Chapter 539: Chapter 539: Toasting Chapter 539: Chapter 539: Toasting Xia Weibao sat opposite them, furrowing her brows.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

Zhuang Xuejun, who was sitting by her side, suddenly asked.

Xia Weibao withdrew her gaze and replied indifferently, “Nothing.”

After speaking, her eyes once again swept over Wan Ke and Chu Ying.

These two, there was a problem.

Their relationship definitely wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface.

In her past life, she had lived in the imperial palace for so long. She had seen too much of the deceit and hypocrisy within the Imperial Harem, where smiles hid knives and words were contradictory.

She could tell at a glance that the relationship between these two was unusual.

However, all these had nothing to do with her.

She just needed to focus on filming her part well.

In a couple of days, Xia Shi would come to find her; she couldn’t afford to cause any trouble for her.

“Baby, let’s go and toast to the director,” Zhuang Xuejun said.

After all, being the second and third female lead, it would be impolite not to offer a toast at such a gathering.

Even though Xia Weibao wasn’t very fond of such occasions, she knew there were table manners to observe.

So, she picked up her glass and walked over to Wan Ke with Zhuang Xuejun.

Zhuang Xuejun said with a smile, “Director Wan, Baby and I would like to offer you a toast, wishing ‘Republic of China Graceful Hero’ a great success.”

Xia Weibao simply smiled and remained silent.

Wan Ke picked up his glass, “When a beauty offers a toast, it’s only right to drink up.”

He first clinked his glass with Zhuang Xuejun, then with Xia Weibao’s.

His gaze, carrying a mocking smile, fell on Xia Weibao’s face.

“So it’s Miss Xia. I’ve long admired your reputation. You’re even more beautiful in person than on television.”

Xia Weibao smiled graciously, “Thank you for the compliment, Director.”

Someone nearby whistled indiscreetly.

“Miss Xia’s beauty is indeed among the top in the entertainment industry.”

“That’s right, Miss Xia is now Her Majesty the Empress, a character that became a representation. Nowadays, very few can achieve that.”

“The national female hero…”

These praises didn’t taste good in Chu Ying’s eyes.

Her smiling face stiffened, barely maintaining itself.

After Xia Weibao finished her toast, she pulled Zhuang Xuejun back to their seats.

For some reason, she felt very uncomfortable in such a setting.

It was nothing like the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere when she was filming with Xu Jiayang.

The people in this production crew were not as comfortable as those in the ‘Allure’ crew.

Everyone revolved around Wan Ke, showering him with flattery and obsequious compliments.

No sooner had they returned to their seats than a middle-aged man holding a drink approached them.

He stood next to Zhuang Xuejun, his chubby face squishing his eyes into slim slits.

“Xuejun, come, come, I’ll offer you a toast,” he said.

Zhuang Xuejun immediately picked up her glass, “Director Huang, I am so flattered.”

Huang Wenan was the assistant director of ‘Republic of China Graceful Hero,’ with a beer belly and receding hairline, obviously a man accustomed to frequenting various banquets.

Xia Weibao frowned.

Seeming to notice her gaze, Huang Wenan also poured a glass and walked up to her.

“Miss Xia, I’d like to offer you a toast as well,” he said.

Xia Weibao, showing little interest but recalling he was the assistant director and considering they had to shoot together for the next two or three months, raised her head to drink as well.

After Huang Wenan walked away, she leaned over to Zhuang Xuejun’s ear.

“Stay away from this Director Huang.”

“Did you notice too?”

Indeed, Huang Wenan had a somewhat shady reputation in the industry, known to be lascivious and often taking advantage of newcomers with casting couch tactics, and frequenting nightclubs to pick up women.

She had been worried that Xia Weibao’s beauty might attract Huang Wenan’s attention.

Now it seemed her worries were unfounded.

Xia Weibao was taken aback for a moment, realizing Zhuang Xuejun was aware as well. With that, she felt relieved.