Ch 38: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

With a career goal in mind, Shen Yunxuan could no longer focus solely on acting or consider herself just an actress. At the gala, she greeted and socialized for the first time as the boss of Xuancao Entertainment, signaling to the industry that she was not merely a rookie actress. Her company wasn’t operating solely for her; she was serious about starting a business and growing it.

She exchanged a stack of business cards, making herself known to industry leaders. A newcomer launching a company often conjures the image of a wealthy dilettante, so people paid extra attention. Upon learning she was an orphan with no background, she left an even deeper impression—they wouldn’t forget her.

After the event, Shen Yunxuan took an interest in two dramas: a contemporary story centering on three women and a family drama spanning multiple generations. Both had moderate success in her previous life but ended unsatisfactorily due to plot revisions to meet broadcasting regulations. She regretted this because, with more refined writing, they could have been major hits.

The production budgets were modest, and the directors lacked confidence in their success, so they couldn’t secure big-name actors. The scripts ended up on Shen Yunxuan’s desk. Though she had only starred in one hit drama—and as the antagonist, not the lead—her popularity was soaring, with a film and another drama awaiting release. Casting her as the lead was a win for both dramas.

Shen Yunxuan seized the opportunity to negotiate, proposing to bring her team into the projects to nurture talent from her company. Of course, she would only select skilled actors, who would first need to pass the directors’ auditions.

With the directors’ tentative agreement, Shen Yunxuan approached Lin Lan, a once-famous child star. Lin Lan had honed her acting skills from a young age, even starring in a hit drama as a child. However, after years in university, she struggled to land roles as an adult. Without a single breakthrough drama, she had been dismissed as a “fallen prodigy” and hadn’t worked for two years.

In her previous life, Lin Lan had succumbed to depression six months later, ending her life by drowning. Her farewell note contained only a simple sentence: “I just wanted to act.” The tragedy had trended online, with many lamenting her wasted talent and lack of opportunity.

Now, Shen Yunxuan offered her a chance, inviting her to co-star in the contemporary drama.

Lin Lan was thrilled. After nearly two years without work, she had faced constant rejections—either losing roles after being shortlisted or hearing she didn’t fit the image. Shen Yunxuan’s offer felt like a miracle.

“Yunxuan, are you serious? You’re letting me play the second lead? Can I really do it?” Lin Lan asked cautiously.

“As long as your acting satisfies the director, you can,” Shen Yunxuan replied with a smile.

“My acting…” Lin Lan had once been confident, but her recent failures had shaken her self-esteem. She hesitated, unable to continue.

Sensing her uncertainty, Shen Yunxuan gently encouraged, “Give it your best shot. I believe in you—don’t let your talent go to waste.”

Lin Lan nodded firmly. “Alright, Yunxuan. I’ll give it my all!”

Lin Lan aced the audition, with Shen Yunxuan even acting opposite her in a scene. Their performance left the director impressed, erasing his earlier reservations and earning Lin Lan the role.

Holding the contract, Lin Lan cried tears of joy. Hugging Shen Yunxuan, she said, “Thank you, Yunxuan! I thought I’d never act again, that my dream had abandoned me. I can’t believe I get to be in such a great drama. Thank you—thank you so much!”

Though Lin Lan’s words were jumbled and tearful, Shen Yunxuan saw the light return to her eyes. Smiling, she hugged her back and said, “Trust me and trust yourself. You’re amazing!”

Next, Shen Yunxuan reached out to Jiang Cheng, a seasoned supporting actor known for his impeccable skills but unremarkable fame. While audiences recognized his face, they rarely remembered his name. Jiang Cheng had once pursued lead roles but was repeatedly thwarted by bad luck.

In his youth, just as he landed a promising role, he underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis, and the director replaced him. Another opportunity slipped away when his father fell critically ill, forcing him to leave the set. After missing several chances, he resigned himself to a lifetime of supporting roles.

This time, Shen Yunxuan offered him the role of her father in the family drama—a complex character with seemingly selfish and biased traits that hid deeper struggles. If performed well, the role would resonate deeply with audiences.

After reading the script, Jiang Cheng was stunned. It was the best role he had encountered in a decade, in a drama with immense potential. But he couldn’t help doubting—why would such a golden opportunity come to him?

“Why did you choose me?” he asked, perplexed.

Shen Yunxuan smiled warmly and replied, “Because you’re the best person for the role. I’ve seen your performances, and I know your acting skills are incredible. This role requires someone who can bring out complex emotions and make the audience empathize, even with a seemingly flawed character. You’re perfect for it.”

Jiang Cheng’s eyes glistened with surprise and gratitude. “I haven’t had a role like this in so long… I thought people had forgotten about me.”

Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “Talent like yours can’t be forgotten. It’s just waiting for the right time to shine again. I believe in you, and I believe the audience will, too.”

Moved by her sincerity, Jiang Cheng nodded firmly. “Thank you, Shen Yunxuan. I won’t let you down.”

With Jiang Cheng and Lin Lan onboard, the production team began to take shape, and the urban drama started to gain momentum. Shen Yunxuan’s careful selection of cast members—prioritizing skill and suitability over fame—instilled confidence in the crew and anticipation among insiders.

This approach wasn’t lost on the entertainment industry. News of Shen Yunxuan personally recruiting talented but overlooked actors circulated, drawing both curiosity and admiration. Some questioned her unconventional methods, while others saw it as a refreshing change in an industry often dominated by nepotism and superficiality.

For Shen Yunxuan, it wasn’t just about creating a great drama—it was about proving that talent and good storytelling could still take center stage. The pressure to succeed was immense, but she welcomed it.

Her production company, Xuancao Entertainment, was no longer seen as a vanity project for a rising star. It was becoming a symbol of opportunity and innovation, a place where underdogs could find their footing and shine.

As the drama’s pre-production progressed, Lin Lan and Jiang Cheng both threw themselves into their roles. Lin Lan, with her renewed confidence, quickly impressed everyone with her dedication and nuanced performance during rehearsals. Jiang Cheng, too, brought his decades of experience to the table, earning the admiration of younger cast members who began to treat him with newfound respect.

The urban drama, now titled “Between the Lines”, gained a buzz even before filming began. Industry veterans and newcomers alike were paying attention, wondering if Shen Yunxuan’s bold decisions would pay off.

For Shen Yunxuan, the journey was just beginning. Whether it was navigating her dual roles as an actor and producer or proving that genuine talent deserved a chance to thrive, she was ready to face it all head-on.

She wasn’t just playing a part in a story anymore—she was rewriting the script for herself and others, one opportunity at a time.

Shen Yunxuan proceeded to film both dramas back-to-back. Except for promoting the suspense drama, she immersed herself entirely in production, dedicating herself to her craft.

The suspense drama had sufficient funding, allowing post-production to proceed smoothly. Through her efforts, the release was strategically scheduled for the Chinese New Year holiday, a time when families gather, and the audience pool is larger.

Director Liu initially had reservations, concerned that a suspense drama might not fit the joyful atmosphere of the holidays. However, Shen Yunxuan expressed confidence in the quality of their work. From her experience in her past life, she knew that as long as the production was strong, it would resonate with audiences, regardless of the release date.

She carved out time to lead the promotion herself, hoping that audiences would watch her new drama during the festive break.

Meanwhile, Qian Yue had completed her youth tragedy film and joined a high-profile acting training reality show. She aimed to leverage it to establish her reputation as a talented actor and boost her appeal before her movie’s release. The show became a sensation, earning her newfound popularity and softening any previous doubts her manager, Li Tian, had about her potential.

Feeling smug about her recent success, Qian Yue decided to check on Shen Yunxuan. When she learned that Shen Yunxuan was filming two low-profile dramas, she couldn’t contain her laughter. Logging into her alternate social media account, she posted a mocking comment:

“How far the mighty have fallen. From starring in a blockbuster debut to taking on small, unremarkable dramas back-to-back. Clearly chasing money with no regard for the craft of acting!”

Qian Yue vividly remembered those two dramas from her past life—both mildly successful but plagued by poor endings, drawing widespread criticism. She was confident that once aired, these projects would tarnish Shen Yunxuan’s reputation and leave her career in limbo for the rest of the year.

For Qian Yue, it was further evidence that her efforts to rewrite fate were succeeding. Her trajectory was on the rise, while Shen Yunxuan seemed to be digging her own grave.

During the filming of her reality show, the host mentioned Shen Yunxuan and praised her daring choices:

“This newcomer is impressive. Her performance in the xianxia drama was fantastic. Her upcoming suspense drama is already creating buzz. From a compelling antagonist in a fantasy series to a rural girl in a film, and now a police officer in a suspense thriller—she dares to explore diverse roles. That’s what I admire most about her.”

The host continued, “As actors, especially newcomers, you must step out of your comfort zones. You’ll only know your potential if you take risks. A great actor should eventually be able to tackle any role. Shen Yunxuan’s career choices are a testament to that. I look forward to seeing her continued growth—it’s an inspiring example for all of you.”

The host, an award-winning actress with a reputation for valuing skill over superficiality, rarely lavished such praise. Her endorsement drew nods from the contestants, but Qian Yue found the remarks grating.

Only Qian Yue knew that the suspense drama would flop—she was sure of it. It had left no impression in her past life, likely sinking without a trace. Shen Yunxuan was on a downward trajectory, yet here she was, receiving public accolades. How could Shen Yunxuan be so lucky?

Then an idea struck her. Why not use this opportunity to gain visibility? With the host’s glowing remarks as a springboard, she could insert herself into the conversation, sparking controversy and riding the resulting wave of attention.

Moreover, Qian Yue was confident that the suspense drama would fail. By criticizing Shen Yunxuan now, she could later appear vindicated when the show underperformed, earning praise for her “foresight.”

Seizing her chance, Qian Yue voiced her opinion during the show:

“While it’s good for actors to experiment with different roles, I think it’s risky for newcomers to diversify too soon. If they haven’t established themselves, trying too much can backfire. They might end up struggling to find work and lose the chance to experiment further.”

The host, unfazed, responded with a smile:

“You make a valid point. For those unsure of their capabilities, playing it safe can be wise. But if someone like Shen Yunxuan, with strong acting skills and a solid rapport with audiences, wants to try new roles, I think it’s a commendable approach. She’s bold, and I admire that.”

Qian Yue was momentarily silenced, her attempt to undermine Shen Yunxuan skillfully deflected. Yet, she quickly devised a plan to amplify the discussion online, knowing full well that controversy often equaled visibility.

Typically, when a mentor acknowledges a student’s differing opinion and shares their perspective, the discussion ends. Yan Jie intended to transition into teaching acting techniques after discussing Shen Yunxuan, but before she could speak, Qian Yue interrupted.

Qian Yue said, “Yan Jie might not know, but Shen Yunxuan and I were college classmates and even shared the same dorm room, so I know her very well. She’s gentle, introverted, and never really liked suspense genres. When I heard she invested in and starred in a suspense drama, I was shocked.”

She continued, “I’m honestly worried that such a rash decision to venture into unfamiliar territory might negatively impact her. There’s been some online chatter about this, too. People are questioning why someone who’s already starred in a movie would pick a low-budget suspense drama that no one believes in. Honestly, I can’t figure it out either. Maybe she has her reasons.”

Yan Jie raised her eyebrows in surprise. “You were dorm mates with Shen Yunxuan?”

Another mentor asked, “From what you’re saying, does this mean you don’t think highly of Shen Yunxuan’s suspense drama?”

Qian Yue sighed, feigning helplessness. “I’d love to say something supportive as a friend, but let’s be real—suspense dramas have been struggling for years. And this one is a small-budget production. Plus, Yunxuan has no experience in this genre. To be honest, I’m worried it might flop and discourage her.

“That’s why I feel that, as a newcomer, one shouldn’t blindly experiment. Trying out different roles without a stable foundation isn’t wise. It’s better to establish yourself first in a genre where you’re recognized, then branch out when you have solid footing.”

Qian Yue cleverly disguised her criticism as concern while steering the discussion back to the topic of experimentation. Her seemingly candid demeanor made her comments appear well-intentioned. However, phrases like “dorm mates,” “blind experimentation,” and “special reasons for choosing a suspense drama” caught everyone’s attention.

Sensing the conversation was heading into uncomfortable territory, Yan Jie swiftly ended it and redirected the focus to the episode’s acting lessons.

When the episode aired, the discussion exploded online. Netizens debated whether Yan Jie or Qian Yue’s perspective was correct, while others gossiped about Shen Yunxuan and Qian Yue’s relationship. Many began speculating about the “special reasons” behind Shen Yunxuan’s investment in the suspense drama, wondering if there was a juicy story behind it.

Some even mocked Shen Yunxuan, accusing her of getting carried away with her early success. They claimed she was recklessly taking on mediocre projects and wasting her promising career.

Sensing an opportunity, Qian Yue hired a wave of online trolls to amplify the controversy. Soon, Shen Yunxuan found herself at the center of a media storm, portrayed as a newcomer with poor judgment.

Su Ye quickly noticed the orchestrated attack and, after seeing Qian Yue’s comments on the show, approached Shen Yunxuan. “It’s her again! She’s definitely doing this on purpose, trying to tarnish your reputation. Should we handle this with PR?”

Shen Yunxuan calmly asked, “What do you think?”

Su Ye hesitated before responding, “Honestly, I think we should seize this wave of attention. If people are already interested in you and the suspense drama, let’s use this chance to promote it. We can raise expectations and attract more viewers. But… doing this means enduring criticism until the show proves itself. People can be really harsh.”

Shen Yunxuan chuckled. “You’ve known me long enough to worry about my mindset? It’s fine; let’s do it your way. Qian Yue must think the drama will flop; otherwise, she wouldn’t dare openly criticize it. She wants to step on me for clout. But I have faith in our work. In the end, I might just owe her for all the free publicity she’s giving us.”

Encouraged by Shen Yunxuan’s confidence, Su Ye launched a strategic promotional campaign. In just a few days, netizens who had been drawn in by the drama speculations were met with trailers and behind-the-scenes clips. Their curiosity was piqued, and anticipation for the show grew.

On the drama’s premiere night, the viewership numbers shattered expectations, surpassing all other shows airing at the same time. It was an immediate hit!

The first episode opened with a gripping murder case. Several departments joined forces to apprehend a suspect, only for the protagonist to uncover new evidence pointing to other potential suspects among the victim’s family, lover, and friends.

The fast-paced, tightly-woven plot, logical progression, and stellar performances captivated viewers, who quickly devoured the first two episodes. Many took to social media to demand early access to the entire series, even offering to pay extra for binge-watching rights.

Online forums buzzed with theories and heated discussions about the identity of the killer, sparking an unprecedented level of engagement.

That night, Shen Yunxuan, Director Liu, the screenwriter, Su Ye, and the rest of the team gathered to watch the premiere. They monitored viewer reactions and live data, and when the results exceeded all expectations, everyone erupted in cheers.

The team celebrated the milestone with an all-night feast, singing and laughing together in joyous camaraderie.

Director Liu, having drunk too much, choked back tears as he patted Shen Yunxuan on the shoulder and said, “Sister Xuan, I’ll never forget your kindness in this lifetime! If it weren’t for your investment and your decision to take on this project, this drama would never have made it off the ground.”

The screenwriter also raised a toast to Shen Yunxuan. “Sister Xuan, I owe you a drink. This is the best script I’ve ever written, and for the longest time, I couldn’t find anyone willing to fund or produce it. I was so disheartened that I thought of just taking this story with me to the grave.

Then you came along—you’re my mentor and my savior! From now on, I’ll work hard at our company and write even better scripts!”

Su Ye stood up next, raising her glass. “Let’s all toast Sister Xuan. If it weren’t for her pulling me into her team, I’d still be running coffee errands for my colleagues! Following Sister Xuan means we all get to eat well. Let’s work hard together and let her take us to new heights!”

Actors Lin Lan and Jiang Cheng, who were also present, were surprised to learn that almost everyone at the company had been personally supported by Shen Yunxuan. They joined in, raising their glasses in a show of solidarity. As a mark of respect, they all started calling her “Sister Xuan,” not just as their boss, but as someone they genuinely admired.

Shen Yunxuan smiled and said, “Today isn’t just about this drama’s great start; it’s also our company’s big breakthrough. This is a good omen for us all, but more importantly, it’s the result of everyone’s hard work and dedication.

Our company will always value talent and effort above all else. We won’t get involved in any shady practices. I hope all of you stay motivated and ambitious. Let’s grow this company together and create opportunities to bring amazing stories to life!”

“Let’s grow stronger together and create great stories!” the group shouted enthusiastically, clinking glasses and downing their drinks in one go.

They were people uninterested in shortcuts or cheap tactics. With Shen Yunxuan providing them with a protective umbrella, they were determined not to let her—or themselves—down.

The success of the suspense drama not only boosted the confidence of everyone at the company but also reassured the directors of the two new dramas Shen Yunxuan was filming. They felt lucky to have her as their lead. The cast and crew of those productions were equally thrilled, knowing that Shen Yunxuan’s rising popularity would draw more attention to their projects and increase their chances of success.

The author of the fantasy drama that had propelled Shen Yunxuan to fame also posted online, writing:

“I always knew Yunxuan had an eye for great scripts and wouldn’t pick roles carelessly. Back when she played Yu Wanqing, she insisted on preserving the character’s arc and the story’s logic. Yunxuan is a deeply thoughtful and principled actor. How could anyone claim she takes roles just for the sake of variety?
This suspense drama’s plot is incredible—just two episodes in, and I can already tell it’s a masterpiece! Yunxuan, please keep giving us amazing performances. Stay on our screens forever!”

Actress Zhao Yajing also tweeted:

“Yunxuan’s acting is phenomenal, and her script choices are unmatched. The production quality of her new drama is top-tier! Can I secretly binge-watch the entire thing? I’m dying to know who the killer is and what other cases come up. I’m obsessed! Yunxuan, check your WeChat—I want to see if my guesses are right!”

Directors Xie and Feng also posted their congratulations, praising Shen Yunxuan for her outstanding work.

Previously, when Qian Yue’s comments on the variety show fueled controversy and invited hired trolls to smear Shen Yunxuan, it seemed like a PR disaster waiting to happen. But with the drama’s explosive success, many voices rose in support of Shen Yunxuan, turning the tide of public opinion and driving even more viewers to the show.

Feeling guilty for unwittingly causing trouble for Shen Yunxuan, Yan Jie took to social media to express her admiration:

“I hope we get the chance to work together someday, Yunxuan, and explore even more possibilities. Be bold and take on more challenges. Your acting is incredible, and I believe you can do anything!”

Her endorsement not only reaffirmed Shen Yunxuan’s reputation but also put a definitive end to the debate from the variety show. Whether or not it was wise for newcomers to take risks, Shen Yunxuan had proven that she had both the talent and the vision to do so successfully.

As for Qian Yue, who had confidently claimed to know Shen Yunxuan and cast doubt on her choices, she found herself in an awkward position.

The smear campaign she orchestrated backfired spectacularly:

“What ‘special reasons’ for picking this drama? Can’t it just be that she recognized a great script? Qian Yue is such a green tea b*tch, trying to set Yunxuan up like that!”

“She said she didn’t understand why Yunxuan would take on this project after her movie. Maybe it’s Qian Yue who lacks the vision to see the brilliance of this drama!”

“A former dormmate using a public platform to say such things—Qian Yue is honestly such a questionable person.”

Qian Yue scrolled through the comments, growing increasingly enraged until she finally hurled her phone against the wall.

This couldn’t be happening! She remembered so clearly—no suspense drama had succeeded in recent years! And this one? She had no memory of it whatsoever! If Director Liu had made such a hit, she would have known about it. How could this small, underfunded production possibly blow up?

If she had known earlier, she would never have made those remarks on the variety show, nor would she have hired trolls to push Shen Yunxuan onto the trending topics. And now? Not only did she fail to bring Shen Yunxuan down, but she also ended up becoming a stepping stone for her, spending her own money to give Shen Yunxuan an enormous wave of publicity. All this had inadvertently turned into part of Shen Yunxuan’s path to fame—she had essentially helped Shen Yunxuan!

This feeling of “trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice” infuriated her to no end. To make matters worse, Li Tian confronted her and demanded that she immediately apologize to Shen Yunxuan. He insisted she feign happiness for Shen Yunxuan’s success and frame her earlier comments as unintentional missteps, warning that her reputation was otherwise at risk of complete ruin.

After enduring a fierce scolding from Li Tian, Qian Yue reluctantly posted a long apology, addressing her inappropriate remarks and expressing congratulations to Shen Yunxuan. She crafted a lengthy statement, claiming to be genuinely happy for Shen Yunxuan.

However, Shen Yunxuan responded to everyone who congratulated her—even to Yan Jie, whom she barely knew—but conspicuously ignored Qian Yue.

Their relationship, or lack thereof, was now crystal clear to everyone.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆

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