Chapter 197: A Car Crash Performance

“I’m so sorry, I was just startled,” Ji Wen apologized, her voice flustered.

Ji Wen was a refined woman, always graceful in her movements. This kind of behavior was rare and out of character for her. She quickly grabbed a tissue to clean up the spilled coffee, repeatedly apologizing.

“It’s fine, we’ll clean it up,” Jiang Xiaobai said, snapping out of her daze. Her expression was… complicated.

Meanwhile, Cai Cai’s singing continued. The high notes were sharp and drawn out, making everyone feel uncomfortable.

Linglong, horrified, grabbed the remote and turned down the volume. Only when the music softened did she let out a relieved sigh, as if she had just come back to life.

“That was terrifying. How could she sing like that? Isn’t she a professional singer?” Linglong asked, utterly baffled.

“They’ve performed at events before, and it sounded fine then. What happened today?” Ming Zhu chimed in, equally puzzled. “Were they lip-syncing all along? Or was it heavily edited in post-production?”

“Lip-syncing the whole time? Impossible. Audiences are sharp these days—they’d have called it out if it were fake… Maybe the song is just too hard to sing, and she messed up?” Linglong speculated.

The two discussed it for a while but couldn’t come to a conclusion. Neither of them was a music expert, so they could only judge whether it sounded good or not.

Jiang Xiaobai turned her attention back to the TV. Cai Cai’s face was flushed as she sang, and Xiao Qi glanced at her, seemingly concerned.

After the high-pitched section ended, Xiao Qi took over. Her voice was as steady as ever, exuding confidence and ease, which was a relief to the ears.

It felt like the audience’s ears had been transported from hell to heaven—a truly surreal experience.

“Xiao Qi’s singing is so much better. Cai Cai’s part was a complete car crash,” Ming Zhu remarked, wiping sweat from her brow.

Short video platforms were full of “car crash” covers of this song, but those were intentionally comedic, with parody-style music that made people laugh. But this was a live performance on a major show—a formal and important occasion.

This wasn’t funny; it was a PR disaster!

Didn’t they worry about losing fans?

After Xiao Qi finished her part, the music shifted, signaling the return of the high notes.

Linglong instinctively gripped the remote, ready to mute the TV if things went south again to protect their ears.

“Every week is sweet with you, missing you even when we’re apart. You’re the donut I can’t quit…”

Surprisingly, although Cai Cai sang the high notes, Xiao Qi joined in as well.

The part was originally meant for one person, but now it was a duet.

Xiao Qi’s voice was high-pitched and clear, overpowering Cai Cai’s and masking her flaws. Xiao Qi’s beautiful singing filled the air, a delight to the ears.

Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes flickered with realization.

When she looked at Xiao Qi again, her gaze deepened.

“Wow, Xiao Qi’s singing is amazing. Her voice is so high—it’s impressive,” Linglong said with a smile, turning the volume back to normal and settling in to listen.

“Wait, I just thought of something. In their past performances, did Xiao Qi always handle the high notes?” Ming Zhu suddenly asked.

Most people didn’t pay close attention to the details of songs. Being able to distinguish the two voices was enough—only fans would go deeper.

Ming Zhu wasn’t a fan of the Rainbow Sisters, but she had enjoyed some of their popular songs, which was why she vaguely remembered this detail.

“I’m not sure… but I think so,” Linglong replied, looking puzzled. “What’s going on? Did they mess up the lyrics? The high notes should’ve been given to Xiao Qi from the start. Why did Cai Cai take on such a difficult part when she clearly can’t handle it?”

This left Linglong utterly speechless.

As they talked, the song—which felt both short and endless—finally came to an end.

The two bowed on stage. Xiao Qi remained composed, wearing a calm smile, while Cai Cai’s face was slightly red, her eyes downcast, and her expression troubled, as if something was weighing on her mind.

But no matter how troubled she was, she had to pull herself together because the show wasn’t over yet. They still had to participate in the games segment.

“Cai Cai’s performance was terrible. Not only did she sing poorly, but she also wasn’t focused during the games,” Linglong said, shaking her head in disappointment.

The song was already a lost cause, but as a professional, Cai Cai should’ve adjusted her mindset and thrown herself into the next segment, not letting the past affect her current performance.

But Cai Cai didn’t do that. Her failure in singing left her distracted, her head often lowered, and she frequently zoned out during the games, consistently scoring the lowest.

The hosts, of course, noticed her odd behavior and tried to engage her with humor, but their attempts failed repeatedly.

Since she was a lost cause, the hosts naturally shifted their attention to Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi handled it well. She was polite, good-natured, answered every question, took jokes in stride, and apologized promptly if she made a mistake. Her confident and graceful demeanor made her very likable.

As a result, Cai Cai became a background figure, seemingly forgotten by everyone.

Fortunately, the show was only an hour and a half long. By the time the games ended, it was almost over.

When the closing credits rolled, Ji Wen couldn’t help but laugh.

“I think even the hosts breathed a sigh of relief when it ended. This episode was a mess—first Hai Cen’s fall, then Cai Cai’s flop.”

“Yeah, this episode was plagued with disasters. Thank goodness Xiao Qi saved it; otherwise, it would’ve been a total trainwreck.”

“Speaking of which, I feel like we’ve always focused on Cai Cai and never paid much attention to Xiao Qi. Turns out she’s quite talented—excellent in every aspect.”

“She’s just too introverted, not as flashy and attention-grabbing as Cai Cai.”

Ji Wen and the others continued their discussion.

Jiang Xiaobai looked away and returned to her script, but she sighed inwardly—

It seemed the Rainbow Sisters were about to undergo some changes.

Just then, her phone rang.

“Bo Xing?”

“Xiaobai, I’m heading back to the company tomorrow. I have some good jade pieces with me—do you need any?” Bo Xing’s voice was as straightforward as ever. “I saw the bracelets and jade pendant you posted on Weibo, so I thought you or your family might need them. If they’re useful, I’ll bring them to you.”

Bo Xing had been filming on location and wasn’t in town. He must’ve had some business to attend to, which was why he was returning to the company.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 198: The Jade Gift

“Jade? How big is it? If it’s too large, I might not have a use for it,” Jiang Xiaobai said.

She wasn’t lacking in jade—she could easily buy it herself if needed. But if Bo Xing had something suitable, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.

Besides, she could ask him how the misfortune dispelling talisman had been working for him.

“There are beads, and there are also pieces about the same size as this talisman,” Bo Xing replied.

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaobai agreed. “Alright, let’s meet at the company tomorrow. Just tell me the time.”

The next morning, after breakfast and some dance practice, Jiang Xiaobai had Ming Zhu drive her to the company.

Linglong came along as well.

As Jiang Xiaobai’s assistant, Linglong needed to be familiar with all aspects of her work, so bringing her to the company was a way to get her acquainted with the environment.

When they met Bo Xing, he seemed to be practicing a song. Jiang Xiaobai casually asked, “Are you singing?”

“There’s an insert song in the drama, and the director suggested I give it a try,” Bo Xing said, looking up from the sheet music with his handsome face. “I came here today to ask Chao Nan for some guidance.”

“I see,” Jiang Xiaobai nodded, not pressing further.

Bo Xing set the sheet music aside and pulled out a small bag.

It was a tiny, transparent plastic bag with a zipper seal, about the size of a palm.

“Here, take a look. See if you can use them,” he said.

Inside the bag were three jade beads and two jade talismans. One talisman was white, likely Hetian jade, while the other was black, probably black jadeite.

The three jade beads were also different in color—two were pink, and one was black, similar in texture to the black jadeite.

“Wow, they’re beautiful,” Linglong exclaimed, her eyes drawn to the pink beads.

Ming Zhu also took a closer look.

While they might not know much about jade, they could still tell quality when they saw it. The pink beads were large, smooth, and had a lustrous sheen, appealing to their inner sense of beauty.

If the beads were this stunning, the talismans were even more impressive.

“They’re lovely,” Jiang Xiaobai agreed. “I’ll take them. Let me know the price, and I’ll transfer the money.”

She already had her phone out, ready to input the amount.

Bo Xing, however, scratched his nose awkwardly. “Actually, you don’t need to pay. But I do have a request…”

“Hmm?” Jiang Xiaobai paused, looking at him curiously.

“My mom wants one of your weight-loss bracelets, but… she didn’t win the Weibo giveaway,” he said, his voice low and slightly embarrassed.

Ming Zhu couldn’t help but chuckle.

“So that’s why you’re giving me the jade,” Jiang Xiaobai said, amused. “You could’ve just asked directly.”

Bo Xing laughed too.

He had been hesitant to bother Jiang Xiaobai, but his mother had been persistent, calling him repeatedly. Eventually, he gave in.

“Also… I have an elder who’s been struggling with sleep. He barely sleeps and often wakes up startled. It’s taken a toll on his health, so I was wondering if you could…” Bo Xing fiddled with his watch, looking sheepish.

“So the jade is your payment, huh?” Jiang Xiaobai teased, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it. Which piece should I use?”

“This black talisman, maybe?” Bo Xing pointed to the black jadeite piece.

The better the jade’s quality and the larger its size, the stronger the talisman’s effect. This amplification could be significant. For something like a luck talisman, using a large talisman would be risky, as the effects could backfire.

But for something like a calming talisman, it was safe.

Jiang Xiaobai thought for a moment, then nodded.

Bo Xing suddenly asked, “Do you make those bracelets yourself, or do your elders make them?”

Jiang Xiaobai’s heart skipped a beat, but she replied calmly, “I make them. I’m still learning, so they’re not as effective as my elders’ work.”

“I hope you master it soon. That way, I can benefit more,” Bo Xing said with a smile, not pressing further about who would craft the jade beads and talisman.

He was content to wait for the finished product and didn’t want to pry into the details.

Jiang Xiaobai accepted the jade, saying she’d contact him once it was ready. Then she casually asked about the talisman he’d been using.

“How’s the misfortune dispelling talisman working for you?”

“It’s been great!” Bo Xing said earnestly, pulling out a black cord from under his shirt to reveal the talisman.

Jiang Xiaobai noticed he was wearing two necklaces, both with black cords. “What’s the other one?”

“It’s something I’ve worn since I was a child. My grandfather had it made for me, saying it could suppress my misfortune,” Bo Xing explained, glancing down. “But it never seemed to work. Still, I’ve gotten used to wearing it, so I keep it on. It’s a memento of my grandfather’s care.”

Bo Xing was tall and wore a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, revealing the black cords resting on his collarbone. The pendant on the second cord was hidden from view.

“Can I take a look?” Jiang Xiaobai asked, curious.

She wondered if this world’s “masters” had imbued it with any spiritual energy.

“Sure,” Bo Xing said, tucking the talisman back in and pulling out the second cord.

The pendant was small, especially compared to the talisman—only about a third of its size.

It was pure black, roughly circular, and had a carved pattern that resembled a skull but wasn’t quite one.

The material was unusual—it didn’t look like jade or anything else Jiang Xiaobai recognized. When it moved, it caught the light subtly.

Jiang Xiaobai leaned in for a closer look, but the intricate design made it hard to discern.

What mattered more was the strange aura she sensed when she got close. Her expression shifted from casual to serious.

Bo Xing had been about to tuck the pendant back in, but her reaction surprised him. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you take it off and let me examine it? It feels… unusual,” Jiang Xiaobai said, frowning as she struggled to describe the sensation.

Without hesitation, Bo Xing undid the cord and handed it to her.

The moment Jiang Xiaobai touched it, she let out a soft “Huh,” her eyes widening in surprise.

“Sister Xiaobai, is there something wrong with this?” Ming Zhu asked, leaning in curiously.

Linglong, who didn’t believe in “masters” or “mystical objects,” was also intrigued and waited to hear what Jiang Xiaobai would say.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 199: The Sinister Pendant

Jiang Xiaobai held the skull-shaped pendant, her fingers gently tracing its surface. With each touch, she could faintly sense its eerie aura.

Not only that, but she also noticed the protection talisman bead on her wrist responding subtly.

“Zhu Zhu, Linglong, I need to speak with Bo Xing privately,” Jiang Xiaobai suddenly said.

Ming Zhu and Linglong were momentarily taken aback but quickly complied, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind them.

Once outside, Linglong’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Ming Zhu, do you think Xiaobai and Bo Xing are…”

“Don’t speculate!” Ming Zhu immediately shot her a warning look. “They’re just good friends, completely innocent. Don’t let your imagination run wild.”

Ming Zhu often felt a bit insecure around Linglong, but when it came to Jiang Xiaobai, she couldn’t stay silent. “Sister Xiaobai can’t afford any controversies. As her assistants, we must be careful with our words. Linglong, watch what you say—loose lips sink ships!”

“Don’t misunderstand me. I didn’t mean it that way. I can tell there’s nothing between them—their eyes don’t even spark,” Linglong quickly explained. “It’s just that I’m a sucker for good looks, and they’re both so attractive. I’d love to see them as a couple…”

Ming Zhu relaxed but still corrected her, “No one is worthy of my Sister Xiaobai!”

Linglong was left speechless, glancing at Ming Zhu, who had turned into a devoted fan of Jiang Xiaobai, and decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the room was tense.

“…So you’re saying this thing is sinister and has a negative influence?” Bo Xing’s expression was grave.

He trusted Jiang Xiaobai, but her words had shaken him deeply.

Since childhood, he had been plagued by misfortune, becoming an object of disdain. His family had tried every possible method to change his fate, but nothing worked. Just when he had lost hope, Jiang Xiaobai’s talisman had given him a glimmer of light.

The subsequent misfortune-dispelling talisman had made him deeply grateful to her and her mysterious elder.

Bo Xing knew that with the elder’s guidance, Jiang Xiaobai must have some skill in talisman-making. Her words couldn’t be wrong. But this pendant—

He had worn it for twenty years. How could it be the source of his problems?

“Yes, it absorbs… something positive while releasing something harmful,” Jiang Xiaobai explained carefully.

Her protection talisman bead usually remained dormant, but its current activity indicated it was at work.

It was protecting her, which meant something was trying to disrupt that protection. This change had started the moment she touched the pendant, so the connection was clear.

Bo Xing’s face paled, his expression a mix of shock and fear. “Are you saying… my misfortune might be caused by this?”

“Yes, this thing is connected to something else,” Jiang Xiaobai said, still tracing the pendant and sensing its inner energy.

Though she didn’t know exactly what it was, she could feel it was linked to another entity—a “counterpart” somewhere else.

Bo Xing looked confused.

“I suspect this pendant is siphoning your good luck and transferring it to its counterpart… meaning someone is using your fortune for their own benefit,” Jiang Xiaobai concluded.

Bo Xing fell silent, his mind reeling.

The shock was too much for him to process.

“This thing is malevolent. If it were just absorbing your luck and transferring it, you’d simply be an ordinary person with no good fortune. But it also releases a harmful energy—call it ‘evil qi’—that’s been causing your constant bad luck,” Jiang Xiaobai explained, thinking aloud.

She added, “No wonder the talisman I gave you didn’t last long. With both positive and negative energies affecting you, even the best talisman wouldn’t hold up.”

The pendant’s aura alone could weaken the talisman’s effectiveness. Thankfully, Bo Xing was now using a more powerful talisman plate, or it wouldn’t have lasted this long.

“If I destroy it, will I return to normal?” Bo Xing suddenly asked.

Jiang Xiaobai shook her head. “Destroying it or not wearing it will only alleviate the problem, not eliminate it. You’ve worn it for too long—your energy is intertwined with it. To completely break free, you’d need to find its counterpart and destroy that as well.”

Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Bo Xing.

The pendant had been a gift from his grandfather. Whether his grandfather knew about its sinister nature or not, it was clear this matter was tied to his family.

No wonder he was so shaken.

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the skull-shaped pendant, feeling a chill run through her. “This thing looks ominous. How could anyone think it would suppress misfortune? Didn’t you ever find it suspicious?”

Bo Xing, still lost in thought, replied absentmindedly, “Don’t you think it’s cool?”

Jiang Xiaobai: “…”

Alright then.

“This pendant… I remember my grandfather saying the master who made it was unconventional, different from the orthodox masters, but he had real skill,” Bo Xing said, his eyes filled with confusion. “It was a gift from my grandfather, and he always doted on me. There’s no way he would…”

He couldn’t believe his grandfather had intended this.

“If I’m not mistaken, you must have been born with great fortune. That’s why someone targeted you, using this pendant to steal your luck. With that in mind, think about the people you know—has anyone risen to prominence recently?” Jiang Xiaobai suggested.

“Your worst periods of misfortune would likely coincide with their greatest successes.”

Bo Xing frowned, then suddenly thought of something. “Could the master himself have orchestrated this?”

Perhaps the master had noticed Bo Xing’s exceptional fortune, decided to exploit it, and tricked his grandfather into giving him the pendant. That would make sense.

Jiang Xiaobai shook her head. “That’s possible, but the master couldn’t have done this alone. You said your family sought him out because of your bad luck. But before you wore the pendant, how did your misfortune start?”

Someone must have been behind it, creating the illusion of Bo Xing’s bad luck to justify bringing the master into the picture.

 

 

 

Chapter 200: The Controversy

Bo Xing nodded thoughtfully after hearing Jiang Xiaobai’s explanation.

“By the way, this pendant has a subtle connection to its counterpart. If you notice any unusual reactions when you’re near someone, it’s likely that the counterpart is with that person,” Jiang Xiaobai added before leaving.

“Thank you, I understand,” Bo Xing replied, exhaling deeply. He seemed much quieter now.

Having said all she needed to, Jiang Xiaobai didn’t linger. She picked up the bag containing the jade and left the room.

“Sister Xiaobai, Cai Cai is trending! She’s in a relationship!”

While driving, Ming Zhu remembered the news she had seen on her phone and quickly informed Jiang Xiaobai. “A paparazzo caught photos of her with her boyfriend, but the man’s face is blurred, so we can’t tell who he is.”

Jiang Xiaobai was surprised. “Cai Cai?”

“Yes, Cai Cai,” Ming Zhu confirmed.

Linglong chimed in, “Cai Cai is still so young. She really shouldn’t be dating. Her male fans are in an uproar.”

Jiang Xiaobai opened her phone to check the news.

The keyword “Cai Cai’s Relationship Exposed” was already trending. She didn’t need to search for it—it was right there on the homepage.

The post was shared by a well-known paparazzo nicknamed “Big Dog.” He was infamous in the entertainment industry for exposing countless controversies—from actresses secretly marrying and having children to married male stars maintaining a devoted husband image while having affairs.

When his name came up, netizens were excited, but those in the industry felt only fear and disgust.

After all, whenever he appeared, someone was about to face trouble.

If it was a rival, that was one thing. But what if it was you?

Jiang Xiaobai scrolled through the post.

The photos were taken at night. Cai Cai was wearing a loose, long sweatshirt that revealed her fair legs, and she had a baseball cap on her head.

Next to her stood a tall man of average build, dressed in a black shirt and pants. His face was deliberately blurred, making it impossible to identify him.

Cai Cai was leaning against him, her arm linked with his, looking very intimate.

Since it was nighttime, wearing sunglasses would have been too obvious. Without them, the baseball cap did little to hide her identity. Jiang Xiaobai immediately recognized the girl in the photo as Cai Cai.

It was definitely her, and the man beside her, though unidentifiable, was clearly more than just a friend.

The post consisted of four photos from different angles, accompanied by a brief caption noting the time and location.

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at the comments.

“My heart is broken. I’m speechless.”

“I thought she was a pure girl, but now I’m skeptical. Judging by the man’s build and style, he’s probably over 30. Is this a relationship or something else?”

“I’m so disappointed in Cai Cai. Her performance on Starlight Unlimited was already a letdown. I feel like I’ve been supporting the wrong idol. I’m done.”

“What’s going on with Cai Cai lately? Her acting in the A Family in the Town was shallow and thoughtless, her singing yesterday was a disaster, and now she’s dating someone… Does she even care about her career anymore? Is she planning to retire early?”

“Cai Cai is not performing well. She’s been holding back Xiao Qi. I suggest the group disband so Xiao Qi can pursue a solo career and move on from this situation!”

Normally, when rumors like this surfaced, fans would rush to defend their idol, offering all sorts of explanations to prove their innocence.

But this time, the evidence was undeniable. Anyone with eyes could see it was Cai Cai in the photos.

The usual excuse—“They’re just friends”—wasn’t going to cut it this time.

Do you walk arm-in-arm with your “just friends”?

The truth was staring them in the face, leaving fans heartbroken, disappointed, and angry.

Despite the efforts of Shengyang Entertainment to control the narrative, Cai Cai’s reputation had taken a hit. After yesterday’s performance, many had criticized her singing, saying it paled in comparison to Xiao Qi’s.

“Before that controversy could settle, news of her relationship emerged.”

Fans were devastated, and many were considering leaving her fandom.

Jiang Xiaobai tried to make out the man’s face, but the blurring was too effective.

She suspected it was the “Brother Fang” mentioned by the members of the Rainbow Sisters.

“Cai Cai is going to suffer because of this. She used to be more popular than Xiao Qi, but lately… it seems like Xiao Qi is catching up,” Ming Zhu remarked while driving. “It’s understandable. As a singer, her performance yesterday was hard to watch. Just thinking about it makes me cringe.”

“Some fans are calling for the group to disband,” Linglong added, scrolling through her phone. “But I don’t think that’s likely. They’ve been together for two years. It’s not easy to just break up a group. Many idols who go solo end up worse off.”

“I agree. Disbanding probably won’t happen,” Ming Zhu nodded.

“It’s possible,” Jiang Xiaobai suddenly said.

The two in the front seat turned to her. “Why?”

“Just wait for the news. It’ll come out soon,” Jiang Xiaobai replied, putting her phone away and closing her eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, at the Shengyang Entertainment office…

“It’s her fault! It’s all her fault! If she hadn’t suddenly taken my part, I wouldn’t have had to sing those high notes! Brother Anan, why are you blaming me when it’s clearly her mistake?”

Cai Cai was crying and shouting, her eyes filled with resentment as she glared at Xiao Qi. “We practiced just fine, but during the recording, she changed everything. She did it on purpose to sabotage me!”

“I’m sorry. It was my mistake,” Xiao Qi said calmly, her voice steady despite Cai Cai’s outburst. “I was nervous and accidentally took your part. I tried to make up for it by singing the high notes with you in the second verse.”

“What good does that do? I’ve already been humiliated! Everyone’s laughing at me. Your ‘fix’ doesn’t help at all!”

Cai Cai’s tears flowed harder. “Brother Anan, you know I’m a mezzo-soprano. Xiao Qi’s parts are too high for me. I didn’t mean to embarrass myself…”

“Whether it was intentional or not doesn’t matter. Poor singing can’t be excused,” Brother Anan said, his expression stern. “And now, with the photos of you and Young Master Fang circulating, the timing couldn’t be worse.”

 

 

 

 

Chapter 201: Someone’s Scheme

“Brother Fang will help me. This news will be taken down soon, and then I’ll explain that… that he’s my brother! Yes, that’s what I’ll say!”

Cai Cai’s eyes lit up as she suddenly thought of a solution. “I have a cousin who looks a lot like Brother Fang. I can just say he’s my brother, not my boyfriend!”

After a moment of thought, Anan’s expression relaxed. “That’s not a bad idea.”

At least it could fool some of the brainless fans who unconditionally trusted their idols.

“Why don’t you just let Brother Fang confirm your relationship?” Xiao Qi suddenly asked, looking at the excited Cai Cai. “If he steps forward and acknowledges you as his girlfriend, these rumors wouldn’t have much impact.”

Fang Xing was the young master of Shengyang Entertainment, 29 years old and unmarried. While Cai Cai’s relationship controversy had angered some fans, most of the outrage stemmed from the belief that her relationship wasn’t pure—that it was more of a “sugar daddy” arrangement rather than genuine love.

If Fang Xing could publicly declare Cai Cai as his official girlfriend, while some fans might still leave, the damage wouldn’t be fatal. In fact, Cai Cai could step into the spotlight instead of hiding their relationship.

“No, Brother Fang said our relationship can’t be exposed,” Cai Cai replied, shaking her head in panic. “His family doesn’t have a good impression of celebrities. He said he can’t let them know about me until he convinces them. I don’t want to make things difficult for him, so it’s not possible.”

Xiao Qi glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips, but she said nothing. Anan looked at Cai Cai strangely, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately held back.

“This trending topic should be taken down soon. Don’t respond for now. If reporters ask later, just casually explain that he’s your brother…” Anan pulled out his phone to check if the topic’s popularity had decreased, but his expression suddenly changed.

“What’s wrong, Anan? Hasn’t it gone down yet? It’s okay, just wait a little longer. It hasn’t been that long… What is this?!”

Cai Cai had been leaning in to talk to Anan, but when she glanced at his screen, she froze. Xiao Qi, standing across from them, observed their expressions before walking over to Anan’s side. “What’s going on?”

“How could this be? Why would Anya do this? I’ve never offended her!” Cai Cai’s face turned pale, her eyes filled with panic.

The post Anan was looking at was a new trending topic—a post by Anya, a popular female influencer with nearly ten million followers. There were no pictures, just text.

[Anya v: C’s singing has never been good; she’s just got a sweet voice. The two of them are in the same group, but the difference in their abilities is obvious to anyone with eyes. They’re not on the same level. In fact, Q has been held back by her. I heard from someone at Shengyang a year ago that Q was outstanding, and the company planned to sign and promote her. But C had connections and wanted to leverage Q’s talent, so she used underhanded methods to tie them together as a group. Their success is all thanks to Q carrying the team. What does C bring to the table? Nothing but lying low.]

Anya was known for her bold statements and had many connections in the entertainment industry. Her gossip often turned out to be true, or at least close to it, which had earned her a reputation for reliability. Her posts often trended quickly, sometimes even surpassing the influence of some celebrities.

“How does she know about this…” Anan was equally shocked. He stared at the text for a long time, unable to calm down.

As the manager of the Rainbow Sisters, he knew the truth behind the scenes. But very few people were aware of it—only a handful of staff from the new artist department two years ago. So why was this being exposed now?

Anan had been in the industry long enough to know that some seemingly random events were actually carefully orchestrated. At first glance, this seemed like a coincidence, but he quickly began to suspect otherwise.

When did Cai Cai’s bad reputation start? It began with the A Family in the Town, where her performance was so cringe-worthy that even Anan had to admit the backlash was inevitable. After some PR efforts and shifting blame to Lu Xiaoqian, her image had somewhat recovered.

Then came Starlight Unlimited, where Cai Cai and Xiao Qi swapped lyrics, leading to a disastrous performance that drew widespread criticism. After that, her relationship controversy broke. But what was strange was that “Big Dog,” the paparazzo who exposed it, had blurred Fang Xing’s face—a move that seemed suspicious.

Now, Anya had entered the scene… It felt like a series of calculated events, one after another, leaving Anan overwhelmed and sparking intense curiosity among netizens.

When Anan opened Weibo, he saw several posts mentioning “Cai Cai,” indicating how much she was being discussed.

Anan’s eyes flickered as he tried to figure out who would have the motive and ability to target Cai Cai—and who would benefit the most if she fell.

Suddenly, he remembered a comment he’d seen, “Cai Cai is not performing well. She’s been holding back Xiao Qi. I suggest the group disband so Xiao Qi can pursue a solo career and move on from this situation!”

Anan’s heart skipped a beat. He looked up abruptly, his gaze landing on Xiao Qi, who stood beside him, a step away, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, her bangs framing her calm eyes. Her fair skin and delicate figure gave her an air of quiet beauty.

“Anan?” Xiao Qi looked up at him, her soft smile unwavering. “Why are you staring at me like that? Is something wrong?”

 

 

“Brother Fang.”

Xiao Qi arrived at Fang Xing’s office, knocked lightly on the door, and entered after hearing “Come in.”

Fang Xing was leaning back in his chair, half-closing his eyes as he rested. Upon hearing her voice, he turned to look at her, though his posture remained unchanged.

This reclined position was inherently intimidating. Fang Xing had used it before when looking at Cai Cai, who would shrink back nervously, hesitating to approach until he smiled and called her “baby,” prompting her to happily rush over.

But now, as he looked at Xiao Qi in the same way, she stood calmly, unfazed, her face adorned with a faint, composed smile.

Graceful and poised, like an orchid or lotus, exuding a serene fragrance.

“You managed to expose your ‘good sister’ to the paparazzi, yet you deliberately shielded me. What were you thinking?” Fang Xing asked leisurely.

“Cai Cai is my colleague,” Xiao Qi corrected him first, then continued, “My thoughts are simple. I just want to escape the group, not make an enemy of you.”

“You admit it quite readily.”

Fang Xing’s expression betrayed neither joy nor anger.

He was an ordinary man—average in looks, physique, and taste, dressed in mid-tier brands, giving off a casual vibe. From his appearance, one wouldn’t guess he was a wealthy bachelor.

“Denying it now would be pointless,” Xiao Qi said.

The moment Fang Xing called her up, she knew he was fully aware of her actions. Anan’s earlier look had also hinted that she was exposed.

But what did it matter? When she made her decision, she never intended to hide forever. She didn’t care about being exposed. Her only goal was—

To leave the Rainbow Sisters and be herself.

“You want the group to disband, but do you understand that this is a short-sighted decision?” Fang Xing said, looking at her with concern. “You know that the group’s success is largely due to my support behind the scenes. Even if you go solo, your journey may not be any easier—it could be more challenging than staying with the group.”

“I know.”

“If you know, why do it? Why?”

Fang Xing narrowed his eyes. “Could it be… you’ve found a backer?”

Both of them understood what that implied.

Xiao Qi shook her head. “No. From the moment I entered this industry, I’ve been fighting alone.”

“If you don’t have a backer, why are you in such a hurry to get rid of her?” Fang Xing propped his chin on his hand, his elbow resting on the arm of the chair. “If she finds out the truth, she’ll be heartbroken.”

Xiao Qi paused and then said, “Although the current situation seems challenging for her, there’s still a way forward. If you publicly acknowledge her identity—or even consider marrying her—then many of these issues could be resolved.”

A bad reputation? Poor singing skills?

These were important, but if the young master of Shengyang stood behind her, willing to spend money to promote her and give her a prestigious status, she would still thrive in the industry.

In fact, Cai Cai herself wasn’t particularly diligent or hardworking. Fame and money were less important to her than Fang Xing, her “boyfriend.” If he were to publicly acknowledge her, she’d likely be even happier.

“Hah, you’ve wrecked the setup, and now you want me to clean up the mess?” Fang Xing chuckled. “Xiao Qi, I know you see things clearly. She doesn’t understand, but you do. There was never any possibility between her and me from the start.”

Did he like Cai Cai?

Well, maybe a little.

She was young, beautiful, naive, and easy to fool. When she was upset, a few comforting words would make her happy again. And the way she looked at him—full of admiration, as if he were her god.

 

 

 

Chapter 202: Underestimated

 

That look in her eyes gave Fang Xing’s male ego a full sense of satisfaction.

Cai Cai had once asked him when they would make their relationship public. To Fang Xing, such a question was laughable—

It was just a fling. Why make it public?

His secret affair with a female artist from the same company was nothing more than a mutually beneficial arrangement. He liked her innocence and naivety as a newcomer to society, and in return, he ensured her smooth rise to fame over the past two years.

Wasn’t that enough?

The future? They had no future together!

Still, he explained, saying his family didn’t approve of female celebrities and that they needed more time to make things work. So, they’d have to wait.

Such a dismissive response would have made any shrewd and opportunistic female artist instantly realize her place and start squeezing as much as she could from him—cars, houses, jewelry, endorsements, roles…

But Cai Cai believed him without a hint of doubt!

Perhaps it was her “stupidity” that kept her by his side for two years—

She was just too easy to fool.

Xiao Qi frowned slightly as she noticed the faint disdain in Fang Xing’s tone when he mentioned Cai Cai. Then she said, “Yes, I understand. That’s why I know that when you abandon her, she’ll be utterly defeated.”

Cai Cai wasn’t particularly high in emotional or intellectual intelligence. Coming from a nouveau riche family, her parents spoiled her, making her arrogant and unaware of her limits. Normally, such a personality would face many setbacks in the entertainment industry, and the hardships would have made her wiser.

But she happened to meet Fang Xing.

Right after graduation, she joined Shengyang Entertainment. During a talent showcase for newcomers, Fang Xing happened to pass by and took a liking to her. From then on, she became his pampered mistress. With him around, her arrogance and naivety didn’t improve—instead, they worsened. She spoke and acted without thinking.

Now, Cai Cai might seem to be standing tall, but it was all an illusion. Once the support beneath her was removed, she would fall harder than anyone, unable to get back up.

Not to mention, she had offended many female artists within the company over the past two years. Once they found out Fang Xing had abandoned her and no longer had her back, what awaited her?

“Hmm?”

At first, Fang Xing didn’t catch the implication of her words, but upon closer consideration, he sensed something amiss. He looked at Xiao Qi with suspicion. “What do you know?”

Xiao Qi lowered her gaze to her feet and, after a moment, spoke.

“I heard you’re going to marry the heiress of Hongguang Pictures.”

The air grew eerily silent.

Fang Xing’s expression darkened as he stared at Xiao Qi. Then, suddenly, he laughed—

“No wonder you’ve made this move. You knew I couldn’t protect you anymore.”

He was both amused and surprised.

But he didn’t deny Xiao Qi’s words.

The marriage alliance was real. Rumors had been circulating within the industry, and many high-ranking executives in the company were aware of it. It wasn’t impossible for her to have heard about it.

But it also showed how extensive Xiao Qi’s connections and popularity were. Despite being in the same position as Cai Cai, who remained completely oblivious to the shifting winds, Xiao Qi had already begun her preparations, paving the way for her solo career.

“Since you’re planning to leave, please take care of Cai Cai before you go. Otherwise, she…”

Xiao Qi left the sentence unfinished.

“That’s none of your concern,” Fang Xing sneered. “You’re the one who betrayed her. Do you think saying this will ease your conscience? If Cai Cai finds out, she’ll never forgive you.”

“I don’t care how she feels.”

Xiao Qi looked at the ground, her voice calm.

“Fine, you can leave now.” Fang Xing waved his hand, growing impatient. “You want to go solo, right? Fine, I’ll grant you that. But your future success will depend entirely on yourself. I hope you can walk the path you desire.”

At this point, even if they forced the group to stay together, it wouldn’t last long.

Xiao Qi’s decision was wise, and Fang Xing fully understood it. If he were in her shoes, he’d do the same.

But understanding didn’t change the fact that Xiao Qi’s actions were a betrayal to Cai Cai. Emotionally, it was undeniably cold-hearted.

It was hard to believe a 21-year-old girl could be so calculating.

“I understand, but there’s one thing I need to tell you…”

Xiao Qi remained standing, looking up at Fang Xing. “A week ago, I saw you and Zhuo Xi at Jinjing Tower.”

“Bang!”

Fang Xing shot up from his chair, the force of his movement causing it to slam into the corner of the table.

“What did you say?!”

He glared at Xiao Qi, his eyes sharp as knives, almost too intense to meet.

At this moment, he revealed a side of himself that was far from ordinary. His gaze and the aura around him made it clear he wasn’t the harmless, average man he appeared to be.

“There’s no need to be angry.”

Xiao Qi met his gaze calmly, her voice soft. “I won’t interfere in your affairs. These matters have nothing to do with me.”

“Then what does concern you? Threatening me, making me your ‘backer’? Well, Yun Qi, I’ve truly underestimated you. If I’m not mistaken, you must have taken photos of us, right?”

Fang Xing laughed in anger, nodding at Xiao Qi, but every word he spoke was laced with fury.

Who was Zhuo Xi? Everyone knew her.

The title “Heavenly King’s Wife” said it all.

She was the wife of Liu Chao, a film emperor who had been wildly popular over a decade ago. Now in his fifties, Liu Chao was a veteran in the industry. Zhuo Xi was his second wife, a full 24 years younger than him.

Zhuo Xi wasn’t part of the entertainment industry. She was originally a fashion designer who met Liu Chao and fell in love with him. They married in a whirlwind romance less than six months after meeting, shocking the industry when they held their wedding two years ago.

Zhuo Xi was beautiful, with a striking, almost bewitching allure. After gaining fame through Liu Chao, she was approached for acting roles, but she declined, saying being a celebrity was too restrictive.

Yet, despite not being in the industry, her fame rivaled that of many stars. Her street style photos and intimate snapshots with Liu Chao often trended on social media. She wasn’t a celebrity, but she might as well have been.

Liu Chao’s divorce from his first wife, Chen Jing, had been a major controversy. Chen Jing and Liu Chao had fallen in love while filming together. They were equally famous, and it was Chen Jing who had pursued Liu Chao. After marriage, she was the one who constantly accommodated and cared for him.

But Liu Chao always seemed to lack something in his feelings for Chen Jing.

Netizens had captured many photos of the couple on the streets, with Liu Chao walking briskly ahead while Chen Jing almost had to jog to keep up.

 

 

Chapter 203: A Pleasant Cooperation

Liu Chao had never seemed to truly love Chen Jing, even though she was gentle, dignified, and beautiful—a true beauty of her generation. In their relationship, he had always been the passive one.

But strangely, he was extremely devoted to his new wife, Zhuo Xi. There were even photos of him kneeling to tie her shoelaces while they were out shopping. Zhuo Xi stood there eating an ice cream, looking down at Liu Chao with the air of a queen.

It seemed as if he had poured all the love he had failed to give his ex-wife into Zhuo Xi, making her the envy of all women. Their relationship became synonymous with “happiness.”

But Xiao Qi knew better. This so-called happiness was nothing more than a joke.

The moment she saw Fang Xing and Zhuo Xi passionately kissing on the rooftop that night, she knew that no matter how much love Liu Chao had, it was all in vain.

Perhaps this was karma—what you failed to give to one person, someone else would eventually take away.

“Delete the photos. Now!” Fang Xing felt a wave of panic and hurriedly demanded.

This situation was terrifying. Although the Heavenly King was old and mostly retired, his influence in the industry was still immense. If he found out that the woman he cherished like the apple of his eye was involved with Fang Xing…

No, he couldn’t even imagine the consequences.

In truth, Fang Xing had felt a secret pride in seducing Zhuo Xi. She was a stunning beauty, and the title of “Heavenly King’s Wife” only added to her allure. The thrill of having such a woman submit to him was intoxicating.

But if this affair came to light, it wouldn’t be thrilling—it would be a nightmare.

“Young Master Fang, even if I delete the photos in front of you, you’d still think I kept a copy, right?” Xiao Qi said softly. “You’re right. All I want is a safety net. Your presence guarantees my smooth development, so I won’t do anything to harm you. You can rest assured.”

Fang Xing stared at her for a long time, his emotions gradually calming, but his eyes darkened.

“Heh, how interesting. Such cunning tactics… I believe now that even if you were to fight alone, given time, you could carve out a future for yourself.” Fang Xing sighed, a complex smile on his face.

Being outmaneuvered by a young girl would be a blow to his reputation!

But while he felt a bit displeased, he also couldn’t help but admire Xiao Qi. It had been a long time since he encountered an artist with such talent and shrewdness.

There were always people who thought themselves clever, flaunting their intelligence for all to see. But then there were those who remained low-key, silent and unassuming, yet harboring great ambition. When they finally revealed themselves, they soared to great heights.

Now, Fang Xing genuinely wanted to lend Xiao Qi a hand. He wanted to see how far she could go with his support.

After all, she was one of his artists. Her success would benefit him as well.

Seeing Fang Xing’s softened expression, Xiao Qi couldn’t help but smile.

“Then, Young Master Fang, let’s have a pleasant cooperation.” She stepped forward and extended her hand.

“Pleasant cooperation.” Fang Xing shook her hand and called her by her real name, “Xiao Qi… no, Yun Qi.”

“Bang—”

The door was flung open with a loud crash, slamming into the wall with such force that the wall seemed to shake.

Both of them turned in shock to see Cai Cai standing there, panting heavily, her eyes red like a wild beast on the verge of losing control.