Chapter One Hundred and Six: Bai Ling No One Wanted, a Challenge of the Highest Order

Bai Ling and the others had already learned the rules of the show. They understood that "I Am an Actor" was, in truth, a fiercely competitive program. For every subsequent rehearsal, they would need to deliver their best performance, only then could they hope to claim the crown of Best Actor.

Once the host finished speaking, everyone began glancing around, searching for their ideal partner. Among them, those rated as S-level actors were naturally the most sought after. After all, a good scene partner could elevate your emotions, helping you to enter the role more fully. Imagine if your partner was constantly darting their eyes about and exaggerating their expressions—could even a film emperor maintain composure and continue to invest in the performance? The answer, obviously, was no.

As for the popularity of one's partner, it suddenly became less important. No matter how many fans your counterpart had, could that improve your acting? Would it add value to your performance? On the contrary, their overwhelming fanbase might even eclipse your own light.

So, all things considered, the real acting talents were especially in demand at this moment. The so-called "traffic stars," those actors famous for their following rather than skill, were left in a rather miserable position.

Unfortunately, Bai Ling found herself grouped among the traffic stars. From a single performance, it was hard to discern whether Bai Ling truly had acting talent, but her popularity was indisputable. Thus, she was inexplicably labeled as "unwanted," "isolated."

“This is really something…” Bai Ling felt a faint helplessness but could only take the initiative to seek out others to form a team.

Conversely, Wen Yan was also not recognized for her acting, but she received some care; soon enough, she paired up with Lin Yubai and two other actors to make a group, and had none of Bai Ling's troubles.

Bai Ling, unfamiliar with most of the others, had no choice but to wait to be assigned with the remaining group. Among the other three, one was a “cream boy”—a term from the previous era, now called a “fresh meat.” His name was Yang Zichao. He had neither fame nor any notable works, just another newcomer to the industry, perhaps without any acting experience at all. However, his entertainment agency must have invested heavily to promote him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made it onto the show.

Bai Ling was here to earn her appearance fee, while Yang Zichao probably had to pay to participate.

The other two were women. One was Yan Feixue, the other Lin Yani. Yan Feixue was about Bai Ling’s age, but lacked Bai Ling’s wealth of experience. She had been in the business for a few years, played supporting roles in several shows, but never really caught fire. Her acting was average at best.

Lin Yani was an older version of Yan Feixue. Her acting was hard to evaluate—sometimes she performed well, sometimes terribly.

Bai Ling didn’t expect to use this show to boost her fame or prove anything. She simply went along with the program’s rhythm; it didn’t matter if her teammates weren’t strong.

Still, even though this was just a small process of picking teammates, Bai Ling clearly recognized her own situation in the industry. She had popularity and fans, but no connections, no foundation. She was like a sandcastle built high and intricately, elegant in form, but a single wave could wash her away, a gust of wind could erode her base.

Bai Ling could only sigh softly.

“Is Bai Ling being rejected?”

“The four unwanted ones grouped together—oh, this!”

“So pitiful!”

Many fans began to feel sorry for Bai Ling. They didn’t know she was somewhat resigned, only seeing her slightly confused gaze as lost and bittersweet.

Of course, there were plenty who mocked her as well. After all, the livestream didn’t just include Bai Ling’s fans; there were also die-hard supporters of the other participants—especially Lin Yubai’s “Little Universes,” each one unimpressed by Bai Ling. No matter how many times Bai Ling had proven herself, she couldn’t win their hearts, which beat only for their beloved Yubai.

Once the teams were confirmed, it was time to draw scripts. Bai Ling was pushed forward by her group to draw, and by the time she got her turn, most scripts had already been taken. Some people were grinning with delight, others wore miserable faces. Drawing scripts was random—some scripts were difficult, others simple.

Those lacking in skill were happy if they drew an easy script; that way, they wouldn’t be eliminated. The strong actors rejoiced at getting challenging roles, as these would better showcase their abilities, help them advance, and earn higher ratings.

Bai Ling, however, drew…

…the ultra-challenging "Moonlight Waltz"!

When the camera focused on Bai Ling’s group, all the viewers saw Bai Ling’s stunned expression after drawing her script.

“Oh my god, how could it be this one?”

“No way, Bai Ling is so unlucky…”

“Moonlight Waltz! That’s the masterpiece that swept Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay!”

“To be honest, I contributed a ticket for that film back then!”

“Same here!”

“All the actors in that film delivered explosive performances; there isn’t a single easy scene.”

“Rumor has it the top actors spent three whole years filming before it was finally done.”

“Bai Ling’s group has barely any acting skills—drawing this script is suicide!”

“Bai Ling never fails to be part of anything unlucky!”

It wasn’t just the viewers who gasped; Bai Ling’s teammates all went pale at the sight of the script. There was no denying it—this script was enough to drive anyone to despair.

In front of the audience, they didn’t dare say much, but inside, they were certainly cursing Bai Ling’s luck.

Bai Ling was unfazed; whether the script was easy or hard, drawing it was fate. What was there to complain about?

Next, the host continued, “Please, actors, use the coming week to rehearse diligently. Strive to deliver an outstanding performance on the next stage!”

“Let the directors say a few final words…”

After the directors each delivered their ‘motivational’ remarks, the first episode came to a close.

Of course, Bai Ling and the others couldn’t leave immediately. They still had an interview segment. Parts of this interview would be featured in the upcoming episodes, including their feelings upon receiving their assigned script.

It was just a small procedure, nothing much for Bai Ling.