Baihe Fan

Chapter 22: Counterattack

Zhao Dayu’s reputation in the industry was not great. Ji Fengxue had heard of him but had mostly worked on the big screen and had little contact with TV drama directors like him.

Once, while filming a certain movie, she encountered a lesser-known actress who had auditioned for Zhao Dayu’s film and came back crying. Ji Fengxue comforted her, and after that, the actress left the industry and was never seen again.

The actress was very grateful for her comfort, and they had exchanged contact information, but they never had a deep conversation.

Earlier, when she was sitting outside, Xiang Huaimeng exclaimed, “Ji Fengxue, it seems Linxia is being slandered.”

Ji Fengxue opened Weibo and saw Zhao Dayu’s name, sensing trouble. She first liked the company’s clarifying Weibo post, then went to the room and found Xia Linxia hiding in the bathroom. She couldn’t help but frown, instinctively recalling the actress’s experience.

When Xia Linxia said she was bullied, Ji Fengxue didn’t ask for details and called her agent.

This kind of thing was common in the industry, but few people dared to stand up. No one wanted to get involved, especially someone like Xia Linxia, who already had many haters.

Over the years, no one had stood up for Xia Linxia, though there were many after-the-fact critics.

It’s not that these critics were wrong; self-preservation is understandable, especially in the entertainment industry where audience support is crucial. Losing fans due to siding with the wrong person is not wise.

However, Ji Fengxue, a talented actress, usually kept a low profile and didn’t care much about public opinion, seeking only peace of mind.

She had asked a similar question to the previous actress, but that actress lacked courage. Admitting to being sexually assaulted would destroy her career and personal image.

That’s why Ji Fengxue admired Xia Linxia’s fearless personality.

After the call with her agent, Ji Fengxue was about to post a supportive Weibo when Xia Linxia snatched her phone.

“What are you doing?” Xia Linxia asked.

“I’m your ‘girlfriend’ now, I should stand up for you,” Ji Fengxue replied.

“No need. You’ve already liked the post. No need to do more,” Xia Linxia, unaccustomed to receiving help, especially from someone she had issues with, preferred her independence.

Ji Fengxue, understanding her thoughts, compromised, “I won’t post on Weibo. Let me contact a friend.”

Xia Linxia, not suspecting anything, returned the phone but kept an eye on her, ensuring she didn’t use Weibo.

Ji Fengxue opened her contacts and called the actress in front of her.

Just as Xia Linxia was about to give them privacy, Xia Yangxuan called her.

An hour later, a bombshell article appeared online. An anonymous actress claimed that years ago, Zhao Dayu had implied that she could get a role in his movie if she slept with him.

The revelation caused an uproar. Some doubted the story, while others believed Zhao Dayu’s sleazy appearance was proof enough. Amid the chaos, people noticed Ji Fengxue had liked the anonymous actress’s post.

Who was Ji Fengxue? An award-winning actress who undoubtedly knew more about the industry than the average netizen. Her like was seen as confirmation.

People began to suspect that Zhao Dayu had made advances on Xia Linxia and, when rebuffed, smeared her reputation.

Everyone started attacking Zhao Dayu, especially Xia Linxia’s fans, known for their fierce loyalty. Zhao Dayu was verbally assaulted to the point of not daring to go outside.

The worst part for Zhao Dayu was his plan to wait out the scandal. He hoped that when the public’s attention shifted to new gossip, he could return to filming and let his work speak for itself.

Zhao Dayu was bombarded with several calls within just an hour. All the investors collectively pulled out, and no one was willing to back him anymore!

He never expected that after making a move on Xia Linxia, not only did he get beaten up, but he also got deserted by these profit-focused investors, getting blacklisted from further investments. A comeback seemed nearly impossible for him now.

Xia Linxia happily called her brother: “Bro, you’re amazing! I knew you had my back! Mua!”

“You were just lucky. An anonymous actress happened to reveal the truth, making it easy for me to convince the investors,” Xia Yangxuan replied. “Was she arranged by Ji Fengxue? If so, make sure to thank her. Convincing someone to reveal such things is not easy. We should find out who the anonymous person is and ensure her privacy is protected.”

“Okay.” For significant matters, Xia Linxia would always trust her brother.

She rubbed her face and walked into the living room. Song Wanyi and the others looked at her with concern. “Linxia, are you okay?”

Just as she was about to respond, someone hugged her.

“Hmm?”

Ji Fengxue patted her on the back, blocking the view of others, and comforted her: “It’s okay, it’s okay, cheer up.”

It took a moment for Xia Linxia to realize that they were still being broadcast live. Ji Fengxue was subtly hinting at her to present a more vulnerable side to the audience. Her strong demeanor had always attracted many haters.

A sudden inspiration struck her. She raised her head, looking pitiful, and hugged Ji Fengxue tightly: “Thank you for your trust, love you, mwah!”

Fang Qiushuang sighed, “I never thought Zhao Dayu was like that! Xia, you must never work with such people again!”

Song Wanyi echoed, “Yes, yes, Linxia, you’re so brave to stand up to a pervert! From now on, you’re my idol!”

[Didn’t expect the truth to be like this, just want to applaud and salute her!]

[Wuwu, Linxia baby, keep it up! We “Xia fans” will always support you!]

[Honestly, although Xia Linxia’s personality rubs people the wrong way, she’s quite likable when it matters. Girls must protect themselves out there.]

[Zhao Dayu, you scumbag, wonder how many improper relationships he’s had with others.]

[Did you forget something? Xia Linxia didn’t get the lead role, but Fu Xiaoxuan did. I have a bold guess…]

[Ahhh, Ji Fengxue did a great job standing by Xia Linxia. I’m shipping it so hard!]

[+1, the chemistry between Ji Fengxue and Xia Linxia is amazing! They change for each other and act as each other’s armor. I’m crying with joy!]

Xia Linxia and Ji Fengxue were still in a “loving embrace.” After a long while, they separated. Xia Linxia tugged on Ji Fengxue’s sleeve and led her back to the room.

Song Wanyi and the others were stunned. Was that bashful person really Xia Linxia?!

Xia Linxia headed straight to the bathroom, and once the door closed, she returned to her carefree self. “My brother asked me to thank you.”

“What if he hadn’t?” Ji Fengxue asked with amusement.

“… Then, thank you. Is that okay?”

“You’re really… are you a stubborn mule?” Ji Fengxue said.

Xia Linxia held back her urge to hit her and asked curiously, “How did you convince that anonymous person to expose the truth?”

Ji Fengxue shrugged. “It was simple. I told her you faced the same situation but fought back and had a huge fanbase supporting you. With your personality, the issue would only escalate. So, I asked if she wanted to take the first lethal strike for revenge, knowing you’d back her up.”

Xia Linxia was taken aback. “So, you just used me as a shield.”

“No.” Ji Fengxue paused and genuinely smiled. “Because many people like you. They won’t let you get hurt. This gives them the courage. After this incident, I believe you deserve their admiration.”

Not everyone dares to resist temptation and expose the darkness.

Xia Linxia steadied herself, feeling moved. She always thought there was nothing likable about her, assuming most people only admired her for her looks and body.

“Really?” Xia Linxia asked uncertainly. “Do I deserve their admiration?”

Ji Fengxue smiled. “You do. You’re amazing.”

After a long silence, Xia Linxia lowered her head and muttered, “Thank you.”

This thank you wasn’t instructed by her brother.

From now on, Ji Fengxue moved down from her most disliked person list from 89th to 90th.