Part 47：Surprised and baffled

Yu Chu acted swiftly, calling Zoe back that very evening.

"My agent found out that the rumors were spread by someone from your company. He said the source was a guy named Liu Zitong."

Liu Zitong wasn't from Chengqian Entertainment; he worked for Chengqian Films, and he was a production manager under Yin Zishi.

Zoe was both surprised and baffled.

Spring Chill wasn't a project under Yin Zishi, nor did it have any connection to Liu Zitong. So why would Liu Zitong tell people that she and Song were part of the cast?

Before Zoe could make sense of it, Lan walked in with a dark expression.

"Lan? What's wrong?" Zoe asked.

Lan sighed heavily. "Luo Yuhu just called to warn me. He said if we keep 'entangling' with Song, they'll teach us a lesson."

Zoe was speechless. "That tone!"

Lan continued, "Some marketing accounts have started spreading rumors online, claiming that you and Song are both in Spring Chill."

Zoe's brow furrowed as a sense of foreboding crept in.

"Now, Song's fans are swarming his studio and company's official accounts, accusing them of doing nothing. At the same time, they're attacking you on social media, saying you're shamelessly leveraging your connections and using capital power to keep approaching Song and stir up hype."

Lan's face grew even darker as she spoke.

"We expected some backlash, but there's a troubling trend on Weibo. I'm worried that if the company eventually steps up to clarify the rumors—that neither you nor Song are in Spring Chill—the narrative will completely turn against you. They might spin it to suggest that you orchestrated everything yourself, making you look desperate and attention-seeking."

A sharp gleam flickered in Zoe's eyes. "What's the company's stance on this?"

Lan hesitated before replying. "The company thinks that even though the gossip is unpleasant, it's keeping people focused on Spring Chill and helping you stay relevant. They've decided to do nothing."

Zoe's expression turned icy. "And what about the trolls attacking me? The company has no plans to intervene there either?"

Lan was silent.

Zoe gave a bitter laugh. "I see. Even the trolls are helping me by keeping me in the spotlight. Negative publicity is still publicity, right? As far as the company's concerned, the more attention I get, the more profitable I am. Isn't that it?"

"Zoe…" Lan began, but Zoe raised a hand to stop her.

"I understand. That's enough, Lan. I need some rest."

Lan wanted to say more but held back.

As she turned to leave, Zoe suddenly asked, "By the way, Lan, did you manage to find any scripts for me?"

Lan froze, caught off guard by the question. "I haven't had the chance yet. With everything else going on, I've been too busy. Are you in a hurry to start a new project?"

Zoe gave a self-deprecating laugh. "Lan, if I don't take on more roles while I still have this fleeting popularity, do you think the company's attitude toward me will ever change?"

Lan didn't answer.

"Whether it's ads, endorsements, livestreams, or variety shows, I get it—they're quick and lucrative. Acting, on the other hand, takes months of effort for relatively little reward. But tell me, after all the money I've made for the company, have they shown me any real respect?"

"If it's between me and Wei Ruxue, the company will always choose Wei Ruxue. If it's between me and other rookies from the same batch, they'll still choose someone else. As long as my value doesn't surpass Wei Ruxue's and as long as she doesn't want me to rise, the company will never back me. You know this, Lan."

Zoe's voice was steady, but her words carried an undeniable weight. "Hard work alone can't make up for lack of talent, and it definitely won't increase my value in their eyes. Working hard only earns me more chances to exhaust myself. Right now, my greatest fear is burning out. Tell me, Lan, how much longer do you think this little bit of fame will last before it's gone?"

Lan understood Zoe's reasoning all too well.

But the harsh reality was that profits in the present outweighed the uncertain rewards of future potential. For the company, Zoe's current earnings justified her value, but not enough to warrant significant investment.

"Zoe, let's not rush. We can take things one step at a time, okay?"

Zoe let out a soft laugh, one that lingered in the air. After a moment, she said quietly, "Fine."

"Those who understand me worry for my heart; those who don't, ask what I seek."

Even the closest of bonds could not change the fact that theirs was merely a professional relationship between artist and manager.

In that instant, Zoe realized that the hope she had held onto was nothing but an illusion.