After Transmigrating, I Joined a Dating Show with the Fake Heiress Actress - Chapter 32

As the bowl shattered, the noodles spilled across the floor, and the greasy broth splashed onto Yu Meng’s dress.

 

Yu Meng recoiled in disgust, the anger in her eyes still blazing.

 

Bai Man surveyed the mess on the floor, her round eyes narrowing slightly. She loosened her grip on the chopsticks, rose, and fixed her gaze on the phone in Yu Meng’s hand.

 

Without hesitation, Bai Man bent down, snatched the phone from Yu Meng’s grasp, and held it over the steaming pot of noodle broth.

 

Inside the pot, the broth still simmered, its surface bubbling with heat.

 

Su Qingwan, who had gone upstairs to change after cooking the noodles, hurried downstairs when she saw everyone staring anxiously toward the kitchen. The cameraman, stabilizer in hand, wanted to approach but hesitated.

 

Realizing something must have happened, Su Qingwan pushed through the crowd and rushed toward the kitchen.

 

As she drew closer, she heard Yu Meng’s threatening voice: “Bai Man, if you dare drop it, your future will be like those noodles on the floor—unwanted and unrecoverable!”

 

Yu Meng’s words were cut short by the phone plummeting straight into the pot.

 

Immediately after, the dull thud of a phone hitting the pot echoed through the kitchen, and the boiling soup splashed violently over the rim.

 

Bai Man had anticipated this. She had already taken a few steps back as she released her grip, and as expected, the scalding soup drenched Yu Meng completely.

 

“Do you think your life has been too easy?” Bai Man’s voice was soft, but the chilling aura radiating from her made the air freeze.

 

Her icy gaze locked onto Yu Meng, who instinctively recoiled.

 

Yu Meng sensed it—the unmistakable scent of danger.

 

This aura was even more menacing than that of Shangguan Hong, Shangguan Yu’s father, who controlled the majority of Suzhou’s economy.

 

Shangguan Yu, who had been following the online drama, finally tracked down Yu Meng. Hearing Bai Man’s words, she shoved Su Qingwan, who was standing in the kitchen doorway, aside, straightened her back, and strode to Yu Meng’s side. “With me around, Mengmeng will not only have an easy life but a thriving career. As for you,” she sneered, sizing Bai Man up and down, her contempt undisguised, “this is as good as it gets for you. Oh, wait—it’ll actually get worse.”

 

Su Qingwan steadied herself and stepped forward. “Miss Shangguan, you’re threatening Bai Man.”

 

Yu Meng moved to stand beside Bai Man, meeting Shangguan Yu’s gaze. “I heard everything you said just now. You’re threatening her too.”

 

Shangguan Yu chuckled, completely dismissing Su Qingwan. “So what if we are? What can you possibly do about it?” She glanced down at her manicured nails. “Before sticking your neck out for others, you should really consider your own capabilities. Don’t end up losing both your dignity and your reputation.”

 

Su Qingwan’s face flushed slightly, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Bai Man gently pulled her back.

 

Bai Man gave Su Qingwan a reassuring look and calmly replied, “I’ll be watching closely.”

 

“Ha! That’s the funniest joke I’ve heard all year,” Shangguan Yu sneered, her tone shifting to mockery. “You truly are the epitome of overestimating yourself.”

 

With each taunt directed at Bai Man, Su Qingwan’s heart twisted into a tighter knot.

 

Bai Man, so exceptional, deserved to stand at the pinnacle, revered by all. Yet here she was, facing repeated mockery and threats. Su Qingwan couldn’t swallow this injustice.

 

But what could she do? How could she possibly contend with Yu Meng and Shangguan Yu?

 

The thought rekindled her resentment toward herself for not being more outstanding. If only she were more accomplished, Bai Man wouldn’t have to endure such humiliation today.

 

Sensing Su Qingwan’s self-blame and resentment, Bai Man’s initial anger gradually dissipated, replaced by warmth. She reached out and clasped Su Qingwan’s hand in hers. “Don’t dwell on their nonsense,” she said, her gaze falling on the spilled soup on the ground. “What a waste of this soup.”

 

These simple words struck Shangguan Yu and Yu Meng like a slap in the face, igniting their fury.

 

Yu Meng nodded coldly, pointing a finger at Bai Man. “You think manipulating public opinion can affect me? How naive. Even if the entire internet turns against me today, I’ll still have endless resources at my disposal. As for you? You’re destined to rot away in your family’s factory, surrounded by rags and scrap metal.”

 

Shangguan Yu chimed in, “Maybe she doesn’t even have rags. Ah, she can only put on a show with her words.” She looped her arm through Yu Meng’s. “Mengmeng, don’t waste your breath on people like this. It’ll only lower your status.”

 

Her words reminded Yu Meng, bringing her back to her senses. She shouldn’t have let her emotions get the better of her.

 

Yu Meng glanced at the cameraman outside, secretly relieved he hadn’t captured the exchange.

 

Little did she know, the moment she and Shangguan Yu turned away, Bai Man calmly pulled her phone from her pocket, tapped a button on the screen, and slipped the device back into her pocket.

 

Su Qingwan guessed Bai Man had recorded Yu Meng and Shangguan Yu’s remarks. She hesitated, then said, “These words will only make them targets of public criticism. With a little money, we can suppress this.”

 

Bai Man finished speaking and strode out of the room. When she returned, she carried a broom and dustpan.

 

Live Stream Chat:

 

I hate the cameraman! What was going on in the kitchen just now? Yu Meng’s face when she left looked like she was about to turn into a donkey!

 

Could Yu Meng have set a trap for Bai Man? If that’s the case, Bai Man isn’t overconfident—she’s got a plan.

 

I really want to drag the cameraman out and beat him up. You can tell from the other guests’ expressions that Yu Meng is up to something.

 

Stop blaming the cameraman. This time, it’s not their fault. It’s just someone flexing their financial muscle.

 

I turned the volume up all the way and barely caught a few words: “Yu…”

 

Ah, I figured it out! Su Qingwan mouthed “I’ll cook for you later” to Bai Man earlier. That explains why Su Qingwan disappeared as soon as she got back—she must have snuck into the kitchen to cook for Bai Man.

 

Oh my god, if that’s true, it’s too sweet!

 

Kick those two bullies off the show! They’re so annoying, acting like their chins are scraping the sky every time they speak. I can’t stand people who look down on others. Get out!

 

If Bai Man and Su Qingwan aren’t in the next episode, I’m not watching.

 

Me too. Out of all the couples, Bai Man and Su Qingwan are the only ones worth shipping.

 

 

Su Qingwan opened her mouth, wanting to ask, but ultimately remained silent and turned to wash the pot.

 

Encountering resistance, she reached in with her hand and discovered a phone at the bottom.

 

The fleeting glimpse she’d caught earlier had been Yu Meng’s phone.

 

So, Yu Meng had knocked over Bai Man’s noodles, and Bai Man had retaliated by soaking Yu Meng’s phone in the pot.

 

Ugh, that’s brutal.

 

Wait, why do I feel a sense of satisfaction?

 

She set the phone aside and turned to Bai Man. “I’ll make you another bowl.”

 

“No need, I’m full.” Bai Man carried the noodles and shattered bowl outside to the trash can.

 

Zhang Jiale, who had been watching the scene intently, swallowed hard. He was genuinely impressed by Bai Man’s composure, her ability to remain unfazed by any situation.

 

Wait, that’s not quite right. She lost her cool during the Yima incident.

 

He clapped a hand over his mouth, as if he’d stumbled upon some hidden truth.

 

Director Xu, who had been anxiously monitoring the situation, finally breathed a sigh of relief when his assistant reported that everyone had dispersed and Yu Meng had left with Shangguan Yu.

 

It seems Bai Man can’t stay on the Production Team any longer. I need to find a way to get her to withdraw from the show.

 

Bai Man returned to her room, and her phone buzzed in her pocket.

 

Bai Man pulled out her phone and saw a message from Wu Xi.

 

Wu Xi: Sister Man, bad news! I just overheard the bank reneging on the loan and demanding early repayment from CEO Bai.

 

Wu Xi: Sister Man, what do we do? I asked the platform, and they said the funds won’t be released until consumers confirm receipt. Should I have the three streamers mention it in their live streams? Every little bit helps!

 

Wu Xi: Sister Man, please reply! I need to know what to do. I’m afraid to tell everyone—their morale will plummet, and they won’t be able to focus on work.

 

Bai Man: Have the three streamers mention it in their live streams. Don’t deliberately hide what you heard; let things unfold naturally.

 

Wu Xi: Then… do you have any countermeasures?

 

Bai Man: Stick to the plan.

 

Bai Man put down her phone, walked to the window, and gazed out.

 

She had anticipated Shangguan Yu’s tactics, though she expected them to take a few more days. She hadn’t imagined Shangguan Yu would act so swiftly and ruthlessly.

 

Tomorrow was the final day of filming for the second phase. Bai Man had already booked a red-eye flight back.

 

Since the incident was caused by her, it was unfair to let Bai Shanheng and Xu Mengjie bear such immense pressure.

 

Next door, Su Qingwan was video-calling Su Qingyue.

 

“Sister, have you lost your mind? How could you join Bai Man in her antics? It’s one thing for her to throw caution to the wind, but you can’t afford to act foolishly too.” Su Qingyue hesitated, then lowered her voice. “I’ve heard that Yu Meng was behind Liu Yue’s sudden replacement as brand ambassador. You wouldn’t want our studio to end up like Liu Yue, would you?”

 

Su Qingwan stiffened. Yu Meng had indeed been targeting Liu Yue behind the scenes.

 

This explained why Liu Yue had risked offending her partner by dumping the lobster today, ensuring Yu Meng’s team wouldn’t come in last.

 

But now that Liu Yue’s actions had been exposed, Yu Meng…

 

“You’re on good terms with Yu Meng, unlike Liu Yue. If you stay out of Bai Man’s feud with her from now on, you can invite Yu Meng to dinner after the show wraps up, apologize, and put this behind you. But be careful—the Little Princess is fiercely possessive. You absolutely must avoid becoming her enemy.” Su Qingyue’s analysis was sharp and logical, her greatest fear being that her sister’s recklessness would jeopardize her own career and the entire studio’s future.

 

Seeing Su Qingwan’s silence, Su Qingyue continued earnestly, “Sister, the entire studio depends on you to keep us afloat. If your resources are restricted, our entire studio will be finished.”

 

Su Qingwan replied listlessly, “I understand.”

 

Su Qingyue, unwilling to hear more, hung up.

 

Let Bai Man and the others handle Yu Meng and Shangguan Yu? No, I can’t do that.

 

Yet reason told her she couldn’t help Bai Man, nor did Bai Man need her help. Just like in the kitchen earlier, she had been more of a burden, forcing Bai Man to comfort her instead.

 

She lowered her head, her lips pressed into a thin line, her heart heavy with helplessness.

 

Meanwhile, not far away, in Yu Meng’s room:

 

Shangguan Yu wrapped his arms around Yu Meng’s shoulders. “Mengmeng, don’t worry. My brother said he’s already contacted the bank. They should be moving soon. With all her assets frozen and massive debts piling up, let’s see how smug Bai Man is then.”

 

Previously, Yu Meng would have breathed a sigh of relief at these words. But the persistent trending topics online told her this situation was far more complicated than it seemed.

 

Bai Man must have some powerful backers, otherwise this situation wouldn’t have arisen.

 

But who in all of Suzhou would dare to challenge the Shangguan Family?

 

Could it be the Sheng Family, who have always been at odds with the Shangguans? No, even if Bai Man had managed to contact them, the Sheng Family wouldn’t take her seriously.

 

Who else would have the audacity and the resources to rival the Shangguan Family?

 

Her mind raced with possibilities. Glancing at her Weibo follower count, she saw it was still plummeting, and her brow furrowed even deeper.

 

Since the video of Shangguan Yu exchanging her phone for cash went viral, Yu Meng had lost nearly a million followers.

 

If the trending topics weren’t suppressed soon, at this rate, her tens of millions of followers could dwindle to just a million.

 

No, this can’t continue. Yu Meng gripped Shangguan Yu’s hand. “Call your brother. Those trending topics need to be taken down immediately. If this drags on, it will damage your family’s reputation too.”

 

Shangguan Yu pulled her hand away, grabbed her phone from the bed, and walked to the window to call her brother.

 

 

On the final day of filming, the guests were particularly enthusiastic, especially after Director Xu announced that the entire day would be dedicated to interviews, allowing everyone to relax.

 

After days of running around outdoors, even the sturdiest feet couldn’t take it anymore.

 

To keep the guests relaxed, Director Xu didn’t specify interview locations. The assistants would find the guests wherever they were.

 

An assistant found Su Qingwan in the courtyard.

 

At that moment, Su Qingwan was crouched down, intently watching a snail slowly crawling across a chili pepper leaf. Even when the assistant arrived, she didn’t look up, remaining in the same position.

 

“What kind of person do you think Ms. Yu is?” the assistant asked.

 

Su Qingwan blinked twice. “Ms. Yu is a good actress. As for other aspects…” She paused, then shook her head. “I don’t know.”

 

“You’ve interacted with Ms. Yu since the show started airing. You should have some understanding of her.”

 

Su Qingwan tilted her head, glancing at the camera behind the assistant. “You’re part of the Production Team too, but I don’t know anything about you either.”

 

The assistant was momentarily stumped, forced to change the subject. “What about Bai Man? You’re partners with her. You must know what kind of person she is.”

 

“Bai Man…” Su Qingwan rested her chin in her hand. “She’s incredibly talented. It’s as if there’s nothing in this world she can’t handle.”

 

“Do you like Bai Man?” the assistant pressed.

 

Su Qingwan instinctively turned toward the eaves, her gaze meeting Bai Man’s. In that instant, her heart began to race uncontrollably.