Chapter 241: What a Fine Male-Oriented Harem Story

The meal was enjoyed by both hosts and guests.

Both sides were very satisfied.

The Xinli people had come prepared to be given a hard time, but after arriving they found it wasn't as difficult as the rumors had made it out to be.

The "difficult" here, of course, doesn't mean Bai Liang was throwing his weight around, but rather that he was picky.

Although the buzz around "Joy of Life" was considerable, whether it would actually succeed was still hard to say.

A true male-lead drama hadn't produced a hit yet, so confidence within the industry was generally lacking.

Xinli, sitting on so many top-tier male-oriented IP resources, was eager to develop the maximum value from this segment.

Paying the price to bring Bai Liang into the fold was also a way of buying a fairly important insurance policy.

To put it bluntly, if even bringing in Bai Liang still didn't work, then it wouldn't be the actor's problem, and they'd have to find ways to put in effort elsewhere.

Sister Yanzi: We recognize money, not people. Since you've hired our Brother Xiao Bai, whether it works or not you still have to pay up. Not a single cent less, or we won't let you off!

Actually, Sister Yanzi's courage now was already much greater than before.

After all, Bai Liang first starred in "Wolf Warrior 2," then in "The Wandering Earth." For the latter, Sister Yanzi had even risen to the level of a nominal producer.

After learning that their own Brother Xiao Bai had been "cheated" out of so much money by Guo Fan, she had no choice but to inexplicably add a few more business lines to the studio.

Although they weren't deeply involved in film and television production, the necessary framework still had to be set up.

Besides, the industry was already buzzing about a rumored pay cap. Although it was only a rumor for now, Sister Yanzi felt that having an extra backup was definitely not a bad idea.

If the pay cap really came, and they wanted their income not to be too greatly affected, in the future they might really have to participate more in film and television production.

Of course, participating in film and television production carries risk; no one can guarantee that a film they star in will definitely be a big hit or pull in blockbuster ratings.

But there was nothing for it—Bai Liang was being willful!

Tens of millions, lent out just like that, and those big sisters and young ladies really dared to give him the money.

Sister Yanzi: For Brother Xiao Bai's sake, I've truly worn myself out~

Bai Liang: Yanzi, what would I ever do without you!

Still, he actually had a small problem.

"Those two roles you wanted—who are they for?"

"Who they're for, isn't that just a word from you, Brother Xiao Bai?" Sister Yanzi said with a beaming smile.

Bai Liang understood instantly.

Ah~ they're for him to use as favors.

And indeed, the pay "Joy of Life" had offered him was already very high! Over two million per episode, basically touching the ceiling for TV drama pay.

So the question came: these two supporting female roles—who were they for?

Bai Liang did remember that the characters Si Si Lili and Fan Ruoruo were both quite outstanding, but no matter how outstanding, they were still just supporting female roles.

The well-off young ladies he knew would definitely look down on them.

Even Nazha, that love-brained girl, wouldn't do it. Back then she could throw herself into "Wolf Warrior 2" with Bai Liang, not caring at all whether the film would take off, on the premise that she was the female lead in that movie.

What if she were asked to play the second female lead?

Nazha would probably rather not participate, simply show up for a cameo as a freeloader, and then serve as Bai Liang's temporary little assistant, than play the second female lead.

Even if she really lost her mind and wanted to act, Cai Yi could personally shut her down.

That was absolutely not allowed.

So, they could only look for obscure nobodies~

Speaking of obscure nobodies, Bai Liang naturally thought of—

Beijing Yuekai Film and Television Co., Ltd.

Meng Jie, who had just finished her scheduled appearances and been called back on short notice, was completely baffled. What was going on?

What was her boss up to this time?

"Xiao Meng's here, please sit."

After Jia Shikai came in, his face all warmth, he was about to casually close the conference room door, but the feeling of sitting face-to-face with Bai Liang in the car last time flashed through his mind, so he only left the door half-closed.

He didn't dare to close it.

Female celebrities were already prone to being the subject of salacious rumors, especially with the company boss

"Boss, what's the matter? You called me back again. Our company has way too many meetings~"

Meng Jie had originally been planning to finish her scheduled appearances and head back to her home in Shanghai to laze around with the cat. She was missing Chocolate a little~

She had plenty of vacation time and could rest whenever there was nothing going on.

This was the daily life of a small-time obscure actress.

"The female lead role I promised you has arrived." Jia Shikai didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the reveal.

"Really or not?!"

"Not just that, there's also a supporting female role. Both projects are major IPs, but you'll have to make some trade-offs, because the shooting schedules for these two dramas will conflict."

Happiness came too suddenly. Meng Jie's eyes instantly widened.

"Really?!"

"Would I lie to you? The female lead role is adapted from a female-oriented novel called 'Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation,' and the supporting role is from the male-oriented 'Joy of Life.' Both are very well-known IPs in the industry."

Jia Shikai helped Mencius analyze the situation, all the while stealthily observing her expression.

Oh hey, she really didn't know?

So the other side hadn't given her a heads-up in advance.

"My suggestion is to choose 'Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.' Although this drama is a BL adaptation, if it were truly a female-lead drama, it definitely wouldn't be your turn. Wouldn't you agree?"

Meng Jie nodded, waiting for the other side to continue spinning.

"But the good thing is, since the original novel is a BL double-male-lead story, to pass censorship they'll have to downplay that aspect, so they'll definitely add scenes for the female lead character."

"Addiction" got taken down, and the ending is right there — a BL drama trying to serve the audience directly is impossible, at most they'll let you do an adapted version.

Likewise, adapted BL dramas are also an industry-recognized way to boost talent!

Huang Jingyu and Xu Weizhou, with just one taken-down drama, shot up that fast — you can see the power for yourself.

You could say this thing is one of the fastest shortcuts for young male artists to reach top-tier fame.

Sounds pretty good, huh!

Mencius blinked, feeling her boss really did want her to act in this drama.

The female lead under a dual-male-lead setup.

In normal times, she'd probably have already jumped up with joy!

For a small-time star like her, this is already a pretty good resource.

Even if those two male leads might not have much clout, with the IP's influence and the adapted BL drama's buzz, it might really let her "go viral."

But today, for some reason, Mencius was unusually calm.

So calm she herself found it a little unbelievable~

She steadied herself. "Boss, what about that supporting-role drama, it's called 'Joy of Life,' right?"

"Ah, yes, yes. In terms of screen time, she might not even count as the second female lead — more like third or fourth."

Wait, no~ Mencius cleverly spotted the blind spot.

If it were really just like this, it felt like her boss wouldn't have brought up this drama specifically.

He'd just kill it outright and tell her to act in "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" and be done with it.

So her big eyes were full of suspicion as she looked at her boss: You're definitely holding something back!

Jia Shikai paused, thinking forget it — if he kept it hidden, it might just drive a wedge between him and his artist.

He simply spread his hands. "The male lead is Bai Liang."

"I want this one!"

Without a shred of hesitation, Meng Jie made a choice entirely on instinct.

Damn, just as I thought!

Watching Mencius's little face all bright and spirited, Jia Shikai was speechless.

Now she's not even bothering to pretend.

Luckily, Jia Shikai didn't think "Joy of Life" was that bad either.

He'd already done his homework — that drama's cast was a bit scary, and even going to play a supporting role would be a huge catch for Meng Jie.

At most, it was just the option of "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" sitting there that had him torn for a while.

The reason he hoped Meng Jie would pick "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" was actually that Jia Shikai wanted to gobble up both pieces of meat.

Because another female artist at the company, Song Qian, was also somewhat interested in the "Joy of Life" project.

After hearing about it, she came to ask Jia Shikai if she could join the cast under a special appearance.

Although he didn't understand why Song Qian wanted to play a supporting role, Jia Shikai wasn't that clueless.

That role was clearly meant for Mencius~

He couldn't just swap people on his own.

Unless Mencius herself decided she didn't want it and said so herself.

Meng Jie: No way! It's mine!

After hearing Bai Liang's name, "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" was wiped clean out of her mind.

Female lead? Whoever wants it can have it!

She couldn't wait to fast-forward time to next year!

"That character's name is Si Si Lili~ what a lovely name, what does she do?"

Meng Jie was eager to learn everything about the role. "The top courtesan of the pleasure house."

Ah, this~

A top courtesan, huh. But Mencius suddenly thought of that "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" she had acted in with Bai Liang.

After it aired, many sharp-tongued critics said the Mu Nianci she played had too sexy a mouth, and her eyes kept shooting flirtatious looks at Yang Kang — felt a bit improper.

Hmph! This time I'll go full "improper"!

"I'm this sexy, of course I have to play the top courtesan~ I was born to play a top courtesan!" Mencius said proudly, touching her own face.

Jia Shikai: Sometimes I really feel like I'm getting old and can't keep up with these young girls' thought processes.

What kind of wild talk is that?

Why not just say your ancestors did this for a living~

Outrageous!

Afterwards, Jia Shikai did go ask Song Qian, wanting to know if she had any interest in "Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" — it counts as a female lead after all.

Song Qian: What tier are those two male leads? Me, play second fiddle to them? No way~

Double standards on full display at this moment.

As for the other role Sister Yanzi had gotten — Fan Ruoruo — Li Yitong proactively took it on.

Because Mencius couldn't quite keep it to herself, she took the initiative to share this good news with her. Happy things should be shared with good sisters — that way the happiness doubles!

Li Yitong: Sis, I can feel your happiness~ that's so nice!

Then the "evil little kitty" came online.

No errors in any chapter, first release, full content, all in one place!

Li Yitong was very direct and straightforward, saying she had the schedule too, and reached out a little hand toward Bai Liang: I want one too! Can I?

She was quite straightforward, didn't play any probing games with Bai Liang — that decisiveness actually helped her.

Because Bai Liang had already been about to call another girl.

She successfully snatched it away.

They hadn't even thought of her originally, because Li Yitong was famously the type who'd beg to play the female lead, utterly indifferent to pay.

Bai Liang had assumed she wouldn't want to take a supporting female role~

Li Yitong: I'm not stupid—I know it depends on the situation!

She quickly had someone look into the "Qing Yu Nian" project and decided she was making a fortune.

The best part was, the role she snatched—Fan Ruoruo—turned out to be the male lead Fan Xian's sister.

Hmm, the sister and the sister-in-law look alike. Just that alone is enough for her and Li Xin to stir up some juicy gossip.

The two had previously " teamed up" for a hit trend, generating buzz, and it worked well.

Though afterward, she was indeed heavily criticized—she still couldn't forget that explosive label, "Sao Ji Sisters."

It gave her soul a tremendous shock.

But it didn't matter—what if she did it again?

Blindly acting leads nowhere; to survive in today's entertainment industry, you need traffic and buzz.

Otherwise, unless the drama explodes, you're still a nobody.

Plus, she could cling to Bai Liang's leg—she figured even if she wasn't the female lead, it didn't matter.

But Li Yitong made a mistake, just like Meng Zi.

She couldn't resist showing off.

Jin Cheng: Huh? There's something like this?

Sis, thanks for the heads-up—I'm bored too~

Even though by the time she inquired, most female roles were already cast, she said she didn't mind taking a special appearance, a minor role just to check out the "Qing Yu Nian" set.

Jin Cheng still had some fame; she wasn't completely buried yet.

If she volunteered to be a prop, the production team had no reason to refuse.

But the rumor didn't stop at Jin Cheng.

She was so sneaky!

Even though she was now estranged from Tang Ren, she hadn't broken ties with Tang Ren's artists~

The friendship still existed!

"Yao Yao, I found a role perfect for you!"

"Huh?"

"Didn't you just star in 'Wu Xin Fa Shi 2'? You looked so cool dressed as a man."

After Jin Cheng showered her with praise, Chen Yao's head spun—and she was forcibly pitched a role called "Zhan Doudou."

The role wasn't special at all, with little screen time—just playing the emperor in female disguise, which sounded kinda fun.

But after learning about it, Chen Yao became interested—her interest clearly wasn't the role itself.

Cai Yinong:???

She sized Chen Yao up and down, making Chen Yao feel uneasy.

"Boss Cai."

"Yao Yao, why are you suddenly interested in such a minor role? I can definitely help you connect, but…"

Cai Yinong had already spoken very subtly.

The role wasn't important—even if Chen Yao wanted to play it just for fun, that wasn't a big issue.

But the problem was… was she really interested in the role?

Put bluntly: Yao Mei, are you crazy? Still thinking about that man of Zha Jie?!

Cai Yinong truly hadn't expected that the fallout from Bai Liang's past sins with Tang Ren still hadn't faded.

"I just… want to try it, since I'm free anyway," Chen Yao whispered.

"Fine~ If you want to try, go ahead. I'm just warning you."

These days, Cai Yinong was surprisingly easygoing—what could she do? Happy events lifted her spirits.

Zha Jie was doing so well now, and naturally, Cai Yinong's mood improved too.

This small request? Fine, fine—let Chen Yao be happy.

But when Cai Yinong looked into the "Qing Yu Nian" production team's situation and got a partial list of female actors, she nearly spat out her tea.

Each name was so familiar.

Every single one could be tied to Bai Liang—oh, except Xin Xin Zhilei and Li Xiaoran.

Digging deeper, wow! This IP was actually a male-oriented harem novel.

A male-oriented harem novel indeed.

What the hell is Bai Liang trying to do?!

Cai Yinong knew this guy well—he'd always been bold, ever since he dared to disrespect her back when he was just starting out, utterly fearless.

Even after becoming famous, Bai Liang hadn't grown cautious—he'd grown even bolder.

The "Qing Yu Nian" production team was baffled.

What was going on?

Just after they finalized the deal with Bai Liang, one female artist after another popped up, eager to join the drama as a guest—even if unpaid.

Brilliant!

If they were all obscure, low-tier artists, fine—but honestly, none of these women were obscure.

Except Meng Jie, every single one had played a female lead, and none were minor names—they were all at least third-tier artists.

Even Meng Jie wasn't really that clueless.

Meng Jie and Li Yitong were roles Sister Yanzi helped them get; Jin Cheng and Chen Yao tagged along on their own. Apart from them—

There were actually still experts!

Bai Liang's name was too well-known, and combined with his usual image of being very generous. As one older sister put it: there are plenty of female demons in the circle who'll suck you dry~

But those harboring such thoughts were clearly a step too late.

The young female roles in "Joy of Life" with any real screen time who would interact with the male lead Fan Xian had mostly all been assigned.

In a sense, the young ladies silently "guarded" Bai Liang for a round, sparing him from the possibility of bad women getting close.

"Achoo!"

Bai Liang, who was currently filming with the "The Wandering Earth" crew, suddenly sneezed.

He himself hadn't reacted much yet, but the little girl beside him, Zhao Jinmai, was quite concerned: "Brother, did you catch a cold? I have medicine here~"

Bai Liang smiled and shook his head. "No, must be some pretty girl missing me~"

"How pretty?" Zhao Jinmai asked curiously, and a little unconvinced too.

Little thing~

Already at the age of caring about looks?

Bai Liang was just about to "give her a lesson," explaining that youthful vitality is the best cosmetic, and that girls her age shouldn't secretly apply lipstick behind the scenes to act mature.

But the next second he noticed the previously noisy crew had suddenly gone much quieter.

At the same time, little Zhao Jinmai, who had been pouting in defiance, now had her eyes wide open and mouth formed into an O shape.

The crisp click of high heels on the floor; the newcomer's footsteps seemed to quicken.

By the time Bai Liang wanted to turn his head, a familiar waft of fragrance reached his nostrils first.

Zhao Jinmai: How is that fair! She had just asked how pretty, and someone immediately showed up right in front of her to give her a demonstration?

For a little girl, that was just too deflating.

Like a cute newbie who just left the starter village, crashing head-on into a level ninety-nine big shot fully clad in orange gear.

Not fair~ Wait till she grows up and then compete again!

"Where's my little crocodile?" the newcomer asked, tilting her head.

(End of chapter)