Reborn in the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the 1980s

Ji Sheng laughed heartily, “The younger generation is truly formidable; the ancients were right. It’s you young people who dare to fight and strive. I admire your courage, and I admire your skills even more. Not only me, but several directors also appreciate you and praise your sharpness.”

He's generous with praise, but stingy with raises.

Hu Xiaoxiao didn't miss the chance to sow discord between Qiu Lihua and Qiu Lihua, after all, she hadn't returned his "gift" yet. "Ji Sheng, you really have to praise me, otherwise Wang Shasha would have snatched 'Mu Guiying,' and the previous 'Fan Lihua' would have become 'Mu Guiying.' If I hadn't fought for it, there wouldn't be a TV series to help you save face today, let alone increase the company's revenue."

"Indeed, thanks to your courage back then, I should toast you." Ji Sheng gestured with the wine in his hand.

Hu Xiaoxiao waved her hand modestly and said, "I wouldn't say 'respect,' it should be me, the junior, who respects you. Actually, I didn't think too much about it at the time. As a member of the company, and given such a great platform and the kindness shown to me, I naturally felt that I should prioritize the company's interests."

At the time, I thought, "The television station is a company, not a charitable foundation. A company is not a place for people to satisfy their personal desires or keep mistresses." That's why I was so bold as to take advantage of Ji Sheng's influence.

Ji Sheng's smile remained unchanged as he said, "You're absolutely right, and you did a great job. If anything like this happens again, feel free to come and borrow my influence; I'll be your backer."

"Then it's settled. I won't hold back. Ji Sheng, don't blame me for wielding my authority like a chicken feather."

"Haha, you said it yourself, you'll prioritize the company's interests. If I don't support you, am I supposed to support those losers who squander company money?"

Hu Xiaoxiao smiled even more deeply upon hearing Ji Sheng's words, and raised her glass, saying, "I will definitely help Ji Sheng make a lot of money in the future."

"I believe you, you're famous for bringing in good fortune." Ji Sheng also raised his glass.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Hu Xiaoxiao lightly clinked her glasses together and then downed the entire drink in one gulp.

After greeting Ji Sheng, Hu Xiaoxiao went to the bar and got a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Hearing some pleasant piano music, she looked over.

In the center of the venue, Zhu Wanwen was performing a piano piece to add to the festivities.

Zhu Wanwen played the role of Yang Paifeng in "Mu Guiying," and her excellent portrayal of the character and outstanding performance led to a rapid rise in fame. Although she wasn't given a performance during the anniversary celebration, she was given a piano piece to perform at the gala, indicating that the company intended to promote her.

Hu Xiaoxiao saw Linda holding a wine glass, sipping her wine while enjoying Zhu Wanwen's piano music.

Hu Xiaoxiao walked over and said to Linda, "Sister Linda seems to really admire Wanwen."

When Linda saw that it was Hu Xiaoxiao, she smiled, her usual seriousness gone, and said, "Actually, I admire you more."

"Really? I'm very honored," Hu Xiaoxiao said happily. To receive recognition from Linda, who has always had high standards, was a great honor for her.

Although Ji Sheng had been praising her, it was because she had brought revenue to her company. Ji Sheng would praise anyone who could create value for the company.

But Linda had no vested interest in her and wasn't someone who easily praised others; such a person's praise carried more weight.

Seeing Hu Xiaoxiao so happy, Linda couldn't help but smile again and said something very poignant: "Women often need to put in more effort to achieve the same success as men. In many things, men only need to do 60%, but women need to do 100% for people to respect them."

Hu Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement, "That's right."

Even though she has achieved a great deal, there are still people who look down on her because she is a woman. The prejudice against women in this society is very deep and deeply ingrained.

"Many people criticize me behind my back for being domineering and unreasonable, but if I were too reasonable, there would be no place for me, Linda, here." Linda didn't know if she was drunk or if she had finally met someone she could talk to, so she talked a lot.

In a highly competitive and ruthless environment, a woman's abilities alone are not enough. If she lacks a strong personality and cannot stand on her own two feet, she will often be seen as someone who can be easily bullied. Once this image of being easily bullied is established, it becomes extremely difficult to accomplish anything.

Hu Xiaoxiao seemed to understand something, raised her glass and clinked it with Linda's, saying, "It doesn't matter if others see us as domineering or unreasonable, as long as we know what we're doing."

Others? What does it have to do with her?

“That’s right.” Linda also clinked glasses with Hu Xiaoxiao.

“Wanwen is a good person. I think Sister Linda thinks highly of her too,” Hu Xiaoxiao said.

Linda nodded and said, "She played Yang Paifeng quite well. I checked her performance since she joined the TV station, and she's a promising talent. It doesn't matter if she lacks talent; as long as she's willing to learn and improve, I'm always happy to support her."

Hu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but feel happy for Zhu Wanwen; all her hard work was finally showing results. She believed that Zhu Wanwen's future would be bright.

She also believed that Zhu Wanwen would seize this opportunity.

Zhu Wanwen is also someone who is very good at seizing opportunities.

Hu Xiaoxiao, carrying her juice, greeted some acquaintances and was about to head to the dessert section to find something to eat when Mingxu sneakily pulled her aside.

Mingxu was also holding a tray in his other hand, which was filled with delicious food.

He found a dimly lit spot, put down the tray, and asked Hu Xiaoxiao to sit down as well. "Eat first, we can talk while we eat."

"Aren't you afraid Charlie will come after you again after eating so much?" Hu Xiaoxiao took a piece of dessert, took a bite, and said, "I heard that Charlie is going to start a new drama for you."

"I have something to tell you, but don't tell anyone else yet. Keep it a secret for me." Mingxu also took a dessert and ate it, finishing one in a few bites, and then another in a few bites.

"Does this have anything to do with me?" Hu Xiaoxiao snatched a piece of her favorite food from his hand to prevent him from eating it all.

"It has nothing to do with it."

"Then you don't need to tell me. I don't like keeping secrets." If I don't ask her to keep it a secret, she won't talk about it. But once I tell her to keep it a secret, she'll keep it on her mind and might accidentally reveal it one day.

Mingxu said, "We're friends. It would be disloyal of me not to tell you. Besides, it won't be long before everyone in the company knows."

The most important thing was that he was happy and wanted to show off to someone. After thinking it over, he felt that it was only appropriate to show off in front of Hu Xiaoxiao. He was afraid that if he showed off in front of others, he would be sacked or attract jealousy.