CSGM - Chapter 123
Chapter 123: Every Minute, Every Second
Well, well, she's quite the actress.
That was Zhou Yu's first thought upon seeing her like this.
The more he thought about it, the funnier it seemed. In Jade-Carving Ballad, Meng Wenzhao, one of the female leads played by Chu Xi, was a lofty master who exuded an unshakable aura even when blindfolded after losing her sight.
She wore that prop blindfold during filming and could act like a master in front of the camera. Was she still so deep in character that she hadn't come out of it yet?
Zhou Yu said, "Alright, I'll make my move then. You…"
He trailed off with a laugh, then continued, "You should probably watch where you're placing your pieces."
He found Chu Xi's behavior somewhat amusing.
The surrounding spectators watched with curiosity, staring at Chu Xi to see if she could really play blind.
Uh… even with a good memory, that shouldn't be possible, right?
This wasn't like memorizing a book or a text. Chu Xi was already terrible at Gomoku to begin with. Wouldn't she be even worse with her eyes covered?
Chu Xi couldn't be bothered to respond to Zhou Yu's foolish remarks. After Jin Yuan announced his coordinates, she simply told Jin Yuan where to place her piece, also using coordinates.
Two minutes later, Zhou Yu's smile had stiffened slightly.
Three minutes later, his lips were pressed into a thin line. He could no longer smile.
Chu Xi said, "K16. He loses."
After giving her final, calm command, Chu Xi didn't even look. But Zhou Yu and everyone watching saw the board—
The piece was placed exactly where Chu Xi had said, creating a line of five. Zhou Yu had indeed lost!
Was she even human?
She had beaten Zhou Yu blindfolded, without even looking at the board.
Had Chu Xi memorized the positions of all twenty or thirty pieces that had been played?
And she had won so quickly.
Just a moment ago, she was constantly losing to Ren Zhi at this same speed…
Someone suddenly had a thought: could it be that she was intentionally letting Ren Zhi win earlier?
But against Zhou Yu, she unleashed her true strength, crushing him while playing blind!
Hiss… Zhou Yu really had it rough.
Wen Huixiang chuckled beside them, looking at the board in pleasant surprise. "You can win without even looking? That's amazing!"
Chu Xi removed the blindfold and walked away with an indifferent expression, leaving behind only a single sentence.
"Beating him is easy."
Zhou Yu was so angry his mouth was slightly twisted, yet he had to force a smile and say he hadn't expected Chu Xi to be so skilled.
Jin Yuan followed behind Chu Xi, laughing inwardly. It felt incredibly satisfying.
—Serves you right, you Big Rat!
He deserved it for running his mouth on his live stream before, being all passive-aggressive and insinuating things. Jin Yuan had disliked him for a long time.
The guy loved to put others down to cultivate a "blunt" and "real person in the entertainment industry" persona for his fans, but in reality, he was just selfishly harming others for his own benefit. If he had the guts, he should expose his own secrets.
Like how the post-production team had to go overboard with the eye-widening effects just for him throughout the entire series.
Zhou Yu always acted magnanimous, broad-minded, and straightforward in public, but in reality, he was the most sensitive, petty, and grudge-holding person there was.
They say women are the best at spotting fakes, and Jin Yuan's sharp eyes had seen right through Zhou Yu's two-faced nature.
Sure enough, that very night, Zhou Yu went live, fuming, to complain to his fans.
He once again adopted that manipulative, "just kidding, just chatting, no big deal, I don't mind, just saying" tone of a two-faced man.
—"You all know I've been on the set of Jade-Carving Ballad recently. It's a pretty big production with a lot of senior actors. It's quite interesting. I haven't streamed in a while, so let's just casually chat about what's happening on set."
—"You all know the kind of team behind this show, right? If you don't, just search it up… With such a great production, so many people were dying to get in. So how did the final cast get chosen? You either have the experience, the acting skills, the ability to bring in investment, or you have some kind of gimmick, like your Brother Yu here… Then there are some people, heh… haha… I didn't know how some people got in at first, but I found out later."
—"Oh my god, some actors are such suck-ups, it completely blew my mind!"
—"During breaks, they shamelessly squeeze into the A-lister's dressing room. The moment they see the biggest star on set, they're guaranteed to have this fawning, perpetually smiling look on their face, sticking close to them. I was honestly impressed watching it… Me? Haha, your Brother Yu is just a minor actor. They always give me the cold shoulder."
—"Treating people based on their status? Right, right, doesn't that happen everywhere in society? Let me tell you another one, but don't try to guess who it is, just listen for fun…"
Zhou Yu recounted some incidents he'd seen, like delivering breakfast and peeling grapes. His description of the "certain artist who got into the cast through unknown means" and their behavior towards the "biggest star on set" could only be described with one word: fawning.
The viewers watching the live stream all knew what was up. That night, a trending topic about the Jade-Carving Ballad cast was being hotly debated.
The biggest star on set—everyone tacitly agreed it was Ren Zhi, the queen of carrying dramas and the first-billing protagonist.
However, Ren Zhi's own fans didn't dare to claim this title, humbly posting in the topic: There are respected and virtuous seniors on set. Zhizhi is just a junior who is fortunate enough to play the lead and collaborate with everyone. She wouldn't dare call herself the biggest star!
As for the other "certain artist who got into the cast through unknown means," after much speculation, netizens narrowed it down to a few suspects, with Chu Xi being the prime one.
Suspect A's fan: 【XXX said he got into the cast because he was lucky and was noticed by the production company at a gala!】
Suspect B's fan: 【Don't drag XXX into this, he's just an eighth-billed supporting character, leave him alone!】
Suspect C's fan: 【Is it possible that XX joined the cast through the proper channels? The vlogs he posted from X date to X date were all about audition prep, feel free to go back and check…】
Only Chu Xi's fans were—
【They're not talking about Xixi and Zhizhi, are they? Did this girl really join the cast to chase after her wife? /[facepalm]】
【First of all, I don't agree that "got into the cast through unknown means" refers to Chu Xi. It's common knowledge that when the role of Meng Wenzhao opened up, the production team said anyone could audition, right? And if Chu Xi really had such strong connections, why was she a replacement? Why wasn't she cast from the very beginning? /[question]】
【Alright, alright, we all know Xixi is very good to Zhizhi on set. They have a good relationship to begin with, is that bothering you, Big Rat? /[cute] Who are you being passive-aggressive towards? Always selling that "blunt" persona, you /[tea] man.】
【Is it possible that they're just friends, and what's wrong with being nice to a friend? Who do you think you are? What are you insinuating with all your exaggerations? Does everyone who doesn't know you, you Big Rat, have to greet you with a smile? Fine, I'll send you a pack of rat poison. /[heh]】
For some reason, the Milkshakes had a gut feeling.
If the "A-lister" was Ren Zhi, then they felt it was highly likely that the other "certain artist" who was super nice to Ren Zhi was Chu Xi.
Xixi was totally capable of doing something like that. It was just peeling grapes for Zhizhi, bringing her a loving breakfast, and hanging out in her dressing room for some alone time~
As for the other descriptions, and the insinuation that Chu Xi was fawning over Ren Zhi for some ulterior motive, they didn't buy it!
It was obvious that Big Rat was holding a personal grudge and trying to smear Xixi.
The Milkshakes pretty much had it figured out.
The "ChuChu dong Ren" CP fans arrived upon hearing the news, panting with excitement. They were shipping it hard!
They also sent Zhou Yu a pack of rat poison as a thank-you gift.
The staunch career fans among the Cheeses also arrived, raising a banner with two large words written on it—Solo Stan.
That's right, they were the "Zhizhi is beautiful alone" faction!
【First of all, Ren Zhi has never said she's the biggest star. Secondly, certain people need to stay away from Ren Zhi. Stop leeching! /[smile]】
【My god, what did Zhizhi do to deserve this? She had to be with Chu Xi on a variety show, and now she has to be with Chu Xi in a new drama… She's being used for clout, I feel so bad for the beautiful girl. /[bitter]】
【What a scheming nobody. I really don't understand why they chose her as the replacement for this drama. She has zero CP chemistry with Ren Zhi, okay? I already can't wait for the Senior Sister to stab the Junior Sister with a sword!】
However, this commenter probably never imagined that when Jade-Carving Ballad actually aired, there would be a scene just like that!
By the time the bullet hit its mark, the person who posted the comment was already crying their eyes out in front of the TV!
When the news that Chu Xi had been cast as the female lead in the second round of casting for Jade-Carving Ballad was released, it had already dissatisfied some netizens.
Among them, Ren Zhi's career fans were the main group protesting it.
Now that another piece of gossip had emerged from the set, Chu Xi, who had gradually gone from being the prime suspect to the only suspect, was once again facing strong condemnation from the career fans!
The CP fans couldn't care less about the storm raging outside. They were happily celebrating in their Super Topic.
What? There's more good news? Today's sugar content is off the charts!
【Xixi, I knew your motive for joining the cast wasn't pure! /[lust]】
【You even peel grapes and feed them to her. Xixi, don't be so doting, hahaha.】
【Zhizhi's dressing room should be a single one, right? What is the production team doing! Don't they know she brought her wifey this time? Quick, let me in, I studied civil engineering. I'll expand it into a two-person room for you tonight!】
【I just love Xixi's blatant double standards. All smiles for her wifey, and a cold shoulder for everyone else /[wow]. So self-aware.】
Ren Zhi's career fans snuck in for a peek, but because the Super Topic was set so that only users level 4 and above could post, they couldn't refute anything. They were furious!
【I'm begging some people and their fans to open their eyes and see the world? /[smile] Drink less! Maybe have a side dish with it! /[smile] Fantasizing that Ren Zhi is in a relationship with you? Why don't you just fly to the moon? /[smile] Wake up! Wake up! Stop daydreaming all day! /[smile]】
【I'm so angry I have to laugh. A toad lusting after a swan's flesh and a bunch of fans reaching for the stars. I have a saying for you—a queen will never take off her crown, much less pay attention to a commoner! /[flowers]】
【A certain someone can suck up all they want. Ren Zhi is a woman you can never have anyway. We'll just laugh at you, haha!】
The career fans hated Chu Xi. They hated any artist who tried to piggyback on their idol for hype, ship CPs, or get into a relationship.
Romance would only cause an artist's career to go downhill. The fans who were truly and crazily supportive of Ren Zhi's career all hoped that Zhizhi could shine alone, powerful and beautiful!
Everyone else, stay away.
Especially a third-rate nobody!
Does she have any works? Any background? Any awards? Oh, none of the above. She's a triple-threat nobody!
And someone like that dares to reach for the stars and associate with Zhizhi?
The career fans and some rational netizens came to a conclusion. They were certain of it—
It was impossible for Ren Zhi and Chu Xi to be in a relationship. Chu Xi wasn't worthy!
Thinking about it again, it was indeed impossible.
Definitely impossible!
Chu Xi, who had just sneezed, rubbed her nose at home, thinking that she had just taken her medicine for the evening. The effect couldn't be that bad, could it?
But she touched her forehead and felt that her fever had completely subsided.
She sent a message to Ren Zhi: 【What are you doing?】
She couldn't stand it anymore. For the past two days, it felt like she wanted to know what Ren Zhi was doing every minute, every second. She wanted to see where Ren Zhi was, to watch her at all times.
Now she was getting that itch again. She really wanted to go upstairs, knock on the door, and slip into Ren Zhi's apartment to be with her.
The moment they were apart, Chu Xi felt like she had been poisoned, her mind unable to stop thinking about her. Doctor Jin Yuan had diagnosed her—oh no, it was a case of being love-struck!
Was it? Chu Xi chuckled.
So this was what lovesickness felt like, a burning fire in one's heart. She could now relate to some of the poems she once thought were just melodramatic moaning.
As for what Ren Zhi was doing?
Ren Zhi had just been shown the Weibo topic by the Four Little Flowers, who were surfing the web. After reading about the gossip concerning her, she felt a little annoyed.
She was long used to this kind of public opinion and criticism. She would never respond.
But on the other hand, the whole world could now see that Chu Xi treated her differently. Being in the midst of it all, wasn't she more aware of it than anyone else?
Shouldn't she at least… give Chu Xi some kind of response soon?
Ren Zhi didn't reply for three minutes. Chu Xi couldn't wait any longer and went straight upstairs to visit.
As soon as the door opened, Ren Zhi asked her, "What is it?"
What is it? Chu Xi thought for a moment.
"There is something…" Chu Xi said as she thought, and she actually came up with something.
"Can I come in?" she asked.
Ren Zhi stepped aside and nodded. "Come in."
Chu Xi scurried into the bedroom and took out the little felt dog from among the roses.
Ren Zhi followed her in, watching her.
Chu Xi looked up, slowly took off the ring, and placed it aside.
"Um… if you're not going to wear the ring, that's fine for now. But can you at least accept this?"
It was so pitiful. The little dog had been squatting in the flowers for two days and one night, and she had even made it by hand.
Ren Zhi hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Okay…"
The moment she said that, Chu Xi's face lit up with a smile. She ran over, stopped in front of the sofa in the bedroom, and bent down.
Ren Zhi's gaze followed. Her keys were on the sofa. Chu Xi attached the felt dog to the keychain, then picked it up and dangled it for her to see.
The little brown-furred dog swayed its body and tail to the jangling applause of the keys.
"Let's just hang it here."
She was quite good at finding a place for it herself. Ren Zhi hadn't told her to hang it there, only that she would accept it.
Whatever. Ren Zhi didn't feel like arguing with her at the moment. She tilted her head and asked:
"You want me to carry it with me when I go out tomorrow?"
"I do."
Speaking the truth was always one of Chu Xi's fine virtues.
Not only that.
"I also want you to take me with you every day," Chu Xi said, suddenly walking over and giving her a hug. "I want to do everything with you."
She rested her chin on Ren Zhi's shoulder and nuzzled it. Just as Ren Zhi came to her senses and raised a hand to push her away, she quickly pulled back first with a grin.
"I know, I know, I'm going back now. You can take your time to think about it!"
In any case, Chu Xi felt completely at ease now. She walked back with a light spring in her step, leaving Ren Zhi to gaze at her cheerful, sunny back.
Ren Zhi: "…"
She had finally mustered the courage to reach out and take Chu Xi's hand, only for her to run off in an instant.
Ren Zhi swallowed. Her voice felt stuck in her throat, unable to call out the girl's name.
She cursed inwardly, Silly dog!
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