Chapter Sixty-One: This Industry Is Not Very Kind to Actresses

Chen Ling’s sudden apology left Liu Yan a bit stunned, especially with the effects of the alcohol starting to creep up on her. For a moment, she couldn’t quite register what Chen Ling had said, simply staring at him with wide, bewildered eyes.

“I was thinking only from a director’s perspective before, considering your figure and your accent for the role, without realizing that this character might leave an unfavorable label on your career. I’m sorry,” Chen Ling said sincerely. For an actor, especially a woman, being typecast could be a lifelong burden, and even male actors struggled to shake off such labels. He still remembered, in his previous life, watching a live broadcast of an award ceremony where a male actor, accepting his trophy, pleaded into the camera, “Directors, please stop offering me roles as adulterers, divorcees, or wife-beaters.” The helpless sorrow on his face was unforgettable. If it was so hard for a man, how much worse must it be for a woman—especially one as alluring as Liu Yan? The rumors would only multiply. In fact, in his previous life, the internet never lacked for gossip about Liu Yan, and this time, casting her as the bar girl would only fuel the flames. One comment from a netizen that “it doesn’t look like acting” would be impossible to refute, no matter how many explanations she gave.

“So that’s what you meant? You don’t have to apologize. To be honest, I’m very grateful you offered me a role. I’ve read the script; if I play it well, it’ll be quite a standout part.”

At this point, Liu Yan was still a little-known actress, usually playing minor roles in television dramas. To have so many scenes in Chen Ling’s film was already a rare opportunity for her.

“Or perhaps I could find someone else for the part?” From his time working with her, Chen Ling had come to know Liu Yan as diligent, hardworking, humble, and a bit naive. She wasn’t a bad person. If there was a chance to help her, he thought he should do it. At the very least, if she became more famous, she wouldn’t end up being deliberately thrown into a pool while acting as a bridesmaid for someone else.

“Director Chen, please don’t!” Liu Yan was startled by his suggestion. She had even given up her hosting gig at Guangxian just to impress Chen Ling, and now, with her big scene approaching, the director was talking about replacing her? All her hard work and time would be for nothing.

Besides, the shoot was already well underway, and among the remaining unassigned female roles, only Si Qing and the bar girl had substantial screen time. Si Qing’s role had already gone to Lin Zhiling, who had joined the cast and was more famous than Liu Yan—replacing her was impossible, and the resulting online backlash would be more than she could handle. The bar girl was the only role she could hold onto.

“I can do it well, Director Chen. I promise I’ll work hard.” The thought of losing her role sobered Liu Yan up quickly; she was so anxious she was on the verge of tears.

“I won’t replace you, don’t worry. I’m just concerned this role might bring you some negative attention.” Seeing how flustered she was, Chen Ling hastily reassured her. From Liu Yan’s behavior, he could guess her thoughts. For struggling actors, every step up in the entertainment world was hard-won. Wasn’t he the same in his previous life?

He also recalled that interview from before, where after the award-winner finished speaking, the next person to take the mic said, “All those roles he doesn’t want, I’d love to have.” What some people can’t reach, others take for granted.

Besides, if he abruptly replaced her, Wang Changtian at Guangxian would be furious; Liu Yan had been sent to build connections with Chen Ling. If she lost her role at the last minute, no matter what explanation Chen Ling offered, Wang Changtian wouldn’t treat Liu Yan kindly, and her future at Guangxian would be bleak.

“It must be tough for a woman with your figure to make it in this industry.” Looking at the older woman before him, so tense she was almost in tears, Chen Ling couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

“Yes, it really is tough.” As Liu Yan lowered her head and spoke in a subdued voice, a wild thought suddenly flashed through Chen Ling’s mind, startling even himself: “She probably really needs a comforting embrace right now.”

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Had he drunk too much? That shouldn’t be; he’d only had two beers, nowhere near his limit. Chen Ling glanced at the bottle in his hand, unwilling to confront his own thoughts.

“Do your best with this role. The public might misunderstand you at first, but it will get you plenty of exposure. If I find a better part for you in the future, I’ll keep you in mind.” Chen Ling lifted his bottle and took a long swig, suppressing the muddled thoughts in his head. He looked at Liu Yan earnestly.

“Thank you, Director Chen. Cheers to you.” Liu Yan clinked her bottle against his before downing it in one gulp, though she had reverted to calling him “Director Chen.”

“Take it easy on the drinks. Tomorrow’s scenes will be fantastic. Don’t you want to see why I chose Lin Zhiling for that role instead of you?” As soon as he saw Liu Yan’s dimmed expression, Chen Ling realized he’d put his foot in his mouth again.

“Sorry, that came out wrong.” He quickly apologized, worried she’d misinterpret his words. After all, it could easily sound like he was saying Liu Yan was only suited for flirtatious roles like the bar girl, and not fit to play a leading lady like Si Qing. That wasn’t what he meant at all!

“You don’t need to explain, junior. I understand—I won’t overthink it.” To his surprise, Liu Yan didn’t seem bothered at all and even addressed him cheerfully as “junior” again.

“Drank two bottles with the big director and landed two roles—what a deal.” With that, Liu Yan opened another bottle.

“I’ll keep you in mind. You won’t miss out.” They clinked bottles once more.

“Junior, can I ask you something?”

“Ask away. If it’s too much, I’ll refuse to answer,” Chen Ling joked, feeling relaxed after two beers and with the gentle night breeze blowing.

“Did you ever date Jing Tian? Have you broken up already?”

Seriously, do all women love gossip this much? The last person to ask this was Liu Yifei a month ago—also after some drinks. Why did women always get nosy after drinking?

“We dated, but then we broke up. Keep this to yourself, all right?”

“Of course, I’ll keep your secret.” Liu Yan faced the sea as she spoke, so Chen Ling couldn’t see her expression, but he could hear the happiness in her voice.

“I want to ask another question.”

“You’re like a walking encyclopedia!” Chen Ling could sense her burning curiosity.

“Was your album written for your ex-girlfriend?” Chen Ling was tempted to ask if Liu Yan and Liu Yifei were friends—their questions were identical.

“Yes!” He nodded. There was no point denying it; anyone could tell those songs were written during a young couple’s romance.

“Then Director Chen, could you tell me how you used that album to win your ex-girlfriend, and at the same time, how you managed to turn a top model from Taiwan into your devoted fan?”

He gazed into Liu Yan’s sparkling eyes and stole a quick glance at the silhouette of her figure beneath her pajamas. Draining the last of his beer, Chen Ling replied, “Lin Zhiling was just being polite, trying to build rapport.”

---

Without waiting to see her reaction, Chen Ling set the empty bottle down on the table, stood up, and said, “You’re getting tipsy. Go get some rest—I’m heading back.” Who knew what other questions she might ask if he stayed any longer? Time to make a quick escape.

He didn’t wait for Liu Yan to respond, turning and walking back to his room, leaving her sitting alone, gazing at his retreating figure with a complicated look in her eyes.

She recalled Wang Changtian’s previous words to her. Now, she seemed to understand what he’d meant.

As Chen Ling returned to his room, he unexpectedly ran into Lin Zhiling, who was also heading back.

“Zhiling, you’re still up this late?” He couldn’t help but scan her outfit: an oversized casual shirt, one side tucked into a pair of hot pants, confirming that she was indeed wearing something on her lower half, even if the shorts were tiny. The loose shirt, tucked in, looked a bit tight and only accentuated her impressive curves.

Impressive curves, long legs—how dangerously enticing! It was enough to make his mouth water.

“Couldn’t sleep, so I went out to the terrace for some air.” Lin Zhiling didn’t seem at all surprised to encounter Chen Ling. Her voice was as sweet and gentle as ever.

“Out on the terrace? How come I didn’t see you earlier?”

The terrace wasn’t that big. He was sure only he and Liu Yan had been there—where could a third person have hidden? The lights had been on; he and Liu Yan couldn’t have missed another living soul.

“I was on the second-floor terrace.” Lin Zhiling gave him a playful wink.

Ah, the second-floor terrace. He hadn’t gone near the edge, so if she’d been quiet, it was natural he hadn’t noticed her. But that meant she’d probably overheard his entire conversation with Liu Yan—he’d even discussed her. Thankfully, nothing inappropriate had been said, right?

“So, you didn’t hear my conversation with Liu Yan just now?” Chen Ling decided it would be best to clarify.

“What do you think?” Lin Zhiling brushed her hair back and smiled mischievously.

Her answer left Chen Ling a bit flustered, but he could tell she had definitely overheard them.

“Well, I…”

“Get some rest, Director Chen. Tomorrow I’m counting on you to make my scenes shine! And I’m also quite curious why you agreed to let me play that character.”

All right, she definitely heard. Chen Ling couldn’t help but rub his forehead in mild embarrassment. Still, as he watched Lin Zhiling walk away, he had no intention of chasing after her to explain himself. He hadn’t said anything bad—there was nothing to explain.

Besides, he was the director. What did he have to explain to anyone?