Chapter 138: Who Could Refrain From Shouting That Daddy Yang Is A Legend!

To think she actually wanted to stand up the richest man in the country; she was truly reckless!

She felt low, her entire state of mind completely off. Even Lin Ye, that big blockhead, noticed it. While waiting for their luggage, he couldn't help but ask, "Sister Xiaolu, what’s wrong? You seem like your soul has left your body."

Bai Lu gave a cold, internal laugh.

Heh, try having dinner with the richest man in the country and see if you’re just "soul-absent"—you’d be soul-shattered, for sure.

In reality, it was mostly guilt.

Not just the guilt of being so overcome by lust that she almost defiled an "immortal," but also the fear of being caught by her uncle.

Di Jiar’er grabbed Lin Ye by the collar and tossed him into Zu Xien’s arms. "Stop pestering your Sister Xiaolu. Her cold hasn't cleared up, and she hasn't been resting well."

Liu Jiajia heard this and immediately looked over with concern. She didn't say a word, but her clear, worried gaze conveyed everything.

Shen Xinlu had been well-behaved for a while and felt the timing was right. Since the last episode, Bai Lu’s attitude toward her hadn't been as hostile; it had softened quite a bit.

Her mother had said that no matter how much a person changes, the core of their nature remains the same. Bai Lu was still that little orphan girl who craved affection and was deeply starved for love. Give her a little warmth, and she would come back.

Up to this point, Bai Lu hadn't shown any sign of wanting to sever ties with her or her father.

"Xiaolu," Shen Xinlu walked over to her with concern and even reached out to wrap an arm around her shoulder.

Bai Lu didn't pull away.

Encouraged, Shen Xinlu supported her head, letting it rest on her shoulder, and said softly, "You’ve been like this since you were little—hating the bitterness of medicine, always needing to be coaxed before you'd take it. Sister won't allow you to be willful anymore. You must take your medicine and get plenty of rest."

Bai Lu smiled faintly. "I didn't refuse the medicine because of the bitterness; I did it because only when I was sick could I rest and not have to film."

"Silly deer, why didn't you tell your sister? Why suffer through it all by yourself?" Shen Xinlu’s acting was so convincing; the look of heartache she wore would make anyone praise her for a job well done.

Shen Xinlu stroked her cheek. "It's alright, you don't have to endure it anymore. Sister will work hard to make it up to you."

"Including what Mom owes you..." Shen Xinlu kept her voice very low, as if talking to herself, but just loud enough for the people nearby to hear.

Bai Lu didn't feel disgusted, just puzzled.

With acting skills this good, why did she keep messing up her takes on set?

Was it possible that she had put all her skill points into being a "white lotus"?

After collecting their luggage, Zu Xien patted her and Shen Xinlu on the shoulder as he passed by, saying, "Family doesn't hold grudges overnight. It's good that you've made up."

Li Huan and Di Jiar’er also smiled at the two of them.

Even Liu Jiajia, who had only been with them for three days, said, "Xiaolu, it’s so good that you’ve made up with Xinlu. She’s been so afraid that you wouldn't talk to her again."

This left Bai Lu speechless.

Brother Xien and the others were one thing, but who are you? Are we even close?

But she had to admit, Shen Xinlu’s "gentle big sister" persona hadn't collapsed; it had been rebuilt.

Wu Liping had taken all the blame upon herself, effectively clearing Shen Yanghong and Shen Xinlu of everything.

However, Shen Xinlu’s performance was indeed noteworthy. She had managed to fool all the guests in the group, so the netizens, who had never even interacted with her, were naturally deceived as well.

Everyone felt that Wu Liping was the wicked one, and that it was entirely her fault. They pitied Shen Xinlu for having such a mother, believing she had been dragged down and almost forced to retire from the industry.

Combined with the influence of capital and a wave of controlled media narratives, Shen Xinlu really did turn public opinion around, significantly salvaging her image.

As for the short video of Shen Xinlu and Yu Fuqing, that was even more absurd. The blame was pinned entirely on the production coordinator who had been caught filming Bai Lu and another actress.

The claim was that the coordinator had used AI face-swapping to frame Yu Fuqing and Shen Xinlu, and that he did so out of vengeful spite because his extortion attempt against Yu Fuqing had failed.

In short, the video was a fabrication—it never happened.

The coordinator confessed to everything.

Coincidentally, the day before, a lawyer had visited the coordinator in the detention center. The next day, the coordinator confessed.

Whether it was Yu Fuqing or Wu Liping behind it, Gao Fanqin would need a few days to find out, but Bai Lu didn't let him waste any more time.

Who did it wasn't important to her.

That they all deserved to die—that was what mattered.

...

Lai Jian was taken aback when she saw Shen Xinlu following Bai Lu onto the van. Although she didn't ask directly, her expression clearly asked why she was getting on.

Shen Xinlu: "Sister Jian, Xiaolu has a cold, so I need to go over and look after her. Xiaolu doesn't know how to cook, and if she's home alone, she'll just eat takeout every day. That's not good for her health."

Lai Jian frowned, not because Shen Xinlu was following them back to Yipinlan, but because of her tone, mannerisms, and speech patterns.

It was obvious that Shen Xinlu was imitating Bai Lu.

Bai Lu knew exactly what Shen Xinlu was thinking, so she took the initiative to "help" her. "Sister Jian, now that the variety show is over, Shen Xinlu will be going back to school with me. So, can our schedules and announcements be coordinated?"

"Xiaolu..." Shen Xinlu lowered her head, moved, and wiped away tears.

Bai Lu smiled slightly. "If you dare to cry, I guarantee that whether it's a show or a film set, it’ll be either me or you—never both."

Shen Xinlu immediately stopped crying, but the forced look of gratitude made Bai Lu shudder with disgust.

"Sit further away, don't get so close to me." After banishing Shen Xinlu to the back row of the van, Bai Lu said, "Sister Jian, I’ve read the email you sent me. I don't really want to take on any guest roles in films or dramas."

Lai Jian: "What are your concerns?"

"First, the schedule is too tight. A high school senior has no weekends, and I don't want to ask for any more leave from school. Second, a mere guest appearance doesn't offer much exposure; it’s not very meaningful. Finally, unless it's a good script and a great team, I wouldn't even take a lead role."

Lai Jian wasn't angry; she praised her instead. "Ambitious, organized, and steady—no wonder Actor Lu wants to poach you. It looks like the first Best Actress under my wing is already reserved by you, Xiaolu."

Bai Lu felt a bit embarrassed by the praise. "I’ll win the Magnolia Award for Best Actress next year; that’s what Actor Lu said."

The first drama she had starred in as the lead was already scheduled.

It would air during prime time on CCTV on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Major video platforms would update it at 8:00 AM the following day.

As soon as the schedule was set, Director Zhang had excitedly messaged her, saying that with the official backing and endorsement of the station, she could definitely sprint for the Best Actress title at the upcoming Magnolia Awards.

Needless to say?

She didn't need to "sprint"—she would be the Magnolia Best Actress this year!

With the national team and the Sports Bureau among the co-producers, there was no need to worry about publicity.

With two months left until the premiere, an overwhelming promotional campaign had already been arranged.

Especially the offline promotion; it was handled perfectly.

Whether it was buses or subways, billboards or street signs, even if you stepped into an elevator, you would see advertisements for the drama.

How could one not exclaim that CCTV was truly powerful!