Chapter 87: 87. The Actress Whose Reputation Lies in Ruins (2)

【He Nianyou, if you’ve been kidnapped, blink twice.】

【Qianqian’s girlfriend has gone silent.】

【Qianqian’s mommy has gone silent too.】

【Doesn’t He Nianyou ever go online? Surely she knows Bai Qian’s fans are the only ones across the whole internet begging their idol not to act—just stay home being a spoiled, pretty flower vase? Acting so bad even her own fans won’t praise it, and here she is gushing so sincerely? Is this twisted morality or just bad eyesight? Investigative Report Tonight, coming right up.】

【Speaking of which, didn’t someone buy that #BaiQianCryingScenesArePeak trending topic for her before? I opened the comments section, and her fans were all spamming “cringe.jpg” to control the narrative. I laughed my ass off.】

【+1 upstairs. I saw that comments section too—Bai Qian’s fans were so cute, I got sucked in. Plus, if she doesn’t act, she’s genuinely gorgeous. Tbh, if Bai Qian skips the acting and drama, she’s pretty likable.】

【Exactly. Chi Hua should either train her fans like Bai Qian’s—admit the lead’s skills suck and just lie flat for the roasting—or follow Yu Jingqing’s example. Even with her other scandals, at least her professional chops hold up, so her career stans can defend her when the hate rolls in. Don’t keep hyping by trash-talking other actresses. Her acting’s just average, but they hype it like it’s god-tier. Roadside fans get sick of it too.】

【Who doesn’t do marketing these days? If your fave can’t afford it, quit the sour grapes! And quit dragging our Huahua into everything. Making Chi Hua compete acting with Bai Qian? Lowers her class!】

【How’d it turn into a fight again? Can we pause? Isn’t the real issue He Nianyou saying Bai Qian’s acting crushes Teacher Shen’s?】

【Is He Nianyou secretly Teacher Shen’s black fan?】

【He Nianyou stans, you gonna explain this?】

【We tried! You all just drowned us out!】

【What’d you say? Up top? I’ll scroll up.】

【No need to scroll. Speaking for the rest of Youlemei, let me clarify again: praising Bai Qian’s acting was He Nianyou’s own doing. Has nothing to do with us fans. Don’t blame the fans for the celeb’s actions!!!】

【Hahahahaha, I thought He Nianyou’s fans were about to go feral. When that blogger posted the guest list before, wasn’t there a He Nianyou stan with an ID linked to Chi Hua who kept picking fights? Insisting He Nianyou has the best singing voice. I even clicked her profile to listen… and bailed after two seconds.】

【Don’t remind me—that’s our infamous black fan. She’s burned through who-knows-how-many accounts. Because of her, the bootleg footage from our Youyou’s concert is still circulating as black history.】

【Lmao, so He Nianyou fans are like Bai Qian’s—already lying flat for the roasts on their idol’s singing and acting?】

【We’ve been flat on our backs forever. For new fans coming in, we preach “stan the idol, not the vocals.”】

【Then why did He Nianyou’s album shoot straight to number one on the sales chart overnight? Fans aren’t hyping anymore?】

【Your kid keeps bombing tests dead last—what else can you do but keep cheering? We know the score. Official releases are all auto-tuned—no poisoning the public airwaves.】

【No wonder my friend binged He Nianyou’s platform tracks, got hooked vertically for two days, then cried like she’d been dumped. Guess she clocked the auto-tune gap and shattered her illusions.】

【Hahahahahahaha】

【Cracked up so hard, gotta change pants.】

【Lmao. Hey, let’s ship Bai Qian and He Nianyou as a CP. I got the name: “Dead Last Duo” hahahaha】

Bai Qian couldn’t see the barrage, but right now, her thoughts mirrored those of the casual viewers before He Nianyou’s fans jumped in.

Everyone in the entertainment industry knew the original host’s acting was trash.

Even her own fans couldn’t blind themselves or choke down their consciences to praise it—that said it all.

He Nianyou wasn’t an actress and had never crossed paths with the original host, but they ran in the same circles. There was no way she didn’t know.

So why drop a line like that now?

If it weren’t for the earnest sincerity shining so intensely in the other woman’s eyes that it was impossible to ignore, Bai Qian might have truly suspected that He Nianyou harbored some personal grudge against Shen Yunchu. And since “Bai Qian” was publicly recognized as Shen Yunchu’s arch-rival, He Nianyou was approaching her on the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend—hoping to pull her into badmouthing Shen Yunchu together, so they could make life miserable for her in the days ahead.

Before entering this world, Bai Qian had possessed an omniscient God’s-eye view, so she knew everything the original host hadn’t.

Take He Nianyou and Shen Yunchu, for instance. Before joining this variety show, the two had collaborated—Shen Yunchu’s movie from last year had featured He Nianyou’s song as its ending credits theme.

Yet back then, He Nianyou’s attitude toward Shen Yunchu had been utterly cold.

The two hadn’t even interacted before that. So where had the sudden conflict come from?

Bai Qian tested the waters. “You’re serious?”

He Nianyou had enormous eyes set in her innocent doll-like face, making her seem utterly guileless.

Bright, sparkling light filled those eyes, and when she looked straight at someone like that, it felt like she could peer right into their soul, leaving them ashamed for ever doubting her.

“I never lie. Really, you’re the first person I’ve ever met in my whole life who’s on the same level as me when it comes to artistic talent. Bai Qian, I just know we could be great friends. You act so well, and my singing is amazing—aren’t we the perfect match?”

Bai Qian thought she understood now why He Nianyou had been so aloof toward Shen Yunchu but was showering her with such enthusiasm.

Why hadn’t the original plot mentioned that He Nianyou was someone with seriously skewed tastes?!

【I’m cackling like a rooster—turns out He Nianyou’s real character is a total airhead?】

【This reminds me of that gossip I heard about He Nianyou and Teacher Shen on set.】

【Spill the tea, sis upstairs!】

【Mention Teacher Shen and I’m here! Even the way Teacher Shen drinks water is gorgeous—that perfect jawline, that elegant swan neck. Perfection!】

【It was during the filming of Flower Township. He Nianyou crossed paths with Teacher Shen, and according to fans who visited the set, she gave Teacher Shen the cold shoulder the whole time. But she was super friendly to that unpopular second female lead, Zhao Qianqian.】

【Now that you mention it, I remember. Didn’t Teacher Shen’s fans post photos? #HeNianyouColdFace even trended.】

【Yeah! I even jumped in the comments to bash her back then. But now, tying it to how He Nianyou just hyped up Bai Qian… is it because her tastes are all messed up? Does she think Teacher Shen doesn’t take her work seriously?】

【It’s hilarious and kinda sad at the same time.】

【LOLOLOL, He Nianyou and airhead are both trending now.】

【Dying, who pushed #HeNianyouDog to trend too? I thought it was shade, but nope—someone paired her with that dopey-looking little dog. And the more I look, the more they resemble each other??】

【One cat, one dog—if you won’t let me ship romance, friendship CP is fine, right?】

【Cat-Dog CP super topic is up! Everyone come join!】

Seeing no response from Bai Qian, the light in He Nianyou’s eyes dimmed a little. But she quickly perked up again with a new idea, flashing a grin as she tugged Bai Qian toward Room 203.

“If you agree to be friends, I’ll write you a song. How’s that?”

She released Bai Qian’s hand, strode to the sofa, picked up the guitar resting nearby, and tuned it quickly. Then she tilted her head back, beaming at her. “Lots of people in the industry beg me to write them songs, but I’ve turned them all down. If you say yes, I’ll compose one for you right now—as a friendship gift. Deal?”

In just a few minutes, everyone heard her declare with total confidence.

“I’ve got it! Let me play it for you—see if you like it.”

He Nianyou had always been a creative genius.

It was just that her notoriously awful singing had overshadowed it, causing even her fans and netizens alike to forget all about her songwriting talent.

Now, with her whipping up a song in record time, her longtime fans suddenly remembered.

【It’s all because Youyou is too pretty—I thought I stanned her just for her looks.】

【Don’t blame Youyou for being gorgeous; blame our Daughter for singing so terribly that I blocked it out and just focused on daily face-licking.】

【To be honest with you all, back then there was this content creator who covered every single song written by Youyou. Each one pierced straight to my heart. I figured anyone who could write songs that good had to be someone who could perform them with such tenderness too. So I looked up the original creator, and right at that moment, Youyou’s new song was topping the charts. I gave it a listen and hopped on the fan train immediately. That was until later, when I heard the unprocessed version. Aaaah! Those buried memories are assaulting me again—it’s terrifying!!!】

【LOL, the journey you just described upstairs is exactly mine. By the time I realized and wanted to unfollow, it was too late. How can this damn sweet-faced woman produce such an awful singing voice?!】

【What now? Has this turned into a fan meetup for He Nianyou?】

【He Nianyou’s started playing!】

【Soul-transmigrated into Bai Qian—I wanna be friends with He Nianyou too!】

【Waaah, Daughter plays so beautifully. Just the melody alone has my heart racing. Not for nothing—you’re my precious Youyou!】

【Quick interruption, everyone—don’t forget, He Nianyou’s the one who’s gonna sing this song herself eventually.】

【…】

【Where are He Nianyou’s fans? Tell your artist to hand the whole singing part over to Bai Qian! Bai Qian’s fans, you here too? Tell your artist to make this friend—I’ve already approved it on behalf of everyone!】

The lights in Room 203 glowed with a soft, warm amber hue, cascading down from above and bathing the woman strumming her guitar in a shimmering veil of golden flecks.

As the final note faded, Bai Qian lingered in a daze, unable to pull herself back to reality.

It was He Nianyou who shattered the silence. “Give it a name, and it’s yours. But in exchange, you have to promise to be my friend.”

Bai Qian had never intended to refuse from the start, but she still had her Little Drama Queen persona to uphold. She schooled her features into an expression of mild disinterest. “Eh, it’s just okay. Using it as a meet-and-greet gift? You think too little of me.”

The girl, pure as a puppy, didn’t flare up at her “ungrateful” words. Instead, she lit up even more. “I knew I had the right read on you! So, do you have any suggestions? Your acting is top-notch, so your taste in music has to be killer too. Here’s an idea: when I played it for you earlier, I’d already come up with the lyrics. Let me sing the whole song through for you once, start to finish. Listen and give me your thoughts.”

【Danger danger danger danger danger!!!】

【Stop her quick!!!】

【Everyone run!!! He Nianyou’s about to sing again!!!】

Bai Qian knew all too well the destructive power of He Nianyou opening her mouth to sing. And yet, with that utterly innocent expression on such a guileless face, it was impossible to turn her down.

Luckily, the original host was a Little Drama Queen.

The woman’s delicate brows furrowed. “No.”

“It’s a song you wrote for me—why should I have to hear you sing it? Do you think I can’t sing it well?”

Little Dog blinked in confusion, mumbling, “Didn’t you just say it wasn’t good enough to be a proper gift for you?”

The Little Drama Queen huffed. “I’ve changed my mind now. What, I can’t do that?”

He Nianyou had probably never met anyone like this in her life. She froze for an obvious beat.

But the next second, she nodded. “Alright. As friends, I have to indulge your whims. So, I’ll write out the full lyrics and sheet music right now. Have you thought of a name for it yet?”

“I’m not racking my brain for that. If you’re giving it to me, then you handle everything and hand it over complete. Got it?”

“Sure. Then let’s grab dinner together tonight.”

Bai Qian: ? That topic jump was a bit abrupt, wasn’t it?

“I don’t like my roommate much. Her acting isn’t great, and she doesn’t take advice. I once told her she had a chance to learn proper performance from you, but I hadn’t even finished before she started crying. Such a fragile ego.” He Nianyou explained earnestly to her new friend.

“But I like your roommate even less. Her acting’s worse than Chi Hua’s. I can’t stand people who don’t take their work seriously.”

【Hahahahahaha】

【If I didn’t know He Nianyou’s tastes are genuinely off-kilter, I’d be the first to call her out.】

【Wonder what Teacher Shen’s fans are thinking right now?】

【It’s that feeling where Little Dog bites you, but she’s so innocent and adorable you can’t even get mad.】

【Hahahaha, He Nianyou, how many hearts have you broken?!】

Bai Qian nearly burst out laughing at her dead-serious rundown, but that didn’t fit her persona. She swallowed her amusement and nodded. “So, what are you making me for dinner tonight?”

Little Dog’s eyes went wide. “I can’t cook. My assistant handles all my meals.”

“Does that mean I know how to cook?”

【Hahahaha, like cats and dogs staring each other down—why is this scene so hilarious?】

The Little Drama Queen shut down the conversation with a single sentence. “You’re the one who invited me to dinner. You figure it out. I’m heading upstairs to unpack and take a nap. Just call me when it’s ready.”

“Alright, I’ll think of something.”

After bidding farewell to her somewhat airheaded new companion, Bai Qian wheeled her suitcase to the foot of the stairs.

The wheels rumbled across the floor.

The villa was only two stories tall and had no indoor elevator, which meant she would have to haul this fully packed bag upstairs herself.

Clearly, her body wasn’t up to the task.

The woman’s slender, delicate hand released the suitcase without a second thought, and she headed up the stairs alone.

The suitcase stood forlornly by the steps. If this variety show did post-production like most others, they’d probably slap a gray cloud over it, along with some pitiful caption: “Abandoned by my owner, wuu wuu wuu~~~”

【Suitcase: Haha, I’m free!】

【Drama queen gonna drama queen—putting on airs, can’t even lift a suitcase. So pretentious.】

【No-prize guessing game: Who’s Bai Qian going to ask for help? A=Chi Hua, B=Yu Jingqing, C=Xia Hengtao, D=Shen Yunchu. Guess right, no prize. Place your bets!】

【I’ll smash my keyboard before I believe it’s anything but DDDDDDDD!】

【Do I even need to ask? She’s obviously going to her future girlfriend!】

【Teacher Shen’s reading her script. No dice.】

【You CP fans are delusional. Who is Bai Qian? She’s the only person Teacher Shen’s ever lost her temper at in all these years. If Teacher Shen can hold back from chewing her out this whole month, that’d be a miracle. You think she’s gonna play nice? Dream on!】

【But it’s been so long since Lord-Pleasing Porcelain. I don’t think Teacher Shen’s the type to hold a grudge. And this is her first variety show—why this one and not others? Maybe she really came here wanting to bury the hatchet with Bai Qian?】

【Real talk: Upstairs makes a solid point. Like, if I got into a fight during the day and flubbed my comebacks, I’d toss and turn all night regretting it. Teacher Shen might feel the same—regretting snapping at her like that. So maybe she joined to make peace?】

【Bullshit. Teacher Shen’s a top-tier star. What is Bai Qian? And that set incident was all her fault anyway. Teacher Shen was right to call her out—who hasn’t yelled at someone? If I were Teacher Shen, I’d think yelling at trash like that was bad luck.】

【Why are we fighting again?】

【You’re all seeing it from Teacher Shen’s side. What about Bai Qian’s? She’s the one who got yelled at—in front of everyone. She must hate Teacher Shen’s guts. If you were her, would you go begging Teacher Shen for help? Hell no.】

【So who else can she ask? Best Actress Yu’s never even shared a frame with her. Chi Hua’s napping. If not Teacher Shen, is she gonna wake the sweet, kind-hearted Xia Hengtao? She looks even skinnier than Bai Qian.】

Bai Qian had indeed come upstairs to seek assistance.

As for whom to ask, she hadn’t decided yet.

Yu Jingqing was out. The Film Empress might lead a messy private life, but she was proud—well-known for scorning any interaction with low-tier artists, thanks to her own talent.

Chi Hua was no good either. Her whole marketed persona was the ethereal little fairy, and lugging someone else’s suitcase was hardly fairy work.

Xia Hengtao was even less suitable. The girl was skinnier than Bai Qian, and even if she offered to help out of the goodness of her heart, the sheer heft of that suitcase would be beyond her.

Which left only one option: her “arch-nemesis” on this show—Shen Yunchu.

Room 201 belonged to Yu Jingqing and Xia Hengtao.

202 was Chi Hua and He Nianyou’s.

Hers and Shen Yunchu’s was at the very end: 203.

The door was shut tight. The room’s soundproofing was so good that not a peep came from inside.

Under the gaze of thousands of eyes, the woman raised her hand and knocked.

【God’s-eye view of a variety show is the best—not just the outside, but the inside too.】

【Why isn’t Teacher Shen getting the door? Still glued to that script?】

【On-site: The script Teacher Shen’s flipping through is mine.】

【Thanks for asking—the water cup Teacher Shen’s lips touched just showed up uninvited.】

【I checked Camera 57. Teacher Shen’s got one earbud in. Probably didn’t hear.】

【I thought Teacher Shen was just putting Bai Qian in her place, but is Teacher Shen still mad at her?】

【Just now, when Yu Jingqing and Xia Hengtao met for the first time, Xia Hengtao straight-up ignored Yu Jingqing’s greeting. They’re clearly in a cold war phase. He Nianyou got kicked out of the room by Chi Hua, so that’s full-on argument territory. So, what stage are Teacher Shen and Bai Qian at?】

【Teacher Shen has such a good temper and comes across as super refined. Even if she hates Bai Qian, I doubt she’d ever show it.】

【Exactly! Didn’t the sister upstairs say Bai Qian was being a total drama queen for ages, and Teacher Shen held it in the whole time? She only snapped at the end when it got way out of hand. So as long as Bai Qian doesn’t pull that outrageous crap again this month, Teacher Shen probably won’t stay mad, right?】

【Ugh, but then their interactions would be so boring. Honestly, I wanna see Teacher Shen rip into the drama queen. It’d be so satisfying.】

【+1 upstairs.】

【You guys are dense. She’s called Bai Drama Queen for a reason—she’s a pro at stirring up drama. Your mom would start yelling at you after just three days back home from vacation. And these two already have beef? They’re stuck together for a whole month. I bet the drama’s gonna explode way bigger than on set.】

【Upstairs has a point. Now I’m hyped.】

Bai Qian’s first three knocks were soft, almost tentative. When no one answered after a long moment, she rapped harder.

Two sharp thuds echoed, finally catching the attention of the woman inside, who had been absorbed in her script.

Shen Yunchu possessed exquisitely refined features, her beauty so vivid it pierced straight to the bone—a face brimming with allure and sensuality. Yet her thin lips, perpetually pursed in habit, lent her an air of cool detachment, one that kept others at arm’s length.

Hearing the sound, she slipped off the earbuds playing soft classical piano music and rose to answer the door.