Chapter 17: Opportunity

Despite the massive upheaval in the outside world, the atmosphere on the Mountains and Rivers Drama Crew set remained lively and tense.

Why was it lively?

Jiang Shumo’s commanding presence whenever she was in character was so overpowering that it left everyone breathless. During every break, the cast and crew would desperately crack jokes to liven things up again.

As for the tension…

With Jiang Shumo setting such a high bar, which actor wouldn’t feel the pressure?

As filming progressed, the plot reached the point where He Yunqing became Ming Zhao’s strategist. On her very first day, Ming Zhao saw right through her disguise as a woman.

Just as He Yunqing broke out in a cold sweat, convinced that Ming Zhao had uncovered her true identity, she heard Ming Zhao laugh heartily. “I’m a woman too. You don’t need to hide it here. Women can govern the realm just as well.”

After the false alarm, something clicked for He Yunqing.

From that moment on, the purpose of her life extended beyond revenge. She also had to fight against this unjust world.

That realization made He Yunqing’s feelings toward Ming Zhao all the more complicated.

She couldn’t help hating her—the vicious Eldest Princess who had falsely accused the He family of treason, leading to the execution of all twenty-seven members. Yet the longer they spent together, the more she couldn’t help admiring her: a woman who forged relentlessly ahead, who knew how to use people wisely, who was both brave and strategic—a truly exceptional ruler of the world.

Those feelings peaked the moment Ming Zhao placed her complete trust in He Yunqing, unhesitatingly turning her back to her.

He Yunqing’s inner turmoil was excruciating, and Yan Qingxu felt much the same agony.

Perhaps because she immersed herself so deeply in her role, every time they shot a scene together, those proud, unrestrained black eyes would stir an involuntary sense of submission in her heart. But the instant Director You called “Cut!”, the vivid emotion in those dark eyes would vanish, replaced by cool detachment.

The stark contrast was too much for Yan Qingxu to bear. Sometimes, she even silently resented Director You.

Why call cut so soon? They could’ve kept going!

You Xin: “?”

Over time, even Jiang Shumo noticed that Yan Qingxu was looking at her strangely—not to mention the crew nearby.

“Doesn’t it kinda feel… shippy?”

“It’s not surprising for Teacher Yan. Who wouldn’t be drawn to the Eldest Princess?”

“…No one.”

“Even us onlookers love watching Teacher Jiang. If Teacher Yan could resist, that’d be the real shock!”

“You’re right about that…”

Jiang Shumo’s heart raced under Yan Qingxu’s gaze. She hurriedly prodded the System. “What’s going on? Why is she looking at me like that—so ambiguously?”

It was like staring down a faithless cad. Was she imagining it?

The System: “…”

It wanted to pin the blame on Jiang Shumo, but most of the filming had been handled by the Personality Hosting it had shaped. Jiang Shumo hadn’t even had private contact with the female lead, so it was hardly her fault.

The System racked its circuits. “Uh… maybe she’s still in character.”

Jiang Shumo figured that made sense. She’d heard plenty of stories about actors falling for each other during production. With the script’s complex emotions between He Yunqing and Ming Zhao, it wasn’t surprising for a talented actress like Yan Qingxu to get too immersed.

Besides, Yan Qingxu was probably in the honeymoon phase with Bai Jiao right now. Any negative side effects from deep immersion should fade soon enough.

Reassured, Jiang Shumo went back to ignoring her.

Director You, on the other hand, took note of the dynamic and pondered it deeply.

After one shoot wrapped, he sought out Yan Qingxu specifically. She still hadn’t shaken off her mindset, shooting him a look full of silent grievance.

You Xin felt a chill down his spine, but steeling himself for what he had to say, he straightened up confidently. “…Teacher Yan, have you ever thought about doing movies?”

The moment work came up, Yan Qingxu reined in her stray emotions. “A movie? Is Director You introducing me to a crew?”

“It’s like this. You know Director Ji Hong, right? She’s been prepping a lesbian romance film these past few years—”

Seeing Yan Qingxu’s eyes widen abruptly, You Xin nodded. “Yep, female leads.”

Yan Qingxu: “?”

She reflexively wanted to turn it down. “It’s a rare opportunity, but romance scenes have always been my weak spot. Movies amplify emotions—I might not pull it off.”

Yan Qingxu knew her own limits as an actress. She was a TV drama specialist, not a film star. Jumping genres rashly would only leave her floundering.

Most crucially, she had an immersive acting style. She really didn’t want to spark real feelings with some actress.

You Xin smiled faintly, a smile that concealed his deeper intentions. “As for the two leads—one, I’d like to recommend you for. The other… I’m thinking of nominating Jiang Shumo. What do you say?”

“—?!!”

Yan Qingxu was stunned.

Yan Qingxu fell silent.

Yan Qingxu’s heart stirred—not quite excitement, but definite temptation!

After all, Jiang Shumo had the looks and the aura. Setting everything else aside, Yan Qingxu did have a bit of a weakness for her beauty, and her personality was intriguing too.

But…

Yan Qingxu hesitated, the words circling in her mouth before she smiled. “Director You, I suggest you ask Teacher Jiang first.”

Would someone with Jiang Shumo’s temperament really do a romance movie with her?

No way.

Otherwise, with her own acting skills, she didn’t believe Jiang Shumo wouldn’t get swept up in it!

Once Jiang Shumo was immersed, figuring out why she disliked her would be as simple as asking. Who knew—it might even smooth things over between them!

With that in mind, Yan Qingxu quietly cheered Director You on in her heart. “Once you’ve convinced Jiang Shumo, come talk to me about it.”

You Xin: “…”

What good was dangling the bait if she wouldn’t bite? Did he have to push her into it himself?

Frustration bubbled up in You Xin. If he didn’t see such great onscreen chemistry between them—and hold out hope for another collaboration with a happy CP ending—he wouldn’t bother!

But he’d figured her out: she was interested but worried Jiang Shumo would say no, making her look desperate for a slap in the face. That’s why she was holding back.

“Hmph, hopeless!” You Xin shot her a glare and turned to find Jiang Shumo.

Yan Qingxu: “…”

Yan Qingxu looked to the heavens.

At that moment, Jiang Shumo was in the break area, teaming up with other actors for a multiplayer game session. Suddenly, she heard You Xin call out with a beaming smile. “Teacher Jiang, have you ever thought about branching into movies?”

Before Jiang Shumo could respond, Liu Wan—ever by her side—lit up and jumped in. “Of course she has! What actor doesn’t dream of the big screen?”

The nearby actors couldn’t help feeling envious.

Who wouldn’t want to go to the big screen? It just took the right opportunity.

And now, Jiang Shumo’s opportunity had arrived.

Still, they were only envious—no jealousy. Jiang Shumo’s skills outclassed them by miles. Compared to young actors or even everyone from sixteen to fifty, she was top-tier.

With her looks and talent, it would be the film industry’s loss if she didn’t cross over!

Liu Wan was grinning ear to ear. “Is Director You going to be Shumo’s talent scout?”

“Aw, talent scout is too grand a title.”

You Xin waved it off, but his smile was irrepressible. “Call it a personal little wish.”

Everyone: “???”

Why bring personal wishes into it?

Even Jiang Shumo perked up her ears, curious about Director You’s so-called wish.

You Xin said casually, “My old friend Ji Hong is prepping a romance film. A lesbian one, though.”

A lesbian romance movie?

Jiang Shumo felt a mild jolt. She hadn’t expected a rugged guy like Director You to enjoy such aesthetically beautiful romances.

Liu Wan’s reaction was the polar opposite. The moment she heard Ji Hong’s name, her eyes blazed with fervor.

Ji Hong, the premier sixth-generation director, perched atop the domestic art-house scene with her impeccable visual style!

While others chased overseas awards with tales of suffering, she snagged a major festival prize with The Superfluous Life, a story of women’s growth. Its lead, Yuan Miao, rocketed to international fame as the best-known Chinese actress abroad.

This was Ji Hong’s new film!

Liu Wan tamped down her excitement and listened as You Xin continued. “She has high standards for the actors’ looks—smooth facial lines, killer profile. I think Teacher Jiang fits perfectly.”

Liu Wan beamed with pride. “Of course she does! Director You, you’ve worked with Shumo long enough to know her features are flawless.”

Not to brag, but Jiang Shumo had a lousy rep online. That didn’t change her status as the undisputed idol drama queen.

Any idol drama from another company had to steer clear of her airtime, or it’d bomb without a trace.

She was just that stunning!

“Exactly.”

You Xin nodded in agreement. “That’s why I’m recommending Teacher Jiang give it a shot. What do you think?”

Liu Wan chimed in instantly. “Absolutely no problem!”

Jiang Shumo: “…?”

Hey, I haven’t even spoken yet—why are you agreeing for me?

She’d been about to refuse. After all, her downfall was imminent. Forget movies—even Mountains and Rivers would need massive rewrites.

Wait—

A realization hit Jiang Shumo. She’d worked out with the System to wrap her role early. No forced scandal meant, in theory, her projects wouldn’t be dragged down.

Jiang Shumo fell silent for two seconds, unable to hold back any longer. “Is Director Ji in such a hurry right now? If not, I’d like to rest for a bit after wrapping up this drama before we talk further.”

Liu Wan was anxious to jump in, but the words caught in her throat as she realized just how deeply Shumo had immersed herself in the role of Ming Zhao. It must have taken a tremendous toll on her energy—she really did need time to recover.

But this was an incredibly rare opportunity, the perfect chance for Shumo to pivot into more serious roles!

“What’s the rush?” You Xin waved a hand dismissively. “Movie preparations often drag on for three or four years. Even if we’re pressed for time, we can’t just skip over Mountains and Rivers, can we?”

“I’m only recommending you to her,” he added. “Whether it happens depends on what Ji Hong thinks. My word doesn’t carry that much weight.”

That was true enough.

Jiang Shumo relaxed, her curiosity piqued. “Director You, your big wish isn’t just this, is it?”

Having her star in a girls’ love film—what kind of wish was that?

“Pretty much.”

You Xin gave a faint smile. “For the other female lead, I’m planning to recommend Yan Qingxu.”

“Seeing Ming Zhao and He Yunqing get their happy ending on the silver screen would satisfy me completely.”

Jiang Shumo: “?”

Liu Wan: “?”

The other actors: “?”

666

Still claiming Mountains and Rivers Eternal Peace isn’t a girls’ love drama?