Chapter 1657 - 1646: The Villain’s Foster Mother

Chapter 1657: Chapter 1646: The Villain’s Foster Mother

Previously, the online community referred to Zhou Linxia as the National School Beauty or the human Bai Yueguang, but after this episode, their way of addressing her changed to life’s endpoint and a walking RMB.

Most people usually have this consciousness: when someone is slightly better than them, they show jealousy and dissatisfaction. However, when someone is so superior that they can never reach them, it becomes admiration and praise, as if everything that person does makes perfect sense.

Zhou Linxia is like that now. When the movie was first released, even though critics said that as her debut performance, she had done very well, there were still those who criticized her harshly.

But when her family background was exposed, the internet was filled with compliments about her, saying that even as a lady of a prestigious family, she worked so hard to act. They talked about her knowing multiple languages and successfully hosting piano recitals, simply a legend of someone more excellent than you but still more diligent.

Suddenly, the internet was full of praises and compliments about Zhou Linxia, and after reading it all, she smiled slightly, as if she had already anticipated this situation.

"Qingqing, I’m sorry for not letting you step into the spotlight. I did it for your sake. I didn’t expect to gain fame before you. If I exposed you to the cameras now, who knows what netizens will say when you debut later."

"I know." Chuqing nodded, "I never thought of relying on family background for fame. What I love more is acting."

She sincerely expressed her thoughts without any other intention, yet to Zhou Linxia, it seemed like a veiled criticism of not gaining fame through acting but family background.

Zhou Linxia carefully examined Chuqing’s expression, realizing Chuqing truly had no intention of sarcasm, yet it only made her feel more stifled.

"So, Qingqing, do you have any plans next? Have you signed with an agency? Why not join Tang Feng’s company? I’ll talk to Tang Feng and get you the same contract as mine." Zhou Linxia asked again, while the spoon she used to drink bird’s nest soup kept circling.

"I’d better not." Chuqing shook her head, "I’m just a newcomer. How can I trouble you with personal favours? I’ll wait to sign with an agency later. Recently my teacher recommended me for a supporting role; I want to finish this film first."

"I didn’t expect you to have such opinions, Qingqing. Feel free to tell me if you need anything in the future."

"Mm, thanks, sister."

Seeing Chuqing, who was so uncomplicated, Zhou Linxia felt a wave of annoyance. She thought her sister might be somewhat jealous after she became famous, but surprisingly, there was none; there was no intention to leverage her for resources, only genuine interest in acting.

Zhou Linxia couldn’t express what she felt towards her sister. When she first brought her sister back home, she sincerely loved and protected her out of genuine care, especially knowing her sister had endured so much suffering, all because back then, Zhou Linxia was too playful and didn’t keep an eye on her, leading to her sister’s disappearance.

But now that her sister has been home for some time, while Father and Mom revolve around her, Zhou Linxia felt a bit of jealousy.

She initially thought that if her sister showed any jealousy towards her, she’d have a reason to treat her badly, but whether it’s regarding family assets or career, her sister never displayed any desire; every conversation ended with a thank you.

Chuqing is so straightforward that it made Zhou Linxia feel uneasy. She wondered when she had become like this? How could she develop such sordid feelings? Why was she eager to cause a fallout with her sister? After all, they were related!

Zhou Linxia realized that this side of her was terrifying. She must adjust her mindset to face her sister again. She has received so much good education; how could she not accommodate her sister? Her sister didn’t pose any threat. Even if she did, she ought to be tolerant, as they were family!

Chuqing felt Zhou Linxia was behaving strangely lately, bringing her gifts each time she returned and showing meticulous concern for her well-being, which made her feel a bit lost. But aside from the strangeness, she grew closer to Zhou Linxia.

The drama her teacher recommended Chuqing for was a serious production. She played the lead male character’s little daughter. Though her role appeared later in the series, it was substantial and crucial to the drama, providing a lighter segment to the more serious parts.

Even with her teacher’s recommendation, Chuqing still needed to audition and prepared extensively. Coupled with her previous experience, it could be said at her age, virtually no one had better acting skills. The director immediately decided to sign the contract.

On another side, Ye Qiu was fighting for Ye Mu to secure a role in that drama. Ye Mu, though quite popular now, mostly had teenage girl fans, who were irrational and prone to causing trouble. Ye Mu needed to take on serious projects or engage in charity work to restore his image.

In the entertainment circle, almost everyone was engaging in charity. Since Ye Mu started shooting commercials, Ye Qiu used his earnings to make donations and kept records; these were supplementary. But to leave a deep impression, it still depended on the drama.

Even though Ye Mu was currently famous, people making serious dramas don’t care about your fame. They’re not short of good platforms and time slots for airing. They don’t need to cater to the market.

Even though Ye Qiu had many connections, getting Ye Mu an audition role took a lot of effort. But Ye Mu himself didn’t disappoint, and his audition eventually earned the director’s approval to play the lead male’s second son.

This second son starts out as rebellious, often facing the lead male’s wrath. Yet it’s this second son who eventually inherits the lead male’s aspirations and joins the military. Unfortunately, his fate wasn’t ideal; he gloriously sacrificed for his country.

The drama contains such scenes; after the second son’s sacrifice, the lead male’s stubbornness gradually opens up, allowing his youngest daughter to do as she pleases.

Whenever he sees his youngest daughter’s unrestrained smile, he silently touches the second son’s portrait. Even when the second son died, he told everyone it was a glorious deed, but at that moment, surely this old father felt a bit of regret!

After all, these father and son had never calmly spoken two words together, yet the son was gone so young.

Ye Mu didn’t yet know he was about to act alongside his niece. When he saw Chuqing in the production team, the always proud and confident Ye Mu panicked and hurriedly called Ye Qiu.