Chapter Sixty-Nine: Rumors

Why is this woman everywhere? Can't she stop hyping herself up for once? I can't stand it anymore.
Her true colors are showing so soon—acting like a diva. Seriously, I'm speechless.
Who did she offend to get all this hate?
Who's hating her? Isn't it all self-promotion anyway?
Bai Chenxi wants her to apologize—there must be a reason, right?
Unbelievable, people are criticizing my girl's acting? Please, go watch “Empire and Beauty.”
This girl is really good at stirring things up. She’d better stay far away from our male idol.
I already regret that Xia Yan took this role.
Xia Yan should be fine, right? They probably don’t have many scenes together.
Who knows? They're in the same crew; if she wants publicity, there’s always a chance.
If she dares to hype anything with Xia Yan, I’ll be her lifelong hater.
Our Mo Li is still the best—debuted years ago and never any scandals.
To the girl above, I feel like you're jinxing it without realizing.
Don’t scare me.
Say no more—just think of Chu Muyun, the unattainable flower of the entertainment world. Does that really put your mind at ease?

The netizens’ chat quickly shifted, focusing on whether Mo Li or Xia Yan would become Bai Chenxi's next rumored love interest.
Some gossip accounts even listed “Bai Chenxi’s rumored boyfriends,” making fans envious and sparking a frenzy of hate.
Bai Chenxi, alerted by Xiaoyu, checked the trending topics and saw her name. This time, she wasn’t particularly surprised.
Instead, she raised the corner of her lips with rare sophistication: Everything is unfolding just as expected.
She tapped her phone a few times, then casually tossed it to Xiaoyu and cheerfully went to observe and learn from Director Li.

Xiaoyu picked up the phone and browsed Weibo.
Bai Chenxi V: Today I failed to recognize Sister Meng Ling, which made her upset. That was my fault. Bought her a drink as an apology.

The attached photo was one she’d taken with Meng Ling, pulling her into the shot.
Some crew members saw the post and explained: I was on set. Bai Chenxi didn’t recognize Meng Ling and thought she was angry, so she bought drinks to apologize.
Meng Ling was upset because of her own mood, and after realizing she’d been rude, she apologized to Bai Chenxi as well.
Let it go, everyone! They’re fine!

That’s it?
Didn’t you see their joint photo? They’re good!
But Bai Chenxi did have several NGs—so that must be true, right?
That part was indeed true, and dissatisfied netizens latched onto it, criticizing her relentlessly.

Tang Ziyu glanced at Bai Chenxi, who sat calmly before the director, and couldn’t help but turn his head.
“You really know how to keep your cool. Even with all that hate, you can sit here so calmly?”
Bai Chenxi looked at Tang Ziyu in confusion. He didn’t sound like he was mocking her, but they weren’t close enough for genuine concern, were they?
For a moment, Bai Chenxi didn’t respond, simply smiling indifferently.

Director Li, on the other hand, grew interested and feigned casualness as he asked, “What happened now? Did she cause more trouble?” His tone was full of disdain.
Tang Ziyu smiled, “Director Li, check Weibo and you’ll see. She’s trending right now!”
Director Li pulled out his phone, pretending not to care as he scrolled, but his brows knitted deeper and deeper as he read.
“Nonsense.”

Suddenly, Director Li slammed the table, startling Bai Chenxi.
Looking at the furious director, Bai Chenxi thought, This is it. After finally easing the tension between us, we’re back to square one.
She watched as Director Li angrily typed something, not daring to say a word. Surely he wouldn’t add fuel to the fire, would he?

Soon, Bai Chenxi realized how petty her thoughts were.
Director Li Tianqi V: I never noticed any issues with her acting—how did you all know? Maybe you should try directing yourselves.

Though he didn’t tag Bai Chenxi, anyone with eyes could see who he was talking about. It was a clear affirmation of Bai Chenxi’s acting skills.
Bai Chenxi looked at the director with gratitude. “Director Li, you’re amazing~”
Director Li gave her a disdainful glance. “Get rid of that disgusting expression. I just don’t want anyone questioning my ability. If your little mess makes them stop watching my shows, what then?”
The assistant director nearby opened his mouth but didn’t say a word: Since when have you ever worried about viewership?

Bai Chenxi didn’t care about any of that and promised with conviction, “Don’t worry, Director Li. I’ll act my best and shut those critics up.”
Director Li found her words pleasing. “Hmm! At least you’re salvageable.”
Tang Ziyu watched their interaction, his eyes deepening: Now this is interesting.

Bai Chenxi turned and met Tang Ziyu’s gaze, frowning slightly: Here we go again.
It wasn’t her imagination—ever since they first met, he’d watched her with this strange look. It was unnerving.
Bai Chenxi wasn’t one to shy away, so she stared back at Tang Ziyu. Thus, two people who barely spoke found themselves locked in a silent battle of glances.

“Alright, Ziyu, it’s your turn to shoot. Go get ready,” the director interrupted their silent duel.
Tang Ziyu withdrew his gaze. “Got it, Director.”

Watching Tang Ziyu’s retreating back, Bai Chenxi let out a heavy breath: If that had gone on any longer, she would’ve lost her composure.
Director Li patted Bai Chenxi’s shoulder. “What’s going on between you and Tang Ziyu?”
Bai Chenxi looked at him helplessly. “I wish I knew!”

Director Li sized her up. “You’re not particularly flashy—so how do you manage to stir up so much trouble?”
Was he saying she wasn’t pretty? Bai Chenxi clutched her chest. “Director Li, that stings.”
Unexpectedly, Director Li replied coldly, “Your expression isn’t up to par. If you act like that in a scene, I’ll make you question your entire life.”
Bai Chenxi: Director Li, can we even be friends?

Li Tianqi (with a face full of disdain): Who’s friends with you?