Category: The Vicious Female Lead Doesn’t Want to Do It Anymore

Chapter 17: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

[Task complete, main storyline progress: 28%]

The mechanical voice pulled Dong Ling and 021 out of their thoughts. Regardless of who had taken advantage of whom, the task was complete.

Dong Ling changed out of her dress and into casual clothes in the dressing room, and asked her assistant, Xiao Tong, to hang up the dress and went to the restroom to remove her makeup.

The makeup she had just worn was a bit heavy, suitable for that gorgeous gown, but not for her casual clothes.

Playing light music on her phone, Dong Ling slowly removed her makeup and applied skincare products.

When Song Mingzhi returned to the makeup room, Dong Ling was applying lip balm in front of the mirror.

She had just applied a lip mask for twenty minutes, and after washing it off, she applied a thin layer of balm.

The lip balm was a lip gloss. The small brush spread the transparent, viscous liquid on her lips, making her already full lips even more luscious under the light.

Dong Ling applied it carefully, her lips slightly parted and then gently pressed together. She was so focused that she didn’t notice Song Mingzhi standing nearby.

021 didn’t remind her either, there was nothing to remind her about.

Song Mingzhi quietly watched her from beginning to end, and only responded absentmindedly when the other party’s gaze fell on her and greeted her in surprise.

“Are you done?”

“There are still night scenes, I need to change my makeup.”

“Okay, good work. Have some sweet soup later to warm up.”

Dong Ling expressed her concern for her employee in a very boss-like manner, and the awkwardness that had just disappeared returned.

Seeing Song Mingzhi, she seemed to feel the sensation again and the embarrassing feeling of wanting to bury her head in the ground.

“Okay.”

Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling through the mirror, her gaze gliding over her lips.

The atmosphere was unusually harmonious, certain unspoken things were deliberately hidden, as if nothing had happened.

Dong Ling was extremely satisfied with this. It was great that Song Mingzhi wasn’t the type of person who liked to ask questions or pry. She was already constantly on the verge of social death, if Song Mingzhi asked any more questions, she would really shut down.

Understanding beauties were the best!

The kitchen made sweet soup, and Dong Ling also had a bowl to warm up. She didn’t stay on set, but returned to her room to handle some work. She was a CEO now, big or small, and had many things to take care of for the company.

Dong Ling had originally planned to stay with the film crew, but after only two days, she received a call from home.

“Xuan Du’s birthday party?”

Dong Ling looked at the invitation in the picture, her heart sinking.

The invitation was very formal, not in the name of Xuan Du herself, but in the name of Mayor He, inviting their entire family, even specifically naming Dong Ling, hoping she would attend.

This meant Dong Ling couldn’t even refuse. If it was Xuan Du herself inviting her, she could easily decline due to work commitments and just send a gift, but now she couldn’t.

Liu Zhuoyun sighed on the video call: “Daughter, she insists on you being there. Book a flight back. Nothing major should happen, but I’m afraid she might create some minor trouble for you.”

The Dong family wasn’t worried that Xuan Du would do anything harmful to their family. They and Mayor He were in the same boat, even if Xuan Du was the mayor’s youngest daughter, she couldn’t cause any real trouble. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t create some minor issues.

“Okay, I’ll go back tonight, Mom, don’t worry.”

Dong Ling comforted her worried mother, her expression calm.

After hanging up the phone, Dong Ling started booking a flight and packing.

After seeing Xuan Du that day, she knew that she would cause trouble sooner or later, it wasn’t unexpected.

When Dong Ling came out of the secondary bedroom with her suitcase, Song Mingzhi was typing on her computer at the desk in the master bedroom. She quickly minimized the window when she saw Dong Ling come out.

Seeing Dong Ling’s suitcase, Song Mingzhi subconsciously asked: “Are you going out?”

After asking, Song Mingzhi realized she had asked a silly question and rubbed her temples.

“Yes, going back to Beihai. Xuan Du sent an invitation to my family for her birthday party.” Dong Ling frowned and complained slightly, “I don’t know what she’s up to, insisting on me going back. Something is definitely waiting for me.”

“Call me if anything happens.”

Song Mingzhi recalled the aggressive woman she saw that day and said with some concern.

Although the girl seemed fierce that day, she was still soft inside, and Song Mingzhi was worried she would be taken advantage of.

Hearing this, Dong Ling smiled, raised her chin, and said: “It’s no use calling you if something happens, I’m your boss.”

But Dong Ling still appreciated Song Mingzhi’s protective intentions. Even if she, the sugar daddy, wasn’t quite the real deal, she didn’t need her kept woman to protect her.

Song Mingzhi was just a small-time artist who hadn’t made it big yet. Even if she became a top star in the future, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to get involved in such matters.

Song Mingzhi paused, then said jokingly: “If you need an excuse to leave, I can call and say that the company can’t survive without you, Boss, then you’ll have a reason to leave.”

Dong Ling chuckled, her bad mood from having to attend the party lifting considerably. She nodded in agreement and said: “Good idea, then I’ll be going, see you later.”

“Yes, call me when you arrive to let me know you’re safe.”

Song Mingzhi watched her leave, her gaze lingering for a while before retracting, the smile on her face fading. She looked at her computer screen and switched back to the page she was looking at just now.

It was all the information she could gather about Xuan Du. Song Mingzhi moved the mouse, the screen’s light reflecting on her face, giving her an inexplicably cold aura.

After leaving, Dong Ling still found the conversation just now amusing, her mood shifting from heavy to light.

Strangely, she seemed to have an unusual sense of trust in Song Mingzhi, pouring out her true emotions. If it had been Tang Qianxi or Chen Shang Shang who asked, she wouldn’t have been so straightforward.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her sisters, it was just her personality.

Perhaps because Song Mingzhi was the female lead, or perhaps because Song Mingzhi had a charm that made people willing to lower their guard?

021: [Maybe it’s because you’ve suffered so much social death in front of her that you just don’t bother pretending anymore.]

Dong Ling: […Dude, I won’t think you’re mute if you don’t talk.]

After getting off the plane, Dong Ling sent a message to Song Mingzhi, got into the car that came to pick her up, and went home.

After arriving home, she greeted her parents and brother, and seeing their dejected expressions, told them a cold joke to cheer them up.

“What’s so funny?”

Dong Tang flicked his sister’s forehead, amused by her.

They were here worrying about whether she would be made things difficult for tomorrow, but the person involved was actually smiling.

“Don’t worry, I’ll deal with whatever comes my way. I know her personality. As long as she hasn’t changed drastically, I can handle it. If all else fails, I’ll just say there’s a crisis at my company and run away.”

Dong Ling recalled Song Mingzhi’s serious suggestion and laughed even more heartily.

Her family was both exasperated and amused by her, but the gloomy atmosphere completely disappeared.

“How’s your company doing?”

Dong Sheng couldn’t help but ask, he knew his daughter was filming a movie, but didn’t know anything else.

“Everything is going smoothly, Dad, just wait and see. When the movie is released and our company’s artists become famous, people won’t call me Miss Dong anymore, they’ll call me CEO Xiao Dong.”

Dong Ling said with a smile, thinking of Song Mingzhi becoming a superstar, she couldn’t help but feel excited.

Dong Sheng thought she was looking forward to being CEO Xiao Dong, and teased: “You’re CEO Xiao Dong, then what am I?”

“You’re CEO Da Dong.” (Da meaning big/greater)

Dong Sheng pointed at himself: “And what about me?”

Liu Zhuoyun quipped: “You’re old, of course you’re CEO Lao Dong.” (Lao meaning old/senior)

Dong Sheng and Dong Ling both laughed. Dong Ling looked at her parents and brother, feeling inexplicably sentimental.

If everything really followed the original novel’s trajectory, they would do bad things because of her insistence on marrying Wen Han, and wouldn’t end well.

This time, it would be different, because she was now the woman holding the male lead’s script!

Dong Ling confirmed with 021: [Since I have the male lead’s script, I don’t have to play the role of the vicious female supporting character, right?]

021: [Of course, for the main storyline, as long as the male and female leads get together, it’s fine. If it goes smoothly, it can proceed without the interference of supporting characters.]

Dong Ling was completely relieved, and went to the party the next evening with a peaceful mind.

She didn’t dress up specially, entered discreetly arm in arm with her brother, and greeted the host family with her parents.

Xuan Du was wearing a leopard print dress today, with purple highlights in her white hair, making her very eye-catching.

“Happy birthday.”

Dong Ling raised her glass to her, and Xuan Du smiled and clinked glasses with her.

After the toast, Dong Ling was about to leave, but unsurprisingly, Xuan Du called out to her.

“Where are you going in such a hurry, Sister Dong Ling?”

Xuan Du’s voice was playful, the drawn-out, intimate tone sounded strange.

Although Xuan Du looked much more mature than Dong Ling, she was actually half a year younger.

Dong Ling felt a headache hearing this address. Xuan Du was competitive and strong-willed, she wouldn’t normally call her that, only when they had a fight or disagreement, and Xuan Du wanted to make up, would she act coquettishly like this.

But they were no longer the same as before, and Dong Ling no longer found this address endearing.

“It’s been so long. I was sent to rehab by you. I know you did it for my own good. I was too angry when we last met, so I spoke without thinking. Who made you not come to see me for so long, ignoring me, pretending not to see me when you saw me?”

Xuan Du said resentfully, looking at Dong Ling with great grievance.

“Rehab was so painful, I wanted to die. I was only sixteen at the time, Dong Ling. During those difficult days, why didn’t you come to see me?”

Xuan Du’s eyes were deep, with a chilling sorrow, like a snake flicking its tongue.

Seeing Dong Ling unmoved, Xuan Du gently shook her hand: “I didn’t listen to you back then, but I’ll listen now, okay? Just like before.”

Her expression was possessive, but her tone was pitiful.

Dong Ling looked at her, smiled, and as the other party’s face lit up with joy, she asked curiously: “Xuan Du, do I look stupid?”

Xuan Du was a master manipulator, but Dong Ling wouldn’t fall for it.

“I don’t like physical contact.”

Dong Ling gently shook off Xuan Du’s hand, her tone cold.

021 sighed: [Girl, you really have two faces.]

Dong Ling retorted: [Human nature is inherently hypocritical.]

Chapter 16: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Dong Ling didn’t notice what Song Mingzhi was thinking. She tilted her head up slightly, held her skirt, curtsied, and asked with a smile: “Does it look good?”

“It looks good.”

Song Mingzhi nodded, taking in the faint sweet fragrance emanating from Dong Ling, not hiding her amazed expression.

The curve of Dong Ling’s lips widened, a look of satisfaction and composure on her face.

For the sake of a smooth shoot, Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi rehearsed a few times. After figuring out their positions and movements, Cheng Ge signaled the official start.

Dong Ling wasn’t nervous facing the gazes of the crowd and the camera. Although she had never acted before, she played the violin and had been on stage many times at school. Moreover, she had grown up surrounded by people, so she acted very naturally.

She grabbed Song Mingzhi’s hand and pulled her into the shadow cast by her body. Song Mingzhi was slightly taller than her, but the height difference was compensated for by Dong Ling’s high heels and Song Mingzhi’s flat shoes, so she could easily reach the other’s lips.

Of course, this was done with camera angles. Dong Ling tilted her face to the side, creating the illusion of a kiss from the camera’s perspective.

They were very close, their breaths mingling.

Dong Ling again smelled the faint fragrance on Song Mingzhi, looked into her dark eyes, and unconsciously closed her eyes.

“Cut, the emotion is wrong, again.”

Cheng Ge’s voice made Dong Ling flinch subconsciously. She looked towards Cheng Ge and pulled her face away from Song Mingzhi’s.

What was she doing just now? Why did she subconsciously close her eyes? It wasn’t a real kiss!

Dong Ling thought guiltily, the script didn’t specify whether the woman should have her eyes open or closed during this scene, and the camera couldn’t see anyway, so it shouldn’t matter, right?

“Not you. Yan Ting, your emotions lack depth, you need to be more expressive. You’re suddenly kissed by a stranger, you need to show your resistance and stiffness through your body language, even if your face isn’t visible, just with your hand movements, understand?”

Cheng Ge called Song Mingzhi by her character’s name. For better immersion during filming, he always addressed the actors by their characters’ names, not their real names.

Song Mingzhi nodded. She had actually intended to do that, but at that moment, Dong Ling got too close, the sweet fragrance enveloped her, her beautiful face was faintly visible behind the veil, and she even closed her eyes.

That look wasn’t like a forced kiss, but more like asking for a kiss, which made her mind go blank for a moment.

The scene reset, it was a one-take shot, and Dong Ling pulled Song Mingzhi in again.

This time, the problem was with her. When the extras rushed over, her expression of being interrupted wasn’t strong enough, resulting in a lack of tension in the scene.

They reshot it three times like this, each time with a different problem.

Cheng Ge was frowning so hard he could kill a fly. If it weren’t for the investor being in the scene, he would have thrown down the script and yelled at her about her acting. But it would be pointless to ask, investors weren’t actors.

Because the director was in a bad mood, the atmosphere on set was also quite heavy. Tang Nuo and Peng Ke didn’t dare to speak, only communicating through sign language.

They felt that the boss’s performance in the last two takes was quite glamorous and domineering, but Cheng Ge felt the emotions weren’t strong enough. They couldn’t do anything about it, only worry silently.

After several NGs, Dong Ling’s temper flared up.

Dong Ling had a smooth upbringing, which meant she had rarely experienced rejection or setbacks. The more this happened, the more stubborn she became.

She didn’t think being rejected a few times was embarrassing, but rather thought about where she wasn’t good enough and how she could improve. She knew she wasn’t a professional, but she wouldn’t allow herself to perform poorly after being explicitly instructed several times.

The scene reset, and they started again.

When Song Mingzhi came around the corner, Dong Ling grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards herself, trapping her between her body and the wall.

The flowers emitted a sweet and rich fragrance, making the moonlight even more hazy.

Dong Ling bent down with some force. Cheng Ge had said that since it was a forced kiss, it shouldn’t be a light peck, even if it was fake, it had to look real to the audience.

But Dong Ling seemed to have used a little too much force and pressed directly onto Song Mingzhi’s lips.

Both of them froze. Song Mingzhi’s hand on Dong Ling’s waist paused for a moment, then unconsciously tightened, and a few seconds later, as if realizing something, loosened slightly.

Cheng Ge and Tong Ao’s eyes were glued to the screen, seeing the emotions conveyed by the close-up hand movements, Cheng Ge nodded with satisfaction, but he wasn’t completely relieved and continued watching.

The sound of hurried footsteps came from around the corner, snapping Dong Ling back to reality. She was a little annoyed, but in this situation, she had to continue acting.

“Excuse me, miss, may I…”

The actor in the foreground recited their lines, continuing the scene.

“Scram.”

Dong Ling was still in a bad mood from the previous moment, a strange tingling sensation lingered on her lips, so her tone was a bit harsh.

Under the dim moonlight, her face was hidden behind the black veil, only her slightly raised chin and red lips were visible, exuding the thick, heavy coldness of a classical oil painting.

The extras glanced at the lover who seemed to be kissing this distinguished guest and hurriedly left to search for the next target.

After they left, the woman in the black dress didn’t look at the woman she had just kissed, and left as mysteriously as she had arrived.

Leaving the woman in the suit standing there with a complex expression, she slightly parted her lips, revealing a delicate, small key of unknown purpose.

“Perfect!”

Cheng Ge beamed, as if he wasn’t the person who had been filled with tension and irritability just moments ago.

“Finally, the feeling and performance are in place. I was going to have you actually kiss if you messed up again.”

Cheng Ge said jokingly, but Dong Ling couldn’t laugh.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Why, why, why!

Dong Ling really wanted to wipe her lips at this moment, but she knew such an action would completely betray her, but the feeling on her lips was too strange. Thinking of the feeling of kissing Song Mingzhi just now, she still felt unnatural.

It wasn’t disgust, but… Dong Ling’s lips were naturally sensitive. During the makeup process, the makeup artist had removed her lipstick several times to achieve the color Cheng Ge wanted, so the skin on her lips was already thin. Thus, even a light touch made her feel weak, not to mention Song Mingzhi’s required hand movements.

“So I’m done filming?”

Dong Ling changed the subject, silently praying that the task system wouldn’t give her any more acting tasks, no matter how much it offered, she wouldn’t accept!

“Sort of, there might be some foreshadowing later, you might have to film a few more shots.”

Cheng Ge said uncertainly, looking at Tong Ao.

Tong Ao said the same: “I plan to write “A Mysterious Person’s Funeral 2,” so depending on the response to the first one, I’ll plant some seeds, so CEO Dong, you might have to work hard again then.”

“Okay, then I’ll go rest. This dress is quite cold. I’ll have the kitchen make some sweet soup later, there’s enough for everyone.”

Dong Ling said to the crew, looking in Song Mingzhi’s direction, but avoiding eye contact.

After this scene, assistant Xiao Tan brought mouthwash and wet wipes. The prop key had been disinfected before Song Mingzhi put it in her mouth, and it had to be wiped clean and disinfected again after being taken out.

After rinsing her mouth, Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling, who was still avoiding eye contact, and inexplicably sensed a hint of fleeing in her hurried steps.

What happened just now should have been an accident, Song Mingzhi could feel it, because the moment their lips touched, Dong Ling’s physical reaction was also very obvious.

She stiffened for a moment, her downcast eyes showing brief shock and confusion. Her reaction was even greater than hers, the “kissee.” The waist she was holding softened for a moment, but before she could feel anything more, the extras appeared.

Her mind had also gone blank for a moment at the touch, subconsciously wanting to push away, but after the brief contact, unconsciously wanting to hold on tighter, and then realizing they were on camera.

Now, recalling the taste, she found the girl’s lips were quite soft, and she didn’t seem to reject it?

She glanced in the direction Dong Ling left, also a little unsure of her own thoughts. Thinking of Dong Ling’s misty eyes and full red lips, she continued with the next scene at the director’s call.

Back in the makeup room, Dong Ling cried to 021 in her mind.

She was dying of embarrassment, worried that Song Mingzhi would misunderstand, but specifically explaining it seemed to double the awkwardness.

021 also sighed, wanting to beat its chest and lament: [What a loss, girl, what a loss!]

[Why did it have to be a real kiss? There will definitely be kissing tasks later, and the main storyline progress reward definitely won’t be small, but now it happened for free, no task progress, heartbreaking!]

Dong Ling’s thoughts froze for a moment, a little unsure whether it was her or 021 who had been taken advantage of.

No, it should be her taking advantage of Song Mingzhi, because she was the one who bumped into her. Song Mingzhi was innocently kissed, the shock in her eyes no less than hers.

But, but this was her first kiss, she had never kissed anyone before.

Hearing her thoughts, 021 subconsciously responded: [According to the plot, the male lead is the female lead’s first love, this was her first time too.]

021 continued to mutter resentfully: [Ahhhhhhhh! The more I think about it, the more I feel it’s a loss, main storyline progress, main storyline progress.]

The AI didn’t care who was with whom, it only cared about the task.

Dong Ling’s emotions were stirred by 021, and even the embarrassment and awkwardness disappeared, leaving only the question of who had taken advantage of whom.

This time, she was lost in the fog, unable to distinguish who had taken advantage of whom.

Chapter 15: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Another gust of cold wind blew by, Dong Ling shivered involuntarily, and exhaled a puff of white mist.

She wasn’t sure if Song Mingzhi would accept her request, as this kind of situation was quite intimate, only suitable between close friends, and she and Song Mingzhi might not be that close yet.

But regardless of whether it would succeed, she had to try.

Song Mingzhi looked at the girl’s pale face from the cold, hesitated for a moment, and made a decision.

She took her hand out of her pocket and nodded to Dong Ling.

Dong Ling didn’t intend to do it this way. The key point of the task was to put her hand in the pocket, but before that, there was a prerequisite: she had to hold Song Mingzhi’s hand.

So the moment Song Mingzhi took her hand out, Dong Ling quickly grabbed it and put both their hands into Song Mingzhi’s pocket.

Her movements were incredibly smooth and natural. Song Mingzhi was stunned by the sudden coldness, her reaction a bit slow.

“Let’s go.”

Dong Ling leaned against Song Mingzhi due to their posture, met her gaze, nudged her chin towards the front, and started walking.

This was already beyond Song Mingzhi’s usual social distance. She had never even held hands like this with Ji Yiling.

Song Mingzhi was puzzled and secretly troubled, but then she found the girl even becoming bolder, the cold and soft hand on the back of hers even tightening its grip.

“Your hands are so warm.”

Dong Ling sighed, like a chilled cat being blown by warm air.

Song Mingzhi looked at her oblivious appearance, opened her mouth to say something, but didn’t.

[Task complete, main storyline progress: 23%.]

Dong Ling breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. She had just spoken her true feelings, because Song Mingzhi’s hands were really warm, not scalding, but pleasantly warm.

For her hands, which were almost frozen, it was definitely a comfortable temperature.

She was no longer nervous and strolled along the path, thinking this kind of task was quite nice, at least much better than the first task she received. It wasn’t yuri-ish at all, just normal interaction between straight girls.

Song Mingzhi remained silent all the way, recovering from the initial awkwardness caused by the touch and temperature of their hands. When the temperature of Dong Ling’s palm became consistent with hers, she actually got used to it.

Dong Ling saw that they had arrived at the lounge, smoothly withdrew her hand, opened the door, and walked in.

“Xiao Tan, pour a cup of hot water, and pour one for Sister Song too.”

Dong Ling called out Song Mingzhi’s assistant’s name, sat down closest to the heater, and narrowed her eyes in the warm air.

Xiao Tan responded and hurried to the water dispenser.

The room was exceptionally warm. Dong Ling took off her coat and nestled lazily into the sofa.

“Thank you.”

Song Mingzhi subconsciously thanked her, took the paper cup filled with hot water, and looked at the gently rippling water inside, her eyes downcast.

She felt a little tired, from the constantly fluctuating emotions in her heart.

The sensation seemed to linger on her palm. The moment Dong Ling’s hand left the back of hers, her fingertips lightly brushed against her skin, causing a strange sensation in her entire arm.

Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling’s relaxed appearance and couldn’t help but wonder, was this a normal social distance, was it just that she was unusual?

Song Mingzhi stopped thinking about it, picked up the script, and continued memorizing her lines.

Since she had entered this industry, she had done some research. Cheng Ge was very demanding, and she wouldn’t take it lightly.

Dong Ling was feeling a little sleepy from the warmth of the lounge, but when she looked up, she saw Song Mingzhi working so hard. Thinking of the kissing scene she had added, Dong Ling tearfully put on her headphones and started listening to an introductory acting class online.

Dong Ling originally thought it would be at least half a month before her scene, because the original filming schedule had already determined which parts to film first. But artistic workers like directors were also very driven by inspiration. Cheng Ge suddenly decided to film the kissing scene first.

“I can’t concentrate right now. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is that scene. I have to film it first, get it right first, before I can film anything else.”

The above were Cheng Ge’s exact words.

Hearing this, Dong Ling could only comply. Although she was the investor and had the final say, if she wanted to make this movie well, she had to listen to the director. Whatever Cheng Ge said, went.

Set, lighting, camera, all in place. Dong Ling, wearing a complicated and gorgeous black gown, watched the makeup artist apply lipstick to her lips.

She recalled the premise of this scene. It was a banquet, imitating the style of medieval Europe. The socialites and gentlemen were all dressed according to the theme, and the protagonist, Yan Ting, was among them.

She was there following the suspect she was investigating. The suspect was suspected of organizing prostitution and murder, but he had always covered his tracks well, and Yan Ting had been watching him for a long time.

Yan Ting received information that the suspect’s client might appear at this party, and they would make a deal at the party, so Yan Ting infiltrated the event.

Yan Ting’s eavesdropping plan was very risky. After being discovered, she immediately escaped. The suspect, also the host of this party, immediately arranged for people to search and block all exits.

Just as she was about to be discovered, Yan Ting was grabbed by a woman.

She was pressed against the wall by the woman, next to a large patch of green vines, forming a perfect enclosed space.

She was caught off guard by a kiss, and the people who came to search, seeing this passionate scene, hurriedly avoided them.

Yan Ting escaped thanks to this. She didn’t know who the woman was, she came and went quickly, leaving her only a key, a key whose purpose she didn’t know.

Dong Ling looked at Tong Ao’s description on the paper. Tong Ao didn’t directly describe the woman’s appearance or expression, only writing about a pair of red lips revealed behind the veil and a gorgeous, noble dress, giving off an unapproachable aura.

As vast and mysterious as a starry night sky, daunting and awe-inspiring.

Dong Ling wore a veiled hat. Her lipstick was reapplied several times. Finally, the makeup artist blended several colors to create a shade that satisfied Cheng Ge.

“Screenwriter Tong, what’s my line?”

Dong Ling looked at the paper in her hand. It only had Cheng Ge’s storyboard, telling her what pose she needed to strike, followed by Tong Ao’s description of the character’s feeling and the required actions, but no lines.

“Just one word, ‘Scram.’ When those people ask you a question, you just show the annoyance of being interrupted while kissing, and say that word.”

Tong Ao was very professional, ensuring the boss could comfortably add to the scene. Just one word, absolutely no need for the boss to memorize more lines.

Dong Ling nodded in approval, mentally adding Tong Ao to the list of talents suitable for continued cooperation with the company.

Outside the makeup room, Song Mingzhi was filming the preceding scene.

She was wearing a suit, a typical gentleman’s attire, with a top hat covering her hair, moving stealthily through the bustling banquet hall.

When Cheng Ge called “action,” Dong Ling happened to walk out of the makeup room.

“CEO Dong!”

Tang Nuo gasped, her eyes fixed on her. She had always known her boss was beautiful, but she didn’t expect her to be this stunning, like a dark queen from an oil painting, her face partially hidden, her red lips deadly.

Her initial thought was indeed correct. If the boss had given her 500,000 with the intention of unspoken rules, the boss would definitely be the one at a disadvantage!

Hearing Tang Nuo’s gasp, Song Mingzhi looked up at Dong Ling.

The queen in the black dress walked towards her step by step, and when she stopped in front of her, slightly tilted her head up to look at her.

Bright eyes flickered behind the veil, her red lips curved into a charming, harmless smile.

Song Mingzhi’s expression didn’t change, but she felt a tingling in her heart.

She remembered that day when Dong Ling was drunk, she also tilted her head up slightly like this, looking at her with moist eyes and calling her “sister.”

Chapter 14: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

In response to the host’s cry for help, 021 said: [Of course, our domineering CEOs never back down from a direct confrontation!]

Dong Ling: [F*** you.]

Song Mingzhi leisurely watched Dong Ling’s reaction. She didn’t actually know what kind of answer she wanted from Dong Ling, but she hoped it wouldn’t disappoint her and dampen her interest.

Looking at Song Mingzhi’s eyes, Dong Ling was still struggling. If she answered “yes,” her selfish motives would be completely exposed, but if she answered “no,” it would contradict her actions driven by the system’s tasks.

She did have ulterior motives towards Song Mingzhi, but not the kind Song Mingzhi thought.

Dong Ling suddenly realized she had fallen into Song Mingzhi’s verbal trap and was caught in a thought loop, so she simply answered: “Yes, and no.”

“The reason I initially included that clause in the agreement was because I was worried. There are too many temptations here. If you become an artist, your privacy will inevitably be scrutinized by many people. But this is temporary, I just can’t say for sure how long it will last. But you’re an actor, not an idol. Once you’re established, you won’t have to worry about these things.”

Dong Ling spoke more and more fluently. She truly thought this way. Even without the system’s rigid requirements, Dong Ling would require her artists to avoid relationships during their rise, or at least report them.

“As for me… I do have some selfish motives. You’re so beautiful, I’m afraid others will have ideas.” Dong Ling said very sincerely, then smiled, “But I’m different, we’re friends, I wouldn’t have any improper thoughts about you.”

If she said camera angles, then it would be camera angles, she wouldn’t do anything inappropriate.

As for adding a kissing scene, that was the investor’s doing, it had nothing to do with her, Dong Ling!

Dong Ling’s reaction was somewhat unexpected to Song Mingzhi, a mixture of truth and falsehood that was difficult to discern.

“It seems I’m not attractive enough to move your heart.”

Song Mingzhi said jokingly, lightening the mood.

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Song Mingzhi mentally warned herself against crossing the line.

Song Mingzhi never made such ambiguous jokes. She felt she was being unusual today.

And the source of her unusual behavior simply laughed off the joke, even patting her shoulder and saying: “You’ll capture the hearts of many, no one could dislike you.”

Dong Ling could foresee how popular Song Mingzhi would be after the film was released and she officially entered the entertainment industry. Song Mingzhi would definitely capture the hearts of many.

Of course, not including her current self. Dong Ling knew there might be more shameless tasks later, but thinking of the loopholes she could exploit, and the possibility that 021 might contact headquarters and Wen Han might wake up anytime, she didn’t worry too much, deciding to take things one step at a time.

Song Mingzhi didn’t press further, she looked at Dong Ling’s eyes and thanked her with a smile.

Perhaps she was being too sensitive and suspicious. Suspicion was never pleasant, and the easily derived self-deception also troubled her. Perhaps no one had ever been so selflessly kind to her, she shouldn’t be so speculative.

“It’s so cold outside, the set isn’t ready yet, let’s go to the lounge.”

The dry, cold winter wind numbed her face. Dong Ling rubbed her face and made a suggestion.

They were originally going to film some scenes, but because of the plot added by Tong Ao, Cheng Ge had other ideas and wanted to film some establishing shots first. The actors didn’t have to be on set yet.

“Okay.”

Song Mingzhi nodded. She was wearing her costume from the movie. The season in the movie was early autumn, so her clothes were relatively thin and felt cold in the winter wind.

There was a small path from the initial filming location to the lounge. The surrounding area, originally filled with lush flowers and plants, was now withered and desolate, with a few unswept fallen leaves scattered on the pebble path, making it feel cold.

[Task: Hold the female lead’s hand and put it in your pocket to warm it up. Completing this task will reward 1% progress.]

Dong Ling, who had been staring at the pebbles in a daze, was startled by the sudden voice in her mind.

Okay, Wen Han, you’re something else. Not only did you come up with this sugar daddy agreement and that kissing scene, you also want to play the warm man.

Dong Ling thought of Wen Han’s usual arrogant and aloof demeanor, gritting her teeth inwardly. Why was it her, the vicious female supporting character, who had to suffer because of the original novel’s protagonists’ love affair? Was this appropriate, was this reasonable, was there any justice?!

021: [Host, do it, for world peace, just bear with it a little longer!]

021 also had unspoken grievances. Their domineering CEO system was always about being rich and powerful, when had they ever had to beg the host so humbly not to give up on tasks?

It wasn’t that Dong Ling didn’t want to bear with it, the problem was that her coat had no pockets!

The coat she was wearing, a new winter release from a light luxury brand, had no pockets, no pockets!

Her pants did have pockets, but could she tenderly hold Song Mingzhi’s hand and then awkwardly stuff both their hands into her pants pockets?

Could she???

That wasn’t a domineering CEO novel, that was a rural romance drama, right? She definitely couldn’t do that, she had never been so foolish in her life.

021 also fell silent, it didn’t even dare to imagine the scene Dong Ling described.

021 suddenly had a bright idea: [It only said pocket, but it didn’t specify whose pocket. Song Mingzhi also has pockets, go for it, girl! Put your hand in! Be bold, you’ve already added a kissing scene!]

Dong Ling glanced at Song Mingzhi’s hand in her coat pocket, and started to question whether she really needed this 1% task progress.

But that was 1%! Not 0.1%, not 0.2%, but 1%!

If it were a month and a half ago, when she had 24%, she would have scoffed, it was just 1%. But after painstakingly working on tasks for a month and a half, gaining only 2% progress and having 4% deducted, she felt the hardships of life.

What was the difference between this and a 996 office worker who worked hard all month only to find out they had to pay the company 200 yuan?

“What’s wrong?”

Song Mingzhi felt Dong Ling’s gaze and looked at herself in confusion.

“I’m not very resistant to cold, my hands are so cold.”

Dong Ling said subconsciously and held out her hand for Song Mingzhi to see. While still hesitating whether to complete the task, her body had already honestly started the task.

Song Mingzhi’s gaze fell on the back of her hand. The blue veins were particularly prominent due to the cold, even her usually pinkish fingertips had lost their color, trembling slightly from the chill.

“Can I warm my hands in your pocket?”

Dong Ling pointed to Song Mingzhi’s pocket, her expression innocent.

Song Mingzhi, who had just been reflecting on her repeated suspicions of Dong Ling: …………

Chapter 13: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

As she said these words, Dong Ling was mentally dismembering the task system for the ten thousandth time.

Tong Ao originally thought Dong Ling was planning to add a new actor. Hearing this, she immediately understood. She was a professional, she could handle any strange situation with grace and satisfy the investor.

“No problem, CEO Dong. You’re already beautiful. Strong features are easily stunning, like Yan Dan with her dark eyebrows and red lips, or Song Yu by the eastern wall. Absolutely no problem!”

Tong Ao readily agreed and added some flattery. She had already envisioned the scene she was going to write, a smile unconsciously playing on her lips.

“That’s good. Also… you go and talk to Director Cheng about this, don’t expose me, and don’t tell anyone else about me either.”

Dong Ling absolutely couldn’t expose herself. If Song Mingzhi found out, she would really be a lecherous pervert with ulterior motives, she would truly lose face.

Tong Ao understood the subtleties involved, and immediately imagined a drama of an investor secretly resorting to all means to steal a kiss while pretending to be innocent. Tsk, this industry was truly messy.

Unexpectedly, some people appeared to be beautiful, rich second-generation heiresses on the surface, but secretly did such things!

She didn’t really want to shoulder this responsibility, she had worked with Cheng Ge once before and knew how difficult he was.

Seeing the hesitation on Tong Ao’s face, Dong Ling transferred a sum of money to her without a word.

Tong Ao immediately said with a smile: “Of course it has nothing to do with CEO Dong. It was a sudden flash of inspiration, and I feel that this role is perfect for you, CEO Dong. You are my muse, I’ll fight anyone who wants to take this role!”

She was willing to take on more responsibilities like this!

Dong Ling was very satisfied with Tong Ao’s understanding. Before leaving, she specifically instructed: “Be firm when you talk to him, remember to mention using camera angles, we must use camera angles.”

This was Dong Ling’s loophole. As 021 had said before, the task system had no thinking ability, so it operated very mechanically. As long as there were corresponding actions, the task would be considered successful.

Just like her unfinished line the first time, just hugging Song Mingzhi’s waist under the guise of falling and splitting up the necessary lines were considered successful. So for this task, as long as a kissing scene was added, it would be fine. As for whether there was an actual kiss, Dong Ling believed the task system wouldn’t investigate.

Tong Ao looked at Dong Ling’s retreating figure, her expression a little confused.

She had planned to write the kissing scene more passionately to make the boss happier, but… this was it?

Tong Ao wondered uncertainly, was it really just a pure star dream?

Was it because she had been immersed in this industry for too long that her thoughts had become dirty and sordid?

Dong Ling fled the lounge, never wanting to have a star dream again in her life.

She mentally scoffed at her childhood friend lying in a hospital bed. What was the point of all those fancy tricks, making her, the person forced to play the male lead, feel so bitter.

021 said kindly: [Girl, look on the bright side, in most domineering CEO novels, many of them start with explicit scenes, the male lead doing this and that to the female lead, you’re already very lucky.]

Dong Ling: […Thanks?]

Who the hell wanted this kind of luck! And these things shouldn’t even appear on Jinjiang!

Dong Ling originally estimated that Tong Ao would talk to Cheng Ge about the added scene tomorrow or the day after, but who knew that Tong Ao would approach Cheng Ge with the script that very night, and specifically in front of most of the crew, especially Song Mingzhi, eloquently explaining her inspiration.

It didn’t look like she was doing it for money at all.

When she heard there was a kissing scene, Song Mingzhi’s brows furrowed unconsciously.

“It is indeed more complete, it’s feasible, but who will play the role?”

Cheng Ge flipped through the script, the pages rustling, constantly simulating the scene in his head. He had already envisioned the character. Even though Tong Ao didn’t elaborate on the woman’s appearance, only mentioning her red lips behind the veil, he could sense that unique beauty.

But who would play the role? Cheng Ge couldn’t think of a suitable candidate for a moment.

Among actresses of the right age, not too innocent, not too seductive, with a certain sense of mystery and nobility, but also cunning and lively, even with a slightly gloomy playfulness.

Cheng Ge didn’t describe his feelings, because he knew this was like asking for colorful black, even if he said it, others wouldn’t understand. He had driven the casting directors crazy more than once.

If there wasn’t a suitable candidate who matched his vision, he would rather not have this character and stick to the original story.

Song Mingzhi frowned even more. She believed the director and screenwriter should at least ask her if she could play the role. No matter who the actor was, she wasn’t interested. She planned to chase her dreams in the entertainment industry, but she didn’t plan to offer herself up.

Just as she was about to use an excuse to refuse, she heard Tong Ao say: “When I was writing this character, CEO Dong’s face was all I could think of! I think CEO Dong is perfect for this role!”

Song Mingzhi swallowed the words “My boss won’t let me do kissing scenes” and looked at Dong Ling like she was watching a play, waiting for her reaction.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Dong Ling perfectly portrayed the bewilderment of being suddenly called out, even pointing at herself in double confusion.

She waved her hands with some difficulty: “But I can’t act.”

Tong Ao! You’re amazing! I salute you!

Tong Ao persuaded her sincerely: “This role isn’t difficult, and there are only a few shots, you don’t have to show your whole face. I really think your appearance and temperament are perfect for this role.”

Thank you, boss, this is all in a day’s work!

Tong Ao and Dong Ling exchanged glances, understanding each other perfectly.

“I’m afraid I can’t do it, especially not a kissing scene.”

Dong Ling frowned slightly, seemingly displeased.

She was naturally beautiful, with striking features, but her delicate nose and the arrogance cultivated by her wealthy upbringing softened the glamour of her features, creating a contrasting coldness.

When she was expressionless, she gave off an unapproachable aura.

Cheng Ge initially disagreed, but seeing her expression, he changed his mind.

“Perhaps we can use camera angles.”

Dong Ling was a little surprised and looked at Song Mingzhi.

Tong Ao was also dumbfounded. Wasn’t this her line?

Song Mingzhi’s expression was indifferent, as if she had merely made a feasible suggestion and didn’t care about the final decision.

Song Mingzhi felt a little displeased. She hadn’t planned to do this kissing scene. When the screenwriter said those words, she even suspected it was Dong Ling’s doing.

But Dong Ling’s resistant and even displeased reaction made her inexplicably irritated, even losing her interest in watching the drama unfold.

She was so resistant to filming a kissing scene with her, so why did she keep sending her those sweet messages, say good morning and good night on time, ask if she had eaten, sign that contract, spend so much money to promote her, and act so ambiguously and enthusiastically?

Was this the kind of fervor artists felt for their muses? Song Mingzhi, a businesswoman with a science background, didn’t understand.

She knew she shouldn’t be annoyed, this was beyond her usual emotional fluctuations. She hadn’t said that just now to force Dong Ling to film this kissing scene with her, but rather to mischievously offer a solution and see how the other party would respond.

Too childish, Song Mingzhi calmly criticized herself in her mind.

“Yes, yes, yes! Camera angles! It doesn’t have to be a real kiss. Sometimes, being too explicit isn’t beautiful.”

Tong Ao immediately echoed Song Mingzhi’s words. The scene she wrote in the script was originally implicit and ambiguous.

Because of the overall tone of the movie, the kissing scene wasn’t passionate, but rather like a rose with thorns, cold and emotionless.

Cheng Ge nodded in agreement with Tong Ao’s words, looked at Dong Ling, and said: “CEO Dong, consider it. Just consider it for this movie. I’ll film the scene, and if the effect isn’t satisfactory, we’ll change actors, is that okay?”

Song Mingzhi didn’t say anything, she had her own ideas. She most likely wouldn’t agree to change actors. If they couldn’t achieve a satisfactory effect, then they would just cut the scene. It was just a scene to deliver a key, it didn’t have to be a passionate spectacle.

Dong Ling didn’t hesitate any longer, and after thinking for a moment, readily agreed.

“Since it’s using camera angles and I don’t have to show my whole face, then it’s decided. But I’ll say this in advance, I have no acting experience, so please bear with me if my performance isn’t satisfactory. If it really doesn’t work, then change actors, everything is for the best presentation of the movie.”

Cheng Ge nodded, looking at Dong Ling with admiration. All their efforts were for the better presentation of the film.

Seeing that even the investor was willing to dedicate herself to the movie, the staff were all motivated.

Tong Ao went to sleep after her all-nighter, Cheng Ge went to design the scene, everyone had their own busy work, and suddenly only Dong Ling and Song Mingzhi were left in this place.

They weren’t far apart, just a few steps.

“I’ve never acted before. If I don’t perform well, please guide me, Mingzhi.”

Dong Ling clasped her hands together, acting slightly playful to conceal her guilt when looking at Song Mingzhi.

This really wasn’t her own will, everything was for world peace!

“I thought you would refuse.”

Song Mingzhi’s eyes held a smile, but her true emotions were difficult to discern.

Before Dong Ling could speak, she continued: “I originally planned to refuse.”

“Huh?”

Dong Ling’s expression went blank for a moment because of Song Mingzhi’s words.

“Because the agreement I signed with you clearly stated that I couldn’t do kissing scenes or bed scenes…” Song Mingzhi looked at Dong Ling and asked meaningfully, “But you’re an exception, right?”

That playful glint in her eyes, with a hint of dangerous ambiguity and blatant probing, brought the possessive nature of the pampering agreement to the surface, practically grilling Dong Ling over a fire.

Dong Ling didn’t know how to respond, caught in a dilemma.

She cried for help in her mind: [021, save me!]

Help, help, help!

Chapter 12: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Dong Ling didn’t want to dwell on the past. In her opinion, what was in the past was in the past, there was no need to bring it up again.

She was about to change the subject when she heard Song Mingzhi ask: “Isn’t the current mayor surnamed He? I remember he was promoted about five years ago.”

Song Mingzhi thought for a moment and said: “A cross-provincial drug trafficking case was solved at that time, that should be his main achievement for the promotion.”

“You actually know this, and remember it so clearly.”

Dong Ling was a little surprised. People outside the system or the relevant circles usually weren’t very clear about these things, but Song Mingzhi not only remembered, but also remembered very clearly.

“I worked in finance before, so I paid more attention to political matters.”

Song Mingzhi explained briefly with a smile, without elaborating.

Dong Ling didn’t doubt it, because many business policies were actually adjusted according to the political climate, especially since her family was in real estate and would pay more attention to these matters.

“Xuan Du takes her mother’s surname. The solving of that drug trafficking case had a lot to do with Uncle He’s promotion. It shouldn’t have had a major impact, but Xuan Du holds grudges.”

Dong Ling had been very careful with what she did back then, it didn’t affect Xuan Du’s family. Essentially, it wasn’t a conflict between two factions, just a personal grudge between her and Xuan Du.

“I’ll be careful. Is our flight tomorrow morning?”

Song Mingzhi sensed Dong Ling’s mood wasn’t great, and naturally changed the subject.

Dong Ling nodded. Her mood improved considerably when talking about this topic.

Song Mingzhi chatted with her, but in her mind, she was thinking about looking into the relevant situation.

She liked to be prepared and plan before acting, to see if the other party was a major threat. After all, she and Dong Ling were now in the same boat, and she didn’t want anything to happen to the girl.

Dong Ling had checked the weather before leaving and specifically brought thicker clothes.

On the plane, she was a little absent-minded, because the task system hadn’t updated for a long time.

It took a long time to assemble the film crew. Even though she had sped things up, it still took a month and a half since she received the 5% task.

During this month and a half, the task system only occasionally issued some good morning, good night, and meal delivery tasks, increasing the main storyline progress by 0.1% or 0.2% at a time.

Dong Ling originally thought that every little bit helped, even mosquito legs were still meat, but she didn’t expect the world’s energy to deplete, and the main storyline progress of 24% a month and a half ago had now regressed to 22%.

She could only huddle with 021 for warmth, crying for help, both of them becoming increasingly emaciated.

021 comforted her: [Girl, don’t worry, the bottleneck period is almost over, I have a feeling the task will come soon.]

Dong Ling didn’t reply. Knowing the task system’s usual style, who knew what kind of nonsense it would come up with.

The bottleneck period 021 mentioned was the transition period in the original novel’s plot. It was impossible for the novel to describe every day in detail, so there were often time skips.

But as a world synchronized with the original novel’s timeline, these time skips were real days for Dong Ling, days that couldn’t be skipped, so this situation of having few tasks would occur.

Dong Ling was now in a difficult position. She felt like the task system had become her period. She would be annoyed if it didn’t come on time, and annoyed when it did.

She tilted her head and looked at Song Mingzhi sitting next to her in first class, silently wishing for the awkwardness level to be lower.

Song Mingzhi felt the gaze from beside her, but didn’t open her eyes. Her eyes moved unconsciously under her eyelids, still pondering Dong Ling’s sexual orientation.

These days, Dong Ling had been very persistent in checking in on her and occasionally sending her sweet messages, making Song Mingzhi feel like she was about to make a move, but then she would change the subject, and act as if nothing had happened when they met again, as if she was simply sharing those sentences.

Every time she was about to politely decline, Dong Ling would act like a straight girl, as if she was being sensitive and suspicious, causing her to repeat the process of “becoming suspicious – dismissing suspicion – becoming suspicious” these past few days.

She even felt that Dong Ling was teasing her, but seeing Dong Ling’s confused look in response to her probing, she felt that she had misunderstood.

Song Mingzhi had never had such a confusing experience making friends, and she didn’t even think it was bad.

Completely unaware of Song Mingzhi’s inner turmoil, Dong Ling rested on the plane with a mind full of thoughts.

The manor, used only for summer retreats, was covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves at the front door in autumn and winter due to lack of cleaning.

Dong Ling had someone open the manor gates and was about to have the place cleaned up when she was stopped by the director, Cheng Ge.

“Don’t clean yet, this is the feeling I want. I’ll go inside and take a look later, and then arrange the props accordingly.”

Cheng Ge spoke somewhat urgently. Looking at the slightly dusty manor covered in fallen leaves, various camera shots were already forming in his mind.

“Okay.”

Dong Ling nodded, not bothered by Cheng Ge’s commanding tone. She knew this was his personality.

Cheng Ge was actually a relatively well-known director in the industry. His films weren’t all masterpieces, but he had won many awards both domestically and internationally, and was truly capable.

There were many investors who wanted to hire him to make films, but he was very picky and didn’t accept random casting choices. He had offended quite a few people because of this, and he also had some personal quirks.

Every time he made a commercial film, Cheng Ge would reward himself by making a niche film he liked.

The results of those niche films weren’t just bad, they were disastrous. Cheng Ge’s last self-rewarding film was a love story that combined Cthulhu and religious elements. The box office wasn’t just a failure, it was a catastrophe.

He had dissuaded a group of investors who wanted to hire him with his personal preferences, which was how Dong Ling managed to successfully hire him.

Dong Ling wasn’t afraid of his strict demands and pursuit of perfection. She wanted to make Song Mingzhi famous, which required creating high-quality work. And as the investor, if Cheng Ge wanted to incorporate his personal quirks, she could stop him, so there was no risk of a disaster.

While the crew settled in and the cleaning was underway, Dong Ling had the logistics team arrange everyone’s accommodation. As for Song Mingzhi’s accommodation, she naturally arranged it herself.

“You’ll sleep here. This room has excellent lighting and a great view, and all the amenities are complete.”

Dong Ling waved away the dust in the room and removed the white sheet covering the furniture.

“What about you?”

Song Mingzhi looked at the room, which was clearly the master bedroom, and asked.

“There might not be enough rooms, I’ll just sleep in the secondary bedroom inside.”

Dong Ling pointed to the inside of the room, choosing to give the large bed to Song Mingzhi, after all, filming would be tiring for her.

Dong Ling couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, where could you find such a good sugar daddy?

021: [With all due respect, other sugar daddies sleep in the same bed as their kept women.]

Dong Ling said resentfully: [Other sugar daddies don’t have to crowdfund either.]

“I can sleep in the secondary bedroom too.”

Song Mingzhi was a little surprised. Dong Ling was too good to her, whether it was that contract or this tailor-made film crew, and her attitude was so selfless. This was simply unbelievable to Song Mingzhi, who had a businessman’s mindset.

If she wasn’t so nice to her, she wouldn’t be so suspicious of her sexual orientation.

“It will be much more convenient for you to stay in the master bedroom, and the soundproofing here is very good, you don’t have to worry about disturbing me when you go out.”

Dong Ling knocked on the wall connecting the master bedroom and the secondary bedroom and said with a slight smile.

Song Mingzhi thought about it and agreed, so she accepted Dong Ling’s arrangement.

After everything was more or less settled, Dong Ling attended the opening ceremony.

After filming officially started, Song Mingzhi went to the makeup room to get ready while reading the storyboard script. Dong Ling watched for a while, then left without disturbing her to check on other things.

Cheng Ge was using his eyes to find inspiration, Tang Nuo and the others were practicing their expressions and lines. Dong Ling watched for a few moments, then couldn’t stand the cold wind outside and went to the heated lounge.

There was already someone sitting inside, wearing a large black down jacket, her hair messy and loose, looking like a ghost drained of energy.

“Screenwriter Tong, you pulled another all-nighter?”

“Hello, CEO Dong.” Screenwriter Tong Ao greeted her listlessly, yawned, and said, “I suddenly had inspiration last night and refined a few scenes.”

She handed the manuscript to Dong Ling, resting her head on her hand, looking drowsy.

Dong Ling nodded after reading it. Although she wasn’t a professional, she could still tell whether something was good or bad. It was indeed much more detailed than before, and the added dialogue and actions enhanced the atmosphere and made the plot flow more smoothly.

She wondered when the plot of this novel she was in would move forward and issue some tasks.

Just as she had this thought, the familiar mechanical voice rang out in her mind.

[Task: Add a kissing scene with the female lead in the movie you’re investing in. Completing this task will reward 5% progress.]

???

Absolutely not!

Dong Ling’s fists clenched. This broken system should just go where it’s supposed to be!

021 hugged her leg and pleaded: [Girl, think about the progress, just bear with it!]

Dong Ling took a deep breath and told herself to calm down. There were loopholes in the task system, there was no need to follow it mechanically.

She thought for a moment and said: “Your refinement is very good, but I have a suggestion…”

Tong Ao was startled awake. After many years in the industry, what she feared most were the sudden suggestions from investors.

She said tearfully: “Please go ahead.”

“I think we can add a plot point here…”

The protagonist of the story was called Yan Ting. The reason for her suspension was vaguely explained in the film, shown only in a few scene fragments. Dong Ling felt that she could add a kissing scene here.

To make this kissing scene not feel abrupt and unrelated to romance, while also being relevant to the main plot, Dong Ling felt that she could have Yan Ting almost exposed while on a mission, and then be saved by someone.

Yan Ting was caught off guard by a kiss, feeling a cold object pushed between her lips.

“I initially think this could be a key, and then it can be linked to something in the manor.”

Dong Ling wasn’t a screenwriter after all, she couldn’t think of anything more, because this scene was added on the spur of the moment.

“That seems feasible!”

Tong Ao’s eyes lit up, her previously dejected mood lifted. Her inspiration was sparked, her mind racing with ideas. She suddenly became energetic, feeling like she could pull another all-nighter.

“CEO Dong, is this new character only appearing for a moment? Do they need any subsequent scenes?”

Tong Ao, well-versed in dealing with investors, asked thoughtfully.

“One scene is enough. If you need this character later for the ending, they can make a brief appearance, but this person hasn’t acted before, so no difficult scenes are needed, they can even be masked.”

Tong Ao nodded knowingly: “Okay, CEO Dong, do you have a suitable person in mind?”

Dong Ling said with suppressed embarrassment: “Actually, I have a dream of becoming a star…”

F*** you, dog system!!!!

Some people are alive, but she is already socially dead.

Chapter 11: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Autumn in Beihai City was long, the seemingly gentle warm sun was actually a crisp, bright light.

Dong Ling returned the bank cards to Dong Nuo and successfully secured an investment.

Dong Ling was a very efficient person. Once she decided to do something, she would immediately take action.

First finalize the script, then assemble the crew, choose a location, and then prepare for filming.

Dong Ling didn’t have a particularly discerning eye for scripts, so she chose to leave this matter to professionals. Zuo Zhen handed the shortlisted scripts to Dong Ling, who then let Song Mingzhi choose.

Among the many scripts selected, Song Mingzhi chose a suspense-mystery script called “A Mysterious Person’s Funeral.”

Dong Ling was quite pleasantly surprised by Song Mingzhi’s choice, because among all the scripts, she also liked this one the most. Almost as soon as she read the words, she had already pictured Song Mingzhi in the corresponding role.

The story took place on a rainy night. The protagonist, sitting at home, heard a rapid knock on the door. After opening the door, there was no one outside, only an invitation quietly placed on the floor.

It was a funeral invitation, with no signature, only the location. The writer addressed the protagonist as an old friend and sincerely invited her to attend.

The protagonist was a police detective who had just been suspended from duty. Out of professional instinct, she went to the location of the funeral.

It was a manor, and twelve other guests were also invited.

The deceased being mourned was a stranger to all thirteen guests. Some wanted to leave but found the manor locked, and the blocked signals made people restless. After a few deaths occurred, someone angrily opened the coffin, only to find no body inside, just a pistol.

This was a typical locked-room mystery. With one death after another, certain intentions gradually surfaced, even connected to the protagonist’s suspension. The protagonist was caught in the middle, both prey and hunter.

Dong Ling was not only interested in the story, but also found it convenient. Precisely because it was a closed-circle mystery, the basic plot took place entirely within the manor, there was no need to spend extra money renting other locations, which would save on filming costs.

More importantly, Dong Ling could use the manor for free, because it belonged to her family. Her father bought it in the north more than ten years ago, originally for summer retreats, but later, with the shift in his work focus, she only went there occasionally during the summer.

Dong Ling felt a little sad thinking about it. Compared to the lavish productions, big directors, and star-studded casts in the original novel, she was really being stingy.

As for the cast, Dong Ling could be said to have brought in the entire company, although the company only had three actors: Song Mingzhi, Tang Nuo, and Peng Ke, a newcomer signed from a film academy.

Before their departure, Dong Nuo insisted on throwing a farewell party for her good friend. Since she was one of the investors, and the other two investors would also be there for drinks, Dong Ling went, and at their insistence, brought Song Mingzhi along as well.

“It’s just a small gathering, don’t worry, it won’t be too noisy. You saw them when you came to pick me up last time. They’re all investors in this movie.”

To prevent Song Mingzhi from feeling constrained, Dong Ling explained the situation in advance, although she seemed even more nervous than Song Mingzhi.

Because she felt a little guilty, after all, the sisters sitting there were all part of her crowdfunding scheme, she felt truly pathetic compared to a real domineering CEO.

“Okay.”

Song Mingzhi nodded, leaned back in her chair, and casually looked out the window, occasionally mesmerized by the glint of Dong Ling’s earrings.

So she simply turned her head to look at Dong Ling’s earrings. Red and blue intertwined within the star-shaped crystals, like a dazzling nebula visible even in daylight.

Dong Ling felt Song Mingzhi’s gaze, took off her right earring, and held it in her hand, letting it catch the sunlight.

“It’s very pretty, isn’t it? I liked it the moment I saw it.”

Song Mingzhi praised: “It’s very unique, like the M27 nebula.”

“Huh? Really? I don’t know much about stars, but I imagine it must be very beautiful.”

Dong Ling became interested in Song Mingzhi’s words and unconsciously leaned closer.

“It is indeed beautiful. The M27 nebula is located in the constellation Vulpecula, 1227 light-years from Earth. It’s the first planetary nebula ever observed by humans, and also one of the brightest. I’ve photographed it before.”

Song Mingzhi mentioned the past with a relaxed and happy expression.

“Can I see it?”

Dong Ling’s eyes widened slightly, intrigued by this beautiful existence she had never encountered before. She didn’t expect Song Mingzhi to be an astronomy enthusiast.

Unconsciously, another layer was added to the filter through which she viewed Song Mingzhi.

“Of course.”

Song Mingzhi opened her photo album and clicked on the nebula category.

Dong Ling leaned closer and looked down at the photos on Song Mingzhi’s phone.

Probably no one could remain unmoved by the vastness of the universe. Every gaze evoked a sense of immensity. The nebula at the center of the bright stars shifted and changed. Dong Ling’s fingertips gently swiped the screen, her face filled with unconcealed wonder.

Song Mingzhi didn’t look at the photos she had admired for a long time, her gaze fixed on Dong Ling’s fair earlobe, the pink cartilage visible under the sunlight.

“You can see it with your own eyes if you have the chance, it’s far more beautiful than in photos. It’s quite bright, you can observe it with binoculars, but you can see it more clearly with better equipment. If you don’t mind, you can use mine when the time comes, although it’s not in Beihai at the moment.”

Song Mingzhi said slowly, her gaze fixed on the small ear piercing.

Dong Ling readily agreed: “Okay.”

She put the earring back on, her pale pink nail polish gleaming under the light.

Song Mingzhi’s gaze shifted from Dong Ling’s earlobe to her nails, a hint of puzzlement in her eyes.

She still had doubts about Dong Ling’s motives because of some of her actions and that contract, but from another perspective, she felt Dong Ling was straight.

Song Mingzhi thought perhaps she had overlooked a possibility, that precisely because Dong Ling was straight, she didn’t think her actions would arouse suspicion, because she herself didn’t think so.

Still at the same club as last time, Dong Nuo, Tang Qianxi, and Chen Shang Shang looked at Song Mingzhi who walked in with surprised expressions.

“Ling Ling, if you hadn’t told me, I would have thought she was some young lady from our circle.”

Chen Shang Shang said bluntly. She thought Song Mingzhi’s temperament wasn’t like that of a celebrity at all, but more like someone from the upper echelons of their circle.

Hearing her sister praise her person, Dong Ling’s expression became even more proud. She introduced them to each other.

Song Mingzhi was a good conversationalist, and a good listener when others were talking, so the atmosphere was particularly harmonious.

“Wishing you a smooth filming process, a box office hit, and may we all make money together!”

Tang Qianxi raised her glass, and everyone else raised their glasses as well. The clinking of glasses in the air produced a crisp and pleasant sound.

Dong Ling smiled and nodded, looking at Song Mingzhi.

Song Mingzhi also happened to look at her at this moment. Their eyes met, and they smiled knowingly.

They ate and drank. Knowing that the film crew would be leaving tomorrow, Dong Nuo and the others didn’t pressure them to drink too much, and the dinner party ended at eight o’clock.

Dong Nuo didn’t leave, she had another party to attend.

As Dong Ling and the others left the club, they happened to pass by a few people entering.

Chen Shang Shang’s expression stiffened for a moment when she saw the person walking in front, and subconsciously looked at Dong Ling, but Dong Ling seemed indifferent and didn’t stop.

“Dong Ling, after so many years, you’re not even willing to say hello?”

A slightly hoarse female voice came from behind, causing Dong Ling to turn around. Song Mingzhi also stopped and looked at the woman who spoke.

It was a woman who looked very aggressive, with dyed white hair, tanned skin, Western-style makeup, tall and wild.

Dong Ling replied indifferently: “No need.”

Song Mingzhi raised an eyebrow slightly, her heart stirring at seeing this cold and aggressive side of the girl.

This did have a bit of a Vampire Queen aura, making her usual demeanor in front of her seem even more adorable by comparison.

The woman chuckled: “Our little princess is becoming more and more arrogant. After all these years, still so aloof. I thought you would stay abroad, too afraid to come back and face people.”

“Xuan Du, she didn’t go abroad to avoid you, don’t be so nasty!”

Chen Shang Shang couldn’t help but speak up. Dong Ling went abroad to study and avoid those with ulterior motives.

“Who are you to speak?”

Xuan Du glanced at Chen Shang Shang disdainfully. Six years ago, she was just Dong Ling’s little follower. Even if her family’s business was doing well now, she wasn’t qualified to shout at her.

“Did someone write your name on this place? Only you’re allowed to yap?”

Seeing Chen Shang Shang clenching her fists in anger, Tang Qianxi immediately retorted sarcastically.

She didn’t know this person, although she could sense from her reaction that this woman’s identity wasn’t simple, but so what?

Dong Ling didn’t want the conflict to involve her friends because of her, so she looked at the other party and said: “I have nothing to be afraid of facing people for. The person who did something wrong isn’t ashamed of their past mistakes. Xuan Du, are you proud of that incident?”

Dong Ling slightly raised her chin, her clear eyes looking at her as if she was an insignificant person.

Xuan Du stared at Dong Ling for a long time, then sighed with an ambiguous tone: “Dong Ling, you’re so heartless.”

Dong Ling smiled politely: “Not as much as you.”

Song Mingzhi became even more interested. Compared to a gentle rabbit, she appreciated a cat with sharp claws more.

When Dong Ling reached the entrance, the car just arrived. Song Mingzhi opened the door for her, she waved goodbye to her two sisters, and got in the car with Song Mingzhi.

Tang Qianxi watched the car drive away, then looked at Chen Shang Shang, who seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief, and said in confusion: “Who was that? Do you have to be so cowardly?”

“The mayor’s daughter.”

Tang Qianxi was silent, then asked: “How did Ling Ling get involved with her?”

Chen Shang Shang shook her head and said: “I don’t know. They used to be very close, but one day Xuan Du suddenly disappeared. Some said she went abroad. Not long after, Ling Ling also went abroad. I asked Ling Ling at the time, she only said they had a falling out and refused to say anything else.”

In the steadily moving Maybach, Dong Ling’s expression was slightly tense.

“Mingzhi, that person just now is the Beihai mayor’s daughter. I have some history with her. Stay away from her in the future.”

Dong Ling knew Xuan Du would return eventually, but didn’t expect it to be at this time.

She was busy supporting her woman and saving the world, and hoped Xuan Du wouldn’t cause trouble and get in her way.

Song Mingzhi was a little surprised: “How did you get involved with her?”

“She was involved in drug use, I called the police and sent her to rehab.” Dong Ling said lightly, and seeing Song Mingzhi’s expression, she spread her hands, “Isn’t that what every upstanding citizen should do?”

Actually, it wasn’t that simple, but this simple summary was fine, and it emphasized that she was an upstanding and serious person!

Song Mingzhi couldn’t help but laugh.

She found Dong Ling even more adorable.

Chapter 10: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

When Song Mingzhi arrived to pick them up, Dong Ling stared at her face for a long time.

“You’re not my brother, who are you?”

Dong Ling mumbled, she wouldn’t go with a stranger.

“I’m Song Mingzhi.”

Song Mingzhi let Dong Ling touch her face, looked at the three drunken girls sprawled out, and kindly asked the waiter who came in with her to cover them with the blankets placed aside.

“Song Mingzhi?”

Dong Ling was a little puzzled, trying hard to recall who this was, then remembered, and giggled.

“I know… you have a really slender waist.”

Song Mingzhi raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

021: […]

[Girl, do you know what you’re saying?! Girl, wake up!]

“So noisy…”

Dong Ling shook her head, trying to get rid of the annoying voice.

Song Mingzhi looked at the silent room and thought Dong Ling was really drunk.

She helped Dong Ling up and planned to take her back to the Qingbai Road house.

Dong Ling felt the car moving and asked Song Mingzhi in a panic: “What time is it?”

“11:20.”

“No! I can’t go home, I don’t want to go home!”

Dong Ling’s eyes widened, and she was in a dilemma.

Going back at this hour would definitely result in a lecture from her parents. It was better to not go home and say she was staying at a friend’s place. Going back would be getting caught red-handed, no, absolutely not.

Dong Ling expressed great resistance to going home. In front of the Qingbai Road house, when Song Mingzhi was about to help her out of the car, she clung to the car door, refusing to let go.

“Sister, I don’t want to go home, don’t take me back, okay? Can I sleep at your place?”

Dong Ling’s hair was a little messy from her movements, the black strands against her fair neck creating a vivid, warm-toned picture under the dim yellow streetlights.

Her face was beautiful and inherently aloof, but that sharpness was melted away by her expression, like a chocolate with a creamy center exposed after being bitten, delicate and soft, making one’s tongue tingle with sweetness.

021 closed its eyes in frustration. This wasn’t the tough guy style their domineering CEO clan should have! At this time, she should have grabbed the other party’s chin and said seductively, “Why don’t we sleep together?”

Looking at the girl acting like a spoiled child, Song Mingzhi felt a headache.

She was about to ring the doorbell and ask the people inside to help the newly appointed boss inside, but as she took a step, her clothes were grabbed.

“Sister…”

Dong Ling tugged at Song Mingzhi’s clothes, her hazy eyes full of pleading.

Song Mingzhi felt an itch in her heart from being called “sister,” like tiny vines climbing out of her heart, a slight tingling sensation as they sprouted and broke through the soil.

“Get in the car.”

Song Mingzhi flicked the girl’s forehead. She really couldn’t do anything about her. Who made her the boss, and herself the employee?

The moonlight faded, and the sun rose.

Dong Ling woke up with the pain of a hangover, pressing her temples, her head feeling like it was about to split open.

It took her half a minute to notice the unfamiliar surroundings. It was a simply furnished guest room, but she didn’t remember being here.

She lifted the quilt, saw the wrinkled clothes she had worn yesterday, and the smell of alcohol emanating from her body made her cringe.

021’s voice suddenly sounded: [Girl, you’re finally awake.]

Dong Ling didn’t open the door, and asked 021 strangely: [Where am I?]

021: [Song Mingzhi’s house.]

???!!!

Dong Ling was shocked: [How did I get here?]

021: [Good question. You called her yourself, mistook her for your brother, and insisted she take you home. She took you back to the Qingbai Road house, you clung to the car door and refused to get out, saying you’d be scolded, and then you went home with her.]

With 021’s description, Dong Ling vaguely remembered, and felt a wave of guilt and helplessness.

People get drunk, it happens.

Dong Ling was concerned about other things: [And then? I didn’t say anything I shouldn’t have, right? I didn’t make a drunken scene, right?]

021: [No, you passed out like a log as soon as you came in. She put you on the bed, covered you with a quilt, and you slept until now.]

As for praising her slender waist and hugging her saying “Sister, you’re so nice,” those were things that happened before, not after the host asked, so there was no need to mention them.

Dong Ling breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that she didn’t embarrass herself. As someone who had been experiencing social death every day since meeting the system, she wanted to avoid embarrassing situations as much as possible, because she couldn’t just move to another planet.

Dong Ling walked to the door, feeling something poking her as she walked. She reached into her pocket, and a few seconds later, stared blankly at the bank cards in her hand.

Dong Ling’s eyes widened and she asked: [021, did I rob someone while drunk?]

Where did these bank cards come from?! She didn’t recognize them at all!

021 succinctly summarized: [Dong Nuo’s, she gave them to you.]

Dong Ling pondered but couldn’t remember, wondering if she was a genius at attracting investment, able to get things done even when drunk?

She didn’t think too much about it. They were bank cards from an acquaintance, she could ask about it later.

Dong Ling opened the guest room door and saw Song Mingzhi sitting in the living room reading.

“There are toiletries and fresh clothes in the bathroom.”

Song Mingzhi pointed in the direction of the bathroom, addressing Dong Ling’s most urgent need.

Dong Ling nodded gratefully and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Dong Ling also noticed that the underwear was a sports bra, so she didn’t have to worry about the cup size not matching. Song Mingzhi was truly an angel, so thoughtful.

After washing up, Dong Ling dried her hair in the bathroom before coming out. Song Mingzhi was still reading, her posture unchanged.

She caught a few words of the book title, it seemed to be related to acting. She inwardly marveled at Song Mingzhi’s diligence while saying: “Miss Song, thank you for yesterday.”

She also wanted to call her “Mingzhi.” “Miss Song” felt too formal, but “Mingzhi” felt too intimate.

“You’re welcome, I’m happy to serve my boss.”

Song Mingzhi said with a smile. Coming from her, it didn’t sound overly respectful or fawning, but rather witty and lighthearted.

Song Mingzhi also briefly thought to herself that compared to “Miss Song,” yesterday’s “Sister” sounded much more pleasant.

“I didn’t make a fool of myself yesterday, did I?”

Dong Ling asked with some trepidation in her eyes, a hint of embarrassed uncertainty.

She originally didn’t remember, but 021 reminded her of what she had done yesterday. However, she still had to pretend not to remember in front of Song Mingzhi.

If she didn’t remember, it wouldn’t be embarrassing. If she wasn’t embarrassed, then the other person would be!

The smile in Song Mingzhi’s eyes deepened, and she said: “You handle your alcohol very well.”

Dong Ling somehow sensed a deeper meaning in her eyes, but it vanished when she tried to discern it.

Song Mingzhi kept Dong Ling for lunch. During this time, Dong Ling also took the opportunity to look around Song Mingzhi’s house. One of the two things she had in mind yesterday was accomplished. When leaving Song Mingzhi’s house, Dong Ling seized the opportunity to bring up the other thing.

“Calling you Miss Song seems a bit formal. We have a good working relationship, and we can be considered friends. Can I call you Mingzhi in the future? You can call me Ling Ling, that’s what my friends call me.”

Dong Ling sincerely offered the exchange of intimate address, looking at Song Mingzhi’s eyelashes.

“Of course.”

Song Mingzhi readily agreed, thinking casually that “Sister” still sounded better.

Dong Ling received affirmation, felt their relationship had taken a step forward, and left excitedly.

After leaving the residential area, Dong Ling realized she had forgotten to take her dirty clothes, which were still at Song Mingzhi’s house.

But she didn’t mind, it was just dirty clothes, Song Mingzhi could just dispose of them.

Thinking of the task of investing in and producing a movie, which had no time limit, she began another day of hard work to support her woman.

On the other side, Song Mingzhi also began her punctual acting training.

“You’re very talented and learn very quickly. I can say you’re better than many students who have majored in acting. Coupled with your appearance, it’s certain you’ll achieve something in this industry.” The nearly sixty-year-old veteran artist looked at Song Mingzhi’s outstanding appearance and sighed softly, “But you have a fatal flaw, which makes your performance like that of a delicate puppet, lifeless.”

“You’re too rational, you don’t inject passionate emotion, this is destined to make you miss the soul of art. How can you do something well if you’re not interested in it?”

The teacher finished today’s lesson, left these thought-provoking words, and left.

Song Mingzhi carefully pondered these words, thinking about the word “interest.”

She had been suppressing herself for so long to achieve her goals that she couldn’t remember how long it had been since she felt “passion” or “interest.”

Song Mingzhi’s thoughts paused. No, it wasn’t entirely true.

For example, she was very interested in teasing a certain girl who called her “sister” when drunk, and derived a strange pleasure from it.

Chapter 9: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Dong Ling roared in her mind: [If only it had been one second earlier! One second earlier and I wouldn’t be like this! Is it deliberately messing with me?]

Sensing the host’s anger, 021 patiently advised: [Host, calm down. It’s not intelligent, it has no consciousness, there’s no point in being angry at it. If you hesitate any longer, the task will expire. That’s 2%!]

If 021 had a physical body, it would be sitting on the ground, hugging Dong Ling’s leg, begging her to reconsider and not be impulsive.

What could Dong Ling do? That was 2%, not 0.2%. Working harder now meant less work later. The more main storyline progress, the more stable the world line.

Dong Ling took a deep breath, maintaining her sincere expression, walked over from the other side of the table, and called 021 in her mind, asking for the line.

[I want to protect your purity, keep you untainted in this circle. What I said before, I still mean now.]

Dong Ling thought hard. This didn’t fit the context at all, but there was a loophole. The first time, she didn’t finish her line, but the system still considered it a success.

Song Mingzhi’s gaze followed Dong Ling. Seeing Dong Ling stumble as she approached, she quickly reached out to support her.

“Thank you.”

Dong Ling looked relieved, and smoothly put her arm around Song Mingzhi’s waist.

Of course, she faked the stumble, otherwise how could she naturally touch Song Mingzhi’s waist? She was experienced in this. When she used to attend parties and was invited to dance but didn’t want to, she would pretend to sprain her ankle. She had already mastered the art of falling on flat ground.

“What I said just now was sincere. Giving you such generous terms is also to reassure you. I know this circle is very messy, so I want to protect you, keep you from being tainted by those messy things in this circle. This is my promise, no matter when, it will always be the same.”

[Task complete, main storyline progress: 4%.]

This voice was so beautiful and pleasant that Dong Ling’s smile widened.

Listening to Dong Ling’s words, Song Mingzhi looked down at the arm around her waist, and put a big question mark over Dong Ling’s previous statement of “absolutely no ulterior motives.”

She became even more curious, wanting to explore what Dong Ling was really up to, why there was a subtle dissonance between her state and her actions. As for where that dissonance came from, Song Mingzhi couldn’t say for sure.

Seeing Song Mingzhi’s expression practically screaming ‘Isn’t this just an unspoken rule?’, Dong Ling acted as if she had just noticed the position of her hand, and quickly withdrew it, apologizing repeatedly.

An embarrassed blush appeared on her face, seeming very shy, but this blush was actually Dong Ling holding her breath, at most mixed with some anger towards the task system.

Not to mention, Song Mingzhi’s waist was really slender.

“I hope Miss Song doesn’t mind, we artists are just this passionate when we see beautiful things.”

Dong Ling smoothed her slightly messy hair and returned to normal.

She hoped the Wen Han in the novel wouldn’t come up with any more intimate actions on a whim, she really couldn’t handle it today, please.

Song Mingzhi asked curiously: “Did you study art?”

“Yes, I studied violin and pop composition, and I’m also interested in other things.”

Talking about things she liked, Dong Ling became more relaxed and natural. She followed the topic and asked: “What about Miss Song, did you major in acting before?”

Dong Ling didn’t know about Song Mingzhi’s past. It wasn’t mentioned in the beginning of the plot, and she couldn’t unlock the later parts yet. She was actually quite puzzled. If Song Mingzhi was professionally trained, with her looks and temperament, she should have been discovered by the entertainment industry long ago. Why was she still an unknown freelancer?

She had secretly asked around, but couldn’t find any information about Song Mingzhi. She hadn’t played any roles, she was even more obscure than Tang Nuo, as if she didn’t exist in the entertainment industry.

She had discussed this with 021, and they concluded that it was because the male lead had been offline for two months and the plot hadn’t progressed, so the female lead hadn’t appeared in the entertainment industry yet.

“No, I majored in finance. I’m just suddenly interested in acting.”

Song Mingzhi smiled. If she said she didn’t want to enter the entertainment industry, Dong Ling would be very disappointed, wouldn’t she?

Song Mingzhi wasn’t someone who liked to give people hope and then disappoint them, except for competitors, of course. She had originally planned to continue lying low for a while, so she would really enter the entertainment industry, which wasn’t considered deceiving the other party.

“I see. Then this contract…”

Dong Ling understood, and looked at the contract on the table, full of implication.

“Of course, shall we sign it now?”

Song Mingzhi had already carefully read the contract while looking it over just now, there were no traps in it.

Dong Ling was overjoyed: “That would be great.”

021: [Ahhhhhhh! Girl, you’re amazing, you’re so efficient, it’s only been three days, you’re so awesome!]

021 suddenly had a dangerous thought, who needed a male lead? The female supporting character could carry the story to the end!

Of course, it was just thinking about it, it was still waiting for headquarters to contact it.

When signing the contract, Song Mingzhi specifically looked at Party A. This was an agreement signed between Dong Ling personally and her, not on behalf of the company. However, she didn’t raise any questions, just signed her name on the paper.

[Task ‘Sign the business agreement’ complete, main storyline progress: 24%.]

Dong Ling couldn’t control her expression at all, it was like hearing the music of the heavens!

The contract was in duplicate. When Song Mingzhi held her copy, she looked at Dong Ling’s joyful expression, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly.

Things seemed to be developing in an interesting direction, she was really curious what Dong Ling would do.

What would Dong Ling do? She would naturally be busy selecting an agent, looking for good scripts, and promoting her artist.

Without the task system, she was a serious person.

After keeping Song Mingzhi for lunch, Dong Ling told her to go back and rest. The company would provide a private place for her to live in, and would also assign her an agent and assistant. She would also have a significant say in the choice of scripts.

Song Mingzhi didn’t say much, and went home to take acting lessons. She didn’t want to appear too inexperienced on set, which would contradict her persona of someone chasing their dreams in the entertainment industry.

Dong Ling didn’t plan to rapidly expand the company for now. She selected two agents, one male and one female, who weren’t top-tier in the industry, but were experienced. She had one of them take charge of Song Mingzhi and the other take charge of Tang Nuo, while also looking for promising newcomers.

Dong Ling had her reasons for not directly poaching top agents. Top agents would definitely want more control, but sometimes Dong Ling had tasks to do, so she hoped for moderation, choosing an agent with professional ability and a steady personality.

The female agent in charge of Song Mingzhi was called Zuo Zhen. After meeting with Song Mingzhi, she immediately came to Dong Ling and submitted her career plan for Song Mingzhi.

Zuo Zhen looked at the A4 paper in her hand and said: “CEO Dong, my suggestion is to aim for the big screen. Her face is very suitable, and Mingzhi and I have privately reached a consensus on this. As for her persona…”

“Wait, you call her… Mingzhi?”

Dong Ling couldn’t help but interrupt. Although she knew her focus was a bit off, she still addressed Song Mingzhi as Miss Song!

Zuo Zhen was taken aback, and said carefully: “Since she is a contracted artist, I address her this way. Calling her Miss Song would be a bit distant and strange. I usually call other artists ‘baby’ and ‘dear,’ but I can’t bring myself to say that to Miss Song…”

Calling her Xiao Song was even more impossible. Although Zuo Zhen was older than Song Mingzhi, she couldn’t bring herself to say that after seeing Song Mingzhi’s look.

“Okay, continue. Are there any problems with her persona?”

Dong Ling also found it hard to imagine that scene. Looking at the “cold and aloof older sister” persona on the paper, she didn’t think it was very appropriate. Song Mingzhi wasn’t cold, just elegant, but that elegance was very distant, and that distance made people feel cold.

And this person could also be mischievous. Dong Ling hadn’t forgotten her answer of “Alright” and the almost-touching red lips when she wall-slammed her. The playful glint in her eyes was like a flame in the darkness, too distinct.

“I originally wanted to create a contrasting cuteness, like a cold and aloof older sister who actually likes cute plush toys in private. This kind of contrast is quite popular with fans, but Miss Song rejected it. I could also sense that Miss Song doesn’t like plush toys, because the color scheme in her home is rather cool…”

“Wait, you went to her house?”

Dong Ling couldn’t help but interrupt again. She had asked Zuo Zhen to meet and get to know Song Mingzhi, and for Song Mingzhi to tell her what kind of career development she preferred, but how did she end up meeting at Song Mingzhi’s house?

She hadn’t even been there! She didn’t even know where Song Mingzhi lived!

Zuo Zhen looked at the newly appointed boss, a little confused and apprehensive, and said: “Miss Song invited me over.”

“Oh, continue.”

Dong Ling felt so envious, she hadn’t even been invited over.

She complained to 021 once again: [Dude, I really feel like a simp, the kind who gives everything and gets nothing in return.]

021 gently patted her head and comforted her: [It’s okay, at least you’ve wall-slammed her and put your arm around her waist, not losing face for our domineering CEO.]

Dong Ling was speechless: [You make me sound like a pervert.]

021 said disapprovingly: [Girl, how can falling in love be called perverted?!]

Dong Ling: [Who the hell is falling in love?! Don’t slander me!]

021 said perfunctorily: [Yes, yes, yes, alright, alright, if you say it isn’t, then it isn’t.]

Dong Ling listened to the agent talking about Song Mingzhi’s career plan with a blank expression, mentally picturing herself dismembering 021.

“Miss Song’s appearance and temperament are very good. I think she fits the image of the second female lead in Director Liu’s new movie very well. We can try for it.”

Zuo Zhen presented the information. After reading it, Dong Ling nodded.

“You go and make contact first. If they’re not willing to give her a chance, I’ll go and talk to them.”

Director Liu was one of the more reputable commercial film directors in the industry. His last film earned over 4 billion, so his new movie was highly anticipated, and the competition for roles would definitely be fierce. If they succeeded, Song Mingzhi would definitely become famous.

For some reason, Dong Ling suddenly had a bad feeling. The next second, the familiar electronic voice of the task system rang out in her mind.

[Invest in and produce a movie for the female lead as the main investor. Completing this task will reward 5% progress.]

Dong Ling asked with a wooden expression: “How much investment does Director Liu’s movie currently have? How much did the major investors contribute?”

Zuo Zhen thought for a moment and said: “According to some industry news, it should be around 100 million. The main investor is Huiteng, and they’ve already decided on the female lead, she’s with Huiteng. I’m guessing their investment is no less than 60 million, but I’m not sure.”

Dong Ling concealed her vulnerability and said: “Forget it, no need to try for it. Help me keep an eye out for good scripts.”

No money, no money, no money! Wen Han, why didn’t you just let me inherit the company as well!

Zuo Zhen didn’t question the boss’s decision, nodded, and left the office. Dong Ling sat there counting her assets, feeling desolate.

At this moment, the phone rang, and Chen Shang Shang’s distinctive voice came from the phone.

“Ling Ling, come out for drinks, Dong Nuo is heartbroken again, again, again. She insists on you coming, saying we won’t leave until we’re drunk. Come quickly!”

Dong Ling’s first reaction was actually that Dong Nuo was quite well-off and could be approached for investment, so she immediately went.

As for Dong Nuo being heartbroken, that girl could get heartbroken ten times in a month, it wasn’t anything new.

When Dong Ling arrived, Dong Nuo was already drinking. Seeing Dong Ling, she hugged her glass and started wailing. It wasn’t the right time to talk business, so Dong Ling decided to wait until she was done drinking and talk tomorrow.

Dong Ling’s alcohol tolerance was average, and she quickly passed out. Dong Nuo roared: “Why does he only like my money and not me?! What’s wrong with me?!”

Dong Ling mumbled drunkenly: “Yeah, yeah, why doesn’t she invite me to her house? I’m a boss now, I’m at 24% progress.”

Dong Nuo said indignantly: “Exactly, how am I old at 24? And he doesn’t want to sleep with me, me wanting to is giving him face, okay?”

Dong Ling agreed: “I’m a little flushed from drinking. Is it because we’ve only known each other for three days? So it feels awkward and distant, it’s normal, why should I care?”

Dong Nuo said unhappily: “What’s wrong with knowing each other for three days? Can’t you sleep together or fall in love at first sight after three days? When you meet the right person, it’s sparks flying, okay? It’s all about first impressions!”

Dong Ling leaned back on the sofa, her eyes hazy with drunkenness, and sighed: “Actor… she must be a good actor, but what can I do, I have no money…”

Dong Nuo slapped a few bank cards on the table from her wallet: “What’s money? I have plenty, take it all!”

Chen Shang Shang and Tang Qianxi, who were also drunk, sat up, arms around each other. Chen Shang Shang asked confusedly: “What are they talking about?”

Tang Qianxi thought hard: “It seems like… something about sleeping?”

Chen Shang Shang nodded groggily: “Oh, it’s time, we should go to sleep.”

Dong Ling’s head was spinning. She dreamt of when she had just returned to the country and there was a curfew at home. Anxious to get home and avoid being lectured by her parents, she opened her eyes wide and searched for her brother in her recent contacts, successfully finding “Brother” at the top.

She dialed the number and put the phone to her ear, waiting for the call to connect.

021 yelled desperately: [Girl! Your hand slipped! You clicked the wrong one! It’s the first one! You clicked on the female lead!]

Dong Ling couldn’t hear clearly, she just felt it was noisy.

The call connected, and Dong Ling mumbled: “Brother, come pick me up and take me home.”

Song Mingzhi on the other end of the phone was a little surprised, and reminded her: “There’s no brother here, only a sister.”

Dong Ling thought of her cousin and said softly: “Then sister, come pick me up and take me home.”

Her soft voice was like a red rose under the moonlight, traveling through the electric current and eardrum, causing Song Mingzhi’s body to react strangely for a moment, as if gently bitten by a vampire’s fangs, ambiguous, alluring, and tempting.

Chapter 8: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not

Song Mingzhi’s gaze shifted from the fallen leaf to Dong Ling’s eyes.

Under the sunlight, those light brown eyes held a translucent softness, like supple leather, or like a jelly-like dessert, just like when they first met, when she walked up to her, looked up, and seemed to want to say something, but said nothing.

Dong Ling was somewhat lost in thought, she couldn’t say why.

021’s excited voice rang out in her mind, bringing her back to reality.

She took two steps back, her fingers loosening, letting the leaf flutter to the ground.

Ignoring 021’s chattering in her head, Dong Ling walked Song Mingzhi to the door after their stroll and waved gently.

“Although Miss Song is still considering, I’ll say in advance, happy cooperation.”

Dong Ling’s voice was cheerful. Song Mingzhi smiled and nodded without speaking, then turned and left.

After Song Mingzhi left, Dong Ling wasn’t idle. She called the housekeeper to clean up the kitchen, and then immediately contacted her friends in the industry.

Thanks to the two songs she had previously composed, she had some reputation among musicians, so it wasn’t difficult to get things done.

In addition, Tang Qianxi also sent her some documents compiled by her mother, recommending some good people to associate with and some unsavory characters to avoid. She also annotated the preferences and taboos of some directors and actors she had worked with, and specifically reminded her that several years had passed, and some people might have changed due to certain events, so don’t believe everything completely.

“Qianxi, thank your mom for me. I’ll personally visit and thank her next time.”

Sitting in front of her computer, Dong Ling excitedly talked to her friend on the phone, her eyes scanning the information, and clicked save.

Tang Qianxi: “Don’t mention it. Didn’t we agree that I would invest? I’ve already listed my apartments for sale, and that bad woman Chen Shang Shang is also selling her jewelry.”

“You guys are so nice, let’s have dinner together sometime.”

If her two friends were here, Dong Ling would have given them a hug.

Tang Qianxi joked: “Dinner isn’t necessary, just don’t go bankrupt.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make sure you get a steady dividend, you won’t lose money.”

Dong Ling said confidently, and after hanging up the phone, threw herself into the busy work.

On the other side, Song Mingzhi sought out her friend and partner, Ji Yiling.

“Are you planning to change your approach to what you want to do? It’s not impossible. What are you planning to do?”

Song Mingzhi leaned back in her soft chair and replied: “The entertainment industry. Help me contact a few performing arts teachers, I need to brush up on my skills.”

Ji Yiling’s eyes widened, thinking she had misheard, and couldn’t help but ask: “You? Chasing your dreams in the entertainment industry?”

“Someone insists on making me famous, I can’t do anything about it.”

Song Mingzhi sighed lightly, with a somewhat distressed helplessness, but her slightly upturned eyes were filled with amusement, showing no sign of unwillingness.

Dong Ling’s earnest expression surfaced in Song Mingzhi’s mind, the girl’s anxious look when she promised to make her seen by everyone… it was truly beautiful.

“Your face is fine for entering the entertainment industry, but it’s troublesome. You’ll have to start over, and your family…”

Ji Yiling said with some concern. Song Mingzhi had been preparing for so long, just waiting for the moment to go public. If she were to start over in the entertainment industry, it would probably take a lot of effort.

“I’m not afraid to start over. Starting here is much easier than when we had nothing. Keeping a trump card is a more reliable strategy.”

Song Mingzhi said calmly, this was also the reason she didn’t immediately refuse Dong Ling’s offer.

Ji Yiling pondered for a moment and replied: “You’re right. The entertainment industry has much higher visibility than the financial world. This way, the chances of you being seen are much greater, you will definitely succeed.”

Song Mingzhi just smiled and didn’t reply.

Ji Yiling then asked: “Is the person who wants to make you famous reliable? Which entertainment company is it? Will they have ulterior motives towards you?”

Seeing Song Mingzhi’s thoughtful expression, Ji Yiling tapped her head: “Forget it, why should I worry about this? You think things through much more than I do. Then it’s decided. I’ll contact a couple of acting teachers later for you to brush up on your skills. You learn everything quickly, this shouldn’t be a problem.”

Song Mingzhi nodded, still thinking about Ji Yiling’s last question.

She also felt that Dong Ling was too friendly and enthusiastic towards her, but she really didn’t sense any lust or romantic feelings from Dong Ling. It was just really fun to tease her.

Before Ji Yiling left the office, Song Mingzhi called out to her and asked: “Have you heard of the name Dong Ling?”

Ji Yiling thought for a moment and shook her head: “I haven’t heard of it. The surname Dong isn’t too uncommon in Beihai, it’s a fairly common surname. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, go ahead with your work.”

Song Mingzhi shook her head, suppressing the lingering thought.

She must have heard someone mention it somewhere, but couldn’t remember.

Song Mingzhi pushed these thoughts aside, thinking about the contract she saw today, and found it very interesting.

She was actually touched by Dong Ling’s phrase “be seen by more people.” This coincided with her current goal, and coupled with Dong Ling’s serious tone and expression, she became even more interested.

Strangely, this was the first time someone had said such certain words to her before she had shown anything. It was quite remarkable.

She looked at the lines on the computer screen, her mind wandering.

Song Mingzhi didn’t know who her biological parents were, not because she was abandoned, but because she was trafficked as a child, but she escaped.

At that time, she only remembered her name, everything else was just a vague impression. She was taken to the police station and then to an orphanage in an unfamiliar city.

At the age of nine, she was adopted by a couple. Song Mingzhi was reluctant, because she still wanted to find her biological parents, but the couple was very kind, saying that it would be difficult for her to find her parents on her own, and they would help.

They were truly wonderful parents, but Song Mingzhi didn’t know if she had bad luck with parents. When she was nineteen, they both died at sea, and this wealthy family with the same surname as her wasn’t a good place.

In order to protect the inheritance from her adoptive parents and investigate whether their deaths were truly accidental, Song Mingzhi had to hide her capabilities and develop in secret. To this day, Ji Yiling was the public face of the company, and few people knew about her.

The infighting among her uncles and aunts was intensifying, and Song Mingzhi planned to participate openly. Although it wasn’t the best time to take risks, she planned to give it a try, and at the same time put herself in the public eye, so her name would be spread, and perhaps her biological parents could find her.

With Dong Ling’s idea of making her famous, Song Mingzhi thought it over and felt it was a good idea. It could better lull those people into a false sense of security, allowing her to be the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. It would also be more conducive to finding her biological parents, although the latter was just a sliver of hope, because she didn’t remember where she came from before arriving in Beihai.

Dismissing these thoughts, Song Mingzhi looked at the gloomy sky outside the window, thinking it might rain tonight.

October, every autumn rain brings a chill.

Dong Ling had been busy all day yesterday, and coupled with lack of sleep, she woke up with a heavy head. After drinking some cold medicine, she felt much better, but still lacked energy.

However, when the housekeeper said a Miss Song was here to visit, Dong Ling immediately perked up.

In the study, Dong Ling spread out the contract again.

“This is too biased. Based on the usual commission for newcomers in entertainment companies, perhaps it could be 70/30.”

Song Mingzhi pointed to the contract and said, naturally meaning Dong Ling 70 and her 30.

“No! Sign it like this, please don’t refuse.”

As a capitalist, Dong Ling also wanted to sign it like this, but the task came first, and couldn’t be changed.

Song Mingzhi tentatively said: “How about 50/50?”

She had never been in a business negotiation like this before, where the other party was eager to give up profits.

Dong Ling still shook her head and looked at Song Mingzhi sincerely: “This is my sincerity, it won’t change, please accept it.”

Dong Ling’s heart was bleeding as she gave up the profits, crying to 021: [wuwuwu 021, I feel like a simp.]

Song Mingzhi’s face suddenly came closer. She leaned over the table, looked at Dong Ling, narrowed her eyes, and said word by word: “This makes me think you have ulterior motives towards me.”

A powerful and unfathomable aura emanated from Song Mingzhi, along with her light fragrance.

Dong Ling’s eyes widened and she vowed: “I absolutely have no ulterior motives. It’s like a violinist seeing a peerless instrument and wanting everyone to hear the beautiful music it can produce.”

[Task: Put your arm around the female lead’s waist for ten seconds and say the line. Completing this will increase the main storyline progress by 2%. Countdown: two minutes.]

The mechanical electronic voice suddenly rang out in Dong Ling’s mind, like a thunderclap ruining the moment.

Dong Ling: […Idiot, f*** me.]

Sooner or later, she was going to dismantle this broken system!