Ch 37: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

In her previous life, Qian Yue’s first acting role was in this exact fantasy drama. Naturally, she had been heavily invested in its success, following every episode, and obsessively reading online reviews throughout its run. She remembered clearly how, from the moment it aired, the show was harshly criticized. It was derided as the “death knell” for fantasy dramas, effectively killing the genre for two years.

But now? Her former classmates’ praise for Shen Yunxuan was one thing, but the overwhelming acclaim online was entirely another. People were calling it “the best fantasy drama in years”—after just two episodes!

What shocked Qian Yue most was the reaction from the book’s fans. They were overjoyed, thanking the production team for faithfully adapting the original. They adored the lead actors and Shen Yunxuan, saying they perfectly embodied the characters they loved. When the original author joined the discussion, fan excitement reached its peak.

Original Author: “To my dearest Yu Wanqing and my dearest Yunxuan! Words can’t express how thrilled I was seeing Yunxuan on set—I nearly fainted from excitement! I hereby declare myself Yunxuan’s biggest fan. Yunxuan, soar boldly! Your devoted Xuancao will always follow you!”

The author’s friends even shared a chat log from that day. It revealed how the author impulsively hugged Shen Yunxuan on set, a mix of excitement and social anxiety that created a hilariously awkward scene. Clearly, the author had been a staunch supporter of Shen Yunxuan from day one.

The chat log went viral, and even casual viewers joined the bandwagon:

[Fan 1]: “Xuancao as Yunxuan’s fandom name? It’s derived from the ‘forget-me-not’ flower? Love it. Count me in!”
[Fan 2]: “Me too! I’m now officially a Xuancao. Shen Yunxuan needs to do more fantasy dramas—I’m hooked!”

Qian Yue tried to steady her breathing, but the rising tension in her chest wouldn’t subside. She opened Shen Yunxuan’s social media account and watched, helplessly, as her follower count soared. Just as her classmates had predicted, Shen Yunxuan was on the brink of stardom.

Why? Qian Yue fumed. Why did this drama fail when I was in it? It ruined my reputation for years, yet Shen Yunxuan gets to star in a high-quality version? Was it truly fate? Was Shen Yunxuan destined for fame no matter what obstacles Qian Yue threw her way?

No way! Qian Yue consoled herself. The book fans hadn’t yet encountered the dreaded romance subplot. Once they saw the contrived love line between the male lead and the antagonist—a move that would tarnish Shen Yunxuan’s character—they would surely lash out.

But episode after episode aired, and there was no sign of that subplot. Instead, the story introduced a poignant flashback of the antagonist’s lost love.

Where did this white moonlight come from? Qian Yue thought, baffled. The storyline had diverged drastically from her memory, yet it was undeniably better. It didn’t take online reviews to tell her the truth—this fantasy drama was a hit, and Shen Yunxuan had officially skyrocketed to fame.

Refusing to accept defeat, Qian Yue focused on her current project. She had managed to secure the lead role in a youth film Shen Yunxuan had originally starred in during her previous life. This was her chance to rewrite her destiny.

Yet, even as she avoided Shen Yunxuan’s name and news, the actress’s rising fame continued to haunt her. Her new drama became a nationwide phenomenon, with people binge-watching it on flights, trains, and during commutes. Everyone was captivated by its characters, its thrilling plot, and its high-quality production.

Her classmates and colleagues were equally enamored. Many couldn’t stop discussing the latest episodes or marveling at Shen Yunxuan’s performance. The male and female leads had gained newfound popularity, booking numerous events. But Shen Yunxuan remained elusive—no appearances, no interviews. The mystery surrounding her only fueled public curiosity.

When fans dug into her background, they were stunned. Shen Yunxuan was a true newcomer with no company backing and no connections. She had landed the coveted role purely through her audition. To them, she was nothing short of a star blessed by fate.

The male and female leads, during an interview, shared even more surprising details.

“This drama could have gone very differently,” the male lead admitted. “At one point, we were worried it wouldn’t turn out well. Yunxuan, however, stood her ground and insisted on cutting the unnecessary romance subplot. She suggested introducing the white moonlight character and even helped refine the script with the team. Her dedication completely transformed the atmosphere on set.”

The revelation sent book fans into a frenzy. Shen Yunxuan wasn’t just a talented actress—she had saved their beloved story from being butchered.

[Fan]: “Thank you, Yunxuan! Without you, this drama would have been another disaster. You’re our savior!”
[Commenter]: “She’s fearless, taking such a huge risk as a rookie. And her focus on storytelling? Incredible.”

Soon, fans discovered that Shen Yunxuan had already filmed a movie. This revelation only cemented her reputation as a rare gem in the industry—a newcomer whose skill and integrity set her apart. The public marveled at how quickly she had become a household name and speculated about her undoubtedly bright future.

Many were already looking forward to Shen Yunxuan’s movie. Although it was a niche arthouse film rather than a mainstream blockbuster, this did not dampen fans’ enthusiasm. Her devoted book fans even vowed to support her by purchasing tickets, seeing it as a way to repay her for preserving the integrity of their beloved novel’s adaptation.

However, Shen Yunxuan’s subsequent career choice left some puzzled. Was it because she had no released works, no company backing, and no widespread recognition? How else could one explain her decision to star in a small-budget suspense drama by a rookie director—a project she even invested in herself?

This unconventional decision, however, spiked interest in the suspense drama, as curiosity surrounding Shen Yunxuan’s choices reached a fever pitch.

When Su Ye noticed the online buzz, she rushed to Shen Yunxuan.
“Yunxuan, now’s the perfect time to market this drama. People are curious, so we should raise their expectations and make sure they watch it. We can’t waste this momentum.”

Although Shen Yunxuan disliked hype, she understood the importance of marketing. She delegated the responsibility to Su Ye.
“Coordinate with the production team and take full charge of external promotion. If you need manpower or funding, let me know, and we’ll figure it out together.”

Caught off guard, Su Ye hesitated.
“Me? Can I really handle this?”

Shen Yunxuan looked her in the eye and asked, “Why wouldn’t you be able to?”

After a moment of reflection, Su Ye nodded resolutely.
“I can! Don’t worry, Yunxuan!”

“I’ve never doubted you,” Shen Yunxuan replied with a smile.

Though Su Ye had no prior experience in marketing, her sharp instincts and adaptability allowed her to excel. She compiled marketing case studies and quickly learned on the job, releasing behind-the-scenes footage and a teaser trailer filled with suspense and intrigue.

The buzz for the drama skyrocketed. People saw it as a high-quality crime thriller with tight storytelling, intense investigations, and no unnecessary romance plots—perfect for fans of the genre.

At the same time, Shen Yunxuan’s reputation grew. People began to see her as a discerning artist who valued quality stories over glitz, willing to choose substance over spectacle.

In contrast, Qian Yue was fuming. Despite gaining some attention for her villainous supporting role, her momentary popularity had faded, leaving her nameless to most viewers. With her upcoming youth drama still months away from release, she had no new projects to sustain her momentum or compete with Shen Yunxuan.

As a reborn individual, Qian Yue couldn’t accept falling behind. Fueled by frustration, she spent a significant amount of money hiring trolls to smear Shen Yunxuan, spreading rumors that she was backed by a wealthy sponsor.

The narrative questioned how Shen Yunxuan, an orphan with no company, could secure roles in a hit fantasy drama and a movie. Critics scoffed at the notion that her talent alone had caught directors’ attention. They also cast doubt on her decision to fund a small-budget drama, suggesting it was a reckless move no ordinary rookie could afford.

Initially, the rumors gained traction as they aligned with certain industry biases. However, Su Ye, monitoring the situation, chose not to react impulsively.
“Yunxuan, should we clarify the situation? The directors we’ve worked with could vouch for you, but it might make the issue seem bigger than it is and fuel more accusations about your supposed ‘connections.’”

Shen Yunxuan remained unbothered.
“No need to respond. These rumors won’t stop as long as I’m in this industry. If I waste energy fighting them, it’ll only disrupt my focus. Unless it reaches a point where it affects my ability to secure roles, just ignore it.”

Shen Yunxuan’s calm confidence reassured Su Ye, who adopted the same approach. Instead of addressing the rumors, they continued focusing on their work and even reached out to Shen Yunxuan’s fans, urging them to remain calm and avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Without any tangible evidence, the smear campaign lost steam. Trolls scrambled to fabricate stories, but their efforts fizzled out when netizens grew bored of the baseless claims. Even the most enthusiastic gossip forums eventually abandoned the topic, while Shen Yunxuan’s fans treated it as little more than a joke.

Qian Yue had hoped the rumors would tarnish Shen Yunxuan’s reputation, but the plan backfired. The smear campaign fizzled out without gaining traction, leaving Qian Yue furious.

Though tempted to escalate her tactics, she knew another failed attempt could expose her involvement and destroy her own career. For now, she could only lie low, waiting for another opportunity to strike.

Su Ye focused all her energy on marketing, which was a costly endeavor. Shen Yunxuan, looking at her dwindling account balance, felt a headache brewing. Her career was just beginning, and her earnings weren’t high enough to support financial freedom like in her previous life. She realized she needed to strategize how to generate income.

An idea struck her: the two “Books of Memory” from her alternate life as “Heiress Shen Yunxuan.” The other Shen Yunxuan had excelled at making money.

Opening the books, she carefully reviewed methods she could utilize. To her surprise, despite their differing skills, she and the “Heiress” shared similar values, personalities, and even habits. It confirmed her suspicion that they were fundamentally the same person, reincarnated in different worlds, and through some mysterious fortune, she had retained these memories.

The realization thrilled her. These memories could offer her an edge in this life. She even mused that if there were a next world, her current skills—such as her acting expertise—might also be preserved in a similar book, helping her future self. This thought inspired her to live her life with even greater purpose.

Balancing acting and entrepreneurial endeavors, Shen Yunxuan began to implement profitable strategies gleaned from the books. She found that rereading sections deepened her understanding, almost like a masterclass tailored by her past self. By the time the suspense drama wrapped, she had already saved a tidy sum.

Meanwhile, Su Ye leveraged the drama’s momentum with strategic marketing, showcasing significant growth in her capabilities.

Su Ye presented Shen Yunxuan with a list of resources and opportunities that had come in since the fantasy drama’s immense success. Numerous entertainment companies extended offers, and projects ranging from TV shows to endorsements flooded in.

Shen Yunxuan instructed Su Ye to focus on selecting suitable endorsements while declining variety shows and concerts. While such activities could boost her visibility, she preferred to focus on building her reputation through her craft.
“I’ve been given a second chance,” she reasoned. “I don’t need to rely on gimmicks. I want my acting to speak for itself.”

That didn’t mean she was naïve. Having absorbed the “Heiress” mindset, she knew that true creative freedom required financial autonomy. To achieve that, she had to become a player in the industry.

Her first step post-drama was to establish Xuancao Entertainment, her own production company. She signed on Director Liu, the screenwriter she had just worked with, and Su Ye. Including herself, the company had four members. Their recently wrapped suspense drama would become the company’s inaugural project.

As the year-end Celebrity Charity Gala approached, Shen Yunxuan received an invitation. It would be her first red-carpet event. Su Ye was nervous about potential mishaps, but Shen Yunxuan remained composed, having attended countless such events in her previous life.

She hired a stylist she remembered from her past life, who was still relatively unknown. They collaborated seamlessly to craft the perfect look. Borrowing a gown and jewelry, Shen Yunxuan confidently walked the red carpet.

Thanks to her current popularity, the hosts extended her interview segment. She answered each question gracefully, exuding the poise of a seasoned star. Photographers were impressed by how effortlessly she worked the camera, delivering flawless poses and expressions. Any anticipation of a shy, inexperienced rookie was quickly dispelled.

Another rookie who garnered attention was Qian Yue from Xingchen Entertainment. Though initially unfamiliar, the mention of her recent role as the villain in a romantic drama jogged people’s memories.

Qian Yue’s youthful appearance paired with her mature aura left an impression, albeit a mild one—more like a footnote in the pool of emerging talents than a standout presence.

As soon as Qian Yue entered the venue, she began scanning for Shen Yunxuan. When she spotted Shen sitting with Director Feng and Zhao Yajing, she froze in place, her expression turning incredulous. Since when did Shen Yunxuan know Zhao Yajing? And their relationship seemed so close—they leaned in to laugh and chat, practically radiating camaraderie. No one would believe they weren’t on good terms.

But Zhao Yajing hadn’t been involved in Feng’s film. It couldn’t have been Director Feng who introduced them.

So they must have known each other long before. Shen Yunxuan must have been keeping this a tight secret all along! Why, then, had she even bothered to work as a stunt double? Clearly, Zhao Yajing had no intention of recommending Qian Yue for anything. All that effort in her rebirth’s critical early period had been utterly wasted!

The more Qian Yue thought about it, the more her expression stiffened. Her burning gaze caught Zhao Yajing’s attention. Zhao turned and greeted her politely.
“Qian Yue, is that you? You’re here too?”

Qian Yue forced a smile and stepped closer.
“Yes, I just finished filming a youth drama and came with the director to gain some experience. Jing-jie, when did you and Yunxuan meet? She and I were dormmates, but she never mentioned it.”

Zhao Yajing raised a brow in mild surprise.
“You two were dormmates?”

She quickly realized Shen Yunxuan had never mentioned Qian Yue, likely because their relationship was strained. Choosing not to continue that topic, Zhao Yajing shifted the conversation.
“Where’s your seat? Do you have someone guiding you?”

This was a clear dismissal. Anyone with a sense of propriety would have excused themselves. Qian Yue’s smile faltered, her grip tightening on her clutch. Finally, she muttered something about heading to her seat and walked away. Before leaving, however, she couldn’t resist a barbed remark.
“Yunxuan, who would’ve thought you’d blow up less than a year after graduating? You’re really lucky. Congratulations.”

She deliberately avoided acknowledging Shen Yunxuan’s efforts or talent, framing her success as pure luck.

Zhao Yajing frowned and whispered to Shen Yunxuan, “Does she always talk like that? No wonder you don’t get along. I worked with her once and couldn’t stand her. Don’t let her nonsense get to you—you’ve earned every bit of your fame through talent and hard work.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled softly.
“I don’t take her words seriously.”

But this time, Qian Yue’s comment struck a nerve.

“Lucky. Big success depends on luck.”

It was true for some in the entertainment industry, but not for Shen Yunxuan. Every step she took was deliberate and grounded in effort. In her previous life, she had climbed to the peak of stardom as an orphan relying solely on her acting skills—a journey paved with hardship and sacrifice. She just didn’t flaunt her struggles, choosing instead to cherish her achievements with gratitude.

And now, because she exuded such contentment, Qian Yue reduced everything to luck?

That irritated Shen Yunxuan deeply and triggered a realization. There were indeed people in the industry whose success seemed predestined, who achieved fame effortlessly. But there were also immensely talented actors who, due to poor opportunities, never made it big.

Now that she had founded her own company, couldn’t she give these overlooked talents a platform? Why should anyone’s future be bound by so-called “luck”?

At that moment, Shen Yunxuan glanced around the gala and spotted two actors she had long admired—exceptional talents who had spent their careers playing forgettable side characters. One was only here because their entire team had been invited; many others couldn’t even attend events like this.

A sense of purpose surged within her. Shen Yunxuan sat up straighter, her eyes glowing with determination. She would change this. She would give talented actors a chance, let them work on meaningful projects, and create a space free from the industry’s toxic practices.

She envisioned her company as a safe haven for genuine talent, a place where skill mattered more than connections. She would produce dramas and films that showcased these abilities, proving that the entertainment industry could thrive on merit rather than mere fortune.

Oddly enough, Shen Yunxuan felt she owed Qian Yue for triggering this epiphany. If not for Qian Yue’s repeated proclamations about destiny, Shen Yunxuan might never have realized this responsibility.

If Qian Yue’s approach was to rewrite destiny by stealing opportunities, Shen Yunxuan’s strategy would be to foster talent and create opportunities. They both had memories of their previous lives—now it was a test to see who could better utilize those memories to reshape the future.

The challenge made Shen Yunxuan’s heart race with excitement. Life had never seemed so unpredictable and vibrant. She couldn’t wait to dive into this new chapter, to prove that real talent, given the right platform, could outshine any supposed “luck.”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆