The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 198

Chapter 198: There’s a Fox Here (Entertainment Circle) Part 11

Despite suppressing the speculative marketing accounts, rumors persisted, fueled by more and more conjecture.

Various fortune tellers and metaphysics bloggers emerged, analyzing the video of Yu Shuangjiang’s accident, their videos gaining traction.

Some even analyzed screenshots from her last drama, claiming she had a dark aura, a sign of impending doom.

As if she wasn’t in the hospital, but in the morgue, practically writing her obituary and trying to incite panic among her fans.

Some netizens belatedly realized it had been half a month since Yu Shuangjiang’s last post.

A few promotional posts during that time weren’t considered unusual, those could be easily handled by her assistant.

And there were also “eyewitness accounts” of the accident, claiming to be present at the scene, or even in the same hospital, describing her mother’s grief.

Their descriptions were vivid and dramatic, as if they had truly witnessed it.

After a whole day of discussions, the bloggers still hadn’t reached a conclusion, just fueling the rumors.

Their only consensus was that Yu Shuangjiang had indeed been in a car accident.

Netizens: “…”

No shit, Sherlock!

There’s a video, we know she was in an accident!

What they wanted to know was her current condition, if she was truly in a coma, if the entertainment industry was about to lose a talented actress.

The bloggers’ answers were still vague, but those claiming Yu Shuangjiang was in critical condition always gained the most views.

After all, who didn’t enjoy a bit of drama and gossip? And it had been a while since the entertainment industry had such a juicy scandal.

Some suspected it was a publicity stunt, but this was quickly dismissed, such a tactic wouldn’t benefit Yu Shuangjiang, only make things worse.

Using public opinion for self-promotion would only attract unwanted attention from the authorities.

The blogger who challenged Yu Shuangjiang to make a public appearance gained support from netizens and fans, and as day turned into night, a whole day having passed, Yiwen Entertainment still hadn’t issued another statement.

The blogger thought, I was right.

The first few hours after an incident were crucial for damage control, and after a whole day of silence, Yiwen hadn’t said anything.

They clearly didn’t want to, or rather, couldn’t.

Many people shared this thought.

But seeing Yu Shuangjiang’s fans mentioning her upcoming live stream, and neither her studio nor the brand having announced a postponement or cancellation, it became a beacon of hope.

They would know tomorrow.

At the hospital, Yu Shuangjiang was awake today.

She had just answered several phone calls, and with the news spreading, everyone, whether pretending or genuinely concerned, had called to check on her.

Amidst the bad news, there was some good news.

Her waking hours were increasing, and she had agreed to participate in tomorrow’s live stream.

She couldn’t let these baseless rumors continue, this was clearly a deliberate attack, targeting her.

CEO Chu’s assistant had spoken to Tu Xue early this morning, they had identified the source of the leak and the trending topic, another company.

Trying to sabotage Yu Shuangjiang and secure a role for their own actress.

But even knowing this, there was nothing they could do, such tactics were like cockroaches, annoying but not easily eradicated.

The most ridiculous part was that people online were already discussing who would replace Yu Shuangjiang, even suggesting potential candidates, eager to capitalize on the situation.

The entertainment industry wasn’t lacking in people, but in resources, and once taken, they wouldn’t be returned.

If this continued, even if Yu Shuangjiang truly was hospitalized, she would be accused of using this for publicity.

A public appearance was the best solution, a direct refutation of the rumors.

Tu Xue, knowing Yu Shuangjiang’s strong will, having even created fake accounts to argue with her anti-fans, asked worriedly, “The live stream is scheduled for 2:00 PM, can you manage?”

Mrs. Bai and Mr. Yu, not understanding these things, also looked at her with concern.

Although they didn’t understand her work, they knew this incident could affect her career.

Yu Shuangjiang checked her phone, it was 2:30 PM: “My waking hours have been increasing, I think I can manage an hour.”

Live streams usually lasted about an hour, perhaps it was possible if they kept it short.

This was exactly what the company wanted, and CEO Chu’s assistant, relieved, said, “Alright, we still have twenty hours to prepare, I’ll inform CEO Chu.”

The efficient assistant left, her high heels clicking on the floor.

Tu Xue, resigned, said, “I’ll inform the brand, the live stream is still on schedule, you should rest and conserve your energy.”

With that, she also left to make arrangements.

Qi Xiaojia stayed behind to look after Yu Shuangjiang, her duties simple, occasionally calling for a nurse or finding relevant documents for Yu Shuangjiang to review.

Yu Shuangjiang had already seen these documents a month ago, but she needed to review them again.

With so much attention on her, the live stream would be scrutinized, every detail analyzed, every word dissected.

It was better to be prepared, to avoid any potential mistakes.

The room quickly emptied, her parents going downstairs to get her medicine, and Qi Xiaojia returned with a tablet and a plate of fruit.

Qi Xiaojia: “Xiao Shuang Jie, have some fruit, Auntie bought some cherries, they’re very sweet.”

Then, realizing something, the rhythmic tapping of a keyboard echoing in her ears, she remembered someone else was here.

She quickly asked, “Tao Laoshi, do you want some fruit? There’s more, I’ll get you some.”

A fluffy calico cat was sleeping on the chair beside her, curled up in a ball, probably because of the cooler weather.

Tao Ning was typing furiously on her laptop.

Without looking up, she replied, “Thanks, just leave it there.”

Qi Xiaojia, knowing Tao Ning hadn’t heard her, her nth attempt at offering food foiled, shrugged at Yu Shuangjiang and left.

Yu Shuangjiang ate a cherry, then frowned at her phone, turning off the screen.

A voice beside her asked, “What rumors are you reading? Why so upset?”

Yu Shuangjiang, startled, realized the typing had stopped.

She didn’t answer immediately, getting out of bed and sitting down before Tao Ning, her hands on her lap, observing her with a strange expression: “You must be very busy, isn’t it uncomfortable working here?”

Most people, when busy, would forget about the world around them, but Tao Ning seemed perfectly at ease.

This adaptability was rare.

Tao Ning, her laptop on her lap: “I have no choice, my script is set in a hospital, so this is a good opportunity for research.”

Yu Shuangjiang’s strange expression softened slightly: “Research?”

Tao Ning smiled: “What else could it be?”

Yu Shuangjiang shook her head vigorously: “Nothing, I just think this place is too… simple for you, Tao Laoshi.”

Tao Ning, like a seasoned veteran, shrugged nonchalantly: “It’s nothing, I’ve written scripts in storerooms before, with the director constantly changing the script and the investors forcing their favorite actors on me, I even had to print the script myself.”

Actually, that wasn’t what Yu Shuangjiang meant, and she bit her lip, imagining Tao Ning writing in a storeroom, then rushing to print the script herself…

It was hard to imagine.

But it piqued her curiosity, and she asked, “Someone actually dared to interfere with your script?”

Wouldn’t they be scared of Tao Ning’s sharp tongue?

Tao Ning’s tone was indifferent: “Everyone starts somewhere.”

Yu Shuangjiang thought, That’s true, everyone starts from the bottom, she herself had a good start, then a slump, but she was finally back on track.

She felt a strange kinship with Tao Ning, almost forgetting the question she wanted to ask.

Holding the fruit plate, she smiled: “Tao Laoshi, would you like some?”

Her eyes, expressive and captivating, conveyed her emotions clearly.

So the probing look in her eyes was obvious to Tao Ning.

Tao Ning took a cherry: “They’re good, quite sweet.”

“Right? I also think they’re sweet.” Yu Shuangjiang hesitated, then asked, “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask, why do you always…” happen to be here when I wake up?

A knock on the door interrupted her, the doctor and nurses arriving for their rounds.

Yu Shuangjiang could only stop, turning around to let them examine her, and Tao Ning subtly hid Zhi Ma Juan the cat behind her.

The cat had come with her this morning and was now asleep, she didn’t want it to cause a commotion.

After the doctors left, Qi Xiaojia entered, holding a phone: “Xiao Shuang Jie, did you post on Weibo yet?”

Yu Shuangjiang’s voice was listless: “I did, just now, the marketing accounts are already reposting it, claiming my assistant posted it to create the illusion that I’m still alive.”

She popped a cherry into her mouth, spitting out the pit: “I’m clearly alive and well! Why are they saying I’m dead?!”

Qi Xiaojia: “…”

Tao Ning: “…”

She had heard of rumors about celebrities dating, giving birth, cheating, but not dying.

Yu Shuangjiang wasn’t an elderly woman, but a healthy young actress, of course she was angry.

Qi Xiaojia tried to comfort her: “Xiao Shuang Jie, don’t be angry, they’re just spreading rumors, ignore them, turn off your phone and rest.”

Yu Shuangjiang’s eyes flickered: “Too late, I’ve seen it all.”

Qi Xiaojia’s lips twitched: “Don’t say it like you’ve seen something… inappropriate.”

The faint sound of typing came from nearby, and Yu Shuangjiang immediately turned to Tao Ning: “Don’t search for it!”

I’m right here, alive and well, why are you reading my obituary?

Qi Xiaojia wasn’t sure if Yu Shuangjiang was truly angry, daring to speak to Tao Ning like this.

Tao Ning raised her hands, a smile in her eyes behind her glasses: “I didn’t.”

“…” Yu Shuangjiang leaned closer, not looking at the laptop screen, but at Tao Ning’s glasses: “The reflection in your glasses is 90% similar to the selfie I just posted.”

Tao Ning removed her glasses, meeting Yu Shuangjiang’s gaze directly.

Yu Shuangjiang, who had been preparing to present more evidence, suddenly lost her momentum.

After a moment of silence, she sat up straight: “Forget it, it’s just rumors, read it if you want.”

Qi Xiaojia, missing the point, walked past Yu Shuangjiang, who was fanning herself with her hand, and peeked at Tao Ning’s laptop: “Tao Laoshi, let me see, let me see.”

Indeed, Tao Ning was reading a post from a marketing account known for criticizing Yu Shuangjiang, commenting on her recent Weibo post, even faster than her fans.

NoHappyClownV: Yu Shuangjiang is truly finished, even her company is panicking, using her account to post. [Picture]

The comments, however, weren’t all negative.

[Everyone knows celebrities’ social media accounts are managed by staff, posting a selfie isn’t difficult.]

[Not Xiao Yu’s, she manages her own account, didn’t you see the IP address changing with her location?]

[This photo is edited, who knows when it was taken.]

[Of course they edit photos, what if stalkers find her?]

[So you edit your own photos, but celebrities aren’t allowed to?]

[If you’re so sure Xiao Yu is in trouble, tune in to her live stream tomorrow at 2:00 PM, we’ll see who’s right!]

[Yeah, right, we’ll see when they announce the cancellation (eating popcorn)]

[Blogger, come out, I promise not to hit you with a dried fish! You’re the one who’s finished!]

[Don’t use me as a weapon, fellow fan (crying)]

Yu Shuangjiang’s fans were called “Little Dried Fish,” small dried fish were tasty, but large ones were hard and would hurt if used as a weapon.

Qi Xiaojia, engrossed in reading the comments, was about to scroll down when she felt a familiar tap on her shoulder.

She turned around and saw Yu Shuangjiang: “I’m a vengeful spirit, here to take your life.”

Tao Ning, her hands raised, said innocently, “You saw, I wasn’t reading it.”

Yu Shuangjiang gritted her teeth: “Of course I saw you, you’re the culprit.”

Tao Ning: “…” She’s holding a grudge.

As night fell, Tao Ning, claiming to need more “research material,” prepared to leave.

Yu Shuangjiang, who had been dozing off, suddenly perked up, seeing everyone busy, and she got out of bed: “Wait, I’ll see you off.”

She hadn’t forgotten the question she wanted to ask, finally finding a chance to be alone with Tao Ning.

“Sure, let me pack up,” Tao Ning said, putting Zhi Ma Juan the cat back in her bag, one hand holding the bag, the other her laptop bag.

After saying goodbye to her parents, Yu Shuangjiang put on a jacket and walked out with Tao Ning.

Zhi Ma Juan the cat, slightly hungry, meowed softly in the bag.

Yu Shuangjiang, nervous, fidgeted and pressed the elevator button.

In the elevator, she asked casually, “Have you noticed, every time you visit, I happen to wake up? Isn’t that a bit of a coincidence?”

The elevator doors closed, and they began their descent.

Tao Ning gave Zhi Ma Juan the cat a freeze-dried treat, then turned to Yu Shuangjiang: “Perhaps I just happen to arrive when you wake up?”

After all, they weren’t close, and if Tao Ning revealed her nine tails now, either she or Yu Shuangjiang would end up in a psychiatric ward.

Yu Shuangjiang’s words overlapped with Tao Ning’s: “So, I have a live stream tomorrow, Tao Laoshi, could you stay near me for an hour?”

If she could just get through the live stream, it would dispel most of the rumors.

It sounded like a request for a good luck charm, a superstitious belief.

Tao Ning, after a long silence: “You’ve been observing me for days, and that’s your conclusion?”

Yu Shuangjiang’s heart pounded, Was there another answer?

After seeing Tao Ning off, Yu Shuangjiang felt uneasy, wanting to ask her what she thought.

But the question seemed too silly, she couldn’t ask it again.

But Tao Ning had patted her shoulder before leaving, a comforting gesture, although she didn’t understand its meaning.

This is making me feel even more foolish, she thought.

“It’s not my fault, it’s the car accident’s fault.” With that, she pulled the covers over her head, deciding to sleep.

The next morning, at 8:00 AM, Qi Xiaojia cautiously opened the door, worried Yu Shuangjiang wouldn’t wake up in time.

Fortunately, she was already awake, sitting up in bed, staring into space.

Hearing the door open, Yu Shuangjiang said softly, “Xiao Jia, I had a nightmare last night.”

Qi Xiaojia: “You’re probably just stressed, relax, we’ll go and do your makeup soon.”

Yu Shuangjiang’s gaze was unfocused, her voice still soft: “I dreamt that I fell asleep during the live stream, then turned into a cat in front of all the cameras, it was all over the news, and I was taken away for experiments…”

Qi Xiaojia: “Haha.”

Yu Shuangjiang continued, “Then, while being chased, I climbed a tree and was rescued by Tao Laoshi, who chased away the dog that was trying to bite me.”

Qi Xiaojia’s laughter died down, and she looked at Yu Shuangjiang, surprised: “That’s a very… creative dream, Xiao Shuang Jie.”

Yu Shuangjiang covered her face, See? No one believes me.

She got out of bed, giving up on explaining, and went to wash up, preparing for her live stream, which was scheduled for 2:00 PM, they would do her makeup at the studio.

The outfit for the live stream was provided by the brand, and after removing her face mask, Yu Shuangjiang chose a comfortable outfit and went downstairs with her assistant.

The parking garage was almost empty, and she breathed a sigh of relief, about to get into the car,

When a car window rolled down, a familiar voice: “I came early, almost missed you.”

Yu Shuangjiang turned around in surprise, seeing Tao Ning in the driver’s seat, one hand on the steering wheel, looking at her.

“Who’s that?” Tu Xue, hearing the voice, worried it was a paparazzi, walked over. “Tao Laoshi? What are you doing here?”

Tao Ning glanced at Yu Shuangjiang, smiling: “I have some business at Chunqiu Building, it’s on my way, is there room in your car?”

Tu Xue hesitated, but Yu Shuangjiang immediately said, “Yes, plenty of room, it’s a seven-seater!”

At 1:55 PM, before the live stream even started, the online chat room was already filled with people.

[Lagging, lagging, finally got in.]

[Seriously, you guys have too much time, five hundred thousand people watching a live stream.]

[Sitting on the router, work can’t stop me from eating melon.]

[Xiao Yu (heart) Xiao Yu (heart) Xiao Yu (heart)…]

[The marketing accounts said she’s in trouble, where is she? Did they really replace her? Did she terminate her contract?]

[I miss the days when everyone hated marketing accounts, seriously, people still believe them?]

[Don’t worry, even if she shows up, she’s about to lose this endorsement.]

A few minutes past 2:00 PM, the live stream was still loading.

Just as their frustration grew, the lagging video finally connected.

Yu Shuangjiang, dressed in a light blue sweater, appeared on screen, her eyes bright, smiling: “Hello everyone, good afternoon.”

This was the real Yu Shuangjiang, alive and well.

The rumors of the past few days were dispelled by her appearance.

The number of viewers instantly surpassed one million.

The chat was a blur of hearts and fish emojis.

Tao Ning, sitting in a corner, was watching the live stream on her laptop, which was also lagging.

Qi Xiaojia didn’t understand why Tao Laoshi was watching on her laptop when Yu Shuangjiang was right there in the studio.

Soon, Tao Ning put her laptop aside, her attention completely captured by the live stream.