Chapter 55
Chapter 55
That night, Song Shiqing had already informed Tang Dong and had someone post the long-prepared paparazzi photos on a gossip forum.
It was the same carefully selected Japanese restaurant as before. In the photos, the bamboo blinds were slightly lifted by a waiter, and the two of them sitting side by side in the private room seemed completely oblivious to any distractions, as if the world only contained each other. Their overflowing affection shone through their smiles.
The eagle-eyed netizens quickly analyzed their outfits:
“Is this the day they were spotted by paparazzi in the underground parking lot? So they were already together back then?”
“Even the paparazzi’s devilish angles look amazing—what a killer CP in looks.”
“Oh my god, I went back to check Xing Ye’s Weibo posts from that period—total wife-protecting power, friends!”
The forum post was quickly reposted on Weibo. By now, Pei Chuzhi was no longer the unnoticed newcomer; she had a hit drama airing, her popularity was skyrocketing, and with the name “Xing Ye” trending, this post soon surpassed the “Southwest Couple” topic on trending searches.
As the previously “unofficial” Ye Juice CP fans turned official, they had always been masters at finding sugar for themselves online, and now they were thriving even more.
Some joked:
“Why post it now and not earlier? Right when Ji Xining and Jiang Nanyan’s CP fans are active? Can I take this as Ye Ge being jealous? (dog head emoji)”
A stream of “hahaha” comments below teased her for discovering the truth.
What was originally a few not-so-serious remarks was somehow captured by ill-intentioned people, compiled along with Pei Chuzhi’s interactions with other male guests on Who’s the Murderer, and turned into a malicious article:
“Pei Chuzhi chose the right path. In the entertainment industry, whoever is shameless rises. How many female artists would get physically close to male artists so easily? But to truly establish herself, she can’t rely on looks and body alone; she’ll just repeat flashy, seductive roles. Can she even be called an actress?
However, this move is clever: just after stirring up a CP with Zhong Li in the crew, now trending with Xing Ye. First in the entertainment industry for being in all directions.
And don’t say Xing Ye is arrogant—he’s got a whole prairie on his head and still dares to boast about his true nature?”
Once this Weibo post went up, Pei Chuzhi’s fans immediately jumped in.
Although her character Jiang Nanyan initially had an antagonist script, the obsessive-for-love role allowed Pei Chuzhi to perform with abandon, making many viewers see themselves in her and stirring strong emotions in fans drawn to her beauty.
Intense dramatic roles often attract criticism, but once they attract fans, they become fiercely loyal.
Even more unexpectedly, some of the netizens joining the argument against the blogger had Xing Ye’s avatar, clearly his fans.
On the way back to the hotel after work, Pei Chuzhi listened to Xu Lei’s battle report, blinking:
“You don’t think Xing Ye is guilty by association, right?”
Xu Lei scrolled nonstop on her phone:
“Why else? Your fanbase is growing fast now. Xing Ye’s fans might even get drawn to you.”
Pei Chuzhi smiled, looking at the night outside the car window:
“They speak up for me simply because I’m Xing Ye’s girlfriend.”
A certain kind of idol breeds a certain kind of fan.
Xing Ye was arrogant but protective; his fans mimicked him online, brazenly defending him even if they wouldn’t in real life.
Who dares to bully my person, I’ll scold them.
It was cute and real.
But once Pei Chuzhi and Xing Ye broke up, they would instantly draw the line, and even occasional mentions would usually add, “Please, ex-girlfriend, don’t ride the popularity.”
Xu Lei, after hearing her perspective, tilted her head in partial understanding:
“Zhizhi, but your relationship with Xing Ye is so good, why are you thinking about breakup during the honeymoon phase?”
Pei Chuzhi choked slightly:
“I’m just reminding you not to get complacent and to plan ahead.”
After saying this, she didn’t wait for Xu Lei’s response and changed the topic:
“Ask Brother Tang to watch this Weibo post. I suspect it’s Chu Man again trying to slander me.”
Xu Lei made an OK gesture, analyzing:
“Even if it’s not Chu Man, it’s definitely another female celebrity. You’re coming on strong now; a lot of people see you as a threat. They even say you only play seductive roles—might as well make them sour.”
Pei Chuzhi glanced at the screen and saw Xu Lei switching to a secondary account:
“What? Are you going up there to argue for me too?”
“My argument skills aren’t great, but I have dozens of alternate accounts. I’ll just go like all the comments praising you.”
“…No need.”
“Zhizhi, don’t be so saintly.”
Pei Chuzhi smiled helplessly:
“Did you forget the crew is releasing filming clips tomorrow?”
Xu Lei froze, finally realizing.
There was no need to waste words defending against the “only plays seductive roles” accusation; the facts would speak for themselves. Tomorrow, everyone would see the truth.
By the next evening, the Half a Lifetime of Glamour crew released their first behind-the-scenes clips.
The video showed Pei Chuzhi standing outside a school gate, chatting with fellow cast members.
She wore a high school uniform, her usually loose long hair tied into a loose ponytail, with minimal makeup. Her fair skin glowed naturally under the sunlight.
The makeup artist had subtly shaped her eyes with eyeshadow, toning down some of her alluring charm. The youthful, translucent makeup made her look like a girl of about ten or eleven—pure and clean.
Realizing she was being filmed, she turned her head and gave a faint smile, her gaze exceptionally clear.
Once the video was released, not only did casual viewers react with surprise, but even Pei Chuzhi’s original fans stared at the screen in disbelief. Everyone had the same giant question mark in their mind—was this really the same Pei Chuzhi known for her stunning looks?
“Yesterday, people said she can only play one type of role? Come out and get hit!”
“Wow, a professionally trained actress, first in her film academy class, really shows—change her look and even her aura changes.”
“The way she smiled when she turned… doesn’t it feel just like the school beauty from before?”
“New fans entering for Jiang Nanyan: I thought I was following a pretty older sister, but she immediately surprised me—turns out she can also be a pretty little sister.”
“I remember Director Bai said this drama would show different stages of the female lead’s life? Does that mean Zhizhi will have lots of different looks? I’m not picky—can we get a behind-the-scenes clip every month?”
The Half a Lifetime of Glamour publicity team clearly understood the essence of hunger marketing. By teasing the audience with the lead character at eighteen, they didn’t reveal anything else until filming completely wrapped.
Four months flew by. Pei Chuzhi finished her last scene in freezing snow and finally returned to the long-missed Yan City.
This year, Yan City had unusually high temperatures, and it hadn’t snowed yet near the New Year.
The heating at home was on full blast. Pei Chuzhi had just arrived and was already feeling drowsy from the warm indoor air.
She yawned and continued chatting with Xing Ye on WeChat.
Xing Ye was filming a large-scale martial arts movie, with a schedule much longer than Half a Lifetime of Glamour, expected to wrap only in the spring.
After several months apart, Pei Chuzhi missed him.
She lazily leaned on the table, resting her chin on the back of one hand, slowly typing with the other:
“Brother Tang said I got nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s TV Drama Awards. Will you come to the ceremony?”
Xing Ye was still on set, replying slowly after more than ten minutes:
“The organizers invited me to present, but it’s not for Best Supporting Actress. Should I ask them to change it?”
Pei Chuzhi’s eyelashes fluttered. She realized she was feeling slightly childish.
She worried that if she didn’t win, she would have to watch Xing Ye hand the trophy to another actress.
“You’re a male actor, why present Best Supporting Actress?”
She purposely used a sulky tone, teasing him:
“If I don’t win, are you planning to congratulate the one who defeated your girlfriend?”
On the other side, Xing Ye looked at her message and couldn’t help smiling.
Girlfriend.
His gaze lingered on those three ambiguous words. After a moment of thought, he replied solemnly:
“I can only take one day off. After the ceremony, save some time for me.”
Pei Chuzhi sent a question mark.
“I have something to tell you.”
·
On the last Saturday night of the year, the Yan City National Theater glittered with starlight.
Media and fans arrived early, lining the red carpet. Amid the constant clicks and screams, the annual TV Drama Awards ceremony began.
Pei Chuzhi appeared on the red carpet in a deep blue off-shoulder tulle gown. The floor-length hem was studded with tiny diamonds, as if the stars of the night sky had fallen around her.
A set of diamond jewelry provided by the brand adorned her ears and chest, sparkling brightly yet not stealing a fraction of the light that belonged solely to her.
Pei Chuzhi’s naturally fair and strikingly beautiful features, combined with over ten years of classical dance training, a perfectly proportioned figure, and graceful posture, made her first red carpet appearance met with sustained applause.
This was the glamour only the entertainment industry could offer.
Applause, lights, countless people calling her name.
Immersed in this luxurious atmosphere, her smiling eyes remained exceptionally clear.
She knew better than anyone that reaching this point, the person she should thank most was clear.
Once inside the theater, the actors took their seats by production group.
Pei Chuzhi smoothed her skirt and instinctively scanned the crowd for that familiar face.
Ruan Li teased her from the side: “Why are you in such a hurry? With someone of Teacher Xing’s level, of course he’s saved for the final appearance.”
“I forgot,” Pei Chuzhi whispered, unable to help but smile. “By the way, whoever wins tonight treats the other—don’t you dare cheat.”
Quiet laughter.
Love You Secretly not only made Pei Chuzhi famous, it also elevated the career of lead actress Ruan Li.
Now, walking through the streets, young white-collar workers were discussing her name everywhere.
Ruan Li puffed her cheeks lightly: “Don’t worry. You’re still the favorite. I know my own acting skills.”
Pei Chuzhi glanced at her, thinking how rare it was to see such a calm, top-tier actress.
Twenty more minutes passed before Xing Ye finally appeared in the theater.
He accompanied a seventy-year-old veteran of the film industry down the red carpet, keeping his eyes lowered, carefully watching the steps for the elder—a polite and considerate junior.
Pei Chuzhi’s gaze followed him the entire way.
Unlike female celebrities competing for attention, male actors usually wore similar formal dark suits to awards ceremonies.
But perhaps because of Xing Ye’s perfect body proportions, as he helped the veteran down the steps, he didn’t look like a wild, unrestrained actor, but a well-mannered gentleman—a fresh impression.
Pei Chuzhi wasn’t the only one silently evaluating Xing Ye.
The director in her group, legs crossed, watched for a moment, then turned to the person beside him in genuine admiration: “Truly a Xing family person. Normally you’d think he’s unruly, but in formal situations, not a single flaw.”
Before he finished, Xing Ye, passing by their row, slowed his pace.
He slightly turned his face, his gaze passing through the crowd in between, landing straight on Pei Chuzhi. A tender smile appeared in his eyes, and he raised his finger to lightly tap his lips.
An unabashed, flamboyant blown kiss.
The theater’s live cameras faithfully recorded the moment.
Then tens of thousands of viewers, at the same time, on their TVs or phones, saw Pei Chuzhi—who had dazzled the audience with her red carpet look just half an hour ago—shyly covering her face.
Author’s note: Xing Ye, stop teasing.
Thanks to all the little angels who voted or gave support from 2020-01-05 21:34:31 to 2020-01-06 22:26:37~
Thanks to the little angel who threw a landmine: samsara 1;
Thanks to the little angels who watered the plant: Seven-Tenths Sweet 4 bottles;
Thank you all for your support. I will continue to work hard!