Everyone was full of vigor as they finished the scene. There was no denying Xu Jia Li's professionalism. Their respect and admiration towards her doubled but they still believed in the rumors, especially now that another blow to her career was surfacing. It was human nature to disregard the good and focus on the bad.
The October issue of Fashion and Glamour never sold even just a small percentage. The netizens even bashed the different outlets that were selling the magazines. It led to those outlets to return the bulk and bulk of magazines to Fashion and Glamour.
Si Weimin already messaged her and asked if she needed help. However, it was still early to say that the sales wouldn't rise. She was hopeful that within two days, she could settle the issues and by that time, the sales would increase.
There were some of the crews who showed their concerns towards Xu Jia Li. They felt remorseful that they treated her badly because of their biased judgment. If not for Xu Jia Li's talent and skill, they knew that the shooting would be much harder. They owed it to her since all her scenes were only one take. However, not everyone felt the same.
In return, they wanted to do something for her so they talked to Shen Linqin about their plan to celebrate her birthday tomorrow night. It was Li Yun who organized everything so all they had to do was make sure that everything would be all set.
They even invited the two producers, Producer Zhang and Si Weimin. Even Jay Chou and Mr. Lawrence would be present. They remained quiet since they wanted it to remain a surprise. Xu Jia Li proved to everyone that she was indeed talented. All of her scenes were done in one take. Only her scenes with Meng Lulu required three to four takes since the latter couldn't keep up from Xu Jia Li.
Meng Lulu was even scolded by Director Han to take a drama lesson to improve her acting skills. Xu Jia Li even spared some of her time to teach Meng Lulu.
"Isn't Miss Xu really kind? Who would waste their time to teach a one emotion actress like Meng Lulu?"
"I agree with you, Assistant Ji. Look how mediocre she is compared to the other artists in the movie. All she can do is to smile," the woman laughed mockingly.
"She should star in children's movies," the woman giggled as she continued, "Those that require smiles all throughout the film."
"Hahaha, that's right. How hard it is to cry? Seriously? I can even do it. Why can't she?"
"She's another Liuliang star in the making. And I really don't believe that she's being suppressed by Miss Xu." The two women laughed before Assistant Ji spoke.
"Sheesh, be quiet. Tang Xie might hear you. You know how big her ears are, especially when it comes to gossips."
"That's true, Assistant Ji. I even saw Tang Xie lurking around Miss Xu's dressing room. Perhaps, she's up to something."
"Don't say nonsense. Of course, she's just trying to copy Miss Xu's beauty regimen. She even asked me what moisturizer Miss Xu is using. Can't you see? Meng Lulu wants to be like Miss Xu."
"That's silly. Ha ha ha! Plus, I still don't trust Tang Xie, Assistant Ji."
****
Tang Xie was about to enter the room when she came across the three crew talking about Meng Lulu. She was about to get Meng Lulu's dinner. She didn't want to listen but she couldn't help it as she held the doorknob. She let go as she hid behind the door. Her face heated up when she heard everything.
She frowned as she turned around, ready to go back to Meng Lulu's dressing room. However, she almost shouted and her eyes bulged when she saw Meng Lulu's pale face.
"Lu-mei, what are you doing here?"
"Is that what they think about me?" the tears in Meng Lulu's eyes began to flow down her cheeks, "Why is it so hard to be an actress?"
Tang Xie led Meng Lulu back inside her dressing room. She felt bad for her. She witnessed everything that she had been through. She was innocent and pure. All Meng Lulu wanted was to be successful in her career.
"I told you from the very start that the entertainment industry is dirty. You have to be cunning and manipulative if you want to succeed. See that Xu Jia Li? She's no better than a vixen willing to do everything for her career. I told you not to invest emotional attachment to her."
Meng Lulu didn't answer as the tears continued to flow. Everything became harder when it was her. Sometimes she asked herself why she was so unfortunate. Why was Xu Jia Li successful? All her albums were successful. Her Asian Tour was a success as well. Her acting was incomparable.
She felt so little and insignificant every time she was beside Xu Jia Li. She couldn't even make a decent acting on their scenes. She tried being kind and sweet to everyone so as to make up with what she lacked. How could they still say that about her?
She had been trying all her best that she even stayed up all night just to practice her script. She would look in the mirror and see her reactions and emotions. She was putting all she could. How could they still say that?
"Didn't I tell that you have to be tough? There's no space for friendship and trust in the industry. You can only rely on yourself, Lu-mei. Do you really believe that Xu Jia Li is still pure? She's been Si Weimin's woman. Don't put her on a pedestal. She's nothing but a bitch!"
"D-don't say that," Meng Lulu answered in between sob.
"Why? Do you think she's teaching you because she wants to? How gullible you are, Lu-mei. I told you she's only doing that to appear superior and better than you are! Wake up! Stop believing that she really cares about you. She even doesn't trust your kindness. Don't you know that?"
Tang Xie held Meng Lulu's hand, "If you destroy Xu Jia Li, it will solidify your place in the industry."
Meng Lulu's eyes were red and puffy but the tears continued to flow as she stared at Tang Xie. A glint of hatred flashed across her eyes.