Chapter 15 The Beginning of the Scandal: 15

Words : 1271 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 15: Chapter 15 The Beginning of the Scandal: 15 Zhou Yun stared at her phone for several seconds, deep in thought, then regained her composure and typed, asking: Who are you? After the message was sent, it disappeared into the void, with no reply from the other end. Zhou Yun waited for a long time, during which she replied to other messages, but there were no new text notifications. In the era of the internet, nearly everyone uses WeChat for messaging, and hardly anyone still uses the phone's built-in SMS feature. Ten minutes later, the person still hadn't replied to the text message. Zhou Yun hesitated for a long time and eventually gave up the idea of calling to ask. A stranger, a mysterious text message, and no reply—it seemed too much like a phishing attempt. However... Zhou Yun couldn't help but recall the rustling sounds she heard last night at the hotel entrance. And that distinctly clear sound of the failed electronic card swipe. She was certain she wasn't dreaming. Someone had tried to sneak into her room but failed. Zhou Yun put down her phone and used the hairdryer to dry her hair first. She had four jobs scheduled for tomorrow, but fortunately, all were in Shanghai, so there was no need to rush for a flight. Zhou Yun slept until dawn, and when the alarm went off, she felt as if she had just fallen asleep. She was extremely tired and groggy, her mind felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead. The person in the mirror hadn't put on makeup yet, showing a bare face. At times like this, Zhou Yun would reminisce about her teenage years. Back then, everything was beautiful, untouched by trouble, basking in brilliant sunlight. As soon as she had finished freshening up, Zhou Lan came knocking on her door. The car and the styling were arranged by the company, all coordinated by Zhou Lan. Even the car had been changed, different from yesterday's, but the driver was still the same. Zhou Yun was somewhat surprised because the car looked noticeably more upscale than the one from yesterday. "Why the sudden luxurious treatment?" Zhou Yun asked incredulously. Zhou Lan smiled proudly and said, "Because you are making good money now, of course the company wants to improve your treatment." "Did you fight for this?" asked Zhou Yun. Zhou Lan nodded, "Everyone is opportunistic. Didn't the host Xiao Hu yesterday act that way because he saw you had no background, plain appearance, and only me by your side, so he dared to change the script on you?" Zhou Yun understood Zhou Lan's intent. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are not just for one's own enjoyment, but are also for others to see. If everything is top-notch, beyond others' reach, they naturally respect you more. If everything is even slightly inferior, displaying a lack of sophistication, they naturally look down on you. Reality is always harsh; it may not be as precise as measurements, but it still distinguishes between two sides. Zhou Yun couldn't say she didn't care about these things. She only had one job in the morning, to attend the opening of a brand's first store in Shanghai. It wasn't a major brand, but backed by a big group with plenty of money to invest. Besides Zhou Yun, several other celebrities were invited, with Song Chi being the most famous among them. The invitation came very suddenly, only issued yesterday. But for a big star like Song Chi, they surely had him confirmed in advance. So it was clear why Zhou Yun received the invitation; it was solely because she appeared on a hot search with Song Chi amid rumors. The store specifically wanted to invite Zhou Yun to capture a photo with the scandal's key players and stir up public interest. Even knowing this, Zhou Lan still accepted the job for Zhou Yun. Zhou Yun didn't ask, as she understood Zhou Lan's rationale. No one is a pure, innocent figure; rumors that need clarification must be cleared up, but why not capitalize on available fame? This job, intended to stir public interest, also came with good compensation. And subsequent publicity would not require Zhou Lan to spend money; the brand itself would handle it. This would give Zhou Yun another surge in popularity. "Sister Lan, do you think Song Chi will scold me when he sees me later?" Zhou Yun jokingly asked, "This time we clearly know he's attending and still accepted the job." "Why care about him? We didn't beg for this job; it was an invitation directly from the brand, why shouldn't we accept it?" Zhou Lan replied righteously, "If they come to bother you, I'll retort." The brand had prepared restrooms for each attending celebrity. Zhou Yun had her own private room. Not long after they entered, someone knocked on the door. After Lin Xiaomiao's incident, Zhou Lan had become more vigilant. She didn't open the door but asked through it, "Who is it?" "It's me." A somewhat effeminate male voice responded from outside, "Luo Yuhu." Luo Yuhu? What was Song Chi's agent doing here? Zhou Lan exchanged a glance with Zhou Yun, sharing a look before opening the door. Luo Yuhu, with his arms crossed over his chest, walked in as soon as the door opened without so much as a 'by your leave', walked straight in, then turned around and commanded Zhou Lan, imperiously saying, "Close the door." Zhou Lan didn't completely shut the door, leaving it ajar instead. "What are you here for?" Luo Yuhu scoffed arrogantly, saying, "Stay off the red carpet later." There would be a red carpet for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by numerous media reporters. Zhou Lan was taken aback and asked, "Why?" "Why? Do you really have the nerve to ask why? I have never seen anyone thicker-skinned and more shameless than you, sticking around even more relentlessly than a plaster," Luo Yuhu darkened in expression, his mouth firing off like firecrackers, "You clearly knew that our Brother Chi would be here today, yet you still came, just trying to attract publicity, right? Let me tell you, give up that thought—it won't happen!" "Are you out of your mind?" Zhou Lan stepped forward, not willing to show weakness, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Starting the conversation with insults, can't a human mouth speak nicely or what?" Luo Yuhu was stunned, apparently not expecting anyone to dare talk back to him. Begrudgingly inhaling sharply, Luo Yuhu glared, his hand raising and his index trembling as he pointed at Zhou Lan, struggled for a while before finally saying, "You dare talk to me like that!" Zhou Lan's eyebrows raised defiantly, "What, are you some royal relative or what? What's wrong with how I talk to you?" "Fine! You really don't know what's good for you! Just you wait!" Luo Yuhu shrieked, throwing out these harsh words before furiously twisting around and storming out of the room, slamming the door with a loud "bang". That sound was probably heard by everyone nearby. With a touch of disdain, Zhou Lan grimaced, saying, "Who knows how someone like that can stay by Song Chi's side; with that temper, isn't he just alienating all the partners?" Zhou Yun let out a soft sigh and spread her hands, "See, I guessed they'd react like this. Now we've really offended them."

Chapter 15 The Beginning of the Scandal: 15

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