Chapter 271: Zhou Xingxing's Reputation and Liu Yifei's Predicament

On a Xiangjiang street, in front of a newsstand.

"Hey, look, Zhou Xingxing has another new film out!" A middle-aged man picked up the newspaper and shook his head with a click of his tongue. "How many is that this year?"

"The eighteenth!" The newsstand owner, a cigarette dangling from his lips, sneered. "Filming like they're rushing to be reborn — all garbage!"

A few citizens waiting for the bus nearby also crowded over to gossip:

"He used to be so funny. Now, for the sake of money, he'll take any trashy role."

"I heard he signed a contract with Shaw Brothers — he has no choice but to act."

"Serves him right! Who told him to leave Yongsheng in the first place?"

Not far away, a van rolled slowly past. Inside, Zhou Xingxing wore sunglasses, watching the scene with an expressionless face.

The assistant asked cautiously, "Master Xing, should we..."

"No need." Zhou Xingxing's voice was hoarse. "To the set."

Dali, Yunnan — the filming base of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils."

Liu Yifei sat alone in the makeup room, clutching that day's "Entertainment Weekly." The cover prominently featured a photo from "Avatar," with the headline: "Sci-Fi Epic 'Avatar' Locks May Day Release."

In the mirror, she saw her reddened eyes.

"Liu Yifei, ready to shoot!" the stagehand called from outside the door.

Liu Yifei hurriedly wiped the corners of her eyes. "Coming."

On set, Liu Yifei, playing Wang Yuyan, was running lines with Xiu Qing, playing Murong Fu.

"Cousin," Liu Yifei recited her line, but her voice trembled slightly. "Between you and me, is there truly no more possibility?"

"Cut!" Zhang Jizhong called a halt. "Yifei, the emotion's off! Wang Yuyan at this moment should be sorrowful but not wounded — not a bitter woman!"

Liu Yifei took a deep breath. "Sorry, Director, let me adjust."

Huang Xiaoming walked over and asked softly, "Are you okay? You don't look in great shape."

Liu Yifei forced a smile. "I'm fine. Maybe just a bit tired."

During a break, Huang Xiaoming handed her a bottle of water. "Did you see the news about 'Avatar'?"

Liu Yifei's hand trembled, and the bottle nearly fell to the floor. "You... how did you know?"

"The whole crew's been talking about 'Avatar.'" Huang Xiaoming sighed. "Actually, you don't need to care too much. With your looks..."

"My looks?" Liu Yifei suddenly cut him off, her voice catching with a sob. "An actress even her own country refuses to acknowledge — what looks do I have?"

Huang Xiaoming was stunned. "Qianqian..."

"Qianqian!" Liu Xiaoli suddenly appeared at the edge of the set, striding over. "What's wrong with you?"

Liu Yifei turned her face away. "Nothing."

Liu Xiaoli looked suspiciously at Huang Xiaoming. "Mr. Huang, what happened?"

Huang Xiaoming stood up awkwardly. "Auntie, we were just discussing the script..."

"Discussing the script?" Liu Xiaoli clearly didn't believe it. "Discussing the script requires crying?" She suddenly raised her voice. "Did you bully my daughter?"

The set instantly fell silent; everyone's gaze gathered over.

"Mom!" Liu Yifei shot to her feet. "What are you doing!"

Liu Xiaoli grabbed her daughter's hand. "Come, back to the hotel with me."

"I'm not going!" Liu Yifei shook off her mother's hand. "I still have to film!"

"Film what!" Liu Xiaoli said sharply. "Look at the state you're in!"

Liu Yifei finally exploded. "What state am I in? It's all because of you!" Tears burst from her eyes. "If you hadn't insisted on changing my nationality, how would I now be..."

"Slap!"

A sharp slap cut off Liu Yifei's words.

The entire set fell deathly silent.

Liu Yifei covered her face, staring at her mother in disbelief. "You hit me?"

Liu Xiaoli's hand was also trembling. "Qianqian, Mommy didn't mean to..."

"You did it on purpose!" Liu Yifei sobbed. "Ever since I was little, you've decided everything! Going to America was your decision, changing my nationality was your decision, and now my career is going to be ruined by your hands too!"

"How did I ruin your career?" Liu Xiaoli's eyes also reddened. "I've given so much for you..."

"Given?" Liu Yifei laughed coldly. "Don't you know why Fei Min won't sign me? It's because I'm American! As long as Xiang Fei says Fei Min will never sign foreign-nationality artists again, do you know what that means? 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' might be my last role!"

Liu Xiaoli staggered back a step as if struck by lightning. "No... it can't be..."

"How can it not be?" Liu Yifei's face was streaming with tears. "The whole entertainment industry is watching Fei Min's face now. One word from Xiang Fei can decide an actor's fate! And you — you're the one who destroyed my fate!"

Having said that, she turned and rushed off the set.

"Qianqian!" Liu Xiaoli tried to chase after her but was stopped by Huang Xiaoming.

"Auntie," Huang Xiaoming said quietly, "let her cool down for a bit."

Liu Xiaoli collapsed to the ground, muttering to herself, "I was wrong... I was really wrong..."

That evening, in a hotel room.

Liu Yifei curled up on the bed, her eyes swollen from crying. Her phone screen was lit — a text from Huang Xiaoming:

"Qianqian, the director says he'll give you two days off. Do you need me to keep you company?"

She didn't reply, just stared blankly at the ceiling.

In the next room, Liu Xiaoli sobbed into the phone: "Jin Fei, what should I do? Qianqian... she hates me..."

On the other end of the line, Chen Jinfei sighed. "I can only see if there are any resources left..."

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Xiang Fei was reviewing the preparation report for "Ip Man," completely unaware of the storm a thousand miles away.