The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 15: Ethan Grant

Kiki knew that Maya and Leo grew up together, and it was normal for them to have a good relationship. However, she couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable inside.

Just moments ago, she was having a great conversation with Leo, but as soon as Maya showed up, it was as if she no longer existed in Leo’s eyes.

Kiki comforted herself, thinking there was nothing to worry about. After all, every handsome guy she’d met since childhood eventually couldn’t help but notice her. She believed Leo wouldn’t be an exception to this rule.

After the milk tea arrived, Leo even took one over to Maya.

Maya thought for a moment and accepted it, saying, "Thanks."

"No need to be polite with me," Leo said as he watched Maya insert the straw, reminding her, "Drink slowly, it’s hot."

Maya made an OK gesture and took a small sip first.

Leo’s gaze showed a hint of nostalgia: "I forgot how long it’s been since we worked together. Seeing your acting progress to this point, I’m truly happy for you, Maya."

Maya mumbled a response, "I don’t really have much acting skill."

Leo smiled lightly, "You’ve learned to be more restrained than before, which is great..."

*

In the trailer, Maya let the makeup artist from the crew apply her makeup. She was wearing a simple brown ancient costume with a few scattered patches on it.

This was the early look for the character Luna.

Trisha Chandler had been working in the makeup industry for many years, but when it came to Maya, she felt not just disdain but a bit of fear.

She was afraid that if she made even a slight mistake and displeased Maya, she would be in for trouble.

Usually, regardless of how big a star an actor was, they’d follow the crew’s arrangements and use the trailer for makeup. The trailer could basically meet an actor’s daily makeup needs on set. Going against the crew’s rules would undoubtedly lead to criticism from netizens for being a diva.

But Maya never cared what others thought. This wasn’t her first or second time acting like a diva. This time, she even went as far as arranging a private trailer just for her makeup.

"Wait a moment."

Once Maya spoke, the makeup artist immediately replied in a panic, "What’s wrong?"

Maya touched the heavy and luxurious hair accessory on her head, "This is way too heavy on my head. Change it for me."

Maya moved her gaze over the makeup products and pointed to a lightest hairpin among them, "Take off what’s on my head and put this one on!"

Trisha couldn’t figure out Maya’s intention, but she still followed her instructions and replaced them.

Instantly, Maya’s head felt much lighter, and she couldn’t be bothered to look in the mirror, "This is much better."

Trisha’s eyes also showed strong admiration.

Maya had a rare beauty that even a simple outfit couldn’t overshadow.

Trisha suddenly found the commonality between Maya and Luna: both were stunningly beautiful.

Initially, Maya wearing patched clothing but adorned with a golden hairpin was strange. Of course, this wasn’t the look Trisha was supposed to create. It was actually the second time she’d done Maya’s styling. The reason for the luxurious hairpin was due to Maya’s previous insistence on her rule—always to aim for a noble appearance regardless of the role or setting. Naturally, this had landed her at the top of the trending blacklist more than once.

This time, the clothing and makeup compromise was because Maya was intimidated by being criticized recently. However, she still wouldn’t budge on what she wore on her head.

Trisha was satisfied with Maya’s look, thinking it fit Luna’s early image perfectly.

Could it be that Maya had finally come to her senses?

Maya didn’t know what Trisha was thinking. Feeling a bit stuffy in the trailer, she stepped out for some fresh air.

Unexpectedly, Kiki was really everywhere.

Maya leaned against the trailer, idly watching the drama unfold.

The person entangled with Kiki was someone Maya recognized—it was another male lead, Ethan Grant, from the book. A child star with a handsome appearance, he was portraying John Thorne in "Wandering Beyond the Horizon" and had been relentlessly pursuing Kiki ever since falling in love at first sight.

"Kiki, why are you avoiding me? I told you, I just want to help you. With your trailer malfunctioning and unable to do makeup, contacting the director for a solution will take time. Why don’t you just do your makeup in my trailer? Why are you being so polite with me?"

"I..." Kiki’s face turned a little red, "We’ve only just met, and it’s really too much trouble for you."

Ethan’s eyes sparkled, "Why don’t you understand? I just want to help and protect you, even though we’ve only known each other for a few days..."

Maya wasn’t far from them and could hear their conversation clearly.

Maya yawned again.

This story with Kiki was more exciting than prime-time soap operas.

With all this entanglement, they could have solved the problem by now. This book really served emotions above all else.

Feeling like she’d had enough fresh air, Maya was about to leave when she suddenly heard Kiki call her.

"Sister!"

Maya ignored her and continued walking forward.

Suddenly, Kiki grabbed her wrist.

Maya spoke impatiently, "Let go."

Kiki, frightened by her sharp tone, instinctively let go.

"Sister..."

Ethan couldn’t bear to see a beauty with tears in her eyes and almost instantly reproached Maya, "How can you treat your sister like that? She calls you so affectionately, yet you just brush her off and scold her! What kind of fierce sister are you!?"

Maya snorted and looked at Ethan with his fair face, "You sure stick your nose into everything. According to what you’re saying, if a beggar on the street called me sister, would I have to hold onto their hand tightly?"

Ethan was somehow caught off guard by her sharp gaze, momentarily losing his momentum, but remembering Kiki, whom he fancied, was being wronged; he still said, "Why do you have to speak so harshly?"

Maya stepped forward, looking directly at Ethan, smiling as she said, "Oh, I’m not just harsh with words..."

Ethan took a step back, not finding Maya’s smile friendly.

"Sister," Kiki called again, "Can I borrow your trailer for a bit? Mine has a small issue."

"If it’s broken, why are you looking for me instead of the crew?"

Seeing Maya clearly unwilling to lend, Ethan couldn’t help but say, "Don’t you have two trailers? What’s the problem with lending one to your sister? She’s your sister; isn’t it only right that you help her? Why are you so stingy?"

"I’ve never acknowledged her as my sister, and you’re not going to guilt-trip me here. That’s the last thing that works on me. You could’ve solved the problem with the time you spent berating me, pretty boy!"

Ethan, with his fair and somewhat weak appearance, wasn’t known for exceptional acting skills and was often mocked by haters as a pretty boy. He particularly disliked hearing that.

Especially when he hadn’t managed to help Kiki.