Chapter 22
Zhao Dayu had a poor reputation in the industry, and Ji Fengxue had heard about it. However, she primarily focused on the big screen and had less contact with directors of television dramas.
Once, during the filming of a certain drama, an inconspicuous actress went to audition for Zhao Dayu's play. She returned crying secretly, and Ji Fengxue happened to see her. Later, that actress quit the industry and never reappeared.
However, the actress was very grateful for Ji Fengxue's comfort at the time, and they kept in touch, though they never discussed things in depth.
Just now, as she was sitting outside playing on her phone, Xue Hui suddenly exclaimed, "Teacher Ji, it seems Linxia is being targeted."
Ji Fengxue opened Weibo and, upon seeing Zhao Dayu's name, had a bad feeling. She first liked the clarification post published by the company, then got up and returned to her room. Seeing Xia Linxia hiding in the bathroom, she frowned, instinctively thinking of the other actress's experience.
So, when Xia Linxia said she was being bullied, Ji Fengxue didn't ask for details. She picked up her phone and called her agent.
In fact, such incidents were common in the industry. However, at such times, very few people would actively step forward. No one wanted to get involved in trouble, especially a popular idol like Xia Linxia, who already had many anti-fans.
Therefore, over the years, no one had ever stood up for Xia Linxia, although there were plenty of people who offered hindsight commentary.
However, these hindsight commentators couldn't be entirely blamed. It was understandable to protect oneself, especially in the entertainment industry, which relied on the audience. Losing viewers and fans due to taking the wrong side would be the most irrational behavior.
But Ji Fengxue was an actress who spoke through her skills. She was usually very low-key and didn't care much about public opinion, only seeking peace of mind.
Let alone Xia Linxia, she had asked the same question to the previous actress. Unfortunately, the actress lacked courage. Her arm couldn't twist a thigh; once she revealed that she had been sexually assaulted, her career and personal image would suffer a major blow.
Therefore, she quite admired Xia Linxia's personality, which was characterized by loving and hating boldly.
After finishing her call with her agent, she logged onto Weibo, intending to post a message of support. However, Xia Linxia snatched her phone away.
"What are you doing?" Xia Linxia asked.
"I'm your 'girlfriend' now. I should stand up at a time like this," Ji Fengxue said.
"No need. You've already liked the post. There's no need to do anything extra," Xia Linxia said. She wasn't used to people being nice to her, especially Ji Fengxue, with whom she had a past conflict. Rather than owing a favor, she preferred the freedom and straightforwardness.
Ji Fengxue looked at her for a moment, guessed her thoughts, and compromised, "Then I won't post on Weibo. Let me contact a friend."
Xia Linxia didn't suspect anything and returned the phone, but her eyes were fixed on Ji Fengxue's phone, not allowing her to browse Weibo.
Ji Fengxue opened her contacts in front of her and dialed the number of that actress.
Just as Xia Linxia was about to avoid their private calls, Xia Yangxuan called her.
An hour later, a bombshell exploded online. An anonymous female artist published an article claiming that she had auditioned for Zhao Dayu's film several years ago. During the audition, Zhao Dayu hinted that he would use the role of the second female lead to seduce her into sleeping with him.
This caused a huge stir. Some people suspected the anonymous person of fabricating the story to smear Zhao Dayu, while others commented that Zhao Dayu didn't look like a decent person. Amidst the discussions, someone noticed that Ji Fengxue had liked the anonymous actress's Weibo article.
Who was Ji Fengxue? She was an award-winning actress. Didn't she understand the industry better than netizens? Did this like mean it was confirmed?
Coupled with Xia Linxia's recent act of hitting someone, it was possible that Zhao Dayu had improper intentions towards Xia Linxia, was beaten up, and was now falsely accusing her of assault.
In an instant, everyone began to curse Zhao Dayu, especially Xia Linxia's fans. These were veterans who had fought countless battles with rival fans, and their scolding made Zhao Dayu afraid to leave his house.
This was not the most painful thing for Zhao Dayu. He thought that if he hid for a while and waited for netizens to be attracted by new entertainment gossip, he would continue filming and let his work speak for itself, and everything would return to normal.
However, to his surprise, within an hour, he received several calls. All the investors collectively withdrew their funding, and no one would invest in him anymore!
He never imagined that by merely provoking Xia Linxia, he would not only be beaten but also be blacklisted by these profit-driven investors, making it very difficult for him to make a comeback in this life.
Xia Linxia happily called her brother, "Brother, you're amazing! I knew it, you're my real brother! Mwah!"
"It was also your good luck that an anonymous female artist happened to break the news. It was effortless for me to persuade those investors," Xia Yangxuan said. "Was she arranged by Ji Fengxue? If so, remember to thank her. Persuading someone to personally reveal such a thing is not easy. It's best to find out who that anonymous person is, and we'll ensure her privacy is protected."
"Okay." Generally, for major matters, Xia Linxia would rely on her brother.
She rubbed her face and walked into the living room. Song Wanyi and the others looked at her worriedly, "Linxia, are you okay?"
Just as Xia Linxia was about to answer, someone hugged her.
"Hmm?"
Ji Fengxue stroked the back of her head, blocking the view of others, and comforted her, "It's okay, it's okay. Be happy."
It took Xia Linxia a while to realize that they were still live-streaming. Ji Fengxue was hinting that she should show her vulnerable side to the audience. Xia Linxia had always appeared too strong, which led to so many anti-fans attacking her.
Inspired, she looked up with a wronged expression and hugged Ji Fengxue tightly, "Thank you for your trust, love you, muah!"
Fang Qiushuang sighed, "I didn't expect Zhao Dayu to be such a person! Xia Xia, you must never cooperate with such people in the future!"
Song Wanyi chimed in, "Yes, yes, Xia Linxia, you're really amazing for daring to face a pervert! From now on, you're my idol!"
[I really didn't expect the truth to be like this. I just want to applaud and salute her!]
[Sob sob, Baby Xia Xia, keep going. 'Xia Hua' will always support you!]
[To be honest, although Xia Linxia's personality makes others uncomfortable, she's quite likable at critical moments. Girls must protect themselves when they're out!]
[Zhao Dayu, get lost. I wonder how many people this pervert has had improper relationships with.]
[Have you all forgotten one thing? Xia Linxia didn't become the female lead, but Fu Xiaoxuan did. I have a bold guess...]
[Ahhh ahhh ahhh Fairy Ji, you did a great job this time, always standing by Xia Linxia's side. I'm shipping it, I'm shipping it!]
[+1, I think the chemistry between Ji Fengxue and Xia Linxia is great! They change for each other, they are each other's armor. I'm crying first!]
Xia Linxia and Ji Fengxue were still "deeply embracing" and only separated after a long while. Xia Linxia tugged at Ji Fengxue's sleeve, lowered her head, and pulled her back into the room.
Song Wanyi and the others were astonished. Was that shy person just now Xia Linxia?
Xia Linxia went straight to the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she resumed her carefree demeanor and said, "My brother asked me to thank you."
"What if your brother didn't ask you to?" Ji Fengxue asked with a smile.
"...Then thank you, alright?"
"You really are... are you a stubborn duck?" Ji Fengxue said.
Xia Linxia suppressed the urge to lash out and asked curiously, "How did you persuade that anonymous person to reveal the information?"
Ji Fengxue shrugged, "It's very simple. I told her that you also encountered a similar situation, but you resisted, and you have a large number of fans supporting you. Given your personality, things would only escalate. So, I asked if she wanted to strike a fatal blow first and get revenge, as you would support her afterward."
Xia Linxia was stunned for a moment before saying, "Okay, so you used me as a shield."
"No," Ji Fengxue paused and smiled sincerely, "Because you are loved by many people, and they won't let you get hurt. This is the courage you gave them. After this incident, I also believe that you are worthy of their love."
Not everyone dared to resist temptation and expose darkness.
Xia Linxia calmed herself down, feeling a little moved. She had always thought that there was nothing special about her that was worthy of love; most people just loved her face and figure.
"R-really?" Xia Linxia asked uncertainly, "Am I worthy of their love?"
Ji Fengxue smiled, "Yes, you are very good."
After a long silence, Xia Linxia lowered her head and mumbled, "Thank you."
This thank you was not prompted by her brother.
From now on, Ji Fengxue moved from being the person she disliked the most (ranked 89th) to 90th.
Post a Comment