Chapter One Hundred and Five: Backroom Maneuvers? Forming a Team and Choosing a Script

Yu recalled that Bai Ling once considered taking on the script, but abandoned the idea the moment she read its contents. The script was so outrageous that there was little need to elaborate further. As for Wang Dagang, the main creative force and the one who drove most of the plot, Bai Ling had a good sense of his abilities by now. She wasn't sure if he was a good director, but he was definitely a screenwriter with a very distinctive style. Bai Ling felt she wasn't quite a match for such a director and thought it best not to disturb him in the future.

Wang Dagang stood up, microphone in hand, and was the first to mention Lin Yubai.
“Yubai has the title of youngest Best Actor; I believe I needn’t say more about that.”
“Also, he’s currently acting in my production, so to the other three directors, don’t try to poach him! Otherwise, don’t blame me if I come looking for you for dinner later.”
The other directors all grinned at this. Lin Yubai stood as well.
“Thank you, Director Wang, for your high regard.”
And then he sat down.
Those who knew him understood this was his usual approach. According to his fans, he had a cold personality, which they felt was rather cool.
Anyway, as long as he had works and talent, what difference did it make if he interacted with others a bit distantly?
Would anyone really criticize Lin Yubai over that?
Wang Dagang clearly understood Lin Yubai’s temperament and said no more.

Next, he turned to Wen Yan.
“This is Wen Yan, who just gave a brief introduction of herself.”
“In fact, she’s also starring in my current drama, ‘A Promising Future,’ as the lead actress.”
“For someone who hasn’t been in the industry long, Wen Yan is the most talented newcomer I’ve ever seen!”
“I’m really looking forward to your performance on the show, so don’t let me down!”
Wen Yan stood up, smiled sweetly, bowed to Wang Dagang, and replied, “Thank you, Director, for your praise. I’ll do my best!”
At this moment, she still believed the director was speaking honestly, as she herself thought her acting was quite good.

She didn’t notice, however, that while Wang Dagang was lavishing praise on Wen Yan, Lin Yubai’s face displayed a barely perceptible hint of discomfort, which he quickly masked.

Of course, the live broadcast chat was buzzing.

“Isn’t she that illiterate? She’s a newcomer too, so why is she ranked A?”
“Exactly, her works haven’t even aired yet, and she’s given an A? Outrageous!”
“It makes sense for Bai Ling to be A, but why is she also?”
“She already showed signs of clinging to Bai Ling in previous episodes, and now she’s in the same row as Bai Ling. Is this fate, or backstage manipulation?”
“What’s the matter? You Bai Ling fans need to stop dragging her into everything.”
“Wen Yan’s performance is pretty good too. Just because her drama hasn’t aired, you assume she has no acting skills?”
“Right, there’s no need to compete by putting others down.”
“Everyone, calm down. The next episode will reveal everything.”
“Exactly!”
“There’s manipulation in every show; I even suspect Bai Ling’s ranking is manipulated!”
“Haha, the show is just starting, introducing people, and there’s already drama?”
“……”

“My Lin Yubai is the best—handsome and talented!”
“Anyway, Wen Yan is starring in Director Wang’s drama and acting alongside Lin Yubai—that says a lot. Would a major director misjudge her?”
“Right, Wen Yan’s work is a big production. Bai Ling’s is just a small web series; once Wen Yan’s airs, it’ll probably overshadow hers instantly.”
“I wonder if Wen Yan’s acting will outshine Bai Ling’s. If it does, that would be interesting.”
“Haha, Bai Ling’s journey has been too smooth. I wonder if Wen Yan can teach her a lesson!”
“What? You’re talking nonsense! Bai Ling’s journey too smooth? Want it for yourself?”
“I’m turning off the comments; it’s lowering my IQ. I’ll just quietly watch the show.”

Wang Dagang continued to critique a few more actors.
Some he praised, others he pointed out difficulties for.
He might be right, he might be wrong.
Those he spoke to were either delighted, disappointed, or simply indifferent.
In any case, Wang Dagang was the most talkative of the four directors.

He rambled on for more than ten minutes, and the host on stage began to grow anxious—it had gone on far too long. Fortunately, Wang Dagang finally seemed ready to set down the microphone, much to the host’s relief.
Just as Wang Dagang was about to do so, something seemed to occur to him, and he turned to Bai Ling.

“Bai Ling!”
“Though Teacher Zhuge has already commented on you, I’d like to add a few words.”
Bai Ling hadn’t expected to be mentioned; though reluctant, she stood and addressed him as “teacher.”

“Bai Ling, although your work has achieved certain success, web dramas are still different from proper television series.”
“Perhaps—and I stress perhaps—there is an element of luck involved in your journey, so you mustn’t let your guard down.”
“I hope you’ll excel even more with Teacher Zhuge’s guidance.”

It seemed a normal speech, yet Bai Ling felt he had emphasized the word “luck” a bit too much.
She wasn’t sure if she was being overly sensitive.

“Thank you, teacher, for the reminder!”

Of course, she didn’t react further, but the live chat was sure to have plenty to say.
Many began comparing “A Promising Future” with “The Crown Princess,” pointing out their rivalry and suggesting “A Promising Future” was using the popularity of “The Crown Princess” and Bai Ling for hype.
Still, such opinions weren’t rampant.

Like Bai Ling herself sensed, she felt Wang Dagang was implying her success owed more to luck than skill.
But his words were diplomatic, and no one felt inclined to take offense.

“Well, thank you to our directors for your comments and encouragement.”
“Next comes the main segment of our first episode: forming teams and choosing scripts!”

“Now, everyone is free to pick their teammates, form a group, and have one member draw lots to select a script.”

“There’s a week until the next episode is recorded. During this week, actors should familiarize themselves with the script, their fellow actors, and rehearse.”

“Throughout, the directors will visit their rehearsal venues at random times to observe, understand the situation, and offer guidance.”

“I hope all the actors seize this opportunity. When the second episode begins, the directors will score each actor and select their favorites for their own teams, personally coaching them and directing the subsequent shows…”