Superstar Assistant [GL] - Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Liu Xinxin fell into an endorsement crisis, and in doing so, she turned the opening ceremony and press conference of The Legend of Yuan Nü into a complete disaster.

A scene was scheduled to be filmed immediately after the press conference—one that was supposed to feature Liu Xinxin. However, as soon as the event ended, Director Sun changed the schedule on the spot, swapping her scenes for those of Dong Minsi and Li Ziyu.

The first scene of a production is vital to a director; a smooth start is seen as a good omen for the rest of the shoot. Because Liu Xinxin’s scandal had soured the director’s mood, he sidelined her.

Dong Minsi and Li Ziyu exchanged a look. Dong Minsi said, “Ziyu, let’s be extra focused today. Let’s not make the Director angrier with unnecessary NGs (No-Goods).”

Li Ziyu nodded. “Understood, Teacher Dong. I’ll do my best to coordinate with you so we can get it in one take.”

Since it was a period drama, their makeup and costuming took a long time. Fortunately, because both were professional, experienced, and had studied the script thoroughly, they managed to complete several scenes in single takes.

Director Sun’s mood finally improved. Looking at the sky, he told the crew, “That’s it for today. Everyone go back and rest. We start high-intensity shooting tomorrow, but be prepared—we might be issuing new scripts.”

This caused a stir. Whether intentional or not, Liu Xinxin’s low-EQ answers at the press conference had damaged the show’s image. To prevent further issues, it was only natural for the director to cut her scenes.

Liu Xinxin knew she was being targeted. The schedule swap was a clear warning, and the mention of “new scripts” meant her role was being slashed. Panicked, she called her manager, Zhao Kai.

Zhao Kai, who was already on his way with a PR team, gave her a verbal lashing before instructing her: “Record an apology video tonight and post it immediately. We’ll frame it as you being unlucky and caught in a corporate power struggle you knew nothing about. I should have known Luo Na wouldn’t give up that chance so easily—she was waiting for me to fall into this trap.”

Liu Xinxin was livid. She felt she was suffering a disaster meant for Li Ziyu. While she was being crucified, Li Ziyu was unscathed and even filming a new advertisement. But she had no choice but to follow the plan.

The next day, Liu Xinxin received the new script and shook with rage. She had gone from being the second female lead to having fewer scenes than the third lead. In this “female-centric” drama, the two female leads originally had as much screen time as the male lead. Her character was supposed to be the “kind” one who dies tragically at the hands of Li Ziyu’s character—a perfect role to gain fan sympathy. Now, the director had changed it so she died a flat, unremarkable death.

Meanwhile, Li Ziyu’s role was expanded significantly, effectively making her the true second lead (Second Billing).

…

During filming, Zhou Tiantian coordinated with the director to manage Li Ziyu’s schedule for her new makeup endorsement shoot and live-stream promotions.

When it came time to travel for the ad, Li Ziyu refused to let Zhou Tiantian come along. “Stay at the hotel and rest. Your bump is starting to show; don’t exhaust yourself by traveling back and forth with me.”

Zhou Tiantian insisted, “I’m fine. Sister Luo isn’t here, and if only Xiao Xu (the assistant) goes with you, she won’t know how to handle an emergency.”

Li Ziyu sighed, walked her into a corner, and placed a hand gently on Zhou Tiantian’s stomach. “You are the one who needs protection right now. I promise I’ll be fine. You stay here and make sure the baby grows healthily.”

Just as Zhou Tiantian was about to argue, they both froze.

The domineering look on Li Ziyu’s face melted away. She looked at Zhou Tiantian nervously. “Did your belly just move? Does it hurt?”

Zhou Tiantian, more familiar with the sensation, smiled softly. “It’s a fetal movement. The kicking has started.”

“My god.” Li Ziyu carefully helped Zhou Tiantian sit on the bed, then knelt on one knee before her, staring intently at her stomach. “You are definitely not coming to the shoot now. Staying here and having this baby is the most important thing for us.”

Zhou Tiantian looked at Li Ziyu and felt a deep sense of being protected. She nodded obediently. “I’ll wait for you here.”

…

Li Ziyu took a red-eye flight to B-City, filmed all day, and took another red-eye back to Hengdian, arriving at 5:00 AM—just an hour before she had to be on set.

She crept into the room, but Zhou Tiantian immediately turned on the lamp. “Quick, lie down for a bit.”

“I’m fine, I slept on the plane,” Li Ziyu lied, though her face was pale with exhaustion. She washed up and collapsed onto the bed, instinctively pulling Zhou Tiantian into her arms.

Zhou Tiantian felt the heat of Li Ziyu’s palm through her clothes. She stayed still, her heart racing as the warmth spread from her skin to her soul. Li Ziyu, thinking she wouldn’t be able to sleep, drifted off instantly the moment she held Zhou Tiantian.

An hour later, they headed to the set. With the script changes, Li Ziyu and Dong Minsi had more scenes together. Since Dong Minsi was a senior, the director often told Li Ziyu to learn from her. Li Ziyu didn’t mind—especially since she knew her friend Zhao Qing liked Dong Minsi, making her “future friend’s wife.”

Dong Minsi, however, was suffering. In her mind, Li Ziyu was her romantic rival for Zhao Qing’s affections. Having to teach her rival while filming together was suffocating.

During a break, Zhou Tiantian approached. “Ziyu, Zhao Qing called. She’s coming to visit the set.”

Dong Minsi’s eyes lit up like stars.

Li Ziyu smirked. “What’s she coming for? We just started.” She then called Zhao Qing back. “If you’re coming, bring a gift for Tiantian. And since you own so many restaurants, you’re providing lunch for the entire crew tomorrow.”

Zhao Qing grumbled but couldn’t say no. Dong Minsi, hearing how “close” they sounded, was consumed with jealousy.

…

The next day, Zhao Qing arrived with a lavish feast for the whole crew. Everyone surrounded her with thanks, but Dong Minsi waited until the crowd dispersed to approach.

“Miss Zhao, you’re so thoughtful to prepare lunch for us,” Dong Minsi said with a gentle, shy smile.

Zhao Qing’s heart hammered against her ribs, but she kept her “cold CEO” face. “Li Ziyu demanded it. I had no choice.”

Dong Minsi felt a pang of bitterness. “You’re so good to Ziyu.”

Zhao Qing looked at Li Ziyu (who was eating with Zhou Tiantian) and almost let her “disgust” for Li Ziyu show, but she caught herself. “Hmph. I only did it because she was so pushy.”

Dong Minsi’s heart leaped. “So… you’re childhood friends? You’re not… in that kind of relationship?”

“That kind of relationship?” Zhao Qing blinked, then realized. “God, no! We’re just childhood friends. Nothing more.”

Dong Minsi was overjoyed. She leaned in, highlighting her elegant curves, her voice turning even softer. “I see. I thought I had misunderstood. I guess I have Ziyu to thank for being able to taste such a wonderful meal.”

Zhao Qing coughed. “Actually… even without her, I’d be happy to provide meals for you… I mean, for the crew.”

Dong Minsi lowered her head to hide her glowing eyes and left before she lost her composure.

Zhao Qing then walked over to Li Ziyu. Watching them interact, a horrifying thought struck her. Wait… Dong Minsi was so happy when she heard Ziyu and I aren’t dating… Does Dong Minsi have a crush on Li Ziyu?!

Zhao Qing’s mood tanked. After lunch, she watched them film a palace-struggle scene. To her eyes, their rivalry on screen looked incredibly “ambiguous” and flirtatious.

Desperate, she huddled next to Zhou Tiantian and whispered, “Tiantian, don’t you think Dong Minsi acts… special toward Li Ziyu? Think about the baby! If Ziyu runs off with someone else, the baby won’t have… its other mother! Do you want your child to grow up in a broken home?”

Zhou Tiantian stared at her, baffled. “Wait… you think Li Ziyu and Dong Minsi…???”