Chapter 50: The Root Cause

In the past, whenever the original owner spoke to her parents, her tone was always sharp and her emotions intense. Under her attitude, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang couldn’t remain calm, and their conversations always ended in discord. Thus, their communication repeatedly failed, and their relationship grew increasingly strained.

But now, she earnestly tried to persuade them, her expression calm and without impatience. This finally made Father Jiang and Mother Jiang feel a bit better.

“Actors are just entertainers. Throughout history, all ‘artists’ have been playthings for the elite, mere distractions to amuse people. You’re lowering your status by entering this field!” Father Jiang’s tone softened, but his resistance was still evident.

“Xiaobai, our family has always been strict. Your grandfather… you know how we feel about artists. There are so many other professions; why can’t you choose a different one?” Mother Jiang also tried to persuade her.

The mention of her grandfather was a sore point, the root of their deep-seated aversion to the entertainment industry.

Jiang Xiaobai’s grandfather had fallen in love with an actress when he was young. This actress was quite famous, a top star of her time, and her works are still seen on TV today.

The actress was young, beautiful, and highly emotionally intelligent. She charmed Grandfather Jiang completely. Despite the family’s reservations, he insisted on marrying her.

They dated for almost a year. With her high level of sophistication, the actress went to great lengths to win over the Jiang family. Over time, they gradually accepted her and allowed them to become engaged, planning to marry after the New Year.

However, just before the wedding, a scandal erupted.

The Jiang Family’s business rivals uncovered the actress’s chaotic past and used it to tarnish its reputation.

As a result, the Jiang Family’s honor was severely damaged, and Grandfather Jiang became a laughingstock, mocked for being “unaware of wearing a green hat” and for “picking up a worn-out shoe.”

The wedding was called off, and such a woman was unacceptable, even to ordinary families. Once the scandal broke, the engagement was immediately terminated. The Jiang Family then ensured the actress became a pariah, forcing her to leave the industry and burdening her with substantial breach-of-contract debts, leaving her in dire straits.

After this incident, the Jiang Family had an unwritten rule: Stay clear of the entertainment industry!

Whether marrying in or out, no one in the family could be involved with someone from the entertainment industry!

Father Jiang and his generation adhered to this rule. Mother Jiang was also from a prominent family with a clean background. Still, they never expected Jiang Xiaobai to want to enter the industry.

Their daughter was so pure; how could they let her enter such a complex and dirty world?

“Mom, I’ve already decided on this path. I can’t give up halfway. Besides, I have a clear mind about what I should and shouldn’t do.”

“Enough, your mother and I will never agree to this. Give up this idea as soon as possible!” Father Jiang slammed his book on the table and stormed upstairs.

There was no way they would allow her to enter the industry. They wouldn’t provide her with resources, and everything would have to be done independently. Father Jiang was sure that with her high-minded nature, she wouldn’t last long in such a complex environment. Once she faced enough setbacks, she would realize he was right.

After Father Jiang left, Mother Jiang sighed and took Jiang Xiaobai’s hand. “Daughter, I know you’ve always been stubborn and wouldn’t listen to advice, but your parents only think of what’s best for you. That industry is full of unclean people; you should know this better than anyone. If you want to act, just do it to satisfy your desire and leave. Don’t make your father angry.”

“Also, if you decide to leave the industry and don’t want to inherit the family business, your father and I won’t force you. Just find a proper job, and I promise we won’t interfere anymore.”

Jiang Xiaobai felt a wave of warmth. These parents reminded her of her own. Despite their disagreements and numerous arguments, their love was genuine. Their concern and pain were evident in their eyes. Their interference, though inappropriate, stemmed from worry.

“I’m staying for one day and leaving tomorrow night on a flight.”

“That’s so short. Can’t you stay longer?” Mother Jiang was shocked and reluctant.

“Mom, the production hasn’t wrapped up yet. I’ll return to spend more time with you and Dad when I have a break.” Jiang Xiaobai felt apologetic.

The original owner had been away from home for more than half a year, in a cold war with her family, not even making a phone call. The elders must have missed her, but as elders, they couldn’t be the first to lower their heads. This period must have been difficult for them.

“Take care of yourself. Your health is the most important.”

“Yes, I know. By the way, Mom, where’s my brother?”

“Your brother is on a business trip to M Country. He won’t be back for a few days.”

That was a pity. She wouldn’t get to see him this time.

It was already late, so Jiang Xiaobai didn’t delay Mother Jiang’s sleep. She returned to her room.

After bathing, she sat at her desk. Jiang Xiaobai first meditated to gather her energy. She picked up a brush to start making talismans when she felt her best.

She silently recited the Spirit Gathering Incantation and a faint spiritual energy gathered at the tip of the brush.

This time, her talismans were different from the usual ones. Jiang Xiaobai’s forehead was covered in a fine sweat, indicating the effort she was exerting.

Finally, after much difficulty, she completed three talismans. Jiang Xiaobai’s face was pale, and her hand trembled as she put down the brush.

She was almost drained of energy, her body’s spiritual energy wholly depleted. Her head spun, and she felt dizzy and uncomfortable until she lay down on the bed.

 

Chapter 51: Spirit Nurturing Talisman

 

The three talismans she crafted were called Spirit Nurturing Talismans.

These talismans were made by condensing spiritual energy into intricate patterns on talisman paper, preserving the energy within. They were used to nourish the body. The spiritual energy within the talisman gradually removed impurities in the body through daily cleansing. Long-term wearers enjoyed much better health than ordinary people.

The Jiang couple was nearly fifty years old, no longer young. As people age, various health issues inevitably arise. While minor ailments might not be life-threatening, they could still cause discomfort. These talismans could prevent minor illnesses and reduce the risk of major diseases.

Mother Jiang was in good health, and the talisman would only make her feel lighter and more comfortable. Father Jiang, however, had suffered from heart disease for a long time. The talisman couldn’t cure him but could significantly alleviate his condition.

His heart would remain stable without overexerting himself or becoming too agitated.

The Peace Talisman was a one-time-use talisman activated to ward off disasters, but its effect only worked once. On the other hand, the Spirit Nurturing Talisman has a continuous impact. If the wearer were in mortal danger, the remaining spiritual energy in the talisman would automatically protect vital organs. It could save a life if more than half of the spiritual energy remained.

This was the most potent talisman Jiang Xiaobai could create in this world—at least for now.

She had only been practicing her cultivation techniques for a short time. With more practice, her body would absorb more spiritual energy, allowing her to create even more potent talismans.

But for now, she had exhausted all her energy to craft these three talismans. By the time she finished the last one, she was on the verge of collapse.

The three talismans—one for each of her parents and brother—were priceless treasures. They could prevent minor illnesses and even save lives in critical moments.

She wouldn’t usually create such talismans. They were too draining, and their effects were somewhat extraordinary. Using them on anyone other than close family members would create karmic ties, so she had to be cautious.

 

Early the following day, Jiang Xiaobai ran into the neighborhood while her family was still asleep.

Liyuan was a highly private community, and most of its residents were wealthy. Even if someone recognized Jiang Xiaobai, they wouldn’t react as intensely as ordinary fans. Besides, she didn’t think many people would recognize her.

“Oh, Xiaobai, you’re back?”

“Yes, I took a day off to visit my parents. Good morning, Grandpa Liu.”

After running a lap, she met some elderly neighbors out for their morning exercises and greeted them politely.

When she returned home, Aunt Zheng was preparing breakfast.

Aunt Zheng had been working for the Jiang family for over a decade.

She was a widow who had raised her daughter alone after her husband’s demise. She had initially run a small restaurant to make ends meet. Still, when her daughter fell seriously ill, she couldn’t afford the medical bills and had to work as a maid for wealthy families. After moving around for a few years, she was eventually introduced to the Jiang family, where she had stayed ever since.

Her daughter, Jiajia, had married and moved away. Aunt Zheng had saved enough money over the years to buy a small house and live independently, but she had grown attached to the Jiang family. Living alone would have been lonely, so she decided to stay.

“Are you hungry, Xiaobai? Breakfast is almost ready. Just wait a little longer.”

Aunt Zheng’s daughter was three or four years older than Jiang Xiaobai. She had grown up alongside Jiang Xiaobai, and although the original host of Jiang Xiaobai’s body had been cold, they had lived under the same roof for many years, so there was still a bond. Aunt Zheng had always treated Jiang Xiaobai like her child and cared for her deeply.

“Not too hungry. What are you making, Aunt Zheng?”

Jiang Xiaobai washed her face and walked into the kitchen.

“I’ve prepared some dumplings and a small stir-fry, and the porridge is ready,” Aunt Zheng said, smiling.

“I’m free now. Let me help you.”

The dumplings were nearly ready, so Jiang Xiaobai washed her hands and stepped inside. Her actions surprised Aunt Zheng.

“No, no, you don’t need to do this. Just wait outside. If you’re hungry, there’s some toast in the fridge. You can have that to tide you over.”

She thought Jiang Xiaobai was so hungry that she couldn’t wait for breakfast.

After all, the original host had never set foot in the kitchen. She was the kind of pampered young lady who never lifted a finger.

This was normal, though. The Jiang family had a large staff: a cook, two drivers, two gardeners, three housekeepers, and a butler.

In such an environment, the family was used to being served. Mother Jiang rarely cooked, let alone her pampered daughter.

“Aunt Zheng, I know how to do this. I want to make something for my parents.”

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t leave. She smiled, picked up a dumpling wrapper, and started filling it.

Her skills spoke for themselves. When Aunt Zheng saw Jiang Xiaobai expertly shaping a round, adorable dumpling, her eyes welled up with tears.

“Xiaobai… you’ve suffered so much. You’ve even learned how to cook.”

The young lady had never done such things before. After leaving home for two years, she learned how to cook. What did that mean?

She must have had a hard time! She had to fend for herself and even learned how to cook!

Aunt Zheng’s heart ached for her.

“Aunt Zheng, I missed your cooking so much after leaving home. The food outside wasn’t the same, so I had no choice but to learn. After many failures, I finally got the hang of it,” Jiang Xiaobai said with a straight face, spinning a tale.

She actually knew how to cook, and her skills were quite good. In her sect, all disciples had to start from the bottom and learn everything, regardless of their background.

She had to reveal her skills eventually, and since the original host had lived alone for a few years, it was plausible that she had learned to cook during that time.

Now that she was back home, she wanted to show some filial piety to her parents by cooking for them.

Aunt Zheng was even more heartbroken. “Why didn’t you call me? I could have brought you some food or sent it to you. You silly child…” But as she spoke, she also felt a sense of pride.

It was good to learn more skills. The better her child’s ability to care for herself, the better her life would be. She was happy.

“Alright, you can finish the dumplings. I’ll separate the ones you made from mine. Your parents will be so happy when they eat something you made.”

“Aunt Zheng, let me handle the stir-fry too.”

Jiang Xiaobai agreed. Only a few dumplings were left, and the stir-fried vegetables were simple. Aunt Zheng had already washed and chopped the ingredients, so it wouldn’t take long.

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you. Call me if you need anything.”

Aunt Zheng was happy to let Jiang Xiaobai show her filial piety and left with a smile.

 

 

 

Chapter 52: Ding Haoran

 

When Xiaobai’s parents woke up and went downstairs, they were still groggy. They were momentarily stunned to see Jiang Xiaobai bringing dishes out of the kitchen.

“Mr. and Mrs. Jiang, today’s breakfast was made with the young lady’s help. These dumplings and the two stir-fried dishes were all made by her,” Aunt Zheng explained, pushing the dishes Jiang Xiaobai had prepared toward them.

The Jiang couple felt like they were dreaming.

“Mom, Dad, taste my cooking! I just picked up this recipe recently,” Jiang Xiaobai said, smiling.

Finally snapping out of their daze, the Jiang couple hesitantly picked up their chopsticks, still feeling like they were in a dream.

“My child, you’ve suffered,” Mother Jiang said, her heart aching. Her daughter, whom she had raised for over twenty years, could now cook. Her first reaction wasn’t joy but heartache.

“Are you short on money? If you can’t afford meals, I’ll hire a maid for you, or Aunt Zheng can stay with you,” Father Jiang said sternly, though his hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly.

He was both proud and saddened, worried that his daughter might not eat well due to her busy work schedule. He wondered if she had learned to cook to save money. But instead of offering her money, he suggested hiring a maid.

Since the original host insisted on breaking off her engagement, Father Jiang had cut off her allowance and credit card. As a father, he knew how extravagantly his daughter spent money. He thought this method would make her see reality and give up her unnecessary struggles, returning home to live a comfortable life.

So, he wouldn’t give her money—it would only make her more reluctant to return—but hiring a maid was acceptable.

“Dad, that’s not necessary. I’m often away from home due to work, so a maid would mostly be idle,” Jiang Xiaobai declined. “I have enough money. Don’t worry.”

Father Jiang’s expression darkened, and he focused on eating without saying a word—

“Enough money? Hmph, let’s see how long you keep up this act!”

But he had to admit, his daughter’s cooking was impressive. Even a simple stir-fried vegetable dish tasted delicious, almost on par with Aunt Zheng’s skills.

The Jiang couple weren’t fond of Western food, so their breakfast was always Chinese-style and relatively simple. They were health-conscious and usually stopped eating when they were 80% full, but they couldn’t resist finishing everything this time.

Then, they felt uncomfortably full.

Seeing Father Jiang rubbing his stomach, Jiang Xiaobai suppressed a smile. “Mom, Dad, why don’t I take you for a walk?”

Father Jiang had already handed over the company to Jiang Zhiyi. However, he still visited the office every few days. Jiang Zhiyi was on a business trip, and Father Jiang planned to see the company today. But since his daughter was home, he naturally wouldn’t prioritize work over her.

“Alright, that sounds good,” Father Jiang said, trying to maintain a composed expression despite his inner joy.

“Let’s walk by the lake,” Mother Jiang suggested happily.

The neighborhood had excellent landscaping, with a large artificial lake at the back. The lakeside was shaded by trees, surrounded by flowers, and featured small pavilions and green corridors. Elderly residents often rested there after their walks.

Mother Jiang occasionally greeted acquaintances as the three walked while Jiang Xiaobai stood politely to the side, smiling.

The original host hadn’t known these people, which was understandable. She had been aloof and disliked socializing, even with influential figures in her circle, let alone neighbors she rarely interacted with.

As they approached the lake, a woman in her fifties spotted Mother Jiang.

“Ah, Xiao Wu!”

Mother Jiang’s name was Wu You. The woman approaching her was about three or four years older. She was dressed elegantly, with a string of perfectly round pearls around her neck that gleamed brilliantly from a distance.

Her hair was styled in an updo, revealing an entire forehead. Though she was no longer young, her skin was well-maintained, with only the faint lines at the corners of her eyes hinting at her age.

“Sister Tian, are you out for a walk too?” Mother Jiang greeted her.

“Yes, I finished breakfast and thought I’d take a stroll to get some fresh air,” Sister Tian replied, her gaze shifting to Father Jiang and Jiang Xiaobai.

She recognized Father Jiang from a previous meeting. She greeted him with a smile before turning her attention to Jiang Xiaobai. “This must be your daughter. My, she’s beautiful!”

Jiang Xiaobai greeted her politely. “Hello, Aunt Tian. I’m Xiaobai.”

“What a well-mannered child. Your mother has mentioned you many times, but this is the first time I’ve seen you… My son is about your age. Since we live so close, we should get together more often.”

Sister Tian’s smile was radiant.

“That’s a good idea,” Mother Jiang agreed.

“Speaking of my son, he just came back the day before yesterday and brought some specialty tea. It’s very fragrant! Xiao Wu, didn’t you say your husband loves tea? I’ll have my son bring some over for you to try.”

Without waiting for Mother Jiang’s response, Sister Tian called her son.

“I’ve told him. He’ll be here soon. Let’s sit over there and wait for him,” Sister Tian pointed to a nearby pavilion.

Since she had already called, it would be rude to leave now. Mother Jiang had no choice but to agree, thinking she could return the favor later.

Father Jiang remained silent, letting his wife handle the situation.

Jiang Xiaobai glanced at Sister Tian, feeling that her enthusiasm was excessive.

The residents of this neighborhood were all wealthy. While the socialites here were polite, they usually maintained a certain distance. But Sister Tian…

Perhaps she was just naturally friendly, Jiang Xiaobai thought, not paying much attention to it.

After about ten minutes, a tall figure jogged over, leading a large golden retriever.

The dog’s tongue lolled out as it trotted along, its fur swaying freely in the air, exuding a carefree energy.

“Mom,” the man called out.

He was around twenty-six or twenty-seven, with light brown hair, fair skin, and a bright, sunny demeanor. He had single eyelids, slightly upturned phoenix eyes, and a sparkling earring in his left ear.

He was tall, standing at 183 cm, with a slim build but strikingly long legs.

“Let me introduce you. This is my son, Haoran. He’s a singer,” Sister Tian said with a proud smile, sitting up straighter. “This is Mr. Jiang and Mrs. Wu, and this is Xiaobai…”

After exchanging greetings, Haoran turned to Jiang Xiaobai, his eyes shining with recognition. “Jiang Xiaobai? I never thought we’d be living in the same neighborhood.”

Jiang Xiaobai was equally surprised. Sister Tian’s son was Ding Haoran!

Ding Haoran was indeed a singer and a rather famous one then. While he might not be considered top-tier, he stood out among second-tier artists!

 

 

Chapter 53: The Commercial

“Hello,” Jiang Xiaobai stood up and shook Ding Haoran’s hand.

Ding Haoran debuted as part of a boy band six or seven years ago. The group was quite popular, but as the members’ careers developed unevenly, some chose to go solo, and the group eventually disbanded.

Ding Haoran wasn’t the group’s most famous member; he was the second leader, while the leader was the most popular. However, after the group disbanded, Ding Haoran’s career flourished. Besides singing, he appeared on numerous variety shows, and his fame now surpassed that of the former leader.

With his good looks and high emotional intelligence, it was no surprise that he had risen to fame in an era where fresh-faced idols were highly sought after.

“Oh, so you two know each other? Xiaobai, are you also in the industry?” Sister Tian was surprised.

Mother Jiang had only mentioned that her daughter had gone out to work but hadn’t specified that she was in the entertainment industry. Sister Tian had wanted to show off her son’s fame to the Jiang family. Still, she hadn’t expected that her son and Xiaobai were already acquainted!

“I’m just a small-time actress, nowhere near as famous as Brother Ding,” Jiang Xiaobai explained.

“Well, since you’re both in the same industry and our families know each other, Haoran, you should help Xiaobai out when you can. It’s always good to support the younger generation,” Sister Tian said, her smile widening, her eyes almost disappearing into slits.

“Of course, I’ll definitely help Xiaobai whenever I get the chance,” Ding Haoran replied, his white teeth gleaming.

The two families didn’t stay together for long. After exchanging phone numbers, they parted ways. Before leaving, Mother Jiang pulled Sister Tian aside for a private conversation, prompted by a look from Father Jiang.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t hear what they discussed, but she could guess from her father’s expression.

It was probably about not letting Ding Haoran help her.

Her parents seemed determined to leave her isolated in the industry, hoping she would eventually give up and return home to take over the family business.

Jiang Xiaobai sighed. Leaving the entertainment industry was out of the question. Not only was it the original host’s wish, but she found the industry quite interesting. With the spiritual energy in this world so scarce that her talismans were of little use, she needed another interest, and acting seemed like a good fit.

It was a challenge!

She wanted to convince her parents, but it wouldn’t be easy. Changing their perception of the industry would take time and effort.

For now, she would take it slow.

On the way home, Jiang Xiaobai handed her parents the Spiritual Energy Talismans pendants.

“I personally sought these from a reclusive master. They’re very effective. You and my brother should each carry one at all times, even when bathing or sleeping,” Jiang Xiaobai said seriously.

Her parents didn’t believe in such things, so she had to appeal to their sense of parental care.

“I climbed a mountain for an entire day and knelt for an hour to get these. My legs were swollen! Mom, Dad, you must keep them with you, or I won’t feel at ease when I’m not around.”

“You silly child, why are you believing in such things? Don’t young people usually call this superstition? Alright, alright, we’ll keep them with us,” Mother Jiang said, her heart aching. Even if the pendants were ugly, she would have worn them, let alone these rather nice ones.

Father Jiang didn’t say anything but took the pendant, gripping it tightly.

“And my brother,” Jiang Xiaobai added.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he wears it,” Mother Jiang assured her.

Jiang Xiaobai breathed a sigh of relief. Jiang Zhiyi was a fashion-conscious young man and might not appreciate the pendant. Still, with their mother’s insistence, he would have no choice but to wear it.

After spending a day at home, Jiang Xiaobai returned to her work in the evening, laden with gifts.

Mother Jiang didn’t cook but had Aunt Zheng prepare various snacks. She also packed homemade sausages, beef sauce, and a pile of nutritional supplements suitable for young people, as if worried Jiang Xiaobai would starve herself.

If Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t been limited by how much she could carry, she suspected her mother would have packed even more.

Before she left, Father Jiang added sternly, “If you can’t make it out there, come home early. Don’t let pride keep you away.”

He seemed so sure she would fail. Jiang Xiaobai felt both amused and exasperated.

Filming continued as usual on the set. A few days later, Jiang Xiaobai’s commercials were released!

The first to come out was the DS Jewelry commercial, a 30-second ad that quickly went viral. Part of the reason was DS’s established reputation, but another major factor was Jiang Xiaobai’s stunning beauty.

The original host’s looks were undeniable. While her acting skills had been the subject of criticism, commercials didn’t require acting—just beauty and Jiang Xiaobai had that in spades.

Her aristocratic demeanor, cultivated in a wealthy family, combined with the luxurious jewelry she wore, exuded an aura of elegance. DS’s designs were trendy and suited for young people, and the ad quickly captured the attention of urban working women.

“Oh my god, what kind of divine beauty is this? And that necklace is gorgeous! I’m buying it!”

“I love these delicate, stylish accessories. They’re so chic and not at all heavy. DS really knows how to win me over!”

“DS’s stuff is a bit pricey, but these new pieces are too beautiful. Ahhh, I’m torn! Fine, I’ll splurge and get it!”

DS’s new collection was heavily promoted on TV and online, making it into the top ten trending topics. Jiang Xiaobai, the brand’s spokesperson, also gained popularity.

The original host had never been famous enough to land endorsements, and she had been quite picky about brand prestige. This DS commercial was her first endorsement, and her beauty was magnified in the ad and the accompanying poster. Every feature was exquisitely crafted, radiating a captivating charm.

In the days following the ad’s release, her fan count increased by nearly two million.

Coincidentally, just as the DS ad’s popularity waned, another commercial of hers was released.

This one was posted on Ivan’s official Weibo account, tagging Jiang Xiaobai. In the ad, she is dressed in various urban styles, from dresses to professional attire, and even two masculine, edgy outfits. Her blend of beauty and androgynous charm once again leaves viewers in awe.

She was Ivan’s first spokesperson in China. Those familiar with the brand had wondered why finding a representative had taken so long. Still, after seeing Jiang Xiaobai’s poster, they were convinced.

 

Chapter 54: The Efficacy of the Talisman

“I think I understand why Ivan chose Jiang Xiaobai. Her aura is just so striking.”

“The poster has a bit of a Western vibe, but her face is distinctly Eastern. Somehow, it just feels very high-class!”

“Jiang Xiaobai, stop acting and hurting our eyes. Just focus on commercials and be the most beautiful vase!”

“Agreed with the above.”

“Agreed +1.”

The comments below were quite amusing, and Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but laugh when she saw them.

Focus on commercials? I’d love to, but without fame or notable works, what brand would be foolish enough to hire me for ads?

“I didn’t expect you to gain so many fans just from a commercial,” Dong Ran said with a chuckle. “If I’d known, I would’ve gotten you some ads earlier. It might’ve boosted your popularity.”

“These things require the right timing, opportunity, and luck,” Jiang Xiaobai shook her head. “In the future, we’ll need to be more careful about the ads we accept. It’s better to have fewer but higher quality. We must vet the products beforehand.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to remind you of. High exposure is good, but too much can backfire. We need to stay steady.”

After tasting success, many celebrities gained fans through commercials, and some went overboard, accepting ad deals left and right. However, the constant bombardment of ads eventually led to viewer fatigue, and people began to resent the celebrity.

“Why is he everywhere? I opened Weibo, and there he was. He’s on my chewing gum box, shampoo bottle, and even the subway! Ugh, make it stop!”

“Sorry, but after seeing so many ads, even his dramas feel like extended commercials. It’s so distracting!”

This shows that no matter what you do, moderation is key.

The release of two commercials slightly boosted Jiang Xiaobai’s popularity. Still, this exposure level was barely noticeable in the entertainment industry.

There was still no news from Tianwei Magazine, as their issue wouldn’t be released until next month. Jiang Xiaobai was curious about how the shoot turned out but wasn’t rushing to find out.

One day, while taking a break after filming, she saw Ming Zhu running over with a phone in hand.

“Xiaobai, it’s Tao Qi’s call!”

The phone showed a missed call. Her phone was always silent during filming and kept with Ming Zhu or Dong Ran. Ming Zhu had only brought it over now that Jiang Xiaobai was free.

Tao Qi was in charge of the DS Jewelry commercial shoot. They hadn’t been in contact since Jiang Xiaobai bought the Protection Talisman. Seeing his missed call, Jiang Xiaobai guessed it might be related to the talisman.

“Hello, Brother Tao, it’s Xiaobai.”

In truth, Tao Qi was old enough to be her father, but avoiding making people feel younger in this industry was better.

Calling someone “uncle” or “auntie” might not elicit a direct reaction. Still, they’d curse you as a clueless rookie behind your back.

“Xiaobai, thank you! Thank you so much!” Tao Qi’s voice was filled with excitement. “That Protection Talisman of yours is incredibly effective. Can I get a few more?”

As Jiang Xiaobai had guessed, the talisman had worked.

“Was the talisman destroyed?”

The Protection Talisman could only be used once. Still, if it was a minor incident, it might last for one or two more uses until the talisman turned to ash, signaling its complete depletion.

“It’s gone, reduced to dust! It saved my daughter’s life…”

Tao Qi was profoundly grateful and explained what had happened to his daughter.

His daughter was an avid adventurer. Even during school holidays, she would go on expeditions. After graduating from university, she became even more unrestrained, traveling to remote mountains, deep forests, and snow-capped peaks. She documented her travels with guides and reflections, which she posted online, gaining a following.

For his daughter, this hobby was thrilling and addictive, but for Tao Qi, it was a ticking time bomb!

The places she visited were dangerous, and she often returned with injuries—sometimes serious ones like broken bones and other times minor cuts and scars. His wife was heartbroken to see their young daughter covered in marks.

Tao Qi tried to convince her to give up the hobby. Still, she argued that the thrill of adventure was irreplaceable compared to the monotony of daily life. She’d rather live a short, exciting life than a long, dull one.

Tao Qi: ???

Is my daughter out of her mind?

Unable to persuade her, he had no choice but to let her continue her adventures, though it took a toll on his nerves. That’s why he hadn’t hesitated to buy a Protection Talisman from Jiang Xiaobai when he learned about it.

Initially, his daughter refused to wear it, but she reluctantly agreed after her mother tearfully pleaded. Little did they know that talisman would save her life.

A week ago, she and five friends ventured into a remote mountain. A sudden downpour made the paths muddy and treacherous. She and two others slipped and tumbled down the mountainside on their descent. The two companions behind them were horrified and immediately called for help. After eight hours, rescue teams finally found them.

“That mountain was covered in thorny bushes and rocks. The three of them fell from halfway up the slope. The other two were found gone, their heads damaged beyond recognition. But my daughter was completely unharmed, with only minor scratches…”

At this point, Tao Qi’s voice choked with emotion.

When his daughter and her companions had the accident, their families were immediately notified. Tao Qi’s wife, who was in poor health, fainted upon hearing the news, and his heart nearly gave out. As the hours dragged on, he had prepared himself for the worst.

But to his surprise, while the other two had pass away horribly, his daughter was virtually unscathed. Even the rescue team couldn’t believe it when they found her.

When his daughter regained consciousness, she was equally astonished. She remembered feeling a warmth in her chest before losing consciousness. When she opened the pendant around her neck, she found that the Protection Talisman had turned ash.

“Thank you so much! Not only did you save my daughter’s life, but this incident also made her realize that a stable life is the best. She’s promised never to go on adventures again.”

Tao Qi was filled with relief.

His daughter had been reckless, chasing thrills and danger like the heroine of a sci-fi movie.

Now, after facing a near-death experience, she was terrified, waking up from nightmares in tears. She wouldn’t even think of climbing a mountain again, let alone going on adventures!

Tao Qi felt that this was indeed a blessing in disguise.

 

Chapter 55: Guidance

Tao Qi wanted to ask his daughter, “Weren’t you determined to exit a heroic death? Why are you backing out now?”

But he didn’t dare ask, fearing that his words might push her back onto that dangerous path.

“You’re welcome. It was her luck,” Jiang Xiaobai said in response to his repeated thanks.

Out of the three people involved in the accident, only his daughter survived because of the Protection Talisman he had obtained from Jiang Xiaobai. This was indeed a matter of fate.

“Xiaobai, can I request a few more Protection Talismans?” Tao Qi asked eagerly.

Jiang Xiaobai hesitated for a moment. She was about to say that a few might not be possible, but one or two could be arranged. However, before she could speak, Tao Qi interjected anxiously—

“I’m willing to pay more! I want three talismans, each for 200,000 yuan!”

One for each member of his family.

Jiang Xiaobai was stunned. Last time, it was 100,000 yuan per talisman. Now it’s 200,000?

Big bro, this isn’t right—you’re inflating the price!

So Jiang Xiaobai said, “Alright.”

After hanging up, Tao Qi immediately transferred the money and mentioned that his assistant would personally visit Jiang Xiaobai’s filming location within the next two days to collect the talismans.

Last time, he dared to use a courier because he wasn’t entirely convinced of the talisman’s power. However, after this incident, Tao Qi had no doubts.

These 600,000-yuan treasures—he couldn’t trust them to a courier!

This was a minor matter, and Jiang Xiaobai naturally agreed. Tao Qi’s assistant arrived promptly, reaching the filming location early the next day to collect the talismans.

Life on set was a mix of novelty and repetition. Some people were just there to do their jobs, but Jiang Xiaobai genuinely wanted to pursue acting as a career. Whenever she had free time, she would practice her acting skills.

“…Your expression wasn’t quite right—it felt too deliberate. In the later stages, Liu Ruyan is already a powerful figure in the sect. Her perspective and status have elevated, so her expression of hatred should also change. It should be conveyed subtly, almost casually, while maintaining a calm demeanor.”

At that moment, Jiang Xiaobai listened attentively to Rong Juan’s guidance.

She had recently become acquainted with Rong Juan, as they had a few scenes together. After just a few takes, Jiang Xiaobai realized why Rong Juan was considered a veteran actress—her emotional expressions were far more profound and natural. In comparison, her acting felt amateurish.

This was inevitable. The original owner of her body had no acting experience, and Jiang Xiaobai had none. She had performed smoothly so far because the character of Liu Ruyan closely matched her temperament, making it almost a case of playing herself.

However, as the plot progressed, Liu Ruyan’s descent into darkness brought more complex emotions, especially when facing her enemies—Mu Wanran and Liu Feng. At this point, Jiang Xiaobai’s acting skills fell short.

Fortunately, Director Niu had been guiding her, and Jiang Xiaobai herself had been practicing diligently in front of a mirror.

Her dedication caught Rong Juan’s attention, and the veteran actress grew fond of this hardworking junior with great potential. After they became more familiar, Rong Juan would occasionally offer her some tips during breaks on set.

“Now, let me demonstrate this scene for you.”

With that, Rong Juan began her demonstration.

She delivered one of Jiang Xiaobai’s lines in a calm, almost nonchalant tone, her lips slightly curved in a faint smile. But her eyes were icy and filled with murderous intent. At the same time, her fingers lightly tapped the chair’s armrest, producing a soft, rhythmic sound.

Though Rong Juan was nearly fifty, at that moment, she embodied the genuine “Moonlit Immortal,” radiating pride and authority, her eyes hiding deep-seated hatred.

Jiang Xiaobai also unconsciously tapped the chair, but the sound was sharper and more distinct. She looked down and realized why.

Before her character’s transformation, Liu Ruyan’s nails were moderately long and transparent with a hint of pink, clean and elegant. But after her descent into darkness, her nails had become long, sharp, and painted a dark purple. When she tapped the chair, the sound was more pronounced.

Rong Juan’s nails were short, producing a muffled sound, unlike Jiang Xiaobai’s crisp tapping.

A thought struck Jiang Xiaobai, and she looked up at Rong Juan.

Had Rong Juan noticed the difference in her nails and intentionally incorporated this detail into her demonstration?

“The camera should capture this small detail, resulting in a good effect,” Rong Juan said, smiling.

Jiang Xiaobai was amazed. “Sister Juan, you’re incredible! You even considered such a small detail!”

She didn’t need to see the footage to know how impactful this subtle gesture would be.

Imagine the Moonlit Immortal, now consumed by vengeance, determined to crush her enemies and make them regret their betrayal. Every time she appeared, the atmosphere would grow tense and chilling, making everyone’s hearts race.

As she spoke casually to her enemies, her eyes were cold and murderous, her lips curved in a smile devoid of warmth, and her slender fingers were painted a deep purple and rhythmically tapped the armrest. The sharp sound of her nails hitting the chair echoed like the ominous clinking of a poisoned dagger—

Tap, tap, tap…

Wouldn’t this send shivers down the audience’s spines?

The director oversees the big picture in a drama with many actors and complex plotlines. Still, it’s up to the actors to delve into their characters and add small details. The scene will still hold up if you don’t include these nuances. Still, if you do, the visual impact will be significantly enhanced.

Unlike novels, which can describe characters’ expressions and inner thoughts in detail, allowing readers to understand their personalities even with minimal dialogue, TV dramas lack such narrative tools. This burdens the actors more, especially when their characters have few lines.

And Liu Ruyan was precisely such a character—a cold, aloof beauty who spoke very little.

Characters like her, who were subtle and restrained, were far more challenging to portray than the stereotypical loud, brash villains who met their doom through their foolishness.

“Put yourself in Liu Ruyan’s shoes. Feel her emotions—her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Draw inspiration from life or similar characters. Start by imitating, then gradually internalize the role. With experience, you’ll learn how to portray a character with depth and vitality,” Rong Juan advised with a smile.

What she didn’t mention was that her interest in Jiang Xiaobai hadn’t been sparked by their recent scenes together. After all, she had worked with many talented actors before and wouldn’t sacrifice her rest time to help just anyone improve their acting.

Why not take a nap or scroll through her phone instead?

What truly impressed her was Jiang Xiaobai’s conduct during Li Biying’s interview.

Everyone on set knew that Jiang Xiaobai and Li Biying didn’t get along. Yet when Li Biying was in trouble, Jiang Xiaobai was the first to step forward and defend her, helping to turn the situation around.

 

 

Chapter 56: The Forest Princess

In the entertainment industry, countless people flatter the powerful and trample on the weak. It’s all too common to see so-called “friends” who smile warmly at your face but scheme behind your back to snatch resources. In such an environment, encountering someone like Jiang Xiaobai was a rare and heartwarming experience for Rong Juan, whose heart had grown somewhat numb.

Sure, Jiang Xiaobai’s actions had been motivated by the greater good of the production team, but out of all the people on set, why had she been the only one to step forward?

For this reason alone, Rong Juan was willing to lend her a helping hand.

An actress like this deserved to succeed, didn’t she?

Jiang Xiaobai took Rong Juan’s advice to heart, feeling as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes.

“First imitate, then internalize”—this phrase was handy to her now. If the original owner of her body had understood this earlier, perhaps she wouldn’t have remained a nobody after two years in the industry.

Filming on set was also a time of growth for Jiang Xiaobai. Before she knew it, the new month had arrived, and her issue of Tianwei Magazine was finally released!

The cover image was breathtakingly beautiful at first glance—

In a lush, green forest stood a girl in a white dress. Her long, wavy hair resembled thick seaweed, adorned with a vibrant flower crown that exuded vitality.

The strapless dress ended mid-thigh, revealing her slender, straight legs. A gentle breeze lifted the hem of her dress, subtly outlining her delicate waistline.

Her makeup was fresh and natural—soft cherry-colored lips, a dewy base with a hint of shimmer, and unique eye makeup blending shades of green with a gradient effect.

This eye makeup would be a daily disaster, giving off a nightclub vibe. But strangely, in this setting, it blended perfectly, as if the girl had become one with the forest.

The girl stood barefoot, her toes slightly raised, holding a tender green leaf between her lips as if she were about to play a tune with it.

Vibrant, ethereal, fresh, and elegant.

The cover’s theme was The Forest Princess.

Tianwei was an international magazine. While it was available in China, it didn’t actively promote itself there, and most people didn’t bother buying it. As a result, its release initially went unnoticed—that is, until a fashion photographer posted about it on Weibo.

[Fashion Photographer Lao Gao V: I buy every issue of Tianwei Magazine, and the cover is always what I look forward to the most. The angles, composition, and colors are all points of interest to me, and I always learn something from them. But most issues end up collecting dust after I’m done. This one, though, is absolutely stunning! At first glance, I felt like I was looking at a fairy. This ethereal forest princess vibe is straight-up breathtaking! So beautiful, I’m in love! I’m going to treasure this issue and savor it slowly!]

The post included a photo of the cover, clearly taken with a camera rather than the digital version.

This photographer, Lao Gao, was a professional with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. His keen sense of style earned him significant online followers, where he regularly shared fashion guides and street photography, offering tips and pointing out common mistakes.

This post wasn’t an advertisement but a casual share of his daily life. He often posted about high-end magazines he purchased, so this was nothing unusual.

When his followers saw the update and clicked on it, they couldn’t look away.

“Who is this girl? I need her full details within the next minute!”

“So beautiful, like an elf!”

“Yes, yes, like an elf princess!”

“I can’t breathe! Mom, I’m in love!”

“I knew Jiang Xiaobai was shooting for Tianwei, but I wasn’t expecting much. Now… I’m eating my words. This is amazing!”

“I get why Tianwei chose her now. She’s stunning. This issue’s sales are going to be huge.”

“I want the original image! The original! I need it as my desktop and phone wallpaper!”

Jiang Xiaobai had previously shared a makeup photo. Still, it was taken under bright lighting, which made the makeup look less dramatic. This cover image, however, was several times more impactful, with the outfit and setting creating a visual feast that made hearts race.

The image of this breathtaking beauty was incredibly eye-catching, and the comments were overwhelmingly positive. After all, when it came to looks, Jiang Xiaobai had no flaws.

Lao Gao’s post quickly became one of the top ten trending topics on Weibo. Many other photographers and people in the magazine industry followed suit, partly to ride the popularity wave and partly because even their critical eyes found the image truly impressive.

However, without exception, all the images they shared were photos taken with cameras—none were original digital files.

Soon, “Begging for the original image of Jiang Xiaobai as the Forest Princess” climbed into the top five trending topics, with many people tagging Jiang Xiaobai in the comments.

Dong Ran immediately informed her of the situation.

After considering it for a while, Jiang Xiaobai shared on Weibo:

[Jiang Xiaobai Not So White V: Thank you all for your love! I also think this photo turned out fantastic. A big thank you to the photographer from Tianwei /heart emoji. But I don’t have the original image, so I’m joining the plea!]

At the end, she tagged Tianwei’s official account.

Soon, Tianwei responded—

[Tianwei Official V: Beautiful things should be shared with the world. We are honored that the Forest Princess has descended to earth, allowing Tianwei to be the first to feast on this visual masterpiece.]

Below the post was the high-definition image of The Forest Princess.

This official post quickly rose to the top of the trending list, and the comments were overwhelmingly positive—

“Grabbing the image!”

“Grabbing it, too!”

“Thanks for sharing the resource, bro!”

“Resource? What resource? Explain yourself, commenter above!”

“Suspicious, but no evidence.”

“No words needed. Just here to drool.”

After Tianwei’s response, Lao Gao was the first to post again. He shared a screenshot of his computer desktop, now set to The Forest Princess, accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji.

This sparked a trend, with many people sharing their new desktop or wallpaper images on social media, further boosting Jiang Xiaobai’s popularity.

Although she had anticipated some level of success, the impact of the Tianwei cover far exceeded Jiang Xiaobai’s expectations. She had thought it might generate a buzz similar to her previous commercial shoots. Still, she never imagined it would trend so heavily.

“Xiaobai, I’ve stolen the image for my wallpaper. You don’t mind, do you?”

During a break on set, Gu Xue playfully waved her phone at Jiang Xiaobai.

“I’ve been using it too, but not as a wallpaper—it’s my chat background,” a young male supporting actor admitted shyly, his face turning red as he glanced at Jiang Xiaobai.