When will I be the queen

Chapter 481 Protection
The subsequent awards ceremony went smoothly, but it was obvious that time was tight, and Zhou Haoran's introductions of the artists were much shorter.

Fans of some artists began to complain, though they dared not name names, they all implied that Cai Cai had wasted too much time, leading to the reduced time for subsequent artists. What should have been a magnificent stage, such a great opportunity to showcase themselves to the world, was ruined by Cai Cai. Many other artists' fans, not daring to directly criticize Cai Cai, turned their anger towards Zhou Qingfang, saying she was blinded by lust and wasted time and the artists' time. Still other fans, not daring to criticize either Cai Cai or Zhou Qingfang, focused on Zhou Haoran, saying his hosting skills had declined and his pacing was poor.

Of course, there are also those who directly criticize Huamei. Criticizing Huamei is actually the most common reaction, as it's become an annual event with all sorts of reasons and a wide variety of complaints. Unless it involves fundamental issues like illegality or violations, Huamei usually just sits back and accepts the criticism. After all, it generates a lot of buzz.

Popular celebrities have huge fan bases, generating massive buzz. Platforms and media outlets reap the benefits of this buzz; the higher the buzz, the more money they make.

Directors of Zhou Qingfang's caliber never care about online gossip except when they have projects to promote. As long as a director has projects and investment, they won't lack traffic; artists will come to them with their own traffic and popularity. So she completely ignores these petty online insults.

Zhou Haoran is no exception. He's dealt with countless celebrities and been criticized even more often. He's not exactly used to it, but he's completely taken it for granted. As long as it doesn't affect his work or life, he just ignores it.

Hua Mei has always adopted a passive attitude and ignores the situation.

Mei Zhang didn't even glance at the remaining Cai Cai.

Even artists with far more fans and instant popularity than Cai Cai are not in Mei Zhang's eyes. Mainly because Cai Cai doesn't rely on popularity for her livelihood, and besides, Cai Cai has her own built-in audience. Once Cai Cai's fans and popularity take over, even top artists like Xian Jun can't stop them, let alone these artists who have no real achievements, no noteworthy works or projects, and are firmly tied to popularity.

For actors like Cai Cai who just want to focus on acting, what they need to be wary of are those industry tycoons and heiresses who have lukewarm popularity, average looks, mediocre acting skills, but a constant stream of projects. These actors all have powerful backgrounds and can artificially inflate their popularity through numerous projects. Through opportunistic roles portraying characters like the mentally unstable, the mentally challenged, or the disabled, audiences recognize them and believe they can pull off ugly roles, shout, cry, and scream, thus accepting the illusion of their acting prowess. Next, they'll work their way up to becoming award-winning actors and actresses.
Fortunately, authoritative awards both domestically and internationally are now quite objective and fair; otherwise, these princes and princesses would have become movie stars long ago.
Logically speaking, these princes and princesses are not following the same path as Cai Cai. Their looks, acting skills, and popularity are all very different. But for some reason, these princes and princesses will take whatever genre is popular and play whatever role is good. They are also particularly good at grabbing projects, investments, roles, and screen time.

When the "Ninth Princess" project first came out, it was almost snatched away. Everyone in the industry knew it was a major project specifically created for Cai Cai, and all the princes and princesses wanted it. The princesses wanted the role, and the princes wanted it even if they changed their roles from female to male leads. They were even willing to double their investment and exchange resources. Wanqian was tempted, but it was only because Xianjun strongly opposed it and insisted that the project must go to Cai Cai that the deal was finalized. Even then, it didn't stop capital from pushing Cai Cai into the project.
It's no wonder the entertainment industry is so divided these days. Some artists, like Xianjun Cai Cai, are constantly struggling. Some, like Cao Xin, rely on their good looks and powerful backgrounds, working hard while simultaneously slacking off, stuck in a limbo. Some artists have average overall qualities but strong backgrounds, wielding considerable influence yet remaining cautious, driven by money and fame. And then there are the worker ants, taking any job that comes their way, with no demands, either diligently working or just coasting along. And this doesn't even include those selling goods via livestream, internet celebrities, short dramas, and self-media.

Mei Zhang was filled with laughter when he turned around and saw Cao Xin coming over with the trophy, heading straight for Cai Cai.

Several cameras followed me. Wait, what are you doing?
Cai Cai and Si Chen were reading a novel. Si Chen had just opened the novel and set it to automatic page turning, and Cai Cai glanced at it before getting engrossed in it. It just so happened that this was a novel Si Chen had read several times; he really liked it. So the two of them actually started reading together. Only the Immortal Lord noticed Cao Xin approaching with a look of utter disbelief.

The Immortal Lord nudged Cai Cai, who hummed in response and continued reading her novel. Si Chen glanced at the Immortal Lord but didn't see Cao Xin.

At this moment, Cao Xin strode up to the group.

Cai Cai only felt a blur before her eyes, and then a trophy was shoved right in front of her nose. Si Chen covered the trophy, and Cai Cai dodged back, only to see Cao Xin holding the trophy.

Feeling guilty, but absolutely not wanting to lose in terms of momentum.

Cai Cai preemptively retorted, "What are you doing? Showing off your trophy? Everyone has one! The Immortal Lord's trophy is much bigger than yours!!"

"..." At least compare it to your own trophies.

Cao Xin pressed down on Si Chen with her other hand, grinned at Cai Cai, and said, "I've won big trophies before." She glanced at Cai Cai sideways and asked, "Have you ever won one?"

Cai Cai stepped on Cao Xin's instep. Don't insult people by bringing up their weaknesses! Have you no manners?!
Cao Xin didn't feel any pain when she was stepped on, but she still instinctively dodged. Si Chen took the trophy away and also gave Cao Xin a tap on the stomach.

It still hurt a bit. Cao Xin clutched her stomach. "Was it really that serious? Were you ganging up on me?"

I told you not to be so cheeky.

Cao Xin, positioned high above, slightly turned her body and raised one leg, pressing Si Chen down with her knee. Then, she bent over and used her elbow to press against Si Chen's neck. It was a complete chokehold. Si Chen had Cao Xin's leg in his hand below, while his other hand gripped Cao Xin's arm above.

"Are you really pinching me?"

Seeing that Si Chen's face had turned red, Cai Cai thought Cao Xin was serious and reached out to grab Cao Xin's hair. Because of the hairspray, it was stiff and prickly, but it made it easier to grab.

Cao Xin cried out and had no choice but to lower his head and follow Cai Cai's grip, quickly freeing one hand to grab Cai Cai's wrist while making Cai Cai let go.

"I'll let go if you let go first!" Cai Cai wouldn't let go.

Cao Xin didn't pinch Cai Cai hard, so she could only stubbornly insist, "He's the one who grabbed me!!"

Si Chen wouldn't let go either, "You started it!"

"It was Cai Cai who stepped on me first!"

"I didn't see it!"

"..." Cao Xin was so angry at Si Chen that she laughed. "Fine, fine, two against one, huh?!" Okay, "I'm not ashamed of myself!! Let's just wait and see, whoever lets go first is a coward!!" She sat half-on Si Chen, one hand gripping Cai Cai, the other around Si Chen's neck, Cao Xin was completely reckless. At first, it was indeed a bit of an act, but who knew Cai Cai would take it seriously.
Si Chen is now a bit confused; he doesn't know how to end this situation. Cai Cai took it seriously, and Cao Xin is genuinely angry. He's truly caught in the middle. The key point is, with this arrangement, neither of them has ever promoted themselves as a couple, yet they both have a large fanbase. This arrangement will definitely attract even more fans.
"..." The immortal lord was even more speechless than the onlookers and spectators. How old are the three of you combined? But he had no desire to get involved, so he simply turned his back and avoided seeing it altogether.

There was nothing they could do; Mei Zhang and Cao Xin's assistants came over. Seeing that the three of them were really getting angry, they gestured for the cameras to move away, but one camera was left open.

The assistant first advised Cao Xin, since it's all family members advising each other, but then Mei Zhang also advised Cao Xin to let go first.

Cao Xin and her assistant were both speechless. You really love Cai Cai, don't you?

Si Chen and Cao Xin were about the same height and weight, and Si Chen was bearing more than half of Cao Xin's weight while being hugged around the neck, which was genuinely uncomfortable. Cao Xin didn't continue to struggle and let go of Si Chen, but she still held onto Cai Cai's wrist, saying, "Let go!"

Mei Zhang then advised Cai Cai, "The cameras are still rolling. It's fine if you two mess around in private, but with the cameras rolling, stop it!" They absolutely cannot let the fact that the three of them were fighting become factual!

Cai Cai wouldn't let go; she looked at Si Chen's neck, "Chenchen's neck is all red!!"

Si Chen and Cai Cai grew up together and knew her personality. Generally speaking, Cai Cai was a very peaceful child. If she was bullied, as long as she was unaware of it, she wouldn't care at all and wouldn't be affected. However, once Cai Cai realized that someone was hurting her or wanted to hurt her, she would instantly ignite and unleash an attack and fighting power many times greater than the other party, with a spirit of fighting to the death or even mutual destruction.

Her family knew this, so they tried their best to prevent Cai Cai from being exposed to malice. Cai Cai wouldn't generate malice; she would reflect it back tenfold. In this situation, Si Chen sometimes felt it would be better if she just generated malice directly, because it was obvious that Cai Cai was afraid of being hurt and didn't want to be hurt, so she activated her self-protective instincts and instantly entered combat mode, the kind of attack that would strike without giving the opponent a chance to react.

Her family suspects she was deeply hurt by malicious intent, forcing her to take direct action to protect herself. This protection also extends to those she loves.
This fact is truly heartbreaking.
Si Chen hugged Cai Cai, "I'm fine, it doesn't hurt at all. Cao Xin was holding back, we were just joking around." Realizing he'd been a bit sarcastic, he added, "With so many cameras filming, he came over fuming, this ending is actually pretty good." He just didn't know how many negative comments there were; there probably were.
Cao Xin originally just came to say a few words to Cai Cai, but was caught on camera. He said that Cai Cai didn't seem indifferent to his award, and that he and Cai Cai have a good relationship in private. As things turned out, just as Si Chen said, this ending is for the best.

But, "Let go!!!" He kept squeezing Cai Cai's wrist, afraid to tighten his grip as his fingers touched something soft, warm, and smooth. Thinking this was bad, but suddenly letting go was even worse. Cao Xin could only grit his teeth and continue squeezing. He really couldn't hold on any longer.
Cai Cai tilted her head and glanced at Si Chen's red neck. "The throat is a very important and fragile joint. You have to be careful when filming. You can't choke someone just for fun!" She felt sorry for Chen Chen. It wasn't that she didn't understand the meaning of ending things, but it was unacceptable to be reckless while joking around.

Cao Xin was stunned for a moment, thinking to herself that she was doomed, but she sincerely apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I will never play around like that again. Please let go first, and I will apologize to you properly, okay?" If the stalemate continued, public opinion would be very unfavorable to Cai Cai.

Cai Cai's anger had subsided somewhat, but she was still burning with rage. At that moment, the Immortal Lord reached out, took Cai Cai's hand, and gently pried it open. "His hair is so stiff with all that hairspray, doesn't your hand hurt?"

painful.

Cai Cai released her hand following the Immortal Lord's grip. The Immortal Lord held her palm and looked at it; it was red and covered with many small dents from the hard hair.

At first, the Immortal Lord didn't notice Cai Cai's unusual behavior, assuming it was just the three of them fooling around. But when Mei Zhang tried to intervene, and Cai Cai still wouldn't let go, the Immortal Lord realized something was wrong. Although he hadn't grown up with Cai Cai, he had practically been a part of her life, and knew almost everything about her personality. Moreover, he had known Cai Cai before her family, so he had an extraordinary understanding of her.

In her wild, childlike state, Cai Cai was hostile to everyone. Even his cautious approach and attempts to care for her were met with her suspicion of child traffickers. She displayed extreme aggression towards everyone except those in police uniforms. At that time, the Immortal Lord knew that Cai Cai was not a gentle child. She must have suffered a deep, unhealed trauma that made her passive, even lazy. But at the same time, she possessed a strong love for the world, which only fueled her passivity. When loved, she reciprocated with even more love; when hurt, she retaliated with even greater harm.

This was evident when Cai Cai faced media interviews. It was easily noticeable. Therefore, media outlets that were favorable towards her would go along with her and flatter her. Those with ill intentions would deliberately provoke her. Initially, Cai Cai was easily provoked, so he instructed the company and Mei Zhang to prevent her from appearing in public and facing the media. Later, Cai Cai developed a professional work ethic as an artist and successfully trained herself to be professional, becoming much more adept at dealing with the media. Only then did he loosen restrictions on Cai Cai's interview work.

Cao Xin's lack of restraint resulted in Si Chen being injured. Si Chen was family to Cai Cai, which triggered her defensive and offensive stances. Her defense became her attack, and her attack became an even greater attack.

Seeing that Si Chen had managed to persuade her, but Cai Cai still wouldn't budge, the Immortal Lord was worried about her psychological burden, so he tried to comfort her.

Cai Cai is a child with quirky thinking, but the Immortal Lord thinks that she is sometimes just simple-minded, so diverting her attention should be able to calm her down.

When Cai Cai made her move, the Immortal Lord noticed that she had been pricked on the hand, and his expression changed.

Now that I look, sure enough, "Let me get you an ice cream." The immortal lord gestured for Gu Sheng to get it, and he could also use it to cool his palms.

Cai Cai looked down at her hand; it really hurt! But having ice cream was great. Then, glaring angrily at Cao Xin, she yelled, "If you pinch him again, I'll pinch you every time I see you!!"

Cao Xin couldn't help but feel regretful. "I know, I'm sorry," she said to Si Chen again, and then leaned over to look at Cai Cai's hand. "Does it hurt?"

Cai Cai pursed her lips and nodded. "How much hairspray did you use?"

Two bottles.

Cao Xin patted her hair; it was quite prickly, but to make it look like Cai Cai's, it was because her palms were too delicate and her skin too thin. Si Chen pulled her down to sit and tidied it up for her. It was impossible to comb it; he could only smooth it strand by strand. "Hua Mei has been going on for so long; you can't do without styling it, otherwise, later on, if her hair falls flat, it'll look like two different people in the photos." That's how important hairstyles are.

Si Chen was also changing the subject, trying to distract Cai Cai. Cao Xin was just going along with what the Immortal Lord and Si Chen were saying. Although she didn't know what was going on, she figured that if she did what they said, she couldn't go wrong.

When Gu Sheng brought over several ice creams, Cai Cai took a bite. The cool, sweet taste instantly calmed her anger. She ate vanilla, Si Chen ate chocolate, Cao Xin ate cream, and Xian Jun didn't eat any, for which Cai Cai complained a little because she wanted to try another flavor. Mei Zhang and Gu Sheng were both eating, one strawberry and one banana. Cai Cai scooped a spoonful from each of their ice creams; they were both delicious. Cao Xin wanted to scoop some from Cai Cai, but she wouldn't let him, telling him to scoop some from Si Chen instead. Cream and chocolate went very well together.

What are these three doing?

Everyone was saying a fight was about to break out, but isn't this a good thing?

[Initially, everyone said that Cao Xin couldn't stand it anymore, confronted Cai Cai, and then got hit by Si Chen, so they started fighting. Cai Cai helped Si Chen beat up Cao Xin.]

These marketing accounts will make up anything!

How could celebrities possibly fight in public, in front of the cameras?

【Cai Cai is a violent maniac!】

[It looks like Cai Cai hurt her hand, even the Immortal Lord is helping Cai Cai.]

With a celestial being present, how could a fight possibly break out?

As someone who witnessed the whole thing, I can say that the atmosphere was definitely a bit off at first, but it wasn't actually a fight.

I watched the whole thing, and I think it was just a joke.

[This is just a joke, a neck lock? Cao Xin has been a prince for too long, he can beat whoever he wants.]

It seems like Si Chen made the first move.

[It was clearly Cai Cai who looked down on Cao Xin first]

[Stop arguing, okay? These three people have a good relationship, and the fans started arguing first.]

The ice cream looks delicious!

[A ball costs over a hundred yuan, how could it not taste good?]

[This looks like the ice cream that the immortal lord used to endorse. I didn't expect he was still eating it.]

[The Immortal Lord has said that the products he endorses are all ones he likes and has tried or used himself.]

[Cai Cai is probably the only one who dares to pull Cao Xin's hair.]

Cao Xin's reign as crown prince wasn't particularly glorious; he wasn't as prominent as the other crown prince.

Is he the prince whose mother is the best mother in the world and whose father is the most great father in the world?

[Hahaha, that person is good-looking and has decent acting skills, but she just doesn't have audience appeal and can't compare to Cao Xin.]

[A video of three people fighting is circulating online, hahaha]

[People on foreign websites are expressing sympathy for Tsai Tsai and urging her to return home.]