Chapter 204: A Pleasant Cooperation (Continued)

“Bang—”

The door was flung open with a loud crash, slamming into the wall with such force that the wall seemed to shake.

Both of them turned in shock to see Cai Cai standing there, panting heavily, her eyes red like a wild beast on the verge of losing control.

Jiang Xiaobai seemed a bit distracted after seeing Anya’s Weibo post trending on the hot search list.

She felt that a certain conjecture she had made at Yangjiao Mountain seemed to be confirmed at this moment.

She didn’t pay much attention to the affairs of the Rainbow Sisters because the outcome seemed inevitable. It was only a matter of days before the news broke, and she would naturally find out then.

Jiang Xiaobai was busy moving.

Sky City was a newly built luxury residential area in City B, filled with standalone villas. The greenery and security were both top-notch.

A few days ago, the two bodyguards had already taken care of the paperwork, working with the people Father Jiang had left behind to refurnish the place. Now, everything was almost ready, and Jiang Xiaobai and her team could move in.

There were quite a few of them, and they didn’t need to move everything. The current house would be kept as a backup, with some commonly used items left behind. The task wasn’t too heavy, and the new house was quickly tidied up.

“Each of you can pick a room. This place is big enough for all of us,” Jiang Xiaobai said, surveying the new environment with satisfaction.

The previous house wasn’t small, but it was only suitable for one or two people. With four people, or even six including the bodyguards, it was a bit cramped. The large house in Sky City was just right, and the bodyguards could also stay there.

However, Jiang Xiaobai noticed that the garage was a bit empty.

With only one car of her own, it was clearly not enough. Dong Ran had a car, but she didn’t live here, so they couldn’t rely on her.

“Go buy two cars—one sedan and one MPV—and keep them here for you to use,” Jiang Xiaobai said to the two bodyguards.

She didn’t know much about cars, and Ming Zhu and Linglong probably didn’t either. Men tended to love cars, so Zhang Shi and Zhou Hai should know a lot.

“Sure, what’s the budget?” Zhang Shi asked.

He was clearly excited because he would be the one driving them!

Jiang Xiaobai quickly calculated her assets.

The savings she had accumulated since coming to this world, plus the money she earned from acting and selling talismans, minus her daily expenses.

It seemed she hadn’t spent much, with the largest expense being the one million yuan she donated to charity.

“Keep it under 1.5 million for both. Is that enough?” she asked.

She definitely needed to keep some funds aside, so this amount seemed safe.

“That’s more than enough.”

Zhang Shi smiled.

“Alright, go pick them out. You can decide on your own, but try to get cars that are available immediately.”

“Got it.”

Zhang Shi and Zhou Hai left.

Meanwhile, Linglong and Ming Zhu were busy tidying up the house, creating a lively atmosphere.

Dong Ran also came to help, sighing as she looked around the house.

Although she knew Jiang Xiaobai’s family background was extraordinary, seeing such an expensive house being bought so casually still left her feeling a bit emotional.

Comparing oneself to others could really be frustrating.

She needed to work even harder!

A few days after moving, it was time for the scheduled meeting with Director Lin—

It was time to take the official costume photos!

That morning, Jiang Xiaobai arrived at the location and saw that some actors were already there.

The cast of Heaven and Earth hadn’t been officially announced yet, and Jiang Xiaobai guessed that once the costume photos were released, it would be the first time the public would see the lineup. Each actor would undoubtedly be the subject of heated discussions among netizens.

 

 

Chapter 205: Classical Beauty

 

Jiang Xiaobai was cast as Rong Qian, a role that had been decided long ago. However, she had no idea who would play the other roles.

Among the actors present, the first person she recognized was Song Lianyun, whom she had met once before.

When Jiang Xiaobai had come to meet Director Lin Jia last time, she had crossed paths with Song Lianyun. Back then, Song had wanted the role of Rong Qian but was immediately shut down by Director Lin.

The fact that Song Lianyun was here for the costume photoshoot meant she had been cast in the film. Given that, she was likely playing the female lead’s rival, Kong Yuran.

Unlike TV dramas, movies don’t have many major roles, so only the main actors were here for the photoshoot.

Having thoroughly read the script, Jiang Xiaobai guessed that the characters with more screen time were the male lead Shen Ying, the male second lead Zhou Guang, the female lead Luo Cheng, the female second lead Kong Yuran, and herself—the female third lead, Rong Qian, whose importance actually surpassed that of the female lead.

With her and Song Lianyun’s roles confirmed, it was clear that the other actress, Ji Lei, would be playing the female lead, Luo Cheng.

Ji Lei was a goddess-level figure in the industry. While she didn’t have many works to her name, each one was a classic. Her beauty was unique—refreshing and ethereal, earning her the nickname “Fairy” among fans.

Aside from the three actresses, there were two male actors on set.

One of them was the strikingly handsome Tao Xi.

Tao Xi was a very handsome actor who had played roles like a young emperor and a martial arts hero. His features were sharp and well-defined, far from the delicate, boyish look of a pretty boy. He exuded a sense of grace and elegance.

Jiang Xiaobai felt that the word “graceful” came to mind because of Tao Xi’s wildly popular martial arts drama from last year, which had left a deep impression on her.

Tao Xi’s looks were truly a gift from heaven. Standing at 182 cm tall with long, straight legs, and a dancer’s posture, he carried himself like a spear—upright and full of vitality.

Given his status and looks, there was no doubt he was playing the male lead, Shen Ying.

The male second lead, Zhou Guang, was played by Huang Fei, a second-tier actor with average looks.

Huang Fei was under 180 cm tall and had a slim build. While he couldn’t compare to Tao Xi in terms of looks or presence, his acting skills were exceptional. He was particularly known for his crying scenes, which could deeply move those around him.

This was evident from a variety show he had appeared on, where he performed a crying scene on the spot. Within three seconds of the host’s countdown, tears were streaming down his face, leaving the audience in awe.

“Alright, everyone’s here? Go change into your costumes and get your makeup done. We’ll start shooting once you’re ready,” Director Lin said as he arrived on time, scanning the room and nodding in satisfaction when he saw all the main actors present.

Although this wasn’t the official shoot, punctuality was always appreciated. It was a good sign that the actors were on time.

The movie was set in modern times, so the makeup and costumes were much simpler compared to something like Legend of the Nine Heavens. However, Jiang Xiaobai was an exception.

Her outfit was a soft pink dance costume, and her makeup and hairstyle were stage-style, very classical.

The photos she would be taking later would capture her in a dance scene.

Because her makeup and styling were more complex, Jiang Xiaobai was the last to finish. By the time she stepped out, the others were almost done with their photoshoots.

Jiang Xiaobai took a moment to observe everyone, taking in their appearances.

Tao Xi’s character was a campus heartthrob who later became a corporate elite. He was dressed in a white shirt and casual pants, with a clean, refreshing hairstyle—the epitome of a modern-day male idol.

Huang Fei, on the other hand, looked much more ordinary. He wore black glasses, and his slightly longer hair covered half his eyes, giving him the appearance of a quiet, introverted nerd.

Luo Cheng and Kong Yuran’s styles were somewhat similar—both were stunning beauties who would stand out in a crowd. However, Ji Lei’s portrayal of Luo Cheng exuded a gentle, approachable charm, while Song Lianyun’s Kong Yuran came across as more aloof and proud.

In short, this was a movie featuring three goddesses and one male idol.

While it might seem clichéd, Jiang Xiaobai knew the plot was far from melodramatic—it had a strong undercurrent of suspense.

As Jiang Xiaobai observed the others, they were also observing her.

Both Tao Xi and Huang Fei were visibly impressed. Despite being accustomed to beautiful women in the industry, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe when they saw Jiang Xiaobai in full costume—it was like witnessing a fairy descending to earth.

However, Tao Xi recovered more quickly. Being a handsome man himself, he had a higher resistance to beauty.

Huang Fei, on the other hand, kept staring, though his gaze was more appreciative than lecherous.

In contrast to the male actors’ calm reactions, Ji Lei and Song Lianyun’s eyes briefly flickered with complex emotions.

The entertainment industry was fiercely competitive. Even male actors were constantly comparing who was more handsome, taller, or had a better physique, let alone the female actors, who were often pitted against each other.

Male actors had it slightly easier—they could still find roles even as they aged. But for female actors, their prime was short-lived, often lasting only a few years. With new talents emerging like bamboo shoots after a rain, they could easily be overshadowed, making the competition even more brutal.

Jiang Xiaobai was 23 years old, while Ji Lei was 27 and Song Lianyun was a year older. Although they were more famous than Jiang Xiaobai, when it came to future prospects…

It was hard to say.

“Xiaobai, you look stunning. Seeing you like this, I can already imagine how breathtaking Rong Qian will be when she dances,” Ji Lei said, offering a sincere compliment.

Envy and bitterness aside, if one couldn’t handle seeing a beautiful woman without feeling jealous, they might as well leave the entertainment industry.

After all, they’d only end up dying of frustration.

There were plenty of beautiful female stars, but how many could maintain their popularity for a thousand days?

Ji Lei had a clear perspective. Knowing they would be working together in the same production, she understood the importance of maintaining good relationships. These connections were crucial in the industry.

“Yes, you look so beautiful. There’s a real classical elegance to you,” Song Lianyun added with a smile.

She had wanted the role of Rong Qian, but since the contract was already signed, there was no point in dwelling on it. She had come to terms with it.

Whatever happens, happens. She was at peace with it.

“The makeup looks good,” Director Lin said, having been observing Jiang Xiaobai since she stepped out. He was thoroughly satisfied with her appearance and demeanor—she perfectly matched the image of Rong Qian he had in his mind.

No, she was even more beautiful.

“You’ve been learning dance for a while, right? Go ahead and improvise a bit. There’s a choreographer here who can give you some guidance afterward,” he instructed.

Jiang Xiaobai nodded. “Alright.”

She wasn’t nervous at all and even felt grateful to Sun Cong.

Sun Cong, being an experienced teacher, had anticipated this situation and provided her with a pre-choreographed dance routine on a CD.

 

 

Chapter 206: Great Value

Jiang Xiaobai had practiced the dance routine Sun Cong provided extensively, just in case the production team didn’t have a choreographer and asked her to improvise on the spot. As it turned out, her preparation had paid off.

They were in the studio now, with a backdrop set up for the photoshoot. All non-essential personnel had stepped back to avoid obstructing the camera. Jiang Xiaobai stood in the center of the set, and at the photographer’s signal, she began to dance.

The dance costume she wore was stunning—a soft, pale pink chiffon dress with a full skirt that flared out from the waist. When she twirled, the layers of fabric cascaded like flower petals, giving her an ethereal, fairy-like appearance.

She wore a wig that reached her waist, adorned with feather decorations that matched the white fur accents on her sleeves and collar. The ensemble made her delicate face look even more radiant.

“Not bad. She’s got some skill,” said the choreographer, Mr. Chen, standing next to Director Lin as he watched Jiang Xiaobai dance, his eyes filled with approval.

Director Lin was also pleased.

“We have a week before filming starts. Can you teach her the full routine in that time?” he asked.

Director Lin had seen actors who claimed to know how to dance but ended up looking stiff and awkward, like zombies hopping around. Such performances were unusable in films, and they’d have to resort to stunt doubles. But Director Lin didn’t want to use a double for Heaven and Earth.

That would be too lowbrow.

Besides, Rong Qian’s screen time wasn’t extensive. Using a double would only cheapen the character.

Fortunately, Jiang Xiaobai’s dancing was graceful and polished, which put Director Lin at ease.

“No problem,” Mr. Chen replied with a smile. “If it were a live performance, she might still need some polish, but for film segments, she’ll be fine.”

“Great. I’ll leave it to you, then,” Director Lin said.

After finishing her dance, Jiang Xiaobai stopped and noticed Director Lin and Mr. Chen chatting and laughing nearby. She knew she had passed the test.

She had secured the role without embarrassing Yang Dan and Liu Qi, which was a relief.

Next came the photoshoot. She had to strike dance poses while the photographer captured dynamic shots, aiming for a high-quality, cinematic feel.

The flowing dress would look lifeless if she simply stood still, so Jiang Xiaobai had to follow the photographer’s instructions, twirling and swaying to make the skirt billow in the air. The goal was to capture a sense of motion in the still images.

While the other actors could stand still for their shots, Jiang Xiaobai had to keep moving, which was tiring. But the physical exertion wasn’t a problem for her. She followed every direction without complaint, never asking for a break.

Director Lin noticed this and nodded approvingly. He turned to a short, middle-aged man and said, “Director Cao, it seems Old Niu was right. Jiang Xiaobai isn’t the flower vase the rumors make her out to be.”

As a director, Lin Jia had to research his actors before finalizing the cast. He needed to know who was difficult to work with, who was lazy or had a bad temper, and which actors had past conflicts. This was crucial to avoid issues during filming.

While Lin Jia had handpicked most of the cast, Jiang Xiaobai had been recommended to him. He hadn’t worked with her before and didn’t know much about her personality.

Since Jiang Xiaobai had appeared in Legend of the Nine Heavens, Lin Jia had called Director Niu to ask about her. Director Niu’s response had been,“Jiang Xiaobai? She’s great. Very capable. You can trust her.”

Lin Jia had been puzzled. “Very capable”? Wasn’t that an odd way to describe an actress?

After some clarification, Director Niu explained that Jiang Xiaobai was hardworking, diligent, easygoing, and intelligent. While her acting wasn’t yet top-tier, she had potential. Plus, she wasn’t a big name, so she was affordable—great value for money!

This reassured Lin Jia.

The man he was speaking to was Cao Hua, the production manager for Heaven and Earth. As the person responsible for overseeing the entire production, Cao Hua was also present today.

“Yes, she seems calm and composed, not the flighty type,” Cao Hua agreed.

The role of Rong Qian was no ordinary supporting part. She was crucial to the film and had to leave a lasting impression on the audience. If the casting was off, the film’s impact would suffer significantly.

This could be fatal for the entire project.

Cao Hua trusted Lin Jia’s judgment and had given him full control over casting. However, he had heard that Lin Jia had given the role of Rong Qian to someone as a favor, which had made him uneasy. He worried that the role might not be in the right hands.

But after seeing Jiang Xiaobai today, he felt reassured.

Her appearance and demeanor were pleasant, and she seemed unlikely to cause any major issues.

After the photoshoot, Lin Jia and Mr. Chen approached Jiang Xiaobai.

“Xiaobai, you danced well, but we’ll need to rework the choreography. The music will be Palace Lanterns, a classic and beautiful piece. You’ll work with Mr. Chen over the next few days so we can save time during filming,” Lin Jia explained.

Palace Lanterns was a well-known, elegant piece of traditional Chinese music that would resonate with the audience.

“Got it,” Jiang Xiaobai replied.

While the other actors would join the production when filming began, Jiang Xiaobai had to start “overtime” early. But she didn’t mind. The better she performed, the more impactful the film would be. She wasn’t doing this for anyone else—she was doing it for herself.

“By the way, I heard you’re also joining The King of E-Sports production soon?” Lin Jia suddenly asked.

“Yes, in less than a month,” Jiang Xiaobai explained. “I’ve already informed their team. I’ll join them for the opening scenes, but I’ll prioritize our production schedule.”

The two productions were in different locations, so it wouldn’t make sense to shuttle between them daily. It was better to focus on one project at a time.

However, Jiang Xiaobai was the female lead in King of E-Sports, so she had to make an appearance during the first few days of filming.

“Less than a month… Alright, I’ll try to schedule your scenes earlier so it doesn’t interfere with your other commitments,” Lin Jia said.

Jiang Xiaobai smiled gratefully. “That’s great. Thank you, Director Lin.”

After arranging a schedule with Mr. Chen, who had his own dance studio, Jiang Xiaobai exchanged contact information with him and headed home.

 

Chapter 207: Wrong Set

Over the next week, Jiang Xiaobai diligently practiced her dance routine. Her progress impressed Mr. Chen, who couldn’t help but echo Sun Cong’s earlier sentiment.

“You have a natural talent for dance… Are you sure you only started learning recently?”

Mr. Chen found it hard to believe that Jiang Xiaobai had only recently begun practicing. Her movements were polished and graceful, far from what one would expect from someone who had just started.

Jiang Xiaobai explained that she had been learning from Sun Cong for a few days and had only taken dance lessons briefly as a child. She credited Sun Cong for her improvement.

“Ah, so it’s Teacher Sun Cong. No wonder,” Mr. Chen said, his tone filled with respect.

Seeing his reaction, Jiang Xiaobai realized that Sun Cong’s reputation in the dance world was indeed well-deserved. She was relieved that she hadn’t tarnished his name.

During this time, the news about the disbandment of the Rainbow Sisters finally settled.

“Rainbow Sisters Confirms Disbandment, Members to Pursue Solo Careers.”

When the news first broke, many netizens were skeptical and left comments questioning its validity:

“What kind of joke is this? They’ve only been together for two years and are still on the rise. Why would they disband now?”

“These gossip magazines are at it again, spreading baseless rumors. The group has been fine for two years. Why would they disband now?”

“Netizens love stirring up drama without any evidence, huh?”

The news was initially reported by an entertainment magazine, but most people didn’t believe it. While Cai Cai’s reputation had taken a hit, such controversies weren’t uncommon for celebrities. Many group members had faced similar issues in the past, but as long as they kept a low profile afterward, things usually blew over. Very few groups actually disbanded because of such controversies.

However, the skepticism was short-lived, as the official announcement soon followed.

Shengyang Entertainment released a statement explaining that due to differing career plans, the members of Rainbow Sisters—Xiao Qi (Yun Qi) and Cai Cai (Tang Cai)—would no longer work together as a group. However, they remained friends and colleagues and would continue to support each other in their future endeavors.

After the announcement, Xiao Qi posted on Weibo:

[Xiao Qi Yun Qi v: Let’s keep moving forward! @Tang Cai Cai]

She tagged Cai Cai, but Cai Cai never responded.

This silence was seen by fans as a sign of Cai Cai’s immaturity and selfishness. Many criticized her in the comments.

“The group disbanded because of your controversy. You’re the one who messed up, yet Xiao Qi has to bear the consequences too. Aren’t you even a little bit sorry? You’re so selfish!”

“At least you could’ve responded. This is so petty.”

“You messed up and now you’re just hiding. I feel so bad for Xiao Qi, having to work with you for two years. What a terrible teammate!”

In the eyes of the netizens, Cai Cai’s controversy had tarnished the group’s reputation, leading to their disbandment. While Cai Cai was seen as the one to blame, Xiao Qi was viewed as the innocent victim who had been dragged down.

Despite Xiao Qi’s gracious gesture, Cai Cai remained silent, as if she had vanished into thin air.

After the disbandment, both members went quiet for a while, leading some to speculate that their careers were over. Many lamented the fall of what had once been a popular girl group.

Jiang Xiaobai came across these comments while browsing Weibo but didn’t agree with the netizens’ opinions.

Was their career over? Cai Cai might be done, but Xiao Qi certainly wasn’t.

This was likely just a period of preparation before Xiao Qi’s next big move.

Jiang Xiaobai was curious to see how far Xiao Qi would go.

Four days after the costume photoshoot, the Heaven and Earth production team released the photos and announced that filming would begin in three days.

There were six photos in total: five individual promotional posters and one group photo.

As soon as the official Weibo account made the announcement, it quickly climbed to the top three trending topics.

“Wow, what a visually stunning cast! Tao Xi is so handsome! Ji Lei, Song Lianyun, and Jiang Xiaobai are all so beautiful!”

“Heart eyes for Tao Xi!”

“Is there one person who doesn’t belong? Huang Fei, I think you might’ve wandered onto the wrong set.”

“Huang Fei, you don’t really fit the vibe of this production.”

“Huang Fei, are you here as an extra or something?”

“Jiang Xiaobai’s beauty is absolutely breathtaking. That outfit is stunning. Is she playing a dancer in the movie?”

Among the five, four were considered top-tier in terms of looks, while Huang Fei stood out as the odd one out, looking more like a background character than a main cast member.

He seemed like the servant of the other four.

No wonder netizens joked that he had wandered onto the wrong set.

Jiang Xiaobai’s dance costume gave her a completely different aesthetic from the others. Her natural beauty, enhanced by the elaborate outfit, made her stand out even more.

Some fans even saved her photo and set it as their wallpaper.

Heaven and Earth was an original screenplay, not an adaptation of a novel, so netizens had no idea what the story was about or who the main characters were.

Many assumed Jiang Xiaobai was the female lead because of her unique costume, but more seasoned netizens quickly corrected them.

“With Ji Lei in the cast, there’s no way Jiang Xiaobai is the female lead. And don’t forget Song Lianyun is also here. Jiang Xiaobai isn’t at that level yet.”

“In a low-budget production, Jiang Xiaobai might have a shot at being the lead, but in a Lin Jia film? Not a chance, no matter how beautiful she is.”

Once the cast was announced, fans of Tao Xi and Ji Lei immediately followed the Heaven and Earth official Weibo account. Both were A-list celebrities with massive fan bases, and their followers expressed great interest in the film:

“I can’t wait to watch this! Director Lin’s films have never disappointed, and with my idol in it? I’m super excited!”

“Even if the plot is cliché, the cast alone makes it worth watching. I’m counting down to the release.”

The release of the promotional photos was a success, and discussions about Heaven and Earth grew by the day.

Many speculated about the plot, with most guessing it would be a melodramatic love triangle or quadrangle.

Jiang Xiaobai, however, thought to herself, “Stop guessing. You’ll never figure it out.”

 

Chapter 208: The Playboy

Huang Fei was a very interesting person. He didn’t take the netizens’ teasing to heart and even posted a humorous Weibo update.

[Huang Fei v: Let me introduce you all. This is our young master, this is the eldest young lady, the second young lady, and the third young lady. Yours truly, Huang Fei, at your service.] He ended the post with a fist emoji.

Below the text was the group photo released by the official Weibo account, but Huang Fei had added some annotations. He labeled himself with “Yours truly, Huang Fei,” Tao Xi as “Young Master,” Ji Lei as “Eldest Young Lady,” Song Lianyun as “Second Young Lady,” and Jiang Xiaobai as “Third Young Lady.”

His humor amused the netizens, and some who weren’t familiar with him found it entertaining and followed him. Jiang Xiaobai also noticed an increase in her own Weibo followers.

Three days later, Heaven and Earth officially began filming.

Photos from the opening ceremony made headlines that same day. While Director Lin Jia was a big name himself, most of the attention was drawn by Tao Xi and Ji Lei—such was the power of idols.

The film was to be shot in several locations, one of which was a university campus. The first scenes were set in a beautiful university, where the male lead, Shen Ying, was introduced.

Shen Ying, played by Tao Xi, was seen holding a book under a tree, leaning against the trunk as he read. Occasionally, a leaf would fall, gently brushing past him. He would glance up, revealing a perfect jawline and a charming smile.

The scene was idyllic, portraying Shen Ying as the campus heartthrob—clean, pure, and effortlessly handsome. Female students passing by would steal glances at him, only to hurriedly run away when he looked up.

“Shen Ying! I’ve been looking for you everywhere. So, you’re here reading!”

Huang Fei jogged into the frame, patting Tao Xi on the shoulder. “Come on, I’ve saved us seats in the library. If we’re late, they’ll be gone!”

In the film, Huang Fei played Zhou Guang, Shen Ying’s best friend and roommate. The two were inseparable, often seen together on campus.

The initial scenes depicted the daily life of the university, with Shen Ying as the perfect student—handsome, elegant, and studious. He spent most of his time shuttling between classrooms and the library, only returning to the dormitory to sleep at night.

While his roommates played video games, Shen Ying would be reading with headphones on. While they slept in, he was already at the self-study room after his morning run. While others were dating, he maintained a disciplined lifestyle.

After these scenes, Jiang Xiaobai made her first appearance.

Her debut was in the library.

That day, Zhou Guang was sick and resting in the dormitory, so Shen Ying went to the library alone. While reaching for an economics book, he accidentally knocked another book off the shelf. As he bent down to pick it up, a slender hand appeared in his line of sight.

He paused, then looked up at Jiang Xiaobai.

The camera, placed on the ground, slowly panned upward.

First, there was a close-up of her hand—slender, soft, and fair, with a jade bracelet adding a touch of green that accentuated the whiteness of her wrist.

She was wearing a dress, her calves exposed—straight and slim. The light blue dress flowed to her waist, where her long black hair cascaded down. Her face was flawless, like a character straight out of a novel.

“Take care of the books,” she said softly, tiptoeing to place the book back on the shelf before turning to leave.

Shen Ying remained in his crouched position, staring at her retreating figure.

“…Rong Qian is so beautiful, like a heroine from an anime!”

“Yeah, she’s like a character from a novel. No wonder she’s the new campus goddess.”

“I heard she’s an amazing dancer. Have you seen her perform?”

“Not yet, but the school festival is coming up. She’s bound to perform then.”

“Ah, that’s only a month away. I can’t wait!”

Students nearby whispered among themselves, their eyes sparkling as they watched Rong Qian.

Shen Ying slowly stood up, murmuring to himself, “So, that’s Rong Qian.”

Afterward, there were several silent scenes—like the two of them crossing paths on campus, exchanging nods but no words.

Or Shen Ying, who never joined any clubs, showing up at the dance club, where Rong Qian was practicing. She was surprised to see him, though there was a hint of joy in her expression.

Or Rong Qian teaching Shen Ying how to dance, but his movements were stiff, like a marionette. She couldn’t help but laugh, her beauty shining even brighter, leaving Shen Ying mesmerized.

Or the two of them walking side by side to the library, drawing envious and curious glances from other students. Shen Ying turned to Rong Qian, flashing her a bright smile. She smiled back, though her eyes were slightly shy.

Amidst these scenes of budding romance, Song Lianyun’s character also made appearances.

There were scenes of Shen Ying giving her flowers, or rushing to buy her favorite congee early in the morning and delivering it to her dormitory.

In the film, these were two separate relationships, but during filming, they were shot back-to-back. One moment, Shen Ying was waiting for Rong Qian downstairs; the next, he was calling out Kong Yuran’s name while holding breakfast.

“Haha, what a playboy!” Huang Fei teased Tao Xi during a break.

Tao Xi chuckled but didn’t respond, simply shrugging before glancing at Jiang Xiaobai, who was in the middle of asking Mr. Chen for dance tips.

“Ah, I envy you. I’d love to be a playboy too, but I don’t have the looks for it!” Huang Fei sighed, shaking his head.

His appearance wasn’t particularly striking among male actors, so he had to rely on his acting skills. As for being an idol? He’d love to, but that circle wasn’t open to him.

These days, being called a “playboy” might sound like an insult, but it also carried a hint of admiration. After all, if you didn’t have the charm, you couldn’t even qualify as one.

“You might lose some fans after this movie,” Ji Lei said, taking a small sip of water to avoid smudging her lipstick. She walked over to join the conversation. “Playing a character who gets involved with three women in one film—and a villain at that—might break the hearts of many young girls.”

“Playing a villain occasionally isn’t a bad thing,” Song Lianyun chimed in. “Shen Ying might be a playboy, but he’s also charming and dangerous. It might make the girls love him even more.”

“That’s true,” Ji Lei nodded. Seeing that the break was over, she put down her water glass and returned to work.

 

Chapter 209: A Glass of Wine?

The film demanded meticulous attention to detail. Although each scene might take over ten minutes to shoot, only a single frame might make it into the final cut—or it could be entirely scrapped.

Jiang Xiaobai had been filming for five days, mostly handling minor scenes. In contrast, Tao Xi, as the male lead, had a much heavier workload. While Ji Lei, the female lead, had almost no scenes in this campus setting, Tao Xi’s interactions with Jiang Xiaobai and Song Lianyun were enough to exhaust him.

On the sixth day, it was finally time for Jiang Xiaobai’s pivotal scene—one of the most important moments in the entire film.

In the preceding plot, Shen Ying and Rong Qian were still in the ambiguous stage of their relationship, with neither making their feelings explicit. However, after dancing together, their relationship was finally defined.

The scene took place during the school’s anniversary celebration. The stage in the auditorium was beautifully decorated. Midway through the event, it was Rong Qian’s turn to perform.

The dance was titled Dreamscape. Before she even appeared on stage, the familiar melody of Huagong Lantern began to play.

The stage was initially pitch black, but suddenly, a beam of light illuminated it, and a figure gracefully walked into the spotlight, standing in the center of the light.

Jiang Xiaobai was wearing the same dance costume she had donned during the promotional photoshoot. Her ancient-style attire, complete with a wig, was heavy but stunning, making her look like a true ancient beauty dancing in a dream—ethereal and graceful.

Jiang Xiaobai had been practicing the dance with Mr. Chen for days, repeating the movements over and over to ensure perfection. Now, as she danced, there was no trace of stiffness. Her movements were fluid, and the hem of her dress fluttered like a fairy’s.

The audience, filled with both extras and real students, erupted into applause and whistles as soon as Rong Qian appeared. As the music reached its climax, Rong Qian’s dance became more intense, her skirt swirling like layers of petals. The breathtaking performance drew even more enthusiastic applause.

Among the audience, the front row was occupied by extras playing school officials, while the back rows were filled with real students. Since the filming took place on an actual campus, there was no shortage of students. Their genuine reactions added to the lively atmosphere of the scene.

Shen Ying sat among the crowd, his eyes fixed on Rong Qian, not missing a single moment of her performance.

Jiang Xiaobai had been nervous before the dance, worried she might mess up such a crucial scene. But as she danced, she gradually relaxed, her focus deepening as she immersed herself in the role.

The director didn’t call for a cut, so the dance continued until the music ended. Jiang Xiaobai struck a final pose, and only then did she hear the familiar “Cut!”

Director Lin Jia walked up, clapping in approval. “The movements were perfect—so beautiful that we could use the entire sequence. Xiaobai, you did an excellent job.”

Jiang Xiaobai let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Thank you, Director Lin. I’m glad I didn’t hold the crew back.”

“Not only did you not hold us back, but your scenes are always the quickest to wrap up,” Lin Jia said with a laugh.

He was now convinced that casting Jiang Xiaobai had been the right decision. She perfectly embodied the character of Rong Qian, and her dedication to her role was rare in the industry.

Over the past few days, Lin Jia had been observing the behavior of everyone in the crew.

Among the cast, Tao Xi was the most prominent, followed by Ji Lei, then Song Lianyun and Huang Fei, with Jiang Xiaobai at the lower end of the hierarchy.

Huang Fei was known for his good humor and approachable nature, making him popular among the crew. Ji Lei was quiet and elegant, treating everyone equally but engaging more with Tao Xi. Song Lianyun was similar, often seeking opportunities to interact with Tao Xi.

Tao Xi, on the other hand, had a somewhat aloof demeanor. While he spoke politely to everyone, there was an underlying sense of distance.

Jiang Xiaobai stood out from the rest. While others might chat and network after filming, she was either reviewing her script or practicing dance moves with Mr. Chen, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Her dedication impressed Lin Jia greatly.

“It’s all thanks to everyone’s cooperation,” Jiang Xiaobai said modestly.

After this scene, her next filming session wouldn’t be until the following day.

That night, back at the crew’s hotel, Jiang Xiaobai had just finished showering and was about to check her phone when it rang.

“Hello?”

The number was unfamiliar.

“Xiaobai, it’s Tao Xi.”

His voice was gentle, a contrast to his usual aloofness.

“Hello, Senior Tao Xi.”

As she spoke, Jiang Xiaobai wondered why Tao Xi was calling.

“My assistant bought a bottle of excellent red wine. It’s in my room. Would you… like to come over and have a taste?”

His voice grew softer toward the end, hinting at something more.

It was almost bedtime—what was the point of drinking wine now? Besides, they weren’t close. They’d barely exchanged a few words during their time on set.

Jiang Xiaobai was momentarily confused but soon realized what he was implying. Her expression darkened.

Such situations were common in the industry.

Some film sets were located in remote areas, and the cast and crew would spend months together. While some developed genuine feelings, others simply sought temporary companionship to stave off loneliness.

It was a mutual arrangement—no strings attached, just a fleeting connection.

Having experienced this before, Jiang Xiaobai knew how to handle it. She had once turned down similar advances from another actor, leaving him thoroughly embarrassed.

She hadn’t expected to encounter it again, especially from someone as high-profile as Tao Xi, with his massive fan base.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not really interested in wine,” Jiang Xiaobai replied firmly, making her refusal clear. “And it’s getting late. I think I’ll head to bed.”

It was only 9:30 PM—who went to bed that early?

Tao Xi seemed to understand her meaning and let out a soft chuckle.

Jiang Xiaobai tensed, wondering what she would do if he persisted.

Should she threaten to break his leg?

But if he got injured, the filming of Heaven and Earth would be delayed, and she was on a tight schedule to start filming The King of E-sports. She couldn’t afford any setbacks.

As she pondered her options, Tao Xi spoke again—

“Then I won’t disturb you further. Sweet dreams.”

 

 

Chapter 210: The Fool

Tao Xi’s voice carried a casual tone as he spoke, and after finishing, he simply hung up the phone.

Jiang Xiaobai stared at the ended call, blinking in surprise. She had been somewhat worried that things might become awkward between her and Tao Xi after this incident, or that he might hold a grudge and cause trouble for her. However, when she saw Tao Xi the next day on set, she realized she had overthought it.

Tao Xi acted completely normal, as if nothing had happened. His demeanor toward her was no different than before, and during their scenes together, he remained fully in character. If Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t been certain about the phone call, she might have thought the whole “wine invitation” was just a dream.

This was fine by her. Jiang Xiaobai was more than happy to pretend it never happened.

Today’s scene was a continuation of the previous day’s.

After her performance in the auditorium, Rong Qian went to a small dressing room in the corner to change out of her costume. But then, eerily, a man known as “The Fool” peeked out from behind the curtain, grinning at her with a mouthful of white teeth.

Rong Qian was startled at first, but then her face turned pale, and she let out a scream.

The Fool was a mentally challenged man who lived on campus. He wasn’t entirely “foolish”—sometimes he was lucid, and other times he was confused. The reason he was allowed to stay at the school was because he was allegedly a relative of one of the school’s administrators. With nowhere else to go, he was permitted to remain on campus, where the youthful and vibrant environment might help improve his condition.

The Fool was nearly forty years old, a lifelong bachelor. His clothes were clean and tidy, thanks to someone looking after him, but his expression and eyes made it clear that he wasn’t entirely normal.

Given his background, people were somewhat wary of him, but since he had never caused any trouble, he was allowed to roam freely around the school without supervision.

Rong Qian never expected to encounter him in the dressing room.

The small dressing room could only accommodate one or two people at a time, and it was usually used by performers who needed to change after their acts. Since Rong Qian’s performance was a solo dance, she was the only one there at the moment.

Facing a mentally unstable older man alone, Rong Qian was terrified, trembling as she tried to run away. But The Fool grabbed her arm with surprising strength, almost as if he could snap her slender wrist.

Rong Qian struggled in fear, vaguely hearing The Fool mumble something about “candy.”

“Let me go!” she cried, trying to break free, but she was no match for his strength. She was in pain and terrified, her once flawless makeup now streaked with tears.

Of course, Jiang Xiaobai’s makeup was waterproof, so her tears only added to the character’s pitiful and delicate appearance, enhancing Rong Qian’s goddess-like image.

The Fool didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his grip and began reaching toward Rong Qian’s waist, as if searching for something—

“Let her go!”

Tao Xi suddenly appeared, yanking The Fool’s hand away and shoving him to the ground. The Fool cried out in pain, looking at them with fear before scrambling to his feet and running off.

Tao Xi turned to Rong Qian, his face filled with concern. “Rong Qian, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Freed from the ordeal, Rong Qian felt like a fish that had been gasping on land but was now back in water. She burst into tears and threw herself into Tao Xi’s arms.

“I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I should have found you sooner. It’s okay now. You’re safe. I’m here,” Tao Xi said tenderly, gently patting her back.

As Rong Qian cried, she caught a whiff of a pleasant fragrance. She sniffed and turned her head, noticing a bouquet of flowers in Tao Xi’s hand.

“This is…”

“Your performance was breathtaking,” Tao Xi said, presenting her with a bouquet of pink roses. His gaze was deep and affectionate. “These are for you. But I don’t know if you’ll accept them.”

Rong Qian had always been the object of admiration, but her heart was pure, and she was a natural dancer. Aside from her studies, she had dedicated all her time to dance and had never been in a relationship before.

She had some feelings for Tao Xi, but she was conflicted about whether to pursue a romance. She feared that falling in love might distract her from her passion for dance.

Under normal circumstances, Rong Qian might have hesitated before accepting Tao Xi’s confession. But after the terrifying encounter with The Fool, her heart was vulnerable, and Tao Xi’s timely appearance felt like a knight in shining armor. She couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

With a shy smile, she reached out and took the bouquet, then glanced up at Tao Xi.

Though her eyes still held traces of tears, her smile was sweet and radiant.

“Cut!”

The scene was successfully completed. After this, Jiang Xiaobai’s campus scenes were officially wrapped up.

Next would be the hospital and countryside scenes.

However, the crew couldn’t follow her script entirely. While her campus scenes were done, Tao Xi still had a day or two of filming left before they could move to the next location.

Jiang Xiaobai decided to use these two days to rest and study the next part of the script, delving deeper into her character’s emotions.

During the filming of this drama, Ming Zhu accompanied her, while Dong Ran and Linglong remained on standby. After all, the crew’s hotel rooms were limited, and Jiang Xiaobai didn’t need too many people around her.

A day later, Director Lin announced that they would be heading to the neighboring mountains for the next shoot, departing the following morning.

Jiang Xiaobai spent her two free days exploring the university campus and indulging in the local street food, thoroughly enjoying herself.

That evening, she and Ming Zhu returned to the hotel late after watching a movie.

As Jiang Xiaobai entered her room and turned to close the door, she noticed something unusual. She paused, carefully peeking out into the hallway.

Then she saw a graceful figure in a bathrobe disappearing into a room at the end of the corridor.

Jiang Xiaobai was momentarily stunned.

Wasn’t that Tao Xi’s room?

And that person…

A look of understanding flashed in her eyes. She chuckled softly, shaking her head, and then closed the door.

The scenes in the neighboring mountains didn’t involve the second female lead, so Song Lianyun was given a few days off and didn’t join the crew for this part of the shoot.

Jiang Xiaobai boarded the crew’s bus and took her seat. Shortly after, Tao Xi boarded, wearing sunglasses, and sat in the aisle seat diagonally across from her.

He was dressed in a long white trench coat, which looked stylish on his well-built frame. Even without his celebrity status, he was the kind of person who would turn heads and elicit screams from young women on the street.

Some people were just born with that kind of charm, something others could only envy—like Huang Fei.

“Wow, looking this handsome so early in the morning? That’s just unfair!” Huang Fei exclaimed as he boarded the bus and saw Tao Xi removing his sunglasses with a flourish. His exaggerated reaction made many on the bus laugh.