Chapter 035: Testing the Law with One’s Body

Fang Yimeng’s reputation on the internet was steadily improving. Even her most dedicated anti-fans were now enthusiastically recommending her older, more embarrassing TV dramas. While dragging out her “black history,” they righteously claimed: “Emo-jie’s acting has really improved lately.”

Coincidentally, the filming of the third episode of The Actor clashed perfectly with the first episode of Lights Out at 11:30.

Thankfully, The Actor was filmed in the morning, and the other show was filmed in the early hours of the next day, so the timing worked out. Fang Yimeng didn’t have a meltdown.

During the shoot, they first filmed the opening scenes of Episode 3. As soon as the director announced a break, Liao Ran—who had just been sitting beside Fang Yimeng—got up coldly and left for the dressing room, a stark contrast to her usual friendly and graceful demeanor.

Min Qing, who had recently gained popularity thanks to The Actor, felt a sense of gratitude toward Fang Yimeng. After all, she only got her interview opportunity because Liao Ran’s mentee had an unexpected accident.

“Sister Yimeng, do you have any ideas for the PK games during the livestream this afternoon?” Min Qing found Fang Yimeng tucked in a corner, scrolling on her phone. With stars in her eyes, she eagerly asked her benefactor.

With her striking makeup and aloof expression, Fang Yimeng’s aura was practically ten feet tall—cold and untouchable.

Fang Yimeng slowly lifted her gaze, her bright eyes filled with faint emotion as she looked at the overly enthusiastic junior. After a moment of silence, she replied.

The third episode of The Actor had departed from typical variety show formats. Instead, it featured a live-streamed acting interaction between mentors and trainees. The mentor whose livestream attracted the most viewers would be named MVP for the episode.

Of course, Fang Yimeng, being a “close friend” of someone behind the scenes, knew the real story. This so-called “new segment” was actually a product-placement opportunity for Huá Líng’s new app, iTalk, giving the public a reason to download it.

That Lu big-shot really does know how to plan ahead.

“No ideas. I’ll just go with the flow,” Fang Yimeng replied calmly and confidently.

Min Qing was nearly overwhelmed by the aura of effortless dominance. She clutched her chest in awe, her eyes filled with admiration.

“Sister Yimeng, you’re so cool!”

“…”

Thanks for the flattery. That was well-delivered, but please don’t do it again.

Just as Fang Yimeng was struggling to deal with her overly enthusiastic junior, her phone rang, rescuing her like a divine intervention.

“Hello? Director Wang, long time no see.”

Min Qing, noticing that her savior had official business, tactfully flashed her an OK sign and backed off.

On the other end of the line, Director Wang sounded a bit nervous.

“Ms. Fang, are you free today? There’s a script I’d like to discuss with you.”

Fang Yimeng was momentarily stunned. She glanced at her watch. They were only twenty minutes into the 90-minute break.

She answered honestly, “I’m currently filming a show, but we’re on break. If it’s quick…”

“Just give me half an hour! I’m already downstairs at your studio!”

Fang Yimeng: “…”

“?”

She hurriedly gathered her script, informed Li Ke of her whereabouts, then threw on sunglasses and clattered down the stairs in her towering heels.

Sure enough, outside the café on the ground floor, she spotted a man in a director’s vest and white short-sleeved shirt—tall, pacing back and forth.

Director Wang waved as soon as he saw her, dressed up for her variety show appearance.

Soon, the two were seated by the window.

“After our last collaboration, I realized how incredibly versatile your acting is. I came to see you today to discuss a new drama project,” he said, getting straight to the point. He slid a partially completed script across the table toward her.

On the white cover, bold characters read:

“The Life of a White-Collar Worker.”

“This sounds less like a TV drama and more like a single-player simulation game,” Fang Yimeng said, raising an eyebrow.

Having spent so much time around Lu Jingshan, she had unknowingly picked up his signature eyebrow-raise.

Director Wang chuckled, recognizing the gesture—it reminded him of a certain scheming someone.

“Actually, this isn’t your typical script.”

Fang Yimeng: Is that something you’re supposed to admit out loud?

“I studied abroad and realized the domestic market lacks projects with strong interactivity. If games can engage players through choices, why can’t we try the same with storytelling? Complex narratives, increased freedom—let viewers get immersed.”

When the topic turned serious, Director Wang’s tone followed suit.

“After much consideration, we believe you are the perfect fit for the female lead.”

Fang Yimeng flipped through the script. There were no over-the-top twists or melodramatic turns—just everyday life. Groceries, bills, moments of romance. It was refreshingly realistic.

And something about it deeply moved her.

“You don’t need to give me an answer right now,” Director Wang added. “This project’s still in early development. We haven’t secured investors yet. But rest assured—we’ve looked through half the entertainment industry, and you were our only choice.”

In other words, they were giving her plenty of time to consider before production began.

He was showing great sincerity.

“Director Wang, as you probably know, I’ve recently been caught up in that bullying scandal on set. And my past reputation wasn’t great to begin with…” Fang Yimeng began to explain her current situation.

But Director Wang held up a hand, cutting her off.

“Ms. Fang, you are the ideal lead for this script. As artists, we don’t concern ourselves with public opinion. If the story resonates with you, the White Collar team will be waiting.”

Fang Yimeng: …Thank you for the vote of confidence.

“I’ll discuss it with my management team. My agent will get back to you in a few days.” For the first time, someone had entrusted her with such a major role. Flattered and slightly overwhelmed, she still kept her composure.

Director Wang nodded understandingly, and their warm conversation came to an end.

Fang Yimeng left the café with the script in hand. As she stepped out, her phone rang. She answered it.

On the other end was a man’s deep, amused voice with clearly enunciated words.

“I heard from your agent that you asked the tech team for a copy of the user manual? No one knows that app better than I do. Ah Yi, don’t you want me to teach you personally?”

The woman chuckled softly.

“Is this your way of ‘testing the law with your own body,’ little brother?”