Chapter 169: Puppet Talisman

For an ordinary person, it’s already difficult to be true to oneself. For someone from her family, it’s even harder. Her parents are quite traditional and would never accept her “unconventional” feelings.

People often envy the glamour of wealthy families, but they don’t realize that every move is scrutinized. If they dared to do something society deemed unacceptable, it could tarnish the family’s reputation, affect the company’s business, or even cause the stock price to plummet.

She didn’t want to become the family’s disgrace.

After taking over this body, Jiang Xiaobai had learned all about the original host’s past. She felt a mix of pity and regret for the girl, and her heart ached for her.

She couldn’t help but think of the Yaoyue Continent, where she came from. There, strength was everything. As long as you were powerful, no one cared about anything else. Moreover, the Yaoyue Continent was vast, rich in resources, and home to countless talented individuals. Many people remained unmarried, dedicating their lives to their craft. Same-sex relationships were also common.

Perhaps because people there lived long lives, relationships were more about companionship and mutual growth. Gender didn’t matter.

Jiang Xiaobai had even thought that if the original host had been born in the Yaoyue Continent, she wouldn’t have suffered so much. She could have been true to herself.

She could have boldly pursued the person she loved, stood tall with her pride intact, and never compromised for anyone or anything.

But to reach that level, she would have needed a high status—in other words, formidable strength. And that wasn’t easy.

However, after using the Dream Inducing Talisman and seeing that the original host was now living a good life in the Yaoyue Continent…

Well, it’s fine. She could use my identity and status to do as she pleased. That’s not bad.

At least in the Yaoyue Continent, she wouldn’t have to endure forced social drinking.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t regret leaving the Yaoyue Continent for this world. Her talent and aptitude were too high, and she had almost reached the pinnacle of talisman crafting at a young age. Her only remaining interest was the fortune talisman, but since it was forbidden by the heavens and impossible to create, staying there would have been dull.

Coming to this new world to explore and experience a different way of life was quite interesting.

But when it came to relationships… she might have to convince her parents to accept her staying single for life.

In the Yaoyue Continent, Jiang Bai had been obsessed with talisman crafting, oblivious to everything else. Here, Jiang Xiaobai found everyone to be… rather weak.

Acting and cursing were much more fun.

Speaking of which, this teddy bear was quite cute. Jiang Xiaobai had never seen such a flashy yet impractical toy in the Yaoyue Continent. Now was her chance to enjoy it.

“Two teddy bears—one for you, one for me. This one’s mine,” Jiang Xiaobai muttered to herself.

The original host’s teddy bear lay quietly in her locked drawer, while her own would serve as a bedside decoration.

The bear was soft, fluffy, and lightweight. Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t resist playing with it for a while, and even after her rough handling, it remained as adorable as ever.

Too bad it couldn’t move.

Wait, it couldn’t move?

Just as Jiang Xiaobai was lamenting this, her eyes lit up. She quickly ran to her desk, grabbed a pen, and began drawing something on a piece of paper.

When she finished, she returned to the bed. With a flick of her finger, a trace of spiritual energy infused the talisman, which then dissolved into a mist that settled over the bear.

“Move your eyes,” Jiang Xiaobai commanded, staring at the bear.

The bear’s black, grape-like eyes shifted left and right, though somewhat stiffly.

“Nod your head.”

It nodded mechanically.

“Stand up and turn around.”

Jiang Xiaobai tried several commands, and the bear responded to each one. However, its movements were clumsy and awkward.

A little clumsy bear! Not great!

“Hmm… this Puppet Talisman isn’t very effective. Oh well, as long as it can move, it’s fine for occasional fun.”

The Puppet Talisman wasn’t particularly useful. It merely gave inanimate objects a semblance of life, allowing them to follow basic commands. It wasn’t true sentience—just a push-and-go kind of thing.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t dwell on it. She poked the bear a few times, then went to take a shower and sleep.

A few days passed. Ming Zhu’s online store had opened, and she had uploaded photos of her products. However, after several days, not a single order had come in.

Her offerings were limited—just two items: ordinary bracelets and a special calming talisman bracelet, both in limited quantities.

Ming Zhu wasn’t worried about the lack of customers. She didn’t have to fret over inventory or costs. Selling some would be nice, but not selling any wasn’t a big deal.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaobai received a call from Dong Ran.

“Xiaobai, the company’s vice president wants to see you. Today at 2 PM in his office,” Dong Ran said, sounding a bit puzzled. Why would the vice president suddenly want to meet with Xiaobai?

Jiang Xiaobai thought for a moment and quickly understood.

Yesterday, Liu Qi from Star Brilliance had called her, saying everything was set and to expect some developments.

It seemed the developments had arrived.

“Got it. Let’s go together this afternoon, Sister Ran,” Jiang Xiaobai said.

“Alright, I’ll accompany you,” Dong Ran agreed.

When they left in the afternoon, Ming Zhu stayed home, waiting for them while editing photos of the bracelets. However, just over an hour later, the two returned.

“You’re back… Sister Ran, what’s wrong?” Ming Zhu asked, noticing Sister Ran’s dazed expression. She felt a pang of worry—had something happened to Xiaobai at the company? Was Sister Ran in shock?

“Sister Ran is just happy,” Jiang Xiaobai explained with a smile. “She’s been reinstated as a top-tier agent and got a bigger office. I’ll show you next time we go to the company.”

Ming Zhu’s eyes widened in surprise. “What happened?”

“Another company tried to poach Xiaobai with a high offer. The vice president found out and called her in to ask about her plans,” Dong Ran said, slowly regaining her composure as she sat on the sofa. “Xiaobai said she liked Tangming and wouldn’t leave, but she made one request…”

“And that request was to reinstate you as a top-tier agent?” Ming Zhu asked, her face lighting up with joy.

“Yes,” Dong Ran nodded, though she didn’t look entirely pleased. Instead, she turned to Jiang Xiaobai with a hint of frustration. “You silly girl, the vice president agreed to your request. Why didn’t you ask for something for yourself? If you keep performing well, my status as a top-tier agent would’ve been restored eventually.”

“Better sooner than later. Now that you’re back in your position, no one in the company will dare look down on you,” Jiang Xiaobai said, leaning on a sofa pillow, her hair cascading down. “Your rise benefits me too. We’re in this together—no need to stand on ceremony.”

“But it was such a great opportunity, wasted,” Dong Ran sighed. “If you’d told me beforehand, I would’ve stopped you from making that request.”

 

Chapter 170: A Deserved Fall

“What else could I have asked for?” Jiang Xiaobai retorted. “A major role? That’s unnecessary. If I had made excessive demands, I would’ve offended the vice president. Besides, my schedule is already packed. I don’t have time to join a third production.”

Both Heaven and Earth and The King of E-Sports were about to start filming. She was about to be swamped with work—how could she possibly take on another project?

“You don’t need to take on another drama, but you could’ve asked for an endorsement,” Sister Ran corrected her. “There’s a very famous perfume brand from France looking for a spokesperson in China. They’re interested in Tangming’s artists, and the company is currently discussing potential candidates. The vice president has a lot of influence in this decision. If you had asked, this endorsement could’ve been yours. The brand is wealthy, and the endorsement fee would’ve been substantial!”

A manager’s daily tasks include not only overseeing their artist’s actions and handling promotions but also gathering industry news. This includes information about upcoming dramas, endorsement opportunities, high-profile events, and networking opportunities at banquets and parties.

The higher the manager’s rank, the broader their connections and access to resources. Company resources also tend to favor them.

Dong Ran sometimes wasn’t by Jiang Xiaobai’s side because she was busy with these matters. That’s why she was well-informed about the perfume endorsement.

However, being informed didn’t help. Jiang Xiaobai wasn’t among the top female artists at the company, so such opportunities rarely came her way.

But with a promise from the vice president, things could’ve been different!

“Sister Ran, endorsements will come in time. As I said, once our reputation grows, everything else will follow. That’s why reinstating you as a top-tier agent is the most urgent matter right now.”

Jiang Xiaobai spoke nonchalantly.

Dong Ran looked at her, feeling both touched and regretful. She sighed and didn’t say anything more.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t think it was a loss.

The original host’s income after entering the industry came from two sources: her aunt’s allowance and her savings. As for the money she earned from work… it wasn’t even enough to cover her daily shopping sprees.

But after Jiang Xiaobai took over, things changed. Her earnings from new endorsements and acting fees, combined with the money she made from selling talismans, were no small amount. Besides, she had no interest in luxury goods, so her expenses were minimal.

With money in hand, missing out on an endorsement fee wasn’t a big deal.

Speaking of savings, Jiang Xiaobai suddenly remembered something. “By the way, Sister Ran, I’ve saved up some money and would like to donate some to charity. Can you help me arrange that?”

“Charity is a good idea. Many netizens resent the wealthy, especially celebrities who earn high salaries. News of charitable donations can improve their perception of you,” Dong Ran nodded, approving of the idea. “How much are you planning to donate?”

“One million,” Jiang Xiaobai said casually. “But I don’t want it to be public. I’m not doing this for show.”

“That much!”

Dong Ran was shocked. Even popular celebrities didn’t casually donate such a large sum, and Jiang Xiaobai wasn’t even that famous yet. How much had she earned in her two years in the industry?

This spendthrift child!

She wanted to dissuade her, but Jiang Xiaobai had already made up her mind. Dong Ran had no choice but to agree.

“Oh, this is great!”

While they were talking, Ming Zhu suddenly let out an excited scream, clutching her phone and nearly jumping for joy.

“What’s going on? Did your online store finally make a sale?” Dong Ran asked with a laugh.

“No, no, it’s something even better—Hai Cen got into trouble!”

Ming Zhu said gleefully. She never thought she’d be so gleeful about someone else’s misfortune, something she used to dislike.

But after hearing from Dong Ran about the terrible things Hai Cen had done, Ming Zhu had grown to despise him. Now that he was in trouble, her first reaction was joy.

“Hai Cen got into trouble? What happened?”

Jiang Xiaobai immediately lifted her head from the pillow, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

It’s here, it’s here! The curse has struck again!

Dong Ran also looked over with interest.

“He fell off the stage during a rehearsal for Starlight Unlimited today and was rushed to the hospital! Here, look at the news!” Ming Zhu handed over her phone.

The video showed a familiar stage setup—it was the set of the long-running show Starlight Unlimited. On stage, a slender figure in flowing dance attire was performing. Suddenly, he stumbled and fell, tumbling off the edge of the stage.

It looked like a nasty fall.

The video had already gone viral, with comments and shares skyrocketing in a short time.

The headline read, “Hai Cen Falls Off Stage During Starlight Unlimited Rehearsal, Rushed to Hospital with Unknown Injuries.”

Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but smile.

Good! That’s what you get for harming my teacher!

“Haha, isn’t this karma? The heavens have eyes… and they seem to be working overtime lately,” Ming Zhu said, her voice trailing off as she fell into thought.

Bad people getting their comeuppance wasn’t a new occurrence. There was Dou Fang, the mastermind behind the Ling Zi incident, and Old Bie San…

The heavens have been quite busy lately. Are they working overtime?

Dong Ran also smiled after watching the video. “Serves him right! He’s gone too far with his actions. It’s about time he faced some consequences. I just wonder how serious his injuries are.”

“The news didn’t say, but the stage looked pretty high. He’s skinnier than me, so he probably got hurt pretty badly,” Ming Zhu said thoughtfully. “I hope he’s crippled. That would be satisfying.”

Crippled? That would be great. Someone like him should leave Tangming sooner rather than later. Out of sight, out of mind.

Dong Ran was about to nod when she suddenly frowned, feeling like something was off about the situation.

But after thinking about it, she couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“Huh? Why do I see the Rainbow Sisters in the video?”

Jiang Xiaobai was still watching the video because she found Hai Cen’s fall oddly satisfying.

She planned to watch it a few more times.

But during her second viewing, she noticed two familiar figures in the corner of the stage—the Rainbow Sisters!

In the video, they were chatting in the corner of the stage when they heard the commotion. They seemed startled and turned to look in the direction of the accident.

“Oh, they’re probably recording for this episode too. Their new album was released recently, so they’re likely appearing on more shows to boost their exposure,” Dong Ran said casually.

 

 

 

Chapter 171: A Public Invitation

A few days ago, the Rainbow Sisters had released their new album, Rainbow Candy, online. Several of the songs had gained significant popularity, reportedly climbing into the top ten on the music charts—a commendable achievement.

Appearing on a well-known show to perform a new song, combined with some company promotion, could easily attract new fans.

“I see. They’re doing quite well,” Jiang Xiaobai remarked.

The two girls had good looks, decent singing skills, and strong company backing. Unless they were truly hopeless, they were bound to succeed.

Dong Ran chuckled, “If Shengyang focused on promoting just one of them, they’d be even more popular.”

As for who that would be? It was obvious—Xiao Qi.

Certainly not Cai Cai, who lacked brains.

The group continued their lively discussion about Hai Cen’s video, but it was soon interrupted.

Dong Ran’s phone rang. As she listened, her expression grew increasingly grim. Finally, she said, “Got it,” and hung up.

“What’s wrong?”

Jiang Xiaobai sensed something had happened and sat up straight.

“That Ding Haoran… you’ll probably have to attend his concert after all,” Dong Ran said, looking at Jiang Xiaobai.

“Huh?”

Jiang Xiaobai was stunned.

“Didn’t we already turn him down? Is he forcing us?” Ming Zhu asked in surprise.

“Exactly. He’s forcing her, and he’s putting her in a position where she can’t refuse,” Dong Ran said coldly, turning to Jiang Xiaobai. “Mo Kun just called. Ding Haoran mentioned you during a press interview, saying he regrets that your voice perfectly complements one of his songs. He wanted to invite you as a guest but was afraid it might seem presumptuous. However, he’d love to collaborate with you if the opportunity arises.”

Ming Zhu’s eyes widened. “How could he do that??”

Dong Ran also wondered why Ding Haoran, a fairly well-known celebrity, was so fixated on Jiang Xiaobai.

According to Mo Kun, Ding Haoran had attended a brand event earlier that day. During the post-event press conference, a reporter asked about his new song and upcoming concert. Ding Haoran had casually brought up Jiang Xiaobai, dragging her into the spotlight.

The incident had just happened. Since Ding Haoran and Chao Nan were in the same industry and of similar fame, there was some competition between them. That’s why Chao Nan’s team had quickly caught wind of it.

Since it involved Jiang Xiaobai, Mo Kun had called Dong Ran to give them a heads-up before the news broke.

Mo Kun’s final words were, “Once Ding Haoran says this, the media and fans will pressure Jiang Xiaobai. Even if you don’t agree, you’ll have to.”

After hearing this, Dong Ran was both angry and puzzled.

“Xiaobai, is Ding Haoran trying to pursue you?” Dong Ran asked, a thought occurring to her.

If it were just a matter of family connections, he wouldn’t have persisted after being turned down. But the way he kept pushing suggested some kind of obsession.

What else could it be if not romantic interest?

Jiang Xiaobai chuckled, “Is this how someone pursues another person? With such disrespect?”

Actually, after Dong Ran had politely declined on her behalf, Ding Haoran had called Jiang Xiaobai directly.

That was two days ago. During the call, Ding Haoran had been gentle and polite, saying he genuinely wanted to invite her to his concert because he thought her singing voice was perfect for one of his songs.

Jiang Xiaobai had thanked him but explained that her schedule was too packed to spare the time. She’d consider it if an opportunity arose in the future.

Ding Haoran hadn’t pressed further and ended the call after a brief chat.

Jiang Xiaobai had thought he’d given up, but now he’d pulled this stunt!

By mentioning her in front of reporters, he’d created a situation where refusing him would make her seem disrespectful to a senior artist. His fans would surely tear her apart.

This was practically coercion—how could it be considered a romantic pursuit?

“Could he be trying to ride on Xiaobai’s popularity?” Ming Zhu hesitantly suggested, then quickly added, “A few days ago, Chao Nan released that short video of you two. It was really popular, and some people even said your singing was better than your acting. Maybe Ding Haoran genuinely wants you to collaborate with him?”

The video of Jiang Xiaobai and Chao Nan singing together had required minimal editing and was released quickly. It had gone viral, with many praising their performance and saying Jiang Xiaobai’s voice was distinctive and suited for singing.

Some also commented that Jiang Xiaobai in the video didn’t come across as the aloof beauty she was often portrayed as. Instead, she seemed gentle and approachable.

In short, the video had given both Chao Nan and Jiang Xiaobai a slight boost in popularity.

Ming Zhu wondered if Ding Haoran had noticed Jiang Xiaobai’s singing talent and was determined to have her as a guest to enhance his concert.

“That’s impossible. Xiaobai isn’t a professional singer. Even if her voice is good, she’s nowhere near the level of professionals in terms of technique and expression,” Dong Ran immediately dismissed the idea. “Chao Nan also said her voice is cool and ethereal, almost detached. It’s hard for her to convey emotion in her singing, which makes her voice very song-specific.”

Deep, emotional love songs were out of the question for Jiang Xiaobai—they’d be a disaster.

But Ding Haoran’s songs were mostly passionate love ballads, even more intense than Chao Nan’s. How could they possibly suit Jiang Xiaobai?

“Then what’s his deal? Why not invite a female singer of similar popularity?” Ming Zhu was now thoroughly confused.

Could it be that Ding Haoran was just a clueless straight guy who thought this was a way to help Jiang Xiaobai?

“No point in overthinking it. Let’s wait for the news. It’ll be out soon,” Dong Ran said, pulling out her phone to start refreshing.

About half an hour later, the news began to surface and quickly became a trending topic—

“Ding Haoran Publicly Invites Jiang Xiaobai!”

The group had been waiting for this. Mo Kun’s call had been brief, and they wanted to see exactly what Ding Haoran had said.

“…Yes, I’ve been practicing my songs lately in preparation for the concert.”

“Guests? I haven’t invited anyone yet, but I already have someone in mind. I’ve just been hesitant to ask because it might seem too forward.”

In the video, Ding Haoran looked sunny and handsome, his earring glinting under the lights. In the background, fans could be heard cheering.

 

After Jiang Xiaobai’s response, Ding Haoran replied to her post with a simple laughing emoji.

 

Then, his assistant’s call came through.

 

Dong Ran answered the phone, saying little during the conversation, only occasionally acknowledging with a “Hmm.”

 

“The concert is this Saturday. Ding Haoran wants you to meet him tomorrow to practice together for two days and get a feel for it,” Dong Ran said stiffly after hanging up.

 

“Alright, let’s go,” Jiang Xiaobai replied casually.

 

After agreeing on the departure time for the next day, Dong Ran left.

 

The place Ding Haoran had arranged for practice wasn’t his company’s recording studio but a private venue with a well-equipped environment. When Jiang Xiaobai arrived with Dong Ran and Ming Zhu, Ding Haoran’s assistant was outside to greet them.

 

“Brother Ding is practicing right now. He’s taking this concert very seriously, so you’ll need to bring your A-game,” the assistant said to Jiang Xiaobai.

 

 

Chapter 173: Restlessness

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at the assistant but didn’t respond, following her inside.

Upon entering, she saw Ding Haoran sitting there, humming softly while looking at a music score. He seemed so absorbed that he only noticed Jiang Xiaobai and her companions when they were right in front of him.

“Xiaobai, you’re here? I’m really going to trouble you this time,” he said, extending his hand.

Jiang Xiaobai shook it briefly, feeling his grip tighten slightly as she pulled away.

“I’m not much of a singer, so I might be the one troubling you,” she said apologetically.

Ding Haoran laughed. “It’s fine. You’re talented. I’ve listened to your collaboration with Chao Nan several times—it’s really good. I have a new song about parting ways, and I think it suits you perfectly. Let me show you.”

He handed her the music score and had her put on headphones to listen to the demo he’d already recorded.

There was no denying that Ding Haoran’s singing skills were solid. While he couldn’t compose like Chao Nan, he was still a capable singer. He’d clearly done his homework, selecting a song that complemented Jiang Xiaobai’s vocal style for their duet.

After all, this was his concert—he didn’t want it to flop!

The two began practicing, while Dong Ran and Ming Zhu watched from the sidelines, keeping a close eye on Ding Haoran’s every move.

He appeared gentlemanly, with no inappropriate words or actions. He was attentive to Jiang Xiaobai, even brewing tea for her when she sang for too long, seeming thoughtful and considerate.

But something felt off.

Dong Ran’s sharp eyes noticed Ding Haoran’s attentiveness but detected no genuine affection. Even if there was any, it wasn’t much.

This left Dong Ran puzzled.

Jiang Xiaobai practiced diligently. She’d considered pretending to struggle to frustrate him but decided against it. While it might waste his time, it would also waste hers. Better to learn quickly and leave early.

However, things didn’t go smoothly.

Soon, Ding Haoran grew restless.

“You’re singing well, and your pitch is fine, but the emotion isn’t right. These lines transition from love to hate—you need to convey that, not sound so detached,” he said.

Jiang Xiaobai sighed inwardly.

Isn’t this asking too much?

Singing wasn’t like acting. Her usual methods didn’t seem to work here. Without experience, it was hard to infuse such intense emotion into her voice.

“How did you practice with Chao Nan? Your duet in Beyond the Illusions was great,” he pressed.

It was already afternoon, and despite repeated attempts, Jiang Xiaobai’s voice still lacked the right feel. Their duet sounded like one person pouring their heart out while the other remained coldly indifferent.

How could this be called a love song? It’s more like one-sided affection!

In Ding Haoran’s vision, both singers should convey heartbreak and longing, with a touch of sweetness in the earlier parts. But no matter how he corrected her, Jiang Xiaobai’s voice remained distant.

Frustrated, he raised his voice. “What’s going on?”

Jiang Xiaobai looked at him without a word.

Ding Haoran felt a chill under her gaze, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Before he could dwell on it, Dong Ran’s sharp voice cut in.

“Xiaobai’s voice is naturally cool. Beyond the Illusions wasn’t originally suited for her, but Chao Nan adjusted the melody and lyrics after hearing her sing, which is why it turned out so well. If you’re not satisfied, maybe you should modify the song too.”

Modify it? Are you kidding?

The concert was just around the corner—there was no time for changes. Besides, he wasn’t the composer. Even if he tried, the result would likely be a mess.

Ding Haoran felt a pang of irritation. Dong Ran’s words implied he wasn’t as capable as Chao Nan, a notion he refused to accept.

“I’m sorry. I’m not singing well enough to match you,” Jiang Xiaobai said softly, lowering her head. “I don’t want to ruin your concert. Maybe I should just bow out.”

“No,” Ding Haoran said immediately. “It’s fine. Let’s keep practicing. We still have a few days.”

He’d invited Jiang Xiaobai publicly, witnessed by countless fans. If he sent her away after just one day of practice, it would be a joke. No matter what, they had to finish the duet.

But as the day wore on, it became clear that emotion couldn’t be taught. No matter how Ding Haoran coached her, Jiang Xiaobai’s voice remained the same—cool and detached, with only a hint of warmth. It was impossible for her to sound like the passionate, heartbroken woman in the song.

Ding Haoran felt utterly exhausted, as if he were hitting a wall. Every time he wanted to criticize her, Jiang Xiaobai would lower her head and quietly suggest quitting.

It was like punching cotton—there was no impact.

“…Fine, let’s stop for today. I’ll adjust the song. I’ll handle the earlier parts, and you’ll take the later ones. We’ll practice more tomorrow,” Ding Haoran finally conceded.

The heartfelt duet he’d envisioned wasn’t going to happen. If Jiang Xiaobai’s voice suited the parting section, he’d sing the earlier parts himself. If they matched well, the performance could still be decent.

They weren’t in City B but a nearby location. With work continuing tomorrow, they’d stay overnight.

Ding Haoran’s assistant had booked a hotel for the three of them, close to the recording studio.

After wrapping up for the day, Ding Haoran offered to take Jiang Xiaobai to dinner. She declined, saying she was tired and wanted to rest early.

“You still need to eat properly. Take care of yourself,” he said warmly. “The restaurant’s just down the street—it’s less than a ten-minute walk, or we can drive.”

Seeing no way to refuse, Jiang Xiaobai nodded. “Thank you. Sister Ran, Zhu Zhu, you’re coming too, right?”

Ding Haoran’s expression stiffened, his eyes flicking toward Dong Ran as if silently urging her to decline.

But Dong Ran ignored him, immediately agreeing. “Sure, I’m starving. Let’s go.”

Ming Zhu nodded eagerly.

The planned dinner for two turned into a group meal. Ding Haoran pursed his lips, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. “Alright, everyone’s worked hard. Let’s eat together.”

Hearing this, Dong Ran’s stern face softened with a faint smile.

 

 

 

Chapter 174: Feud

The dinner passed without incident. Afterward, Ding Haoran escorted Jiang Xiaobai and her team to their hotel, watching them enter before leaving.

Jiang Xiaobai, Dong Ran, and Ming Zhu went upstairs. Dong Ran and Ming Zhu’s rooms were near the hallway, so they entered quickly. Jiang Xiaobai’s room was slightly further in.

She found her room using the keycard and was about to open the door when she heard Ding Haoran’s voice behind her.

“Xiaobai!”

Jiang Xiaobai stiffened, pulling her phone from her pocket.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, turning to face him.

Ding Haoran jogged over from the other end of the hallway, holding something in his hand.

“I forgot to give you the USB drive. It has the song Blossoms on the Road that we’ll be singing. You can listen to it tonight—it might make tomorrow’s practice easier,” he said, smiling as he handed it to her. “The hotel room has a computer, so it should be convenient.”

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at him. “You didn’t have to go out of your way to deliver this. You could’ve just emailed it.”

“I happened to have it with me, so I thought I’d bring it over right away,” Ding Haoran replied, flashing a bright smile. He then looked at her room door. “Is this your room?”

Obviously. Whose else would it be?

Jiang Xiaobai nodded, taking the USB drive. “Thanks. See you tomorrow.”

She turned to enter her room.

“Xiaobai!”

Ding Haoran followed her, standing in the doorway so she couldn’t close the door. “I need to talk to you. Just five minutes—no, three minutes. Is that okay?”

“Sorry, it’s late, and I’m tired,” Jiang Xiaobai said coldly, her expression frosty. “I respect you as a senior, but it’s inappropriate for us to be standing here like this, a man and a woman alone. Can we talk tomorrow after work?”

“Xiaobai, I like you!”

Perhaps unwilling to hear her reject him again, Ding Haoran grabbed her hand, pouring out his feelings. “I’ve liked you since the first moment I saw you. It must’ve been love at first sight—something I’ve never felt before. I can’t control my emotions. I just want to see you every moment!”

Jiang Xiaobai looked at him, trying to pull her hand back. “You could buy a poster of me or set your phone wallpaper to my picture.”

“Xiaobai, I’m serious! I want to pursue you. Please don’t reject my feelings. I can give you everything you want—I can make you famous, give you resources. Really!”

Ding Haoran spoke passionately, his eyes filled with what seemed like deep affection.

“Sorry, I don’t like you,” Jiang Xiaobai said firmly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

She tried to pull her hand away, but Ding Haoran held on tightly, hurting her wrist. After two attempts, she used force to break free, her nails scratching his hand in the process. “Please respect yourself.”

“Xiaobai, don’t treat me like this. I love you!”

Ding Haoran’s face twisted in pain as he stepped forward, reaching out as if to hug her.

“Get out, or I’ll report you for harassment.”

Jiang Xiaobai stepped back.

“Xiaobai, you don’t believe me, do you? I can prove—ow!”

As Ding Haoran moved closer, Jiang Xiaobai kicked him hard in the shin, the force making him feel like his leg might break.

He staggered back, and Jiang Xiaobai pushed him in the chest with such strength that he stumbled out of the room, slamming into the hallway wall.

“Ah!”

He groaned, his face contorted in pain. His back, head, hand, and shin all hurt as if they’d been shattered.

How is she so strong?

He was both shocked and confused.

“Jiang Xiaobai, don’t be ungrateful. Do you still want to be part of the concert?”

In his pain, he lashed out with threats.

“I don’t want to participate anymore. And your concert… won’t happen either.”

Jiang Xiaobai’s voice was icy, and she felt a familiar chill wash over her, calming her. “You have one minute to leave, or I’m calling the police.”

“Fine, you’ve got guts.”

Ding Haoran’s mask of gentleness and warmth was gone, replaced by cold fury. “Don’t regret this.”

With that, he limped away, dragging his aching body.

Once he was out of sight, Jiang Xiaobai immediately called Dong Ran and Ming Zhu. “Pack up. We’re leaving.”

Dong Ran and Ming Zhu had just finished unpacking and were about to shower when they received Jiang Xiaobai’s call.

Ming Zhu, who always followed Jiang Xiaobai’s instructions without question, agreed immediately. Dong Ran wanted to ask questions but, hearing the ice in Jiang Xiaobai’s voice, knew something serious had happened. She quickly packed her things and left the room.

Jiang Xiaobai was already waiting in the hallway. Seeing them, she said, “Let’s go,” and headed to the elevator.

Only after they left the hotel and got into their car did Jiang Xiaobai finally relax.

“Xiaobai, what happened? Why are you so angry?”

Dong Ran hadn’t seen Jiang Xiaobai this furious in a long time. Her entire demeanor was icy, and though her face was expressionless, anyone could tell she was seething.

In the past, Jiang Xiaobai’s anger was explosive—she’d throw things and shout. Now, she was calm, but it was even more terrifying.

“Ding Haoran came to my room and tried to force his way in. He even tried to hug me,” Jiang Xiaobai said coldly.

The moment she spoke, both Dong Ran and Ming Zhu gasped.

Ming Zhu, who was driving, nearly swerved into a lamppost!

“What? How could he—Ding Haoran—how could he do something like that?” Dong Ran was stunned, unable to believe what she’d just heard.

Was Ding Haoran out of his mind?

“He wasn’t planning to actually do anything, but photos will probably be leaked soon,” Jiang Xiaobai said with a cold smile.

When Ding Haoran had grabbed her hand, she’d noticed someone’s head peeking out from the doorway. No doubt, they’d taken photos of the encounter.

Fortunately, they’d only captured the hand-holding—his attempted hug hadn’t succeeded, so there were no compromising images.

“What did you do to make him go to such lengths to ruin you?”

Dong Ran was baffled. What was going on? Their mothers were supposed to be friends, but Ding Haoran’s actions were anything but friendly.

This wasn’t a friendship—it was a feud!

 

Chapter 175: The Truth Revealed

Jiang Xiaobai thought for a moment. “He might have considered pursuing me, but seeing how cold I was, he probably realized it was hopeless. That’s why he resorted to this terrible move.”

“Wait, let me post something first.”

After hearing Jiang Xiaobai’s explanation, Dong Ran made a decision. She took out her phone, logged into Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo account, and posted:

[Jiang Xiaobai Not So White v: So terrifying. I never imagined I’d experience something like this. What a wolf in sheep’s clothing!]

The post was geotagged to the hotel. Once everything was set, Dong Ran quickly published it.

It was just after dinner, a time when many netizens were online. Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo had a decent following, so many people noticed the post.

If it had been a regular update, netizens might’ve ignored it. But this was clearly something unusual.

What could’ve happened to make her so angry?

For a celebrity to publicly lash out like this—it must be serious!

One netizen noticed the geotag and had a thought: Wait, isn’t this the city where Ding Haoran’s concert is being held?

Ding Haoran had arrived in the city a few days ago to rehearse at a local recording studio. He’d even posted about it on Weibo yesterday, showcasing his dedication.

Curious, the netizen commented: What’s going on? This city looks familiar. Were you rehearsing with Ding Haoran?

This netizen wasn’t exactly a fan of Jiang Xiaobai—they’d followed her for a giveaway and never bothered to unfollow after not winning. The comment was just a casual remark, but to their surprise, Jiang Xiaobai’s account replied shortly after:

“The collaboration is canceled.”

It was Dong Ran who responded, not Jiang Xiaobai herself.

Both the post and the reply sparked a wave of excitement among netizens. They sensed a compelling story unfolding and eagerly began discussing it in the comments.

“What happened? Why was the collaboration canceled? And who’s the ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’?”

“It seems like a major controversy is on the horizon!”

“Canceled collaboration plus ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’… I have a guess. Could it be Ding…?”

Dong Ran glanced at the comments before putting her phone aside. “We need to go back to the hotel and get the surveillance footage.”

“It’s no use,” Jiang Xiaobai said, stopping her. “He chose the hotel. If he dared to do this, he’s already bribed the staff. Besides, the footage would only show the hallway—he can still lie about what happened inside the room.”

“Once the photos come out, we’ll be on the defensive. We need to draft a statement explaining what happened before then to get ahead of this. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to control the narrative.”

Dong Ran was worried. Jiang Xiaobai’s fan base was nowhere near Ding Haoran’s. If he released the photos and spun a story, who knew how furious the netizens would get? Whether it was smearing her reputation or spreading rumors, it would all be bad for Jiang Xiaobai.

“Let him post it. I want to see what kind of story he’ll spin with just one photo.”

Jiang Xiaobai smirked coldly.

Ming Zhu focused on driving, while Dong Ran kept refreshing Weibo. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaobai picked up her phone and dialed a number.

“Xiaobai?”

It was Jiang Zhiyi, her voice tinged with concern.

“Brother, I need your help. I’m in a bit of trouble.” Jiang Xiaobai got straight to the point.

“Tell me.”

Jiang Zhiyi, who was working late at the office, immediately straightened up, his handsome face turning serious.

After hearing Jiang Xiaobai’s explanation, he was seething. “Got it. I’ll have an answer for you by this time tomorrow at the latest.”

After hanging up, Jiang Xiaobai leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Ding Haoran made his move just as Jiang Xiaobai and her team were nearing City B.

[Ding Haoran v: I admired you as a heroine after the fugitive incident. I respected you as a martial artist after your MV. I was genuinely looking forward to this collaboration, hoping we could create a classic song together. But I was too naive. After a day of rehearsals, I escorted you back to your hotel…]

Ding Haoran’s post wasn’t a full essay, but it was lengthy.

He explained his initial intentions for the collaboration, expressed his admiration for Jiang Xiaobai, and then vividly described the events of the evening.

He said that after rehearsing together, he invited Jiang Xiaobai to dinner and then, as a gentleman, offered to escort her back to her hotel. She claimed to have a lot of luggage and asked him to help her carry it upstairs. Reluctantly, he agreed.

However, after delivering the luggage to her door, he said goodbye and tried to leave. But Jiang Xiaobai grabbed his hand and asked him to stay the night.

He firmly refused, stating that he had no romantic feelings for her and only saw her as a collaborator. But Jiang Xiaobai insisted, saying she was willing to offer herself and even tried to hug him. When he resisted, she said:

“As long as you can help me get famous, I’ll do whatever you want tonight. After this, we can pretend nothing happened. I won’t hold you responsible.”

Ding Haoran wrote that he felt disgusted, as if he’d swallowed a fly. He claimed to have always been clean and focused on his work, with no interest in relationships. Her behavior, he said, repulsed him.

So, he sternly refused and tried to leave. But Jiang Xiaobai threatened him, saying that if he walked away, she’d cancel the collaboration and make him regret it.

Ding Haoran concluded his post with:

“I’ve always known about the dirty underbelly of this industry, but I’ll never be part of it. I’ll face whatever consequences you’ve promised. I believe in justice, and I trust that everyone’s eyes are clear.”

The post included several photos: one of them holding hands and another that appeared to show them arguing.

The photos were blurry, as if taken in a hurry, but it was clear enough to identify the two people.

Ding Haoran explained that the photos were taken by his assistant, who noticed something was wrong and acted quickly. He said he was lucky to have his assistant there, or else it would’ve been hard to prove his innocence.

As soon as Ding Haoran’s post went up, it caused an uproar online. Netizens flooded the comments, overwhelmingly condemning Jiang Xiaobai for being shameless and throwing herself at him.

They questioned whether vanity was so important that an actress would stoop to such lows just for fame.

Jiang Xiaobai’s earlier Weibo post and her reply to the netizen were also screenshotted and shared, further fueling the backlash:

“This is the classic case of the guilty party striking first. Knowing the collaboration was doomed, she tried to get ahead of the story? How despicable!”