Since there was evidence, everyone at the scene wanted to join in the fun. Everyone squeezed together, except for Su Qinqin and her assistant, Xiao Yu, who were terrified.
Sweat trickled down their backs as they looked at the crowd's ever-changing expressions with empty gazes.
"What a liar!" The crowd exclaimed. "It's obvious that she's trying to frame it on someone else."
"I think she's just a drama queen. She doesn't even have any skills."
"You really are an evil woman."
Suddenly, Su Qinqin became the target. "Why do we need such a female lead?"
"She doesn't even have any acting skills. Why don't we just change the female lead?"
The greenery surrounded them and the sun was shining brightly. There was an occasional breeze in the old village, which was very comfortable when passed by them. Song Qingli lowered her head and looked at Su Qinqin. At that moment, Su Qinqin was like a dog crawling in the mud, struggling to survive as she was sobbing softly.
Xiao Yi probably didn't have a good impression of Song Qingli now since she was in such a terrible state. Although the sacrifice for it was a little much, it was still worth it as long as she could save her idol.
However, things were not as simple as she had thought.
In the distance, the silver-haired man broke free of the manager's shackles and stopped the criticism.
"Qinqin only has a bad temper, she doesn't have any bad intentions," he shouted with his arms spread out.
Xiao Yi's imposing back view burnt in Song Qingli's eyes. It was like a thorn that pierced her eye sockets, causing stormy waves in her eyes.
Kai, who was beside Song Qingli, was observing the expression on Song Qingli's face. The man's dark eyes turned cold as he clenched the handkerchief in his hand.
Song Qingli's brain started spinning quickly. If it was Su Qinqin's one-sided love, she had ways to prevent the tragedy from happening but if Xiao Yi was the infatuated one, there was nothing that she could do.
She had never expected that her idol, who had lit up her lost path, would stand up for such a despicable woman like Su Qinqin.
What was the reason behind this?
"Teacher Xiao, why are you speaking up for her? Please don't tell me that you have a secret relationship with her?" The crowd boldly raised their questions.
"No, I just want to ask everyone to give Qinqin another chance." Xiao Yi pleaded again. Although the rest of the crowd really hated the female lead, they still had to give in to Xiao Yi.
He managed to temporarily suppress the crowd's emotions.
Xiao Yi turned around and walked towards Song Qingli, a trace of anxiety and pleading in his eyes. He lowered his head slightly, "This is Qinqin's fault. I apologize to you on her behalf."
The girl took a step back, her hands slightly clenched into a fist and her pupils trembling. Before she could answer, Mr. Kai's thin lips parted slightly to end the farce.
"This matter can be considered a major offense but since it's her first time doing it, we'll just leave it in the record. If there's a next time, we'll be replacing her with someone else."
Su Qinqin left with her assistant holding her and the rest of the crowd left as well. The directors and producers then surrounded Mr. Kai.
The shocking event finally came to an end.
With everything over, the director said that he would be treating them to a meal to boost everyone's morale, but in reality, it was to welcome the investor, Mr. Kai.
They booked a private room and the seats were filled with the leading actors who had more important roles. Later on, they added a few more chairs. A few other supporting actors who had a few more scenes managed to squeeze in, one of them being Song Qingli.
After a quick wash-up, the young girl went for dinner without any makeup on. Compared to how the others had a grand entrance, Song Qingli had a different charm.
Fortunately, the young girl had a face full of collagen. Even without makeup, she still had the charm of a dazzling, elegant woman. The black hair that was simply tucked behind her head looked a little casual but the clean look in her eyes gave off a unique type of charm.
As soon as she entered the room, she caught the attention of most of the crowd. Whether it was Producer Su or the directors, who had criticized her earlier, or Su Qinqin whom she had an unhappy encounter, all of them looked surprised.
Xiao Yi was the only one that didn't look up at Song Qingli as he was busy taking care of Su Qinqin.
Song Qingli noticed Xiao Yi the moment she entered and sighed in her heart. Was it too late to stop this now?
"Qingli, you're here! Sit beside Mr. Kai. Come, come, come! You're indeed young and beautiful. You look good even without makeup." There were several layers of wrinkles on Director Zhang's face as he smiled and gestured for the guests to take their seats.
Song Qingli hesitated for a moment. She only went to the chair next to Mr. Kai after seeing a slight nod from Sister Li.
Seeing her sit down cautiously next to him, Mr. Kai's eyes curved up slightly.
According to usual customs, when the investors come on set, the male and female leads should be sitting next to them. Song Qingli was merely a second female lead and a newcomer so she was not worthy of sitting there.
However, Su Qinqin, the female lead, had already given up. She had already embarrassed herself during the day. Then, when she returned to her room, her boss screamed at her on the phone. She was already in a bad mood and with no appetite to eat, let alone try to fight the spotlight with Song Qingli.
"Director Zhang, there's no need to make such a big fuss. I'll only be here for a few days." Mr. Kai's voice was low and gentle. The man raised his glass and everyone at the table immediately stood up.
Song Qingli stood up as well. In this day and age, money was power. They would have to do according to what this man wanted.
"Oh! It's my fault for not being able to host you well today. Take this as an apology. I hope that Mr. Kai won't mind this."
Their conversation was boring. Song Qingli kept holding onto her wine glass and did not move her chopsticks to pick up the food. She pursed her lips as she sat by the side. She had long been hungry looking at the table full of dishes.
The girl's hand under the table started playing with the tablecloth.
Mr. Kai exchanged a few words with Director Zhang before changing the topic. "Let's start eating or the dishes will get cold."
After that, they started eating. When the directors and producers talked about happy things, they would raise their glasses. The rest of the actors had to do the same as well. Song Qingli's cheeks were already stuffed but she also had to raise her glass too.
She was eating happily but she met Li Zhen's gaze sweeping over when she looked up. The young girl choked in fear. She pounded her chest slightly. When her face turned red and she was feeling uncomfortable, someone stuffed a glass of orange juice into her hand.
"Eat slowly, there's no hurry." The man's voice was like flowing water, gentle to the ear. Mr. Kai patted the girl's thin back with his large palm. His strength was perfectly curated as it was neither too heavy nor too light. After a few pats on her pat, Song Qingli finally felt better.
When he patted the girl's back, he didn't stop talking to the directors and producers, as if he was trying to divert their attention.
"I'll consider the investment. You should also pay more attention to the safety of the actors. I think the security in this old village is a big problem."
"Mr. Kai is right. We'll make adjustments to what you've suggested."
Director Zhang and Producer Su exchanged glances and watched as Mr. Kai patted Song Qingli's back thoughtfully and handed her water. It seemed like this man was hinting at something.
"Qingli, since Mr. Kai helped you out today, why don't you thank him by giving a toast?" The moment Director Zhang said that Song Qingli felt as if there was a dagger on her back. The incident during the day was already extremely awkward and the director was even bringing it up now. What would Su Qinqin do then?
At that moment, Su Qinqin was like a concubine who had lost her favor in the cold palace. She could only eat a few grains of rice on her plate in the corner. If Xiao Yi had not given her a chicken leg, she would not have eaten anything for that meal.
Song Qingli knew that only by knowing one's enemy would she be able to defeat them.
It seemed like she had to understand the relationship between Su Qinqin and Xiao Yi before she could save her idol.
Song Qingli stood up and raised her glass. "Thank you for helping me out today, Mr. Kai. I dedicate this toast to you."
The corners of Mir Kai's mouth lifted slightly before he nodded his head in acceptance.
However, the young girl was not done yet. She poured another glass of wine and said, "There's one more glass of wine to offer. Su Qinqin, since both of us were at fault today, let's not hold grudges on this."
The last thing Su Qinqin wanted was to be called out into the spotlight. At this moment, she would only think that Song Qingli was showing off and not that Song Qingli was helping her get out of trouble.
"Miss Song, you're a generous woman. I have a lot to learn from you." Su Qinqin gritted her teeth.