Chapter 33
An Empress s Return to the Present: The Real Young Lady s Strong Comeback
Chapter 33
A new week began, and Chen Li had withdrawn from the show.
The night before, after Chen Li returned, the director pulled her to a spot out of camera view to talk to her.
âChen Li, what did those people tell you to do?â the director asked.
âThey told me to pay compensation, and that I would have to pay over 100,000 yuan⦠Wu, wu, wuâ¦â When Chen Li thought about how she had suddenly taken on a debt of over 100,000 yuan, she fell to her knees in despair.
âItâs like this, Chen Li. You also know that we are very particular about reputation when we film a show, but the moment this incident of yours comes out, you would be affecting the whole show.â The director seemed to have considered for a very long time when he said this, âThus, you may have to withdraw from the show.â
âThen what about the money that you promised to give my parents?â Chen Li didnât even raise her head, and it was as if she had lost her soul.
âThat money can only be given to you if you participate in all the recordings. Now that you have withdrawn for personal reasons, we will not give you this sum of money.â
âDirector⦠please, please donât do this. My parents really need this moneyâ¦â Chen Li tugged at the directorâs trouser leg as she begged.
The director merely shook his head.
Hence, on Monday, Chen Li didnât return to the school.
At the same time, the director also informed everyone that Chu An would replace Chen Li as the new permanent participant.
When this piece of news came out online, it immediately climbed to the top of the list of trending searches. After all, the incident had just happened, and the director had already removed her name from the list. He had even replaced her with the very popular Chu An, which won countless positive reviews for the director.
Though there would occasionally be a few discussions about the show and the script in the comments section, they were all overshadowed by an overwhelming denunciation of Chen Li.
It could only be said that the online world had a short-term memory.
However, people had memories.
Gu Xiao and the others were all aware that Chen Li had already become someone elseâs stepping stone. The death of Aunty Wang and Chen Liâs withdrawal had updated the memories of the netizens, causing them to forget all of Ji Yao and Meng Feiâs previous misdeeds.
The masses were outraged, and even some of their classmates were discussing this matter.
âYouâve become a permanent participant?â When she was handing in her assignments, Gu Xiao asked Chu An while she was at it.
âEn, the production team communicated with my father, and when they communicated, they didnât tell me about Chen Li withdrawing,â Chu An replied as he sorted through his exercise book.
âMy father also said that he heard that the schedule for the show has been shortened, so itâs not planning to continue filming after this month ends.â Chu An handed his homework to the class representative, and continued when he returned
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âWhat!â Gu Xiao exclaimed in shock, drawing the attention of her classmates.
âMany things have exceeded the expectations of the directorâs team, and also caused some people to be dissatisfied, right? Some investors have directly withdrawn their investment. The funds for the show were not enough, so they could only shorten the schedule.â
Chu An looked at Gu Xiao, whose eyes were widened like she was a frightened kitten. He couldnât help but pat her head, saying, âSo cute.â
Gu Xiaoâs face instantly flushed red, and the surrounding students all hooted. Gu Xiao hurriedly pulled Chu Anâs hand down from her head.
Chu An smiled, then asked, âWhat are you planning to do after the show finishes? Go back to your home?â
âI havenât thought about it yet. At first, I thought there would still be some time.â Gu Xiao sighed.
âWhy donât you stay in the No. 1 High School?â Chu An suggested.
âCan I?!â Gu Xiao was both shocked and delighted. If it werenât for the fact that there were so many people present, she would definitely give Chu An a bear hug.
âI can help you settle the matter of an entrance spot, and added with the fact that itâs not like youâre not working hard yourself, the form teacher also likes you quite a lot. Though your results can only be considered average now, youâve only been in school for a week, and thatâs already very impressive.â Chu An did not hold back in praising Gu Xiao.
âThank you, Chu An,â Gu Xiao said happily.
The time for studies passed in the blink of an eye. After Chu An and Gu Xiao returned to the dormitory, Gu Xiao began to study earnestly, while Chu An was greeted with the gossip from his roommates.
âChu An, tell me!â Li Xiang and Wang Ming asked at the same time.
âWhat else could it be? Itâs just like what you guys imagine it to be.â Chu An didnât avoid the topic at all, and answered directly.
âI couldnât tell, Old Chu. Is the iron tree really blooming?
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â Li Xiang and Wang Mingâs mouths were both wide open in shock.
âWhat do you mean by âthe iron tree is really bloomingâ? Iâve liked her since childhood.â Chu An couldnât be bothered to deal with those two people.
âWe have a sister-in-law!â The two of them were laughing foolishly over there.