CEO's Sweetheart is a Super Idol-Chapter 435 - 427: The Caged Bird

Film Crew

Li Jiaqi, Lan Yening, Director Hu, and other actors were politely smiling at reporters.

The shooting of this drama had been wrapped up after a month.

Li Jiaqi was wearing a brand-name light blue slim-fit dress today, which accentuated her graceful figure even more beautifully.

She also wore a pair of gemstone earrings resembling "tears of the ocean," which Zhang Yuzhe had gifted her.

Lan Yening was dressed in a casual suit, without makeup, and his understated look appeared even more natural and handsome.

The two weren’t avoiding suspicion but sat rather closely and intimately, though not excessively so.

Clearly, the crew had plans to stir up CP (couple popularity) rumors later.

"Xiao Ning, Jiaqi, your fans have had conflicts before due to your close relationship. Do you think this appearance might cause some fans to unfollow you?" A female reporter looked at Li Jiaqi, her eyes filled with jealousy.

The two exchanged glances, their look seeming like they were publicly flaunting their affection.

This crushed some of the female reporters who adored Lan Yening.

"Let me correct your statement; Jiaqi and I are only close in the drama, but in real life, we are just good friends."

"As for the fans, I believe they’ll be happy about my professionalism."

Lan Yening calmly defused this tricky question.

"Xiao Ning, your song ’Blues’ is a hit, and you’re a rising music star. What’s your plan next?"

"Haha, thank you for the praise. I’ll continue focusing on music! I truly love music."

At this moment, Lan Yening felt surging emotions. This very song was one he recorded when he first entered the industry, yet now it had gone viral.

Major short video platforms were using this song for covers.

Because of his exceptionally good looks, many ended up becoming fans after hearing his song.

Other songs of his were dug up later, earning him the reputation of a rising talent in the new generation.

Now, many variety shows and film crews were inviting him.

To be honest, given his current level of fame, this drama wouldn’t have been able to afford him.

"Jiaqi, you come from a girl group background. This is your second collaboration with Director Hu; how are your relationships with the other actors?"

This reporter was in fact speaking in euphemisms, insinuating that since Li Jiaqi wasn’t professionally trained, she got the role thanks to Director Hu and might misuse her privileges to mistreat the other actors.

As we know, audiences nowadays particularly dislike resource-based stars, especially those who got ahead through connections.

Director Hu’s face immediately turned ashen when he heard this, shocked that despite handing out red envelopes, the reporters would still ask such questions.

The people on stage fell into a subtle silence, with most matters manageable except the implied relationship between Li Jiaqi and Director Hu.

Li Jiaqi, however, merely smiled:

"I was lucky to land a role in this production. Honestly, I wasn’t confident in my acting skills, and I hesitated for quite a while."

"But after talking with Director Hu a few times, he believed my temperament suited the role very well."

"My company also supported me and even hired a private coach for me."

At this point, Li Jiaqi turned to smile at the other female actors: "Everyone knows I started off in a girl group, so I’ve always been good at befriending girls. They’ve given me lots of guidance, which I deeply appreciate."

Her response was tactful, allowing Director Hu and others to let out a sigh of relief.

Essentially, her words clarified that she had corporate backing, and her role wasn’t solely dependent on Director Hu.

This dispelled any suspicion of being exploited by him.

Director Hu adeptly diverted attention: "Jiaqi and Xiao Ning are both outstanding actors, especially Xiao Ning..."

Director Hu promptly shifted focus by urging the reporters to interview other cast members.

Regarding this interview, Director Hu felt satisfied, though surprised Zhang Yuzhe had managed to bring in several major media outlets.

Even in an era of traffic-driven marketing, the perception of a drama’s "class" still rested heavily on its coverage by mainstream media.

After the press conference ended, the drama’s producer invited the media friends present to a meal, while the others dispersed.

"Xiao Ning, congratulations on your song’s enormous success." Li Jiaqi’s watery, glittering eyes gazed at him.

"You flatter me. That song has been out for quite some time."

"Haha, Xiao Ning, you’re still the modest gentleman, charming youth."

"Jiaqi, with all your compliments, I’m starting to feel bashful."

Li Jiaqi chuckled softly, her earrings shimmering beautifully under the sunlight.

"Jiaqi, how about the outfit I picked for you today? Does it suit you?"

"It’s perfect. You’ve got a fantastic eye—do you often pick outfits for girls?"

"I used to be one myself!"

Li Jiaqi paused in astonishment before recalling that Lan Yening had once cross-dressed as a "fake girl," and she laughed until her stomach hurt.

"Jiaqi, let’s grab a meal together—for a fresh start."

"Sure!"

Li Jiaqi naturally linked her arm around his, as if they were close lovers.

Ring ring!

"President Zhang..."

"Jiaqi, is Xiao Ning with you?"

"...Yes."

"There’s a Lincoln parked outside the set; come out and join me for dinner!"

Zhang Yuzhe’s tone was indifferent, but it carried an undeniable authority.

Li Jiaqi’s hands began trembling, her face filled with a look of terror and dread.

"Let’s go, Jiaqi!"

"Xiao Ning, I—I actually..."

"It’s okay, I understand. Sometimes people are powerless, even if they want to resist, they can’t escape."

Upon hearing Lan Yening’s words, tears started rolling down Li Jiaqi’s cheeks.

She felt incapable of breaking free from his clutches.

Just like Xiao Ning said, even if she abandoned everything now, it wouldn’t lead to happiness.

"Jiaqi, we can only become stronger. Only then can we stop being someone else’s playthings and live without constant fear."

"...Xiao Ning, do you think I’m too weak?"

"We’re just birds in a cage, with puppet strings tied to our wings."

Lan Yening’s smile carried a hint of helplessness and sorrow as he gently held Jiaqi’s hand and led her outside.

Yihai Building, Rooftop

Zhang Yu was kneeling curled up in a corner, her seemingly innocent face streaked with tears.

"Sister Qingjia, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry..."

"Zhang Yu, why did you do this?"

"I didn’t have a choice; I owe so much money."

Covering her face as she sobbed, Zhang Yu’s tears trickled through her fingers.

"How much do you owe? We sisters could help you pay it off. Why did you go and take those photos?"

Xu Mengchen was practically hysterical, flailing her arms, her face distorted and trembling with emotion.

Zhang Yu was her only genuine confidante; she didn’t want to lose her.

"My major fan unfollowed me, and my chances at ranking are doomed. I’m already 25 this year—I really wanted one last shot."

"So I borrowed money online, hoping to produce a song that would win back my fans."

Yu Qingjia listened to Zhang Yu’s reasoning and felt both pity and heartbreak.

The habit of idols spending money to buy new songs has become a troubling trend.

The companies claim they can push the songs through proper channels, but in reality, they’re just profiting off the margins.

Yet in the quest for fame, many naïve girls are blinded to these manipulations.

"But you shouldn’t have taken those photos!" Xu Mengchen rushed over and grabbed Zhang Yu’s shoulders tightly.

"If I didn’t, how could I repay the debt? I can’t do anything else; all I know is singing and dancing."

"I never imagined those photos would be leaked; they said they’d only sell to specific buyers."

Zhang Yu sat there in a daze, seemingly perplexed by why the buyers wouldn’t keep their promise.

"You actually believed their words?"

"Sister Qingjia, can you plead with the company for me not to be kicked out?"

"...Zhang Yu, you know the rules—no one can save you."

"If you don’t help me, I’ll jump off this building!"

In a panic, Xu Mengchen tightly embraced Zhang Yu, stopping her from rushing to the edge of the rooftop.

Smack!

The rosy complexion of Zhang Yu’s face was marred by five deep scratch marks.

The sound of everything seemed to freeze in that moment.

"...Sister Qingjia, I beg you, I beg you..."

"The only thing I can do is pay off your online loans. If you still want to die, I can’t stop you."

Yu Qingjia took a card from her pocket, placed it in Zhang Yu’s hand, and turned to leave.

Watching her retreating back, Zhang Yu and Xu Mengchen clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces.

"Qingjia, everything is handled." Leaning against the wall by the stairwell, Wang Yiran spoke in a low voice.

"Thank you, Yiran."

"What’s there to thank? We’re all just struggling souls trapped in Hanoi."

The card Qingjia had given contained Wang Yiran’s contribution of 100,000 yuan.

Although they were top-tier members, their annual income only barely exceeded 100,000 yuan for two or three years.

Moreover, their mandatory expenses were exorbitant, leaving little room for savings.

Many assumed idols squander their earnings on luxuries, leaving them penniless.

In truth, their primary expenses were for performance costumes and props.

For less popular members, their monthly earnings were barely around two or three thousand yuan.