We Are Filthy, Born From Mud - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Yes, She is Beautiful Jade.

Zong Liangu finally finished reading the entire script.

The variety show they were participating in for the movie’s promotion was a long-running program, broadcast for almost twenty years, giving it high national recognition. It was an open secret that this show involved scripted manipulation, as the program director clearly knew what the audience loved to see and what was most eye-catching.

Its tricky segment settings, embarrassing games, venomous and probing questions, and flexible segment structure—all explained why its ratings remained high.

After all, while the plot was fictional, the guests’ embarrassment was real, and the audience’s laughter was real.

This time was no exception.

According to the script, to suit the promotional needs, the theme of this episode was “decryption.” For added effect, many horror elements were included.

Su Tongguo, as the protagonist of the film, played a righteous, quick-witted police officer. Thus, in the variety show script, Su Tongguo’s persona was that of a wise detective.

She would find clues everywhere and lead the team to discover the truth.

Yu Zhao was another important character in The Rumor. Also a police officer, she was the close friend of the character played by Su Tongguo.

In the film, she was humorous and quick-thinking, often inspiring Su Tongguo with just a few words.

Therefore, in the variety show script, she maintained a humorous and optimistic image.

She would encourage the team to press on when they were frustrated and at their wit’s end.

As for Zong Liangu…

Positive roles always require contrasts, and the shaping of positive roles always requires more elaborate writing.

But the clown doesn’t.

The clown only needs to be as flat as possible to quickly evoke emotion and present the best variety show effect in a short time.

She looked at the script. First, she had to be the one slowing the team down during the search for clues.

Then, she had to scream loudly when frightened, further hindering the team.

The clown, huh.

Zong Liangu felt somewhat displeased. Since she was here, she wasn’t here to elevate others.

Suppressing the discomfort in her heart, she maintained an impeccable smile on her face. She said, “I understand, Sister Qifang. I will do my best to play the role of the clown.”

Qi Fang hummed lightly, sitting composedly, showing no intention of dismissing Zong Liangu.

“Sister Qifang, is there anything else?” Zong Liangu smiled.

“I was just wondering, are you really Zong Yougu?”

Qi Fang said casually. She picked up the teacup on the table and gently blew on the surface.

The rising steam diffused around them, momentarily obscuring Zong Liangu’s view of the other person’s expression.

Zong Liangu froze. Her heart rate began to slow down again. She carefully monitored her breathing.

This was her instinct in the face of crisis.

Did Qi Fang notice something unusual about her?

Impossible. Zong Yougu hadn’t known Qi Fang previously, at most, they were only nodding acquaintances.

Qi Fang couldn’t have noticed her anomaly.

There was a hint of apology in Zong Liangu’s eyes.

However, if Qi Fang had genuinely noticed Zong Liangu’s anomaly, Zong Liangu would not hesitate to manufacture an unfortunate accident for her.

She had already died once. She was determined to continue her life here.

No one could interfere with her.

“Haha, I heard from the previous staff that you were quite difficult to manage. Spoiled, lazy, selfish. I never expected things to go so smoothly this time.”

Qi Fang put down the teacup and rubbed her forehead. Her tone sounded like a parent talking about a problematic youth.

The stone in Zong Liangu’s heart dropped. The grin on her face widened slightly. She said, “It absolutely won’t happen again.”

“That’s best.” Qi Fang rolled the files in front of her into a tube and lightly tapped Zong Liangu’s head with it.

“Looking at this script, don’t you feel a little resentful?

I looked through the files these past two days, and I found out that you and Su Tongguo started at the same time. Su Tongguo has great resources now, with many good scripts waiting for her to choose from.

And you’ve been running around for a few minor roles these last couple of days. Do you really not feel even a little bit of resentment?”

“Less skilled, I suppose. There’s nothing I can do,” Zong Liangu’s tone was sincere.

“Zong Yougu, you must have heard a saying: none of the artists under me fail to become popular.” Qi Fang looked at Zong Liangu across the desk, fiddling with the teacup. “Do you know why?”

Qi Fang didn’t give Zong Liangu time to answer. She continued, “Because I never manage artists who lack ability. I only select and ensure that capable people get the resources they deserve. Take Su Tongguo, for example. She lacks flair, but she is exceptionally hardworking. I’ve watched her rise step by step. And you? Why do you think I chose you?”

Zong Liangu smiled: “Because I have talent. I am unpolished jade.”

“Wrong. You’re not rotten wood or unpolished jade; you’ve already polished yourself into a shimmering piece of beautiful jade. I heard the company had a vacant agent position that day, and I watched many of your performances. Your early works were excellent. The emotional expression was subtle, the pacing was perfect. I flipped through all your works and couldn’t find a single clumsy period. And then there’s your recent work, which still gives me great… surprise.”

Zong Liangu smiled, accepting Qi Fang’s compliment. She was neither arrogant nor conceited; everything was just right.

Qi Fang picked up the teacup and poured all the tea into the accompanying tea tray.

The light green water flowed slowly, and the areas dampened by the water turned reddish-brown.

She spoke softly: “Do you want to become the next Su Tongguo, or rather, do you want to surpass her?”

“Sister Qifang, if I remember correctly, one of the rules in the company handbook requires mutual goodwill among employees. How am I supposed to answer you?”

Qi Fang laughed. She said, “Appropriate competition allows everyone to go further. You need resources, and Tongguo needs a sense of crisis. Isn’t that a win-win?”

Zong Liangu soon left Qi Fang’s office. She looked around and successfully found her workstation based on memory.

She sat down in her seat.

Spinning her chair, she carefully thought about Qi Fang’s words.

Is success really that simple? Is a bright future waving at her right now?

What she needed had always been simple: she needed a lot of money, she wanted fame, and she wanted privileges.

Everything was within reach.

Why didn’t Zong Yougu pursue this path?

Was it because she was lazy?

Zong Liangu thought otherwise.

She had watched many of Zong Yougu’s performances, and Zong Yougu had clearly put serious thought into even the small roles.

Why exactly?

“Zong Yougu!” A cushion flew toward her, interrupting her thoughts.

Zong Liangu looked up. It was Su Tongguo.

Su Tongguo’s hair was messy, and her eyes were bloodshot, suggesting she hadn’t slept well for several nights.

“Zong Yougu!” Su Tongguo grabbed Zong Liangu’s shoulder.

Zong Liangu hated being touched. Even with friends, she found it hard to get used to.

She ruthlessly slapped Su Tongguo’s hand away. She looked up at Su Tongguo, her eyes cold.

“I’m sorry,” Su Tongguo realized her inappropriate behavior. She sighed, “Do you have any plans later? If not, want to grab lunch together?”

Zong Liangu smiled: “I don’t have time. I’m busy.”

“You’ll make time. Let’s go!” Su Tongguo grabbed Zong Liangu and headed toward the elevator.

The restaurant was on the thirtieth floor. The transparent cabin allowed Zong Liangu to clearly see everything outside.

She was rising. She had never been so sure.

“What did Sister Qifang tell you?” Su Tongguo asked.

She had her back to Zong Liangu, so Zong Liangu couldn’t see her expression.

But she could guess. Su Tongguo was uneasy. She was anxious.

She was afraid of losing everything she had gained.

Zong Liangu smiled: “She told me to play the clown and elevate you.”

“Only that?”

“Of course,” Zong Liangu lied.

“Why is it always shrimp and these leafy greens?” Su Tongguo complained.

She glanced at Zong Liangu’s plate: “At least you have a big piece of beef.”

To shoot The Rumor, one to play a detective and the other an assassin, both had to lower their body fat, increase exercise, and strictly control their three meals a day.

Even though filming was over, they had to maintain this diet until the promotions concluded.

It wasn’t lunchtime yet, so there were many empty seats.

They sat down at a window seat.

“What do you want to say? I don’t have the patience to watch you throw a tantrum,” Zong Liangu said.

Su Tongguo’s gaze was fixed outside the window. Her hand holding the fork unconsciously poked the food, the fork clinking against the plate.

“Do you remember? What you said.”

Zong Liangu smiled vaguely: “I’ve said too much. I’m not a very trustworthy person.”

Su Tongguo smiled lightly. She said, “Yes, you are that kind of person. I was too naive to trust you.”

She finally managed to spear a curled shrimp with her fork and put it in her mouth, chewing.

“Yes, you are so excellent. I noticed it even when you were still playing bit parts. Your acting always felt so natural. I’ve never been one to conceal my emotions. I can’t hide what I feel. I expressed my anxiety to you. I clearly remember the scene. You paused for a moment, then you lowered your head. You said you would never move forward, that you were already satisfied with everything you had now, and that you would never compete with me. What exactly did you say back then? Oh… I remember now. Your exact words were: ‘I don’t deserve to have a good future. I won’t walk ahead of you. Su Tongguo, don’t worry.'”

Zong Liangu raised an eyebrow slightly, because the Zong Yougu presented in Su Tongguo’s words was diametrically opposed to the extremely narcissistic Zong Yougu of the present.

“It seems I was too simple-minded,” Su Tongguo speared all the remaining shrimp on her plate with her fork.

“But I was the one who lost my cool. Thinking about it now, what did you do wrong? You were kind enough to comfort me. How could I truly make you stop where you were because of those words? I hope we can continue to work together next time. We both need to improve. That’s what Sister Qifang hopes to see.”

Zong Liangu hummed softly and nodded again.

Zong Yougu must be hiding something.

She recalled the last two times she had asked Zong Yougu about her past life, and the other party had been vague and extremely evasive.

What exactly happened? Could it affect her current life?