Fate Trading System – Chapter 177

Plan A

Spirit Alliance 18

Childish

This web drama was exclusively licensed to a well-known film and TV app, adopting a schedule of filming two episodes per week, releasing one, then observing the audience’s reaction.

The director and assistant director were extremely cautious, constantly monitoring everything, because this was their entire investment – if it failed, the consequences would be unbearable.

The second-tier male celebrity playing the male lead role of Yin Deng is named Liu Huan. He debuted quite early but never had good resources, remaining stuck between second and third-tier status.

“I’m honored to work with such a beautiful lady. I’m Liu Huan, hello.”

This male lead appeared very approachable. Though he had debuted several years ago, he wasn’t very old, and his looks weren’t the currently popular “cream boy” [奶油小生 | nǎi yóu xiǎo shēng | young handsome idol type] style.

“Hello, senior.”

Su Xin thought his appearance would be more suitable for period drama handsome roles. Su Xin wasn’t wrong – Liu Huan’s previous roles were mostly period drama handsome men, gentle as jade, but he never really took off, which is why he specifically wanted to take on different roles to challenge himself.

While Su Xin professionally acted her part, she never forgot to keep an eye on Bai Qianqian. On the day the first episode aired, the entire crew anxiously watched the online reactions, especially the director and assistant director – both middle-aged men were so nervous they were losing hair. The first episode was about the female lead bringing a system to travel back to ancient jianghu, and after some events, she begins her journey in the jianghu, with some flashback scenes showing how she earned the title of Gaming God while playing a full-immersion online game. The male lead only appears at the end of the first episode, showing just his face.

The comments under the video app and online comments were quite good. Although the view count wasn’t high, it had just started, and within just a few hours, the viewership had already exceeded the director’s expectations, which was quite satisfactory.

Su Xin was actually a bit nervous too. She was a confident person, but not an arrogant one, and naturally liked when everyone enjoyed her work. Seeing the positive online reception, she felt at ease to do other things.

Thousands of miles away in another city, someone had put down all their work and was staring at their computer, watching the sweetly smiling girl on the screen.

This was just the first shot – from today onwards, her girl would become known to many, many people. In the days to come, her girl would only rise higher and higher, while she guarded her glory from behind.

“How is it, are you nervous?”

Chu Qiu sometimes wished she could call three times a day – one call a day wasn’t enough to satisfy her anymore.

“It’s fine, I’m not too nervous. Maybe the variety show earlier helped me relax a bit.”

“You’re really quite calm. Even humans would be very nervous facing this kind of situation.”

Su Xin indicated it was nothing – wasn’t it just performing in front of cameras and people’s gazes? She had done assassinations in crowds before, and that level of heart-pounding tension was far greater than now. After experiencing such major situations, this seemed like nothing special.

“When can you come back?”

“Probably in a few months. This schedule is actually quite relaxed. Although I can’t go around playing everywhere, there’s still quite a lot of time to stay in the room and interact with everyone.”

Because they might need to make changes according to audience expectations at any time, they only filmed two episodes per week and released one to observe, so the schedule wasn’t tight.

“What a coincidence, I think I can’t wait that long. Why don’t you let me come see you?”

“You want to come?”

“I’m just visiting the set.”

“Alright, if you want to come then come, I’ll wait for you.”

While saying this, Su Xin patted the bed with her hand. Although that person couldn’t see clearly, they could hear the sound and should understand her meaning.

Chu Qiu indeed heard the bed-patting sound from the other end, imagining that scene in her mind, and thinking about what was on her USB drive, suddenly feeling a bit excited.

“What’s wrong?”

Su Xin immediately noticed the change in breathing from the person on the other end of the phone.

“Nothing. I’ll handle the next few days’ work first, then squeeze out a few days to see you.”

“Good, but take care of your health. Don’t stay up late or pull all-nighters working. Even the healthiest body can’t handle that kind of torture.”

“I know, give me a kiss.”

Su Xin helplessly kissed the phone, receiving a response from the other end.

Women in love are truly frightening, but when with Chu Qiu, Su Xin really felt like she was still a little girl.

“You hang up first.”

There’s a kind of tenderness in waiting for the other person to hang up.

“Okay, I’ll wait for you here.”

Not long after Su Xin hung up, someone knocked on the door.

“Hmm?”

Standing at the door was the drama’s third female lead, the girl who occasionally had to sell ji [賣姬 | mài jī | slang for acting romantic scenes] with Su Xin, called Li Youyou.

“Su Xin-jie, there are some parts in the script I don’t quite understand. I’d like to rehearse with you and get a feel for it. We’re filming our scene together tomorrow, right? I’m afraid of making mistakes. Everyone takes this drama seriously, and it wouldn’t be good if I mess up.”

Li Youyou was still a very young girl, a performing arts student at the drama academy, currently in her third year.

“Sure, no problem.”

The plot of how the female lead and third female lead meet goes like this: the third female lead is an heir to a hidden sect, but due to a natural disaster, their residence was hit by an earthquake, and being at the epicenter, the losses were devastating. Their entire clan was almost wiped out, with only her surviving, trapped under stone slabs, barely alive.

The female lead happened to be nearby at that time, feeling the ground’s tremors. At that time, people didn’t understand earthquakes well, thinking it was the Earth God’s anger or something else, but since the female lead came from the future, she naturally understood these things. She rushed over hurriedly, but it was too late.

Since it was a hermit sect, they didn’t want others to find them, setting up various winding paths at the entrance to prevent discovery. The female lead had the “so explosive” attribute, and was already very familiar with formation arrays from the full-immersion online game. She had passed by this sect in the game before, so it didn’t take long to enter, but still wasn’t in time, only managing to save the third female lead, Ling’er.

Ling’er was naturally airheaded, but also naturally dark, speaking her mind without filters, saying whatever she wanted, with overwhelming combat power and no world views [三觀 | sān guān | views on life, values, and the world].

Ling’er had an illness, a congenital deficiency – she had no concept of right and wrong. Such people easily become great villains, which is why the hermit sect kept her locked up, not letting her run around. But at the same time, she was a martial arts prodigy, developing their sect’s martial arts to the extreme, reaching the pinnacle. After the female lead saved her, she gained a great ally.

Ling’er wouldn’t listen to anyone except the female lead Chen Jiu. Whatever the female lead told her to do, she’d do it without complaint. She would occasionally make intimate gestures because Ling’er particularly liked clinging to the female lead Chen Jiu, very romantic.

Su Xin practiced with Li Youyou for a while, and Li Youyou’s initial stiffness became natural. She had learned many techniques at school, but lacked practical experience. This was her first real experience – she had done some photo shoots before, but that was different from acting.

“Thank you, Su Xin-jie. I think I understand better now. Su Xin-jie, could I get your autograph?”

“Huh?”

“As a memento, after all, I got to work with such a beautiful jiejie.”

Li Youyou carried the unique vitality and directness of youth, flirting when she wanted to flirt. She wasn’t without perception either – this girl seemed quite clever, she could tell Su Xin was someone significant just by looking, and a quick Baidu search would reveal more information.

“No need for autographs, I’m just a newcomer after all. It’s really embarrassing. It’s late, you should hurry back to your room and sleep. Rest up, we still have scenes to film tomorrow.”

Su Xin politely declined.

“Okay then, good night.”

Li Youyou showed a hint of disappointment at being rejected, but didn’t persist. Instead, she smiled and said good night.

21:47.

“Boss, you’re not leaving work yet? Working overtime again, or sleeping at the company?”

Rabbit brought in a cup of coffee, asking Chu Qiu who was still working non-stop.

“Still have lots to handle. Are you leaving? First, summarize all my affairs for the next five days, then bring everything that needs handling to my desk.”

“Boss, are you going out?”

“I plan to leave for a few days.”

“Do you need me to come along?”

“No need, you stay and mind the company. If there are urgent matters you can decide on, make the decisions. If you really can’t handle it, consult me.”

“Okay, Boss, where are you going? Let me check flights first, which date specifically?”

“I’m going to visit the set. Just book me tickets to Little Hamster’s place for three days from now. The earlier the better, evening is fine too. The meetings will continue as normal, I’ll do video conferences.”

“Okay, Boss, those resources were for Little Hamster, right?”

“Mm.”

Chu Qiu hadn’t planned to hide it anyway, there was nothing shameful about this matter. Though for the sake of Little Hamster’s future career path, they wouldn’t go public for now, but there was no need to hide it from close friends and family.

“I’ll go do it now.”

Rabbit left the CEO’s office and continued working at her computer desk. Actually, she had sensed this coming for a while, from the boss’s unusual closeness to Little Hamster, and staying over at Little Hamster’s place every day.

This is good too, hoping everyone can be happy.

Three days later, Chu Qiu departed on time, making a phone call to Su Xin before leaving.

At this time, Su Xin was sitting in the makeup room, with the makeup artist doing her makeup.

“You’re about to board the plane now, right?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Do you need me to pick you up? What time does your flight land?”

“No need, I’ll go directly to your set when I arrive, I can get there in the afternoon.”

“Okay, have a safe journey.”

Su Xin hung up and handed the phone to her assistant nearby.

“Is this okay? It shouldn’t be uncomfortable on your face, right?”

The makeup artist asked.

“It’s fine.”

They were filming a fight scene now, first painting the wounds.

When Chu Qiu arrived at the set, Su Xin was filming her scene with Li Youyou.

It was the scene where Chen Jiu rescues Ling’er from the earthquake, and Ling’er pledges her loyalty.

“President Chu.”

The director was intently watching the camera and hadn’t noticed someone’s arrival, but the assistant director had sharp eyes and immediately spotted the newcomer, straightening up and walking over to quietly greet them.

“Xiaosu is filming now, she has good dramatic sense and decent acting skills.”

“Mm.”

Chu Qiu nodded, not really paying attention to what the person beside her was saying or their expression, just intently watching the person filming on set, with a gaze filled with greed and desire that others couldn’t comprehend.

Ling’er’s clothes were filthy and disheveled, and when rescued, she was in a semi-conscious state.

Chen Jiu wore all black, with black hair tied high, compassion on her face, half-crouching down, one hand holding her sword, the other wiping the dirt from Ling’er’s face.

Chu Qiu had never seen her like this before. Su Xin was always gentle and soft in front of her, just like a little tangyuan, taking a gentle bite would let you taste the sweet filling inside. But now on set, Su Xin had a cold and aloof appearance. Though not tall, her figure was delicate and graceful, and with a long sword paired with her proud expression, she somehow seemed imposing.

Chu Qiu watched her wife perform up close, but soon unconsciously frowned.

Too close.

“Do you have anywhere else to go?”

“No.”

“If you’re homeless, why don’t you follow me? I’ll provide food and shelter, how about it?”

“For saving my life, I have no way to repay. If benefactor needs me, Ling’er will naturally follow you.”

“I want to stand at the peak of this jianghu, to fulfill a wish of mine. Will you accompany me?”

“Yes.”

They were very close to each other, Chen Jiu’s finger touching Ling’er’s forehead.

Though it was just acting, somehow Chu Qiu felt something strange between these two people, especially the way that Ling’er looked at her wife.

This wasn’t really Li Youyou’s fault – when reading the script, she was told to have this intention, and she approached the scene with this mindset, so when acting this scene today, she unconsciously brought in those emotions.

“President Chu, what’s wrong? Is something not satisfactory?”

The assistant director was confused seeing Chu Qiu frown – Chu Qiu was their major investor now.

“It’s nothing.”

“Okay, cut! That’s good.”

The director called cut, indicating the scene had passed.

The director stared at the screen, ready to discuss the next part with his assistant director, but found the assistant director was no longer beside him, having walked over at some point, with a woman standing nearby.

“Oh my, President Chu, I was too focused just now, I’m sorry I didn’t notice you arrived.”

“It’s fine, the director is very professional.”

After the director called cut, Su Xin stood up, and Li Youyou patted her bottom as she got up from the ground.

“Boss.”

Su Xin wiped her hands and walked over, as an assistant came to offer a cup of water.

“You look quite cold and aloof like this.”

After Su Xin took a sip of water, Chu Qiu naturally took the cup, and seeing this, the assistant consciously withdrew.

“Mm-hmm.”

“You acted well. Are this week’s two episodes finished filming?”

“Yes, yes, they’re done.”

The assistant director said.

“So the next two or three days are free time, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll take her out to play for two days, we’ll be back on time.”

“Sure, no problem.”

The director readily let them go – after all, it’s not like the actors could run away.

This was a film and television base, with many production crews, both permanent and temporary. For actors, there wasn’t much to see around the base. Chu Qiu hadn’t planned to take her to other cities either – this city had some famous attractions, and since it wasn’t holiday season, they wouldn’t have to deal with crowds.

“Where are you taking me to play?”

“Naturally somewhere interesting. I’ll tell you when we get there.”

“Alright, then I’ll follow your arrangements.”

They didn’t just leave directly like this – Su Xin did a bit of disguise, wearing black-framed glasses without lenses.

Away from filters and spotlights, she wouldn’t be as recognizable.

Chu Qiu first took Su Xin to eat, and after a short walk, they went to release river lanterns.

“You just wanted to bring me to release lanterns?”

“Mm, write your wish on paper, then put it in the specially made river lantern. Maybe your wish will come true.”

“But I don’t have any wishes.”

Su Xin’s previous wish was for Bai Qianqian to become hugely popular, but that wish was already in progress, just a matter of time. As for other things, Su Xin didn’t want anything.

Money? She wasn’t lacking money right now.

Power? She didn’t need it at all.

Fame and fortune meant nothing to her, she had nothing to seek, so naturally no wishes.

“But I have a wish.”

“What is it?”

“I want to be with you for a long, long time.”

“Does that count as a wish?”

It felt like a flag [flag | 旗 | qí | death flag, ominous foreshadowing] – in TV shows and novels, those protagonists who made grand promises usually didn’t end well.

“Of course, but this is a wish that will definitely come true. Since you don’t have one to use, why don’t you write exactly the same as mine, okay?”

That could be called quite shameless.

“Okay.”

It was actually a magnificent scene – a full moon hung high in the pitch-black sky, its gentle silver radiance showering the earth with light.

The river lanterns here weren’t restricted to specific festivals, but were open during September and October each year. Many lantern vendors would station themselves along both sides of the river, with numerous tourists coming from out of town to release lanterns.

Actually, these lanterns’ final fate was to be fished out – after all, they couldn’t flow forward forever, and too many lanterns would impact the environment.

But people often don’t think about the final end of beautiful things, just like fairy tales always end abruptly at their most exciting point.

All that’s needed is that feeling when releasing the lantern, and one’s own expectations.

Chu Qiu satisfactorily watched Su Xin write the wish on red paper, showing a content smile.

Su Xin: Childish.

The viewership of Su Xin’s web drama, after initially declining, showed signs of recovery. This was common for web drama ratings – they start high, then decline after three episodes.

@Wood Hidden: Personally feel 《Pursuing the Sword》 is worth following. Wildly supporting the jiejie! The plot follows standard “feel-good” patterns, super satisfying to watch. Plus jiejie is super beautiful and her acting isn’t awkward. Though only six episodes are out, each episode’s plot is very tight, no dragging or padding. Lastly, am I the only one who finds the male lead eye-catching in a bad way? He’s interrupting my Jiujiu and Ling’er watching!

@Autumn Ya: OP is definitely in a cult ship! I firmly support my Jiu-jie and Little Sprout, they’re so perfect together! My Jiu-jie has a 2.8-meter presence! Of course she should be with Little Sprout.

Little Sprout was the nickname audiences gave the male lead, because his current image was like a young sprout of the motherland – lively, innocent, and warmhearted yet funny youth.

@Did Goddess Come Below My Building Today: Hold up! I actually ship Little Sprout and Liuliu. Don’t you feel there’s an ambiguous atmosphere between them? Raising my BL flag high! Jiu-jie is super handsome too, a top who could dominate heaven and earth. Someone like that should be supreme and alone, so how about letting Little Sprout be with Liuliu?

Liuliu is the male second lead who has gay scenes with the male lead – first attracting fujoshi fans anyway.

@Huo Qubing-bing-bing: Everyone above is wrong, this drama’s real CP is Jiu-jie X me, hahahahaha *hic*.

@Qiaoer: Emmmm supporting the cult ship!

The CP fans split into several factions. Originally everything was harmonious, but later things went wrong.

The incident started like this: fans shipping the male lead and second male lead began extensively verbally attacking other fans, and the canon ship fans retaliated mercilessly, then dragging in the female lead and third female lead’s cult ship fans, so suddenly everyone started fighting.

“This situation isn’t right. Everything was fine before. I traced the first attacking account, but it’s clearly an alternate account, and it doesn’t follow our production team’s official blog, not even any main or supporting actors. It must be either paid trolls or anti-fans. Someone must be confusing the public and guiding public opinion.”

The director frowned worriedly. He didn’t mind the various CP fans online, and had anticipated such things, but he didn’t want to see disharmonious elements destroying the web drama’s reputation.

“If it’s from the industry, I can’t think of anyone except that production team. After all, we haven’t clashed with anyone else. Of course, this is just my guess – maybe they’re not that bad. But I don’t think this is a normal phenomenon. If it’s artificial interference…”

The assistant director didn’t finish, but everyone understood the implications.

When their web drama went online, another web drama was also airing on the video app. That drama had aired over half its episodes with decent viewership – not exactly explosive, but had a good reputation and ratings. However, when their drama started airing, the other drama’s viewership dropped several percentage points from the previous episode.

There are only so many viewers and so much time. The director decided to air during prime time Friday night, as did that other drama. The director had hesitated when considering the broadcast time, knowing they would clash – if they couldn’t compete, they might die on the beach [死在沙灘上 | sǐ zài shā tān shàng | fail at the last moment]. But due to viewer traffic and other factors, plus some personal reasons, he still decided on Friday night.

Director Chen of that web drama and Director Liu of Su Xin’s 《Pursuing the Sword》 had some personal grudges. Director Liu actually chose the same day wanting to show him up.

“This really seems like that guy’s style. He’s used these tactics more than once. Still the same despicable methods. They’re hiring paid trolls, right? We’ll hire them too. Thanks to him for increasing our publicity.”

The director sneered. He and that guy were classmates – that guy was a scoundrel even as a student. They used to be good friends, even dormitory roommates, but he’d never forget that guy’s face when he plagiarized his manuscript, published it under his own name, and won an award. Yet he couldn’t even defend his rights – it was his private manuscript, no one except that guy had seen it, no one could prove it for him, plus the benefits involved.

What an era this is – thieves strut proudly while the righteous suffer in silence.

Really shameless.

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