Chapter Fifty-Six: The Most Beautiful Woman in Wanwan

The filming of the movie progressed steadily day by day. That afternoon, just as Chen Ling finished a scene, he spotted his assistant waving at him from a distance, holding a phone. It looked like a call meant for him. Chen Ling hurried over, glanced at the screen—it was a call from Chen Zhixi.

"Zhixi, I'm listening," he said.

Apart from the first couple of days when Chen Zhixi was present on set, she had spent most of her time searching for an actress suitable to play Siqing. Chen Zhixi was determined—since Yang Mi had dropped out, she would find someone just as famous, or even more so, to replace her. Yet it was no easy feat to find an actress whose popularity rivaled Yang Mi’s, and so the role had been delayed for several days. Chen Ling guessed that today’s call was probably about this matter.

"Oh, her? Yes, I know her—a famous model from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Is she willing to join the cast?"

As expected, Chen Zhixi was calling about that role. Chen Ling had certainly heard of the candidate she mentioned. Her fame was substantial; it surprised him that she was willing to play a supporting role in his film.

In fact, when first considering the role, she had been his top choice, but he refrained from inviting her due to her celebrity status. Now, by some twist of fate, she had agreed.

"She'll join the crew in a couple of days? That’s fine, but the scenes with her character are about to be shot. If she's willing, she’ll need to arrive promptly."

For this project, the entire crew was highly efficient, and filming was moving ahead faster than Chen Ling had anticipated. The scenes involving the “Kill Matt” character were coming up soon, and in less than twenty days since the cameras started rolling, progress was already several days ahead of schedule. They had originally estimated two months to wrap, but now it seemed it could finish half a month early, barring any surprises.

...

In a luxurious apartment in Taiwan, Lin Zhiling—known as the island’s most beautiful woman—was lying on the sofa, talking to her agent. Her long nightgown draped gracefully over her legs, which swung back and forth, revealing straight, slender limbs—perfectly matching the requirements Chen Ling had in mind for his film.

"I'm joining the crew in three days? That's so soon."

"Yes, no problem. I’ll set out tomorrow and meet you in Beijing."

After ending the call, Lin Zhiling buried her head in the sofa, apparently preparing for another nap.

...

"Did you find someone for Siqing?" While Chen Ling was still on the phone, he hadn’t moved far, and his voice was loud enough for Liu Yan to overhear.

"More or less—a model from Taiwan," Chen Ling replied, putting away his phone. Since Chen Zhixi had called to confirm, there was no need to keep it secret.

Chen Ling had gained new respect for Chen Zhixi’s abilities. From assembling the crew, arranging auditions, and coordinating schedules, to negotiating product placements for the film, she had demonstrated the skills of a seasoned producer, not a newcomer. The smooth progress of filming owed much to her efforts.

"A Taiwanese model? Can you tell me who? Indulge your sister’s curiosity," Liu Yan pressed, even more intrigued since Chen Ling hadn’t mentioned a name. She had auditioned for Siqing herself but was rejected by Chen Ling, who gave her the role of Sasha, the bar girl. Liu Yan had studied the script and believed Siqing suited her well. But the director’s decision was final, and Wang Changtian had advised her to maintain good relations with Chen Ling, so she accepted Sasha, though she still felt a bit disgruntled. Siqing only required beauty and a good figure, didn’t she fit the bill? Was she not beautiful enough? Did the director’s taste simply not align with hers? In these times, weren’t younger men supposed to prefer older women?

When the cast list was released and Yang Mi was announced for Siqing, Liu Yan assumed it was due to Yang Mi’s fame, not her looks or figure—Liu Yan didn’t consider herself inferior in those respects.

Liu Yan’s own rise to fame was tied to her figure. Once, as a host, the organizers had prepared dresses that highlighted her curves. Her figure was indeed striking; after that event, she became a sensation, and from then on, “sexy figure” became synonymous with Liu Yan. Whether acting or hosting, she always wore form-fitting clothes. She was frustrated—she longed to shed that label by proving herself through talent, but as a minor host struggling to make her mark, what could she do? To shake off the “sexy” tag, she needed not just skill, but luck and opportunity.

Having accepted reality, Liu Yan tried to leverage her figure to land a role, only to be rejected—an enormous blow to her pride. So, she was curious who would replace Yang Mi.

"Lin Zhiling," Chen Ling replied, having guessed at Liu Yan’s motivations—typical female competitiveness.

The moment Liu Yan heard the name, the light in her eyes dimmed. Of course she knew who Lin Zhiling was; like herself, Lin Zhiling was a host, but she had started as a model and was dubbed Taiwan’s top beauty, the number one supermodel.

Liu Yan had met Lin Zhiling in person. Though Liu Yan considered herself attractive, it depended on whom she was compared to. Both had crossed over into acting, but Lin Zhiling had already played leading roles in blockbusters like "Red Cliff," while Liu Yan was still stuck in minor supporting roles. No comparison—she was utterly outmatched.

Seeing Liu Yan’s spirits droop, Chen Ling smiled—she’d been struck by the news, it seemed.

Looking around to ensure no one from the crew was watching, Chen Ling beckoned Liu Yan closer. Puzzled but obedient, Liu Yan stepped near him.

Today, Liu Yan wore a loose white sweatshirt. As she approached, from Chen Ling’s vantage point, he caught a glimpse down her collar—a flash of dazzling white nearly blinded him.

Chen Ling swallowed hard, instinctively wanting to avert his gaze, but seeing Liu Yan’s head bowed, apparently oblivious, he only partially looked away before sneaking another glance. The more he looked, the more appealing it seemed.

Unbeknownst to Chen Ling, Liu Yan’s cheeks were flushed as well. Clearly, she had seen something she shouldn’t, though from her angle, head bowed, what could she possibly see?

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Chen Ling leaned in and whispered into Liu Yan’s ear, "Liu Yan, your looks and figure are perfectly suited for the role of Siqing. In my eyes, you’re no less than Lin Zhiling, but..."

He deliberately paused. Noticing Liu Yan hadn’t responded as he expected, he was puzzled but didn’t dwell on it. Swallowing again, he stared and said,

"But, Liu Yan, your legs are a bit thick—not quite right for the part."

With reluctance, Chen Ling shifted his gaze and turned toward the crew, carefully adjusting his trousers to avoid notice. College students really couldn’t handle much excitement. He’d only been apart from his girlfriend for a few days—showbiz truly was dangerous.

He missed the sight of Liu Yan’s face, now crimson, her gaze behind him shy and full of affection. Clearly, Chen Ling’s little gestures had not escaped her notice.

Neither of them realized that ever since Chen Ling started taking the call, someone from the crew had been watching their every move.

...

"According to our reporter, the role vacated by Yang Mi in the 'Heart Blossoms' crew will be filled by Taiwan’s top model, Lin Zhiling."

"As of press time, neither Chen Ling Films nor Lin Zhiling herself has responded."

...

That afternoon, on set,

"Director Chen, is Lin Zhiling really joining our crew?" Shen Teng’s eyes sparkled as he read the news on his phone.

"Who? Lin Zhiling?" Before Chen Ling could answer, Xu Zheng—known for his lecherous reputation—hurried over to peer at the message.

"She’s already posted on Weibo—she’ll join the crew soon, and looks forward to working with talented young mainland directors," Guo Fan chimed in, holding up his phone.

So, it was settled, and she’d already announced it herself.

"Zhixi only confirmed it with her today, so she’ll probably join in two days. You’re all celebrating a bit prematurely," Chen Ling remarked as the crew, finished with the day’s shoot, eagerly checked their phones.

"A bunch of lechers—haven’t you seen a beautiful woman before? Our crew has no shortage of beauties," Chen Ling said, grabbing a bottle of water and sitting beside Liu Yifei. "Isn’t that right, Yifei?"

"Of course you’re right, you little pervert!" Liu Yifei snapped in a low voice, turning away. Though quiet, the tone was unmistakably fierce.

"Cough, cough—what’s that supposed to mean? I was complimenting you!" Chen Ling nearly spat out his water, baffled by Liu Yifei’s reaction. He scratched his head, unable to figure out how he’d ended up being called a pervert.

Only when his gaze fell on Liu Yan did he begin to piece things together. "No way... my reputation!"