Chapter 20: Can Clothes Really Make the Man—or Is It the Other Way Around?

As for the others, they more or less shared the same sentiment. It was as if, should Bai Ling let go of this opportunity for exposure that had been handed to her, it would be akin to committing a mortal sin.

Given the circumstances, Bai Ling had no way out. Instantly, her gaze toward Lin Yubai grew tinged with resentment.

At that moment, Lin Yubai lounged comfortably, as though none of this had anything to do with him. Seeing this, Bai Ling could more or less guess what was on this fellow’s mind. Another classic case of the falling blossom having feelings, yet the flowing water remaining indifferent.

Lin Yubai probably didn’t want to bow to pressure because of his background, so he simply tossed the trouble aside. Unfortunately for her, it landed squarely on Bai Ling’s shoulders.

To be fair, Bai Ling knew he likely hadn’t targeted her specifically. He’d just thrown it out there, and whoever caught it was simply unlucky.

Still, she couldn’t help but complain inwardly. It really was true: whoever got close to the male or female lead always ended up suffering. Lin Yubai didn’t want the trouble himself, but in the end, someone else had to bear the consequences.

The silver lining was that Bai Ling could at least choose her own form of performance. As an idol, her best option was, naturally, dancing.

As a true industry professional with no background to rely on, the body’s original owner had worked extremely hard. This body possessed remarkable talent for dance, and with the system’s enhancements, she was like a fish in water. While perhaps not world-class, she was certainly among the best.

The current members of these girl groups posed no challenge for her. The only issue was, Bai Ling found herself struggling to accept the idea of a hot dance.

After all, she had originally been a man. To perform a sultry dance on stage felt jarringly out of place.

“Oh, that’s right!” she thought. “Sword dance!”

Bai Ling suddenly remembered the special skill she’d acquired. She had thought it would never be useful—first, because it didn’t cater to mainstream aesthetics; second, because it was exhausting, and she had no desire to show off. Wasn’t it far more elegant to simply stand and sing rather than brandish a sword?

But now, all these thoughts were cast aside. Making it through today’s ordeal in one piece would already be a feat—who was she to be picky?

Without further hesitation, Bai Ling turned to the staff member sent to discuss with her. “I do have an idea,” she said. “I’m not sure if the production team can manage it, but could you prepare a traditional costume for me? And, if possible, a sword…”

The staff member was stunned. “What?”

“Sister Bai, but this is a girl group show. These things…”

But, faced with Bai Ling’s steely gaze, he dared not complain further. “Understood, I’ll discuss it with the directors right away.”

Upon receiving the news, the directing team was thrown into utter confusion.

What was going on? Traditional costume? And a sword to top it off? The items, in fact, weren’t hard to procure—after all, this was a television station with a warehouse full of costumes and props, and plenty to spare.

The real question, though, was whether Bai Ling was planning to act. Otherwise, why ask for such things? Their show was supposed to be about singing and dancing, not acting.

Granted, they had invited the young film emperor Lin Yubai, but that was only because he could sing.

Still, despite their misgivings, they fulfilled Bai Ling’s request. After all, they were eager to ride her wave of popularity.

What mattered most to a variety show? The popularity of its guests, the entertainment value, the buzz it generated.

Bai Ling, paired with traditional costume and her looks, should make for a decent amount of attention.

As for how the performance would turn out, they weren’t overly concerned. If she did well, all the better; if not, then the spectacle of her failure would still generate talk. If anyone was to be embarrassed, it would be Bai Ling, while the show would reap the benefits.

So, everything was swiftly arranged. Next, the production team asked Bai Ling about the subsequent plan—namely, what to do with Wen Yan and the others.

Since Bai Ling intended to perform a sword dance, it would obviously be a solo. As for the others, a simple arrangement would suffice—a group performance of a traditional-style song.

That was not a difficult task.

However, when Wen Yan received her assignment, she was immediately dumbfounded. “Bai Ling—Sister Bai is going to dance alone, and the six of us are only singing?”

The others were equally dissatisfied.

With this arrangement, wouldn’t they just become a chorus? Their chance to shine this episode would vanish.

Although it had all been triggered by Lin Yubai, at that moment, Wen Yan and the other five women’s goodwill toward Bai Ling plummeted to rock bottom, tinged now with a hint of jealousy and resentment.

Still, since the production team had made its decision, they could hardly protest. They chose a traditional-style song, familiarized themselves briefly, and prepared to return to the stage.

All this to-ing and fro-ing had already wasted nearly half an hour. Filming at night, patience was running thin all around. This latest round of drama had the crew at their wits’ end, and murmurs of discontent began to circulate.

Many people felt Bai Ling was being difficult. Wasn’t this just a matter of singing on stage? Why make it so complicated?

But when they finally saw Bai Ling return to the stage, everyone was left speechless.

She wore a white robe—not quite otherworldly, but strikingly valiant, exuding the air of a heroine. Her long hair was tied up, neat and clean. She had changed her makeup as well, from its former stately elegance to one brimming with heroic spirit.

In an instant, it no longer felt like the set of a variety show, but rather the location shoot for a period drama. And Bai Ling was, without question, the star at the heart of it all.

“So beautiful!” some of the staff, who had earlier complained about her being difficult, exclaimed.

The directors’ table was already abuzz. “Excellent, excellent—this is fantastic!” “This look is perfect, we can absolutely use it as the promotional image for this episode.” “They say clothes make the man and gold makes the Buddha, but today it seems we’re witnessing the reverse!”

“But, Director, isn’t this a girl group show? Is this really appropriate?” someone asked.

“What’s inappropriate about it? The last boy group show had someone playing basketball—what’s wrong with us doing this?”

As for the judges, Liang Zhen’s eyes lit up and he chuckled, “Who would have thought Little Bai could be so stunning in traditional costume? Tsk, we should suggest to the company that she try acting.”

And the female judge, Sister Wen Huaiyu, also offered a genuine smile. “Such poise, such physique—she’s tailor-made for the classic roles.”