Chapter 1669 - 1658: The Villain’s Foster Mother

Chapter 1669: Chapter 1658: The Villain’s Foster Mother

On New Year’s Eve, because of a Weibo post by Ye Mu, and the likes from several big directors and some top-tier actors, Ye Qiu, this manager, became a hit overnight. Rumor had it online that with her skilled hands, Ye Mu and Chuqing received many good opportunities.

Ye Mu didn’t shy away from the attention, openly liking the post in return. This only fueled the discussions among netizens about the legendary Ye Qiu.

Some said she sold porridge at the gate of the film city back then, and even though it was several times more expensive than others, it was still in high demand. Others claimed she was a descendant of an Imperial Chef with special secrets for handling dishes that didn’t cause weight gain. Yet others described her as an inspirational figure for middle-aged people, now more valuable than even Ye Mu.

In short, while everyone else went home for the new year, Ye Qiu, the behind-the-scenes manager, became a sensation, making Zhou Linxia’s expression flicker with complexity.

She really hadn’t expected that Chuqing’s foster mother maintained such good relationships with so many people in the entertainment industry. No wonder Ye Mu and Chuqing had so many resources. How did that woman manage it? Was it really just through skill? Unfortunately, those cakes had long since been thrown away, making it impossible to verify.

But it didn’t matter. In any circle, it ultimately boiled down to family background and strength. No matter how formidable Ye Qiu was, could she surpass her own family and the Li family?

So, after the new year, Zhou Linxia openly and secretly targeted Ye Mu’s Studio in every project she worked on. Some found it unwise to offend the two financial giants backing her and genuinely backed off from working with Ye Mu and Chuqing.

Although Ye Mu and Chuqing still managed to secure work, with little effect, Ye Qiu was much agitated. She understood well: Since Zhou Linxia blocked her resources, she would invest in herself to avoid having to split the profits with others.

Thus, after gathering people and establishing projects, Ye Qiu specifically sought out those who flattered Zhou Linxia for investment. Upon receiving rejections, she would show a helpless expression and then turn around to pour energy into her project.

Ye Qiu prepared two dramas, one being a suspense web series. Beneath the calm facade of a school lay numerous filthy secrets. After a thunderstorm one day, teachers and students continuously died from various accidents, with dirty dealings gradually exposed by the media. The police diligently pieced the clues together, finally discovering that the silent and studious committee member of the class was the killer.

The story sounded simple, but the script was tightly woven with many twists and violent scenes that heightened tension. Ye Mu insisted on playing either a teacher or a police officer, but Ye Qiu refused, not only because the role didn’t suit him but also because she didn’t want the two to be overexposed together. Separate development was best.

This was tailor-made for Chuqing. Her acting skills were now sufficient to support the drama, and she loved it so much that she meticulously studied the script countless times, even memorizing parts without her scenes.

With a script and actors ready, what remained was the director. This turned out to be the easiest part, given how many talented directors Ye Qiu knew. She picked a suitable one, and the director agreed almost as soon as he received the script.

The web series was entirely funded by Ye Mu’s Studio, giving Ye Qiu almost all the creative control. Not long after the new year, filming began. Despite outside doubts, the crew remained highly motivated, choosing to ignore external rumors and focus solely on filming.

Ye Qiu and the director both knew that as long as no unexpected incidents occurred during filming, the show would become a hit upon release, and the truth would speak for itself.

Meanwhile, Ye Qiu set up a connection for Ye Mu with a foreign production. Although Ye Mu was hugely famous domestically, his reputation abroad wasn’t as substantial, so he couldn’t land a leading role. Eventually, Ye Qiu secured him a third male lead role, akin to a High Priest.

Noble, mysterious, beautiful, powerful—every positive adjective could be applied to him, yet this perfect being was the arch-villain.

The international director held the drama in high regard. Initially preferring an actor from another Northern European country, he changed his mind after meeting Ye Mu, convinced that Ye Mu was the ideal choice. Especially when Ye Mu changed his eye color to green, the director nearly couldn’t wait to shoot promotional photos, and the photographer and makeup artist kept asking where he got such natural and beautiful contact lenses.

Because the script was confidential, outsiders believed that Ye Mu’s Studio succumbed to the dual pressures from the Zhou and Li families, losing resources. Not only did Chuqing end up shooting a web series, but Ye Mu was said to have no roles at all, and several people familiar with Ye Qiu offered branches of reconciliation.

While thanking these individuals, Ye Qiu secretly prepared for the two’s upcoming breakout. She intended to let them soar, to show the Zhou and Li families that wealth couldn’t control everything. She also wanted those who refused to invest to regret it, showcasing how Ye Mu’s Studio made money.

However, before Chuqing and Ye Mu could take flight, Zhou Linxia, during a variety show, broke their agreement with Chuqing by revealing they were actually sisters.

Not only that, she insinuated that Chuqing was being influenced by her foster mother, Ye Qiu, expressing sincere hope that her sister would admit her mistakes, as the family always wanted her to return home and could provide any resources she desired.

Zhou Linxia’s words caused an online uproar, with this appearing like a real-life aristocratic family feud, especially as dramatic as it was. Zhou Chuqing, who became relatively popular starring in a national TV drama, was revealed as the Zhou Family’s Eldest Lady? And the newly popular young star Zhou Linxia was her real sister?

"Comparing them side by side, the sisters really are alike. The only thing is, they followed different paths, so people overlooked it."

"Xiaxia is truly warm-hearted, still so forgiving despite her sister’s rebelliousness."

"Actually, I don’t see Chuqing as that rebellious. Although returned to the family late, there’s nothing wrong with living with her foster mother, right?"

"But wouldn’t Zhou Linxia say something without cause? Perhaps the foster mother has ulterior motives! The Zhou Family isn’t the type to speak carelessly."

"I still don’t believe it. Ye Qiu is Ye Mu’s real sister, and I trust my brother’s character, as well as his manager sister."

"Fans of Ye Mu, don’t be misled. What if your brother was also deceived by Ye Qiu? Has your brother attended any events recently?"

"Now that you mention it, I’m really worried about my brother. What if what the Zhou family said is true? Could my brother be deceived?"

With forces manipulating public opinion, and with both Ye Mu and Zhou Linxia having many fans, the internet was instantly filled with doubts and criticisms of Ye Qiu.