Chapter 113: Ridicule

Liu Chengren caught sight of the three intern hosts cold-shouldering Zhang Yijun, and a flicker of smug triumph crossed his eyes.

He and Zhang Yijun had been in the same directing class at the Film Academy. Back then, Zhang had been superior to him in every regard, but he lacked tact. Once they entered the professional world, Liu had carefully navigated the social landscape, poaching the very teams that had once collaborated with Zhang to bring them under his own banner.

Today, Liu was a red-hot director at the television station, while Zhang faced the looming threat of unemployment.

Liu walked over to Zhang and patted him on the shoulder, feigning regret. "Director Zhang, there was really no need for you to come. All four interns are bound to choose my program."

"It’s just a pity that I only have room for three," Liu said, a sympathetic smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But no matter. Whoever I don't pick will naturally have to intern with you."

Zhang Yijun’s expression darkened. Ever since Liu’s show became a hit, he had looked down on him, seizing every opportunity to ridicule and belittle him. A year ago, during the lowest point of Zhang’s career, Liu had poached his team and stolen his production proposals. That betrayal had driven Zhang to the brink of despair. Though he had since recovered, his career had plummeted.

Watching the three girls, whose eyes remained fixed entirely on Liu, Zhang thought that Liu was probably right. The four new girls would likely all choose the hit show, *Dreams Come True*.

After Liu and Zhang took their seats, Nan Yao, Yu Xiaoting, and Zhuang Jingjing submitted their prepared copy. Liu found their work mediocre, and he was about to ask for the final girl's work when he noticed she was missing from the conference room.

Zhuang Jingjing, sensing Liu’s confusion, quickly stepped forward, her voice sugary and coy. "Director Liu, there’s another girl named Nan Zhi. I suppose she isn't interested in your program. Director Han told us to wait for you here, but the moment he left, she walked out too."

"Nan Yao, Yu Xiaoting, and I have all prepared our scripts diligently. Only Nan Zhi felt that since your show already features Lin Wanyue, she wouldn't be able to outshine her even if she joined..."

Liu slammed his hand onto the table, his face clouding over. "She just joined the station and she’s already thinking of outshining Lin Wanyue? That girl is far too arrogant for her own good."

Liu immediately selected Nan Yao, Yu Xiaoting, and Zhuang Jingjing. As for that girl with the inflated ego, she could wait to be eliminated along with Zhang Yijun. After all, Zhang’s show couldn't even attract major sponsors; it was as good as dead.

Once the three girls left the room, Liu prepared to depart as well. Before leaving, he glanced at Zhang. "Director Zhang, it’s not that I won't help you, but you know how I despise those who are full of themselves, thinking they’re better than everyone else just because they have a shred of talent. That girl’s temperament is actually quite similar to how you used to be! You have to wait until you’ve been bloodied and broken to realize you’re worth less than a stray dog—"

Before Liu could finish his sentence, a crisp, melodic, and pleasant voice interrupted from the doorway. "Apologies, I’m late."

Nan Zhi bowed deeply before lifting her head.

As Liu took in her appearance, his eyes lit up. This girl was even more stunning than the previous three.