Chapter 432

Actually, a large part of the blame for the first Stars and Seas Youth Actor Program turning into a gathering of resource actors lies with Bai Liang.

It's the same reason Wu Jing previously mocked him: he kicked the Beihai kindergarten.

He was bored.

Because he went over to join the fun and lured in a wave of resource actors who hadn't intended to show up.

He indirectly organized a team-building event for the younger generation of resource and background actors.

The subsequent Stars and Seas Program probably won't ever have such a lineup again—after all, everyone's still very busy.

At the same time, it just happened to coincide with this year's unusually special Golden Rooster Awards.

Besides its special significance, this year's edition also had no shortage of entertainment.

Previously, the Golden Rooster Awards posters were often criticized as "tacky," but this year's reform directly opened up public online submissions and interaction with netizens.

Yet countless historical experiences tell us that whenever a parody option appears in an online vote, most people will recklessly choose it.

When China's first domestically built aircraft carrier was launched, an online campaign titled "Name My Carrier" saw "Pipi Shrimp" top the polls with over a million votes.

Previously, Weibo had a gender survey with three options: "Male," "Female," and "Fu Ta," and the most voted choice was Fu Ta.

If you don't want a trolling option to rise to first place, the only way is to not make it an option at all—even if its popularity is extremely high!

It was a rooster drawn with colored pencils, in a crude, naive style, bizarre in appearance, with its standout feature being its gaze—amidst absurdity and nonsense, it carried a hint of defiant unconventionality.

This rooster with its disdainful gaze was so peculiar, so striking, so contemporary art—it stood out like a rooster among cranes among a sea of serious designs.

It regarded Chinese cinema with a scrutinizing stare, its slightly mocking expression like a tap on the hearts of Chinese filmmakers.

When you stare at the rooster, the rooster stares back at you.

Imagine this: during the grand showdown of all Wu Lin sects at Bright Top, suddenly a masked figure bursts in, unleashes a flurry of wild punches, and kills the master—no one can tell how deep his cultivation truly is. Isn't that the most satisfying thing?

This strange rooster's ranking surged steadily, climbing to first place by a huge margin, becoming the people's elected "overwhelming C."

Unfortunately, the Golden Rooster Awards ultimately didn't use it—unlike the Erhu Egg incident during the Jin Ling Youth Olympics, where the organizers dared to use what the public voted for.

——

Gathering site of the Stars and Seas Youth Actor Program.

Zhao Jinmai, who came along with Bai Liang to join the fun, initially felt quite good—like she was tagging along with her big brother on an outing.

As for the phrase "meet the resource actors," which sounded like she was being brought here to fight, she naturally didn't take it seriously.

There were even friends of hers here!

But after arriving and wandering around just two laps, just as she was about to sidle up to Bai Liang and resume being his little shadow, her boss Dong Zijian caught her~

"Student Mai Mai, why are you here?"

Facing her boss's question, Zhao Jinmai first flinched, then mumbled apologetically: "My brother brought me. We're filming together."

"Together"? How convenient.

Dong Zijian sighed and rolled his eyes. "You should've just waited at the hotel for tomorrow's Golden Rooster Awards. Why come here to join the chaos?"

This made Zhao Jinmai unhappy!

In a fit of anger, she got angry.

She wouldn't dare snap back at her boss, but she muttered: "Why can't I come?"

Dong Zijian really couldn't explain this well—how could he put it to her?

He could only vaguely say: "You'll find out soon. Just stay by me for now."

"Why?"

Dong Zijian didn't answer that question, but Zhao Jinmai soon found out why~

Just as Bai Liang finished exchanging pleasantries with some Golden Rooster Awards staff and turned back, Zhao Jinmai was about to shout, "Brother, save me!" to get herself away from her evil boss.

But the next second, a clear, bright voice cut in first~

"Brother!"

Upon hearing that, Zhao Jinmai froze—this… this was my phrase!

There she saw Zhou Ye scampering up to Bai Liang, grinning as she greeted him.

Oh~ isn't this that red-hot little puppy?

Previously, Zhou Ye became famous overnight thanks to her "trick" of blushing instantly during the launch event for "You Are My Youth."

Zhao Jinmai definitely recognized her—and remembered her vividly.

When she saw that trending topic, she'd even marveled: "How can her skin be so soft? How could it turn that red?!"

But now, Zhou Ye looked like a happy little puppy—rushing straight to Bai Liang, looking up at him with a radiant, adoring expression… it was genuinely puppy-like.

Of course, Zhou Ye had rushed forward too hard—she quickly realized her neck was straining, so she stepped back two paces.

After stepping back, she felt she'd gone too far, so she stepped forward again.

This bizarre back-and-forth with herself left everyone stunned.

What on earth was she doing?

Remember, during the last Stars and Seas Youth Actor Program gathering, most people's main impression of this little darling backed by He Song was cold and arrogant.

Back then, Zhou Ye spent most of her time with a stiff, icy expression—cold as ice.

How could she be like this now? She was practically wagging her tongue and shaking hands—like an overexcited golden retriever.

So, just one movie, and she's been turned into what now?

Someone couldn't help sneaking a weird glance at Bai Liang, muttering inwardly~

Bai Liang: This isn't my fault~ I'm innocent!

On the set of "You Are My Youth," he simply interacted normally with Zhou Ye—maybe he was a bit kinder to her, but he was kind to everyone, and he didn't treat this girl any differently.

He had no idea how she'd gone from a scowling puppy to this.

"Xiao Ye, stop smiling."

"Huh?" Zhou Ye didn't quite understand why, but she obediently did as she was told.

The moment she pulled her expression in, her whole aura changed dramatically!

"See, you really do look better like this. That look just now was so silly~" Bai Liang said, rubbing his chin as he offered his suggestion.

Of course, the cold-faced look is better-looking, but he recommends not making that face around the Sixth Princess, or you'll easily get roasted.

"Big bro, do you like how I look now?"

Zhou Ye was trying hard to hold her current expression, which was actually a bit of a struggle, because the moment she saw Bai Liang she couldn't help wanting to smile~

Like how she looks now?

Why does that sound so much like she's setting a trap~

Still, Bai Liang admitted it quite readily: "I do prefer it. Keep it up, and don't get cocky."

To put it bluntly, that cold-faced look she had, with eyes that seemed to gaze at you like trash, was pretty anime-esque.

Some perverted types really love that kind of look—best if they're cursing you as trash while stepping on you in black socks.

Oh right, Bai Liang is not that kind of pervert.

He's saying this purely from the perspective of appreciating beauty.

A cold-faced puppy really is better-looking than a happy puppy—arguably a lot better-looking.

Just as those two were chatting and catching up, Zhao Jinmai couldn't hold back any longer, itching to launch "Operation Protect Big Brother."

Fortunately, at this moment she still had Dong Zijian by her side.

"What's up?"

"I'm going over there."

"It's crowded over there, just stay here with me for now." Dong Zijian advised.

Crowded?

Zhao Jinmai's eyes went wide—wasn't there only two people?

At this point her imagination ran wild, and she gave Dong Zijian a strange look. A useless bit of knowledge popped into her head for no reason: they say dogs can see things people can't.

Dong Zijian, for his part, didn't notice that classmate Mai was mentally roasting him, and added: "It's about to get crowded. Are you in a hurry?"

"Why would I be in a hurry? I'm not in a hurry!"

Stubborn.

Dong Zijian completely ignored her excuses. "I know you're in a hurry, but hold off for now—you'll see soon enough."

Zhao Jinmai, ruthlessly suppressed by her boss, could only watch Zhou Ye bouncing around over there, completely unable to figure out what Dong Zijian was trying to do~

Big bro, he's bullying me!

Dong Zijian suddenly shivered, but luckily at that moment a figure passed by him.

"Look, here they come."

"Who's coming?"

Zhao Jinmai looked up and saw a tall, slender figure passing by her.

"Senior!"

As the saying goes, every thing has its match.

Zhou Ye, who had been bouncing around happily just now, immediately toned it down quite a bit once Chen Duling arrived.

More than toned it down—she was even tempted to run.

You see, back then on the set of "Better Days," her "official wrap" didn't mean filming was done.

It was because she caught Chen Duling secretly giving Bai Liang a handjob.

At the time, she was essentially "chased off" the set by Chen Duling.

Chen Duling, who normally looked so bookish and gentle, had lifted her skirt and chased after her to "kill" her.

Fortunately, Zhou Ye eventually earned forgiveness, on the condition that she keep it a secret.

But meeting again today reactivated Zhou Ye's memory of being chased all over the place, and instinctively she was a bit timid.

Chen Duling, who had originally sweetly called out "senior," couldn't help puffing up her cheeks when she saw that wretched little puppy Zhou Ye. That day had been the most socially mortifying day of her life, and it was all that little brat's fault.

Zhou Ye: How is it my fault that you two don't lock the door?

Chen Duling: Any polite kid knows to knock before entering!

In any case, meeting again, both of them were a bit awkward, but they tacitly pretended nothing had ever happened.

Watching the strange exchange of glances between these two, Bai Liang found it rather interesting.

Did these two secretly reach some kind of agreement?

"Dudu, how did your hair grow so fast? Did you use hair growth tonic?"

Hearing this, Chen Duling's face darkened and she couldn't help stamping her foot. "Senior, don't bring that up... wig~"

The two words "wig" were spoken in a lowered voice, and after saying them her cheeks flushed slightly; she even secretly glanced around to check the situation.

After the film wrapped, the wig became a must-have prop for her whenever she had public appearances.

She figured she'd have to wear it until next year.

As for her own hair, although some had already grown back, it was like a puppy in that awkward in-between stage—an awkward phase~

"Senior, are you free for dinner tonight?"

"Sure, but do you mind if there are others joining?" Bai Liang agreed readily while asking.

At this, Zhou Ye's eyes lit up. Oh hey, he really does remember her! Yay!

Chen Duling glanced at that wretched Zhou Ye. Although she wasn't too happy about it, of course she wouldn't refuse Bai Liang's suggestion.

Whatever senior says, she'll listen.

Before coming today, she had even specially cut short the manicure she'd just gotten a few days ago~

As a top student girl, she was genuinely an honor student, willing to put in hard work to study and improve even the strangest things.

She even bought props to practice.

All just to surprise Bai Liang greatly when they met again~

But she didn't know if she'd get this chance this time?

Just then, a voice cried, "Liang gege," making Chen Duling involuntarily break out in goosebumps, and Zhou Ye's eyes widened slightly.

Who is it? So disgusting.

Zhang Jingyi: Huh? I think it's fine~ Before, I called him that in front of his mom.

But when everyone turned to look, they nearly burst out laughing.

What's she running over for?

Today wasn't any event or red carpet; everyone wore casual clothes, and few girls wore high heels.

Zhang Jingyi's sportswear made her look youthful and energetic.

But her running posture—running while flailing her elbows~

Man?!

No, it's Seven's human form!

Zhang Jingyi:???

Why does everyone seem to be laughing at me?

Though she didn't understand the situation, she realized she might have done something foolish, so she quickly checked her outfit—nothing wrong~

"You run well. I suggest you never run again—you're better suited as a static beauty." Bai Liang said, barely holding back his laughter.

At that moment, Zhang Jingyi instantly realized where the problem lay.

"Did I run strangely?"

"It's not about whether it was strange—it's about that particular kind."

Bai Liang glanced around and saw no one filming with their phones; he could only regret not preserving this precious visual record.

But some habits are hard to change; she'll probably make the whole nation happy someday.

Zhang Jingyi: Oh no! My planned dazzling debut as a vibrant, youthful beauty turned straight into a clown show.

At this moment, whether Chen Duling or Zhou Ye, their gazes at her were odd.

There was a hint of hostility, but the dominant emotion was pity.

They looked at her as if she were a person with underdeveloped cerebellum~

Zhang Jingyi declared she was blushing red too!

Bai Liang: Why panic? These two aren't any better.

Wait till Chen Duling dances, Zhou Ye sings.

These girls each have their own embarrassments coming.

But since their future humiliations are still ahead, right now they might as well enjoy themselves at Zhang Jingyi's expense—who else offered such a big laugh point~

But these two didn't gloat long; soon, Zhang Jingyi came over with a forlorn expression, politely greeted Bai Liang, said nothing, and just stared fixedly at the two of them.

Mostly at Zhou Ye!

Was it you who messed up my role?

Zhou Ye: That was my company's doing, fine—it was me! What do you want to do?

She puffed out her chest, though there wasn't much to puff, but her presence was strong.

At such moments, no matter what "feuds" she had with that unlucky pup behind the scenes, Chen Duling firmly stood by her side.

They had performed together; for "losers," they were naturally on the same side.

Two against one—absolute advantage!

But Zhang Jingyi replied: Are you going to compete with us "Losers' Alliance" on numbers?

Though they had no real rapport with each other, even could be called rivals, at this moment they shared a common "enemy."

Today, Chen Duling was the most hated person here—who could have imagined that someone who got eliminated early would come back?

So… where's Cun Huang? Where's the Little Princess of Beijing's circle? And who else hasn't shown up to join the team?!

Here they come~

Though Zhang Jingyi wasn't a leader, the girls responded to her "call" wholeheartedly at this moment.

Sister, lead us in one charge!

Let's tear into them~

Bai Liang: The little flowers' feud seems about to begin!

But he hadn't expected that he himself had sparked this generation's internal entertainment girl-group conflict.

"Big Brother Xiao Bai, long time no see." Cun Zi strolled over and didn't forget to give Bai Liang a bright smile, as if she didn't care at all that she hadn't become the female lead.

Hmm, still the same flavor—refreshing and soothing.

Then came Li Gengxi; she'd just gone outside to light one~

This girl was still quite "refined."

She'd arrived early, greeted Bai Liang promptly, and even invited him: "Teacher Bai, have a puff?"

Bai Liang hadn't taken a puff, but he had one in his pocket right now~

No choice—gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, yielding; whether or not you smoked, you had to accept the invitation, or you'd be disrespecting them.

One, two, three, four…

Zhao Jinmai stood dazed beside Dong Zijian, watching her brother slowly surrounded by the girls, feeling dizzy.

So I'm not the only good little sister?

Just how many good sisters do you have, exactly!

Seeing this, Dong Zijian indicated he wanted to say a few words on behalf of Brother Liang. Although there were quite a few young ladies on site, the treatment Zhao Jinmai received was truly one of a kind.

His main reason for not letting this little girl go over was fear she might get caught in the crossfire.

Last time the competitive atmosphere had been so intense, so this time these Misses absolutely wouldn't stay calm for even a second.

They might just start tearing into each other on the spot!

What would Zhao Jinmai go over for? To be a target for others to take shots at? What they were fighting over had nothing to do with her, so there was no need to wade into those muddy waters.

Zhao Jinmai: So that's how it is~

Of course she also knew about the *Better Days* brawl incident, she just hadn't expected them to be fighting so... openly.

It really felt like they were about to throw down right there on the spot.

"They wouldn't really start fighting, would they?" Zhao Jinmai had already begun worrying about Bai Liang's safety.

Dong Zijian scratched his head. "It won't come to that, won't come to that. Besides, not everyone's here yet."

"Not everyone's here yet?!"

Of course not everyone's here yet — the most important person always makes the last entrance!

The moment she appeared, the entire auditorium would softly call out her name—

To be precise, her honorific!

"Meng Jie!"

(End of chapter)