Chapter 8 The Cooked Duck Flew Away

Li Wanbai, who had just effortlessly rid herself of someone she disliked, maintained her unchanging smile and asked curiously, “Sister Chen, did you call me to the company today because you want me to start working?”

After all, she’d lost ten years of memories; no matter how you put it, that was a fact.

Sister Chen had been worried that something might go wrong during her business activities, which could adversely affect the company, so she’d kept putting things off, telling Li Wanbai to rest well on her own. Now, calling her to the company out of the blue—it had to mean something significant was happening.

Sister Chen looked at her and nodded. “That’s right. The organizers can’t wait any longer, so I want you to start training properly now. When the cameras are rolling, you can’t make a fool of yourself.

Xiaobai, don’t blame me for being blunt. The path to your fame has been sordid, not exactly honorable. Haven’t we always relied on dragging Yu Baichuan down just to get you some screen time?

Anyone else who dared to drag Yu Baichuan through the mud was blacklisted by his company. You’ve been lucky—no one knows why, but Yu Baichuan himself hasn’t bothered to deal with you yet. But just because he hasn’t, don’t forget his fans are formidable. Look at the things they’ve said about you!

There are so many people with high exposure who can’t capture the audience’s hearts. But you, you’ve drawn in a fair share of fans just for your looks—popularity and reputation both in your favor. That’s why you’re a leading starlet now. What I’m trying to tell you is, you must protect your face at all costs. No matter what, always put your face first!”

At this, Sister Chen’s expression softened. She lifted her hand and gently pinched Li Wanbai’s cheek, so tender it seemed it could drip water.

Among all the actresses in the business, her looks were top-tier. Otherwise, why would Sunlight Entertainment push her so hard even though she was mediocre at acting, singing, and dancing, had no special talents, and maybe even lacked a little common sense?

As the saying goes, “As long as the face is there, the kingdom stands.” Li Wanbai’s face was second only to Genghis Khan in its power.

“Your makeup today looks great. Stick to this style from now on,” Sister Chen said offhandedly.

Li Wanbai was baffled; she pointed at herself. “Me? I’m not wearing any makeup.”

She’d walked in with a bare face, not a trace of makeup.

Well, most of the credit went to her strict family. Until she went to university, she’d been forbidden to touch cosmetics. Even now, she barely knew the basics.

From the perspective of an eighteen-year-old high schooler, she was the model student. From the viewpoint of a celebrity, she had zero professional awareness.

Thinking of her family, Li Wanbai’s eyes dimmed a little. The night she first woke up, she’d tried to contact them.

But no matter how many times she called, there was never any answer.

The only thing she was certain of now was that her elders were still alive—Su Chengzi had told her that.

As for everything else, she was powerless.

She hadn’t lingered in sadness long before Sister Chen’s surprised voice rang out. “No makeup? How does your bare face look even better than with makeup? Alright, I see! I’ll tell the makeup team to schedule a shoot for a set of commercial photos—see if we can land a lipstick endorsement or two.

For now, come with me to Pu Yifu’s department to have your skin checked, then tidy up and we’ll head to the shoot.”

Li Wanbai’s heart leapt—so soon, she was going to a real shoot! When she saw Yu Baichuan, she’d have to say a few words.

He was the one she’d truly liked since her first stirrings of love. She respected all of his choices—divorce or not, it was up to him.

She could accept anything, but she deserved to know the reason!

And by the looks of things now, Yu Baichuan suspected her of cheating!

Being cuckolded—such an insult couldn’t be tolerated. If they divorced over a muddled misunderstanding, it would be even harder for her to win him back.

She didn’t want that.

Li Wanbai obediently followed Sister Chen to the skin department for a check-up, then to the makeup department to discuss her future look, and finally to wardrobe to confirm the gown for her upcoming event.

The dress displayed before her was dazzling—lace interlaced with pearls, gemstones adorning the hem, a shimmering galaxy from afar.

Li Wanbai stared in astonishment and couldn’t help turning to ask, “Sister Chen, is this the dress I’m supposed to wear for the event?”

“Yes. This gown will go with you to the shoot. When you arrive, change into it—you’ll look stunning on camera.”

The confusion on Li Wanbai’s face deepened. “I’m supposed to wear this evening gown for a variety show?”

She’d watched variety shows ten years ago. The guests always dressed well, of course, but no one wore an evening gown to record a show.

Had variety shows evolved this far without her noticing?

“What variety show? Your event today is a commercial shoot,” Sister Chen said, startled. “Don’t tell me you don’t like the gown? It’s fine, we can change it.

But listen, this dress was custom-made for you by a master designer, perfectly showcasing your beauty. The outfits prepared by the organizers won’t even compare!

No, I can guarantee they can’t match this one! If you want to be difficult, at least consider the occasion and your options.”

“No, wait—when is ‘Us’ being recorded?” Li Wanbai tilted her head, full of curiosity and confusion.

“‘Us’? Oh, you mean that new hybrid live-broadcast variety show! It’s flashy and fresh, bound to attract viewers at its debut, but you’re not nearly qualified for it,” Sister Chen replied with a smile. “You don’t need to worry about such low-tier resources.”

Li Wanbai stared at her. “Is that so? But I heard Yu Baichuan will be on it.

If the great Actor Yu is participating, does it still count as low-tier? If your words got out online, the buzz might even surpass mine.”

Sister Chen’s smile froze. “How did you know—never mind, given your relationship with Yu Baichuan, it’s not surprising you know.

To be honest, that show combines highlights from all the popular variety programs, picking out the best parts, and uses an unprecedented live format. It’s impressive, but it only airs four episodes!

Just four!

Even if the per-episode pay is ten million, four episodes won’t earn you much. You’d be better off filming a few more endorsements instead. Don’t you agree? The company is doing this for your own good!”

Li Wanbai’s lips twitched. For her own good? What a load of nonsense.

Clearly, the company just didn’t care about the share from four episodes!

Li Wanbai’s eyes narrowed as an odd feeling crept over her.