Chapter 79: A Master at Manipulating Entertainment

Soon, news spread everywhere about Meng Ling slapping a fellow actress on set and causing her injury. Reports from journalists visiting the "Beauty’s Calamity" crew were released one after another. For a time, the internet was awash with headlines about the production. Previously, the show had already attracted constant buzz thanks to various publicity stunts. Now, with all these new events, "Beauty’s Calamity" was pushed even further into the public eye, becoming the center of attention.

[This drama is really something—first rumors about casting, then drama during filming. Just imagine the frenzy when it actually airs!]

[Am I the only one who thinks Meng Ling is at fault? She was the one who had an altercation with Bai Chenxi last time, too.]

[There must be some misunderstanding! Forget about that publicity-hungry actress, but this time it was probably just an accident! Weren’t they filming at the time?]

[Exactly, Meng Ling doesn’t look like she did it on purpose. She was so anxious she almost cried—it must have been accidental!]

[Aren’t you all curious that Tang Ziyu actually talked openly about her financial backer?]

A behind-the-scenes video from set was also released. With everyone dodging the issue, Tang Ziyu’s assertive remarks naturally became the headline. “Tang Ziyu speaks for the first time about her sponsor” was plastered across major portals, instantly racking up over ten million views.

That was just the mainstream media. Marketing accounts were even more direct and sensational. With such eye-catching headlines everywhere, it was almost impossible for netizens not to click.

[Didn’t expect to see the day! Tang Ziyu actually commented on her sponsor.]

[Isn’t she worried her sponsor will be angry after saying that?]

[If she dares to say it, maybe it proves she doesn’t have one!]

[Maybe they had a falling-out, and it ended badly. Looks like there’ll be more drama ahead.]

[Bai Chenxi’s reaction was priceless! It’s exactly how I look when I’m watching the gossip unfold.]

[Haha, right! Those disbelieving eyes—she’s totally seen this drama online before.]

[Finally, I get to see my precious new favorite again. And he actually knew to move seats—I’m so reassured!]

[But I’m not reassured! He… he actually spoke up for her, like he was trying to get her out of trouble. I have a thousand alpacas charging through my mind right now.]

[Relax! He’s always been a gentleman to women. It was just a polite gesture.]

[You won’t believe what I just found—Bai Chenxi actually said in an old interview that she admires Mo Li and praised his acting skills.]

[I have a bad feeling about this, please no!]

Soon, Bai Chenxi’s past interviews were dug up as well. Though they didn’t make it to the trending charts, they still attracted plenty of attention. At least, anyone following her or Mo Li was aware.

Bai Chenxi could only feel helpless about it. She’d been trying so hard to keep a low profile lately! Why wouldn’t those gossip accounts leave her alone?

While some wished the rumor mills would ease up, others hoped they’d keep digging.

In the hospital room, when the doctor finally said that Mi Mu’s injury was not serious, both Meng Ling and her assistant breathed a sigh of relief.

Meng Ling sat by the bed, warmly taking Mi Mu’s hand. “Thank goodness. If anything had really happened to your face, I’d never forgive myself.”

She spoke with deep sincerity, but her grip was unyielding. Mi Mu tried several times to pull her hand away, but Meng Ling held on tight.

As soon as the doctor left, Meng Ling flung Mi Mu’s hand aside, her demeanor changing in an instant.

“To think you’re actually crazy. Why not go further and make sure your face scars? Wouldn’t that be a better way to get back at me?”

Mi Mu smiled at her. “Sister, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

“Still playing dumb? There’s no way I could have scratched your face—you deliberately leaned in yourself!”

The more Meng Ling spoke, the angrier she became. She’d only intended to teach Mi Mu a lesson, but now realized she’d misjudged her—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

But Mi Mu paid no attention to her words, still looking at her with innocent, sorrowful eyes. “Sister Meng Ling, I didn’t.”

“What’s going on, Mi Mu? Can’t you go one day without causing trouble?” At that moment, Mi Mu’s agent burst in, storming through the door.

Without preamble, the agent unleashed a torrent of scolding at Mi Mu. After venting her anger, she turned and noticed Meng Ling.

She immediately plastered on a fawning smile. “Hello, Meng Ling! I’m Mi Mu’s agent, here’s my card. I’m so sorry for the trouble Mi Mu’s caused you—please don’t take it to heart.”

Throughout the entire exchange, Mi Mu remained silent, as though she was used to it all.

Meng Ling didn’t take the card; instead, she cast a mocking glance at Mi Mu.

“Mi Mu, was it? I’ll remember you. You’ll soon learn you’re not nearly clever enough to plot against me.”

With that, Meng Ling strode out, the agent still trailing after her with sycophantic words. When Meng Ling was gone, the agent turned back to Mi Mu and resumed her tirade.

“Mi Mu, have you grown bold lately? Do you even know who that was? Meng Ling is one of the hottest singers right now. Forget about her powerful backing at Kai Jia Entertainment—just her fanbase alone dwarfs yours. Are you looking for trouble by crossing her?”

“Do you really think these petty tricks will let you step over Meng Ling and rise to the top? Who do you think you are compared to her? Check your social media—how many people are on your side?”

Throughout it all, Mi Mu said nothing, just stared down at her own hands. If Meng Ling was deliberately targeting her, it wouldn’t matter.

She had never cared about anyone who couldn’t bring her profit.

Her agent spat out coldly, “From today on, all your work is suspended. Think about what you’ve done.”

A single phrase, light as air, but enough to decide a person’s fate. It was spoken as casually as commenting on the weather.

“Let me finish filming ‘Beauty’s Calamity.’”

The agent sneered at her, “Finish filming? You really think, after all this drama, the crew will keep you around?”

“I will stay,” Mi Mu replied, meeting the agent’s gaze head-on for the first time.

The agent balked at her intensity, then frowned in disgust. “Well, who knows what tricks you’ll come up with? You only got the part in ‘Beauty’s Calamity’ through backdoor means anyway.”

The implication was clear—no real talent, just ambition. Did she even deserve it?

“I’ll be waiting to see how far you fall.”

After the agent left, Mi Mu’s composure crumbled and she collapsed onto the bed.

Why? Was it just because she wasn’t popular? She still remembered the excitement she felt when she’d first signed her contract.

She was so hopeful then, believing she’d become a star. But the reality was that the company kept churning out new faces, and her agent only had eyes for those already in the spotlight.

One job after another went to the favored few. What was left for her were either the dirtiest, most exhausting gigs, or those that no one else wanted.

Mi Mu felt like she was nothing but a decorative vase. No—not even that. A vase was at least pretty. She was more like trash, left out in the open, unwelcome and taking up space.

A few years ago, she still hoped her turn would come. Now, that hope was gone.

She’d auditioned for “Beauty’s Calamity” behind the company’s back. To stir up buzz, the drama had held open calls—her only chance.

She had seized it without hesitation, and proved herself. That only convinced her more that all she needed was an opportunity.

Opportunity! She needed a chance—just one chance.