Chapter 16

Although Guo Yixi had released a statement on Weibo, many fans still commented beneath it, insisting that she must have been coached by public relations. Others claimed that Kong Xiyan's backing was too strong this time, so their Xixi couldn't compete, and they felt sorry for her.

These comments grew day by day, even attracting passersby who educated others on how Kong Xiyan had seduced the married Wei Yan three years ago, and how she was now stealing someone else's role.

Even many of Wei Yan's brainless fans joined the fray.

Kong Xiyan ate, drank, and filmed as usual, not letting any of the public opinion get to her.

A week later, Guo Yixi announced an upcoming collaboration with Director Li and solemnly explained to her fans that her previous post had not been aimed at Xiyan; rather, a friend in her circle had encountered trouble, and she had merely expressed a few sentiments.

After she posted this, attention gradually shifted. Many internet bots came down to accuse her of initially letting her fans tear into Kong Xiyan, even driving it to the hot search. Some demanded an apology, but more of her fans were simply happy for her.

Kong Xiyan breathed a sigh of relief when she saw this post. This matter was finally about to blow over.

The entertainment industry's attention spanned only three minutes. As long as it didn't ferment, it would lose heat in three hours, let alone three days. A week ago, people were still commenting on Guo Yixi being replaced; a week later, it was Guo Yixi about to star in some TV drama.

The direction of public opinion had been twisted away.

Kong Xiyan focused all her energy on the upcoming broadcast of "Breaking the Cocoon". This drama aired weekly, filmed and released simultaneously, so by the end of this week's filming, many previews had already leaked online.

Xiao Cheng had been busy these past two days, promoting with Gu Ling. The official account and several lead actors posted the latest news about "Breaking the Cocoon" daily, and Tong Yue also asked Kong Xiyan to repost a couple of them.

Of course, the comments under her posts were full of abuse, even more than the combined reviews of the lead actors.

The two top comments were not about the role replacement or "Breaking the Cocoon", but old grudges and insults.

"Love Wei Yi Sheng": I knew someone would definitely come back. After all, in this entertainment circle, there's fun, food, and people to sleep with—how nice! Especially having the skill to break up someone's marriage, how glorious! Kong Xiao San, you've truly set a new record for shamelessness!!!

"Wei Yan Zui Hao": Miss Kong, please get out of the entertainment industry!!! You did such a thing back then and still have the nerve to come back? What? Seeing that our Wei Yan is popular now, are you planning to ride on his coattails?

"Hua Hua Yang Yang": Wow, in my lifetime, I never thought I'd see the two ladies above commenting together again!!!! This is so touching! Three years ago, whether it was Wei Wei or Wei Yan, both of you were at the top of the comments!!!

— Adding one to the above! Frantically calling for the two ladies above! Quickly curse the shameless mistress to death. Ladies, you're mighty and awesome!

— Seems like it's true. The two ladies who used to occupy the top comments on He Wei and Wei Yan's posts have actually stood together again. I... I kind of want to cry.

— Me too.

— Hey, I'm a fan of the "Breaking the Cocoon" book. Is there a class representative who can explain what's going on? Lately, I've been bombarded with news that Kong Xiyan is a mistress; it's everywhere.

"Love Wei Yi Sheng": To the person above and other book fans, I'll explain it right here today. Three years ago, Kong Xiao San played the female lead in a TV drama, with Wei Yan as the male lead. She pestered Wei Yan relentlessly. Shortly after filming began, she took advantage of a crew gathering, got Wei Yan drunk, and took him to a hotel! Later, Wei Wei found out and divorced Wei Yan. Wei Yan admitted to it all! Kong Xiao San still denied it stubbornly, but finally, her family exposed that she had admired Wei Yan for a long time, saying at home every day that she would marry no one but Wei Yan in this life. Her younger sister also exposed that she once asked where to buy that kind of drug. For someone like her to return to the entertainment industry is truly an outrage against heaven!

"Hua Hua Yang Yang": As someone who witnessed the whole process three years ago, I confirm this.

"Wei Yan Zui Hao": That's right. Although Wei Yan also made a mistake in this matter, he doesn't deserve to die! I especially feel sorry for He Wei. She was just cuckolded for no reason. It's all that Kong Xiao San's fault!

— Damn, so explosive?

— Even more exciting than a TV drama! Awesome. I was wondering why Wei Yan and He Wei, that golden couple, suddenly divorced. So there was this story.

— But I recently saw that Wei Yan and He Wei seem to be in contact again, and a recent interview hinted they might reconcile.

— Yeah, I saw that too. I hope they get back together, and I hope Kong Xiao San gets out of the entertainment industry!!!!!

The two accounts, "Wei Yan Zui Hao" and "Love Wei Yi Sheng", caused a big uproar under Kong Xiyan's Weibo, inciting many people to pressure the official account, but because "Breaking the Cocoon" had too many book fans, it was quickly suppressed.

Of course, Tong Yue also hired internet bots to suppress the comments.

So the official account's comment section was relatively calm, and occasionally a few scolding her were suppressed.

This time, the official account had learned its lesson. Most of the clips they edited were of Xiao Cheng and Gu Ling, and even others, but they alone deleted her parts.

Kong Xiyan used her burner account to browse Weibo.

Under the official account, many were confessing their love for Xiao Cheng and Gu Ling, and of course, book fans were hotly discussing how the plot had been adapted. Compared to the bloody storm under her own Weibo, this place was like paradise on earth, so harmonious it was unbelievable.

Tong Yue came over with a lunchbox and saw Kong Xiyan looking at her phone. She was still wearing her costume, with delicate makeup and a calm expression, especially her bright eyes, which showed no ripples.

This was something she hadn't seen three years ago.

Actually, she had said back then that Kong Xiyan would definitely become famous, and it wasn't without reason.

But—who could have imagined such a thing would happen.

Tong Yue sighed and walked to her side, nudging the sleeping Fu Qiu: "Time to eat."

Fu Qiu opened her somewhat swollen eyes, took the lunch Tong Yue brought, and handed it to Kong Xiyan first: "Sister Kong, let's eat."

Kong Xiyan put away her phone early, took the lunchbox, and despite her delicate makeup, she couldn't hide her weary expression. This scene had been filming since last night and had only just passed moments ago.

The others on set were used to such long filming sessions. Just look at Xiao Cheng and Gu Ling—their faces showed no sign of sleepiness.

In contrast, she and Fu Qiu showed signs of fatigue.

Her three-year rest had pampered her body too well; she needed to get back in shape.

Tong Yue noticed Fu Qiu kept yawning and shook her head helplessly: "You go back first. There's no problem here. Once the makeup artist comes to remove makeup, I'll take Xiyan back."

Fu Qiu's mouth opened halfway, then stopped. She turned to look at Kong Xiyan: "Is that okay, Sister Kong?"

Kong Xiyan watched her, clearly sleepy but still trying to tough it out, and chuckled softly: "Go back first. Sister Tong is here; there's no problem."

Tong Yue had been following her into the film crew for a week now, but she wasn't always there. Occasionally, she had to handle other matters, so Fu Qiu was mainly by her side.

When Fu Qiu heard Kong Xiyan giving her the go-ahead, she immediately stood up and said with a beaming smile: "Sister Kong is the best!"

Seeing Tong Yue standing to the side, she added: "Sister Tong is great too!"

Kong Xiyan couldn't help but feel a bit envious seeing her instantly regain her energy. Fu Qiu had just graduated and used connections to become an assistant. She had no experience, but she was young, energetic, unafraid of hardship, and quick in her work, so Kong Xiyan liked her a lot.

Fu Qiu quickly packed up her things, greeted Kong Xiyan and Tong Yue, and left the room.

As she walked along the corridor, she ran into Xiao Cheng. She quickly lowered her head to greet him, and Xiao Cheng nodded with a faint smile. Just as they passed each other, Xiao Cheng suddenly turned and called out, "Are you Fu Qiu?"

Fu Qiu was stunned, then quickly turned around with a bright smile: "Mr. Xiao, how do you know my name?"

Xiao Cheng, still in costume with his long hair tied back and a handsome face bearing a faint smile, looked every bit the elegant gentleman. He said, "I remember you're Sister Kong's assistant."

Fu Qiu nodded: "Mm, yes."

Xiao Cheng, with clear brows and eyes, still maintained his composed demeanor: "Recently, there's been a lot of unfavorable rumors about Sister Kong on Weibo. You should spend more time with her. Girls always say it doesn't matter, but deep down, it still hurts."

Fu Qiu felt the same way and said, "Mr. Xiao is really kind to Sister Kong. I'll be sure to spend more time with her, don't worry."

Xiao Cheng gave a soft laugh: "It's just that I'm a fan of Sister Kong, but I can't even get her to go out and relax with me. Sigh..."

Fu Qiu thought for a moment and said, "Sister Kong doesn't seem to like going out. After filming, she goes straight home. Oh, right, she also has a cat; she might be in a hurry to take care of it."

Xiao Cheng nodded: "So that's it. I knew before that Sister Kong liked raising cats; I didn't expect it to be true."

Fu Qiu scratched her head and smiled.

Seeing her like that, Xiao Cheng waved goodbye to her. After they left, a person stepped out from behind a door. Her face was full of gloom, and she looked at the direction Xiao Cheng had gone with some dissatisfaction.

What was so good about this Kong Xiyan? Everyone who saw her seemed to lose their soul.

Back then, Wei Yan divorced because of her, and everyone knew.

Now, she had just come back and already had Xiao Cheng spellbound.

Wu Qing glared angrily at Kong Xiyan's dressing room, gritted her teeth, and left the corridor.