Empress of the Entertainment World

Chapter 517 Dinner Gone Wrong

***************

CHAPTER 517

"Absolutely, Yu Weilan. Xu Xing's character will provide depth and complexity to the story for her sister. She will be integral to the plot, and your portrayal of her will add a new dimension to the film. I have complete confidence in your ability to bring Xu Xing to life."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Director Qi waited anxiously for her response.

Suddenly, Yu Weilan finally spoke, her voice carried a sense of doubt but she was ready to go on. "Alright, Director Qi, I trust your judgment. I'm willing to take on this role."

A smile crept across Director Qi's face. "Thank you, Yu Weilan. I'm certain this will be an amazing opportunity for you to showcase your talent. We'll make sure to provide all the support you need to make this dual role a success."

"I have no doubt you will. Good night, Director."

"You too. Take care."

He heaved a heavy sigh. Qi Fuyi did not know exactly how this was going to play out but he was thankful he could convince her to take the other position.

He was confident that this change in the script would not only elevate the film but also provide a platform for Yu Weilan to shine in her role as Xu Xing.

"I do hope nothing goes awry after this."

********

~Sun's Family House~

Fang Daiyu arrived at the Sun Mansion, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

As she stepped out of her father's car, she smoothed her dress, a stunning crimson gown that complemented her delicate features.

She exchanged a brief smile with the driver, who had been instructed by Kai Beifang to ensure her safe arrival.

Taking a deep breath, she texted Sun Yichen to inform him of her arrival. She knew she was a bit late for their dinner plans with his family but she could not be bothered by it.

She took her time getting dressed and dolled up just to impress.

Her phone buzzed, and she eagerly checked the message, expecting a prompt reply.

However, when she read the response instructing her to come inside, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of surprise.

She had anticipated Sun Yichen would come out to greet her, especially given the formality of the occasion and then take her in, as his bride-to-be.

She expected the best treatment from everyone and she knew Sun Yichen was the lady's man—the gentleman.

'Tsk, playing hard to get and treating me this way knowing I am pregnant? Hmph!'

Undeterred, Fang Diayu approached the door, and with a slight hesitation, she rang the doorbell. Moments later, the large wooden door creaked open, revealing a smiling young maid.

"Good evening, Miss Fang. Mr. Sun and his family are expecting you," the maid said with a polite nod.

"As they should," she muttered.

Raising her brows slightly, the maid questioned. "Pardon?"

Fang Daiyu smiled back. "It's nothing. Thank you," she replied, feeling a touch of awkwardness but trying to maintain her poise.

She followed the maid through the grand entrance hall into the lavish living room.

The room was tastefully decorated with modern aesthetics. Soft, warm lighting created a cozy atmosphere, while portraits adorned the space.

Seated in the living room were the members of the Sun family. Sun Wu Jang, Yichen's father, sat at the head of the room, exuding an air of authority.

His mother, Su Mei, although hot-headed sat gracefully beside him with a warm smile adorning her red-painted lips.

On the other side of the room was Sun Jingyi, his younger brother, who had an air of cockiness about him and Fand Daiyu's ex.

She swallowed the second her eyes met Sun Jingyi's own. They had yet to break up when she climbed onto his brother's bed seeking uplifting amongst the elite.

As much as she knew she had Kai Beifang's backing, Fang Daiyu knew it was different. No matter how he chose to help her, she was still only his stepdaughter.

Thus, making a name for herself through marital ties was her next best thing to hold on to.

Sun Yichen rose from his seat as he saw Fang Daiyu enter the room. He approached her with a smile, leaning in to plant a gentle peck on her cheek.

"Daiyu, you look stunning," he complimented, his voice warm and affectionate.

Blushing slightly, Fang Daiyu responded, "Thank you, Yichen."

Keeping his smile, Sun Yichen guided her toward his family. "Daiyu, I know you have met during the engagement party but this is the first official dinner with my family. This is my father, Sun Wu Jang and my mother, Su Mei," he introduced, his voice carrying a touch of pride.

Fang Daiyu greeted them respectfully, her composure back in place as she exchanged pleasantries with Sun Yichen's parents. However, it was when Sun Jingyi's turn came that the atmosphere shifted.

Sun Jingyi, with a smirk on his face, offered a curt nod. "Fang Daiyu," he greeted, his tone carrying a subtle hint of mockery.

Fang Daiyu detected the underlying tension but maintained her polite demeanour. "Hello, Sun Jingyi."

"Hmm, I wonder what is it I should call you now. Daiyu, Dia pooh, sister-in-law, social climber or…"

"Jingyi behave yourself," Sun Yichen interjected sharply.

Rolling his eyes, Sun Jingyi turned his head to face his brother. "And why should I? All I do is speak the truth."

Sun Yichen's gaze darkened as he sent a warning glare at his brother. "You will accord her the same respect as you will give me."

"Oh yeah. I forgot to say that no matter how drunk you were, sleeping with your brother's girl isn't the right thing. So…" he moved his jaw and when his gaze fell back on Sun Yichen, his eyes turned cold. "Respect be damned, Yichen!"

"I…" Before Sun Yichen could retaliate, Fang Daiyu stepped forward between them.

"Last, I recall, we were no longer seeing each other. How can you accuse him? Besides, we were both drunk and…"

"Lies. I still had you the week before. You said you wanted space. I gave you and the next thing I hear is this? How desperately did you want to be above that made you lose your self-respect to…"

"Enough!" Su Mei thundered.

She did not care about the past between her children. All she knew was there was a chance to elevate their family and she was going to grab it no matter what.

"Sun Jingyi, enough of your blabber already. Having them marry is only right. Or would you have preferred to take responsibility for your brother's child?"

Even though it seemed as though she spoke from a genuine point of view, he knew how shrewd his mother could be.

And the fact that she would never do anything that would not benefit her in any way.

At least the angry glare in her eyes told him everything. He was ruining her plans by speaking too much.

He couldn't care less what was ruined and not.

And that was why Sun Yichen always remained the family's favourite.

"That is enough. This is a family dinner and Jingyi, respect your brother. Do not make me repeat myself or else…" Sun Wu Jang trailed off.

He did not need to speak further. Leaving his word like that, he led the first step towards the dining area.

"Shall we eat? All this youthful drama is making me starve."

Their dinner began on a polite note, but as the evening progressed, it was evident that Sun Jingyi's discomfort with the blossoming relationship between his brother and Fang Daiyu grew.

Seeing them act all lovey-dovey before him, made his stomach churn.

He was bitter. Angry even and wanted to have his girl back. To him, his family for their stupid greed-filled reasons did not care about his feelings.

Tension brewed beneath the surface, and it didn't take long for him to voice his disapproval.

He slammed his silverware on the table, his face contorted with anger. "This is ridiculous, Yichen! You're dating this... this woman when you could have anyone you want."

Sun Yichen's eyes narrowed, his voice stern. "Jingyi, that's enough. I am not having this conversation."

"Yes, you are!" Sun Jingyi challenged.

"You will show respect to Daiyu."

Fang Daiyu's eyes flitted between the two brothers, her expression a mix of confusion and discomfort as the argument escalated.

But Sun Jingyi was relentless. "Respect? She's nothing but a gold digger looking for an easy life," he spat, his words laced with venom.

Daiyu felt her cheeks burn with anger and humiliation, but she bit her lip, unwilling to escalate the situation further—else the shame would go to her.

Sun Yichen, on the other hand, couldn't contain his anger any longer. He stood up abruptly, his voice commanding. "Jingyi, you will apologize to Daiyu right now."

"Apologize?"

"Yes. Apologize or I cut you off from this family."

"What?!" His shock was evident. Heaving a deep breath, he voiced again. "You wouldn't dare."

"If he wouldn't then I would," Sun Wu Jang added.

He was tired of his foolish son at this point.

Sun Jingyi scoffed in disbelief. His family chose Fang Daiyu over him.

Unable to accept it, he swept a glance at them once more and before storming off, he uttered, "Have fun licking each other's feet."