Chapter Seventy-One: All the Hallmarks of a Terrible Drama—No Need to Take the Role

Female-led dramas have become the mainstream in recent years. After all, everyone has long grown tired of those love-obsessed heroines and Mary Sue idol dramas. The rise of strong female protagonists feels refreshing. Bai Ling immediately understood the cause of the earlier argument. For Chunqiu, self-investing and producing a drama was quite rare. The subsequent publicity would surely be substantial. In other words, whoever lands the lead role in this drama would essentially hold a ticket to greater fame. It might not guarantee instant popularity, but it would certainly attract attention.

"So, is this the reason you want me to agree to act?" Bai Ling asked.

Sister Ge took a sip of water and swallowed her medicine before replying, "That's right. I wanted to strike while the iron is hot."

"However, there's been a twist. Wen Yan also wants this role."

"Honestly, her schedule and status don't match the requirements for this script, but she has her eye on it."

"I won’t say much more; there are voices from above suggesting the script be given to her."

"But don’t worry, I’ll do my best to fight for it on your behalf."

Bai Ling nodded and opened the script. "Let me take a look first..."

Sister Ge nodded, "Alright, you rest here. When I finish my work, join me for lunch."

Bai Ling took the script and sat on the sofa. Yet as she continued reading, her brows furrowed tighter and tighter.

Two hours slipped by.

When Ge Fenfen finally finished her tasks and was about to treat Bai Ling to a good meal as a reward, Bai Ling suddenly closed the script and said, "I don’t intend to take this drama."

Ge Fenfen was stunned. "Why?"

"Is it that you really dislike acting?"

Bai Ling smiled lightly. "Not exactly."

"I just don’t think highly of this script, to be honest. The writer might want to consider a different profession."

"They claim it’s a female-led drama, but in essence, nothing has changed. It’s still a Mary Sue romance, and in many pivotal moments, instead of showcasing the protagonist’s qualities, the script awkwardly makes her rely on men for everything."

"In fact, the female lead seems to have the makings of a naive, sweet saint. When she meets the male lead, I can see the writer tried to design a scene where she fights back against him when he attempts to kill her, rather than falling for him at first sight."

"But this is all so superficial."

"As the plot unfolds, the protagonist’s actions become increasingly discordant and her character falls apart."

"Undoubtedly, if I were to star in this drama, I’d likely face heavy criticism."

Bai Ling spoke so convincingly that anyone listening might mistake her for a playwright rather than a singer or entertainer. Ge Fenfen was a little dumbfounded. "You can spot all these flaws?"

"And from the sound of it, you really understand characters and plots. You... Bai Ling, do you have a talent for acting?"

Faced with Ge Fenfen’s slightly exaggerated expression, Bai Ling looked somewhat helpless. "Acting talent? I haven’t tested that yet. Perhaps I’m a little genius, who knows?"

Her eloquence stemmed from years of reading novels in her past life. The reason she transmigrated was because someone recommended "Splendor" to her, after all. Besides, Bai Ling often watched critique videos when bored, picking up a wealth of insights from them.

Coincidentally, the script in her hands ticked every box for a bad drama.

Though Chunqiu’s investment and publicity would guarantee good ratings, the reputation would plummet.

In an era where traffic is king, the big bosses care little for the fame or prestige of their artists, seeking only to extract profits as quickly as possible. This has practically become the norm.

But for Bai Ling herself, her reputation was something to be carefully maintained. She couldn’t just accept any role.

If she truly intended to cross over into acting, it would be best to avoid variety shows as well. She shouldn’t expose herself too much to the public eye, or it might impact her acting career.

This wasn’t out of laziness—experience had shown that actors who strive for long-term careers must hold themselves to such standards.

But that’s wandering off topic.

Bai Ling told Ge Fenfen, "The script isn’t good, so I won’t act in it."

"If Wen Yan wants it, let them have it."

Ge Fenfen’s face fell. "It’s just one script, so it doesn’t matter."

"But the problem is, this opportunity could let you rise to another level."

"Ouyang Ruofeng’s invitation on the ‘Come Celebrate New Year at My Home’ program was a great chance."

"If you wait any longer, people will forget about it and it won’t be easy to market."

Bai Ling laughed, "So that’s what you’re worried about? If that’s the case, I can agree to Ouyang Ruofeng’s request."

"Of course, as long as his script is decent."

Actually, Bai Ling planned to use the system’s reward.

Why not just pull out a brilliant script?

Still, she hesitated because Ouyang Ruofeng was destined to be entangled with Wen Yan.

Was it really wise to act with him?

But on second thought, Wen Yan was practically challenging her directly now—continuing to avoid her seemed inappropriate.

Bai Ling wasn’t stupid; constant retreat would only lead to losses.

Though fate might favor the female lead, with help from others, Bai Ling wasn’t lacking either—she had the system, after all!

It was time to be ambitious!

Well—that idea evaporated two hours later.

Sister Ge, celebrating Bai Ling’s potential success, spared no effort—whatever Bai Ling wanted to eat, she ordered.

The result: Bai Ling stuffed herself and felt bloated.

Suddenly, she thought that lying low and enjoying life wasn’t a bad choice.

Why fight? Why struggle?

It was pointless!

On the way home, Bai Ling encountered a familiar face.

She had Xiangzi stop the car near the hotel, then waved in greeting.

"Don’t just stand there, come over!" she called.

Zhen Xiang hurried over.

"Still sneaking photos?" Bai Ling teased.

Zhen Xiang blushed. "What do you mean, sneaking photos? Not at all—I’m just working, honest work, getting paid."

"Alright, alright, honest work."

"I just wanted to ask if you’ve heard anything lately that might be bad for me—let me know immediately."

Bai Ling said.

Zhen Xiang nodded quickly. "Don’t worry! I guarantee I’ll deliver."

Bai Ling rolled her eyes, "Look at you—anyone would think you work for me."

Zhen Xiang chuckled, "So, can I take a couple of photos to report in?"