Baihe Fan

Chapter 32: Dispute

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Fu Xiaoxuan finally reacted and sneered, “Do you think someone else instructed me?”

“It’s not out of the question, given the numerous coincidences,” Ji Fengxue said.

Xia Linxia blinked, as if enlightened, and suddenly realized, “Yeah, why were you even at the event? You already had a tarnished reputation; the production team wouldn’t have invited you. And how did you manage to tamper with things backstage without anyone noticing?”

“And that female staff member—how did you know she’d comply just by casually telling her to fetch the clothes? And how did she manage to use the clothes to hide the shoes from the surveillance?” Ji Fengxue added.

Fu Xiaoxuan was momentarily stunned by the questioning. After a long pause, she sneered, “Ji Fengxue, who are you suspecting? You can’t be doubting Yu Ran, can you?”

“I’m not,” Ji Fengxue said, slightly frowning. “She wouldn’t do such things.”

“Good that you know. I’ve always been the one badmouthing Xia Linxia to Yu Ran. She always advised me not to be prejudiced.” Fu Xiaoxuan mocked and looked at Xia Linxia, “Yu Ran never intended to be your enemy. It was you who kept targeting her, never giving her face in front of the audience and others.”

Xia Linxia was fuming.

“And you, Ji Fengxue, you claim to love Yu Ran, yet you turn around and get together with Xia Linxia, who opposes her. Don’t you think that’s too much? Even as a friend, did you consider her feelings? You could’ve chosen anyone, and they’d be better than Xia Linxia. Besides, you might end up just like Qiu Xingzhou.”

“She won’t be like Qiu Xingzhou,” Xia Linxia couldn’t stand it any longer. She leaned over the table, staring into Fu Xiaoxuan’s eyes, and said, “Stop dreaming. Qiu Xingzhou will never like you. And why should Ji Fengxue be strung along by Yu Ran for years without being allowed to be with anyone else? You know how much she has given. You also leech off her, don’t you? I think there’s something wrong with your brain. Do you believe I won’t bash your head in?”

Jiang Yuan gave her a warning look.

Xia Linxia angrily kicked the chair, making a loud noise, and stormed out of the room.

Ji Fengxue sighed, picked up her forgotten bag and phone, and chased after her. At the door, she turned back and asked, “Fu Xiaoxuan, were those your own thoughts or Yu Ran’s?”

Fu Xiaoxuan replied, “Mine. I was just standing up for Yu Ran.”

“Frankly, you’re overstepping. You should focus on yourself first.” Ji Fengxue then looked at Jiang Yuan, “President Jiang, I suspect Fu Xiaoxuan has psychological issues. It’s best she gets treatment at a hospital instead of staying in the company, where she might cause more trouble.”

Fu Xiaoxuan’s face turned pale and red alternately.

“I have my plans. You should go find Linxia,” Jiang Yuan said.

When only the two of them remained, Jiang Yuan rubbed her temples. Punishing Fu Xiaoxuan was inevitable, but it seemed keeping her in the company would lead to more disputes with Xia Linxia, potentially causing bigger problems as Ji Fengxue had suggested.

“Fu Xiaoxuan, let’s terminate your contract.”

“No, President Jiang, please!” Fu Xiaoxuan anxiously looked at her. “I was wrong, President Jiang. Please give me another chance.”

Since the group’s disbandment, her popularity had waned. The scandal with Zhao Dayu had not yet died down, permanently staining her reputation. If she left the company now, she wouldn’t find a better opportunity for growth than Morning Star Entertainment. This would ruin her!

“It’s useless,” Jiang Yuan said while organizing her things. “I know you’re clever, but you’ve hit a brick wall this time. Do you know our company collaborates with a major client every year? He… is very protective of Linxia. I advise you to abandon any other thoughts, or if her family gets really angry, you’re done for.”

Fu Xiaoxuan slumped in her chair, her eyes blank, and eventually broke down into sobs.

“Linda, bring me a termination contract and have PR prepare a termination statement,” Jiang Yuan instructed her secretary as she walked out. However, she was troubled by another matter—what had she just overheard?!

Xia Linxia and Qiu Xingzhou? Ji Fengxue and Xiao Yuran?

What a mess! Why hadn’t anyone told her about these entanglements!

If she had known earlier, she wouldn’t have chosen to pair Xia Linxia and Ji Fengxue as a couple. Any of these involved parties weren’t simple people, and if something went wrong, the consequences would be disastrous.

Moreover, how was she going to explain this to her old classmate?

With this in mind, she quickly called Xia Yangxuan and arranged a meal, hoping to get closer during this time to avoid an ugly fallout.

Downstairs at the company, Ji Fengxue hurriedly went down and bumped into Xia Linxia, who had returned, in the lobby. She handed over her bag and phone. “Why are you running off in such a hurry, leaving your things behind?”

Xia Linxia took them with a scowl, pulled out her car keys, and walked outside. “Aren’t you angry hearing her hypocritical nonsense?”

Ji Fengxue signaled for her to lower her voice and only spoke after they got into the car. “Not really. I don’t care about her attitude or thoughts; it ultimately has nothing to do with her.”

“You have a high tolerance,” Xia Linxia said perfunctorily. “That’s because you haven’t spent enough time with her. She talks bad about me behind my back and then plays the victim on camera. It’s shameless.”

Ji Fengxue didn’t respond, but she instinctively trusted Xia Linxia’s side more.

“I can understand why you dislike Fu Xiaoxuan, but why do you dislike Yuran?” she asked curiously.

She remembered shortly after meeting Xiao Yuran, they had dinner together. Xiao Yuran was looking up birthday cakes online, saying it was for Xia Linxia’s birthday and she wanted to choose a good one for her.

She asked Xiao Yuran, didn’t the outside world say you two didn’t get along?

Xiao Yuran laughed and said Xia Linxia just hadn’t matured yet and was taking this opportunity to improve their relationship.

Throughout the meal, she couldn’t decide on a cake. Watching Xiao Yuran sighing, she invited her to her home and made a cake herself.

They were busy in the kitchen for half a day, and Xiao Yuran playfully smeared flour on her face, leading to a playful fight.

In the end, Xiao Yuran smeared the cake on her face instead of delivering it. They sat on the couch and finished the cake together.

It was a heartwarming afternoon.

“Actually, Yuran always wanted to be good friends with you. You should listen to her thoughts more…”

Before she finished, Xia Linxia sneered, “Do you think your perfect angel is so great that the whole world should like her?”

Ji Fengxue felt a complex mix of emotions after being rudely interrupted and said calmly, “I’m just trying to be reasonable with you. You can communicate properly.”

Xia Linxia abruptly stopped the car by the roadside, her tone cold. “Get out.”

Ji Fengxue unbuckled her seatbelt, got out, and closed the door, standing there watching her.

Seeing her really get out, Xia Linxia was even more furious and slammed the steering wheel. “Go find your perfect angel, damn woman, you’ll cry eventually!”

The black car sped off, quickly disappearing from view.

Ji Fengxue sent Chen Nian her location, and ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of her.

“My lady, what’s with you today, trying to mess with me? I’ve been driving all over town for you,” Chen Nian complained, glancing at Ji Fengxue through the rearview mirror, who was silent and lost in thought.

“What’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?”

Ji Fengxue responded coolly, “Just drive.”

Chen Nian withdrew her gaze, pondered for a moment, and couldn’t help but speculate, “You were just happily filming the show, then I had to pick you up from Xia Linxia’s place, and now you’re suddenly dropped off on the side of the road… Did you two have a fight?”

Ji Fengxue’s expression softened a bit.

“Xia Linxia must be something, huh? She manages to get you upset every now and then. I haven’t seen you this emotionally affected before,” Chen Nian guessed she was close to the truth and teased, “But she’s still a kid, you shouldn’t take her too seriously.”

Ji Fengxue also smiled, “She just needs a good spanking.”

Chen Nian thought to herself: Why does your smile look a bit scary?

After a moment, Ji Fengxue remembered her suitcase was still at Xia Linxia’s place. She opened her contacts and paused, seeing Xia Linxia’s name above Xiao Yuran’s.

She was about to call Xia Linxia when the car braked sharply, causing her to accidentally dial Xiao Yuran instead.

“…”

“Hello? Fengxue?” Xiao Yuran quickly answered.

She glanced at Chen Nian in frustration and said, “It’s me. Have you eaten yet?”

“It’s still afternoon, what dinner? But I was planning to cook tonight. Do you want to come over?”

After hanging up, she instructed, “Turn around. We’re going to Yuran’s place.”

“Are you just trying to mess with me today?” Chen Nian complained, but her expression turned complicated when she heard the address. “You’re still going to see Xiao Yuran? What’s so great about her that you can’t let go?”

“Do you think she’s not good either?” Ji Fengxue retorted.

Either?

Chen Nian caught the key point. It seemed someone had previously criticized Xiao Yuran. Judging from Ji Fengxue’s expression, the fight with Xia Linxia probably involved this.

She pondered and said, “It’s not that I think she’s not good. On the contrary, I think she’s too perfect, making everyone like her. But don’t you find such a person terrifying? What kind of person can be so flawless? Even you just wanted to give Xia Linxia a good spanking.”

“I don’t.”

“Your expression says otherwise.”

“…”

“Anyway, I can’t say I hate Xiao Yuran, but I don’t really like her either. She’s like a porcelain doll, perfect in every way, but I prefer someone with a bit more substance.”

Ji Fengxue chuckled, “You might as well just say Xia Linxia’s name directly.”

“Eh, you get it. I really admire Xia Linxia,” Chen Nian said. “Just waiting for the day when Xiang Huaimeng resigns so I can poach her.”

Not long after, the car stopped, and as Ji Fengxue got out, she saw Xiao Yuran running over and intimately linking her arm. “What do you want to eat tonight?”

“Anything is fine.”

“You always say that, but you’re the pickiest eater.” Xiao Yuran laughed. “Don’t worry, I prepared your favorite dishes.”

Ji Fengxue smiled. Xiao Yuran was always so understanding, remembering her likes and dislikes even after a long time apart.

The room hadn’t changed much, just more furniture now. It was a world apart from the small rental apartment when they first met. Ji Fengxue noticed a black leather sofa that clashed with the decor.

Xiao Yuran explained, “That… my ex-boyfriend bought it. It’s too big to throw away, so I’m keeping it for now.”

“It’s nice, good quality,” Ji Fengxue said, sitting down with a smile.

Xiao Yuran bit her lip. “I still prefer the fabric sofa you gave me, but he was very domineering.”

After a year, Ji Fengxue could finally sit down and talk with her.

“Why did you break up? Was he bad to you?”

Xiao Yuran’s expression darkened for a few seconds. She sat down beside her and said softly, “He cheated on me. More than once.”

Ji Fengxue’s eyes widened slightly. She looked at Xiao Yuran’s thin shoulders, raised her hand to pat her back, but then withdrew it quietly, noticing a tear at the corner of Xiao Yuran’s eye.

She didn’t wipe her tears like she used to, instead sighed and said, “It’s been so long since you broke up, why are you still crying over him?”

Xiao Yuran shook her head and quickly pulled out some tissues to wipe her tears. As she did so, she suddenly hugged Ji Fengxue and sobbed, “Why does no one like me?”

“Not everyone dislikes you,” Ji Fengxue comforted. “You’re a good person, he was just bad.”

“Right, you like me. You’re so good… Why don’t I like you?” Xiao Yuran said after a moment of silence. “Fengxue, let me try to like you, okay?”

Ji Fengxue grasped her arms and pushed her away, looking directly into her eyes. “No, are you trying to pity me?”

“No, I’m not.” Xiao Yuran’s eyes darted away for a moment, then she met Ji Fengxue’s gaze again, her eyes filled with a complex emotion. “I really want to love you. I think I can.”

Ji Fengxue let go of her.

But Xiao Yuran urgently grabbed her hand. “You think I can’t? But Xia Linxia could. She also dated a boyfriend before, so why can you be with her?”

“She’s different,” Ji Fengxue said.

Different how? Xiao Yuran wanted to ask but swallowed her words. She adjusted her thoughts and returned to her serene demeanor. “True, she’s better than me in every way… I bless you both, but I also want to say, if you ever break up, I’ll definitely win you back.”

Ji Fengxue felt a mix of emotions, unsure if she should be happy or sad, and briefly found it laughable.

Did Xiao Yuran truly love her, or did she just want to take something from Xia Linxia?

The thought quickly passed, but just thinking about it sent a chill through her. She changed the subject. “When’s dinner?”

“Oh, I almost forgot. Let’s start now, come help me in the kitchen.” Xiao Yuran habitually took her hand and led her to the kitchen.

“I just met Fu Xiaoxuan,” Ji Fengxue said, revealing her purpose.

Xiao Yuran paused as she opened the refrigerator, then took out the ingredients and placed them on the counter. “And?”

“I mentioned before that you should stay away from her. Now, I have to insist on it,” Ji Fengxue said. “She’s very jealous. One day, her jealousy will turn on you.”

“You’re concerned about me? You came all this way just to tell me that?” Xiao Yuran smiled and handed her a broccoli. “That’s fine. After you told me about her behavior last time, I already deleted her contact. Help me cut this.”

Ji Fengxue expertly chopped the vegetables and said, “Oh, right. Five years ago, you prepared a cake for Xia Linxia. What happened to it?”

She had a hunch that Xia Linxia wouldn’t have targeted someone who had given her a cake. Just like with the candied hawthorn, she’d forget her troubles once she had some sweets.

Xiao Yuran hesitated for a moment, then after recalling, said, “Oh, that? She tried a bite and said it was bad, then threw it away.”

“Are you sure?” Ji Fengxue pressed. According to what she had read, Xia Linxia clearly liked sweets but restrained herself due to weight management.

“Well… not really sure,” Xiao Yuran pondered Ji Fengxue’s reaction, thinking deeply. “It was so long ago, I don’t remember clearly. Anyway, she didn’t end up eating the cake I ordered.”

“I see.”

“But I still remember the cake you made that day. It was very sweet but not too much,” Xiao Yuran reminisced. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had your cakes.”

“I’m old now, too lazy to bake.”

“No way, you’ll make one again,” Xiao Yuran confidently smiled.

Ji Fengxue teased, “Only for my future girlfriend.”

Both froze after she said that. Xiao Yuran, perceptive, asked, “Future?”

Ji Fengxue rubbed her nose, and Xiao Yuran narrowed her eyes, sensing she was hiding something but chose not to press further.

After having a long overdue meal together, Ji Fengxue stood up to say goodbye. Before leaving, she remembered the initial reason for being there and said, “Xia Linxia has a bad temper.”

“Hmm?” Xiao Yuran smiled, “What’s the matter?”

“But she’s not a bad person, quite adorable actually. If you still want to be friends with her, show some goodwill, and she’ll definitely start to like you.”

Xiao Yuran’s expression stiffened. “You came all the way here to persuade me to make up?”

Ji Fengxue’s eyelid twitched, and after a moment, she responded, “Well, considering you haven’t become friends over the past few years, I won’t force it.”

Back home, Xia Linxia was still fuming. She walked to the window, glanced at the traffic jam outside, fiddled with her phone, and irritably scratched her head.

“What are you doing?” Xiang Huaimeng asked as she walked in, seeing Xia Linxia with her messy hair looking unkempt.

Xia Linxia slumped on the sofa and said coolly, “Do you think if I left someone by the roadside, something might happen?”

“What could happen?” Xiang Huaimeng asked while changing her shoes.

“There’s a traffic jam now. Could it be because of an accident, and she just happened to be in one?”

“Wake up, stop watching so many melodramas.” Xiang Huaimeng sat beside her on the sofa, took a sip of water, and pulled out a new schedule. “Get up, you’ll be busy soon. Besides the previously scheduled commercial shoot, there’s a new invitation. Do you want to take it?”

“What is it?”

“A guest performer spot,” Xiang Huaimeng explained. “The recent show ‘National Singer’ is in its final round, and contestants need to choose a guest singer. A rock band wants to invite you, and the show contacted me.”

Xia Linxia knew about the band. Ever since the show aired, it had garnered a lot of discussion, bringing rock music back into the mainstream.

“But the internet says their band members have strange personalities,” Xia Linxia said.

“Rock musicians, they tend to be unique. That’s probably why they chose you.”

Xia Linxia glared at her, and she quickly added, “But they said they decided to invite you after seeing your performance on the talent show. You embody their rock spirit.”

“Whatever, you decide,” Xia Linxia waved her hand wearily.

“I suggest you go. The show has a high national approval rating and strong professionalism. Plus, they’re a veteran band, it won’t be a loss for you. It might also show the audience more of your potential. You’re just a guest performer, so there’s not much pressure,” Xiang Huaimeng analyzed.

“Alright, I’ll take it,” Xia Linxia agreed, sitting up quickly. “Let Ji Fengxue, that lazy fish, see what a busy young person looks like!”

“What does she have to do with this?”

Xia Linxia said, “Look at her, always focused on relationships. She doesn’t have as many gigs and opportunities as I do.”

“It’s not as exaggerated as you say,” Xiang Huaimeng chuckled. “She still gets plenty of scripts; she’s just selective.”

Xia Linxia complained, “Then why doesn’t she take them? I don’t know who taught her to have such high standards.”

Xiang Huaimeng examined her carefully. “Did you take some anger pills today?”

“Get lost!”

Hearing this spirited roar, Xiang Huaimeng felt the decision to accept the gig was right. Xia Linxia would surely shout her soul out on stage with the rock band!

For the next few days, Xia Linxia was busy with commercial shoots, temporarily putting Ji Fengxue out of her mind.

It wasn’t until Xiang Huaimeng reminded her about the third recording session of the dating show that she remembered she had to work with Ji Fengxue again.

On the departure day, the program’s van was waiting downstairs. As she dragged her luggage down, she saw Ji Fengxue sitting steadily in the car.

“My luggage is still at your place,” Ji Fengxue said.

Xia Linxia pouted, took her back home to get the luggage, and saw Xia Wudi crawling out. She decided to bring it along.

The atmosphere in the car was silent. The staff noticed something was wrong and gossipingly asked, “Why aren’t you talking?”

Xia Linxia replied, “Don’t feel like talking. What’s there to say?”

“Why don’t you feel like talking?”

Xia Linxia didn’t answer, closed her eyes, and went to sleep.

[Hahaha, that’s so typical of you, Xia Huniu!]

[Did they have a fight?]

[But Ji Fengxue doesn’t seem off at all.]

After getting off the car, Xia Linxia noticed Ji Fengxue brought an extra suitcase. Back in their room, Xia Linxia quickly packed her things and was about to find Song Wanyi to play games when Ji Fengxue grabbed her hand.

She was stunned and looked down at her hand. “What?”

“I brought you something,” Ji Fengxue pulled her to the extra suitcase, opened it, and it was filled with candy.

A spark of excitement flashed in Xia Linxia’s eyes, but she kept a straight face. “Childish.”

“Is that so?” Ji Fengxue tossed the lid down, but Xia Linxia quickly caught it and reopened the suitcase.

A faint smile appeared in Ji Fengxue’s eyes.

“Oh Ji, you’re so childish. But I’ll humor you this once,” Xia Linxia said, justifying herself as she dumped the candy on the bed and stuffed her pockets.

Ji Fengxue leaned on a nearby chair, watching her, unable to stop her lips from curling upward.

She had never seen someone so easy to please.

And especially cute. Very, very cute.