This Best Actress is a Bit Annoying - Chapter 7

Xia Qingye briefly looked over the salary draft and the contract, quickly signing her name in a flamboyant, flowing script.

Seeing how transparent and sensible she was being, Wei Xianghong offered a few words of advice: “Being able to work with a big director for your first drama is a great start. However, until the filming is finished, variables can always arise. Once you join the cast, you must not become arrogant just because you landed the lead role. On the contrary, you are a newcomer—stay low-key, be humble and polite to your seniors, and endure whenever possible.”

Xia Qingye waited for her to finish all the related matters before responding, “I understand, Sister Xiang. Besides, I have Yu Lan with me.”

Seeing her so obedient, Wei Xianghong felt much more at ease. Picking up the contract, she noticed the signature and said in surprise, “Your handwriting is quite bold and stylish; it has real flair.”

Xia Qingye gave a “shy” smile. “I was just thinking that fans might ask for my autograph in the future. If my handwriting isn’t good, people will talk, won’t they?” She had toned down the original owner’s habitual handwriting and blended it with her own previous style. Given the limited time, this was the best she could practice.

Wei Xianghong understood, gave her a few more reminders, and then left.

A month later, Xia Qingye received notice from the crew. She packed her bags and flew to Hengdian World Studios with Yu Lan and Wei Xianghong to join the cast and begin filming The Twin Flowers.

It was now early autumn. The air was slightly chilly in the early morning and late at night, but once the sun rose, the residual heat of summer lingered, with peak temperatures sometimes reaching thirty degrees. In a day of alternating hot and cold, standing under the scorching morning sun waiting for all the leads to arrive for the grand opening ceremony was enough to make anyone irritable.

It was during this moment of mild irritability that Chu Rou saw Xia Qingye approaching. She was wearing sunglasses, simple clothes, and white sneakers, followed by an assistant dragging a suitcase and Wei Xianghong—the manager who suppressed Chu Rou’s own manager, Fang Xiang, at every turn in the company. As the three of them strolled over, Chu Rou’s first thought was that this fan had gone insane, chasing her all the way to Hengdian. However, this fleeting thought was quickly replaced by her lofty sense of superiority.

Look, that’s my fan.

Xia Qingye naturally saw Chu Rou as well. A smile curled at the corners of her mouth as she made a turn, leading her team directly to Director Xun Guang—who was currently dressed in oversized shorts and a tank top—to greet him.

No one noticed Chu Rou standing up, taking a small step forward, and then staring fixedly at Xia Qingye’s group. Her expression shifted from initial bewilderment to jaw-dropping shock, and finally, to utter disbelief.

Fang Xiang had only been gone for a short while. When he returned, he saw his “Little Ancestor” with a long, sullen face. He glanced around to ensure no one was watching and immediately warned, “Who offended you now? Look at how annoyed you are. Quick, give us a smile. Today is the opening ceremony; if the reporters catch you looking unhappy, they’ll take it out of context and write a mess about you. It’ll be a huge headache.”

Chu Rou gave him a fierce glare, but she still forced a strained grin, trying her best to soften her frozen expression. She lowered her voice and hissed in anger, “You said before that Wei Xianghong took on a newcomer, but did you know that the newcomer is that fan who used to chase me everywhere? Do you know how embarrassing this is? I almost f–king stood up just now—”

Since her debut, Chu Rou had never suffered such an indignity. She felt that in that moment, everyone’s eyes were on her, leaving her nowhere to hide. It was humiliating.

“What?”

“If you don’t believe me, they’re right next to Director Xun. Go see for yourself.”

Fang Xiang was a typical “no-bottom-line” type in this industry; otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to use Xie Zhe’s traffic for a marketing stunt. Seeing Wei Xianghong diligently chatting with Director Xun, looking very chummy, he immediately sauntered over. “Director Xun! Oh, and if it isn’t Sister Xianghong. What a coincidence. Why are you in Hengdian today?”

Wei Xianghong remembered the smug, “villain-attains-success” look on Chu Rou’s face when she signed the contract with Xun Guang. Her smile immediately became even more radiant. “If you can be here, why can’t I?”

Director Xun looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression. Aren’t they from the same company? He shifted his gaze and caught the idle Xia Qingye. “Xiao Xia, come here. I have something to tell you.”

Xia Qingye tossed her phone to Yu Lan and followed the director to a more secluded area.

Seeing the director leave, Fang Xiang stopped pretending to be friendly. “Sister Xianghong, I suggested to the company that Chu Rou and Xie Zhe fake a romance for publicity, and you refused. Now, look at you—letting your little artist bundle herself with our Chu Rou for clout. I really didn’t expect you to play such a dirty trick behind my back.”

Wei Xianghong almost laughed in his face from anger. “Have you gotten something wrong?”

Fang Xiang froze.

Wei Xianghong pointed toward the director and Xia Qingye. With a face full of pride, she said, “Qingye doesn’t need to bundle herself with your Chu Rou for clout. She landed the role of the Female Lead.”

Fang Xiang: “…”

Once Lu Yu arrived, the opening ceremony officially began. Xia Qingye didn’t know what her manager had said to Fang Xiang, but whenever she caught Chu Rou’s eye throughout the day, the other woman looked like she wanted to skin her alive. No matter where she went, she could feel that malicious gaze fixed on her, trying to stare a hole through her.

Wei Xianghong stayed with her through the ceremony and prepared to leave.

Xia Qingye hesitated before speaking as she walked her to the nanny van. “Sister Xiang, you told me to stay low-key and be humble and polite. I won’t go out of my way to offend anyone, but I can’t guarantee that others won’t have the intention to harm me. What should I do then?”

Wei Xianghong was about to board the van, but hearing this, she pulled her foot back. “You’re talking about Chu Rou, aren’t you?”

Xia Qingye widened her beautiful “peach blossom” eyes, putting on a look of utter vulnerability.

Wei Xianghong thought of the way Fang Xiang had stormed off earlier. “While I’m away, if Chu Rou or her manager looks for you, just grab anyone to accompany you. Go together; never meet them alone. Also, maintain a sense of proportion regarding what you should and shouldn’t say.”

Xia Qingye nodded and watched the van drive away.

On the way back, Yu Lan asked in confusion, “Sister Xia, how do you know someone wants to harm you?”

A sharp glint flashed in Xia Qingye’s eyes. “You misheard. I heard some seniors gossiping earlier about how dark-hearted people in the entertainment industry are. I’m just being prepared. Don’t overthink it, little girl.”

“Oh.”

The next day, Xia Qingye and Lu Yu’s scene was scheduled as the very first shot. This was Director Xun Guang’s arrangement. If the first scene was a “One Take,” the rest of the production would go smoothly—it was a bit of a superstition, similar to burning incense at the opening ceremony, but essential in certain circles.

This was what Director Xun had discussed with Xia Qingye yesterday.

The director didn’t make things difficult for them; he chose a simple scene. It was Bai Qinying’s arrival at the Special Higher Police after returning from Japan with a recommendation letter from her mentor, where she encounters the playboy Sato Yichen and gets teased.

Xia Qingye changed into a Japanese military uniform and high-top boots. Carrying a sealed paper bag, she walked unhurriedly into the bustling headquarters. Her boots made crisp tap-tap-tap sounds on the floor. Her cold gaze swept over everyone passing her, attempting to commit every face to memory.

At this point, Lu Yu’s character, Sato Yichen, was supposed to walk downstairs. He would spot Bai Qinying from the crowd, immediately order someone to bring her to the office, and then try to sneak up behind her for a surprise hug. However, as he crept closer, Bai Qinying would see his reflection in a glass cabinet and throw him over her shoulder, slamming him to the ground.

However, the current shot only covered her close-up walking into the headquarters and being led to the office.

Xia Qingye pondered Bai Qinying’s mindset. At this moment, she had entered the headquarters to gather intelligence; she should be composed but with a hint of anticipation, and a battle-ready spirit hidden deep in her eyes. This was to be her battlefield.

“Action!” Xun Guang didn’t give her much time.

Bai Qinying’s performance was incredibly calm. Her gaze fell on the people present with perfect precision—not lingering too long, just a light sweep. Those eyes were cold, yet possessed a captivating quality. Her appearance stunned quite a few people.

While Xia Qingye was filming, over in the office, Wei Xianghong was throwing a massive fit. The reason was simple: her artist seemed to have a “crow’s mouth”—whatever she predicted came true.

She had only left yesterday, and less than a day later, trouble had struck.

When Xia Qingye finished the scene, a trembling Yu Lan handed her the phone. “Sister Xia, you… you’re being smeared.”

Seeing her pale face, Xia Qingye knew she wasn’t joking. She quickly opened her phone to find several missed calls from Wei Xianghong. She went straight to Weibo, searched the trending topics, and found her name sitting right there.

[Newcomer Xia Qingye landed the lead in “The Twin Flowers” through “unspoken rules” (casting couch).]

[Popular starlet Chu Rou’s role allegedly stolen; posts tearful message at midnight about being used.]

[Shocking! Is Xun Guang keeping a mistress?]

…

Yu Lan peeked at her expression. Seeing she looked calm, she whispered, “Sister Xiang just called; she wants you to call her back.”

Xia Qingye dialed back with a steady voice. “Sister Xiang.”

When Wei Xianghong picked up, she was still barking orders at someone, then she moved to a quieter spot and said calmly, “Qingye, don’t panic. This is obviously Chu Rou using a “water army” (paid trolls) to smear you. Your idol’s methods are pathetic. You’re in the same company and you’re just a rookie; by doing this, she’s clearly trying to leave you no way out. I hope this lesson shows you her true colors so you stop being a fan of such an idol.”

The corners of Xia Qingye’s mouth curled up slightly. She felt a surge of warmth; she thought the agent would talk about the trending topics first, but Sister Xiang’s first concern was her feelings. As for a “lesson,” the original owner had already paid the ultimate price for that. “Mhm, I know.”

Wei Xianghong thought she was just acting tough and comforted her again. “Well, at least you’ve made it onto the trending list. Some people can’t even buy their way there. Since the fire is lit, I’ll add some more wood. Don’t interfere in this; just focus on your acting, okay?”

“Mhm.”

Xia Qingye hung up and smiled.

As the saying goes, “If you don’t seek death, you won’t die.” Chu Rou, since you want to die so badly, I’ll give you a push.