Chapter 79: Big Honey's Talent! Liu Shishi or Nazha?

“What’s going on?”

“Did Yang Mi’s PR team react that quickly?!

A certain celebrity, caught off guard while eating, nearly bit her tongue.

She had recently been competing against Yang Mi for an endorsement deal. Even after lowering her fees, her chances of winning were slim.

Her agent had already decided to drop out of the race and focus on another bid for a different endorsement. But just moments ago, they’d received a report from their internet department that black material involving Yang Mi had appeared online.

It wasn’t directly about Yang Mi, but rather, her fans had done something that deeply tarnished their image among netizens.

These fans had deliberately called Zhao Liying, the actress who earned some fame for her role as Qing Gege, “Yang Mi” over several days in a row. This harassment forced Zhao Liying to take to Weibo and publicly question the madness.

In response, the Yang Mi fans didn’t apologize. Instead, they continued berating Zhao Liying in chat groups, then took their dislike public, leaving negative comments in various forums and article sections, claiming Zhao Liying lacked both grace and moral character.

While this affair had nothing to do with Yang Mi herself from start to finish, any well-manipulated narrative could still influence public perception.

After all, spreading rumors requires only a whisper, while debunking them is akin to chasing one’s tail.

Just as she was about to hire comment trolls to strike back, Yang Mi’s response came through.

The two parties posed together for a photo, clearly indicating they were long-time friends, and even confronted the sensitive topic head-on.

Now, any attempt to dig up dirt on Yang Mi would seem utterly forced.

“She’s truly lucky,” a certain female celebrity remarked acidly.

Meanwhile, many of Yang Mi’s fans rushed to Zhao Liying’s Weibo comments section to delete their posts and apologize.

This incident was a case of “rotten apples” within their “Beehive” fanbase—malicious actors stirring up trouble and spreading false rumors.

Many fans, unknowing of the details, had joined the witch hunt. They never realized they were attacking Yang Mi’s friend.

In response to these apologies, Zhao Liying “graciously engaged” by replying to the comments:

Zhao Liying’s responses were all sincere and heartfelt.

This heartfelt sincerity struck the hearts of many, garnering her a new wave of fans.

Meanwhile, her manager, He Ru, was utterly perplexed.

“Liying, what exactly is going on?” He Ru called to get a grasp of the situation.

Zhao Liying didn’t withhold any information, recounting the entire affair from start to finish.

“You should have told me earlier!” He Ru lamented inwardly.

Had she known sooner, she would have negotiated with Zeng Jia first to secure resources. Compared to Yang Mi’s waning public image, she was confident that Zeng Jia would have been willing to pony up.

Now, Zhao Liying had merely gained a fleeting moment of internet fame, with no further protection against online attacks.

“What’s the point in telling you ahead of time? Would you have handled it differently?” Zhao Liying asked, puzzled.

“Absolutely,” He Ru replied, her explanation aimed at enlightening Zhao Liying.

However, Zhao Liying found these convoluted theories unconvincing, her brow furrowing slightly. “Ruru, it wasn’t us who released that video.”

As she spoke, she glanced up at Zhang Yang.

He happened to be looking at her and offered another piece of cake with a smile. “I’m not really into sweets though.”

“But we can pay to find him—there’s always a second when there’s a first,” He Ru’s exasperated voice came through the phone like a scolding parent whose child couldn’t meet her expectations. “And once we find him, we’ll be in charge, then…”

Zhao Liying fell silent. In fact, ever since He Ru started competing for the position of deputy general manager at Hairun, she’d realized their philosophies didn’t align. They often disagreed on how to handle certain situations.

He Ru valued profit above all, while Zhao Liying believed in seizing opportunities.

Then suddenly, Zhao Liying spoke: “Zhang Yang helped me for no apparent reason; I can’t possibly do something like that.”

He Ru’s lengthy lecture ground to a halt, her mood somewhat spoiled.

Who am I doing all this for? she thought. Forget it, she’s just bad at managing things. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been relegated to minor roles for five years at Huateng. Does she really think she can become a big star by just acting well?

Well, as long as she can act well, He Ru mused, I’ll handle everything else. If Zhao Liying can just make a name for herself—even as a second or third-tier star—I could secure the position of deputy general manager at Hairun.

“Let’s not discuss this matter anymore. Focus on filming A Case of Mistaken Identity in Hengdian. I’ll visit you when I have time,” He Ru said before hanging up.

Suppressing her unease, Zhao Liying picked up her spoon and resumed eating the cake in front of her.

This was the cake Zhang Yang had given her, despite claiming he didn’t like sweets. It certainly tasted exquisite.

Yang Mi was speechless. Does she not need to watch her figure?

Zhang Yang noticed Yang Mi’s thoughts, his lips curling slightly. “Mimi, some talents are just envy-worthy.”

Zhao Liying possessed the legendary constitution of someone who could eat without gaining weight.

Yang Mi unconsciously glanced down and nodded. “Indeed, some things are just a matter of talent.”

Huh? thought Zhang Yang. No wonder they call her Mimi - she certainly has the nerve to say whatever she wants.

“Umm?!” Feeling a wave of malice enveloping her, Zhao Liying looked up at Zhang Yang and Yang Mi. “What talent is that?”

Yang Mi smiled at Zhang Yang, signaling him to explain.

The corner of Zhang Yang’s mouth twitched as he changed the subject. “With the matter resolved, I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Leaving already?” Zhao Liying swallowed the last of the cake, her big eyes sparkling. “I had plans to treat you to dinner yet. Are you too busy?”

“Not today.” Zhang Yang glanced at his watch. “I still have a night shoot.”

Shoot?

“You’re an actor too?” Zhao Liying realized this belatedly.

“Did you think I wasn’t cut out for it?” Zhang Yang shrugged.

Zhao Liying quickly shook her head. “No, I actually think you’d be wasting your potential if you weren’t an actor.”

“I’ve worked with quite a few male actors before, and let me tell you, they all fall short compared to you.” Zhang Yang commented with a hint of pride.

Yang Mi’s hand paused mid-stir, her lips twitching. ”…”

The first part sounded great, but the second part—Zhao Liying sure had the guts to say that.

Maybe she only dared to speak like this privately. Saying such things in public would surely offend people.

Zhao Xiaodao’s acting is truly emerging, Zhang Yang marveled inwardly.

If he signed Zhao Liying in the future, he’d definitely have to encourage her to read more books.

From her debut to becoming a rising star among the ‘85 Flowers, Zhao Liying had always spoken candidly.

At first, her frankness got her into trouble, but eventually, she learned the art of conversation. It was clear that reading was still crucial.

“Since Sister Liying is praising me, I’ll thick-skinnedly accept it.” Zhang Yang smiled as he stood up. “I have to go now. Let’s gather again if we have time.”

“Then I should go too,” Yang Mi glanced at her watch and said. “I still need to prepare for a character audition.”

Zhao Liying bent down, eyeing the cake that was still half-intact. After quickly devouring it, she stood up. “I’m off too.”

Zhang Yang and Yang Mi exchanged puzzled looks.

In the parking lot behind the coffee shop, Zhang Yang drove his car past the two women. He rolled down his window and said, “Sister Mi, don’t set your hopes too high for the Search auditions. Even if you land the role, it’s best to hold back.”

“Hm?” Yang Mi, engaged in conversation with Zhao Liying, turned at the sound. “What is it?”

“Just trust me on this,” Zhang Yang replied cryptically before driving off.

“Does she know something about the situation?” Yang Mi furrowed her brow.

Having experienced his assistance twice, she couldn’t underestimate Zhang Yang’s connections and information gathering abilities.

“A-Yang knows so much,” Zhao Liying observed the departing car, a seed of admiration and trust planted in her heart.

Yang Mi raised an eyebrow. Already calling him “A-Yang” now, are we?

Time flew like an arrow.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed since September 1st.

Xuanyuan Sword: Heaven’s Scar finally wrapped up its filming.

At the wrap party, Liu Shishi and Nazha sat on either side of Zhang Yang, continuously piling his plate with food.

Talk about enjoying the perks of being the third wheel!

If someone stumbled upon this scene, they might think the two women were his girlfriends.

In truth, if Zhang Yang made a move, he could easily win over one of them.

Liu Shishi and Nazha both sensed the other’s intentions, leading to a subtle rivalry between them, reminiscent of Ning Ke and Xiaoxue in their interactions.

“I need to use the restroom.”

After several rounds of being toasted at the bar, Zhang Yang decided it was time to sneak away.

“Boss Zhang, I’ll go with you,” Jiang Jinfu followed suit.

“Then I’ll join as well,” Lin Gengxin got up.

No sooner had they stepped into the restroom than Jiang Jinfu, his face still flushed, turned to them with a mischievous grin. “Bro, you still haven’t decided who to choose?”

Lin Gengxin smiled to himself, sensing he’d come to the right place for some gossip.

Zhang Yang shot Jiang Jinfu a glance and replied coolly, “Are you still a child?”

Jiang Jinfu blinked, momentarily stumped.

Lin Gengxin looked on, equally perplexed.