Chapter 21: Within the Cage

Jiang Yu pressed her lips together, her expression subtly complex. Facing Du Xi’s provocative gaze, she understood that her current status meant nothing in front of these industry giants. Yet even so, she would never bow her head.

“Teacher Du,” Jiang Yu raised her chin, a polite smile gracing her lips. “Listen to what you’re saying—how could I possibly have such authority? I’m just a minor actress. You, on the other hand, are a celebrity.”

Her words were flawless, expressing her innocence while deftly returning the issue to Du Xi without a hint of aggression.

Du Xi snorted coldly. “Do you think a sharp tongue will get you anywhere? Jiang Yu, you’re far too naive.”

She glanced at Jiang Yu with utter disdain. In her eyes, a small-time actress like Jiang Yu was unworthy of sharing the stage with her.

Jiang Yu laughed bitterly to herself. Naive? If Fu Boyun were willing to let her go, she would have escaped this fiery pit long ago. Now, every step she took felt like walking on razor’s edge—how could she afford the luxury of innocence?

Her heart was heavy with disappointment. Once, she believed Fu Boyun would at least remember their years together and offer her a lifeline. Looking back, it had all been wishful thinking.

“Teacher Du, your lesson is well taken,” Jiang Yu replied, still smiling with grace. “I am young and have much to learn. Esteemed seniors like you, renowned for both virtue and talent, are naturally my role models.”

Du Xi’s expression stiffened, stabbed by Jiang Yu’s gentle retort. She glared fiercely. “Don’t pretend in front of me, Jiang Yu. Don’t think that just because Fu Boyun shields you, you’ll ever rise above your station!”

She lowered her eyes, concealing a trace of mockery. Shielded? Fu Boyun’s so-called protection was nothing more than locking her in a cage to squeeze every ounce of value from her.

As for breaking free, Jiang Yu had long abandoned such fantasies.

“Teacher Du, you jest. I am merely a small actress—who could possibly be protecting me?” Her tone remained calm, her gaze clear and innocent. “But I will strive to prove myself through my own ability.”

Du Xi sneered. “Stubborn! Let’s see how long you can keep up that attitude.” She turned and strode away, leaving only a cold silhouette behind.

Jiang Yu took a deep breath, suppressing the rage that threatened to boil over in her chest.

The crew’s filming pace was swift, and Jiang Yu quickly immersed herself in her performance. She knelt on the icy snow, her thin clothes offering little shelter from the cold. Each movement sent sharp pain through her bruised knees, the agony so intense it left her drenched in sweat.

Du Xi stood nearby, watching with cold eyes, a hint of something complex flickering within them.

“Excellent,” the director called out, satisfied. “Miss Jiang, your performance exceeded my expectations.”

These words were the highest affirmation Jiang Yu could have received. The surrounding staff cast surprised glances, and even Du Xi’s expression soured.

Jiang Yu smiled serenely, dragging her weary body upright. “Thank you, Director. I will continue to work hard.”

After filming, she returned to the makeup room, the pain in her knees growing sharper. She sat against the wall, just about to apply ointment, when she heard a familiar set of footsteps approaching outside.

Looking up, she saw Fu Boyun enter.

He was as cold as ever, his black suit outlining a tall, imposing figure.

“I heard you performed well on set,” Fu Boyun stood at the doorway, hands in his pockets, gazing down at her from above.

When he noticed the swelling and redness of her knees, a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. She really was relentless.

Jiang Yu said nothing, lowering her head to apply the ointment.

Hmph. He had finally decided to show concern? How could he possibly be so kind?

Fu Boyun frowned slightly at her blatant disregard, strode forward, and snatched the ointment from her hand. “Such a minor injury—do you need to look so pitiful?”

Jiang Yu looked up at him in disbelief.

“President Fu, your heart truly is made of iron!” she retorted.

Fu Boyun tightened his grip on the ointment, his face growing colder. He leaned down slowly, his gaze locking onto Jiang Yu’s.

“What’s this? You’ve learned to draw a line between us so quickly? Jiang Yu, do you really think you can escape my control?”