Chapter 232: Not Buying It

Jiang Zhiyi couldn’t help but feel angry when he thought about what Ding Haoran had done to his sister.

“How dare you scheme against my sister? You’re really asking for trouble. Even the three years you’ll spend in prison won’t be easy for you.”

“The verdict is out?” Jiang Xiaobai had almost forgotten about the matter, but considering the timeline, it made sense. “Well, that’s good.”

The result was within her expectations, so she wasn’t surprised.

“You need to be more careful in the future. Don’t let those shady people in the industry get close to you. Oh, by the way, Dad introduced me to the Li family. I’ll get closer to them, so it’ll be easier to secure investments. If you have your eye on any drama or role, let me know in advance. I’ll take care of it!”

By the end of his sentence, Jiang Zhiyi’s tone was brimming with confidence.

Jiang Xiaobai chuckled. “Alright, thanks for your hard work, brother.”

She didn’t think she’d need his help—she could compete for roles on her own—but she appreciated her father’s gesture. Besides, it was good for her brother to learn more about the industry, so she didn’t want to dampen his enthusiasm.

“Hehe, no problem. It’s nothing.”

After hanging up, Jiang Xiaobai suddenly thought of something—

The Li family? Investments?

Could it be that Li family?

Meanwhile, the incident involving Ning Ge was still ongoing, continuing to stir up discussions online.

After Ning Ge came forward to explain, the public’s anger shifted toward Xiao Ling, the “mindless fan” who had caused the scene. Some of Ning Ge’s fans felt that Xiao Ling had tarnished their idol’s reputation, so they dug up her Weibo account and began attacking her with harsh comments—

“Are you a black fan? We told you not to push, but you still rushed toward Ning Ning. Are you happy now that she’s being criticized?”

“We don’t need fans like you. Just leave.”

“Can you have some basic manners? Your actions make us all look like brainless fans!”

“It’s because of mindless fans like you that this industry is such a mess!”

Xiao Ling tried to respond and explain, but no one listened. Instead, the backlash only grew harsher.

A few hours later, a Weibo post titled “Xiao Ling’s Boyfriend Responds to the Airport Incident” went viral.

The post was made by someone named “Luoluo, the Hanfu Enthusiast,” who claimed to be the boyfriend of the girl who had fallen at the airport.

He explained that Xiao Ling was a fan of Ning Ge, having been drawn to her after watching her portrayal of a clever and lively fox spirit in a drama. Later, Ning Ge posted a video showing a room filled with fox-themed gifts from fans, speaking about them with warmth and gratitude. This made Xiao Ling feel that Ning Ge was a genuine and kind artist, sparking her first experience as a fan.

Luoluo attached screenshots of his conversations with Xiao Ling, where she excitedly planned the airport visit. She had even picked out her favorite Hanfu outfit, carefully matched her hairpin, and had a gift specially brought back from abroad by a friend. Everything was meticulously prepared because she wanted to look her best when meeting her idol.

The post also included photos of Xiao Ling’s bruised leg, the broken hairpin, and the shattered crystal fox figurine.

Luoluo clarified that Xiao Ling hadn’t been pushing forward. Instead, a tall man had tried to shove her aside to get closer to Ning Ge. In the process, he stepped on her skirt, causing her to lose her balance and fall.

He even circled the man in a screenshot from the airport video. While the man’s face wasn’t clear, his tall and burly build was unmistakable.

Luoluo concluded:

“I accompanied Xiao Ling to meet her idol. I was neutral about Ning Ge before, but now I’ve turned against her. Xiao Ling has also stopped being a fan. We’ll never forget the disdainful and annoyed look Ning Ge gave us. Someone like her doesn’t deserve to be an idol. P.S.: Thank you to the kind stranger who helped Xiao Ling up at the airport.”

Luoluo wasn’t an unknown figure on Weibo. In fact, he had millions of followers.

He was a well-known Hanfu enthusiast, often sharing photos of his outfits and styling tips. He also created high-quality, cinematic-style videos that had earned him a massive following.

While Weibo wasn’t his main platform, he had even more influence on a popular short-video app, where his posts regularly garnered over a million likes and his follower count exceeded ten million.

In addition to his Weibo post, Luoluo also addressed the incident on his short-video platform.

This led to another twist in the story.

Once again, Ning Ge became the target of public criticism.

The first time she was criticized, she managed to garner sympathy with a pitiful video. But this time, it didn’t work.

“I thought something was off when I first saw the airport video. At the very least, she should’ve checked on her fan after the fall. But she just stood there, unmoving. I refuse to believe she was so busy that she couldn’t spare a single minute.”

“Don’t listen to her excuses. I’ve looked into it—she wasn’t rushing to any schedule. She had just finished shooting an ad and had no work lined up for the next few days!”

“If she can treat her fans so coldly, what kind of idol is she? I’m done with her.”

“Quick, go check it out! The man who pushed her has apologized!”

The situation escalated, drawing widespread attention. Almost every young person online was aware of it, especially since the man who pushed Xiao Ling was also a fan of Ning Ge and couldn’t have been unaware of the incident.

He eventually came forward and posted an apology on Weibo—

“Er Xi Hong: I’m really sorry. That day, I was too excited to see Ning Ge and couldn’t resist trying to get her autograph. I didn’t notice the girl in front of me was wearing a Hanfu and had limited mobility. I might’ve accidentally pushed her down in the chaos. I was about to help her up, but someone else got there first. I sincerely apologize, miss!

Lastly, what Luoluo said is true. From where I was standing, I could see Ning Ge’s reaction. Her expression was full of disdain. I’ve seen her true colors now, so I’m done with her. Goodbye!”

Er Xi Hong had previously posted a photo of himself on Weibo, showing a tall and burly figure with the same hairstyle as the man in the video.

His statement added more fuel to the fire, and the criticism against Ning Ge intensified. Even her heartfelt written apology on Weibo couldn’t salvage the situation—no one was buying it anymore.

Dong Ran, seeing the latest developments, turned to Jiang Xiaobai during a break in filming and said, “See? This is the aftermath. If someone decides to hold a grudge, no matter how popular you are, it won’t save you. You need to be careful in the future and avoid giving people any ammunition against you.”

 

Chapter 233: No Results

Ning Ge probably never imagined that just as she was basking in the glory of her sudden rise to fame, she would be swiftly brought back down to earth.

Many celebrities who achieve overnight success often take their newfound fame for granted, unaware that it comes with heavy responsibilities—or even the potential to be a ticking time bomb.

Jiang Xiaobai smiled. “Yes, I’ve always known that.”

As she spoke, the director clapped his hands, signaling the crew to continue filming.

The scenes shot at the old house weren’t extensive, mostly focusing on gaming sequences. However, the computer screens weren’t actually filmed; instead, the shots captured Jiang Xiaobai sitting in front of the computer, her focused expression and profile. The computer graphics would be added later through special effects.

After about ten days of filming at the old house, the set moved to a university.

In the storyline, Yun Xuan is a sophomore, while the male lead, Luo Tian, is the assistant coach of the country’s most famous E-Sports team—Riding the Wind.

Despite his exceptional skills, Luo Tian was barred from competing professionally by his father, so he used his vast theoretical knowledge and analytical abilities to help his team win. At just 24 years old, his talent far exceeded his current position.

During the campus scenes, Jiang Xiaobai inevitably had interactions with the female antagonist, Chen Yurou.

Chen Yurou, a member of the student council, had clashed with Yun Xuan during their freshman year over a campus event. Since then, Chen Yurou had used her position to nitpick Yun Xuan’s every move. However, Yun Xuan’s commanding presence often left Chen Yurou frustrated and fuming, making their dynamic quite entertaining.

Today’s scene involved Yun Xuan going to the library alone to find a book, only for Chen Yurou to snatch it away first. Yun Xuan fired back, and Chen Yurou retaliated.

A male classmate who had a crush on Yun Xuan stepped in to defend her, which only angered Chen Yurou further. She then accused Yun Xuan of seducing several seniors, drawing a crowd of onlookers.

“Go, Xiaobai! Crush her and steal the spotlight!” Ming Zhu whispered encouragingly before the scene began.

The “her” referred to Zhao Chenyu.

Dong Ran was also present, having come to the set specifically to observe Jiang Xiaobai and Zhao Chenyu’s interaction.

She knew Zhao Chenyu well—a deeply calculating person who, regardless of her true feelings, would never let her emotions interfere with her performance. Dong Ran wasn’t worried about any conflicts arising between her and Jiang Xiaobai.

She simply wanted to see how Zhao Chenyu had changed over the years, both in temperament and acting skills.

In the drama, Zhao Chenyu’s character, Chen Yurou, was portrayed as delicate and soft-spoken, with wavy hair, bangs, and a pink dress. However, her actions and words were anything but gentle.

“…You’re just good at seducing men, aren’t you? The seniors from the literature and business departments are all head over heels for you. Senior Cao even broke up with his girlfriend of three years because of you! Yun Xuan, you’re quite the manipulator. So, who’s your latest victim?”

Zhao Chenyu delivered her lines perfectly, embodying the classic antagonist. She even shot a disdainful glance at the male classmate defending Yun Xuan.

Yun Xuan calmly looked up. “Well, I could say that the reason the school’s gatekeeper, Uncle Li, lost his wife in his old age was because you drove her to death.”

Chen Yurou’s face turned red. “You’re twisting my words!”

“And you’re spouting nonsense.”

“How am I spouting nonsense? You clearly seduced them. Otherwise, why would they send flowers to your dorm?” Chen Yurou retorted angrily.

“You’re only saying that because no one’s ever sent you flowers,” Yun Xuan chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s really quite pitiful.”

“Who says no one’s sent me flowers!” Chen Yurou instinctively shot back.

“So, you’re the one seducing people then?” Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow.

“I—don’t change the subject! Everyone knows you’re a seductress. Why else would Senior Cao’s girlfriend confront you? And why did he break up with her for you, only for you to reject him? What’s your game?”

Chen Yurou quickly steered the conversation back.

The male classmate looked at Yun Xuan in disbelief. “Yun Xuan, is it true? Did you really break up someone’s relationship?”

His expression was one of shattered dreams.

Yun Xuan glanced at him as if he were an idiot, then turned back to Chen Yurou.

“First, she’s blaming the flower for being too attractive when it’s the bee’s fault for being drawn to it. I won’t take responsibility for that.”

Yun Xuan crossed her arms and tilted her chin slightly. “Second, that guy’s a weakling. I could take him down with one punch. Why would I even consider him?”

She then turned to the male classmate. “As for you, give up. With your IQ… there’s no future for us.”

The male classmate stared at her, stunned.

Yun Xuan then stepped forward, snatched the book from Chen Yurou’s hands, and blew on the cover as if dusting off dirt. “Why bother with this? With your intellect, you’d be better off eating and sleeping. These are the fruits of human wisdom—far beyond your grasp.”

With that, she walked away without looking back.

Chen Yurou only realized the insult in Yun Xuan’s last remark after she left, stomping her foot in anger. “Yun Xuan, just you wait!”

“What’s all this noise? Don’t you know this is a library? No manners at all!”

The librarian walked over, her stern expression barely hiding a hint of amusement. “If you keep this up, don’t come back.”

Even the librarian was on Yun Xuan’s side!

Chen Yurou bit her lip furiously and stormed off.

“Cut!”

The director was pleased, nodding repeatedly. “Xiaobai, excellent! You really captured Yun Xuan’s essence. It was so satisfying to watch.”

He also praised Zhao Chenyu. “Chenyu, you did a great job too. You really embodied Chen Yurou’s character. Keep it up.”

Zhao Chenyu smiled gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Director. I’ll work even harder to not hold the team back.”

 

Chapter 234: Insincerity

 

After finishing the scene with Zhao Chenyu, Jiang Xiaobai was set to film with Jiang Yi.

Jiang Yi played Tuan Tuan, Yun Xuan’s roommate and close friend. Tuan Tuan was lively and a bit quirky, and even though Yun Xuan was sharp-tongued and preferred solitude, the two got along well. Aside from gaming—where their skill levels were too different to play together—they spent most of their time together, attending classes and meals.

Both Yun Xuan and Tuan Tuan were avid players of the game Peach Blossom Spring. The difference was that Yun Xuan was a top-tier player who played to earn money, while Tuan Tuan was a casual player who played for fun. Despite their friendship, they couldn’t team up in the game because Yun Xuan found Tuan Tuan too inexperienced and felt it would slow her down and hinder her earnings.

Jiang Yi, who was the same age as Jiang Xiaobai, was naturally cheerful and bubbly, making her a perfect fit for the role of Tuan Tuan. Filming with her was effortless.

During a break after filming, Jiang Xiaobai and Ming Zhu went to the restroom. On their way back to the private dressing room, they overheard a conversation inside.

The two exchanged a glance and stopped in their tracks.

“…Congratulations on regaining your status as a top-tier agent, Sister Ran. Having worked together, I’m genuinely happy for you.”

The voice belonged to Zhao Chenyu—soft, measured, and exuding gentleness.

Jiang Xiaobai had been in the crew for over a month but had only just started working with Zhao Chenyu. If not for Dong Ran’s past stories about her, Jiang Xiaobai would have thought Zhao Chenyu was an elegant and refined lady. Her demeanor was striking—always smiling warmly, polite to everyone, and radiating a sense of grace and sophistication.

“Is that so? I thought you might feel more conflicted than just happy,” Dong Ran replied coolly, her voice devoid of anger or emotion. “After all, my demotion back then was thanks to you. Now that I’ve climbed back up, it’s only natural for you to feel uneasy.”

Zhao Chenyu fell silent for a moment.

“Sister Ran, about what happened back then… I had my reasons,” she sighed, a hint of sorrow in her voice. “I never wanted to hurt you. You were the one who mentored me, and I’ve always been grateful. But leaving Tangming wasn’t easy. Without the right opportunity, I…”

“So you created that opportunity yourself, using me as a stepping stone?”

“I’m sorry. What I did was wrong,” Zhao Chenyu apologized sincerely. “But Sister Ran, it’s been years, hasn’t it? You’ve suffered losses, but now everything is getting better. Can’t we just let it go? I’ve brought you a gift, carefully chosen. Please accept it as my way of making amends.”

“Quite the gesture, but I don’t need it,” Dong Ran chuckled, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Surely you don’t think I’d forgive you and act like nothing happened?”

“Why not?” Zhao Chenyu countered.

“Do you think I’m that naive?” Dong Ran’s voice turned icy. “Even a child wouldn’t be so forgiving toward someone who betrayed them. You did something despicable, yet you expect me to pretend it never happened?”

“I believe there are no eternal enemies, and we were never enemies to begin with,” Zhao Chenyu remained calm, her voice steady. “We’re both in this industry. Isn’t it better to have more friends?”

“I have a wide circle of friends, but I’m sorry—I only befriend people.”

At this, Jiang Xiaobai and Ming Zhu heard Zhao Chenyu’s breathing grow heavier. Clearly, even her patience had its limits.

“Sister Ran, I understand. Perhaps you need more time to think it over,” Zhao Chenyu took a deep breath, her voice no longer as composed. “If you change your mind, you can always reach out. Here’s my card…”

“Take your card and your gift. I don’t want to touch them—it’d dirty my hands.”

“Must you be so harsh?”

“…Hah, Zhao Chenyu, I have to admire you. How can someone’s skin be so thick? If someone only heard our conversation without knowing the context, they’d think I was the one in the wrong, not you.”

Dong Ran laughed bitterly, her anger now evident. “You’re accusing me of being harsh? Don’t you find that ironic?”

“Sister Ran, I had my reasons.”

“Enough. Get out. I don’t want to see you.”

The room fell silent for a moment, and then Jiang Xiaobai heard footsteps approaching.

Ming Zhu panicked, trying to pull Jiang Xiaobai away, but Jiang Xiaobai stood firm.

When Zhao Chenyu opened the door, she was met with Jiang Xiaobai and Ming Zhu standing right outside.

She was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting anyone to be there, let alone overhear their conversation.

But she quickly regained her composure, smiling at Jiang Xiaobai and Ming Zhu. “Miss Jiang, we’re from the same agency, so we share a connection. It’s great that we’re working together now. I look forward to a pleasant collaboration.”

With that, she extended her delicate hand toward Jiang Xiaobai.

Ming Zhu stared at Zhao Chenyu, her mind reeling.

What… what is she saying? Same agency? Shared connection? What nonsense!

Ming Zhu was so angry she could barely breathe, her worldview shaken. Zhao Chenyu noticed her reaction but pretended not to.

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the outstretched hand, smiled, and took it.

Zhao Chenyu’s smile deepened, but in the next moment, she felt a sharp pain in her knuckles. Her expression twisted, and she gasped—

“You…”

“I also hope to have a pleasant collaboration with you, Miss Zhao. But… whether you find it pleasant, I can’t say.”

Jiang Xiaobai’s words were cryptic, and she released her grip.

Tsk, Zhao Chenyu’s hand is so soft and smooth, but it’s a shame I had to squeeze it so hard. It’ll probably ache for a couple of days.

Jiang Xiaobai then glanced at the small bag Zhao Chenyu was holding in her other hand, noticing a corner of a gift bag peeking out. She feigned surprise. “Oh? You’re taking back the gift you brought? It seems Miss Zhao’s heart isn’t in the right place.”

Zhao Chenyu was speechless. Her right hand felt like it was about to break, the pain lingering even after Jiang Xiaobai let go. Her breathing became uneven.

 

 

Chapter 235: Delicate

Jiang Xiaobai gave Zhao Chenyu one last glance before stepping past her, pushing the door open, and entering the room.

Ming Zhu followed behind, feeling a sense of satisfaction. As she passed Zhao Chenyu, she couldn’t help but let out a triumphant hum, her mood significantly lifted.

Zhao Chenyu looked at her right hand, which was starting to turn red, pursed her lips, and walked away.

“Sister Ran, don’t waste your energy on someone who doesn’t matter.”

Jiang Xiaobai walked into the dressing room and saw Dong Ran standing there, one hand on her hip, clearly still upset.

“Xiaobai, how can someone like that exist in the world? How can she say those things without batting an eye? She’s the one who betrayed me!”

Dong Ran was almost questioning her own logic at this point.

After the incident, she had imagined countless times how she would confront Zhao Chenyu and vent her anger. Over time, the resentment remained, but the fury had gradually subsided, which was why she hadn’t sought Zhao Chenyu out immediately.

But who would have thought Zhao Chenyu would boldly come straight to the dressing room?

Zhao Chenyu had brought an expensive watch as a peace offering, but her tone and demeanor made it seem less like an apology and more like a gift between friends.

Dong Ran couldn’t understand how someone could be so nonchalant about their wrongdoing.

What kind of mental fortitude did that require?

Dong Ran thought about it—if their roles were reversed, and she were the one who had done something wrong, she might have respected Zhao Chenyu for her magnanimity.

But this?

Jiang Xiaobai patted her shoulder. “We’re not petty people, so of course, we can’t understand the mindset and actions of someone who is. If we could easily comprehend her thoughts, we might not be any different from her.”

Everyone’s life experiences are different, shaping their perspectives and ways of thinking. What someone believes is the right thing to do might seem incomprehensible to others.

It’s the diversity of people that makes the world complex, but it’s also what makes it vibrant and ever-changing.

For opinions that aren’t necessarily wrong but differ from our own, we can agree to disagree. But when faced with absurd or outright wrong ideas… it’s best to ignore them.

Dong Ran nodded, feeling her anger dissipate and even finding the situation somewhat laughable.

Why bother with someone like that? Just let her be and keep your distance.

 

Zhao Chenyu had been having a rough couple of days.

“…Chenyu, your hand—your movements need to be more natural. The way you’re holding the mouse is too stiff. Chen Yurou is a skilled gamer, so her actions should be fluid and agile.”

Director Zhang couldn’t help but point out.

Today, they were filming a scene where Zhao Chenyu’s character, Chen Yurou, was playing a game in her dorm room. Like Jiang Xiaobai’s earlier scenes, all she had to do was sit in front of the computer, press some keys, and move the mouse, pretending to control the character deftly.

This kind of performance was usually effortless for actors, but strangely, Zhao Chenyu, who had been performing smoothly until now, was struggling with this scene.

“Director, I injured my hand yesterday, so…”

Zhao Chenyu apologized awkwardly.

“Injured?”

Director Zhang understood, but when he looked at Zhao Chenyu’s right hand, he saw no signs of injury—no redness, no swelling, nothing out of the ordinary. He couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

What injury?

Did she just bump it lightly and it hurt?

“It’s fine, I can push through. Let me try again.”

Zhao Chenyu quickly added.

She noticed the strange looks from the crew members, their eyes lingering on her right hand as if they suspected she was faking the injury.

Zhao Chenyu was also confused. After her encounter with Jiang Xiaobai, her right hand had been in excruciating pain, as if the pain had seeped into her bones. At first, there was some redness, but it disappeared within an hour. However, the internal pain persisted.

In this state, even the slightest movement of her right hand was uncomfortable, let alone holding and clicking a mouse. Every press of the mouse button sent a sharp pain through her fingers and bones.

She had always been diligent in her work, overcoming even the most challenging scenes, but now she felt frustrated…

It had only been a few days into filming, and she was already struggling with such a simple scene. The thought made her feel uneasy.

In the end, Zhao Chenyu gritted her teeth and pushed through the pain to complete the scene, but her complexion was noticeably pale, even under makeup.

Director Zhang clicked his tongue and privately remarked to the assistant directors,

“Zhao Chenyu’s acting is good, but… she’s a bit too delicate. Not the easiest to work with.”

For directors, the most dreaded actors are those who are high-maintenance, and from past experiences, female actors tend to be more demanding.

Too cold? No. Too hot? No. In summer, they worry about tanning their skin; in winter, they fear frostbite. Complaints about early mornings and late nights are common.

And during work, even a slightly heavier workload becomes unbearable—legs ache, stomachs growl…

The filming had been going smoothly for over half a month, and Director Zhang had been pleased with the lead actors. Both the male and female leads were quiet, uncomplaining, and took their work seriously, showing no signs of being difficult.

But this supporting actress…

“Maybe she’s just feeling unwell? Let’s wait and see,” Assistant Director One suggested.

“I think so too. We did check with Old Zhong, and he said Zhao Chenyu is hardworking and talented,” Assistant Director Two added.

Old Zhong was Director Zhong, who had directed Zhao Chenyu’s breakout film, Fireworks and Roses.

Before finalizing the cast, they had done their due diligence, only selecting actors with good reputations. Who would want trouble on set?

“That’s true… Alright, let’s see how it goes,” Director Zhang nodded thoughtfully.

By the third day, Zhao Chenyu finally felt that her hand had improved significantly. Although it still hurt, it didn’t affect her daily life much, which was a relief.

From now on, she would make sure to perform well and change Director Zhang’s opinion of her!

Yes, Zhao Chenyu, who was adept at reading people, had noticed that Director Zhang had started to have some reservations about her, likely stemming from that computer scene.

That day, Zhao Chenyu and Jiang Xiaobai had another scene together.

The setting was the university basketball court. Chen Yurou had a suitor who invited her to watch his game. Chen Yurou, who portrayed herself as gentle and delicate, agreed, saying she would cheer him on.

Meanwhile, Yun Xuan had a junior who was also playing, so she came to support him.

 

 

Chapter 236: Will It Hit Her?

Yes, Yun Xuan had her followers.

She had two, both of whom she had met during her freshman year through a fight. Yun Xuan acted like a boss in front of them, and they were extremely fawning and attentive.

On the basketball court, the players were in the midst of an intense game. Meanwhile, Chen Yurou spotted Yun Xuan in the crowd and quickly hatched a plan.

Yun Xuan was wearing a simple white shirt that accentuated her cool and aloof demeanor. Her long hair was tied up in a high ponytail, making her look incredibly dashing.

Suddenly, two female classmates excitedly approached her, seemingly there to watch the basketball game. However, as they walked closer to Yun Xuan, one of the girls, holding a bottle of cola, tilted her hand as if to spill it on Yun Xuan.

The white shirt was already slightly sheer, and if cola were spilled on it, not only would it look terrible, but the shirt would cling to her body, revealing what she was wearing underneath.

With so many classmates around, Chen Yurou wanted to humiliate Yun Xuan in public, tarnishing her goddess-like image.

Yun Xuan, caught off guard by the noise and crowd, didn’t notice the girl’s sneaky move until she felt a sudden chill on her body. Her eyes darkened.

She grabbed the girl’s arm. “What are you doing?”

The girl panicked, her eyes darting around. “I-I’m sorry! It was an accident. I just didn’t hold it steady…”

“An accident? Did your bottle grow eyes? It didn’t fall to the ground but onto me?”

Yun Xuan sneered, then snatched the cola bottle and poured it over the girl’s face!

Drenched from head to toe, the girl screamed and ran away, covering her face.

Her friend was stunned. “Yun Xuan, you’re going too far!”

“Thief crying ‘stop thief’? I can go even further. Want to try?”

Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow, her voice icy.

The girl shivered, screamed, and fled as well.

“Boss!”

One of Yun Xuan’s followers, who had been cheering for his friend on the court, noticed the commotion and rushed over. He quickly took off his jacket and tried to drape it over Yun Xuan, forcing a smile. “Boss, put this on.”

He was thrilled—his jacket was about to be worn by his goddess! Ah, how blissful!

But his joy was short-lived.

“Your jacket stinks. Take it away.”

Yun Xuan glanced at the jacket with disgust, nearly gagging from the sweat smell.

The follower’s heart shattered. He gave her a resentful look.

Yun Xuan then began unbuttoning her shirt.

The surrounding students, both male and female, widened their eyes—

Yun Xuan took off her shirt, revealing a white tank top underneath.

At first, they were disappointed, but when they saw her figure, they couldn’t look away. Some male students’ eyes lit up, and if they weren’t afraid of Yun Xuan beating them up, they might have pulled out their phones to take pictures.

“Yun Xuan, why are you bullying your classmates?”

Chen Yurou approached, her gaze sweeping over Yun Xuan’s flawless figure with a hint of envy before she started causing trouble.

Behind her were the two female classmates, crying pitifully.

“How am I bullying them?” Yun Xuan replied calmly.

“You poured cola on me and grabbed my arm!” The girl showed her wrist, which had a noticeable red mark—of course, it was makeup.

“You poured cola on me first. We’re even.” Yun Xuan remained unfazed.

“I didn’t pour it on you! I just slipped!”

“Oh, is that so? Then I was just trying to help you hold the bottle, but I slipped too. My bad, classmate.” Yun Xuan shrugged, a faint smile on her lips.

The girl was speechless.

“Chen Yurou, anything else?” Yun Xuan ignored the girl and looked at Chen Yurou. “Has the student council’s authority grown so much that the vice president personally handles spilled drinks?”

“I’m just trying to help resolve the issue!” Chen Yurou sighed inwardly, frustrated that her plan had backfired.

“Oh, so helpful! I heard the dorm bathroom is clogged. Why don’t you go take care of that too?” Yun Xuan smiled. “Oh, and I’m a bit short on cash lately, almost starving to death. How about lending me some money?”

Chen Yurou’s face turned dark. Knowing she couldn’t win, she shot Yun Xuan a glare and stormed off.

“Cut! Okay, stop. Basketball players, stop too.” Director Zhang called.

Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes flickered to the basketball court, and she muttered softly, “That ball’s flying… It’s not going to hit Zhao Chenyu, is it?”

It turned out that an extra, hearing the director’s call, had casually tossed the ball one last time. But the ball veered wildly off course, heading straight toward the crowd.

At that moment, Zhao Chenyu was about to return. She was actually a bit off the ball’s trajectory, but just as Jiang Xiaobai finished speaking, Zhao Chenyu inexplicably quickened her pace—and ended up right in the ball’s path.

“Thud!”

The ball hit Zhao Chenyu squarely on the side of her head. The force sent her tumbling forward, landing on her knees.

“Oh no! Is Zhao Chenyu okay?”

“Quick, check if she’s hurt!”

Everyone panicked, especially the crew. The sound of the impact made their hair stand on end, and they had no idea how Zhao Chenyu was doing.

Zhao Chenyu was dazed.

She knelt there for a while before her vision cleared. With the help of the crew, she stood up, clutching the back of her head, tears welling in her eyes.

It was a purely physiological reaction—tears had started flowing the moment the ball hit her.

“Are you okay? Let’s get you to the hospital for a check-up.”

“Does it hurt? Are you dizzy? Can you walk?” People around her asked.

“I-I’m fine…” Zhao Chenyu wiped her tears. “I just need to rest for a bit.”

Though her head hurt, she knew it wasn’t serious. However, her knees, which had hit the ground, were in pain, especially since she had landed on a small stone. It hurt so much she could barely bend her knees.

“Oh no, she’s bleeding! Get the first aid kit!”

A crew member noticed the wound on her knee and exclaimed.

Jiang Xiaobai smirked, while Ming Zhu quickly covered her mouth, afraid she’d burst into laughter.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 237: Food Show

Seeing Zhao Chenyu being taken aside to treat her wounds, Jiang Xiaobai calmly averted her gaze and took a sip of water from the cup Linglong handed her.

“Xiaobai, Sister Ran called to remind you to request leave. Next week, you’ll be recording The Taste Wars,” Linglong reminded her.

“So soon?” Jiang Xiaobai thought about the timeline and realized it was indeed approaching. She nodded, “Alright, I’ll let Director Zhang know in a bit.”

She had already informed Director Zhang about this beforehand, so a quick reminder would suffice. However, she felt now might not be the best time to bring it up. It would be better to wait a little longer.

The next scenes were between her and Zhao Chenyu, but since Zhao Chenyu was injured, she would need some time to rest. If the injury was serious, she might have to be sent to the hospital or return to the hotel to recover.

This would inevitably delay the filming schedule, and Director Zhang’s mood might not be the best.

“…I’m fine, really. I can continue filming.”

Zhao Chenyu actually felt far from fine. If this had happened during her peak, she would have insisted on taking a day or two off before resuming work. But now, she couldn’t afford to be so demanding.

Although she had switched to Shenghuang Entertainment and secured a better contract, the past two years had been strange. None of the movies or dramas she starred in had gained much popularity, and even her best performances seemed to go unnoticed.

Nowadays, when people mentioned her name, it was still her role in Fireworks and Roses, which she had filmed during her time at Tangming Entertainment, that came to mind.

This was rather awkward. Zhao Chenyu could sense that her manager was becoming increasingly indifferent and perfunctory. If this continued, things would only get worse. The King of E-Sports was a rare opportunity—a drama adapted from a popular novel. Even as the female lead’s rival, she could still gain significant attention if she performed well.

A few days ago, she had gone to apologize to Dong Ran for two reasons: first, she was afraid Dong Ran might sabotage her in the crew, and second, she genuinely wanted to try and mend their relationship.

After all, Dong Ran was a capable and insightful person. Her greatest strength was her ability to choose the most suitable scripts for her actors—something Zhao Chenyu’s current manager couldn’t compare to.

Zhao Chenyu’s head and knees were throbbing, but she couldn’t afford to delay the crew’s progress. If Director Zhang developed a negative opinion of her, her career path would become even more difficult.

“Alright then. Cameraman, make sure to avoid shooting her knees. Let’s move to the next scene. Ready.”

Since the actress herself said she was fine, Director Zhang naturally didn’t object. They switched to another scene and continued filming.

“She’s really pushing herself.”

Ming Zhu was utterly amazed. She had accompanied Jiang Xiaobai to several sets, and while actors occasionally got injured, they usually took time off to rest, resuming work the next day at the earliest.

It was rare to see someone like Zhao Chenyu, especially a female actor, insisting on filming despite her injuries.

“Her situation might not be great. This is… a smart move.”

Jiang Xiaobai said softly.

Zhao Chenyu’s career had stagnated since she switched agencies. She was a smart person and wouldn’t stop working at a time like this.

This drama was a good opportunity for her.

But was it really an opportunity?

Jiang Xiaobai smiled without saying more.

After filming wrapped up for the day, everyone returned to the hotel. The last scene was between Jiang Xiaobai and Zhao Chenyu. As Jiang Xiaobai was heading back to the hotel, she noticed Zhao Chenyu getting into a car. Her assistant drove her toward the city.

The filming location was somewhat remote, with a few decent restaurants nearby. While it made sense to go into the city for a meal, Zhao Chenyu was still injured. Would she really go all the way to the city just for food?

Wouldn’t it be better to grab a quick bite nearby and return to the hotel early to rest?

Jiang Xiaobai found it a bit strange. She watched the departing car thoughtfully before heading back to the hotel with Ming Zhu.

A week later, Jiang Xiaobai, Dong Ran, and Linglong arrived at the recording site for The Taste Wars.

Ming Zhu didn’t come along since the recording time was short, and there was no need to bring so many people. Linglong was there to handle makeup.

The show was recorded at Grape TV, an indoor program that didn’t take much time. Unlike A Small Family in the Town, which was split into two episodes, this show could be completed in one session.

“Before the recording, the program team had sent the guest list and the show’s schedule to the participants, allowing them to prepare in advance and avoid any mishaps during filming

There was no rehearsal beforehand, so if something went wrong during recording, it would either be embarrassing for the audience to see or the segment would be cut, reducing the participant’s screen time.

After arriving, Jiang Xiaobai went to the makeup room for touch-ups.

The TV station had plenty of makeup rooms, so there was no need to share. Once she was done, she was taken to the waiting room, where she met the other new guests.

Including Jiang Xiaobai, there were four new guests—two men and two women, all in their twenties or thirties.

The other female guest was An Jiujiu, a food streamer with a trendy style. Her long, ash-gray hair was particularly striking.

One of the men was a comedian named Houhou, and the other was an actor named Gu Qing.

An Jiujiu was quite popular online, with a large fan base. Houhou had gained fame through the Spring Festival Gala, having performed in many skits and comedies.

Gu Qing wasn’t as well-known as Jiang Xiaobai, but he was an excellent cook and often showcased his culinary skills on social media.

After meeting, the four exchanged greetings. An Jiujiu, not being a full-fledged celebrity, seemed a bit nervous around the other three. She greeted them politely but didn’t say much more.

Houhou was a good-natured man with a somewhat simple appearance. His eyes were so small they were almost invisible, and he loved to laugh, which made his eyes disappear even more. He was great at keeping the atmosphere lively.

Gu Qing had an artistic vibe, speaking little but nodding occasionally in response.

After waiting for about ten minutes, a staff member called them over.

The recording had begun.

The studio was designed to resemble a cozy home, with a fresh and minimalist style. The kitchen was open, and from the spacious living room, one could clearly see what was happening in the kitchen.

The four guests didn’t enter the “living room” at the same time. They entered one by one to allow for individual introductions. Jiang Xiaobai was second.

“Hi, I’m Jiang Xiaobai.”

She waved to the people in the room—actually, she was waving to the camera. Having filmed many dramas, Jiang Xiaobai knew how to present her best self on camera. She tilted her head and smiled, striking the perfect angle.

“Welcome, Xiaobai! Wow, Xiaobai’s arrival has brightened up the entire room. You’re absolutely stunning!”

The host, Lin Jiangqu, was a man with round glasses, a friendly face, and a plump build, though he was tall and slim.

 

 

Chapter 238: Choosing the Dish

Lin Jiangqu’s role as the host of the show was undisputed. He had started his career hosting food programs and was himself a highly skilled chef with numerous awards to his name. He often showcased his culinary expertise on the show, sharing recipes live.

As the audience would say, his dishes were so delicious they could make the neighbor’s child cry with envy!

After the four guests made their appearances, it was time to draw lots for team pairings.

The pairing wasn’t among the four guests themselves but rather with one of the four master chefs on the show: Lin Xiaoyuan, Yao Xin, Li Wanyu, and Xu Songqian.

These chefs were a mix of professionals and amateurs, chosen for their exceptional cooking skills.

The pairing was purely based on luck. Four slips were placed in front of the guests, and Jiang Xiaobai casually picked the one closest to her. The name on it was—

Yao Xin.

Yao Xin was a seasoned actor in his forties, known for his roles in war dramas, often portraying tough, no-nonsense characters. His personality seemed to align with his on-screen image—serious, strict, and a perfectionist when it came to cooking and plating.

Jiang Xiaobai had not only read the show’s schedule but had also watched several episodes of The Taste Wars, so she had a good understanding of the host and guests’ personalities.

If there was one person on the show who was notoriously difficult to work with, it was undoubtedly Yao Xin. Many netizens had even commented that he was “the least desirable partner” and “too demanding.”

As Jiang Xiaobai showed the name on her slip to the camera, she noticed the other three guests giving her looks of relief and sympathy.

Jiang Xiaobai, however, didn’t mind. It didn’t matter to her who she was paired with.

“The pairings are done, so now it’s one master chef with one apprentice. The apprentices must learn well from their masters, as the final segment of the show will require you to complete a dish under their guidance. The quality of this dish will determine which master chef earns the ‘Golden Chef’ badge for this episode,” Lin Jiangqu explained.

He then pointed to Lin Xiaoyuan, “See, Xiaoyuan was the Golden Chef last episode.”

Lin Xiaoyuan smiled and gave a thumbs-up, pointing to the badge on her chest.

Lin Xiaoyuan was the most popular among the four master chefs. She was sweet and adorable, with a gentle and patient demeanor, making her a joy to work with. Learning from her was a breeze.

To put it simply, partnering with Lin Xiaoyuan was like finding a friend, while working with Yao Xin—

Was like having a strict father.

The show began with the guests immediately diving into cooking. All four were to prepare the same dish, which would then be ranked to determine their initial scores.

This segment was quite entertaining. Each guest had to choose a dish from four options, and the most selected dish would be the one they’d all prepare.

Jiang Xiaobai was handed a tablet with four dish names listed like multiple-choice questions.

 

Yesterday’s You Was Fragrant

Today’s I Am Sweet

Tomorrow’s He Is Bitter

The Day After’s She Is Sour

 

As usual, this segment was meant to be humorous, as the dish names were…

What on earth were these?

Was there even a point to choosing?

Jiang Xiaobai silently complained, then randomly tapped the fourth option.

After she made her choice, the tablet reset, and she passed it to An Jiujiu behind her.

An Jiujiu was equally baffled, “Such playful names… Oh well, let fate decide. I hope I get an easy one!”

She thought for a moment, then made her selection.

Next came Houhou and Gu Qing.

Once all four had chosen, the tablet was handed to Lin Jiangqu, who smiled upon seeing the results, “Now, I’ll reveal the dish you’ll be preparing—Today’s I Am Sweet.”

Jiang Xiaobai noticed An Jiujiu and Houhou both smiling.

“Now, let’s hear why you chose this dish,” Lin Jiangqu said, first looking at Houhou and An Jiujiu, “You two picked this, right?”

“Yes, I did,” Houhou nodded, “I feel like this dish describes me perfectly, so I firmly chose it.”

The room fell silent for two seconds after this burly, simple man made such a statement, then erupted into laughter.

“Houhou is so funny!”

“Hahaha, truly a comedian!”

“Too adorable!”

The master chefs and guests were all in stitches.

Houhou chuckled, rubbing his buzz cut as if polishing an object.

“What about you, Jiujiu?”

Lin Jiangqu asked after the laughter subsided.

“I thought this dish and the fourth one would be easier to make,” An Jiujiu replied, holding back a laugh, “Sweet dishes just need sugar, and sour ones just need vinegar—it’s hard to go wrong. But fragrant dishes might be more complicated and skill-intensive, and the last one… I’m not interested in bitter flavors, so I didn’t choose it.”

Lin Jiangqu nodded, then turned to Jiang Xiaobai, “What about you, Xiaobai?”

Before the shoot, Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t even met the host and wasn’t familiar with the other guests. Yet, on the show, everyone acted as if they were close friends, smiling and addressing each other affectionately to create a warm atmosphere.

Jiang Xiaobai responded, “It wasn’t me who chose it—it was my hand.”

Lin Xiaoyuan giggled, “I saw it! She didn’t even look at the screen when she tapped it—just a random poke.”

“And you, Gu Qing?” Lin Jiangqu finally asked.

“I thought this dish might taste better,” Gu Qing answered honestly.

“Alright, now it’s time to reveal the dish. Behold—‘Today’s Appetizer’!”

Today’s Appetizer was a segment of the show, referring to the first dish prepared at the start, not necessarily an actual appetizer.

Lin Jiangqu tore off a poster on the wall, revealing the recipe underneath—

“Sweet and Sour Pork?!”

Everyone exclaimed.

“That’s right, ‘Today’s I Am Sweet’ is Sweet and Sour Pork,” Lin Jiangqu chuckled.

“This dish is sweet… but it’s also sour!”

“It’s not hard to make, but making it delicious isn’t easy either.”

The guests commented.

“Our dish names have no real meaning—if you took them seriously, you’ve already lost,” Lin Jiangqu shrugged, “The recipe has detailed steps. Take a look, then head to your stations to prepare it. Your master chefs will only observe, not guide or speak. After you’re done, they’ll score your dishes.”