Chapter 58 - 58: Things Are Getting Messy, Qu Lingyun
As soon as the Weibo post was made, the fandom for ‘Youth With You” erupted like a volcano.
Xie Yu’s fans, generally calm and uninvolved in the so-called “center position” disputes, were a force to be reckoned with when they finally chose to mobilize.
But when push came to shove, Xie Yu’s combativeness soared to alarming heights, outmatching all the other trainees combined.
Over time, his fans started to notice the program’s unfair treatment toward him, mainly because he was an independent trainee. They had been willing to bear the bias, considering Xie Yu was still in the training camp.
However, Xu Ruotong’s public self-exposure was the last straw.
Xie Yu’s fans could no longer contain their frustration and indignation.
In a matter of moments, they had Xu Ruotong and Lin Qingyan trending on Weibo.
“#XuRuotong, SpreadingRumors”
“#LinQingyan, ActingLikeADiva”
Both hashtags climbed the trending charts, attracting more and more onlookers.
[Even if Si Fuqing only has six students, you can’t just take away all her audio equipment!]
[Every time I see hate comments about Si Fuqing, I just feel more sympathetic towards her.]
[Targeting Xie Yu intentionally? Noted, Lin Qingyan!]
[Is it just me, or does Lin Qingyan seem a bit like a two-faced bit*h? She looks innocent, but that’s what makes it infuriating.]
[No, it’s not just you. She’s always been a two-faced bit*h! Back in her group days, she’d often incite her fans to cyberbully other members. Disgusting!] [Do we have any dirt on Lin Qingyan? Spill it, I’m here for the drama!] Led by Xie Yu’s fan army, public opinion swiftly swung in their favor.
Under the official accounts of Lin Qingyan, Xu Ruotong, and the production team, the comments were unanimous in demanding an apology.
[Apologize! Apologize to Si Fuqing and Xie Yu!]
[Spreading rumors is one thing, but making a fool of yourself is another level of stupid!]
Xu Ruotong was flabbergasted, unable to process the sudden turn of events.
Lin Qingyan was equally stunned.
“Where did they get that video?” For the first time, her face turned ashen. “Who gave it to them?!”
Given Si Fuqing’s standing in the show, it was unlikely that any staff would assist her in procuring such footage.
Moreover, the video where she had ordered the staff to move the equipment had already been deleted. Where could this video have come from?
For the first time, Lin Qingyan’s Weibo was under siege. She felt a wave of dizziness and struggled to maintain her composure.
“Teacher Lin!” At this moment, a staff rushed out, out of breath. “The director and the producer want to see you immediately!”
Lin Qingyan took a deep breath and resumed her perfect smile, “Alright, I’m on my way.”
Xu Ruotong was in a state of panic. “Qingyan! Don’t go!”
Unperturbed, Lin Qingyan removed her hand, “I have work to attend to.”
She left hurriedly, following the staff, cursing Xu Ruotong inwardly for being such a fool. Not only had they failed to take down Si Fuqing, but the flames had also now scorched her.
Inside the office, the production team was in a state of chaos.
“Lin Qingyan, look at the mess you’ve made!” The producer slammed his fist on the desk, shouting, “Didn’t I tell you? No complications. What have you been doing?”
“Do you think you’re an international film star that you can just act like a diva?” Lin Qingyan was at a loss for words.
Her eyes reddened instantaneously, and tears began to fall. She choked out, “Producer, I had no idea that Ruotong would use my phone to release that video.”
Her voice dwindled as she spoke, her face expressing deep hurt. “I genuinely considered her a friend. How could I have known that she would do this…”
“This Xu Ruotong!” The producer scoffed, “A mere model meddling in our affairs. She really must be tired of her career in the entertainment industry.”
The director took a drag from his cigarette and sighed, “We must pacify the fans. Let’s contact Xu Ruotong’s agency and demand an explanation.”
The producer nodded, his tone softening somewhat as he addressed Lin Qingyan, “Teacher Lin, although this situation isn’t your fault, at this point, you must apologize.”
Lin Qingyan’s expression froze for a moment. Her fingernails dug into her palm as she forced a smile, “Of course.”
The producer waved his hand, signaling that she could leave.
Taking another drag on his cigarette, he suddenly recalled what Si Fuqing had said that morning—
“Don’t act clever and pull any stunts, or the consequences might be even worse.”
And indeed, things had turned out even worse.
He frowned.
He didn’t believe that Si Fuqing had the ability to turn the tables, especially given her lack of basic skills, including a grasp of English.
But now, things had certainly escalated.
Meanwhile, in Dance Room 2.
After the trainees finished their practice, they brought stools over and sat around Si Fuqing, collectively relishing the unfolding drama.
“Teacher Si, you’re really something,” Xie Yu chuckled softly. “One video and you’ve managed to play both the production team and Lin Qingyan.”
“Teacher Si,” Xu Xiyun stuttered, “Did you anticipate all of this?”
“Lin Qingyan would never overlook any of my actions,” Si Fuqing arched an eyebrow. “Did you think I took you out just for breakfast? Clearly, all you ever think about is eating.”
She knew the tricks of the entertainment industry just as well as anyone else.
If they wanted to play, she would play right along.
However, she hadn’t expected to encounter Xie Yu’s fans.
They were all rather adorable.
Xu Xiyun exclaimed, “Well, I learned it all from Teacher Si!”
Si Fuqing raised an eyebrow. “Well, tomorrow morning, you’ll be up at five. A ten-kilometer run, and no breaks allowed. Xie Yu will keep an eye on you.”
“Rest assured, I’ll keep a close eye on him,” Xie Yu smirked.
Xu Xiyun looked horrified.
“Alright, go eat,” Si Fuqing stood up, “I’m off duty now. Don’t disturb me.”
As Xu Xiyun watched her leave longingly, he finally turned his head, “Brother Xie, can I…”
“No,” Xie Yu shrugged.
He casually took out his phone, logged into his account, and liked that Weibo post.
Outside the training camp.
Xu Ruotong was still waiting.
Her Weibo had spiraled completely out of control.
Though her fan count seemed to be double that of Xie Yu, her actual active fans constituted less than a tenth of his.
Xu Ruotong never thought she’d cross paths with Xie Yu’s fiercely loyal fanbase.
“Calm down, calm down,” Xu Ruotong tried to comfort herself, “Qingyan will have a solution for sure. Just stay calm.”
But she never saw Lin Qingyan. Instead, she saw Si Fuqing.
With her distinct, almost gothic appearance, Si Fuqing was easily recognizable.
Xu Ruotong immediately ran up to her, blocking her path. “Si Fuqing, I have something to say! ”
Si Fuqing looked up at her for a moment, no recollection in her eyes. “And you
“I’m Xu Ruotong!” she gritted her teeth. “I want to tell you that I—I…”
She couldn’t bring herself to utter the words ‘I’m sorry.’
Si Fuqing glanced at her phone and continued walking past Xu Ruotong.
Annoyed, Xu Ruotong shouted, “Where are you going? I haven’t finished speaking! ”
“I’m going to see Qu Lingyun,” Si Fuqing smoothed her coat sleeve and turned back, her fox-like eyes curving into a sly smile.. “Would you like to come along?”