Chapter Fifty-Five: The Script

Happy days always seem to pass in the blink of an eye, and soon Bai Chenxi found herself back at work. On the phone, Wang Ling said, “I’ve sent the script to your email. Take a good look at it. If you think it’s suitable, there’s an audition this Wednesday.”

“Sister Wang, what kind of script is it?”

“It’s adapted from a novel, called ‘Peony Lament.’”

Bai Chenxi couldn’t help but cry out in excitement, “Peony Lament? Is it really by the renowned Guiyu?”

Wang Ling was surprised she even knew the author’s name. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “You’ve read it?”

“Of course! I’m a huge fan of Guiyu’s books. I cried my eyes out reading that novel back then.”

Even now, thinking about it made Bai Chenxi want to weep all over again.

Wang Ling reminded her, “That’s just perfect. If you’ve read the novel, it’ll be easier to grasp the script. Go through it again, and remember, the audition is this Wednesday.”

“Then I’ll let you go for now, Sister Wang. I’m off to read the script!” Bai Chenxi’s voice was tinged with barely-contained joy.

She could hardly wait to open her email, and then she pored over the script. Compared to the original, there weren’t any major changes—only some characters had been fleshed out, and a few elements that would have trouble passing review had been cut. On the whole, the script was quite faithful to the novel.

The story was set in the Republican era—a time when, as the saying goes, nine out of ten such dramas end in tragedy. ‘Peony Lament’ was no exception.

The heroine, Huang Wanrou, was originally the cherished daughter of a prominent family. From a young age, she mastered the classics and excelled in the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A true child of fortune, yet disaster struck her family overnight, leaving her utterly alone.

After that, Huang Wanrou wandered through life, witnessing all its bitterness and warmth, the fickleness of fate. In the end, as the country teetered on the brink, she chose to embrace her faith.

It was, in essence, an inspiring story of a strong female lead. When Bai Chenxi read the novel, she always ached for Huang Wanrou’s sufferings, but admired her resilience even more.

To have the chance to play such a tenacious and unyielding woman filled Bai Chenxi with indescribable joy.

She hugged her laptop and rolled around her bed several times, eager to share her excitement with someone.

Just then, Chu Muyun called.

“Hello! Any cravings today?” Bai Chenxi’s words were brimming with happiness.

“You sound especially cheerful today.”

“Hehe! You noticed!” Bai Chenxi couldn’t hide her delight at all.

“I just received a script I absolutely adore.”

Her good mood was contagious, and Chu Muyun congratulated her, “Congratulations!”

“It’s a bit early for that. I only got the script—I still have to pass the audition!” Bai Chenxi was full of fighting spirit. “But I’ll give it my all.”

Chu Muyun encouraged her, “You definitely can do it.”

“Of course. So, what would you like to eat today? I’ll share all my secrets.”

Ever since Bai Chenxi helped buy groceries for Chu Muyun, he often called her for cooking tips, always saying, “You bought the ingredients, so you’re responsible till the end—otherwise they’ll all spoil.”

Whenever Bai Chenxi saw the results of his cooking, she always worried for Zhang Kai and Xiaowen.

Each time, after tasting his dish, Chu Muyun would calmly say, “It’s fine—let’s take it to Brother Kai and Xiaowen.”

Honestly, though Chu Muyun’s cooking skills had started out disastrously, he’d made steady progress through sheer effort—his level was finally approaching zero. At least he was improving, albeit at a glacial pace.

Bai Chenxi was in such high spirits today that she guided Chu Muyun with endless patience. Even when she saw his finished dish, she couldn’t help but think, How did it turn out so well?

Chu Muyun, for his part, was starting to wonder if she’d been replaced by someone else.

Soon enough, the day of the audition arrived.

As Bai Chenxi entered the waiting area, the other hopefuls began to whisper among themselves. After all, she was quite the rising star these days.

“Bai Chenxi’s here too? I hadn’t heard!”

“Who cares? She’s probably here to audition for the lead. Nothing to do with us.”

“Exactly. Let the ones auditioning for the lead worry about her.”

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

“Well, if it isn’t our illustrious Agent Wang! Long time no see.”

Zou Tang arrived, leading Li Keke by her side.

Bai Chenxi frowned instinctively at the sight of Li Keke. They’d never even spoken, yet the air between them was already charged with hostility.

Wang Ling glanced coldly from Zou Tang to Li Keke.

“I didn’t know you’d become so magnanimous—bringing her to audition, no less?”

Everyone who understood the situation knew what Wang Ling was alluding to. Both Zou Tang and Li Keke looked somewhat uncomfortable for a moment.

With a hostile look, Zou Tang said, “Let’s see who comes out on top this time.”

Wang Ling met her challenge head-on. “I’m ready to go the distance.”

Zou Tang replied with supreme confidence, “Hmph! Let’s see if you’re still so bold when you lose. Let’s go!”

As the two walked off, Bai Chenxi gave Wang Ling a thumbs-up. “Sister Wang, you’re amazing!”

Wang Ling brushed her hand away. “You heard everything just now?”

Bai Chenxi nodded.

“If you can’t win this role, don’t bother coming back to see me.”

Bai Chenxi feigned despair. “But Sister Wang, just five minutes ago, you said all I had to do was try my best.”

Wang Ling’s expression didn’t change. “Really? I don’t remember that.”

Meanwhile, Li Keke was saying, “Sister Zou, please don’t be angry. Chairman Che promised me the role. Bai Chenxi doesn’t stand a chance.”

Zou Tang shot her a cool glance but said nothing.

Li Keke glared at Zou Tang in resentment: Who are you to look down on me? I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Bai Chenxi—and you. One day, you’ll both pay the price.

But when Zou Tang looked over, Li Keke immediately changed her expression. “Sister Zou, I’ll make sure I win this for you.”

Zou Tang sighed. “I don’t care what means you use—it’s your own ability. But you’ll have to seize the opportunity yourself.”

“I understand, Sister Zou!” But in Li Keke’s downcast eyes, a flash of malice gleamed.

Seeing her, Zou Tang couldn’t help but think back to over a month ago, when she’d discovered that it was Li Keke who’d orchestrated the smear campaign against Bai Chenxi. She’d been furious—not only at Li Keke’s recklessness, but also that she’d kept everything hidden.

“You’d better take a break for a while,” Zou Tang had said angrily.

But when Zou Tang was called into the office, the company told her: Li Keke was now a top priority and she was to mentor her well.

Zou Tang knew perfectly well that Li Keke must have done something. It was her own choice, after all.

But from that day on, Li Keke had ceased to respect her. Outwardly, nothing had changed, but Zou Tang had been in the business long enough to see through the façade.

Resentment like that doesn’t disappear easily. Now, Zou Tang simply did her job.

“Is Li Keke here yet?”

Hearing the staff’s voice, Li Keke quickly answered.

“Yes, that’s me. Am I up next?”

“Right, you’re next. Get ready.”

Li Keke straightened her clothes and strode in confidently.

The role of Huang Wanrou was already hers, she thought. This was nothing but a formality.