Chapter 72: Ouyang’s Cunning Schemes

At first, Bai Ling hadn’t planned to worry too much about the public opinion swirling outside. Her parents might be noisy, but they didn’t have much sense. If it hadn’t been for Starshine’s intervention last time, she doubted they could have affected her at all.

But this time, things were different. Offending Wen Yan was tantamount to being targeted by the entire world. She was so pitiful, so weak—how could she possibly withstand such malice? So, she needed to have some means of self-protection. Zhen Xiang might not be the best card in her hand, but at least he was usable. There was nothing wrong with keeping in touch with him. After asking Zhen Xiang to take a few photos from a certain angle, Bai Ling settled into her room for some peace and quiet.

Although she’d agreed to accept a song and promised Sister Ge that she’d seriously consider acting, Bai Ling felt there was no need to rush. “Doo-doo-doo…” Her phone rang at that moment. To her surprise, it was Ouyang Ruofeng calling.

As soon as she answered, Ouyang spoke up, “Bai Ling, have you made up your mind? Will you take the acting job? Should I just send you the script? Why don’t you take a look first?”

Bai Ling replied, “Sure, send it over and I’ll see.” There was no need to reject him outright. As always, she’d read the script first. As for Wen Yan, he could wait.

She’d thought it would just be a brief conversation, but to her surprise, Ouyang sent the script within a minute. It was a hefty document. Bai Ling felt a bit overwhelmed, so she decided to soak her feet first.

As the hot water began to soothe her, warming her spirit, she nearly drifted off into a dreamlike state. Then her phone rang again—Ouyang, once more.

“Bai Ling, have you read it yet? What do you think of the script? Are you interested? Don’t hesitate—come join us. Our crew needs talent like you! If the script’s not good, don’t blame me, blame Zhuge—he wrote it. My sincerity, you know, is beyond question…”

Bai Ling rolled her eyes dramatically. “I’m still reading…”

Ouyang immediately replied, “Alright, I won’t disturb you.” With a beep, the call ended.

Now Bai Ling understood how Nian Zhu had been allowed to slip away back then. How could this guy be so rash and impatient? “Can someone like that really be a good director?” Bai Ling was skeptical.

Yet, in “Glory,” Ouyang was described as a remarkably talented new-generation director, his abilities even rivaling some of the old guard. He was a gifted, capable figure. So Bai Ling set her doubts aside. Since Ouyang was so persistent, it wouldn’t do to be too lax—she’d better finish reading the script quickly.

After reading it, two thoughts surfaced in her mind.

First, apart from Wen Yan, everyone in “Glory” seemed genuinely impressive. The script itself was excellent—nothing like the shoddy homemade drama she’d seen during the day. It might not be perfect, but it was definitely first-rate. Plus, the script leaned toward absurdist comedy, a genre Zhuge Ming wasn’t particularly known for—he specialized more in serious, realistic works. To achieve this level in an unfamiliar style was praiseworthy.

Second, the script gave Bai Ling a strong sense of déjà vu. The plot revolved around a young man who traveled back to ancient times—only to find, unexpectedly, that he was no longer a man, but a stunningly beautiful woman. What’s more, she was betrothed to the crown prince, leading to a series of hilarious entanglements and gender-bending mishaps.

Bai Ling instinctively thought of her own transmigration, and then remembered the famous hit drama from her past life—“Go Princess Go!”

Clenching her phone until her knuckles turned white, Bai Ling finally understood why Ouyang Ruofeng was so determined to have her as the lead. She was clearly the perfect choice: not only stunningly beautiful and ideally suited for the heroine, but also possessing a certain masculine bravado (the “boar incident”). Even if she lacked acting experience, she was a perfect fit for the character. Who else could they cast—Wen Yan?

Still, reason had its place, but venting was necessary too. When Ouyang called again, Bai Ling spent nearly an hour teasing and mocking him, lightly but relentlessly. Only when he finally fell silent did she relent.

“So, great aunt, are you willing to take the role?” Ouyang asked with utmost humility.

Bai Ling was silent for a moment. In truth, the script had its limits—it was quite bold and unconventional. Gender-swapping wasn’t common at all.

But then again, “Go Princess Go” had managed to break through even before BL adaptations became all the rage. The world Bai Ling now inhabited seemed much more open. Besides, she was sure that this script would make her even more popular. In her previous life, the actress who played the lead had soared from obscurity to become a second-tier star overnight.

After weighing her options, Bai Ling decided it was worth a try. She told Ouyang, “I have some special requirements.”

Ouyang laughed. “I knew you’d appreciate my script!”

Bai Ling: …

“Didn’t you say Zhuge Ming wrote it? What does it have to do with you?”

Ouyang chuckled, “That’s not important. So, what are your conditions? Tell me.”

Bai Ling then proceeded to list her conditions, one after another. Ouyang’s expression was calm at first, but gradually grew more troubled. These weren’t minor requests—Bai Ling had come up with a dozen or more, so many he couldn’t even remember them all. A few were particularly tricky.

First, Bai Ling wanted to revise the script and demanded absolute creative control. In other words, all script changes would be at her discretion. This was a direct challenge to the authority of the director and writer. Was it worth making such a sacrifice to secure Bai Ling for the role?

After thinking it over, he decided it was. Both Zhuge Ming and Ouyang Ruofeng knew that with a story-driven script like this, the actor’s personal style was crucial. Bringing out the character’s personality was the most important thing. And at present, only Bai Ling in the industry could deliver that. Her aura was a perfect match. Who else could they find? Who else could pull it off? No one.

So, on this point, Ouyang could grit his teeth and accept it.

But there was one other condition he found hard to swallow.

“As for your pay…” Ouyang hesitated. “To be honest, both Zhuge and I think the script is great, but no company wants to invest, so it’s basically self-funded. How about we decide your pay after the show is released?”

Bai Ling, who had just been rattling off her demands, paused and fell silent for a long moment. “Are you trying to get something for nothing here? Is that it? Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?”