Chapter Eighty-One: A Genuine Performance

Fortunately, Bai Ling had a good attitude. Even if the powerful forces behind Wen Yan began to make moves, determined to secure Wen Yan’s place in the industry, what did it matter? What did it have to do with Bai Ling? Ignoring those bewildering comments, Bai Ling washed up and prepared to sleep.

Although she had written (copied) the script herself, the other actors in the crew were still unfamiliar with the plot. So script readings would continue for several days until everyone had a thorough understanding of the story. This meant Bai Ling would be tied up with the crew for the next few days.

Before filming officially began, two things happened to Bai Ling.

The first was that the group who’d initially been taken for questioning due to a misunderstanding involving Bai Ling approached Miaomiao of their own accord. They wanted to appear as extras in Bai Ling’s film. After all, this was an opportunity. Miaomiao arranged it for them. It turned out they were all promising talents—both the boys and girls showed real acting skills, truly worthy of their professional training. Since there was already a shortage of people, Ouyang simply kept them all and assigned them several moderately sized roles.

They were deeply grateful, expressing their thanks for Director Ouyang’s recognition and for Bai Ling’s opportunity. After all, giving roses to others leaves a lingering fragrance on one’s hand. This was certainly something to be pleased about.

But the second event was far less pleasant.

Once “A Bright Future” announced the start of filming, the major media outlets swarmed in like sharks smelling blood. After all, the incident between Bai Ling and Wen Yan on the variety show was widely known, so the two upcoming films were relentlessly compared.

Naturally, there was no contest. “A Bright Future” was Spring and Autumn Company’s darling project, with a famed director, a celebrated screenwriter, and movie king Lin Yubai. Not to mention the lavish costumes and set design. How could “The Princess Consort’s Promotion” possibly compete? It was a complete rout on every front.

As a result, waves of ridicule followed—whether from Wen Yan’s fans, paid trolls, or bored writers with nothing better to do.

It was at this moment that Bai Ling realized some people simply had too much time on their hands. Surfing online all day was one thing, but dragging others down without reason was another—far too much.

While Bai Ling was somewhat troubled by the so-called “fated female lead,” Ouyang Ruofeng was in high spirits. In his words, “It’s better to have attention than none at all. Besides, the harsher the ridicule now, the higher the expectations later. Isn’t it all the more satisfying if we turn the tide?”

Looking at him, Bai Ling couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sure your surname is Ouyang? Are you sure your name isn’t Xiao Yan?”

Ouyang Ruofeng was stunned. “Who’s Xiao Yan?”

Bai Ling sighed. The literary and entertainment world here was still lacking. If she hadn’t transmigrated into a starlet, she’d probably be in a rented apartment writing novels right now, shaking up this world with the phrase “thirty years east of the river, thirty years west.”

Still, Ouyang’s comfort did help—after a few good meals and several restful nights, Bai Ling put it all behind her. Now that she was in the crew, the only thing that mattered was acting well. Everything else could wait—even if the sky fell, Bai Ling would pretend not to see it.

With such a mindset, Bai Ling was increasingly taking on the air of a true actress.

Finally, filming began.

The first scene was Bai Ling waking up on an outrageously extravagant white bed, then showing her shock upon discovering she’d transformed from a man into a woman. Not to mention the plot—just the costumes and set were already eye-catching.

Brilliant red gauze fluttered in the wind; the main hall, though old, had been refurbished, but the color scheme was glaringly out of place. The enormous bed was draped with only a single piece of white silk. As for Bai Ling’s costume—was it even clothing? Calling it rags would be more appropriate. Of course, on anyone else it would look like rags, but on Bai Ling it exuded an inexplicable allure. Truly, a woman whose default attributes were beauty and charm—even Bai Ling herself wanted to take her own hand and register for marriage.

Many on set couldn’t help swooning—this was the so-called “killing both men and women” effect.

Seeing their reactions, Bai Ling felt reassured. “The Princess Consort’s Promotion” might have seemed a bit nonsensical, slapdash, and cheaply made, but in truth it was a true breakout hit. Even though it was just a web series, it was wildly popular—especially among teenagers. Up until 2023, before Bai Ling’s transmigration, no web drama could rival it in views or buzz.

Its massive success on such a low budget boiled down to two things: the unique gender-bending premise and the lead actress’s beauty. Many were drawn in by the visuals, then captivated by the outrageous plot twists. Of course, there were many flaws that were hard to stomach, but in the end, plenty of people were willing to support it.

Bai Ling didn’t expect to perfectly replicate that achievement—just a fraction of its success would already be enough.

However, her lofty ambitions crumbled when Ouyang Ruofeng insisted on bringing in the crew’s most expensive wind machine.

“Ouyang, are you serious?”

Ouyang scratched his head. “Bai Ling, I seriously considered your suggestion. Look at the costumes and set—they look fantastic on you. And I think if we use the wind to make the red gauze flutter, it’ll have a lot of impact. Trust my vision—and your creativity. We can do it!”

He even made a heart gesture.

Bai Ling was both exasperated and disgusted. “I was joking! Do you even know what a joke is?”

She’d just been teasing him in casual conversation—how could this guy take it seriously? Was it even possible to chat with him normally in the future?

Ouyang’s expression turned serious. “Miss Bai, please take note—I’m the director. It’s decided. Lie down, we’re starting! All departments, ready! Scene one, take one!”

Bai Ling lay down helplessly. Fine, it was time to perform in her true style.

P.S. (About the view count—at least when I checked recently, it was still the case. If not, don’t blame me!)