The Counterattack Plan of A Villain With Ten Thousand Fans - Chapter 341 (Patreon)

Chapter 341: Extra Story 6

"Thank you," Ling Chunann took the water cup in his hand, the lid already open and the temperature just right. He took a sip and handed the insulated cup back.

Zhong Lian took the cup but didn't leave. Ling Chunann looked up at him, passing over a puzzled look.

The youth's pitch-black eyes were clear and penetrating, seemingly filled with his own reflection as he looked over. Having just drunk water, his pink lips appeared particularly moist, almost inviting a kiss. Zhong Lian's hand holding the cup trembled slightly. "It's okay, the makeup room is free now, I'll take you there."

By then, the male lead who had passed by was nowhere to be seen. Ling Chunann, seemingly contemplative, glanced in the direction the male lead had left, adjusted his sleeves, and stood up to follow Zhong Lian.

"Host, I think your agent seems a bit odd." Perhaps because of Ling Chunann's past experiences in the initial world, 098 was very attentive to this species known as agents.

"What's odd?" Ling Chunann asked.

098 was momentarily at a loss for words. With its programmed experience, it struggled with complex questions. "…I can't quite put my finger on it."

"I think he has a crush on me," Ling Chunann said nonchalantly, startling 098 before it could respond. He continued, "But he's much handsomer than my previous agent, and he has a good personality and cooks delicious meals. Being secretly adored by such a handsome guy feels quite fulfilling, so I allow him to have a crush on me."

Listening to his host's proudly satisfied tone, 098 didn't know what to say. It had been worried about psychological shadows on the host, but it turned out those concerns were unnecessary. However, it seemed to have forgotten that there was still a jealous 'jar' at home.

Ling Chunann had good makeup. As the makeup artist put it, applying makeup on his face was simply a waste of natural beauty. So, in the end, Ling Chunann just changed his outfit and returned to the set.

By then, the first scene had already begun another round of shooting. The director was on the verge of exploding, and all the crew members were walking on eggshells, barely daring to breathe.

Ling Chunann sat down at the seat arranged by Zhong Lian, where his considerate agent had placed a cup of chilled fruit juice for him. He took a sip through the straw and began watching the female lead's performance.

The male lead, despite being a young idol, was quite skilled, perfectly portraying the bad boy vibe. This, coupled with repeated takes due to the female lead's mistakes, allowed him to perform even more adeptly. Soon, it was again the female lead's turn to mess up, and everyone held their breath as she lifted her head.

Sure enough, the next moment the director's voice, full of fury, resounded across the set, "Cut! Su Manqing! The female lead is supposed to be pure! Pure! Not a lady of the evening! Who are you trying to seduce with that look? Do you even know what acting is? If you can't act, don't waste everyone's time here. Think it over tonight, and if you can't manage the right expression by tomorrow, you might as well pack up and leave. We can't afford such a big Buddha in our small troupe!"

Replacing the female lead on the first day was unheard of in the industry. The expressions of those looking at Su Manqing were sympathetic, yet many couldn't help but take pleasure in her misfortune. Those in the know were aware she had been pushed into this position by some bigwig. Any goodwill previously bought by her looks had long since evaporated after numerous failed takes, as most were here just to make a living, constantly hindered by her delays.

Su Manqing's face was pale. Her magical powers were already low, barely enough to maintain a human form, let alone retract her innate aura. Now, she had no magic to charm others to improve her image. This was the first time she faced such undisguised disdain from so many, and she saw Ling Chunann sitting in a corner, feeling both ashamed and resentful.

Since her arrival in human society, she had never had it all smooth sailing, but with Tan Anchen protecting her, no one dared show her disrespect. The only person who had dared, Tan Anyue, had been driven out by Tan Anchen and smeared thoroughly.

But now, Tan Anyue had entered the same drama crew and had seen her embarrass herself in front of so many. It was unbearable.

098 said, "Host, please be aware..."

Before 098 could finish, Zhong Lian had already walked over, effectively blocking the malicious gaze of the female lead, "Xiao Yue, the director is calling you over."

Due to the severe errors by the female lead

, and with Ling Chunann present, the director advanced his scenes.

Those on set knew somewhat of Ling Chunann’s reputation, especially the point about his poor acting, which made them even more anxious. They didn't ask for much, just for Ling Chunann to hold his character; even if he showed no expression, it would still be preferable to the forcibly included female lead.

At that moment, not everyone knew that Ling Chunann had also been forced into the crew, so quite a few were encouraging him, while the few who knew the truth were almost in tears. No wonder the director was so irritable; who would be happy having two decorative vases forced into major roles?

Su Manqing did not leave but found a corner to sit down, staring straight at Ling Chunann.

Others might not understand her mentality, but Ling Chunann was all too clear—it was nothing but a desire to see him embarrass himself for her own satisfaction. But he was determined not to give her that satisfaction.

Acting was not a pressure for Ling Chunann; moreover, the character he chose was not much different from Tan Anyue's identity, basically requiring him to just be himself. Two scenes went smoothly, and the director showed him a few more smiles. The crew members were also delighted, surprised that the so-called decorative vase could actually act, and even act well. Who had been spreading false rumors before?

After the scenes, Ling Chunann took the towel handed over by Zhong Lian and wiped his sweat, flashing Su Manqing a radiant smile.

Su Manqing nearly crushed the mineral water bottle in her hand.

After teasing the fox spirit female lead, Ling Chunann returned to the changing room to change his clothes. When he came out, Su Manqing had already left, and Zhong Lian was standing not far from the changing room, surrounded by several crew members chatting incessantly, to which Zhong Lian responded with a good-natured smile.

Ling Chunann, with his arms crossed, leaned against the wall lazily watching the exceptionally eye-catching man in the crowd. Sensing his gaze, Zhong Lian looked over at him and quickly made his way through the crowd towards him, "Work's done for today. Shall I take you home?"

Ever since Zhong Lian became his agent, he had also become his exclusive driver. A few days ago, Ling Chunann had moved to a villa in the eastern suburbs. Every time they went out, Zhong Lian would first drop him off before going home, so his offer was nothing unusual.

Ling Chunann shook his head, "Not just yet. My brother might be looking for trouble today; I might have to stop by the old house later."

Thinking of the elder brother he had never met, Ling Chunann felt somewhat intrigued.

Zhong Lian was silent for a few seconds, "Need help?"

"No need," Ling Chunann waved his hand, then suddenly changed the topic, "By the way, Lian, I want to eat watermelon shaved ice. Can you make it?"

As Ling Chunann had expected, it wasn't half an hour before a call from Tan Anchen rang out. Ling Chunann scooped a spoonful of shaved ice into his mouth, the sweet and cool sensation slightly narrowing his eyes, having a versatile agent was truly wonderful. While thinking, Ling Chunann answered the call.

"Where are you?" The voice on the other end was particularly cold.

"At a café across from the set," Ling Chunann casually said.

"Mm." Then the call ended.

098: "…"

Although Tan Anchen was one of the male leads, he definitely wasn't a big shot. If he were, he would be utterly devoted to the host. Such coldness definitely spelled trouble.

"Don't rush it; we haven't even met yet," Ling Chunann casually comforted.

Having not met yet wouldn't be so cold, 098 was sure of that.

After scooping the last spoonful of watermelon into his mouth, Ling Chunann stood up and called out to Zhong Lian, who was sitting nearby working on a laptop, "I'm hungry, let's go eat."

"Alright."

"Host, aren't you waiting for Tan Anchen?" 098 asked.

"Did he just ask me to wait for him?" Ling Chunann countered.

"No."

"Well then, that settles it. Where I go is none of his business."

Watching Ling Chunann leave confidently, 098 still felt something was off until Ling Chunann and Zhong Lian exited the café. Just then, Tan Anchen's tone had clearly been one of wanting to come over and have a serious talk about life.

Tan Anchen chasing after him and not finding anyone temporarily put aside, Ling Chunann fastened his seat belt, Zhong Lian started the car, but before he could drive off, they were stopped by someone.

The newcomer was dressed in a trench coat and wore a mask and sunglasses, his face thoroughly covered,

 obviously the standard celebrity disguise, but his good figure was still apparent.

"Host, it's He Jingqing," 098 said.

He Jingqing, one of the male leads, a superstar actor in the entertainment industry well-known far beyond national borders, a national heartthrob. He had appeared outside the set that morning, and unexpectedly, they had run into him again. What a coincidence.

Seeing Ling Chunann looking at him, He Jingqing took off his sunglasses and winked at him, "My car broke down, can I catch a ride with you?"

"098, I might be falling in love again," Ling Chunann couldn't help but rub his ears, enchanted by his voice.

098: "…Host, maybe he's the big shot."

"Maybe. We'll see. If he looks good, I'll favor him."

After finishing their exchange, Ling Chunann immediately got out of the car and climbed into the back seat, waving He Jingqing over, "Get in."

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