The public opinion campaign by the young actor initially showed results.

His PR team was quite clever, bringing up a group of veteran actors who continued to work through injuries and comparing their stories to Cheng Ping’s behavior. Among these stories was the report of Movie King Zhang insisting on doing his own action scenes despite a back injury.

This reminder immediately brought back memories of the last time Movie King Zhang criticized Cheng Ping to the media.

With that groundwork laid, the image of Cheng Ping as an arrogant, clueless star had already taken root. This time, the fact that he shut himself in after just a scrape was seen as further proof.

The mainstream narrative became: “At first, seeing his bravery, I thought he had some guts, but it turns out he can’t stay cool for even three seconds…”

Even fans who were worried about Cheng Ping were harshly mocked by passersby: “Is your Ping Ping a delicate lady, hiding away because of a little scrape?”

When Cheng Ping retired and changed careers, he lost a batch of fans, and after several negative news cycles, only the most loyal fans remained. These fans were almost blindly trusting: “I believe in my idol’s character. If he’s taking a break, it must be because the injury is too severe to show on camera.”

“Oh, come on, with the way these pretty boys behave nowadays, even a tiny scratch would be publicized. It’s been days, and there’s still no photo. Are they looking for the wound with a magnifying glass?”

In the midst of the mockery, Cheng Ping’s video was released.

Half of his face showed a large area of abrasions, the scabs forming an ugly dark brown patch. Even without makeup to exaggerate it, the wound was hard to describe as just a “little scrape.”

Cheng Ping’s expression was calm, and he didn’t mention the injury details, only reassuring his fans: “After two days of rest and recovery, the healing is going well. Though it looks extensive, it shouldn’t leave a scar. Please continue to look forward to the finished work.”

The passersby were silent upon seeing it, and the fans shed tears.

Cheng Ping’s PR team had been holding back a trick.

Their press release didn’t attack the young actor himself but targeted some of his fans’ foolish comments: “Am I the only one who finds it sweet? Our boy is loved by everyone, and everyone wants to protect him.” “Seeing him nearly cry with worry for Cheng Ping in the interview, I’d be willing to get hurt for him!”

With these two screenshots, the target of the mockery shifted overnight.

The harsh passersby turned their guns on the young actor: “Are you some cult organization? Do you need a blood sacrifice to join?”

The young actor lost.

The young actor’s PR team could have released footage of Cheng Ping cursing after getting up, slightly tarnishing his image.

However, they knew Cheng Ping also had videos and might have footage of the young actor’s fake fall. So they dared not act rashly and had to lie low and take the mockery.

Cheng Ping’s team finally scored a comeback.

After this incident, when Cheng Ping returned to the set and encountered the young actor, everything within ten miles would suddenly quiet down, with everyone subtly perking up their ears for gossip.

The young actor was also a tough one. Facing Cheng Ping’s back, he maintained a smiling face and softly said, “Brother Cheng~”

Cheng Ping: “.”

Cheng Ping slowly turned around, slowly lifting the corners of his mouth, “What is it~”

The young actor was shocked.

He had thought that with Cheng Ping’s personality, the most likely scenario was being ignored, and if he were more irritable, putting on a scowl would be even better, given how many people were watching.

He never expected that Cheng Ping, after getting hurt, seemed to have knocked his head and even changed his temper.

The young actor: “…That last scene was well-acted~”

Since Cheng Ping had decided to make a change, he took the young actor as his first trial, competing with him in being nauseating: “Thank you~ You’re really good too~”

The director: “?”

The director angrily said, “NG three times, and you still have the nerve to compliment each other!”

At the same time, Li Baixi received a new invitation from Movie King Zhang, who planned to invite him to design the makeup for a new film.

“You don’t have much of a resume in film makeup, do you? Just right, this time I’ll take you along to compete for an award and expand your business.” Movie King Zhang, such a big shot, even his invitations felt like bestowing a favor.

Li Baixi: “Okay, I’ll check my schedule.”

Li Baixi returned to his studio, sat in his boss’s chair, and dazed for a while, then smirked and instructed his assistant Yang: “Reply to Movie King Zhang, tell him I can’t cooperate due to schedule conflicts, very sorry.”

Assistant Yang was stunned: “Are you sure you want to refuse? There is no schedule conflict.”

Li Baixi clicked his tongue: “Less questioning, more listening.”

A few hours later, a junior updated his social media, excitedly announcing a new collaboration with Movie King Zhang.

This junior, known for his red carpet makeup, had worked hard to break into the film industry. After serving Movie King Zhang’s little lover for so long, he finally made it, and even replaced Li Baixi in the process. He felt elated, eager to show off in front of Li Baixi.

Li Baixi’s assistants were baffled: “What are you thinking, giving this up to him?”

Li Baixi laughed: “Because I don’t like Movie King Zhang.”

Ma Koukou: “…Master.”

Assistant Yang: “Why are you suddenly being emotional like Mr. Cheng?”

Li Baixi: “I’ve been thinking about how to break through the bottleneck I’m facing. Sometimes I want to try living differently.”

Assistant Yang: “? What bottleneck do you have?”

Li Baixi chuckled: “It’s no harm telling you. I once lost to your dear uncle… and it was a crushing defeat.”