Chapter 59: The Spokesperson Controversy

Lin Xi’s silly expression made Lu Yuxiu laugh. He pulled out a chair and sat beside her, handing her the milk.

Lin Xi gave him an annoyed glare, picked up the milk, and took a sip.

Lu Yuxiu smiled quietly as he watched her, and without a second thought, reached out to gently wipe the rice grains from the corner of her mouth with his fingertip.

This gesture made Lin Xi turn her head shyly, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment as she continued eating.

“Did you take on an endorsement?” Lu Yuxiu asked, watching her.

“Mm.” Lin Xi turned to him. “You heard it just now—help cover for me tomorrow, or Director Lu will be angry!”

“Ha.” A smile touched the corners of Lu Yuxiu’s eyes as he reached out to caress her rosy cheeks.

“My dad wouldn’t dare get angry at you. If he frightens his daughter-in-law, my mom will give him a piece of her mind.” He lazily leaned back in his chair, lips curling into a faint smile, his hand dropping to twirl a lock of her long hair.

“Your mom?” Lin Xi was a little surprised. She put down her chopsticks and faced him, grabbing his large hand, her tone disdainful. “Seriously? How old are you, and you still complain to your mom?”

Lu Yuxiu said nothing. Instead, he leaned closer, his face slowly descending. He lowered his head, the bridge of his nose gently brushing her ear. Lin Xi shrank her neck, his arm circling her waist, leaving her nowhere to retreat.

“This is the makeup room. Miya could come in any moment—don’t mess around!” Lin Xi pressed her arms against his chest.

Lu Yuxiu lowered his gaze. Her slender, fair neck was right before him, its lines graceful and smooth. He looked at his girl with eyes full of affection.

“Haven’t we messed around enough times already?” His voice was low and husky, tinged with lazy cool amusement.

“What are you talking about!” Two blushes suddenly bloomed on Lin Xi’s cheeks.

He gently released her, pinched her chin, and faced her seriously. “Baby, you just admitted you’re my dad’s daughter-in-law.”

Lin Xi’s pupils widened slightly. So this is what he was waiting for! She’d let her guard down!

Looking into his eyes, she saw a deep, playful smile. Lin Xi lightly slapped his shoulder. “You! You’re getting more shameless by the day!”

“Hahaha.” His laughter rumbled in his chest.

The next evening, the city was awash in intoxicating nightfall, tinged with a slight chill. The moonlight was hazy, and few stars could be seen.

With Lu Yuxiu’s cover, Lin Xi finally got into Zhou Xin’s car and headed to the partner’s office.

The streetlights shone brightly, neon lights on the trees dazzled in multicolored hues, turning the city almost into daylight.

“Sister Zhou, why did they schedule the meeting for the evening? It’s kind of odd,” Lin Xi asked, sitting beside Zhou Xin in the back seat.

“I’m not sure either, but this luxury brand has a great reputation. Many actors are competing for the endorsement—maybe they’re pressed for time and want to settle it quickly.” Zhou Xin speculated.

The car slowly stopped in front of a tall building, its facade emblazoned with four large characters: Elegant Luxury Brand.

“Let’s go.” Zhou Xin led Lin Xi and Wen Jin up to the twenty-third floor.

“Ding—” The elevator doors opened.

The three had barely stepped out when a shrill voice pierced the air: “What’s going on! The endorsement was clearly promised to our Ziqi—how can you go back on your word!”

A chubby girl with a fierce expression was shouting at a man before her, who seemed overwhelmed, frequently raising his hand to his forehead. Beside her stood a glamorous, impeccably dressed woman with a cold face.

Zhou Xin frowned at the scene, leading Lin Xi and Miya, who was tottering in five-centimeter heels, clicking forward.

The man turned to see them, hurriedly ended a phone call, and came over to greet them.

The chubby girl hadn’t yet seen who had arrived and launched into another tirade: “What kind of lousy company are you! You’ve already lined up a replacement!”

“Little girl, mind your manners.” Zhou Xin finally stepped up and got a clear look at the pair.

“Sis... Sister Zhou!” The chubby assistant’s face suddenly turned pale, and the woman beside her widened her eyes in shock, utterly incredulous.

Zhou Xin’s reputation as a top agent was legendary in the industry—everyone knew her, and all feared her to some degree.

Miya tugged Lin Xi’s arm and whispered, “That woman is actress Jiang Ziqi, a first-tier celebrity with a rather poor reputation in the circle. She’s a bit past her prime now, but supposedly has strong backing. The chubby one is her assistant, Qian Ling, notorious for her bad temper.”

Lin Xi nodded slightly. Jiang Ziqi looked familiar. Stepping forward into the light, she revealed herself, and the two recognized one another.

Lin Xi instantly remembered Jiang Ziqi was the rival bidder at the charity auction. Jiang Ziqi clearly recognized her, too—her expression turned ugly, and she gripped her assistant’s arm so tightly her fingertips went pale.

Zhou Xin hadn’t expected such a scene either; her expression shifted, her aura intensifying, making the man sweat profusely.

She demanded, “What’s going on here? I heard clearly—this endorsement is theirs? So where does that leave Lin Xi? Is your company playing us? We deserve an explanation!”

“Ms. Zhou, please don’t be angry, it’s all a misunderstanding!” The man wiped his forehead repeatedly. “Our manager will be here soon, please be patient!”

“Alright! I’ll wait!” Zhou Xin smiled sideways and winked at Lin Xi, who understood and stayed silent.

It was Lin Xi’s first time seeing her agent stand up so fiercely for her—she felt a little excited.

The man turned to Qian Ling. “I’ve said it several times—this endorsement isn’t yours. Why won’t you believe it? Please stop making trouble.”

“Hahaha.” Qian Ling was about to retort when a hearty laugh interrupted her.

Everyone looked toward the sound, and the man, as if spotting his savior, called out, “President Meng!”

Zhou Xin stepped forward with composure, offering her hand. “This must be President Meng Jian, head of Elegant Luxury. Hello, I’m Zhou Xin.”

“Ms. Zhou, your reputation precedes you!” Meng Jian smiled elegantly, shaking hands with Zhou Xin.

Zhou Xin nodded politely and got straight to the point. “President Meng, you’d better explain—is this a case of two endorsers?”

“Of course not!” Meng Jian turned, feigning to scold the man, “Assistant Wang, what’s going on!”

Assistant Wang lowered his head, knowing better.

“It’s like this: our staff made a mistake. Miss Jiang’s real surname is also Lin, so they contacted her by accident. We’ve already apologized sincerely!” Meng Jian bowed apologetically to Jiang Ziqi.

“You!” Qian Ling wanted to say more, but Jiang Ziqi raised a hand to stop her. She forced a smile. “Since that’s the case, we won’t intrude—excuse us!”

Qian Ling’s face was flushed with anger. “Ziqi!”

Jiang Ziqi quickly shot her a glare, then nodded to Zhou Xin and Lin Xi, head held high, walking away with flair—she couldn’t lose face.

Once inside the elevator, Jiang Ziqi’s fake smile vanished, her face alternating between green and purple, a vein pulsing at her temple.

Qian Ling looked utterly humiliated, deep lines etched on her face, her voice barely containing her rage. “I’m furious! When have we ever suffered this kind of insult? Ziqi, are you really less than some Lin Xi?”

“Enough!” Jiang Ziqi’s eyes were cold and impatient.

“It’s fine, Ziqi. Tell Mr. Qiao! Let him back us up. Let’s see how arrogant Zhou Xin can be then!” Qian Ling bit her words out fiercely.

Jiang Ziqi glanced at her. “No need for you to remind me.”

She’d been in the industry for years, and never before had anyone dared snatch resources from her. She didn’t care who Lin Xi was—even if she was the little princess of Xingchen, Jiang’s background wasn’t necessarily weaker. She would not let tonight’s humiliation go unpunished; she’d make Lin Xi pay.

After the pair left, Meng Jian discussed the contract with Zhou Xin and Lin Xi, and they signed, agreeing to shoot the commercial and announce it the next day.

As they were leaving, Zhou Xin glanced meaningfully at the elevator’s surveillance camera. She turned to Meng Jian and requested a copy of tonight’s elevator footage. Meng Jian seemed to realize something, but didn’t ask further.

Lin Xi and Miya exchanged confused looks, not understanding the underlying maneuvering, though they would later.

The next day, after Lin Xi finished shooting the commercial, Elegant Luxury’s official Weibo announced their new endorser.

V Elegant Luxury Brand Official Weibo: #Qixi Valentine’s Day, win great gifts for love# Valentine’s Day is coming! The day when the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl can meet only once a year—how can you miss it? This year our endorser, fairy Lin Xi, @LinXi, will accompany everyone through the holiday, sending out wonderful gifts. Follow our official Weibo to increase your chances of winning!

Lin Xi copied the copy Miya had prepared and reposted it.

Lin Xi V: Pure and radiant, trust and support form an irreplaceable bond. Committed to authentic quality, always providing the gentlest care for your skin, staying true to simplicity and preciousness. @Elegant Luxury Brand Official Weibo, a brand you can trust. [Image][Image]

Fans showered Lin Xi with congratulations:

@DeepSeaFish: Congrats to little XiXi for becoming Elegant Luxury’s endorser! Throwing flowers, throwing flowers!

@QingQingFlora: Here to pamper and protect—sister, take care while filming, keep warm, and after digging dirt each day, use Elegant Luxury to freshen up!

@LifeIsButADream: Thanks to our sponsor #ElegantLuxury# for walking the flower path with our little XiXi! Lin Xi shines across the sky, and little Xiyang spreads everywhere!

The comments were harmonious. Lin Xi warmly replied to a few loyal fans, then put down her phone and rushed back to filming.

Until that afternoon, when the internet suddenly erupted. Lin Xi was filming a crucial scene. After wrapping up, she checked Weibo at Miya’s reminder.

“Lin Xi snatched Jiang Ziqi’s Elegant Luxury endorsement.”

“Lin Xi used connections to steal resources.”

Both hashtags topped the trending list. Lin Xi was speechless—she never imagined such baseless rumors would make the trending list, let alone be believed.

Many Jiang Ziqi fans flooded the comments, calling Lin Xi out:

@ZiqiIsTheOne: What the hell! Lin Xi is disgusting—how did she steal Ziqi’s resource? Must be some shady connections!

@SoSpeechless: As expected—entertainment industry standards are pitifully low now. Any freak can get in. Lin Xi has no works and still gets endorsements? What a joke!

@CuteChubby: The backer is powerful—throwing money brings in any resource! The Xingchen princess lives up to her reputation!