Chapter 120: A Predictable Show

Especially when it came to Cai Cai, netizens tended to favor her more.

Cai Cai was more outgoing, and children like her were often more popular. Compared to her, the quieter and gentler Xiao Qi faded into the background. Naturally, Cai Cai had higher recognition and more fans than Xiao Qi.

But now, the scene of her slamming her chopsticks down left everyone stunned!

Dong Ran was momentarily speechless. After a brief silence, she said lightly, “In this industry, you have to get used to things like this sooner or later. These carefully curated personas are meant for outsiders. If you don’t build a fanbase, how do you earn from them and increase your popularity? We just have to take everything with a grain of salt.”

Do people in the industry idolize celebrities? Of course, some do. But they usually admired true talents rather than those who relied on crafted personas to gain traction.

The reason was simple—

Everyone in the industry knew exactly how these so-called ‘popular idols’ were packaged and promoted.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t say anything. She turned her gaze toward the television, where the screen now showed Yang Dan trying to comfort Cai Cai.

Yang Dan had a remarkably gentle presence. There was a kind of grace and composure in the way she spoke. When she entered the room, she didn’t say anything at first. Instead, she simply patted Cai Cai’s back lightly and handed her a tissue.

Cai Cai sobbed as she wiped away her tears, but Yang Dan remained silent, merely watching her with quiet patience.

And gradually, Cai Cai stopped crying…

Only then did Yang Dan finally speak. “I’m getting old now, and I don’t know how many more times I’ll be able to participate in this show. Every time I see young girls like you, so full of potential and energy, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the beauty of youth.”

“…Grandma Yang, you’re still very young!”

Cai Cai felt that Yang Dan’s words were a bit off. Wasn’t she supposed to be comforting her? Why did it sound like she was reminiscing about her golden years instead?

“Child, in life, we meet all kinds of people. Sometimes, we cross paths just once, never to meet again. When you think about it, even a passing stranger can feel precious and worth cherishing, don’t you agree?”

Cai Cai was a little confused but still nodded.

“Everyone is different. We all have qualities that shine, but we also have areas where we fall short. If you only compare your weaknesses to someone else’s strengths, your mindset will become imbalanced. It will feel like even your good qualities have disappeared. But if you learn to view things calmly and rationally, such problems won’t arise.”

As Yang Dan spoke, her gaze was serene and filled with wisdom. However, Cai Cai didn’t seem to catch the deeper meaning behind her words.

She nodded. “You’re right, Grandma Yang. I was being unreasonable. The fact that I’m bad at cooking is my own shortcoming, and I should acknowledge it rather than compare myself to others.”

Cai Cai already regretted her outburst. She shouldn’t have lost her temper in front of everyone. If this part aired, negative discussions about her would surely spread. Realizing this, she quickly admitted her mistake and obediently thanked Yang Dan.

Yang Dan gave her a long, meaningful look before sighing silently. Then, she stood up and said, “Come on, let’s head back down to eat. Don’t keep everyone waiting.”

“Grandma Yang is so kind… She reminds me of my own grandma…” Ming Zhu murmured, eyes filled with admiration.

She, too, didn’t pick up on the deeper implications of Yang Dan’s words, assuming she was simply comforting Cai Cai about her failed cooking attempt.

However, Dong Ran seemed to have noticed something—but she chose to remain silent.

The show continued.

An affordable and satisfying breakfast, six guests going through hilarious job-hunting experiences…

Dong Ran and Ming Zhu were completely engrossed in the show, laughing from time to time. Even Jiang Xiaobai, who had participated in the filming, found it interesting to watch from a third-person perspective. Experiencing it firsthand and seeing it as an outsider were two entirely different things.

The episode lasted an hour and a half, but with commercials included…

Two hours later, the ending theme played.

“This episode was amazing! Bo Xing and Lu Xiaoqian were so funny! Just thinking about them cracks me up! Hahaha… And Sister Xiaobai, you looked stunning—flawless from every angle!” Ming Zhu gushed.

However, Dong Ran frowned, not looking as pleased.

“Sister Ran, is there something wrong?” Ming Zhu noticed her expression.

“Not exactly wrong, but Xiaobai’s segment lacked highlights,” Dong Ran said, a hint of concern in her voice.

She had watched the show with a critical eye, focusing entirely on Jiang Xiaobai’s performance. However, after the episode ended, she realized there weren’t many standout moments for her.

Yes, she was beautiful, but people already saw her as a “pretty face.” No matter how stunning she was, it wasn’t surprising. Instead, it gave off a different impression—

A vase is supposed to be beautiful. If it’s not even that, then what is its worth?

“That’s not true! Sister Xiaobai was warm, smart, and talented in the show! She sings beautifully, can cook, works seriously, and has a great personality. Everyone on the show liked her!” Ming Zhu argued.

Dong Ran glanced at her.

“Sings beautifully? Is she better than Cai Cai or Xiao Qi? She can cook—so what? Xiao Qi can, too. Works seriously and has a good personality? Aside from Lu Xiaoqian and Cai Cai, who doesn’t? As for being well-liked, again—aside from Cai Cai, who isn’t?”

Ming Zhu was at a loss for words.

“Based on this episode, who do you think gained the most fans?” Dong Ran asked.

“Bo Xing and Lu Xiaoqian,” Jiang Xiaobai answered.

Dong Ran’s eyes showed approval. “Exactly.”

Bo Xing’s “jinx star” reputation made him a constant source of comedic relief. He always took his tasks seriously but ended up wasting effort in the funniest ways, making the audience laugh while also feeling sorry for him.

And Lu Xiaoqian? He was energetic, lively, and mischievous, like an overgrown child. Even Ming Zhu had unconsciously smiled at his antics, much like a doting mother.

Their work results were disastrous, but they had the most entertaining moments. Meanwhile, Xiao Qi, who was competent in every way, didn’t stand out much. The only thing people would say about her was that she was “capable and reliable.”

“So does that mean Sister Xiaobai’s appearance in this episode was pointless?” Ming Zhu asked, sounding disappointed.

“Not exactly. Aside from Lu Xiaoqian and Bo Xing, the two most attention-grabbing guests were Xiaobai and Cai Cai. This episode will still have an impact,” Dong Ran reassured her.

Ming Zhu looked confused. “I understand Sister Xiaobai being a highlight, but Cai Cai…?”

“Negative attention is still attention,” Dong Ran smirked. “Cai Cai slacked off during work, was rude to customers, and even had a conflict with Xiaobai during the meal. Her image is going to take a huge hit. Once the audience sees this, it’s bound to stir up controversy.”

Is being criticized the worst thing for a celebrity? Not necessarily. Being talked about—even negatively—meant that people were still interested in you, that you still had buzz.

The worst fate for an entertainer wasn’t getting bad press—it was being forgotten altogether.

After all, there’s a reason why “infamous” is still a kind of fame.

Chapter 121: Yang Dan’s Hidden Meaning

Jiang Xiaobai thought Dong Ran had a unique perspective, and her analysis was spot on.

At the moment, the least noticeable people were Luo Quan and Xiao Qi. Among the six guests, their appearances weren’t particularly striking, and although they worked hard, they gave off the impression of being diligent “workhorses”—reliable but lacking presence.

They simply didn’t stand out.

Entertainers without memorable moments or catchphrases struggle to shine in variety shows—they are the definition of “lacking variety sense.”

“But it’s not a big deal. Right now, you’re at the center of attention. Many people watching this episode will be focusing on you. In this situation, not making a mistake is already a win,” Dong Ran reassured her, perhaps worried about discouraging Jiang Xiaobai, who was participating in a reality show for the first time.

“That’s right! Sister Xiaobai, you did great! Plus, even if this episode wasn’t your highlight, just wait until next week when they air your ‘heroic capture of the criminal’—that will instantly turn things around!” Ming Zhu added eagerly.

Jiang Xiaobai chuckled. “Mm, I know. It’s late, you two should go to bed.”

“Okay, you should rest early too. You’ve got filming tomorrow,” Dong Ran reminded her.

After saying goodnight, Dong Ran and Ming Zhu returned to their shared room. While Dong Ran was in the shower, she noticed Ming Zhu sitting on the bed with her phone, eyes glued to the screen, waiting for something.

“Zhu Zhu, what are you watching?” she asked.

“Once it’s past midnight, A Family in the Town will be available for streaming!” Ming Zhu said excitedly.

“Didn’t you already watch it?”

“It’s different! The online version will have real-time comments! I want to see how netizens are reacting to this episode,” Ming Zhu said seriously. “Especially their opinions on Sister Xiaobai!”

Dong Ran stared at her for a moment, then chuckled, her normally stern expression softening slightly.

Ming Zhu, having finished her explanation, refocused on her phone.

The next day, unsurprisingly, A Family in the Town became a trending topic.

As Jiang Xiaobai sat in the makeup chair getting styled for the shoot, she scrolled through her phone, taking note of the most-discussed points among netizens—

“Poor Bo Xing, he’s too good-looking for this world!”

“Lu Xiaoqian is hilarious! Did he get a job just so he could have easier access to fried chicken?”

“Cai Cai’s performance was… something else. So spoiled and lazy, she’s completely shattered her past image… Also, her barefaced look… Sorry, but I’m unfollowing her.”

“Xiao Qi is so responsible and hardworking! I hope my daughter grows up to be like her.”

“Luo Quan is seriously dedicated… He carried all those delivery boxes and got his clothes dirty without complaint!”

“Jiang Xiaobai is absolutely stunning!”

Reality aligned almost exactly with Dong Ran’s predictions!

Lu Xiaoqian gained a lot of fans, Bo Xing won the audience’s sympathy, and Xiao Qi and Luo Quan received simple praise for their diligence. Jiang Xiaobai was mostly recognized for her god-tier visuals. And Cai Cai…

She had completely dominated a trending topic—

“Cai Cai Slams Her Chopsticks at the Dinner Table!”

In truth, audiences were always more interested in celebrities’ mistakes, and the attention on Cai Cai’s outburst even surpassed that of Lu Xiaoqian and Bo Xing. This surprised even Jiang Xiaobai.

The trending post even included a video clip—showing the full sequence where Cai Cai nitpicked Jiang Xiaobai, followed by Lan Qiao’s explanation, and then her angered reaction of slamming her chopsticks on the table.

Netizens were astonished—so this was what Cai Cai was really like?

How was she any different from a spoiled child throwing a tantrum?

However, the trending topic quickly took a turn. Instead of framing Cai Cai as unreasonable, it was now spun as her being young, with an “honest and straightforward” personality. Some even praised her for recognizing her mistakes and correcting them.

The video of her outburst was also swapped. Instead of showing her nitpicking Jiang Xiaobai and angrily slamming her chopsticks, the newly circulated footage focused on Yang Dan comforting her. The clip highlighted Cai Cai’s “sweet and sincere” apology to Lan Qiao and Jiang Xiaobai, making it seem as though she had quickly realized her mistake and sought reconciliation.

This shift in the narrative led to a wave of comments—

“Everyone makes mistakes! Cai Cai is still young and lacks experience, so of course, she’s bound to slip up sometimes. But she apologized right away, and the issue wasn’t even that serious. There’s no need to keep harping on it.”

“Ignore the keyboard warriors! They act like they’ve never made a mistake before. Give her a break!”

“It was probably just an unintentional misunderstanding. As long as she’s willing to change, let’s not drag this on. Even the people involved don’t seem to mind anymore.”

Clearly, Rainbow’s management company had stepped in at the right time, carefully maneuvering the situation to lessen the backlash against Cai Cai.

As more footage aired, netizens started focusing on Yang Dan instead. Many praised the veteran actress for being a kind and wise elder, comparing her to a loving grandmother or mother figure. Her words resonated deeply with the audience.

Still, a few viewers picked up on something beneath the surface—

“Am I the only one who thinks Grandma Yang was implying something deeper? She wasn’t just talking about cooking. It felt like she was hinting that Cai Cai was jealous of Jiang Xiaobai and used the dinner as an excuse to lash out. The food was secondary—the real issue was her resentment toward Jiang Xiaobai.”

This particular viewer was quite perceptive, but when they voiced their thoughts online, they were met with heavy criticism—

“Yeah, sure, you’re the only one who thinks that! Cai Cai is way more popular than that no-name Jiang Xiaobai. Why would she even be jealous?”

“Cai Cai was just making an honest comment. It had nothing to do with jealousy! I can’t cook either, and if I were in that situation, I’d probably assume Lan Qiao was favoring Jiang Xiaobai too.”

In the end, the discussion didn’t gain much traction. This episode had too many other interesting moments for people to dwell on Cai Cai’s incident for long—such as the thought-provoking discussion that night about “staying true to oneself.”

“The difference between a ‘cute girl’ and a ‘stunning beauty’ is too real. I’ve lived for 20 years and have only ever seen cute girls. True beauties? Never. Life is unfair!”

“If being a ‘seductress’ means getting tons of envy and judgment, then I say—sign me up for ten lifetimes as one, thanks!”

“Jiang Xiaobai’s problems really are exclusive to gorgeous women. Ordinary people like me will never relate.”

“Lan Qiao made a great point—don’t lump everyone in the entertainment industry together. Sure, there are some bad apples, but isn’t that true for every profession? It all comes down to personal choices.”

Apart from this, another major topic of discussion was Bo Xing.

From the moment he joined the show, he had been plagued by mishaps—whether it was bad luck striking him personally or affecting those around him. At first, everyone found it hilarious, but after laughing for a while, people started to feel bad for him. Many began wondering if there was a way to “fix” his luck.

Chapter 122: Any Issues with the Next Episode?

Netizens came up with all sorts of suggestions—

“Maybe his house has bad feng shui? He should move to a new place.”

“How about putting up a deity statue at home, like Guan Gong? It might ward off misfortune.”

“He should visit temples more often and wear blessed charms.”

“Maybe he’s paying for sins from a past life? Doing good deeds and accumulating virtue could help.”

Some of these were serious, but then the comments took a more amusing turn—

“Wear red underwear! That’s supposed to help!”

“Hang garlic around the house.”

“Use black dog blood to dispel bad luck.”

“I’ve got it! Have you all forgotten the most common method in TV dramas? To get rid of bad luck and refresh your aura, what’s better than a ‘chongxi’ ritual? Bo Xing should get married to drive away misfortune!”

That last suggestion had everyone cracking up.

“Seriously? Chongxi? You actually believe in that outdated superstition?”

“And besides, doesn’t chongxi only work for people on their deathbeds? My idol is just unlucky, not dying!”

“I have a serious question—what woman would marry an unlucky guy like Bo Xing? Wouldn’t she end up being called ‘Miss Misfortune’?”

Someone even compiled all these ideas into a post and tagged Bo Xing directly.

A few hours later, Bo Xing actually responded—

“Thanks for your concern, everyone. I’ve already found a way that seems to be working. I’m testing it out now.”

His reply immediately piqued everyone’s curiosity. People kept asking for details, but he didn’t reply again.

—

“Sister Xiaobai, lots of people praised you in this episode! Hardly any negative comments! And guess what? Tons of fans are saying they want to visit the internet café and bubble tea shop you worked at, just so they can experience your ‘service’ firsthand!”

Ming Zhu excitedly shared what she had seen in the online comment section overnight.

Compared to Lu Xiaoqian and Bo Xing, who had endless comedic moments, Jiang Xiaobai didn’t have as many viral gags. However, this week’s episode had still helped her gain a solid number of fans.

Many people had previously viewed her as “arrogant” and “talentless.” While a variety show couldn’t exactly prove her acting skills, it had at least softened their impression of her personality.

For example, during Cai Cai’s outburst, Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t reacted with anger or sharp retorts. Instead, she had looked genuinely confused and a little flustered, which many found unexpectedly endearing.

Later, when she worked at the internet café and bubble tea shop, she surprised viewers by being completely down-to-earth. She was constantly busy and had no airs about her—forming a stark contrast to Cai Cai’s attitude.

“Zhu Zhu, you must be exhausted. Go back to the hotel and take a nap at noon. I’ll be fine here.”

Jiang Xiaobai had already heard from Dong Ran that Ming Zhu had stayed up past 2 AM watching videos and reading comments. The dark circles under her eyes were proof.

“I’m not tired! I’ll just sleep early tonight.”

Ming Zhu refused outright. She didn’t feel comfortable leaving Jiang Xiaobai alone. Besides, how could she rest while her boss was hard at work?

Jiang Xiaobai had no time to argue further, as her makeup was already done and she needed to get back to filming.

During lunch, the cast members sat together eating takeout when Lin Tingliang suddenly scooted closer to Jiang Xiaobai.

“Sister Xiaobai, I watched your show last night. You did great.”

Lin Tingliang was the young actor who had secretly taken barefaced photos of Jiang Xiaobai on set before. In the drama, he played the junior disciple of Mu Wanran’s sect.

“Thanks.”

“By the way, I saw you playing games. If you ever want to team up, let’s play together! I’ll carry you!” Lin Tingliang’s tone turned excited at the thought.

“You mean League of Glory? You play that too?” Xiaobai asked, surprised.

The moment she said it, several male actors in the crew chuckled.

“Of course! Almost every young person plays it—we’re all hardcore fans of the game!” Lin Tingliang grinned.

Xiaobai considered for a moment. “Alright, let’s play sometime.”

Lin Tingliang clenched his fist in triumph, visibly excited.

Jiang Xiaobai thought that if she had time, she should indeed familiarize herself with the game.

The original owner of her body had fought with her brother, Jiang Zhiyi, over this very game, which had caused a major rift between them. The siblings had barely spoken since. Perhaps if she learned more about the game, she could find a way to mend their relationship.

There was also another crucial reason—

Once filming for this drama wrapped up, her next project would be The King of E-sports, where she would play a female gaming legend. Getting into the right gaming mindset ahead of time would make her performance much more convincing.

At Shengyang Entertainment’s management office—

BANG!

A loud slap on the table made Cai Cai instinctively shrink back.

“Cai Cai, what did I tell you before you went on the show?!”

Her manager, Anan, was livid. His face was flushed with anger, veins bulging at his forehead and neck. His palm had turned red from slamming the table, but he didn’t even seem to notice the pain.

“I told you over and over again—follow Xiao Qi’s lead and listen to her reminders! But what did you do?! Did my words go in one ear and out the other?!”

“I-I didn’t do anything wrong…” Cai Cai stammered.

Normally, she never saw Anan this furious. With Brother Fang backing her, she was used to getting her way. But seeing Anan this enraged unsettled her.

“Didn’t do anything wrong?! If the company hadn’t stepped in and taken down the negative posts, do you have any idea how much hate you’d be getting right now?! Have you been spoiled for so long that you’ve forgotten the sheer terror of online backlash?!”

Anan glared at her in exasperation, barely stopping himself from cursing her out.

Xiao Qi stood silently beside Cai Cai, eyes downcast, staring at her shoes without a word.

Cai Cai’s expression faltered at his words.

Her career hadn’t always been smooth sailing. Early on, she had gotten in trouble for an offhand complaint. While signing autographs for fans at an event, she had muttered a few words of annoyance. Unfortunately, someone caught it on camera and uploaded it online, causing a backlash.

That period had nearly broken her. She had been afraid to go outside, scared of the relentless criticism. She might not have recovered if Brother Fang had not handled the damage control. Eventually, time passed, and the public forgot about it.

“You’ve really gotten bold—throwing a tantrum at the host and guests on the very first day of filming?! Let me tell you something—Young Master Fang isn’t happy about this either. You’d better think about how you’re going to explain yourself to him.”

Anan’s voice was sharp with frustration.

Cai Cai had been about to argue back, but at the mention of Young Master Fang, she fell silent, looking uneasy.

Seeing that he had finally gotten through to her, Anan exhaled sharply. His tone softened slightly.

“We’re not even going to talk about this episode anymore. I just need to know—will you be a problem in the next one?”

Chapter 123: Restore It for Me

If there are issues in the next episode, Anan must immediately contact the production team to ensure that any unfavorable footage of Cai Cai is edited out.

It doesn’t matter if she gets less screen time, as long as there’s no more bad press!

Hearing this, Cai Cai thought carefully before shaking her head. “No, this was the only time I had an argument with someone. Everything else should be fine.”

Anan looked at her skeptically. “Really?”

Why did he find that hard to believe…

“Really!” Cai Cai nodded firmly.

She genuinely believed her performance wasn’t problematic. Except for the first day when she couldn’t hold back her tears at dinner, everything else had been fine. Even if there were issues, they weren’t major enough to stand out. So, she nodded with confidence.

Xiao Qi pressed her lips together, then heard Anan ask her, “Xiao Qi, is that true?”

Xiao Qi lifted her head, eyes slightly blank, and then shook her head. “Our work is handled individually. I don’t know how Cai Cai performed on her side.”

Anan frowned, glancing back at Cai Cai. “Alright, I’ll take your word for it for now. But remember, if anything else happens, you’ll have to deal with the consequences yourself! Now, go find Young Master Fang and explain things to him.”

Cai Cai bit her lip and mumbled an acknowledgment before heading out nervously.

Xiao Qi watched her leave, her gaze darkening slightly.

“Xiao Qi, it’s a good thing you’re here. Your performance on the show has been excellent!” Anan said warmly.

“Brother Anan, it’s what I should do.”

“Ah, if only Cai Cai were as well-behaved as you. I wouldn’t have to work so hard…” Anan sighed.

Xiao Qi remained silent for a moment before speaking. “Brother Anan, no group lasts forever. If one day our ‘Rainbow’ disbands…”

“Nonsense! How could you guys disband?” Anan interrupted her before she could finish, waving his hand dismissively. “You two can go further together. Splitting up would be a loss.”

Xiao Qi didn’t continue the conversation, just smiled obediently. “Then, Brother Anan, I’ll go practice my singing now.”

“Alright, go ahead. Keep up the good work.”

The buzz from the show didn’t last long. In less than a day, other trending topics had taken over.

Meanwhile, Li Biying had returned to the film set. However, wanting to give First Empress more preparation time, she voluntarily requested to speed up the shooting schedule, making the entire cast and crew much busier.

Four days later, Li Biying came to find Jiang Xiaobai.

“The talisman here turned gray! What’s going on? Is it about to lose its effect?”

Li Biying had always been careful with the charm inside her pendant, making sure to take it off every time she bathed so it wouldn’t get wet.

But yesterday, after an exhausting day of filming, she realized she had forgotten to remove it before showering. Panicked, she immediately checked it.

Though the paper inside wasn’t wet, over half of it had turned gray.

That’s why she rushed over to Jiang Xiaobai first thing in the morning.

“Hmm, its fortune is working on you. The more benefits you gain, the faster it gets consumed,” Jiang Xiaobai glanced at the talisman.

“It’s been consumed this much already…” Li Biying’s eyelid twitched. Suddenly, she thought of something. “Does that mean the situation with Mr. Ning’s mother was thanks to this?”

The more she considered it, the clearer the idea became.

That’s right! Ever since that incident, she had been wondering why she had acted that way. She was never the kind of person to be blindly kindhearted!

And nowadays, helping strangers—especially the elderly—was risky. Even if the old person had no bad intentions, who could guarantee their family wouldn’t cause trouble afterward?

Rushing in to help like that… What was she, a billionaire’s daughter with money to burn?

For Li Biying, even if she were as rich as a mining tycoon, she still couldn’t afford to help people recklessly—because she was a celebrity. If someone decided to frame her, her entire career could be ruined.

In a rational state, she might have just walked away. But that day, after only a moment’s hesitation, she found herself stepping toward the elderly. That brief surge of kindness felt almost like she had been possessed by some saintly aura!

Now that she thought about it—this had to be because of the talisman!

But—

Li Biying considered the benefits she had gained after helping the old lady. Maybe if she encountered a similar situation again, she could lend a hand? Not everyone was ungrateful, after all!

If everyone gave just a little love, the world would be a much better place!

“That should be the case,” Jiang Xiaobai nodded.

Without hesitation, Li Biying took off her necklace. “I don’t care. Restore it for me.”

Jiang Xiaobai, “…It can’t be restored. Once it’s used up, you need a new one.”

“Then replace it.”

Jiang Xiaobai chuckled. “You haven’t used it all yet. What’s the rush?”

Wasn’t there still a small portion that hadn’t turned gray?

“Of course I’m in a rush! If you give me a new one now, maybe in two months, I’ll be all set!” Li Biying glanced around before giving Jiang Xiaobai a meaningful look.

Everyone knew First Empress was in the works, but outsiders only suspected that He Qian was the likely lead. No one had connected Li Biying to the role.

The project was still under wraps—if any leaks got out now, the consequences would be unpredictable.

Li Biying had thought it through countless times. Her appearance made her a great fit for playing the young Wu Zetian, but portraying the empress at a later stage was trickier. Still, it wasn’t a major obstacle—with today’s advanced makeup techniques, anything was possible with the right styling and cosmetics.

Her acting skills weren’t bad either. The only thing she lacked was an air of absolute dominance. Two months might not be a long time, but with focused training, she had a chance.

But sometimes, ability alone wasn’t enough. Luck played a part too. With a good fortune talisman, she believed her odds of success would increase significantly.

“Alright, I’ll make you a new one. I’ll have it ready before your training begins,” Jiang Xiaobai agreed.

She had already missed her chance to give Li Biying a gift before. Since she had been considering making something for her, now she knew exactly what to prepare.

“Then I’ll be waiting for your good news!” Li Biying’s brows relaxed as she beamed.

“By the way, where’s the jade I gave you?” Jiang Xiaobai suddenly asked.

“Why? Are you taking it back?” Li Biying clutched her bag warily.

Jiang Xiaobai immediately understood where it was. She reached out her hand. “As long as you still have it, that’s good. Hand it over—I can have my family enhance it into an upgraded luck talisman.”

“Really?” Li Biying’s eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she pulled a yellow jade piece from her bag.

She had taken great care of it, storing it in an elegant jewelry box. Handing the box to Jiang Xiaobai, she muttered, “I was actually planning to have my mom find a skilled artisan to refine it. I even made arrangements already… Good thing I didn’t move too fast.”

Chapter 124: Chronicles of Working in a Small Town

The film crew’s work continued as usual. Every morning, Jiang Xiaobai left the hotel and only returned after dark. After washing up, she would check the latest news for a bit before going to sleep. If not for Ming Zhu’s reminder, she wouldn’t have realized that tonight was the broadcast of Chronicles of Working in a Small Town.

A week had passed since the last episode aired, and the hype had died down somewhat. But the production team had their own ways to stir up interest.

Just yesterday, they had started teasing the new episode, releasing a behind-the-scenes highlight reel on Weibo. This rekindled excitement among viewers who had forgotten about the show.

That night, Jiang Xiaobai had a late-night filming session. By the time she got back to the hotel, it was already past eleven—perfectly missing the television premiere. Fortunately, the online premiere was available after midnight, allowing her to watch while following the live comments.

After washing up, she, Dong Ran, and Ming Zhu gathered around a tablet and started watching.

The episode began with footage from the second morning of work. It featured Jiang Xiaobai and the Rainbow group’s morning run, including the moment when Cai Cai asked to switch jobs with Jiang Xiaobai.

This scene didn’t seem problematic—Cai Cai appeared like a playful child asking for candy, coming across as cute rather than annoying.

The episode then moved on to the day’s work. Apart from the job swap between Jiang Xiaobai and Cai Cai, everything else remained the same as the previous day.

At work, Cai Cai went to Lemon Tree Internet Café. The moment she arrived, she introduced herself, saying she was a friend of Jiang Xiaobai and wanted to work there since Jiang Xiaobai wouldn’t be coming. She asked the owner if he would allow it.

Coincidentally, the café owner, Yang Shuai, recognized her. With a casual wave, he let her stay, offering her a pay rate of 100 yuan for the morning shift.

Yang Huan, standing nearby, also seemed excited. She clearly knew Cai Cai and might have even been a fan.

After everyone’s work scenes were shown, the episode finally focused on Jiang Xiaobai.

When Jiang Xiaobai was shown sketching for Sister Zheng, Ming Zhu gasped.

“Xiaobai, you drew this? It’s incredible! But… why does it look different from the one you did for Zhang Yishui?”

Dong Ran, also curious, leaned in.

During the Zhang Yishui incident, Jiang Xiaobai’s sketches had gone viral. They had seen them before, but even an outsider like Ming Zhu could tell that today’s style was completely different.

The brushstrokes, lines, and overall style—it was all distinct!

“That was a long time ago. Over the years, I’ve changed to a style I like more,” Jiang Xiaobai said casually, though her heart skipped a beat.

Ming Zhu’s eyes sparkled. “Both styles look amazing… No, this one looks even better! Xiaobai, you’re incredible!”

Ming Zhu then turned her gaze to the live comments scrolling on the screen, grinning.

“Who said Jiang Xiaobai is just a pretty face? She’s so talented!”

“I saw her sketches during the Zhang Yishui incident, but this is even more refined!”

“Her drawing is so lifelike! And she sketches so fast—do all artists work like this?”

“I study art, and I’m telling you, we usually start with outlines. But she doesn’t! She’s a genius!”

Just as Jiang Xiaobai expected, the comment section went wild when Jiang Xiaobai broke away from the typical “job-hunting” format and shifted toward “entrepreneurship.”

Some praised her intelligence, while others marveled at her drawing skills.

For the first time, the public truly saw another side of this so-called “flower vase.” She wasn’t just relying on her looks—she had solid artistic skills.

The production team also knew exactly where the episode’s highlight moments were, which is why her drawing scenes received the most screen time.

The cameraman did an excellent job capturing flattering angles. On-screen, Jiang Xiaobai’s profile was flawless, her expression focused and serious. Her clear eyes occasionally glanced at her client, and when she lowered her gaze, her eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, making her look like a living painting.

As a result, a wave of fans flooded the comments.

“She’s an absolute goddess! I’m in love!”

“I’m a girl, but even I can’t resist this beauty…”

“She’s truly stunning, and somehow, she looks even better than before. Even in the entertainment industry, she stands out! Now I’m looking forward to her role as Liu Ruyan!”

Some sharp-eyed viewers noticed subtle differences in Jiang Xiaobai’s appearance, but it didn’t spark much discussion.

After all, she hadn’t had many fans before—few people were familiar enough with her past to even make a comparison!

Seeing the flood of compliments in the live chat, Jiang Xiaobai felt slightly embarrassed. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, making Ming Zhu, sitting beside her, steal several glances at her.

Since becoming Xiaobai’s assistant, Ming Zhu had gotten used to seeing her flawless face every day. She hardly even looked in the mirror anymore.

What was the point?

With a face like this, who would still have the nerve to admire themselves?

Though Jiang Xiaobai had much screen time, the show didn’t completely ignore the other participants. Everyone had their moments, and soon, the scene shifted to Cai Cai.

At last, Jiang Xiaobai understood why Cai Cai’s afternoon wages had been reduced…

Because she was even less active than the boss!

At first, when customers needed something, she would run errands for them. But after a few times, she got tired of it and decided to stay at the counter. When someone called for service, she would just glance at Yang Huan as if to say—

“Hey, look, the customer is calling. You should go.”

Jiang Xiaobai could see that Yang Huan was fuming, but she couldn’t do anything about it—after all, they were being recorded for the show!

With no other choice, Yang Huan had to do all the work herself.

At first, the café owner, Yang Shuai, was quite fond of Cai Cai’s soft and delicate persona. He had treated her kindly. But his patience ran thin when he saw her making his sister do all the work.

Are you kidding me? I paid 100 yuan just to hire a diva?

The contrast was stark—Jiang Xiaobai was also a celebrity, and she was even more stunning than Cai Cai. Yet the previous day, she had been running back and forth nonstop, taking only a short half-hour break!

And Cai Cai?

She had barely moved for more than half an hour in total!

Yang Shuai was thoroughly annoyed, though he kept his composure for appearances. Still, he gave a subtle but pointed reminder:

“Cai Cai, we have quite a lot of customers today. My sister is struggling to keep up. Would you mind helping out a bit more?”

Cai Cai clearly wasn’t happy about it, but she reluctantly agreed. However, her movements were painfully slow…

For every three trips Yang Huan made, Cai Cai completed just one.

Yang Shuai’s face darkened. When it came time to settle her pay at noon, his tone was noticeably colder.

“There won’t be as many customers this afternoon, so I can’t offer the same rate. It’ll only be 50 yuan. Do you still want to continue?”

This was basically a gentle way of telling her to leave. Everyone knew that afternoons were busier than mornings.

Yang Shuai thought that by lowering the pay to 50, Cai Cai would quit. But instead—

“50? …Alright, fine. It’s just half an afternoon left anyway.”

Cai Cai’s face showed evident dissatisfaction, and her voice was reluctant.

Yang Shuai nearly lost his temper on the spot, instantly regretting that he hadn’t set the pay at 20.

No, I have to stay calm!

She’s a celebrity. She can bring more business to my café!

Taking a deep breath, Yang Shuai forced himself to keep his cool.

Chapter 125: Joining the Show to Lose Fans?

Ming Zhu couldn’t hold back her laughter at this point, and the live comments were filled with exclamation marks.

“Cai Cai is way too lazy! I can’t watch this anymore. Props to the boss for holding back his temper.”

“The boss’s face is turning green.”

“I feel secondhand embarrassment just watching this… How does Cai Cai not read the room? The guy is clearly trying to get her to leave!”

“I’m switching from a fan to a hater.”

“Casual viewer turned hater.”

“Seriously, did Cai Cai join this show just to lose fans?”

When Cai Cai had asked Jiang Xiaobai about the internet café job that morning, most netizens hadn’t turned on her yet. Even in the previous episode, when she had abandoned her post at the clothing store and slacked off at the accessories shop, she hadn’t faced much criticism.

After all, the accessories store’s customers were notoriously picky. While her behavior wasn’t ideal, it wasn’t outright unacceptable.

But today was different. The café was busy, and customers were only asking for simple things like snacks and drinks—yet she couldn’t even be bothered to move?

And this was after the production team had already edited out some of her worst moments. Several times, the cameras had caught her making rude faces or rolling her eyes. However, fearing backlash from Shengyang, the show’s team decided to cut those parts.

Even so, viewers found it unbearable!

Some fans of the Rainbow duo began to waver. Their idols had once seemed perfect, but now they were seeing cracks in that image. It was a harsh wake-up call.

Luckily, even if Cai Cai was disappointing, there was still Xiao Qi!

Xiao Qi had been diligent, hardworking, and the complete opposite of Cai Cai. Because of this contrast, many viewers started shifting their attention to Xiao Qi, and some of Cai Cai’s fans even switched to supporting her instead.

By the end of the workday, Jiang Xiaobai and Cai Cai had become the two most talked-about figures in the episode—

One as the perfect example of hard work and talent.

The other as the poster child for laziness and entitlement.

Especially notable was Jiang Xiaobai’s conversation with Sister Zheng about dreams, which struck a deep chord with many viewers. The comment section turned contemplative.

“Do you still remember your childhood dreams?”

“It just hit me… I can’t even remember the last time I thought about my dreams.”

After the day’s work ended, the next scene featured the guests shopping for groceries—some planning to cook for themselves, while others opted for takeout from local restaurants.

When the camera zoomed in on Jiang Xiaobai, showing her standing in line for sesame pancakes, viewers immediately perked up, sitting upright and staring at their screens.

It’s happening. It’s happening! Old Bie San is coming!

In reality, Jiang Xiaobai had waited in line for twenty minutes. But, of course, the show edited out unnecessary footage. Soon, the scene jumped to a sudden commotion—a customer argument.

Jiang Xiaobai’s face darkened as she stepped forward, now the camera’s focus.

The cameraman instinctively zoomed in on her, capturing a dramatic close-up. The sudden full frame shot of her face left viewers breathless.

“Oh my god, she’s even more gorgeous up close! Is this a boyfriend’s perspective shot?!”

“It feels like she’s about to kiss me—what do I do?!”

“Help, I’m panicking! Online responses needed, ASAP!”

But just as the screen was filled with pink-hued fantasies, Jiang Xiaobai’s following words shattered the dreamy atmosphere—

“Call the police now! I just saw a wanted murderer from an online alert!”

Then, the cameraman’s shocked voice could be heard in the background, followed by Jiang Xiaobai’s abrupt movement—she bolted forward, chasing after someone while shouting out Old Bie San’s identity.

At this point, a different camera operator took over the tracking shot. The rest of the footage had already gone viral online before the episode aired, but seeing it all unfold in sequence still felt nerve-wracking and thrilling—

Pfft! Thrilling? More like hilarious!

Especially when Old Bie San tripped and fell, making countless viewers burst into laughter. The screen was instantly flooded with “hahaha” comments—

“Jiang Xiaobai is amazing. She scared the guy so badly he tripped over his own feet!”

“Tripping on flat ground? Seriously?”

“Does Jiang Xiaobai’s mouth have divine power? She just spoke, and it instantly came true! 666!”

While some people laughed, others reflected on a more serious issue. Plenty of bystanders had been on the street that day, yet not a single one had stepped forward to help. From start to finish, Jiang Xiaobai had handled the suspect alone.

“This is kind of chilling… Why didn’t anyone step in to help? The guy Jiang Xiaobai warned backed away and disappeared when he realized who Old Bie San was! So frustrating!”

“Maybe they thought this was just some prank video, so they just watched instead of acting. By the time they understood, it was too late.”

“It’s an instinct. If the cameraman hadn’t been there, maybe some people would have reacted differently and helped.”

The comment section was buzzing with heated discussions.

Later in the episode, the cameraman captured a heartwarming moment—the sesame pancake vendors insisted on giving Jiang Xiaobai some free food. Many viewers found this gesture touching.

The show continued until the next morning, when everyone hiked up to the Mountain and had a group meal. At this point, Jiang Xiaobai took out a drawing she had secretly worked on—a group portrait of everyone.

The moment it was revealed, the comment section exploded again. Netizens praised both her artistic skills and her thoughtful nature.

As the final episode concluded and the ending theme played, Dong Ran breathed a long breath of relief.

Her expression softened into a satisfied smile. “Xiaobai, you’re about to blow up.”

“I think so too! Xiaobai, I’m sure everyone who watched this episode will fall in love with you!” Ming Zhu said excitedly.

If Jiang Xiaobai had performed well but stayed relatively unnoticed in the last episode, then this time, she was undoubtedly the show’s star!

Catching a wanted fugitive was already a massive win for her public image. Many people would tune in just to see that moment. And Ming Zhu was confident that once those viewers started watching, they couldn’t help but develop a liking for Xiaobai!

“Gaining fans isn’t the most important thing,” Dong Ran said. “If this can reduce some of the hate and change people’s perception of you, that would be a great start.”

Jiang Xiaobai nodded. “I think so too. One step at a time.”

“Alright, get some rest. We’re heading back to our rooms.” Dong Ran stood up, ready to leave.

Just as they were about to go, Jiang Xiaobai hesitated momentarily before asking, “Sister Ran … The company’s agent evaluation—isn’t it happening soon?”

She vaguely remembered it being this month but wasn’t sure about the exact date.

Hearing her question, Dong Ran chuckled, her expression softening further. “It already happened. I forgot to tell you guys—I passed the assessment and kept my Silver-tier Agent status.”

The evaluation occurred last week, but Jiang Xiaobai had been filming, so Dong Ran hadn’t mentioned it.

During that same week, the news of Jiang Xiaobai catching a fugitive went viral, bringing unexpected publicity to Tangming Entertainment. Because of this, Dong Ran’s assessment went smoothly.

If that incident hadn’t happened, things might have been much trickier.

Chapter 126: Fireworks Rose

Jiang Xiaobai frowned. “Only Silver-tier? But weren’t you a Gold-tier agent before?”

Dong Ran’s expression stiffened for a moment. She averted her gaze unnaturally. “That was in the past. Even though your career is on the rise, you haven’t had any major works released yet. I’ll have to wait until the next evaluation for the Gold-tier status.”

After saying that, she quickly excused herself, claiming she was tired and needed rest, and left the room in a hurry.

“Zhu Zhu.”

Jiang Xiaobai stopped Ming Zhu, who was about to follow Dong Ran. “What happened to Sister Ran before? Can you tell me?”

Ming Zhu hesitated. “This… But Sister Ran told me not to tell you. She was afraid it would affect you…”

“This isn’t exactly a secret in the industry, is it? If you don’t tell me, I’ll have to ask someone else. What if I get the wrong information? Wouldn’t that be worse?” Jiang Xiaobai looked at her intently.

Ming Zhu panicked. “No, don’t ask others! They don’t know the full story!”

“Then tell me.”

“…Alright.”

Ming Zhu finally relented.

“I heard about this a year ago from people at the company. I felt something was off, so I went straight to Sister Ran to ask. That’s when she told me the truth,” Ming Zhu said, carefully choosing her words. “Before you, Sister Ran managed another artist. That artist was the reason she became a Gold-tier agent—but also the reason she nearly lost everything.”

There was clear resentment in Ming Zhu’s tone.

“Who was it? And what happened?” Jiang Xiaobai’s curiosity deepened.

“Her name is Zhao Chenyu. She was that actress who briefly became famous three years ago because of a Republican-era drama.”

Zhao Chenyu?

Jiang Xiaobai was surprised. “Zhao Chenyu, the lead actress of Fireworks Rose? She used to be Sister Ran’s artist?”

Zhao Chenyu was a second-tier actress, but she was one of the top names in that category. She had appeared in numerous dramas, though mostly as the second female lead. The one production that truly skyrocketed her career was Fireworks Rose.

It was a historical drama set in the chaotic Republican era, filled with love, betrayal, and war. Zhao Chenyu played the role of Leng Lan, the concubine of a powerful warlord.

Zhao Chenyu wasn’t stunningly beautiful—her looks were above average at best—but that particular role perfectly suited her serene and elegant aura, as if it had been tailor-made for her.

On screen, she was both alluring and refined. Dressed in exquisite cheongsams, her figure was accentuated with a sultry grace. Her delicate beauty, combined with her captivating charm, made every glance from her feel like a silent invitation.

In the show, her character was an undercover spy, constantly clashing with the warlord male lead. Through schemes and counter-schemes, their mutual distrust eventually turned into admiration, then love. Together, they fought for a place of peace amidst the turbulent times.

That drama propelled Zhao Chenyu from a third-tier actress to the upper ranks of the second tier.

Jiang Xiaobai knew that Zhao Chenyu had once been signed with Tangming Entertainment but later terminated her contract and moved to Shenghuang Entertainment. However, she had never known that Zhao Chenyu and Dong Ran had a past together.

Back then, Jiang Xiaobai had yet to officially enter the industry, so she wasn’t aware of these past events.

“Of course she was under Sister Ran! If it weren’t for Sister Ran running around, pulling strings, and fighting to get her the role of Leng Lan, would she have skyrocketed overnight?”

Ming Zhu scoffed coldly.

She rarely showed this expression, so Jiang Xiaobai immediately knew that Zhao Chenyu must have done something unforgivable.

Since she had already started talking, there was no point in stopping now. Ming Zhu recounted the entire incident to Jiang Xiaobai.

Before managing Zhao Chenyu, Dong Ran had handled two other female artists. However, neither had gained much fame. After spending several years in the industry without success, they both decided to retire, get married, and settle down—essentially giving up on the entertainment scene.

Zhao Chenyu, however, was a promising talent. She was hardworking and had a natural gift for acting—someone who grasped concepts quickly. Dong Ran saw her potential and poured all her energy into her development.

Step by step, she paved the way for Zhao Chenyu. First, she arranged small advertisements and commercial performances to build her reputation. She introduced her to other actors within the company to expand her connections. She even pulled favors from industry friends to secure minor roles, ensuring she had screen time to establish her presence with audiences.

Zhao Chenyu had a gentle personality and knew how to flatter others, so she managed to build a good network within the industry. After about three years, she successfully climbed to the ranks of a third-tier actress.

Dong Ran believed that with her talent, Zhao Chenyu had the potential to break into the second tier and possibly even reach first-tier stardom.

Fueled by that ambition, Dong Ran worked tirelessly, leveraging her contacts to find the perfect script. When she discovered the role of Leng Lan, she personally negotiated with investors and producers, presenting Zhao Chenyu’s past work to convince them. After half a month of persistent effort, she finally got an opening—

“Let her audition.”

During that time, Dong Ran had already gone over the character of Leng Lan multiple times with Zhao Chenyu. She had even selected key scenes for Zhao Chenyu to practice in advance.

Her instincts proved right—the scene chosen for the audition happened to be one they had rehearsed extensively.

In the end, Zhao Chenyu landed the lead role of Leng Lan.

When Fireworks Rose aired, Zhao Chenyu skyrocketed to fame. She went from a mid-tier third-line actress to a top-tier second-line star, accumulating a massive fan base almost overnight.

But shortly after, disaster struck.

At the time, Zhao Chenyu was the ambassador for a mid-to-high-end jewelry brand. During a promotional event, she discovered that she had the wrong necklace!

The diamond necklace she was supposed to wear was extremely valuable. More importantly, it was the centerpiece of the brand’s summer collection. Zhao Chenyu was supposed to showcase it to the audience and pose for promotional photos to be released online.

But when she opened the jewelry box, she found that the necklace inside wasn’t the signature piece—it was a smaller, pink diamond necklace meant as a backup!

Despite the extensive preparations, they had brought the wrong jewelry!

The brand representatives were furious. Though they made do with the pink diamond necklace for the event, they later demanded compensation from Tangming Entertainment, accusing them of ruining their campaign. They even sought to terminate their contract with Zhao Chenyu.

Tangming Entertainment, as an industry giant, was well-versed in handling such crises. They managed to smooth things over without major repercussions, but they were still enraged by the mistake.

The necklace had been delivered to Zhao Chenyu three days before the event. The brand had asked her to pick an outfit that matched its design, ensuring she would appear at the event in the most elegant way possible.

The pink diamond piece was merely a backup, intended for additional photo sessions if time allowed.

Dong Ran had been responsible for keeping the main necklace safe. But when the mistake was discovered, all the blame fell on her shoulders.

Back at the office, Dong Ran was still in a daze. She distinctly remembered checking the box before leaving for the event—the diamond necklace was definitely inside. So how had it turned into the pink diamond one?