Chapter 152: A Rebound from Rock Bottom! Is This Still the Original Melodramatic Plot?

In truth, a careful comparison between the script revised by Bai Ling and the original plot reveals that the underlying logic is largely consistent. However, Bai Ling’s approach better aligns with the modern sensibility of the characters.

She portrays a woman who lives for herself; she loves others, but she loves herself just as much. She may have fallen for Gong Jiasong, but she is indifferent to his family background. She does not rely on men, nor does she fear the loss of love. If Gong Jiasong respects and cherishes her, and is willing to walk alongside her, then mutual support is naturally the ideal outcome.

Hou Feifei is not a selfish person, nor should she be the type of hysterical, shrieking woman who suffers a total emotional breakdown at this moment, tearing into her best friend. She would feel sorrow, loss, and anger, but she would also strive to regulate herself and maintain emotional stability. In the details, her resilience shines through.

Judging solely by the lines, Bai Ling’s adaptation might not be absolutely perfect. Yet, combined with her performance and the emotional nuance she brings to those details, it moved many in the room to the point of wanting to applaud. A relatively vivid character began to emerge, and because of the contrast with the original version, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Of course, Bai Ling’s script revisions were not limited to just her own character. The performances of the others also differed significantly from the original plot’s intent.

Facing Hou Feifei’s declaration, Gong Jiasong’s heartache deepens. His anger dissipates, replaced by a rising tide of regret. Memories of the past seem to surface, causing his eyes to turn red in an instant.

"Feifei..."

Here, he is supposed to defend himself, express his regret, and recount his internal journey over this period. In the original plot, Gong Jiasong was a wealthy young playboy, typically arrogant and carefree. But in this performance, he appears more like a wounded little beast, a sharp departure from his established persona. Of course, there is such a thing as "contrast," which many viewers find intoxicating. Look! He loves her so much! He is willing to change himself for love. He wasn’t like this before, but now look at how he is! This is fine, but it requires a prerequisite.

It is only after sufficient buildup and enough "sweetness" that such a character reversal carries meaning and avoids feeling abrupt. Throughout the entirety of *Our Youth*, the love, the rifts, and the final arguments and breakups all occurred inexplicably. Even the collapse of the characters felt sudden.

Therefore, under Bai Ling’s direction, Gong Jiasong stares at Hou Feifei. He says no words of apology, no words of repentance. Because this is the true Gong Jiasong, the young master who rarely apologizes, and in this current situation, it is even harder for him to speak. It may also be that he remains confused, still unable to get on the same wavelength as Hou Feifei.

Even so, Su Zhaolin’s emotional delivery is spot on. Even without a single word, he captures that sense of "regret" vividly. For a fleeting moment, as everyone watches Gong Jiasong’s reddened eyes, they feel a sense of satisfaction, yet cannot help but fall into deep thought. Is such a "clear-headed" Hou Feifei necessarily right?

Using minimal dialogue and maximum performance, the conflict and contradictions between the two characters are brought to life. Those who intended to applaud are now motionless, completely drawn into the scene, immersed in it. And this, in truth, is the highest form of recognition for a performance.

Meanwhile, Gu Tianhong and Bi Xiaoxiao have also finished their dialogue. The two pairs are almost perfectly synchronized. Bai Ling also put thought into this pair’s dialogue, focusing on highlighting the clashes arising from their differing personalities, aiming to improve the logic and rationality of this plot sequence.

Why would a couple reach such a breaking point? Isn't it simply due to their clashing personalities? Like Hou Feifei, Gu Tianhong comes from a poor background and possesses a strong sense of self-esteem. Although he viewed Bi Xiaoxiao as his "white moonlight," he felt he had to work harder to be with her on equal footing. Now, all that effort has become a joke he mocks within himself. Consequently, his words are sharp and biting, a far cry from the slightly refined Gu Tianhong of the past.

Bi Xiaoxiao, too, has set aside her usual arrogance; she is no longer the little princess who can throw tantrums at will in front of Gu Tianhong. The power dynamic between them has shifted, and their feelings for one another have begun to change quietly. A more intense collision unfolds, and Gu Tianhong lacks the nonchalance of Hou Feifei. Thus, the two end up parting on rather sour terms.

Of course, if things had continued in this vein, it would have truly followed Bai Ling’s plan and intent. But Wen Yan had been prepared all along; how could she possibly let things proceed according to Bai Ling’s revised script?

Suddenly, Bi Xiaoxiao stares coldly at everyone present.

"My only mistake was ever knowing you people!"

"Hou Feifei, you’re so carefree now, you’re so free."

"But what about me?"

"Was I not good to you? Didn't I truly treat you like a sister?"

"You and Tianhong were involved before; do you really think that’s any better than where we are now?"

"Gong Jiasong, why aren't you speaking? Why should the four of us share the blame, but only the two of us have to bear the consequences?"

If the scene had unfolded according to Bai Ling’s script, it would have reflected the conflict caused by four distinct personalities. Many on set were already deeply in character.

But Wen Yan’s sudden outburst instantly pulled everyone out of the scene. It was as if everyone already knew this was going to be a trashy melodrama, and then Lin Yubai, Su Zhaolin, and Bai Ling had forced a performance akin to an arthouse film. Then, with a sudden shift in style, it reverted to melodrama, with the hostility sharpened to a point!

Bai Ling, playing the role of Hou Feifei, had already completed her performance, only to be forcibly dragged back in. In an instant, everyone’s brows furrowed. It felt like a broken porcelain plate, having been mended and nearly restored to perfection, only to be smashed to bits once again by the person who repaired it. That sense of fragmentation was deeply uncomfortable.

Lin Yubai and Su Zhaolin were also bewildered. What was wrong with Wen Yan? These weren't the lines. And what were they supposed to do next? The original lines were useless now; were they expected to follow Wen Yan’s lead? That was impossible to follow!

The personalities of the characters present were incredibly complex; this was not at all suitable for improvisation. Wen Yan’s move had forced all three of them into a dead end.

Wen Yan understood this, and while her face wore an expression of grief and indignation, she felt smug to the core.

"Bai Ling, let's see how you handle this!"