C13 The News of the Scandal

"That's about enough; those two slaps should give Zhenzhen something to think about."

Yuh Wan didn't make things harder for her this time, letting her pass smoothly. But this wasn't the end.

In the following days, there were several more scenes between Zhenzhen and Yuh Wan. As the villainous supporting character opposite the naive and sweet protagonist, Yuh Wan took every opportunity the script allowed to make things difficult for Zhenzhen.

Zhenzhen endured it all silently, believing that stooping to Yuh Wan's level would only diminish her own dignity. Besides, no one in the crew stood up for Zhenzhen. After all, Yuh Wan had been in the industry for years. While she might not control everything, she could easily ruin someone’s career.

Everyone knew how she climbed the ranks—by cozying up to the right people and engaging in shameless publicity stunts. Over the years, her scandals had made her a familiar face to entertainment tabloids, with many celebrity gossip pieces coming directly from her tips.

Finally, they reached the last scene together. Zhenzhen still couldn't relax; this scene involved the protagonist confronting the villain, who, in a fit of rage, throws water in the protagonist's face after being exposed.

In the dead of winter, the table was set with warm water to prevent the actors from catching a cold. But because Yuh Wan was off her game and kept messing up, the water in the glass had turned cold by the time they got it right.

Sitting across from Yuh Wan, Zhenzhen felt a sense of dread. Here we go again, she thought.

Sure enough, Yuh Wan grabbed the glass and splashed the cold water onto Zhenzhen's face. The icy water trickled down her neck and into her clothes, making her shiver involuntarily.

"Cut! That was almost—" The director began, but Yuh Wan interrupted.

"I'm sorry, Director. I don't think my expression was quite right in the last take. I believe I can do better. Can we try one more time?"

The director looked at Qu Zhenzhen with some hesitation. He thought the last take was fine, but he was open to filming another.

Zhenzhen, however, couldn't bring herself to speak up.

"It's okay, let's go again," she said, wiping the water off her face, her expression blank.

Yuh Wan watched Zhenzhen, who was drenched, with a barely concealed smirk.

"My apologies, Miss Qu. I'm known for being quite demanding when it comes to filming."

Zhenzhen, uninterested in arguing, signaled the director to start over.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuanhao, who had come to visit the set, was struggling to contain his anger. His fists clenched, veins visible.

This woman was clearly bullying Zhenzhen, thinking she could control the entire industry just because she resembled a famous actress.

If this continued, who knew how much more Zhenzhen would have to endure?

Before he could say anything, Yuh Wan splashed water on Zhenzhen once more.

Zhenzhen's lips were turning pale from the cold, but she refused to give in.

"Oh dear, I splashed too soon! Didn't get the timing right. My apologies, Director. Should we go again?"

Yuh Wan looked at the shivering Zhenzhen with malicious satisfaction.

Unable to stand her fake, nauseating demeanor any longer, Yuanhao finally snapped.

"Enough! Haven't you had your fun?" He strode over to Yuh Wan, ignoring the shocked looks from the crew and director, and said firmly to the astonished Yuh Wan,

"If your acting isn't up to par, practice on your own time. Stop wasting everyone's time here. My scenes have been delayed long enough because of you. Do you want me to shoot all night?"

After all, he and Zhenzhen were just partners, and it seemed she didn't appreciate him standing up for her. So, Yuan Hao didn't directly defend her but instead turned the focus on himself.

"Can't you see everyone waiting around for you? Do you need a splash of ice water to wake up?"

Yuan Hao already had little regard for Yuh Wan's attitude, especially since their work paths didn't cross much, so he felt no need to hold back.

Yuh Wan's face flushed with embarrassment and anger at Yuan Hao's words, leaving her speechless. He was clearly siding with Zhenzhen, subtly criticizing her and making her lose face in front of everyone.

"And who are you to say I can't act? Can you guarantee you nail every scene in one take?"

Just as Yuan Hao was about to respond, the director intervened, unable to watch the argument continue.

"That's a wrap for this scene. Let's take a break and get ready for the next one."

With that, the assistant director instructed everyone to take a break and handed out hot coffee.

The more Yuh Wan thought about it, the angrier she got, feeling utterly humiliated. She knocked the coffee out of her assistant's hand in frustration. The scalding coffee spilled over the assistant's hand, bringing tears to her eyes, though she bit her lip to keep from crying.

Suddenly, Yuh Wan had an idea and felt a sense of satisfaction. If you love being the hero so much, always standing up for Zhenzhen, let's see how you handle this.

She raised her voice, addressing Yuan Hao, who was nearby, warming Zhenzhen up.

"Hey, Mr. Hero, does that girl you were with at the hotel last time know about your gallant acts today?"

Hotel? Everyone's ears perked up, sensing a juicy piece of gossip.

Yuh Wan was pleased with their reaction, thinking it was the perfect time to drop a bombshell and spice things up.

Seeing Jing Yuanhao at a loss for words, Yuh Wan felt a thrill of satisfaction.

Since you want to embarrass me, let's see whose secrets are more captivating.

"Why so silent, Mr. Jing? Did I see it wrong that day? But that girl's silhouette looked a lot like Xia Wanxin."

Feigning surprise, she covered her mouth and said, "Could it be you're playing both sides? Whispering sweet nothings to Xia Wanxin while acting as Qu Zhenzhen's protector here?"

Qu Zhenzhen had been silent all along. It wasn't until she heard Xia Wanxin's name that she stood up and slammed the table.

"Yuh Wan, that's enough!"

Seeing Qu Zhenzhen's reaction, Yuh Wan didn't hold back. Instead, she raised her voice even more.

"Zhenzhen, aren't you and Xia Wanxin close friends? Don't you know your good friend is already dating Mr. Jing here?"

Yuh Wan paused for effect, "Or... have you two become so close that you're sharing the same man?"

Jing Yuanhao was about to step forward and give this reckless woman a piece of his mind when a firm hand grabbed his shoulder.

Surprised, he turned to see Xie Yaotian, his face like a storm cloud.

Yaotian had just arrived at the filming location, having heard some rumors about a confrontation between Qu Zhenzhen and Yuh Wan. He had come specifically to see what was happening.

He hadn't expected to walk into such a scene.