Chapter 101: The Superstar Effect

The latest chapter of "The Magnate Superstar"...

At this moment, the superstar who has long since achieved fame and success sits on a soft leather sofa, legs crossed, wearing a warm and approachable smile. It must be said, such a stunningly beautiful face of an Eastern classical beauty, combined with a gentle and friendly smile, captivates even the photographers nearby. The camera almost worships every frame featuring her, and the goddess’s every smile and frown is transmitted directly to the television screens.

The female host beside her cannot remain composed. Although the interview is with the superstar, couldn’t she at least give her a full-body shot? Wearing a sexy outfit and painted with alluring makeup, the host shifts her hips closer to the superstar, inching over... “Hehe, welcome Rong Qing to our 'Behind the Story' interview room. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the female host begins.

“Today, I’m also very happy to be invited here. Oh~ the audience is so enthusiastic today,” Rong Qing replies playfully, blowing a kiss toward the crowd, instantly igniting the atmosphere. Fans and movie lovers scream excitedly.

“Hehe, Qing’s popularity is really off the charts. The fans are almost going wild,” the host exaggerates. “We all know Rong Qing has been under the media spotlight since her debut. Whether it’s her outstanding performance in Director Wang Zhang’s masterpiece ‘The Splendid Years,’ her dazzling presence on international runways, or her role in a small-budget film that created box office miracles, she is truly a marvel of the entertainment industry. Such an international superstar has endured a much tougher journey of struggle.”

“Yes, perhaps everyone only sees my glamorous side—whether it’s the elegance on the runway or the awards in film. To everyone, Rong Qing is perfect and outstanding. But that’s not the whole story. I entered the entertainment industry three years ago, faced setbacks in my acting skills, experienced exclusion, and endured emotional pain. It’s these hardships and perseverance that have shaped who I am today,” Rong Qing says with heartfelt emotion. Her voice is slow and deep, moving the entire audience. The fans quietly share with their superstar the bitterness of her journey.

“Oh~” the host exclaims, sensing the moment, her expression admiringly shifting. “Then, could you share with us the secret to your success on your artistic journey?” She blinks, listening attentively.

Rong Qing smiles faintly. “Of course. What I know is that no matter what you do—whether it’s acting or running a company—there is no shortcut to the top. Only by continuously improving your own strength can you claim everything you pursue. For me, acting is the foundation of my existence. Even with a beautiful face, people age and lose their charm, but the classics you create on screen will be remembered by many. I hope people like me not for superficial glamour, but as an actor with depth and skill.” She suddenly raises an eyebrow and looks at the audience. “Don’t you agree?”

“Ah~!” “Qing, I love you!” The scene erupts once again. Being able to interact closely with their idol excites the crowd immensely.

“Whether it’s the icy and proud Ling Fei in ‘The Splendid Years’ or the ugly and vulgar Yang Qingqing in ‘Ms. Y’s Transformation,’ I believe my fans never judge me based on appearance. Don’t you agree?” Rong Qing’s confidence shines as brightly as the stars. She seems born to be a queen, gazing down on her subjects. Even the host beside her is stunned by this proud and commanding aura.

“Yes!” The crowd echoes in unison, the enthusiasm deafening as thousands of viewers enthusiastically respond, shaking the entire studio.

Rong Qing looks happily at her adoring fans, tears of joy welling up. “Thank you. It’s your support all along that has brought me to where I am today.”

The TV station’s director examines the stunning woman once more—slim and fragile, yet harboring a force capable of shaking the entire film industry. A staff member glances at the data reports on a computer and is stunned again…

“Di… director, tonight…” the staff member double-checks the numbers, swallowing hard, “Tonight, the ratings for the ‘Behind the Story’ program have broken through 1.0… and the trend is still rising.” Everyone is shocked, their reverence for the superstar now turning into admiration from below.

The interview continues on set, but everyone is captivated by the superstar’s aura. The female host shifts awkwardly, regretting her earlier boldness. If she had acted flashy or provocative again, she would have been utterly eclipsed by the superstar’s dignified temperament. Compared to this queenly presence, her tight, short skirt suddenly feels vulgar and tasteless. She straightens her posture, abandoning the previous affectations. She had secretly hoped Rong Qing’s rise was just luck or tricks, but now, comparing the two, Rong Qing’s grace and magnanimity easily outshine countless others.

“Rong Qing, your family must be very proud and honored by your achievements today,” the host sincerely remarks.

“Yes, my husband has silently supported me all along; my grandparents raised me, giving warmth to this once lonely girl. I’m truly grateful to them.” Rong Qing smiles with tears glistening in her eyes, radiating happiness. Her married life’s sweetness cannot be concealed. She is telling her loving fans that she is doing well and is truly happy.

The host doubts internally. According to the information, Rong Qing has a paternal uncle, so where did these grandparents suddenly come from? “Heh, I heard your uncle cares a lot about you, and your families have a good relationship.”

Rong Qing’s expression changes abruptly, cold as ice. Her eyes full of sarcasm: “Uncle? Your own uncle would add insult to injury when your family falls apart, letting his children bully you. I wish he would ‘care’ a little less.” Her sharp words turn the entire studio pale. Even the director, not the brightest, understands the situation. They had foolishly tried to dig up Rong Qing’s relatives, unaware that this family was a nightmare for her. They had even tried to spin it positively, only to shoot themselves in the foot! The director immediately decides that if handled poorly, fans might storm the station with rotten eggs by morning. The consequences would be unimaginable!

He signals the host urgently. Chaos erupts on set. The pre-prepared script is immediately cut. Fortunately, the host is quick-witted and responds, “So that’s how it is!” She scolds angrily, “What a terrible family, doing such vile things to their own relative, even shamelessly coming to our station to deceive the public! It’s truly detestable.” Though her words are clumsy and flawed, the audience and fans become even angrier at Rong Qing’s despicable uncle, who dared to harm their goddess. Fans immediately go berserk, some even doxxing the family online, determined to expose their pretense to the world.

“Let the past be past. Though I am a public figure, I hope those who love me will respect my family and not disturb them!” Rong Qing sincerely tells everyone on set. Through the live broadcast, she conveys her feelings to all.

“Hehe, certainly, certainly,” the host replies with a dry, uneasy smile.

The recording finishes smoothly, though it had been eventful. The host wipes cold sweat from her forehead. It was a thrilling experience. She stands and approaches Rong Qing confidently, extending her hand: “Rong Qing, it’s an honor to interview you.”

Rong Qing is equally generous, having completed her plan, and chats amicably with her. The crew gathers around, the atmosphere warm and cheerful.

In a corner of the studio, an elegant gentleman appears quietly, standing patiently in the recording hall. Rong Qing’s eyes fall upon him, beaming with joy. She politely bids farewell to the staff: “Sorry, I have to leave now.”

Rong Qing grabs her bag like a joyful bird, clutching the man’s arm like a pair of lovers deeply in love, leaning on each other, envied by all.

That evening, the program featuring Rong Qing sets a new ratings record. The “family” she mentioned causes a storm in the media and online. Someone even digs up the Rong family’s address, exposing the lives of the three family members, stripping their privacy bare.

Unaware of the storm, Rong Yuan is stunned. He had hoped to ride on his niece’s fame but instead became infamous, besieged by online scorn. Early the next morning, Rong Yuan takes his daughter to the station. Just exiting their community gate, they find rotten vegetables and eggs scattered everywhere outside their home. Initially thinking it a neighborly prank, what happens next shocks him.

A young man barrels toward them, rudely shoving him down without an apology.

“Hey, stop! Have some decency—hit someone and don’t even say sorry!” Rong Yuan, a grown man, is outraged, pointing a finger at the youth and scolding. His daughter Rong Hui frowns in anger, muttering curses.

“Hmph, better than those hypocrites who steal from others and bully the weak. People like that aren’t even human,” a bystander suddenly comments indignantly. “It’s a disgrace to live near such a degenerate.”

Rong Yuan’s face flushes red and blue. He feels guilty and can’t even find words to defend himself.

Only then does Rong Yuan realize something is wrong. If the rotten eggs this morning were a coincidence, why have they suddenly become public enemies? Even the street vendors treat them coldly, as if they carried some contagious disease. Fear creeps in.

They hastily pile into a taxi, avoiding hostile glances. When they arrive at Starshine Television Station, they are immediately turned away by the gatekeeper—an old man—with a harsh attitude and no leniency.

“Sir, we have an appointment. You must have made a mistake!” Rong Yuan pleads anxiously. This concerns his precious daughter’s future; nothing can go wrong now.

“No mistake. I know you even if you turn to dust,” the old man says, locking the gate, refusing to budge.