Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Director's Invitation and the Distribution of New Rewards

After Leng Yan fell silent, Ouyang Ruofeng spoke up at that moment.

“Miss Bai, may I call you Ling Bai? It feels a bit distant to keep addressing you as Miss Bai.”

Ling Bai paused for a moment. “That’s up to you.”

Ouyang Ruofeng continued, “If you don’t have any plans to release new songs soon, have you considered acting?”

If Leng Yan’s intention to invite Ling Bai to release music was already surprising, Ouyang Ruofeng’s invitation was utterly astonishing.

“Ah? Acting?”

Ling Bai was taken aback; she had no acting skills to speak of.

Since her debut, the most she had done was appear on variety shows and release a few songs, most of which were tied to her girl group activities.

In other words, at best she was half a singer and an idol, with no connection whatsoever to the word ‘actor’.

Why would Ouyang Ruofeng, a rising new director, invite her?

This didn’t make sense!

At the same time, Ling Bai couldn’t help but think about something else.

Wen Yan had indeed left because of her, so why were Lin Yubai and Zhuge Ming so indifferent?

If they were just pretending, their acting wouldn’t be so convincing.

At least Zhuge Ming and Ouyang Ruofeng were not actors like Lin Yubai.

Ling Bai was more convinced deep down that Wen Yan had not won the ‘love’ of these male leads and supporting characters from the start.

Back to the matter at hand, faced with Ouyang Ruofeng’s invitation, Ling Bai shook her head. “I don’t know how to act.”

Ouyang Ruofeng hurriedly said, “Ling Bai, don’t be so quick to refuse.”

“I have a role that suits you perfectly, and as for acting skills…”

“You can always learn,” Zhuge Ming chimed in, giving Ouyang Ruofeng a meaningful glance.

The two seemed to exchange looks, displaying a tacit understanding.

Ling Bai still wanted to refuse; two male supporting characters inviting her to act together?

Wouldn’t that inevitably put her in conflict with Wen Yan?

There was also the possibility she’d be cast as a supporting role.

After all, it was her first time acting—how could she possibly be given the lead?

Other newcomers only landed leading roles because they had powerful backing or someone pushing them.

What did Ling Bai have behind her?

Nothing at all.

Wen Huaiyu spoke to Ling Bai, “Ling, you’re still young. It’s rare that Ouyang wants you for a part—why refuse?”

“Times have changed. In this industry, you don’t have to stick to just one path.”

Wen Huaiyu genuinely regarded Ling Bai as a junior.

Her advice was shaped by years of experience, or perhaps, by her own journey as a warning.

Although Wen Huaiyu was well-known in the performing arts, her opera skills were unmatched among her peers.

But times had changed. How many people still enjoyed opera?

If it weren’t for the current trend of blending opera vocals into songs, creating the so-called ‘ancient style’ genre, these traditions might never regain their former fame.

Precisely because of this, Wen Huaiyu understood what mattered most for Ling Bai.

If it were someone else, Wen Huaiyu would have advised them to focus on honing their own skills at such a young age.

Not to spread themselves too thin.

But Ling Bai’s musical talent and innate ability were evident to all.

She had already achieved remarkable success.

Given that, why not walk multiple paths?

Acting in a drama could be another form of growth.

If it proved unsuitable, she could retreat gracefully.

With this mindset, Wen Huaiyu gently persuaded her.

Those nearby nodded in agreement.

Wen Haiquan and Jin Chenglin, unlike Wen Huaiyu, had fared better.

Each possessed their own skills, but unlike Wen Huaiyu, they weren’t so specialized.

Thus, they had managed to thrive over the years.

Wen Huaiyu’s advice seemed more fitting for the current era.

So, they joined in the persuasion.

Of course, it wasn’t a collective barrage; rather, it felt like a casual conversation about the changing times.

There was a certain bittersweetness of the older generation.

The audience didn’t find it tedious.

“After all the restlessness of recent years, the entertainment industry really needs to settle down.”

“It’s such a pity that veteran artists are being overshadowed by today’s traffic.”

“Teacher Wen Haiquan said it well—Ling Bai’s talent is extraordinary. She released two songs, both big hits. She’s genuinely qualified to try cross-disciplinary work. As for the other traffic stars, forget it.”

“I still prefer Ling Bai as a singer, but if it’s her choice, I can only support her—I’m a loyal fan, after all.”

“Maybe not, though. Ling Bai’s fame is so recent. Is she really ready to act? Isn’t that too reckless?”

“Right, why rush?”

“She didn’t ask for this—Ouyang brought it up.”

“He’s a professional director, young but surely more knowledgeable than us. If he says there’s a role suited to Ling Bai, I don’t see a problem.”

“Exactly, this is a golden opportunity. How can you blame Ling Bai?”

“And she hasn’t agreed yet. I’d suggest she accept.”

Everyone had their own opinions.

But most important was Ling Bai’s own wishes.

After thinking for a while, Ling Bai said to Ouyang, “Let’s look at the script first.”

“If the role fits me, I’ll certainly give Director Ouyang the honor.”

If it turned out she’d be a supporting role to Wen Yan, or otherwise entangled with her, Ling Bai could decline later.

For now, since they were still live on stream, Ling Bai had to be tactful.

This answer was the most diplomatic and satisfying.

At least Wen Huaiyu and the others looked at Ling Bai and couldn’t help but praise her cleverness.

Since tomorrow would mark the end of filming, there was no need for any talent performances tonight.

Everyone washed up and hurried to get some rest.

After a day of labor, exhaustion was inevitable.

Ling Bai also enjoyed a rare, peaceful evening without Wen Yan at her side.

Yet, before sleep claimed her, the system’s prompt sounded in her mind.

“Due to the host’s active participation in voluntary activities, you’ve gained +20 in script reading skills!”

“Due to the host’s conflicts with others during voluntary activities, which negatively impacted networking, you’ve earned one blind box!”

“Congratulations, host! Your slogan ‘Young people make the nation strong’ has won the favor of a batch of fans. Reward: script of a hit drama from your previous life (choose one).”