Against the Light - Chapter 23
Chapter 23: Teacher Lu Said Nothing of the Sort
"Huh? Teacher Bai! Boohoo, Teacher Bai, why didn't you pick me? I really wanted to learn on your team!" The moment Lin Guo turned around and saw Bai Yilan, she immediately trotted over to her side.
Bai Yilan's gaze unconsciously drifted to the flower crown on her head.
"You have a good foundation and plenty of acting experience. You don't need me to teach you anything. Besides, Teacher Lu is more familiar with you."
"Director Bai, do you still remember me?" Qin Qiong also walked over to greet Bai Yilan. It was Bai Yilan who had brought her into the industry, and she had always been grateful.
"Of course, I remember. I've kept an eye on you these past few years. You've made tremendous progress."
"Heh, I still have to thank Director Bai for getting me into the business. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to study on your set again. I'd be happy to be an extra, or even a crew member!"
Bai Yilan smiled, her gaze passing over Qin Qiong to the person behind them, Gu Xinran.
"Uh, hey, right, since Director Bai is here and you know so many people, can you recognize who she is?" Lin Guo pulled Gu Xinran over, looking at Bai Yilan with anticipation.
Bai Yilan's eyes again very unconsciously flickered to the hand Lin Guo had wrapped around Xinran's arm. She lowered her head and coughed lightly to hide her lapse in composure.
"Ahem, hello, Director Bai. I…" Gu Xinran wanted to cry. She swore that in the future, she would definitely pick a more normal codename!
"My name is Little Fairy…" After she said it, she glanced up at Yilan and saw her gaze drift toward her arm. Looking down, she immediately came to her senses and quickly pulled her arm out of Lin Guo's grasp. A fine layer of sweat beaded on her forehead, and she didn't even dare to look up at Yilan.
After doing all that, she felt something was off. Wait, she doesn't know who I am, so what am I feeling so guilty about?!
"Hey, Teacher Bai?"
"You all should rest for a bit, then go back for dinner." Without turning her head, Bai Yilan gave a wave, the picture of effortless cool.
"Wow, Teacher Bai is so cool. Eee, I'm so into her!" Little stars were sparkling in Lin Guo's eyes.
"You're drooling," Gu Xinran glanced at her.
"Slurp~"
Inside the villa, Bai Yilan arrived late. The moment she entered, a group of veteran actresses stood up to welcome her, leaving her pleasantly surprised.
"Sister Lan, long time no see." Ye Qihan stepped forward and gave her a big hug. Bai Yilan froze for a moment before graciously accepting it, then greeted everyone one by one. When she saw Yang Xue, her expression remained neutral. She gave her a faint smile and a handshake.
【Tsk, isn't that a little too calm? That's her love rival! Shouldn't their eyes be red with jealousy when they meet?】
【Maybe she feels a love rival of Yang Xue's caliber isn't even worthy?】
【What do I do? I'm starting to think more and more that Gu Xinran is blind.】
【Seconded! I can't figure out how Gu Xinran could have fallen for Yang Xue. She has such a beautiful wife at home! What a criminal waste!】
"Hey everyone, since it's our first day and many of us don't know each other yet, how about we have a group dinner tonight to get acquainted? It'll also give the veteran actresses a chance to show their faces and give the newcomers a little scare. What do you think?" Lu Qing suggested with a hint of mischief.
"A little pressure would be good for them. Hopefully, it will spur them to unite and work together against a common enemy," Bai Yilan nodded.
"We're the… 'enemy'?" the veteran actresses asked in unison.
After accepting the proposal, the production team immediately started preparations. Before long, the rookie actors were gathered outside the villa.
Three long dining tables were laden with all sorts of delicacies, with drinks and alcohol available for everyone to help themselves. It had turned into an impromptu outdoor party, much to everyone's delight.
The grand entrance of the veteran actresses left everyone stunned, but the veterans themselves had no airs. They were very approachable, chatting warmly with the actors who might one day become their competitors.
Gu Xinran sat quietly at a table, watching the crowd chat animatedly and even start dancing. She wasn't very good at these kinds of occasions.
Glancing around, she saw that Yilan was, as expected, the center of the party. She was surrounded by a dozen rookie actors, all looking at her with adoration as they listened to her and Ye Qihan talk.
Seeing Yilan so popular made Gu Xinran incredibly happy. Her gaze shifted, and she noticed Yang Xue nearby. Only one or two newcomers were talking to her, a stark contrast to the crowd around Yilan.
Gu Xinran thought for a moment, then picked up a glass of juice and walked toward Yang Xue.
Bai Yilan had been keeping an eye on her from the corner of her vision. When she saw her get up, she instinctively turned to look. Seeing her walk toward Yang Xue, her gaze instantly turned cold. Ye Qihan, who was chatting with her, shivered. Did I say something wrong?
Gu Xinran walked up to Yang Xue and smiled slightly. "Hello, Teacher Yang."
"Hm? Hello." Yang Xue glanced at her, slightly surprised.
Gu Xinran met her gaze for a moment. The other woman's eyes were full of confusion.
"Does Teacher Yang recognize me?"
"You look a little familiar, but…" Yang Xue shook her head. "You are?"
"I'm a fan of yours. I've seen every one of your works, and I love every single character you've played. May I toast you?"
"Of course." Flattered by the praise, Yang Xue beamed.
Seeing that Yang Xue didn't recognize her at all, Gu Xinran felt relieved and secretly sighed. She exchanged a few more pleasantries with her before leaving.
It was strange. While she was talking to Yang Xue, she kept feeling like someone was watching her. But when she followed the feeling and looked over, she only saw Yilan and the crowd around her. Was Yilan watching her? That couldn't be… Had she already recognized her?
Gu Xinran had only taken two steps when a figure flashed before her, and someone bumped right into her.
Lin Guo had accidentally crashed into her. She looked up. "Hey, what are you doing here? I've been looking all over for you!" With that, she hugged Gu Xinran's arm.
In that instant, Gu Xinran suddenly shivered. An inexplicable tremor ran through her heart as she felt a gaze filled with killing intent!
Yet when she looked over, that murderous aura vanished in a flash.
This was too bizarre!
"You were looking for me?" She glanced at Lin Guo and struggled to pull her arm free.
"Yeah, I told them you can cry within seven seconds, and they don't believe me! Go show them what you've got~"
"…" Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"No."
"What, is this the 'Little Fairy' you said was amazing at crying scenes?"
Gu Xinran looked up at the sound of the voice. Three girls were walking toward them, each with a different expression. Gu Xinran hadn't paid them much mind at first, but she was surprised to see Luo Bing among them.
"I hear you're great at crying scenes. Can you show us? We'd like to learn a thing or two."
Gu Xinran smiled. "No, I don't make a living off crying scenes." She refused cleanly and directly.
"Hey? That's right. Our Little Fairy doesn't make a living from acting. She's a designer. Maybe some of you have even worn clothes she's designed," Lin Guo said with inexplicable pride.
Gu Xinran was shocked. That was definitely not true!
"A designer? Don't be ridiculous. A designer switching careers to become an actor? Do you know how long a fashion design graduate has to train to become a designer? After going through all that hardship to become a designer, she then runs off to be an actor, starting from scratch? That's a new one. That joke is even more laughable than saying she can cry in seven seconds."
The group burst into laughter.
"Tsk, that look on your face is pretty laughable, too. The fact that she can cry in seven seconds was already recorded by the show. Do I need to exaggerate? Just because you can't do something doesn't mean others can't, and it certainly doesn't mean it's impossible for someone to do it, understand?"
"Fine. Didn't you say she's a designer? Since she can be called a designer, she must have some impressive work to show for it. I'd like to see whether I've been blind to the master in front of me, or if you two are just trying to fool everyone."
"Zhu Ke, how about we make a bet? If our Little Fairy can produce a design, I win. If she can't, you win. The loser has to stand right here and shout 'I am a pig' three times in front of everyone. Do you dare?"
"Deal!"
Gu Xinran pressed her forehead and rolled her eyes. Why did your bet have to involve me?!
"Everyone from Teacher Lu's team, come over here! Let's show some support for our Little Fairy!" Lin Guo shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Teacher Bai's team, over here!"
"…Sister Xi's team will quietly watch the drama unfold."
After understanding the situation, the rookie actors tacitly stood with their respective camps.
The mentors and veteran actresses also gathered around, curious.
"Little Fairy, I'm betting my life on you. If you make me look like a fool in public, you're not getting a moment's peace tonight. You'll have to sleep with one eye open!" Lin Guo patted her shoulder heavily, threatening her fiercely.
"…"
"Go, Little Fairy~ Don't bring shame to Teacher Lu!"
"Go on, which brand's clothing have you participated in designing? Although I'm not a designer, my older sister is a well-known designer in the industry. I know a fair bit about various clothing brands, so don't even think about fooling me."
"I…" Gu Xinran cleared her throat.
"For the time being, I haven't participated in designing any brand's clothing."
"!?" Lin Guo's eyes widened.
"Well, well. You sure can talk big," Zhu Ke and the others laughed.
Gu Xinran raised an eyebrow, glancing at the group who were laughing a little too happily.
"Fine, a bet's a bet. I…"
"However," Gu Xinran's tone shifted. Her gaze gradually deepened, and the corners of her lips lifted slightly. "There is one piece of work that I would really love to recreate."
"What work?" Hearing a potential turnaround, Lin Guo immediately pressed her.
Gu Xinran was silent for a moment. She turned her head, walked over to a tree, and came back with a red brick. Crouching on the ground, she used the brick as a pen, drawing stroke by stroke, trying to make every line as precise as possible, completely focused on her work.
The crowd unconsciously moved back, giving her plenty of space.
Half an hour later, the rough outline of a life-sized dress was complete. Drawing on the ground with a brick was inherently difficult, so Gu Xinran drew with extreme care, not daring to make a single mistake, as if she were performing a sacred act. Even her expression was solemn and dignified.
The crowd watched for a while, growing more and more astonished. Those who didn't understand design were amazed by her drawing skills; she had somehow managed to capture the softness and lightness a dress should have, and many small details were perfectly in place.
Those who did understand were astonished by the design of the dress itself.
With just a brick, she had presented everyone with the design for a delicate, exquisite, and elegantly form-fitting gown!
The gown was a slim-fit style that perfectly hugged the body, with narrow shoulders, a cinched waist, and a three-layered hem—the outermost layer being the shortest and the innermost the longest, creating a sense of depth without being overly ostentatious.
After finishing the rough design, she continued to refine it. Half an hour later, the crowd was once again amazed.
The entire gown incorporated elements of orchids. From the shoulders to the hem, orchids could be seen as embellishments, all perfectly placed without looking cluttered.
Gu Xinran finished drawing the last open petal on the hem, and the brick in her hand fell to the ground with a clatter.
Everyone's eyes followed the sound, and they saw that her right hand was shaking violently.
She pulled her hand back, took a deep breath, and stood up, shaking out her numb legs. She took half a step back to carefully inspect the design.
This dress held profound meaning for her. It was designed and made for her by Yilan's own hands, incorporating Yilan's favorite orchid elements.
But at the same time, it was also Yilan's only remaining belonging.
She had never once worn this dress, always treasuring it. But later, the gown was destroyed in a wildfire. In her attempt to save it, her face was burned, leaving her with a lifelong regret.
Not only were the onlookers stunned beyond words, but even the live comments section went blank for a moment.
【????】
【Did I enter the wrong live stream?】
【Ahhh, this dress is so beautiful!! Her drawing skills are amazing!! What kind of hidden gem is this Little Fairy ahhhhh】
【I kind of want to see the finished version of this dress.】
【+1 on wanting to see it. Also, she drew it in such detail. I counted, and there are fifty-two small flowers in total. Does that have some special meaning? Like, 'I love you'?】
【Sis, you're so dedicated, you actually counted them one by one?】
【Holy crap, the 'I love you' thing is so romantic! Now that you mention it, I also feel like she has someone she really, really likes in her heart!!!】
"Hiss…" It took Lin Guo a long time to come back to her senses. She sucked in a sharp breath and gave Gu Xinran a big thumbs-up. "This is just too amazing, isn't it?"
"You can only see the full effect once this dress is made. A flat drawing can't convey its true meaning."
Lin Guo was shocked again. "I really want to see the finished product!"
"Mm, I will definitely make it."
Lin Guo nodded in anticipation, then suddenly remembered the bet from earlier and immediately turned to look at Zhu Ke and the others.
"Are you convinced?"
Zhu Ke was speechless. She knew a little about fashion design, and this dress, whether in terms of its silhouette, design elements, or meaning, was top-tier in every aspect.
"Don't even think about backing out," Lin Guo said, rolling up her sleeves.
"Fine, a bet's a bet. I…" Zhu Ke gritted her teeth, steeled herself, and was just about to say she was a pig.
"Forget it. I only participated in designing a small part of this dress. It can't be considered entirely my work, so let's just call off the bet."
"You're being too modest. You were able to draw this dress in such detail, and you still say it's not your work?"
Gu Xinran smiled faintly and shook her head at her.
"Fine, I know you're trying to save face for them. You really are a kind Little Fairy. In that case, I won't be the bad guy either~" Lin Guo looked at Zhu Ke and her group. "Next time, don't be so quick to dismiss others. Getting proven wrong doesn't feel good, does it? I'll let you off this time."
"I am a pig, I am a pig, I am a pig! I'll honor the bet; I don't need your pity!" Zhu Ke shot her a glare.
"Huh? I like your attitude!" Lin Guo was surprised and couldn't help but see her in a new light. The next second, this little social butterfly had already cast aside their previous conflict and was pulling Zhu Ke along, trying to make a few more bets with her.
Bai Yilan unconsciously walked up behind Gu Xinran to examine the design closely.
Gu Xinran sensed someone beside her and glanced over. Startled, she immediately turned back around, but at the same time, she was a little curious about Yilan's reaction. She sneakily shuffled two steps to the side to watch Yilan secretly.
Yilan's brow was tightly furrowed, her expression thoughtful. Occasionally, her gaze would turn vacant, as if she were lost in a memory.
When she saw Xinran first start drawing, she had a very strange feeling in her heart, as if she were anticipating something. When the initial shape of the dress began to form, that anticipation turned into confusion. By the time the design was complete, she was utterly astonished!
What astonished her wasn't Xinran's drawing skill, nor the style of the dress, but the fact that she had seen this dress before!
She was absolutely certain that although she had never seen the physical object, it had appeared in her dreams countless times!
Bai Yilan took a deep breath and quietly slipped out of the crowd.
Fang Jinghai and Qu Qi, who had been watching the live stream, were also dumbfounded. The two of them rubbed their eyes in unison and stared at the screen for a while longer. Only after the camera cut away did they look at each other, completely bewildered.
"She… really knows how to design clothes!"
Qu Qi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she hadn't made any rash bets this time.
On Bai Yilan's film set, the crew was also avidly watching.
"I'm getting more and more curious about this Little Fairy's true identity. Her drawing skills are just too amazing!"
"Interesting. She's a real hidden gem!"
"Her silhouette looks really familiar. I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before!"
"I think so too!"
"Little Fairy, hmm, what a nice name. Her voice is nice, the shape of her eyes is pretty, and the shape of her lips is even better. She definitely can't be unattractive. She can draw, has impeccable taste in clothes, and carries herself with elegance… Tsk…"
The crew was whispering among themselves when they heard that sound and abruptly looked up at Ming Zhen in unison.
"She-she-she-she's not having a relapse, is she?!"
"?? Wasn't her obsession with pretty women already cured?"
"No, it wasn't cured, it just evolved. It upgraded from fawning over all beautiful women to fawning with a specific target."
"What? I'm twenty-eight. Can't I look at a pretty woman?" Ming Zhen glanced at them.
"You can, you can~"
In her room, Gu Xinran sat on the edge of her bed, replaying Yilan's expression in her mind. She had a feeling that the Yilan of this world was not unfamiliar with that dress. But that dress wasn't from this world, so how could she have seen it?
That night, Xinran was sound asleep when a fierce wind began to howl outside. It was followed by a pattering sound. She groggily opened her eyes and saw raindrops hitting the windowpane.
Gu Xinran turned her head. In the next bed, Lin Guo was completely covered by her blanket, showing no reaction.
Waking up a little, she got up and went to the window. Just as she was about to close it, her brow suddenly furrowed. Downstairs, in front of the villa, someone was standing there!
The person was holding an umbrella, standing right in the open space.
Gu Xinran squinted. That spot… it seemed to be where she had done her drawing!
She watched from upstairs for a long time. It wasn't until the person placed the umbrella on the ground and returned alone to the villa next door that she recognized the slender figure.
Yilan!
Why? It was so late, and she was standing alone in front of that drawing. Wasn't that too strange?
The next morning, everyone gathered in the living room.
"Did everyone sleep well last night?" Lu Qing asked.
"Then let's get down to business today," she answered her own question.
"Today, I want to see each of your abilities first. Here is a script, a classic scene from a TV series. You are free to form three groups. You'll have twelve hours to rehearse, and I'll be checking your work tonight. You can also treat this as a preliminary test. Any questions?"
"No," the group replied in unison, their spirits high.
Lu Qing handed a script to each person. "You can also choose your roles freely. A friendly tip: don't just look at the amount of screen time. Sometimes, a character with fewer lines can better showcase one's acting skills. If you have no questions, you may begin."
"Okay."
"Oh, by the way, did any of you bring cold medicine?"
"Did you catch a cold?" Lin Guo asked.
"Not me, it's Teacher Bai next door. She's caught a bit of a chill. A staff member went to buy medicine, but it'll be a while. She looks quite uncomfortable. If no one brought any, then never mind."
"I did." Gu Xinran immediately went back to her room and took out a box of instant cold remedy from her first-aid kit.
"So thoughtful?" Lu Qing glanced at the box in her hand. "Alright then, you can take it over directly. If I go, they might think I'm there to spy on the competition."
Gu Xinran hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
As she reached the villa's entrance, she paused. She glanced into the distance. In the open space, although the ground was soaked from the rain, the traces of the drawing were still faintly visible.
She didn't linger, quickly walking over to Yilan's villa and knocking on the door.
Luo Bing came to open it. Seeing who it was, she looked puzzled. "Can I help you?"
Gu Xinran had no time for her. She peered inside. "Teacher Lu asked me to deliver some medicine." She walked past her and went inside.
The moment she entered the living room, she saw Yilan. She was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in her script.
She was wearing a blue and white gradient shirt and cream-colored straight-leg pants. Her figure was slender, her skin delicate. Her brow was furrowed, and her face looked a little weary.
Since Xinran had entered, she had already heard her cough three times.
"Teacher Bai?" Gu Xinran called out.
Yilan started, then looked up. When she saw her, her face was already devoid of much expression.
"Is something the matter?"
"Um, Teacher Lu said you have a cold?"
"I'm fine, it's nothing."
"Oh, Teacher Lu asked me to bring this for you. Um…" Gu Xinran hesitated, then glanced at the others. Most of them were reading their scripts and discussing the scene. She mustered her courage, picked up Yilan's water glass from the table, and mixed a packet of the cold remedy for her.
"Teacher Lu said you should drink it while it's hot." She placed the glass on the table and smiled at Yilan.
Bai Yilan raised an eyebrow, a faint smile unconsciously gracing her lips. "Help me thank her."
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