Lin Xia had crossed over.
He'd become a D-list celebrity in the entertainment industry.
He originally thought he could easily rise to the A-list by copying hit songs and screenplays from his previous life, then win a Golden Horse Award, marry a superstar, enjoy all the "hidden perks," and reach the pinnacle of life.
But reality gave him a polite yet unmistakable slap in the face.
He had crossed over, but this world's entertainment industry was just as developed as the one he'd left behind.
In music, artists like Jay Chou and Jolin Tsai were already internet sensations, and even viral网红 songs were just as familiar here.
In film, blockbusters like Wolf Warrior and The Wandering Earth were household names.
In animation, classics like Balala the Fairies, Peppa Pig, and Boonie Bears dominated the children's market.
So…
If he wanted to rise from D-list to A-list, he'd have to rely on his own efforts.
Even so, he did possess a face so handsome it was second only to you, dear readers.
But when it came to singing and acting, he was utterly hopeless. As for creativity? Don't even get him started—it was a disaster.
The company had signed him purely for his looks.
Later, when they discovered Lin Xia couldn't carry a tune and his acting was better left unmentioned…
Well, Lin Xia had been left to languish on the sidelines ever since.
His daily task was to show up at the company, clock in, and collect his base salary.
If the company had any gigs or promotions, as long as the top-tier artists didn't mess up, there was basically no chance for him.
To put it bluntly, he wasn't even qualified to guard the water cooler.
If nothing unexpected happened, once his contract expired, it would basically be time to part ways with the company.
This kind of thing was actually common in the entertainment industry—just standard practice.
Lin Xia wasn't entirely unable to accept it.
At least he still had that base salary.
It's just that the salary was a little low.
...
As everyone knows, the treatment of D-list actors in the entertainment industry
is actually worse than that of an ordinary salesperson.
Of course, female actors are exceptions—they have various avenues for other side hustles.
They jet around the globe, and their daily schedules are no less packed than those of A-list celebrities.
But they earn their money through hard work—it's tough, so there's no need to envy them.
So, to make a living, Lin Xia had no choice but to start looking for other part-time jobs.
And when he started his first side hustle…
The golden finger every transmigrator is destined to receive finally arrived.
Lin Xia activated a lottery system.
Every day, he could draw one skill, which could include but was not limited to creativity, singing, acting, etc.
Lin Xia shuddered with excitement, his heart racing.
Wasn't this the perfect template for success?
Winning a Golden Horse Award, marrying a superstar, enjoying all the hidden perks, and reaching the pinnacle of life were surely just around the corner.
However, after his first draw, the system slapped him in the face once again.
The first skill he drew…
Was Dishwashing Proficiency.
How utterly absurd!
Dishwashing proficiency? Who did the system think he was?
But when Lin Xia tested the skill…
Well, you had to admit, it was pretty useful.
In every movement, he exuded two words—
Professionalism!!
He left the aunties who'd been washing dishes for years utterly stunned.
Still, Lin Xia only did the job for one day—it was too hard on his back.
He was still young and couldn't afford to wreck his body like that.
How would he give injections to girls later if he wore himself out?
After all, he'd dreamed since childhood of becoming an excellent family doctor.
Fortunately, the system was considerate—he could draw a new skill every day.
"Just wait—I'm bound to draw an entertainment-related skill sooner or later!" Lin Xia was full of confidence.
But after a month, Lin Xia was numb.
Thirty draws in thirty days, and all thirty were life skills.
Not a single one had anything to do with the entertainment industry!
What was the point of even trying?!
Life is tough, so Lin Xia hustles.
To survive, Lin Xia had no choice but to seek another way out.
While using the skills he drew for part-time work, he also started live streaming on a platform.
Since he got a new skill every day, trying out different professions could bring his audience a fresh experience.
Over time, the number of fans in his live stream had far surpassed his following in the entertainment industry.
After completing the daily check-in task at the company,
Lin Xia left and immediately activated that day's draw.
"Heavenly spirits, earthly spirits, grant me a master-level singing voice or acting skills! Or even songwriting or screenwriting would do!"
[Ding! Draw successful. Congratulations, host, on obtaining Lockpicking Proficiency!]
Lin Xia: …
Thanks, I'm over it. Never want to set foot in the entertainment industry again.
Lin Xia had completely given up.
The system initially promised skills including but not limited to creativity, singing, acting, etc.
Now, it seemed the "etc." was very flexible.
He'd even drawn Lockpicking Proficiency, but still hadn't gotten a single skill actually useful in the entertainment industry.
But by now, Lin Xia had grown accustomed to it.
He realized that experiencing different professions was actually quite enjoyable.
After all, acting stems from life. He was now confident that if it were a contest of acting out dishwashing, he could absolutely crush those popular rising stars in the industry.
As for the little dark chickens? They didn't stand a chance.
So, he took out his phone and started that day's live stream.
No other choice—a man's gotta eat.
[Day 33 of Experiencing 360 Professions: Today, the streamer's side hustle is…]
As the live stream notification went out, fans flooded into the room.
"Wow, it's already Day 33? What's the streamer's side hustle today?"
"I think he should go be an extra. With his looks, it's a waste not to act."
"Don't joke—last time, a top fan asked him to perform a talent. After seeing his impromptu acting, the fan almost got carried away on a stretcher."
"Pffft, really? That iconic? Then he should go work at a funeral parlor. I heard the pay is good."
"Nice, I love these down-to-earth side hustles."
"You're already egging him on? Count me in!"
"Funeral parlor side hustle +1"
"+2"
"…"
Watching the comments scroll by,
Lin Xia's lips twitched. What's with the funeral parlor obsession?
The vibe there was too heavy—he couldn't handle it.
As for being an extra, he was too embarrassed to admit he was already a registered artist.
He'd just never appeared on the big screen, that's all. Thinking about it brought tears to his eyes.
Lin Xia smiled at the camera and said, "Today, the streamer will be experiencing the profession of lockpicking. Any viewers nearby who've locked themselves out? Small business, fair prices—200 bucks per service!"
The moment he finished speaking, the live chat erupted.
"Wow, really? For 200 bucks, you'll come to my door? I want it!"
"Honey, come quick—I locked myself out. And while you're at it, help me unclog the drain."
"Hey, when you say 'drain,' is it the proper kind?"
"Let's be real, regardless of whether it's proper, aren't you guys all dudes using this gag? That's kinda creepy."
"Who's a dude? I'm a lady—and I've got long legs, too."
"Whoa! There are actually female viewers in this stream?"
"Inserting an ad: I specialize in drain unclogging with 20 years of experience. 200 for one session, 500 for three. DM me if interested!"
"Same as above +1!"
"Same as above +1!"
"The gatekeeper uncle: I heard there are drain uncloggers here? Our public toilet is blocked—can you fix it?"
"All viewers: …"
…
…