'The Hidden Life of a Supporting Character' was aired and became wildly popular, not only whitewashing Bai Yin's reputation from all the abusive comments she received for playing the villainous supporting role of Su Mu, but also brought Tang Xu and Yang Zhao Lin back into the public eye, transforming them into hot celebrities coveted by the entertainment industry.
The audiences gradually realized that actors are not the same as their characters. The more evil and hateful a supporting character is, the deeper the actor's artistic skills must be to portray the role so vividly.
Because of this variety show, Bai Yin also gained many new fans, and Yan's products were selling extremely well. This again proved a principle - making money off one's career is the most fragrant.
Qin Yao has come back after making a fortune, and stepped down to make way for others. It doesn't matter.
Her best friend Xia Qiao Xi was transferred back to Beicheng as the world's top chief fashion designer. Xia Qiao Xi's return also became big news in the fashion circle, and many celebrity brokerage companies started booking private custom designs from her.
As previously agreed, Xia Qiao Xi brought a very stylish private custom outfit for Bai Yin. This outfit attracted the attention of many fashion magazines, who invited her to come shoot cover photos.
In the photography studio, Xia Qiao Xi and Sun Li Li stood outside, watching as Bai Yin showcased this exotic black gauze pirate-style dress for the camera. The gloomy dark style matched perfectly with her bewitching makeup. Especially with the see-through gauze of this dress, her originally fair skin took on an eerie scaly glow, like a mysterious ghost from a medieval castle.
Bai Yin's expressiveness was in full display, and her exquisitely beautiful face from all angles gave each static photo a dynamic tension.
The stylist director from XingXing Media happened to be at the photography site for a meeting. Seeing Bai Yin's photoshoot, each photo was a classic. He couldn't contain his excitement, and his hands trembled as he took a few photos and sent them to Chen HuaiXiao: "President Chen, your eye for talent is unmatched. Bai Yin is truly a gem of an artist. I haven't seen a model like her in years. Each photo is a work of art."
Chen HuaiXiao happened to be driving. He casually tapped open the photos for an extended look, and replied with "Nothing special."
But Shen Bin, who was standing next to him, watched as the president set one of these so-called "nothing special" photos as his home screen, lock screen, and chat background, and stared at the screen for three minutes...
...
Xia Qiao Xi and Sun Li Li stood outside the photography studio, appreciating the variety of styles Bai Yin showcased as she posed for photos.
The photographer kept murmuring: "Very good." "Nice, perfect!" "You have great senses for the camera, keep it up."
Xia Qiao Xi elbowed Sun Li Li next to her: "She's rising so fast. It's barely been any time at all, yet she's already become the hottest star in the entertainment industry. The reputation Su AnNing built up over so many years is almost overtaken by her now."
Sun Li Li watched Bai Yin appreciatively: "We were roommates for four years in college. Out of all of us, she was the most hardworking, always getting up at 5am punctually like clockwork."
"Wasn't it because she married into entertainment royalty, with Chen HuaiXiao backing her?"
"Their relationship is quite ambiguous."
As soon as Xia Qiao Xi heard there was gossip, she quickly asked: "What's going on?"
Sun Li Li sipped her coffee and said: "It's hard to say if he's backing her or not. Sometimes he seems to deliberately withhold good resources from her, but look at 'The Hidden Life of a Supporting Character' - that was clearly a customized image rehabilitation reality show made just for Bai Yin. Their relationship seems a bit unstable."
Xia Qiao Xi pondered: "These two do seem to have an uncertain relationship."
"Not just uncertain, extremely uncertain!"
"As long as our sister becomes popular, nothing else matters."
...
That night, Sun Li Li booked a private room at Selia Bar for Xia Qiao Xi's return. The few best friends hadn't seen each other for years, and said they wouldn't leave until they were drunk.
Selia Bar was the top secretive nightclub in Beicheng, so many celebrities liked to party here.
As Bai Yin and Xia Qiao Xi arrived at their booked room, they ran into Chen Jing Ye partying overnight in the room next door.
Chen Jing Ye was dressed in sporty casual wear, a black t-shirt with a silver cross pendant across his chest. His hair was dyed trendy white, with earphones hanging from his ears. He looked fresh and clean, his narrow eyes slightly upturned, exuding a youthful charm.
Xia Qiao Xi was Chen Jing Ye's hardcore fan. As soon as she saw him, her eyes lit up with stars. She kept pulling Bai Yin's arm: "My idol! It's my idol!"
Chen Jing Ye was just stepping out for some fresh air. He leaned against the wall, staring at Bai Yin for a long time, seemingly unsure as he asked: "Hey, weren't you that...server, from the resort last time?"
Before Bai Yin could respond, Sun Li Li cut in: "What server? She's also an artist under your brother's company, how could you not know about her?"
Chen Jing Ye was never sensitive towards the entertainment industry. He stared at Bai Yin for a while before finally reacting: "Oh right, you were the lead in 'Nishang', haha, my apologies. I'm terrible with faces, I never pay attention to others in the industry."
Bai Yin thought back to the awkward encounter from the resort last time, and just wanted to end this small talk quickly so they could go their separate ways.
"Hey, it's just the three of you? Do you want to join us next door? More people makes it livelier." Chen Jing Ye suggested.
"That would be too intrusive." Bai Yin was about to decline.
Sun Li Li fiercely pinched Bai Yin's palm. Her eyes were already sparkling with stars, filled with anticipation: "Please, please!"
Chen Jing Ye also said: "Don't worry, we're all industry insiders, just come hang out casually."
Bai Yin couldn't refuse her best friend Xia Qiao Xi's pleading, and had no choice but to agree. She followed Chen Jing Ye to his room.
The room was filled with handsome men - popular idols and fresh newcomers sat filling up the entire row.
Seeing Bai Yin, surprise flashed across their faces.
Bai Yin was currently the hottest celebrity in the entertainment circle. Her recent dramas and variety shows were all wildly popular. Yan's products were selling extremely well too. With both solid skills and stunning looks, as well as strong backing, she was the sweetheart of the industry.
As soon as she sat down, many celebrities came up to socialize and network with her.
They also noticed Xia Qiao Xi next to her, and were even more shocked.
The most popular chief fashion designer from the fashion circle turned out to be best friends with Bai Yin!
It's inevitable that Bai Yin would succeed - with resources like these, how could she not soar?
Chen Jing Ye drank some alcohol, and kept shooting Bai Yin meaningful glances.
Under the cozy lighting of the room, her snow white skin took on a layer of ambiguous darkness. Her slender neck showed protruding veins, and her collarbone was exceptionally beautiful... In this suggestive environment, she exuded an extremely bewitching charm.
No wonder even a cold and aloof man like his brother couldn't resist the temptation.
After some hesitation, Chen Jing Ye picked up a glass of red wine and placed it by Bai Yin's hand, smiling as he said to her: "Bai Yin, let's step out for a chat?"
Bai Yin knew what Chen Jing Ye wanted to say to her. She lazily got up and followed him out to the tranquil garden corridor.
"It's not what you think between me and your brother." Before Chen Jing Ye could speak, Bai Yin clinked her glass against his: "Don't overthink."
Chen Jing Ye's mouth curled up in an amused smile: "With what I witnessed with my own eyes that night, you changing in my brother's bathroom, how could it be fake?"
Bai Yin asked in a low voice: "What exactly did you see?"
"Don't worry, my brother treasures you so much, he didn't let me see anything improper." Chen Jing Ye meaningfully said: "But still, aren't you a bit too bold? My brother is a married man."
"So what?"
"So..." Chen Jing Ye fidgeted with his collar and said: "You seduced him just because you wanted resources, right? I can provide all of that for you. I can write songs for you, introduce you to directors, anything you want, just stop bothering my brother."
"Afraid I'll ruin your brother's reputation?"
"His reputation isn't the main issue, my brother's marriage was personally arranged by grandfather. He's always been especially strict with us brothers, but I heard he dotes on brother's wife like his own granddaughter. If grandfather finds out he's having an affair..."
Chen Jing Ye rubbed his nose, his expression turning serious: "That would affect my brother's future inheritance rights."
"And how do you know I'm the one bothering Chen HuaiXiao, and not the other way around with him pursuing me?" Bai Yin lightly said: "I heard it's just a marriage of business interests between them, and he doesn't have much feelings for his wife."
"I don't know what's going on between him and my sister-in-law. But I'm certain my brother can't fall for you." Chen Jing Ye looked Bai Yin up and down, and confidently said: "His interest in you... is fleeting at best."
Bai Yin swirled her wine glass, a tipsiness clouding her eyes: "Oh? Why say that?"
"You probably don't know, my brother met someone called Qin Yao years ago. Really, your figure and temperament... is seven or eight parts similar to hers."
"I know, it's Qin Yao right?"
"You know?"
Bai Yin smiled lightly: "He sees me as her replacement."
"Wow, so you two already discussed this plainly." Chen Jing Ye was slightly surprised: "So it's purely transactional?"
"Of course it's transactional." Bai Yin also dropped all pretense with him, her expression turning cold: "If Qin Yao ever comes back, I'll naturally stop bothering him. But until then, what goes on between me and Chen HuaiXiao is none of anyone's business."
Bai Yin tipped her head back and finished her wine, then turned to leave. Chen Jing Ye hurriedly grabbed her hand to stop her: "Bai Yin, this is your last warning. Don't be shameless."
His threat completely angered Bai Yin. She shook his hand off forcefully: "Why don't you go advise Chen HuaiXiao instead, you're just picking soft persimmons, aren't you?"
Chen Jing Ye rarely had a chance to get close to Bai Yin, so he naturally could not let her go so easily. He gripped her hand tightly still: "I can give you money, resources, anything you want. Can't you find someone single instead of bothering a married man? If you like Chen men so much, I can sacrifice myself, you know."
Bai Yin looked at him coldly: "You? I'm not interested."
Suddenly, Bai Yin felt her wrist go free as someone pulled Chen Jing Ye away.
"Who's this?!"
Bai Yin looked back to see Qiao Yan Shi standing between her and Chen Jing Ye.
Qiao Yan Shi had a cap on backwards, wired earphones draped over his shoulders. His side profile had a touch of boyish beauty, but his eyes were icy cold.
"Don't touch my sister." With one hand, he shoved Chen Jing Ye away, knocking him against the wall.
"Who are you?" Chen Jing Ye truly couldn't recognize people. He said in a low voice: "Mind your own business."
Qiao Yan Shi still shielded Bai Yin protectively, gently asking her: "Sister Bai Yin, was he harassing you?"
"Yes, bring me away from here."
Bai Yin had some wine, and was feeling dizzy. She didn't want to bother with Chen Jing Ye anymore.
Qiao Yan Shi protected her as they left the disorienting corridor.
Watching their backs, Chen Jing Ye suddenly hatched a plan that would probably make Chen HuaiXiao cut ties with this woman completely.
He took out his phone and called the tabloid paparazzi:
"Come to Selia Bar, huge scoop."
...
Qiao Yan Shi brought Bai Yin to his own private room. There were a few musician friends inside, all of whom had been his closest brothers for years.
Seeing Bai Yin unwell, Qiao Yan Shi didn't introduce them. He just had her sit down and poured her a mint water.
His friends were very tactful, keeping to themselves without prying, giving them private space.
"How did you get tangled up with Chen Jing Ye?"
"Just a misunderstanding." After the mint water, Bai Yin felt it wasn't strong enough. She passed the glass to Qiao Yan Shi: "Little brother, pour me some wine."
"I just overheard him say you're Chen HuaiXiao's...mistress."
"Don't listen to his nonsense."
Qiao Yan Shi relaxed upon hearing this. Obediently he poured red wine for Bai Yin.
Bai Yin shook her wine glass, looking at Qiao Yan Shi.
Qiao Yan Shi had very attractive peach blossom eyes, his dark pupils were deep, his features were exquisite, paired with his tall and slender figure, with a touch of wolf in sheep's clothing, very attractive.
Since he joined Xingchen Media, his resources had gradually improved. He took on an ancient costume drama and with his light temperament paired with ancient style white clothes, he was dust-free and peerlessly beautiful.
This ancient costume drama became the turning point in Qiao Yan Shi's career. Although the drama wasn't a hit, Qiao Yan Shi became wildly popular.
Clips of him from the drama spread widely, fans were crazy about him, his popularity rose sharply, and he became one of the top celebrities in the entertainment industry.
"Come, drink with sister." Bai Yin's slender fingertips held up a wine glass and clinked Qiao Yan Shi's glass: "I told you that you would definitely succeed."
"It's all thanks to Sister Yin's blessings." Qiao Yan Shi looked deeply at her: "If not for your encouragement, perhaps I wouldn't have wanted to take a gamble."
"Don't be so polite, you had the ability all along." Bai Yin poured herself another glass of wine.
Qiao Yan Shi looked at her, his drunken eyes were misty, his messy hair hung loose with a few strands, leaving a charming red lip print on the wine glass. That kind of casual beauty was bewitching.
"Sister, are you in a bad mood?"
"I'm in a great mood."
"I feel...like you're a little drinking your sorrows away."
"Silly you." Bai Yin patted his shoulder, her slender wrist's faint scent drifted past Qiao Yan Shi's breath: "Now everything is going well, what sorrows could I have? Any sorrows...were all those years ago, gone with the wind, I don't care anymore. When she comes back, I'll leave. Before she comes back, I must make something of myself..."
Although Qiao Yan Shi didn't understand what Bai Yin was talking about, he still listened patiently, his gaze gentle as water.
She seemed certain, but behind that certainty, he saw that she was actually very insecure.
"Alright, last cup." Bai Yin drank up the wine in her glass in one gulp, then said to him: "I have to go back now! My two girlfriends are still next door."
"Let me walk you over."
Qiao Yan Shi supported the drunk Bai Yin as they walked out of the private room, but unexpectedly, as soon as the door opened, there was a flurry of camera flashes going off.
Around the corner there were several cameramen aimed at Bai Yin. The bright flashes temporarily blurred her vision, she could only reflexively raise her hand to shield her eyes, her elegant brows slightly furrowed, completely unable to react to what was happening.
Qiao Yan Shi broke out into a cold sweat.
He reflexively wanted to chase after those paparazzi, but those guys ran faster than dogs, running while shooting, impossible to catch up.
Qiao Yan Shi looked at Bai Yin leaning against the wall drunk, he could only pull her hand and frantically run into the elevator, the elevator went straight down to the underground parking lot on the 2nd floor.
Seeing him come down, his assistant hurriedly opened the car door: "Bro Yan, what's going on, why are you in such a hurry?"
"There are paparazzi."
Fine beads of sweat appeared on Qiao Yan Shi's forehead, he supported Bai Yin into the car, then got in himself: "Go to Yuli Tai Apartments."
