Chapter 56
‘But before that, I need to learn more. I’ve been exposed to so many new things since coming to this world, but I also feel like I know so little. I want to become more capable.’
No one’s success was granted. Qin Ai might have been born into privilege, but she had gone through a lot to become the person she was today.
Zuo Bian was aware of her own blessings: a loving and supportive family who would always be there for her. She didn’t have to worry about her livelihood, she could live a happy and carefree life even if she did nothing.
She was already standing at the finish line of many people’s life journeys, but should she really be content with the status quo?
Zuo Bian wasn’t the type to live a life of complacency. Having been given a second chance at life, she didn’t want to waste it.
The drama continued playing. Qin Tian finished half a bowl of rice without even taking a bite of his side dishes, his eyes glued to the TV screen.
He put down his chopsticks and ran to the sofa, completely engrossed in the show.
“Older Sister Zuo Bian, I think you look even more beautiful in real life than on TV.” Qin Tian said without taking his eyes off the screen.
Zuo Bian sat down beside him and watched the drama with him. Soon, the episode ended, and it was time for commercials.
Only then did Qin Tian finally tear his gaze away from the TV. He blinked his big eyes and asked, “Older Sister Zuo Bian, can you give me some spoilers?”
Zuo Bian felt that it was more fun to uncover the suspense along with the plot, so she refused.
“No spoilers. You’ll find out if you keep watching,” she said.
Qin Tian looked at her with pleading eyes. “Older Sister Zuo Bian, you’re so nice, just give me a little spoiler.”
“I won’t tell you.” Zuo Bian was firm.
“Older Sister Zuo Bian, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. My lips are sealed.” He even held up three fingers.
Zuo Bian’s expression became even more troubled.
555 voiced Zuo Bian’s unspoken thoughts. 【Does Qin Tian look like someone who can keep a secret? He’s clearly a blabbermouth. He’s already revealed all of Qin Ai’s secrets.】
Just as Zuo Bian was wondering how to respond, Qin Ai spoke up. “The commercials are over, aren’t you going to keep watching?”
“Oh, okay!” Qin Tian immediately sat up straight and faced the TV.
The opening theme song played again. Having already watched one episode, he now recognized many of the characters. Every time a character or a scene appeared, he would grab Zuo Bian and ask her a bunch of questions, turning into a walking question mark.
Before Zuo Bian could even finish answering one question, Qin Tian would ask another.
Qin Ai, who was also planning to watch “Ascending to Immortality,” massaged her temples. “If you keep talking, you won’t be allowed to watch anymore.”
Qin Tian immediately shut up, as if he had been muted.
Without Qin Tian’s incessant chatter, the atmosphere was much more peaceful.
The two episodes of “Ascending to Immortality” that aired tonight had already established the world and introduced the main characters. There was suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments, keeping the viewers engaged throughout.
As soon as the episodes ended, people started discussing the plot online, then they discovered the original novel. But even knowing the story, they still wanted to watch the drama.
The shipping also started immediately, with the most popular pairing being the female lead and the second female lead.
The male lead, due to his limited screen time, was completely forgotten. Actually, his character in “Ascending to Immortality” was quite likable.
He was a cold and aloof male god who always appeared when the female lead needed help, pretending to be indifferent despite his deep feelings for her. With good looks and decent acting skills, even a glimpse of his character’s charm could have made him popular.
But unfortunately, Xu Ruisheng had sabotaged himself with his antics, reducing his already limited screen time to a third of what it was supposed to be. Plus, his acting skills were average, and he always put on airs, making him seem fake. The audience had grown tired of him.
The female lead was cheerful, righteous, and especially cool when she was protecting others. Even in simple white clothes, Zuo Bian exuded a unique aura. Her upright posture and determined gaze made her convincing as Chen Xiang, the character who thrived in the world of cultivation.
Chang Wensi, playing the second female lead, Bai Zhi, was rebellious and looked down on the self-righteous hypocrites who always talked about justice. She had personally witnessed cultivators from the supposedly righteous Xianyu Sect killing mortals to refine pills. She was almost discovered and had to roll down a cliff, injuring herself in the process.
Because of her injuries, Bai Zhi struggled in her cultivation and eventually turned to the dark side in the later part of the novel.
Two childhood friends, one righteous, one evil. Their bond was unbreakable, but their beliefs and stances put them on opposite sides.
Chen Xiang, who had once vowed to protect her friend, was forced to fight against her, as if it was a battle to the death.
This pairing was incredibly popular. Even before the drama was filmed, there were already fan-made stories about them, and now, even more people had joined the fandom. Some even quickly edited together videos of their scenes from the first two episodes.
As the discussion surrounding “Ascending to Immortality” grew, trending on Weibo several times, the “Happy Camp” show posted a Weibo post tagging the main actors.
The next episode of “Happy Camp” would be themed around “Ascending to Immortality.” This variety show mainly invited celebrities to participate in games and interviews, promoting their new dramas or albums.
The recording was scheduled for tomorrow, and the script had been sent to Zuo Bian yesterday. The script outlined the flow of the show and some pre-planned jokes. Zuo Bian’s role was to deliver these jokes and create some comedic effects.
As soon as “Happy Camp’s” Weibo post went up, it received thousands of comments. Most were expressing their anticipation, with only a few negative comments attacking Zuo Bian.
The attacks were mainly about her background and the unfounded rumors about her chaotic private life.
Most people loved the drama, and those haters were quickly drowned out.
【I think “Ascending to Immortality” is really good. Most drama adaptations of novels in recent years have been terrible. They have a good plot, but they insist on deleting everything and writing their own nonsense! Zuo Bian is amazing! This is her first drama, and she’s already so good. She has a bright future. I’m looking forward to the next episode of “Happy Camp.”】
【I kind of want to see Zuo Bian in modern clothes. I checked her Weibo, and she’s so low-key. She doesn’t even have a single post, and her profile picture is still a still from “Ascending to Immortality.” I wanted to find some pictures to drool over.】
Zuo Bian’s fan club also appeared. 【Don’t miss out! You won’t regret being our Xiao Zuo’s fan! She’s beautiful, has a sweet voice, a slender waist, long legs, and great acting skills! [Picture][Picture]】
As Zuo Bian’s biggest fan, Tao Zi was promoting her everywhere, constantly reposting Weibo posts and asking people to like and comment. As she was reposting, she accidentally sent a message to her boyfriend’s phone.
Tao Zi didn’t notice her mistake. She was still buzzing from the two episodes of “Ascending to Immortality” that had just aired. She hadn’t chosen the wrong idol! She had seen Zuo Bian’s potential from the moment she saw her. This girl would definitely go far.
Zuo Yuan, who had just finished watching “Ascending to Immortality” with his parents, suddenly felt his phone vibrate. He took it out and his eyes widened.
Huh? His girlfriend was a fan of his sister?
Zuo Yuan suddenly saw hope for marriage. He quickly sent Tao Zi a message: Taotao, I’m Zuo Bian’s brother.
He waited for Tao Zi’s reply with a smile, thinking that he could finally give Xiao Bian a sister-in-law. But the reply he received was—
Taotao: ???? Why don’t you just say you’re the CEO of Zuo Group?
Zuo Yuan: Well, I actually am…
Tao Zi knew her boyfriend was rich, but she never knew he was that rich.
Zuo Bian was still unaware of this little episode with her brother. After watching the drama at Qin Ai’s house, she was driven home by Qin Ai.
She hadn’t been home last night. Although she had informed her parents, she still wanted to go home and let them see her in person, so they wouldn’t worry.
Zuo Bian wasn’t a spoiled child. She was happy to have a family. And her family was so good to her, how could she bear to worry them?
Qin Ai stayed for a while after dropping Zuo Bian off at her house.
As soon as Qin Ai left, Du Yundong pulled Zuo Bian aside.
This time, she wasn’t asking about the details of Zuo Bian’s relationship with Qin Ai. Just like Qin Tian, she wanted spoilers.
Giving spoilers was impossible, so Zuo Bian suggested that she read the original novel.
Du Yundong reluctantly let go of her daughter. As soon as Zuo Bian was free, her brother pounced on her.
Zuo Yuan looked at her like she was his savior. “Xiao Bian! Help me prove my identity!”
Zuo Bian, confused, was dragged away by Zuo Yuan. He explained the situation, gesticulating wildly.
Hearing that she might have a sister-in-law soon, Zuo Bian was happy for Zuo Yuan.
“Okay, I’ll send her a voice message. She’ll believe you then.”
“Mm-hmm, Xiao Bian, you’re the best.” Zuo Yuan handed his phone to Zuo Bian.
Zuo Bian recorded a voice message, calling Tao Zi “sister-in-law” and greeting her.
It took a while for Tao Zi to reply.
Taotao: Zuo Yuan, where did you get this audio? It sounds like Xiao Zuo’s voice.
Zuo Yuan said, “I think we need to have a video call to prove it. Otherwise, she won’t believe that Xiao Bian is really my sister.”
“Okay.” Zuo Bian nodded obediently.
Zuo Yuan sent a video call invitation. Zuo Bian smiled and greeted Tao Zi on the screen. “Hello, sister-in-law.”
“!!! Am I dreaming?! Is that really you, Zuo Bian?! I love you, Sister!!!”
Zuo Yuan’s face appeared in the corner of the screen. “Taotao, do you believe me now?”
Tao Zi’s face was flushed with excitement. A fangirl having a video call with her idol! And she might even become her idol’s sister-in-law! Tao Zi felt like she was on top of the world.
“Zuo Yuan, move aside, don’t block my view of our Xiao Zuo! Xiao Zuo, your performance in ‘Ascending to Immortality’ is amazing! Keep up the good work! Your fan club and I will always support you! Oh, I have to share this good news with the rich fan leader, AB. She’ll be so jealous!”
“AB?” Zuo Bian was confused.
Leave a Reply