Chapter 223: Bad Women Are Truly Very Bad

In the first half of "Divas Over the Wild 3," apart from the various dangerous or interesting wild animals, the main highlight was Bai Liang's relaxed attitude whenever he faced those sudden situations in the wilderness.

Swap in another person, and they probably wouldn't pull off the same effect as Bai Liang.

Many viewers, after watching a few episodes, discovered that no matter what this guy encountered—lions, rhinos, hippos, that sort of thing—the expression on his face was mostly calm, with surprise actually showing up the most.

Casually slapping a lion's rump, teasing the hippos in the waterhole, scaring a baby elephant, smacking a crocodile on the head with an entrenching tool, sneaking off to steal a cheetah's food to feed his own little kitty.

Some in the know said: That guy Bai Liang really has guts the size of the sky!

Especially with the hippos and the baby elephant.

Hippos are known as Africa's number-one killer—far more dangerous than crocodiles or lions, and extremely aggressive.

One bite and they can snap a person clean in two!

As for the baby elephant, sure it's pretty cute, but its mama—a full-grown wild elephant—isn't joking around; she can flip a car right over.

A normal person running into one of those would keep their distance and snap a couple of photos, but Bai Liang dared to deliberately spook it.

It's exactly like the childish stunt of kicking down the Beihai kindergarten door.

And then he even helped it find its mama~

Viewers were completely baffled: Wait, how did you even know it was separated from its mother? There's no way this wasn't staged by the production team, right?

Production team: If we really had that kind of skill, that'd be great~

Where the hell would we even find that many wild animals, each one a better actor than the last?

Oh right, about that "snatching food from the cheetah's mouth" bit—it was actually pretty dangerous; even domesticated dogs can fiercely guard their food, let alone wild beasts.

But Bai Liang somehow turned it into this sneaky, sneaky kind of comedy.

The memes viewers kept posting were all the cheetah's helpless expressions, with captions like: The poor cheetah is speechless too—a bandit upright-ape has moved in next door.

In short, the two emotions that should have shown up most on Bai Liang's face—tension and fear—never appeared. Not once!

He really isn't afraid~

Some viewers figured this was thanks to Mango TV's editing—they must have cut out every clip where Bai Liang looked panicked.

Just sitting there manufacturing a persona—how shameless!

But unfortunately, the "lazy" post-production team arranged several long takes in the first few episodes.

The reason: the footage was already great, no editing needed.

All they did was add warning text over any shot that could potentially lead viewers toward danger.

That was the most work their post-production team did.

They really didn't dare skip it.

What they were actually thinking inside, only they themselves know.

At the same time, viewers who opposed this theory—even Bai Liang's own fans—found it pretty easy to rebut.

Come on, bring out the car-crash photos and videos.

Pretending to be calm? You try it and see~ Real men in real life never look back at the explosion behind them.

And when the local African wild humans—oops, I mean local warlords—also showed up, it thoroughly pushed this "Going Solo in the Wild" trip to its climax!

Alright, alright, you're not afraid of a beast's fangs, so you're not afraid of a 7.62 caliber round either?!

Outrageous's mom opened the door for Outrageous.

But the moment that little national flag was pulled out, the whole segment was instantly elevated.

Bai Liang naturally didn't go the way Wu Jing did in the movie, making it all so solemn and grave—his expression stayed calm the whole time.

But it was precisely this calm that produced an even better effect.

Overall it was still fairly restrained; the production team was also worried that going overboard would backfire, so they didn't try to overdramatize this segment either.

As if it were just one unremarkable part of the African adventure. As if!

The production team wanted to keep a low profile, but the audience overlords wouldn't allow it!

A massive wave of discussion erupted!

Debates over whether it was reasonable, and whether it was real or fake, blew up all over the internet.

In the face of this matter, even that CP with Nazha had to take a back seat, even though those two were about to meet on the show.

The internet never lacks controversy.

Who's tougher, the lion or the tiger?

Which is more advantageous, a dagger or a short stick?

Could Tyson take on Bruce Lee?

Which of the "85 Flowers" has the highest popularity?

All sorts of questions—some worth debating, some downright idiotic—once they start being argued about, the unit of measurement is years.

China has too many people; it's impossible for so many viewpoints and ideas to ever converge.

Trying to convince another person online is way too hard!

Throw in all those internet contrarians, and these topics can never be argued to any conclusion.

And Bai Liang's performance in the first half of "Divas Over the Wild 3" opened up God knows how many controversial talking points.

But this time, "Wolf Warrior 2" really hit the jackpot.

The trailer dropped, and Wu Jing's performance in the film merged with Bai Liang's real-life self.

In some sense, the traffic this movie is now riding is even bigger than Nazha's CP traffic.

"So the movie and the variety show are tied together now? What did Wu Jing do in Africa this time?"

"Didn't these two bros get into a fight in Africa? Wu Jing lost and got pinned in the sand and rubbed around."

"You saucy movie, you've successfully piqued my interest—hurry up and release, watch me give you a good satisfying smack with my fat wallet!"

"The first 'Wolf Warrior' was actually pretty good too, the box office wasn't bad; with Bai Liang's boost this time, I'm guessing it can break a billion."

"One billion? I say a number—two billion!"

"Two billion is a bit tough, but we can give it a shot. Didn't Wu Jing already mortgage his house to make the movie?"

"Bai Liang and Na Zha seem to be acting for zero pay. Wu Jing can't afford their salaries."

"Oh right! Na Zha's in this movie too! I just remembered—the African bandit couple!"

"Looking forward to this movie. It's releasing end of July, right~ I'll go check it out then."

"."

The popularity of *Wolf Warrior 2* skyrocketed, and for other movies in the same release window, this was the first piece of bad news.

No way, how can you do promotion like this?

Where's the morality? Where's the law? Where's the method?!

Promoting a movie on a variety show is a perfectly normal way to publicize it, but Bai Liang, this guy, somehow played it into something extraordinary.

And his flower wasn't just any flower—he arranged a riot of colors, instantly drawing everyone's attention away.

This time the blast radius was a bit wide; it affected not just the movies in the same release window.

Even *Brotherhood of Blades 2*, which was set to release about ten days earlier, got hit.

Yang Mi couldn't help but come "question" Bai Liang: Are you going to let your big sister live or not?

*Brotherhood of Blades 2* was in its final promotional sprint, and then Bai Liang came barreling out like a mud truck, smashing their momentum to smithereens.

And Bai Liang did feel a bit bad about it.

Although he had long known that *Wolf Warrior 2* would eventually crush all its same-period competitors and even those in later release windows.

He really hadn't expected that before the movie even came out, he'd already gone and run over a wave of them with his mud truck.

But as for Yang Mi's complaint—Bai Liang felt he probably hadn't affected her that much.

He did have some impression of *Brotherhood of Blades 2*, but not the impression Yang Mi had.

Isn't the female lead of that movie Xin Zhilei?

Oh right, Yang Mi's complaint was secondary; the real business was inviting Bai Liang to attend the premiere of *Brotherhood of Blades 2*.

"Sister Mi, next time just get straight to the point, don't do this kind of wind-up." Bai Liang said, looking slightly helpless.

Yang Mi hummed twice on the other end of the phone: "I was just afraid you're too busy being top-tier to bother with me, so I had to lay some groundwork first."

"Is big sister really that insecure?"

That seemingly offhand remark left Yang Mi silent for several seconds.

After that, her tone immediately turned flirtatious again: "Yep, so give me some security then~"

This request was actually quite awkward.

And Bai Liang was always rather conflicted about this sort of thing.

He did usually give young ladies a sense of security quite often in daily life—nobody knew this better than Reba.

Reba: Da Bai is super healing!

But, if you change the setting—for example, a hotel room bed—then it flips.

Because he doesn't like putting on security himself, so how could he give the young ladies any security?

So Bai Liang instinctively said: "I don't like using it."

Yang Mi: "??? You don't like using what?"

"Oh, nothing. I'll be on time for the premiere. Is Reba going?"

Yang Mi, who often teased people and was thus very sensitive in this area, always felt something was off.

But she couldn't quite put her finger on it, so she could only answer the part about Reba first, her tone somewhat gleeful: "First, she probably doesn't have the time; second, if she comes, I'm afraid you won't come."

"I will." "Yo! You little punk really are audacious. I watched the new episode of *Divas Hit the Road* yesterday—pretty impressive, huh? A pickup drifting, taking someone for a ride—has Reba ever enjoyed that kind of treatment? I say you're playing favorites. What's so great about Guli Nazha? When Reba stops talking to you, you'll be crying!"

It was obvious Yang Mi was trying really hard to help.

As if trying to pull Bai Liang back from the "evil path."

No choice—the new episode of *Divas Hit the Road 3* yesterday was the reunion scene between Na Zha and Bai Liang, and the CP fans went absolutely wild.

Yet in this situation, Reba still helped repost the *Wolf Warrior 2* promotional Weibo, looking like she was going to support Bai Liang.

Her only statement was: she only @'d Bai Liang alone.

Her stance was firm—not to support a little hometown buddy.

"What? Cat got your tongue? You really won't come if Reba doesn't come?" At this point Yang Mi was actually a bit afraid she'd gone too far, making this stinky kid too chicken to come, which would backfire.

"No, I'm going. I was just recalling my schedule and shoots, I should be able to squeeze out the time."

"So you didn't hear a single word I said, did you?"

"I did, I heard it. But there's one thing to rebut—this is your movie premiere, Sister Mi, I'm going for your sake."

Every chapter, every first release, all content—only on this site!

Bai Liang felt the primary and secondary relationship was still important—after all, it was Yang Mi's home turf.

"For me? I love hearing that. I'll give you a little reward then~ won't let you come for nothing." Yang Mi deliberately used a husky, seductive tone, which, combined with her Dou Xiao Nai voice, really did make one feel a tickle in the heart.

Honestly, though it's a bit rude.

A very strange thought popped into Bai Liang's head: she's so flirtatious~

But Yang Mi's way of talking—anyone who takes it seriously is the clown.

This big sister was simply addicted to running her mouth; she could spout wild lines face-to-face, let alone over the phone.

Bai Liang had reason to suspect that her so-called little reward was probably just some souvenir-type thing.

If he showed a surprised expression when he got it, he'd probably get teased all over again.

Bad women really are very bad.

——

"Brotherhood of Blades" can be considered a fairly well-known IP among domestic martial arts films in recent years.

Many novelists love to use this film, though of course, it's basically always the first one.

Bai Liang's impression of the first film is also very deep — the oppressive feeling of the Flying Fish uniform lit by lanterns in the narrow alley, as well as the famous memes from this movie.

One is "very moist," the other is "add money."

In a certain sense, this IP has already broken out quite, quite a lot — even many people who haven't seen the film know these memes.

When the first "Brotherhood of Blades" was released in 2014, it also became a dark horse among that year's domestic films.

Solid box office, Golden Horse Awards in hand, earning praise from all sides.

And today, three years later, the original cast has come out of retirement once more, with the famous maverick director Ning Hao serving as producer to launch the sequel.

Add in the joining of Yang Mi and other well-known artists, and naturally it attracted a great deal of attention from inside and outside the industry.

Oh right, the original scheduled release date for this film was actually August; for some unknown reason, it was later changed to a mid-July release.

Maybe they were trying to dodge something, but the result was — dodged indeed.

The slogan the producers shouted out was: only speed is unbreakable, quality wins.

Being too fast isn't necessarily a good thing~

The premiere was held in Yanjing, and the commotion was not small.

Bai Liang now has a very good habit — he arrived very early.

So when he got there, it was just as the main creators were taking turns appearing on stage; the grand finale Yang Mi and Zhang Zheng were still over there making heart signs together at the fans and media on site~

Hey~ what a coincidence, didn't he — Bai Liang, just getting out of the car, happened to catch it.

Just as he was wondering whether he should make a heart sign back in return, he suddenly noticed Yang Mi picking up her skirt and coming over.

Her behavior was naturally quite eye-catching; even Zhang Zheng was stunned for a moment — what's going on, is the female lead about to run off?

At this moment, the people around let out a gasp, which more or less solved the mystery.

The premiere actually didn't have a red carpet segment.

But for just this stretch of distance, Yang Mi actively clung to Bai Liang's arm, forcefully creating this kind of feeling.

"Sis, are you really that worked up?"

"Of course I'm worked up! You're here to support me, I have to let everyone know — that's how I get face."

Now that's a refreshingly honest thing to say!

Then Yang Mi seemed afraid Bai Liang would overthink it: "Don't worry, watch me later, I definitely won't cause you any trouble."

The so-called not causing Bai Liang any trouble was, during the host's interview, casually mentioning Rebar.

Yang Mi: I'm basically "half a member of the bride's family," being enthusiastic isn't too much, is it? Just borrowing my Rebar's "boyfriend's" arm for a little hug.

At the same time, she deliberately put on a mischievous "oops~ accidentally let it slip" expression.

From this little operation of hers, you can actually tell that Jiaxing's handling of the Rebar and Bai Liang CP scandal is now completely different from before.

You could even say the flavor has changed.

From previously wanting the traffic but worrying about being tied too tightly, to now actively taking a stance and leaning in.

No choice — Rebar herself absolutely cannot make any verbal statement.

This is something Yang Mi is best suited to do.

The fans stirring things up on site said it wasn't too much — they love watching this kind of plot.

Too bad Rebar herself didn't come, otherwise they could have shipped the CP right there on the spot.

Yang Mi seemed to still want to catch a hint of shyness or bashfulness on Bai Liang's face, but sadly there was none at all.

Faced with this kind of on-site hint and teasing, he merely responded with a smile.

No denial, no explanation, no engagement.

This was what Sister Yanzi taught him.

To keep Bai Liang's "harem" stable, Sister Yanzi really burned quite a few brain cells.

Only in the end did she come up with this method-that-isn't-really-a-method.

No choice — the top-tier traffic battle has come up with new tricks again.

The current four top-tier traffic stars: Lu Han, Bai Liang, Wu Yifan, and Li Yifeng.

Marketing accounts summarize:

Lu Han, an idol by origin, now "troubled by love" has cut off his own arm — his behavior is basically a "betrayal" of those female fans.

The fall is inevitable; it's just a matter of when he drops out of the top tier.

As for Bai Liang? Over-marketing CPs, like an octopus with scandals with everyone — sooner or later something big will blow up!

By comparison, Li Yifeng is truly an "honest kid."

Honestly, this thing looks exactly like the PR puff pieces Li Yifeng bought — stepping on three at once, how satisfying!

But it could also be other contestants trying to squeeze into the top-tier ranks stirring up trouble.

Among the three top-tier stars "named" by marketing accounts, Lu Han is pretty much out of options — he announced it himself, nothing to "wash."

And Wu Yifan seems to have found a new path: since the pure innocent boy persona is played out, he'll try something else.

A currently popular hip-hop music audition show has been heating up lately.

Hip-hop has always been labeled with things like authenticity and rebellion… it really does suit the current Wu Yifan quite well.

But he's also rather unlucky — originally this variety show's influence could have expanded further.

The result was it crashed head-on into "Divas Hit the Road 3."

A popular variety show ran into the year's hit variety show.

Luckily the market is big enough to fit both, otherwise Wu Yifan would have taken another big loss to Bai Liang.

Every time they collide, every time he gets crushed — like running into a ghost.

As for Bai Liang—the capybara took two bites of apple, paid no attention, and continued spacing out.

It was just that Li Yifeng's team, who had secretly bought promotional articles, suddenly felt a chill on the back of their heads.

Fortunately, they gave up on continuing this kind of trash-talking approach in time, because the effect was honestly negligible.

Lu Han was bound to "retire" sooner or later, Wu Yifan was starting to slack off and preparing to take the rebellious route, and Bai Liang simply wasn't taking the bait—besides, his traffic was so massive now that these small voices had zero impact.

The key point was that a certain someone's own behind wasn't exactly clean either~

Compared to certain things done on the sly, Bai Liang was openly over there shipping CP.

Shipping CP isn't illegal, you know.

(End of chapter)