CHAPTER 409: CHAPTER 381: BAO YE IS BACK

Early the next morning, Jiang Ruan’s company and Bazaar Era simultaneously released statements.

It was a sentiment from stli, the current chief editor for China at Bazaar Era.

She briefly described Bazaar Era’s achievements over the years and then shared her experiences, having witnessed the flourishing of the entertainment industry in person.

She later expressed that this year’s cover choice was a real headache for her, listing several international heavyweight actors and actresses who couldn’t fit it into their schedules, regrettably missing out on collaboration.

Her final choice had to be made from the powerful stars of recent years.

And Jiang Ruan caught her eye right away.

Nothing else was involved.

stli praised Jiang Ruan’s eyes as very beautiful, like a clear spring, pure and gentle.

Heavy makeup doesn’t make her look seductive, and light makeup doesn’t make her look plain.

Natural without embellishments.

And later on, she frequently praised Jiang Ruan.

The moment the statement was released, the comment section exploded.

Various comments flooded in.

But the atmosphere was completely different from before.

Initially, when many veteran celebrities came out to criticize and mock Jiang Ruan, their fans joined in the bashing, saying Jiang Ruan rose to fame through shady means, relying solely on her looks to get today’s cover resources.

They were united against a common enemy.

But now, with the editor herself coming out to support Jiang Ruan, the meaning entirely changed.

This was nothing short of a slap in the face to all those actresses who snidely criticized Jiang Ruan.

No matter how long you’ve been in the industry, so what?

stli just didn’t choose you.

She only had eyes for Jiang Ruan.

You’re just envious, but can’t match it.

And those fans who originally supported the actresses mostly left those fandoms due to this incident.

The stars who tried to hitch a ride on Jiang Ruan’s fame did not expect this outcome.

Watching their not-so-large fan bases constantly dwindle left them heartbroken.

Moreover, the comments section, which initially supported them, somehow turned into a place of cold mockery against them.

A large wave of Jiang Ruan’s fans emerged.

Nan Bing’s comment section became completely flooded.

"Old auntie, have you ever looked in the mirror? Stop trying to leech off our Ruan Xiaoxian, even your old photos can’t compare to our fairy!"

"You’ve been acting for thirty years, that’s your business. Not landing a Bazaar cover is your own lack of ability, what’s it got to do with our Jiang Ruan?"

"Ma’am, stop playing the victim, it’s not like you’re acting for free."

"Yes, yes, I second the comment above."

"You claim to be a seasoned actor, yet you know not to do unto others what you wouldn’t want done unto you yourself? Why not set an example for the new generation? Did Jiang Ruan’s cover dig up your ancestors’ grave?"

Nan Bing already had a heart condition.

Seeing the comments, she couldn’t handle it and had a heart attack.

That night, she was directly taken to the hospital.

And somehow, this news got out.

When Jiang Ruan found out about this, it was already daylight.

She first called Sister Qin, who had just managed to gather information: "It’s okay, she just couldn’t handle the stimulation, had a heart attack, but she’s been stabilized now and should be discharged in a couple of days."

Jiang Ruan finally breathed a sigh of relief: "I just woke up to my DMs blowing up, all tagging me about Nan Bing going to the hospital."

Sister Qin sneered: "Didn’t she think when she was trying to ride off others? There was no enmity between you two, and if her jealousy of others backfired, she can blame no one but herself."

"I’m telling you, keep your distance from her in the future. This woman is definitely not stable. As soon as she got to the hospital, the news got broadcast by gossip reporters across platforms, it’s clear she’s implying you stressed her out. Your fans fill the comment sections, if something really happens, she’ll definitely blame you."

Jiang Ruan was speechless, she sighed: "I get it, but Weibo has just been too chaotic these couple of days."

"I’ll reassure the fans, tell them not to go to other people’s comment sections, to prevent any further incidents."

Sister Qin: "Alright."

Then Sister Qin laughed: "As soon as the news about Nan Bing’s state came out, those who previously mocked you silently deleted their posts, probably feeling embarrassed, and a few even apologized to you."

"I guess they’re afraid you’ll remember this when you become hugely successful and make things difficult for them."

Jiang Ruan laughed: "If people don’t offend me, I won’t offend them. Originally, there was no grudge or hatred."

"But now I remember who tried to leech off me this time, I’ll be more mindful when I run into them in the future."

"Hmm."

After hanging up, Jiang Ruan went to freshen up.

The maid prepared breakfast: iced Americano and toast.

Jiang Ruan prefers a lighter breakfast.

Sipping the cool, bitter coffee, she updated her Weibo: [Ending here, let’s be ourselves, nurture our own spaces, love you️.]

Just as it was posted, dozens of comments streamed in, then hundreds, then within minutes, it broke a thousand.

Still climbing upward.

"Love you, wifey!!!!!"

"Ahhh second line, got to you, wifey, so touched sniff sniff sniff..."

"Okay, received, let’s nurture our own spaces, don’t invade other comment sections everyone!"

"Listen to wifey, wifey was wronged!"

"Ruan fairy is the best, love you forever!"

"Wifey don’t be mad, they’re just envious of you, accusing the grape of being sour when they can’t reach it. We love you always and forever."

Jiang Ruan biting her toast, surfing the comments, watching the countless supportive messages, felt a warm glow in her heart.

Instantly filled with limitless motivation.

She originally had no wings, but Bao Ye and her fans gave her invisible wings.

Enabling her to soar.

After replying to a few comments, Jiang Ruan put down her phone and focused on enjoying her meal.

In no time, it was the end of the month.

Bao Ye said he’d be back tonight.

After nearly two months apart, Jiang Ruan was on cloud nine hearing him say this over the phone.

Once she finished her work, Jiang Ruan eagerly bid farewell to Sister Qin to go home.

Sister Qin, knowing why she was in such a hurry, teased her: "Women aren’t meant to be kept."

"Alright, go ahead, it’s been a long time since you last met, absence makes the heart grow fonder, but also remember to be safe."

Instantly catching Sister Qin’s drift, Jiang Ruan blushed.

She drove to work today.

Driving straight home.

On the way, she paid particular attention to see if anyone was following her.

She’s been especially cautious lately.

Arriving at the villa, Jiang Ruan parked in the garage and walked inside with her bag.

A passing servant greeted her: "Miss Jiang."

Jiang Ruan responded warmly, her lips unable to contain her smile, her mood evidently elated.

Patiently responded to all.

In the living room, the butler approached and said: "Miss Jiang, Mr. Bao is back."

"He’s upstairs waiting for you."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruan’s eyes lit up instantly.

She could barely contain her excitement.

"Alright."

"I’ll head up first then."

The butler smiled: "Okay."

The sound of footsteps on the stairs echoed as Jiang Ruan hurriedly trotted up.

Opening the bedroom door, she saw...

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