Chapter 78: Zhang Yang: This is the True Win-Win

She’s just a “dumb, narrow-minded girl,” Yang Mi thought, suddenly finding Zhao Liying somewhat endearing.

Her initial dislike for Zhao had stemmed from Zeng Jia’s words, which colored her perception of the singer negatively.

Now realizing she’d misjudged Zhao and hurt her fans, Yang Mi felt apologetic.

“I’m really sorry about my fans hurting you without my knowledge,” Yang Mi said sincerely.

Caught off guard by the apology, Zhao Liying hastily waved it off, admitting her own mistakes as well.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Mi asked Zhang Yang, “So what exactly do we do?”

“It’s simple.” Zhang Yang set down his coffee cup, explaining his plan.

After patiently listening, Yang Mi didn’t immediately agree. Instead, she called Zeng Jia, laying out the situation.

“You mean your fans started all this trouble, and someone even recorded it on video? And these fans in those chat groups are actually unashamed?” Zeng Jia rubbed her temples.

How could she have imagined things would turn out like this? Wouldn’t calling He Ru to mock her now just make her look like a fool?

“Absolutely!” Yang Mi’s expression was utterly serious. “The video is very detailed. If there’s one, there might be a second. By waiting to handle it after exposure, we’d appear reactive. The worst-case scenario is having our opponent gain leverage and strike us unawares.

“Rather than passively responding, we should proactively ignite the scandal and guide its narrative.”

Zeng Jia was surprised by Yang Mi’s astute judgment. After a moment of contemplation, she asked, “What do you intend to do?”

“First, take photos, then…” Yang Mi began recounting Zhang Yang’s plan.

As Zeng Jia listened patiently, admiration flickered in her eyes. “This isn’t your idea, is it?”

“Why couldn’t it be mine?” Yang Mi shot a glance at Zhang Yang.

“You’re not quite that clever,” Zeng Jia teased gently before adding, “This approach works, but we’ll inadvertently give Zhao Liying all the attention. Are you comfortable with that?”

“It’s ultimately my fans’ fault, and I had my own misunderstandings as well, nearly mistaking her for an opponent.” Yang Mi responded decisively. “Besides, this publicity stunt will increase my visibility, which can only help with that audition role too.”

Zeng Jia knew Yang Mi was referring to Chen Kaige’s Search role and had to admit the truth in her words.

Since they were in the wrong, it made sense to use this situation to their advantage. The only drawback was having to spend money on marketing, but that wasn’t a big issue.

“Alright, send the video over and I’ll arrange for you to post it on Weibo,” Zeng Jia agreed to Zhang Yang’s plan.

Yang Mi’s eyes flicked towards Zhang Yang, who chuckled, “I’ve already sent it to the same email as last time.”

Yang Mi repeated the information into her phone, then hung up and sat down next to Zhao Liying.

“Let’s get some pictures,” Yang Mi suggested, nudging Zhang Yang. “Make them good ones.”

“I’m actually pretty skilled at taking photos,” Zhang Yang assured her, pulling out his phone and directing the two damsels. “Now, give me your best poses.”

“Perfect.” Zhao Liying nodded like a little hamster.

“This is a surprise,” Yang Mi said, genuinely impressed. “You’re quite the photographer.”

Judging by these pictures, she and Zhao Liying weren’t just acquaintances; their camaraderie shone through.

“I have many talents; this is just a small one,” Zhang Yang said with a faint smile.

“You’re quite the multi-tasker,” Yang Mi thought, though her lips didn’t curl as she asked, “Tell me, why are you helping me out so much? What do you expect in return?”

This question had been on her mind since their first encounter.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch; hate and love never arise without reason.

Zhang Yang had gone to great lengths to help her. Either he wanted something from her or he was targeting her specifically.

Yet, judging by Zhang Yang’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like he was interested in her romantically. This left her puzzled and intrigued.

“Right, how should I thank you?” Zhao Liying asked promptly.

Though she was a victim, her current plight could also be seen as self-inflicted.

Without Zhang Yang’s intervention, no matter how many explanations she offered, it would have been futile.

It could have spelled the end of her newfound popularity from playing Qing’er.

“You want to thank me?” A hint of amusement flickered in Zhang Yang’s eyes.

“Yes,” Yang Mi nodded. “This situation benefits both me and Liying, although I’ll gain more. We definitely need to express our gratitude.”

Benefits both?

Indeed, it was a win-win situation.

But, it was Zhang Yang who came out on top twice.

Initially, the situation would have ultimately led to Zhao Liying facing online harassment.

However, this experience spurred her on, propelling her to become a standout among the ‘85 flowers’ - China’s top actresses born in the ‘85 generation.

As for Yang Mi, aside from occasionally being compared to Zhao Liying by her fans later on, she suffered no real loss.

Now, Zhang Yang merely spent a few minutes each day recording videos, exaggerating the situation wildly, and reaped the gratitude of both Yang Mi and Zhao Liying. What an absolute win!

For Yang Mi, Zhang Yang had no immediate requests.

As for Zhao Liying, his plan was to eventually poach her for his own company, and today’s gesture was just the first step.

He aimed to make Zhao Liying owe him a significant favor while showcasing his “public relations prowess” and “networking resources” to her.

“Well, I don’t really need anything right now,” Zhang Yang shrugged. “Consider this: I believe in your potential for future success. For now, owe me a favor. Later, when I need something within your power, help me out, how about it?”

“Works for me. So I owe you two favors now,” Yang Mi agreed promptly.

{One could say she’s reached a stage where due to having so many problems, she’s become numb to them.}

“I’ll certainly do my utmost, as long as it’s not illegal,” Zhao Liying responded, quite serious.

Zhang Yang knew he could trust her words implicitly.

In both the industry and outside of it, Zhao Liying was infamous for being “loyal to one’s friends and family.”

If there was a role vacant in a production she was part of, and she felt a friend she’d met through previous acting work was suitable, she would go all out in recommending them.

Now that she owed him a favor, she’d no doubt go even further for him.

“Well then, let’s exchange contact info first. Don’t want to lose touch when the time comes,” Zhang Yang handed her his phone.

Zhao Liying scratched her cheek a little sheepishly, took the phone, and entered her own number before dialing it to check.

“I haven’t even asked your name yet,” Zhao Liying said, returning the phone with her jet-black eyes shining brightly.

“He’s Zhang Yang,” Yang Mi suddenly interjected. “The ‘Yang’ in ‘arrogant’ and the ‘Zhang’ in ‘springtime affection’.”

Zhang Yang felt an urge to roll his eyes. “Honey Sister,” he said, stricken, “leaving aside the arrogance, who introduces themselves using such words as ‘springtime affection’?”

“Well, then you tell me I’m wrong,” Yang Mi retorted.

“I must concede defeat” Zhang Yang shrugged his helpless surrender.

Zhao Liying smiled somewhat bashfully.

The three of them chatted aimlessly.

Before long, Yang Mi received a call from Zeng Jia. “I’ve already had someone upload the video. It’s either your increased popularity drawing in onlookers or someone really is keeping tabs behind the scenes—the spread and chatter have been rapid.”

“Free ride to trending without our own expense, not bad,” Zeng Jia remarked.

“Should I post now?” Yang Mi asked.

“Yes,” Zeng Jia replied. “We can’t let people think you’re some last-minute PR hire.”

Yang Mi hung up immediately and called Zhao Liying to post together.

Online reactions were mixed:

The general netizens: ?

He Ru: ??

A minor black hat figure just about to stir up trouble: ?