Chapter 38: The Villain Presents More of a Challenge

“She acts like she’s something special just because she filmed a commercial. She wants to demonstrate for Xiaoyun? Has she even considered if she’s up to it?” sneered an actress playing a palace maid.

Fu Yuanye couldn’t stand seeing everyone gang up on Lian Youyou and stepped in to defend her. “She just wanted to help. You all have been stuck on this scene for ages. If you think you’re so good, why don’t you do it? All you do is talk.”

“Youyou, you—” Director Li turned and caught sight of Lian Youyou. The words on the tip of his tongue caught in his throat. Her eyes were rimmed red, shimmering with unshed tears, yet none fell. She looked utterly heartbroken, clearly forcing herself to hold back her sorrow—a perfect mirror of the leading lady’s emotions in this very scene.

She had summoned up her feelings so quickly! Director Li hurriedly waved Fu Yuanye and Fan Xiaoyun over. “Quick, Yuanye, act with Youyou! Hurry! Xiaoyun, watch carefully—see how Youyou handles it.”

She truly deserved her reputation as the queen of film in Lian Meng’s circle; emotionally charged scenes like this were second nature to her.

After Lian Youyou’s demonstration, the entire set fell silent for several seconds. Everyone felt her performance was outstanding, but none dared guess the director’s thoughts, so no one was bold enough to praise her outright.

A round of applause broke the silence—Director Li clapping to express his approval. Once he started, the others quickly followed. Fu Yuanye’s applause was the loudest and most enthusiastic of all.

“Youyou, your acting is phenomenal,” Director Li said solemnly, patting her shoulder. “I’d wondered about this—why would Richard, with his notoriously high standards, sign a newcomer who’s only done a single commercial? Now I understand. Richard’s instincts have never failed him.”

“I said so! She’s a natural,” Fu Yuanye chimed in, his smile contagious and soothing, making those around him feel at ease.

The screenwriter, standing nearby, asked, “Director Li, should we consider expanding Youyou’s role?”

Director Li thought for a moment. “No need to add scenes. We’ll switch the roles outright. Youyou will play the lead instead of Xiaoyun.”

“What?!” Fan Xiaoyun, who had been only half listening and hadn’t watched Lian Youyou’s demonstration at all, shot to her feet and ran over, clutching her skirt. “Director, you can’t be serious! Just based on that little scene, you want to switch the roles?”

Director Li shook his head. “Xiaoyun, you do realize I never intended for you to be the female lead? If your father hadn’t begged me, I would’ve cast Xu Ziman instead.”

Xu Ziman was known for her acting talent, but she remained low-profile and never courted publicity. As a result, she had skill but no fame. In these times, many directors and producers, hungry for ratings, would rather spend a fortune on popular idols than invest in costumes, props, or more talented actors.

“Director Li, I know I didn’t do well earlier. Could I have another chance?” Internally, Fan Xiaoyun was cursing the director, but she dared not confront him openly. She could vent her temper on assistants and newcomers, but when it came to directors, producers, investors, or industry veterans, she kept up every appearance of humility. After all, she still needed to survive in showbiz; she couldn’t afford to offend the powerful.

Standing beside Lian Youyou, Fu Yuanye whispered, “See? It’s not just me—looks like even the director’s had enough of Fan Xiaoyun. She’s only fit to be a pretty face on variety shows.”

Lian Youyou nodded. “That’s a fair assessment.”

“Youyou, what do you think?” Director Li, badgered by Xiaoyun’s persistence, turned to Lian Youyou. “I want you in the lead role, but Xiaoyun insists she’ll try harder and doesn’t want to switch. What’s your opinion?”

“Director Li, you can’t change the casting.” Fan Xiaoyun all but burst into tears as she pleaded, trailing after the director with every step. “We’ve already had the launch ceremony, the promotional photos are out, the media and fans all know! If you make a switch now, what will everyone think of me? Please, don’t do it…”

Lian Youyou found it amusing—she hadn’t been able to cry during the scene, but the moment her role was threatened, the tears flowed? Evidently, she did have some acting chops—she’d just never been pushed hard enough.

“Director, I don’t want the lead,” Lian Youyou replied, serene and unbothered. “The second female role, as an antagonist, is more challenging for me.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t want the lead or was trying to help Fan Xiaoyun. She’d simply played too many pure and virtuous heroines and wanted to try something new.

“Is that really what you want?” Director Li was surprised—few would turn down a leading role. He suspected Lian Youyou might be intimidated by Xiaoyun. “Youyou, don’t worry. She can’t do anything to you.”

Lian Youyou grinned, changing the subject with ease. “Director, it’s lunchtime. Everyone’s getting hungry.”

…

In the CEO’s office of the Vast Group.

Lu Ming signed a stack of documents and handed them to Du Mao. “The new season starts next week. Not only that, but we’re introducing class adjustments, new professions, updates to the combat system—keep a close eye on everything.”

“Don’t worry, President Lu. The internal testers on the preview server have given very positive feedback. We’ve also taken their suggestions into account. There shouldn’t be any issues,” Du Mao replied, taking the documents.

“That’s good.”

Lu Ming rose from his chair and walked to the bookshelf by the wall. He pushed a thick volume inward, and the shelf slowly slid aside, revealing a hidden doorway.

Behind it was Lu Ming’s private resting chamber, decorated in a sophisticated palette of black, white, and gray. The minimalist design concealed lavish details—every artwork and ornament reeked of opulence.

On the king-sized bed lay a jumble of shirts and suits, the bedding askew, and leather shoes scattered across the floor.

Du Mao winced at the mess. “President Lu, should I call for housekeeping?”

Other than Lu Ming himself, only Du Mao knew about this secret room. It served not only as a place to rest but as a refuge in case of danger.

“No need. I’m going to sleep now. Don’t bother me until tomorrow,” Lu Ming said as he loosened his tie and slipped it off.

He hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in a month, getting only three or four hours a night. Much longer and he’d drop dead from overwork. The final adjustments for the new season and professions had him swamped.

“President Lu, maybe it’s time to resign from your university position,” Du Mao said, his concern evident as he looked at Lu Ming, who had grown noticeably thinner. “You’re juggling two jobs—it’s too much. And…”

“And what?” Lu Ming asked, stripping off his shirt and changing into pajamas, his back to Du Mao.

Du Mao hesitated, then spoke his mind. “If you don’t come back to focus on the company, your cousin Lu Feng will end up taking the Vast Group from you, the company you built from scratch.”

Lu Ming was unconcerned. “Why would he want it? All he can do is play games. He knows nothing about development or management.”

Because he was a university professor and didn’t want Lian Youyou to discover his real identity—afraid she’d trace the company online and uncover the truth—he’d always kept Lu Feng as the company’s nominal chairman.

“He may not know how to manage, but he can certainly squander company funds. You know what he’s like—nothing but a spoiled playboy.”

Lu Ming nodded. “You’re right, I can’t ignore this any longer. Once we get through these next few days, find a major accounting firm to do a full audit of our finances.”

“That’s all?”

“What else do you suggest? Fire him?” Lu Ming shrugged. “I’m only the CEO; he’s the chairman in name. Have you ever heard of a CEO firing the chairman?”

Du Mao muttered under his breath, “Excuses, always excuses.”

…

After a long day of filming, Lian Youyou returned to her hotel, removed her makeup, washed up, and opened her laptop. She clicked on the icon for “Tales of the Martial World.”

A new update was downloading, so as she waited, she put on a face mask.

There was a knock at the door. When she opened it, she found Fu Yuanye laden with bags.

“Hey, you’re already wearing a mask! I brought a new one so we could do it together,” Fu Yuanye said as he bustled inside, acting as though he owned the place.

Lian Youyou glanced outside to make sure no one was around before closing the door. “Yuanye, be careful next time. If the paparazzi catch you here, we’re in trouble.”

“Come on, you know how many starlets would kill for the chance to be linked with me? And you’re not even happy about it?” Fu Yuanye flopped onto the bed.

“I don’t want publicity stunts,” Lian Youyou replied, pressing the mask onto her face. “I want to be recognized for real talent.”

“That’s why you’re the best. Anyway, I had my assistant buy a ton of snacks—let’s dig in!”

Despite being older than Lian Youyou, Fu Yuanye always called her “Big Sis.”

“No way. I have to count every calorie at meals—I can’t risk snacks.” Such was the hardship of being an entertainer: always controlling her diet.

Lian Youyou opened YY and entered a private channel she and Lu Ming often used.

She was the only one online; Lu Ming hadn’t logged into YY or the game at all today.