Exchange of Movie Queens - Chapter 12

Microphones crowded together, camera flashes flickered dazzlingly, and below was a sea of dark, packed journalist heads.

Amidst the shimmering lights, Ruan Yesheng sat upright in her seat. As she looked out, she suddenly realized she couldn’t remember how long it had been since she last appeared publicly like this, surrounded by swarms of media and fans clamoring for attention.

But the one they were clamoring for was Xi Mo.

Even though she had once basked in the limelight of such adoration, now she was merely a stand-in.

In her view, even a stand-in should have the self-awareness of a professional substitute actor.

So she adjusted her hand posture slightly, facing the cameras with graceful poise as she smiled gently: “Thank you everyone, I’m doing well. I appreciate your continued care and support.”

Even without Xi Mo by her side, Ruan Yesheng had studied her deeply. Thus, she perfectly captured Xi Mo’s demeanor before the cameras.

In public appearances, Xi Mo wasn’t as coldly arrogant, picky, or aloof as she was in private. Instead, she maintained just the right amount of elegant nobility, just the right poise, just the right gentleness, and even occasionally just the right touch of cuteness. In the entertainment industry, arrogance to the point of looking down on everyone was a sign of negative emotional intelligence, only leading to a plummeting image. A few celebrities who rose to fame sometimes became carried away—haughty, sarcastic, even hurling insults at journalists and fans, or getting into physical altercations. When reported, their hard-earned popularity would collapse overnight, with fans tearfully declaring they were switching sides.

Xi Mo had always captivated countless fans with her elegant, noble appearance tinged with a hint of ethereal aloofness, yet her words and actions struck just the right balance of charming, appropriate warmth. This was her signature trait—one that was difficult to master. Too aloof, and she’d seem like an unapproachable flower on a high peak, scaring people away and inviting criticism for being cold and pretentious. Too warm and soft, and it would deviate too far from her established image. Thus, Xi Mo navigated this delicate middle ground perfectly, walking her path flawlessly to this day.

…And also walking it with split personalities to this day.

A reporter asked: “After the major incident some time ago, rumors spread everywhere that you were disfigured in the fire. How did you feel when you saw these reports? Were you angry at such baseless claims?”

Ruan Yesheng thought inwardly, Weren’t these exactly the kinds of things you people wrote? But outwardly, she smiled and said: “These are just normal speculations, it’s nothing. Having survived such a disaster, I’m just grateful to be sitting here today. As long as I’m fine now, that’s what matters.”

Xi Mo watched the livestream intently, her expression unreadable. At least she knows how to talk without embarrassing me, she thought.

She scrolled through the comments, which were multiplying by the second, with fans exclaiming: “Our goddess is so gracious! Such composure! Love you, goddess!”

The reporters fired questions one after another. When asked about upcoming work and new projects, Ruan Yesheng replied: “I’m currently preparing for a new drama—this time, a TV series. Once the final preparations are complete, filming will begin. You’ll be able to see related updates very soon.”

“You’ve always taken on film roles before. What made you choose a TV series this time?”

Ruan Yesheng said, “I also want to try some new directions, make changes in different ways. Whether it’s the TV drama I’ve taken on or the films afterward, I hope to put in my best effort to satisfy myself and gain everyone’s approval.”

“So does this mean we’ll be seeing more of your works in the future, Xi Mo? Whether on the big screen or television?”

Ruan Yesheng lowered her gaze with a faint smile. “You could say that.”

The news about filming the TV drama had been kept tightly under wraps, known only internally without any leaks. Now that it was publicly announced, the internet exploded once again.

Most fans were thrilled, vowing to follow and watch the drama no matter what, and began speculating about its genre—cycling through period dramas, urban romances, and spy thrillers.

Countless fans were screaming online: “I’ll watch anything my goddess stars in!”

“I hope the production team delivers and doesn’t ruin my goddess. They better match her acting skills and beauty!”

Of course, there were also the worriers: “Please don’t let it be one of those ridiculous ‘hand-tearing Japanese soldiers’ dramas! Those are flooding the market now, and even the SARFT has cracked down hard. I don’t want my goddess stuck in that kind of nonsense, nooooooo!”

Haters seized the opportunity to stir trouble: “Hah, so the queen can’t make it in the film industry anymore and has to slum it in TV dramas? Talk about a nosedive in prestige.”

“Wait, did she ever have any prestige to begin with?”

This was a common phenomenon in the industry—as if starring in films automatically placed actors several tiers above those in TV dramas, their prestige incomparable.

When fans and haters clashed in the comments, sparks flew. Arguments raged from one end to the other, eventually devolving into heated exchanges involving ancestors eighteen generations back, generously garnished with lavish servings of personal attacks.

Xi Mo watched the video for a while longer, scrolled through the comments, then returned to the video.

As she watched, she noticed how dazzling Ruan Yesheng appeared on camera—ignoring the fact that she was wearing Xi Mo’s own skin. Every gesture and movement was radiant, like a diamond polished under countless spotlights. Moreover, every smile, every motion perfectly mirrored Xi Mo’s own past habits.

How Xi Mo had once carried herself in front of the media was exactly how Ruan Yesheng portrayed her now, without the slightest deviation.

It was as if Ruan Yesheng had meticulously studied all of Xi Mo’s video footage, spending long hours observing her from behind the scenes—otherwise, she couldn’t have replicated her mannerisms so flawlessly.

The thought startled Xi Mo.

Not long after this realization, the Q&A session wrapped up temporarily, with Lu Qingming now answering some questions on behalf of the team while Ruan Yesheng sat aside to rest.

The camera panned to Ruan Yesheng during her break. Perhaps freed from the tension of facing reporters, she finally revealed glimpses of her own innate charm and grace.

Under the influence of the soul within her, Xi Mo’s eyes shimmered like rippling water. As Ruan Yesheng rested, she unscrewed a bottle of water and took a sip, her moistened lips parting slightly. Her slender neck tilted back, her elegant throat moving subtly with each swallow.

There was one moment in particular—when her gaze drifted to the side, soft yet alluring, tinged with a hint of languid boredom—that was utterly mesmerizing, enough to make one lose their bearings.

Xi Mo happened to catch this scene: “…”

Damn it.

In all her years of living—even while acting—she had never dared to be this provocative.

Perhaps this moment was too soul-capturing, as some observant netizens actually screenshotted it and made a full GIF that was posted on Weibo.

The GIF was captioned: “Accidentally caught this—today’s press conference goddess drinking water like this. My heart is already drunk. Bye”

This GIF of Ruan Yesheng drinking water instantly went viral online. The GIF had been frame-adjusted with lighting and beauty filters added. Xi Mo’s natural beauty was already enough to make even celestial beings jealous, but with the slow-motion effect and post-processing, her beauty level practically shattered the heavens.

More importantly, it was the way she moved—those eyes speaking volumes without words—that drove hordes of fans wild.

“Is this really my goddess? Oh my god! It’s just drinking water, but she’s so alluring!”

“You little temptress! Come into my arms!”

“Isn’t this how the goddess looked when filming Qing Cheng? I thought that was just for the movie—I never imagined she could be like this in real life too!”

“Hello everyone! I’m the bottle of water the goddess drank from!”

“Hello everyone! I’m the bottle cap!”

“Going downstairs right now to buy water—a whole case!”

Xi Mo scrolled through the Weibo comments and nearly fainted from exasperation. For a moment, she felt like her years of chastity had been utterly shattered by Ruan Yesheng.

Truly, overt flirtation is easy to stop, but covert seduction is hard to guard against.

Just as she was stiffening with irritation, the photographer Matt suddenly leaned over and exclaimed in surprise, “Miss Ruan, you’re a fan of Goddess Xi Mo too?”

On Xi Mo’s phone screen, the account name displayed was unmistakably her Weibo alt.

Xi Mo: “…”

Doesn’t he know it’s rude to peek at someone’s private phone? Where’s the morality? Where are the virtues of propriety and decency?

The makeup artist also leaned over, laughing heartily. “Miss Ruan, you’re watching the goddess’s press conference too? So are we! Did you see that GIF? I’d marry her in a heartbeat!”

Xi Mo: “…”

I don’t want you!

Xi Mo casually moved her phone, curving her lips into a gentle, spring-like smile, adding a touch of adorable charm as she said, “Yes, I’m a fan of ‘Xi Mo.’ A super, super big fan—I really, really like her.”

Fan? More like a fan blade—ready to spin and slap Ruan Yesheng to death any second!

The photographer and makeup artist grew even fonder of her, crowding closer. “A kindred spirit! Oh, a kindred spirit! Miss Ruan, let’s follow each other on Weibo!”

Xi Mo glanced casually—the photographer’s Weibo handle was: “XiMoTenThousandBlessings.”

The makeup artist’s Weibo handle was: “XiMoFeedMeSoup.”

Xi Mo: “…”

That soup must be laced with poison!