Chapter 117 – Why Don’t You Apologize?

Chapter 117 - Why Don't You Apologize?

Given that the incident involved Shu Xiaoan's mother, whose emotions were unstable, they decided not to make it public. The hospital had an obligation to protect patients' privacy, and they weren't worried about information leakage. However, they hadn't expected to overlook this detail.

It was too late to urgently delete the photos. Zhou Weichuan immediately arranged for Shu Xiaoan's mother to be transferred to another hospital and instructed the company to control the situation.

Not only did the photos and the incident agitate the fans, but they also upset Tang Fei's parents.

He Zhou had been scolded in the family group chat for sending the medical reports, hospital bills, admission records, and diagnosis to the group. They canceled the flight he had booked for three days later and bought one for that very night instead.

"A Zhou, you were supposed to keep an eye on Feifei, yet you helped her hide this from us! You're making us worry to death," Tang's mom said angrily through voice message.

"He Zhou, you... Sigh, we're coming right away." Upon seeing the photo of his unconscious daughter being carried out of the ambulance, Tang's father, a handsome middle-aged man in his forties, turned red-eyed in an instant.

"Oh no, Big Brother He Zhou, I can't help you either. My parents are coming at you with eighty-meter-long swords," Tang Jiao said, now less concerned than her parents since she knew her sister was out of danger.

...

The moment the photos came out, how could Toffee fans have the mood to argue online? The Toffee fanbase on Weibo was filled with wails of despair.

"My heart aches so much, knowing that Sugar Treasure was unconscious and yet had to brave the cold water to save someone,"

"I can't bear it! Feifei has suffered so much and her health hasn't fully recovered, yet she's forced back to the set. What if it leaves a chronic condition? I beg the company to reason with her – it's alright to receive a few scoldings for not taking this role, as long as Feifei's well-being isn't compromised."

"I'm sobbing! Look closely at Feifei's embroidery picture, you can even see the hospital gown peeking from under her collar! I thought she was wearing a blue-and-white striped shirt, but turns out she was competing while still unwell."

"There's a hospital bracelet on her wrist. I'm done, I can't handle someone who silently bears everything without complaint."

The media who previously reported on Tang Fei's alleged arrogance quietly deleted their articles. After verifying the truth, they prepared to extensively report on this incident but were requested by Time Culture not to do so.

Song Li's fans also maintained silence, refraining from further comments.

With lives at stake, the matter had escalated to a point where their moral high ground vanished.

At the Spiritual Frenzy production site, Guan Liu, who was still filming, took the time to express concern on Weibo:

"Such severity, yet she only took two days off. If public opinion influenced this decision, it's unnecessary. Health should always come first. Tang Fei is a talented and diligent actress; we shouldn't let her health hinder her future career."

Director Xu Jianguo of the spiritual drama chimed in: "Among the young actors I've worked with, no more than five can match Tang Fei in terms of talent and dedication. Those who claim she's unprofessional likely misunderstand her."

As the situation unfolded, the truth became crystal clear. Tang Fei's collaboration with Nine O'Clock on a new drama was a complete fabrication. Embroidery had actually appointed Xiangxi Embroidery as its brand ambassador, and Tang Fei's leave was due to hospitalization!

The media and industry figures, now filled with remorse, were busy deleting their posts, issuing apologies, and making public statements. Someone compiled a list detailing who had merely deleted their posts, who had apologized, and who had officially announced their stance. This list was circulated, ensuring that these media outlets and "opinion leaders" would be reminded of their mistake in the future.

"The Internet never forgets."

Among them all, Yao Hui suffered the most severe consequences. The master embroidery show, "Embroidery Master," had been ridiculed for a decade, and every word from his speech had become a joke. And this time, it had been broadcasted by television media – there was no way to undo the damage by simply deleting it from the night's broadcast.

"A name change for Yao Hui to Blackened, for his reputation is severely tarnished."

...

In the president's office at Yao Hui Tower, files littered the carpet. The secretary was crouched on the floor, picking up the mess, while Shen Fan stood with his hands in his pockets, facing away from her. His right hand held a cigarette, from which he exhaled a slow spiral of smoke. Gazing at the view outside the glass window, the erstwhile arrogance in his heart had dissipated, replaced by a growing acceptance of defeat.

His repeated misjudgments dealt a heavy blow to Yao Hui's reputation, hindered recruitment efforts, and escalated the cost of maintaining their image through marketing. More personally, they had significantly shaken his self-confidence.

Zhou Weichuan had indeed, for no apparent reason, arranged for Tang Fei to participate in an embroidery competition and even hyped it up!

He still couldn't believe that Tang Fei had the potential to make a name for herself in the embroidery world. He simply couldn't comprehend what it meant to have "cheat codes." Without witnessing it firsthand, he couldn't come up with a logical explanation.

If this was a deliberate scheme to entrap him, it was executed with such finesse that he couldn't match it.

After ten years of being smoke-free, he lit up a cigarette again today.

"Withdraw our investment."

"CEO Shen? Sister Song Li just joined the team."

"It's better to withdraw sooner rather than later, minimize the losses. For the project Song Li turned down, try renegotiating with someone else."

Shen Fan rubbed his forehead as the smoke entered his lungs, but it did little to alleviate his worries: "In the future, only inform me about Tang Fei's news after the results are out."

...

On the outskirts of the capital, within a large abandoned factory, the Happiness Hotel production team had rented several indoor sets—these included the hotel lobby, the second floor corridor, hotel rooms, an office, a dining area, a kitchen, and Lan Yi and Lan Xiaomei's suite.

Currently, they were using a suite set for a scene where Lan Yi argues with Lan Xiaomei about her failed exam.

"Action!" Director Wang Hongying called out.

Everyone sprang to attention, and the actors, having taken their positions, subtly prepared themselves before commencing their performance.

"Ask you about a poem on Chang'e, and look at what you answered?" Zhou Zhao, portraying Lan Yi, slammed the table in frustration, his exaggerated expression of disappointment being both natural and comically effective. He placed a hand over his heart, "I've let down your deceased mother!"

Lan Xiaomei, startled by the sound of the table being hit, trembled and complained, "You said if I didn't know, I should just guess. So, I guessed, why are you unhappy now?"

"Is this guessing?"

"You look at what you wrote: 'Walking, walking, turn around, Calm Boots, Magic Staff!' What is this supposed to be?" Lan Yi held up the paper for emphasis.

"Big Sister Guo Jing, help! This is what Lu Zhihao taught me." Blue Xiaomei skittered away, terrified.

"Cut!" Wang Hongying reviewed the playback on the monitor. "That's good, prepare for the next take."

Tang Fei, sitting on a small stool, was observing the scene, adjusting to the filming style of the production team.

The cast was experienced, and the shooting progressed swiftly. Without special effects or unique props in a modern drama, the preparation time was relatively brief.

Within the crew, apart from Kong Xian, Wang Hongying, and Zhou Zhao, everyone else was somewhat cold towards Tang Fei. The most obvious was Jiang Xiaoying, who had given her a withering look the moment they met.

Now that the scene was completed, Jiang Xiaoying went to the monitor to review her performance, intentionally pushing Tang Fei aside. Though she didn't say anything, her dissatisfaction was clear.

Tang Fei pointed to the spacious area nearby, "Jiang Xiaoying, there's more space over there."

"I want to stand here. What business is it of yours?" As an offspring of a wealthy family, Jiang Xiaoying usually spoke her mind without fear or favor. If Tang Fei dared to respond, she would confront her head-on.

As for Tang Fei...

The original owner had been straightforward, and the current Tang Fei was not a passive Buddha-like figure who would endure being ostracized.

She wouldn't tolerate this kind of behavior!

She would confront it!

"Too small here, I'm afraid I might bump into you," Tang Fei sarcastically offered, feigning concern.

"What do you mean by that?" Jiang Xiaoying furrowed her brows. "Are you saying I'm fat?"

"Being large doesn't necessarily mean being overweight."

"You're implying I'm overbearing?"

Tang Fei nodded. "Not bad. You got it right. I meant you're overbearing."

"Hmph, you... still!" Looking at Tang Fei's nonchalant attitude as she criticized her for being overbearing, Jiang Xiaoying felt a surge of anger in her chest.

"Alright, enough is enough." Wang Hongying tugged at Jiang Xiaoying. "You still have a role to play. Are you ready? How old are you now? Still bickering like children? If you have the ability, argue during the performance, not about trivial matters."

Wang Hongying was giving her a way out, so Jiang Xiaoying reluctantly gave her some face. She angrily sat aside and tried to read her script, but her anger made it impossible to concentrate. In truth, she wasn't usually overbearing, just a bit headstrong. Now, after Tang Fei's remarks, she felt suffocated with frustration.

She took out her phone to see how people online were criticizing her, hoping to vent her anger!

When she opened her phone, she soon looked at Tang Fei in astonishment.

Tang Fei sat quietly on a small stool, the script resting on her lap. Every part of the script had notes and insights, and she was also observing the changes in set design and lighting, jotting down small notes as if recording the habits of the crew members.

She didn't seem severely ill; her complexion was quite good.

Jiang Xiaoying looked down at her phone again.

She went to compete in embroidery the day after being rescued – how reckless!

She didn't take her health seriously.

Jiang Xiaoying couldn't help but look at Tang Fei again, observing her focused on taking notes and reading the script. Reflecting on her constant complaints since Tang Fei took leave and today's incident, she felt uncomfortable.

Realizing she had misjudged Tang Fei and unable to hide her emotions, Jiang Xiaoying slowly approached her.

Should I apologize?

Jiang Xiaoying sat beside Tang Fei, gazing at her with fluttering eyelashes. Tang Fei didn't even glance her way, leaving her embarrassed in silence for over ten minutes.