When I Woke Up, I Had Three Romantic Partners - Chapter 57

Chi Jinqing was quite philosophical: “Since we can’t quit, then we won’t. The company has already signed the contract; we are just getting paid to do a job, and there’s nothing different about that.”

“Don’t put it that way. Although this incident wasn’t caused by us, we ultimately benefited. It’s worth spending a little money for these benefits.”

A little money in exchange for the downfall of an A-list actress’s reputation—it was quite a bargain.

Xiao He was still unconvinced: “But the company used to always side with Si Jiamo. Now that she’s in trouble, the company is ignoring her instead. It really is true that fortunes change.”

Chi Jinqing chuckled, handing her phone to her: “You can’t talk nonsense like that. Be careful if someone with ill intent overhears it; you won’t be able to explain yourself then.”

“Even if Si Jiamo truly deserves to fall, that’s a matter between us. We can solve it privately, but we absolutely cannot be used by others as a pawn in the public eye.”

Xiao He took the phone and stuck out her tongue: “I know, Sis. You’re just too kind.”

“If it were me, even if I were used as a pawn, I’d definitely drag her down so she could never rise again.”

Chi Jinqing: “That’s why you can’t hold your temper.”

Xiao He: “It’s not about holding my temper; it’s about the harm I suffered. I must retaliate. I don’t care about keeping up appearances.”

Chi Jinqing knew Xiao He was upset on her behalf, but even so, she didn’t want to step on Si Jiamo to get ahead. If she was going to compete, she wanted to defeat Si Jiamo fairly and squarely and stand at a higher position.

The right to speak gained by stepping on others will eventually be lost once people’s sympathy for you fades.

Only what you fight for with your own strength is real and won’t betray you.

“You’re still young and don’t understand a lot of things. Some matters aren’t as simple as they seem on the surface.”

Chi Jinqing’s voice was clear and cool: “Take this time, for example. I stepped on her to get up. What about next time? Who will I step on next? Or who will step on me?”

“People can be ruthless in order to climb the ladder, but they cannot lose their humanity.”

She didn’t want to violate her conscience.

“Let’s go, we still have training.”

When the trending topic was removed, Si Jiamo looked complicated. She knew who removed it, but she hadn’t expected such a good opportunity to pave the way for Chi Jinqing, yet Chi Jinqing didn’t take it.

As expected of the person she had feelings for—no matter what she did, she would stick to her own principles.

“But… it’s a bit foolish. I was willing.”

She was willing to be Chi Jinqing’s stepping stone.

Looking at the screensaver on her phone—Chi Jinqing’s youthful face—it was a photo she took of the sleeping Chi Jinqing when she was eighteen. Chi Jinqing didn’t know, but she had kept it all this time.

She had used it as her screensaver ever since they separated, but Chi Jinqing had never seen it.

If Chi Jinqing had looked at it even once, she would have known that she still loved her.

This must be why they had misunderstood each other to this extent.

While Chi Jinqing was working hard to practice her dance, the outside world’s speculation regarding this incident grew increasingly serious. The majority felt that the sudden emergence of comments targeting Si Jiamo was true, but many also felt they were false.

They believed others had deliberately released them to malign Si Jiamo. After all, her achievements since her debut surpassed too many of her peers. It was just that she hadn’t been filming much lately, so others pretended she didn’t exist.

Some people even speculated that the beneficiary of this public opinion, Chi Jinqing, was the one who leaked the information, deliberately smearing Si Jiamo to snatch resources from her.

In any case, with a mix of truth and falsehood, trolls, fans, and ordinary people were in complete chaos.

Finally, the company issued a statement to dispel the rumors, saying they were all false and urging everyone to focus more on the work and less on the artists’ private lives, as work and character were paramount.

The fans were finally relieved; they knew Si Jiamo wouldn’t do such things.

The ordinary people, not finding any juicy gossip, abandoned the battlefield. Only the trolls were rampant, but after the company sued a few, they also gave up.

This farce came to an end, and everyone returned to normal.

Those who had secretly stirred up trouble were lectured by their managers. This muddy situation not only failed to tarnish Si Jiamo but also gave Chi Jinqing a chance to shine.

These people really had a screw loose.

After all the fuss, the drama Obsession had wrapped up filming.

Since the drama had been scheduled a long time ago, promotional materials were released right after filming concluded.

Chi Jinqing also joined the promotion, taking advantage of her break time to connect with everyone through a live stream.

Chi Jinqing’s long hair was damp. She took a sip of warm water and nodded somewhat shyly at the phone: “Hello everyone, it’s good to see you again. I am Chi Jinqing, and I played Duan Rong in Obsession.”

Jian Huan looked at Chi Jinqing’s location and chuckled: “Sister Chi is really dedicated. Are you practicing your dance? Your hair is all wet.”

Chi Jinqing nodded: “Yes.”

“I gained a few pounds recently, so it’s a good time to exercise.”

Jian Huan pouted: “Sis, my sister, you are already very thin, don’t lose any more.”

“Look at me, then look at you. I’m almost catching up to your weight.”

She was ten centimeters shorter than Chi Jinqing, but her face wasn’t as youthful-looking; it was more mature, making her appear about 170 cm tall.

Shen Yirou also nodded: “Don’t lose too much weight; it’s bad for your health. Health is the most important thing.”

Female celebrities always strive to be thin, but this kind of thinness often comes with being unhealthy and very bony. Although pretty, they need to be very careful in their daily lives.

Chi Jinqing nodded, accepting the advice humbly: “I know. It’s just that the practice time has been too long recently, so I lost weight. I’ve been trying hard to eat lately.”

She couldn’t allow herself to be unhealthy.

Only with a healthy body could she bring more works to the audience.

Soon, everyone shifted the topic to the drama: “The drama will be released on December 3rd. Please support it when it airs.”

Chi Jinqing hadn’t expected such a rush. It would be released in less than two months, which was faster than the scheduling of her previous drama, Chengbei Overcomes Wen’nan.

After chatting for a while, Zhuge Wei walked in. Seeing Chi Jinqing in a live stream, she blinked and asked: “Am I coming in? Is it convenient?”

Chi Jinqing didn’t even have time to stop her: “…”

Zhuge Wei’s voice was captured by the phone, and the live stream viewers instantly erupted.

That must be Zhuge Wei’s voice, right? I’m so familiar with it. I’ve seen the end credits songs for two dramas sung by her.

Is she with Chi Jinqing? Could she be teaching Chi Jinqing how to dance? I heard Chi Jinqing is bad at both singing and dancing, which is a major challenge.

Maybe a collaboration? Didn’t Zhuge Wei say she’s working on an album? Maybe Chi Jinqing will make an appearance?

Without Zhuge Wei saying anything, everyone had already guessed most of what was going on.

Zhuge Wei spread her hands innocently. This was supposed to be a secret, but it wasn’t anymore.

However, since this was an incident caused by Zhuge Wei’s appearance, it couldn’t be blamed on Chi Jinqing.

“Then I’m coming over.”

Since she was exposed, Zhuge Wei just sat down next to Chi Jinqing, leaning her head over. She smiled happily at everyone’s teasing.

Zhuge Wei: “You guys are really smart.”

I want to hear the theme song from Blue!

Ahhh, I want to hear the theme song from Blue online!

We beg for the theme song!

Zhuge Wei wrote the theme song herself, right? When it played with the drama, I was totally blown away.

The drama Blue was Si Jiamo’s drama, a suspense film with many horror elements mixed in, enough to give you chills. The middle section was full of various intense moments.

However, this drama had been broadcast for a year, but Zhuge Wei had only sung the theme song, “Blue,” once.

Zhuge Wei sighed helplessly: “This isn’t the live stream for Blue. I’m just a guest who’s crashing the stream; I can’t take requests.”

“But I can tell you a secret: I also sang the theme song for Obsession. Everyone can look forward to it.”

Her smile was reserved, but everyone was stunned by the revelation. Was she allowed to say that?

Chi Jinqing: “…”

Jian Huan raised an eyebrow. Oh, this person was interesting.

Shen Yirou’s smile didn’t change; she let Zhuge Wei leak the news.

“Right, you guys continue. I’m going to get ready.”

Zhuge Wei stood up, patted Chi Jinqing’s shoulder, and encouraged her: “Film the drama well, and try to let me sing a few more theme songs.”

Chi Jinqing: “…”

Wow, is that a promise?

These two really must have something going on, right?

They’re still together at this time, and they’re alone. It’s hard to say there’s nothing going on.

I saw the longing in Zhuge Wei’s eyes when she looked at Chi Jinqing. She practically wants to have her right then and there, hehehe.

Chi Jinqing pretended not to see the comments and said, “Let’s continue.”

After finally finishing the live stream, Chi Jinqing breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Zhuge Wei, who had changed clothes and was waiting nearby, leaning against the wall. She pursed her lips and asked, “Is it okay for you to reveal things prematurely here?”

Zhuge Wei said nonchalantly: “What does it matter? Besides, it’s a form of promotion, and the director allowed it.”

“Hurry up and come over. The posture today is quite complex. Although you have a foundation, it will still be somewhat difficult for you to master this rhythm and choreography.”

“I’ll break down the steps and teach you one by one. Then you can speed up according to the beat.”

Zhuge Wei was different when she entered teaching mode. She was very serious, even to the point of being extremely critical.

She required Chi Jinqing to execute every movement perfectly, or else it wouldn’t look good and she could easily get injured.

“Dancing is a very difficult profession. It relies heavily on basic skills. Since you’re not a professional, you need to put in extra effort, so your posture is not lacking in your future acting roles.”

Chi Jinqing: “Mhm.”

After a whole day of hard practice, Chi Jinqing finally learned most of the dance. Next, she had to perfect what she had learned before they could proceed with the later lessons.

Zhuge Wei pulled out her phone and checked it: “For the next few days, you’ll practice on your own. I’ll find a teacher for you. I might have some business and will be temporarily out of the Imperial City.”