[The official announcement is so careless, it’s obvious the copy was written first!]
[Heh, Emperor Xiao is truly unfortunate, being dragged into the spotlight by someone with a family in tow. Even his immense radiance isn’t enough to ward off these shameless leeches!]
[Self-Adore Pot? Haha, is that the Self-Adore Pot rejected by Xia Yiran? Empress Xia is truly indiscriminate, willing to swallow anything!]
The brand representatives were displeased upon seeing these comments.
[Self-Adore Pot Global Village Headquarters: Alas, they dislike Little Le, and Little Le can’t help it~ But fortunately, there’s the kind and beautiful Little Liang. She’s actually delicious, affordable, and not expensive. It would be a shame not to buy her! Xia Weiliang, sending kisses, biubiubiu]
Such insinuations were practically a slap in the face for a newcomer.
You haven’t even become a star yet, and you’re already deeming the brand not prestigious enough?
Then, the comment section took on a different hue.
Xia Yiran’s previous act of posting her glamorous photo on "Challenge," only to be debunked by Xia Weiliang on the spot, was brought up again, along with mockery for losing all her potential endorsement deals.
Self-Adore Pot was also cunning; after being rejected, they promptly signed Xia Weiliang, their rival. You can’t deny they were stirring up trouble!
Xia Yiran was truly a victim of circumstance, with trouble falling from the sky.
What did Xiao Yi and Xia Weiliang’s drama have to do with her? She hadn’t even done anything yet!
This was the first time experiencing a chain of gossip, a carnival feast for the onlookers!
In short, it was exhilarating!
Xia Weiliang, watching this strange turn of events, didn’t care if the topic veered off course. She just wished they wouldn't mention her and Emperor Xiao anymore!
Just then, her phone suddenly rang.
It was an unknown number.
Xia Weiliang hesitated for a moment before answering. It might be work-related, and she didn't want to miss it.
“This is Xiao Yi.”
“!!
Xia Weiliang genuinely felt like cursing. Suduan Novel Network.
“Uh, how did Teacher Xiao get my number…”
“The crew has everyone’s contact information.” He paused and asked, “You haven’t saved my number?”
“My apologies, Teacher Xiao, I didn’t know there was such a benefit.”
“Save it now.”
“…Okay.”
“I wanted to talk to you about the Weibo situation.”
“……”
Operating under the principle of "You're an Emperor, so I won't quibble with you," she still forced a smile onto her face and said sweetly, “Teacher Xiao is really thoughtful, calling specifically to confirm if I’ve been kidnapped by your fans? Oh, haha… just kidding, I’m fine, I’m used to it, I’m really perfectly fine!”
She had intended to maintain her image as a gentle fairy, but she couldn’t help herself!
“My apologies, I accidentally slipped my hand and missed a character.”
“……”
So, was it that the “Iron Lady” was missing the “Iron”?
Good!
You’re showing off!
Since he personally called to explain, and it was so reasonable, how could you, Xia Weiliang, not forgive him?
Thus, the kind and beautiful Little Liang sister immediately chuckled and waved her small hands in the air, “It’s okay, it’s really okay… accidental slips are normal! It would be embarrassing for an artist not to accidentally slip up once in a while!”
After a moment of silence on the other end, he spoke, “So, you’re angry? Because I called you ‘Niangzi’?”
Oh, my goodness!
Did he really have to say it out loud?
Her ears burned, the lobes reddening as if about to bleed. She couldn’t utter a single word.
The other end wasn't in a hurry and had no intention of breaking the awkward silence. He seemed determined not to hang up until he received her answer.
“…Teacher Xiao is overthinking it. I didn’t mean that…”
What could she say?
Should she say yes?
“Meaning, you don’t mind?”
“……”
Her fists clenched!
Finally, he casually reminded her not to be late for her first scene tomorrow before hanging up. She could vaguely discern a hint of amusement in his voice.
At this moment, Yi Xiao Entertainment was in a frenzy.
Manager Tu from the Public Relations department was lamenting to Lian Jun.
“Jun, look, just look at my hair… I’m only thirty-five, and on the subway, young ladies are already giving up their seats for me!”
“Old Tu, don’t get so worked up… Here, I have heart-saver pills. Why don’t you take a couple first?”
“Get lost, get lost! Stop trying to fool people with your candy beans every day! I’ll ask you one thing today: does Yi Shen have something going on? You have to give me a straight answer! Otherwise… otherwise, I’m not leaving today!”
Old Tu was also a determined fellow. He snatched the heart-protecting treasure from Lian Jun’s hand and pressed it to his chest!
“You’re rebelling! Your heart is on the other side!”
“…Get lost.”
Old Tu lay down on the sofa, sighing, “Oh, my heart aches~”
Just then, Xiao Yi pushed the door open and entered.
The boisterous Old Tu immediately sprang up from the sofa, greeting him, “Brother Yi.”
“Manager Tu.”
The man’s aura was incredibly strong. Even dressed in a simple casual outfit and a black baseball cap, the moment he stood there, he was the most eye-catching and coolest one present!
“That… Brother Yi, I just wanted to ask how you plan to handle the situation with Xia Weiliang? Brother Yi, give us a word, and our public relations department will have a direction.”
Lian Jun chimed in from the side, “Oh, oh, oh, you were just here crying your eyes out to me, and that’s not what you were saying!”
“Shut up!”
Old Tu glared at him, then turned to Xiao Yi with a beaming smile, “Brother Yi, rest assured, even if Brother Yi says he’s getting married immediately, the public relations department guarantees to handle it perfectly!”
“Stop!”
Lian Jun glared at him, “What sort of terrible ideas are you coming up with! Getting married, what are you talking about!”
He then cautiously observed Xiao Yi. His gaze was consistently downcast, revealing no emotion, making him impossible to read!
“I will not interfere with your work, except for one thing…”
“What is it, Brother Yi, please tell us!”
“Protect her.”
Old Tu: “……”
He silently pried two heart-saver pills from Lian Jun’s hand.
Wouldn’t it be protection if they created fewer scandals? Did they need to go to such lengths?
Only after Xiao Yi went out to take a call did Lian Jun say with a smile, “You’re in public relations, and you can’t tell?”
Old Tu retorted irritably, “If you’re so good, you tell me! What did you see?”
“Xiao Yi is an Emperor of Film, and his fans make up half the fanbase. If he were to suddenly announce a partner one day, what do you think the result would be?”
His words were like a bolt from the blue!
“Ah, you mean… Brother Yi is giving his fans a heads-up in advance?”
“Heh, the young lady is a star in her own right, and so far, her reputation seems to be improving. They can’t just ruin her career like this, so this is the best way for her.”
Old Tu gasped in astonishment, “Is the strategy this deep?”
Lian Jun patted his shoulder, complaining, “I’ve just gotten used to it too.”
—
No matter how many rumors were circulating online, career must be prioritized!
Xia Weiliang arrived at the set with renewed vigor. Her first scene was scheduled for the morning.
Lian Zhu was secretly executed.
The very first scene was this intense, requiring the actor to concentrate and explode with emotion. Let alone a newcomer, even an experienced actor would need to give their all.
Assistant Director Wang voiced his concern, “Director Zhou, won’t this be a bit difficult for Xia Weiliang?”
Director Zhou narrowed his eyes, which were almost completely closed, “If you’re afraid of difficulty, don’t be in my film.”
“Mm, that’s true.”
What could Assistant Director Wang say? Xia Weiliang could only pray for herself.