The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 37

Inside Wenjin Studio.

Ke Ying stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Qin Yun, watching the busy public relations team work tirelessly.

“Ke Jie, public opinion has already gained momentum, and the direction of the narrative is exactly what we hoped for.”

“Good. It’s time to release some additional information,” Ke Ying said, glancing at Qin Yun beside her.

Qin Yun nodded with a smile and spoke into her headset: “As per President Ning’s instructions, release a little bit not too much.”

“Understood, Assistant Qin,” came the response from the other end.

Qin Yun acknowledged and gave Ke Ying a nod.

“Full cooperation with J.S. PR,” Qin Yun immediately ordered.

“Yes!”

While the PR team was bustling with activity, the trio was happily enjoying hot pot.

“Ah, nothing beats the hot pot here. The ones abroad just don’t hit the same,” Yun Xi said, clearly satisfied.

Ning Yunshu gave a dry laugh and then asked, “What about Dad? What’s he up to?”

“Your dad went to have tea with an old friend. Don’t worry about him,” Yun Xi shrugged before adding, “Hurry up and put that plate of ribeye in for me.”

“Alright, alright,” Ning Yunshu replied helplessly, continuing to cook the meat for her while occasionally adding some vegetables to Ye Qinglan’s plate.

Between bites, Ye Qinglan asked with some concern, “I wonder how Ke Jie and the others are doing?”

“Don’t worry, Qin Yun is keeping an eye on things.”

Ning Yunshu placed the freshly cooked meat onto Ye Qinglan’s plate and said with a smile, “All we need to do is stay visible to the public.”

“I can already imagine what’s happening online right now,” Ye Qinglan muttered. Even though her phone was on silent and set aside, it was still buzzing nonstop with notifications.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to respond, but Ke Ying had advised her not to say anything about her relationship with Ning Yunshu until the situation was fully under control.

So, for now, she had to endure the hundreds of unread messages.

After finishing their meal, since her Weibo account was now entirely managed by Ke Ying, Ye Qinglan picked up Ning Yunshu’s phone to browse.

Weibo was ablaze with discussions about her and Ning Yunshu, with opinions flying in all directions.

Some claimed Ning Yunshu was her sugar daddy, others said they were close friends, and some even spread more malicious rumors.

In short, there was no shortage of wild theories.

Then, someone claiming to be their classmate posted an old photo.

It was a group photo from their high school entrance, showing the two of them standing intimately close, clearly the picture of best friends.

The poster also stepped forward to clarify:

@MeatLovingNing: The internet is full of nonsense, so let me set the record straight. I was Ye Qinglan and Ning Yunshu’s classmate in high school. These two have always been close, like sisters, and even lived together. I once asked out of curiosity, they grew up together. After Ning Yunshu went abroad, they lost touch. To those spreading malicious rumors: if your brain is only filled with trash, don’t be surprised when you get sued. See how much you’ll brag after receiving that lawyer’s letter.

This post immediately shot to the top of the trending list, sparking a flood of comments.

Rippling Waters: I knew it! I could tell Lanbao was close with both of them even Little Ning was holding her arm! Under any other circumstances, that would never happen! You trash trying to tarnish my Lanbao’s reputation, I hope you get served with lawyer letters!

Golden Retriever So Cute: Sis above is seriously living on the internet, clearly Ye Qinglan’s die-hard fan.

Not Crispy Shark: Wait wait wait, so you’re saying they’re practically childhood sweethearts?

Lanbao Fly Free: Aaaaaah girls, I suddenly want to ship them!

Cat Lovers Forever: Hey upstairs, don’t ship everything you see!

…

In any case, public opinion quickly swung back on track. Though some skeptics claimed the photos were photoshopped, they were promptly shut down by insiders.

The comment section grew increasingly harmonious.

Apparently, Ke Ying and Qin Yun’s efforts with the PR team weren’t in vain.

It was then that Ke Ying called her.

“Qinglan, where are you guys?”

“At the mall’s hotpot restaurant,” Ye Qinglan replied.

Ke Ying’s lips twitched while they were working themselves to death, these two were leisurely enjoying hotpot.

“It’s all handled. You can explain your relationship now, but remember, don’t reveal too much yet,” Ke Ying reminded.

“Got it,” Ye Qinglan responded before adding, “Ke-jie, I’ll transfer you some money later, please treat the PR team and Assistant Qin to dinner.”

“Fine, you pay and I’ll arrange it,” Ke Ying had no objections.

After all that overtime, the team deserved some consolation. They’d have Xiao Wenjin issue bonuses later too not like money was an issue for him now.

Only after hanging up did Ye Qinglan fully relax.

“Everything settled?” Yun Xi asked, watching her.

“Mhm,” Ye Qinglan nodded.

Ning Yunshu smiled, “Feel better now?”

“About those photos…” Ye Qinglan looked at her.

Ning Yunshu shrugged, “Asked a high school classmate for help. She agreed immediately, so I sent her the photos to post.”

“I see.” Ye Qinglan opened her contacts, already feeling overwhelmed by the sea of unread notifications.

Every collaborator had messaged her especially Du Wenyun and Wei Youning, who were clearly frontline spectators of this drama.

[Du Wenyun]: Xiao Ye, what’s going on online? You actually know Little Ning?

[Wei Youning]: Holy crap Xiao Ye, you’ve been hiding something huge! Never would’ve guessed you were close with Little Ning, you kept that well hidden!

Ye Qinglan painstakingly explained her reasons for secrecy. Being industry insiders, they all understood how toxic the entertainment circle could be going public recklessly would only invite trouble.

They all expressed understanding, though demanded she treat them to make up for keeping them in the dark so long.

Ye Qinglan naturally agreed.

After replying to work contacts, she noticed their long-dormant high school group chat had suddenly exploded with activity.

As expected, they were discussing the situation with multiple @ mentions for her and Ning Yunshu.

[Classmate A]: Our class is officially famous, the internet’s already dug up our yearbook photos.

[Classmate B]: Who says otherwise? Two big names have emerged all of a sudden @Ye Qinglan @Ning Yunshu. Care to say something, parties involved?

[Classmate C]: These two are so busy, do they even have time to check our group chat?

[Ning Yunshu]: [Red Packet] Wishing you prosperity and good fortune.

Almost instantly, the red packet was snatched up.

[Classmate A]: Damn, President Ning is so generous!

[Classmate B]: Boss is generous, may everything go your way!

Ye Qinglan was too slow and missed the red packet.

[Ye Qinglan]: Ugh, my reflexes were too slow. Didn’t get it.

[Classmate C]: Whoa, even our superstar Ye has appeared. President Ning’s influence is undeniable.

[Ye Qinglan]: Oh please, what do you mean by “influence”?

[Ning Yunshu]: [Exclusive Red Packet] For my sister.

[Classmate A]: Wow~

[Classmate B]: Wow~

[Classmate C]: Ning Yunshu is totally crushing hard, fight me on this!

[Classmate D]: Isn’t it obvious? It was already so clear back in high school.

The bold remarks from their old classmates made Ye Qinglan’s cheeks flush slightly. She glanced at Ning Yunshu, who was smiling happily at her phone.

Ye Qinglan quickly claimed the red packet and sent a message.

[Ye Qinglan]: Thanks, sugar daddy.

[Classmate A]: Seems like someone’s got a long way to go. Superstar Ye is clearly holding a grudge.

[Classmate C]: Exactly, otherwise she’d have said “Thanks, Xiaoshu.”

[Ning Yunshu]: [Puppy eyes emoji]

[Classmate A]: Ew!

[Classmate B]: Ew!

[Classmate C]: Ewww!

After the two of them chimed in, the group chat exploded with activity, with even the lurkers popping up to join the chatter.

Ahem! Finally, Yun Xi cleared her throat lightly, and the two looked up at her.

Yun Xi sighed in exasperation. “Do you two even remember I’m still here? You’re just blatantly glued to your phones.”

The two chuckled awkwardly.

Yun Xi waved a hand. “Fine, there’s nothing else to do this afternoon. I’m heading back to the hotel to rest. You two can stay here, I won’t be a third wheel.”

Ye Qinglan quickly tried to smooth things over. “Aunt Yun, don’t be mad. How about we visit another place this afternoon?”

Yun Xi laughed. “Alright, alright, I was just teasing. I’m tired and want to take a nap anyway.”

Seeing that, Ye Qinglan didn’t press further. Meanwhile, Ning Yunshu stood up with a smile. “Then I’ll take you back to the hotel first. Sister, you’re heading home?”

“Yeah, sounds good.” Ye Qinglan nodded.

The three left the hotpot restaurant, Ning Yunshu escorted Yun Xi, while Ye Qinglan drove home.

Once settled on her couch, Ye Qinglan reopened the class group chat and found everyone discussing whether to organize a reunion. Most of those still in S City were keen, while those who couldn’t attend were either busy with work or no longer nearby.

Some even asked if she and Ning Yunshu would join.

Ye Qinglan didn’t respond immediately, she’d have to discuss it with Ning Yunshu later and also check with Ke Ying.

After all, she had to spare a thought for her dear Ke-jie’s hair.

It wasn’t long before Ning Yunshu returned home. She slipped off her shoes and immediately snuggled up to Ye Qinglan.

“I’m back.”

“Mm.” Ye Qinglan acknowledged, pinching Ning Yunshu’s cheek.

“Class monitor asked if we want to attend the class reunion,” Ye Qinglan said to someone.

“When is it?” Ning Yunshu perked up with interest.

“It’s not confirmed yet. I haven’t replied, I was waiting for you,” Ye Qinglan answered.

Ning Yunshu’s eyes curved into happy crescents, clearly delighted that Ye Qinglan had specifically waited to discuss it with her.

“I’m fine with anything. I’ll follow sister’s lead.”

Support The Movie Queen’s Beloved Crybaby Alpha