The Canary and Little Cannon Fodder [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 18

At two o’clock the following afternoon, Bo Shuyi finished her makeup and changed into her costume, preparing to film her first scene of the day.

It was currently the hottest part of the day, with the temperature reaching 36°C. This scene was an outdoor shoot featuring a confrontation between Bo Shuyi and the second female lead, Ling Ruoying.

Their dressing rooms were adjacent. When Bo Shuyi stepped out, she happened to run into Ling Ruoying. Ling Ruoying smiled the moment she saw her. “Beauty Bo, your reputation precedes you.”

The sarcasm in Ling Ruoying’s eyes was entirely undisguised. One did not need to guess to know that the reputation she referred to was that of a vase beauty.

She knew Bo Shuyi had Lin Nanyun as a backer, but she was no pushover herself. Her own backing was one of the investors for Starlight for You, Yun Juan Yun Shu Film Investment, which owned the famous Yi Shu Screenwriter Studio.

As a newcomer, Ling Ruoying had secured the role of the second female lead less than two months after signing with her company. She believed this was partly due to her acting skills and partly due to the company’s influence. Without them, she might not have even landed an audition. Armed with both backing and talent, she felt no need to fear Bo Shuyi, whom she viewed as having only the former.

He Hua followed behind Bo Shuyi and, overhearing the remark, immediately stepped between them. She tilted her chin at Ling Ruoying. “Excuse me, miss, who are you? Not just anyone is qualified to speak to our Shuyi.”

The implication was clear: an obscure little actress was not worthy of Bo Shuyi’s time.

“You!” Ling Ruoying was nearly knocked sideways by the insult.

He Hua reached out to push Ling Ruoying aside, keeping her eyes fixed on her to ensure she did not touch Bo Shuyi. She cleared a path for Bo Shuyi to pass, only retracting her arm to catch up once Bo Shuyi was several meters ahead.

“Shuyi, that woman is just jealous of you. Do not mind her,” He Hua comforted, glancing at Bo Shuyi’s expression.

Bo Shuyi smiled. “I do not mind. With Sister He protecting me, no demons or monsters can get near me.”

Standing before her dressing room, Ling Ruoying stamped her foot in frustration. If the assistant hired by her company had arrived on time, she would not have been bullied by Bo Shuyi’s assistant! She took a deep breath to calm herself; Bo Shuyi would not be acting smug for much longer.

At the film set, He Hua went to find a staff member to set up a sunshade for Bo Shuyi. Luo Yunqi spotted Bo Shuyi and waved her over. “Shuyi, come here.”

Zhao Ruirui was sitting beside Luo Yunqi. When she saw Bo Shuyi approach, she did not even offer a greeting. People like Zhao Ruirui, to put it kindly, possessed a literary pride that looked down upon those who relied on connections. To put it bluntly, she was just a screenwriter who lacked common sense.

Bo Shuyi was curious: if Zhao Ruirui ever discovered that she was actually Yi Shu, what would her reaction be?

“Director Luo,” she greeted.

Luo Yunqi said, “Today is your scene with Ling Ruoying. This girl might not be as beautiful as you, but her acting is decent.” She paused. “I mean, if she is not compared to you, her acting is alright. Guide her a bit later. Let us try to get it in one take; it is so hot that I am worried you will get heatstroke if we take too long.”

The scene was a quarrel, primarily involving Ling Ruoying throwing a tantrum while Bo Shuyi watched her coldly. After their friendly interaction at the dressing room, Ling Ruoying would likely find it very easy to get into character.

“Okay, Director Luo,” Bo Shuyi agreed with a smile.

Zhao Ruirui suddenly interjected, “I interviewed Ling Ruoying with Director Luo. Her acting is beyond reproach; I suspect she might be better than you.”

Luo Yunqi frowned and warned, “Screenwriter Zhao, watch your words.”

Bo Shuyi smiled faintly. “Screenwriter Zhao might still be dreaming. Director Luo, I will go prepare now.”

After Bo Shuyi left, Luo Yunqi spoke to Zhao Ruirui with displeasure. “Shuyi’s acting is excellent. Stop clinging to her past.”

Zhao Ruirui shrugged, completely unconvinced. “Director Luo, the script is my life’s work. I just feel it is being ruined by her vase-level acting.”

Zhao Ruirui had long ago labeled Bo Shuyi a vase beauty. She was so prejudiced that she ignored any praise from others unless she saw proof with her own eyes. Luo Yunqi sighed, not bothering to argue further. Once filming started, Zhao Ruirui would realize how massive her misunderstanding was.

Before filming began, Ling Ruoying finally arrived. While she was greeting Luo Yunqi, Zhao Ruirui gave her a subtle look. Ling Ruoying immediately smiled and stood next to Bo Shuyi.

While Luo Yunqi was adjusting the camera positions, Ling Ruoying watched the surroundings. Her lips barely moved as she whispered, “I will not go easy on you later, so be prepared. After this scene, your lead role might just become mine.”

Ling Ruoying was confident because of what happened the night before.

Last night, Zhao Ruirui had returned to her room feeling increasingly angry. Bo Shuyi was too arrogant and clearly did not respect her. Zhao Ruirui was certain Bo Shuyi would not introduce her to Teacher Yi Shu, so she felt no need to save face for her.

Zhao Ruirui had added Ling Ruoying on WeChat. Ling Ruoying had accepted within a second and greeted her respectfully. Zhao Ruirui was satisfied; Ling Ruoying’s looks could not compare to Bo Shuyi’s, but her acting was good and she was respectful. If possible, she would rather have a slightly less beautiful lead who could actually act.

Zhao Ruirui asked Ling Ruoying directly if she wanted to be the lead. Ling Ruoying was first incredulous, then her heart raced.

Ling Ruoying: “Screenwriter Zhao, is Bo Shuyi not already cast?”

Zhao Ruirui: “Do not worry about that. Just tell me if you want it.”

Ling Ruoying: “Yes! Screenwriter Zhao, I want to play the lead!”

Zhao Ruirui: “Good. Tomorrow is your scene with Bo Shuyi. If you can suppress her during the performance, I will propose to Director Luo that we replace her with you. Whether it works depends on the contrast between your acting and hers. The more eyesore-inducing you make her look, the higher the success rate.”

Ling Ruoying: “Understood, Screenwriter Zhao! I can definitely do it!”

Ling Ruoying had been so excited that she suffered from insomnia until three in the morning. After waking up, she recorded her performance and sent it to her acting coach, receiving full affirmation. Now, she was eyeing the lead role with absolute determination, which was why she could not resist mocking Bo Shuyi earlier.

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