaxed and happy."

"But in real life, Pop is actually very clever," Anna emphasized, "There was one time abroad, she almost ran into human traffickers. Yet she managed to find her way back herself—ordinary traffickers can’t trick her."

Anna said this proudly, but Conrad’s heart sank as he listened.

To think that they had experienced such an ordeal abroad, he shuddered at imagining the circumstances... how many dangers had little Pop and Anna narrowly dodged?

Clearly, he couldn’t feel assured with Anna taking care of the child.

Anna didn’t notice Conrad’s serious expression and continued the banter: "You’re probably thinking Pop’s smart because she takes after you, huh? Let me clarify, my Pop is a very clever child. But a clever child tricked by her mom indicates who’s truly smart."

"..."

"So, it’s still uncertain who lowered the inherited IQ," Anna, the logic prodigy.

Yet Conrad was too lazy to argue against such childish logic: "Say whatever you like!"