“What did you say? Xiao Yi isn't coming?”
In the director's office of Anshi Operations, Guan Fei sprang to her feet, shocked and furious. “He promised to come, so why isn't he? How can a celebrated movie star go back on his word?”
The director said helplessly, “I just received a call from his agent this morning. They said his schedule couldn't be adjusted.”
“What schedule? I can wait!”
“Sigh, don’t you get it? He simply doesn’t want to come!”
“But he already promised me…”
“Guan Fei, how long have you been in this industry? Can you take a verbal promise seriously? Besides, who is he? Xiao Yi! A three-time Best Actor winner, recognized with major awards at such a young age! What were you thinking back then? Instead of seizing the opportunity to sign a contract, you waited for him to come begging you?”
“Director, I…”
“Now that he’s not coming, what can you do? Before the show even airs, you’ve become a laughingstock among your peers! Where do you expect me to put my face? How could you make such a rookie mistake?!”
Guan Fei quickly defended herself, “He has a good reputation in the industry. He always keeps his promises! For interviews, phone appointments are sufficient. I even sought his consent in person! How could he possibly break his promise?”
The director, annoyed, tossed his pen onto the desk, crossed his arms, and looked at her. “You really don’t know the reason?”
“Reason…”
Guan Fei paused suddenly, a vague suspicion dawning on her.
“Guan Fei, I never question how you produce your shows. But please, use your brain! If you wanted to secretly film Xia Weiliang arguing with her parents, you should have used a cleverer method! Don’t act like an idiot by arranging it in your own dressing room. Are you afraid people won’t know this is related to us? Now look, Xia Weiliang has turned the tables on you! If the company hadn't spent money to smooth this over, not only would your new show be stopped, but ‘Jinfexibi’ would also be put on hold!”
The director stood up, frowning at her. “Xiao Yi has spoken up for Xia Weiliang in public twice, and he’s even appearing on her regular variety show… Haven’t you wondered what’s going on? I don’t understand why you would offend anyone, but you had to offend Xia Weiliang! I’m telling you, you’re not some seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl. At your age, how can you lack such basic discernment? Because of you, Anshi won’t be able to invite this 'divine being' ever again!”
Emerging from the director's office, Guan Fei's expression was grim.
She had been struggling in this industry for so many years, and this was the first time she had suffered such a severe setback!
Back in her office, Zhang Peng, still fuming, called. He happened to walk right into the storm.
“Feifei, are you free for lunch? I’ll treat you, and I also need your help. You know my Yiran is on ‘Challenge It!’ so I wanted to ask for your help…”
“No time! You and that country bumpkin of yours, don’t bother me again!!!”
After a furious outburst, she hung up the phone.
—
On this end, Zhang Peng was bewildered by the shouting. He cursed, “Is she going through menopause!”
Xia Yiran asked anxiously, “Brother Zhang, how did it go?”
Zhang Peng was quite annoyed himself. He waved his hand and said, “Let’s not bother her anymore, she’s a lunatic! I broke up with her because I couldn't stand her!”
Xia Yiran wasn’t concerned about their past messy relationship. She only wanted to know how much resources she could obtain.
Zhang Peng said, “Don’t worry, I’ll find a few more public accounts to hype this up. I’ve also spoken to Orange TV. I guarantee you’ll be ahead of Xia Weiliang!”
“Brother Zhang, just tell me how much investment is needed for the promotion. As long as I can step on her, money is no object!”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Alright Yiran, just relax, I’ll take care of this!”
With such a wealthy artist, the company had less trouble.
Hearing Zhang Peng’s words, Xia Yiran finally felt relieved.
Due to their identities, she and Xia Weiliang were always on opposite ends of a scale, destined to be compared their entire lives!
However, one thing was certain: she would be the one to win in the end!
There was a time lag between program recording and official broadcast, so viewers were not allowed to bring mobile phones or other devices to prevent clandestine filming. However, there were always those who, having eaten their fill of gossip, anonymously revealed information online!
Therefore, after the recording of “Challenge It!” concluded, several viewers exposed the intimate interactions between Xiao Yi and Xia Weiliang, which directly propelled them to the trending list.
Production Crew: We really didn’t pay for this!
Yimi Fans: Spreading rumors! I don’t believe it!
Gossip Farmers: As they say, you reap what you sow!
Passersby: Tell us your story!
Battlefield Holmes Netizen Army: Timeline clarification team members are in position + Reasoning analysis team is in position + Clue connection team reporting
Yimi fans, regardless of whether the gossip was true or false, had to defend their idol first!
What rumors? It doesn’t exist!! Sudancn.com
This wave of gossip came in a mighty surge, causing the program to reach unprecedented levels of popularity!
Meanwhile, Xia Yiran took the opportunity to deliberately release a photo of herself with Xia Weiliang. Coupled with promotion from several public accounts, the attention further escalated.
It was described as a photo, but it was merely Xia Weiliang accidentally captured in the frame.
In the shot, she was wearing a garish “death Barbie pink” and standing in a dressing room. Although only her profile was shown, her styling was truly indescribable. Even a stunning beauty would be dragged down.
In contrast, Xia Yiran appeared to be holding a gift, ready to enter. She was dressed in simple blue cloth clothes, with light makeup, looking cautious and well-behaved, which was very likable.
【Wow! Our Ranran is so pure and beautiful!!】
【OMG! Is that the Iron Lady??】
【Hahahaha… That styling is enough to make me laugh for a year!】
【As expected, there’s no comparison without contrast. Compared to Sister Niangniang, our Ran is a fairy queen!】
【Yimi fans reporting! Those upstairs, your eyes are good things, donate them if you’re not using them! Xia Yiran clearly benefited from the styling! Releasing such a photo is malicious! My Liang is the most beautiful! So beautiful, she'll make you die of beauty!】
【Heh, they say fans resemble their idols. I’ve witnessed the quality of Liang fans~】
【Isn’t anyone talking about the production crew? Didn’t they deliberately invite Xia Yiran to stir up trouble? Sister Niangniang is truly tragic, being set up by her own program team!】
The ensuing online battle did not affect Xia Yiran in the slightest. On the contrary, she attracted the attention of several potential sponsors with this wave of popularity and her Cinderella-like pure styling. Some were observing, while a few impatient ones, fearing her value might increase later, directly offered her contracts.
Zhang Peng was so delighted he could barely close his mouth. He planned to hold off for a couple of days to maintain her prestige before signing!
Under these circumstances, Saturday arrived quietly.
Everyone brought out their small stools, eagerly awaiting “Challenge It!” They had to witness it themselves to pass final judgment!
On Orange TV, Director Song reappeared with his signature large white ceramic steel mug…
That evening, the latest episode of “Challenge It!” was officially broadcast.
The barrage of comments ahead was arriving in five seconds…
【Come on, gossip, show yourself, let me see what you look like!】
【Brother, do you still remember Yimi from the Lakeside of Daming Lake?】
【Why is Yimi everywhere? Where’s Red Bean? Where’s Mung Bean? Mi, come out!】
The program officially kicked off.
As the two female idols, A Ning and Zi Xuan, appeared, the screen was filled with comments praising “My daughter is so cute.”
Next, it was finally the turn of the two “sisters,” Xia Weiliang and Xia Yiran.
【I’m here to witness the legendary death Barbie pink!】
【Cinderella’s sister? Forgive me for my impolite laugh, this persona is too powerful!】
【Supporting Niangniang! My Niangniang is the most beautiful!】
【Here they come! Quick, look! Here she comes—she’s bringing the main theme of urban-rural integration with her!!】
When Xia Weiliang appeared, wearing a black small suit jacket paired with a rose-purple knee-length puffy skirt, the comments instantly quieted down.
Following that, a vast sea of comments drifted across the screen—
【OMG! Is this Xia Weiliang?!】
【Wow! This styling is too beautiful! I’m in love, I’m in love!】
【The Iron Lady is the only female celebrity I’ve ever seen who can wear this color with high fashion sense! There’s no second!】
【Heh, what’s the use of being beautiful? With no works and no skill, she can only gain fame through her looks!】
【You have looks too, why haven’t you become famous?】
【Xia Yiran and Xia Weiliang sharing the same frame is just asking for trouble… Don’t argue with me, if you argue, you’re right!】