The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 65

Handing matters over to Ke Ying, Ye Qinglan felt considerably more at ease.

If nothing else, Ke Ying’s professional skills were among the industry’s best. Back then, Xiao Wenjin had spent a fortune to recruit her precisely because of her exceptional capabilities.

Moreover, with Qin Yun now also on board, J.S’s public relations prowess was truly formidable.

With such reliable partners to trust, Ye Qinglan decided not to dwell on that bizarre email any longer.

After completing her skincare routine and drying her hair, she turned in early.

The next morning, the entire crew boarded a flight to the event venue in City M.

The relentless schedule meant everyone seized every opportunity to rest, even during the flight.

Upon arriving at the venue, they found many had already gathered. Ye Qinglan immediately spotted Ning Yunshu sitting backstage, dressed in sportswear and wearing a baseball cap.

“Tsk.” Clearly, Xu Su noticed her too and muttered under her breath, “What a clingy shadow. It’s like I’m going to sell you off or something.”

She then glanced at Ye Qinglan, who responded with an embarrassed smile.

Ning Yunshu, too, noticed the commotion around them. When she looked up, she flashed Ye Qinglan a radiant grin.

The others couldn’t help but tease Ye Qinglan with meaningful looks, making her blush furiously.

“Ahem.” Xu Su cleared her throat. “We start in ten minutes.”

Ye Qinglan immediately grasped the underlying message and nodded. “Got it.”

As everyone dispersed to prepare, Ye Qinglan approached Ning Yunshu.

“I thought you’d be in the crowd,” she remarked.

Ning Yunshu chuckled. “If I were in the crowd, I wouldn’t be able to get this close to you so easily.”

Ye Qinglan smiled, and Ning Yunshu continued, “Qin Yun told me about the email yesterday. Don’t worry, I’ve also sent people to investigate.”

Ye Qinglan nodded. “I’m not worried at all. With all of you around, what’s there to fear?”

Ning Yunshu grinned smugly but still cautioned, “Still, it’s better to be careful. Who knows what this person is after?”

Ye Qinglan agreed. “I will. Don’t worry.”

After a brief exchange, Xu Su called everyone to the stage. Ye Qinglan asked Ning Yunshu to wait backstage and followed the others to the front.

Camera flashes never ceased. As usual, after Xu Su’s speech, a barrage of questions came from the reporters.

At first, the inquiries were harmless. But then one journalist pointed a microphone at Ye Qinglan and asked, “Ms. Ye, did you join this production because of J.S’s chairwoman, Ning Yunshu?”

It was a blatant provocation, outright labeling Ye Qinglan as someone who got the role through connections.

The crew frowned involuntarily, but Ye Qinglan merely arched a brow. “That’s a strange question. Who exactly are you doubting here?”

“All I know is that I received the script and passed the audition that much was earned through my own efforts, wasn’t it? Just like how you’re standing here now, asking me questions through your own hard work.”

But the reporter persisted relentlessly: “As we understand, J.S invested heavily in ‘Ten-Day Operation,’ and your debut work was also funded by J.S. You share an exceptionally close relationship with Young CEO Ning, surely you can’t claim she had nothing to do with this?”

Ye Qinglan genuinely laughed at the foolish question before responding: “Indeed, Xiaoshu has consistently supported me. But my friend, I stand here today by my own merit. While Xiaoshu helped me, I must deliver corresponding achievements to repay her just as I shouldn’t squander the efforts of my boss, agent, or assistants.”

Xu Su finally interrupted coldly: “Since when does my ability to recognize talent require validation from unethical media like yours?”

A veteran in the industry with undisputed authority in directing circles, Xu Su’s intervention immediately signaled the reporter had hit a brick wall. “If you question this casting,” she continued, “I suggest you first experience undergoing rigorous military training under scorching sunlight. Come back after you’ve endured that, then challenge my decisions.” With a dismissive wave, she concluded: “Let’s not waste time. Next question?” effectively silencing the reporter’s attempted follow-up.

Subsequently, whenever the reporter tried to speak, they were repeatedly interrupted until the press conference concluded.

Afterwards, the group returned to their hotel where, unsurprisingly, Ning Yunshu had booked accommodations with them. The day’s events prompted an evening gathering.

“What kind of person tries to dismiss Qinglan’s efforts like that?” Wei Youning complained coldly, arms crossed.

“Who knows?” Du Wenjun turned to Ye Qinglan. “Have you offended anyone recently?” Only to find both Ye Qinglan and Ning Yunshu frowning.

Noticing this, Xu Su inquired: “You two is something going on?”

After exchanging glances with Ning Yunshu, who nodded, Ye Qinglan explained: “Teacher Du, recall how someone targeted us since the first day of promotions.”

Du Wenjun paused before realizing: “You mean Bai Qian?”

“We can’t confirm yet,” Ye Qinglan said. “But last night I received what seemed like a threatening email, just some photos without any demands.”

“What’s her angle?” Xu Chaoyang looked baffled.

“This is utterly absurd,” Wei Youning added.

Fang Wenle suddenly raised her hand: “I might have a lead on this.”

“What?!” The group turned to her instantly.

“A few days ago after leaving the studio, someone messaged offering high payment for insider production details,” Fang Wenle revealed. “It seemed suspicious, so I deleted it and heard nothing since.”

“Same here!” Zhang Zishu suddenly clapped. “I ignored a similar message too.”

Ning Yunshu frowned: “Teacher Zhang, do you still have that number?”

“Yes, yes.” Zhang Zishu hurriedly retrieved her phone to locate the text.

Ning Yunshu quickly noted down the information and sent it to Yan Yao before saying, “I’ll ask someone to help investigate this.”

“Though I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much. The other party has likely already deactivated that phone number,” Xu Su remarked.

Ning Yunshu wasn’t worried. “It’s fine. But Director Xu, you’ll need to be extra careful during the upcoming press conference.”

Xu Su nodded firmly. “Of course. I won’t allow anyone to raise unreasonable questions about my work or my team, nor will I tolerate anyone harming my team on my turf.”

Ning Yunshu smiled. “In any case, everyone should stay vigilant these next few days. We’re not sure what the other party intends to do, but rest assured, once we uncover the truth, you’ll all be the first to know.”

“Understood,” the group responded in unison.

After dinner, Ning Yunshu stealthily followed Ye Qinglan into her bedroom, much to the latter’s amusement.

“You still dare to come over in this situation?” Ye Qinglan teased, though she couldn’t help but affectionately ruffle Ning Yunshu’s hair.

Ning Yunshu nuzzled into her touch with a contented sigh. “It’s fine. I brought bodyguards, and the hotel security has been tightened.”

Ye Qinglan chuckled softly. “So thorough?”

Ning Yunshu took her hand, her expression serious. “I don’t want you to suffer even the slightest harm.”

Ye Qinglan smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Alright, alright.”

Ning Yunshu’s heart swelled with joy, and she clung to Ye Qinglan, craving more. They shared a lingering kiss before Ning Yunshu wrapped her arms around Ye Qinglan, refusing to let go.

Helpless, Ye Qinglan settled in with her for a quiet conversation.

Meanwhile.

Yan Yao leaned against the wall of a narrow alley, taking a slow drag from her cigarette as she studied the intel in her hand. Her foot tapped rhythmically against the ground, as if counting beats or calculating time.

Suddenly, a man hurried over. “Ms. Yan?”

“That’s me,” Yan Yao replied, stubbing out her cigarette and ensuring it was fully extinguished before tossing it into a trash bin.

“We found the person you were looking for. He owed us quite a bit of money, but then suddenly repaid a large sum one day and promised to settle the rest soon,” the man reported.

“Did you find out his connection to Bai Qian?” Yan Yao pressed.

“Not yet. Should we bring him in for questioning?” the man ventured cautiously, watching her reaction.

Yan Yao shot him a glare. “Cut the shady tactics. You trying to land in jail?”

“N-no, of course not! We’ve been keeping things clean. We only tailed him because his debt had been outstanding for so long, we didn’t want him skipping town,” the man stammered.

Yan Yao clicked her tongue. “Fine. Keep the pressure on him, but no illegal methods. Got it?”

“Yes, yes,” the man hastily agreed.

Yan Yao handed him a business card. “Hint that he should come to me. The rest isn’t your concern.”

“Understood. But, what about the money he owes.?” the man hesitated.

Yan Yao smirked coldly. “What, my payment not enough for you?”

“More than enough, more than enough!” The man broke into a cold sweat.

“Go on then. I’ll be waiting for updates.” With a dismissive wave, Yan Yao sent him on his way.

Yan Yao compiled all the available materials in her possession and sent them to Ning Yunshu, casually adding a voice message:

“Little President Ning, don’t forget to transfer the money.”

Ning Yunshu, who was currently enjoying some intimate time with Ye Qinglan, was utterly speechless when she saw the message.

“What’s wrong?” Ye Qinglan asked, noticing her expression.

Ning Yunshu turned off her phone screen and shrugged.

“Nothing, just a money-grubber coming to pester me for payment again.”

Ye Qinglan blinked in confusion.

But Ning Yunshu nuzzled into the crook of her shoulder.

“Never mind her. I just want to snuggle with my sister.”

Ye Qinglan couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“Alright, alright.”

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