Villain Strategy Rules [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 61

#Su Xi Denies Su Ling’s Stunt Accusation

#Su Xi and Lou Buchun Share a Special Relationship, Seen Hugging

#Su Xi Apologizes to Su Ling

#Su Ling Is Not a Green Tea B1tch

#Su Ling Has Just Recovered from Illness

Out of the top five trending topics, four were related to Wen Zhixu. The second one, whether bought or not, remained neck-and-neck with the top spot, with the comments section seemingly orchestrated to hype up their CP. Curious, Wen Zhixu decided to see what netizens were saying.

1st comment: What status does Su Ling have to deserve an apology from our Su Xi?

2nd comment: Even if it wasn’t a stunt, how do we know it wasn’t intentional? Can I just bump into a random person and claim it was an accident?

3rd comment: With so many people on set, why did Su Ling specifically target Su Xi? I don’t buy that it wasn’t deliberate.

4th comment: Queen Su Xi and Lou Buxia are such a perfect match! They look amazing together!

5th comment: Agreed! Can’t wait for their drama. Hope the director does it justice and doesn’t screw it up.

……

107th comment: Actually, Su Ling is quite pretty. I remember she was also in the running for the female lead role. She seems like a good fit.

108th comment: Our Queen Su Xi stands alone! Can these gossip accounts stop slapping labels on her?

……

Wen Zhixu scrolled through nearly 200 comments, most of which were bashing her. Only a handful remained rational and skeptical of the accusations. Reading all the vitriol, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened—how had she become public enemy number one without doing anything wrong?

Absorbed in her phone despite the noisy surroundings, Wen Zhixu barely noticed when Zhao Qian nudged her. “Put your phone away. The director’s here.”

The director arrived with Director Lu and Su Xi in tow. Su Xi was Director Lu’s chosen female lead for the drama, which revolved around two women saving themselves and falling in love. Thanks to Su Xi’s star power, the show had already generated buzz online before filming even began. Lou Buxia, another lead, had also joined through investment. Currently, Director Lu was focused on casting the second female lead.

Though unpopular, the second lead played a crucial role—she was the female lead’s childhood friend, timid and often bullied, always protected by the lead. Her unwavering loyalty, however, also became an obstacle in the lead’s romantic relationship. Even before filming started, online forums were already flooded with hate for the character.

Raising his glass, the director cheerfully announced, “To celebrate our wrap-up, let’s all have a drink!”

Wen Zhixu stood up with the others and picked up her glass. The strong scent of liquor hit her nose—she had never been much of a drinker, let alone handled hard liquor. Seeing everyone ready to down their drinks, she thought she should follow suit. Just as she was about to raise her glass,

Su Xi suddenly spoke up, “Today’s about the wrap-up party. I’m not feeling well, and with so many girls here, let’s skip the alcohol and toast with water instead. Director, would that be alright?”

The director was momentarily stunned, but of course he had to give Su Xi face—after all, she had powerful backing. He chuckled, “Our Su Xi is always so considerate. My mistake, my mistake. I forgot we have so many ladies here, and some might be feeling unwell. Alright, those who can drink, go ahead. Those who can’t, we’ll substitute with water.”

Hearing this, Wen Zhixu felt relieved and was about to set down her glass when Zhao Qian pressed her hand down, whispering, “Su Xi can drink water, but do you think we have that luxury? Refusing to drink would be disrespecting her. Do you still want any resources after that?”

“…”

In the original novel, the director had only been mentioned in passing, appearing briefly in the opening Chapters without even a name. The only character Wen Zhixu was somewhat familiar with was Lu Shengxia, mainly because Su Xi was also ruined by her—falling from the pinnacle of fame to the depths of disgrace overnight. Rumor had it that Su Xi had some kind of psychological disorder?

She couldn’t remember clearly. The novel had focused mostly on Su Xi’s suffering, with other details glossed over.

Before she could think further, everyone raised their glasses. No one switched to water, and Wen Zhixu didn’t want to stand out either. But just as she was about to drink, Su Xi swiftly swapped her glass, then downed the alcohol along with everyone else.

Wen Zhixu was baffled. What just happened? Did the big shot just trade her water for my alcohol? But why would Su Xi do that? And why didn’t she say anything?

As she pondered, Su Xi leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I was the reason you ended up in the hospital. You just got discharged—you shouldn’t be drinking.”

Wen Zhixu was about to thank her when Su Xi walked off with the directors. Zhao Qian immediately grabbed her arm and hissed, “What was that about? Didn’t we agree you’d keep your distance from her? One wrong move and you could get blacklisted. Remember what you said back then? That you’d become the brightest star on screen.”

When Su Ling first joined the crew, she had felt the joy of liberation, finally free from the constraints of home. Back then, everyone got along well, and she had boldly declared she’d become a dazzling star—though everyone had just laughed it off at the time.

Wen Zhixu explained, “She said she was the reason I was hospitalized and that I shouldn’t drink so soon after being discharged. That’s why she swapped with me.”

“Relax,” Wen Zhixu added. “It’s fine. Su Xi’s just kind-hearted and cares about others, that’s all.”

Today, Su Xi wore a fitted gown adorned with pearls that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. Her makeup was heavier than Wen Zhixu had ever seen before. When Su Xi had whispered to her, a delicate floral fragrance had wafted past—like standing in a mountain meadow surrounded by blossoms.

But what lay beneath that polished exterior? Why was she the villain? Wasn’t being at the top enough? In the original story, Su Xi’s career had flourished effortlessly; everything she touched turned to gold. So when the scandal broke, people said she’d thrown it all away—refusing treatment and hurting those around her. Yet some insisted Su Xi had done nothing wrong. In the end, she’d voluntarily left the industry.

As for the truth behind it all—Wen Zhixu had no idea!

At this moment, Zhao Qian said, “I just received news that Director Lu is giving us a few opportunities. Though the chances are slim, we should still try. Who knows, we might get selected.”

Truth be told, their inclusion in the selection was largely due to Lou Buxia’s influence. This movie was essentially custom-made. Lou Buxia wanted the lead role without appearing to have bought her way in, so she had the director announce open auditions among the cast.

Su Xi’s fans had initially protested, arguing that someone of her caliber shouldn’t share the screen with newcomers. But after Su Xi reposted the announcement, the controversy died down.

Wen Zhixu knew Su Xi would be the main lead, with Lou Buxia in a supporting role. She saw this as her best chance to get close to Su Xi, so she was determined to land this part.

Yet Wen Zhixu wondered—how could she actually connect with Su Xi? Even if she got the role, how would they grow closer on set? Despite her strong admiration for Su Xi, they still seemed like strangers whenever they stood together. And reducing the “darkening value” was her primary mission, after all.

Well, first things first—she had to secure the role tomorrow!

–

On the day of auditions, Wen Zhixu arrived at the venue with Manager Li. After Su Xi’s public clarification, the company had stopped suppressing Wen Zhixu, and Manager Li had resumed her duties as her personal agent.

Manager Li advised, “Su Ling, just showcase your abilities later. Your acting is solid, but your range is limited—you often get typecast as fragile beauties. This supporting role, though antagonistic, suits you well. Just give it your best shot. If you don’t get it, we can take on some short dramas to hone your skills first.”

Midsummer’s noisy cicadas shattered the quiet morning as they waited under a tree. A breeze lifted the hem of Wen Zhixu’s white chiffon dress, her loose strands glowing faintly gold in the sunlight. With her understated makeup, she looked like an ocean princess newly arrived on shore—flawless in appearance and, seemingly, in heart.

Wen Zhixu discreetly reviewed the materials—a form of cheating, really, since the audition scenes were drawn from them. She didn’t know how Manager Li had obtained them, and though she felt ashamed, securing this role was non-negotiable now.

Manager Li checked her watch. “I’ll wait for you on the third floor. I have other matters to attend to. Remember, just perform naturally, and you’ll be fine.”

Wen Zhixu nodded. “Alright, I’ll head in now.”

With half an hour until her turn, she noticed the crowd already gathered at the entrance and retreated to a corner by the window, pretending to admire the view—she couldn’t very well study the materials openly.

Then Lou Buxia appeared before her, blocking the sunlight with her silhouette. Lou had come today to observe the auditions, curious about who would land the supporting role. She eyed Wen Zhixu up and down, arms crossed. “Su Ling, what are you doing here?”

Wen Zhixu glanced up, sighing inwardly. Of course, this would happen—it was straight out of a cliché workplace drama. She was about to face professional bullying!

“Bored. Nothing better to do. No roles. Here to audition,” Wen Zhixu replied offhandedly.

Lou Buxia suddenly laughed. “What exactly are you? Aside from that pretty face, you’re practically useless. Do you really think I’d let you get this role?”

“Bu Xia.” A cool female voice called out.

The surroundings immediately buzzed with commotion as Su Xi, wearing sunglasses, walked straight to Lou Buxia’s side and said, “Director Lu is looking for you.”

Lou Buxia instantly wiped the smirk off her face and linked arms with Su Xi, smiling as she replied, “Alright, Sister Su Xi, let’s go in together.”

Su Xi withdrew her arm. “I have something else to attend to. You go ahead first, I’ll join you shortly.”

Lou Buxia didn’t press further. “Okay. I’ll head over then.”

As soon as she left, Wen Zhi Xu also turned to leave. But just as she turned around, Su Xi grabbed her arm. Brushing past her, Su Xi whispered softly, “I’m looking forward… to acting alongside you.”