"Tsk, tsk. Such nice skin."
"Right? What a waste, letting a beggar have his way with her."
"Why not give me a try first, sweetheart? I promise I'm better than that beggar."
Three men dragged Gu Luoxi into the bushes.
She stared at them in terror. "N-no... don't. Stay away from me."
The three men stripped as they sneered. "Why are you still pretending? We all know what's on your mind."
"You're just a slut who wants to fuck anyone she sees. Stop pretending."
"Exactly. Who doesn't know that?"
The three men exchanged looks. "We'll take turns."
Gu Luoxi wanted to call for help, but the thought of attracting even more people made her swallow her humiliation in silence.
Still, she was a slut to her very core.
Having so many men want her even excited her.
Early the next morning, no one saw Gu Luoxi as they packed up.
Gu Luoxi had left a note saying she felt unwell and had gone home early.
"Don't bother with her," Xia Zhiyun said flatly, barely lifting her eyelids.
"Shengsheng, how was the trip? Did you have fun?" All Xia Zhiyun's attention was now on her biological daughter.
Gu Luosheng nodded. "Thank you, Mom. It was really nice going out together."
"Good. From now on, our family should go on trips more often." Xia Zhiyun couldn't stop smiling.
The four men took a look.
They realized... ever since Gu Luosheng had come back, Xia Zhiyun had been smiling more.
Gu Luosheng could even do that?
After a day's rest, filming resumed for the variety show.
Gu Luosheng had barely arrived on set when she heard people whispering.
"I heard there's a new guest coming today."
"You mean Wang Chen, that young queen of pop?"
"Yes, yes, I think it's her."
"Damn... this show really has some serious star power."
"I heard Wang Chen and Gu Luoxi are really close. She's coming specifically to support Gu Luoxi."
Gu Luosheng listened without showing any reaction.
She remembered Wang Chen very well.
She was indeed Gu Luoxi's close friend.
But it was one-sided.
Wang Chen considered Gu Luoxi a close friend and helped her at every turn. But later, when Wang Chen shot to fame through the variety show, Gu Luoxi grew jealous and poisoned her, robbing her of her voice.
It was a classic case of the farmer and the snake.
[Host, Gu Luoxi invited Wang Chen here this time specifically to deal with you. In your previous life, Gu Luoxi deliberately steered you into talking back to Wang Chen. Wang Chen had plenty of fans, and they joined forces to attack you. You became a public punching bag. You were absolutely miserable.]
Gu Luosheng knew how terrifying public opinion could be for a performer.
This time, she had to turn the tide.
"Get me a cup of coffee." Just then, Wang Chen walked over and spoke to a staff member nearby who wasn't busy.
Gu Luosheng's eyes lit up when she heard Wang Chen's voice.
Ahhh, this gorgeous lady has such a lovely voice!
Wang Chen frowned. Who was talking?
She looked around, but no one was speaking. Had she... misheard?
Gu Luosheng startled when she saw the coffee being brought over.
Don't drink it! Don't drink it! Something's been added to it. It'll affect your vocal cords.
Gu Luosheng remembered that this was when Wang Chen's vocal cords first began to suffer.
Gu Luoxi was behind it all.
That woman would stop at nothing to become the only person at the top.
This time, Wang Chen was certain.
She wasn't hearing things!
Someone really was speaking.
And... it felt like someone's thoughts.
She silently scanned the people around her. When her gaze landed on Gu Luosheng, Gu Luosheng quickly lowered her head.
Ahhh, the gorgeous lady looked at me! I'm so excited!
Wang Chen lowered her eyes. By now, she was almost certain it was Gu Luosheng.
But... what did she mean about not drinking the coffee?
Just then, Gu Luoxi walked over in a long-sleeved top and long pants.
"Chenchen, you're here! I'm so happy." Gu Luoxi linked arms with Wang Chen, speaking excitedly.
"Oh, why aren't you drinking it? I had someone make it especially for you. The coffee beans were picked in the mountains. It tastes amazing." Gu Luoxi was brimming with enthusiasm.
Wang Chen nodded.
Better to err on the side of caution.
"I suddenly don't feel like drinking it. But since it's so special, why don't you drink it for me, Xixi?" Wang Chen held it out to her.
Hahaha, this gorgeous lady is so smart! Gu Luoxi definitely won't drink it! She's the one who spiked it!
Wang Chen heard the thoughts again.
Sure enough, Gu Luoxi's expression shifted at those words. She quickly waved her hands. "N-no, thanks. I'm allergic to coffee. I can't drink it."
"Can't drink it, or don't dare to?" Wang Chen narrowed her eyes, her tone suddenly changing.
Gu Luoxi froze. "Chenchen, what's wrong?"
Wang Chen smiled. "Nothing. I'm joking. Look how scared you got. The show's about to start, right? Hurry along and get ready."
"Okay." Only after she saw that nothing was wrong did Gu Luoxi slowly relax and leave.
Wang Chen raised her eyebrows. She wanted to find out exactly what was in the coffee, so she had her assistant take it away to be tested.
As she passed Gu Luosheng, she deliberately took a few extra looks.
The girl was beautiful, nothing like the plastic surgery freak people online made her out to be.
Could it be... someone was deliberately smearing her?
When Gu Luosheng saw Wang Chen approach, she quickly stepped aside.
Although she liked Wang Chen, she knew her current standing made it inappropriate to approach her. If she struck up a conversation out of nowhere, people would surely think she was trying to ride Wang Chen's popularity.
Halfway past her, Wang Chen suddenly stopped. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you do."
"Huh?" Gu Luosheng couldn't react in time.
By the time she looked up, Wang Chen had already left.
Holy crap! Was that gorgeous lady talking to me just now? My stupid brain! I'm usually pretty quick on the uptake. Why am I so slow today?
Gu Luosheng felt rather helpless.
After all, Wang Chen's later song, "Foam," was her absolute favorite!
Hearing her thoughts again, Wang Chen's lips curved slightly. Without even realizing it, a hint of fondness crept into her smile.
Before going onstage, Wang Chen received a message.
Something had indeed been added to the coffee.
It was a slow-acting drug. There would be no obvious effects in the short term, but prolonged use would damage her vocal cords!
Wang Chen drew a deep breath. She had never expected... Gu Luoxi would do something so vicious to her!
And to think she had treated Gu Luoxi as a good friend.
Fine. Since Gu Luoxi could do something like this, she couldn't blame Wang Chen for showing no mercy.
Wang Chen gave a cold scoff.
She owed that girl Gu Luosheng this time. Otherwise, her singing career would have been ruined...
Now, it was her turn to make a move.
Before you continue