Chapter 57: Utterly Dazzling

The time was two weeks ago. Both were fans of Yun Fu, and it was clear from their conversation that they were delighted. Moreover, the matter was certain.

But until two days ago, that fan told her friend that Yun Fu’s endorsement had been snatched away. The company’s higher-ups had made a last-minute decision to replace her with Ning Lan.

They were furious but powerless. Compared to the backing behind Ning Lan, they were like mayflies shaking a mighty tree—overestimating themselves, nothing more.

Between the lines, their joy, heartbreak, rage, and helplessness were plain to see. And according to the timeline, Ning Lan had undoubtedly stolen Yun Fu’s endorsement.

“I don’t just think Du Xingyuan is blind now, I think he’s brainless. At a time like this, he still trusts that white lotus Ning Lan. I’m about to throw up—how can someone be so disgusting!”

“There’s no need for me to speak further about Ning Lan’s vile behavior, right? I’m not even Yun Fu’s fan, but Ning Lan truly disgusts me. I feel so sorry for Yun Fu.”

“The entertainment industry is just this dark, isn’t it? Back when Yun Fu was still at Starshine, she must have suffered even more grievances than this.”

“Ugh, suddenly I feel so sorry for our Yun Fu. Those two are truly revolting. I can’t get rid of my anger without cursing them out!”

The internet was overflowing with abuse, and Ning Lan was so furious her face twisted with rage.

She called Liu Jue, but heard him say, “Yun Fu? A pretty girl. What’s her connection to Su Changzhou?”

Upon hearing this, Ning Lan cursed him silently, but a flash in her eyes betrayed her malicious intent.

She forced a smile. “There’s no real connection.” She knew Liu Jue, though in the entertainment industry, rarely paid attention to these matters, so she explained, “She just helped out a friend of Su Changzhou’s. Maybe someone owed her a favor.”

Sure enough, Liu Jue’s tone changed. “Is that so…”

Ning Lan’s smile was radiant, though her eyes held no joy. With the sweetest voice, she uttered her most venomous words: “Brother Liu, if you like her, I can help you.”

Yun Fu, aren’t you always so lofty? Let’s see how you hold yourself high this time!

Ning Lan’s gaze was laced with poison, like a demon crawling from hell.

On the other end, Liu Jue stared at Yun Fu’s face on the screen, lecherous and delighted by Ning Lan’s words. He couldn’t help but laugh, “You always understand me. About Director Chen’s movie, have your agent take over tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Brother Liu!”

Once she acted in the film, her career would no longer be limited to television dramas. By then, what would Yun Fu matter, or her SC advertisement?

With that thought, Ning Lan suddenly regained her appetite.

She opened the meal her assistant had brought and was about to take a bite, but her stomach churned violently.

She rushed to the bathroom and threw up until she was dizzy.

“You useless thing! Can’t even buy a meal properly. What use are you as an assistant?” She vented all her anger onto the assistant.

The assistant glanced at the food on the table, not daring to speak—these dishes were usually Ning Lan’s favorites.

On the other side, news of Yun Fu endorsing SC’s new product was met with shock but eventual acceptance. Yet doubts remained.

“SC isn’t just about high-end products. They even refused top international celebrities this time—how did Yun Fu get the endorsement?”

“Yun Fu’s backers must be impressive. Managing to land SC’s endorsement, she’s more formidable than Ning Lan.”

“To be honest, Yun Fu is beautiful, but isn’t she unqualified to endorse SC?”

“Female celebrities in the industry will do anything for fame.”

Qiao An watched as posts claiming “Yun Fu isn’t worthy of SC” flooded Weibo, her brows knitted in concern.

The entertainment world had always been rife with scheming. Surely, Ning Lan was orchestrating some of it to clear her own name, but there were also others, jealous and bent on causing trouble.

These people weren’t just cursing online; when Yun Fu returned to the set, reporters blocked her path, their words dripping with sarcasm.

For example: “Yun Fu, you must have worked very hard to get SC’s endorsement. Could you share with us what you did?”

“Yun Fu, we heard Ning Lan snatched your endorsement. How did you end up with SC’s?”

“Yun Fu, do you know the president of SC?”

“Yun Fu—”

Yun Fu had only Qiao An by her side. Normally, there wasn’t much to handle, and Qiao An could cope alone. But now, surrounded by so many with ulterior motives, Qiao An was nearly crushed.

It was thanks to her fans that Yun Fu managed to breathe.

When she saw a fan shoved and staggering, Yun Fu took off her headphones and stopped.

She slowly looked up, the eyes above her mask sharp enough to force the crowd back two steps.

She swept her gaze over them, noting Qiao An’s disheveled hair and the fans whose clothes were rumpled from shielding her.

The warmth in her eyes dropped instantly, and she flashed a roguish smile. Her red lips parted: “None of your damn business.”

Those four airy words pinned the paparazzi to the spot.

By the time they came to their senses, Yun Fu had put her headphones back on, hands in her pockets, striding away with an air of utter indifference.

Qiao An hurried to catch up, mind whirling—What should she do? Should she say it’s Yun Fu’s catchphrase or just that she happened to say it while listening to music?

Trailing behind Yun Fu, her fans had only one thought—so damn cool!

And so, a dozen starry-eyed fans and a dazed Qiao An followed Yun Fu to the set.

Just as she turned to enter, a fan called out loudly behind her.

“Yun Fu, don’t be afraid. Just be yourself—Paofu will stand behind you.”

“Yun Fu, take good care of yourself. We’ll love you well!”

“Don’t pay attention to others. You’re the best!”

“Yun Fu, fly bravely—Paofu will always be with you!”

The figure in front paused, stopped, and slowly turned.

She looked at those strangers, saw the sincerity in their eyes, and an unfamiliar feeling rose within her.

Something she’d never felt before.

But—“Paofu?”

A fan scratched his head sheepishly. “Hehe, that’s our name. It’s pretty cute, right? If you don’t like it, we can change it—or you could give us one.”

Yun Fu thought of the sweet dessert by that name.

She looked again at the fans, and couldn’t help but curve her lips. “No, it’s good.”

And so, Yun Fu’s fans gained a uniquely sweet and adorable name.

Yun Fu turned back to the set. This time, she felt a powerful force at her back, and even acting felt different.