The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 30

As a complete newcomer in Bai Yin’s condition, there likely wasn’t much hope of her joining a film crew.

But now, short videos have opened up new opportunities for talented individuals. As long as the videos are well-made, they can attract significant traffic. Perhaps Bai Yin might catch the attention of certain directors and secure better development prospects.

Given Bai Yin’s current state, she probably didn’t want to interact much with outsiders. Lin Wan decided to take matters into her own hands. First, by working on Bai Yin’s mindset, then by filming some trial videos.

This required Lin Wan to have some editing and filming skills.

The thought of preserving Bai Yin’s beauty through the camera filled Lin Wan with immense anticipation and motivation, prompting her to take immediate action.

She spent the entire evening browsing related news, finally settling on a seemingly reliable account. She purchased an online course, looked up guides, and ordered a camera overnight.

By the time she finished, it was already 3 a.m. Lin Wan let out a yawn and finally fell into a deep sleep.

Lin Wan had another dream.

She dreamed of Bai Yin.

In the dream, Bai Yin was nothing like her current frail self. She possessed extraordinary luck and was in perfect health. She orchestrated the downfall of Bai Jian’s company, and in the end, Bai Jian, Li Pei, Bai Ru, and others met tragic deaths at the hands of debt collectors.

Bai Yin’s company expanded its influence, growing so vast it nearly rivaled the wealth of nations. She seemed to have invincible fortune. Those who dared to challenge or scheme against her never met a good end.

Eventually, some of the research under her company’s name broke through human limits. When the results were released, they caused countless casualties.

Bai Yin walked through a hospital filled with suffering, devoid of sorrow or joy, like a lofty deity gazing down upon the mortal world; cold and detached, exactly like the gaze of the cat demon in the video.

Lin Wan tried to stop it all night in the dream, but the Bai Yin in her dream seemed unable to hear her. In the end, Bai Yin and the small world perished together in the vast cosmos.

The dream felt endless, and Lin Wan woke up later than usual the next day.

Her phone had run out of battery from playing videos nonstop.

Her grandmother seemed to want her to sleep a little longer and didn’t rush her.

Lin Wan took a deep breath, convinced that the dream was just a result of being unsettled by the cat demon in the video. She dismissed it from her mind, plugged in her phone to charge, and went out to make various snacks with her grandmother.

Unlike many young people, Lin Wan wasn’t overly dependent on her phone. As she learned snack-making techniques from her grandmother, she watched TV, thoroughly enjoying the harmonious atmosphere.

Time flew by, and before she knew it, evening had arrived.

Looking at the assortment of snacks she had made, Lin Wan felt a great sense of accomplishment. Just as she was about to fetch her phone from her room to take pictures and send them to Bai Yin, she heard a knock at the door.

Lin Wan rushed to open it and immediately widened her eyes.

For a moment, she even wondered if she was hallucinating:

How could she be seeing Bai Yin!

Bai Yin didn’t speak, her eyes slightly lowered. From Lin Wan’s perspective, she could only see the top of Bai Yin’s dark hair and her flawless profile.

Though she couldn’t discern Bai Yin’s emotions, Lin Wan inexplicably felt that Bai Yin seemed somewhat displeased.

Butler Zhao, who was pushing the wheelchair, smiled and explained, “There was a contract that needed the young lady’s signature today. We passed by your neighborhood, and I happened to mention it. The young lady thought she’d drop by to see you.”

“I hope we’re not disturbing you?”

“Not at all, not at all!”

Lin Wan quickly replied, feeling inexplicably flustered. She had always thought the phrase “my humble abode is honored by your presence” was just an exaggerated expression of humility, but now, with Bai Yin standing in her simple courtyard, Lin Wan felt as if the entire yard had suddenly become more beautiful…

It wasn’t until her grandmother’s voice came from behind “Wanwan, who’s at the door?” that Lin Wan snapped out of her daze and hurriedly ushered Bai Yin and Steward Zhao inside.

The weather was getting colder, and someone with Bai Yin’s constitution shouldn’t be exposed to the chill in the courtyard.

As soon as she stepped inside, Bai Yin’s previously expressionless face transformed into the sweet, well-mannered smile that elders adored. She was already strikingly beautiful, and now, dressed in a long coat with a fur-trimmed collar, she looked even more endearing.

“Grandma,” Bai Yin called out.

The moment Grandma recognized Bai Yin, her face lit up with delight, and she seemed almost flustered. “Miss Bai, what brings you here?”

Steward Zhao repeated the explanation he had given earlier.

“Grandma, there’s no need to be so formal. From now on, just call me ‘Yin Yin,’ like Wanwan does,” Bai Yin said sweetly after Steward Zhao finished speaking.

“Yin Yin! If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve had Wanwan pick you up!” Grandma replied warmly, dropping the formalities. With a concerned expression, she stepped forward and took Bai Yin’s hand, fussing over her. “It’s so cold outside. Come warm yourself by the stove.”

Seeing her grandmother’s gesture, Lin Wan wanted to stop her but was too late!

Remembering Bai Yin’s fastidiousness, Lin Wan’s heart tightened with worry.

But Bai Yin didn’t seem to show any sign of disgust. Instead, she stared at Grandma’s hand holding hers, her expression momentarily dazed.

Lin Wan quickly stepped forward and pushed Bai Yin’s wheelchair closer to the stove.

The snacks on the table hadn’t been cleared yet, as they were waiting for Lin Wan to take photos. Grandma cheerfully explained, “Speak of the devil! We’ve been making these all day, and they just came out of the oven. Wanwan was about to take pictures to send to you.”

“Since you’re here, why not try some? They’re best when freshly made.”

Bai Yin lifted her gaze to glance at Lin Wan, let out a soft “Mm,” and picked up a piece of pastry.

Lin Wan had assumed Bai Yin wouldn’t eat much. After all, Bai Yin was usually particular not only about the taste of food but also about the cleanliness of utensils and the dining environment. Even though Lin Wan and her grandmother had kept the preparation process clean, it still couldn’t compare to the near-sterile conditions of the Bai family’s kitchen.

Yet, Bai Yin ended up eating several pieces of pastry.

As she ate, she offered comments. Though she pointed out some flaws, her compliments highlighted the very aspects Grandma took pride in.

The more Grandma listened, the more she regarded Bai Yin as a kindred spirit. Glancing out the window, she couldn’t help but invite her to stay for dinner. “Yin Yin, it’s getting dark outside. Would you like to have dinner with us?”

Growing more enthusiastic, Grandma added, “Why not stay the night? This gentleman can stay in Wanwan’s uncle’s room, and if you don’t mind, you can take Wanwan’s room. Wanwan can share with me.”

Steward Zhao’s gaze shifted to Bai Yin, clearly deferring to her decision.

Lin Wan thought Bai Yin would never agree.

With her aversion to unclean environments, how could Bai Yin possibly stay overnight somewhere else?

Lin Wan sighed inwardly and was about to change the subject when she heard Bai Yin speak: “Thank you, Grandma. We’d be happy to stay, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“I’m not that particular. I can just sleep with Wanwan,” Bai Yin continued. “Wanwan sleeps very peacefully.”

Lin Wan’s eyes widened again.

She now realized Bai Yin had a talent for lying with a straight face.

How could she claim she wasn’t particular?!

Lin Wan still remembered Bai Yin’s haughty demeanor while eating. Why else would she have mentally nicknamed her “Miss Priss”?

As if sensing Lin Wan’s thoughts, Bai Yin lifted her gaze to meet hers.

Lin Wan immediately put on a bright smile, pretending she hadn’t doubted Bai Yin’s words at all.

Bai Yin’s eyes flickered slightly. She seemed to be restraining herself, but the corners of her lips still curled up involuntarily.

However, Grandma took it at face value.

“Then it’s settled!”

Grandma cheerfully cleared the table, saying, “Wanwan, I’ll go cook. You keep Yin Yin and this gentleman company!”

With that, Grandma headed into the kitchen.

After Grandma left, Butler Zhao excused himself, saying, “I need to make a few calls,” and went out to the balcony.

Suddenly, only Lin Wan and Bai Yin were left in the living room.

Bai Yin didn’t look at her, shifting her gaze to the television instead.

Lin Wan’s family still used an old-fashioned TV set. Perhaps Bai Yin had never seen such an outdated model. She seemed quite intrigued as she stared at the screen.

The room fell silent, with only the sound from the TV continuing. Lin Wan glanced down at Bai Yin and suddenly felt a bit awkward.

Following Bai Yin’s line of sight to the TV, Lin Wan thought back to the video she had watched the previous night and finally found a topic.

“Wanwan, what do you think of this actress’s acting?” Lin Wan asked quietly. “She is indeed very beautiful, no wonder she has so many fans.”

Bai Yin glanced back at her, raised her chin slightly, straightened her posture, but said nothing.

Meeting Bai Yin’s gaze, Lin Wan wasn’t sure what she meant but stuck to her original plan and smiled.

“But that’s without any comparison. Yin Yin, last night I watched your performance video. Many professionals praised you highly. I think you’d be much more convincing as a peerless beauty.”

“You’re so kind-hearted by nature, yet you portrayed such a cold, unfeeling cat demon so well. How much more fitting would it be for you to play a kind, peerless beauty. It’s practically your true self.”

Facing Bai Yin’s suddenly intense gaze, Lin Wan cautiously probed, “Yin Yin, do you still want to act?”

“Aren’t you afraid of the cat demon?”

Instead of answering directly, Bai Yin gave a faint smile and looked back at Lin Wan. “She doesn’t understand human emotions, coldly observes others’ joys and sorrows. She merely resembles a human but isn’t one. Just a cold-hearted, unfeeling humanoid monster.”

Lin Wan hadn’t expected Bai Yin to discuss the character with her.

“But the cat demon never actively harmed anyone,” Lin Wan mused softly. “Setting aside that the cat demon isn’t human to begin with and shouldn’t be expected to understand human affairs, I think the truly frightening ones in the whole story are those who projected their desires onto the cat demon and then blamed her for it.”

“However,” Lin Wan added honestly after a moment’s thought, “that final look in the cat demon’s eyes was truly chilling. I even had a terrible nightmare about it.”

Afraid of upsetting Bai Yin, Lin Wan didn’t elaborate on the details of the nightmare. Instead, she couldn’t help but hold Bai Yin’s hand and said, “So, Yin Yin, look how powerful your acting skills are. Just one glance from you gave me such a strong impact.”

“It’s truly a shame you’re not acting.”

“I didn’t expect Wanwan to be so timid.”

Bai Yin’s lips curled slightly again, her expression revealing a hint of the pride Lin Wan was familiar with. Still, she didn’t directly respond to Lin Wan’s words.

“That’s just a pastime,” Bai Yin raised her chin slightly and glanced at Lin Wan. “But if you really like me acting so much, I suppose I could give it a try.”

Lin Wan interpreted this as Bai Yin’s tsundere behavior.

Deep down, the proud Bai Yin probably still wanted to act. She just needed an excuse.

But Lin Wan didn’t call her out on it. Instead, she privately decided to practice her photography and photo-editing skills more diligently, thinking she’d find someone to write a script later to surprise Bai Yin.

Afterward, noticing that Bai Yin seemed to be in a good mood, Lin Wan couldn’t resist asking, “Yin Yin, you’re so beautiful. Would it be okay if I take photos and videos of you and post them online?”

Bai Yin blinked, her eyes seeming a bit puzzled.

Worried that the timid, gentle, and reserved Bai Yin might refuse, Lin Wan softened her voice, coaxing her playfully as she held Bai Yin’s arm. “I want to capture your beauty! I want everyone to envy me, saying I get to be with a stunning beauty every day.”

After all, to build an online account, she needed a fan base and material to attract followers initially.

Once the account was established, if the Bai family ever tried to harm her again, they would think twice since Bai Yin would be somewhat of a public figure.

“Fine!” Bai Yin’s gaze fell on Lin Wan’s lips, her eyes darkening slightly.

Lin Wan hadn’t expected Bai Yin to agree so readily and was overjoyed. Just as she was about to open a shopping app to show Bai Yin the new camera she’d bought, she noticed Bai Yin’s deep, enigmatic gaze and a faint, teasing smile.

“But Wanwan, you’ve asked me for many favors. One day, I’ll collect what’s due.”

“You’d better think it through!”

“I’ve already thought it through!”

Bai Yin’s attempt at looking profound was just too adorable. Lin Wan couldn’t help but smile and pinch Bai Yin’s cheek. Bai Yin pursed her lips, her gaze intense as if she had something to say, but just then, Grandma came out of the room carrying dishes, and Bai Yin fell silent.

Later, Lin Wan accompanied Grandma to the kitchen to cook, and dinner was quickly prepared.

Fortunately, the delicate young lady was cooperative this time and ate half a bowl of rice. Worried she might overeat like last time, Lin Wan served her a bowl of soup once she’d had enough.

After dinner, Bai Yin chatted with Grandma while Lin Wan went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. When she finished, Butler Zhao said he was tired and went to his room early to rest.

Since there was only one small bathroom in Lin Wan’s home and it wasn’t convenient for Bai Yin in her wheelchair, Lin Wan found a set of her own pajamas and let Bai Yin change in her room.

It was then that Lin Wan checked her phone and realized that before Bai Yin arrived, she had sent three messages.

The first was in the morning, Bai Yin sent a “Good morning” sticker she had saved from Lin Wan.

The second was at noon, Bai Yin sent another message saying, “The rice is a bit hard. I don’t feel like eating.”

The third point was that half an hour before Bai Yin arrived, she had sent a “?”.

No wonder Bai Yin came to check on her.

Lin Wan’s heart stirred. Although Bai Yin already knew the reason she hadn’t checked her phone, Lin Wan couldn’t help but reply: “I was making something delicious for Yin Yin and didn’t check my phone.”

As soon as Lin Wan sent the message, she received a reply from Bai Yin: “I’ve changed.”

Lin Wan hummed in acknowledgment, put away her phone, turned the doorknob, and brought in the toiletries for Bai Yin.

Seeing that Bai Yin had finished washing her hands and face, Lin Wan carried the water out and returned with a large foot-soaking basin.

“I bought this new for Grandma, but it hasn’t been used yet.”

Lin Wan sat on a small stool opposite Bai Yin. Meeting Bai Yin’s deepening gaze, she hadn’t thought much of it at first, but under Bai Yin’s stare, Lin Wan suddenly felt a little nervous.

Still, Lin Wan reached out her hand.

“Yin Yin,” she lifted her face and said earnestly, “My place doesn’t have the conditions for you to take a shower. Please make do for now. Let me help you soak your feet.”

Too embarrassed to look at Bai Yin’s expression, she took off Bai Yin’s shoes. Feeling the stiffness in Bai Yin’s body, Lin Wan relaxed instantly and softly reassured her, “I tested the water temperature. Don’t be afraid.”

Lin Wan rolled up Bai Yin’s pant legs and placed her feet into the warm water.

Bai Yin’s feet were as fair and delicate as mutton-fat jade. Lin Wan massaged her acupoints, recalling the rehabilitation massage techniques she had learned before. Eager to show off a little and observe Bai Yin’s reaction to gauge the extent of her leg injury, she didn’t even think to look up.

Worried that Bai Yin might feel cold, Lin Wan had the heater turned up high. Indoors, she only wore a spaghetti strap nightgown. From Bai Yin’s angle, certain curves were faintly visible.

That night, Bai Yin was unusually easy to talk to.

No matter what Lin Wan asked, she cooperated perfectly.

By the time Lin Wan felt it was about time, she dried Bai Yin’s feet and slipped them into new slippers. When she asked if Bai Yin wanted to rest, she noticed that Bai Yin’s face had turned bright red at some point, and the way she looked at Lin Wan was incredibly strange. Her eyes seemed moist yet concealed a blazing fire.

Lin Wan froze for a moment, inexplicably feeling her legs go weak.

“I’m a little thirsty.” Fortunately, Bai Yin was the first to look away.

Her voice was slightly hoarse, carrying a hint of inexplicable allure: “Could you pour me a glass of water?”