Chapter 223 : The Divine Fragment
“What’s going on? We were scheduled to shoot her cover photo today! How is it that she still hasn’t shown up?”
At the headquarters of Goddess magazine, a stylishly dressed middle-aged woman paced back and forth in her office. She was none other than the editor-in-chief.
Nearby, a group of editors exchanged nervous glances, too afraid to speak. Despite her normally kind and approachable demeanor, the editor-in-chief’s wrath was legendary—comparable to a rampaging dragon—so no one dared utter a word, fearing they’d ignite this ticking time bomb.
The cause of this tension was their latest magazine issue. They’d arranged for Duan Pian, a currently popular actress, to be on the cover. The shoot was set for ten in the morning, yet it was already past noon, and she still hadn’t arrived.
At that moment, He Miaomiao, one of the editors, walked in with a grim expression. “Editor-in-Chief, I just spoke with Duan Pian’s manager. She told me Duan Pian isn’t feeling well today and won’t be able to come.”
“Not feeling well? More like she had no intention of showing up,” the editor-in-chief spat, visibly frustrated. She wanted to throw something but thought better of it, knowing she’d only be damaging her own property and would have to pay for it.
She sighed deeply, resigning herself to the situation. Duan Pian was known in the industry for her diva attitude, a reputation that had only worsened after her recent blockbuster success. Though she played the innocent, sweet girl in public, her real personality was anything but.
Originally, the editor-in-chief had hoped to use Duan Pian’s fame to boost the magazine’s sales. But now, she regretted her decision.
They’d initially scheduled the photoshoot several days prior, but Duan Pian had made endless excuses to delay. After countless assurances from her manager, they’d finally settled on today. And still, she was a no-show.
“If I’d known it would be like this, I’d have chosen someone else,” the editor-in-chief thought to herself, frustrated.
“Forget about Duan Pian. If we don’t have a cover ready by today, we’re in serious trouble. Miao Miao, contact some backup candidates,” she instructed, staying calm despite the setback. After all, anyone who could rise to the position of editor-in-chief had faced countless crises before.
Unfortunately, more bad news soon followed.
There was a major fashion show being held nearby that day, drawing away many top models. Additionally, the ‘Guardian’ company was hosting a large-scale car show, leaving even fewer models available.
“No, not that one! None of these will do!”
The editor-in-chief shook her head as she scanned through the photos on her screen. Some of the models weren’t attractive enough, some lacked the right physique, and others simply didn’t have the right aura. As a perfectionist, she couldn’t bring herself to compromise.
They had few options left. If they couldn’t find someone soon, they’d have to choose from the subpar candidates.
As if inspired, He Miaomiao leaned over to the editor-in-chief and suggested, “I have someone in mind who might be suitable~”
Knowing her editor-in-chief didn’t like beating around the bush, He Miaomiao promptly pulled up a photo of Ling Ning.
The editor-in-chief remembered Ling Ning well; she was practically a regular in their magazine and was still in high school.
“You think she’ll work?” the editor-in-chief asked doubtfully. She trusted He Miaomiao’s eye for talent and had even begun grooming her as a potential successor. But still, Ling Ning seemed a bit young for the cover.
“Yes, she does look quite young…”
“If I remember correctly, Ling Ning hasn’t even been in the industry a full year. How can we put someone with less than a year’s experience on the cover? Even if we’re desperate, that’s a bit much.”
“Why not use that other model we’ve worked with many times?”
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
The other editors, having seen Ling Ning’s photo, voiced their objections. First, Ling Ning was indeed very young. Second, they were aware that the editor-in-chief was preparing He Miaomiao for a higher position. None of them wanted to remain mere editors, so any chance to undermine her would be seized.
He Miaomiao knew this, but she had faith in Ling Ning. With her current skills, a magazine cover was a breeze.
“How about we invite all the potential candidates for a test shoot? That way, we can see who’s truly the best,” she suggested confidently.
After a brief pause, the editor-in-chief nodded. They didn’t have many options left.
“Don’t worry, Editor-in-Chief. I’m confident that Ling Ning won’t let you down,” He Miaomiao said with conviction.
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
“Ugh, I’m stuffed. I feel like my stomach’s going to burst.”
Xiao Xiao leaned back in her chair, rubbing her stomach. The salted fish dishes at this place were addictive—she couldn’t stop eating, even after a big breakfast.
Ling Ning felt much the same. After all, since she was treating, she’d indulged herself as well. Though she didn’t normally like salted fish, the dishes here were so good that she’d eaten to her heart’s content.
“Mom, I’m going to head back now. I need to write this afternoon,” Ling Ye said after finishing the last grain of rice in her bowl and wiping her mouth with a napkin.
“Alright, be careful on your way back,” Ling Ning replied, lazily reclining in her seat.
Xiao Xiao, overhearing Ling Ye call Ling Ning “Mom” again, couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “Um, Ling Ning, why does your ‘sister’ keep calling you Mom?”
“Huh?! I didn’t tell you?” Ling Ning looked at Xiao Xiao in surprise. Thinking back, she realized she hadn’t mentioned it.
“Well~ My parents passed away when I was very young, and my little sister was still just a baby. So, I took on the role of ‘Mom.’ By the time Ling Ye grew up, she couldn’t shake the habit, so it’s just a term of endearment now,” Ling Ning explained.
She’d used this story many times before, given that her daughter couldn’t seem to stop calling her “Mom.” So she’d just gone with it.
“Really?” Xiao Xiao was taken aback, surprised by Ling Ning’s backstory. She hadn’t expected Ling Ning’s parents to be gone, and didn’t quite know how to respond.
Seeing Xiao Xiao’s somber expression, Ling Ning offered her a gentle smile. “It’s alright. It was a long time ago.”
Just then, Ling Ning’s phone started ringing.
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
Author’s Note:
Feeling drained like a salted fish. Someone come cheer me up! Should’ve released all ten chapters at once when I had them saved…
And remember, never read too much into the titles!