Ch 42: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan directly exposed Qian Yue’s alternate Weibo account, presenting a series of evidence to prove that the recent slander and rumors were orchestrated entirely by Qian Yue. She issued a lawyer’s letter and announced that she had filed a police report, vowing to protect her rights through legal means.

Netizens, who had been speculating for days, were taken aback by Shen Yunxuan’s decisive and assertive response. While some still harbored doubts, her firm stance led many to either believe her or adopt a wait-and-see attitude, shifting from outright ridicule to cautious observation.

Attention quickly turned to Qian Yue. It was revealed that her alternate account had posted malicious comments about numerous people in the industry. The image she had cultivated on variety shows—a straightforward, kind-hearted, “naïve beauty”—was exposed as an act.

The account, active for nearly two years, became a treasure trove for netizens. Screenshots and reposts flooded the internet. By the time Qian Yue realized what was happening and tried to hide or delete the account, it was far too late—everything had already been seen.

• “What?! Qian Yue harbored so much malice against Shen Yunxuan before even graduating? I remember her publicly wishing Shen Yunxuan success with such sincerity!”
• “She seemed so respectful to Teacher Yan on variety shows, but her private account insulted him as old and washed up?”
• “Two-faced much? She clung to my idol for clout, calling him ‘brother’ in public, but privately mocked him as effeminate?”
• “Half her posts are insults directed at Shen Yunxuan. Do they have some deep grudge? If all the rumors about Shen are fabricated, Qian Yue is downright vicious!”
• “Malicious and disgusting! Qian Yue, as a woman, fabricating sexual rumors about another woman is revolting!”

Marketing accounts seized the opportunity to highlight Qian Yue’s contradictions, comparing her public persona with her private comments. They labeled her a “two-faced actress,” tearing apart her facade and turning her into a target of public criticism.

Qian Yue’s manager, Li Tian, furiously called her.
“What the hell were you thinking? Who told you to go head-to-head with Shen Yunxuan? Do you even know your place? Do you think you can beat her?”

Qian Yue snapped, “This was an accident! If Shen Yunxuan hadn’t discovered my alternate account, no one would have known it was me. The plan was flawless!”

“Flawless? It’s so flawed it’s like your skin has been peeled off and stomped on!” Li Tian retorted angrily. “You’ve lost the endorsements and roles we just secured for you. Now, apologize to Shen Yunxuan publicly, stay low, and focus on supporting roles. If the public forgives you after a few years, you might still have a chance. Otherwise, consider your career over.”

Li Tian had initially seen potential in Qian Yue, intending to groom her into a cash cow. However, her repeated blunders had ruined her prospects, forcing him to abandon her. With so many other talents under his wing, losing her wasn’t a significant loss.

Qian Yue shrieked, “Are you blacklisting me? How dare you! I’ve always found my own resources and created my own buzz. Now you’re dropping me over this? Are you out of your mind?”

Li Tian, unfazed, let out a cold laugh. “Without the company backing you, you’d have been finished long ago. You’re upset? Fine. Handle this yourself. Your alternate account is a dead giveaway, and you’ll need to disappear for a while. If you can recover from this, I’ll listen to you in the future.”

With a few mocking remarks, Li Tian hung up and instructed the PR team to distance the company from Qian Yue. They issued a statement clarifying that her actions were her own and had nothing to do with the company.

The decision was easy—Qian Yue’s account had insulted not only other celebrities but also her manager and the company itself. Why would they help her now?

Qian Yue had always relied on her alternate account as her secret space, venting every unspeakable thought. Exposed now, the account revealed posts filled with offensive and disrespectful remarks, not only toward her peers but also industry veterans.

The fallout was swift. Fans of those she insulted, general netizens, and the stars she targeted all condemned her. She became a pariah in the entertainment industry, branded as toxic. Her alternate account was undeniable evidence of her poor character, with no defense left.

Qian Yue never expected her downfall to come in such a way. She anxiously refreshed online discussions, desperately trying to recall successful PR strategies from her previous life. She realized that this scandal would haunt her forever unless she had outstanding works to overshadow it. But since her rebirth, she had struggled. None of her projects had succeeded, leaving her as an unremarkable actress with a tarnished reputation, unworthy of public sympathy.

Just days ago, netizens were calling for Shen Yunxuan to leave the industry. Now, those same calls were directed at Qian Yue.

Qian Yue suddenly fixated on Shen Yunxuan. Yes, all of this was her doing! If Qian Yue couldn’t have it easy, then neither would Shen Yunxuan. Besides, if she could spin the narrative that everything was Shen Yunxuan’s fault—that Shen had hurt her so deeply it drove her to madness—then she might still have a chance to turn things around.

After all, infamy was still fame. In her past life, Qian Yue had thrived on infamy for years. She wasn’t afraid of the backlash. As long as she could survive this crisis, what did a tainted reputation matter? She vowed to stay out of trouble in the future, secure roles in the blockbusters she remembered from her past life, and climb her way to the top, becoming a superstar.

She just needed to get through this.

She had to.

As fans from all corners demanded that Qian Yue apologize, she responded quickly:
“Haven’t you ever gossiped or complained about others in private? I was just venting in my own little space, not expecting anyone to see it. Who did it hurt? Seriously, someone’s trying to distract you and steer the heat toward me, and you fell for it. Did you forget about the photo already?”

Her statement ignited a storm. Netizens flooded her account with insults, mocking her for being stubborn and unapologetic. But her comment also reminded people of the photo of Shen Yunxuan and the director—indeed, it hadn’t been explained yet. Even if Qian Yue had maliciously exposed the photo, the picture itself wasn’t fake.

Soon, the online discourse turned back to Shen Yunxuan and the director, with calls for them to address the rumors: “Don’t play dead—come out and explain! That director has a wife and kids!”

The director finally stepped in, posting surveillance footage from the restaurant and expressing his frustration:
“I have the utmost respect for Boss Shen. Anyone who continues to spread baseless rumors about her will face legal action. Without Boss Shen’s investment, this movie would’ve turned into a clichéd love triangle. She single-handedly saved my project! Was it so wrong to feel a bit emotional?

Also, regarding the claim that Boss Shen replaced another lead actress: that actress was brought in by the previous investor, who wanted a love triangle plot. When they left, Boss Shen recommended a talented actress for an audition. Every role in this film was cast through auditions. This has been the most worry-free, satisfying, and gratifying project of my career.

Boss Shen is my benefactor, this film’s savior. If you want to talk about backers, then yes, she’s my backer—and I’d gladly call her my ‘golden patron grandmother.’ Boss Shen, please invest in more of my films. I promise to deliver my best work!”

The director, known for his respectable reputation, used humor to elevate Shen Yunxuan while clearing the air. He confirmed she was the investor, a position of authority, not someone subjected to exploitation.

Netizens were intrigued and opened the surveillance footage. It revealed the following:

1. The initial meeting between Shen Yunxuan and the director was formal and distant, with both appearing reserved. Their interaction was strictly business-like, and the director even seemed troubled, as if negotiations weren’t going well.
2. Shen Yunxuan said something that visibly surprised the director, causing him to grab her hand in excitement. Shen Yunxuan smiled, spoke calmly, and looked down at her hand, prompting the director to let go and apologize awkwardly.
3. They continued to chat, laughed, and eventually clinked glasses, signaling a successful negotiation. Shen Yunxuan then made a phone call, after which the two left separately.

The video showed no signs of intimacy—just a typical business discussion. The brief hand grab was clearly a spontaneous reaction from the director.

A netizen who had previously criticized Shen Yunxuan harshly posted a formal apology:
“I watched the footage frame by frame, zooming in from every angle, and I have to admit—there’s no trace of any impropriety. The photo was clearly misleading. I apologize for my rash comments and urge others to approach rumors with caution. A single photo doesn’t tell the whole story.”

Around the same time, Zhao Yajing shared her call logs and chat history, confirming that Shen Yunxuan had contacted her during the time shown in the surveillance footage, inviting her to audition for the role. The messages also revealed that the original lead actress had refused to perform unless the plot was rewritten. Everything aligned perfectly with the director’s explanation.

The evidence was clear: Shen Yunxuan had invested in the project to protect the script and invited Zhao Yajing to fill the gap when the previous actress backed out. There was no scandal, no affair, no arrogance—just professional problem-solving.

Netizens quickly shifted their focus, turning the situation into a meme.
“That time I bumped heads with my client trying to pick up a pen—if someone photographed us, would I get a fabricated love affair too?”

The narrative had completely flipped. Shen Yunxuan’s integrity was restored, and the incident served as free publicity for her film, boosting its box office performance further.

Some shared their own awkward experiences, such as meeting a client on a windy day when their hair got caught on the client’s button, forcing them to move into a nearby shop to disentangle it. The pose had looked almost like an embrace—imagine if that had been photographed. Would even the Yellow River be enough to wash away such a misunderstanding?

With this lighthearted commentary, the supposedly incriminating photo of Shen Yunxuan and the director seemed far less scandalous. After all, it was only a few seconds of interaction. Even the people involved might have forgotten about it. Many reflected on similar moments they had experienced, realizing that they could easily empathize with Shen Yunxuan. A simple work meeting had turned into a baseless scandal, landing her on the trending list for all the wrong reasons—a heavy burden for anyone to bear.

Once the truth behind the photo was revealed, the other rumors lost their credibility. Upon closer examination, the other photos showed nothing inappropriate: no physical contact, no suggestive behavior. Photography experts even analyzed the angles, proving that the photos had been deliberately taken to create misleading perspectives, making people appear closer than they actually were.

Moreover, as an entertainment company owner investing in films and dining with cinema executives or broadcast officials, wasn’t that part of normal professional networking? If such interactions were problematic, no one in the business world should have meals with clients or collaborators.

Just days ago, many in the industry had sympathized with Shen Yunxuan, believing the situation to be nearly impossible to clear up, especially given the lasting stigma of sexual rumors for female celebrities. But no one expected this storm to resonate so strongly with working professionals.

Many women in particular felt a connection to Shen Yunxuan’s plight. In roles like sales, secretarial positions, or PR, they often had to meet clients and attend events, frequently facing gossip and whispers. Seeing Shen Yunxuan face the same challenges on a much larger scale—and nearly have her reputation and career destroyed—struck a chord.

This emotional resonance heightened the issue’s visibility, transforming public sentiment into a collective outcry against malicious rumors and the damage they inflict, especially on women. The fact that Qian Yue, another woman, had orchestrated the attack and doubled down even after being exposed only intensified the backlash.

“Qian Yue, get out of the entertainment industry!”
The phrase trended again, this time with overwhelming unity and force. The initial doubts about Shen Yunxuan had now fully turned into a public condemnation of Qian Yue.

All the money Qian Yue had spent buying photos and hiring private investigators ended up backfiring spectacularly. None of it hurt Shen Yunxuan—in fact, it brought more attention to her. Qian Yue couldn’t understand why people resonated so strongly with the narrative of workplace challenges, nor why they so readily believed that the photos were misleading.

In her past life, many women targeted by rumors had never been able to clear their names. Regardless of their status or wealth, even if the allegations were fabricated, the gossip lingered—some more than others. So why didn’t it work on Shen Yunxuan? Why did people believe she was the victim?

In frustration, Qian Yue posted:
“Think for yourselves. Where does she get the money to fund films without a benefactor? What makes her special enough to secure such good screening schedules? Don’t tell me she doesn’t have someone supporting her.”

However, these questions had already been addressed. From the start, people knew Shen Yunxuan was an orphan who had worked her way up in the entertainment industry. Despite this, she had founded a company, produced TV dramas and films, and continued to expand. While cash flow in the entertainment business often takes time, Shen Yunxuan’s financial stability had always been evident.

The timing of her films’ screenings also came under scrutiny. Why did her dual-female-lead film, a less typical choice for the Spring Festival season, secure decent screening slots?

This time, the cinema chain owner responded bluntly:
“We give more screenings to better films. If a film performs well, we increase its screenings. Starting tomorrow, we’re increasing the screenings for Boss Shen’s movie.”

This was the ultimate endorsement. It not only affirmed the film’s quality but also stated its superior value compared to other high-profile films during the same season.

The question arose: was the film really that good?

Earlier reviews from critics resurfaced, accompanied by testimonials from audiences who had seen the movie. They described it as unique, emotionally gripping, and far deeper than a typical friendship movie. The film’s tension, plot, and performances stood out, making it a hidden gem.

A well-known film critic posted a glowing review, urging viewers to see the film in theaters:
“This is a film that deserves to be seen. Don’t let controversies cloud your judgment. From its storytelling to the performances and production quality, this movie exceeds expectations. Shen Yunxuan is a filmmaker who takes her craft seriously, and her work reflects her commitment. She honors the art of cinema and the role of an actor.”

The tide had fully turned. The film’s reputation soared, drawing more audiences and cementing Shen Yunxuan’s status as a dedicated, talented professional in the industry.

The renowned film critic, known for his sharp, impartial reviews that spared no one, gave such high praise to Shen Yunxuan’s film that it immediately sparked curiosity. People no longer doubted whether he had been bribed by Shen Yunxuan. Instead, they were intrigued: what kind of film could earn such glowing reviews and prompt cinema owners to increase its screening slots?

More viewers flocked to theaters, and word-of-mouth began spreading organically. Audiences raved about the movie’s quality, praising it as deeply moving and well-crafted. Many marveled at the cinema owner’s decision to allocate more screening slots, acknowledging it as well-deserved based on the film’s merit.

“Special treatment? Or is Qian Yue projecting her own incompetence onto others? Does she really think no one can produce a good film without shady dealings?”
Audiences who had seen the film found Qian Yue’s accusations laughable and malicious. They recognized that if Shen Yunxuan hadn’t been so exceptional, her reputation and career could have been irreparably destroyed by Qian Yue’s relentless slander.

Thankfully, Shen Yunxuan’s talent prevailed, and the truth came to light. Public sentiment overwhelmingly turned against Qian Yue, with calls for her to leave the entertainment industry.

“Qian Yue, get out of the entertainment industry!”
This rallying cry gained even more momentum, uniting netizens in their condemnation of her actions.

As the controversy fueled curiosity, more people went to watch Shen Yunxuan’s film. Some who had initially opted for comedy films during the holiday season decided to give her movie a chance afterward. Following a slow start, the movie’s box office skyrocketed.

Each subsequent day saw massive increases in ticket sales, propelling the film higher on the box office charts. Its critical acclaim and audience approval turned it into a runaway success. Shen Yunxuan not only salvaged the situation but capitalized on the controversy, saving a fortune on promotional expenses.

At this peak, Shen Yunxuan finally spoke out. She thanked audiences for their love and recognition of the film, promising to continue investing in high-quality projects. She also addressed lingering doubts about her finances, assuring everyone that every penny she earned was legitimate and that her taxes were paid promptly.

She added humorously: “My dream is to keep making movies for as long as I live, so I can’t afford any scandals!”

Shortly after, five companies publicly confirmed that Shen Yunxuan was one of their investors. It was revealed that she had made significant profits from stock trading and investments in newly developed games, both of which turned out to be major successes.

People quickly realized that Shen Yunxuan didn’t need a benefactor—she was her own benefactor. She truly lived up to her title as “Boss Shen.”

As the controversy faded, even more positive stories about Shen Yunxuan emerged. A welfare organization posted a statement of support, calling her exceptionally kind-hearted and principled. They shared proof of her monthly donations, as well as clothing, toys, and books she regularly sent to the children. They revealed that she had funded the education of every child in the orphanage where she grew up.

The public was moved by how Shen Yunxuan, despite her success, never forgot her roots. Having experienced hardship, she dedicated herself to supporting others in similar situations.

“How could anyone bear to slander someone like her?”

The revelation quickly spread, and more institutions came forward, sharing their own stories of receiving donations from Shen Yunxuan.

Netizens were astonished. Shen Yunxuan had only graduated two years ago and was still working hard to establish her career, yet she had already done so much good without ever publicizing it—not even her fans knew about her charity work.

Public admiration for Shen Yunxuan soared. She was seen as a genuine, hardworking, and kind individual pursuing her dreams while contributing positively to the world.

“This is what a true star should be—a role model bringing positive energy to the entertainment industry!”

Even those initially uninterested in dual-female-lead films decided to watch her movie, driven by the desire to support someone so inspiring. This grassroots momentum propelled the film to the top of the box office rankings, making it the highest-grossing and best-reviewed movie of the Spring Festival season.

Meanwhile, Qian Yue was blacklisted, losing all her resources and unable to find work. Watching Shen Yunxuan’s meteoric rise from the shadows of her own downfall, Qian Yue felt nothing but shock and fear.

How is this possible? Even if this film wasn’t as cliched as it was in her previous life, there’s no way it could have achieved such success. How can everything Shen Yunxuan stars in become a hit?

If Shen Yunxuan was reborn, there are plenty of proven blockbuster projects she could have chosen. Why would she pick a film that was mediocre in her past life? How could she have known that preserving the original script and co-starring with Zhao Yajing would make it a success? This isn’t something that being reborn could explain. Ultimately, it comes down to Shen Yunxuan being incredibly lucky—everything she touches turns to gold. She’s destined for fame and glory, and nothing can hold her back.

It wasn’t Qian Yue’s fault; her fate simply couldn’t compare to Shen Yunxuan’s.

With nowhere to turn, Qian Yue saw calls for her to leave the entertainment industry every time she went online. Her company had completely abandoned her, and she couldn’t even land a role as an extra. Her career was in ruins.

Having struggled so hard to be reborn, how could she accept this outcome? Desperate and consumed by anger, she couldn’t find a way forward. Watching Shen Yunxuan bask in success only deepened her resentment. With nowhere else to vent her frustration, she decided to lash out and continue her tirade on Weibo:

“You all want to know why I hate Shen Yunxuan so much? Fine, I’ll tell you. It’s because I treated her like my closest friend, my best confidant. But the moment she landed the role of Yu Wanqing, she started looking down on me for playing a stand-in and cut me off completely.

When I visited her on set out of kindness, she had security throw me out.

And all that money she donates? You’re all moved by the crumbs she throws your way? It’s all an act, a façade for good PR! Otherwise, why would she treat a close friend like me so terribly? You’ve all been fooled by her!”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆