Chapter 31: Comrade, Would You Like Some Gossip?

Li Wanbai broke out in goosebumps. The last time she’d heard Su Orange speak in that tone was when the latter had secretly slipped a worm into her pencil case.

After much hesitation, she gritted her teeth and nodded. “Yes, I really want to know. Just tell me directly!”

“He confessed to you,” Su Orange said offhandedly.

That single sentence struck Li Wanbai like a thunderclap. Her brows knitted together. “Wait, what do you mean by that? Quan Hao confessed to me? But… aren’t I already married?”

“Whether he confessed is his business. What does that have to do with your marital status?” Su Orange scoffed, “Maybe he just likes married women.”

“Did I accept his confession?” Li Wanbai blurted out, then instantly regretted it. What a stupid question—if she’d really accepted Quan Hao’s confession, would he still treat her so indifferently now?

Su Orange replied rather irresponsibly, “Who knows? The love and hate between the two of you is something only you both know. But I can tell you this—Yu Baichuan’s cuckolded hat probably belongs to Mu Sang.”

“No… wait… this is all too much,” Li Wanbai rubbed her cheeks, feeling for the first time that her life was in peril.

She had the distinct sense that she had lived more than just ten years.

Had she actually transmigrated to a parallel universe?

Like in those web novels, where, on the surface, she’s still in her original world, but in reality, she’s crossed over into some Mary Sue story sharing her name, her world?

“Li Wanbai, are you even listening to me? Is your brain fried?” Su Orange’s roar was as shocking as ever, even separated by thousands of miles.

Li Wanbai massaged her ears. Clearly, she hadn’t transmigrated—no author would write the female lead’s best friend as such a rough character.

“Looks like you really weren’t listening! Fine, I’ll introduce them all to you again.

Yu Baichuan—you know him well enough, nothing to worry about.

As for Quan Hao, now you know. Best keep your distance. His fanbase is only slightly smaller than Yu Baichuan’s. He once confessed to you, so things are bound to be awkward. If you get involved with him, you’ll probably find yourself in an even bigger entertainment scandal.

As for Ye Xiruo, you should be familiar with her too. Keep your interaction measured.

Then there are the remaining two. The variety show guy with the surname Wang—you can just call him Mr. Wang. His full name is Wang He. You get along fairly well. Previously, to boost your popularity, you went on a language-based reality show he hosted. He was paid by Sunlight Entertainment to cooperate with you, and that episode made you go viral, turning you into a nationwide anti-favorite. In a way, you both had a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Ma Xu is a complete newcomer. You haven’t had any previous dealings with him, but it’s worth noting that he seems to have quite a few wealthy backers. Best not to get too close, in case you get caught up in any trouble because of him later on.”

Just as before, Su Orange performed her due diligence, laying out the backgrounds of all the other variety show guests and explaining their relationships with Li Wanbai in detail.

Li Wanbai listened as if she were hearing juicy gossip—no, in fact, it was gossip. Genuine, insider gossip.

It was all rather thrilling—the kind of thing outsiders could never know.

After a while, Li Wanbai asked curiously, “Duoduo, you’re not even in the entertainment industry. How do you know all this?”

“I’m not in the entertainment industry, true, but the fashion world is only a step away from it. Isn’t it normal for me to hear things? Especially since both my best friends are in showbiz.” Su Orange gave a little snort. “Don’t underestimate my intelligence network, you two!”

Li Wanbai smiled, about to say something, when a call cut in. She explained to Su Orange and pressed the answer button.

Sister Chen’s voice was full of irritation. “Xiaobai, what’s going on? Why did you cover the room’s camera and microphone? If you block those, how are you supposed to have any screen time? Stop messing around! Take the cloth off, now!”

Li Wanbai was unconcerned. “Even if the show claims to be live-streamed the whole time, guests should still have a little privacy, right? Sister Chen, I was woken up early by the crew and have been busy all morning without a break. I need a little private time to rest, don’t I? You wouldn’t want to see me filmed when I’m at my most defenseless and least presentable, would you?”

“That’s reasonable, but…” Sister Chen began.

“That’s reasonable, so that’s settled! I know what the company’s planning—to give up on me and focus on grooming Xiruo. Sister Chen, you don’t need to worry about me. Go check on Ye Xiruo instead.” Li Wanbai said offhandedly.

At the mention of Ye Xiruo, Sister Chen’s expression changed at once and she sighed quietly.

Sunlight Entertainment had decided to put their resources behind Ye Xiruo, hoping she could take Li Wanbai’s place. Initially, Sister Chen had supported the idea wholeheartedly. But after seeing today’s footage, she realized Ye Xiruo was too eager to succeed, resulting in less-than-stellar feedback online.

Sunlight Entertainment had already produced one infamous anti-favorite like Li Wanbai. Trying to create another just wouldn’t fly with the netizens. Sister Chen wanted to prove herself—that even without taking shortcuts, she could still cultivate a top-tier actress. She certainly didn’t want Ye Xiruo to get caught up in any showbiz scandals.

She had already given Ye Xiruo a stern talking-to, hoping she’d wise up.

“Xiaobai, I’m sorry. I just thought you were exhausted and needed a proper break, which is why I went along with the company’s plan to focus on Ye Xiruo. But now, seeing things as they are, Little Leaf is nowhere near your level. At the very least, the two of you are worlds apart when it comes to mental resilience.” Sister Chen was full of regret and sounded pitiful. “Don’t blame me. If I had a choice, I’d still rather support you.”

Li Wanbai answered her absentmindedly and, seeing an opportunity, quickly hung up. She then relayed the entire conversation to Su Orange.

On the other end, Su Orange let out a cold laugh. “So now that she thinks Ye Xiruo can’t make it, she wants to cling to you again?”

“I don’t know, I’m not sure, and I’m not close to her,” Li Wanbai replied, shaking her head three times.

“That wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Anyway, just be careful!” Su Orange’s tone was as brusque as ever, but beneath the bluster, there was an undeniable note of concern for her long-lost friend. “Alright, I’ll stop chatting now. Looks like Quan Hao is making his move on the livestream.”

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, someone knocked on Li Wanbai’s door.

Yu Baichuan’s voice followed. “Are you rested? Come down to the first floor for the group meeting.”