To Shi Xinxin's surprise and delight, her reputation received a significant boost after this incident.
The matter not only dominated the "Trending Searches" and "News Magazine Front Page" for three consecutive days, but her Weibo followers also increased by over ten million in just a few short days.
After the press conference, Shi Xinxin returned home.
As soon as she arrived, Xiaomi knocked on her door. After a brief exchange, Xiaomi suggested that Shi Xinxin host a celebratory party, inviting all their industry friends and work partners from the film crew.
Shi Xinxin felt a little puzzled. She said, "Why? You know me, I'm someone who dislikes trouble. Having a party would be too much hassle!"
Xiaomi smiled and explained, "Firstly, it's to celebrate Yue Ran's early discharge from the hospital. Secondly, it's to celebrate that you now have a brother."
Ever since Shi Xinxin came to America, Xiaomi had been her constant companion. Xiaomi was somewhat aware of the past events that had occurred to Shi Xinxin in China.
As for Shi Xinxin's family matters, Xiaomi had heard her speak of them a few times. In Xiaomi's opinion, although Shi Xinxin had received love and help from Uncle Huang after losing her parents, it was ultimately not the love of biological parents.
Overall, in Xiaomi's view, Shi Xinxin's heart still lacked some paternal and maternal love, as well as sibling affection.
Yue Ran's change in feelings towards Shi Xinxin was undoubtedly the greatest "comfort" for Shi Xinxin, and a salvation and transformation for her soul. Xiaomi felt that perhaps after experiencing these events, Shi Xinxin would transform into a more confident, resolute, and brave person.
Upon hearing Xiaomi's words, Shi Xinxin nodded thoughtfully. She picked up her water cup, took a gentle sip, and then said, as if acting spoiled, "Okay, I'll listen to you! But you have to help me buy the party supplies and decorations!"
Xiaomi poked Shi Xinxin's head with her finger and laughed, "Okay, you lazybones!"
"I'm lazy, and I'm willful. What do you say? Are you convinced?" Shi Xinxin burst into unrestrained laughter and, in turn, poked Xiaomi's head. Xiaomi, momentarily stunned, retaliated without conceding, rushing forward to poke back.
The two girls of the same age immediately began to tussle on the sofa, filled with joy, laughter, and merriment.
On the evening of the seventh day after the press conference, which was the seventh night after Yue Ran's discharge, a party was held at the villa where Shi Xinxin resided. The number of guests was just right, inviting all of Shi Xinxin and Yue Ran's good friends.
Drinking, eating snacks, singing, dancing, playing games... the group finally wound down and went to sleep at three in the morning.
However, Liu Jia's situation was a world apart from Shi Xinxin's.
She had painstakingly pleased Wang Wansan, and in return, she finally secured a trivial supporting role. Although it was a minor role, and she was often beaten, bullied, and verbally abused, she still got it.
Liu Jia often hid in her room, wiping away tears. It wasn't that she hadn't considered giving up.
But every time she thought of Shi Xinxin and Yue Ran's smug faces, she told herself: I absolutely cannot give up! No matter how difficult or arduous, I must endure. Only by persisting can I find an opportunity to take revenge on Shi Xinxin.
As long as she could wash away her shame, she was willing to do anything!
In fact, she didn't escape mistreatment on the set.
That morning, she had a scene. It depicted her failing to persecute the female protagonist and then inadvertently being discovered by the protagonist's best friend. Subsequently, she was grabbed by the collar, slapped a few times, and finally doused with cold water.
This scene had a significant portion of her part, yet it was exhausting and difficult. After the entire scene was shot, Liu Jia's tender face was swollen, and her clothes were drenched.
She acted with all her might because she knew that if her actions and expressions weren't up to par, the scene would have to be reshot repeatedly.
And reshooting meant she would be slapped, and doused with water, again and again. What she hadn't expected was that the director seemed very dissatisfied with her.
Every time he called "Cut," Director Wang would specifically point out her flaws and pick out her so-called "shortcomings."
"Liu Jia, your expression isn't natural enough. You're being hit, how can your expression be so stiff?"
"When you fall to the ground, you should hit the table behind you. This will enhance the visual effect."
"Liu Jia, is there a problem with your comprehension? Why, after shooting it over and over, can you still not perform at your best? Are you not ashamed to make so many people stay here and retake the scene with you?"
Liu Jia felt wronged but could only meekly reply, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
After finally getting through the scene, during the break, Liu Jia changed out of her wet clothes and sat alone in the lounge, drinking water and cooling off. Just then, the female lead of the drama walked over, haughtily approaching Liu Jia and sneering.
"Well, well, isn't this the once spirited and radiant Liu Jia! What's wrong? How did you become so disheveled?"
Liu Jia's back was to the entrance, and she couldn't clearly see who had approached. Hearing this sharp, sarcastic remark, Liu Jia suppressed the urge to curse instinctively and looked up at the newcomer.
The woman speaking had golden, big wavy curls. She was one of the female leads in this production, named Lulu Malen. She was of mixed Chinese and British descent and had a certain degree of fame both domestically and internationally.
If it were before, Liu Jia would have rolled her eyes and retorted immediately. After all, Lulu Malen wasn't a major star, so why was she talking to her like that? Who did she think she was?
But now, her circumstances were far from what they used to be, and compared to Lulu Malen, there was a vast difference, like heaven and earth.
If she dared to talk back to her, even if she gained a quick retort, there would be no good outcome! Perhaps this Lulu Malen would even go to Director Wang to complain. Then, she would have no recourse, like a mute person eating bitter herbs, with no way to express her suffering.
So, if she could endure it, she would endure it!
Thinking this, Liu Jia simply sighed softly, not arguing back.
Seeing Liu Jia's silence, Lulu Malen assumed she was scared. She took a step forward and continued with even more cutting and sharp words, "I didn't expect Liu Jia to be a mute too? Heh, actually, I've always had a question in my mind – I don't know how your skin is so thick? Look at yourself, your reputation is already so notorious, how dare you come to film! I'm really afraid the reputation of this drama will be ruined by you!"
Hearing these aggressive words, Liu Jia could only grit her teeth and did not retort to Lulu Malen. She lowered her head, remaining silent, letting Lulu Malen's mockery wash over her.
She told herself to endure a little longer! For the sake of revenge against Shi Xinxin, she had to be fearless.