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Chapter 113
Outside Ansheng Entertainment.
Wen Xuan held the documents in her hand, gazing at the azure, boundless sky, feeling a sense of liberation.
Today was the day her contract with Ansheng Entertainment ended—her day of complete freedom.
Just thinking about President Sheng's extremely ugly expression made Wen Xuan feel immensely satisfied.
"Sister Wen, do you really plan to open your own studio next?" her manager stood beside her, asking hesitantly.
Еñ ů m̃ӓ.i̇ ḋ
Wen Xuan nodded, revealing a smile: "Yes, I've already decided. Thank you for taking care of me during this time."
Regardless of everything else, she would definitely not stay with Ansheng Entertainment any longer.
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Wen Xuan's contract with Ansheng Entertainment expired today. According to old rules, they should have renewed it two months ago.
Unfortunately, at that time, "The Tianya Decree" hadn't aired yet, Wen Xuan's popularity was nowhere near what it once was, and she couldn't secure suitable roles anymore.
Additionally, Wen Xuan had previously proposed a bad idea, causing President Sheng to be very dissatisfied. The company's senior management's attitude toward her had grown increasingly cold.
When discussing contract renewal, the company repeatedly lowered the terms offered to her, directly dropping the standard to the lowest level, completely disregarding how long she had worked for Ansheng Entertainment and how much net profit she had earned for the company.
Е̌nŭ mӑ .і d
At that time, President Sheng's face was cold, with a mocking expression: "You can sign this renewal contract, or you can choose not to."
Wen Xuan certainly didn't want to sell herself out like this.
But she had dedicated more than ten years to Ansheng Entertainment. Her value had greatly diminished from before, making it extremely difficult to switch to another company.
She had offended President Sheng, and no one in the company would speak up for her. Everyone prioritized benefits; no one would risk anything for a completely cooled-down star like her.
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At that moment, Wen Xuan's heart grew cold.
Having been in the entertainment industry for so long, she certainly knew that in this circle, the vast majority of people only cared about traffic and money.
Wе b̃ n о.vе́l Ѐn̂ūm̂â
When you're popular, everyone flatters and surrounds you; when you're not, no one gives you a second glance, and anyone can step on you.
Wen Xuan wasn't willing to accept this at the time. Even though her career was declining, she had still been a top-tier star before, with outstanding works.
How could she have fallen to such a state!
Both sides reached an impasse, and finally, President Sheng threw her a line.
"Fine, if that's the case, let's just terminate the contract when it expires!"
Ansheng Entertainment had completely abandoned her, only planning to squeeze the last bit of value from her.
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Then...
"The Tianya Decree" became a hit, and Wen Xuan became popular along with it.
Wen Xuan still remembered the ugly expression on President Sheng's face, as if he had eaten a fly.
The company sent a different executive to negotiate with her, promising the most favorable conditions; those artists who had previously avoided her now gathered around her again, acting as if they had always been close.
Unfortunately, Wen Xuan had become completely disillusioned with this company.
She was determined to refuse renewal, and despite their threats and inducements, using various tactics, she never wavered in her resolve.
Е̂n̊ü m а
Over these years, the company had arranged numerous endorsement advertisements for her, leaving her with endless variety shows and commercial activities every day.
Tempted by high profits, she followed the company's persuasion and began to believe in the path where traffic and popularity reigned supreme, diving headfirst into it.
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But what was the result?
Those activities occupied 90% of her time and energy, while the dramas she acted in became worse with each new project, and her career steadily declined.
Casual viewers said she had lost the spirit she had when she first entered the industry.
Fans said the light in her eyes was gone, with only fatigue remaining on her face.
Е̂ǹu m а̄ . і̀ d̀
She thought it didn't matter; as long as she had traffic and discussion, she would still be a first-tier star.
But in the end, she realized that traffic and discussion were just flashy outer garments floating on the surface.
Those things were fleeting, intangible, and opaque.
What could truly save her wasn't so-called popularity, but the things she had once looked down upon—ability and works.
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Now, looking at the tall office building before her and the gleaming four characters "Ansheng Entertainment," Wen Xuan's eyes flashed with determination.
Hah, the top entertainment company in the country? The best platform that countless artists were desperate to join?
Е̄n u̇m̆а̄
She was done serving them!
"Let's go, we're heading to the awards ceremony."
Under the protection of her bodyguards, Wen Xuan opened the car door and sat in the low-key black sedan.
The scenery outside quickly passed by, the wind gently lifting the strands of hair on her shoulders, bringing a refreshing floral scent.
Wen Xuan's mind was filled with thoughts.
She certainly hadn't forgotten to whom she owed her current success.
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When she was at her most difficult and helpless, unable to see the path ahead, it was Yao Bianliang—the opponent she had once targeted—who extended an olive branch to her without holding grudges.
This single action completely changed her fate.
"Whether I win an award this time or not, I must find a way to repay her..." Wen Xuan silently resolved in her heart.
❀⋆｡°✿☆❀✿°｡⋆❀
"Ah—choo!"
Yao Bianliang rubbed her nose, having let out a very loud sneeze.
Ẽ_ñ um̄а.і̄ d
She looked around in confusion, then wrapped her coat tighter around herself: "Strange, the weather isn't even cold... who's talking about me?"
Why did she suddenly have an uneasy feeling?
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As if... something bad was about to happen.
"Sister Liang, are you alright? Did you catch a cold?" Assistant Yan Xiaoli looked at her with concern.
"It's nothing," Yao Bianliang shook her head.
She didn't dwell on what had just happened and stepped out of the car.
W̆ ëb̂ṅо̌v̄ë l̀ Е̃ňūṁа
The awards ceremony venue was very lively, with countless reporters and photographers standing on both sides. Seeing a vehicle stop, they immediately started snapping photos frenetically, ready to capture the moment stars descended from their cars.
Spotlights flashed continuously. A bespectacled reporter peered over, squinting his eyes.
"Wait, why hasn't the celebrity gotten out of the car yet?"
The ones who stepped out seemed to be two people wearing ordinary clothes, presumably assistants. The celebrity, however, had still not appeared.
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"She already came out, didn't you see?" his companion raised his chin: "Hurry and take pictures, that's Yao Bianliang."
The glasses-wearing reporter's mind went blank: "What? Yao Bianliang came out?"
Е̌númӓ. і̌ d̈
He squinted his eyes again to look in that direction but still couldn't see any female celebrity wearing formal attire.
After observing carefully for several seconds, he suddenly realized an issue.
"Wait... that woman wearing a black dress and a coat, could she be Yao Bianliang?"
"Yes, that's her," his companion nodded, never pausing his shooting.
Glasses Reporter: "..."
The bespectacled reporter felt somewhat numbed.
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You're a celebrity! And moreover, a celebrity attending an awards ceremony!
Even if you don't wear heavy makeup and formal attire, you should at least wear a nice formal dress and some accessories.
Why are you dressed like an assistant?
Though the black dress could marginally be considered formal wear, it was completely a standard mass-market style that could be purchased at any department store.
Moreover, Yao Bianliang wore neither a necklace nor any other accessories. The reporter even had reason to suspect she hadn't really applied makeup.
If it weren't for her striking good looks, with this attire, she would be impossible to find in a crowd.
Еn̊ũm̄а . ї d̃
Yao Bianliang's outfit indeed attracted the attention of many people, with low discussions arising all around.
But as the center of discussion, Yao Bianliang kept her eyes straight ahead, walking quickly toward the hall, as if she didn't feel there was anything wrong with her attire.
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To be honest, initially she had planned to dress even more inappropriately.
For instance, she had considered wearing loose, unattractive casual wear, or simply her everyday clothes.
But this would have caused other problems.
—Although such attire wouldn't look good, it would certainly be distinctive!
Е n̆ uma .і̀d̄_
Once reporters finished taking photos and published an article about "Yao Bianliang attending the awards ceremony in everyday clothes," it would definitely become a big talking point.
Of course, dressing meticulously and formally was absolutely out of the question.
Joking aside, she didn't want to see hashtags like #YaoBianliangOutshinesEveryone# on Weibo trending after the awards ceremony!
So, weighing both options, she finally chose this black dress.
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It was sufficiently low-key and inconspicuous while not attracting too much attention.
Absolutely perfect.
Ë n̈ u mа̊
Walking into the hall, quite a few stars had already arrived.
Seeing that the newcomer was Yao Bianliang, many people looked over.
Under countless inquiring gazes, Yao Bianliang calmly adjusted her coat sleeves and found her seat in the first row.
Xia Hong, sitting not far away, spotted her immediately and his face lit up with a smile as he waved enthusiastically.
"Sister Liang, over here!"
Yao Bianliang also saw old friends here: He Yanning and Mu Taozhi.
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Mu Taozhi and Xia Hong had a good relationship, sitting next to each other. He Yanning was sitting on the other side.
Due to a rushed schedule, he hadn't even had time to eat dinner and was quietly munching on a piece of bread.
Since finishing the variety show, although Yao Bianliang had maintained contact with Mu Taozhi and He Yanning, they hadn't seen each other for a long time.
The acting profession is naturally busy, with everyone shuttling between various cities daily. Only at times like this could they gather briefly.
After brief greetings, Yao Bianliang keenly noticed that all three weren't in particularly good spirits, appearing to have a kind of fatigue that comes from long-term exhaustion.
"What have you all been busy with recently?" Yao Bianliang was a bit curious.
W̃ ӗb̀ n̄o v̌е l Ӗ n ũm̄ а̌
In her impression, she hadn't heard that they had any new dramas to film.
Mu Taozhi seemed a bit embarrassed: "Well... I have three variety shows to film recently, plus many advertisements and endorsements."
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Xia Hong sighed: "Yes, previously while filming, I concentrated wholeheartedly for three months, accumulating a pile of tasks. Only now have I barely managed to clear them."
He Yanning, with downcast eyes, nodded along and softly "mmm"-ed in agreement.
Mu Taozhi and He Yanning actually felt somewhat guilty inside.
After all, when they collaborated with Yao Bianliang, they had been focused on improving their acting skills.
W̌е̌b̀ n̄ ò.v̊ёl̇ Еn̊ ùḿа
And Yao Bianliang didn't hold anything back, helping them greatly, at one point helping them shed the label of "bad acting."
But as a result, after the variety show ended, Yao Bianliang continued to focus on acting, while they were distracted by other matters, busy every day with businesses outside of acting.
He Yanning finished his last bite of bread and looked at Yao Bianliang somewhat anxiously.
Seeing her seemingly lost in thought, he couldn't help but add: "But I haven't been neglecting my acting."
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His acting had indeed improved somewhat, receiving fairly good reviews in his latest campus romance drama.
Mu Taozhi couldn't help but glance at He Yanning.
Еň u̇m̂а
Look at how he's talking, as if they hadn't been serious about their acting.
"I acted very seriously too," Mu Taozhi said to Yao Bianliang. "In my last new drama, I played a figure skating athlete and specifically practiced skating for it! When you have time, I'll perform for you."
Yao Bianliang: "..."
Why did she have the impression that Mu Taozhi was seeking praise?
Yao Bianliang tentatively said: "That's great of you?"
Mu Taozhi's lips curved upward slightly, satisfied.
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Xia Hong: "..." What was going on with these two? Something felt off.
So after all this, was he the only one who hadn't been acting well?
Xia Hong reflected on his state over the past few months, then dejectedly realized a fact.
He seemed to... indeed not have been very serious about his acting.
Xia Hong glanced at the self-satisfied Mu Taozhi, secretly pondering that he also needed to achieve some results.
Couldn't keep relying on just "The Tianya Decree" forever, right?
Wе b̃n̆ ŏ ṽ ӗ l̄ E n̊ u̇ m̄ä
"Sigh, if not for my manager holding me back, who wouldn't want to stay in the production team every day, focusing on filming," Xia Hong sighed.
Not being able to wholeheartedly devote oneself to acting was a natural result.
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First, managers and companies would find it hard to agree to such an approach.
Second, the entire production atmosphere wouldn't be very good, with each lead actor busy with various matters. If he stayed on set all day seriously acting, he would become the outlier.
More importantly, if they didn't participate in other commercial activities or engage in marketing hype, they would find it difficult to maintain their popularity.
Could they really rest easy and secure their positions just by seriously acting?
W eb n ô v̄ е̊ l̇ Еn̄ u m̈ă
No, absolutely impossible.
Everyone was engaged in marketing hype, going to any lengths to gain traffic. If they chose to retreat to the second tier, new people would quickly fill their positions.
—After all, the entertainment industry never lacks stars with good looks and talent.
Not everyone could be as fortunate as Yao Bianliang, who, despite only focusing on filming, always had endless topics about her.
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For most artists, if they didn't pay attention to topics and traffic, the only path awaiting them would be fading into obscurity.
Xia Hong clearly understood that Mu Taozhi and He Yanning's situations were similar to his.
Ẅе̃ b̊ nо v̇ѐ l̂ Ë nŭ m̃ а
They could either leave the company to work independently, build their own team, take the risk of possibly fading into obscurity at any time, seriously act, and prepare good works.
—And these "good works," once released, might still flop terribly.
Or they could follow the mainstream, engage in marketing hype, earn money from advertisements and endorsements, and eventually approach acting mechanically.
Comparing the two, the risks and returns of the former were completely disproportionate. Who would have the courage to do it?
Yao Bianliang was also clear about this point.
Indeed, for these traffic stars, occasionally acting seriously wasn't difficult.
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But if they wanted to maintain this state consistently in the current environment, it was simply impossible.
Thinking of this, Yao Bianliang felt even more saddened.
Because of these various issues, whether these stars just wanted to make easy money or genuinely wanted to improve themselves, they would ultimately walk the same path.
As for those who stayed true to their hearts and were at odds with the entertainment industry environment, they certainly existed.
However, such stars definitely wouldn't have high popularity; most could only remain as obscure eighteenth-tier figures.
"Yes, host, the facts prove that except for you, other actors and stars who don't engage in marketing hype, don't participate in variety shows, and don't film advertisements have basically all faded away," the system said.
W еḃ ñ ô v̊.ѐ l̀ Ӗ ń umа̇
Yao Bianliang: "..."
Enough, shut up.
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It was becoming increasingly hurtful the more it was discussed.
"Perhaps, to change the status quo, a large amount of capital needs to enter the field to possibly improve the entire market," Yao Bianliang silently sighed in her heart.
She recalled the special mission she had triggered—
Recruit new members for the studio, supply new talent for the entertainment industry.
Ë n̄ u m̌ ӑ . ǐ d
Could it be that she would only be able to fade away completely after the entire entertainment industry improved?
That would be too difficult!
Yao Bianliang gazed into the distance with sorrowful eyes. At this moment, the curtain on the stage was slowly being drawn.
The awards ceremony was finally about to officially begin.
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"Sister Liang, make sure to control your expression later," Mu Taozhi sat beside her, reminding her anxiously.
"Those reporters love to make mountains out of molehills," he said. "If you win an award, that's fine. But if you don't win, and you show even the slightest disappointment, there will be related exposés the next day."
Е̌ ńŭ ṁ ӓ. í d
For instance, how Yao Bianliang felt resentful after missing out on an award, how Yao Bianliang envied the star who won, or even complete fabrications creating bigger exposés.
After all, they can start with one image and make up all the content.
He Yanning softly explained: "Sister Liang, you don't need to mind him. It's mainly because Mu Taozhi was once portrayed this way."
Once bitten by a snake, one fears ropes for ten years.
Mu Taozhi: "..."
Yao Bianliang imagined the scenario and indeed, with Mu Taozhi's expression management ability, it would be very difficult not to reveal his thoughts.
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She couldn't help but laugh, reassuring him: "Don't worry, there won't be any problems."
If someone actually won an award, making her the runner-up, she would definitely be happier than the winning star.
Her smile would be absolutely genuine, her praise absolutely from the heart!
On stage, bright, dazzling lights illuminated the center, and the host, holding a microphone, smiled as he recited the opening remarks under countless gazes and camera lenses.
Yao Bianliang sat in her seat, applauding with everyone while silently praying inside.
"By the way, what are the first two awards in the ceremony?" she asked He Yanning beside her in a low voice.
W еb ǹо̊ v̌еl E n̈u m̊ а̄
He Yanning also replied softly: "Best Film and Best Director."
Yao Bianliang relaxed. Good, these awards had nothing to do with her.
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The announcement of winners was tense and exciting, with touching award speeches and acknowledgments, but Yao Bianliang leaned back in her chair, waiting listlessly.
Finally, in the third award category, "The Tianya Decree" was finally mentioned.
—Best Supporting Actress nominations, including Wen Xuan.
Yao Bianliang perked up, sitting straight.
Ẁ е̃b̃ nо v е̄ l E.n um̂ а
As long as Wen Xuan won Best Supporting Actress, even if she later won Best Actress, it wouldn't seem too conspicuous.
"The nominees for Best Supporting Actress this time are: 'You and Me Garden'—Zhang Nuan; 'The Secret of the Sky'—Huang Zhiya; 'Sending You a Bunch of Lavender'—Nian Ajiao; 'The Tianya Decree'—Wen Xuan."
The host's voice sounded from the stage, while the big screen played highlights of each actress's performance.
There were tragic romantic crying scenes from period dramas, as well as tense and exciting scenes from spy thrillers.
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Wen Xuan's footage was from the highlight of the entire drama, where the female antagonist was publicly exposed, her disguise of righteousness and integrity slowly disappearing, turning into a cold smile, her eyes bursting with astonishing ambition and desire.
This eye transformation sequence was exceptionally outstanding, one of the most brilliant shots in the entire drama.
Еnum̊ á. i d̄
As all the video clips finished playing, the host's voice finally slowly rang out.
"The winner of the Best Supporting Actress award is—"
"Wen Xuan!"
Thunderous applause erupted from below the stage, and the lights gradually brightened. Background music with clear beats played, accompanied by the host's accelerating pace.
"In 'The Tianya Decree,' she used nuanced performances to interpret a complex and diverse character, portraying a villainous image of ambition and disguise in the most natural state. After ten years of silence, she once again appears before audiences with exquisite acting skills—she lets us all know that she hasn't been defeated by adversity and hardship! After ten years, returning to the peak!"
Wen Xuan only felt the spotlight shine on her, the host on stage smiling at her, nodding in acknowledgment. Around her were congratulatory voices from other stars, the applause lasted long, all eyes converged on her.
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Ten years, a full ten years.
It had been ten years since her initial phenomenal work became a hit!
Now, she had finally returned to the peak, standing once again on this stage, receiving her deserved honor.
Her eyes stung, and tears were about to spill over.
She couldn't help but instinctively turn her head to look in Yao Bianliang's direction.
Yao Bianliang was currently applauding with everyone else, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, her eyes full of gratification and pleasure.
Е̊ n̂u m̌ а̂
She was genuinely happy for her—even happier than when she herself had won an award.
Wen Xuan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, took a deep breath, lifted her dress, and walked toward the stage that belonged to her.
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The lights followed her movements, gradually shifting, and Wen Xuan, under everyone's gaze, made her way to the center of the stage.
Yao Bianliang sat below, watching this scene with satisfaction.
Everything was developing more smoothly than she had imagined; Wen Xuan had truly won Best Supporting Actress!
If Ling Huanxuan could also win Best Scriptwriter, then "The Tianya Decree" production team would have two members winning awards.
W ӗb̈n о́ v̆е́ l Ѐ n u m а̇
This was truly a delightful thing.
Thinking this way, she found a comfortable position to lean back in her chair.
The next segment would be the acceptance speech, which would inevitably include thanking parents, friends, fans...
In short, she knew that routine by heart.
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Nothing worth noting.
Yao Bianliang returned to her previous listless state.
Е̂ ṅ ú m а̄.
She inadvertently looked up and unexpectedly met Wen Xuan's gaze from the award podium—
Wen Xuan was looking at her, her eyes as bright as dazzling stars, with an indescribable joy and gratitude—
It even gave the impression she was seeking approval.
Yao Bianliang: "..."
Wait, something wasn't right.
The situation seemed off somehow.
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Her previously upturned lips slowly stopped, her fingers tightening slightly.
The system's voice sounded in her mind: "Host, I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this."
Yao Bianliang paused.
"...Me too."
