The Vicious Female Supporting Character Goes Viral After Her Masks Drop During the Talent Show - Chapter 21

Backstage, Zhong Yan lay on the ground with her eyes closed, listening to the gasps of surprise erupting around her.

An Tao rushed over immediately to support her, calling her name repeatedly with a voice thick with anxiety and worry. Zhong Yan then heard Jin Li shouting for the staff. She felt the hands of her other two teammates reaching out to steady her, and it seemed even the trainees from Group A had gathered around. The noise grew increasingly chaotic.

Soon, a floor manager arrived to restore order. He dispersed the circle of trainees and knelt down to check on Zhong Yan’s condition.

Sensing that the timing was just right, Zhong Yan slowly opened her eyes at the sound of the manager’s voice. She rolled her eyes lethargically, perfectly mimicking the weak appearance of someone who had just regained consciousness.

“…I’m fine… just a bit… dizzy. Sorry for… making everyone worry…”

As she spoke, she struggled to grasp the hands of An Tao and the floor manager, trembling slightly as she sat up and leaned against the backstage wall.

An Tao crouched beside her, worried. “Dizzy? Is it low blood sugar?”

Zhong Yan replied, “Perhaps…”

It was common for trainees to experience low blood sugar given their high physical exertion and minimal food intake. Knowing this, An Tao had prepared chocolates for every team member before going on stage specifically to prevent such accidents during the public performance.

An Tao watched as Zhong Yan ate the chocolate, wondering how her blood sugar could still be low. Sigh, Teacher Zhong must have trained too hard these past few days, An Tao could only assume.

Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, Tian Jingyu’s expression shifted. It’s clearly the drug taking effect, not hard work! Tian Jingyu felt like the only person who knew the truth, yet she was the one person who couldn’t speak it. Seeing the “follow-camera” PD recording this sudden accident, she felt like she had “swallowed a bitter melon”—she suffered in silence with no way to complain.

If this footage was edited into the main show, it would only help Zhong Yan establish a hardworking persona—someone who pushed herself to the point of fainting. It was practically a free gift of “fan-bait” material!

Damn it! Tian Jingyu cursed inwardly. Zhong Yan had been lively and energetic on stage; what the hell was the point of fainting now? She felt as though all her painstaking efforts had served only to hand Zhong Yan an advantage on a silver platter. Tian Jingyu gnashed her teeth in hatred.

“Alright, then,” the floor manager directed the scene. “The rest of you, don’t crowd around. Hurry to the stage for the results announcement.” He then turned to Zhong Yan. “You shouldn’t go. We’ll help you to the lounge first. Get some food and rest for a while.”

Zhong Yan looked apologetic, nodding with feigned regret. “…Alright. I’m sorry for delaying the recording. Thank you for the trouble, everyone.”

The manager insisted it was no trouble and helped Zhong Yan slowly to her feet. An Tao, still uneasy, wanted to accompany her to the lounge.

Zhong Yan shook her head. “You’re the leader. You must be there for the results.”

An Tao finally agreed. “Then rest well. I’ll watch the results for you and let you know as soon as I come to the lounge.”

The Lounge

The floor manager settled Zhong Yan onto the sofa, poured her a cup of water, and placed some chocolates and energy bars on the small coffee table. Knowing the manager was busy with the live production, Zhong Yan thanked him and told him she could manage on her own.

Once the manager left, Zhong Yan was the only one remaining in the room. After checking the area and confirming there were no cameras, she let out a long sigh of relief and relaxed.

She stretched her limbs, took a sip of water, and unwrapped a piece of chocolate. She nestled comfortably into the sofa, tossed the chocolate into her mouth, and let the sweet flavor bloom across her palate. She leaned back, her toes wiggling with a sense of quiet triumph.

The footage of her “exhaustion” and “fainting” had been fully captured by the PD. If edited correctly, it would be excellent material to solidify her fan base. She knew Zhang Jing was the type of producer who never missed a trending moment; she wasn’t worried at all.

However, putting on this public performance wasn’t just about her image. Tian Jingyu had dared to harm her—how could Zhong Yan let her get away scot-free?

Hehe. A mischievous, predatory smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Those who harm others should pay a price, shouldn’t they?

Zhong Yan stood up, searched the room, and found a pen and a pad of sticky notes. She returned to the sofa and began writing on the coffee table. As she wrote, she debated: who would be the best “co-star” for the next scene?

She wavered between An Tao and Jin Li. In terms of familiarity, An Tao was her roommate and closer to her. But in terms of wit and acting ability, Jin Li was certainly sharper. An Tao was too honest; Zhong Yan feared she wouldn’t be able to lie convincingly.

As she was deliberating, footsteps approached the door. Did An Tao and the others finish recording that quickly? She sped up her writing, finished the last few words, tore off the note, and folded it into her palm. The moment the door pushed open, she instantly adjusted her posture back into a state of frailty.

“Sister, are you alright!”

It was a male voice, not a female one.

Zhong Yan looked up in surprise to see Xu You charging into the room. Behind him followed Zhang Jing and…

Lu Ting-shen?

Zhong Yan’s eyes widened slightly before she quickly lowered her gaze to hide her shock. Her heart began to race with suspicion. Why is Lu Ting-shen here?

Xu You’s appearance was only mildly surprising; Zhang Jing had mentioned before that Xu You wanted to see the performance. It wasn’t strange for him to be with the producer. But Lu Ting-shen’s presence was bizarre.

Did he come to see the show? To see Xia Meng? Zhong Yan didn’t recall the original script mentioning Lu Ting-shen attending the first public performance. Even if he were here for Xia Meng, why would he be in the lounge now? Xia Meng was currently on stage performing “Summer Soda.” Why wasn’t he watching her?

Zhong Yan couldn’t figure it out, so she decided not to try. She had only meant to fake a faint, yet she had attracted all these irrelevant people. It was exhausting.

She continued her act, offering the three men a weak, surprised smile. “PD Zhang, Producer Xu… why are you all here?”

Zhang Jing spoke first. “We heard Teacher Zhong fainted backstage. We were worried and came to check on you.”

“Yes, Sister, did you hurt yourself when you fell? Are you still dizzy? Is there any other discomfort? Should we call a doctor?” Xu You peppered her with questions like a rapid-fire cannon.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. It was just low blood sugar. I feel better now. Thank you for your concern, PD and Producer Xu.”

Having said that, Zhong Yan’s gaze drifted to Lu Ting-shen, who stood behind the other two. She had no intention of exposing her connection to him in front of Zhang Jing and Xu You. Since their engagement was broken, they were strangers; there was no need for others to know their history.

However, she realized that treating him like complete “air” would look suspicious. So, she peeked behind the two men and tilted her head with a look of confusion.

“And this is…?” she asked, feigning total ignorance.

“Oh!” Zhang Jing quickly stepped aside to introduce him. “This is Mr. Lu, CEO of the Dingming Group. He… uh…” Zhang Jing searched for the right words. “He heard you fainted and was… also very concerned.”

Even Zhang Jing felt it was strange to say. Why would the CEO of a massive conglomerate suddenly care about an unknown trainee? But since he couldn’t discern Lu Ting-shen’s true intentions, he could only offer that explanation.

“Ah, so it is CEO Lu of Dingming. Hehe… thank you for your concern, CEO Lu,” Zhong Yan said with a polite, hollow laugh.

Lu Ting-shen’s brow furrowed. Her distant manner suggested she was terrified that someone might discover their relationship. In the past, being his fiancée was her greatest pride; she used to worry that people didn’t know.

A sudden flash of irritation surged in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, Xu You cut him off.

“Alright, Sister, ignore those unimportant people.” Xu You stepped forward, physically blocking Lu Ting-shen from her view. “You need to rest.” He picked up an energy bar and tore it open. “You need to eat more when your blood sugar is low.”

Just as Xu You was about to hand it to her, another hand moved faster, thrusting a cup of water in front of her.

“Drink. You sweated a lot while dancing; be careful of dehydration.”

Xu You turned his head. Lu Ting-shen appeared to be offering water, but his gaze was fixed intensely on Zhong Yan, his tone so forceful it felt like a command.

Xu You frowned. Is this how he talks to someone he just met? Who does he think he is? Is he trying to be helpful or give her a warning? If this was his attitude, did he really expect to talk business with her? Hmph, everyone at Dingming is a bunch of arrogant psychopaths.

Xu You immediately pushed his energy bar forward, past the cup of water. He couldn’t let his “Sister” be intimidated by such a madman.

Zhong Yan looked at the two hands: Xu You on the right, Lu Ting-shen on the left. Without a moment’s hesitation, her hand reached toward the right.

The moment she touched Xu You’s hand, the small note hidden in her palm pressed against her skin. In a flash of inspiration, it clicked. Of course! Is there any ‘actor’ more suitable than Xu You? He was trustworthy, clever, and an expert at deception. He was far better for this than An Tao or Jin Li.

A glint of delight flashed in her eyes. Xu You had arrived at the perfect time.

Her movement changed; she didn’t just take the energy bar. Instead, she took the bar and simultaneously grasped Xu You’s hand. Looking up at him with a brilliant smile, she said with pointed emphasis, “Thank you for your care, Producer Xu. You really have helped me so much.”

Xu You’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise. Wow, Sister is being so warm today, she’s even touching my hand! Just as he was enjoying the moment, he felt a small, hard object being pressed from her palm into his.

He immediately understood her hidden meaning. Ah, so the hand-holding was just for a favor… He felt a tiny pang of disappointment, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. Doesn’t matter! She chose my energy bar and she’s asking for my help. It means she trusts me completely.

That psycho from Dingming has no chance!

The water cup was slammed back onto the table with a sharp clack. A few drops splashed out, landing on Zhong Yan’s red shorts and soaking in like dark stains.

Zhong Yan frowned slightly, wiping the water away with her hand. She shot a sidelong glance at Lu Ting-shen, her eyes full of annoyance. What is his problem? Just because he offers water, do I have to drink it?

Seeing her glare—filled with resentment and disdain—Lu Ting-shen’s anger flared even hotter. How dare she choose another man’s thing right in front of me? And the hand-holding!

In the past, Zhong Yan only had eyes for him, keeping every other man at a distance to prove her loyalty. How could she behave like this now?

He was both angry and confused, feeling an emotion he couldn’t quite name. It was like a childhood toy he had long ago thrown into a dusty bin out of boredom; the moment another child tried to take it, he suddenly felt that the toy was the best thing in the world.

Lu Ting-shen glared at the “other child” trying to take his toy, but Xu You ignored him entirely. Xu You was busy fiddling with something in his palm, looking down at whatever it was.

Did Zhong Yan just give him something? Snooping was beneath a gentleman, but Lu Ting-shen didn’t particularly care about being a gentleman right now. He craned his neck to see, but Xu You turned his back, blocking his view completely.

Xu You carefully unfolded the small sticky note. The first sentence read:

“Don’t worry. I’m faking it, I didn’t actually faint.”

Xu You froze for a second. Along with his surprise came a surge of excitement. As expected of Teacher Zhong, she’s even more of a schemer than I am.

The note continued: “But someone wants me to truly faint. Help me put on a show and broadcast her dirty deeds to everyone. Now, do exactly as I say…”

After reading it, Xu You gave Zhong Yan a subtle “OK” sign, an excited, wicked grin spreading across his face.

Teacher Zhong… oh, Teacher Zhong. He really didn’t need to worry about her being bullied; she was the one who did the bullying.