C23 The Devil Is in the Details

For a moment, opinions were flying left and right.

"My sister? Ha, why don't you call her over and see if she agrees with you? And while you're at it, bring Director Lu and Director Gu here for a face-off," Ye Tian said with a calm smile, countering the accusation with ease. "Or could it be that you're framing me? If I'm embroiled in a scandal, you could conveniently break our contract. Then, New World might even compensate you handsomely and throw in a magazine cover for free, right?"

It seemed like a classic case of turning the tables, a tactic anyone could attempt.

Public sentiment shifted once again, with fingers pointing at Ren Yuanhua.

Caught off guard by Ye Tian's quick wit, Ren Yuanhua's face fell as she blurted out, "Old Master Ye must be in the hospital because of the stress you've caused him!"

Ye Tian remained silent, her expression chillingly clear.

"Say that again."

Ren Yuanhua instantly regretted her words, realizing she had spoken without thinking. She certainly wasn't going to repeat herself.

Everyone knew how much Ye Tian revered Old Master Ye, and crossing her was a line no one dared to cross, fearing the unpredictable actions of someone pushed too far.

The memory of Ye Tian's intense gaze made Ren Yuanhua shudder with fear, and she soon made her escape, claiming she felt unwell and would return later for the shoot.

Meanwhile, Ye Tian composed herself, packed her camera, and headed to the hospital to visit her grandfather.

She was determined to find the culprit, sooner or later.

Sooner or later, Ye Tian reaffirmed to herself.

That afternoon, Ren Yuanhua and Ye Ziyan showed up at New World. Ye Tian had anticipated Ren Yuanhua seeking help but was surprised to see Ye Ziyan join her, which was almost comical.

"Sister, why didn't Director Lu find you a better gig? Why subject yourself to this hardship?" Ye Ziyan mocked.

Regardless of Ye Tian's feelings for Gu Qinian, Ye Ziyan simply couldn't stand the thought of her sister being happy.

"Well, whatever you say, I'm still doing better than you. Has Gu Qinian lined up a good job for you? You're not even on my level," Ye Tian shot back.

Ye Ziyan's face soured momentarily.

Ye Tian wasn't wrong, and Ziyan knew that adhering to principles was part of Gu Qinian's work ethic, but she found herself momentarily at a loss for words. She exchanged a glance with Ren Yuanhua. After all, it was just the three of them in the studio; they could teach this infuriating Ye Tian a lesson and no one would be the wiser.

Even if Ye Tian complained to Gu Qinian, Ziyan could simply play the victim.

With this in mind, Ziyan approached with Ren Yuanhua at her side. Ye Tian clearly saw through their intentions. If Ziyan dared to make a move, Ye Tian was ready to play the shrew.

But as Ziyan reached out, her hand somehow ended up striking her own face, and she tumbled to the floor. Ren Yuanhua crouched down beside her, feigning concern. Before Ye Tian could process what happened, she heard gasps from behind.

The photography team had returned.

Ye Tian eyed the two on the ground with a critical gaze. "You're certainly actors, but you lack commitment. If I were to slap you, that red mark wouldn't fade for a week."

Without paying heed to the murmurs of the photography team, she turned back to her camera and asked Ren Yuanhua coldly, "Are we still shooting?"

Ren Yuanhua, looking feeble, helped Ziyan to her feet and shot Ye Tian a venomous look when she thought she wasn't watching. This woman was fearless!

The staff quickly fetched some ice. They were concerned, not so much for Ye Tian, but to avoid any fallout affecting themselves.

"How could you hit someone? Are you Director Gu's girlfriend?" Linda inquired closely.

I'm actually Director Gu's legitimate wife.

Ye Tian shrugged nonchalantly. "Would you believe me if I said she slapped herself?"

Linda paused, then fell silent.

Soon after, a fresh-faced intern approached Ye Tian. "I saw everything. She was about to hit you, but when she saw someone coming, she hit herself to frame you."

Ye Tian offered a knowing smile, not claiming innocence but deftly steering the conversation elsewhere. "Wu Qian, could you help by getting a few cups of cappuccino? Thanks."

"Yes, okay," Wu Qian responded, not adding anything further, but her eyes conveyed a silent gratitude to Ye Tian.

In the workplace, it's a cardinal sin to talk too much and do too little, and it's wise to avoid taking sides.

Watching Wu Qian's retreating figure, Ye Tian shook her head. The girl was still so naive. If she had witnessed the incident, surely others had too, yet only Wu Qian had the courage to step forward. It wasn't that those who didn't help were unkind; rather, it was a testament to Wu Qian's innocence and lack of experience.

The first day of shooting went smoothly, under the watchful eyes of many. Ye Tian let out a sigh of relief. She had braced herself for challenges, but instead, public opinion had turned Ye Ziyan and Ren Yuanhua into the apparent victims.

Being the focus of public scrutiny was certainly not an easy role to play.

"I always knew Ye Tian was no good. Just look at Ye Ziyan, she got hit by her."

"Don't talk like that. Didn't Nana see Ye Ziyan slap herself and then blame someone else?"

"It's easy for you to say. If Ye Tian were innocent, why would Ye Ziyan, a celebrity, trip herself up and not come to me instead?"

"You have a point. I bet she's involved with Director Lu and is even flirting with Director Gu. That's probably why his wife is upset and picking fights with her."

...

As the voices dwindled, Ye Tian stepped out of the restroom, her hands freshly washed.

The restroom had always been an excellent place for eavesdropping. In ancient times, a spy could learn everything by simply lingering there.

While the truth of the gossip needed verification, if she weren't the subject of the rumors, she might have believed them herself.

She had only met Director Lu a handful of times; how could they possibly be linked?

The sayings of the ancients often held truth. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Ye Tian instinctively turned to leave as she nearly collided with Lu Jingyue. The last thing she wanted was to fuel the rumor mill even further.

"Ye Tian." The irony of the situation was not lost on her.

Lu Jingyue had spotted Ye Tian immediately, and it was clear she was trying to dodge him.

He was well aware of the company gossip but had remained passive. He enjoyed watching the rumors unfold, yet he couldn't believe that Gu Qinian hadn't caught wind of them.

Ye Tian turned around with an awkward smile. "Good day, Director Lu."

"What's the matter? You seem in a rush to leave," Lu Jingyue said, maintaining his warm smile. At that moment, Ye Tian almost wished he would chastise her in front of the whole company for something minor, like turning her back on a superior without any courtesy.

Nevertheless, Ye Tian cleared her throat and spoke frankly, "Director Lu, are you aware of the recent rumors circulating within the company?"

Lu Jingyue hadn't expected Ye Tian to be so direct. Regaining his composure, he responded calmly, "Yes, I've heard something about them."

That made things easier!