The Breakup Didn’t Stop Me From Owning the World - Chapter 22

With the changing social climate, netizens have become increasingly intolerant of plagiarism. Yet the whistleblower, apart from accusing the Limited Edition script of plagiarism in their headline, failed to provide any details about the allegedly copied work or concrete evidence of plagiarism.

Recent trending searches have also made netizens hesitant to take sides—who knows if the situation might suddenly reverse, leaving them with egg on their faces?

However, due to recent leaked set photos, Limited Edition’s reputation among netizens has soared. Their high expectations for the film have driven them to actively defend it against baseless accusations:

What kind of marketing account is this, trying to smear Limited Edition again?

So now the cost of slandering someone is this low? Just a flippant accusation can ruin an entire production team?

Get lost with your baseless plagiarism claims!

Shouldn’t these money-grubbing marketing accounts apologize?

I’ve been obsessed with Limited Edition’s stills for days now. The Republic of China era! There are so few conscientious crews left who can capture its charm like this.

Recommending Lan Muyu to the whole world—I used to think she was the pure, studious type, but after seeing these stills, I realize how blind I was. She’s an absolute enchantress! That cheongsam look is so alluring, I’m drooling!

Hey, sis, count me in! But word it better—she’s elegant, or at least say glamorous. The way you put it makes it sound like some shady film!

Just as the trending search was about to drop, a prominent influencer named “Peeling Monster A” posted: Rewatched Cloud and Wind today—heard it’s been optioned for adaptation. Excited?

At first, the post went unnoticed, and the influencer didn’t follow up. But minutes later, the news suddenly appeared on the trending search candidate page.

The original author of Cloud and Wind, Lv Youzi, had no dedicated author account, so fans couldn’t immediately reach out to her. The book was published over a decade ago, and many of its original readers had since grown up. The adaptation news stirred nostalgia among them.

Fans spread Peeling Monster A’s post like wildfire. Given that both works shared a Republican-era setting, netizens who had seen the neighboring trending search quickly connected Cloud and Wind to Limited Edition.

Limited Edition wasn’t plagiarizing—it was a legitimate adaptation of a licensed IP! To slander a properly adapted drama as plagiarism was downright unfair.

Now, netizens felt even more indignant on behalf of the Limited Edition crew. They had acquired the rights through proper channels, only to be maliciously targeted. Many sighed in relief that they hadn’t jumped to conclusions earlier, or they might have wronged innocent people.

But they couldn’t let the baseless accuser off the hook either. When they tracked down the whistleblower’s account, ready to demand an apology, they were surprised to find it had already been deleted.

Such an attempt to cover up only made netizens feel they were doing something righteous. Whether they had watched Cloud and Wind or not, they began lavishing praise on Limited Edition in various ways, as if to compensate for the injustice it had suffered.

While praising Cloud and Wind as a masterpiece that had stood the test of time, they also thanked the Limited Edition production team for their discerning vision in bringing such a great work to the screen, fulfilling the dreams of fans.

With this surge of attention, Cloud and Wind and Limited Edition directly claimed the top spots on the homepage’s Trending search list.

However, none of this on Weibo brought joy to the Limited Edition production team.

During a break, a young assistant hurriedly informed Gu Yan about the plagiarism accusations on Weibo. But Gu Yan was already accustomed to rival productions buying press releases to smear each other. Since the whistleblower provided no substantial evidence, Gu Yan dismissed it.

It wasn’t until news of Cloud and Wind‘s adaptation appeared on Weibo that the Limited Edition team realized something was amiss. Clearly, someone was trying to link their production to Cloud and Wind, forcing them to admit their script was adapted from it. Whatever the motive, Gu Yan was now on high alert.

But just then, issues arose with the rental schedule of the filming location. After Gu Yan was called away, the team suddenly found themselves without a leader, and all eyes turned to Lan Muyu, who had the backing of the investor.

At the Minglai Pavilion dinner, apart from Lan Muyu, the other lead actors also attended. They knew the production’s investor was connected to Lan Muyu. Over time, Lan Muyu had become like a second leader—polite, gentle, and well-liked by everyone.

After Lan Muyu and Ling Shan thoroughly investigated the scriptwriters, they planned to clarify the matter on Weibo before the other party could act again.

But reality gave them no chance. At the same time, reporters swarmed the set’s perimeter, their flashing cameras and noisy demands disrupting filming as they insisted on interviewing the team.

While productions usually kept filming under wraps, they occasionally invited reporters for controlled leaks to generate publicity.

Before Lan Muyu could change out of her costume, Ling Shan rushed over, panting, “A bunch of reporters suddenly showed up demanding answers. Someone must’ve sent them. It’s chaotic out there—stay here for now.”

“Has Director Gu been notified?” The hairstylist removed Lan Muyu’s hairpins, letting her hair down.

“His phone’s unreachable—probably still dealing with the location issue.” Ling Shan switched to the Trending search list and handed her phone to Lan Muyu. “First, someone accused our production of plagiarism. Then they claimed we bought the IP for Cloud and Wind. But as far as I know, Limited Edition’s script is entirely original.”

Lan Muyu understood the Limited Edition production team had an original script. Holding her phone, she scrolled through the trending search rankings and couldn’t help but sigh, “Our production team has money too, but Director Gu always sticks to the principle of spending as little as possible. Look at how generous they are, gifting us such a prime trending spot. We really ought to thank them for the free publicity.”

“But they wouldn’t just hand us such a huge benefit for nothing. There must be something fishy going on.”

After a few seconds of contemplation, Lan Muyu spoke slowly, “This might be aimed at me. Back then, Fu Yao and Jiang Qianrou wanted to join this production but were blocked because of Li Ruonan’s investment. After such a humiliating loss, they wouldn’t just settle for a few verbal jabs at me.”

Ling Shan nodded unsurprisingly, “Hmm, but that’s just speculation. Until we know the truth, don’t say anything. If they’re targeting you, there’ll definitely be more to come—it won’t just be about giving our production free publicity.”

“No, I need to go out and check. With Director Gu absent, we need to clarify things immediately. We can’t give them any excuse to slander our production, or it’ll be even harder to clean up later.” Lan Muyu’s expression darkened as she hurriedly rushed outside.

Ling Shan, unsure of the situation outside but unable to stop her, quickly called Xiao Zhang at the door to accompany Lan Muyu. At the same time, Lan Muyu mobilized all the production’s bodyguards—not to protect herself, but to surround the reporters.

Ling Shan watched Lan Muyu’s arrangements in confusion. Just as she was about to speak, she received a reassuring glance from Lan Muyu and could only follow along silently.

Next, as Lan Muyu approached the crowd of reporters, the dispatched bodyguards removed the original security barriers, encircling the journalists and blocking their escape.

However, the scene Ling Shan had imagined—Lan Muyu being overwhelmed by aggressive reporters—never materialized. Instead, the interview unfolded like an awards ceremony, with Lan Muyu standing alone, beaming as she delivered her speech.

Ling Shan: ???

She turned to Xiao Zhang, whose face mirrored her own shock, confirming she hadn’t mistaken the person. At the same time, she realized how shallow her understanding of this artist had been. If Lan Muyu had a tail, it would’ve been wagging like a little windmill by now.

“I’m the female lead of Limited Edition. Those over there are the other actors—yes, everyone in our production is stunningly good-looking. Like what you see? Thinking of switching to our team?”

“Yep, yep, this set was built by our crew. Don’t let the exterior fool you—the interior design is incredibly intricate and cost us a fortune. Too bad you can only admire it from outside. Missing the tour? What a shame.”

“Huh? Our script? Naturally, it’s the best. We have nothing to do with Cloud and Wind—ours is original, original, original. Our screenwriters are amazing, but if you think I’ll spoil anything? Dream on.”

“Right, right, that prop over there is ours too. Fake? Don’t insult us—of course it’s not fake. It’s a brand-new, high-quality replica.”

“…”

The reporters had hoped to seize the opportunity for an interview, but they never expected Lan Muyu to be this talkative. Compared to the humble actors in the industry during interviews, Lan Muyu was truly one of a kind in her uniqueness.

Who would have thought that a female star whose breakout role was playing a mute would, after breaking up with her toxic ex, relax into this kind of interview style?

But Lan Muyu’s expression—as if to say, “Our crew is just that outstanding, and you blind people have finally noticed”—what exactly was she trying to pull?

Did Lan Muyu even realize that the reporters weren’t here to praise her but to look for flaws?

Just now, in her lengthy speech, Lan Muyu had skillfully distanced Limited Edition from Cloud and Black. The reporters’ focus had already shifted to her long-winded remarks—who would bother to press her on that point now?

Perhaps because Lan Muyu was overly enthusiastic, the reporters politely chimed in with a few compliments.

Lan Muyu’s smiles deepened. She nodded thoughtfully, giving the reporter an approving look, and deliberately pressed further, “Anything else?”

It felt like she was urging the other reporters: Go on, praise me, keep going, give me more.

The reporters were stunned by Lan Muyu’s behavior. A strange atmosphere spread among them, and they had no choice but to grit their teeth and continue the flattery:

“Recently, films set in the Republican era have been hugely popular with netizens. Your script selection is truly sharp.”

—“Of course, no need to state the obvious.”

“Limited Edition is bound to be a box office hit. Maybe it’ll even win some awards?”

—“Stay humble, stay humble. A person should always have dreams.”

“Lan Muyu, you’re still playing the female lead in this production. The director must really like you?”

—“Director Gu is very professional. I’m grateful he recognized my acting skills.”

The reporters stared blankly at Lan Muyu, momentarily forgetting their original purpose and unsure how to respond. No matter what they asked, Lan Muyu automatically interpreted it as praise—taking shamelessness to new heights.

With a lead actress like this, Limited Edition was truly… extraordinary.

Seeing the reporters fall silent, Lan Muyu cleared her throat and said, “Alright, I know our crew is outstanding and will stand out in theaters. I’ll count on your support when tickets go on sale. But after all that praise just now, I just remembered something extremely important you all missed.”

At this point, the reporters just wanted to leave as quickly as possible. But with Gu Yan’s towering bodyguards nearby, they had no choice but to stay and listen. “Wh-what is it?”

Lan Muyu’s lips curled slightly. Dressed in a cheongsam, she looked even more alluring, making the surroundings pale in comparison—all eyes were drawn to her.

“Me, of course! I rushed out to meet you without even changing out of my costume because I love this outfit so much. Doesn’t it suit me perfectly? How could you overlook such an obvious advantage—my looks? Not to brag, but my fans go crazy over my candid shots, calling me their wife.”

The reporters forced smiles as they played along with Lan Muyu’s performance. Unable to bear it any longer, Ling Shan directed Xiao Zhang to pull Lan Muyu back from the front.

Before leaving, Lan Muyu beamed brightly at the reporters and said, “You should come back often!”

Come back often?

Next time, their company would probably send different reporters.

Usually, interviews involved reporters making things difficult for the interviewee. But with Gu Yan, it was the reporters dodging the interviewee—who even called in bodyguards to prevent them from leaving.

No more. Never again. Let someone else deal with this.

Lan Muyu lifted her chin smugly at Ling Shan. “Manager, how was my performance just now?”

What could Ling Shan say? With an artist like this, the public image strategy would have to be adjusted from today onward.

Who knew her artist could be so down-to-earth that she practically dug her way to the underworld?

She rolled her eyes and gave Lan Muyu a thumbs-up. “Lead actress, you were truly impressive. I don’t think you’ll ever need to rehearse interview answers again—no reporter stands a chance against you.”

Lan Muyu waved her hand dismissively. “No big deal, no big deal.”

Lan Muyu’s interview was soon posted on Weibo, instantly flooding the platform with her narcissistic, meme-worthy persona. The internet erupted in laughter, drawing curious netizens who left thoroughly entertained.

Initially, netizens knew Lan Muyu as the pure-hearted student from Whispering Love in My Heart. Then, after the contract dispute and cheating scandal, she became the pitiable “little white flower.”

But with Limited Edition, her leaked photos—sporting a qipao, curled hair, and bold red lips—radiated such commanding presence that netizens hailed her as a queen returning for revenge after heartbreak.

Now, after this interview, the lofty queen’s narcissism turned out to be so relatable, and she even left those silver-tongued reporters speechless. Netizens grew even more intrigued by Lan Muyu.

By the time Gu Yan hurried back, it was all over. He was both exasperated and amused upon hearing about Lan Muyu’s antics. As for the trending search, he had no objections—his stance was, if Lan Muyu was willing, free publicity was free publicity.

As for Lan Muyu herself? To earn back Li Ruonan’s investment and boost the drama’s popularity, letting loose while making money was nothing short of perfect.

Thanks to Lan Muyu’s antics, the discussions about plagiarism and Cloud and Wind faded, replaced by Lan Muyu and Limited Edition surging to the top of the trending searches.

Meanwhile, the production team that had actually purchased the Cloud and Wind IP was Shadows of the Republic, where Jiang Qianrou was working.

Originally, Jiang Qianrou had hired reporters to ambush the Limited Edition set, hoping they would corner the crew. If Limited Edition showed even the slightest hesitation in distancing itself from Cloud and Wind, the reporters would have grounds to tie the two together.

Then, once Shadows of the Republic stepped forward to claim ownership of the IP, Limited Edition would be dragged into plagiarism accusations.

No matter how cunning or eloquent the reporters were, they never anticipated that Lan Muyu would remain utterly unyielding—whether faced with veiled threats or flattery, she took everything as praise. In the end, not only did the journalists fail their mission, but they also propelled Lan Muyu straight to the top of the trending searches.

This left Jiang Qianrou, who had been ready to issue a press release declaring that Shadows of the Republic was adapted from Clouds and Wind, completely at a loss. She stormed into Fu Yao’s dressing room and immediately began sobbing her grievances.