Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 463 - 308: The First Rehearsal, Silence Throughout (3)

Hearing this, Xu Qingqiu immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the audience below did not see it that way.

When had Director Zhao become so easygoing? Just a moment of hesitation from her, and he was suddenly this understanding?

What was the story behind this Xu Qingqiu? Or was it because of Youmeng?

Why did Zhao Fengsheng’s smile seem even kinder than his treatment of some of the established seniors’ children?

Ever since taking charge of the Spring Festival Gala, Zhao Fengsheng had practically transformed into an unyielding enforcer, rarely seen smiling warmly at anyone. He couldn’t afford to be anything but stern. This was a major program, attracting big shots and popular figures alike. Each of them was a headstrong and formidable individual, and their relationships were intricate. If he were easygoing, the work simply couldn’t get done.

But Youmeng was different; this was a true talent. Zhao Fengsheng didn’t just want to get acquainted.

As the saying goes, when one is overly courteous, they must be seeking something.

But the others didn’t know this. So, they all secretly observed the smiling Zhao Fengsheng and Xu Qingqiu on stage, who seemed somewhat unsettled by what had just happened. They speculated about their relationship, wondering if Xu Qingqiu came from a powerful family.

HISS.

As this thought crossed their minds, many people suddenly felt a jolt.

No wonder! No wonder Zhao Fengsheng’s attitude towards her was so good! No wonder someone who seemed on the verge of being driven out of the industry suddenly had the famously elusive ’Youmeng’ supporting them!

The waters here ran deep, unfathomably so!

The scenario increasingly resembled that of a child from an influential family, hiding their identity and vowing to achieve success through their own efforts. This child then defiantly entered the entertainment industry, only to be blacklisted by those with no foresight. Consequently, their elders, unable to stand by idly yet afraid of hurting the child’s pride, must have concocted the ’Youmeng’ persona. Through this persona, they managed to secure a host of outstanding works from some old-timers.

Those with vivid imaginations found this theory increasingly plausible. Otherwise, how could one explain where Youmeng had suddenly appeared from? And how could Zhao Fengsheng’s attitude be explained?

It was already quite obvious! What was Zhao Fengsheng’s status? And what were theirs?

There were some secrets they simply weren’t privy to. But perhaps Zhao Fengsheng, a veteran of the Capital Circle with a background connected to influential compounds, knew something.

Perhaps someone had even put in a word for her.

As for them, they were too low on the totem pole, definitely not privy to such secrets. Otherwise, how could they be called secrets?

Besides, why was Xu Qingqiu added at the very last minute? Was it to avoid being too conspicuous by placing her earlier? Did this move, seemingly a reluctant last-minute addition, actually make her position incredibly secure?

If things went as expected, Xu Qingqiu would undoubtedly pass today, regardless of her performance!

The more they thought about it, the more this version of events seemed to fit.

Some of the self-proclaimed ’Big Smarties’, upon reaching this conclusion, immediately began to scheme. One such ’Big Smarty’ thought, Perhaps Xu Qingqiu is even a third-generation elite! That’s the real backer to rely on. I need to keep my eyes peeled and make sure not to offend her.

This ’Big Smarty’ was quite a character; not only did he figure this out himself, but he even considered enlightening his good friend.

"Let me tell you," he said to his friend, "this Xu Qingqiu is no ordinary person. Just think about it... That’s why I believe..."

His good friend listened, and a shock ran through him. Damn, there’s such a backstory? This is too freaking thrilling! So, she’s hidden herself this deep, huh?

It had to be said, this ’Big Smarty’s’ reasoning was not only imaginative but also remarkably logical, his arguments seemingly watertight. His friend pondered for a long time and, finding no flaws in the reasoning, became thoroughly convinced.

Consequently, just as Xu Qingqiu was composing herself, these wild speculations had already begun to spread like wildfire among the staff below stage. It even became quite noisy at one point.

"What are they all talking about?" Zhao Fengsheng frowned. "Tell them to keep it down! What’s all this commotion?"

The assistant director, who had just caught a snippet of the rumors, and a nearby assistant both found their lips twitching, their eyes practically bulging with question marks. Initially, they too found it far-fetched. But when they saw Zhao Fengsheng immediately silence the entire venue the moment Xu Qingqiu was about to begin, their doubts began to waver.

Who else had received such treatment since the rehearsals began? they thought. During other performances, wasn’t everyone usually free to chat casually? Why was it different for Xu Qingqiu?

They had been skeptical at first, but now they couldn’t help but start believing the rumors.

However, neither of them considered that previous conversations had only involved two or three people speaking quietly. Now, a large group was creating such a din that it was almost like a marketplace. How could Zhao Fengsheng not intervene?

As a result, the rumors grew increasingly outlandish, and the misunderstanding snowballed.

On stage, Xu Qingqiu remained oblivious. Even if she heard the murmuring from below, she paid it no mind. She focused her thoughts, already deeply immersed in the emotions of the song.

When the music began, Xu Qingqiu’s gaze instantly transformed. Her eyes focused on a distant point as she began to channel her emotions.

Meanwhile, on the large screen behind the stage, a video began to play. The footage showed a small village, seemingly no different from countless other ordinary villages.

Chu Tian stood beside the backstage equipment. He monitored the music and video, occasionally glancing up at Xu Qingqiu, his expression one of intense concentration.

Everything hinges on this performance, Chu Tian thought. I can’t help with her singing, but I must ensure the video and accompaniment are flawless. I need to prevent any issues and help her create the perfect rehearsal stage.

「"She’s here, she’s here! It’s a girl! Six pounds, fifteen ounces!"」