Chu Xingxing caught on in an instant.
She thought to herself, screenwriter Feng Yunlan truly was an “old fox,” and said directly, “You mean you’d like me to audition for the role of the ‘perpetrator,’ right?”
“This kid’s sharp; we can’t fool her.” Feng Yunlan exchanged a look with Director Wang.
Chu Xingxing said sincerely, “I can’t decide this on my own, though. I’ll need to discuss it with my management team.”
Feng Yunlan: “Alright, I’ll have my assistant coordinate with your agent later.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Chu Xingxing nodded politely.
Feng Yunlan seemed to remember something else. Before stepping back into the meeting room, she turned to Chu Xingxing and said, “Little girl, don’t be afraid to play a villain just because you hear the word ‘perpetrator.’ Ineffective Youth is a very unique story. The character I want you to try out for is a complex antagonist, but that doesn’t mean you are that kind of person.
Besides, if you’ve read the original novel, you’ll know that Ji Niannian isn’t just herself – and that goes for every so-called ‘villain’ in the book. I won’t spoil too much for you; you’ll understand once you read it yourself.
I know young actresses are often afraid to play bad guys, but isn’t that exactly the challenge? A villain portrayed by an actor who truly understands the character can be far more compelling and memorable than a purely righteous protagonist.”
Feng Yunlan’s voice was firm, her gaze soft yet resolute behind her round glasses as she looked at Chu Xingxing.
“I understand.” Chu Xingxing nodded.
After the second half of the script reading session ended and she got home, Chu Xingxing received the synopsis for Ineffective Youth.
It seemed the talented screenwriter worked efficiently; she’d already gotten in touch with Chu Xingxing’s management team.
The synopsis and character biography were sent by Chu Xingxing’s trusted executive agent, Ah Bao. She wasn’t sure if Jiang Changsheng had seen them yet.
Chu Xingxing herself had no issue with playing a villain at all. A quick browse through the script, and she was completely drawn into the story.
Teenage malice is exactly like that – targeting someone for no reason, even when they’ve done nothing wrong.
Perhaps because of her own past, and the painful memories “Chu Xingxing” carried from her middle and high school years, the core message of Ineffective Youth – that an apology isn’t something you receive, but something you have to fight for – resonated deeply with her.
The role Chu Xingxing was auditioning for was the younger version of the “perpetrator,” the female second lead Ji Niannian. The adult version of the character would be played by well-known young actress Hong Xinrou.
What was truly brilliant about the script was the time-travel storyline.
The older sister of the bullying victim (the female lead) would travel back in time countless times, inhabiting different people who were around her sister back then. Through their eyes, she would piece together the truth behind her sister’s death.
It was normal for young actresses to hesitate about playing villains for a long stretch; Chu Xingxing didn’t want her on-screen image to be typecast as just “the villainous female supporting character.”
But someone had to step up and speak for the children who had been hurt.
If Ineffective Youth could serve as a warning to bullies and empower bullied children to stop being afraid, to stop staying silent, and to bravely protect themselves, then Chu Xingxing felt it would be an immense honor to be part of such a project.
A role is just a role; it’s not the actor themselves.
——-
It was already ten at night. Chu Xingxing was about to do some relaxing stretches for sleep before taking a shower.
Her phone buzzed.
It was a WeChat message from Jiang Changsheng.
【Longlife: Is it convenient to have a voice call? Sorry for the late notice, I just got out of a meeting.]
Chu Xingxing guessed that her agent would definitely reach out.
She called him directly via voice.
Before she could even speak, Jiang Changsheng’s somewhat tired voice came through: “I already told Ah Bao that any scripts offered to you have to go through me first. I need to approve them before they get to you. That audition role for Ineffective Youth is too unappealing; it’s not good for your image either. Chen Dong and the others gave you too many negative supporting roles before. I’m worried the audience will start seeing you a certain way. So, I wanted to discuss it with you. Maybe we should pass on this role?”
His voice was a bit raspy.
The pleasant, youthful tone he usually had was gone, replaced by a more mature, slightly rough sound.
He’d been busy all day, and it was past ten. He hadn’t even had dinner yet, just grabbed a sandwich at noon.
His assistant brought over some porridge and side dishes, but he hadn’t had time to eat; there was still too much to handle.
Chu Xingxing still wasn’t quite used to her usually “irritable” young master agent suddenly being so gentle.
“But I want to take it.” Chu Xingxing said calmly.
Jiang Changsheng had the speakerphone on in his office. That familiar spark of irritability returned: “Chu Xingxing, think it through. I just helped you get nominated for the Anti-Campus Bullying Goodwill Ambassador election. And at this critical moment, you want to audition for a campus bully? Plus, Tian Mengtong is going to audition for the younger version of the female lead in Ineffective Youth. The role you’re trying out for actually hits her! For real! And Xiao Xiang will definitely lead the opposition again. The company will be very reluctant to agree…”
Chu Xingxing perked up: Oh? Now that’s interesting!
“Honestly, I think public opinion isn’t that easily swayed these days. It’s just a role, not real life.”
Her voice wasn’t loud, but her tone was firm: “I really like the message of Ineffective Youth. Someone has to stand up and fight and speak for the victims. If I’m lucky enough to be part of this project, I’d be truly honored.”
“Wait…” Jiang Changsheng’s tone softened, uncertain: “Did someone bully you in school before?”
Chu Xingxing was silent.
She hadn’t been bullied at school herself because, after she turned nine, her parents sold her to the black market, and she grew up fighting and struggling in the lowest levels of a base.
But “Chu Xingxing” had definitely experienced campus bullying.
And what Sister Xiaonuan went through wasn’t just bullying anymore – it was a crime committed on school grounds.
“Damn…”
Jiang Changsheng muttered a curse under his breath, feeling like an idiot.
What the hell was he saying?!
He was completely talking from a place of privilege.
Perhaps this role held special meaning for Chu Xingxing. Before this, except for the Granny Flower travel variety show, Jiang Changsheng had never seen her show this much interest in any assigned project.
Chu Xingxing’s tone was sincere: “The only reasons I’m still in this industry, besides being under contract with CBM Entertainment and genuinely wanting to make some money, are that I keep thinking about how I can use my platform as a celebrity to do something for those who are vulnerable. Since this opportunity came along, I want to audition for it. Even if I don’t get the part, I hope I can at least share this experience publicly and speak up for those children who can’t or don’t dare to speak for themselves.”
Jiang Changsheng was stunned, then let out a soft sigh.
What else could he do? This was the Chu Xingxing he liked.
Chu Xingxing, unaware that he’d already given in, was still trying to convince her agent: “Jiang Changsheng, when you were a kid in school, no one ever bullied you, right?”
“No.” Jiang Changsheng answered honestly.
As the son of an established family, with his older brother also being his senior, Jiang Changsheng had had a smooth time both domestically and abroad.
Chu Xingxing: “That’s because you’re in a position of privilege; that’s your luck. But there are many unfortunate children who don’t even get a chance to fight back, because their parents, their schools, society – no one ever taught them what to do in such situations.
Many kids don’t even realize bullying can be fatal; they think it’s just normal roughhousing. And some kids are simply bad, born with an evil that’s beyond redemption. They’re monsters. And no one teaches the kids being tormented by these monsters what to do.
Ineffective Youth is a film made for adolescents suffering from bullying. It’s also for the schools, parents, teachers… for everyone. Even if this movie helps just one parent notice something’s off with their child and care a little more, then maybe everything could turn out differently.”
“You’ve convinced me, Chu Xingxing.” After a brief silence, Jiang Changsheng’s voice sounded a bit nasal, a little at odds with his youthful demeanor: “I’ll handle the details.”
Chu Xingxing: “But the company side will be hard to convince…”
Jiang Changsheng’s “irritable” young master side was back: “CBM Entertainment will be mine sooner or later. I’m the young master. If I say yes, who dares to say no?”
“Impressive, impressive!” Chu Xingxing flattered him.
Mission accomplished!
After hanging up, Chu Xingxing specifically found a silly [“Awesome Awesome”] meme sticker and sent it to Young Master Jiang.
He replied with a proud little golden retriever shaking its head GIF – a recent “work” of his dog, Tank.
Chu Xingxing admired it several times and saved Tank’s GIF to her collection.
She’d almost collected a whole series of golden retriever sticker memes!
Xingxing: Ah~ once she’d made enough money in the entertainment industry, she had to get a golden retriever!
——-
The audition for Ineffective Youth was scheduled for the day before the second trip for Granny Flower – the European leg.
The scene she’d be testing for was the confrontation between the “perpetrator” (Chu Xingxing) and the “victim” (Tian Mengtong).
Chu Xingxing had no intention of glorifying violence in any way. But if the director asked her to really slap Tian Mengtong, she could do it.
Step by step, this character had pushed “Chu Xingxing” into the abyss, without an ounce of remorse – a selfish egoist who didn’t care who got hurt. A few slaps were the least she deserved.
Compared to Chu Xingxing’s calmness, Tian Mengtong had spent every single one of the ten days waiting for the audition in agonizing anxiety.
Every day, fans in her groups urged everyone to vote for Tian Mengtong as the Anti-Campus Bullying Goodwill Ambassador.
These two things weighed on her like mountains, almost suffocating her.
Even when the endorsement deal for Vila’s sportswear line, which Xiang Ge had arranged for her, was snatched away by Jiang Changsheng for Chu Xingxing, Tian Mengtong had only made a token show of anger without making a big fuss.
However, when she learned that in a week, Chu Xingxing would attend Saci’s first China-hosted gala and would wear an unreleased Saci haute couture gown there, Tian Mengtong completely lost it.
She could overlook a brand like Vila, which sounded neither here nor there.
But having been repeatedly “burned” by Saci, little princess Tian Mengtong absolutely could not accept being outdone by Chu Xingxing in fashion resources.
She couldn’t ask her family for help; her brother and parents were practically hoping she’d fail in showbiz so she’d drop out, go abroad for a useless Master’s or PhD, and then be married off to some equally wealthy heir to become a housewife.
After much thought, Tian Mengtong composed herself, put on a teary voice, and dialed Jiang Chang’an’s number…
Two days later, Tian Mengtong was feeling smug again.
She had secured an invitation as a special guest to the 10th anniversary China gala of Brunello, the American brand beloved by old-money elites, and had been officially announced as a brand friend.
The Chinese ambassador for Brunello’s high-end line was none other than Jiang Chang’an.
He had also secured for Tian Mengtong the privilege of being the first to wear Brunello’s new-season gown.
Although eventually, Saci’s brand value and recognition would far surpass Brunello’s,
for now, Saci’s fame in China was nowhere near that of the American Brunello.
Most people currently saw Saci as just a niche designer brand – quite stylish but not widely known.
But mention Brunello, and people would remark, “Oh, that’s a foreign brand for wealthy people, the average consumer can’t afford it!” It looked understated but used high-quality materials and tailoring – a simple T-shirt could cost thousands.
Oddly enough, as if the two brands had used the same event planner, Saci and Brunello’s galas were scheduled on the same day and at the same venue.
It looked like they were practically squaring off!
These past few days, Chu Xingxing truly understood what it meant to be as busy as a bee in the entertainment industry.
Her schedule was packed almost every day, non-stop.
Luckily, she’d gotten her body in great shape early on, so her stamina and energy held up well.
That week, Chu Xingxing filmed the Vila sportswear ad, spent three days on set with Cookie finishing her scenes for Shining Flowers, auditioned (arranged early on by Jiang Changsheng) for the role of a little nurse who could both fire a gun and give injections in the main-melody film The Most Beloved People, and squeezed in time to study the Ineffective Youth script and read the original novel.
Jiang Changsheng occasionally accompanied Chu Xingxing to work along with the executive agent and assistant. Watching her chin get progressively sharper, he felt a pang of worry.
He instructed the assistant to make sure Chu Xingxing ate on time and ordered a bunch of imported supplements, bird’s nest, and American ginseng lozenges, remembering her love for health and wellness.
While Chu Xingxing was at her audition, Young Master Jiang lugged a big bag of supplements onto the nanny van, only to find…
Assistant Ah Bao’s backpack was already stuffed with supplements and instant bird’s nest produced by the Shengshi Group’s health products factory.
Besides these wellness goodies, the empty spots in the van were filled with various massagers and moxibustion sticks.
“Did Chu Xingxing buy all this herself?” Jiang Changsheng asked, annoyed.
“No…” Assistant Ah Bao shook her head mysteriously and whispered, “It seems the mysterious big shot from Shengshi Group sent them. But the person delivering insisted we tell Teacher Chu they were from ‘Grandma Sheng.'”
Jiang Changsheng: ……
Damn you, Sheng Luzhi. I knew you were up to no good.
Sending a “professional operations team” to the Granny Flower project? It was obviously just an excuse to plant Sheng Luzhi’s own spies in the company.
Jiang Changsheng sensed that Sheng Luzhi’s motives weren’t pure.
Aside from his unusual concern for Xingxing, he likely had other goals too…
Counting down the days to the second trip, Chu Xingxing only felt busy, not tired.
And losing a bit of weight from the heavy workload wasn’t a bad thing – she was about to start filming for a few days, and being thinner looks better on camera. She had a responsibility to the audience, after all.
Mainly, though, watching the money roll in every day…
Xingxing, who had long since shed her “poor girl” title: I could make this money for another five hundred years!!!
She wished she could split herself in two, like an earthworm, so she could earn double!
However, because she’d been so busy, she felt she’d slightly neglected her dear “old babies” and hadn’t had much time to chat with the grandmothers in their group.
Tonight, Chu Xingxing was attending Saci’s first China-hosted gala.
Having a rare free day, she went to Go Fit Center as usual to exercise and eat. Once home, she joined the lively [Rich Lady Travel Club] group chat and discovered that the “old babies” would also be attending the Saci gala tonight.
Hmm, besides the old babies, it seemed Wen Han, Sheng Luzhi, and Ai Puxin – whom Chu Xingxing had never met before, Grandma Ai Minli’s nephew who had just returned to Beijing after a medical aid mission in Tibet – would also be there.
Everyone was coming to show support for Saci’s founder, Jiang Luoze.
It was a tradition developed over the years among the four families: whenever a child in one of the families had a big event, everyone would show up to support them.
Chu Xingxing felt a pang of envy. The warmth of such friendship was truly wonderful.
To have a few such good sisters to grow old with for a lifetime – that was a very, very happy thing.
More often than not, good sisters were much more reliable than men.
【Xingxing Estrella: Wow! That’s great! I’ll get to see my babies tonight, I’ve missed you all so much (^▽^)]
【Wen Xuelan: Xingbao, are you missing me the most? /rose rose rose]
【Jiang Yao: It has to be me for sure! And my good girl will be wearing the dress A’ze specifically designed for her tonight (rubbing hands together in excitement)]
【Ai Minli: Xingxing, save some time for me tonight. You haven’t met my nephew Ai Puxin yet. Three of the “Little Four-Man-Band” are already friends with you; we can’t leave our Pupu out.]
【Sheng Shuwen: Don’t argue, everyone. Tonight’s stars are A’ze and Xingxing. Ladies, don’t overdo it with the makeup; we can’t steal the kids’ thunder (especially pointing at Xiaolan and Yaoyao here).]
Chu Xingxing laughed non-stop watching the lively chat.
The old babies were truly her daily source of joy. Even when she couldn’t keep up with the chat, catching up on their playful bickering and gossip during her free time was always a delight!
Both the Saci inaugural China gala and the Brunello 10th anniversary gala had red carpet live streams.
Both sides had invited a number of celebrities. Brunello, especially, being the favorite brand of American old money, had established a high-end image since its early entry into the domestic market.
Could one call Brunello’s designs stunning? Absolutely not. They were solid and conventional, unchanged for years.
But “foreign monks know how to chant their sutras.” As a high-end clothing brand that entered the market early, its brand prestige was already set.
An hour before the live streams started, fans were already gathered in both Live Stream Room.
Saci’s live stream audience was primarily Granny Flower viewers, and the atmosphere was great.
【Here we go! Sending love to the old babies and Xingbao!】
【I heard Actor Wen Han is coming too! This is practically a Granny Flower reunion!】
【Huge bonus! Today’s Saci gala could be renamed ‘Xingxing’s CP Chaos’ hahaha, heard all the male stars who’ve been paired with Xingxing in rumors are coming!】
【Can someone explain, who has Xingbao been paired with???】
【Class rep here! Xingxing X Wen Han ‘Sparkling Stars’ / Xingxing X Cookie ‘Cookie Stars’ / Xingxing X Sheng Luzhi ‘Star Empire’ / Xingxing X Agent ‘TBD’】
【LOL! But finally, we get to see Saci designer Jiang Luoze in person! Hope it’s not disappointing?】
【Jiang Luoze is pretty mysterious. There are very few photos of him online, and they’re mostly long shots from runway finales. Are they Photoshopped?】
【Someone mentioned looking at young photos of Grandma Jiang Yao. Jiang Luoze’s features supposedly resemble his aunt Jiang Yao – a delicate beauty. Plus, he sang the role of the female lead in Peking opera for ten years as a child. Both have great voices.】
【Wow! That talented?! Grandma Jiang Yao was also an opera singer before acting? I’m a total sucker for that theatrical style!】
【Definitely hyped for Jiang Luoze now!】
Saci’s live stream wasn’t the only thing drawing huge viewership.
The red carpet site itself was packed with fans.
Besides fans of Actor Wen Han, for the first time, fan support groups for Chu Xingxing and the old babies appeared in the crowd.
As her van passed through the outer area and hit a bit of traffic, Chu Xingxing’s first thought, when she saw the young girls holding signs with her name outside the window, was that her eyes were playing tricks on her!
After looking closely, she realized they really were her fans, there to support her at the Saci red carpet.
Thinking of the warm words in her Weibo DMs and the kind comments protecting the Granny Flower comment section, Chu Xingxing was immensely grateful to these lovely people who liked her.
Chu Xingxing actually wanted to get out and thank the girls who supported her in person.
But it would violate traffic rules, and she was afraid of causing a safety incident.
“They’re so cute! And my fans are all so pretty, and there are so many!” Chu Xingxing reached over and tapped Jiang Changsheng’s seat armrest: “It’s so cold out. Can I buy some hot milk tea to send over to the fans?”
“Sure, I’ll arrange it.” Jiang Changsheng was still replying to messages. He looked up at her, raising his chin: “Come on, you’re a big star. Don’t look so amazed. You’ll have way more fans in the future. Are you going to buy them drinks every time?”
Chu Xingxing disagreed: “Who knows what the future holds? All I know is that these sweethearts are braving the cold wind to support me right now. That’s tough. Girls can’t get cold. Let’s order plenty of hot milk tea and some hand warmers to send over.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll buy it, I’ll buy it. My treat.” Jiang Changsheng put down his phone and gave a few instructions to the driver.
Chu Xingxing muttered, “I have money now, you know. I can afford to buy my fans milk tea.”
“Fine then, you scan the code.” Jiang Changsheng grinned mischievously and held out his phone.
He selected a hundred cups of ‘Fresh Milk Cheese Boba Treasure Tea’ from some high-end milk tea brand, a hundred assorted pastries and mini cakes, and a hundred packs of large hand warmers. The total came to…
“TWELVE THOUSAND!!!”
Chu Xingxing was shocked and asked Jiang Changsheng incredulously: “Are you serious? What is this, liquid gold tea!”
Chu Xingxing: I was wrong. I should never have let Young Master Jiang order the milk tea…
The tea the young masters drank was clearly not the same price as the one from her beloved “Snow King” brand.
Clutching her wallet, Chu Xingxing winced: “Don’t I get any say in which milk tea I choose…”
Jiang Changsheng, who was constantly being “driven crazy” by Chu Xingxing, finally had a rare chance to win one. He looked triumphant.
He took his phone back and paid: “Hurt over such a small amount? Tsk, you cheapskate. I’ll pay for it. If you’re treating your fans, of course you give them the best.”
Chu Xingxing fumed: “Despicable capitalist!”
——-
Meanwhile, the atmosphere on Brunello’s red carpet seemed even more impressive than Saci’s across the way.
Brunello’s red carpet was more spacious, with larger media and fan zones. Unlike Saci, which seemed to have intentionally cramped the space, with metal scaffolding on both sides.
Brunello had invited high-end line brand ambassadors Jiang Chang’an, Wu Fei, and Song Feixue; image ambassadors Qiao Yi and Wei Ran; and brand friends Tian Mengtong, Sam Lee, Qiu Ran, and other celebrities.
After all, it was Brunello’s 10th anniversary China gala; the lineup was undeniably luxurious.
Over at Saci, the biggest name was actor Wen Han, attending as the designer’s childhood friend.
The only other celebrity was Chu Xingxing, who had recently gained some fame through Granny Flower and was acting as a “porter.” She didn’t have any specific title, seemingly just there to have fun with the “has-been” grandmothers.
In everyone’s eyes, Brunello far outshone Saci in terms of celebrity lineup and brand influence.
In reality, however, Saci’s red carpet was prepared by Jiang Luoze for his ready-to-wear models.
This event, which the media dubbed the “Chinese Pride Designer’s Major Move into China,” was, to Jiang Luoze, simply a “family banquet.”
Brand promotion was secondary. The most important thing was to give his supportive family and friends a chance to gather, especially to let his aunt Jiang Yao and her old sisters have a wonderful time.
There was no ulterior motive or competitive spirit in Jiang Luoze’s heart regarding this gala, let alone any desire to compete with Brunello.
Backstage at the Saci red carpet.
Chu Xingxing’s hair and makeup were being done by Teacher Ken himself.
Today was Ken’s good friend Jiang Luoze’s first formal gala since returning home, so he’d come especially to help.
Besides doing Chu Xingxing’s makeup, he was also busy getting the grandmothers ready.
Wearing a silk bathrobe, Chu Xingxing sat nervously in her makeup chair, fiddling with the smooth silk tie.
She still hadn’t even seen the gown she’d be wearing tonight.
The grandmothers’ dressing room wasn’t shared with hers; she had a separate lounge, fully enjoying top-tier treatment.
After Ken left, only assistant Ah Bao was with her in the dressing room.
Accustomed to the lively bustle of getting ready with the old babies, Chu Xingxing felt a bit lonely.
“Ah!” Assistant Ah Bao exclaimed, looking at her phone.
“What’s wrong?” Chu Xingxing looked up.
Ah Bao held up one of her work phones, which was playing the live stream: “Xingxing, it’s pouring rain outside. The red carpet walk is probably going to be a bit rough.”
——-
At the same time.
Brunello’s red carpet was in shambles.
Brunello had used an American event planner who was very particular about creating that “old money” atmosphere, so the sides of the red carpet were adorned with various greenery and dark-hued floral arrangements.
This sudden storm of wind and rain completely ruined Brunello’s “atmosphere.”
Tian Mengtong, arm-in-arm with Jiang Chang’an, squeezed her eyes shut and flicked water droplets from her face.
They were only halfway down the red carpet when the torrential rain drenched them completely.
“Where are the umbrellas!” Jiang Chang’an snapped angrily at the organizers.
He took off his suit jacket to shield Tian Mengtong as best he could.
It was useless, though; the downpour had already flattened her famously immovable bangs.
Tian Mengtong raised a hand to her forehead, utterly miserable: Waaaaah! I can lose my head, I can lose blood, but I can’t lose my bangs!
There was no shelter nearby. Whether retreating back or advancing to the venue, the open red carpet was a hundred meters long, and Tian Mengtong couldn’t walk fast in her heels.
With the carpet wet and slippery, picking her up and running wasn’t realistic either…
Jiang Chang’an didn’t want to end up on the hot search tomorrow for a “romance scandal.” Fostering a CP was fine, and he did have feelings for Tian Mengtong, but for his career’s sake, he couldn’t make any overly revealing moves.
“Brother Chang’an, let’s hurry! I’m getting soaked!”
Clutching her bangs, Tian Mengtong was on the verge of tears. She didn’t even glance at the fans who were standing just a few meters away to support her.
Nearby, Tian Mengtong and Jiang Chang’an’s fans shivered in the cold wind and rain. No one was looking after them either.
On Brunello’s red carpet.
At least Tian Mengtong had Jiang Chang’an’s jacket shielding her. But the fans of both of them had only their hands to shield their heads as they scrambled around, ignored by everyone.
Brunello’s event planner had completely trusted the weather forecast that said no rain. They’d prepared everything except umbrellas.
The planner and his assistant had to take off their own suit jackets to help out.
The media, fumbling to protect their equipment, were furious: What the hell! What a terrible red carpet! Brunello is blacklisted for life!
Suddenly, someone shouted in the crowd: “This way, everyone! Head over to Saci’s red carpet to get out of the rain!”
“People from Saci are handing out clear umbrellas! They set up rain canopies earlier; they were just putting up the frames!”
“Saci’s staff also brought towels from the hotel! Go dry your hair, don’t catch a cold!”
A large number of fans and media streamed under Saci’s transparent canopies, clutching towels with expressions of relief.
Just then, a soft female voice came from behind a Tian Mengtong fan.
“Hi, we’re Chu Xingxing’s fans. Are you cold from the rain? Xingxing sent us hand warmers. Here, take one to warm up.”
A cute girl with glasses and curly hair pulled out an unopened pack of large hand warmers from her pocket and handed one to each of the girls who’d come over for shelter.
She was a new fan of Chu Xingxing, loving how Xingxing interacted with the grandmothers on the show. This was her first time “fanning” in person; she’d just wanted to see Xingxing at the event.
She never expected Xingxing to be this good to them!
Sending milk tea and snacks, and thoughtfully providing hand warmers – she was like a little angel! No regrets becoming a fan!
Another tall girl holding a sign reading “Xingxing and the Old Babies 4ever” heard this and walked over, saying coolly: “I’ve already used my hand warmer. Here’s the hot milk tea Xingxing ordered for me, I haven’t drunk it yet. You can borrow it to warm your hands. But don’t drink it, give it back if it gets cold!”
“I have an extra hand warmer here. Does anyone need it?”
“You can borrow my milk tea to warm your hands too…”
“If you’re hungry, you can have half of my pastry.”
“Girls help girls. Don’t be shy, take one…”
More and more of Chu Xingxing’s fans stepped forward, selflessly helping the “stranded” fans of their “rival.”
Quite a few of Tian Mengtong’s fans blushed and felt embarrassed accepting the kindness from Chu Xingxing’s fans.
Honestly, it was impossible not to feel a pang of envy and admiration for how the other side’s fans were being treated.
Throughout it all, Tian Mengtong hadn’t so much as glanced their way.
Even though fans never expect anything in return from their idols, as a decent human being, shouldn’t there be at least a little concern?
Clutching the warm hand warmers, Tian Mengtong’s fans felt a bitter taste in their mouths.
Especially a major fan of Tian Mengtong who had once mindlessly joined in “bashing” Chu Xingxing.
Since learning Chu Xingxing had been a victim of malicious editing as a “toxic bestie,” she had stopped spreading hate, feeling she’d been too extreme and unfair to another girl.
Comparing how Chu Xingxing and Tian Mengtong treated their fans today, this fan’s regrets were overwhelming…
It was better to support someone down-to-earth, who genuinely connected with fans, than someone as privileged as Tian Mengtong who seemed to lack empathy.
To be honest, this fan had always thought Chu Xingxing’s looks were truly stunning.
——–
Backstage in Saci’s dressing room.
A knock sounded at the door.
Assistant Ah Bao looked back: “Come in.”
Chu Xingxing was still watching the live feed of the red carpet, standing up anxiously: “Ah, it’s raining. It’s dark and cold out. Do they have canopies? We should buy some umbrellas to bring over…”
“Don’t worry. We set up transparent rain canopies outside the Saci red carpet for the media and fans. No one’s getting wet. I just had the hotel send over towels.”
A languid male voice approached with footsteps.
Chu Xingxing looked up to see a tall, thin young man with neat short hair standing before her.
He wore a denim-paneled shirt, had fair skin, and his features couldn’t be described as handsome – they were beautiful.
Especially his phoenix eyes, which were breathtakingly alluring.
God had truly favored Jiang Luoze, giving him those captivating eyes and a high nose bridge.
In person, Jiang Luoze was even more striking than in the brief videos Chu Xingxing had seen.
Her only thought at that moment was: Help! I really want to see him in opera costume playing the female role!
A man with such exquisite features would be even more beautiful than a woman in that attire.
“Jiang Luoze,” the man said, curving his lips and tilting his head: “Hello, Xingxing. Finally meeting you in person.”
“Hello, Mr. Jiang. I’ve never had the chance to properly thank you in person for Saci’s support.”
Chu Xingxing extended her hand politely.
“Sheng Luzhi and the others call me A’ze. You can call me that too.”
“A’ze…” Chu Xingxing looked into his eyes, genuinely admiring his features – his eyes, his nose… so beautiful!
The perfect curve of his nose bridge was like a slide a doll could glide down!
How could a man be born so captivating? Every smile, every glance, he was like… like what?
Chu Xingxing couldn’t find the word immediately, but inspiration struck!
Like a male fox spirit!
Jiang Luoze’s fingers were exceptionally long, with a small callus on his middle finger from years of using pencils as a designer. The slightly rough texture lightly brushed against Chu Xingxing’s fingertips.
“The rain is a minor hiccup, but it actually sparked some new inspiration.”
Jiang Luoze tapped the dressing table twice. His assistant and staff, waiting outside, wheeled in a clothing rack and a pile of toolboxes.
Jiang Luoze pulled open the changing room curtain and made an inviting gesture: “Xingxing, put on this gown. I need you to wear it so I can make a few adjustments.”
Chu Xingxing and Ah Bao went into the changing room. Jiang Luoze thoughtfully pulled the curtain closed and stepped away.
Chu Xingxing took off her robe and, with Ah Bao’s help, began putting on the gown.
After hearing a door click, there was silence from outside.
Both Chu Xingxing and Ah Bao assumed everyone had left the dressing room, Jiang Luoze included.
“Ahhh…” Ah Bao made a silent scream, her face flushed with excitement as she helped Chu Xingxing into the dress. She whispered, “Jiang Luoze is so handsome! No, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! How can a man be this stunning!”
Chu Xingxing and Ah Bao hadn’t known each other long, but they got along well.
Chu Xingxing wasn’t the type of star to put on airs; she treated everyone equally and warmly, like a friend.
Chu Xingxing bent down to take off her shoes and socks: “Right? I think he’s stunning too, like a reincarnated fox spirit. I didn’t dare stare too much earlier – I was afraid he might suddenly turn back into his true form and a fox tail would pop out…”
“Ah! Xingxing, that’s the perfect description! He really, really does look like a fox spirit!” Ah Bao nodded vigorously.
When it was just the two of them, Ah Bao didn’t call her “Teacher Chu” – it felt too formal.
Chu Xingxing mused, “I’ve never seen a guy with such delicate, pretty features. No wonder Grandma Little Jiang is so proud of A’ze. He really is something to be proud of.”
Ah Bao: “Honestly, I didn’t dare look directly into Designer Jiang’s eyes. I was afraid he’d steal my soul!”
Privately, Ah Bao was also a bit of an anime-loving connoisseur of certain tropes. She leaned close to Chu Xingxing’s ear and whispered slyly, “I wonder what a fox-spirit type like Designer Jiang looks like when he loses control? Would he cry?”
“Why would a fox spirit cry when losing control?” Chu Xingxing asked, purely out of academic curiosity.
“Well, fox spirits are usually very sensitive and delicate, you know…” Ah Bao whispered the rest directly into Chu Xingxing’s ear.
Even the steel-hearted “straight” Chu Xingxing blushed: “Whoa, okay, okay, Ah Bao, no more…”
“Honk honk honk…” Ah Bao laughed like a little duck, already imagining countless scenarios of taming a male fox spirit.
No matter the setting, male fox spirits are just so appealing!
With Ah Bao’s help, Chu Xingxing put on the pearl-white gown.
“Wow!” Ah Bao smoothed the hem and gasped: “It doesn’t seem like any adjustments are needed! It fits perfectly at the waist, flawless. It’s so beautiful! You know, I think Xingxing outshines Designer Jiang! A real star beats a designer any day!”
Chu Xingxing looked at herself in the mirror, tilted her head slightly, and winked playfully.
Jiang Luoze was a true genius of fashion design.
He’d only received her measurements and a few photos to create this gown.
It looked like a simple off-shoulder dress, but on Chu Xingxing, it fit like a custom-made piece, with a perfect cut that highlighted all her best features – especially her stunning waist-to-hip ratio.
Compared to Saci’s usual bold color and fabric combinations, this gown, while beautiful, seemed… maybe a little plain?
Chu Xingxing didn’t dare critique a renowned designer’s work, though, since she knew nothing about design – only whether something looked good or not.
“Ah Bao, could you call Designer Jiang back in? We shouldn’t keep him waiting too long…”
Before she could finish, footsteps sounded outside the curtain.
“Xingxing, why don’t you come out and see for yourself whether I, this male fox spirit, actually have a tail?” Jiang Luoze’s tone was pleasant to the ear, clearly amused.
Chu Xingxing jumped, instinctively covering her mouth: Help!!!
“Crap!” Ah Bao’s eyes went wide, her little chubby hands trembling.
Jiang Luoze hadn’t left?
Oh no! Then he must have heard everything she and Xingxing had said just now…
