The criticism on Weibo continued to ferment.
With the instigation of several top bloggers, even bystanders were starting to feel some dissatisfaction towards Jiang Li.
Others worked diligently, and expended significant effort, to briefly appear in Director Zhang Cheng’s film.
But she had it easy, securing a special invitation through backdoor channels.
Indeed, having a relative who was an agent that once supported a Heavenly God certainly had its advantages.
As for Jiang Li herself, she was currently sitting at her desk, flipping through the new book she had just acquired.
This book was specifically borrowed for her by the previous library’s head librarian.
She had to read it carefully—how could she have time to care about the nonsense on the internet?
Just when fans across different spectrums were squabbling endlessly, Xiao Ling, a make-up artist from the "Night Walk" production crew, made a statement.
The moment she saw the trending topic, her emotions were mixed.
Jiang Li was such a wonderful person—not only was she good-looking and had a fine demeanor, but she was also well-spoken and polite.
Working with them just for a day, she had already received uniform praise from the staff.
Seeing the slanders against her online, Xiao Ling was so angry she couldn’t stay silent, and immediately collected her colleagues’ comments about Jiang Li and posted them on Weibo.
"...Miss Jiang isn’t just polite, she is amicable towards us ordinary staff, and is also a very hardworking person. Her make-up took over two hours, and during that time, she quietly read her book, and even memorized her lines during other breaks. Director Zhang Cheng chose her for a reason, so please stop speculating maliciously."
However, this Weibo post did not cause much of a stir.
After all, Xiao Ling was just a regular make-up artist, and even though she gained some popularity by riding the trending wave, her words and evidence were not considered credible.
[I’m laughing so hard, a few chat records can prove Jiang Li is a good person? This method of whitewashing is too simplistic, isn’t it?]
[Jiang Li reading books and memorizing her lines is what she’s supposed to do! Taking someone else’s role means she’d better work hard, sheer guilty conscience!]
[This person must have been bought by Jiang Li! After all, it’s common for staff on set to speak up if they’re paid!]
After a slew of comments, Xiao Ling herself felt so wronged that she cried.
Meanwhile, people rejoiced, glad they had exposed another scandal and spoken up for the oppressed victims.
That was until Luo Xingmu’s Weibo shot up to the number one spot on the trending list—
Luo Xingmu V: Jiang Li might not be the best actress, but she’s definitely the best Zhao Qi.
Not just bystanders but also Luo Xingmu’s more than half a million fans were stunned.
Wasn’t their Brother Mu always the type to stay out of the fray?
Why was he suddenly speaking up for that Jiang Li?!
Bystanders were shocked too.
The male lead of "Night Walk" was actually coming out to defend Jiang Li?!
And even said she’s the best Zhao Qi?!
[God, that’s Luo Xingmu, isn’t he rated as the most promising new male actor in the industry right now? Why would he speak up for Jiang Li at this critical moment?]
[Brother Mu has always shown great respect for acting, and he says that Jiang Li is the best Zhao Qi—could it be that she’s genuinely talented?]
[Hmph, it’s obvious she’s just another mindless guy Jiang Li has seduced. Let’s be rational and not lose our ability to judge just because of someone else’s words!]
However, Luo Xingmu’s actions were far from over.
He then posted a video on Weibo—
"This is a clip from our first day of shooting, with permission from Director Zhang Cheng."
The video’s content was the scene they shot with Jiang Li that day.
Against a green screen backdrop, Jiang Li was dressed in a soft, apricot-colored robe, her black hair simply tied with a White Jade Hairpin, looking pure and ethereal, as delicate as a celestial being.
Just a glimpse of her face sparked a wave of exclamations from the netizens—
Jiang Li’s appearance is really too beautiful, isn’t it?!
How can someone still look this good from such a low angle?!
The video wasn’t edited.
The filming location is messy, with staff members moving props around.
But Jiang Li’s clear voice was still resonant and powerful as it came through—
"I don’t wish to confine this fleshly body within the glazed red walls, I have my own faith, and the citizens of Dajing are my faith."
"I want to be the eagle in the wilderness, looking down on every inch of land and river beneath my feet."
The girl stood under the palace eaves, her body adorned with the Jade Talisman that symbolized shackles, but in her eyes, there was the vast Jiangshan.
And that heartfelt declaration was resounding and powerful.
Right then, some emotionally resonant netizens were moved to tears.
And then they were shocked to find out—
Turns out this Jiang Li isn’t just a pretty pillow!!!
[Oh my God, is this really Jiang Li? Such badass acting.]
[Now I know why Director Zhang chose her, she really is the chosen Zhao Qi!]
[Just some off-set filming is this shocking, no wonder Luo Xingmu spoke up for her.]
The tide of public opinion changed in an instant.
Those who said Jiang Li’s virtue didn’t match her status all disappeared, replaced by lavish praise for her acting.
Then Zhang Cheng also retweeted Luo Xingmu’s post and added three "like" emojis.
In a flash, #JiangLiShowsBadassActingOnSet became the top trending topic.
When Su Yinwan saw this trending topic, she nearly blacked out and fainted.
How could it turn out ?!
When did Jiang Li’s acting get so good?!
This role was supposed to be hers, how did it end up in her hands?
[Regrettably, Host.] The system’s cold voice rang out again, [You have failed this plot mission, and 200 points will be deducted once more.]
Watching her painstakingly accrued points, which were now gradually decreasing, a hint of hatred flashed in Su Yinwan’s eyes.
She had spent half her life and nearly lost her life obtaining them.
And now it’s all gone to waste because of Jiang Li.
She would definitely make her pay!!!
"Fuck, Jiang Li, open up, fuck, how did you get trending again?!"
A commotion came from outside the door, abruptly pulling Jiang Li out from the world of her book.
She pressed her temples and got up, opening the door expressionlessly.
Opposite her, Jiang Yan was visibly excited.
He waved his phone in front of Jiang Li and pointed at the screen saying, "Jiang Li, look quickly, you’re dominating the charts again, damn!"
"When did you start acting in Director Zhang’s ’Night Walk’? How come I didn’t know?!"
"Damn it, since my debut, I’ve only gotten a small advertisement, but you, you go straight into a big movie as a special guest, we’re born of the same mother, but why is the gap so huge?!"
Jiang Yan grew more frustrated as he spoke, and his gaze towards Jiang Li became resentful.
Jiang Li didn’t retort; instead, she folded her arms and nodded.
"Indeed, different strokes for different folks, and we are different people after all, overall, my luck just happens to be a bit better than yours."