Chapter 53: Boiling a Frog in Warm Water

Liu Niwen, dressed in a pink gown, was originally a ballet dancer. After participating in several well-known satellite TV variety shows, she rose to fame; now, she is at the peak of her popularity—beautiful, sweet-voiced, and possessing a natural flair for entertainment. She has become the darling of variety show directors of late.

Beside her stood Chen Yu, a short-haired beauty in a pale gray suit exuding elegant charm. Known as the "Iron Lung Diva," she was classically trained and excelled at songwriting and composing, with a straightforward and generous personality that made her easy to get along with.

The two were quietly discussing matters.

"Yu, do you think the Diva Ye will succeed this time, now that she's gotten such a good opportunity?" Liu Niwen asked Chen Yu with calm composure.

Chen Yu gave a cool smile and replied unruffled, "Not necessarily. It's been two years already. Do you really think King Ling cares about her?"

It was an open secret in the industry that Ling Ruoyu never spared Ye Linyun so much as a glance; Ye Linyun merely kept up her own narrative, and out of courtesy, others didn't expose her.

Chen Yu had little interest in gossip about relationships and instead found herself observing Lin Zhiwei, the new director who had just greeted them. This young man was remarkably tactful. Ling Ruoyu was notorious for his cold demeanor in the industry, never seen getting close to other stars, neither nurturing nor suppressing them—a unique presence.

The new director, however, seemed adept at breaking the ice for him. Perhaps he would prove to be a lucky charm.

Chu Chuo arrived late, a look of irritation on her face. In a black T-shirt and Harley pants, she appeared more fresh and dashing than usual. Normally at this hour, King Chu would still be asleep; being called in so early had clearly left her grumpy. She sat off to the side, eyes lowered, silent.

Ye Linyun glanced at her, her gaze darkening as she inwardly grumbled. He'd promised to help her, yet he showed up so late—clearly perfunctory.

"Thank you all for coming so early," Lu Ran began, "Let me briefly outline the filming process for our 'Masked Talent King.' Each of you will prepare your signature talents and perform masked in every episode. Only after your performance will you reveal your identity. You can discuss your program choices with our teachers—I'm sure all of you are more than capable."

Lu Ran spoke at length.

"Each episode, we'll combine votes from the live audience and external supporters to rank performances. The last place will be eliminated. Of course, you three can rest assured—we will handle everything properly and cooperate with you until the end," Lu Ran wiped the sweat from his forehead, smiling cautiously.

Everyone in this business knew the unspoken rules: the kings and queens participated to build their image and boost popularity. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and Lu Ran understood this well.

After quickly reviewing the show’s procedures, Lu Ran arranged for the wardrobe and makeup team to begin working with each artist for their debut performance—a crucial moment to win fans and create buzz.

"Director Lu, you know my requirements. I must have a private dressing room," Ye Linyun said sharply, her beautiful face tinged with dissatisfaction.

It was humiliating enough to have to share space with those minor celebrities.

"Of course," Lu Ran hastily explained. She was not one to be trifled with.

Lin Zhiwei leaned against a pillar, occasionally glancing at Ye Linyun and Chu Chuo. Ye Linyun was growing impatient, repeatedly scrolling through her phone, while Chu Chuo sat quietly, resting her eyes.

An hour later, after Lin Zhiwei finished discussing with the wardrobe and makeup staff, she noticed Ling Ziheng still seated, leafing through a book. She walked over, frowning, and whispered, "Why not wait in the car?"

Ling Ziheng looked up, closed his book, his eyes gentle as he replied, "It makes no difference."

Ye Linyun witnessed this scene from afar, her expression instantly chilled. Though only three words were spoken, the tenderness in his tone and the attentive look in his eyes were something she had longed for in vain during her two years of effort.

She had believed that a man like Ling Ruoyu was naturally aloof, that with women he was indifferent—unlike Chu Chuo, who changed partners as easily as changing clothes.

She was confident that Ling Ruoyu’s lukewarm, frog-in-boiling-water attitude toward her was already a sign of special treatment.

Could it be, as rumored, that he truly preferred... men?

This new director must be hiding something...

Chu Chuo scratched her head, indifferent as she prepared to leave, leaving her assistant to coordinate with the production team.

"Chu Chuo," Ye Linyun called out, stopping her.

Chu Chuo turned, brows furrowed in annoyance.

"You said you'd help me," Ye Linyun strode forward in high heels, arms crossed, demanding.

"I'll help you, but it depends on the situation," Chu Chuo replied, her gaze dark and somber.

Ye Linyun caught the hint, realizing she’d been too hasty. She softened, "But I just can’t stand his attitude. I refuse to believe he’s truly uninterested in me."

Chu Chuo scoffed. Even if he really isn’t interested in you, only this foolish woman would persist after two years, still believing Ling Ruoyu was just bad at expressing himself.

"So what do you want to do?" Chu Chuo folded her arms, brows slightly knit, a corner of her mouth curled, wondering what scheme this foolish woman would hatch next.

"I noticed just now, he gets along well with that new director. Could you help me check if they’re..." Ye Linyun narrowed her eyes, speaking as if giving orders.

"Heh, don’t you have people on your own team? Why ask me?" Chu Chuo turned to leave.

"Hey, hey, that Yinni’er who’s always resisting you—I’ll get her to comply. You help me find out. If Ruoyu realizes I’m investigating, he’ll be upset," Ye Linyun said with a sly smile, certain Chu Chuo wouldn’t refuse this offer.

That minor actress was born with an alluring charm but had a rebellious streak, refusing all pressure and even harming herself to resist. Better to hand this hot potato to Chu Chuo—after all, he liked such seductive types.

"Fine, deal," Chu Chuo whistled. The terms were fair enough.

In truth, he already had information on Lin Zhiwei, just waiting for Ye Linyun to ask. Since she’d caught on so quickly—Lin Zhiwei, what will you do now? The sinister smile on his lips grew more pronounced.

Ye Linyun felt a chill down her spine. Whenever Chu Chuo smiled like that, someone was bound to suffer.

Regardless, starting with those close to Ling Ruoyu was the best strategy. If the director and Ruoyu weren’t involved, she could use this opportunity to her advantage. If they were... well, better to shatter jade than settle for clay.

"Oh, and during the rehearsal, play along with me. I don’t believe Ling Ruoyu can watch us act intimate and not feel jealous or upset," Ye Linyun clenched her fists, her eyes full of resentment.

Chu Chuo shook his head—so incredibly foolish. Still, he’d known her for long enough. If she insisted on banging her head against the wall, no one could stop her.