Chapter 291: Why Does Jiang Xin Deserve It? The Dual Casting Method

Hengdian, set of "In the Darkness"

Qin Lan, who also starred in "Peach Blossom Luck," arrived at Hengdian five days after Fan Xiaopang.

The first thing Qin Lan did upon arriving at Hengdian was report to the production team, then send her assistant to inquire about "Painted Skin."

Before the assistant returned, Huo Siyan and Zhao Ke arrived.

"In the Darkness" is a Republican-era drama; "The Last Huanzhu Gege" also features mostly Republican-era settings—the two sets aren't neighbors, but they're not far apart.

As for Zhao Ke, she also starred alongside Huo Siyan in "The Last Huanzhu Gege."

The producer of this drama is Yu Zheng; Zhao Ke originally met Qin and Huo through his screenplay and production of "The Great Qing Imperial Harem"—they're all old acquaintances, so Zhao Ke landed the female third lead this time.

Others didn't join, since the female lead and female third lead were already taken; asking for more would look greedy.

Yi An also promotes people—for example, the male lead in "The Last Huanzhu Gege" is Zhou Yi, the female second lead is Chen Su, who's being negotiated with, and Yu Zheng also has a circle of friends and relatives—the male second lead is his connection.

"Sis, this production doesn't seem to have much investment."

Huo Siyan has been in the industry for years and has been on many sets; a quick scan of the set lets her roughly gauge a production's caliber and scale.

This "In the Darkness" doesn't even seem as big as our "The Last Huanzhu Gege" set—Qin Lan's playing female second lead—isn't that a waste?

"We're a spy thriller; the effort goes into the actors and the plot."

Qin Lan wasn't bothered; she'd read the script of "In the Darkness"—it's definitely top-tier. You can't judge such a drama by cost or star power alone.

Even as female second lead, if she plays it well, it'll benefit her more than Huo Siyan starring in two or three "The Last Huanzhu Gege" dramas.

Qin Lan knew Yan Li had gone to great lengths to invest in "In the Darkness," even using some coercion.

She'd rarely seen Yan Li care so much about a drama; even if she didn't believe in "In the Darkness," she absolutely trusted Yan Li's judgment.

Hearing this, Huo Siyan said no more—just show loyalty was enough; if she pushed too hard, Qin Lan might switch sets with her.

"Sis, didn't that Jiang person try to humiliate you? She's not being honest—we should deal with her."

Of the Seven Fairies, Huo Siyan really had few enemies.

Li Lin was one; Yang Xue was okay; Li Bingbing and she didn't get along, but no major conflict arose.

The most discordant were Fan and Dong, then Jiang Xin.

She disliked Jiang Xin for two reasons: one, she thought Jiang Xin was Dong Xuan's lackey, helping the villain back then.

The other was that when the Seven Fairies publicly broke up, Jiang Xin was the first to speak—and she targeted her by implication.

Huo Siyan still remembered Jiang Xin's words—【"The Seven Fairies aren't on bad terms? No way—I'm on good terms with Xuan-jie, Yang Xue, Li Lin, and both Bingbing-jie."】

There are only six of you Seven Fairies total—being on good terms with five means you hate the other one?!"

Another reason was that Huo Siyan was a little jealous of Jiang Xin.

The reason was similar to Wang Ou's: Jiang Xin's career had climbed fast these past two years, and Huo Siyan resented it.

She also suspected Jiang Xin had a relationship with Yan Li.

It was obvious—Jiang Xin wasn't even Yi An's artist; why had she been getting constant film offers lately, even steady female lead roles?

Huo Siyan judged by her own standards; she didn't believe merely being close to Dong Xuan could earn Jiang Xin Yan Li's strong backing.

Because of this, Huo Siyan resented Jiang Xin even more.

Wang Ou, that flirtatious chicken, was fine—she was Yi An's artist, and she had to share part of her earnings with Yan Li, and she was even suspected of betraying friends to save herself.

She herself was the same; though she hadn't made money for Yan Li, she'd always followed his orders, accompanied Qin Lan, worked as a mole at Huayi, and recently even "betrayed" Li Xiaolu.

After such unwavering obedience and diligence, Yan Li had tilted resources toward her.

What right does Jiang Xin have?!

She's not even particularly beautiful—just tall, and no other standout advantages.

For all these reasons, ever since learning Jiang Xin was cast as female lead in "In the Darkness," surpassing their Lan-jie, Huo Siyan had been seething.

Qin Lan, however, remained calm—she'd played supporting roles in "The Investiture of the Gods," been female second lead to Wang Ou in "The Great Qing Imperial Harem," boosted new talent for Qiong Yao in "Again, a Curtain of Dreams"—if she truly cared about this, she'd have quit long ago.

Besides, Yan Li had specifically explained to her beforehand, fearing she'd overthink it.

Jiang Xin was cast purely because her image fit; the director and screenwriter insisted, Sun Honglei recommended her—it had nothing to do with him.

Qin Lan didn't say whether she believed it or not; since they had little screen time together, if Jiang Xin didn't provoke her, she'd just ignore her.

"She's not important—what matters is those two from 'Painted Skin'—any news from 'The Legend of Chu Liuxiang 2'?"

Qin Lan asked Huo Siyan; since they'd been in Hengdian longer, they should have some insights.

Huo Siyan silently cursed Jiang Xin's luck—normally, because Jiang Xin's status was questionable, Qin Lan might have had thoughts, at least investigated her, eliminated potential threats.

But now, with a major enemy looming, she truly had no energy to care about an insignificant Jiang Xin.

"'The Legend of Chu Liuxiang 2' is too far away—I've gotten little news; but 'Painted Skin' has some rumors."

Immediately, Huo Siyan gestured wildly, vividly describing the earlier showdown between Fan Xiaopang and Li Bingbing upon entering the set.

The pairing of Li Bingbing and Fan Bingbing in "Painted Skin" was a hot topic; the confrontation happened in broad daylight, and the set wasn't just populated by "Painted Skin" crew.

Even after the production issued a gag order, rumors leaked out widely.

Even Tianya Forum had leaks, let alone other drama sets shooting in Hengdian.

The rumors spread like wildfire; paparazzi and gossip-seekers camped outside "Painted Skin" daily, hoping to capture more explosive footage.

The "Painted Skin" production team increased security, added several RVs and luxury vans as rest rooms, and moved makeup rooms, meeting rooms, and footage storage entirely to Yi An Garden under tight guard.

Gossip itself wasn't critical—but if the movie's plot leaked, the impact would be severe.

Qin Lan had also heard some rumors; she had her own sources, but since she wasn't in Hengdian, she lacked the details.

After listening to Huo Siyan's description, Qin Lan clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"They didn't fight?"

Huo Siyan was also disappointed, comforting Qin Lan: "These two don't get along—they're together every day, they'll definitely fight eventually."

"I hope so."

Qin Lan said it, but didn't sound optimistic—after all, Yan Li was still on the "Painted Skin" set.

She had experience with this—minor friction and petty conflicts were easy to handle, but if they came to blows or escalated, Yan Li would surely crack down hard.

Like that time she fought Dong Xuan, Yan Li flew into a rare rage and punished them; and that New Year's Eve with Fan Xiaopang—that bastard even had the nerve to…

No, that bastard wouldn't treat Shuang Bing the same way, would he?

Qin Lan's expression changed, then slowly relaxed—it probably wouldn't happen. Their conflict was too deep; if they were forced together, they'd definitely fight.

True, but she still felt tense inside. After all, she and Fan Xiaopang didn't get along either—and still, that bastard got his way.

That sly fox Fan Xiao was shameless, and Li Bingbing wasn't any better. Yan Li played them against each other, lied to them—it was hard to say what might happen.

Qin Lan pondered for a while but couldn't think of a solution.

There was nothing she could do—even if she guessed, she couldn't stop it.

Prevent Yan Li from acting foolishly?

If that bastard listened to her, none of this would've happened.

Warn Fan Xiaopang or Li Bingbing?

Given their relationships, a warning could turn into mockery or manipulation—and she didn't even know what either of them was thinking.

Sabotage them from within?

The two crews were busy with their own things; she had no power to interfere, and if she got too deep, she might get dragged in by that bastard too.

Qin Lan had no doubt Yan Li could do such a thing—once he did it once, he'd do it again. Last year on her birthday, he nearly got her and Dong Xuan together in Sihe Academy.

So Qin Lan pretended she knew nothing, kept watching the drama between Shuang Bing, and stayed alert for any alliance between them.

Shuang Bing had big conflicts, but also stable shared interests.

Qin Lan thought she and Dong Xuan had caught lovers together before—how could she be sure these two wouldn't team up over something? Better stay on guard.

Just as they were talking excitedly, two people came over from the set—the lead was Jiang Xin, dressed in a rustic, outdated costume.

Seeing Jiang Xin, Qin Lan hadn't reacted yet, but Huo Siyan reacted instantly, her tone sharp.

"What do you want here?"

Jiang Xin glanced at her, voice equally stiff: "What's it to you?"

Of the Seven Fairies, who had the fiercest temper? Jiang Xin wouldn't claim first place, but she was definitely a top contender.

She'd never liked Huo Siyan and found her annoying; now that the woman was acting this way, Jiang Xin certainly wouldn't coddle her—if not for Qin Lan's presence, she'd have said something even harsher.

Huo Siyan was her person; Jiang Xin's rudeness made Qin Lan's face darken.

Was this an attempt to put her in her place?

She hadn't planned to pick a fight with Jiang Xin, but now the woman was deliberately provoking her—did she think Qin Lan was soft?

Unexpectedly, after snapping at Huo Siyan, Jiang Xin extended her hand toward Qin Lan, her tone noticeably softer.

"Teacher Qin, I fought hard for this role and just want to focus on acting. I hope we can coexist peacefully and cooperate smoothly."

Jiang Xin's meaning was simple: each walks their own path; no interference.

She'd landed the female lead in this drama and was already satisfied. Besides, when Yan Li originally fought for her role, he'd hinted clearly: behave, don't cause trouble.

Jiang Xin had previously provoked Fan Xiaopang in "The Legend of Yang Yuhuan" and been crushed under his heel—Yan Li's stance had been unmistakable.

Since then, Jiang Xin's ambitions had cooled considerably.

Yan Li had warned her in advance, was stationed in Hengdian, Qin Lan herself was no pushover, and Jiang Xin believed this drama, "Infiltration," had potential to become her signature work—she wanted to focus entirely on doing it well.

For all these reasons, Jiang Xin chose to come and declare her stance on Qin Lan's first day on set.

It was a subtle move—by offering peace upfront, if Qin Lan still harassed her, Jiang Xin could go to Yan Li and complain.

Qin Lan studied Jiang Xin with interest, then suddenly asked: "When did you two get together?"

To come straight to her like this, and quietly set up a move—this kind of confidence couldn't be explained merely by a good relationship with Dong Xuan.

Rumors had circulated that Jiang Xin and Yan Li were involved; Qin Lan had been uncertain before, but now she thought the odds were high.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Jiang Xin gave a vague reply. Few people, like Wang Ou, openly admitted to being Yan Li's mistress—most didn't.

Whether for image, future security, or fear of offending someone.

In short, too many concerns kept everyone from ever speaking openly, let alone admitting it.

As long as no one admitted it, even the wildest rumors remained just rumors and misunderstandings—leaving room to maneuver.

Probably fearing Qin Lan would press further, Jiang Xin gave a few evasive replies and quickly made an excuse to leave.

This "trying to hide the silver but drawing attention to it" posture only confirmed Qin Lan's suspicions.

She cursed Yan Li inside, yet still mocked Dong Xuan aloud.

"Tsk tsk, isn't Jiang Xin a Dong? How's your team managed? Your subordinate's sleeping with your lover—you're getting cuckolded, so embarrassing."

Normally, Huo Siyan—sharp-tongued and with a grudge against Dong Xuan—would've piled on, but today, perhaps due to poor condition, she only offered weak agreement, even less than Zhao Ke.

Qin Lan was puzzled, about to ask, when her assistant returned—but not alone; behind him came a car.

Yan Li's car!

On her first day on set, Yan Li had every reason to come over, greet her, welcome her.

Others were nearby, so Yan Li didn't get out; Qin Lan and the others got in, exchanged a few words, and only then did Qin Lan remember Huo Siyan.

"Siyan, I meant to ask earlier—what's wrong? You look drained, your face is pale."

Huo Siyan forced a smile, sounding weak: "The temperature's been swinging wildly these days. I caught a chill this morning—feel a bit off."

Off? But she was lively and energetic before Jiang Xin showed up?

Yan Li didn't know the details, but he'd had deep conversations with her before—he responded with concern.

"Be careful later. Temperature swings and drafts are the worst for catching colds. Last year around this time, one of our company's screenwriters, a man surnamed Pang, caught a chill and got facial paralysis—he had to get acupuncture on his face for over a month to recover."

Qin Lan asked curiously: "Did it leave any aftereffects?"

Yan Li had never seen such a young case of facial paralysis—it stuck with him. He'd talked to the man: "A little. When he laughs hard, his mouth tilts slightly—not serious. But the acupuncture hurt like hell—dozens of needles on his face, hands, feet. Poor guy."

"That's something to be careful about."

Qin Lan nodded. Female stars live off their looks—if she got facial paralysis, it'd be a nightmare. If cured, fine; but if the aftereffects were severe, even plastic surgery would be hard.

Huo Siyan obediently took out her mask and put it on. She wasn't sure if it was the wind, but she had definitely been frightened.

After finishing the welcoming banquet, Huo and Zhao took the hint and left; Yan Li's vehicle headed for Dongyang.

"Going into town won't delay tomorrow's shoot, right?"

"It's not that far. Hengdian won't do—there are too many paparazzi."

Yan Li gritted his teeth at the thought of these paparazzi—they were damn good at hiding and sneaking around.

One paparazzo, desperate to get inside Yi'an Garden and catch some juicy shots, actually stuffed himself into a plastic bag, slipped in through a garbage truck, then evaded security and the garden's guard dogs, spending the whole night hiding in bushes, stairwells, and other nooks and crannies.

If not for the system alerting Yan Li, he might never have caught him—he might even have slipped out again via the garbage truck.

Honestly, this guy's skills were wasted as a paparazzo; Yan Li even considered recruiting him.

After catching and scaring him, they sent him to tail a few rivals to see if they could dig up any good dirt.

Other paparazzi didn't have this guy's talent, but they all had their own tricks, and with so many of them, Yan Li couldn't possibly deal with them all—they severely restricted his freedom of movement.

Now, Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang sometimes returned to Yi'an Garden to stay; when he had free time with Li Bingbing, he basically didn't go to Hengdian.

"Thank goodness for the paparazzi—otherwise someone would be feasting and carousing every night."

Qin Lan couldn't help but throw in a sarcastic remark—herself, Shuang Bing, Dong Xuan, Jiang Xin, and other foxes she didn't even know about.

All these palaces in Hengdian might as well have been built for this bastard.

"Feasting and carousing every night? I'm practically dead from work."

Yan Li knew he couldn't let a woman think his life was easy, so he began complaining bitterly.

He told her how he shot during the day, worked at night, barely slept—then showed Qin Lan the bruises he'd gotten from a stunt fall two days ago.