Chapter 45 A woman's infidelity.

Since the rumors about her and Wen Shili started circulating, apart from close friends, very few people have dared to openly ask her, "Are you two really together?"

If the answer is false, then it's practically equated with hype, which is incredibly awkward.

Zeng Shaoguang is usually very talkative, but he's managed to stay in the entertainment industry for several years, so he can't be someone who's completely naive.

Sheng Yi couldn't understand his motivation, but his expression clearly showed that this answer was very important to him.

In fact, Zeng Shaoguang had been observing Sheng Yi for a while. When he saw the news online, her expression showed helplessness and confusion, but no trace of anxiety or panic.

Then some things become much easier to say.

"I know there are many different opinions online, but I still want to confirm with you in person. Or, I should introduce myself first."

Before Sheng Yi could even respond, he continued on his own, "Zeng Shaoguang is twenty-five years old this year. All his interactions with girls have been on camera in dramas or shows. Apart from that, he has no other scandals or romantic relationships."

"I know this isn't much of an advantage, but I just wanted to ask if you could consider me a little more."

Sheng Yi seized on the last sentence, "What are you considering?"

Zeng Shaoguang still had his signature smile on his face. "Think about it, be my rumored girlfriend. To put it bluntly—"

"Are you trying to create a romantic pairing?" Sheng Yi asked.

Zeng Shaoguang's smile brightened a bit more: "That's right. But don't worry, being with me means there's absolutely no risk of your relationship collapsing. After we're no longer together, I'll be a sensible 'ex' and try my best to make sure no one has the chance to laugh at you for being blind."

In Sheng Yi's imagination, the kind of thing that involves creating a CP (couple pairing) should at least be something that the staff of both parties reach a private agreement with, pushing and pulling each other, and preferably signing some kind of cooperation agreement. She never expected that someone would so blatantly bring it up in public.

To be honest, it's quite novel.

Zeng Shaoguang understood the mockery in her eyes and shrugged. "I'm the only staff member here. Coincidentally, this decision has already been approved unanimously."

What was originally an awkward situation took on a comedic effect after he said it that way.

The filming period for "Starry River Dream" is 100 days, and Sheng Yi and Zeng Shaoguang will be able to wrap up filming around mid-December.

The initial filming schedule wasn't too demanding; it mainly focused on scenes of everyone learning and playing together at the academy. Both the male and female leads are classically trained actors, and even Zeng Shaoguang, who had the most scenes with her, graduated with a degree in acting.

Sheng Yi didn't have time to think about hype. Basically, as soon as she finished work, she would stay in her room to read the script for the next day and go through the plot she was going to film herself so that she would be more confident the next day. At the very least, she couldn't hold everyone back.

Fortunately, the second female lead's character isn't too complicated, and so far in filming, there haven't been any major hiccups.

"Sister, you have an interview tomorrow, get some rest." Zhu Jingjing couldn't help but remind Sheng Yi, who was muttering to herself.

Zhu Jingjing was the assistant that Lao Qian hired for her.

Since Sister Hong reminded her that she needed a professional agent, Sheng Yi had thought it over carefully. Her future work would mainly focus on filming, so she decided to stick with what she knew best and ultimately chose to work with Lao Qian.

When Sister Hong found out, she smiled and said, "You trust him quite a bit."

Sheng Yi also recalled that the first time she met Sister Hong, it was because of Lao Qian's recommendation to save the day. Unexpectedly, after many twists and turns, the two of them became mentors in their respective careers.

Jingjing mentioned that the interview was for tomorrow's media visit, which would inevitably give her a chance to appear on camera. Shengyi closed the script and said, "I'm going to sleep."

Before going to bed, I glanced at my phone. Wu Simin has recently been keen on playing the role of a resentful woman. In the past two hours, I've sent her several messages accusing her of being cold-hearted, heartless, and ignoring me.

Sheng Yi was already used to this kind of thing she did. "If you have nothing to do, you can come visit me on set."

Wu Simin replied instantly: "Really? I've been so bored lately."

Sheng Yi: "Yes, I can tell. I told you in advance that I was going on vacation."

Anyway, she doesn't have a scene every day.

After replying to Wu Simin, Sheng Yi found Zeng Shaoguang's profile picture, sent him a message, then put down her phone and slept until Jingjing woke her up the next day.

Sheng Yi squinted as she got up to put on makeup. Fortunately, although she was extremely sleepy, the person in the mirror looked alright.

The morning shooting proceeded according to the original schedule. After one scene ended, the media reporters arrived. The photo shoot and interviews went smoothly overall.

After getting off work in the evening, Sheng Yi was eating a boxed lunch in her room when she received a call from Wu Simin.

What happened with that interview of yours?

Sheng Yi brushed aside the fatty meat in her bowl. "Huh? It's online already?"

She remained calm and composed, clearly having anticipated this. Wu Simin was surprised, "Are you planning to have an affair?"

Sheng Yi chuckled and looked up at her, "Don't ruin my reputation, okay?"

Wu Simin couldn't understand it at all. "Even if you're going to hype someone up, shouldn't you find the more famous one?"

Since Wen Shili didn't immediately refute Sheng Yi's definition of a friendship, any subsequent attempt to overturn it would be untenable. From her perspective as an outsider, regardless of whether it's a rumored boyfriend or just ordinary friends, as long as things don't fall apart, the relationship can continue indefinitely, and Sheng Yi will naturally benefit from it.

Sheng Yi knew perfectly well that anyone would understand that being associated with Wen Shili was more advantageous than having a scandal with Zeng Shaoguang, unless Zeng Shaoguang's popularity could surpass that of Wen Shili someday.

However, being in such a distorted relationship makes her worry that she will become increasingly unable to see herself clearly.

If all the glory is a benefit derived from him, then her so-called efforts are completely meaningless.

She couldn't bring herself to say, after enjoying the benefits, that she got to where she is today entirely on her own merits.

Although she took the initiative to audition for this role, it's hard to say whether the person who connected her with the project was interested in her or the buzz surrounding her.

If this continues unresolved, she will always be the one who can't hold her head high in the face of public opinion.

Like Yan Shen, they clearly put their prices on the table, offering help in exchange for a few resources and tips. This mutually agreeable exchange reduces their burden.

But Wen Shili was different. No matter how lightly she tried to downplay it, she couldn't change the resistance that occasionally surfaced deep inside her. He seemed to be constantly taking, but she hadn't really given anything in return.

She thought the news about Amy would make headlines, but when she checked again, even the Weibo post had disappeared.

During this time, he would occasionally send her messages, and she would reply when she saw them. If too much time had passed, she would simply leave them there, too lazy to deal with them. He remained nonchalant and could continue to start new conversations.

What does he want, and can she give it to him?

If I can't figure it out, I might as well let everything stop here.

Actors in the same production crew are different. During the promotional period, they will more or less cooperate with each other. As long as they keep the boundaries in mind, it will be mutually beneficial.

Zeng Shaoguang can openly say that he's aiming for fame, so why should she be coy?

Before hanging up, Sheng Yi asked, "If I break up with him one day, what kind of situation do you think I will face?"

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. "Okay," Wu Simin said, then called out to her before hanging up, "Should I switch to a different couple?"

Sheng Yi: "..."

When Cao Jun saw the screenshot on the trending topic, he knew something was seriously wrong.

Sheng Yi, sporting the same look as in her previous promotional photos, gave a series of media interviews.

She didn't get much screen time, but the reporter was clearly there to stir things up: "Do you think Teacher Zeng meets your standards for a boyfriend?"

Zeng Shaoguang stood to the side and coughed dramatically. Sheng Yi glanced at him, then looked back at the camera and said, "Can we talk somewhere else?" Then everyone burst into laughter.

Once the video was released, it sparked a large number of comments and reposts. Some said it was sweet, some said it was a publicity stunt, and some even asked if Sheng Yi had changed her publicity stunt tactics. The opinions varied.

Cao Jun unconsciously looked up at the people rehearsing on the stage. He stood there lazily, seemingly able to draw all attention. In his world, every job should be perfect; would a flawed relationship even be considered?

He sighed and said he would tell him after tomorrow's event.

Sheng Yi had already considered the possible outcome, so she simply did what she was supposed to do and didn't bother to check the online reviews.

That's how people are. Before doing something, they can't help but think about it over and over again. But once they actually do it, they realize that what they were worried about were just imaginary enemies they created for themselves.

For example, Wen Shili.

Sheng Yi had considered the possibility that his willingness to cooperate meant he wanted something from her; she was well aware of the gossip and scandals in the entertainment industry.

Although even his fellow student Xiaoyou said that his private life was relatively clean, there are always news reports of people who have sold a pure image before but have had their scandals exposed, so she was more careful in their interactions.

Two days after the interview was sent out, Wen Shili hadn't made any move, and Sheng Yi secretly blamed herself for overthinking.

The matter raged for two days, and then it passed peacefully without any further incident.

After finishing work that day, Sheng Yi removed her makeup and walked out of the dressing room, where she saw Zeng Shaoguang waiting at the door. Upon seeing her approach, he immediately came closer.

Behind them, the makeup artist's gaze followed them intentionally or unintentionally, but Sheng Yi's expression remained unchanged. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Hmm, wanna go out for a drink?"

The pairing up as a couple is a done deal, but since this is the first time both of them are seriously working on it, they need to come up with a plan to move forward. Sheng Yi also knows that this clash of ideas is inevitable, but, "I might not be a very good drinker."

She never wanted to put on a show for her peers again.

The two chose a nearby beverage shop with few people. Zeng Shaoguang didn't even have an assistant to accompany him, so the task of shooting the promotional materials fell to Jingjing.

Sheng Yi ordered a new fruit tea, less ice and 70% sugar. Jing Jing found a seat behind them and ordered the same drink as Sheng Yi. "Sis, give me a hand gesture when you're ready."

This girl thought it was a movie shoot, so she said, "Just grab a few pictures."

This was Jingjing's first time doing this job. Holding her phone, her eyes were bright, ready to snap photos of the sales materials at any moment.

Her position faced the door, allowing her to clearly see Zeng Shaoguang's every move.

For example, right now, he's smiling as he looks at Sheng Yi with a hint of doting in his eyes? Sheng Yi's lips are also slightly pursed, a suppressed laugh on her face.

Jingjing perked up; they had finally arrived.

She raised her phone, about to press the shutter button, when she saw a customer push open the store door in the frame.