A Favor Done, A Husband Won-Chapter 460 - 454: My Mr. Jing
When Shi Su walked in, the staff inside quickly came to greet her warmly.
Shi Su had become a regular at this haute couture dress design center. Originally, it was Miss Chen’s introduction, because of her friendship with the shop owner, that brought Shi Su here. Since then, most of the clothes Shi Su needed for various events and occasions over the past two years, aside from those provided by brands, were mostly selected from this place.
After being welcomed inside, Shi Su briefly described the occasion for her outfit and the style she wanted. The designer, well-acquainted with her, grabbed Shi Su’s hand and introduced her to a few recent new styles, asking if she liked any of them, which could be transformed into suitable styles based on the current designs.
After selecting two sets and preparing to try them on, the designer needed to make a simple waist adjustment to the dress according to Shi Su’s requirements, which would take about half an hour.
Shi Su went to the VIP room to wait and immediately noticed a familiar face inside.
"Mr. Shi, long time no see." Xia Yilin seemed to have just changed her outfit, her hairdo still intact, sitting on the lounge sofa. Just as she saw Shi Su walk in, her eyes immediately locked onto her, and she proactively greeted her.
After the promotional period for "Yao Platform," Xia Yilin hadn’t had much success in the industry over the past two years, but she occasionally managed to land lead roles in some small productions. Although the response was mediocre, it was still a hundred times better than those new artists struggling in obscurity.
But compared to the glory of being the heroine of "Yao Platform" back then, the gap between her and Shi Su, who played the fourth lead role at the time, was now worlds apart.
"Mr. Xia." Shi Su wasn’t surprised to see her here.
Given the size of Jiang City, it’s one of the most prosperous cities in the country, almost like a semi-celebrity capital in China. Many stars prefer to settle down and buy property here, and with numerous film towns nearby, many celebrities often linger around. These haute couture design stores on the commercial streets often see various celebrities, and Shi Su has met many familiar and unfamiliar faces over the past two years.
The two exchanged polite greetings, and Xia Yilin smiled while examining Shi Su’s outfit, noticing she seemed fresh and just arrived. Raising her eyebrow, she asked, "Do you have an event coming up? Or are you going abroad for a fashion show?"
Shi Su didn’t heed her idle chatter, sitting across from Xia Yilin with a graceful demeanor. Just then, a staff member brought a prepared, exquisite, and expensive fruit salad to the coffee table. She picked up a silver fork, selecting a small piece of fruit to eat.
Xia Yilin scrutinized Shi Su from head to toe but failed to see any obvious changes after she suddenly became Mrs. Jing.
She still had the same natural look, unadorned without camera presence, mostly wearing casual styles, not specifically showcasing any brand’s haute couture or annual new releases. If not for her indeed good figure, easily recognizable in a crowd, her private attire would truly be no different from ordinary people.
Xia Yilin unceremoniously joined in, spearing a piece of fruit herself, and said with a smile, "Mr. Shi, you are indeed in the limelight now. You’ve almost swept clean the film awards in recent years, and your business resources are overflowing. Many veterans in the industry for decades can’t match your speed of making money."
Seeing her eat too, Shi Su nonchalantly put down her small silver fork, "Mr. Xia is always getting lead roles; it’s rare to find such consistent female leads like you in the industry. Even if I take on a film, I can’t avoid being overshadowed. How can I compare to your glory, Mr. Xia?"
Though Xia Yilin’s expression remained unchanged, she was cursing Shi Su inwardly for being pretentious.
Shi Su was implicitly mocking her for having a fixation on leading roles. No matter how bad the production, how stingy the producers, or how poor the production was, as long as she was the lead, she would accept it.
Yet, despite Shi Su’s recent popularity, she only joined top red-hot productions with excellent backers and teams, never caring about billing order. She only ever wanted a good script, caring little for other factors. However, every time, even if Shi Su didn’t fight for top billing, she still held the highest audience draw card, was most praised for her acting, and stood out the most for her work.
Suddenly, Xia Yilin glanced out of the lounge window and noticed the white Bentley in the parking lot, immediately recognizing it as Shi Su’s new car, recently rumored in the industry as a gift from Jing Jihan.
She speared another piece of fruit, speaking with a half-smiling tone, "I heard Mr. Shi and Mr. Jing are very much in love. Indeed, Mr. Jing pampers you, doesn’t he? This Bentley was reportedly added to the Jiang City auction channels just half a month ago, part of a charity auction due to a collaboration between a state-owned enterprise and Bentley. Although it’s a global limited edition, it wouldn’t exceed 60 million at regular price; yet your husband, Mr. Jing, reportedly made the bid over five times that, a Bentley for over 300 million, truly generous."
Shi Su said with an air of nonchalance, "Indeed, my husband didn’t tell me the car’s price. Hearing the number 300 million indeed surprised me a bit."
Seeing the mocking and envious smile in Xia Yilin’s eyes, Shi Su added with a slightly indifferent smile, "But since it’s for a charity auction, it’s not surprising. My husband has always been very passionate about philanthropy."
Xia Yilin’s smile gradually faded, her expression turning awkward for a moment.
Shi Su smiled regretfully at Xia Yilin, "What? Mr. Xia, are you also keen on charity? How many charity auctions have you attended? Do you know where these funds will go? There are many wealthy people in this country, but also many children who don’t have enough food or warm clothes. As people with the means and high consumption power, we shouldn’t be concerned with an item’s original price but rather the ultimate use of these funds. Oh, by the way, the explosion in Hui’an City resulted in countless casualties. Many teachers in the industry donated for reconstruction. How much did Mr. Xia donate? I didn’t see your name on the list."
The smile that Xia Yilin had been trying to maintain instantly froze.
The fruit salad in front of her suddenly became tasteless. Xia Yilin glanced up, seeing Shi Su had already put down the small silver fork and had no intention of sharing the plate with her. Her fork paused for a moment, then she suddenly speared a piece of cucumber, casually fiddling with it, and said, "I’m just a small-time star without any backing or financial power. Donations should be within one’s means. I can’t compare to Mr. Shi, who can easily donate hundreds of thousands in the name of her studio, and whose husband is so focused on charity."
She paused, then continued with a smile, "So why hasn’t Mr. Jing let Mr. Shi stay home as Mrs. Jing, instead of going out acting and doing engagements, enduring such hardship?"
Shi Su laughed lightly, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Xia. My husband treats me very well, and that kindness isn’t just financial support but includes respect and compromise in all ways. He respects my career choices, never considering me an unworthy caged bird. I just happen to be passionate about acting and want to explore it. In life, one must find things to do that reflect one’s value. Everyone has their strengths. I am not as gifted in indulgence and enjoyment as Mr. Xia."
