Got a Happy Ending With My Ex’s Sister? (GL) - Chapter 12: Buzz

Chapter 12: Buzz

Shi Huan couldn’t hide her emotions. She walked back silently, and the next day on set, she was still down, her mind full of the gap between her and Tang Yiqiu. Yet, she couldn’t bear to give up.

Early in the morning, she crouched by the lounge door, eagerly watching for Tang Yiqiu. When Tang Yiqiu arrived, Shi Huan shrank back, looking neither angry nor coy, just visibly upset.

Tang Yiqiu’s expression flickered, pausing to look at her, as if wanting to say something, until Chang Qing arrived with some items.

Chang Qing said, “Probably pissed off by Tao Ziyan. Those in the know understand what’s up, but others must think Huanhuan’s the mistress. Who knows what they’re saying behind her back?”

Tang Yiqiu recalled yesterday’s scene, Tao Ziyan’s fawning smile, and frowned.

In the lounge, Chang Qing set down the items and added, “Don’t be too serious during filming today, or Huanhuan will feel worse.”

Tang Yiqiu was puzzled. “Am I serious?”

“Aren’t you?” Chang Qing retorted, launching into a rant. “Since you two started working together, it’s always Huanhuan initiating. Every time she talks to you, you barely say five words.”

She sneaked a glance at Tang Yiqiu’s face, worried about upsetting her. Seeing only growing confusion, she continued, “Normal people don’t like throwing themselves at a cold shoulder. Honestly, sometimes when she asks to rehearse, you brush her off.”

Tang Yiqiu asked, “Are you saying I’m not proactive enough?”

Chang Qing replied, “Not exactly. Just give a bit more response. Like, if she wants to rehearse, be a little warmer.”

Tang Yiqiu was silent. She was fine with normal rehearsals, but Shi Huan was never serious—either pulling down her strap for a bed scene or drunkenly asking who sticks out their tongue first in a kiss scene…

If she got warmer, that scene…

Tang Yiqiu rubbed her brow. “Can’t rehearse like that.”

Chang Qing sighed. “She seems all cheerful, but she might be hurting inside, really sad.”

Tang Yiqiu glanced toward Shi Huan’s lounge, picturing her crouching by the door like a loyal puppy waiting for its owner. Could she be sad?

“Are there any of Ye Rong’s chocolates left?”

Chang Qing nodded. “Two boxes. Why?”

Tang Yiqiu looked away. “Give them to Shi Huan, and those little cookies… use your judgment, give her plenty.”

…

Meanwhile, Shi Huan, back in her lounge, sat quietly. Wen Jing, puzzled, asked, “Huanhuan, such an important scene today, and you’re not rehearsing with Teacher Tang?”

Shi Huan looked up. “Do you think Teacher Tang hates me?”

“Not at all. I think she treats you differently. When we talk to her, she just nods or shakes her head, but with you, she listens so attentively, almost gentle.”

Attentive… gentle…

Shi Huan glanced at her sleeve. Tang Yiqiu must treat her differently, right? She gave her a bracelet, a beautiful one.

As she thought, her phone rang. It was Liang Junli. Shi Huan quickly shushed Wen Jing, fearing a scolding.

But Liang Junli started with a laugh, sounding cheerful. “Huanhuan, I heard you and Tao Ziyan crossed paths yesterday, and she tried cozying up to Tang Yiqiu. Tang Yiqiu ignored her, and Tao Ziyan’s face turned green?”

Shi Huan asked, confused, “How’d you know?”

“This morning, Tao Ziyan called Wang Ya. I overheard.” Wang Ya, another agent, was Liang Junli’s rival, recently outshining her. Liang Junli added, “I’ve been swamped, no time to check on you. Otherwise, I’d have marketed this to get Tao Ziyan mocked online. That’d feel good.”

Shi Huan laughed, grateful Liang Junli was busy that day. If it hit the trends, haters would’ve attacked, maybe dragging Tang Yiqiu too. She couldn’t bear that.

Liang Junli continued, “Oh, I called to warn you. From Tao Ziyan and Wang Ya’s tone, they might try riding Tang Yiqiu’s coattails. You need to step up, don’t let them get ahead.”

“She wouldn’t dare.” Shi Huan’s tone hardened unconsciously. Liang Junli went “huh,” and she quickly clarified, “I mean, Tang Yiqiu won’t let her mooch off her.”

“You’re too naive,” Liang Junli said earnestly. “Tao Ziyan’s changed. She’s not the newbie from your batch. She’s hooked up with Yang Hao now.”

Shi Huan frowned. “Doesn’t Yang Hao have a wife? I heard she’s pretty powerful. Would she agree?”

“Ever heard of an affair? Yang Hao’s boosting her. I’m not telling you this for gossip, but to wise up. I can only help so much. If she climbs higher, you’ll never get a break.” Liang Junli sighed. “Shi Huan, I had high hopes for you, and I still don’t think you’re less than Tao Ziyan. Don’t ruin yourself.”

Liang Junli’s sudden affirmation touched Shi Huan, her eyes stinging. “Really? I’m not worse?”

Before Liang Junli could reply, Wen Jing chimed in, “Worse? I always thought you’d be huge, maybe even a best actress.”

Liang Junli said, “Wen Jing’s right. An artist who doesn’t aim for fame isn’t a good one. You just need a chance. Learn from Tao Ziyan—be bold, stir some buzz.”

True, but Shi Huan didn’t want to become like Tao Ziyan, dazzling on the surface but treated like a toy.

After hanging up, Shi Huan felt lighter. Wen Jing, moved, said, “Honestly, when Sister Li isn’t yelling, she’s kinda gentle. Made my nose tingle.”

Shi Huan nodded vigorously. Why was she moping? If there was a gap, she’d close it, work hard to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Tang Yiqiu. Sister Li said she had potential. It’s just about creating buzz, right?

She’d outdo Tao Ziyan at stirring buzz. She’d cling to Teacher Tang, rub up against her, and heat things up.

Shi Huan grabbed the script, heading for Tang Yiqiu’s lounge. At the door, Wen Jing pointed outside, shocked. “Holy crap, Tao Ziyan’s here! This isn’t her set. Why’s she barging in? So shameless!”

Shi Huan followed her finger and saw Tao Ziyan, her two assistants carrying gifts, handing snacks to the crew and giving Chen Ling a big present, acting like a visiting “family member.”

From the doorway, they watched Tao Ziyan bustle about eagerly. Wen Jing said, “Huanhuan, is she sucking up to Director Chen to snag the lead in his next film?”

The industry had stories of actors following directors, learning, and earning roles through persistence, shooting to fame and becoming legends.

On the surface, Shi Huan might’ve thought so too. But now… she looked at Tao Ziyan again. After handing out cookies to everyone, Tao Ziyan took a box of chocolates and headed straight for Tang Yiqiu’s lounge.