15 She Had Her Plan

As Xu Jia Li heard from Shen Linqin that Zhen Nian, Editor of Fashion and Glamour Magazine, would meet her during lunch; without delay, she asked Linqin to prepare the car and meet Zhen Nian at Top Star Hotel.

Upon arriving, Xu Jia Li remembered the envelope she prepared – realizing she left it in the car, she turned her head and told Shen Linqin, "Linqin, I forgot the envelop that I will be showing to Nian-mei. Will you please get it back?"

"Of course, Li-jie." Shen Linqin returned back to get the envelope.

Xu Jia Li immediately spotted Zhen Nian sitting at the right corner of the hotel's lobby with her phone on her ears. She seemed engrossed with the conversation that she did not notice Xu Jia Li walking towards her.

Zhen Nian was one of the few friends of Xu Jia Li. They were roommates back then in Cui Ruzhou Dormitory. Zhen Nian took up Media Arts and had become Fashion and Glamour's Editor-in-Chief after graduation. Xu Jia Li was older by two years. Their friendship blossomed when Zhen Nian took care of Xu Jia Li when she was sick. Since then, the two of them became friends.

Xu Jia Li removed her glasses and scarf. Zhen Nian was startled when Xu Jia Li's face appeared in front of her face. She almost dropped her phone and with a shriek – almost slapped Xu Jia Li's face.

Xu Jia Li moved away in time, and avoided Zhen Nian's hand. She chortled and hugged Zhen Nian as she asked, "Why are you so absorbed in that call? Who is that?"

"A-ah, it's about the company. Anyway Li-jie, what is the reason why you suddenly want to talk to me?"

Xu Jia Li did not answer; hand in hand they proceeded inside the hotel's restaurant. They sat at the hidden corner where no one could see the two of them.

Xu Jia Li took her time to appreciate the paintings hanging on the wall. 'I suddenly miss painting.' She gazed at the painting like the time stood still. 'Paintings bring back a lot of memories.' She sighed and looked at Zhen Nian.

"I already ordered for you. I hope you don't mind. I saw how absorbed you are in those paintings."

"Yeah, it's alright. I just miss painting."

"You have been busy. You can paint when you finish your upcoming projects. So, why did you call me for?"

Before responding, Xu Jia Li waited as the waiter placed their orders on the table. When the waiter left – assured that no one was around – Xu Jia Li began narrating the rumours involving her and Li Yun in the internet.

"I know that you are aware with all this. Everything is in the internet."

"Yes, I am aware of the rumours. Do you have someone in mind that would start this?"

"I have one. I believe it to be Qi Xenjin. More than anyone, you know it could never be me in those photos."

"That woman is certainly evil." Zhen Nian was furious as she took her phone and looked at the rumours about Xu Jia Li.

As Xu Jia Li was about to give the envelope to Zhen Nian, both Zhen Nian and Shen Linqin were gawking at their phones; oblivious of what was happening, Xu Jia Li placed the envelope in front of Zhen Nian.

All of a sudden, Shen Linqin gaped at her phone – with eyes almost ready to pop out of its socket, handed it to Xu Jia Li and exclaimed.

"I can't find any of the rumours in the internet anymore, Li-jie! It's all gone!"

"W-what? H-how is it gone?"

"It was really gone, Li-jie." Answered Zhen Nian who was still unable to believe how it was gone just like that.

"How can it be gone? Who would take that out?" Xu Jia Li's forehead creased as she thought of the possibility that someone might be helping her from the background.

"Someone is helping you, Li-jie." Answered Shen Linqin – eyes glistening with hope, she added with full conviction, "It might be Li Yun, of course, it's him. He can't just let you suffer like that."

"I don't think he is. I believe it's someone more powerful." Zhen Nian responded mysteriously. With a grin, she changed the subject and enquired about the envelope,"What is that about?"

"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Go. Open it, Nian-mei."

Zhen Nian instantly opened it and saw pictures of Qi Xenjin slapping a co-actress and tugging her hair. The pictures clearly showed how bad Qi Xenjin had been. The face of the co-actress was swollen red – her hair in a mess after being swayed back and forth by Qi Xenjin.

Zhen Nian's eyes protruded as she fumed, "How is this incident never shown on the news? This is clearly physical injury."

"Qi Xenjin's manager knows how to pay – money is the name of the game. They play around knowing that money can cover up their dirt." Xu Jia Li sneered.

"How did you get this, Li-jie?"

"I've been keeping that after Qi Xenjin deliberately ordered someone to mess with my tires. I know she is up to no good. I don't really plan to release these but I am not a saint, Nian-mei. She has to pay somehow."

"She doesn't deserve your pity, Li-jie. We have to release this."

"It is not yet the right time, Nian-mei."

"Li-jie has her plan." Shen Linqin butted in.

"Just tell me when I will release this, Li-jie. I am sure that Qi Xenjin has more schemes under her sleeves."

"I know. As long as Li Yun won't stop, Qi Xenjin won't, too."

"This girl is really crazy over Yun-ge." Shen Linqin pouted as she arranged the pictures back inside the envelope. "Li-jie, Yun-ge only has you in his heart. I know that full well."

"Linqin, Li Yun is not the right guy for Li-jie. Don't push it too hard." Zhen Nian sneered.

"Yun-ge is the perfect guy for Li-jie."

"Just wait and see. Someone far better will come after our Li-jie."

The two continued bickering which made Xu Jia Li rolled her eyes.

"Okay, you two. Stop it now. I have no time for love. I have bigger dreams to pursue."

"No, Li-jie!" the two replied in unison which made them laugh.

Xu Jia Li shook her head lightly and handed the envelope. Zhen Nian took it and placed inside her bag.

"Okay, Nian-mei. We have to go now. I have a meeting with Director Han about the new movie. I will call you."

"Good luck, Li-jie! Don't worry too much. You always have someone behind your back."

Zhen Nian grinned furtively as she hugged Xu Jia Li. "Goodbye, Li-jie. 'bye, Linqin."

As they bade their goodbyes, Zhen Nian's phone rang.