Chapter 21: She Has Been Replaced!

When Pei Baoyuan entered the studio on Tuesday, she immediately noticed the strange looks everyone was giving her. Upon entering her dressing room, she found an unexpected presence—someone else was there, and the makeup artist who usually worked on her was now doing this stranger’s makeup.

The makeup artist looked awkward, especially since their previous collaborations had gone smoothly. “Ms. Pei... didn’t anyone notify you?”

Pei Baoyuan frowned in confusion. “Notify me about what?”

The makeup artist glanced at the young woman sitting calmly in the chair. “About your spot. From now on, Teacher Hua will be taking over.”

Only then did Hua Xiaowen, seated steadily in Pei Baoyuan’s place, turn around and greet her.

“Hello, Ms. Pei. My name is Hua Xiaowen, and I’m here to replace you. I will be the only female host on this program from now on.”

It finally dawned on Pei Baoyuan—she had been replaced, and no one had bothered to inform her.

She forced a smile. “Hello.”

Then she turned and left.

Determined, she strode toward the office of her superior. As she passed by, everyone cast sympathetic glances her way.

[Why did they suddenly replace the female supporting character? Wait, is there really anyone in the capital who dares to offend her?]

[Since she was kidnapped as a child, the Pei family never let her appear in large public events. Besides, her social circle doesn't even overlap with the Pei family; how could anyone know she belongs to the capital’s Pei family?]

[The male lead called a few days ago, mentioning Director Zhou, saying to replace the host—could it have been the male lead’s doing?]

Pei Baoyuan paused, narrowed her eyes, and mulled over the comments.

She had been suddenly replaced—did they think it was Huo Yanci who did it?

She laughed bitterly.

Every day, without fail, Huo Yanci sent greetings and updates on his whereabouts. Whether genuine or not, his actions seemed like a plea for forgiveness.

Yet behind her back, he arranged for her to be replaced on the hosting gig. What was the meaning of that?

He certainly wasn’t foolish enough to think that after being replaced, she’d run to him crying for comfort, was he?

Please—she was no Song Yiren.

Not just this program, but if he wanted that streaming platform, a single word from the Song Group could bring him down and deliver him right to her doorstep.

Pei Baoyuan turned on her heel and headed straight for the parking lot.

She didn’t go to complain to Huo Yanci—that would be playing right into his hands. Instead, she drove to the Song Group headquarters and took the private elevator reserved for her aunt directly to the top floor.

***

Her aunt’s secretary, a strikingly handsome young man, rose to greet her.

“President Song is currently handling business in her office. You may go in directly.”

He knocked on the door on Pei Baoyuan’s behalf, and after receiving a response, opened it for her.

Song Xuanli raised an eyebrow upon seeing Pei Baoyuan. “Wasn’t there work today? What brings you here?”

“Don’t say anymore.” Pei Baoyuan sighed and slid into the chair opposite her. “I was just informed that I’ve been replaced.”

Song Xuanli laughed without restraint.

“Want your aunt to help you out?”

Pei Baoyuan shook her head. “I said I want to rely on myself. What good would your help do now?”

A knowing smile filled Song Xuanli’s eyes.

Her niece had spirit—just like her.

Leaning down, Song Xuanli retrieved a file from the safe. “I wanted to give this to you last time, but something came up.”

It was a share transfer agreement.

Song Xuanli intended to transfer ten percent of her shares to Pei Baoyuan.

Pei Baoyuan pushed the agreement back. “Aunt, why are you giving me more shares? The five percent I already have gives me enough dividends to live lavishly. Besides, my brother only holds five percent too.”

Song Xuanli said, “Your brother is different. He followed your father into politics. Baoyuan, your future... your aunt intends to hand you the entire Song Group.”

“I’m not trying to pressure you, nor do I want you to give up your dreams. It’s just...”

Pei Baoyuan grasped her aunt’s hand. “Aunt, I understand. I’m willing.”

Before Song Xuanli, Pei Baoyuan signed the share transfer agreement. Now she held fifteen percent.

[Wow, the supporting female is really a wealthy heiress!]

[This part of the story hasn’t changed, just moved up. Previously, Song Xuanli gave the shares after the supporting female got married.]

Song Xuanli felt a sense of satisfaction. “I originally planned to give this to you later, but...”

She hesitated, then changed the subject. “If you’re willing, you can start familiarizing yourself with the company’s affairs gradually. If not, just take a break for a couple of years. There’s no rush.”

“I’ll finish what I have on my plate first, then come to the company.”

The more Song Xuanli looked at Pei Baoyuan, the more she liked her. “How about it? Since you’re here, want to have dinner with your aunt tonight?”

“I’m fine with that. It depends on your schedule, President Song.”

Song Xuanli picked a usual spot, and the two finally enjoyed a meal together.

***

During the meal, Pei Baoyuan’s phone kept buzzing. Song Xuanli teased, “Who is it? Someone really eager.”

Seeing Huo Yanci’s name, Pei Baoyuan’s mood soured.

What was laughable was that this guy still had the nerve to pretend he didn’t know anything and asked why she wasn’t the female host for tonight’s live broadcast.

Didn’t Huo Yanci know why it wasn’t her?

She gave a perfunctory reply and flipped the phone face down on the table—out of sight, out of mind.

Song Xuanli seemed to guess who it was and merely smiled without saying a word.

Pei Baoyuan started to joke, “Aunt, you’re so busy, do you still have time to date your little boyfriend?”

“Of course.” Song Xuanli beamed. “When I work late, he comes to keep me company.”

Though a lifelong bachelor, Song Xuanli had never been without a boyfriend. Over the years, they were all handsome, tall men under twenty-five.

They both enjoyed the dinner immensely, and Pei Baoyuan finally got to meet her aunt’s current boyfriend, who was twenty years her junior.

Back home, the moment Pei Baoyuan stepped inside, she saw that infuriating face.

Her mother, ever considerate, had left the living room to this nominal couple.

As soon as her mother left, Huo Yanci rose and forcefully pulled her into his arms.

“Yuan Yuan, I know I was wrong. Please don’t ignore me. I’ve been reflecting all these days. When I saw you weren’t the host tonight, I rushed over immediately.”

He buried his head in her neck, greedily inhaling her scent.

The breath he exhaled made Pei Baoyuan feel nauseous.

She pushed him away, her expression cold.

“Huo Yanci, do you really know you were wrong?”

“Really!” he said resolutely. “Yuan Yuan, I truly know I was wrong, and I promise this is the last time—there won’t be a next!”

[I have a feeling the supporting female is about to forgive the male lead.]

[Can’t the supporting female be with Ke Xianbo instead? Don’t steal the male lead from Yiren.]

Huo Yanci masked everything well; Pei Baoyuan could barely detect any cracks on his face.

After a long moment, she nodded slightly.

To prove himself, Huo Yanci said, “Yuan Yuan, before I came, I arranged a program for you. If this one isn’t good, we can find another place to host—it’ll be the same.”