Baihe Fan

Chapter 23: Announcement

These past few days have been rough for Fu Xiaoxuan. The online commentary has overwhelmed her, and despite her agent issuing a clarifying statement, many still speculate that she had an inappropriate relationship with Zhao Dayu. She posted on Weibo, claiming she had auditioned formally without any sexual insinuations, but the impact was minimal.

As she scrolled through her contacts, her gaze paused on Xia Linxia’s name.

Right, during their encounter at the private club, Xia Linxia had warned her not to audition.

Why?

Xia Linxia must have known about Zhao Dayu’s behavior beforehand, which is why she told her not to go. But why be so vague? Couldn’t she have just told her the consequences directly?!

Moreover, even though the initial scandal targeted Xia Linxia, she easily turned it around, gaining fans for her defiant spirit. Several marketing accounts praised Xia Linxia, while she was branded as a slut.

The unexpected turn of events left her wondering who leaked the information. She wouldn’t have been foolish enough to create such a scandal herself. Could it have been Xia Linxia’s reverse strategy?

Yes, that’s likely it. Xia Linxia knew she was going to meet Zhao Dayu, and then used a self-defeating tactic to clear her name and build her image while throwing dirt on her, leading to the current situation.

Her rationality collapsed, and she wished she could confront Xia Linxia immediately.

At that moment, her phone rang. It was a long-lost call from Xiao Yuran. She grabbed onto it like a lifeline, answering quickly: “Hello? Yuran?”

“It’s me,” Xiao Yuran said softly, concern evident in her voice. “How are you holding up? Don’t cry, everything will pass.”

Fu Xiaoxuan couldn’t control her emotions and choked up, “Yuran, what should I do?”

“Stay strong. Online opinions are fleeting; people will soon forget,” Xiao Yuran reassured her. “Get yourself together, then I can bring you to the show.”

“What show?” Fu Xiaoxuan was puzzled.

“I’m currently recording a talent show, and the final is approaching. The production team asked me to invite a friend to be a guest judge. You have experience and talent. Would you like to come?”

“Yes, I’d love to!” Fu Xiaoxuan quickly wiped her tears. “Thank you, you’re the best.”

“Don’t thank me just yet. There’s one more thing. Xia Linxia has been invited to be the final performance guest… Will you still come?”

Fu Xiaoxuan gritted her teeth, “Of course, I’ll come. I’ve been wanting to meet her.”

“Great, see you on Friday.”

—

The first recording of the dating show wrapped up. Xia Linxia packed her things, said goodbye to the audience on camera, and then shared a car with Ji Fengxue.

After getting home, Xia Linxia got out, carrying Xia Wudi. She glanced back at Ji Fengxue and said, “Xia Wudi, bite her.”

Ji Fengxue laughed, “Wudi, come here. I’ll help you find a mate.”

Xia Wudi started to run but could only wave goodbye through the tank.

“See you next week,” Ji Fengxue waved.

“Yeah, I’m busy this week. I have an announcement on Friday,” Xia Linxia said, frowning slightly. “Why are you so free, as if you have no engagements?”

“Who says that?” Ji Fengxue smiled mysteriously. “My engagements are secret.”

“Pfft, just admit you’re out of the spotlight. Everyone knows it. Why be embarrassed?” Xia Linxia dragged her suitcase and turned away, “Goodbye then.”

After resting for a bit at home, Xia Linxia rushed to meet with her choreographer. With limited time and a tight schedule, she had to train hard. It had been nearly six months since her last performance, during which she was focused on acting. This stage comeback had to be explosive!

She wanted everyone to know that Xia Linxia was born for the stage and deserved her fans’ pride!

She practiced until after three in the morning on the first day, taking a sweaty selfie in the dance studio and posting it on her social media. She soon received a slew of likes and comments.

Among the profile pictures, she immediately noticed Ji Fengxue’s white avatar, seeing that she had liked her post.

She messaged her right away: Big sis? Is it really you? It’s three thirty in the morning. Are you cultivating immortality?

Xiaxia’s Darling: Amitabha.jpg

“Ha,” Xia Linxia chuckled at the meme, feeling a strange sense of affection. She debated changing the nickname but worried about a sudden check by reporters or media. Changing it seemed prudent, but…

Xia Linxia: What nickname do you have for me?

Ji Fengxue sent a screenshot, showing “Xiaxia” as the nickname.

Fine, I’ll change it in a year, Xia Linxia thought, receiving another message from her.

Xiaxia’s Darling: Aren’t you going to sleep?

Xiaxia: Never mind, I’ll just make do here tonight. The lounge has a folding bed.

Xiaxia’s Darling: Not a princess anymore?

Xiaxia: I’m the indestructible, resilient copper pea!

Ji Fengxue laughed, closed the balcony door, and went back to bed. She had been sleeping well the past two nights. As she lay down, her phone buzzed again.

Xiaxia: Remember to watch TV on Friday. See your “girlfriend’s” spectacular performance. It’s embarrassing if you don’t know your partner’s schedule!

Xiaxia’s Darling: Little Dinosaur Salute.jpg

Xiaxia: Your white moonlight will be there too. Need me to pass on a message?

Xiaxia’s Darling: Would you really do that?

Xiaxia: Ha, no. Don’t get any ideas, you treacherous woman! Behave yourself this year!

The next day, Xia Linxia got up early, hurriedly washed up, and planned to continue rehearsing. Not long after, a delivery arrived with breakfast from an unknown number.

She was surprised, recognizing the number from Ji Fengxue’s information. She opened the bag, arranged the food, and took a photo to post on Weibo.

Xia Linxia V: Thanks, darling @Ji Fengxue for the breakfast! Muah! [Image]

Fans quickly flooded the comments, complaining about the early morning dose of PDA.

Ji Fengxue, seeing the Weibo post, smiled and commented with an emoji. Then she noticed the talent show’s guest announcement, with Xia Linxia’s edited photo in the center.

Something crossed her mind, and her eyes lost their brightness, turning into a sigh of resignation. She opened her phone to check her schedule—Friday, mystery guest appearance.