In the conference room of Xingyue Media, the beam from the projector cast light on everyone's faces. The PowerPoint displayed the project plan for Sweet Journey—a top-tier urban romance drama funded by Global Pictures, directed by Wang Mingcai, winner of the Golden Rose Award, and adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name.
"This is an incredible opportunity," said Zhou Yan, the head of the film and television department, tapping the table. "Global campany wants us to recommend someone with strong appeal, preferably an influencer who can act, to test the market's response."
A murmur of discussion filled the room. Xingyue had plenty of influencers under its banner, but few who could successfully cross over into acting.
"What about Nan Zhi?" Emma, the head of the talent management department, flipped through her files. "She has over 20 million followers, great public appeal, and in person, she's even more stunning than on screen—definitely capable of holding up under the scrutiny of the big screen."
Zhou Yan nodded. "She's definitely the best choice."
The lighting in the makeup room was warm and soft. Nan Zhi sat in front of the mirror, her lashes half-done, when hurried footsteps suddenly approached.
The door burst open with a bang as Mr. King rushed in like a gust of wind, excitement practically radiating from his every expression.
"Nan Zhi!" He kept his voice low but couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "The company has decided—they want you for Sweet Journey! The second female lead, a gentle and intelligent career woman. It's a major role!"
"Sweet Journey?" My hand paused mid-motion, the mascara wand nearly smudging my eyelid. I remembered that novel—I had followed it years ago when it was serialized online. The plot was light yet engaging, the characters well-rounded, and that second female lead, graceful and wise, never groveling, ended up being even more sympathetic than the heroine.
And now, as Nan Zhi, I actually had the chance to play a beloved character from a novel I adored.
But—
"I have zero acting experience," I said, putting down the mascara wand with a frown.
Mr. King waved it off. "That doesn't matter. The company isn't expecting an Oscar-worthy performance. What they want is your current popularity—you're the show's marketing hook."
I picked up the script beside me and began flipping through it quickly.
"Oh, and," Mr. King leaned in, lowering his voice, "there's a minor role in the show—the second female lead's colleague, just a few scenes. The company said you could recommend someone for it."
My fingers stilled on the script as the character came to mind—the cunning third female lead, outwardly innocent but secretly in love with the male lead, later interfering with the main couple's relationship.
"Got anyone in mind?" Mr. King asked.
I closed the script, a faint smile curling my lips. "Qingqian Baby."
"What? Cast Qingqian Baby as the homewrecker?" Mr. King frowned. "With her current reputation…"
"Perfect, isn't it?" I said with a smile. "This role needs controversy. The more the audience hates her, the better her performance. Plus, her look fits the character."
Mr. King smirked meaningfully. "Well, the higher-ups said it's up to you. She'll do, I guess."
Zhou Yuqing clutched the script in her hands, her heartbeat quickening. She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—Sweet Journey was a massively popular IP, with guaranteed ratings and buzz.
But when she skimmed the character description, her face darkened instantly—the other woman.
She looked up at her assistant, her voice laced with frustration and resistance. "I've already had scandals in this area before. Playing this kind of role… how could I? I won't do it!"
With that, she tossed the script aside decisively, her tone resolute.
The assistant cautiously tried to persuade her. "Our follower count hasn't even hit a million yet. This is a great chance for exposure—don't throw it away. You know how important visibility is. Opportunities like this don't come often."
Zhou Yuqing's brow furrowed, her gaze wavering slightly. She knew the assistant was right. She did need the buzz and exposure, and her current resources were far from enough.
After a long pause, she slowly reached out and picked up the script again, her expression firming.
"Infamy is still fame," she repeated to herself. "No matter what, I'll give it a shot."