The Rise of the White Lotus

Chapter 221 Wot?

As they journeyed to one of the biggest malls in City Y, it was sealed with calming quietness. While Lexi was preoccupied with exchanging messages with Ethan Lu, Abigail Fan, on the other hand was reading updates about the event and post with a hashtag #TamingHearts.

Since the main cast were all popular and loved by the masses of the nation, it's premiere night top the charts of the hottest and most trending topics on the internet. There were also realtime updates from hardcore fans that came to the premiere night to support their idols.

As Abigail Fan scrolled down, she found numerous articles regarding the movie that were published even before the premiere night started. Each title was enticing such as:

The Goddess Rika Song accomplished another blockbuster film!

The Nation's Heartthrob Gael Zhang and his newfound chemistry with Rika Song.

The hottest star Elliot Gong being a second male lead for the first time!

And

The controversial pairing of Lexi Yang and Elliot Gong.

Upon skimming through these articles, Abigail Fan let out a heavy sigh. Although Lexi's name was cleared now, there are still those people that don't approve of this pairing as they treated Elliot Going as an untainted saint.

Fortunately, Lexi's fans before that, felt remorseful after she was proven innocent— they fiercely defended her from Elliot Gong's crazy fans. Hence, ironically enough, it made the movie even more resounding and gave curiosity to the masses.

"Manager Fan, we're here." The driver set down the partition and snapped Abigail Fan from her frustration.

Upon hearing the information, Abigail Fan and Lexi glanced at the tinted window and indeed, they were already on the car's lane as they waited for Lexi's turn to own the red carpet.

"Manager Fan, are you alright?" Arching her brows, Lexi inquired as she noticed the anxiousness starting to creep out of her manager.

"Uh, yes! This is nothing, haha!" Waving her hand off, Abigail Fan awkwardly laughed that immediately showed that it wasn't nothing as she claimed it was.

"Are you sure? You can tell me." At this time, Lexi completely turned her head to her side and she knitted her brows, waiting for Abigail Fan to come clean.

Perhaps it was because she got used to Ethan Lu's honesty that Lexi was unappeased when someone close to her was hiding something from her—whatever it was.

"Yes~! Tell her and be honest!" Churu who was sitting on Lexi's lap like a princess chimed in and she nodded in agreement.

"Err..." Scratching her temple by the tip of her index finger, Abigail Fan contemplated her words so she would not be misunderstood.

"I am just nervous as your manager with whatever outcome we will receive tomorrow— you know, you and Eli, his crazy devotees. I'm just nervous about that— that's all." Letting out a heavy sigh, Abigail Fan would be lying if she told her that Lexi's first project after her many months of hiatus worried her.

After all, this would be her starting base for her next step. Thus, she was anxious if, after this night, Lexi's popularity would soar again or would she be cyberbullied again.

"Haha," Lexi softly chuckled as she scrutinized Abigail Fan's distressed countenance and simple dilemma. "Sister Abi, as I said, I agreed with this project because of Director Shen. Whether I make a good impression or not, I actually don't need to please and get everyone's approval— but of course, it would be better if I don't receive too much hate in the end." Curving her lips to a reassuring smile, Lexi stated in a matter of fact tone as she raised her brows.

"As for the agency, I will continue to fund it while you vouch for talents because after this… I plan to stay out of the entertainment industry and find what career my heart belongs to."

Abigail Fan gulped as she intently peered at Lexi's determined yet calm eyes. She had this peaceful vibe that Abigail Fan had never seen before.

She already knew that Lexi didn't plan to pursue her acting career. However, she was still hoping that Lexi would change her mind if ever her popularity soared again.

"Alright… I guess there's nothing that can change your mind." Heavily sighing once again, Abigail Fan murmured in disappointment. "I found a few newbie artists that I had seen potential in. Also, thankfully, that agency didn't chase after us after you ended the contract and they stopped interfering with us."

"They did?" Raising her right brow, Lexi was mildly surprised about her last remarks. All this time, she knew that Abigail Fan must have been having a rough time to gain resources again. Yet, it seemed that it wasn't as hard as before but it wasn't easy as well.

"Yes. The Liu Empire said a few good words for us so that's what happened." Abigail Fan accidentally blurted out. As she realized what she had said, she covered her mouth as her eyes widened.

She didn't want to keep the matter a secret but for some reason, she decided not to mention it to Lexi because of her history with the Liu Empire CEO, Morris Liu— her former fiance.

Upon hearing this, Lexi's brows furrowed. 'Was this because of the meeting I arranged with Wren Tanaka? Wait, Ethan said something about Brother Mo— now, I wonder what it was.' She thought inwardly.

No matter how Lexi contemplated about it, she deliberately ended whatever relationship she had with Morris Liu. Hence, why would he bother to help Abigail Fan? After all, just one word from Morris Liu, those below him would instantly follow and agree with him.

"What do you mean?" Overwhelmed by her curiosity, Lexi could not help but ask since she could not guess what happened.

" I didn't mean to keep it a secret but you know, I thought that you didn't want to hear Mr. L— His name—" Frantic, Abigail Fan started explaining her side of the story so Lexi would not get the wrong idea.

"I don't mind, it's understandable but, why would he do that? I mean, I know he wouldn't personally do it— did you beg for his help?"

"Of course not! I am shocked myself! Remember the time I sent you that information about an endorsement? I had a meeting with the director of the clothing apparel and he accidentally mentioned that the Liu Empire said a few good words about you." Still panicking, Abigail Fan simplified her explanation in a short yet precise summary of what happened months ago.

"Since then, that agency stopped pressuring me and my contacts and everything went smooth sailing after that." Catching her breath, Abigail Fan added.

"Is that so?" Still puzzled, Lexi didn't press on the matter after glancing out the window and it would be her turn soon. Still, the other side of her brain worked wonders as she quickly pondered about it.

Meanwhile, Churu was glaring daggers at Abigail Fan for triggering Lexi's curiosity about Morris Liu. If she wasn't being discreet, she would have shut her mouth to stop it from running. However, if she did that, Lexi would be more intrigued. Hence, the little dumpling could only curse the woman to stay single for the next five years inwardly.

"Well, if he's so willing to help then, why would we refuse? Make sure your artists are well prepared because we'll make use of his words to its full extent." Lexi's last remarks made Churu and Abigail Fan looked at her in a daze.

Abigail Fan: "Huh?!"

Churu: "wot?"