Chapter 33 can be related.

August has arrived in the blink of an eye, a new beginning, and with it, new expectations.

The hashtag #PleaseBeKindToMeInAugust# trended at the top of the search rankings, and everyone made wishes on the trending list. Sheng Yi couldn't help but follow suit.

Unexpectedly, the wish I casually mentioned soon came true, but it seemed to have gone a little astray.

She rubbed her eyes several times before confirming that the new message on her phone really came from someone named "Teacher Wen".

She was certain that among her contacts, this note could only refer to one specific person.

Clicking on the content caused an even greater shock. Sheng Yi really wanted to ask, is this really him?

She never imagined that one day she would receive an apology from Wen Shili. Although it was phrased awkwardly, based on her normal understanding, it was indeed because of what had happened before.

So there were other people involved who sent online trolls to stir up trouble? It seems Old Qian didn't completely lie to her.

The message was sent early this morning. Ten minutes later, Sheng Yi finally finalized her reply: "It's okay, I was the one who crossed the line."

She was the one who was trying to gain attention by associating with others. She was aware of this from the beginning, and being denied and embarrassed was a result she had already anticipated.

Moreover, the high threshold for guests at the charity gala already helped her block out many prying eyes. Even if gossip leaked out afterward, it was better than directly denying it in front of the camera or coldly issuing a lawyer's letter.

The overwhelming ridicule and negative rumors didn't actually have a fatal impact on her. Having gone through this period, she can now look back on it with ease.

Wen Shili seemed to be serious, "You can have connections."

Dealing with these privileged individuals is troublesome. Sheng Yi didn't want to be too blunt, but seeing him like this, she felt a bit annoyed.

"There's really no need for that, it's all in the past."

"For people like you, that might be a big deal, but for me, it's not worth taking to heart at all."

She knew her words had exceeded the basic etiquette expected of a junior. Her finger hovered over the message bar, wanting to retract it, but after a couple of seconds of hesitation, she moved it away, deciding to just let it go. It was what she truly felt; she might as well say it.

Perhaps speechless at her bluntness, Wen Shili replied a little slowly this time: "Then consider it a favor I owe you."

"You can contact me if you need anything."

Sheng Yi took a deep breath to calm herself down. Wasn't this person still holding a concert in the southernmost part of the country? How come he had time to argue with her so early in the morning?

After talking for so long, it was like casting pearls before swine. She simply tossed her phone aside, finished breakfast, and the inexplicable irritability finally dissipated.

Perhaps he just wanted to put his mind at ease, and that was fine too. Sheng Yi didn't interfere any further.

After finishing a reception, removing her makeup and changing back into her own clothes, Sheng Yi walked to the side to wait for the elevator.

A crowd had already gathered at the elevator entrance, including not only professional models but also small-time entertainers like her who were just trying to earn a living. Out of the corner of her eye, Sheng Yi could feel the subtle gazes fixed on her. Feeling strange, she smoothed her hair and pretended not to notice.

Wasting time on meaningless things depletes your energy.

She went downstairs and met a girl who was going the same way, so they shared a ride home.

From the moment the car door closed, she could feel the other person's gaze. A few minutes later, the other person couldn't help but speak, but the question asked was completely beyond Sheng Yi's expectations.

What is your relationship with Teacher Wen?

She figured that everyone knew the answer to those words when they were put together. But the girl's expression was full of confusion, as if she were waiting for her to explain.

Sheng Yi's confusion was clearly written on her face. The girl took out her phone, clicked on the link sent by her friend, and found it was a screenshot from a marketing account showing that Sheng Yi and Wen Shili were following each other.

Sheng Yi wondered if she had missed something.

She had indeed followed Wen Shili's Weibo account a few months ago, but hadn't dared to do anything further. With so many followers, Wen Shili probably wouldn't notice even a tiny new follower.

Then why, after such a long time, did you suddenly start closing and unclosing her Weibo account?

"Did I order the wrong thing?"

Many people share her question, but this is clearly an unfounded assumption. As the girl said, "Someone noticed it trending a few hours ago. Given their team's sensitivity, if it were a mistake, there should have been a follow-up or explanation."

So, he openly and without any hesitation followed her on social media?

Sheng Yi suddenly remembered that he had mentioned owing her a favor before. Could this be the solution he came up with?

Teacher Wen, do you have to be so childish?

Because of Wen Shili's simple action, Sheng Yi has been in the limelight for the past two days. The trending topics are dominated by news about her and Wen Shili. Netizens are analyzing their appearance, work, friendship, and other aspects, creating countless posts and a constant stream of comments.

Even an interview with Wen Shili from a few years ago has been dug up, in which he said to the camera in a nonchalant tone, "I'll tell everyone if I'm in a relationship."

They seem unaware of the profound meaning behind a seemingly casual remark.

Sheng Yi had heard countless times that he would announce his relationship. In the mouths of his fans, this statement was the best proof to refute gossip, but in the mouths of his opponents, it was also strong evidence that he was a liar.

This was the first time she had seen the video version. Back then, he was still a bit green, and his pretense wasn't as natural as it is now. He had a nonchalant expression, revealing a natural arrogance.

It was a look she had never seen before. But she felt that he was actually more suited to this look.

"Aaaaaah! Teacher Wen is so daring!" Wu Simin screamed on the other end of the phone.

Sheng Yi covered her ears and held the phone away from her ear. "Can you calm down? So all I said just now was for nothing?"

Wu Simin immediately interrupted, "Don't speak yet, let me have a light chatter."

What a terrible friend! Sheng Yi hung up the phone immediately.

People online had differing opinions, but those who had previously been fiercely arguing had reached an unprecedented consensus on this matter. Sheng Yi looked at their conclusions and felt somewhat powerless.

Young couple having a tiff? Please, she's not in a position to enjoy that.

Sheng Yi felt that Wen Shili was definitely doing it on purpose, otherwise why would he choose this time to pay attention? His last concert had just ended, and the next one was just a few days later. He seized the gap in between to do this, and the media couldn't even catch a glimpse of him. They called the company, but no one answered the phone.

So much so that when she finished filming the advertisement and was surrounded by the media, she wasn't even surprised. Instead, she thought, "Ah, finally."

The rumors about the two raged on for a month or two, but then came the whispers that Sheng Yi had been publicly humiliated by Wen Shili and that another boyfriend had appeared. All the previous sweet moments became evidence of her trying to ride the wave of popularity, and Sheng Yi's past scandals were dug up one after another. The person who rose to fame on the coattails of Wen Shili finally fell victim to her own self-promotion.

He reaped what he sowed, and everyone applauded and cheered.

But now that Wen Shili has re-followed Sheng Yi, everyone belatedly realized that, yes, the previous claims that the two weren't close were just hearsay; there were no videos or photos leaked at all. And Sheng Yi, despite being smeared like that, hasn't been affected at all. Not to mention recently, she's been consistently participating in events, and her resources have visibly never stopped.

So, are they really unrelated? Given Wen Shili's personality, could anyone force them to be together?

Although neither party has responded, everyone has already reached a conclusion in their hearts.

After waiting for several days without anyone coming forward to explain, they had no choice but to come in person to verify the information.

Surrounded by cameras and microphones, Sheng Yi looked at the expectant eyes behind the lens. Perhaps she had anticipated this scene, for she remained remarkably calm. Her words were clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

"Teacher Wen is a very nice person."

"Yes, we're just friends."

When the reporter tried to ask more questions, security guards suddenly surrounded her, escorted her out of the media's encirclement, and helped her into a car parked nearby.

"Sister Hong?" Sheng Yi suddenly raised her voice upon seeing who was in the car. She had thought the group of people were security personnel sent by the event organizers.

Aside from initially taking her to a few events, Luo Hongyu and she communicated only by phone and WeChat. Now, suddenly appearing in such a sensitive environment, she couldn't help but recall Lao Qian's earlier warning, "Thank you, Sister Hong, for bringing me out."

Luo Hongyu's gaze fell on her face, her eyes truly revealing everything. She didn't care about her little probing; she had come here today to hear her thoughts.

The car was quiet. Luo Hongyu's usually crisp voice even carried a hint of gentleness. She said, "Xiaoyi, you can totally walk up by yourself."

Sheng Yi paused for a moment, then met Luo Hongyu's eyes and smiled slightly. "Yes, I know."

As the clouds parted, she began to believe again that as long as she kept moving forward, one day she would see the light of day. She was already on her way, wasn't she?

But now that Wen Shili's help has been offered, there's no need for her to act superior. If success is inevitable, why not make that day come sooner?

-

We're just friends.

After waiting for days, this is the result? The CP (couple) hashtag already has over a thousand members, and this is what you tell me?

"I just don't believe it. So you guys came here to make friends in the entertainment industry?"

"Just wait, one day you'll be proven wrong."

"They're definitely together. Wen Shili is afraid of losing fans, so he probably doesn't dare to announce it. He can only subtly show their affection."

"Look at what you're saying, upstairs. No one's fans would leave Li Ge. If there's anyone who doesn't want to go public, it's definitely the woman's side."

"Stop spreading rumors for a while. The person involved said they are friends, but you insist on making things up."

Sheng Yi's single reply sent her trending on social media again. Those who weren't initially optimistic about her started to feel rebellious after seeing her dismissive attitude.

"I never expected that even Teacher Wen would be given the 'friend card.' This kindness has certainly impressed me."

"If you're not together, I order you to get together immediately. If you are, making sure you two live a good life together is the most important thing."

Cao Jun, after seeing Sheng Yi's interview, couldn't help but admire her courage. The studio's phones have been ringing off the hook these past two days; look at who dares to answer!

If it's something you can't control, don't worry about it. It's better to go back to sleep. He rolled up the blanket and went back to sleep.