477: All Over

All Over

Xu Xiyan knew that Yang Qiong, the famous martial arts actress, had won the poll. The votes for Yang Qiong were double the votes for Xu Xiyan; it wasn't even a close contest.2

The lead female role had definitely gone to Yang Qiong, so why was Ma Haodong congratulating her now?

"Nope! That Yang woman cheated, they caught her vote spamming and disqualified her. You were second in the poll, which means you're the real winner!"

"What? Are you sure?"

Xu Xiyan felt sorry for Yang Qiong: the actress was popular enough to win the poll, fair and square. Why did she have to cheat and risk it all?

News of Xu Xiyan winning the lead female role for "Root of Evil" quickly spread throughout the entertainment industry—along with the less-than-savory news about Yang Qiong cheating on the poll.

Many in the industry were envious of Xu Xiyan. They were quick to point out that she did not deserve the starring role, that she had only gotten lucky because her competition had messed up.

One man's luck was another man's misfortune…

Zhao Ruiqi was inside an apartment, kneeling beside Xu Xinrou's feet and sobbing her eyes out. "Ms. Xinrou, I know I messed up. Help me, please! Save me!"

Xu Xinrou was furious. She smashed her tablet and gave Zhao Ruiqi a vicious kick. "You useless piece of trash! I told you to drug Jing Xi, but what did you do? You slept with Mr. Li instead because you thought it would be a shortcut to fame and success!"

She had carefully planned for Xu Xiyan to be defiled by Mr. Li. The reporters would catch them in bed, and Xu Xiyan's reputation would be ruined forever. But that wasn't what had happened.

Xu Xiyan had not only escaped unscathed, she had gotten lucky and landed a starring role!

The reporters had caught Zhao Ruiqi sleeping with Mr. Li instead, and everyone was now talking about the scandal. Huang Guoqiang had booted her from his show as soon as he heard about it.

"That wasn't my intention! I spiked her drink, I swear, I don't know why we swapped places. When I woke up, the room was full of reporters, and I had no idea what was going on. It was an accident! Ms. Xinrou, please, you have to believe me! If you don't help me, it'll be all over for me."

Zhao Ruiqi did not have anyone backing her; she had relied solely on sucking up to Xu Xinrou, who had kept her baited with small favors and rewards. Xu Xinrou had been keeping Zhao Ruiqi around to use as a scapegoat at the crucial moment.

But before that could happen, Zhao Ruiqi had destroyed her own reputation and future. Not even Xu Xinrou could help her now.

Xu Xinrou had ordered Wen Li to spread the rumor that Jing Xi was sleeping with Mr. Li, but the reporters had caught Zhao Ruiqi and Mr. Li in bed and the rumor had died a quick death.

Jing Xi's reputation had not suffered in the slightest. On the contrary, the fake rumor had actually helped boost her popularity: everyone was now looking up her name on internet search engines.

The internet was full of comments condemning Zhao Ruiqi for her shameless act. Everyone wanted her to drop out of show business.

A large number of netizens rallied behind Xu Xiyan, who appeared to be a victim of Zhao Ruiqi's mess. Others did not particularly care one way or another; they were only joining the discussion for the juicy drama.

[Zhao Ruiqi? Who? Ew, what a shameless woman!]

[She's ugly and flat as a runway. She's a total nobody. She must be desperate, she sold her body and dignity just to get ahead!]

[Disgusting! She tried to smear the reputation of my darling Xixi, and it backfired on her. Serves her right!]

[Yang Qiong's even worse, she tried to cheat on the poll. Ugh! Jing Xi totally deserves to be the leading lady for "Root of Evil." Can't wait to see her performance!]

[If Jing Xi doesn't become famous after this, then there is truly no justice in this world [Like] [Like] [Like]]

[Eh, I think this is just a PR stunt for "Root of Evil" and "Red Sleeved Beauty." The directors probably planned the whole thing!]

[I heard that Ni Yun will be composing and performing the theme song for "Red Sleeved Beauty." It'll be Ni Yun's first classical-style song, I can't wait to hear it!]

[Hey guys, did you hear? Ni Yun just released a new single!]

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