Chapter 15: Filming Begins

“It’s alright. Don’t take it to heart. They’re just sour grapes because they couldn’t get what they wanted,” Gu Xue comforted.

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at her in surprise, her smile warming slightly. “Thank you.”

Over the past few days, from the makeup test day to the opening ceremony and the first day of filming, Jiang Xiaobai met most of the crew. But she could sense their attitudes toward her.

Cold indifference, scrutiny, disdain, curiosity… Gu Xue was the first to express kindness openly.

While they were getting their makeup done, some scenes had already begun filming. However, the initial scenes didn’t involve the lead actors; they were focused on the supporting characters.

Jiang Xiaobai waited nearly two hours before an assistant finally informed her and a few other actors that the director wanted them on set.

The named actors were all somewhat nervous and excited. When they arrived on set, they saw the director giving Li Biying a private briefing.

Indeed, the next scene was a major one, featuring the female lead, Wanran, the second female lead, Liu Ruyan, and several supporting characters from the same sect.

“This next scene is a pivotal opening moment. Both Wanran and Liu Ruyan are making their first appearances, and there are also significant figures from the sect present, along with many disciples as background…”

Once all the actors had gathered, Director Niu began explaining the scene. Unlike his one-on-one session with Li Biying, he now focused on the bigger picture—blocking, body language, and key performance points.

Everyone knew what scenes they were filming today and had prepared in advance. Since it was the first official day of filming, everyone took it very seriously and listened attentively.

Despite Director Niu’s patience with Li Biying, his temper was as fiery as his surname suggested. Criticizing and scolding actors was nothing new in his crew, so everyone was on their best behavior, afraid of being the first to be reprimanded in The Legend of the Nine Heavens.

Seeing that they were ready, Director Niu nodded to the script supervisor.

Location: Outside the main hall of Chaotian Sect

Characters: Mu Wanran, Liu Ruyan, sect elders, and several disciples.

The script supervisor clapped the board: “The Legend of the Nine Heavens, Scene 3, Action!”

“Mu Wanran! You’ve been in the sect for several years, but your cultivation hasn’t improved. You’re always at the bottom of every competition. You should be doing much better with your talent, but you’re not even trying! The newer disciples have already surpassed you. You’re a disgrace to our Chaotian Sect!”

A middle-aged man scolded her coldly.

Li Biying played Wanran. She was dressed in the Chaotian Sect’s disciple robes—white with a hint of blue at the waist, which made her look delicate and graceful, her figure poised.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Liu… I know my progress is slow, but I’ve really been doing my best…”

Wanran’s face flushed with embarrassment as she sheathed her sword and lowered her head.

“Your best? With your talent, even if you can’t match your Senior Sister Liu, you should at least be on par with your Junior Brother Meng. But you? Even your junior disciples have surpassed you. It’s a joke!”

Uncle Liu was furious. “Look at these disciples. They’ve seen your performance. Do you know how many of them are laughing at you?”

Wanran bit her lip and glanced behind her, only to see many faces stifling laughter.

Her eyes immediately welled up with tears, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

“Enough, Junior Brother Liu. My disciple has talent, but perhaps her comprehension… Diligence can make up for shortcomings. Let her figure it out herself,” a man with a strong presence spoke up. He had a square face, thick eyebrows, and an air of sharpness.

This was Mo Chen, the master of both Wanran and Liu Ruyan.

Mo Chen held a prestigious position as one of the seven peak masters of the Chaotian Sect. He had taken in eight disciples, including a junior brother surnamed Meng, whom Uncle Liu had mentioned earlier.

Peak masters only accepted disciples with exceptional talent. Though Mo Chen was strict, he was also dedicated to teaching. His other disciples had progressed rapidly, especially Liu Ruyan, who stood out the most. In comparison, Mu Wanran’s progress was embarrassing.

After eight years of cultivation, she had been surpassed by a junior brother who had just turned thirteen!

Today was the sect’s disciple competition, and once again, Mu Wanran had placed last among her peers. No wonder her master, uncle, and the elders all looked displeased.

“I say, Senior Brother Mo, you’re too lenient with your disciple. If this continues, what if everyone starts slacking off like her?” Uncle Liu snorted.

Mo Chen’s expression darkened as he looked at Wanran kneeling on the ground, his brows furrowing.

Just as he was about to speak, a clear, melodious voice rang out.

“Master, Junior Sister Wanran has been diligently cultivating every day. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. She hasn’t been slacking off.”

As the voice echoed, a figure slowly appeared.

Jiang Xiaobai was wearing the same robes as Li Biying. In fact, all of the Chaotian Sect’s direct disciples wore the same attire. Still, she carried herself in a completely different way.

Li Biying was pure, like a small white flower blooming in the early morning. But Jiang Xiaobai was transcendent and elegant, her every movement and even her voice conveying one thing—

She was the center of attention!

As she walked onto the stage, everyone’s gaze shifted to her. Many of the male disciples below stared at her with infatuation, not even blinking.

This was part of the script, but Jiang Xiaobai’s beauty made their performances more natural. After all, anyone would be unable to look away when such a stunning beauty walked by.

In contrast, the female disciples reacted differently—some were envious, while others secretly gritted their teeth in jealousy.

“Ruyan, you don’t have to compete today. Why are you here?”

Seeing Liu Ruyan, Mo Chen’s expression instantly relaxed, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

Kneeling on the ground, Mu Wanran felt a pang of bitterness as she saw her master’s utterly different attitude toward them. She bit her lower lip, and the tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her face.

“Master, I just wanted to come and see.”

Liu Ruyan spoke, then glanced at Wanran below, a hint of concern flashing in her eyes. “Master, leave Junior Sister Wanran’s cultivation to me. I’ll do my best to guide her.”

“Wouldn’t that take up your time?”

“It won’t.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you. Wanran, from now on, work hard with your Senior Sister Ruyan. Don’t slack off.”

Mo Chen nodded in agreement, abandoning his earlier intention to punish Wanran to set an example for the other disciples.

 

 

Chapter 16: Hanging on Wires

“Yes, Master.”

Mu Wanran raised her teary eyes, casting a grateful glance at Liu Ruyan. However, a hint of disappointment unconsciously flickered in her gaze. She was always the disciple most overlooked by her master, while Liu Ruyan was the apple of her master’s eye. She couldn’t help but envy her senior sister…

She must train harder; she absolutely cannot become a disgrace to the Chaotian Sect!

Mu Wanran clenched her fists, her lips pressed tightly together, and her delicate face showed a determined expression.

“Not bad, very good.”

Director Niu’s stern face also broke into a smile. He was known for his strictness, and today, after shooting three scenes, only this small segment was done in one take, making it the most satisfying part for him.

“Li Biying, your performance was excellent; you nailed the small details perfectly. Keep up this standard, and you’ll be fine. Jiang Xiaobai, you did well too.”

He addressed the two leads of the scene.

“Director Niu, rest assured, I will continue to work hard.”

Li Biying smiled gracefully but cast an ambiguous glance at Jiang Xiaobai.

What’s going on? Wasn’t she supposed to be a talentless actress?

Li Biying was hailed as a rising star for a reason. Besides her striking looks, her acting skills were top-notch among her peers. How could she afford to put on airs if she wasn’t confident in her abilities?

She had the skills, so naturally, she could discern whether others did. Today was their first scene together, but Jiang Xiaobai’s performance surprised her.

Her exterior was cold, but the warmth and concern in her eyes slightly melted her icy demeanor. Such skill was not something a mere “flower vase” could display!

“Thank you, Director Niu, for your affirmation. I will continue to strive.”

Jiang Xiaobai also breathed a sigh of relief. No one knew how nervous she had been just now. The one with acting experience was the original owner, not her! Her palms had been sweating during the scene.

As she finished speaking, she noticed someone watching her. Following the gaze, she saw Li Biying turn her head away, whispering something to her assistant.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t pay much attention—or rather, she didn’t have time to because the real challenge was coming up next.

It was time for a fight scene!

According to the plot, Mo Chen had been embarrassed by Wanran’s earlier performance. Coincidentally, his proud disciple Liu Ruyan arrived, so he had her spar with her fellow disciples.

Liu Ruyan’s skills were far superior to her peers, so the sparring was just a pretense; the real goal was to save face!

In xianxia, fight scenes are enhanced with special effects in post-production. But even so, the actors have to perform the moves themselves, striking flashy poses, with their robes fluttering as they are hoisted high on wires. For Jiang Xiaobai, this was all quite fascinating.

Yes, she wasn’t nervous or afraid of the challenging fight scenes that most actors dreaded. Instead, she was excited and eager!

In her original world, physical fitness was something everyone practiced from a young age. Children could already practice breathing techniques with their parents’ help by age four or five, using cultivation methods to enhance their bodies. So, even the girls weren’t weaklings.

Flying, however, required reaching a certain level of cultivation. Jiang Xiaobai, who had focused on the path of a talisman master, was different from those who pursued pure cultivation. Her cultivation level was somewhat lacking, and she hadn’t reached that stage before she was killed.

But being light as a feather and performing complex martial arts moves wasn’t difficult for her, especially since the original owner’s body had a dance background.

She was just curious about how it would feel to perform while flying with the help of equipment.

But she soon found out.

First, the action director taught her key moves, such as making her strikes look more elegant and relaxing her body.

The moment she was hoisted up, Jiang Xiaobai’s face scrunched up.

Ouch… that’s tight, and it hurts!

“Keep your expression natural… good, that’s it!”

Director Niu shouted from below.

Li Biying watched from a distance with a cold gaze. She had fight scenes earlier, but since her character was a “rookie,” almost anyone could defeat her in a move or two, so she didn’t need to be on wires.

She had acted in martial arts dramas before. She knew how difficult wirework could be for actors, especially those without experience. The hardship went without saying; sometimes, a single move had to be repeated until perfect, leaving the actor bruised and battered by the end.

Li Biying knew Jiang Xiaobai had little acting experience and, from what she remembered, had never done fight scenes before. So, this first time on wires was tough for her!

She might even end up angering Director Niu.

Thinking this, Li Biying felt a bit more at ease. She glanced at Jiang Xiaobai a few times, noticing her stiff body and unnatural expression in the air, then stopped paying attention and turned to chat with her assistant.

Jiang Xiaobai would be sparring with two male and female people, talented disciples among their peers, and significant supporting characters.

Both had relevant experience, so the action director didn’t spend much time on them but briefly reviewed the key points.

Jiang Xiaobai first fought with the female disciple, which was simple. She “defeated” her in just a few moves, clean and crisp.

The fight with the male disciple took a bit longer because he was an older senior brother, several years their senior and more skilled.

“Wow, who would’ve thought Jiang Xiaobai would pick it up so quickly!”

“Her spins are so graceful; her posture is perfect!”

“Does she have a dance background? Her moves are smooth; she doesn’t look like a beginner.”

As Jiang Xiaobai gradually got used to it, her performance became more natural, surprising the actors and crew watching on the sidelines.

Director Niu had told the action director earlier that this was her first time doing fight scenes and to teach her in detail… but Jiang Xiaobai’s performance didn’t look like that of a beginner at all!

The disciple robes Jiang Xiaobai wore were clean and made of flowing fabric, already giving off an ethereal vibe. As she flew through the air, her robes fluttered with her martial arts moves, and every strike and spin was executed with such grace that it looked like a dance, truly a feast for the eyes.

And this was just the raw footage without any editing or special effects. Imagine how stunning it would look on screen!

Li Biying paused mid-conversation and looked at Jiang Xiaobai, her expression immediately darkening.

This was completely different from the awkwardness she had anticipated!

“Sister Li, Jiang Xiaobai studied dance from a young age. She probably has a good foundation, which is why she’s doing so well.”

Assistant Liu Liu, who had been with Li Biying for a while and understood her temperament, quickly reassured her. “But no matter how good her foundation is, acting is what matters. As the story progresses, Liu Ruyan’s emotional range will become more complex. With her skills, she definitely won’t be able to handle it.”

She knew Li Biying was highly competitive and ambitious. Taking on The Legend of the Nine Heavens was her bid to claim the title of the top actress. She wouldn’t allow anyone to overshadow her!

 

Chapter 17: Bouncing Around

In today’s television dramas and movies, the spotlight is no longer exclusively on the female lead. Influenced by market trends and changing audience preferences, viewers are drawn to outstanding, unique characters.

There are countless examples proving this point. Many hit shows are remembered not for their main leads but for their secondary characters—the second male or the second female lead!

Perhaps it’s because the female leads in many works are often naive and overly kind. At the same time, the male leads are too benevolent and lack strategic thinking. In such cases, supporting characters with distinct personalities—those who dare to love and hate—stand out and capture the audience’s attention.

In Liu Liu’s opinion, The Legend of the Nine Heavens is undoubtedly a good work. It will certainly be adapted into a great drama. However, the positioning of the male and female leads… still feels a bit clichéd.

Take the female lead, for example. In the early stages, she’s just a lone warrior, always venturing into dangerous situations, relying on the male lead to save her, and constantly being fooled by others—believing whatever they say. Only in the story’s later stages does she show any growth.

To put it nicely, she’s pure and kind-hearted. To put it bluntly, she’s foolish.

The male lead isn’t much better. Even though he could use better methods to save the female lead if he stayed calm, he always insists on rushing into danger, ignoring the advice of those around him. While it may seem chivalrous, there were several instances where he and the female lead nearly died together.

Such a setup is a bit awkward, but with Li Biying and Shu Jie’s superb acting skills and high popularity, it’s not a significant flaw. However, there’s a catch: the second male and female leads can’t shine too brightly, or they risk overshadowing the main leads.

Yet, in The Legend of the Nine Heavens, the roles of Gui Jian and Liu Ruyan are exceptionally well-developed. As long as Qiao Yan and Jiang Xiaobai deliver strong performances, standing out won’t be a problem.

This is also why Li Biying, despite her status, still feels threatened by Jiang Xiaobai’s performance.

“You’re right; I think so too.”

Li Biying’s frown gradually eased. Liu Liu’s reassurance gave her ample reason to believe that Jiang Xiaobai posed no real threat to her position.

Liu Liu forced a smile but couldn’t help glancing at Jiang Xiaobai.

She really… looked ethereal, much like Liu Ruyan from the original novel. The title “Moonlit Immortal” suited her perfectly.

Liu Liu hoped Jiang Xiaobai’s future performances would be more average; otherwise, Li Biying would surely take action.

After finishing today’s scenes, Jiang Xiaobai collapsed onto her bed as soon as she returned.

Wirework was torture! She wanted to fly, but not like this!

Ah, life is so hard!

“Later, let Zhu Zhu give you a massage. You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep. Don’t just lie there; go take a bath first. Add some essential oils to relax.”

Dong Ran patted Jiang Xiaobai’s back, pulled her up, and yanked the blanket off.

Jiang Xiaobai gave her a resentful look but had no choice but to grab her change of clothes and head to the bathroom.

Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t felt soreness throughout her body in a long time. Compared to her current body, her original one could be described as “robust.”

Moreover, she didn’t usually engage in physical labor; she just made talismans, which was mentally taxing but not physically exhausting.

There was a slight sting as she soaked in the hot water, but it soon became comfort. Jiang Xiaobai lay still for a while, then sat up and began meditating, allowing the faint spiritual energy to wash over her body. Only then did she feel the fatigue start to dissipate.

“Hurry up! Are you asleep? If you don’t come out soon, I’m coming in!”

Dong Ran knocked on the door.

The water had already turned cold; she had been there for quite a while. Jiang Xiaobai responded, dressed, and stepped out, only to find Dong Ran and Ming Zhu displeased.

“What’s wrong? Did I soak too long? Are you mad?”

Jiang Xiaobai was confused.

“Dou Fang has caused trouble again.”

Dong Ran spoke calmly, looking at Jiang Xiaobai, and then explained what had happened.

It turned out that after Dou Fang had piggybacked on Jiang Xiaobai’s popularity yesterday, her harsh words had earned her quite a bit of backlash. Some people were curious about the feud between her and Jiang Xiaobai, and somehow, their past with Zhang Yishui was exposed.

This got the gossipers excited—such insider secrets were their favorite. After learning the “whole story,” they began mocking Dou Fang.

“Just because your boyfriend used to chase Jiang Xiaobai, you’re holding a grudge? That doesn’t make sense. Besides, how would you be with him now if she hadn’t rejected Zhang Yishui first? You should be thanking her!”

Dou Fang’s Weibo post was deleted shortly after it went up. She had intended to post it from a secondary account but forgot to switch. Only when the angry comments flooded in did she realize her mistake and quickly delete it.

But deleting it didn’t help—someone had already taken a screenshot!

Now, she was being roasted online.

The worst part was that people were mocking her for picking up Jiang Xiaobai’s leftovers!

If this continued, she’d have no face left. So, after discussing it with her agent, she posted another Weibo.

The gist of it was this: Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui had been in a relationship since college. After joining Tangming Entertainment, they met Jiang Xiaobai, a newcomer. At first, the newcomers stuck together, and everyone got along well. But who would have thought that Jiang Xiaobai would try to seduce Zhang Yishui!

Zhang Yishui, who already had a girlfriend, naturally rejected her. But Jiang Xiaobai, feeling humiliated, claimed she was the one who rejected him.

This incident disgusted Dou Fang, who felt that Jiang Xiaobai had a low moral character and had always disliked associating with her.

Dou Fang apologized for her comments during the “second female lead’s leg injury” incident, admitting that her language was inappropriate and expressing her willingness to apologize. However, she also stated that she had only wanted to vent her frustration.

Shortly after, Zhang Yishui reposted her Weibo, adding a line, “Five years ago, we fell in love. To this day, that love remains unchanged. I will only love you, whether in the past or now, and my eyes will never see anyone else. Heart~~”

The comments took a sharp turn after these two posts went up!

“Jiang Xiaobai is shameless! She tried to steal someone else’s boyfriend!”

“She looks like a fox spirit, and her actions are just as vile!”

“Disgusting. Such a person doesn’t deserve her good looks.”

“Huh, Jiang Xiaobai is good-looking, but her taste seems questionable… She actually pursued Zhang Yishui, who already had a girlfriend, and got rejected!” someone commented in disbelief.

Jiang Xiaobai sat on the edge of the bed, listening to Dong Ran recount the events, and couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.

This Dou Fang… will she keep bouncing around like this?

It’s getting a bit annoying.

“What exactly happened back then? Did you really pursue that Zhang Yishui?”

Dong Ran stared at Jiang Xiaobai, her gaze filled with undisguised disdain.

 

Chapter 18: This Stain, I Won’t Accept

New artists typically do not have signed agents when they join a company. The company needs time to observe and nurture them, assessing their performances before deciding which agent level to assign.

So, when Jiang Xiaobai first joined the company, what she experienced was unclear even to Dong Ran.

“Sister Ran, I’m not blind! How could I possibly like someone like Zhang Yishui, with those shifty eyes and that scheming face? Besides, do you really think I would chase after someone?”

Jiang Xiaobai felt like she had swallowed a fly; the idea was utterly disgusting.

Zhang Yishui’s other flaws, not to mention his questionable character, would make the original owner of this body look down on him.

Chasing after someone? Who does he think he is?

“Hmm, I think so too.”

Dong Ran nodded. “But now the problem is a bit tricky. Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui not only want to smear your name but are also trying to use the hype from The Legend of the Nine Heavens to promote themselves. They won’t stop; even without evidence, they’ll create some.”

“Oh no, Sister Ran, Xiaobai, look!”

Zhu Zhu exclaimed, quickly pulling out her phone.

Dong Ran was right; they had no intention of stopping. Just as the heat on their Weibo accounts started to rise, many people claiming to be their classmates also began posting.

“We were all good friends in university. Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui have been together for a long time, and their relationship is quite good.”

“I can testify; they often appeared together during school. It hasn’t been easy for them, and now, five years later, they’re still as sweet as ever. We, their good friends, are very pleased! But who would have thought someone would try to interfere? Is it true that what you steal is always the best?”

Ming Zhu was furious, her hand trembling as she held her phone.

Xiaobai interfering in someone else’s relationship? That was simply impossible!

During her two years as an assistant, she had seen many investors and bosses show interest in Jiang Xiaobai, but she had turned them all down. The last time Sister Ran tried to arrange a meeting with President Zhao, they had even argued about it.

Ming Zhu knew that although people outside claimed Xiaobai’s acting was poor, she was genuinely hardworking, pouring all her energy into improving her craft—she had no time for romance.

And what kind of person was Zhang Yishui? Forget Xiaobai; even Ming Zhu didn’t want to look at him!

“I’ll contact the company; we must suppress this matter.”

Dong Ran stood up with a serious expression, grabbing her phone to leave.

“Sister Ran, no need.”

Jiang Xiaobai tugged at her sleeve.

“Hmm?”

Dong Ran was surprised.

“The PR department is surely aware of this by now. We should hear news soon if they intend to handle it, so you don’t need to call.” Jiang Xiaobai reassured her. “We’re all part of the same company; they won’t let this escalate.”

Since overhearing Mo Kun and Dong Ran’s conversation last time, Jiang Xiaobai has understood Dong Ran’s position in the company; they were both at a low point.

At this time, calling would only lead to sweet talk and begging, and she didn’t want Dong Ran to have to do that.

“You’re so calm at a time like this?”

Dong Ran was taken aback. In the past, if something like this happened, Jiang Xiaobai would have retaliated without thinking. Given her personality, she wouldn’t just extinguish the flames but stoke them even more!

But now, she was actually advising her to stay calm?

Dong Ran felt a strong sense of incongruity. She stared at Jiang Xiaobai for a while, increasingly convinced that she seemed like a different person.

A different person? How could that be!

Shaking her head, Dong Ran dismissed the absurd thought. “Alright, let’s do it your way… Zhu Zhu, go find out who’s trying to step on Xiaobai’s toes with this incident and write down all their names.”

“Okay!”

Ming Zhu nodded vigorously and immediately started jotting down names.

With this wind blowing, many stars were trying to ride the wave.

Almost all of them spoke up for Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui, claiming that they looked very affectionate every time they saw them. They suggested that there was no way they would provoke anyone else, implying that someone else must have poor character.

However, these were all minor stars with limited recognition. Generally, more prominent stars valued their reputations and wouldn’t wade into such muddy waters.

“Sister Ran, this Tian Yue is one of our company’s artists, and she’s openly speaking for Dou Fang! Xiaobai has even helped her before! This is too much!” Ming Zhu exclaimed, writing furiously.

“Ignore people like her; just avoid her in the future.”

“Hmph, I won’t talk to her again!”

Dong Ran remained calm; she had often seen this kind of thing. How many artists had once been good friends and sisters, only to turn against each other when trouble arose? Just because she had helped once didn’t mean anything.

The entertainment industry was never clean. How many once-popular figures had been trampled in the mud, ultimately sinking into obscurity?

“Xiaobai, let’s not take action for now; let the company handle it… What are you doing?!”

Dong Ran was turning to explain to Jiang Xiaobai when she noticed her fiddling with her phone.

Wait? Jiang Xiaobai had no intention of waiting.

While Dong Ran and Ming Zhu talked, she pulled out her phone and edited a post.

Dong Ran’s heart raced, and she rushed over, snatching the phone from her. “What are you doing? Are you posting something reckless again? Stop! How could you…”

But it was too late; the message had already been sent.

Dong Ran hurriedly opened the app and saw Jiang Xiaobai’s post:

【Jiang Xiaobai Not So White v: I’m a serious little actress trying to film. How did I end up caught in this mess? I’ve been trending frequently, and I feel a bit anxious as a small fry in the industry! However, as the main party, I suppose I should respond to something. @Dou Fang, we all know the truth about this matter. Don’t you feel restless lying through your teeth and then biting back?】

Dong Ran’s face flushed with anger. “Jiang Xiaobai, what are you doing?! Don’t you realize that saying this will only tarnish your reputation further? The company will be mad, too!”

If Jiang Xiaobai had remained silent, the company could have managed the situation, and it would have calmed down quickly.

But now that the main party had responded, the gossipers would only become more excited, and even the company might not be able to resolve it swiftly!

Dong Ran was furious, feeling as if she might explode. She had just thought Jiang Xiaobai had changed, that she had learned to be patient, but now it seemed her straightforward nature was still the same!

“Sister Ran, I can’t let her smear my name.”

Jiang Xiaobai said seriously. “The impression that I’m a poor actress can still be changed through hard work, but gossip is what everyone loves to read. If this leaves a stain on my reputation, I might never be able to shake it off. So this stain, I refuse to accept.”

Chapter 19: Trouble Brewing

Jiang Xiaobai’s serious demeanor momentarily stunned Dong Ran.

“I understand what you’re saying, but this matter can’t be handled like this. Moreover, you’re challenging her publicly. You’ll be in a tight spot if she produces any evidence!” Dong Ran said.

“Let her be,” Jiang Xiaobai curled her lips.

Dong Ran gave her a helpless look.

It was too late now; the post was already up. What could be done?

She took out her phone to check Weibo and was surprised that numerous comments had already appeared in just a few minutes.

“Wow, it seems like there’s drama brewing. I’m grabbing the front-row seat!”

“Tsk tsk, two actresses fighting over a man? This is getting juicy!”

“Jiang Xiaobai, I’m with you! I believe in your judgment; you wouldn’t fancy that Zhang Yishui!”

Dong Ran sighed. Jiang Xiaobai wasn’t very popular, and her previous Weibo posts usually garnered only a few hundred to a thousand comments. But now, there were already eight hundred comments in such a short time!

It felt like it was heading for the trending list.

Just as she thought this, her gaze froze because she saw that someone had replied to the last comment—

“Smart!”

Dong Ran’s face turned green. “Jiang Xiaobai!”

The reply wasn’t from someone else but from Jiang Xiaobai herself!

She had just warned her not to provoke, and now she was openly replying to a comment like “You wouldn’t fancy Zhang Yishui.” Was she afraid the situation wasn’t chaotic enough?

Hearing Dong Ran’s roar, Jiang Xiaobai shrunk her neck, smiled at her, and then put away her phone. “I won’t post anymore, really.”

“What’s the use of saying that now!”

Dong Ran was gasping in anger and was about to say more when she received a phone call.

She glared at Jiang Xiaobai and went out to take the call, but her expression was grim when she returned.

“What happened?” Jiang Xiaobai asked.

“The PR department said the company is very dissatisfied with your actions and wants you to delete all Weibo posts related to this matter,” Dong Ran said through gritted teeth.

Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes widened slightly.

“They’re dissatisfied with Xiaobai?”

Ming Zhu was also in disbelief. She stood up abruptly. “This matter was clearly started by Dou Fang. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her! Asking Xiaobai to delete her posts is like admitting guilt!”

“That’s what I said, too. If Xiaobai is to delete her posts, Dou Fang should delete hers first and publicly state that it was a misunderstanding.”

Dong Ran pressed her temples. “I’ll handle this for now, Xiaobai. Remember, don’t make any public statements. If you anger the company, you’ll face consequences later.”

Jiang Xiaobai nodded obediently. “I understand, Sister Ran. Thank you.”

Dong Ran hummed in acknowledgment, picked up her things, and left Jiang Xiaobai’s room. Ming Zhu followed, comforting Xiaobai not to worry too much and that things would settle down.

But Jiang Xiaobai felt something was off.

It was clear that Dou Fang had stepped on her first. They were from the same company, and she was causing internal strife. If anyone was to blame, it should be Dou Fang.

Moreover, although she wasn’t very popular, her face was well-known, and her fame was much higher than Dou Fang’s. Now that she had taken on the role in “Legend of the Nine Heavens,” as long as the filming went well, she could rise significantly.

Her success would benefit Tang Ming Entertainment. Instead of supporting her, they reprimanded her, subtly hinting that she should yield to Dou Fang.

What kind of logic was that?

Shaking her head, Jiang Xiaobai dismissed the thought and checked Dou Fang’s Weibo. She found that Dou Fang hadn’t responded yet, either because she hadn’t seen it or was still thinking of a countermeasure.

Jiang Xiaobai put down her phone and picked up the script.

She needed to focus on filming “Legend of the Nine Heavens.” By delivering a good performance, she could build a solid reputation in the industry and gradually shed the “pretty face” label.

More importantly, the quality of this film would directly affect her ability to secure the following script from President Zhao.

Zhao Xiulun had already sent the script for “The King of E-sports” to Dong Ran. Dong Ran had reviewed it and felt that if she could take on the role, it would be a great opportunity. The plot was solid, and it could be a hit.

The preparation for that drama would take a while, so there was no rush, but it also gave President Zhao more time to observe.

When Jiang Xiaobai arrived on set the next day, she noticed that people’s attitudes toward her had subtly changed.

Most people only glanced at her secretly without saying anything, probably because the matter was sensitive and their relationships were distant. However, two people directly brought it up.

“You’re in trouble,” said Gu Xue.

Gu Xue was one of the crew members who was relatively close to Jiang Xiaobai. Sometimes, the chemistry between people was strange; a single encounter could determine how far they would go in the future.

“Yeah, I’m in trouble,” Jiang Xiaobai shrugged while reading the script.

“Have you figured out how to handle it? It’s already in the top ten trending topics after just one night. If you don’t do something about it, this matter… it’s hard to say,” Gu Xue whispered. “The couple’s statements are consistent, two against one. You’re at a disadvantage!”

“It’s okay, I have a plan,” Jiang Xiaobai shook her head.

“Are you talking about Tangming? If your company steps in, it won’t be hard to suppress,” Gu Xue thought she had guessed something.

Jiang Xiaobai just smiled without saying a word.

The company?

With Tangming’s influence, one night would have been more than enough if they wanted to intervene. The topic of “Jiang Xiaobai interfering with Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui” would have disappeared long ago. Why was it still trending?

It seemed her thoughts were correct. There was something she didn’t know about this matter, which was why the company was siding with Dou Fang instead of her.

Gu Xue, however, felt relieved. She thought Jiang Xiaobai had already received the company’s support and stopped worrying, instead engaging in casual conversation with her.

Today, Liu Ruyan’s scenes are few. At the same time, the female lead, Mu Wanran, has many scenes that mostly conflict with her fellow disciples.

Mu Wanran’s starting point was too low, and many people around her mocked and belittled her. She is like a punching bag in the early stages, meaning Li Biying has many crying scenes. After a day of filming, her eyes were red.

Jiang Xiaobai’s scenes were simple. During breaks, she watched the male lead Shu Jie filming, appreciating the handsome face of the popular young actor up close and finding it pleasing to the eye.

“Isn’t it better to use your own things?”

Just as she was watching, a voice suddenly came from behind.

Turning her head, she saw Li Biying holding a water cup beside her, but her eyes weren’t looking at her.

 

Chapter 20: Ironclad Evidence

 

 

“Are you talking to me?”

Jiang Xiaobai blinked, looking utterly confused.

Li Biying still had scenes to shoot, so she was in costume. During the makeup session, she insisted on adjusting her hairstyle; now, it features side-swept bangs that reveal her entire forehead and make her eyes appear more lively.

Her appearance leaned toward soft and cute, especially when she smiled with her eyes slightly narrowed, exuding charm. But she clearly wasn’t in the mood for that at this moment.

“It’s better to use your own things. If you have the ability, good things will naturally come to you. But if you don’t, even if you try to snatch them, you won’t succeed. Don’t you agree, Senior Sister Liu?”

Li Biying raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of mockery in her smile.

Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes darkened.

Was she making a veiled accusation?

“Junior Sister Wanran, that’s not quite right,” Jiang Xiaobai replied with a faint smile. “Whether something is good or not, it must still be bought with money. It won’t grow legs and run into my hands. Otherwise… how would I be any different from a thief? Don’t you think so?”

Li Biying’s expression stiffened. “Stop playing dumb. You’ve done something as disgusting as stealing someone’s boyfriend, and now you’re acting like nothing happened?”

“How do you know I stole someone’s boyfriend? Is he your boyfriend?”

“What nonsense! How could I…”

“If it’s not you, how do you know so much about it?” Jiang Xiaobai interrupted directly.

“Jiang Xiaobai, you… very well.”

Li Biying seemed on the verge of an outburst, but after glancing at the people around her, she swallowed her anger. She shot Jiang Xiaobai one last deep look before turning and leaving.

“What’s going on?”

Dong Ran, who had just finished a phone call, looked at Li Biying’s retreating figure.

“It seems I’ve somehow made an enemy,” Jiang Xiaobai said helplessly, spreading her hands.

She genuinely didn’t know. She’d never interacted with Li Biying before, and they’d been getting along fine on set, always obedient under the director’s watchful eye. When had she offended her?

But the malice in Li Biying’s eyes had been unmistakable, her glee at Jiang Xiaobai’s troubles all too apparent. This left Jiang Xiaobai puzzled.

When had she crossed her?

“Li Biying has a narrow mind and loves to snatch resources. Her reputation in the industry isn’t great,” Dong Ran said, frowning slightly. “The only reason she’s targeting you is that she’s afraid you’ll steal her spotlight in the drama.”

During the past few days of filming, Dong Ran observed Jiang Xiaobai’s performance closely and was exceptionally pleased!

Jiang Xiaobai’s acting improved dramatically compared to before. While not yet masterful, it was at least natural, free of the stiffness of the past.

Dong Ran didn’t know that Jiang Xiaobai wasn’t the original owner of this body. The original owner had lived a sheltered life, protected by her family, with little life experience. How could such a person portray the complexities of others’ lives?

Though she’d tried hard to understand, her lack of grounding made it nearly impossible to become a competent actress.

But Jiang Xiaobai?

She was born into a cultivation family, one of the most prestigious on the continent. She should have lived a life of luxury, but that wasn’t the case.

At eleven, her second grandfather noticed her calm temperament and sharp eyes. After she glanced at a complex and intricate talisman pattern in his study, she could reproduce most of it from memory alone, leaving him astounded!

He then sent her to Fu Mountain, the most renowned talisman sect, to learn the art of talisman-making.

At Fu Mountain, her background didn’t matter. She was treated like any other disciple, doing menial tasks and traveling with her seniors to learn new talismans, even drawing them for people along the way.

Her experiences and knowledge far surpassed those of the original owner. Having met so many people, it wasn’t too difficult for her to act convincingly.

“I’m just the female lead’s supporting character. How could I steal her spotlight? She’s really overreacting,” Jiang Xiaobai said, even more exasperated.

“Xiaobai, brace yourself,” Dong Ran said, her expression heavy. “The situation with Dou Fang doesn’t seem to be dying down. There’s bound to be a lot of criticism directed at you.”

“What about the company?” Jiang Xiaobai probed.

Dong Ran simply shook her head, her expression grim, unwilling to elaborate.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t press further. Instead, she comforted Dong Ran, telling her not to worry—things would eventually pass.

Later that day, Jiang Xiaobai had a scene with Li Biying. Despite their tension, they acted as if nothing had happened, maintaining harmony.

It was in the evening that Dou Fang made her move.

Jiang Xiaobai was the first to receive Dong Ran’s alert. She opened Weibo and saw Dou Fang’s response.

[Dou Fang v: We’re in the same company. I’ve been tolerating this out of respect for our shared background, not wanting to make a scene and give you some face. But I won’t hold back since you’re ungrateful and keep pushing me. No need for words—just look at the pictures.]

The post included nine images.

The first seven were chat logs, with the participants’ names and identities clearly labeled.

“All of these people are her and Zhang Yishui’s friends. They all unanimously stated that the two had been in a good relationship and never had any issues. But around two years ago, Dou Fang mentioned that a wonderful new artist from her company was pestering Zhang Yishui, which they found troubling,” Dong Ran explained solemnly.

As she spoke, Jiang Xiaobai opened the images and saw that it was the case.

Unlike the previous chat logs, which only included alumni, the participants were more influential this time.

Not only were there ordinary people but also two artists from the industry, one of whom, though not currently widespread, had starred in a highly successful drama, making her name somewhat recognizable.

One of her messages in the chat log stood out, “Oh, so it’s Jiang Xiaobai! I remember you mentioning this shortly after joining Tangming, saying a female actress knew Zhang Yishui was your boyfriend but still shamelessly pursued him, even sketching him to win his favor! How despicable!”

These seven chat screenshots were almost ironclad evidence. The eighth image was a simple pencil sketch, unmistakably of Zhang Yishui.

The final image was a photo of Dou Fang and Zhang Yishui together.

The photo was taken a few years ago, likely on campus. The two stood close together in a grove of trees, and slanted light cast shadows.

In the photo, Zhang Yishui had his hands in his pockets, looking somewhat nonchalantly ahead. At the same time, Dou Fang smiles shyly yet radiantly, her affection evident even in the photo.

 

Chapter 21: Collaboration Cancelled

 

The comments below the post had exploded.

“Tsk tsk, isn’t this solid evidence? So many people have heard Dou Fang talk about this. It seems Jiang Xiaobai was quite aggressive back then. Who would’ve thought?”

“I guess this is what they mean by ‘all that glitters is not gold.’ How shameless can someone be? No matter how pretty her face is, it’s still disgusting!”

“Am I the only one who thinks the sketch is well done? Clearly, she has some skill.”

While a few people marveled at the sketch’s quality, most comments were filled with curses and condemnation.

Jiang Xiaobai had no doubt that if she stood before these netizens right now, they’d hurl rotten vegetables and eggs at her!

“Xiaobai, your situation… seems grim,” Dong Ran said, her brows knitted in concern and a touch of regret.

She had advised Jiang Xiaobai earlier not to respond, knowing that while she’d still be criticized, the public’s short memory would eventually let the matter fade.

But now? Jiang Xiaobai’s counterattack had only fueled the fire, and Dou Fang had come forward with even more damning evidence. What could they possibly do now?

Even with Dong Ran’s extensive experience, they were in a tight spot. This scandal would leave an indelible stain on Jiang Xiaobai’s career unless the company stepped in.

And if things escalated further, her acting career could suffer a devastating blow!

Dong Ran expected Jiang Xiaobai to panic, but surprisingly, she remained calm.

“No wonder she was so confident. So this is her trump card,” Jiang Xiaobai murmured, a faint smile playing on her lips as she looked at the sketch.

“Xiaobai!” Dong Ran exclaimed, frustrated.

“Sister Ran, do you really think I’d confront her without a plan?” Jiang Xiaobai chuckled. “Don’t worry about this. There’s no need to involve the company. I can handle it.”

“Handle it? How?” Dong Ran asked, disbelief written all over her face.

“Sister Ran, how long do you think it’ll take for this news to reach its peak?” Jiang Xiaobai countered.

“Probably by tomorrow,” Dong Ran replied.

If Jiang Xiaobai and Dou Fang were more famous, the news would have spread like wildfire in just a few hours. But since they weren’t household names, it would have taken longer.

“Alright, then I’ll deal with it tomorrow,” Jiang Xiaobai said, closing her phone.

They had just returned to the hotel. Dong Ran wanted to press further but decided to keep her mouth shut.

She could only hope that Jiang Xiaobai honestly had a solution.

Though, in her heart, Dong Ran thought the odds were slim.

Jiang Xiaobai had assumed the scandal would blow over, and she’d step in when the time was right. But she didn’t expect someone to seize the opportunity to kick her while she was down.

Zhao Shan reposted Dou Fang’s Weibo post. Perhaps having learned from their last encounter, she added no commentary—just a single “thinking” emoji.

Netizens still remembered the recent conflict between Zhao Shan and Jiang Xiaobai, especially Zhao Shan’s comments about the “cursed female supporting role.” Now, with Jiang Xiaobai embroiled in scandal, the comments section was flooded with reactions.

“Wow, you called it! She didn’t break her leg, but with this scandal, she probably won’t be able to keep her role, right?”

“Looks like the female supporting role really is cursed.”

“Whether the crew keeps her or not, I’m boycotting her! I won’t watch any drama she’s in. Legend of the Nine Heavens should replace her immediately!”

“Someone with such poor character should disappear from the public eye. What’s the point of being pretty if you’re rotten inside?”

Jiang Xiaobai skimmed the top comments and frowned, her eyes flashing angrily at the overwhelming demand for her removal from the drama.

As she scrolled, she noticed an entertainment magazine’s official Weibo account had posted an article titled, “Homewrecker with No Morals—Why Is Such a Person Cast in a Popular Drama?”

The article began by criticizing the chaotic state of the entertainment industry, citing examples of celebrities caught in scandals—cheating spouses and abandoned wives—before turning its focus to Jiang Xiaobai.

It detailed the entire scandal, ensuring that even those unfamiliar could quickly grasp the story.

While the tone was harsh, the facts seemed undeniable. But then the article took an interesting turn.

It questioned how Jiang Xiaobai, a relatively unknown actress with mediocre acting skills, had landed the supporting role in Legend of the Nine Heavens. After all, the two actresses previously considered for the role were far more established.

The article insinuated that Jiang Xiaobai must have had connections within the production team, perhaps even with a particular investor.

It concluded by urging the Legend of the Nine Heavens crew to reconsider Jiang Xiaobai’s casting, warning that keeping her would alienate viewers and harm the drama’s reputation.

Below the article, a top comment caught Jiang Xiaobai’s attention, “You’re absolutely right! One of the drama’s investors is President Zhao, known for his many female companions. Jiang Xiaobai got the role through him!”

Jiang Xiaobai stared at the comment, her brows knitting together in confusion.

Why was President Zhao being dragged into this?

When she saw the trending post, Jiang Xiaobai suspected someone was behind it. Her first guess was Zhao Shan.

Dou Fang had a motive, but since they were both signed to the same company, it was unlikely the company would allow such a smear campaign against one of its own.

But seeing this comment at the top, untouched by the blogger, made her rethink.

Zhao Shan was President Zhao’s niece! She’d have to be insane to throw her uncle under the bus.

The waters were getting murkier by the minute. A cold glint flashed in Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes.

Just then, her phone rang.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Dong Ran calling—it was President Zhao himself.

“President Zhao, hello,” Jiang Xiaobai answered.

“Jiang Xiaobai, you really know how to cause trouble,” President Zhao said calmly, but his words had an underlying weight.

“I’m sorry. This wasn’t my intention,” Jiang Xiaobai replied.

“It seems our collaboration will have to end. Given the public pressure, we can’t keep you in Legend of the Nine Heavens. As for the new project… let’s just forget about it.”