Drama Queen Reborn as a Top Student!-Chapter 666 - 268 Star Path

Qi Baotan came to Qingzhou to attend the film promotion event scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Zhao Heng treated her very well and even hired an assistant for her. Zhao Heng felt uneasy about her traveling alone to Qingzhou and wanted the assistant to accompany her. However, Qi Baotan wasn’t accustomed to having someone follow her everywhere. Besides, she had been independent since childhood and felt more at ease on her own, so she declined Zhao Heng’s kind offer.

For now, she was still a rookie, with little public recognition, so she wouldn’t be mobbed by fans or the media.

Seeing the bustling crowd ahead, Qi Baotan couldn’t help but marvel at Rong Xianning’s frightening level of fame, while also experiencing a hint of unease.

When she returned, she decided she must discuss it thoroughly with President Zhao—she wanted to focus on her acting and absolutely avoid taking the path of a popularity-chasing star. That sort of existence was far too intimidating.

Qi Baotan caught sight of Rong Xianning surrounded by the crowd. The young man had grown taller over the past six months, his frame elongating—but he had also become even thinner and frailer. He looked like a lamb surrounded by wolves, while the fervent, overexcited fans seemed poised to swallow him whole.

From the outside, it appeared glamorous—like a feast adorned with flowers, flames cooking oil—but only those within this world knew how tormenting it truly felt.

And yet, amidst such dire circumstances, the boy remained neither servile nor arrogant, carrying within him a composure beyond his years. Even as he stood at the center of the crowd, there was an ethereal quality about him, detached from worldly turmoil.

This presence reminded her of An’an.

It was quite peculiar. Despite being entirely unrelated individuals, they mysteriously shared a similar air about them.

By coincidence, her visit to Qingzhou this time found her on the same flight as Rong Xianning’s boy band.

Even more coincidentally, Ge Qi and Xu Si were seated right next to her, murmuring complaints the whole way about the company’s favoritism toward Rong Xianning.

For instance, on this trip to Qingzhou, the company had purchased a first-class ticket for Rong Xianning, while the other four members had been relegated to economy class as if they were mere castoffs.

It wasn’t the lack itself but rather the inequity that bred grievance. The company’s actions, rather than favoring Rong Xianning, seemed designed to push him into the storm’s eye. The accumulating resentment among the members would sooner or later spell trouble for him.

Qi Baotan shook her head and avoided the lively crowd, slipping out through a side exit.

The piercing cold wind of Qingzhou hit her face, making Qi Baotan shiver violently. She quickly fished out her coat and put it on. As she was heading toward the taxi stand, a man resembling a skinny monkey darted out, blocking her path.

Qi Baotan was startled and was about to cry out in alarm when the man spoke first: "Miss Qi, Miss An’an sent me to pick you up."

The scream she was about to release was instantly swallowed back.

She widened her eyes and scrutinized the man in disbelief: "An’an?"

The man handed her a phone, which showed it was currently in a call.

Suspiciously, Qi Baotan accepted the phone. Shen You’an’s familiar voice came through: "Baotan, it’s me."

Qi Baotan immediately relaxed, the tension giving way to relief, though a cold sweat now soaked her back.

She handed the phone back to the man, saying, "An’an could’ve let me know earlier—this gave me quite the scare."

Wu Yong chuckled sheepishly: "That’s my fault for startling you, Miss Qi."

As he spoke, he picked up her luggage and headed toward the car behind him.

Qi Baotan asked, "With so many people at the airport, how did you recognize me?"

After placing the suitcase in the trunk, Wu Yong smiled and responded, "I saw your photo in advance. Miss Qi, you have an outstanding presence—once you appeared at the arrivals gate, I recognized you immediately."

Qi Baotan got into the car, and Wu Yong drove out of the airport, heading onto the elevated highway into the city.

Wu Yong dropped her off at the entrance of a residential complex. He watched her walk inside before driving off.

Following the address, Qi Baotan found the right apartment number. She took a deep breath and was about to knock when the door opened from within.

Shen You’an stood inside, wearing pajamas, quietly waiting.

She smiled wryly: "Why are you just standing there? Come in."

Qi Baotan let out a surprised cry and lunged forward, wrapping Shen You’an in a hug.

She smelled so good.

"It’s cold outside; come in quickly."

It was Qi Baotan’s first time at Shen You’an’s home, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Where are Uncle and Auntie? Are they not home?"

Shen You’an poured her a cup of warm water and handed it over: "My uncle lives in his company’s apartment nearby, and my aunt found a place a few days ago and has already moved out."

Luo Wan hadn’t wanted to leave Shen You’an, but Luo Qian had grown up, and living together wasn’t convenient anymore. So, Luo Wan found a place to move into but still visited every couple of days to clean the house and cook for Shen You’an, preparing two days’ worth of meals to store in the fridge. Shen You’an just needed to heat them up in the microwave.

Zhang Jian, on the other hand, had been promoted and was now exceptionally busy, spending most of his time at an apartment near his workplace. As a result, Shen You’an lived alone in the house for the most part.

"Are you hungry? Shall I make you some noodles?"

Qi Baotan, knowing Shen You’an’s cooking skills, quickly said, "I’ll make them."

Life had forced her to learn survival skills early on. By the age of eight, she could cook for herself; boiling noodles came easily.

"An’an, do you have plans tomorrow?"

Shen You’an raised an eyebrow: "Feeling nervous?"

Qi Baotan admitted honestly with a nod: "It’s my first time facing the public. I don’t feel confident yet. I want you to be there—even if you do nothing, just standing somewhere I can see you will reassure me."

"However, if you’re busy tomorrow, don’t worry about it—I can manage on my own."

Shen You’an patted her shoulder gently and responded warmly: "Tomorrow, I need to visit a place first. If time permits, I’ll definitely come."

Receiving Shen You’an’s promise, Qi Baotan finally felt at ease.

"By the way, I flew to Qingzhou on the same flight as Rong Xianning. When the plane landed, the airport was packed with his fans—he’s unbelievably popular right now!"

Qi Baotan casually remarked in a chatty tone.

Shen You’an lowered her gaze, chuckling lightly: "Is that so?"

Her query instantly sparked Qi Baotan’s urge to share: "It’s funny—I sat next to Rong Xianning’s two teammates on the plane. They kept their voices low, but my hearing is sharp. This trip to Qingzhou was arranged by the company to promote a brand. The brand isn’t great, but the money is good. Rong Xianning didn’t want to come, but his company forced him. You’d think someone as popular as him would have proper career planning, but his company only cares about exploiting his fame for quick profits. In the long term, this will harm his career."

"The entertainment industry is filled with greedy agencies treating artists like packaged goods without long-term planning. Once their value is drained, they discard the artists without a second thought. Rong Xianning is genuinely talented; I don’t want to see him pushed into becoming a mere tool for his company’s profit. If President Zhao could sign him, that would be wonderful."

The entertainment industry’s agencies were chaotic, but Other Shore Entertainment stood out as a breath of fresh air. Whether it was Jiang Hanru, Ru Caiying, or a total newcomer like herself, everyone was treated equally, without favoritism, and none of their wishes were ever disregarded.

Having grown up at the bottom of society, Qi Baotan had seen all types of people and had a knack for judging character. President Zhao, though a businessman, was someone with both conscience and principles. Under his leadership, Other Shore Entertainment was destined to reach even greater heights.

Only in such a company could Rong Xianning’s career truly flourish.

Unfortunately, she knew it was highly unlikely. Rong Xianning was currently Eternal Century’s golden goose; Ding Meng would never let him go easily. It was nothing but wishful thinking.

Shen You’an smiled quietly and murmured, "Who can say what the future holds?"