Chapter 157: White Spirit Is Far Too “Sincere”—Nothing Anyone Says Will Work!

Wang Dagang was trembling with rage once again. Since Bai Ling had already started the offensive, she truly left no room for decorum. Even the other three directors, who had been completely uninvolved in this affair, were having their eyes opened today. To any director, such remarks were nothing short of a direct attack on their professional soul.

On stage, Lin Yubai, Su Chaolin, and Wen Yan were already sitting on pins and needles. Even Lin Yubai, a veteran with years in the industry, was left feeling utterly bewildered. Good grief, the situation had escalated to a point where there was almost no turning back. In the past, when actors or singers railed against organizers or other artists they didn’t get along with, they usually stuck to a few sharp words. At the very least, they valued appearances.

But Bai Ling had thrown all that to the wind. Appearances? What appearances? Since Wang Dagang and the production team had never considered sparing her any dignity, Bai Ling decided she wouldn’t bother with it either. Finding that she had the upper hand in the verbal sparring, Bai Ling shifted her focus to the production team.

"Has your production team been mute this entire time?"

The host was forced to step in. "Let’s both calm down. You’re both just heated; it’s really not that serious. Let’s talk this through properly." The production team likely felt that if this continued, the situation would truly spiral out of control.

Wang Dagang snapped at the host, "Talk what through? Didn't you hear her insulting me? Kick her off the stage! What right does she have to appear on a stage like this? She’s not even fit to be an actress!"

Bai Ling crossed her arms. "I’m certainly not fit, am I? I merely made a web series, and its total views add up to three times what your films have managed. Compared to your track record of films that couldn't even recoup their costs, I am indeed humbled." She let out a laugh. "Oh, Director Wang, your achievements truly leave me in awe. One of these days, I must pay you a visit to apologize and ask for your guidance on how to lose money. Without your tutelage, I doubt I could master that skill in three lifetimes."

Wang Dagang was barely able to stand steady; his face had turned a deep shade of purple. He hated it when people brought this up. "I have had successful films, too!" he retorted. He had made plenty of trash, but he did have a few commercial successes.

Bai Ling’s reaction was lightning-fast. "Oh, yes, yes, of course you have. One hit for every ten films that barely break even—that success rate is truly something I admire. Your standard is high, Director! Truly high!" She even gave him a thumbs-up, her expression filled with 'sincerity.'

Everyone present was completely unable to hold back their reactions. It was true. If one looked closely at Wang Dagang’s achievements, they were indeed abysmal. Some of his films didn't even make a ripple when they were released; they flopped in total silence. If this guy wanted to use his track record as a director to make a point, he had truly walked right into the line of fire.

Wang Dagang had no way to argue back. He had a thousand vulgar retorts in his mind, but he dared not voice them at this moment.

Wen Yan tugged at the corner of Bai Ling’s sleeve. "Bai Ling, please, let's stop this. Harmony is precious." Her delicate, fragile appearance was meant to convey worry that the scene was becoming too chaotic for everyone's good. With her beauty, it was the kind of performance that usually elicited sympathy. Unfortunately, many could see right through her 'tea-house' act. What did this have to do with her? Why play the peacemaker now? Was she bored? Besides, her acting was subpar.

Bai Ling brushed her hand away. "I almost forgot about you. Wen Yan, I spent three days rehearsing with you, and we ran through it countless times. How is it that you were able to follow the script perfectly until now, only to suddenly have the urge to improvise? Oh, my poor little thing, I didn't realize you had such a hidden talent for acting. You really are a genius; you’ve truly impressed me."

"How about this? Why don't you rewrite the script yourself? I'll follow your lead. I guarantee you'll be satisfied, how about that? After all, it would be my sin to let a talent like yours go to waste performing my script. If the Chinese film industry were to lose a future double-award-winning actress because of me, I could never live with the guilt."

Yes, Bai Ling wasn't planning to let Wen Yan off the hook either. This person had made a habit of being insufferable. Bai Ling had originally been willing to endure it and take a step back, thinking that as long as she didn't get involved with Wen Yan's circle, they could remain like parallel lines, never intersecting. But she hadn't expected this girl to be so devious. From *Coming Home for New Year* to the period when *The Crown Princess* was released, Wen Yan had been meddling. And now, this. Again and again.

Bai Ling had a temper too. I don't care what kind of 'fated female lead' you think you are—what does that have to do with me? Now that I, Bai Ling, have found my footing, I'll fly when I want and scold when I want. If the soldiers come, I’ll block them; if the water rises, I’ll build a dam. At worst, I’ll retire from the industry and live off my millions. What else can you do? Bite me!

Wen Yan hadn't expected to be on the receiving end of such treatment. She felt wronged, and tears began to stream down her face like they were free. She truly looked like a flower wet with rain. It was fortunate she was pretty, or else it would have been truly tiresome. Of course, Bai Ling didn't care if she was pretty or not. In any case, she wasn't as pretty as Bai Ling.

Watching her continue the charade, Bai Ling chuckled. "Look at that. With such emotional investment, if anyone ever says you have no acting skills, I’ll be the first to fight them. A future double-award-winning actress, indeed—well-deserved."

Exposed! In an instant, Wen Yan felt as though she couldn't even force the tears out anymore.

Backstage, the program director was losing his mind. He wanted ratings, but not *these* ratings. Bai Ling’s actions were likely to destroy his show’s reputation. He immediately activated his headset and roared into Bai Ling’s ear, "Bai Ling, what on earth are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Apologize immediately and get off the stage. Stop this nonsense!" He was anxious, and his tone was harsh.

Bai Ling was already on a warpath. She pulled off her headset. "Telling me to stop? Telling me to apologize? Not a chance! I waited for your production team to react, and this is the hand you play? I’m not allowed to strike back when others act out? And you want me to apologize? What are you thinking?"

The director became even more frantic. How had she broadcast his words to everyone? "You jerk! Do you even want to finish recording this show? What good does this do for you?"