Chapter 645

At the celebration banquet for *Dawn*, Jin Li stole the show.

Whether it was her entrance at the beginning or Director Chu taking the initiative to approach her for a chat and handing her a large envelope afterward, it was full of gimmicks.

It was very sensational.

In comparison, the other artists seemed somewhat dim.

Especially Xu Ting and Bai Jiang, the nominal true leads of the film, who were both sitting very low-key at another table.

The two of them tacitly did not take the initiative to chat with reporters, nor did they talk to each other, appearing exceptionally quiet.

Jin Li's liveliness and the quietness of these two formed a very sharp contrast.

Reporters specifically captured this scene of contrast, having already thought of a theme in their minds—

A soul character in a film does not care about how many scenes they have or how long they appear, but whether they can support the promotion of the entire film once they appear!

This theme had a very strong provocative tone.

On one hand, it belittled the leads of *Dawn* for failing to exert their true effect, and on the other, it implicitly criticized Jin Li's performance in the film as unimportant.

As long as her fame is great enough, even if she plays a flower, there will be people who pay for it.

And obviously, this kind of controversial theme was not something only one reporter could think of.

Other reporters would also follow up quickly, and might even release an anti-theme, forming a situation of mutual verbal abuse with other media public accounts.

Don't ask; asking means this is more likely to arouse the interest of netizens.

Netizens just love watching marketing accounts fight.

The plot of stirring up trouble that reporters could think of, the other actors attending the celebration banquet also thought of.

And among them, some actors with ulterior motives felt the excitement wasn't big enough, so when toasting, they specifically walked to Bai Jiang and Xu Ting's side and asked tentatively:

"Brother Jiang, Sister Ting, aren't you going on stage to say a few words?"

Bai Jiang glanced at this minor actor; he didn't recognize them.

He silently moved his gaze away; why bother talking to someone whose name he couldn't call out?

If he were to look at that person again, that would be a waste of time.

However, the corner of Bai Jiang's eye had been observing Xu Ting, who was sitting next to him.

Based on his experience, Xu Ting would definitely say a few more words when encountering such an approach, because she had always been dissatisfied in her heart that Jin Li stole her spotlight as the female lead.

However, today surprised him.

Xu Ting actually didn't say a word!

She sat quietly in her seat.

When others came to toast, she just took a few sips.

When others probed in their words, she pretended not to hear, and even smiled politely at those people.

Bai Jiang thought to himself: I'm afraid Xu Ting doesn't even know that her smiling is worse than not smiling.

That smile appeared somewhat meaningful, as if she had seen through all the little thoughts of others.

This made those who came to toast and probe leave immediately in a dejected manner, and they were even a bit terrified, wondering if Xu Ting knew something and worrying about being held a grudge against by her.

Although the reporters focused their attention on Jin Li, they had also been observing the table with Bai Jiang and Xu Ting.

Seeing that neither of them caused any trouble, the reporters were actually a bit disappointed.

Especially Xu Ting; they all knew that Xu Ting had always been dissatisfied with Jin Li overshadowing her.

If Xu Ting could have gone on stage to say a few words tonight, they could have hyped her and Jin Li together!

"Have you noticed that Xu Ting is quite quiet tonight?"

"Yes, she used to chat with other actors, but today she's been quiet as a chicken the whole time, exactly the same as Bai Jiang. Could it be that Bai Jiang taught her some little tricks?"

The same question was also asked by Chen Qin.

"Could it be that Bai Jiang said something to Xu Ting in private, so Xu Ting is now acting against Sister Jin Li?"

In the car, Jin Li heard this sentence, and her eyes deepened slightly.

The celebration banquet hadn't ended yet, but she left a step early, taking the dedicated passage to avoid being blocked by paparazzi.

Even though her popularity has faded quite a bit now, paparazzi still love to report news related to her.

It is said that even her normal popularity—the popularity driven by netizens brushing through daily gossip—is enough to top a small hit.

Jin Li said meaningfully, "It's not necessarily that Bai Jiang said something to her."

"Then that's a bit strange. Would a person change their temperament for no reason?"

Jin Li shrugged: "Perhaps she has had an epiphany, who knows."

She looked out the window; outside, the lights were brilliant, with a beauty that seemed to want to destroy the entire city with light pollution.

Today, she caught a glimpse of Xu Ting's physiognomy.

Facts have proven that it is still very difficult for people to change their nature.

Xu Ting was just scared by her during this period, becoming honest.

But after a few months, her nature will still be exposed.

However, by that time, it will no longer be the business of the *Dawn* crew.

After the celebration banquet ended, Xu Ting originally wanted to leave directly.

Bai Jiang suddenly sent her a message, inviting her out for a late-night snack tonight; Xu Ting felt slightly surprised.

In the past, it was always she who took the initiative to invite Bai Jiang to dinner, and Bai Jiang would occasionally come and occasionally not, but he had never taken the initiative to invite her.

Xu Ting thought for a while and still attended this gathering.

At the gathering, Bai Jiang took the initiative to chat with her about recent announcements and also asked about her recent situation, before entering the main topic, asking why she was so low-key tonight.

Xu Ting retorted: "Didn't you always advise me not to compete with Jin Li before? Could it be that my behavior at the celebration banquet tonight was wrong?"

Bai Jiang said: "The past is the past, and now is now. It's a celebration banquet after all; if you, the female lead, went on stage to say a few words, Director Chu wouldn't blame you."

Xu Ting was amused: "Then why didn't you go on stage to speak, but instead felt that I should?"

Bai Jiang fell silent.

Xu Ting said to herself: "I know, my temperament is that I like to haggle over trifles with people, but those are all things I deserve; why can't I haggle?"

Bai Jiang frowned slightly.

He originally thought Xu Ting had changed, but listening to these words, her temperament seemed not to have changed at all; she was still the same her as before.

Xu Ting: "I have always felt that *Dawn* owes me the treatment of a true female lead; not only does it owe me, it also owes you.

As the male and female leads, we didn't play the role we should have. But I can also understand Director Chu's thoughts; Jin Li's popularity is higher than ours, and her scenes in the crew are not low, so the focus of the promotion was placed on her."

Bai Jiang raised his eyebrows slightly and asked tentatively: "Then why did you suddenly make concessions?"

Xu Ting's expression suddenly changed at this moment.

She appeared to be looking at Bai Jiang, but her eyes seemed to look through him to another place, her thoughts drifting very, very far away.

"Bai Jiang, do you believe there are super-powered people in this world?"

Bai Jiang was stunned.

What does this have to do with superpowers?

"Did you awaken some superpower and see the future, so you aren't competing with Jin Li at this time?" Bai Jiang continued to probe.

Asking this, he felt it was absurd.

There might really be non-natural phenomena in this world that cannot be explained by science, but aren't super-powered people fabricated?

The so-called powered people, when it comes down to it, are all kinds of swindlers.

As a result, Xu Ting took it seriously.

She smiled bitterly: "If I were a super-powered person, that would be great; I wouldn't have to struggle so hard in the entertainment industry."

Her expression became serious, and her tone changed.

"But I think Jin Li is a super-powered person. I think she can hear other people's inner thoughts. If you don't believe me, next time you stand in front of her and repeat what you are thinking in your heart several times, see if Jin Li's expression changes."

Xu Ting said with certainty: "Actually, as long as you observe carefully, you will find that Jin Li knows many little habits you haven't revealed in front of outsiders.

Jin Li is very popular in the crew precisely because she can hear other people's inner thoughts, so she can send warmth at the right time and gain the support of so many people.

She must have abilities!"

Bai Jiang's expression became increasingly silent.

He thought carefully for a long while, and finally decided to say: "Xu Ting, is it possible that you are mythologizing others too much?

For example, knowing little habits not revealed to outsiders—actually, as long as you observe with your heart, you can more or less know the other person's preferences.

Even for me, I know habits of Jin Li that she hasn't revealed to the public."

Xu Ting frowned tightly, "What habits?"

Bai Jiang said honestly: "Jin Li claims to the outside world that she likes to eat all kinds of fruit, but in fact, she loves oranges more. When attending various events, if she can eat fruit, she also prioritizes picking oranges."

Xu Ting: "What does that count as? I'm saying she can really hear other people's inner thoughts and can guess all the thoughts in your heart!"

She said somewhat excitedly: "I can't tell you specifically what happened, but I have personally experienced her abilities, which are very shocking.

So don't provoke Jin Li, no matter who you provoke. Why compete for the spotlight of any star? Why compete with her? I'm not a fool; when I encounter someone with such special abilities, I just want to stay far away, otherwise, I wouldn't even know how I died!"

Bai Jiang fell silent again.

He felt that Xu Ting's mental state was somewhat abnormal.

But just as you cannot convince a drunk person that they are drunk, you cannot convince a mentally abnormal person that they are mentally abnormal.

So Bai Jiang chose to say nothing.

The gathering ended, and everyone dispersed.

After Bai Jiang returned to the hotel, he didn't say much to his agent, but hesitated for a moment, took out his phone, and opened WeChat.

He remembered that he had added Xu Ting's agent on WeChat.

【Hello, I am Bai Jiang. I chatted with Sister Xu Ting tonight and felt that her mental state is not very good. Have you noticed this on your end?

Should you take her to the hospital to have a look? Perhaps there are too many worries piled up recently, making her spirit somewhat tense.】

Bai Jiang was still somewhat subtle in what he said.

Xu Ting's agent replied quickly: 【Hello Bai Jiang, thank you for your reminder.

Xu Ting has been under too much pressure recently and has already been to the hospital to see it. There is no major problem, as long as she doesn't come into contact with specific things.

I will talk to her; thank you again for your concern!】

When Bai Jiang saw this message, he let out a long breath.

This was all he could do.

Returning early today, Jin Li opened her live stream as usual.

But netizens discovered that Jin Li had suddenly changed to a different book.

She finally stopped reading the various books recommended by the country and started reading *Introduction to Philosophy*.

Jin Li did not avoid the netizens and showed the content openly.

But the group of netizens who had been reading classics with her before felt very confused.

They... couldn't understand it!

【Is this a required course for freshman philosophy students at Qingbei University?】

【666, Jin Li still won't admit she's a top student. How would an ordinary person self-study in advance?】

【Can you guys understand it? Why do I feel like I don't understand anything?】

【This book is a real test of philosophical thinking. In simple terms, it depends on whether you have the "root of wisdom." If you have it, you can understand the basic philosophical concepts, theories, and methods within it.】

【Cultivate the self, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world!!】

【I suddenly have a bad premonition. Was reading all those classics just an appetizer before?】

【You guessed it! Reading appetizers was just to adjust the mood. Now that the mood is adjusted, it's time for the main course. Start the "roll king" learning mode!】

Many netizens in the comment section were blown away.

They had been learning with Jin Li for two years and even participated in the college entrance examination together. They originally thought that getting into university was the best answer they had given to life.

As a result, Jin Li personally told them that life was far from stopping there.

However, those netizens who had been following Jin Li to learn, after a burst of surprise, got used to it.

Stay calm, stay calm.

As long as Jin Li continues to live stream, they will learn along with her.

They are a bit older, and their ability to accept things is far inferior to young people, but there's no way around it—who told them to have so much free time?

Some young fans were still wailing.

【No way, why do we still have to study after getting into university? The teacher clearly said that in university, you can go out and play every day; a beautiful life is just around the corner!】

【Child, how many years has it been? Do you still believe the teacher's nonsense?

I think university is the watershed that separates everyone. Before, you only needed to study well, but in university, no one will urge you to study hard; learning is instead up to you.

Some people enrich their professional skills in university and lock in a good job before graduation, while others smoke, drink, and go to bars every day in university, destroying the normal biological clock they worked so hard to form, becoming more and more degenerate.】

【University is a buffer zone for you to enter society. People who are good at handling interpersonal relationships in university will be able to mix very well after entering society.】

Jin Li had already flipped to page 20 of this *Introduction to Philosophy*, but these were all read in private and had not appeared on the live stream.

So she chose to start learning from page 1, so that netizens could be like her, take out a new book, and start learning from the beginning, emphasizing a sense of ritual.

This time, she dismantled every word in detail to read, chewing and swallowing slowly.

She must make sure to understand the meaning of every line and every paragraph before continuing to look at the next paragraph.

So she opened a live stream for a total of an hour and a half and only managed to flip through five pages.

During this, Jin Li had a lot of time for silent contemplation.

Everyone didn't think Jin Li was slacking off, because Jin Li's expression was sacred and solemn; this was an expression that only appeared when focused on thinking.

She, who had fallen into a state of focus, did not notice that the netizens had transitioned from discussing "why do we still have to continue learning" to "how important is going to university," and then transitioned to "whether one can apply for early graduation by finishing the credits for every university course in advance."

Gradually, the topic finally jumped to whether going to university is really that free.

If one can manage to pass every subject, can one avoid going to listen to the teacher's lectures?

When everyone discussed this topic, a flash of inspiration suddenly appeared in their minds, and they felt a sudden sense of enlightenment.

Is the reason Jin Li is previewing in advance to prepare for not attending classes in the future?

If she finishes learning in advance, can't she avoid listening to lectures and continue working?

Although this kind of thing is difficult for ordinary people to complete, Jin Li is not an ordinary person; she is a person with great perseverance.

If it were someone else, netizens would definitely not believe that person could be so powerful.

But when it comes to Jin Li, netizens suddenly feel that everything is possible!