The speed of spread online was truly astonishing.
Before Song Xi had even finished her meal, she had received over a dozen calls. The callers, claiming to be from various agencies, wanted to sign her.
Even Sister Li, who had previously hired her for the Hanfu shoot, reached out to gauge her interest, asking when she’d have time to visit her company and retrieve the dry-cleaned suit from last time.
Song Xi was in a predicament. She genuinely lacked a manager and a reliable company.
While Sister Li was kind, her family’s business didn't currently venture into the film and television industry, which wouldn’t bode well for Song Xi’s future development.
She thanked Sister Li and asked her to send the suit via same-day courier, her subtle way of refusing.
Sister Li expressed her understanding and, in passing, scheduled their next photoshoot. Song Xi agreed.
Seeing Song Xi’s troubled expression, Ge Baitao felt a pang of sympathy, and a quiet thought began to form in her mind.
…
Song Xi’s minor surge in popularity brought some attention to "The Princess is Above."
The official Weibo account surpassed ten thousand followers, and discussions even began to arise about Qin Feng's departure from the group.
"To be fair, it's good he left; Ye Tian is more suitable."
"Does anyone not know Qin Feng indirectly dissed Ye Tian during his livestream?"
"??? Proof needed."
"Check Bilibili..."
"Blank'? Who's that online singer? Songs like this are just for novelty, how can they compare to the old classics…"
During her break, Song Xi happened to overhear two staff members talking in a corner. Qin Feng's voice drifted from a phone, at a moderate volume.
"The livestream will end in half an hour, what else do you want to hear? Alright, alright, stop requesting that song. I just don't get how you people find it enjoyable…"
This was no longer indirect; it was a blatant jab.
Coincidentally, Ye Tian walked by. He was in good spirits that day, having nailed several scenes in one take. He had intended to share his joy with Song Xi but instead heard Qin Feng’s arrogant voice.
His face fell. Song Xi quickly pulled him away.
"Sister…"
The once spirited young prince now resembled a wilted eggplant.
Song Xi, without much conviction, praised, "You're amazing!"
"…"
"Incredibly amazing!"
"…………"
"Especially amazing!"
Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh. "Sister, you're not very good at comforting people."
"Indeed."
"It's okay, you still have me!"
Song Xi looked up at him.
"Look how great you are now, your fan count has increased so much!"
"Your acting is superb, your lines are excellent! And you're beautiful too! You are the best actress in my heart!"
"It's a pity you're acting in this little low-budget drama!"
The director, who happened to be passing by at that moment, stopped. "…?"
Seeing the director’s dark expression behind him, Song Xi patted Ye Tian’s shoulder. "Thank you, that was a good compliment. Don't do it again."
Ye Tian’s eyes widened in confusion. " ?"
The director, being magnanimous, claimed he didn’t take it to heart. But later, he added several scenes to Ye Tian’s schedule, leaving him breathless and too exhausted to think about anything else.
A couple of days later, insider news spread through the crew.
It was said that an investor had taken a liking to "The Princess is Above" and intended to invite a popular celebrity to sing the theme song.
The phrase "popular celebrity" was like a stone dropped into the crew, causing a huge stir.
Everyone speculated, and even Jin Ying, curious, secretly tried to probe the director. He looked helpless, unsure if it was from excitement or some other reason.
Ye Tian was also disappointed.
This was his first drama, and he had voluntarily taken on the theme song.
Despite feeling discouraged by the events of the past few days, he had rallied, worked through the night to finish the lyrics and music, and was about to submit it to the director when this "popular celebrity" suddenly appeared.
Song Xi sighed, unsure what to say. After a moment of thought, she blurted out two words: "Keep going!"
"…"
Ye Tian felt even more dejected.