The public initially dismissed Xia Weiliang's story about a sinkhole swallowing her bicycle as mere entertainment. However, the media's subsequent exposé of her "date" with Xi En at the botanical gardens left netizens utterly stunned.
The Weibo post, complete with photographic evidence, featured images of the two embracing. While their faces weren't clearly visible, the time, place, and identities matched.
"No way? My beloved 'Liang Yi Couple' is broken up just like that?"
"Scandals have to be this dramatic when Niang Niang is involved! A Film Emperor, a Television Emperor, it's so hard to choose!"
"I'm a Yi Mi, and I'd like to clarify: our Yi Shen is not participating in this competition. Please be aware!"
"To the classmate calling themselves 'Yi Mi' in the front row, hello, I'm a Liang Fen. I also want to clarify: whether your Yi Shen participates or not, you weren't considered this time. Please respect your own status, and fans, please don't chase clout. Thank you."
"Sigh, this choice is like the one I had back then: should I go to Tsinghua or Peking University?"
Xia Weiliang only learned that her practice session had been secretly filmed when she received calls from Ji Huan and Director Du.
Upon hearing about it, she grew quite excited. "They filmed it? They really filmed it? They thought we were on a date, right?!"
Ji Huan sighed, "What are you doing? Wasn't I teaching you acting?"
"Oh, Huan Jie, you don't know. We were role-playing as a couple right then, it was a three-minute live performance. Haha, I didn't expect people to actually believe it, and even fool such shrewd paparazzi! What does this show? It shows I'm actually 'not bad'!"
Ji Huan sighed helplessly, "Alright, let's first think about how to resolve this."
"Resolve what? Just tell the truth!"
Xia Weiliang was unconcerned. "Besides, even if we don't release a statement, Xi En's side will clarify it immediately."
However, the reality was that Xi En remained silent until Meiyu released their statement.
Upon learning this, Xia Weiliang exclaimed again, "Actors of their caliber are different. See? They don't take scandals seriously at all!"
Brother Yuan glanced at her. "Hopeless."
She turned and went back to her room to pack. Nuomi asked, "Brother Yuan, where are you going?"
"I'm joining a new production tomorrow."
"So soon? How long will you be gone?"
"Three months."
Brother Yuan's luggage wasn't much, and he quickly packed a small suitcase. After a moment's thought, he cautioned Nuomi, "The first time it's news, the second time it's gossip, and the third time it's a scandal."
Nuomi understood immediately. "Yes! Don't worry, Brother Yuan. If Brother En comes again, I'll follow him the entire time and absolutely won't give them a chance to be alone. Also, I've contacted Brother Mao; he'll help clarify and guide the narrative."
They looked back to see Xia Weiliang engrossed in a movie, a laptop in her lap, paying meticulous attention.
At that moment, her phone rang. It was Liu Yaozong's lawyer.
Xia Weiliang quickly put down her laptop and eagerly asked, "Is there any news?"
"The police have found crucial evidence. Judging from the wounds on the victim, the perpetrator was left-handed, but Liu Yaozong is right-handed."
"Left-handed..."
Xia Weiliang's first thought was Xia Yiran, but she wasn't sure if she was left-handed.
This was probably something only Liu Yaozong knew for sure, but even if he identified her in his current capacity, it might not be conclusive.
The lawyer was merely informing her, urging her to relax, as the investigation was ongoing.
Xia Weiliang lost her appetite for movies and immediately decided to visit Liu Yaozong at the detention center.
"Used his left hand..."
Liu Yaozong's expression was evasive, suggesting he was recalling something.
Xia Weiliang stared at him and asked, "It was Xia Yiran, wasn't it?"
Liu Yaozong remained silent, only lowering his head.
She grew anxious. "You have to tell the police everything you know. That's how you'll be alright!"
"Yes, I know."
Liu Yaozong smiled and assured her, then asked about the situation at home. He also mentioned he was doing well inside and told her not to worry.
As he was being led away, he slowly let go of his smile and, turning back, quietly said, "Sister, thank you."
Xia Weiliang didn't know what to say. Seeing him like this made her feel uneasy.
On the way back, she received a call from Wang Qiancheng.
"Niang Niang! Don't forget to come to the celebration banquet tomorrow night!"
"Retrieving Tomorrow" was Director Zhou's project of five years. After the Spring Festival release, it achieved a box office of 3.6 billion, successfully breaking into the top ten of all-time box office charts! Su Dan Novel Network
For a mainstream film to receive such an honor was particularly inspiring, so the production company organized a celebration banquet to reward all the creative staff.
"Retrieving Tomorrow" held special significance for Xia Weiliang, marking a crucial milestone in her acting career. She agreed without hesitation.
She then contacted Xiao Yi. He had also received an invitation, but he had prior commitments, making his attendance unlikely.
Although Xia Weiliang was slightly disappointed, she was a woman destined to surpass film emperors. Her time was not for wallowing in sentimentality!
The next day, Moody Hotel.
As a hotel under the Moudi group, Moody Hotel had always been the prime choice for hosting large-scale business banquets.
Despite their high prices, hotels of this caliber were in high demand and usually unwilling to offer discounts. However, upon hearing it was for Xia Weiliang's film celebration banquet, Chang Qizhi waived the bill without a second thought!
Wang Qiancheng was overjoyed and couldn't resist his gossipy nature, breaking the news on Weibo that same day.
"Moody Hotel! Have you heard of discounts? No, right! What about being comped? Haha... Niang Niang attended a film celebration banquet, and the owner of Moody Hotel directly waived the bill! What kind of status is this, folks?!"
As soon as this Weibo post went up, the comment section was once again dominated by exclamations of shock.
What kind of attribute does Niang Niang have?
Social butterfly was no longer sufficient to describe it; it was social mania!
It was unheard of for a spokesperson to have such a ripple effect.
Xia Weiliang was also taken aback when she arrived at the venue.
The hotel, regardless of whether it might cause annoyance, had erected banners and giant posters of her at the entrance. The welcoming fanfare felt as if only a dragon and lion dance troupe was missing.
Staff mentioned that these were all the boss's orders and would be counted towards their mid-year KPIs.
Xia Weiliang could only wave her hand, swaying like a beauty queen at a pageant, greeting people as she entered the banquet hall.
She felt awkward, but she was resilient and didn't show it!
"Niang Niang! Over here!"
Wang Qiancheng waved at her, accompanied by Chu Qiao and Shang Rongrong.
Xia Weiliang hurried over, holding her skirt. "Assistant Director, Chu Qiao, Rong Jie!"
She hadn't seen them in a while and truly missed them!
"Xiao Liang, what's going on with the news about you and the Television Emperor?" Chu Qiao, a true protégé of Assistant Director Wang, asked the most burning question right off the bat.