The Villainess Awakens After Marrying the Male Lead’s Brother - Chapter 05

Chapter 5
Of course, there is no present
The big-budget fantasy drama she’s currently filming differs significantly in cost. This small web series has a total production cost of 15 million, including promotion.
However, its returns far exceed that.
But just five days before the finale, the male lead became a sensation, gaining two million followers overnight. Countless netizens and drama fans dug into his past, uncovering a video of him abusing a small animal!
The victim turned out to be a little dog, loved by countless auntie fans in the series!
This triggered a massive backlash from drama fans, escalating into a major controversy. The actor’s other scandals surfaced, leading him directly to rehab. The series, with six episodes remaining, came to an abrupt end. The ensemble cast, which should have soared to fame, didn’t make much of a splash due to this incident.
Such a shame!
But the current series hasn’t started shooting yet!
This is an opportunity to turn things around.
This is a golden opportunity!
Wen Yu was about to get excited when she suddenly remembered she didn’t have much money left. She had invested the last 8 million in the fantasy drama, and she only had a few thousand pocket money left, nowhere near enough to invest again!
Wen Yu looked at Jiang Yunjin with eager eyes.
Jiang Yunjin became instantly wary, his face defensive. « What do you want? »
Wen Yu’s eyes turned red, she lowered her head, pretending to wipe away tears, her voice soft. « I really want to participate, but you know my reputation is not good, afraid they won’t accept me. »
Jiang Yunjin: « That’s easy. I’ve worked with the director before, and he won’t refuse. »
Wen Yu stomped her foot, plaintively saying, « I’m afraid of being bullied. »
Jiang Yunjin fell silent for a moment.
Wen Yu: …
Brother, your silence is deafening.
Jiang Yunjin sighed. « They lack funds on that end. Can you contribute some money? »
Wen Yu hesitated, then looked at him shyly, « I want to, but… I’ve already invested all my money in our current drama. »
Jiang Yunjin shuddered, « Watch your words! »
« Borrow money, » Wen Yu said nonchalantly. « Will you lend or not? »
Jiang Yunjin: « …Didn’t my brother give you a card? »
Wen Yu felt wronged, « No, he only gives me pocket money every month, and it’s long gone. »
« Ask him for it? He’s much richer than me. »
Wen Yu glared at him, « Dare you? »
Jiang Yunjin: « …I don’t dare. »
Fine.
Jiang Yunjin could only take out his phone. « I’ll have my agent transfer it to you; I’ll send the account number— »
He remembered, he was blocked.
Just as he was about to mock her with a cold smile, Wen Yu calmly removed him from her blacklist, not a hint of embarrassment, but rather a gentle smile. « Thanks, little brother, I’ll remember your kindness. »
Jiang Yunjin’s eye twitched, unable to bear it, he turned and walked away.
Wen Yu clicked her tongue, sent the account number, casually blocked Jiang Yunjin again, and after logging out, copied Jiang Yunjin’s phone number to add on WeChat.
As soon as the friend request was sent, the other party accepted.
The person was very enthusiastic in the invitation.
Wen Yu smiled, in her previous life, she dealt with the clients as a planner, always treated as a subordinate. Now, being treated with such enthusiasm feels quite comfortable.
She was also interested, and the two agreed to have lunch at noon.
It was getting late; Wen Yu hurriedly went to remove her makeup, bid farewell to the familiar actors, and left the crew with Xiao Yu, heading straight to the agreed-upon restaurant.
——
In the restaurant, the director in his thirties was already sitting in the window seat, waiting.
Seeing Wen Yu approaching, he immediately stood up to greet her, « Hello, Teacher Wen, please have a seat. »
Wen Yu also greeted him.
After ordering the meal, Lü Yuzu rubbed his hands, somewhat excited. « I heard Teacher Jiang said that Teacher Wen intends to invest? »
Jiang Yunjin was the one who initially recommended Wen Yu.
With Jiang Yunjin’s current position in the industry, when he speaks, generally no one dares to directly ignore it, especially for such a small and struggling production team.
Plus, Wen Yu has always been a self-funded investor, making him even more enthusiastic.
As long as she contributes some funds as a supporting role, he can treat her like a venerable ancestor!
The vows Lü Yuzu just made in his heart seemed even more accurate when he saw Wen Yu. She’s too stunning!

Certainly! Here’s the translation of the provided Chinese paragraphs:

« Just a supporting role, but as long as there’s some investment, he can treat her like an ancestor! Lü Yuzi, who had just sworn in his heart, truly felt he hadn’t sworn in vain upon seeing Wen Yu; her looks were outstanding!

No wonder she, with just a few minor roles, gained some recognition in the industry. However, in the next moment, Wen Yu spoke, ‘I can invest five million, and I don’t require an increase in my screen time. I have just one condition – the male lead must be approved by me.’

Lü Yuzi suddenly felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over him, chilling him to the core. ‘Male lead selection? You want to be involved?’

Wen Yu shook her head, ‘No, I won’t be involved, but I want the power to veto.’

Lü Yuzi showed a troubled expression. Wen Yu was patient; she had already researched on her way here. This production was the unfortunate one from the novel, struggling for five months with actors bringing their own costumes. The female lead was a third-tier artist who replaced a second-tier actress from a big production.

Finding the script interesting, Wen Yu decided to take a gamble. However, the male lead overturned everything! Wen Yu wouldn’t risk such a significant investment in an uncontrollable production; she needed a firm grip.

Lü Yuzi was torn inside but couldn’t let go of five million. He whispered, ‘We’ve already chosen the male lead; it’s decided by the investors.’

Perhaps fearing to offend Wen Yu, he quickly opened his phone and handed it to her, ‘This is the male lead, and he’s quite good.’

Wen Yu frowned upon seeing the handsome guy captured by airbrushing filters. She asked, ‘Where’s the real attractiveness?’

Lü Yuzi wiped his sweat, explaining, ‘He’s actually good, participated in Director Liao’s film before, played a supporting role, and appeared in a popular drama. He has some fan base.’

With a background, not ugly, and experience with a renowned director, it sounded promising. Arguing against someone’s appearance was difficult, especially with limited funds. Wen Yu pursed her lips, considering whether to find a way to raise more money. Suddenly, her phone vibrated, she opened it, smiled, and said, ‘But we can’t just accept anything; does Director Lü know his temperament?’

Embarrassed by her laughter, Lü Yuzi shook his head blankly.

Wen Yu handed him the phone. Lü Yuzi took it and saw the person he had praised a moment ago, stepping on a kitten, cigarette dangling from his mouth, a gloomy expression – clearly not a decent person.

Apart from this photo, there were several more, all depicting unfavorable scenes. Any A-list star exposing such images would face severe criticism, and coupled with the cat abuse, removal of the work wasn’t impossible.

‘This is…’ Lü Yuzi was puzzled and suspicious. »

« This is… » Lü Yuzuzu exclaimed in uncertainty.

It was information investigated by Wen Yu’s assistant. Her entry into the entertainment industry was more of a whim, having the support of the Jiang family. Her contract was with Jiang Yunyan’s company. Asking the assistant to investigate a minor actress seemed like an easy task, but the speed surprised Wen Yu.

Wen Yu shrugged, « Considering the risks, how likely is it for someone like this to shoot your TV drama, facing the possibility of it being taken down? »

Nowadays, when casting actors, not only talent and fame matter, but also their character and adherence to the law. Any scandal could lead to the entire drama being shelved or taken down.

Lü Yuzuzu’s expression changed, « Wen Teacher, please wait a moment. » He left, probably to call his influential father.

Wen Yu calmly ate, waiting. Ten minutes later, Lü Yuzuzu returned, looking even more disheartened.

« Wen Teacher, I’m afraid it won’t work, » he said dryly. « The main investor disagrees. If not, they’ll withdraw the investment, claiming they’ll clean up completely. »

Wen Yu wasn’t surprised, « What if I say I’ll cover it? »

Lü Yuzuzu’s eyes lit up, « Wen Teacher, are you serious? »

« Yes, » Wen Yu nodded. « I should be able to gather ten million without any issues. Is that enough? »

« Enough! » Lü Yuzuzu nodded decisively.

After reaching an agreement, Lü Yuzuzu finally focused on his meal. Once done, Wen Yu took Xiao Yu back to the hotel, packed her things, and returned to A City that afternoon, to the home she shared with Jiang Yunyan.

Jiang Yunyan rarely stayed at the old Jiang family mansion due to its inconvenient location. After marriage, Wen Yu moved in. Despite sleeping in separate rooms, their arrangement seemed like a harmonious facade, concealing any objections.

Having lived here for six months, Wen Yu, with the memories of her past life restored, felt an inexplicable sense of unfamiliarity in this ordinary house. She wondered if it was actually Jiang Yunyan who had arranged everything, not some elusive housekeeping aunt.

« No wonder I haven’t encountered him once. As Wen Yu thought about Jiang Yunyan’s well-proportioned figure and that stern and steady CEO face, a hint of a smile appeared on her lips as she pictured him wearing an apron, bending over to clean the house. With this thought, she didn’t seem to fear Jiang Yunyan as much anymore.

Wen Yu cheerfully put down her luggage, went straight to her room, and, having brought most of her things after marriage, including the property certificate, she immediately asked her broker how to mortgage the property. The broker, startled, called her right away, asking if their boss was going bankrupt. She denied it, explaining her need for money. The broker offered to lend her some, and Wen Yu, softening her voice, requested five million, thanking her broker, Liusister.

Liusister, troubled by the call quality, asked to talk later. Wen Yu sighed, deciding to consult a lawyer about the property mortgage tomorrow. However, before she could do that, her phone rang, and Jiang Yunyan’s name appeared. Holding the phone, she trembled. ‘Liusister!!! How could you report to the headmaster?!’