I Love Her Because She’s Dim-Witted And Filthy Rich - Chapter 1

March, Beijing.

Duan Bainian was packing her luggage. She was leaving for Hengdian tomorrow for a three-month shoot of a Qing Dynasty time-travel drama.

Her manager called. “The female lead role for your Qing drama has been snatched away. The production team asked if you’d be willing to play the second female lead instead. The salary will be 20% higher than what was in the original contract, and they promised to revise the script to add more scenes and lines for you.”

Duan Bainian was stunned. “They’re changing the lead right before filming starts?”

The manager couldn’t help but vent, “That’s why web dramas are unreliable. From now on, I’ll try my best to get you scripts with guaranteed quality.”

Duan Bainian still couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. “And the salary increased by 20%? Playing the second lead but getting paid more than the first? Is the production team really that wealthy?”

The manager replied, “Hah, right now the crew isn’t short on money at all. The female lead who was air-dropped in is reportedly bringing her own funding to the production; that’s why they have the money to raise your pay. Just tell me if you’ll do it or not. If not, I’ll go talk to them about compensation for the breach of contract.”

Duan Bainian pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a bit weary. “I’ll do it. Even if they compensate me, it’s just that bit of money. The problem is, do I even have the luxury of choice right now?”

The manager agreed, “I thought so too. There’s work to do, the money isn’t less, so let’s not be picky.”

Duan Bainian sighed, “Yeah, I’ll do it.”

“Oh, right,” the manager added, “Since you’re staying on, I need to give you a heads-up. You’ll definitely have to deal with this newcomer lead, so don’t take it to heart. It’s best to just get along harmoniously.”

Duan Bainian said helplessly, “Don’t worry. Have you ever seen me lose my temper with anyone?”

The manager gave a dry laugh. “That’s good, that’s good.”

Duan Bainian hung up the phone and stuffed her last down jacket into the suitcase, standing still for a long while.

She had just had her birthday before the New Year, officially entering her 24th year. This was the fifth year since her debut.

She had studied vocal music in university. When she was 19, she accompanied her roommate to a certain singing competition show. Her roommate was tragically eliminated in the national rounds, but she had accidentally stumbled her way into the top three.

That summer, Duan Bainian’s popularity was unparalleled.

Back then, she lacked experience and muddled her way into signing a management contract. Little did she know that the company wouldn’t even deliver on a quarter of what was promised in the contract. After being famous for less than a year, she quickly faded into obscurity.

The music market was already in a slump, and it was incredibly difficult to survive solely through music. Having no other choice, Duan Bainian accepted her manager’s arrangement and began the path of an actress, taking on roles as the third or fourth female lead as a newcomer.

In the blink of an eye, four years had passed. She was still revolving around supporting roles, though she had moved up from the third and fourth lead to the second. With this drama, she thought she was finally getting a female lead script, but she never expected to be usurped right before filming.

Whether a person becomes famous or not is, perhaps, truly a matter of fate.

The next morning, her assistant, Xiao Yuan, arrived at her home and began carrying bags large and small toward the airport.

Xiao Yuan had received a call from the manager that morning, telling her not to talk out of turn or make a fool of herself once they reached the set. That was how she found out her artist’s role had been changed.

Xiao Yuan looked indignant. “An air-dropped female lead with her own funding… who knows where that money came from! It’s probably ‘selling-herself’ money from clinging to some big shot’s thigh! I really don’t understand the entertainment industry these days. Is being a ‘canary’ so blatant now?”

Duan Bainian smiled. “It’s fine to say those things in front of me, but once we get to Hengdian, you mustn’t speak recklessly. You’ll offend people.”

Xiao Yuan huffed, “I know! I’m just venting right now, otherwise, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop myself from snapping at that canary when I see her.”

After a day of traveling, the two finally sat in the car sent by the production crew at 5:00 PM.

The driver explained while driving, “Sister Bainian, I’ll drop you two off at the hotel first to put away your luggage, then I’ll take you to the dinner location. The director arranged a gathering for 8:00 PM tonight.”

Duan Bainian smiled. “Thank you for the trouble.”

Upon reaching the hotel, Xiao Yuan couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, the room is so big! I love this balcony!”

Duan Bainian followed her in. The entrance led to a living room with an open-air balcony beyond it. To the left was the bathroom, and to the right were two bedrooms side-by-side.

Duan Bainian put down her luggage. “Stop looking. The driver is still waiting downstairs.”

Xiao Yuan sighed. “Just thinking about having to see that nauseating canary makes my mood turn sour instantly.”

Duan Bainian gave Xiao Yuan a slight warning glare. “Stop it. Walls have ears.”

Xiao Yuan stuck out her tongue. “I know, I know.”

At 7:40 PM, the driver dropped the two off at the dinner location, a specialty Sichuan restaurant.

As soon as they reached the third floor, they were greeted by the director. The director was slightly plump, and his features squeezed together when he smiled. “Bainian, you’re here! It’s been a few months, and you’ve gotten even prettier!”

Duan Bainian smiled gently. “Long time no see, Director Zhang. It’s fate to work together a second time. I’ll have to trouble you to look after me.”

The director agreed heartily, then quietly pulled Duan Bainian aside. “Bainian, the main cast will all be here shortly. Um… I mainly wanted to talk to you first. I was worried you might have some hard feelings about the last-minute role change.”

Duan Bainian tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. “Director, you’re overthinking it. If I had hard feelings, I wouldn’t have accepted the adjustment to play the second lead. Don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble for anyone.”

One thing the director liked about Duan Bainian was that she was very sensible.

He patted Duan Bainian on the shoulder. “Don’t you worry, I’ll have the screenwriter add more to your role. Come! Let’s go in and eat!”

When they pushed the door open, a few young actors were already scattered around the room. Duan Bainian didn’t recognize them; they were likely newcomers. She greeted them with a smile and had Xiao Yuan distribute small gifts to everyone. “It’s our first time meeting. These gifts aren’t expensive, just a small token of my appreciation. I hope we get along well in the future!”

The young actors all offered their thanks. Since they were all young and the male and female leads hadn’t arrived yet, Duan Bainian was the one with the highest status. Because she seemed gentle and easy to get along with, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

A moment later, the male lead, Wu Yang, arrived. Seeing Duan Bainian, Wu Yang took the initiative to come forward and greet her. “Hello, Bainian.”

Wu Yang was a senior, so Duan Bainian hurriedly stood up. “Hello, Teacher Wu!”

Wu Yang smiled. “I’ve long heard that you’re hardworking and have great acting skills. Since we’ll have so many scenes together, I’ll be looking to you for guidance.”

Duan Bainian looked at Wu Yang in surprise. Did this man not know that the female lead had been replaced?

She turned her gaze toward the director, asking with her eyes what was going on.

The director looked embarrassed. “Um, Teacher Wu, I forgot to tell you. Due to some reasons, there’s been a slight adjustment to the roles. The female lead will be played by Su Miao. She will be the one doing those scenes with you.”

Wu Yang froze for a second. “Su Miao? What roles has she played? Am I just ill-informed? How come I’ve never heard of her?”

The director smiled. “She’s a newcomer and doesn’t have any works yet. However, her potential is good, which is why the company is promoting her. She’ll be here in a moment, and you can get to know each other!”

A flash of disdain crossed Wu Yang’s face. “Bringing her own funding?”

The director laughed it off. “Why talk about that? Teacher Wu, please sit down. Isn’t standing tiring?”

The director didn’t give a direct answer, but Wu Yang filled in the blanks himself, naturally looking down on Su Miao a bit more in his heart.

Because of this exchange, the atmosphere at the table suddenly fell into a weird silence.

At that moment, a voice came from the doorway. “Sorry, everyone. I’m late.”