Chapter 21: Blindness Is an Illness

Aside from Ning Lan and Du Xingyuan, the chief director Bai Yu was also surrounded by many reporters. All of them were asking about the actress playing Qian Xuan.

Those who had read the original novel knew that Qian Xuan was a character both pitiful and detestable, but in the end, not a single person truly hated her. This was thanks to the author's interpretation, but whether it could be brought to life on screen was another matter entirely.

"Director Bai, we've heard that Yu Weiwei failed her audition—does this mean the actress you chose fits Qian Xuan even better than Yu Weiwei?" Yu Weiwei was known for her cold elegance, and with her distinguished family background and recent heavy promotion by Xingchen, she'd already gained quite the reputation. Yet rumors had spread that she'd failed the audition, which only made everyone more curious about the actress chosen for Qian Xuan.

This question was a trap, but Director Bai, ever enigmatic, simply smiled and smoothly changed the subject. "You'll know when you see her."

Initially, all attention was on Ning Lan's side, but now, because of the mystery surrounding Qian Xuan's actress and Bai Yu's secretive response, the focus had been forcibly redirected.

Ning Lan clenched her fists tightly. Hmph, she wanted to see how those two outcasts who'd been expelled from the company could manage to borrow a gown in just a few hours. Even if she had money, what could she buy but outdated dresses? When the time came, she had plenty of ways to make Yun Fu look ridiculous.

A smug smile flickered across her gloomy eyes, as if she could already see Yun Fu’s humiliation.

The media refused to let Bai Yu go. "So, does this mean the actress is even more outstanding than Yu Weiwei? Is she a newcomer or an established actress?" Bai Yu responded with his mysterious smile once more.

This only heightened everyone's curiosity.

Reporters persisted, continuing to circle Bai Yu, and just as his patience was wearing thin, his gaze fell upon the entrance.

His eyes lit up, a strong sense of amazement bursting forth, as if he had spotted a rare treasure.

The reporters followed his gaze, all turning their heads in unison—then they witnessed a scene they would not soon forget.

A girl entered, clad in a black velvet evening dress that created a sharp contrast with her fair skin, making her appear almost luminous. The gown perfectly traced her waistline, accentuating her youthful, curvaceous figure. Her face was stunning yet never vulgar, with a waterfall of long hair draping over her shoulders, and her makeup amplifying her beauty severalfold.

But most captivating of all were her eyes—proud and aloof, untouched by worldly dust, as pure as the highest mountain peak, like the most alluring red lotus blooming at the summit.

No wonder Bai Yu had chosen her over Yu Weiwei.

With such presence, she could easily play the lead, not just Qian Xuan.

Despite facing so many reporters, she showed neither timidity nor eagerness to please. She simply swept her gaze over them with indifference, then strode toward Bai Yu.

Yes—indifference, not disregard.

"Yun Fu," Bai Yu looked at the young woman before him, his conviction in his choice growing stronger. He foresaw that this girl would surely stir up storms in the entertainment industry.

He was grateful he had rushed over as soon as he saw the video sent by the deputy director; it had truly been worth it.

Yun Fu nodded coldly. "Director Bai." Her attitude was already quite courteous.

From the moment Yun Fu appeared, no one present could avert their gaze from her. Such a breathtaking beauty—who wouldn't want to steal a few glances?

The media instantly flocked around her.

Regardless of her acting skills, her looks and presence alone promised a bright future; besides, she was discovered by Director Bai himself.

Watching Yun Fu surrounded by admirers, Ning Lan nearly broke her nails from gripping her palms too tightly, her expression so ugly even the reporters dared not photograph her.

She had thought she’d already notified everyone not to lend them dresses or offer makeup, knowing that Qiao An hadn’t managed to borrow anything either. How could Yun Fu still arrive so elegantly dressed, her makeup exquisite, and the necklace around her neck alone looked to be worth a fortune?

Damned! Hmph, but money alone means nothing—it’s still last season’s stuff.

Du Xingyuan, watching Yun Fu’s impatient expression from a distance, had always known she was beautiful, but never imagined she could be so stunning. Those clear, glass-like eyes gave her beauty a soul.

Seeing the expressions on Ning Lan and Du Xingyuan's faces, the reporters sensed drama brewing.

"Ning Lan, what do you think of Yun Fu playing Qian Xuan?"

Clearly, this was a provocative question.

Suppressing her irritation, Ning Lan put on a sweet smile and clung tightly to Du Xingyuan’s arm. "I trust Yun Fu, and I believe in Director Bai’s judgment."

By the end of the press conference, the most attention had not gone to the male and female leads, nor even the second leads, but to Yun Fu, the third female lead.

It wasn’t just Ning Lan who felt bitter; Yan Ningna, playing the second female lead, could barely conceal her anger.

After the interviews, Yun Fu and Qiao An found a quiet corner to sit, and only then did Yun Fu’s expression soften slightly.

Yet someone still came to disturb them.

Ning Lan and Yan Ningna approached Yun Fu, eyeing her attire. Yan Ningna sneered, "Who knows which back alley you found that outdated dress in? Shameless enough to wear it out, aren’t you afraid of embarrassment?"

Yun Fu lifted her gaze from her phone, looking at the two in front of her, eyes suddenly cold. Yan Ningna involuntarily stepped back.

Damn it—where did this woman get such aura?

"Blindness is an illness. You should get it treated."

"You—!"

Ning Lan pulled the furious Yan Ningna back, stepping forward with a bright smile. "Yun Fu, we're going to be friends in the same crew from now on, there’s no need to be so harsh."

Then she tugged at Yan Ningna. "Nana, don’t take Yun Fu seriously. That’s just her personality."

Yan Ningna shook her hand off. "You’re always the peacemaker, but honestly, where could someone without a company even find a dress!"

Ning Lan’s expression shifted slightly; it seemed Yan Ningna still didn’t know Yun Fu had medical skills. She’d been paid for treating the old madam of the Lian family—if she could afford to terminate her contract, buying a dress would be nothing for her.

But she didn’t stop Yan Ningna; after all, when dogs fight, the bystander profits.

With this thought, Ning Lan’s lips curled into a smirk.

Yun Fu looked up, as if she could see right through Ning Lan’s thoughts, and sneered, "Get lost. You’re annoying."

Then she lounged back, playing with her phone, the sounds of "first blood... pentakill!" occasionally ringing out.

Ning Lan and Yan Ningna’s faces darkened in unison.

Since the press conference wasn’t broadcast live but recorded, the audience would have to wait until it ended to see what had happened.