Chapter Seventy-Three: Is Everyone Really That Impatient?
Ouyang wore an expression of unwavering righteousness, as if he believed that with such conviction, Bai Ling could sense his determination even over the phone.
“That’s where you’re mistaken. Filmmaking can't just be called a get-rich-quick scheme, can it?”
“I have immense confidence in this project. Don’t you?”
“Shouldn’t you trust me and Zhuge as well?”
Bai Ling rolled her eyes dramatically, hoping Ouyang could sense it through the receiver.
“I’m confident in my ability to revise the script. As for you and Zhuge Ming…”
“Heh heh!”
Just two words, but they wounded Ouyang Ruofeng deeply.
“So, Bai Ling, are you still willing to join the cast?”
Bai Ling’s gaze flickered. “I am, and I’m even willing to invest my own money.”
“But when it comes to profit sharing, I want the lion’s share.”
Ouyang thought for a moment. “How much are you able to invest?”
“How much do you have?” Bai Ling retorted.
“Two…”
“Two million?”
Bai Ling nodded. Two million should be enough for filming.
“Just over two hundred thousand.” Ouyang suddenly became honest.
“What’s with that tone, like you’re ready to throw caution to the wind?” Bai Ling pressed her hand to her forehead.
Twenty thousand to shoot a film—these two brothers really have some nerve.
But, according to the original novel, Zhuge Ming and Ouyang did indeed experience a period of hardship.
At that time, Wen Yan was always checking in on them, caring for them.
Well, caring for them verbally.
Sending a few extra messages on WeChat.
And in return, these brothers regarded Wen Yan as a lifelong ideal.
Quite the bargain.
Unfortunately, Bai Ling wouldn’t be so lucky.
Since she planned to work with them, she never considered letting them fall into hardship.
“Here’s what we’ll do. You two keep your twenty thousand. Eat well, drink well.”
“I’ll invest in the whole project myself. I decide the profit share. Is that acceptable?”
Ouyang’s face instantly lit up.
“I knew you had vision, Bai Ling. You’ll definitely appreciate our talent.”
“So it’s settled then.”
Bai Ling said, “May I ask about your appearance fees for TV shows? How come you only have twenty thousand to your name?”
Ouyang gave a bitter laugh. “Parents are strict, what else? Forget it, no more complaints. Good friends like you, I’ll remember your help.”
Bai Ling nodded. “Alright then, good friend. I’ll send you the revised script later.”
After hanging up, Bai Ling began pondering how to extract the script from the system.
She had high hopes for this project.
As for its profits, she already had plans…
She obtained the script and made some modifications, swapping in some of Zhuge Ming’s brilliant scenes.
After all, though "The Crown Princess" was wildly popular when aired, its ending was truly atrocious.
It was harshly criticized later on.
As one of the lead actors, Bai Ling felt responsible.
Though laziness threatened, she’d persevere as long as she could.
Half an hour later, Bai Ling gave up.
Reading novels was one thing, but writing?
Better not.
She slept until the next day, only to find Ouyang frantically urging her for updates.
Several missed calls and a flurry of WeChat messages.
Bai Ling was completely baffled.
Why was he still so impatient?
With no other option, Bai Ling got up and continued revising the script.
An hour later, she felt once again like giving up.
But after completing the most important revisions, she sent a large chunk of the text to Ouyang.
“We just need an ending—let Zhuge Ming wrap it up.”
Luckily, Bai Ling had her special talent for literary flair; without it, her artistic abilities alone would never suffice for such a massive task.
As for the ending, she preferred not to struggle.
Let the professionals handle professional matters.
Whatever ending Zhuge Ming crafted, it would surely be better than the original "Crown Princess."
Ouyang replied with a simple “Received.”
Then, for several hours, he didn’t send Bai Ling a single message.
This brought Bai Ling great relief; clearly, he must be bombarding Zhuge Ming now.
With a rare moment of peace, Bai Ling enjoyed a graceful afternoon.
A cup of tea, a ray of sunlight.
Lounging lazily in the sun, savoring the tranquility.
Until the afternoon, when Ouyang resumed his barrage.
“Bai Ling, the script is done. I’ve sent it to you. When will you transfer the money?”
“The production team can assemble at any time!”
Pfft!
Bai Ling nearly spat out her tea.
Was this guy the Flash?
Back at Zhou Family Village, he never worked at this speed.
“How long have I even rested before being dragged to work?”
Bai Ling wanted to delay, but remembering the ultimate purpose of her pay, she grit her teeth.
“Fine!”
“You win.”
She explained the situation to Sister Ge, and after confirming, Sister Ge helped transfer the substantial funds.
“Since you’re providing the script, I ought to trust you.”
“But don’t forget the songwriting.”
“Leng Yan’s agent has already pressed me.”
Bai Ling, who had been cheerful, instantly lost all enthusiasm.
“That won’t do. If filming starts and Leng Yan’s side keeps pushing, things could get explosive.”
Bai Ling needed to solve this.
Fortunately, an opportunity had arisen.
The official version of “Come Home for the New Year” had been edited.
It would go online over the weekend!
Once it was released, Bai Ling would surely receive some system rewards, which would solve the problem.
Understanding this, Bai Ling continued to relax for several more days.
But the wretched system would never let her enjoy herself for long.
During Bai Ling’s days of leisure, the system sent over three mystery boxes in rapid succession.
The first box.
“Congratulations, host! You’ve acquired the Gold Medal Host skill!”
Bai Ling pouted. This wretched system was too much—singing, dancing, acting was one thing, but hosting too?
The second box.
“Congratulations, host! You’ve received one Acting Training Card!”
This was actually useful.
By using it, she could enter a special space for acting practice.
Though Bai Ling had agreed to act, her skills still needed improvement.
This would let her cram before filming.
The third box.
“Congratulations, host! You’ve gained +30 in Songwriting and Composition!”
It was an attribute boost, giving Bai Ling inspiration and ability to compose.
Though she couldn’t directly select songs from her previous life’s classics, it was still quite good.
Thus, on Friday, Bai Ling spent an afternoon, drawing from her memories of her past life and her modest skills.
She finally managed to write a song and sent it to Leng Yan.