Chapter Thirteen: I Am a Paparazzo, Could You Please Show Me Some Respect?

“Congratulations, host, you have acquired a special skill—Sword Dance!”
“Congratulations, host, you have gained +10 points in dance!”
Two rewards—the latter elevating Bai Ling’s dancing to a new level.
It was a decent reward; after all, among her acting, singing, and idol skills, her strongest suit was singing, dancing, and rapping… blue…
Now, with this reward, it was as though her strengths were being further enhanced, making her even more ‘distinctive’.
But soon, Bai Ling’s face drooped.
“Dancing takes stamina. I refuse.”
Her body’s muscle memory ached in subtle protest.
“Why bother working so hard? In the end, if you wear yourself out, you still can’t beat someone who lies down and rests, can you?”
“If you ask me, I won’t do anything that’s physically demanding. I’ll just lie down and win, let the system carry me through.”
The system: ...
How did I end up with such a malcontent?
As for the second system reward—the special skill Sword Dance…
This was a form of martial arts, known since ancient times.
To wield a long sword as if it were a work of art was truly admirable and enviable.
Unfortunately, it was even more exhausting than hot dancing.
Bai Ling continued to steer clear of it.
“Seems like these rewards aren’t very useful.”
“So should I just lie low for a few more days?”
The system: ...
However, Bai Ling didn’t get the chance to keep lazing around.
Over the past few days, Ge Fenfen had already prepared the contract materials.
She called Bai Ling, arranged a time and place—once again at the same café as before.
The time was eleven in the morning.
Bai Ling glanced at the time, feeling speechless. Why always a café?
Coffee couldn’t fill her up; why not pick a Chinese restaurant instead?
Solving contract matters over a meal—wouldn’t that be better?
Seeing the message, Bai Ling checked the clock; it was already half past nine.
She quickly washed up, then headed downstairs.
Passing by the breakfast stall at the entrance of her neighborhood, she thought about lunch and decided to buy some breakfast.
“Madam, three meat buns, two veggie buns, a bowl of soy milk, and a fried dough stick.”
The proprietress was just about to close up shop. She looked at Bai Ling, so fresh-faced, especially eyeing her trim, slender waist.
Unable to hold back, she asked, “Miss, can you really eat all that?”
Bai Ling considered it. “No problem!”
When she was still a man, this amount of food was nothing.
But soon, she realized the issue.
The proprietress was rather generous; each bun was as big as Bai Ling’s petite fist.
Nowadays, breakfast shops this honest were rare indeed.

And now, she was using Bai Ling’s body.
As an actress, dieting and weight control were par for the course.
Over time, her appetite had naturally shrunk.
As for the foodie persona—it was mostly just a marketing ploy.
Otherwise, how could celebrities seem relatable to ordinary people?
A routine!
It was all just a routine!
After two meat buns and half a bowl of soy milk,
Bai Ling eyed the remaining meat bun, two veggie buns, and the fried dough stick, falling into contemplation.
She couldn’t bear to waste food.
After a moment’s thought, she picked up the extra breakfast and headed outside.
Looking around, she spotted a figure.
“Heh, caught you!”
Bai Ling walked over without hesitation, her bold stride surprising to see.
At that moment, Zhen Xiang’s eyes betrayed a hint of panic.
“No way, did she spot me?”
“Impossible. My disguise is perfect, and I haven’t even taken out my camera. There’s no way she noticed me.”
“No, I mustn’t lose my composure. Stay calm! I must stay calm.”
Zhen Xiang, a recent journalism graduate, worked for a newspaper.
Though the paper wasn’t well known and he was only an intern,
he was bold—and lucky.
He’d unexpectedly run into Bai Ling, who had been trending online these past few days.
Naturally, he began to stake her out!
As a papar—cough, reporter!
He needed this professional dedication.
He hoped to dig up something valuable from Bai Ling.
Any scoop at all, and he could go full-time, finally gaining a foothold in the industry.
So, even as Bai Ling approached, he forced himself to remain calm.
Yes!
This was a good chance to show his professionalism as a papar—no, as a reporter.
But just as these chaotic thoughts ran through his mind,
Bai Ling came straight up to him.
“Stop leaning against the utility pole, pondering life.”
“You’re the paparazzi following me, aren’t you?”
“Here, help me finish this breakfast. Consider it a bribe.”
“Remember to get my good side later.”

“A girl like me lives by her looks.”
When Bai Ling handed over the breakfast,
Zhen Xiang froze.
“No, no, I’m not—”
He was flustered. What was going on?
“Don’t deny it. Early in the morning, not a soul in sight, and you’re leaning against a pole. If you’re not following me, are you trying to hit on me?”
“N-no…” Zhen Xiang was even more bewildered, at a loss for words.
This wasn’t right.
None of his seniors had warned him about this kind of situation.
What did Bai Ling mean by this?
To be a good paparazzi, a good reporter, you had to master three survival rules:
First, have a thick skin—never admit you’re paparazzi.
Second, run fast—if you get caught, run, or you’ll get beaten up.
Third, protect your camera—if your camera’s safe, you’re safe; if not, don’t bother coming back.
But now, none of those rules applied.
He wasn’t being chased off or beaten, and was even offered a steaming breakfast.
Truth be told, he was a bit hungry.
“Wait, but this…”
Just as he wanted to protest further, Bai Ling set down the breakfast and left.
Her manner, her bearing, even had an air of coolness.
Zhen Xiang was left dazed.
What did this mean?
Was Bai Ling so open and unconcerned?
“No, she said to take good pictures of her later. Does that mean something big is going to happen? I have to follow her!”
Excitement surged in him.
But after a few steps, something felt wrong.
“Wait, I’m the paparazzi, right? Isn’t Bai Ling’s attitude a bit disrespectful to my profession?”
“Oh well, who cares—as long as there’s news!”
Zhen Xiang couldn’t be bothered. He trailed after Bai Ling.
As for Bai Ling, she was well aware this man was still tailing her.
But Bai Ling didn’t mind.
Just as Zhen Xiang guessed, Bai Ling was open and aboveboard—there was nothing to hide.
Besides, being photographed signing with Spring and Autumn Entertainment was a good thing for her.
And she got to avoid wasting breakfast.
A win-win—perfect!