Chapter 457: Chapter 457: Praise and Neglect

“I, I didn’t, it’s not… not you guys, you…”

He lay on the ground, fiercely protecting the rabbit in his arms, his hand being cruelly stepped on, while his clothes and fair skin were kicked and bruised, leaving behind streaks of dirt and red marks. Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, and his slender body, propped up with effort, trembled from the beating, which angered and outraged the onlookers.

Zeng Minghui: “Alright, kids, off!”

After a while, a group of children sullenly left.

Shen Jinyou’s fingers were red and trembling from being stepped on; his hair disheveled, and his body dirty, but his eyes showed not a trace of resentment or annoyance. Instead, he caressed the rabbit in his arms, his face filled with relief and happiness.

“It’s okay now, you’re free.”

The rabbit, as if sentient, stuck out its tongue and licked her injured fingers.

Some people’s cleanliness is worn on the outside, while others’ cleanliness comes from within, and this was the pure, unblemished Shen Jinyou of old, naive to the ways of the world, unwilling to harm even a rabbit.

Master Wen Kong, who watched the scene unfold, nodded in satisfaction, “With such a child, the nation can be revitalized.”

“Cut!”

Zeng Minghui yelled, and the set immediately stirred into commotion.

“My God, Ye Xian looks so ethereal in ancient costume! I love it!”

“Me too, me too, absolutely enchanting. Seeing him get hit just kills me. I finally understand the feeling audiences talk about when they want to rush into the screen!”

“This has been the most stunning character entrance so far.”

“I feel like Ye Xian’s appearance outshines Luo Yuwei’s. That slim waist, that perky butt, those long legs–might as well ditch the female lead in this drama. The second male and the male lead are the perfect match. The female lead is just superfluous, especially when her acting is so terrible, not even one ten-thousandth as good as the male leads’!”

Luo Yuwei had just regained her composure and walked out of the rest room, only to be stopped in her tracks by these words.

“Ye Xian, you are too cool, oh my gosh!”

“Brother Ye, I want to hug you like a little rabbit!”

“Come here and let me wipe you off. The extras didn’t really touch you, did they?”

“Ye Xian, you’re so cool, this show is going to make you a superstar after it airs!”

Many people on the set rushed towards Ye Xian, carrying towels and water, and even Zeng Minghui walked over from the camera. Luo Yuwei thought he was coming to see her and hurriedly spoke, “Director, I…”

“Ye Xian, that was brilliant acting!”

Without expecting it, he walked straight past her towards Ye Xian as if he hadn’t even seen her.

Luo Yuwei’s outstretched hand faltered and dropped.

So, he too was heading to see Ye Xian.

Why… As a newcomer just like her, after her performance, aside from her assistant, not a single person would bother with her, but Ye Xian was showered with flowers and applause.

And yet, she was supposed to be the female lead of the drama.

“This is the reality of the entertainment industry. If you have connections, you get held aloft at all times. Newbies with nothing but talent get bullied.”

A familiar voice came from behind her. Luo Yuwei turned and saw Zou Gang, her eyes instantly filling with tears, “Master…”

Seeing her pitiful, delicate, and tender appearance, Zou Gang couldn’t bear it and hastily grabbed her hand, “Weiwei, stop crying. Master saw the mistake you made during your acting. Do you know why those seniors scolded you?”

Luo Yuwei shook her head.

Zou Gang: “You’re still too young, unable to see through things. Come to your master, and I will teach you properly…”

Ye Xian looked up to take a drink of water, only to see Zou Gang leading Luo Yuwei toward the rest room.