Chapter 70: This Song Must Be Continued! The Leading Lady Script!

Being a celebrity is undoubtedly a lucrative profession. Yet, interestingly, even among celebrities, the gap in income is considerable. This disparity is not only due to differences in status or popularity, but also arises from the distinctions between various sectors of the industry.

For instance, the lowest earnings come from participating in variety shows—a whole episode of exhausting work brings in less money than a songwriter earns through royalties. Most singers, despite their complaints, still envy actors, who can enjoy a substantial payday in a single day.

So, wherever you look, the world is full of disparities. The entertainment industry is no exception.

When Bai Ling was in a girl group, she barely made any money. Things improved somewhat after she became a singer. Yet, even with the phenomenal success of “Under the Sea,” she only received a little over ten million in royalties. Compared to the windfall actors receive for just one day’s work, the difference is stark.

Of course, Bai Ling was referring to top-tier actors, such as Lin Yubai. Perhaps part of the reason is that song royalties accrue over time, while actors are paid in one lump sum. Still, it’s undeniable that acting is a far more lucrative and promising path than singing.

Thus, Bai Ling could understand the company’s arrangements. She nodded and said, “Alright. I understand.”

“I’ll talk to Sister Ge about it then. I’ll consider this opportunity.”

She wasn’t opposed to acting—she simply felt that, with no foundation to speak of, she would only embarrass herself if she jumped in unprepared. It all depended on the system’s sincerity.

Moreover, Bai Ling was a bit lazy by nature; dashing about on set didn’t suit her temperament. So—did you hear that, system? Do your best, and show some effort!

“So, what’s the good news? What is it?” Bai Ling asked.

Miaomiao chuckled. “The good news is from Teacher Leng Yan.”

“Leng Yan?”

“What about him?”

Miaomiao replied, “Sister Bai, did you forget what happened last night? Teacher Leng Yan asked you to write a song.”

“He wasn’t just making small talk. This morning, we received news that Leng Yan’s company sent over a proposal, inviting you to compose and perform a song with him.”

“And the invitation isn’t just from their company—it’s from... the Education Headquarters.”

Bai Ling was stunned.

The Education Headquarters? This was no longer just a matter of the entertainment industry.

Naturally, Bai Ling immediately thought of what had happened yesterday afternoon.

“Could it be related to yesterday’s events?”

Miaomiao had clearly already read the proposal. “Sister Bai, I can’t say for sure why Teacher Leng Yan would offer you such a great opportunity and want to share it with you. But judging by the contents of the proposal, it’s likely connected to what you said yesterday afternoon.”

“So, Sister Bai, are you still thinking of turning it down?”

Bai Ling shook her head. “Of course not.”

If it were a trivial matter, Bai Ling would have declined if she could. But this was different. It was meaningful.

Still, she needed some time to prepare.

She went to the airport, flew back to the company dorm—it was actually the hotel she had rented long-term—paid no heed to anything else, and indulged in a good, deep sleep to restore herself.

It wasn’t until the next day that she went to see the company.

However, when Bai Ling arrived at Spring and Autumn Company, she noticed that some people were looking at her rather oddly.

That strange look gave Bai Ling a sense of foreboding.

But she didn’t question anyone, heading straight to Sister Ge’s office instead.

Suddenly, the sound of an argument broke out.

“Ge Fenfen, don’t think Bai Ling is something special just because she’s gotten popular. She’s offended the wrong people—sooner or later, she’ll get into trouble. I’m advising you for your own good.”

“You’ve been in this business for years. Don’t you understand how things work behind the scenes?”

“I want this project, and you’re not getting it!”

Bai Ling recognized the speaker: Ou Qianqin, Wen Yan’s manager.

By all rights, with Wen Yan in trouble, Ou Qianqin should’ve been reprimanded, maybe even forced to keep a low profile for a while.

She shouldn’t be acting so arrogant in front of Ge Fenfen.

After all, Bai Ling’s performance had brought considerable honor to the company.

Such abnormal behavior set off alarm bells in Bai Ling’s mind.

“Sure enough, nothing good ever comes from crossing paths with Wen Yan, the so-called ‘fated heroine,’” Bai Ling thought, already bracing herself for the worst.

However, Ge Fenfen was no pushover.

In the office, Ge Fenfen let out a cold laugh. “Ou Qianqin, do you really think you can lecture me?”

“This project is not yours to take. I said so!”

“I know Wen Yan has powerful connections, but so what? You think I don’t?”

“Get out. I’m tired of listening to you. If you want this role, come and take it if you can!”

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.”

Ou Qianqin was clearly infuriated, on the verge of smashing something—her heavy breathing was audible even to Bai Ling at the door.

Bai Ling was genuinely tempted to suggest she see a doctor; that kind of wheezing couldn’t be healthy.

“Hmph, we’ll see about that.”

Ou Qianqin didn’t bother to argue further. In fact, the two of them had already been at it for quite some time. At this point, Ou Qianqin was at her wit’s end.

She stood abruptly, her high heels clacking anxiously on the floor as she stormed out—just in time to come face to face with Bai Ling.

Momentarily taken aback by the encounter, Ou Qianqin froze.

Bai Ling flashed her a sweet smile.

“Aren’t you Sister Ou? Seems like you had a lively chat. Wishing you good health.”

Ou Qianqin’s face flushed with rage.

So she’d been standing at the door the whole time—obviously, she’d heard the entire conversation. This “good health” was clearly meant to provoke.

“Hmph, you just wait and see.”

“I’ve been in this industry for years. I’ve seen plenty of stars rise and fall, and plenty who end up forgotten.”

With that, Ou Qianqin stormed off.

Bai Ling had no interest in her, and entered Ge Fenfen’s office.

“So, you heard all of that?”

At that moment, Ge Fenfen took a pill—Bai Ling didn’t know what it was for.

Glancing over, Bai Ling said, “I heard everything. So, what’s going on?”

Ge Fenfen sighed. “Who else but you, stirring up trouble?”

“If not for that mess with Wen Yan, my work would be much smoother now.”

“Here, this is the script I fought for on your behalf.”

She tossed the script onto the table.

“This is a major project, self-produced and self-funded by our company. It’s said that the higher-ups have high hopes for it—they want to create a hit.”

“It’s a female-lead drama, and that’s all the rage these days.”