The production team of 《Immortal Vow》 had changed its executive producer, and Zhou Xiangnan made an announcement over the intercom for the entire crew to take a half-hour break.

The crew, which had been in the midst of intense preparations, suddenly found themselves with unexpected downtime— and right after Xia Chengcheng’s appearance. Naturally, this sparked a round of gossip among the staff.

“Do you think Xia Chengcheng has some sort of shady relationship with the investor? Otherwise, why insist on her as the second female lead?”

“Who knows? I heard her family is filthy rich. Without her, the film wouldn’t even get made!”

“But I heard she’s on bad terms with her family lately. They’ve cut her off financially! And isn’t our production backed by Tiancheng Entertainment? What’s Tiancheng got to do with Xia Chengcheng?”

“Could be that after falling out with her family, she went and found herself a sugar daddy among Tiancheng’s higher-ups?”

Speculation ran wild, but no one reached a conclusion. They simply gossiped away, convinced that this troublemaker Xia Chengcheng was anything but simple.

The system silently infiltrated the set’s surveillance system, eavesdropping on the staff’s gossip like a nosy bystander.

Sigh…… what a bunch of unqualified gossipmongers! You’re brushing against the juiciest scoop of this entire world and still manage to fumble it— picking up sesame seeds and dropping the watermelon^[1]to focus on trivial or minor gains while neglecting or losing something much more valuable!

Its host was far from ordinary, and she had already become their bread and butter! They really ought to sing her praises more behind her back. If not, they’d better watch out. She might just cut them from the cast!

While the crew whispered among themselves, Ye Shiwen arrived on set in full costume for the female lead.

To be fair, the system admitted Ye Shiwen was quite beautiful. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have become the female protagonist of this novel world.

She had the kind of looks that stood out among average girls without being aggressive. She had a gentle, girl-next-door charm.

Its host, on the other hand, was completely unsuited for a leading role. She was glamorous, fierce, and radiated aggression— perfect for a dramatic cameo in a soap opera, the type that left a deep impression with a single dazzling appearance.

As the system made its mental commentary, Ye Shiwen gracefully stepped forward, still surrounded by murmured chatter from the crew.

“My goodness, Shiwen is so pretty!”

“She’s a rising actress, of course she’s beautiful!”

“Ye Shiwen is the real cultured rich young lady! Elegant and refined! Xia Chengcheng? She’s like a nouveau riche social climber!”

……

Ye Shiwen greeted the staff warmly and even signed autographs for a few young assistants. Her sweet smile was infectious, putting everyone at ease and lifting the atmosphere.

Assistant Director Chen Mingjie soon came over to welcome her and guided her toward the soundstage.

As she exchanged pleasantries with the crew, Ye Shiwen leaned in and quietly asked Chen Mingjie, “Assistant Director Chen, weren’t we on a tight schedule? Why the sudden break?”

She moved in close, and Chen Mingjie felt a warm breath brushing his ear, sending a tickling shiver straight to his heart.

He quickly suppressed the flutter in his chest.

He didn’t quite understand Zhou Xiangnan’s decision either, so he whispered back, “Xia Chengcheng just went to talk to Director Zhou. Who knows what kind of stunt that woman pulled again!”

Ye Shiwen furrowed her brows, a trace of clarity flashing through her eyes.

Xia Chengcheng hadn’t returned to the Xia family’s mansion in days. Since Xia Yongde had cut her off financially, she should’ve already gone crawling back by now.

This should’ve been her lowest point.

For her to approach Zhou Xiangnan likely meant trouble. Maybe she demanded higher pay or stirred up some kind of drama. Nothing good, in any case.

Ye Shiwen felt quite pleased with this.

The worse Xia Chengcheng’s situation, the more delighted she was to watch her fall.

While chatting with Chen Mingjie, Ye Shiwen reached for a folding chair to sit down. Coincidentally, Chen Mingjie had also reached for the same chair, and their fingers brushed unexpectedly.

Chen Mingjie’s face flushed red. He quickly pulled his hand back and stammered, “Sorry……”

Ye Shiwen gave him a gentle smile. “It’s fine.”

She knew full well that Chen Mingjie liked her. He had in the last life, and in this one too.

That was why she subtly took advantage of his feelings. Like just now, when she clearly saw him reaching for the chair and intentionally moved at the same time, creating a moment of electric contact that was subtle but emotionally charged.

It was a masterful use of feminine charm.

Chen Mingjie’s nerves didn’t settle after that brief touch. If anything, his heartbeat sped up every time he caught sight of Ye Shiwen’s profile.

He quickly made an excuse about preparing the script and slipped out of the studio.

Ye Shiwen quietly sat on the folding chair.

Around her, crew members continued to speculate. The half-hour break gave them plenty of time to discuss what exactly had happened between Zhou Xiangnan and Xia Chengcheng to warrant this sudden pause in production.

Perhaps it was Xia Chengcheng’s ability to attract negativity, but everyone seemed to agree that this break was a bad sign. At the very least, it meant they’d probably be working overtime tonight.

After a long while, Chen Mingjie finally returned to Ye Shiwen’s side and leaned in to say in a low voice, “Xia Chengcheng’s been replaced. She’s no longer the second female lead!”

Ye Shiwen was overwhelmed with excitement, but she suppressed the thrill in her heart and put on a worried expression. “What happened? Even when her scandal with Ji Jinghan caused such a stir, they didn’t replace her. Why are they suddenly changing cast now?”

“I’m not too sure either.” Chen Mingjie replied, equally puzzled. “But it’s better that she’s not acting. Otherwise, who knows how she’d continue pestering you in the crew!”

Ye Shiwen didn’t ask further. She merely feigned a look of deep regret and sighed.

It was best that Xia Chengcheng didn’t play the second female lead.

Ye Shiwen clearly remembered that in her previous life, 《Immortal Vow》 had grossed 5 billion at the box office after its release, becoming the undisputed blockbuster of the year. It not only held immense commercial value, but also swept various awards and nominations at film festivals the following year. Its artistic value was immeasurable.

That was why Ye Shiwen had gone to great lengths to use Chen Mingjie to land the female lead role.

Originally, with Xia Chengcheng in the cast, she would undoubtedly benefit from the film’s success. Playing Wu Huan might have even given her a chance at redemption and a clean slate.

But now that Xia Chengcheng was out, the future glory of 《Immortal Vow》 would have nothing to do with her!

Chen Mingjie was still rambling on about Xia Chengcheng being dismissed when a staff member nearby asked curiously, “Assistant Director Chen, it’s been half an hour. Why haven’t we started shooting yet?”

Chen Mingjie snapped impatiently, “Isn’t it all because of Xia Chengcheng? Director Zhou wants to replace the second female lead, and she probably doesn’t agree. I bet she’s still in his office arguing!”

Everyone was shocked upon hearing that.

They had all assumed that Xia Chengcheng brought in most of the investment for 《Immortal Vow》. Who would’ve thought she was getting replaced?!

So even Director Zhou couldn’t stand her anymore!

Most of the crew disliked Xia Chengcheng. No one felt sorry for her. They were just annoyed that she was causing another delay, forcing them to work overtime again tonight.

Their resentment toward Xia Chengcheng quietly deepened.

Seeing this, Ye Shiwen stood up apologetically and bowed slightly toward the crew.

“I’m sorry. My stepsister can be a bit thoughtless. After everything that’s happened, and now being late for the costume shoot, I apologize on her behalf. It’s my fault for not teaching her better.”

This was Ye Shiwen’s usual tactic. Every time Xia Chengcheng acted bold and defiant, she would step in as the pitiful, innocent white lotus^[2]someone who is pure in appearance, but opposite inside. Her sincerity stood in stark contrast to Xia Chengcheng’s arrogance. After all, society still favored modest and reserved individuals, and outspoken ones often drew criticism.

Ye Shiwen’s words immediately improved everyone’s impression of her. She was truly a well-educated, refined rich young lady— completely different from Xia Chengcheng, that unruly rich girl!

“Ye Shiwen, we’re not related. You don’t need to apologize for me.” The arrogant voice came from the hallway as Xia Chengcheng walked into the studio with Zhou Xiangnan.

The moment she appeared, all eyes turned to her.

She wore a flowing silk blue dress that hugged her curvaceous figure. Her striking features were bold and unrestrained, exuding a unique kind of beauty.

When she stood in front of Ye Shiwen, Ye Shiwen’s soft, fair beauty instantly paled in comparison.

“Xia Chengcheng, Ye Shiwen is your older sister! Show some respect!” Chen Mingjie glared at her, unwilling to let anyone speak ill of Ye Shiwen.

“Oh? The sister I got thanks to her mother becoming a mistress?” Xia Chengcheng smiled flirtatiously, her voice like silver bells— sweet, yet painfully sharp.

The studio fell silent.

Everyone knew Xia Chengcheng and Ye Shiwen were stepsisters, but Ye Shiwen’s mother had been the mistress? That was a bombshell!

No wonder Xia Chengcheng had always been at odds with Ye Shiwen. With that kind of family dynamic, anyone would feel uncomfortable around their stepsister.

Suddenly, the crew found themselves sympathizing with Xia Chengcheng.

Ye Shiwen clenched her teeth, her fingernails digging into her palm.

After all, she knew better than anyone that what Xia Chengcheng said was true. She was Xia Yongde’s biological daughter. Her very existence was proof that Ye Liufeng had succeeded in becoming the official wife through her affair. Fortunately, Xia Chengcheng didn’t know the full truth and only believed Ye Liufeng had become a mistress.

Whenever this topic came up, Ye Shiwen would always downplay it. Xia Yongde, who never involved himself in showbiz, would also make sure to suppress any related gossip.

Ye Shiwen quickly replaced her expression with a gentle smile— the signature look of a delicate white lotus— and walked over to Xia Chengcheng while saying with a sweet tone, “Chengcheng, I know you’re upset about losing the role of Wu Huan. I won’t hold it against you.”

Xia Chengcheng raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Lost the second female lead role? Ye Shiwen, your inside scoop isn’t very accurate.”

Ye Shiwen was stunned, clearly not understanding what Xia Chengcheng meant.

How could Xia Chengcheng remain so calm after losing such a major role in a blockbuster film? Shouldn’t she be furious?

Unless…… unless she had gotten an even better role. That was the only explanation for her calm demeanor!

With that thought, Ye Shiwen quickly glanced at Zhou Xiangnan beside Xia Chengcheng, but he didn’t seem inclined to make any announcements.

In 《Immortal Vow》, the only role better than the second female lead was the female lead. Could Xia Chengcheng have replaced her and taken that role? What was she so confident about?

“Forget it, I don’t have time to waste on you.” Xia Chengcheng figured Ye Shiwen had been racking her brain for a while and still hadn’t figured anything out. She walked straight into the middle of the studio and turned to the crew with a bright smile. “Sorry to keep everyone waiting. Let me treat you all to afternoon tea!”

Several catering carts were wheeled into the open space on the side, filled with fruit juices, drinks, and cakes.

The crew looked a little stunned and conflicted. They had assumed this delay meant a long night ahead, but now, things seemed to be changing.

Zhou Xiangnan noticed their unease. He was aware of the complaints in the crew’s chat group about working overtime, so he quickly stepped forward and said, “Everyone, enjoy your afternoon tea. Today’s workload isn’t heavy— just the lead actors’ costume shoot and character VCRs. Also, the official filming has been pushed back by about half a month.”

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

To a bunch of working folks, what could be better than not having to work overtime? That was the best news they’d heard all day!

Then came Zhou Xiangnan’s second bombshell, “Also, let me announce something important. Starting today, Teacher^[3]commonly use in media and entertainment to respectfully address someone who is knowledgable and has expertise in a certain field Xia will no longer be playing the second female lead, Wu Huan. She will be our film’s executive producer instead! Let’s all welcome her!”