The Villainess Awakens After Marrying the Male Lead’s Brother - Chapter 16

Wen Yu’s heart fluttered as she recognized the sensation; it was familiar from the times when she would playfully annoy Aunt Jiang until she couldn’t take it anymore. However, unlike the reserved Jiang Yunyan, Aunt Jiang used to playfully poke her forehead or pinch her cheeks.

Nevertheless, it was ultimately indulgent.

In that fleeting moment, Wen Yu couldn’t help but feel that Jiang Yunyan was truly a part of the Jiang family, treating her exceptionally well. Even after the orchestrated troubles caused by Jiang Yunjin, as long as she was willing to change, Jiang Yunjin no longer held any grudges.

Observing Jiang Yunyan’s seemingly distant demeanor, Wen Yu realized he had been caring for her since their marriage, almost as if he had taken on the responsibility of looking after her from Aunt Jiang.

Quick to adapt, Wen Yu joined in, sweetly declaring, “Big brother, I want tomato-braised beef! And fried spare ribs, and garlic chicken wings…”

“Only one!” Jiang Yunyan stated coldly.

Pouting in a slightly aggrieved manner, Wen Yu conceded, “Okay, I’ll have the tomato-braised beef.”

Following him, she watched as Jiang Yunyan rolled up his sleeves, tied on an apron, transitioning from a social elite to a figure donned in a perfect apron around his slim yet sturdy waist. She couldn’t help but smile in anticipation.

Initially concerned about upsetting Jiang Yunyan, Wen Yu playfully teased him. However, as he started cutting the beef, she relaxed, lying on the sofa, checking Weibo once again.

The morning post had gathered tens of thousands of likes and comments, an impressive feat for a story with only a few minor characters. Looking at the teaser’s view count, it had reached five million. She posted the prepared photos, starting from Jiang Yunjin’s heroic rescue to her embracing him.

At 6:01, eagerly awaiting fans rushed to check: [6]

“Whoa, am I seeing things?”
“Wen Yu hugging Su Lengyue? Aren’t they supposed to be rivals???”

In the midst of the crowd’s shock, Wen Yu replied to a comment: “Firstly, he’s bad, secondly, he’s bad, and lastly, he’s bad!!!”

Fans laughed, “Hahaha.”

“Politely asking: Are you Jiang Yunjin?”

“I’m sorry, I really believed it. If Wen Yu liked Jiang Yunjin, she wouldn’t say this. Don’t you know those days when Jiang Yunjin posted his achievements on Weibo every day, even wanting her to turn the cards, as long as she said he was bad.”

“Wow, beautiful lady, are they really rivals? I don’t believe it.”

Seeing this, Wen Yu couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. There’s more to this? Jiang Yunjin cares so much about being called bad by her? Suddenly, with a refresh, Jiang Yunjin’s figure appeared in the comments: “So, did you get beaten up last night?”
Followed by a smiling emoji.

Clearly smiling on the face, but DMP (deep in the
mind).

Fans immediately asked, “Who beat you?”

“Who beat you? What happened?”

“You’re talking halfway, and you won’t have a spouse
in the future!”

“Haha, @Wen Yu, quickly see his retaliation, retaliate back!”

Continuing the scroll, I noticed Su Lengyue’s comment in the thread: “How was it when you went back last night?”

Wen Yu’s smile hesitated for a moment and then subtly expanded.

Despite not having Su Lengyue’s contact, they weren’t on good terms. Su Lengyue wasn’t one to be warm with her, and every encounter between them lacked a peaceful moment or an opportunity to exchange contact information.

Yet, the main character is the main character—composed. Given the circumstances, her previous actions weren’t surprising, especially with Jiang Yunjin in the picture.

Wen Yu replied this time: “No, just went back and slept. Currently waiting to have a meal. Thanks for caring, beautiful sister~[PatPat]jpg.”

As expected, Jiang Yunjin would probably be infuriated upon seeing that, right?

Wen Yu clicked her tongue. Did those troublesome netizens want to harm her? It’s not that easy!
However, she couldn’t witness Jiang Yunjin’s reaction.
On the other hand, the comment section was lively, with users actively mentioning Jiang Yunjin in the conversation between Wen Yu and Su Lengyue. Some were skeptical:

“Aren’t they supposed to be love rivals?”

“Two gorgeous ladies being affectionate—love it! Men are just unexpected, but beauties are the real deal.”

“Don’t you think Wen Yu’s first reaction would be to throw herself into Su Lengyue’s arms? From my ten years of novel-reading experience, maybe Wen Yu and Jiang Yunjin are the real love rivals. Wen Yu pretends to admire Jiang Yunjin to get close to Su Lengyue and cause trouble…”

“Back when the teacher left the literary world, I strongly opposed it!”

“Haha, if they don’t clarify soon, I might actually believe it. Spread the word, Wen Yu loves Su Lengyue!”

“Spread the word, Wen Yu and Su Lengyue are the true love!”

Meanwhile, just finishing replying to work messages,
Jiang Yunjin, curious about the numerous Weibo mentions, clicked to check and turned green.
He wished he could complain to his big brother right away: Why does everyone hit me but not her?!
Looking at Su Lengyue’s calmness as Jiang Yunjin went crazy, she said, “…”

Certainly! Here’s the translated text with spaces between paragraphs:

Watching Su Lengyue go berserk, Jiang Yunjin remained composed, saying, “…”

On the other side, after quietly mocking Jiang Yunjin, Wen Yu caught a whiff of the enticing aroma of tomato beef stew from the kitchen. Turning around, she saw Young Master Tianluo had cleaned his hands, untied his apron, and was heading back to his room.

The final step for tomato beef stew requires sufficient simmering time, a task easily handled by an electric cooker without constant supervision.

As Jiang Yunyan turned around, he noticed Wen Yu looking at him with bright eyes. He instinctively paused but refrained from his usual inquiry.

In high spirits, Wen Yu took the initiative: “I did something again today!”

Excitedly, she shared the success of boosting her web series with more viewers to Jiang Yunyan, expecting praise. However, Jiang Yunyan’s eyes dimmed as he asked, “Are you hugging Ajin’s girlfriend?”

Wen Yu blinked, teasingly saying, “Of course, I can’t hug him, right? After all, there’s a distinction between uncle and sister-in-law~” Realizing she shouldn’t banter casually in front of Jiang Yunyan, she quickly tightened her lips, her gaze awkwardly drifting.
Certainly!

Intentionally bringing up the awkward situation between the two!

Just now, online, dealt another blow to Jiang Yunjin, feeling a bit proud~ But then, the man in front of her suddenly lifted the corners of his lips, revealing a faint smile. The smile was subtle, but it instantly dispersed the coldness on his face, drawing attention to his superior appearance. Wen Yu couldn’t help but stare a bit more, but he didn’t smile again, as if the previous moment was just a blink of an eye illusion.

Then, Jiang Yunyan stood up and went to the kitchen. Wen Yu: ? Wasn’t he waiting for the preparations to be done before cooking? Then, those handsome hands took chicken wings and spare ribs from the fridge. Wen Yu: !

—

Fried spare ribs, garlic chicken wings, and tomato beef stew were all done. The spacious room was filled with the aroma. Wen Yu was already hungry, and now, smelling the fragrance, she couldn’t focus on her phone anymore, running to the kitchen and eagerly watching.

The garlic chicken wings were fried, sizzling in oil; one by one, the well-marinated chicken wings were put in, and soon, the skin became crispy. The aroma of garlic was even more pronounced, making Wen Yu’s eyes widen.

Heartfelt resentment filled her, how could Jiang Yunyan effortlessly earn a pile of money and excel at cooking? Is this the gap between people?

Wen Yu felt a bit envious and jealous, suddenly a chicken wing appeared in front of her. She raised a brilliant smile, “Thank you, big brother, you’re so kind!!!” She bit into it directly. After a nearly inaudible “crack,” the meaty fragrance filled her mouth, with a thin layer of pepper and salt on top, making it even more delicious.

Jiang Yunyan had even cut the chicken wings in half from the middle, so there was no need to debone them. Wen Yu finished one, looking at the man beside her as if wanting to say something.

Despite working at the stove, Jiang Yunyan, with his long legs and slender waist, looked good. Especially when frying chicken wings, he was calm and unhurried, as if conducting some kind of research.

If she puts on a white coat, she’d be the perfect high-intelligence, high-looks antagonist from a novel? It makes her hesitate to act too recklessly. Meanwhile, Jiang Yunyan notices her gaze but remains composed, engrossed in devouring chicken wings.

Wen Yu pouts, extending her fair fingers to poke his sturdy arm, “Big brother~~~” The sweet voice takes an unexpected turn with the last word.

If Jiang Mama were here, she’d surely embrace Wen Yu, granting her every wish. However, the man before her remains calm, asking, “What’s up?”

Wen Yu stares at him, incredulous that she has to say it herself. She’s embarrassed, unable to confront Jiang Yunyan like she would with Jiang Mama, so she deflates, wanting to leave the kitchen.

Get away from the temptation.

Lessen the allure.

As she turns, another tempting aroma of chicken wings appears. This time, Wen Yu doesn’t hold back, biting down fiercely and hurrying away.

Jiang Yunyan must be teasing her!

He definitely knows what she wants!

Wen Yu feels a bit angry, but when she sees the garlic wings, ribs frying, and the finished tomato beef inside the kitchen, she calms down. Well, considering his excellent cooking skills, she forgives him.

Unbeknownst to her, the man behind her retrieves his chopsticks, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes.

—

Good food always uplifts the mood. Wen Yu, having eaten her fill, disregards the ‘homeroom teacher,’ slumping in the chair, rubbing her stomach.

She accidentally overate.

Although she ate more than usual due to hunger, her appetite is still no match for Jiang Yunyan’s. He’s still finishing up.

Even though there are three dishes, the portions are just enough for two. Wen Yu thinks Jiang Yunyan should be in a good mood. Different from when he left work, she props her chin with both hands, blinking her big eyes, “Big brother, why were you angry this afternoon? You can tell me, even though I may not understand, I can be a trash bin.”

After all, with nothing much to contribute, she has only her ears to offer.

She has her share of troubles and likes to confide; understanding this, she believes whatever upset Jiang Yunyan must be significant.

Jiang Yunyan pauses in his chopstick movements, then casually finishes the last piece of beef, wipes his mouth, and says, “It’s nothing.”

Wen Yu asks, “Really nothing?”

Jiang Yunyan glances at her and suddenly says, “Actually, there is something.”

Wen Yu: ?

Jiang Yunyan: “Let’s talk about your drinking.”

Wen Yu is stunned.

Jiang Yunyan’s tone is gentle, his voice deep. He doesn’t scold; he just furrows his brows slightly, expressing disapproval, “I’m not saying you can’t drink, after all, you’re an adult. But getting drunk like that, do you think it’s appropriate?”

Almost to the point of losing consciousness.

Wen Yu: …

She dare not make a sound. Is she going to say that the red wine, priced at twenty thousand per bottle, is worth drinking a bit more for the experience?

In the end, Wen Yu sincerely apologized, swearing never to let herself get drunk like this again. Only then did Jiang Yunyan relax her slightly furrowed brows, rubbing her head, “Good girl.”

Wen Yu: … Crying.

Jiang Yunjin, may this prosperous era be as you wish!

Then Jiang Yunyan asked Wen Yu about the bullying incident from last night.

Wen Yu truthfully revealed the details.

However, Jiang Yunjin had already beaten the other party, and nothing serious happened. Even the police wouldn’t take them, so the matter was considered closed in her mind.

But the aftermath…

The reason she immediately blocked Zhao Qingyuan’s contact information was mainly because this supporting female character was not easy to deal with. Once provoked, even the female lead would have to endure some trouble. Being a cannon fodder with no luck, she dared not provoke, so she distanced herself early on.

The past events were considered mutually beneficial and settled.

However, now Zhao Qingyuan was causing trouble using her name. Unable to succeed, she even created a scandal. After some hesitation, Wen Yu chose to complain, “This matter is likely done by Zhao Qingyuan. Also, about the scandal, when Sister Liu went to get the surveillance footage, she found out that all the cameras on my side happened to be gone…”

“Zhao Qingyuan?” Jiang Yunyan recalled the girl who had an extremely good relationship with his child before, a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes. he comforted, “You don’t need to worry about this matter. I will handle it. In the future, wherever you go, have someone accompany you. Even when filming, don’t go out at night, and have the driver follow you…”

After giving instructions, Wen Yu felt like she was really similar to Jiang Mom. However, she could distinguish right from wrong, nodded very obediently, and promised to do as he said.

Jiang Yunyan then cleaned up the dishes.

Wen Yu, watching the man finish cooking and washing dishes, felt a bit guilty. She pretended to tidy up the table, but he persuaded her, “Go to your room and rest.”

“Okay.” Wen Yu immediately let go, sweetly saying, “Big brother, thank you~”

Then she ran back to her room.

Jiang Yunyan: …

Recently freed up some time, Wen Yu planned to go shopping with Wei Ningning tomorrow.

She hasn’t bought new clothes this month!

However, Laojie interrupted her plans with a single sentence: “I’ve arranged a schedule for you. Starting tomorrow, come to the company for classes every day. You may not have a formal background, but in the entertainment industry, you need to act well. Sloppiness won’t do, it tarnishes my reputation.”

Wen Yu felt a bit awkward.

She was indeed Laojie’s most embarrassing artist. Apart from her, Laojie had three other artists: an entertainment guru with various talents and a good sense of humor, a singer with consistently good reviews over the years, and an actor with formal training who had also worked in theater for a few years before Laojie discovered him and now plays lead roles in moderately budgeted scripts.

As for Wen Yu, two years in the industry, her representative work – chasing after Jiang Yunjin.

The small roles she played were generally commented on as: good looks, suitable as a vase.

The only consolation was that she returned not as an unknown, at least having some degree of fame, even if it was stirred up by scandals.

Wen Yu promised to focus on honing her acting skills.

In addition to mandatory script and acting classes, teachers worked on her posture and stride. Her next two roles were both in period dramas, with significant roles as the fourth female lead. In a TV series, these roles were not insignificant, so these aspects couldn’t be overlooked.

Especially the character she was about to portray, a noblewoman in a martial arts background.

She was the most beautiful woman in the world and also the antagonist’s wife in the book. Elegant, intelligent, she loved the male lead but, for his career, chose to marry the antagonist, maneuvering in between, providing the male lead with more time for growth.

However, while the male lead grew, he found a like-minded partner, the female lead. Due to jealousy, the fourth female lead betrayed midway, but in the last moment, she awakened, realizing the antagonist had done too much evil, and everyone must be eliminated. She returned to the right path but was taken away by the antagonist in the end.

A pure love story, where every action revolves around love.

In today’s world, though, even pure love stories struggle.

But Laojie wanted her to play this role because if done well, it truly captures the audience, and if not, well…

Wen Yu, though laid-back, takes her work seriously. Eager to provide value for the money she receives, she works diligently, even shedding a bit of newly gained weight in the process.

Occasionally, Lijie comes by and playfully pinches Wen Yu’s cheek, saying, “If you stay like this, how will your clothes ever burst at the seams?”

Wen Yu quickly covers her mouth, “Don’t say that!”

Lijie smirks, “Oh, now you’re embarrassed?”

Wen Yu, holding a handkerchief, tears up, “I knew you looked down on me, but I didn’t want that. Just to get a compliment from you, I haven’t slept for three days, tirelessly honing my acting skills. Look, my oval face is even visible now~~”

Lijie strokes her chin, patting her on the head, “Well done, your acting has improved, and those tears come so quickly.”

Wen Yu shivers, looking at her as if betrayed, “How can you say that? Everything I’ve done is for whom?”

Lijie, moved by her teary eyes, though knowing it’s an act, can’t help but feel sorry, “Alright, I have good news for you.”

Wen Yu immediately perks up, wiping away tears with her handkerchief, as the lines she just delivered were from her upcoming performance, practiced extensively to be delivered anytime, “What is it?”

“It’s a spokesperson role!”

—

It’s for a niche high-end brand, coincidentally the same brand as the little black dress Wen Yu wore last time. Her current level of fame wasn’t initially enough for such a role, but her recent popularity graph was impressive. The fluffy black dress she wore, not a high-end piece, enhanced her value significantly.

With Lijie’s intervention, she secured the role just in time. A day before joining the production, Wen Yu finished shooting the advertisement, smoothly and without any issues.

Timing was perfect, daring to shoot just a day before joining the crew. She got paid and went home to pack her bags.

It seems some storylines are best triggered by the female lead.

Wen Yu has a slight regret; she wanted to experience her own acting skills. Her previous two roles were purely decorative, one with Jiang Yunyan and another in a modern campus drama, requiring minimal acting. It was essentially being half a decoration.

Now, with personal training, she truly understands the meaning of acting. Being an actress is a fascinating profession, and she’s starting to enjoy it. Of course, her true love remains in investments.

Unfortunately, the investment in this drama is…

“I can’t.”

Regretfully, just as she was feeling disappointed, someone from the production team called out, “Teacher Wen! The director is looking for you!”

Wen Yu immediately stood up and ran towards the director.

On the third day of filming, it was Wen Yu’s first scene. She had done her makeup and hair early, waiting on set with anticipation, eager to see how her training had paid off.

As she ran over, she noticed the director frowning when he saw her, seeming somewhat displeased.

Wen Yu smiled and said, “Director Qin, I’m here.”

Director Qin scrutinized her from top to bottom, the supporting role being a delicate literary character and the only one without martial arts skills in this martial arts drama. Her standout qualities relied on her intelligence.

At a glance, her appearance seemed fine.

Wearing a light yellow dress, different from traditional Hanfu in historical dramas, her dress in this drama was somewhat ethereal, with several layers of clothing stacked together.

Coincidentally, as she walked by, a person passed, causing a gust of wind. The top two layers of gauze fluttered, complementing her flawless face, giving off a fairy-like aura.

But no matter how you looked at that face, it didn’t seem clever!

Yet, the investors insisted on using her, and she was only cast as the fourth female lead. Director Qin couldn’t object too strongly, but initially, he had intended this role for an actress from his own company!

That actress, despite not being as beautiful, was sharp-witted. She could convincingly portray the character who orchestrated the romantic entanglements of the main cast.

Oh well.

Director Qin took a deep breath, reminding himself that at least she had a pleasant appearance. It was better than having nothing at all; after all, nothing in life is perfect, or else he wouldn’t be a director.

He said, “In this scene, when you enter later, try to be reserved, keep a low profile, and wait for the male lead to say…”

To achieve the desired effect, Director Qin emphasized all the details to pay attention to. Interpret it as you comprehend.

After finishing, the girl in front listened attentively, her big eyes staring, as if asking: Why stop now?

Suddenly, Director Qin lost his temper. No wonder Jiang Entertainment praises her so much; with that face, she’s truly likable. Despite having no notable works, rumor has it she has eight million followers on Weibo.

He sighed, “We’re done with this scene. Get ready.”

“Sure, thank you, Director,” Wen Yu still smiled.

After a while, props were ready, lights were set, the stage cleared, and the main cast appeared. In a torrential rain, they ran to a pavilion.

Meanwhile, the antagonist was investigating who disrupted his small conspiracy. Just as he found a clue, they coincidentally met in the rain.

Wen Yu, playing the fourth female lead and the antagonist’s wife, a lady of high society, played the pipa in the pavilion. The antagonist portrayed a refined gentleman.

Despite the pouring rain, their expressions remained affectionate.

However, the main cast, having escaped the antagonist’s pursuit, awkwardly entered the pavilion.

It suddenly felt crowded.

From the male lead’s perspective, a glimpse revealed his past crush, now with a mature hairstyle, playing music with another man. His emotions stirred, revealing an unusual expression.

As the camera swept past, Qin, watching the monitor, saw Wen Yu’s face. At this moment, her innocence diminished, replaced by a gentle charm, captivating and enchanting.

She played the pipa with her head slightly lowered, glancing up at any sound, casually looking around before resuming playing.

Until the song ended, the antagonist scrutinized the three intruding youths with narrowed eyes.

The male lead immediately apologized, bowing and explaining they sought shelter from the rain.

The antagonist agreed but remained suspicious. As he probed, the fledgling main cast seemed inadequate. Seeing a potential slip, the antagonist’s wife, played by Wen Yu, furrowed her brows, showing discomfort.

The antagonist’s attention shifted immediately, protective of her departure.

Wen Yu nodded with a smile, supported by the antagonist, and as she turned, her gaze lingered on the young man watching her, revealing a hint of vulnerability.

Perfect!

Not the overly naive image he imagined, but that final gaze hinted at numerous untold stories!

This acting surpassed the vase-like scenes he had seen before!

“Click!” the director shouted, and the rain immediately stopped. Wen Yu’s eyes sparkled as she looked over.

Director Qin’s face showed a hint of satisfaction. “Well done, Wen Yu. The last expression was excellent. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a close-up shot. Can we recreate it?”

Wen Yu smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “Sure!”

Director Qin, even more pleased, then briefed the main cast on some details. Soon after, they resumed shooting.

However, the following scenes didn’t go as smoothly. Occasionally, props malfunctioned, and actors faced challenges. As a result, close-ups and distant shots for retakes took around ten attempts to get everything right.

After finishing, Yao Xi, who played the female lead, gave Wen Yu a thumbs up. “Teacher Wen, your acting is impressive, much better than what’s said online.”

Yao Xi, with a laid-back personality and martial arts skills, was handpicked by Director Qin as the female lead. She didn’t seem bothered by any online comments about Wen Yu.

Wen Yu playfully touched her nose and cleared her throat. “Judge me after three days of separation! That’s me they’re talking about!”

“Haha!” Yao Xi burst into laughter.

Wen Yu grinned, lifted her dress, and happily declared, “I’m off duty!”

Yao Xi suddenly couldn’t find words to laugh.

Being the female lead, her scenes were intensive, lasting until at least ten o’clock that night.

Mischievously, Wen Yu muttered, “It’s getting cold lately. Shall we have hotpot or barbecue tonight?”

Yao Xi envied her to the point of tears. △思△兔△網△

Wen Yu had already planned it out: barbecue tonight and hotpot tomorrow. She went with her assistant Xiao Yu to change out of her costume, ready to return home, remove her makeup slowly, and wait for the takeout.

As a supporting actress, her scenes were scattered, usually appearing with the main cast. So, she mostly stayed on set, enjoying her relaxed days, occasionally learning martial arts from the crew’s masters to prepare for future roles.

Ironically, in a martial arts drama where almost everyone was skilled, she portrayed a delicate beauty. In the next historical drama, she played the daughter of a martial arts family, looking refined but beating the male lead in fights.

Nevertheless, it was beneficial. Martial arts training helped keep her in shape. Though tiring, Wen Yu enjoyed it. Watching her enthusiasm, Director Qin couldn’t resist adding a couple of passive fight scenes for her.

That meant scenarios where others were fighting, and she was protected, suspended by wires. After one scene, her waist was marked from the harness.

Wen Yu was set down, and Xiao Yu rushed over to release the pressure. “Wow, boss, you looked amazing flying just now!”

Wen Yu was released, and Xiao Yu rushed over at the first moment to relieve the pressure on her: “Wow, boss, you looked really amazing just now!”

Wen Yu, who was still feeling pain, immediately became excited upon hearing this: “Did you take any pictures?”

“Yes!” Xiao Yu handed over her phone with a smile. “Take a look.”

Looking at the photos, Wen Yu saw herself as a burden, being lifted and dodging by the male lead with a single hand, occasionally counterattacking those who were chasing them.

The male lead wore simple clothes, mostly coarse linen, while she was in luxurious silk and satin. Despite the tousled hair and slightly flushed cheeks after the ordeal, she exuded a casual beauty.

Xiao Yu’s photography skills were excellent, the main reason she was hired. Seeing Wen Yu satisfied, she casually added a filter, highlighting Wen Yu even more, making the whole picture beautiful.

Wen Yu praised, “Not bad, not bad. Send it to me! There’s a bonus this month!”

Now that she was financially well off, giving bonuses to employees was not a big deal. She had invested five million in a director’s script, and now she had over twenty million!

“Thank you, boss!” Xiao Yu smiled, quickly touched up the remaining photos, and sent them all to Wen Yu.

Without hesitation, Wen Yu posted them on her Moments: [First ‘action scene’ [pictures]].

Just after posting, the director called her.

—

“Xiao Yu.” Director Qin’s opinion of Wen Yu had changed. Everyone likes diligent and hardworking actors. While Wen Yu’s previous performances were criticized, she portrayed this role well. She was modest and eager to learn, spending a long time on set, even when not filming her scenes. Getting along well with the main actors, with good looks, she would be a significant attraction when the show airs.

Therefore, Director Qin kindly said, “You only have a few scenes left, but these remaining ones require high emotional intensity. Let’s shoot a part of it today, how does that sound?”

Upon hearing the words, Wen Yu’s heart slightly tightened. The director outlined scenes where she, playing Xie Rou, would discover the male lead’s love for the female lead, leading to her breakdown, disappointment turning into resentment causing the male lead’s best friend to become a wreck. Lastly, there was the realization, remorse, and apology to the male lead as the antagonist took her away.

Emotional outbursts and transformations in the plot weren’t easy to film, especially for someone who hadn’t done it before. Despite practicing in front of her teacher a few times, she couldn’t fully grasp it.

But a woman can’t say no! She nodded decisively, “Okay!”

Director Qin patted her shoulder, “Go prepare. If you nail it, your reputation will turn around, and the next thing delivered to you will likely be the role of the female lead.”

Wen Yu pursed her lips, concealing her indescribable anxiety and uneasiness.

Director Qin had high hopes for her.

Little did she know that in this industry, looking good was a natural advantage. With decent acting skills, playing the female lead was relatively easy. Wen Yu’s popularity, despite its ups and downs, worked in her favor. Directors and producers would take notice during casting.

Under Qin’s eager gaze, Wen Yu made her way to prepare with a heavy heart.

Two hours later, with her makeup reapplied, Wen Yu appeared on camera once again. Watching the young man who once admired her now sincerely confessing to another woman, clearing up misunderstandings with her ‘Xie Rou,’ she felt a chilling sensation.

She had done so much for him, and this was the outcome?

“Xiao Yuanzhi!” a furious shout disrupted the confessions.

The male lead, Xiao Yuanzhi, turned pale, about to explain. Xie Rou stared at him coldly, as if waiting to see how he would defend himself.

“Click!” Director Qin frowned, “Xie Rou, your emotions are off. In your eyes, you two should be a tacit couple. Why do you look like you’ve just encountered a scumbag?”

Wen Yu : …….

For Xie Rou, Xiao Yuan was indeed quite bad, making it difficult for her to emotionally connect and fall in love.

Director Qin gave her a lecture, and Wen Yu tried hard to remember. In the second take, Wen Yu was much better than before, with added sadness and anger.

Just lacking the sense of grievance.

They re-shot.

Despite several retakes, Wen Yu’s performance improved, but still fell short of the director’s expectations.

Even when the male and female leads were impacted by her reshoots, by the last two takes, the director frowned at the completed scenes, and Wen Yu stood beside, not daring to speak.

She thought the director should feel the same as her, seemingly close but not quite there.

Director Qin, now having higher expectations, wasn’t entirely satisfied at this stage. However, looking at the exhausted main actors, he waved his hand, “Alright, let’s shoot the next scene.”

Continuing like this, it was challenging for Wen Yu to perform any better.

As if she hadn’t improved at all.

Director Qin was truly puzzled, being an insider, he knew a lot of internal news. Even though the online sentiment had changed, in reality, Wen Yu still had unresolved issues

Certainly! Here is the English translation with space between paragraphs:

—

Indeed, he relentlessly followed Jiang Yunjin across several sets, treating Su Lengyue with a cold gaze. Everything about her seemed displeasing, yet his admiration for Jiang Yunjin was genuine.

Moreover, Jiang Yunjin and she were supposed childhood sweethearts. However, he ended up falling for Su Lengyue, doesn’t that resemble the plot? In theory, it should be more relatable.

Why is it that when it comes to acting, he can’t control himself?

He couldn’t have anticipated that Wen Yu had truly not realized.

—

Wen Yu also felt a bit uneasy. Although Director Qin didn’t scold anyone, she felt that she hadn’t done well in her part, making her naturally uncomfortable. But such matters couldn’t be rushed. Instead of immediately returning, she approached several leading actors, as they had no scenes that evening, and invited them for dinner: “Let’s go to Moon Pavilion; my treat.”

The female lead, who initially planned to refuse and go back to the hotel to relax, quickly changed her mind: “Sure, let me remove my makeup!”

Others followed suit, joking, “Moon Pavilion is quite expensive; you better be ready with your wallet.”

“No problem!” Wen Yu grinned, “Anyway, if you two are so famous, they’ll probably be willing to let you work there.”

Moon Pavilion is the most famous upscale restaurant in this area, with an average expenditure of three to four thousand per person. Dining without spending at least twenty to thirty thousand is considered rare.

Wen Yu thought that considering the upcoming scenes, they might need some relief, so she decided to treat them to a good restaurant.

After dinner, with scenes scheduled for the next day, the group returned to the hotel together.

Nonchalantly bidding farewell to Yao Xi and the others, Wen Yu returned to her room, collapsed on the bed, and posted an emoticon on her moments: [Sad.jpg]

After posting and looking at the cute and mournful GIF, she felt a bit better.

However, her underlying concerns remained.

She couldn’t keep going like this, eventually leading to bluffing through these scenes?

Wen Yu didn’t want that. In her previous life, as an ordinary viewer, she felt joy when watching a good drama. When a good drama had flaws, it felt like a bone stuck in her throat, particularly uncomfortable. She didn’t want to be the flaw.

Thinking this, she casually exited her moments and found several messages on WeChat. She replied to some friends’ messages and finally opened the family group chat.

This was the Jiang family group chat, consisting of the four members of the Jiang family along with her and Su Lengyue.

In the afternoon, the photos she posted on moments had already been shared by Jiang’s mother in the group. Jiang’s father was the first to respond: [Beautiful! Our little fish is truly outstanding 👍]

Jiang’s mother: [Indeed, Little Fish is becoming more and more good-looking! Truly resembling a big star.]

Next was Jiang Yunjin: [Hey, not bad. But the filter is too thick; the features are all gone.]

Jiang’s mother promptly sent Jiang Yunjin’s retouched image: [Look at this, this is the epitome of having no features.]

Jiang Yunjin: […]

Jiang’s mother: [Did I say something wrong?]

Looking at the retouched image of himself, handsome and with profound features, Jiang Yunjin replied with frustration: [No!]

Wen Yu laughed when she saw the message. Though some time had passed, she replied and chatted briefly with Aunt Jiang before heading to take a shower.

On the other side, Aunt Jiang, watching the cheerful messages from the child, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off – a forced smile, perhaps? With her keen instincts as the one who raised Wen Yu, Jiang couldn’t ignore the uneasy feeling. After glancing at her friend’s moments, she was convinced. Originally planning to call Wen Yu, she hesitated, realizing she didn’t understand the entertainment industry. Instead, she dialed her eldest daughter’s number.

Wondering if her stoic eldest would offer comfort, Jiang’s mother felt distressed, unable to sleep well at night.

—

Around eight in the evening, not too late but certainly not early. The lights on the top floor of the Jiang Corporation building were still on. As the executive assistant, Zhou Han accompanied the overworked CEO. After refreshing his tired eyes with eye drops, he motivated himself, thinking that next year, with the employee discount, he could fully pay for the house in Jiangzhou Residential Area.

He entered with some files. About to report, he witnessed his workaholic boss answering a call. Zhou Han immediately stayed quiet, as the boss didn’t signal him to leave, indicating he could listen. Planning to wait a bit, the boss soon hung up, ready to resume work.

“Boss, for this quarter—” Zhou Han didn’t finish his sentence.

The boss interrupted, “Bring me the information on the dramas and variety shows Jiang Entertainment plans to invest in recently.”

“Okay, boss,” Zhou Han said.

He quickly organized the data and sent it to the boss. Less than ten minutes later, after he was about to go in for another work update, the boss answered another call.

At that moment, the call connected, and whatever was said softened the boss’s cold expression. “Yes, it’s me.”

Stirred, Zhou Han shivered, silently exiting the office and closing the door. Was it too cold today? Did it affect his usually work-focused boss? It wasn’t even 8:30; wasn’t it time to work hard? Why answer the phone now? Office worker Zhou Han was envious beyond recognition!!!