Chapter 24: Midnight

The moment the video was released, the fans of Zhao Meng and Tang Su were thrown into panic. It was immediately obvious to everyone that the person who had falsely accused Song Wan and the director of an improper relationship was very likely Zhao Meng, who happened to be the leading actress in "Immortal in the Clouds," sharing the same cast as Song Wan and the director. To slander both a fellow cast member and the director? How malicious and unprofessional could one be? Who would dare to cast Zhao Meng in future projects after this?

Zhao Meng’s fans were instantly at a loss, flustered and helpless. Many who couldn’t accept the news began to unfollow her en masse, causing her follower count, which had soared into the tens of millions, to plummet by hundreds of thousands in a short time and still falling.

Meanwhile, Tang Su’s fans were shocked because of a certain pointed social media post. Only then did they realize this scandal had nothing to do with Tang Su at all. The main parties involved were a relatively unknown director and a newly famous actress—there was no real connection to Tang Su at all. So why had Tang Su posted such a veiled and accusatory message?

A flood of netizens who felt misled and thought Tang Su was meddling unnecessarily rushed to her social media page. Some were angry, but what stung the fans most was the ridicule from other users, who mocked them for blindly attacking a newcomer just because Tang Su posted a vague message, as if under a spell.

The words were harsh, unbearable for many fans. While most did not unfollow Tang Su, they wanted an explanation. Yet Tang Su’s social media remained silent; she didn’t say another word. Even the marketing account that first posted the misleading photo was besieged by furious netizens, some even resorting to personal attacks, until the account owner, overwhelmed, disabled comments altogether.

However, when these netizens turned to the official account of "Immortal in the Clouds," their tone changed completely. Those who had previously misunderstood Song Wan now posted comments like:

"Sorry, Song Wan, I judged you without knowing the truth and let you suffer such severe online abuse. Please don’t take it to heart."

"Sorry, Song Wan! I’ve already slapped myself, but that’s not enough, so I’m off to curse out Zhao Meng to avenge you!"

"Sorry, Song Wan, I can’t bring myself to hit myself, but I’ll get your revenge! Let’s take down that little vixen Zhao Meng!"

There were also playful comments like:

"Song Wan, did you cry? You can borrow my shoulder, no thanks needed!"

"Hey, back off, my embrace is more reliable than your shoulder. Song Wan, look here, don’t be shy!"

"Just look at my username."

And still others:

"Everyone else out, my girl Miao Yu is way too tough to cry! She’s probably just laughing at certain people now. Song Wan, I want to sleep with you!"

"Want to sleep with her, count me in!"

"Sleep? Please, Miao Yu is hers, but Song Wan is mine!"

Reading the tide of apologies, comfort, and... propositions under the official account, Song Wan was struck by how endearing fans could be.

"What are you reading?" Hua Yu leaned over, but quickly lost interest. "What’s so interesting about those comments? Don’t forget how they cursed you just a while ago. Don’t be dazzled by this sudden burst of affection. If you start to believe it and take yourself too seriously, no one will be there to catch you when you fall."

Hua Yu’s warning was heartfelt, drawn from her own experience. Song Wan understood. She hadn’t gone through exactly what Hua Yu had, but she’d seen plenty of stars disappear for similar reasons. Unlike a true newcomer, Song Wan had spent over a decade honing her craft at the bottom—self-awareness was something she had in spades.

Hua Yu dropped the subject, instead remarking, "I never expected the surveillance cameras to catch Zhao Meng in the act, secretly filming with her phone. I almost feel sorry for her luck."

Song Wan smiled wryly. "She was simply too brazen, certain that the Imperial Capital Hotel would never release the footage, so she didn’t bother to hide what she was doing."

"True," Hua Yu agreed. "You can’t really blame her luck for this one."

"But President Jin must care about you a lot, to break protocol and give the footage to Director Zhou Qi," Hua Yu said enviously.

Song Wan felt a strange, sour ache in her heart. She wanted to protest, but the words died on her lips. At this point, it would be foolish to deny that Jin Youqian’s attitude toward her was different.

If nothing else, the mere fact that he rushed to the set of "Dream of Splendor" with the hotel surveillance footage after seeing the news online had left her at a loss. His actions went far beyond those of a typical patron.

Once again, Song Wan was struck by just how earnest Jin Youqian was. In fact, she almost felt guilty...

"What are you thinking about?" Hua Yu poked her forehead. "Why so quiet all of a sudden?"

Song Wan managed a smile. "I’m just puzzled—how did you come to that conclusion? President Jin and I barely know each other."

Hua Yu rolled her eyes. "You’re not going to tell me he did it just because he’s a good person, are you?"

Song Wan was about to agree, but then realized from Hua Yu’s tone—

"Apparently, even a famous movie star once offered millions for that hotel footage, but couldn’t get it," Hua Yu added.

Song Wan was speechless.

Despite the uproar, everything turned out well in the end. The production of "Immortal in the Clouds" barely needed to promote itself—everyone in the country now knew it was about to air. Thanks to the controversy, many TV programs were eager to invite the cast for publicity.

The show was poised for a major breakthrough.

Only Zhao Meng, architect of her own scandal, was left in disgrace with her popularity at an all-time low. Ironically, her only chance at redemption was for "Immortal in the Clouds" to become a huge hit, boosting her popularity by extension. It was a bitter twist of fate.

Many found the Imperial Capital Hotel’s actions odd, but with the supposedly well-connected Director Zhou Qi out front, only a handful suspected Song Wan had anything to do with it.

That day, Zhou Qi called Song Wan to inform her that the "Happy Family" show on Mango TV had invited the entire cast to promote the series, specifically requesting her attendance. Since the show had paid a hefty price for the drama, Zhou Qi couldn’t refuse and called to notify her. To put her at ease, he even arranged leave for her in advance with Qian Fu.

"Happy Family" was a long-running program, on air for nearly twenty years and still reigning as the top show in its time slot. It was the industry’s first choice for promoting new projects; even major stars didn’t charge an appearance fee to go on the show.

To appear on such a program would do wonders for Song Wan’s future career. The only concern for the producers was that Zhao Meng, the show’s leading lady, would also be there and was indispensable.

Song Wan, however, was unfazed and agreed immediately. Her decisiveness greatly improved both Zhou Qi’s and the production team’s impression of her. The director of the show, impressed by her tact, even decided to cut several harsh questions from the script.

For Song Wan, this was an unexpected boon.

The day of the recording arrived. Song Wan dressed early and arrived at the TV station. Before she could enter, a minivan pulled up at the entrance. Thinking it might be another cast member, she paused to watch.

First out was a woman dressed as an assistant, then a sharply dressed businessman, and finally, the presumed star, who slowly alighted with the assistant’s help.

Song Wan paused—she didn’t recognize this celebrity.

She hesitated, wondering whether to greet them, when the man strode over and looked at her appraisingly: "You’re Song Wan? Not bad looking," his gaze grew more disdainful, "but in this industry, looks alone won’t get you far."

Song Wan frowned. "Excuse me, who are you?"

The man was taken aback. "You mean you don’t know who I am?"

Song Wan gazed at him coldly. "I don’t think not knowing you is anything to be ashamed of, unless you’re famous enough that every person in the world knows your name."

"You—!"

She shot him a cool glance and turned to enter the TV station’s office building.

"Song Wan, you’re finally here!" Zhou Zhou ran up to her. "Director Zhou has arrived already—come with me to get your makeup done."

Since Song Wan needed to appear in character at the start, Zhou Qi had brought Zhou Zhou along to the TV station to do her makeup.

Inside the dressing room, Director Zhou Qi was already waiting. When he saw Song Wan, he smiled. "To make a strong impression on the audience, I discussed with the director of 'Happy Family' and decided you should wear your Miao costume. It’s a bit complicated, so I brought Zhou Zhou here early to help you get ready."

Song Wan didn’t say much, taking her costume into the changing room.

When she emerged, she found Happy Family’s host, Xi Yao, doing his makeup outside. Hearing the sound, he looked up in the mirror and caught her gaze.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he smiled warmly. "You must be Song Wan. You’re indeed very beautiful—no wonder Director Zhou picked you for the role."

It was the same compliment the man at the door had given, but Xi Yao’s tone was completely different, his manner worlds apart.

Song Wan felt her anxieties melt away and smiled in return. "Thank you for your kind words, Brother Xi."

Xi Yao nodded with a smile. "Go ahead and get your makeup done. We’ll start recording soon, and I’ve heard your look is quite elaborate. I won’t keep you chatting and waste your time."