The Movie Queen Always Wants to Kiss Me - Chapter 18 - You Must Always Like Me

Cheng Muye had already turned her head, her expression stern as she fixed her gaze on the male reporter and continued, “Gentlemen, you journalists have come to Miss Tang for this story, undoubtedly seeking the truth. We understand the hardships involved and respect your noble mission to uncover the truth and report it to the public. You are truly the uncrowned kings and this is your glory. But—”

She paused, glancing at the assembled reporters. Seeing them fall silent, all eyes fixed on her, she continued, “It is said that truth is the lifeblood of news. Yet the foundation of that truth lies in a reporter’s objectivity, fairness, and integrity. Think about this. Hasn’t this particular reporter repeatedly made subjective, one-sided, and extreme remarks, deliberately stirring your emotions? He has clearly interpreted Miss Tang’s words through his own biased lens, twisting them to fit his own narrative. I won’t delve into his malicious intent just yet, but these extreme and subjective statements alone make me wonder: which reputable news organization would risk employing him?”

This was undoubtedly a brilliant declaration of war.

Whispers began circulating among the journalists.

“He’s right… I’ve never seen this reporter before.”

“Honestly, I’ve been in this business for eight years and never come across him either. Totally new face.”

“Looks like he only showed up after Tang Anhe won Best Actress. Judging from that bodyguard’s analysis, is he deliberately targeting her?”

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The barrage of accusations shifted toward the male reporter, signaling a dramatic reversal of the situation.

The reporter struggled under the weight of suspicion, his eyes darting nervously. His chubby face flushed crimson, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Yet he stubbornly persisted, spouting nonsense. “Well, well, you’re quite the smooth talker, aren’t you? Playing the hero to rescue the damsel in distress, bet you’ve got your eye on Tang Anhe too, huh? Bodyguard, celebrity… the very idea just screams scandal!”

Scandal my ass!

Tang Anhe wanted to kick someone at that moment, but Song Qiluo held her back, hissing, “Behave yourself. Don’t make things worse!”

Tang Anhe seethed inwardly, muttering under her breath, “Hmph, always ‘behave yourself’! These days, being too nice just gets you taken advantage of. We should learn from Brother Cheng, stand up for what’s right when you see injustice.” After finishing her muttering, she couldn’t help but grin, her eyes sparkling with little hearts. “Wow, Brother Cheng was so freaking handsome just now!”

Cheng Muye could be even more handsome.

She released the male reporter, glanced over the group of journalists, and continued, “Recently, quite a few celebrities have taken reporters to court and I’m sure you’ve heard about it. Miss Tang has always maintained good relations with all of you, and we sincerely hope to keep it that way. As for the incident at the mall, Manager Song will provide a detailed explanation. Now, Miss Tang has just finished shooting a commercial for three hours, and she’s still wearing such a heavy wedding dress. We ask that you show a little compassion and allow her to rest, alright?”

The rational and emotional cards were played simultaneously. The reporters exchanged glances, and for a moment, no one stepped forward to stop them.

Cheng Muye effortlessly escorted her into the van.

Song Qiluo didn’t follow, instead remaining surrounded by reporters, answering their questions.

Inside the Limousine.

Tang Anhe gazed at her with admiration, kneading her shoulders and legs while fawning, “Bro Cheng, you were so badass just now. I’ve never seen anyone stand up to reporters like that. You’re seriously awesome!”

Cheng Muye’s brows lifted at the praise, a faint smile playing on her thin lips. She hadn’t intended to intervene, but that male reporter had repeatedly tested her patience. She couldn’t stand others speaking ill of her. Unfortunately, though she’d acted solely with Song Qiluo’s best interests in mind, the girl hadn’t understood a single bit.

At this thought, a flicker of melancholy crossed her eyes before she looked up at her again. “From now on, say less in front of reporters, understand?”

Tang Anhe furrowed her delicate brows, her eyes flashing with innocence. “Brother Cheng, I didn’t say anything! That reporter was clearly targeting me on purpose!”

“You knew he was targeting you?” Cheng Muye asked, somewhat surprised by her perceptive eye.

Tang Anhe saw this, pouted, and shot back indignantly, “Hey! What’s with that look? Looking down on me? Let me tell you, that male reporter and I have been at odds for ages. Last time I won Best Actress, when the reporters came to interview me, he was there, yapping nonstop. It was so annoying! If it weren’t for the fact that he’s a reporter, I’d swear he’s some brainless fan of another celebrity, trying to trash me on purpose…”

Her rambling carried no malice, but the listener detected something slightly unusual.

“Hold on—” Cheng Muye interrupted, her eyes narrowing as they pierced the window, locking onto the male reporter outside. Her voice softened with a touch of amusement. “Maybe he really is just a die-hard fan of some star.”

Tang Anhe missed the deeper implication in her words and scoffed. “If he’s a die-hard fan, it’s definitely Gu Zixiao’s. In this industry, I’m the only one who doesn’t get along with her.”

Cheng Muye knew she and Gu Zixiao didn’t get along, but unaware of the details, she asked, “Why?”

“I just can’t stand the sight of her! Yeah, it’s that whole thing about opposites attracting and same-sex repulsion!”

“Cut the nonsense. Spill it. What’s the real reason?”

Seeing her so determined to get to the bottom of things, Tang Anhe furrowed her brows and said, “Hey, Brother Cheng, why are you asking so many questions? You’re not secretly interested in Gu Zixiao, are you? You’re not planning to stop being my fan, are you? That’s not allowed!”

Cheng Muye watched her derail the conversation in an instant and decided to rein in her unnecessary curiosity. She stopped asking, but still wouldn’t let it go, her big, watery eyes fixed on her. “Brother Cheng, you have to keep liking me. You can’t like other celebrities, okay? Male or female, none of them are allowed, alright?”

So domineering, huh?

But if she could do that, could she do the same?

Cheng Muye thought this and blurted out, “If I can’t like other celebrities, then how come you can like the Emperor of Acting?”

“Huh?” Tang Anhe froze, her mind blank for a moment before she stammered, “Well… okay, but only if they’re the same gender… If you like other male celebrities, that’s fine too…”

Just as expected.

Cheng Muye sighed softly, replying gently, “Mm, I understand.”

But she didn’t know that before long, it would be Tang Anhe sighing in regret. She would get a very real lesson in what it means to be proven wrong. Of course, for now, she could still tease confidently. “I don’t mind that you like the actor, hehe. Anyway, you’re not his type, so you don’t pose any threat to me.”

Cheng Muye decided not to engage with her. Turning her head, she saw the front passenger door open. Song Qiluo had already settled into the seat beside the driver, her expression cold, her delicate brows furrowed.

The mood inside the vehicle shifted sharply, cold and tense.

Tang Anhe cautiously tugged at her sleeve. “Brother Cheng, what’s wrong with my sister?”

It was clear to anyone watching that things hadn’t gone smoothly with the reporters.

Cheng Muye clasped her hand, giving a gentle shake of her head to signal silence. Tang Anhe understood, nodding quietly as she leaned gloomily against the window.

The van pulled away swiftly.

Cheng Muye glanced at Zhao Fenfang in the driver’s seat. She was juggling multiple roles effortlessly —assistant, makeup artist, and driver—truly a jack-of-all-trades.

Thinking about it, she realized that Tang Anhe had very few close friends. Sure, she met plenty of people on set, but few were ones she could truly confide in. On top of that, the number of close colleagues her work demanded was limited, further narrowing her circle. And with Song Qiluo keeping such a close watch over her… was this simply an unintentional oversight, or part of some deliberate scheme?

Cheng Muye couldn’t be more optimistic, especially after returning to Anxin Studio, where Song Qiluo had called her in for a private meeting.

In the office.

The atmosphere felt heavy.

Song Qiluo sat in her chair, glancing at the person standing straight before her. She was truly tall, with striking features and an imposing presence. Her sharp, seasoned demeanor made it clear she was no ordinary talent.

Yet Song Qiluo didn’t actually want someone so remarkable by Tang Anhe’s side. Birds of a feather flock together, and she couldn’t risk Tang Anhe picking up this girl’s rebelliousness and unruly spirit. That would make her impossible to control.

“Sister Song, did you need something from me?” Cheng Muye spoke first, noticing that she had been staring at her the whole time, her gaze carrying a scrutinizing edge.

Song Qiluo finally came back to her senses and withdrew her gaze, her fingers lightly tapping on the desk. She hesitated, uncertain how to begin, after all, the person before her was not easy to handle. After a moment, she softened her voice. “Xiao Cheng, to be honest, you’re a good bodyguard, and you genuinely care about Anhe. But—”

Her eyes suddenly sharpened, and her voice carried a faint edge of reproach. “More than your loyalty to protecting her, I need you to follow orders.”

This implied that she was working for Song Qiluo!

And worse, it implied she was expected to be nothing more than an obedient dog!

Cheng Muye’s face turned icy as her gaze sharpened. She retorted, “Whose orders? Sister Song’s?”