DTBS – Chapter 20
Chapter 20: Catching Cheaters
"CEO Tao, it's truly our honor to have you here. It's like bringing light to a humble dwelling. We've specially arranged a lounge just for you..."
Director Liu from IOM was overly enthusiastic, and Zheng Liuyu, following silently behind Tao Qiuyun, found it a bit much to bear.
The middle-aged man's body was slightly plump after gaining weight, and his suit size only looked fitted but wasn't recently tailored. Coupled with his not-so-handsome face and a fawning expression, it was hard to believe how such a person could carve out a path in the fashion-focused IOM and reach the position of director.
Especially standing next to Tao Qiuyun, who was wearing a dark blue long trench coat with a jeweled ornament tied to her waist, he looked even more out of place.
Tao Qiuyun's expression remained unchanged as she quietly listened to the introduction. As they turned a corner, she suddenly bumped into someone head-on. She was fine, but the other person stumbled backward, hooking her neck and pulling her forward.
Tao Qiuyun reacted quickly, catching the person's falling body in time and steadying herself. "Miss, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, thank you... Ah!"
Just as she helped the woman stand straight, the person in front of her lost balance again and fell directly onto her. Tao Qiuyun half-held her, looked down, and only then realized that the heel of one of the woman's high-heeled shoes had broken.
"CEO Tao!" Zheng Liuyu stepped forward quickly, immediately taking the person from Tao Qiuyun's arms. "Let me help Miss Ming."
Tao Qiuyun looked at Ming Siwen's group of assistants behind her. "Aren't you going to lend a hand?"
Hearing this, the assistants finally stepped forward to support Ming Siwen, whose heel was broken.
"Thank you, CEO Tao," the woman, with her beautiful face, showed a hint of shyness. "I didn't expect my shoe to..."
"Shoot well." Tao Qiuyun nodded, left this sentence, and continued walking forward without looking back. Zheng Liuyu and Director Liu immediately followed.
"CEO Tao," Director Liu observed her expression and smiled. "Miss Ming is very capable in her work, and the photographers who work with her find it easy and pleasant. We are old friends with her, so please rest assured, CEO Tao. Miss Ming's heel is broken, but we will immediately send someone to get her a new pair of shoes to ensure it doesn't affect her."
"Director Liu," Tao Qiuyun slightly tilted her head and looked at him. "Do you know what happened to the person who faked a fall and spilled coffee on me?"
"Ah? What does CEO Tao mean by that?"
"You don't wear high heels, do you?"
"I... I don't wear them. I don't have strange hobbies..."
"But you are the director of IOM, a high-end brand at the forefront of the fashion world," Tao Qiuyun's eyes were cold, and her calm tone now carried a biting chill. "Can't you tell what brand of shoes she's wearing?"
"Uh... she's wearing..."
"Stuart 75 series."
"Right, right, it's Stuart. Miss Ming just loves this series of high heels." Director Liu chuckled twice.
Tao Qiuyun stopped and chuckled softly. "Oh? But I was talking about the shoes worn by that lady over there."
Director Liu then looked in the direction she was pointing, which was a passing staff member.
Seeing Director Liu's sweaty face, Tao Qiuyun's expression turned cold. "And the lady who just tried to pull a stunt was wearing a brand from Paris, Roger Vivier. Their heels aren't easy to break. With such distinctive shoes, don't tell me you don't know them or recognize them."
Director Liu stood there, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word. He just felt that the previously gentle and polite CEO Tao had suddenly changed, exuding a chilling aura that seemed to mock the snow and frost.
"Call the person in charge of IOM," Tao Qiuyun continued walking. "Have someone else come to the site. Also, investigate this Director Liu and see how he climbed so high."
"CEO Tao!" Director Liu seemed to want to say something. As he tried to approach Tao Qiuyun, he was blocked by a bodyguard in a black suit and black sunglasses. "CEO Tao! CEO Tao, I did it all for you! She, isn't she your lover? I was just..."
Seeing Tao Qiuyun stop, Director Liu thought he was on the right track and continued, "CEO Tao, I... I might not be professionally capable, but I... I'm willing to do anything for you, really! I just beg you to give me a chance."
"IOM has many capable people; they don't lack you." Tao Qiuyun waved her hand, signaling the bodyguard to take him away.
Seeing Director Liu being led away, Tao Qiuyun's face grew even more displeased. She walked into the lounge with a cold face. "Secretary Zheng, did Zhuohua only spread rumors when he was having dinner with you?"
Before, Zheng Liuyu said he mentioned it during dinner, and she thought that guy Zhuohua was having dinner with her secretarial team. But... was that kid spreading it everywhere outside?
"CEO Tao," Zheng Liuyu sent a message and walked towards the displeased Tao Qiuyun. "This matter is complicated."
"Young CEO Tao said he wanted to start a business in his junior year, so he went to Jiaxing for investment and founded Fuyao Entertainment, focusing on the entertainment industry. Last year, he graduated and truly took over the company, but it remained lukewarm. Then, you returned to the country half a year ago, and he went to pick you up at the airport."
"Everyone in the industry knew that the Eldest Miss of the Tao family had returned and were paying attention to your movements. He went there so openly, exposing himself. Only then did the industry know that Xia Zhuohua was your younger brother, whose real name should be Tao Zhuohua, the Young Master of the Tao family."
"So?" Tao Qiuyun's eyelids twitched slightly, seemingly furious.
Secretary Zheng naturally saw her suppressed anger and stammered a bit. "So... many people wanted to get close to Chunjin and you through him... Thus, many people... invited him to dinner."
"I really don't know how many people he told, uh, that Ming Siwen is someone you like. I... But as far as I know, Ming Siwen has taken off like a rocket in the past six months, which has a little... a little bit to do with those industry bigwigs who want to please you."
"Very good," Tao Qiuyun nodded, her breathing quickening slightly, her eyes cold. "That's just wonderful. Have him come to my office tomorrow."
"Yes, CEO Tao."
Tao Qiuyun pinched her temples and sat on the sofa. "Give me the documents you brought. Go order afternoon tea for everyone here. I've sent you the menu. Remember to separate the meals for the staff and the female celebrities."
"Is that special treatment for Miss Qin?" Zheng Liuyu handed over the documents.
"No," Tao Qiuyun shook her head. "But instruct the restaurant that these are meals for celebrities, so try to control the calories and sweetness. Don't let the customers have concerns while eating."
"Okay, what about Ming Siwen?"
"The same for her." Tao Qiuyun began looking through the documents.
"Uh..." Zheng Liuyu hesitated.
"What is it?"
"I was thinking, perhaps Ming Siwen knows why those people are giving her resources, perhaps she is aware of that rumor, but she doesn't clarify it, tacitly accepting it."
"But essentially, this matter is Zhuohua's fault," Tao Qiuyun had her own standards of judgment. "She was also dragged into it and just happened to seize this opportunity to climb up. People are self-interested. And there's currently no evidence or definite information proving that she fanned the flames and spread the rumor, is there?"
"CEO Tao, did someone fake a fall and spill coffee on you before?"
"Oh, that was abroad." Tao Qiuyun picked up a pen to sign. "Is there a problem?"
"It's just... didn't Ming Siwen also fake a fall? Given that, aren't you going to... punish her a little?"
"That's different," Tao Qiuyun's profile was still stunning, once again captivating the appearance-obsessed Secretary Zheng. "The one who faked a fall in front of me before was a man, while Miss Ming is a woman. I'm always more lenient towards women."
"Ah?" Zheng Liuyu was stunned. "Is that why the secretarial office and assistant department were all replaced with women after you took office?"
"What reason? Because I'm afraid you'll spill coffee on me? Or fake a fall in front of me? Or is it because I like women?" Tao Qiuyun chuckled softly. "Secretary Zheng, firstly, it's because I affirm your work abilities; secondly, since men protect men so much, shouldn't I, as a woman, think more for women?"
Her brows relaxed slightly. "But honestly, if everyone close to me were women, then even if they faked a fall and spilled coffee on me, I would forgive them once."
"But only one chance."
The filming reached a point, and the director told everyone to take a break.
"It's so infuriating, Sister!" Wen Yu sat beside Qin Qingshang and complained softly. "I'm still angry thinking about it! Why aren't you angry? CEO Tao got a marriage certificate with you, Sister! She actually hugged and cuddled with that woman named Ming, and in broad daylight! It's too much! Sister, you're glowing green! Why aren't you anxious?"
"Alright," Qin Qingshang held a small mirror, checking if her makeup was messed up. "Don't you be anxious."
"I am anxious, I'm the King of Anxious! Not only anxious, I'm also angry."
"What's there to be angry about?" Qin Qingshang put away the mirror and took out her phone to scroll through Weibo. "CEO Tao is a free spirit; she can love whoever she wants."
"But you're her wife! She's finding a mistress behind your back... She has no morals!" Wen Yu was very angry.
"Finding a mistress? There are plenty of people who find mistresses. Do you see those scumbags ever feel guilty? Talk about morals with them? Heh!"
"But... but you have a daughter!"
"Trying to tie down your other half with a child is very foolish, let alone the child wasn't conceived and born by her. She didn't go through the hardship of pregnancy, so she doesn't feel the pain." Qin Qingshang put down her phone, rubbed her puffed-up little assistant, and coaxed, "Okay, don't be angry. We have our own lives."
"Afternoon tea!" A staff member pushed a cart over.
"Sister, I'll go get you something to eat!" As soon as Wen Yu heard about afternoon tea, her eyes lit up, and she quickly got up to get the free refreshments.
Seeing Wen Yu leave, Qin Qingshang leaned back in her chair, her expression slightly cold.
Not angry? Not being angry was fake!
Of all people Tao Qiuyun could have as a lover, she had to choose Ming Siwen, whom she strongly disliked.
Once, she played a supporting role in a drama and met Ming Siwen, who played the female lead. Seeing her greet her warmly, she thought she was a very nice senior.
But during a scene rehearsal, she was fully in character and accidentally overshadowed the female lead's performance. Although Ming Siwen still smiled and greeted her privately, putting on a show of being a kind senior, during the next scene where she had to slap her, she gave her a real, hard slap.
Fortunately, her own acting skills were good, and she reacted quickly on the spot, continuing the performance. Otherwise, if the director had called cut and they had to redo it, she would have been slapped again.
To this day, she still remembers what Ming Siwen said to her afterward.
[Little sister, remember to know your place next time. You're just a supporting actress, don't be smart and steal the female lead's spotlight. It will be miserable.]
Qin Qingshang gently touched her cheek. The numb stinging sensation from that year, a true reflection of the entertainment industry, shattered her naive dreams. But it didn't matter... she still persevered.
"Sister!" Wen Yu came over with two portions of food, very happy. "It seems the female celebrities have special meals! They said you can eat without worry, the calories are controlled really well."
"IOM is that thoughtful?" Qin Qingshang took her portion and opened it, a little surprised.
It was snacks from St. Ya...
And they were the ones she thought tasted good back then. Could it be a coincidence?
"Hey, did you hear?"
A few staff members gathered together, seemingly gossiping.
"Hear what?"
"Doesn't everyone in the industry think Ming Siwen has a powerful backer? That backer seems to be here at the site."
"Really?"
"I heard Director Liu was accompanying them. It's probably someone from the top."
"Wow, could it be a high-up from Jiaxing?"
"Hard to say. I heard it's a very beautiful woman. I just saw Ming Siwen go to her lounge."
"Of course. I heard Director Liu had a bed moved into the lounge."
"Wow!"
"So blatant?"
"Come on, this is IOM's site, and the other party is a Jiaxing high-up. Who dares to spread rumors? Don't want to work anymore? Exposing your boss's secrets."
"That's true."
"Sister," Wen Yu leaned closer to Qin Qingshang and whispered, "No way? Are they talking about CEO Tao?"
"If it really is CEO Tao," Wen Yu's face fell, "then this food isn't a cover for her and Ming Siwen, is it? That's why everyone got a share? And they specifically paid attention to the calories and sweetness that female celebrities care about most."
Qin Qingshang was putting a pastry into her mouth. Hearing this, she paused. "The pastries are innocent. No reason not to eat them."
"That's true," Wen Yu was about to continue eating when she saw Qin Qingshang put the box down. "Sister, why aren't you eating anymore?"
"I can't eat. Just thinking that this is a cover for Ming Siwen makes me sick."
Just the thought that Ming Siwen might have the same taste as her made her feel blocked up inside, not to mention Tao Qiuyun had said something about being absolutely loyal to her during the marriage period.
What? Even after changing the contract partner, she still couldn't escape the stand-in trope? Was this her destiny as the novel's female lead?
Qin Qingshang couldn't stand it. She stood up. "Let's go, we'll go too."
"Ah? Go where?"
"To catch adultery."
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