Chapter Eighty-Four: No Tricks? An Unexpected Visitor

After what Sister Ge said, Bai Ling could only pout her lips in resignation. Truly, in the entertainment industry, becoming irrelevant was the most terrifying thing. Right now, she was at the peak of her career, so she could afford to be fearless. But once she lost her fame, every step would become a struggle.

So...

"So you must seize every opportunity and strive to keep yourself in the spotlight!" Sister Ge patted Bai Ling encouragingly on the shoulder.

But in truth, what Bai Ling was thinking was somewhat different. She needed to adjust her mindset, not let herself be swayed by these circumstances. After all, being an artist, the most important thing was to be happy! Of course, financial freedom was also essential.

The interview program was called "An Evening Appointment," a name that carried a hint of intrigue. Sister Ge handed Bai Ling the project briefing, which included some of the questions that might come up during the interview. The specifics would depend on the host's improvisation, as well as the atmosphere created by the live audience.

This was precisely why the host was so crucial.

The interview was scheduled for the evening, so at Sister Ge's request, Bai Ling went through every potential question and committed them to memory. There could be no mistakes. Naturally, as she looked over the questions, Bai Ling felt no pressure at all. The majority were simple, with no real risks involved.

Still, Bai Ling couldn't shake the feeling that things might not be so straightforward. After all, every variety show was ultimately after ratings. If an episode truly had nothing worth watching, why would they even bother to record it? For all she knew, tonight's interview might hold some unexpected surprises.

But Bai Ling had nothing to fear; she was open and upright, her conscience clear. Brave Bai Ling, unafraid of danger!

That night, Bai Ling donned a simple white dress and applied only a light touch of makeup, giving her the appearance of the girl next door. Xiangzi drove her to the television station, and after waiting for some time in the dressing room, a staff member led Bai Ling to the studio.

Compared to the more formal variety shows, a small interview program hardly seemed worth worrying about. Bai Ling felt no psychological pressure. She took the stage, nodded, and shook hands with the host. As the applause from the veteran actors in the audience swelled, Bai Ling and the host each took their seats.

The host's chair was not particularly comfortable; it was elevated, giving the host an air of superiority, as if looking down from above.

As for Bai Ling, she sat on a large, off-white sofa.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to 'An Evening Appointment.' I am your host, Bai Rou," the host greeted the audience. "Tonight, we are honored to have with us the widely popular Bai Ling. Let's give her another round of applause!"

Bai Rou was a woman in her thirties, and her looks could be considered above average. As a member of the state media, both talent and appearance were essential. Applause rang out once more. Bai Ling, a little embarrassed, rose slightly from her seat, but before she could do anything more, Bai Rou continued, "I'm sure most of you are already familiar with Miss Bai Ling."

"Recently, news about Miss Bai Ling has been circulating quite a bit."

"I must say, Miss Bai Ling is even more stunning in person than in photos or videos. Don't you all agree?" Someone in the audience immediately shouted, "Of course!" Laughter erupted, and the atmosphere warmed.

Bai Rou exchanged a few more pleasantries before moving into the interview proper. A truly professional host knows how to turn an interview into a relaxed conversation, and from her performance, Bai Rou was quite adept.

With Bai Ling responding with calm composure, a series of questions were posed. They were all quite ordinary, no different from those in the project briefing, and Bai Ling answered them as such. As always, she was forthright and unafraid.

However, halfway through the program, after a series of rather insipid questions, even Bai Ling began to wonder if she had been worrying too much. But the way the interview was going didn’t suit her taste, and even the actors in the audience began to yawn, boredom creeping in.

Just as Bai Ling was beginning to think everything was perfectly routine, suddenly—

Bai Rou said, "We all know that in your last appearance, Bai Ling, you expressed a deep concern for children's education. As far as we know, it seems you didn't attend university because of issues with your parents?"

Bai Ling immediately became more alert. This question was not in the briefing; Bai Rou had added it herself. Instantly, Bai Ling nodded and replied, "Yes, that was one of the reasons."

Bai Rou smiled lightly. "Problems in the family of origin can indeed have a profound impact on a person. It's something we should all pay attention to, and I think Bai Ling's experience teaches us a valuable lesson."

"However, as we all know, our country places great importance on filial piety and cherishes family unity. So, Bai Ling, if you had the chance to make amends—if your parents were truly willing to repent—would you be willing to give them another chance?"

Bai Ling fixed her gaze on Bai Rou, but did not answer. She did not want to answer this question.

Of course she was not willing. Not to mention that Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang would never truly repent—even if they did, why should Bai Ling be obliged to forgive them? People always say a reformed sinner is worth more than gold, that recognizing one’s mistakes is enough. But what about the consequences of those mistakes? Are such wounds so easily healed?

The atmosphere suddenly chilled. Bai Rou seemed to sense the awkwardness.

"It seems Bai Ling cannot answer this question right now, but here's some good news," she continued. "We have not only invited Bai Ling tonight, but her parents as well."

"I believe Bai Ling will eventually find her answer."

In an instant, music swelled in the studio. Bai Ling could not tell what song it was; the mood was festive and full of surprise. But clearly, the joy belonged to others, the surprise as well. For Bai Ling, there was only terror.

From the same entrance where she had walked out, two figures appeared—a man and a woman. The man was tall; even at his age, it was clear he had once been a handsome, upright youth. The woman, while not unattractive, had a sharp, bitter look.

They were Bai Ling’s parents: Bai Zhengyi and Lin Fenfang.

Bai Ling shot to her feet from the sofa, almost as a reflex, her body trembling. Fear and dread surged through her chest. A flood of images raced through her mind—the beatings she suffered as a child. Sometimes it was with a feather duster, the bristles nearly all gone—not from cleaning, but from breaking against her body. Sometimes it was a slender bamboo rod, stinging and searing, pain to the bone. Sometimes it was a thick wooden stick, or a palm coming down so hard it could engulf her whole.

Never before had Bai Ling realized so keenly that she was both Bai Lin and Bai Ling.