Ch 40: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

In her past life, Shen Yunxuan didn’t have consistent acting opportunities every year due to the poor film industry environment. Good stories were rare, and female-centered stories even rarer. As an actress, her influence was limited, leaving her with a sense of regret.

Now, it’s different. With the insights from her “Heiress Shen Yunxuan” memory book, she possessed a business-oriented mindset. By founding her own entertainment company with strong momentum, she expanded her ability to shape the industry. For instance, she could use her company to produce female-led films and TV shows!

This idea came to her after receiving the Best Actress award at Cannes. Countless female actors she didn’t even know publicly congratulated her, not to ride the wave of her fame but out of genuine happiness. This outpouring of support made her realize the systemic challenges women faced in the industry.

Female actors had a harder time achieving success compared to their male counterparts. Nine out of ten movies centered on male characters. As they aged, even celebrated talents like Yan Jie, an iconic actress known for her impeccable skills, were relegated to supporting roles. There were barely any films with older women as lead characters.

Many exceptional female actors, unwilling to settle for secondary roles due to their stature, ended up with no work, leaving their talents wasted.

Shen Yunxuan herself had faced such struggles in her past life. As she aged, she took on many supporting roles. Even though her acting skills had reached their peak, she could only achieve a lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, never having had the chance to compete for Best Actress due to a lack of leading roles in her later career.

Her recent Cannes award sparked admiration from international media, marveling at the capability of Chinese actresses. Such achievements not only elevated her status but also uplifted the collective image of all Chinese actresses. This was a rare instance where an individual’s success positively impacted the perception of an entire group.

Shen Yunxuan was inspired to help actors with strong skills but “bad luck” succeed. Now, she had a new goal: to create more opportunities for female actors of all ages, ensuring they had chances to star in meaningful roles and compete for major awards, fulfilling their dreams.

With two completed dramas under her belt, Shen Yunxuan began carefully selecting scripts. One film, a rare dual-female-lead story, caught her attention. It revolved around two childhood best friends with contrasting personalities and lives, entangled in their relationships with a man. However, the focus was on their friendship and conflicts, with the man as a minor, almost forgettable, character.

This wasn’t the version she remembered from her past life, where it was a clichéd love triangle with equal focus on the man and the two women. She recalled finding the plot unimpressive back then, unaware that the original script was so good. Likely, the script had been altered due to investor demands to enhance the male lead’s role or because love triangles were seen as more sensational.

Now that the original script had landed in her hands, she was determined to preserve its integrity. Meeting with the director, she expressed her concerns. As expected, the director seemed conflicted.

“I love this script and feel it has award potential. I’m confident I can direct it well. But the investors insist on emphasizing the love triangle and giving the male lead more scenes. What do you think, Xiao Shen?”

“If that’s the case, I won’t act in it,” Shen Yunxuan replied with a smile. “To be frank, such changes would degrade the script significantly. What about the other lead actress?”

The director looked troubled. “She has ties with the investors and strongly supports their approach. She even wants to create buzz with a fake romance involving the male lead,” he said in a lowered voice.

Clearly frustrated, the director lamented how a story he had meticulously planned, down to its camera angles and fine details, was being jeopardized. He had tried to find alternate investors who appreciated the dual-female-lead dynamic, but it had been a struggle. Without compromising with the current investors, the project might never take off.

Shen Yunxuan pondered for a moment and asked, “If you didn’t use their funding, how much investment would this project need? Perhaps Xuancao Entertainment can step in.”

The director froze, suddenly realizing that Shen Yunxuan wasn’t just an actress—she was also the boss of an entertainment company! Her wildly successful suspense drama had been funded by her. Though her company was still relatively unknown, the possibility of her investment filled him with hope.

The director quickly quoted a figure and anxiously waited for her response. When Shen Yunxuan nodded, he was so overjoyed that he clasped her hands tightly.

“Xiao Shen—no, Boss Shen! Thank you for investing in this project. I promise to give it my all and make it a masterpiece. I won’t let you down!”

Shen Yunxuan smiled and said, “I trust you, but there’s no need to call me ‘Boss Shen.’ In the industry, I’m still a junior and have much to learn from my seniors. Just call me ‘Xiao Shen.’ Now, why don’t we discuss the specifics of the shoot?”

She glanced at her hand, prompting the director to quickly release it with an apologetic smile. “I got too excited, way too excited—please forgive me, Xiao Shen. I’ll inform the other party that we won’t be needing their investment. The other female lead will likely step away as well since she wasn’t too enthusiastic about the dual-female friendship plotline.”

Considering the script, Shen Yunxuan suggested, “How about Zhao Yajing? I know her well. If she joins, we’d likely have great chemistry and deliver even better performances. If you agree, I can check her availability.”

The director immediately perked up. “I’d have no objections at all. If she’s available, let her audition!”

Coincidentally, Zhao Yajing had a gap in her schedule. Lacking a suitable project, she was worried about remaining idle for some time. When she received Shen Yunxuan’s invitation, she eagerly agreed and flew over for a screen test.

Zhao Yajing’s acting skills were exceptional, and her age and appearance perfectly matched the role. During the audition, she and Shen Yunxuan performed an emotionally charged scene of a heated argument between best friends, brimming with tension and depth. The director was so impressed that he immediately signed her. This film became the first that Shen Yunxuan’s company fully produced, nearly depleting all their funds—a highly risky venture.

However, the team seemed to have grown accustomed to such bold moves and even joked that cautious steps weren’t their company’s style—they were always boldly expanding into new territories.

When production began, the film immediately drew attention. With Shen Yunxuan’s current high profile, many were curious about her next move after winning the Cannes Best Actress award.

Her decision not to take on a major production, turning down collaborations with several acclaimed directors, and instead self-funding a dual-female-lead friendship-focused film puzzled many. The genre, reminiscent of bittersweet youth dramas, seemed risky.

Yet, there was a prevailing sense of curiosity and trust in Shen Yunxuan. Her previous works were all masterpieces, showcasing her excellent taste in scripts and her outstanding acting abilities. Many viewers decided to give the film a chance when it was released.

When Qian Yue heard about Shen Yunxuan’s new project, she initially felt relieved. She recalled the film from her past life, which revolved around a love triangle that many viewers found melodramatic. While its box office performance was decent, the reviews were mixed, and it didn’t win any awards. She assumed this film would dim Shen Yunxuan’s shine as a Cannes winner.

But her relief was fleeting. Based on her track record, everything about Shen Yunxuan in this lifetime defied expectations. Cautious this time, Qian Yue refrained from making any public statements. She only vented her doubts and mocked Shen Yunxuan privately on a small social media account, predicting her failure.

Qian Yue also dug into Shen Yunxuan’s company and personal life, hoping to uncover dirt. Even rumors or baseless speculation would suffice to soothe her jealousy. To her surprise, she stumbled upon a paparazzi photo: Shen Yunxuan and the new film’s director dining together, with the director holding her hand while Shen Yunxuan smiled. The candid shot looked undeniably intimate.

Heart racing, Qian Yue immediately offered to buy the photo, warning the paparazzo not to release it.

The paparazzo sneered. “Why would I sell it to you? This is gold. Shen Yunxuan’s a Cannes Best Actress; this photo could make me famous! Or I could sell it to her for a fortune. Can you even afford it?”

Suppressing her anger, Qian Yue replied, “Name your price.”

The paparazzo, clearly uninterested in dealing with her, named an exorbitant price. To his surprise, Qian Yue accepted without hesitation, quickly transferring the money and securing the photo. Satisfied with the swift transaction, the paparazzo disappeared, vowing never to leak the image.

Qian Yue saved the photo on her computer, smirking coldly. “No point exposing this now,” she thought. “I’ll wait for the perfect moment to use this dagger against Shen Yunxuan. If I could get my hands on this, who’s to say I won’t find more dirt later? When the opportunity arises, I’ll make sure she’s utterly ruined!”

Feeling pleased, Qian Yue returned to her company to seek resources with renewed determination. She set her sights on a specific variety show, which she remembered had low expectations during its inception but became a multi-year sensation.

Realizing that variety shows were excellent platforms for image rehabilitation, Qian Yue devised a plan. She would cultivate a “straightforward and naïve” persona—someone blunt and simple but kind-hearted. The industry lacked such a distinct type, and if executed well, it could whitewash her image and help her regain fans. With her acting talent, she believed she could pull it off, paving the way to reclaim her position with future roles.

Qian Yue easily secured a spot on the variety show as there wasn’t much competition for it. She devoted herself fully to filming, hoping to rehabilitate her image.

The show also extended an invitation to Shen Yunxuan, promising her ample screen time and even creating conflict-based activities to fuel tension between her and Qian Yue for added drama.

When Su Ye presented the offer to Shen Yunxuan, she shared her concerns. “Many shows promise the world but don’t deliver. There was one show where an artist thought they were joining as a mentor, only to find themselves competing as a contestant. I don’t think this is reliable.”

Shen Yunxuan nodded. “Whether it’s reliable or not, I’m not interested.”

Su Ye then suggested two other slow-paced reality shows. “These are relaxing programs. Since you’ve been so busy filming, joining one could increase your exposure, let you work while unwinding, and help you network with others in the industry. Given your personality and reputation, I think you’d easily win over fans.”

After considering it for a moment, Shen Yunxuan shook her head. “From now on, let’s not consider variety shows. I want to focus on acting. When I’m not filming, I’ll manage the company, refine scripts, and discover new talent. I won’t be spending energy on entertainment programs.”

“That sounds like a solid plan,” Su Ye agreed. “This way, public perception of you will remain focused on your work in film and television, and you’ll maintain an air of mystery. I’ll decline their offers.”

As their working relationship deepened, Su Ye became more attuned to Shen Yunxuan’s vision and plans. Over time, she seamlessly managed arrangements and became Shen Yunxuan’s most reliable assistant.

While Shen Yunxuan concentrated on filming, she brought Lin Lan and Jiang Cheng into her projects, giving them supporting roles. Lin Lan played her colleague, and Jiang Cheng played her father. Though their screen time was limited, every opportunity to appear mattered.

The director adored Shen Yunxuan. While she did have conditions as an investor—such as introducing specific actors into the cast—her requests always aimed to enhance the quality of the production. The actors she brought in were talented, and their chemistry significantly improved the filming process. The entire crew was motivated to create something exceptional.

Outside the set, Shen Yunxuan expanded her network through investments and connections with theater owners. With introductions from friends, she even got acquainted with officials in broadcasting. Filmmaking required more than just money; without connections, projects could fail censorship, miss release slots, or face poor scheduling and minimal showtimes.

Thanks to her prior-life experience in the entertainment industry and her “heiress Shen Yunxuan” acumen for investments and networking, she steadily progressed despite challenges.

During this time, her modern drama Urban Elegance premiered. The series featured three female leads, with Shen Yunxuan portraying a businesswoman who exuded poise, charisma, and confidence at work. Her character, uninterested in romance and fiercely independent, embodied the archetype of a strong, self-reliant woman. Audiences praised her performance, saying they saw the “real Shen Yunxuan” in her commanding presence.

Her character’s lines often resonated deeply with female viewers, sparking discussions and admiration. Fans adored her portrayal, calling her an empowering figure.

Lin Lan played her cheerful and naive best friend, chasing after true love only to suffer repeated heartbreaks from unfaithful men. Early in the series, Lin Lan’s character faced backlash from viewers who criticized her as overly romantic and naive, with many even sending her private messages urging her to “wake up.” Though the role garnered high visibility, it was mostly negative attention.

Feeling disheartened, Lin Lan confided in Shen Yunxuan. “Sister Yunxuan, do you think I’m not suited for acting? You gave me such a great opportunity, but everyone’s criticizing me.”

Shen Yunxuan chuckled. “They’re criticizing your character, which means you portrayed her too well—they’re fully immersed in the story! Besides, your character has a major turning point coming up, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Lin Lan hesitated before murmuring, “I’m just afraid of letting you down.”

Shen Yunxuan replied earnestly, “I truly admire your acting skills. From my perspective, you’ve done an excellent job with this role! You need to believe in yourself, too. And remember, this is just one project in your career. You can care about it, but don’t let it consume you. Whether it’s well-received or not, as long as you’ve given it your best, all you need to do is focus on doing even better in your next roles. Understand?”

Having been demoralized before, Lin Lan found this period under Shen Yunxuan’s mentorship to be the most fulfilling and affirming time of her career. With newfound clarity, she responded resolutely, “I’ll make sure to give my all to every role I take.”

“That’s all I can ask for!” Shen Yunxuan had been supportive of Lin Lan from the beginning, understanding her struggles. She herself had faced similar experiences, but she was fortunate enough to have found a turning point and seized her chance to rise. Lin Lan, however, hadn’t been so lucky in her previous life, succumbing to despair. Shen Yunxuan was determined to help Lin Lan shine, believing in her potential to find her own success.

Later in the series, Lin Lan’s character underwent a significant transformation. After another heartbreak, she resolved to put love aside and dedicated herself to helping women who had suffered in relationships. As an earnest and newly practicing lawyer, she used her skills and sense of justice to advocate for them, finding fulfillment in her work and growing as a person.

She still believed in love but had become more rational and learned to love herself more. This new version of her shone brightly—optimistic, lively, and with a pure yearning for love. She retained a trace of innocence that contrasted with the strong woman archetype, giving her a unique charm of her own.

In the end, a lawyer at her firm, who often took on pro bono cases and shared her kind-hearted and altruistic values, fell in love with her. Finally, two like-minded souls found their perfect match, and Lin Lan’s character truly encountered a love she deserved.

The audience’s opinions shifted dramatically. They realized Lin Lan wasn’t just a hopeless romantic; she simply believed in love. She was rational and loved herself, never undermining her own worth, and remained perpetually optimistic—like a radiant little sun, brimming with energy. Her character resonated deeply, evoking memories of a time when they, too, were pure-hearted and full of hope. Watching her find happiness felt like watching a beloved child grow up and thrive. This newfound admiration caused Lin Lan’s popularity to soar.

Many began praising her, no longer calling her a “wasted talent,” but instead hailing her as a seasoned actor, commending her stellar performance.

Lin Lan, overwhelmed by these accolades, locked herself in her room and cried her heart out. When she re-emerged, a noticeable vitality exuded from her. She no longer displayed signs of depression. Instead, she grew confident and radiant, channeling all her energy into perfecting her craft, no longer weighed down by online criticism.

Meanwhile, Qian Yue had just finished filming a reality show and successfully rehabilitated her public image. She landed a role in a decent romance drama, only to discover that Lin Lan, riding on Shen Yunxuan’s success, had managed a minor breakout and was now back in the spotlight.

Recalling her past life’s memories, Qian Yue was shocked to realize that in the previous timeline, Lin Lan had already passed away by this point—succumbing to depression because she had no work. Yet in this life, Lin Lan not only had roles but had also made a comeback?

A chill ran through Qian Yue as she considered the possibility that her interference had set off a butterfly effect. Was Lin Lan’s resurgence tied to Shen Yunxuan? In her past life, Shen Yunxuan hadn’t founded her own company. Could the company have only come about because…

Because Qian Yue had badmouthed Shen Yunxuan to Li Tian, preventing her from signing with an agency? Did that nudge Shen Yunxuan to start her own company instead? And was Shen Yunxuan only able to do that because her first role as the antagonist in the fantasy drama became a massive hit?

If Shen Yunxuan hadn’t started her company, Lin Lan wouldn’t have been signed or had the opportunity to rise again through their joint projects.

Qian Yue nearly fainted from the realization: her actions had inadvertently helped Lin Lan’s revival, while her own career remained a series of ups and downs. Though she had finally redeemed herself, she was still far behind. Now acting in a romance drama, she could already foresee that it wouldn’t make waves, especially with Lin Lan garnering more attention than her. Losing to Shen Yunxuan was bad enough, but to lose to Lin Lan—a woman who, in the previous life, had already died—was unbearable!

Enraged, Qian Yue smashed several cups before managing to calm down. She regretted ever meddling with the audition slots back when she had swapped roles with Shen Yunxuan. If she’d known it would end like this, she would’ve taken the fantasy drama herself and ensured the script stayed true to the original.

As she spiraled in her thoughts, a startling question surfaced: why hadn’t Shen Yunxuan been late to the audition? In the previous life, Shen Yunxuan had arrived after the fantasy drama’s auditions had wrapped up.

And yet another unsettling thought arose: Was Shen Yunxuan’s acting this good in the past life? The art film that only won a domestic award in the last timeline had somehow bagged a Cannes Best Actress award in this one.

Horrified by her own deductions, Qian Yue’s eyes widened in disbelief. Could Shen Yunxuan have been reborn as well?!

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆