Lin Qinghe reacted quickly, pursing her thin lips. Her eyes darted away as she feigned a forced smile and said, "I... I'm fine. I can continue filming!"
You Rong looked at Lin Qinghe with a slightly complex expression, as if she had something to say. Coincidentally, the director walked over, asking with concern, "Qinghe? Are you alright? Is it serious? Do you need to rest before continuing to shoot?"
Lin Qinghe turned to the director and forced a smile. "Director Wang, I'm fine. I can continue shooting..."
Before she could finish, You Rong suddenly interjected, "Director Wang, I accidentally twisted my waist just now. Can I take a break before filming?"
Director Wang looked at You Rong, feeling a bit displeased. However, considering You Rong was no longer the same as before and had someone backing her, he couldn't say much.
Director Wang said, "Alright then... it's almost lunchtime anyway. Everyone can take a break, and we'll continue filming in the afternoon."
You Rong nodded. "Okay, thank you, Director Wang."
The crew members helped Lin Qinghe and You Rong with the wires they were suspended in. This time, You Rong didn't look at Lin Qinghe again and turned to walk away.
Lin Qinghe stood in place, watching You Rong's retreating back. A faint smile touched the corner of her lips.
You Rong must have been worried about her, which is why she told the director she twisted her waist, wanting a break.
This way... everything else would be much easier.
For the rest of the day, Lin Qinghe maintained a good state while filming. But as soon as the director yelled "cut," she would retreat to a corner, appearing disheveled and heartbroken.
Of course, this was all an act.
Lin Qinghe's acting was so good that many people believed she was upset about the online backlash and losing endorsements. Not only did You Rong constantly glance at her, but Yuan Xiaoai also privately came to comfort her.
"Sister Qinghe, don't dwell on it too much. Online opinions are like this. In a few days, when new topics emerge, the heat will quickly dissipate. Or... if you're really unhappy, just tell Brother Yang, and let him find someone for public relations."
Lin Qinghe chuckled inwardly, maintaining a perfect facade externally, not revealing any cracks.
"No need... I'm a bit tired and want to sleep. You should go back to your room and rest too."
Yuan Xiaoai looked worried and after some hesitation, said, "Okay, I'll head back then. Sister Qinghe, get some good rest. Call me if you need anything."
"Mm."
As soon as Yuan Xiaoai left, Lin Qinghe comfortably lay on her bed and started scrolling through Weibo on her phone. To make herself appear "more pathetic," she even created a secondary account to steer public opinion.
The plan was to leak the news that the brand was terminating her contract. This would make netizens even more convinced that she was problematic, and that the brand had smelled something fishy before deciding to terminate the contract. Coupled with Lin Qinghe's side not issuing any clarifications, the public opinion developed increasingly unfavorably for her.
Lin Qinghe spent the night surfing online, to the point that the next day at the set, she didn't even need to act; she genuinely looked unwell.
After filming the first scene, You Rong waited for the crew to set up the next scene.
Hu Xiaobei suddenly leaned in and whispered, "Brother, Sister Qinghe really doesn't seem well. Her complexion is terrible. Although she didn't make mistakes during filming, as soon as the director yelled 'cut,' Sister Qinghe clearly zoned out. Is she thinking about that apology matter? The online opinions are escalating, and now many people seem to be scolding her. It seems another brand has also terminated their contract with her..."
You Rong lowered his gaze and remained silent, his mind filled with doubt.
As a popular female artist, Lin Qinghe knew very well the consequences of saying those words. Not only did she say them, but the production team aired them without any editing. Moreover, she and her team had still not taken any public relations actions.
What was Lin Qinghe thinking?
Lin Qinghe naturally noticed You Rong's frequent glances at her. She lowered her eyes, her long, thick eyelashes concealing the sly glint in them.
Her charade of suffering needed to proceed to the next stage.
After filming wrapped up that evening, Lin Qinghe removed her makeup and saw You Rong heading towards the restroom. Her eyes flickered, and she handed her bag to Yuan Xiaoai. "I'm going to the restroom, you don't need to follow." With that, she quickly followed behind You Rong.
Yuan Xiaoai stood there, muttering in confusion, "Sister Qinghe seemed quite listless just now, but now she seems much better..."
Lin Qinghe watched You Rong enter the restroom and waited by the door. Hearing the sound of the faucet being turned on inside, she estimated that You Rong would be coming out soon. She turned her back to the restroom, took out her phone, and pretended to be on a call.
"Brother Yang, I know this puts you in a difficult position, but... I don't want to hire public relations for this matter..."
Just as You Rong was about to push open the restroom door, he stopped abruptly upon hearing Lin Qinghe's voice, his expression filled with hesitation. As he pondered whether to come out, Lin Qinghe's words in her conversation mentioned him.
"I know it will affect my reputation, but this is something I owe You Rong. Two years ago, my Weibo post truly hurt him, and I've always felt very sorry for him... I also know that this has made the company's higher-ups very unhappy and put you in a difficult spot... I'm sorry, Brother Yang. After filming 'Ask the Heavens,' I will obey all the company's arrangements. Please, just this once. Besides, I haven't been very direct, so I believe the impact on me won't be too significant..."
After this lengthy speech, there was a long silence outside. If not for the absence of footsteps indicating departure, You Rong would have thought Lin Qinghe had already left.
You Rong planned to push open the restroom door, but Lin Qinghe's voice sounded again from outside.
Her tone, which had initially been pleading, was now firm. "Brother Yang, I understand. I'm sorry... but I really cannot listen to the company's arrangements this time. If you truly go against my wishes and hire someone for public relations, I will directly post on Weibo and tag You Rong to apologize to him!"
You Rong heard Lin Qinghe apparently hang up the phone. He sighed and then walked away, never realizing that he had been inside the restroom.
You Rong stood in the restroom for a few more moments. When he pushed the door open and came out, Lin Qinghe was nowhere to be seen.
You Rong frowned, his handsome face etched with a complex expression.
Lin Qinghe's words replayed in his mind... Perhaps, a popular artist had to obey their company's arrangements in many aspects, let alone when she was an unknown little actress back then.
Maybe the incident two years ago where she framed him and assaulted others... was it really not intentional?
As Lin Qinghe returned to her van, she heard a system prompt in her mind: "Progress bar increased by 5%, total progress bar is 10%."
[Remember that it was mentioned that the female protagonist has no cheat or hacks, and this is not a 'cool text' or 'strong female lead' novel. This is a simple, light-hearted, and sweet story.]