Chapter Fifty-Seven: Sinister Intentions

Early in the morning, Bai Chenxi’s phone rang. With great effort, she pried her eyes open just enough to glance at the caller ID.

“Hello? Sister Wang. What’s the matter?”

“Still half-asleep, aren’t you? Let me give you some good news to wake you up.”

“Mm.” Bai Chenxi responded feebly, pressing the phone to her ear as her hand slipped lower.

“You passed the audition for ‘Song of the Peony’.” Wang’s voice carried a hint of delight.

“Mm. I know.”

Wang Ling was surprised by Bai Chenxi’s reaction: this didn’t make sense!

“What?”

Bai Chenxi’s eyes snapped open. She shot upright in bed. “Sister Wang, did I hear you right? It’s ‘Song of the Peony’?”

Now that was the response Wang Ling expected! “That’s right, it’s ‘Song of the Peony’.”

Bai Chenxi was thrilled for a moment, but soon doubt crept in. “Sister Wang, that can’t be! The director said outright he wouldn’t cast me. How?”

“I’m confused too! Didn’t you say there was no hope?” Wang Ling was a bit muddled herself; even she thought Bai Chenxi’s performance at the audition had no chance. Could it be her artist’s acting was so extraordinary that they simply couldn’t do without her?

“Who cares, maybe they thought my performance was a revelation!” Bai Chenxi replied breezily, not bothering to dig deeper—she was simply overwhelmed with excitement.

Wang Ling could hear how giddy her artist was and decided to pour a little cold water on her. “Don’t get too excited yet, the contract isn’t signed. It’s not a sure thing.”

Bai Chenxi complained, “Sister Wang, are you really my manager?”

“I’m not, so be it!”

“By the way!” Wang suddenly remembered something and added, “Tonight, there’s a dinner for the main cast to meet each other. Get ready.”

“Okay,” Bai Chenxi replied, a little puzzled. “But isn’t it a bit soon to have the main cast finalized?”

“Maybe they settled everything a while ago. In this industry, who can say?” Wang Ling was unfazed; after so many years in showbiz, nothing surprised her anymore.

Wang Ling continued, “Alright, I’ll come pick you up and go with you.”

Bai Chenxi declared dramatically, “Sister Wang, I love you! Mwah!”

After hanging up, Bai Chenxi immediately texted Chu Muyun: I passed the audition!

Chu Muyun replied instantly: Congratulations!

Clutching her phone, Bai Chenxi grinned like a fool, though whether her joy was from the successful audition or Chu Muyun’s swift reply, she couldn't say.

On the other side, “Chu, why are you grinning like that?” Xiao Wen looked at him in surprise—Chu Muyun was actually checking his phone while composing music, and grinning so… blissfully.

Chu Muyun wiped the smile from his face and replied coolly, “Nothing, just saw a little fool grinning ear to ear.”

“Wow! I didn’t know you watched those silly internet videos, Chu. Which one? Recommend it to me!” Xiao Wen whipped out his phone, but Chu Muyun shot him a look. “You seem to have a lot of free time?”

“No way! I’m super busy. Please, go back to your work.” Xiao Wen busied himself in mock seriousness, grumbling inwardly that Chu was so stingy he wouldn’t even share a funny video.

Meanwhile, Zou Tang’s expression darkened after taking a call.

Li Keke, with feigned concern, asked, “What’s wrong, Sister Zou?”

Zou Tang glanced at her dismissively. “I just got word—the female lead of ‘Song of the Peony’ has been set. It’s Bai Chenxi.”

“What? How could that be?” Li Keke shrieked, her face twisting with rage.

Seeing Zou Tang’s expression seemed almost like mockery: is this all you’re capable of?

Li Keke immediately found a quiet spot and dialed Director Che.

As soon as the call connected, her voice turned sickeningly sweet. “Hello, Director Che! It’s been so long—I’ve missed you.”

Though her words dripped with honey, her face was frozen cold, her eyes brimming with disgust.

She continued to pout and whine, “Director Che, you promised me I’d be the lead in ‘Song of the Peony.’ How did it end up being Bai Chenxi?”

Whatever Director Che said on the other end, Li Keke’s dark expression suddenly twisted into a vicious smile.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you tonight. Bye!” As soon as the call ended, she could barely suppress her revulsion, spitting at her phone with a sneer, “Disgusting.”

“Bai Chenxi, just you wait.”