Chapter 120: Simultaneously Offending Three Bigshots – Part Seven

A blindfold?! Handcuffs?!

Yu Liuxue’s eyes widened in disbelief. Wait, when did I ever ask you to bring such strange things?! Suddenly, her whole body stiffened. Could the villain be hinting that tonight she’s going to take action against me to avenge her parents?!

Yu Liuxue shivered violently, her face turning pale.

Xie Zhenxue’s mind kept replaying the image of those two items. Slowly, she lowered her head, her eyes unknowingly filling with tears. She stared despondently at the tips of her shoes, her nose tingling with a sour sensation. She fought back the urge to cry, biting her lip to keep the tears from falling.

So Aunt Xiao had already reached this point with Yun Ning. So Aunt Xiao’s favorite person was actually Yun Ning. No matter how hard she tried, she could never become closer to Aunt Xiao, never become the most important person in her heart.

Xie Zhenxue bitterly pressed her lips together.

Xiao Kewei’s fingers trembled. He was dizzy with anger from Yun Ning’s words. It was bad enough that his own mother was secretly involved with his girlfriend, but to use such things to spice up their little affair? Up until now, he hadn’t even gotten close enough to Yun Ning to touch her, yet his mother had not only overtaken him but was also playing such a big game in private!

Xiao Kewei glared at Yu Liuxue. He was about to lose his temper, but then he reconsidered. The other party was his own mother. If he scolded her, what kind of ungrateful brat would that make him?

He took a deep breath and turned to Yun Ning. He was about to sternly question her, but then he thought again. The other party had learned hundreds of self-defense techniques, and her strength might not even be less than his. If they got into a conflict and she pinned him to the ground in front of his mother and ex-girlfriend, what then?

Then Xiao Kewei would never be able to hold his head up in front of his ex-girlfriend again.

After thinking it over, Xiao Kewei despairingly realized just how pathetic he was.

Xiao Kewei tried to calm his emotions, making his tone less aggressive. He couldn’t question his mother, so could he at least ask Yun Ning for an explanation? After carefully choosing his words, Xiao Kewei asked Yun Ning, “Ning Ning, you and my mom… when did this happen?”

Xie Zhenxue lifted her head slightly at his words, her eyes brimming with tears, looking pitiful and delicate. Yu Liuxue noticed Xie Zhenxue’s unusual emotion and instinctively raised her hand to gently wipe away the tears from the heroine’s eyes, only to hear Yun Ning’s shocking reply: “Is it necessary to tell you?”

Yu Liuxue: “!!!”

This little brat is trying to kill me today!

Xie Zhenxue’s nose tingled, and her eyes filled with even more tears. Her eyes were red, like a cute little white rabbit.

Xiao Kewei was left speechless, his face turning slightly ashen. From childhood to now, he had always been the one to dump others. When had he ever been treated like this? He gritted his teeth, raising his voice, “You’re my girlfriend! She’s my mom!”

And you think it’s okay to have a relationship with my mom?!

Yun Ning seemed to chuckle mockingly, her eyes sweeping over the dejected Xie Zhenxue, her lips curving slightly. “Not anymore.”

“Since you could maintain relationships with both Meng Xi and Xie Zhenxue while being with me, why can’t I have a relationship with your mom while maintaining ours?”

Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but tell the System, “She makes a good point. I’m at a loss for words.”

System: “…” Host, you’ll be called shameless for this.

Xiao Kewei was stunned by Yun Ning’s twisted logic. He opened his mouth, trying to find an even more twisted argument to refute her, but after racking his brain, he couldn’t find the words. Xiao Kewei was so angry his nose almost went crooked. “How is that the same? Xiao Xi and Zhenxue are so young! My mom is old enough to be your mom!”

Yun Ning smiled slightly, “Why not?”

Xiao Kewei immediately felt like he had died on the spot.

Yu Liuxue: “…?” Wait! When did the villain start having these unspeakable thoughts about me? Wasn’t she going to kill me to avenge her parents? Why did she suddenly confess her true feelings to me?

As soon as Yu Liuxue had this thought, she noticed Yun Ning’s cold gaze on her and immediately realized, oh! It was to get back at Xiao Kewei.

Phew, that almost scared me to death!

Xie Zhenxue’s eyes were still filled with tears. She didn’t know why her heart felt so uncomfortable, as if her favorite thing had been taken away by someone else. She was unwilling, she was jealous, so she wanted to take it back. Listening to Yun Ning’s words, the light in her eyes gradually brightened.

Yes, why not?

Everyone else was doing it, so why couldn’t she? If she didn’t try harder to fight for it, she would lose Aunt Xiao forever, be left behind in Aunt Xiao’s mind forever.

Xie Zhenxue clenched her small fists, forcing a smile, then staggered slightly, falling weakly into Yu Liuxue’s arms. “Aunt Xiao, I’m suddenly not feeling well…”

Instantly, everyone’s attention was drawn to her. Yu Liuxue instinctively caught the heroine, this hot potato. She wanted to push her away, but hearing what she said, she hesitated. She quickly helped Xie Zhenxue to the sofa and asked with concern, “How about now? Do you feel any better?”

After all, she’s the heroine. The heroine must not have any accidents here, or her mission would face even greater obstacles.

Xie Zhenxue leaned against the cushion, frowning, looking very uncomfortable. “Aunt Xiao, my head is spinning, my chest feels tight, and my limbs are sore and weak.”

Seeing Yu Liuxue’s concerned face, a quick flash of happiness crossed Xie Zhenxue’s eyes. So… pretending to be sick could earn Aunt Xiao’s concern. She clutched her chest, her face paling, deliberately saying, “Aunt Xiao, since you have things to handle and it’s getting late, I’ll just head back. You all continue your discussion, I won’t interrupt…”

Before she could finish, Yu Liuxue interrupted her, “Since you’re not feeling well, stay here tonight. I can’t let you go back alone if something happens.”

“Kewei, go prepare a room for Zhenxue,” Yu Liuxue instructed.

Hearing Yu Liuxue say this, Xie Zhenxue felt a surge of joy, as if colorful balloons were floating up with the wind. She couldn’t help but smile, her eyes fixed on the woman in front of her, wishing to etch her image deep into her heart.

Suddenly, a cool voice interjected, “No need for such trouble. I have a spare room that was just tidied up yesterday. If you don’t mind, you can stay at my place for the night.”

Yun Ning’s tone was calm. After speaking, she looked at Xie Zhenxue, “Aunt Xiao should rest.”

Xie Zhenxue bit her lip lightly, a trace of frustration in her eyes. Just as her plan was about to succeed, who knew Yun Ning would suddenly intervene and disrupt everything? She couldn’t afford to leave a bad impression on Aunt Xiao, so Xie Zhenxue nodded pitifully, smiling weakly, “Thank you.”

Now, just being able to see Aunt Xiao in her line of sight made her very satisfied. After all, patience is a virtue. Slowly but surely, she would become closer to Aunt Xiao.

Yun Ning curled her lips without any emotion.

Xiao Kewei felt as though he was irrelevant here, as if his mother, Xie Zhenxue, and Yun Ning were all ignoring him, treating him like air. Clearly, he was the biggest victim tonight, the poor soul who had been cuckolded. Why hadn’t anyone considered his feelings?

Yu Liuxue glanced at the protagonist, then at the antagonist, and shivered suddenly. Could it be that the antagonist was already starting to turn dark? Was the antagonist about to make a move against the protagonist? At this thought, Yu Liuxue wished she could send both the antagonist and the protagonist away and then go back to sleep.

“In that case, let me take you over there first.” Yu Liuxue thought, when immortals fight, mortals suffer¹. Since it was a struggle between the protagonist and the antagonist, it had nothing to do with her. She just needed to stay far away and avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Xie Zhenxue smiled happily, “Then I’ll trouble you, Aunt Xiao.”

After sending the two to the attic, Yu Liuxue immediately ran off, disappearing in no time. Xie Zhenxue watched the direction Yu Liuxue left with disappointment. Why didn’t Aunt Xiao stay a little longer?

Yun Ning rummaged through the cabinet for a while and finally took out a bulging cloth bag. She said to Xie Zhenxue, “Lie down on the beauty couch.”

Xie Zhenxue was startled and instinctively asked, “Why?”

Yun Ning’s long eyelashes drooped low. She casually opened the cloth bag, revealing a row of silver needles. Hearing Xie Zhenxue’s question, she looked up and smiled, “Aren’t you feeling unwell? I happen to know some acupuncture². I’ll help you feel better.”

“Don’t be afraid, it will be quick.”

Xie Zhenxue shivered hard as she stared at the row of gleaming silver needles. She forced a smile, “Thank you, Yun Ning, but it’s not necessary. I’ll be fine after a nap.” She quickly retreated to the corner, “Yun Ning, where’s my room? I want to rest.”

Yun Ning chuckled lightly and didn’t make things difficult for her, “First on the left on the second floor.”

Xie Zhenxue immediately ran upstairs. Yun Ning watched her back and, once Xie Zhenxue was out of sight, slowly put away the silver needles.

As soon as Yu Liuxue returned, Xiao Kewei clung to her, looking mournful. “Mother.” Seeing that Yu Liuxue ignored him, he wailed again, “My dear mother!”

He circled around Yu Liuxue, almost crying, “Mother! You know how much I like Ning Ning. Why do you insist on competing with me for Ning Ning?”

There are plenty of men and women in the world, so why did his mother have to take a liking to his girlfriend?

Yu Liuxue, annoyed by him, stopped in her tracks, “Do you think that’s possible?”

Xiao Kewei was stunned. Isn’t it?

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, “Mother, do you mean Ning Ning said those things in front of everyone just to get back at me?”

Yu Liuxue didn’t know about that. A woman’s heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, and she wasn’t Sun Wukong.

Xiao Kewei suddenly saw hope again and ran off, “Thank you, Mother! I know what to do now!”

After experiencing such a dramatic scene tonight, Yu Liuxue felt her old bones were about to fall apart once she relaxed. She washed up slowly and collapsed on the bed, exhausted. Although Xiao Yuetong’s skin and appearance were well-maintained, her body couldn’t compare to that of a young person.

After the first episode of “Her Me” aired tonight, it received a lot of slander from marketing accounts and criticism from righteous bystanders. However, many fans and curious onlookers were also deeply impacted by the intense plot.

“I’m shocked! I always thought my Zhenxue only acted in sweet dramas. I didn’t expect Ji Can’s melodramatic role to suit her so well! The transformation from innocent to dark is really captivating! And Ji Can’s makeup is stunning! It’s pure yet seductive, alluring yet strong! Go, Zhenxue!”

“Xie Zhenxue’s appearance in the drama truly amazed me. Did you notice? Not only the male and female leads, but the second female lead is also very attractive! I want to give all of them a perfect score!”

“Coming from the forum, the looks of this production team are truly shocking! From the screenwriter to the producer, to the investors, and the entire crew, there’s not a single unattractive person! The male lead is truly a scumbag, but he’s also genuinely handsome. Ji Can’s worldview is truly skewed, but it’s also genuinely captivating! Although aside from Xie Zhenxue, there aren’t any well-known actors, everyone’s acting is excellent!”

“Covering my head and saying this, Xiao Yuetong’s script this time is really delicious! I’m in! As long as ‘Her Me’ doesn’t have a bad ending, I’ll be a die-hard fan of Xiao Yuetong!”

“It’s only the first episode. Isn’t it too early to say these things?”

Until midnight, the Bullet Comments³ kept increasing, with “Weibo Check-in,” “Douyin Check-in,” “Kuaishou Check-in”…

The next day, those rewatching were surprised to find that the first episode’s views had surpassed one billion overnight! And there were a staggering 1.57 billion Bullet Comments.

Someone raised a doubt, “Could Xiao Yuetong have bought the views and Bullet Comments?”

Immediately, someone retorted, “Raise your hand! I watched it five times over and over in one night!”

“Raise your hand! I contributed ten views! I watched it once with each of my five sisters and five boyfriends!”

Everyone expressed that they had rewatched it at least three or four times, leaving those who hadn’t seen it puzzled. Really? Is it just because it’s a script written by Xiao Yuetong? Have you all been so captivated that you’ve lost your senses? They couldn’t believe it, so they opened Q Station to watch.

“Sister, my chest hurts.”

Everyone: “???”

“Auntie, I couldn’t sleep tonight. Your image is all over my mind, lingering…”

“Sister, he cheated. I had a big fight with him. He left me on the roadside, holding another woman’s waist. Sister, it’s raining heavily now, my heart is so cold. Can you come pick me up…”

The ending song played, and the first episode ended.

Everyone: “!!!”

Fu**, did it really end so quickly? They suspiciously checked the progress bar. The episode was a full hour long, which isn’t short. Why did it feel like they watched a twenty-minute short?

“Although I don’t like the tone of this drama, the actors’ looks are indeed pleasing to the eye. Could Xiao Yuetong be a face connoisseur?”

“This drama is so melodramatic! I love it! Hurry up, when will the second episode air?”

“Unfortunately, I have to tell you, the crew has just started filming the third episode, so when do you think the second episode will air?”

Fans: “…?!” What?!! They’ve only just started filming the third episode? How can this be?!

Suddenly, the innocent review department was harshly criticized by netizens. However, compared to the review department, the TV stations that sent Meng Xi back were now even more regretful. In just one night, “Her Me” achieved such great results, with high topic and discussion levels. What about when it finishes airing…

They couldn’t even imagine the potential profits.

Meng Xi sneered as she glanced at the mountain of contracts piled on the employees’ desks in the studio. “Don’t even think about it. Do you really think I’m that easy to deal with?”

She still remembered how those people had looked down on her back then.

Casually opening an email, Meng Xi said, “Exclusive sponsorship? Dream on.”

Earlier that morning, her uncle had called her excitedly, sharing some rough figures for profit sharing. When Meng Xi heard them, her eyes nearly turned red with urgency. Back then, Yun Ning had invested a full hundred million just to compete with her. At this rate, Yun Ning would definitely earn back several times that amount. If the TV series gained even more popularity later, Yun Ning could easily become a super-rich woman.

The most crucial part was that Yun Ning was a few years younger than her!

While Meng Xi was envious, she also felt deeply dissatisfied. She believed that whatever Yun Ning could achieve, she could too. As long as she worked hard enough, she was sure she could become a renowned top producer. What Yun Ning gained was merely vulgar money, but she was different—she was reaping fame and fortune that would give her an advantage for life.

Thinking this way, Meng Xi felt much more balanced.

The filming progress of “Her Me” wasn’t fast; each episode took about a week to shoot. With no time for rest, everyone immediately got back to work. Before the second episode aired, opinions on the series were mixed. Those who liked it were absolutely thrilled, while those who didn’t couldn’t agree with its perceived wrong values. The debates actually heightened the show’s popularity.

Amidst much anticipation, the second episode finally aired. That night’s ratings were even more impressive than the previous week, doubling in viewership and even shocking Meng Xi, who was used to big scenes. The audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

“As expected of Ji Can! I knew she wouldn’t give up easily. Go ahead and crush that scumbag and the mistress!”

“The second episode is even more intense than the first?! I believe this is the most dramatic revenge soap opera of the year.”

“Is no one praising our Aunt Xiao? Let me do it then. Aunt Xiao’s script this time is truly captivating—I couldn’t stop watching. Thank you to everyone who loves Aunt Xiao. She was only overshadowed by her looks before.”

This mention brought up Xiao Yuetong’s past of altering scripts, which was harshly criticized once again.

“Xiao Yuetong really shouldn’t adapt others’ scripts. I prefer Aunt Xiao’s own dramatic creations.”

“+10086!”

While filming the third episode, Yu Liuxue took on an advertisement and cleverly integrated the product into the show. As soon as the third episode aired, Bullet Comments erupted with discussions: “Their milk is really delicious! Plus, the company culture is fantastic, and the boss is very kind, often donating to charity! This is a company from my hometown, and everyone interested should definitely try it! You won’t regret it!”

Within ten minutes of the product’s appearance, tens of thousands of units on Taobao and JD.com⁴ were sold out.

The bosses went crazy, scrambling to get “Her Me” to advertise for them. Even a second of screen time could multiply their sales several times over! Such advertising effectiveness was a once-in-a-century opportunity!

As the TV series aired, the crew’s status rose with it, bringing along various troubles.

Many tried to tarnish the entire crew by bringing up Xiao Yuetong’s past, while others attempted to ride the wave of popularity. Criticisms of Yu Liuxue’s script based on values were also plentiful. Unexpectedly, issues arose within the crew itself.

Meng Xi, furious, rushed to find Yu Liuxue. “So what if he’s gained a few hundred thousand fans? Let him think he’s all that!”

“Aunt Xiao, that second male lead thinks he’s famous now and shamelessly demanded to raise his pay to a million per episode, or else he’d strike and stop acting,” Meng Xi gritted her teeth. “Doesn’t he realize how he became popular? He’s nothing but an ungrateful fool!”

Because of the second male lead’s actions, others with similar thoughts were closely watching their reaction. If they agreed to his demands, the entire crew would fall into chaos. Unfortunately, the second male lead played a crucial role. Without him, Yu Liuxue’s carefully planned content would have to be completely revised, and with their schedule of releasing an episode a week, there wasn’t enough time. They were stuck in a deadlock.

This was what worried Meng Xi, so when the demand was made, she publicly scolded him and immediately ran to Yu Liuxue for a solution.

Yu Liuxue blinked. “Then let him go feed the fish.”

Meng Xi was taken aback. “Aunt Xiao?”

Later, someone anonymously mentioned the second male lead’s issue online. Many expressed disbelief, especially his fans, who thought it was a smear campaign by rivals and rushed to defend their idol. However, during the third episode’s airing, the second female lead casually remarked, “He accidentally fell off a yacht and fed the sharks,” effectively ending the second male lead’s career.

“Didn’t expect you to have such character. I’m unfollowing. Goodbye.”

“Do you think you’re that famous? Without Aunt Xiao and ‘Her Me,’ how many fans would you have? You’re already demanding sky-high prices before you’re even truly famous. May you remain obscure forever.”

After the third episode aired, news of the actors’ pay raises leaked, and the second male lead, who had been ruthlessly kicked out by Yu Liuxue, was furious.

Meng Xi was deeply impressed by Yu Liuxue’s methods, but what made her even happier was Yu Liuxue’s attitude. Seeing how angry she was, Yu Liuxue immediately expelled the second male lead from the crew and explained that she would rather stay up all night revising the script than let Meng Xi suffer any grievance.

Meng Xi was so moved at the time that she almost teared up. Fortunately, she was strong and quickly held back her tears.

Seeing the online criticism of the second male lead, Meng Xi’s joy doubled. When she saw Yun Ning, she couldn’t help but walk over with a spring in her step, arrogantly lifting her chin and boasting, “Aunt Xiao kicked him out of the crew because of me. She did it to vent my anger.”

Unexpected, huh.jpg

Yun Ning looked at her calmly, then walked past her without any emotion, treating her as if she were invisible.

Completely ignored, Meng Xi gritted her teeth and stomped her foot in frustration. “Let’s see how long you can pretend to be calm!”

I’m the only daughter-in-law in Aunt Xiao’s heart. No matter how much money you make, you can’t compare to me.

However, seeing Yun Ning walking towards Yu Liuxue, she thought for a moment and followed. She wanted to see what tricks Yun Ning had up her sleeve.

Yu Liuxue was explaining a scene to the female lead, and Xie Zhenxue was looking at Yu Liuxue with bright, sparkling eyes, filled with affection. Her tender gaze made both Yun Ning and the approaching Meng Xi frown instinctively. Meng Xi found herself increasingly displeased with Xie Zhenxue. Even though they had broken up, she still couldn’t forget Xiao Kewei and was trying to get close to Aunt Xiao.

Shameless.

When Xie Zhenxue saw Yun Ning, she shivered slightly, and Yu Liuxue immediately showed concern. “Is your head starting to hurt again?”

Yu Liuxue didn’t understand why the female lead’s body had become so weak. During filming, she seemed fine, but as soon as the cameras stopped rolling, she would complain of various aches and pains. Yet, every time, she would dismiss it by saying that more rest would solve the problem. Now, with the entire crew rushing to meet the shooting schedule, even though Yu Liuxue was worried, all she could do was ask Meng Xi to prepare several doctors for her, rather than giving her time off to go to the hospital for a thorough check-up.

She had also asked the System, but it had hemmed and hawed, merely saying that the female lead was naturally like this, before pretending to be dead.

Therefore, she paid extra attention to the female lead’s health, as the female lead was her ultimate trump card for a comeback!

Upon hearing this, Meng Xi immediately let out a cold snort and spoke with displeasure, “Doctor!”

Xie Zhenxue first carefully observed Yun Ning’s expression, then hastily shook her head in panic, “Aunt Xiao, I’m fine. I’ll be okay after a short rest.”

Here we go again, Meng Xi was utterly fed up with Xie Zhenxue.

Since the female lead had said so, Yu Liuxue couldn’t say much more. She turned to Yun Ning, “Ning Ning, why are you here?”

Hearing this, Meng Xi and Xie Zhenxue both looked up at Yun Ning, their eyes subtly filled with wariness and caution. Among the three of them, Yun Ning was the wealthiest and had the most authority. Even Aunt Xiao had to act according to her wishes, practically making her a local tyrant.

Yun Ning’s expression remained unchanged, “Didn’t you always say you felt scared sleeping alone in the hotel?”

Meng Xi and Xie Zhenxue’s faces changed simultaneously, “?”

Translator’s Notes