Chapter 6 The Battle of Beauties

Bai Tian’er took a deep breath and stepped out of the nanny car.

As soon as she appeared, the only sound that could be heard on set was a collective intake of breath.

Beauty is a weapon. In an entertainment industry filled with various weapons, Bai Tian’er’s beauty still stood out like the moon amidst stars serene and gentle, yet impossible to ignore.

Director Jin Kai’s expression was somewhat complex and a bit helpless.

“Oh, Wang Yuan, you really brought the artist.”

“What’s wrong, not welcome?”

The two exchanged greetings with a laugh, showing they had a good relationship. However, when Jin Kai’s gaze shifted to Bai Tian’er, his demeanor turned sour.

“You there, Bai something, take the script and go get your makeup done. Don’t waste time.”

Jin Kai glanced sideways at Bai Tian’er, his only impression of this artist being “foolish.”

Last time, her agent LINK had made exorbitant demands, expecting him to bargain. How ridiculous! Although he hadn’t directed big-budget films, he was renowned domestically for shooting commercials. Where would he find time to play games with a third-tier rookie actress? The Blue Lotus Gum campaign was a major project if not for Wang Yuan’s face, she wouldn’t have gotten it at all.

Even if the agent was harsh and ungrateful, this artist herself had been timid and devoid of any spark during the audition. Otherwise, given her external qualities, Jin Kai might have considered negotiating further.

This time, however, Bai Tian’er didn’t display the timid expression Jin Kai remembered. She merely nodded calmly, showing neither awkwardness nor embarrassment.

“Thank you, Director Jin, for giving me another chance.”

With that, Bai Tian’er picked up the script from the table with neither humility nor arrogance and walked into the makeup room.

Her long, straight waist-length hair swayed gently behind her, playfully lifted by the breeze to reveal shoulders clad in a strapless dress as delicate and exquisite as carved ivory. A thin silk ribbon cinched her waist, where the ends of her hair danced, now outlined by the gentle wind into a slender, graceful curve of breathtaking beauty.

“Your artist… how is she different from last time?”

“Young people need to stumble to grow.”

Facing Jin Kai’s surprise, Wang Yuan smiled faintly, his eyes also holding appreciation.

To remain poised under such disdainful scrutiny is the most basic quality for an artist and the hardest hurdle for many newcomers to overcome. Fortunately, Bai Tian’er had managed it.

This girl possessed uniquely exceptional looks. If she could put more effort into interpersonal interactions, her prospects would likely be smoother than those of her peers.

But while she might have passed the director’s test, others might not be so easily won over.

After Bai Tian’er entered the makeup room, the sound of an engine cutting off came from near the shooting location. A smooth, pale, long leg emerged from the back seat, clad in black high heels a full ten centimeters tall, with crimson nail polish on the toes adding a touch of allure.

Qiao Na, a second-tier artist. Though her features weren’t outstanding, they were distinctive, and her figure was provocatively alluring.

“Nana’s here! We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Our goddess’s figure keeps getting better.”

Compared to the indifference shown to Bai Tian’er, the crew greeted Qiao Na with much more enthusiasm.

The woman stepping out of the car had ample curves and long legs, wearing a short skirt that barely covered her thighs. Sunglasses obscured most of her face, leaving only a seductively crimson mouth visible, giving her a strikingly enchanting aura.

Bai Tian’er nodded casually to those around her before striding over, her ample hips swaying gently as she stopped before Jin Kai.

“Director Jin, today’s the final day of shooting, right? My schedule’s packed lately, a bit tight on time. Hope you can accommodate me.”

Faced with an actress who hadn’t quite reached A-list status but comfortably sat in the B-tier, Jin Kai’s attitude softened considerably. He waved a hand at Qiao Na.

“Alright, won’t squeeze your schedule. Go get your makeup done quickly.”

Only then did Qiao Na nod in satisfaction, removing her sunglasses and hanging them on her chest, revealing a deep cleavage.

Unfortunately, without the sunglasses, her rather ordinary eyes became visible, surrounded by faint wrinkles that harshly downgraded her original seven-out-of-ten looks to a mere five.

“Xiao Qiao, wait what’s up with your eyes? Out partying all night yesterday?”

“Ha, what party? Pulled an all-nighter for a night shoot.” Qiao Na forced a smile, fingertips rubbing at her crow’s feet while the smile never reached her eyes.

What night shoot? Seeing your director at a gathering yesterday who knows where you really went gallivanting, Jin Kai thought to himself but didn’t press further, just waved her toward the makeup room, though his mood had soured.

Commercials were different from TV dramas they demanded sheer glamour. When stars lacked proper rest, no amount of lighting or post-production could fully mask that drained, lifeless aura. Qiao Na was no rookie; she knew this perfectly well yet still pulled this stunt.

“What’s wrong? Not happy with the newcomers, and now the veterans are giving you trouble too?”

Wang Yuan teased deliberately. Jin Kai rolled his eyes and replied in a voice only the two of them could hear.

“Destined for B-list forever. Acting skills none. Looks average. All she’s got going is showing some skin and flashing her thighs. How many like her are there in the entertainment industry? But hey, that rookie you’re managing does have the looks, but last time she got on camera whew, that petty, timid vibe practically made me cringe.”

“How many fresh faces can meet your standards right out the gate? You’re really picky.”

Wang Yuan chuckled. Though he maintained a stern front toward Bai Tian’er, he thought quite highly of her. But just as he finished speaking, Jin Kai suddenly raised an eyebrow.

“Do you know who’s partnering with Qiao Na this time?”

“Hmm?” Wang Yuan had only heard it was a newcomer but hadn’t investigated the name. Yet judging by Jin Kai’s expression, this rookie was clearly something special.

“A newcomer heavily promoted by Qiao Na’s agency. Rumor has it she trained for three years before debut imagine the investment. Her name’s Chu Mei, and they’re apparently grooming her to take over Qiao Na’s spot. Gorgeous looks, professional-level acting skills.” Jin Kai checked his watch. “Should it be about time you’ll see her soon.”

Wang Yuan narrowed his eyes, gazing toward the entrance. Coincidentally, a white van soon pulled up and out stepped a woman in hot pants and a black T-shirt.

She wore no sunglasses, her eyes sparkling and captivating with upturned corners like a fox’s. Dark purple eyeshadow added to her allure, and her striking features went without saying. Most remarkably, she carried a natural seductive charm with her walk an undulating wave, body curving like a swaying “S” from head to toe, radiating a fiery, irresistible sensuality.

“Chu Mei…” Wang Yuan mulled over the name, finding himself agreeing with Jin Kai’s assessment.
Such a distinctive appearance, while greatly limiting the range of roles one can play, also makes it easier to gain fame and attract fans. With slightly better acting skills, the path to stardom would become much smoother.

“See that?” Jin Kai was somewhat smug. This newcomer had managed to impress even a veteran like Wang Yuan.

“Not necessarily. In terms of acting range, someone like Bai Tian’er has broader possibilities.”

“Hey, you haven’t seen Bai Tian’er’s acting. It’s so stiff it could rival my eighty-year-old grandmother’s.”

In Director Jin’s view, Wang Yuan was just being stubborn.

“Well, we’ll see then.”

Wang Yuan didn’t say more, just shrugged his shoulders. Chu Mei approached the two men, bowed, and smiled with slightly hoarse voice that only added to her allure.

“Hello Director Jin, hello Teacher Wang.”

It seemed this newcomer had indeed received training she recognized Wang Yuan at first glance.

“Mm, not bad. You’re in good shape. Go get your makeup done.”

Jin Kai clearly appreciated Chu Mei, his warm attitude and friendly. Wang Yuan also nodded at her. Chu Mei’s smile deepened as she headed toward the dressing room. From behind, she resembled a fired porcelain vase, the slenderest part at her waist making one itch to grasp it.

Unexpectedly, before Chu Mei could enter the prepared dressing room, an infuriated voice erupted from inside.

“Bai Tian’er, are you deliberately opposing me?”

Wang Yuan and Jin Kai exchanged glances, their brows slightly furrowed.

What’s wrong with Qiao Na?

Hearing this, Chu Mei curled her lips into a smug, gloating smile.

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Zephyr Yizelle

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