The unexpected situation during the premiere sent the live chat into a flurry of exclamation marks.

"What’s going on? I was waiting for the Imperial Concubine Group to perform first, then for the Top Flow Group to slap them in the face with their stage play. After all, their ‘Red Beauty’ theme reeks of hidden motives."

"Is Mr. Zong really unwell? Is this for real? What a coincidence, right? Could there be some conspiracy targeting the Top Flow Group?"

"Do they think that if they perform later, we won’t compare the storylines and see them get embarrassed?"

"As expected, artists with issues are terrified of the Top Flow Group, so scared they run away last minute."

"Maybe the temptress saw the wave of online hate and chickened out, making Mr. Zong come up with an excuse for her."

"She has no choice but to go on! Otherwise, will the show turn into a talk show later?"

"Let’s see what shenanigans the Imperial Concubine Group can come up with."

"Whatever, I’m here for the Top Flow Group. I’m curious to see what spectacle they’ll pull off this time."

"‘The Calamity of a Beauty’—just from the name, you know it’s going to hit hard, probably roasting those who climb the ladder through their bodies and ruin others in the process!"

Meanwhile, on Weibo, the delay created a different scene.

A short video skit suddenly climbed the trending list, also titled ‘Red Beauty,’ but because the Imperial Concubine Group hadn’t performed yet, this trend did little more than ride on the name.

Netizens can be rebellious; subtly guiding public opinion can work, but blatant smearing just triggers backlash and turns people away, even making some step back to view the situation more impartially.

The most laughable part? While the video trended, the wives’ circle posted identical statements on Weibo at the same time:

“Only those who earn their roles through genuine talent deserve respect. Sleazy tactics should leave the entertainment industry; they aren’t welcome here!”

Though no one was tagged, everyone knew who they’d tried to ban before, making the target obvious.

Had the Imperial Concubine Group been performing at that moment, their post would’ve been well-timed. Netizens would’ve eagerly watched them clash, taking pleasure in the drama.

But since the performance hadn’t started yet, their posts felt awkwardly out of place.

The wives' circle was also baffled. Being naturally proud, they weren’t meticulous enough to treat this like a job. They simply saw the conversation in their group chat and casually posted it on Weibo.

Once the posts were up and they glanced at the comments, netizens mocked them for speaking too soon, telling them to watch the premiere before making statements. Realizing their timing was off, they rushed to their group chat to find Mrs. Zong.

However, neither the video nor the posts could be deleted; netizens had probably already saved them. They could only wait until the Imperial Concubine Group finally performed for their messages to have any relevance.

Mrs. Zong was just as perplexed but more concerned about her husband’s condition. She quickly called Zong Siqi. Although she couldn’t be there, she had instructed Zong Siqi to keep an eye on things.

“I’m not sure. Uncle said he’s feeling unwell but doesn’t need to be taken to the hospital. He’s just resting backstage, and he might go on once he recovers. I’m waiting for further updates. But Yu Rouyin seems very anxious. Even though the order of performances has changed, she’s still frantically contacting people to fill in.”

“What?! She’s truly a selfish wretch. My husband is in this state, and she only cares about her performance. She doesn’t even want to wait for him and just wants to replace him immediately. Truly heartless—she embodies every negative stereotype of women in this industry!” Mrs. Zong’s voice trembled with rage. 

Despite being furious enough at her husband to land herself in the hospital, her first instinct in a crisis was to feel sorry for him. Sick and being pushed aside like this—she couldn’t stand it.

“Who is she trying to call? I’ll reach out and make sure no one dares help her. I refuse to believe anyone in the industry would defy me and support her!” Mrs. Zong fumed.

“No need. I overheard two calls, and neither person agreed to help her. It’s not just that people fear being associated with her scandals—no one wants to risk performing on such short notice without preparation and end up ruining their reputation. She’s delusional if she thinks anyone will replace Uncle.”

Mrs. Zong thought for a moment. “Hmph, karma at its finest. Maybe your uncle finally listened to me and decided not to help her.”

Zong Siqi wasn’t so sure. Although he didn’t know exactly what had happened, he felt there was something strange about his uncle’s sudden illness.

After ending the call, he didn’t have to wait long before Yu Rouyin, looking pale and fragile, approached him. Her expression was desperate and helpless, as if she had nowhere left to turn. “Could you… step in for your uncle? You know the script, right? Even if it’s not perfect, I’ll find a way to cover for any gaps. I…”

“If I take Uncle’s place, how do you plan to thank me?” Zong Siqi suddenly smirked, his eyes scanning her up and down. “Last time, you were ruthless with me. Now you’re asking for my help?”

Yu Rouyin’s face turned even paler. One night during a late rehearsal, Zong Siqi had made an advance on her, only for her to firmly put him in his place.

Seeing her delicate face, which seemed to naturally evoke the desire for protection, Zong Siqi sneered. She was doing it again—playing the innocent.

Unable to suppress his rising impulses, his eyes darkened as he leaned into her ear. “I’ll help you, sure… Follow me to the restroom and make me happy…”

The thought crossed his mind: once she gave in, he wouldn’t even have to perform. What could she do to him after that?

He reached out to grab her arm, but Yu Rouyin swiftly stepped back out of reach.

Zong Siqi’s expression darkened, and he let out a cold chuckle. “Suit yourself. Keep searching for someone else.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Yu Rouyin leaned weakly against the hallway wall, her eyes growing dim. In a situation like this, finding someone to step in was already difficult. For someone like her, with a tarnished reputation, it was nearly impossible.

The Top Flow Group had worked hard to buy her some time, but now… it seemed she was going to waste it.

She couldn’t help but wonder if she was being naive. Maybe it was time to surrender.

If she didn’t, her career would be ruined—and then, what would happen to her grandmother?

As she teetered on the edge of despair, a commotion erupted from backstage.

Yu Rouyin looked up in confusion. When she caught sight of the figures approaching, her pupils trembled.

Stage props were being readied, and all the staff were moving frantically.

Pei Mingxuan, swearing under her breath, was giving orders at top speed, directing all the supporting performers to prepare backstage.

The staff who were already backstage stared in disbelief as a crowd of performers emerged out of nowhere.

Tonight’s incidents kept escalating, each more intense than the last.

They had seen performers refuse to go on due to illness.

They had seen performance orders rearranged.

But this—introducing a group of supporting performers at the last minute, with even the show’s crew left in the dark—was unprecedented.

Unless the supporting cast members were celebrities themselves, people usually didn’t pay much attention to them.

But as familiar and unfamiliar female faces passed by, everyone was stunned.

Gradually, they began to realize these women all shared one trait.

They, like Yu Rouyin, were once embroiled in scandalous rumors.