Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Dashing Tang Ziyu

Just as Meng Ling reached out to accuse Mi Mu, her assistant hurried over, grabbed her arm, and gave a slight shake of the head. At that moment, Meng Ling was utterly lost, and instinctively followed her assistant’s lead.

“It was Meng Ling’s oversight that caused this accident. We’ll explain to everyone later, but for now, please clear the way so we can take her for treatment.”

As she spoke, the assistant pinched Meng Ling fiercely under the cover of her sleeve. The pain brought tears to Meng Ling’s eyes. She was quick-witted enough to immediately understand her assistant’s intention, and with tears glistening in her eyes, she looked at everyone with an apologetic expression.

Seeing the chaos, the reporters realized there was nothing more to be gleaned. They made way, knowing they had more than enough news for today.

The assistant took the opportunity to help Mi Mu up and pulled Meng Ling along. Bai Chenxi rose to follow but was stopped by the director. “Why are you going after them? Don’t these reporters need to be dealt with?”

Bai Chenxi, Mo Li, Xia Yan, and Tang Ziyu were promptly assigned by the director to handle the situation. He urged, “Make it quick. Get rid of those reporters so we can get back to filming.”

The director had always disliked these reporters who stirred up trouble every few days, but the investors needed them to boost the show’s publicity and profits. Director Li could only compromise on such small matters, letting the four of them handle the press.

Mo Li originally wanted the two women to stand in the center, arranging the lineup as Mo Li, Tang Ziyu, Bai Chenxi, Xia Yan. Suddenly, Xia Yan looked up and said to Mo Li, “Mr. Mo, let’s switch places.” Though Mo Li was puzzled, he nodded in agreement.

When Xia Yan moved next to Tang Ziyu, he flashed a sly smile, “You stole Jing Shu from me in the drama, so outside it, I have to stand beside her!” His words made everyone laugh, and even Bai Chenxi let out a few awkward chuckles: Impressive, he’s promoting the show while naturally avoiding standing next to me.

The reporters had come to the set for interviews, and the unexpected incident was a bonus. Some had already rushed off in pursuit of that “exclusive scoop,” hoping for firsthand news.

Still, most reporters remained with the crew. Meng Ling’s issue didn’t make much of a splash, but those who stayed were seasoned veterans of controversy.

Tang Ziyu’s backers had always fascinated the public, and Bai Chenxi’s recent rumors had been endless. Netizens were eager to see if she’d spark anything with Mo Li or Xia Yan.

It didn’t matter if they spoke or not; just being together gave reporters material to write about. Of course, if they did say anything, it would instantly go viral.

People, like fruit, tend to pick the soft ones. Bai Chenxi was clearly the “soft persimmon” in the reporters’ eyes.

In terms of popularity, connections, and ability, she couldn’t compare to the others, making her an easy target for gossip.

“Bai Chenxi, there’s been talk recently about you and Meng Ling not getting along on set. What do you have to say about that?”

Ordinarily, Bai Chenxi should have smiled and denied the rumors, claiming the two got along well. But thinking of Meng Ling’s slap landing on Mi Mu and Mi Mu’s scratched face, she couldn’t bring herself to utter a single insincere word.

Her body even trembled slightly. Mo Li and Tang Ziyu beside her noticed her discomfort.

Mo Li joked, “Though we’re filming a palace intrigue drama, the crew actually gets along quite harmoniously.”

Harmonious? From the moment Bai Chenxi joined, rumors of discord with Meng Ling emerged. Now, Meng Ling had slapped a fellow actress in front of everyone. If this was harmony, Mo Li truly had it rough.

Tang Ziyu glanced at Mo Li, wondering if he was trying to help Bai Chenxi out of a tight spot.

The reporters seized on his words, “So, Mo Li, you and Bai Chenxi get along very well?”

Faced with such obvious bait, Mo Li’s expression remained unchanged. “Everyone in our crew gets along well.”

Finding Mo Li unyielding, the reporters turned to Tang Ziyu and Xia Yan.

“Xia Yan, this is your first time acting. How do you feel about the experience?”

“It’s been a wonderful experience. The director, my partners, and the staff have all taken good care of me, and I’ve learned a lot. I believe ‘The Beauty’s Fate’ will be a great work, and I hope everyone pays attention.”

Watching this, Bai Chenxi thought to herself: I’m still too inexperienced. Look at these old foxes—nothing slips through their cracks. I need to learn from them.

“Tang Ziyu, you used to take just one or two projects a year, but this is already your third one. You’ve also accepted more appearances. Has your work plan changed this year?”

The reporter really wanted to ask: You’re taking projects so frantically—did you break up with your financial backer?

Tang Ziyu clearly guessed the reporter’s intent, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes, quickly concealed. “There’s no fixed plan. I just take roles I like when they come along. For instance, I really enjoy ‘The Beauty’s Fate.’”

Though reporters had more questions, they held back. After all, nothing had leaked in years, and they didn’t dare push too far.

“Is it true you broke up with your backer, and that’s why you’re taking so many roles to maintain your popularity?”

There were still courageous souls among them, like this young man who seemed fresh out of school. Everyone’s breath caught as they looked at Tang Ziyu, fearing she’d lose her temper.

Some reporters even cast sympathetic glances at the overconfident rookie: Poor thing—his journalism career might end before it begins.

“Backer?” Tang Ziyu’s face showed no emotion as she repeated the word.

That was it! This was the collective thought of everyone present.

“If there was one, I regret to inform you he’s dead.”

Everyone stared at Tang Ziyu in disbelief. Was this a direct response? The reporters paused for a second before erupting in excitement.

Standing beside her, Bai Chenxi felt Tang Ziyu’s commanding presence firsthand. In that moment, she forgot all about their complicated relationship, thinking only: My god! She’s incredible! When will I ever have that kind of aura?

Had Wang Ling been there, she would have patted Bai Chenxi’s face and said, “Child, stop dreaming. Go to bed.”

Everyone stared at Tang Ziyu in disbelief. Was this a direct response? The reporters paused for a second before erupting in excitement.

Yet Tang Ziyu remained composed, tossing out, “Why are you all so shocked? I said ‘if there was one.’”

From her next words, it was clear she wouldn’t say anything more. The reporters switched back to discussing the show; after all, her statement alone was enough to stir up hype.

Even as the topic returned to the show, the reporters’ curiosity was barely contained.

“Bai Chenxi, was the sudden official announcement of your role in ‘The Beauty’s Fate’ related to the rumors about you and President Jiang?”

Bai Chenxi smiled calmly, full of confidence. She had already been coached by Sister Wang on how to answer such questions.

“My rumored relationship with President Jiang has already been clarified. As for the official announcement, I’m not sure—there must be considerations from the production team.”

Bai Chenxi smiled as she deftly parried the reporters’ questions, all of which revolved around her various rumors.

The same handful of people kept asking the same questions; anyone opening their phone for the first time might think she was some sort of notorious flirt, running a fishery business on the side.

Bai Chenxi was nearly cursing inwardly, though she answered politely. Tang Ziyu, beside her, remained silent, still smiling.

She seemed as confident and poised as always, yet no one noticed the subtle stiffness in her body and smile.