Xiao An stood beside Tang Wanxing and continued her analysis: "After Qing Muyye married Meng Jingwei, he disappeared for a long time. When he reappeared, he was mute, his face was disfigured, and he had lost an arm and a leg. But then he died inexplicably, and miraculously revived, completely intact. Netizens speculated that Qing Muyye must have known about Meng Jingwei's schemes and calculations beforehand, and deliberately played along with her, only to reclaim his property bit by bit and get back their two children, which is why he divorced Meng Jingwei."
She spoke eloquently, and at first glance, it sounded like the truth.
Tang Wanxing didn't know the full story. She had asked Qing Muyye before, but he had always dodged the topic.
She and Qing Muyye had a life-or-death friendship, yet he avoided the subject every time. Did he not want to talk about it because he felt it was demeaning to be outsmarted by a woman like Meng Jingwei?
Thinking this way, Tang Wanxing felt that Xiao An's words were not entirely unreasonable, but they needed to be verified.
"Don't spread baseless gossip around anymore," Tang Wanxing chided lightly, then got up and went to the small bedroom next to the living room. "I'm going to take a nap."
Xiao An pouted, not understanding why Tang Wanxing had suddenly scolded her.
On the other side, after finishing her meal, Meng Jingwei went to the makeup room. Su Meiyi, who was resting in the lounge, heard that Meng Jingwei had been invited to dinner by Tang Wanxing and became furious and jealous.
"When did that bitch become so friendly with Tang Wanxing? I really don't know how she managed to get close to her!"
She had been excited that morning upon hearing that Meng Jingwei was on set, thinking she could finally bully Meng Jingwei and both pass the time and get revenge for past grievances.
To her surprise, Meng Jingwei had then managed to get close to Tang Wanxing, which made Su Meiyi feel at a disadvantage.
"So what if they know each other? After divorcing Qing Muyye, Meng Jingwei's reputation plummeted, and many netizens are now cursing her. Someone as aloof as the Film Empress Tang wouldn't really be friends with Meng Jingwei. At most, she's just giving Meng Jingwei some face. After all, they're in the same film crew, and it wouldn't be good to make things too ugly."
Su Meiyi's assistant analyzed the current situation for her.
"Hmph."
Su Meiyi slammed the teacup in her hand onto the table. "As long as I, Su Meiyi, am here, I will never let Meng Jingwei have an easy time!"
Every time she thought about how Meng Jingwei had colluded with Ji Lanfeng to humiliate her at a fashion exhibition in Country C, making her a laughingstock and costing her four hundred thousand yuan, she felt immense shame.
"Sister Yi, you have many scenes with Meng Jingwei, there will be plenty of opportunities," Su Meiyi's assistant chimed in with advice.
Su Meiyi's eyes lit up, and she let out a cold laugh. "I think so too."
As she thought this, Su Meiyi's plan began to be put into action.
At half-past two in the afternoon, Tang Wanxing, who played Xiao Lanyan, the female lead in "The Orphan Daughter of the General's Family," changed her surname to Ning Lanyan after growing up. She was about to have her first scene with Li Shang, who played the Third Prince Yan Ji.
Tang Wanxing lived up to her reputation as a Film Empress, a truly powerful actress. Her astounding acting skills left Li Shang unable to keep up, resulting in four or five retakes before the scene was finally approved.
However, Tang Wanxing maintained a gentle and dignified lady-like demeanor throughout the process. Even after several retakes, she showed no signs of anger.
Li Shang was inwardly annoyed but dared not express it.
"Alright, next scene, Meng Jingwei and Su Meiyi, get ready. It's time for your three-person scene," the director shouted through his megaphone.
Meng Jingwei's heart tightened, and she immediately walked towards the director.
This scene depicted Qingying, played by Meng Jingwei, accidentally colliding with Qi Yuying, played by Su Meiyi, on Chang'an Street.
Qi Yuying was the daughter of the Prime Minister of the Great Yan Dynasty. She had a delicate appearance, but within her, she was incredibly ruthless.
She sat on her horse and whipped Qingying, played by Meng Jingwei, who had startled the horse.