On Saturday, Fan Qing came to visit Lin Tingyue.
They hadn't seen each other since Lin Xiawan's engagement banquet, only chatting occasionally on their phones. As soon as Fan Qing arrived, she familiarly entered Lin Tingyue's room and then—
Comfortably lay down on Lin Tingyue's bed, letting out a contented sigh.
Lin Tingyue: …
[So why come here to lie down instead of just lying down at home?!]
Fan Qing was startled and sat up abruptly. Damn, she'd forgotten she could hear Lin Tingyue's inner thoughts.
Her best friend appeared gentle and soft-spoken, but why was her mental voice so loud?
Thinking from another perspective, wouldn't this allow her to learn all of Lin Tingyue's little secrets?
So Fan Qing reached out, hooked Lin Tingyue's chin, and asked with feigned depth: "Woman, who do you like most?"
[First, exclude Fan Qing.]
Fan Qing: ?
What had she done to be excluded?
Not giving up, Fan Qing continued asking: "Yueyue, aren't we the best friends in the world?"
[Even if we're the best friends, this is too cheesy.]
Fan Qing saw Lin Tingyue frown with disgust.
Fan Qing: …
Meanwhile, Lin Tingyue remained unaware she'd been exposed. Gazing at Fan Qing with affectionate eyes, she said: "Yes, we're the best friends in the world!"
Fan Qing: …
Heh, Lin Tingyue, do you even know you're as leaky as a sieve?
Oh right, she doesn't know.
Lin Tingyue sat down beside Fan Qing and asked: "So, why did you come to see me today?"
Staring at the girl's serious face, Fan Qing was full of question marks. "Yueyue, wasn't it you who contacted me yesterday saying you wanted to invest?"
Lin Tingyue suddenly remembered – she had indeed told Fan Qing about wanting to invest yesterday, but didn't expect Fan Qing to come see her so soon.
Instantly, Lin Tingyue looked at Fan Qing with starry eyes.
[Qingqing, you're my best friend in the world!]
What a fickle woman!
After a moment of silence, Fan Qing asked: "What made you think of investing?"
Lin Tingyue said: "Financial management. I need to learn financial management."
[Sigh, I never thought in this lifetime I'd have the problem of having too much money and not knowing how to spend it.]
Fan Qing: !???
What an… uncommon problem.
After calming her envious and jealous heart, Fan Qing seriously analyzed for Lin Tingyue: "If you want to invest, you should invest in things with low input and high returns."
Lin Tingyue tilted her head: "Like what?"
Fan Qing said with frustration: "Movies and TV dramas! Variety shows work too. Didn't that divorce reality show just become super popular recently?"
[Divorce reality shows can become hits?]
[That's true though. Those celebrities earn astronomical amounts. Investing in them… must be very profitable!]
Rubbing her hands together, Lin Tingyue prepared to go all in. "So where should we start?"
After speaking, Lin Tingyue showed the shy smile of someone who suddenly became rich – she truly knew nothing about this.
Fortunately, Fan Qing was truly a great best friend. Not only did she patiently teach Lin Tingyue, she also planned to take her to the Film and Television Base to look around.
Before setting out, Fan Qing looked at Lin Tingyue: "I've always had a question – isn't your second brother in the entertainment industry? Why come ask me?"
Hearing this, Lin Tingyue's expression cooled considerably. She said arrogantly: "Second brother is too busy."
【Lin Shengyan told me to see a doctor—doesn't that mean he thinks I'm crazy? I've decided not to speak to him for a month.】
Fan Qing: "Huh?"
What childish nonsense.
Fan Qing and Lin Tingyue got into the car, with Uncle Zhang driving them to the Film and Television Base. Initially, since they were two young women from wealthy families—the Lin Family and the Fan Family—Bai Yaxin considered sending an additional bodyguard to accompany them.
But Fan Qing flexed her muscles in front of Bai Yaxin, who suddenly remembered, "Qingqing, you're a Taekwondo black belt. Why was I even worried?"
Lin Tingyue was stunned. No wonder Cheng Xuan had been completely blocked by Fan Qing back then.
Lin Tingyue clung to Fan Qing's arm in the car, nuzzling against it. "Sis, you're just too cool."
【A Taekwondo black belt, a wealthy heiress, and so good-looking—even if Fan Qing debuted, she'd become famous.】
【Qingqing, Qingqing, I'll cheer for you!】
"Hey now."
Fan Qing blushed and cooed shyly. Such praise made her feel a bit embarrassed. "If you want to learn Taekwondo, I could teach you…"
Lin Tingyue firmly shook her head. "No."
【I'm too fragile—I'd break with just one move!】
Fan Qing: .
Lin Tingyue, you might as well be lazy to death!
…
They soon arrived at the Film and Television Base. Eager to make her mark, Lin Tingyue approached the set funded by Fan Qing, only to suddenly realize a critical detail she had overlooked.
【Ahhh! How could I forget? Investing in celebrities is profitable, but they're so prone to a Collapse of reputation!!!】
Hearing the male actor's name, Lin Tingyue felt her vision darken.
【It's over, it's over. How could it be Xie Junnian? Qingqing is going to lose a fortune!!!】
Lose a fortune, lose a fortune, lose a fortune—Fan Qing staggered, feeling dizzy herself. She stared in disbelief at the male lead, Xie Junnian, resting in the studio. Seriously? Someone this handsome could still have a Collapse of reputation?
【What should I do? I have to save Qingqing's money!】
Just as Lin Tingyue resolved to act, she spotted a figure approaching Xie Junnian and covered her eyes in despair.
【Great, it's Wu Shanshan. Xie Junnian is beyond saving now.】
Fan Qing glanced at the person walking toward Xie Junnian—a tall girl with a sweet, innocent face. Wu Shanshan. The name rang a bell for Fan Qing.
As she struggled to recall, Wu Shanshan removed her sunglasses, revealing eyes red from crying. In a hushed voice, she asked, "Xie Junnian, what do you really mean by this?"
Her voice trembled with emotion, making it hard not to wonder what she had been through.
Ah, Fan Qing remembered now.
Wu Shanshan and Xie Junnian had been a couple. They broke up amicably last year, but this year, Xie Junnian suddenly posted on Weibo, "Please let me go, okay?"
That one vague statement led Xie Junnian's fans to uncover clues.
They dug up information suggesting that after the breakup, Wu Shanshan had been secretly cursing Xie Junnian's family and maliciously inciting fans to cyberbully him.
Outraged, Xie Junnian's fans launched a massive campaign to condemn Wu Shanshan.
Could it be that all of this was false? Was Xie Junnian's Collapse of reputation related to Wu Shanshan and this incident?
While Fan Qing pondered, Lin Tingyue had already settled onto a Small stool.
Every film set has plenty of these small stools outside. Lin Tingyue was sitting on one directly opposite the shed where Xie Junnian was filming—a perfect vantage point for observing the drama.
Fan Qing spotted her and immediately walked over, settling down beside Lin Tingyue, who offered her some sunflower seeds.
Fan Qing glanced at the seeds in her hand, then at the pouch Lin Tingyue was using to store them.
Did she just fetch a handful of sunflower seeds from a dress worth tens of thousands?
Alongside the seeds was a white plastic bag for collecting the shells.
How oddly considerate.
Fan Qing asked in disbelief, "Why do you carry sunflower seeds with you?"
Lin Tingyue scratched her head, "It's a habit of mine."
[After all, drama follows me everywhere, and munching on seeds just complements the experience.]
Moreover, Lin Tingyue couldn't help but praise the dress.
[Rich people's clothes are truly superior—custom-made with pockets. Unlike those dreadful women's wear brands, this pocket is so spacious, perfect for holding sunflower seeds.]
Hearing this, Fan Qing grew wary and asked, "How many seeds did you bring?"
Lin Tingyue thought for a moment, "Not many."
Fan Qing accepted the seeds and started cracking them, just as the spectacle between Wu Shanshan and Xie Junnian began.
Wu Shanshan already looked pitiful enough, but Lin Tingyue was taken aback by how convincingly Xie Junnian feigned distress.
"Shanshan, how long are you going to keep this up? We parted on good terms, and I really can't give you any more."
His tone implied that Wu Shanshan was merely trying to extort more from him.
Wu Shanshan clearly understood the insinuation; her already pale face drained completely of color.
Lin Tingyue, the avid gossip observer, was outraged.
[Dammit, what is Xie Junnian spouting? Return all the gifts and resources Wu Shanshan gave you first, you gigolo!!!]
Her exclamation was so forceful that people nearby turned to look.
Was there more drama?
Sensing an opportunity, they quickly gathered around Fan Qing and Lin Tingyue. Fan Qing watched as Lin Tingyue continuously pulled more seeds from her pocket, even kindly reminding everyone not to litter the shells.
Wait a minute, didn't she say she hadn't brought many seeds?
Fan Qing couldn't help but stare at Lin Tingyue's pocket again—just how big was it?!
Wu Shanshan clenched her fists and said, "Xie Junnian, when we were together, you were just a small potato with less than a million followers. It was I who gave you all the resources…"
Xie Junnian cut her off, "Do you have proof? Without evidence, Wu Shanshan, how dare you spread rumors? Don't you know the consequences of defamation?"
Of course, Wu Shanshan knew. Her manager had warned her that public opinion was overwhelmingly against her, which could severely harm her career. That was precisely why she had come to talk to Xie Junnian today—after all, they had been a couple, and she didn't want their fallout to become too ugly.
Wu Shanshan bit her lip.
As she cracked seeds, Lin Tingyue thought Wu Shanshan looked utterly heartrending. She resolved to expose Xie Junnian for the scumbag he was!
[Oh my god, even in the context of the entire book, Xie Junnian's scandals are absolutely explosive.]
What scandals? They needed to hear this!
[Tsk tsk tsk.]
[Sigh sigh sigh.]
[You really must do a background check and even a health screening before dating these days!!!]
"What on earth is it? Just say it already!!!"
[Xie Junnian had just gotten out of a powerful figure's bed two days ago, then immediately confessed to his first love. After putting on an act of deep affection, he went to play the delicate bird clinging to a wealthy lady.]
[Man-man, man-woman, woman-man – what a messy web of relationships.]
The crowd gasped in shock.
Meanwhile, Xie Junnian remained completely unaware. He was fully immersed in his victim act, deliberately lowering his voice as he said, "Wu Shanshan, stop coming to find me. Do you really want us to become a resentful couple? We were so deeply in love before."
[Yuck.]
[You disgusting man, do your fans know what a great actor you are?]
Fan Qing was also nearly sickened by Xie Junnian. With his high attractiveness, Fan Qing had previously been somewhat of a casual fan, but now… especially when thinking about his involvement with the powerful figure, his first love, and the wealthy lady… Ugh, how could such a disgusting person exist.
Fan Qing rubbed his fists, itching to punch him twice.
Wu Shanshan took a step back. Her assistant, who had come with her, supported her and asked quietly, "Are you okay, sis?"
Wu Shanshan shook her head, angrily saying, "Having loved you is the criminal record of my life."
"Wu Shanshan."
Xie Junnian suddenly pointed in a direction where many reporters were gathered. Having received advance notice that Wu Shanshan was coming to confront him, he had arranged for reporters beforehand.
If Wu Shanshan dared to make trouble, her entertainment career would be over.
Meanwhile, his would only flourish.
[How shameless! This drama was also given by the wealthy lady. Without her, you'd be nothing.]
[Ah, the wealthy lady was so generous but misjudged her investment. She'd get better returns investing in me than in this scumbag.]
Lin Tingyue beat her chest in frustration, as if the lost money were her own.
[Wah, I'm so possessive – I always feel like other people's money should be mine.]
Fan Qing: …
Not far away, Xie Junnian's assistant tugged at his sleeve, whispering, "Brother Xie, maybe we should let this go."
Xie Junnian turned and glared fiercely at his assistant, who fell silent.
[Hey, this voice… something about this plot doesn't seem right?]
Crowd: ?
This scandal is already so dramatic – there's still hidden plot?
Everyone craned their necks eagerly, hoping Lin Tingyue would remember quickly.
[So that's how it is.]
Lin Tingyue suddenly understood.
Well? Hurry up and tell us!
[The assistant beside Xie Junnian is actually his first love in disguise. This sister had already noticed her boyfriend's unusual behavior, and right now she's carrying video evidence of Xie Junnian with the powerful figure… in her bag.]
[The sister couldn't bear to completely destroy the scumbag, so she spoke up just now to give him one last chance. After all, once the video is exposed, it'll be too late for anything.]
[Sigh, Xie Junnian is already like this – even if given the chance, he wouldn't take it. Better to expose him thoroughly.]
[Believing he'll change is like believing I'm Wu Zetian.]
Meanwhile, Xie Junnian continued threatening Wu Shanshan in a low voice: "Shanshan, aren't you leaving yet?"
"Xie Junnian, you've really gone too far!"
His ex-girlfriend Zhu Miaoshuang finally snapped, taking off her cap and mask. Xie Junnian froze for a moment at the sight of her face but quickly composed himself, flashing a textbook boyfriend smile. "Shuangshuang, what brings you here?"
"Am I not allowed to come?"
Zhu Miaoshuang stared intently at Xie Junnian. "You used me as a tool for your marketing persona, leeching off Wu Shanshan's fame. How can a man be as useless as you? Wait—don’t tell me your true feelings lie with that big shot?"
"What big shot? Shuangshuang, I have no idea what you’re talking about."
If Xie Junnian’s smile had been slightly stiff before, it shattered completely when Zhu Miaoshuang pulled out a USB drive.
He wasn’t foolish enough to think she was showing him an ordinary USB drive. It undoubtedly contained something that could ruin him.
Zhu Miaoshuang sneered, "No idea? Well, I think this video will jog your memory."
With that, she walked toward the projector. The scene required one for the plot, and it hadn’t been dismantled yet—perfect for Zhu Miaoshuang’s purposes.
A video? Xie Junnian’s pupils contracted. He wanted to call someone to stop her but realized there was no one around he could rely on. Gritting his teeth, he rushed after her, his face twisted into a grotesque mask—a far cry from his usual refined image.
But Xie Junnian was a step too late.
By the time he reached out, obscene sounds were already echoing in his ears.
He stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, his eyes fixed on the screen.
There he was, intimately entangled with the big shot.
It’s fine, it’s fine, Xie Junnian thought, digging his nails into his palms. He forced himself to stay calm. If he could silence everyone here, he could still salvage his reputation.
But he soon learned the meaning of "you reap what you sow."
A barrage of camera flashes nearly blinded him. Instinctively, he raised a hand to shield his eyes, but his mind went blank. It’s over. Everything is over.
The reporters he had hired to ruin Wu Shanshan now swarmed toward him. Some, eager to capitalize on the scandal, even started live-streaming.
Xie Junnian was finished.
Having exacted her revenge, Zhu Miaoshuang approached Wu Shanshan, who was preparing to leave. Shyly, she asked, "Sister Shanshan, could I get your autograph? I’m a huge fan of yours!"
[Wow, she’s not just his ex—she’s also Wu Shanshan’s fan!]
[Darn, fans really are the most loyal, huh?]
[So, she only agreed to get back with Xie Junnian to gather evidence and help Wu Shanshan get revenge?]
Lin Tingyue glanced at Zhu Miaoshuang’s starry-eyed expression and thought it wasn’t entirely impossible.
Having enjoyed the drama, Lin Tingyue felt satisfied. But Fan Qing, the investor, and the director felt as though the sky had fallen.
Fan Qing grabbed Lin Tingyue’s hand. Lin Tingyue, who was packing up her small stool, looked down to see Fan Qing gazing at her pitifully.
Lin Tingyue comforted her, "Don’t take money so seriously. What’s yours will always be yours; what isn’t, won’t."
Fan Qing replied bluntly, "Well then, Yueyue, how about sharing some of your money with me?"
She held out her hand to Lin Tingyue.
Lin Tingyue blocked her hand and said gently, "Qingqing, could you be a little less possessive of my money? After all, I'm not someone who's good at sharing either."
Fan Qing: …
She gritted her teeth and said, "Lin Tingyue, do you believe I'll pull your hair?"
[Pulling hair? What kind of elementary school bully is Fan Qing?]
Fan Qing grew even angrier.
Lin Tingyue had no choice but to say, "This is the Film and Television Base after all. Handsome guys are everywhere. Let go first, and I'll go with you to find some."
Fan Qing hesitated, "Really?"
Lin Tingyue nodded.
Only then did Fan Qing release her grip. Fortunately, the drama had just started filming, so there was still time to salvage the situation.
Lin Tingyue and Fan Qing each made calls saying they wouldn't be back for lunch. When Bai Yaxin hung up, she remarked that she'd never seen Lin Tingyue so career-driven before.
Lin Tingyue felt guilty—the real reason they weren't returning for lunch was to hunt for men.
"Hunting for men" sounded too crude. After some thought, Lin Tingyue decided it should be "hunting for male leads."
But Lin Tingyue was like an automatic gossip-generating System—whenever she saw someone's name, their scandals would pop into her mind.
The entire Film and Television Base was practically turning into a gossip field.
Fan Qing and Lin Tingyue sat outside a café at the base, sipping coffee while scanning their surroundings.
[Will this year be a Film and television winter?]
Fan Qing thought it might be—most dramas filming at the base seemed doomed to fail.
[Heavens, can't you just give me one man who's handsome, well-built, tall, rich, and most importantly, scandal-free???]
That sounded odd. Fan Qing scratched her cheek—why did it feel like she was looking for a boyfriend?
[Hey.]
Lin Tingyue's eyes suddenly lit up as she stared intently at a man passing by.
[Wow, look at those abs, look at those pecs. He's even got pink… nipples.]
The man who had just finished filming a playboy role heard this and silently pulled his open shirt tighter, covering his…
[No, I want to see, I want to see the pink ones…]