38 You don't have to scold me

Xia Lihua was engaged in conversation with Bo Yanyan, a fellow rookie in the music industry who had recently made her debut, just like Lihua herself.

Bo Yanyan curiously inquired, "Is that the Lacrime eterna you're wearing?"

Lihua responded with a nod, "Yes, it is."

The pendant seemed to catch Bo Yanyan's attention, sparking their dialogue further.

"It hasn't been launched yet, how did you manage to get your hands on it? Most people wouldn't recognize the jewellery, but I happened to see it featured on the cover of an international magazine. It's a truly rare sapphire piece."

"I happened to know a friend who gave it to me."

"Wow, girl! He must really be someone influential."

With a serene smile, Xia Lihua shared some surprising news, saying, "The program's scout, Su Zhirou mentioned to me that you are taking part in the upcoming Best Idol Champ Survival Show."

Bo Yanyan was taken aback and responded with a mix of confusion and concern, "What? How did he tell you that? Isn't the participant list supposed to be confidential?"

Apologetically, Xia Lihua confessed, "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist prying it out of Su Zhirou. He revealed your participation to convince me to join. Knowing that you were participating, I felt reassured and decided to join as well."

Understanding the situation, Bo Yanyan replied with genuine enthusiasm, "That's great to hear! I'm glad you're participating too. Hopefully, we'll have a great time together during the recording. To be honest, even I was hesitant to join initially because survival shows are really stressful."

"I completely relate to your concerns."

Xia Lihua gracefully sipped her champagne, engaging in a pleasant conversation with Bo Yanyan. However, her tranquility was disrupted as she noticed Xia Mengrui making her way towards them. Sensing the negative energy emanating from Mengrui, Lihua decided it was best to avoid any confrontation and quietly withdraw from the situation.

With her champagne flute in hand, Xia Lihua stood up and politely addressed Bo Yanyan, "I shall take my leave for the evening. Enjoy the rest of the event. We will meet again once the recording begins."

"Yes, Sister Lihua." Bo Yanyan replied, respectfully. Xia Lihua was older than her, that's why she showed her admiration and deference to Xia Lihua by giving a subtle bow, a gesture of respect.

"Wait!" Xia Mengrui's panicked state was evident as she hurriedly chased after Lihua in her high heels, nearly slipping in her haste. Her mission still wasn't complete. She had to rip off this vixen's mask and reveal her true colours to Yang Lingyun. "I still have something to say to you cousin sis."

Xia Lihua curtly said, "Excuse me, I'll be retiring for tonight," and turned away from Xia Mengrui, , holding the champagne flute between her delicate fingers. Her words carried a clear message that she wished to end the conversation and have some space.

"No, wait!"

Splash!

Mengrui pulled Lihua's elbow so hard that the champagne spilled all over Lihua's chest and dress, leaving her dripping wet and stained with the sparkling liquid.

"What do you think you're doing?" Xia Lihua demanded, trying to control her rising irritation.

Xia Mengrui's actions were aggressive and reckless, even though it may not have been her initial intention. However, upon seeing the outcome, she quickly seized the opportunity to use the situation to her advantage. "Sister I didn't mean to do it..."

Xia Lihua could feel the cold liquid seeping through her clothes, making her shiver in discomfort. Her expression hardened as she looked at Mengrui, a mix of surprise and anger in her eyes. "Why did you grab me so forcefully?"

"Huh?" Mengrui recoiled in shock. "Sis, you don't have to scold me like that, I know it was my fault."

Lihua's lips curled into a faint smirk as she observed Mengrui's reaction. 'Heh, this girl is making it look like I'm scolding her?'

Ling Feiyi, noticing the stain on Xia Lihua's dress, quickly grabbed a tissue she found nearby and attempted to minimize the damage.

"I didn't scold you, I was just questioning your actions. Why did you grab me so hard that my hand almost got bruised," Xia Lihua replied, her tone firm and composed.

A few sorrowful tears rolled down Xia Mengrui's cheek. She appeared fragile and pathetic, like an abandoned goddess. "I was just trying to stop you from leaving... I didn't have any bad intentions," Xia Mengrui said, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and sorrow. She tried to convey her innocence and genuine concern, insisting that her actions were not driven by any malicious motives.

F*ck, no way!

Xia Lihua pinched the bridge between her eyebrows.

Not this green tea bitch act again!

Ling Feiyi shot a meaningful glance at Xia Mengrui and mocked, "Are you sure you want to be an idol? Have you ever considered the movie industry? With your talent, you would be warmly welcomed there."

"Sis...", Xia Mengrui uttered, pitifully. "Why is your PA so rude to me? What have I ever done to be treated like this by you?

Be serious right now for fucksake. Let's speak about the things you haven't done, then we will be talking.

"I know you don't like me, but to talk to me like that...How can you hate me so much?", Xia Mengrui cried piteously.

Bo Yanyan, who had been observing the situation, decided to speak up. "Just let Sister Lihua go. She clearly wanted to leave peacefully, but you stopped her and wasted her time."

Having witnessed the previous confrontation, Bo Yanyan didn't have a good impression of Xia Mengrui. She saw her as someone who was an attention-seeker. Xia Mengrui's engagement to President Yang didn't hold any significance to her; it was inconsequential in Bo Yanyan's eyes.

"What you stupid girl, how dare you talk to me like that? You know who I am right?" Xia Mengrui said, between her sobs.

"Hah, you think being Yang Lingyun's fiancée automatically entitles you to respect? Well, let me tell you, in my eyes, you are nothing. Respect is earned, not bestowed upon you simply because of your relationship," Bo Yanyan firmly said, unyielding in her stance.

Xia Mengrui was completely baffled by Bo Yanyan's stern and direct words. The audacity of this bitch!-

Xia Lihua's expression softened as she patted Bo Yanyan's back in a comforting manner. "I apologize for the behavior of my cousin sister. Cousin Meng is not usually this stupid and she seems to be in a troubled state of mind right now. You don't have to concern yourself with her. Thank you for your understanding."

Bo Yanyan chuckled lightly and replied, "Oh, it's really not a big deal. I can handle a little drama now and then. Don't worry about it." She shrugged, indicating that she didn't take Mengrui's behavior too seriously.

Xia Lihua turned to Ling Feiyi and said, "Quickly bring me a set of fresh clothes. I'll change in the washroom."

"There are some clean old clothes in the back of your SUV. Let me go and fetch one of those," Feiyi suggested.

Xia Lihua excused herself from Bo Yanyan, who gave her an understanding smile, making her way towards the washroom to change. She needed a moment to collect herself and get rid of any traces of the champagne mishap.

Meanwhile, Xia Mengrui, filled with anger and confusion after being mocked, found herself in a state of seething rage. She was overwhelmed by the humiliation she had just faced, and her emotions were running high, causing her to hyperventilate. She hesitated to call Xia Lihua again, unsure of how to confront the situation.

In the washroom, Lihua took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. She was tired of dealing with Mengrui's drama and manipulations. Lihua knew she couldn't let her guard down, especially now that Mengrui seemed to be targeting her more than ever. She reminded herself that she had to stay strong and focused on the recording the upcoming idol show.