Chapter 698 - 41: The Cannon Fodder Actress Opposing the Slacker Female Lead (Part 41)

"This is such a hassle."

"I don’t mind the hassle. There’s plenty of time ahead. I just want to play slowly with these people."

After reporting to the police and filing a case, Jiang Lai only said one thing.

"I won’t accept reconciliation or apology. Let’s count it as infringement of reputation rights and defamation, as well as dissemination of obscene and pornographic material."

After handling these, Jiang Lai took out a business card and dialed an international long-distance call using the number on it.

"...Yeah, thank you. I understand that you’re overseas and not familiar with the situation here. Sorry for the inconvenience... Yes, just broadcasting it is enough... Haha, thank you for your trust in me. I’ve always been confident that I would be the best lotus.

Alright, I’ll resolve this matter well... Thank you for your good intentions, but I can handle it myself."

After hanging up the phone, it was already late at night.

Unable to sleep, Jiang Lai simply made herself a cup of coffee and then sat by the bedside, lowering her gaze to watch the bright lights outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Even at this hour, the lights outside were still so bright.

How long had it been since she last saw such lights in reality?

Every time she experienced such excitement, Jiang Lai felt an unreal sense of detachment.

She clearly knew she didn’t belong here.

So she treated everyone here with clarity.

At this time, her phone vibrated.

"Sis, I knew you haven’t slept yet."

Jiang Qu’s voice sounded a bit hoarse.

"Are you done with work?"

"Yeah, night scenes. It even rained, so it was delayed for a long time."

Since coming out of the variety show, Jiang Qu had been working nonstop.

The summer break was almost over, and he hadn’t left much time for himself to rest.

"Working so hard, no plan for a cycling trip in Xinjiang during the summer break?"

"This kind of thing can be done anytime, but work isn’t always available. I want to take advantage of the current popularity to build some capital."

This was something Jiang Qu would never have said before.

But after this program recording finished, he changed a lot.

He actively sought opportunities for himself, curbing the previous arrogance and impulsiveness, replacing them with patience and resilience.

He had his own ideas and plans, and Jiang Lai didn’t ask much.

"Sis, are you home? I want some noodles."

"Yeah, at home. I’ll make them for you now."

The set was not far from here, and by the time Jiang Qu returned, a bowl of steaming hot noodles was freshly made.

Pork lard clear soup noodles, with just a bit of salt and MSG added, and a handful of green scallions floating on the clear broth, with a fried egg crispy on the outside and runny inside laid flat beside.

Jiang Qu pulled out a chair and started eating. He easily finished a big bowl of noodles.

"Ah... yours are still the tastiest."

The young man showed a satisfied expression.

"It’s just simple clear soup noodles, what’s the difference."

"It’s different."

Jiang Qu looked at Jiang Lai very seriously.

"It’s really different, I’m not exaggerating. I used to scoff whenever people said the meals cooked by their mom are different from those outside.

Now... I seem to understand the meaning behind their words."

Jiang Qu lowered his head, his ears turning red.

"Sis’s cooking really tastes different from outside."

Jiang Lai couldn’t help but smile.

This kid sure treats her like a mom.

No wonder, having received little maternal love since childhood, it’s natural to have some expectations in this area.

Oh well, if I’m a mom, then I’m a mom.

Isn’t the elder sister like a mother?

"Finish up and wash the dishes, then go to sleep."

"Sis, I’ve seen those comments online."

Jiang Qu suddenly said.

Seeming such words had been brewing for a long time.

"Don’t be bothered by what they say. Some people online love to defame others, just treat it like they are talking nonsense, don’t take it to heart."

"Do I look like I take it to heart?"

Jiang Qu scrutinized her carefully, then hesitantly shook his head.

"Isn’t that good? Rest assured, I’m not one to suffer losses lightly. Whatever was taken today, I’ll immediately return."

She clapped her hands after saying this.

"Since I can’t sleep anyway, come play mahjong with me."

With the agent joining, they had just the right four people.

Everyone was filled with worries, and rather than overthinking things, it was better to play some mahjong to distract themselves.

Jiang Qu mastered his skills from his flashy friends.

Smoking, drinking, gambling, fighting...

If it was a game, he learned it well.

So he was quite adept on the card table.

Just as Jiang Lai was a skilled player, the two women opposite were also seasoned veterans.

They played merrily all night until dawn, and everyone was tired and sleepy enough to finally get a good sleep.

——

"With things getting this serious, Jiang Lai might be worried sick by now."

Lu Huan joyfully sat on the sofa drinking red wine, opposite a sullen-faced Lu Ming.

"Doing this at most smears her reputation, how else does it help?"

"Ruining her reputation is enough. Investors need to make choices. Making movies is about earning money. Now that Jiang Lai is boycotted, how could they continue to use her."

"So they would use you?"

Lu Ming’s gaze was cold.

Lu Huan looked at him.

"What do you mean? Why do I feel like you’re not wishing me well? If Jiang Lai isn’t used, naturally they’ll use me. I’ve performed so well."

Lu Ming sneered.

"Won’t you be cyber-bullied as well?"

"I’m an American Chinese. If they choose me, it’s due to international politics, understand? By then, these netizens won’t have much to say."

Lu Huan had thought all this through.

These netizens just wanted an airtight reason; among so many actors, only she was American Chinese. Isn’t that reason good enough?

By then, everyone would say.

There’s no choice; she’s Chinese American. What’s wrong with Americans choosing an American?

"Now it’s just Jiang Lai being overconfident, daring to take on everything, paying some price now is just what she deserves."

Lu Ming watched Lu Huan’s triumphant arrogance with disdain in his heart.

This fool had really succeeded.

"I’m about to go abroad to film. You just focus on school at home, alright? Mom’s right, you’re still a student now; handle student matters first before thinking of anything else."

Mrs. Lu was not giving Lu Ming any jobs anymore.

After all, the previous video incident caused too much commotion; coming out at this time would mainly invite scoldings.

Lu Ming’s face grew increasingly cold and silent.

"Just behave yourself and stop worrying us, okay?"

"I’ve been worrying you? Ha..."

"Otherwise? We already got you the opportunity to audition for the Young Master’s role. Now, because of what you did, the role went straight to Jiang Qu.

Isn’t this your own fault for being so temperamental, forcing me to lose face along with you?"

After all, she was the one who got beaten. Even if she was a victim, this wasn’t anything glamorous for a female star.