MGG - 18

Chapter 18: The Impact

The stream in the mountain was just a trickle, but the production team would add special effects later.

Still, the location was genuinely beautiful. Even though it was afternoon, mist lingered in the distance.

Su Ling sat at the upwind position, her flowing gauze dress lightly swaying in the breeze.

In contrast, Ren Bingxue’s mind was filled with curses.

In this TV drama, Ruan Dai was portrayed as an elegant and glamorous beauty in every scene—except for this first one. Here, Ruan Dai appeared pitifully disheveled for dramatic effect. Her hairpins were scattered, and loose strands of hair hung from her messy bun.

Ren Bingxue thought of the man sitting nearby and felt a mix of hatred and nervousness gnawing at her heart.

The crew was spreading rumors that she had secured Young Master Qin’s favor, but only she knew that he hadn’t even glanced at her more than a few times all morning.

He stared at two coins, his expression terrifying.

“The actress playing Ruan Dai?”

“Yes.” She quickly forced a smile.

“Sit there.”

Then nothing more was said.

Ren Bingxue feared this might be her last meeting with Young Master Qin. Regardless of how ruthless his methods might be, his looks were unparalleled. If she could secure his attention, the resources she’d gain would be immense. Just coming to the set that noon had already brought her benefits—everyone treated her with deference.

So, at this moment, she decided she must perform well in this scene.

She looked toward Su Ling, the newcomer opposite her. Ren Bingxue had been in the industry for three years and had decent acting skills. Once she entered her role, her gaze transformed.

Su Ling continuously adjusted her state, quickly immersing herself in the character.

Su Ling began with her line: “Tell me, did you harm my senior sister?”

Ren Bingxue looked at her in fear, shaking her head while her face paled. “What are you talking about? Where is this place?”

“You evil woman, don’t try to deceive me! I heard everything you said in the room earlier, and this letter is in my possession. Tell the truth—did anyone else harm my senior sister?”

Ren Bingxue saw the letter in her hand and her expression changed slightly. But then she remembered the letter clearly stated everything. Why was this little girl asking if she couldn’t read?

Hiding her sneer, Ren Bingxue feigned confusion. “This letter was simply my elder brother asking if I’m safe in the mansion. How could it harm anyone?”

Su Ling frowned and unfolded the paper. To her, it was indecipherable—it might as well have been hieroglyphics.

But she was sharp when it came to reading people. Her eyes darted, and the sword scabbard landed on Ren Bingxue’s shoulder. “Liar!”

This was a close-up shot, so there was no way to fake the action. Su Ling carefully controlled her strength, afraid of hurting Ren Bingxue.

Though her movement seemed forceful at first, she eased the pressure before impact, ensuring Ren Bingxue wouldn’t feel pain.

However, Jiuli’s character wielded a heavy black sword, and the prop looked menacing. Ren Bingxue suddenly remembered that she was facing a newcomer—a newcomer! She didn’t believe Su Ling had mastered any techniques. Anger and indignation flashed in her eyes. Did this newcomer not know how to act? A blow like that could cripple her shoulder!

But Ren Bingxue never considered that Jiuli’s character was known for her overwhelming martial prowess—a soft touch wouldn’t make sense for her.

With Qin Xiao watching nearby, Ren Bingxue decided to take a bold gamble.

She let herself fall to the side, following the direction of the sword scabbard. Su Ling froze, wondering if she had hurt Ren Bingxue. She quickly pulled back the scabbard, reacting swiftly. But Ren Bingxue gritted her teeth—if Su Ling had withdrawn the sword too hastily, wouldn’t that seem fake?

Deciding to sell the scene further, Ren Bingxue pretended to twist her ankle and stumbled forward. However, she lost control of her momentum and accidentally bumped into Su Ling’s shoe hanging from the tree.

The entire crew froze…

Ren Bingxue… had yanked off someone’s embroidered shoe.

The gentle mountain breeze blew, and Su Ling felt a sudden chill on her foot. For a moment, her mind went blank. Then she belatedly remembered that her character Jiuli wasn’t wearing socks.

Director Wen quickly called, “Cut!”

Su Ling was still perched on the tree, suspended by wires. She blankly looked down. One shoe was still on, but the other… her delicate white foot was exposed, adorned with a bell tied around her ankle by a red string that resembled blood, both bewitching and alluring.

To make matters worse, the mountain wind whistled through, and the copper bell chimed melodiously.

Her bare foot felt cold, and she curled her toes slightly. The situation was so sudden that Su Ling hadn’t figured out what to do when she heard Director Wen exclaim, “Young Master Qin? Quick, bring tissues and cold water!”

For a split second, it felt as though lightning had struck Su Ling’s mind. But no one paid attention to her—they all rushed to fetch cold water.

Su Ling dazedly followed their frantic movements with her eyes.

Qin Xiao covered his nose, his expression dark, cursing inwardly.

Without looking at her, Director Wen handed him tissues. Qin Xiao wiped himself clean, and Director Wen nervously asked, “Is Young Master Qin alright? Should we call a doctor?”

Qin Xiao rinsed his fingers in cold water. His voice was slightly hoarse. “No need. It’s just heatstroke.”

Blood swirled in the water.

Summoning every ounce of self-control, he avoided looking toward the tree where Su Ling’s bare foot dangled.

That seductive, enchanting foot… His mind was in chaos. Qin Xiao swallowed hard, and a fragrant breeze brushed past him. Ren Bingxue, seizing the opportunity, spoke loudly to those around her. “Where’s the towel? Hurry up and bring a towel!”

Ignoring the pain in her knee from scraping against the stones, she knew exactly what mattered most at this moment.

Qin Xiao accepted the towel, delicately drying his hands.

Ren Bingxue, standing close, noticed his gaze fixated on something. Following his line of sight, she saw the spot where she had fallen earlier.

She had gotten up herself, so only a pitiful white embroidered shoe remained there.

Almost no one remembered Su Ling still suspended on the tree. Finally, the female lead Wan Baibai snapped, “Are you going to get my little Jiuli down or not?”

Up in the tree, Su Ling’s cheeks flushed crimson.

It’s over… she thought. It’s definitely over.

The first thing Su Ling did after getting down was put her shoe back on. Clenching her teeth, she tried to suppress her unease. Don’t panic… don’t panic…

But the moment she recalled Qin Xiao’s lecherous expression as he played with her foot, tears welled up in her eyes. It was horrifying.

Wan Baibai asked her, “Are you okay?”

Su Ling’s face reddened. “I’m fine.”

Everyone surrounded Qin Xiao, and she quietly retreated behind Wan Baibai.

Qin Xiao looked up just in time to see this.

He sneered softly.

She wouldn’t get close to him no matter who else she approached. Clever girl.

An accident like that would be trivial to most people—except for a specific type: foot fetishists. That scene had been a visual and carnal assault. Qin Xiao tossed the towel into the water, masking his aggression and lust well.

Seeing he was fine, Ren Bingxue remembered the earlier incident. She had been the one wronged.

She clutched her shoulder, her face contorted in discomfort.

Ren Bingxue’s demeanor made it clear to everyone that something was amiss. Her agent, having heard about Qin Xiao, had rushed over and anxiously asked, “Bingxue, are you hurt?”

Ren Bingxue bit her lip, forcing a weak smile. “It’s alright.”

The agent said nothing. Being more experienced and classically trained, she had seen clearly that Su Ling had eased her force. Ren Bingxue wouldn’t sustain any real injury.

But the assistant, young and impulsive, grew agitated. “Miss Su, acting is acting—are you really hitting people with full force?”

All eyes turned to Su Ling, thinking how unfortunate this newcomer was to be caught in such a storm.

Director Wen was confused. So between Ren Bingxue and Su Ling… who exactly was Young Master Qin protecting? This industry was too complicated. As a seasoned veteran, Director Wen refrained from making any rash moves. If he were to speak fairly, he naturally leaned toward Su Ling.

The young girl was talented despite her youth. She immersed herself in roles quickly, accurately interpreted characters, and worked hard—she hadn’t let go of her script even during lunch.

Director Wen hadn’t called “cut” earlier because Su Ling’s performance hadn’t gone wrong.

At this moment, Director Wen glanced at Qin Xiao, who appeared calm, joining everyone else in looking at Su Ling.

Su Ling knew she hadn’t hurt Ren Bingxue, but the fact remained that Ren Bingxue had fallen, and the sword scabbard had landed on her shoulder. Her face paled slightly, and she apologized to Ren Bingxue. “I’m sorry, Miss Ren. It’s my fault.” But she refused to bear the label of being malicious, and her voice was clear as she defended herself. “When I lowered the sword scabbard, I controlled my strength. It’s a prop sword—it’s not heavy, and it wouldn’t hurt Miss Ren.”

Qin Xiao remained silent. Su Ling stood beside Wan Baibai, dressed in her white gown, her expression uneasy yet fearless and upright. Qin Xiao’s pupils darkened.

Ren Bingxue felt a flicker of unease but reminded herself there was no turning back now. When she’d seen Su Ling yesterday, she had been astonished. At nineteen, the girl had pure almond-shaped eyes, rosy lips, and a smile that was both innocent and charming. Even dressed plainly, her face nearly outshone the main actresses. In a couple of years, who knows what she’d become?

Moreover, Jiuli was a character who attracted fans, while Ruan Dai was one misstep away from being cursed by viewers.

Ren Bingxue hadn’t initially intended to target Su Ling, but the current situation left only two possibilities: either Su Ling was malicious, or she was cunning.

Ren Bingxue quickly made her decision. She was far smarter than Tang Weiwei and other students. Instead of directly attacking Su Ling, she rubbed her knee. “I’m fine. Miss Su is just new to acting, so accidents happen. Does the crew have alcohol? Let’s disinfect my wound.”

Her words effectively cornered Su Ling.

Only they knew whether Su Ling had truly applied force in that moment.

Even if she had eased the pressure, whether it hurt was ultimately Ren Bingxue’s word against hers.

The gazes directed at them were subtle. Wan Baibai chuckled coldly. “You should explain yourself clearly. With such vague words, it sounds like you’re suggesting Su Ling did it on purpose.”

The tension between them thickened, but Ren Bingxue knew the final say rested with Qin Xiao.

Su Ling understood this as well, but her mind was clouded with guilt and panic. All she could think about was the unexpected moment when Ren Bingxue had pulled her shoe off. She dared not look at Qin Xiao.

She avoided looking, but Ren Bingxue didn’t. She gazed at Qin Xiao with an expression of restrained grievance.

Qin Xiao felt a metallic tang of blood in his mouth.

It wasn’t yet July, but his inner fire burned fiercely.

He glanced at the girl with her head bowed, standing beside Wan Baibai. Wan Baibai acted like a protective mother hen, which Qin Xiao found laughable. Did she really think she could shield Su Ling if he wanted to act?

“Miss Su,” he drawled lazily.

The girl raised her head, her eyes moist and pure—the same eyes that had shown him utter disdain the previous night.

His words were brief: “Tread carefully.”

The tone was light, but the meaning was unmistakable.

No one present was a fool. Ren Bingxue’s eyes lit up with satisfaction. She hadn’t expected Qin Xiao to stand up for her, but with just four simple words, his animosity toward Su Ling was glaringly obvious.

Su Ling didn’t respond. She simply looked at him and Ren Bingxue. If this were truly a drama, it would be the classic showdown between the righteous Su Ling and Wan Baibai versus the antagonists Qin Xiao and Ren Bingxue.

Unfortunately, Wan Baibai was also an artist under Qingyu Entertainment and lacked the courage to confront her boss.

Qin Xiao sneered coldly, glanced once more at the hem of Su Ling’s dress, and then turned to leave.

As soon as he walked away, Ren Bingxue chased after him.

The previously quiet set instantly erupted into hushed whispers, with glances repeatedly flickering toward Su Ling. Everyone seemed to be speculating about the fate of this newcomer who was already facing potential career ruin before even debuting.

Some were even guessing who might replace Su Ling in the role of Jiuli.

Wan Baibai was so furious she almost laughed. She was half a head taller than Su Ling and now placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s go have some afternoon tea.”

Director Wen shot her a glare. “What tea? You and Shen Yi still have scenes to shoot. Finish filming first.”

Wan Baibai’s lips twitched, but reluctantly, she stayed behind. Even Wan Baibai felt unsettled, but Su Ling, who had been wronged, felt even worse.

While some people could see through the truth, there would always be others eager to stir the pot.

Wan Baibai genuinely liked this girl. Fearing that Su Ling might be bullied, she pulled her aside. “Do you have a manager or an assistant?”

Su Ling shook her head.

Wan Baibai paused, surprised. Without a manager or assistant, that meant Su Ling hadn’t signed with any agency. How had she landed the role of Jiuli without being contracted?

After pondering for a moment, Wan Baibai decided not to pry further. “Then stay close to Xiao Wu for now. Wait for me—I have a feeling this isn’t over yet.” She waved over her assistant, Xiao Wu. “Take care of Su Ling.”

Xiao Wu, as Wan Baibai’s assistant, naturally agreed without hesitation.

Su Ling nodded. As she lowered her eyes, her lashes glistened with moisture. Wan Baibai was the first person, aside from Yun Bu, who had treated her so kindly since her rebirth.

Accustomed to solitude with her grandmother, Su Ling could endure mistreatment but struggled to accept such kindness. Whenever someone treated her well, she always felt compelled to repay them tenfold.

Nighttime filming continued until nine o’clock. Since Wan Baibai had asked her to wait, Su Ling patiently stayed put.

Wan Baibai’s acting skills were exceptional, and Su Ling observed and learned while watching her. Xiao Wu chuckled softly. “Wan Jie’s performance is pretty good, huh?”

The young girl nodded, her eyes sparkling with admiration, leaving Xiao Wu momentarily mesmerized. She clicked her tongue twice, a sordid thought suddenly crossing her mind—if Su Ling were to seduce Qin Xiao, Ren Bingxue wouldn’t stand a chance.

Xiao Wu quickly shook her head, laughing at herself. What am I even thinking?

But Wan Baibai’s premonition turned out to be eerily accurate!

No sooner had she finished filming than she heard murmurs around her.

Xiao Wu approached. “Wan Jie, check Weibo’s trending topics.”

Wan Baibai opened her phone, and the top headline on the hot search list was glaringly conspicuous: “Twelve Years of Dust” Crew Begins Filming—Actors Clash.

Scrolling down revealed—

Newcomer violently beats supporting actress, showing no mercy…

Rising star Ren Bingxue injured on set, allegedly maliciously attacked by newcomer…

Every single post targeted Su Ling. By now, Ren Bingxue’s fans were already up in arms, vowing to doxx the “newcomer” and avenge their idol.

The headline even included photos, though they were blurry. Neither Su Ling nor Ren Bingxue’s faces were clearly visible.

Wan Baibai glanced at Su Ling, who sat quietly on a chair, scrolling through her phone screen.

Night had fallen, and despite not having gained any fame yet, she was already being viciously slandered. Those around her kept their distance, treating her like an outcast. Still dressed in her costume, she appeared lonely and vulnerable, as if she had been tasting such isolation for far too long.

Wan Baibai felt a pang of sorrow. She patted Su Ling’s shoulder and consoled her. “Don’t be upset. That’s just how internet users are—they can’t tell truth from lies behind a screen and are easily swayed by public opinion. Let me look into this, and we’ll issue a clarification on our official account. This will blow over soon.”

Su Ling looked up. Wan Baibai noticed her calm demeanor and sincere smile. “Thank you, Baibai.”

Wan Baibai was momentarily taken aback. Su Ling’s composure didn’t seem like that of a typical nineteen-year-old.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

Su Ling replied, “I am.” But she had grown accustomed to it. The darkest period of her past life had been when people accused her of sleeping her way to roles, but she had endured. Though it sounded heart-wrenching, it was a lesson she had spent her entire life learning: as long as she lived well and kept her heart free of bitterness, everything would eventually clear up.

First, she had to let go.

Wan Baibai thought for a moment and offered some advice. “I don’t know who orchestrated this trending topic, but I’ll be honest with you. If it’s someone else from the crew, we can handle it. But if it’s Young Master Qin… there’s really nothing we can do. He has too much power, and we can’t suppress it. If you want to survive in this industry, you can’t afford to offend him. From what I’ve heard, although his temper is terrible, he’s not petty. Maybe I should take you to apologize to him. He probably won’t hold a grudge against a young girl like you.”

Su Ling: “….” This was undoubtedly the worst idea she had ever heard.

But Wan Baibai became increasingly convinced it could work. What kind of person was Young Master Qin? Surely he wouldn’t cling to such a minor incident! Ren Bingxue was prideful and would prioritize maintaining her image, so she wouldn’t press the issue too hard either.

Wan Baibai rubbed her hands together, excited at the prospect. This would definitely work! Though she was a little intimidated by her boss, she cared more about protecting Su Ling. As a fiercely independent woman, she made a decisive decision.

“Little Jiuli, let’s go!”

Su. Little Jiuli. Ling: “….” She opened her mouth to protest, but Wan Baibai’s eyes lit up again.

“Oh right, let’s find out what he likes first. We should prepare something before going, so we don’t get kicked out.”

“…” Su Ling’s previously composed mindset shattered completely at that moment. Her vision went black, and she mentally collapsed.