191 The Pieces 14 (2/2)

”You...” Joann was quick to rise to the bait.

”Now now. Don't get your old woman's panties wrapped up in a bunch, Joann.” Qing Qing smiled slyly. She liked this feeling of getting under people's skin. ”What I'm saying is that Joann has enjoyed a long career, a rewarding one I might add but even the brightest moon has its cycle. It's time for the prima donna to fall so the new starlet can step up to the stage, wouldn't you agree?”

That was a rhetorical question because before Qing Qing got an answer, she continued, ”In case you do not understand metaphor, that is me saying Joann is getting too old and it's time for a fresh face like myself to take her place. I do not hate her, I am merely ushering the cycle along.”

Joann's veins were popping on her forehead. This was such a great insult. She had never been shamed on such a high level before. Even Sylvia was feeling mad on her mother's behalf.

Joann demanded in a powerful voice, ”So you did all those things because you want to replace me?!”

In contrast, Qing Qing was much more collected and poised. She replied in a tone that was as smooth as water, ”I did not do those things. People simply got tired of the same old thing and they want something new and fresh.” Qing Qing smirked and allowed the final kicker to tumble out of her sultry lips, ”Why do you think Xu Jing want me and not you?”

”You little...” Joann's emotions took over her body before she could finish her sentence. She leaned forward in her seat as she gathered power in her palm. She was going to send the girl flying with a slap to her face!

Qing Qing who saw this had a small smile appear on her face and she adjusted the angle of her face imperceptibly as if to welcome Joann's slap.

Sylvia's journalistic instinct kicked in when she saw the play of emotions on Qing Qing's face. In that instant, she knew what the young woman was up to. Sylvia jumped up from her seat to hold her mother back. ”Mom, no! This is a trap!”

Qing Qing gritted her teeth in anger while Joann turned to her daughter in confusion. Sylvia explained, ”Mom, have you forgotten we're in a public place?”

That did the trick for Joann. If she had slapped Qing Qing earlier, then it would have created a big enough ruckus for people to share it online. If Qing Qing played the victim, which Joann was sure she would, then she would be branded the bully in the court of public opinion. After all, she was the more veteran actor and the public would be biased against her.