CH 28

There was a pent-up frustration in her heart, lingering all along.

Ling Ya was unaware of why she became so agitated.

Those video images, along with the annoying blogger’s words, kept flashing before her eyes, refusing to disappear.

She wanted to see You You, and she wanted to see her immediately!

Sensing the immense anger within the female lead before her, Fu Shu pondered for a moment and understood the reason.

It must be that Ling Ya was greatly displeased after seeing the trending topics. Now, she wanted to return home and confront that scheming white lotus female lead.

Fu Shu’s raven-black lashes trembled slightly, and her brows furrowed. She fell silent, her expression tinged with a hint of loneliness, as if she had been hurt by Ling Ya.

Meanwhile, Ling Ya was caught up in her own emotional turmoil.

Clearly, she hadn’t noticed Fu Shu’s performance.

Seeing that Fu Shu had stopped talking, Ling Ya took it as her agreement and left directly.

Fu Shu, What a waste of my excellent acting skills: …

Taking out her phone, Fu Shu opened the trending topics on Weibo. There was no trace of embarrassment on her face. She reviewed the videos and images she had already seen, and on her beautifully pale face, a faint mockery appeared.

Indeed, a white lotus was just a white lotus. Even these seductive tactics were the same. They seemed innocent on the surface but were full of schemes deep down. It was always about them.

In her previous life, she had been completely hurt by such a white lotus flower.

That person was the only woman she had ever loved, but she also taught her how to see through the true nature of a white lotus flower and how unreliable love could be!

After transmigrating, the reason she developed an interest in the female lead, Ling Ya, upon knowing that this world was a novel, was partly due to testing the predestined relationship. She wanted to see if the original main pairing could be broken.

And the rest was…

Well the result is clearly visible, isn’t it?

Her dark gaze fell upon the hand scribbling in the video. Fu Shu’s eyes deepened, and a trace of murderous intent silently passed through her eyes.

Well, since she couldn’t bring herself to kill her, she could just kill someone who resembled her. After all, she wouldn’t know.

Meanwhile, You You, who Fu Shu was harboring murderous intent for, was still on the subway.

She sat in her seat, holding a pale purple toolbox, upright and straight-backed. In the chaotic subway, she stood out conspicuously.

Since childhood, Bai Qu had trained Youyou to stand and sit properly. Therefore, even now when Bai Qu was not around, Youyou unconsciously maintained good posture.

When they arrived at their destination, Youyou got off the train prompted by the system’s reminder.

After leaving the station, the sky had already turned completely dark. Youyou carried the toolbox and walked and walked until finally stopping in front of a hotpot restaurant, motionless.

“Xixi?”

I really want to eat, I really want to eat, the desire to eat endlessly circled in her mind.

Receiving the unmistakable signal from its host, Xixi wiped away the nonexistent sweat on her forehead. In fact, she didn’t understand why humans enjoyed eating so much when the nutritional value of those foods wasn’t that high, right?

[You can eat, but the host should eat in moderation. Don’t overindulge.]

“Mhmm, okay.”

With permission from the system, Youyou immediately carried her toolbox and entered the restaurant.

She didn’t buy a lot, but being cute had its advantages. Consequently, without Youyou’s knowledge and to Xixi’s speechless surprise, the restaurant owner secretly added extra meat for Youyou.

Ah, what a face-dependent world!

A bowl full of steaming and fragrant food was brought to the table, and the spicy aroma was so enticing that Youyou couldn’t sit still.

She picked up her chopsticks and started battling with the food.

Before long, Youyou’s nose turned red from the heat, and even her eyes were veiled by the spicy steam. Her watery and shimmering eyes were extremely charming.

After a satisfying meal, Youyou took out the money from her bag and paid the bill.

Feeling in high spirits, she returned home. However, upon seeing someone on the sofa, she froze for a moment.

“Why are you back?”

Her tone was filled with disbelief.

After all, this person had been coming and going early and late every day since signing the contract, right?

Confused, Youyou furrowed her brows in surprise. Her genuinely astonished expression was completely misunderstood by Ling Ya. She looked at Youyou, her cheeks flushed and her lips vibrant, as if she had been deeply loved by someone. The exquisite contours of Ling Ya’s face twisted slightly for a moment.

“What? Can’t I come back?”

Standing up and taking steps towards Youyou, Ling Ya’s gaze flickered when she caught a whiff of Youyou’s scent. But it only lasted a moment before it transformed into determination.

“Youyou, aren’t you going to explain to me? Don’t you want to explain anything?”

Taking the toolbox from the girl’s hand and tossing it aside, Ling Ya tightly gripped Youyou’s hand. Her words were deliberate, and said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll give you a chance to explain. No matter what you say, I’ll believe you.”

“Huh?”

Explain what?

Perplexed, Youyou looked at Ling Ya, then at their joined hands. Feeling uncomfortable, Youyou fidgeted, wanting to retract her own hand.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’m tired and I want to take a shower and go to bed.”

After hours of continuous drawing, every part of Youyou’s body ached, and all she wanted was to take a quick shower and roll onto the soft bed to sleep.

The visible dissatisfaction and indifference on the girl’s face completely pierced Ling Ya’s heart. She stubbornly held onto Youyou, refusing to let her go. On Ling Ya’s enchanting face, exhaustion and the pain of being hurt were evident.

“Youyou, are you still angry with me?”

“You were angry with me before, ignoring me and not accompanying me properly. So now, you’re choosing to ignore me and punish me, right?”

“But Youyou, how could you do this? Didn’t you already promise to reconcile with me? Then why did you go out to draw? Why did you smile at that man? Why did you agree to let that man take your pictures? Why?”

The more she spoke, the more agitated Ling Ya became, her intensity unmatched. In her current state, Ling Ya could rival the once hysterical Bai Youyou. However, she was unaware of this herself.

“Xi- Xixi?”

The enchanting woman, although incredibly beautiful, was equally terrifying and frightening when she went mad or got angry.

Feeling lost, Youyou didn’t dare to utter a word as she looked at Ling Ya.

Even when Ling Ya hurt her, Youyou only furrowed her brows and endured the pain.

[Host, don’t panic. Hug her and tell her you’re scared.]

After the previous task, Xixi was quite confident in the host’s charm. Didn’t you notice how jealous Mu Qingxue became because the host is too adorable?

“Oh.”

Shrinking her neck, Youyou gradually leaned towards Ling Ya under her astonished gaze. Then, time seemed to pass infinitely slowly in Ling Ya’s perception. The quiet living room, the girl’s shy and elegant face on the verge of speaking, enlarged infinitely before her eyes, with fleeting lights and shadows. Finally, what lingered in her mind were the girl’s misty eyes and that sweet and tender voice that reached deep into her bones.

“Ling Ya, please don’t do this, you’re scaring me.”

The room fell silent at that moment. Ling Ya opened her mouth but couldn’t produce any sound. Only her heart pounded heavily, throbbing intensely.

[Target’s favorability +5, currently at 70. Excellent job, host.]

Youyou:…

She didn’t want to be excellent; she wanted to sleep.

Realizing the effectiveness of this approach, Youyou’s voice instantly softened. She tilted her head to meet Ling Ya’s perplexed gaze, her voice lingering and carrying a hint of coquettishness. “I’m scared, can you please not do this?”

Ling Ya:…

The word ‘okay’ was about to come out but got swallowed back down her throat. Ling Ya stared at Youyou with a scrutinizing gaze, her eyes flickering with complexity.

“Ling Ya.”

Tentatively, Youyou tugged at Ling Ya’s clothes, feeling very uneasy.

“I’m sorry. I got too excited earlier and scared you.”

Letting out a sigh, Ling Ya gradually regained her usual calmness. Holding Youyou’s hand, she walked to the couch and sat down, speaking in a calm and gentle tone. “But Youyou, can you please tell me what happened?”

After speaking, Ling Ya clicked on that trending topic.

“Woah.”

From initial astonishment and confusion to the subsequent elation, Youyou became extremely excited when she saw all the praises about her online.

“Xixi!… Xixi!”

Being someone who was always called useless by Bai Qu and a burden by Su Ling, Youyou had never seen so many people praising her. As for those who belittled her or intentionally found fault, she completely ignored them.

[Host, stay calm. Don’t pay too much attention to online evaluations. They are too one-sided.]

“I know, Xixi. Bai Qu has told me before that what’s on the internet can be manipulated, distorting true and false, it can’t be taken seriously.”

Just like those celebrities she used to like, Bai Qu said they had bad personalities and weren’t worth her attention. However, every time she saw them on TV, variety shows, or social forums, they were all perfect without any flaws.

“But when I see those compliments, I still can’t control myself.”

Her eyes curved into crescents, and a few white teeth were revealed. Ling Ya was initially surprised by Youyou’s reaction, but then her face darkened.

She lowered her voice and coldly warned, “Youyou.”

“Yes!”

Glancing at Ling Ya, whose expression wasn’t great, Youyou sat up straight like a well-behaved child. She recounted the cause and effect of the situation with utmost seriousness.

“Anyway, it’s like this. I was drawing at the time, so I didn’t notice anyone taking pictures of me. Really, if you don’t believe me, look at this money I earned.”

After speaking, Youyou reluctantly handed her bag to Ling Ya to prove her innocence.

As Ling Ya returned the bulging wallet, she understood that this person was not lying to her. However, she still couldn’t swallow the anger in her heart!

Her Youyou not only had been photographed but also had those pictures spread online, where people criticized and commented on her. Ling Ya now had the urge to strangle that man!

“Why’d you go out to draw instead of doing it in the studio like you always do?”

Returning the wallet to Youyou, Ling Ya suddenly realized that this person had changed.

Like a sudden realization, the scenery that she had never paid attention to before, after the awakening from those people online, Ling Ya realized what she had missed.

She had picturesque features, eyes filled with affection, flawless skin, innocence and purity. The online crowd loudly proclaimed that they wanted to kiss and hug her, to marry her and shower her with endless love and pampering.

“Youyou.”

Involuntarily, Ling Ya whispered Youyou’s name, her voice slightly husky, carrying a hint of temptation.

“Ling Ya, I’m really sleepy. Can I go to bed now?”

Covering her mouth as she yawned, Youyou’s eyes welled up with mist, and her eyelashes became wet.

Seeing this, Ling Ya hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

“Well then, goodnight, Ling Ya.”

“Mm, goodnight, Youyou.”

Helplessly, Ling Ya watched the drowsy girl, clutching the wallet and dragging the toolbox back to the studio. She then picked up a set of pajamas from the bedroom and walked into the bathroom. As she listened to the sound of running water, Ling Ya sat on the couch, lost in thought.

What should she do? It seemed like there was a rift between her and Youyou.

What exactly should she do?

As the night grew deeper, the sky covered by gray clouds was adorned with sparkling stars. Countless bright and dazzling constellations poured down from tens of thousands of light-years away, mysterious and captivating.

After taking a shower, Ling Ya returned to the bedroom, and Youyou was already fast asleep. In the tranquil darkness, the girl’s shallow breathing intermittently broke the silence, particularly noticeable. Ling Ya’s lips curved slightly, and her mood became strangely pleasant.

A peaceful night’s sleep.

The next morning, when Youyou woke up and saw Ling Ya, she was truly startled. And when Ling Ya said that she would accompany her throughout the next few days, Youyou was even more astonished. “Aren’t you supposed to go to the company for training?”

She remembered that in both the original plotline and the derivative version, this person’s biggest dream was to step into the entertainment industry and become a popular and highly anticipated actress. In fact, she succeeded in the end.

“Training is important, but you are important too.”

Wearing a gentle smile on her face, Ling Ya handed the clothes to Youyou, her voice alluring and seductive. “Hurry up and change. I’ve already prepared breakfast. Wake up.”

“Oh.”

Taking the clothes in a dazed manner, Youyou looked at Ling Ya’s figure and scratched her head in confusion. “Xixi, what’s wrong with Ling Ya? She seems to be acting a bit strangely.”

[Host, based on my analysis, this is indeed Ling Ya.]

Youyou:…

Hmm, that phrase sounds familiar.

Ling Ya was skilled in cooking, and Youyou thoroughly enjoyed the meal. She rubbed her slightly bloated belly and lay down on the couch to digest. When the clock pointed to half-past nine, Youyou grabbed her toolbox and prepared to go out and make money by painting.

Ling Ya furrowed her brows upon seeing this, but she didn’t say anything. She silently took the toolbox and put on a hat, following behind Youyou.

The place they went to this time was a crowded park.

Once Youyou set up her painting materials, Ling Ya placed the hat on Youyou’s head, while explaining, “Be good. The sun is strong today, so this will prevent you from getting tanned.”

“Oh, okay.”

At first, Youyou would feel uncomfortable under Ling Ya’s gaze, but ever since someone approached her to paint, Youyou became completely absorbed in her artwork. As she focused wholeheartedly, the colors around her seemed to fade to gray.

It is often said that a person who is earnestly engaged in their work is the most beautiful.

Gazing at the girl’s delicate porcelain-like profile, Ling Ya suddenly understood the mindset of that blogger and those people online.

She is incredibly beautiful and harmless-looking, with a sweet smile and a hint of innocence. Isn’t such a lovely, talented girl the embodiment of everyone’s fantasy or fond memories of a beautiful first love?

It’s frustrating that she realized it too late, and others discovered her goodness.

It’s truly…

Maddening.

Throughout the day, Ling Ya took good care of Youyou. She regularly gave her water and brought her meals on time, ensuring flawless support in every aspect.

All these actions slightly improved Youyou’s impression of her.

With a few hundred more yuan in her wallet, Youyou’s eyes and brows curved upwards, and she proudly declared that she would treat Ling Ya to a meal. However, Ling Ya’s playful manner and teasing expression extinguished that thought.

They had groceries at home, and currently, they needed to be more economical.

Youyou held her wallet, understanding Ling Ya’s point.

They returned home, and Ling Ya began cooking while Youyou watched TV.

On the other side, Fu Shu frowned slightly as she looked at the information sent by her subordinates. The information showed that Ling Ya and Bai Youyou had been together all day, and it seemed like they were getting along quite well.

Her gaze fell on the few photos secretly taken by her subordinates. Fu Shu lightly tapped her finger on someone’s profile in the photo, and after a while, she smiled softly.

“Their relationship seems to be improving. Well, that won’t do.”

A trace of a sinister expression flashed in her eyes. Fu Shu thought for a moment and knew exactly what to do.

She knew Ling Ya’s obsession with acting better than anyone else, and she happened to have the ability to help Ling Ya achieve what she wanted.

So, when Youyou finished eating and held the TV remote, watching cartoons, Ling Ya returned from taking a phone call and seemed different.

“Youyou, I can start acting~”

She couldn’t contain her excitement, and Ling Ya suddenly pounced on Youyou. In her enchanting eyes, there was a gleam of astonishing brightness.

“I can start acting!”

“Just now, my acting coach called me and said there’s a role in a period drama that’s perfect for me. They want me to go for an audition with the director tomorrow morning.”

“Youyou…! Youyou…!”

She wanted to share her happiness with the person beneath her.

Ling Ya kissed the corner of Youyou’s mouth, and her heart became incredibly tender.

Youyou:…

Her cheeks blushed slightly red, and she looked confused.

She had never seen Ling Ya make such an open display of her emotions before.

Youyou thought about it and understood.

It was normal for a girl who was practically the same age as her to behave like this.

“Congratulations.”

The soft and tender voice was so sweet it touched the depths of her heart. Ling Ya lightly murmured a response and lazily leaned on Youyou, not moving.

“Ling Ya?”

Awkwardly extending her finger, Youyou poked Ling Ya’s shoulder. She didn’t dare to move, afraid of accidentally touching something she shouldn’t.

“Ling Ya, could you please get up? It’s really weird like this.”

Weird?

What was weird?

Weren’t they a couple?

Although she silently mocked in her mind, Ling Ya still let go of Youyou.

She sat beside Youyou and thought for a moment, then apologized, “I’m sorry, Youyou. I won’t be able to accompany you tomorrow.”

Ling Ya didn’t want to give up on this fleeting opportunity. Although she enjoyed watching Youyou and accompanying her in painting, she had long dreamt of entering the entertainment industry and proving her talent through acting.

A twinge of self-blame flashed across her beautiful face, and Ling Ya began to paint a rosy future for Youyou.

“Youyou, once I make a name for myself in the entertainment industry, I’ll retire and be with you all the time. How about that? I’ll cook for you every day, and watch you paint. Trust me, Youyou, that kind of life isn’t too far away.”

“Mm, that sounds great!”

Although Youyou didn’t understand the significance of Ling Ya always talking about distant things, she still wholeheartedly supported her.

After all, Bai Qu once said that everyone’s pursuits were different. Not everyone was as easily satisfied as she was, without any dreams or aspirations.

Therefore, she should respect and tolerate others.

Seeing no change in the girl’s expression, Ling Ya breathed a slight sigh of relief.

“Thank you, Youyou.”

[Task objective: Favorability +5, current favorability: 75. Host, keep it up!~]

…

Whether Ling Ya was present or not, it made no difference to Youyou, who was currently obsessed with making money. However, when her gaze swept over the elegant woman walking towards her, radiating an aura of nobility, Youyou’s pupils contracted, and she couldn’t even hold onto her pen.

“Xixi, Xixi, it’s Fu Shu, it’s Fu Shu!”

Seeing the terrifying figure from the derivative plotline, a ruthless and powerful person who ordered the original host’s death, Youyou instinctively felt fear.

Likewise, Fu Shu was also staring at her.

At that moment, Youyou was contemplating if she should turn and run.

Wuwuwu.1 Onomatopoeia for crying. Basically crying sounds. Sometimes they’re different, so I’ll adjust as needed for better flow.

[Host, don’t be afraid. She won’t harm you in public.]

“R-really?”

[Yes.]

Feeling somewhat relieved, Youyou trembled with fear as she watched Fu Shu approach closer and closer, her body shaking imperceptibly.

“W-why are you here?”

The original host, Bai Youyou, had also seen Fu Shu before.

At that time, Fu Shu stood beside Ling Ya, looking at her2Youyou as if she were a speck of dust, which greatly bothered the sensitive original host for several days.

After all, Fu Shu’s imposing presence was truly overwhelming. That air of superiority, as if nothing in the world could catch her attention or matter to her, could truly strike a stinging blow.

Struggling to maintain eye contact with Fu Shu, Youyou bit her lip, trying hard not to appear flustered. “Ling- Ling Ya isn’t here.”

So please leave quickly, swiftly, and speedily.3 In the raws it said “…quickly, quickly, quickly,” but I felt like that’d be too repetitive, so I switched it up with other words of the same meaning

In the spacious square, the girl sitting on a small stool stood out, and Fu Shu’s gaze swept over her, scrutinizing her from head to toe. Fu Shu’s expression was dark, as if she wanted to peel her apart and examine her thoroughly.

Youyou’s heart trembled under her gaze.

She tightly held onto her paintbrush, as if she was grasping onto a life-saving raft in an endless expanse of water.

Fu Shu naturally noticed the girl’s nervous and timid demeanor. She pondered for a moment, her gaze seemingly indifferent and tinged with a hint of contempt.

“Bai Youyou, I came here to see what you have become. It seems you’re selling paintings on the street without a stable income, so what happiness can you bring to Ling Ya? Ling Ya’s dream is to enter the entertainment industry and become a renowned actress. Can you help her with that? No, a useless person like you will only hold her back.”

“So give up, Bai Youyou. Ling Ya is not someone you’re qualified to like or love. You two are completely incompatible, and you are unworthy and heavily unqualified to stand by her side.”

Looking down at Youyou from a position of superiority, Fu Shu’s expression was arrogant, and her expensive custom suit highlighted how incompatible the two of them were.

They were like:

One was a cloud in the sky, unattainable.

One was mud on the ground, trampled upon by others.

Being bombarded by Fu Shu’s string of words, Youyou was momentarily stunned. She tilted her head slightly and took some time to digest those words.

Clutching the paintbrush, Youyou’s hand had started sweating. She timidly glanced at Fu Shu, resembling a little rabbit. Even her words were cautious.

“I am useless, I am a waste. But Bai Qu said that emotions are irrational like this. There’s no such thing as deserving or not deserving.”

“If you genuinely like someone, even if you can only eat steamed buns every day, you can still be very happy, right? You say I’m not worthy of Ling Ya, but if that’s the case, then Ling Ya is also not worthy of you, right? You’re so awesome, so there must be no one in this world who can match you, right?”

So, you should just stay single, alright?

Youyou paused at this point.

Seeing that Fu Shu had no immediate reaction, she continued speaking with unease.

“But look, you don’t find fault with Ling Ya, so naturally she won’t find fault with me, right? And, although I earn less money, Ling Ya and I spend even less, right? So, I haven’t been holding her back, have I?”

“Shut up!”

Suddenly, Fu Shu angrily interrupted Youyou’s words.

Fu Shu’s gaze was like a torch as she asked coldly, “Who is Bai Qu? Your brother?”

“Yes.”

Nodding reflexively, Youyou realized that the person in front of her was a formidable figure and had also investigated the original host. Annoyed, she grabbed her hair and explained dryly, “But, um… he is not by my side anymore.”

“Is that so? It’s good that he’s dead.”

“You!”

Youyou suddenly glared at Fu Shu, her eyes reddening with anger.

“You’re the one who’s dead! Good riddance!”

“You’re not allowed to speak badly of Bai Qu! I hate you!”

Due to her good upbringing, Youyou couldn’t utter insulting words. Her teary eyes filled with frustration, she suddenly buried her head in her arms and remained silent.

With a cold and disdainful snort, the girl’s act of wiping away tears secretly didn’t soften Fu Shu’s heart. She loosened the tie around her neck and roughed up her hair slightly. A few beads of sweat even formed on her delicate and exquisite nose.

Feeling restless, Fu Shu suddenly grew impatient. She kicked Youyou’s easel with her foot, sounding arrogant and domineering like a spoiled rich kid.

“Stop crying. If you cry again, I’ll kill you. Now, draw my portrait, and I’ll spare you temporarily. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you never paint again!”

Youyou:…

She was infuriated, but she had no choice but to listen.

With an aggrieved expression, Youyou lifted her head and glanced at Fu Shu. She didn’t dare ask her to sit on the small stool. She simply took a quick look and made a stroke.

However, out of selfishness, Youyou deliberately made Fu Shu’s portrait unflattering.

Half an hour later, Fu Shu crossed her arms and looked at the hideous depiction on the canvas, sneering, “Redraw it. Is my face really that contorted?”

Youyou pursed her lips, knowing she was in the wrong, and took a fresh sheet of paper.

Another half hour passed, and Fu Shu criticized again, “Redraw it. I’m not that fat.”

Gritting her teeth, Youyou made adjustments on the original paper.

After another ten minutes, Fu Shu laughed, “Redraw it. This paper is too dirty and worn.”

Another half hour later, Fu Shu nitpicked once more, “I want a colored drawing.”

Youyou:…

To hell with you!

Despite trembling with anger, Youyou remained resolute and didn’t say a word. Silently, she changed the paper and the pencil, meticulously outlining Fu Shu’s features.

You see, although colored pencil drawings are not difficult, it is far from easy to make them look good, lifelike, and immune to criticism.

Devoting all her attention to her artwork, Youyou’s features gradually softened. She began to forget about her dislike for Fu Shu and focused on faithfully portraying her in the drawing.

Her figure was excellent, with a prominent bust and a well-rounded posterior. She wore a meticulously tailored black suit with a diamond brooch pinned to her chest, every detail intricately designed. Above that was her face, elegant and indifferent, exuding a unique charm4Haha, this kinda reminds me of Qingxue.

Continuously adjusting the coloring sequence and utilizing other painting techniques, Youyou’s face was filled with earnestness. She was so engrossed that she didn’t even realize that flecks of pigment had stuck to her cheeks.

As people came and went in the square, occasionally pausing to admire, Youyou remained completely focused. Fu Shu, on the other hand, was not someone who paid attention to the thoughts or gazes of those around her.

Her unreadable eyes stared straight at the girl. When Youyou handed her the completed painting, Fu Shu glanced at it briefly and walked away, leaving Youyou sitting on the small stool, on the verge of tears.

“She didn’t pay.”

Counting on her fingers, Youyou tallied how many paintings she had done for Fu Shu from start to finish. She pursed her lips and rubbed her empty stomach.

It was a waste of time and materials, and she ended up with no money. She had suffered a great loss.

[At least Fu Shu has promised not to bother us for now. Although she seems unpleasant, she’s still quite upright.]

[So, host, I think we should seize this opportunity to complete the mission. By then, we won’t have to fear Fu Shu causing trouble for us.]

“Mm.”

Putting away the paper and pen, Youyou decided not to sell her paintings today. She planned to eat first and then replenish the art supplies that had been largely depleted. It was true that one must have the right tools to do a good job.

In the afternoon, Youyou received a phone call from Ling Ya explaining that she’d been chosen by the director for the role she auditioned for.

Listening to Ling Ya’s voice, calm but unable to conceal her excitement, Youyou lay on her bed and sincerely congratulated her, cheering her on and offering words of encouragment.

After hanging up the phone, it didn’t take long for Youyou to fall into a deep sleep.

…

In the Ji family mansion.

When Ji Mo returned home in the evening, he saw his grandfather sitting on the sofa, sighing and lamenting. He lazily glanced at him as he entered.

“Oh~ something’s going on.”

Ji Mo, who is very sensitive to gossip, immediately knew that his grandfather must be angry about something related to filming.

Nonchalantly sitting on another sofa, Ji Mo crossed his arms and casually rested his legs on the coffee table. Despite his relaxed posture, his features were clear and his appearance quite obedient, which unexpectedly made it difficult for anyone to feel annoyed by his actions.

“Grandpa, who is the unprofessional one that made you angry this time?”

His grandfather is a renowned director, with numerous awards to his name. He never lacks good actors vying to be in his movies. However, society is sometimes like this, with intricate social interactions. Even if his grandfather is unwilling, he still has to cast a few actors who got in through the back door5Means they used connections to get in, rather than auditioning for the role., just to give face6this is kinda like dignity/reputation, and such. I really don’t think it has an English equivalent.

As a result, his grandfather is strict on the set and often berates those actors whose acting skills, attitude, and appearance don’t meet the character’s requirements, leaving both himself and them frustrated.

Even when he returns home, he often laments about the decline in moral values and the rapid changes in society.

“Sigh, you wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”

Ji Mo’s grandfather is currently filming a movie set in their era7Ji Mo’s Grandpa’s era, mainly telling the inspirational story of a male lead who starts as a poor student and eventually becomes an elite in the city. The point of contention for his grandfather lies in the casting of the male lead’s first love—because in their era, it was not as open as it is now. Back then, people had shy and modest expectations when it came to love.

As the male protagonist’s first love during his school days, the character should embody utmost purity. However, any talented actor with acting skills looks down on the role, considering it as a minor character with only a few scenes. And those willing to take on the role…

That’s what makes Ji Mo’s grandfather want to scold people.

“Damn it, isn’t this an art film? Shouldn’t it be subtle? Why are all of you openly flirting with and seducing the male lead? Don’t forget your identities as students! This is the love of our era! And don’t mistake yielding to advances as subtlety! My heart aches from watching this!”

After venting his inner frustrations, Ji Mo’s grandfather returned home with an unhappy expression, regardless of whether those people he scolded were angry or afraid.

“Haha, hahaha…”

Ji Mo listened to the whole story from his grandfather and laughed heartily. Holding his stomach, he continued to laugh for a while before finally turning to his grandfather, whose expression wasn’t good.

“Grandpa, I actually know a girl who would definitely meet your expectations. The only thing is, she’s not in the entertainment industry. She’s an adorable girl with amazing drawing skills.”

After speaking, Ji Mo took out his phone and showed his grandpa a photo of Youyou.

TL’s Corner

Hello everyone! I’ll be putting the system’s thoughts in bold italics from now on, and its dialogues in bold. Sometime later, I’ll probably go back and edit the previous chapters to reflect this.

If you’re interested in more/advance chapters, please consider supporting me by buying me a kofi or becoming a patron