Chapter 2 — Uncut: The Second Episode of the Live-Streamed Romance Variety Show

Jiang Ning returned to her room, preparing to tend to the wound on her thigh caused by the vase. Entering the bathroom, she settled on the toilet lid, absentmindedly cleaning the blood from her leg.

“Ding—”

Her phone rang. As soon as she answered, her agent, Feng Tianchi, got straight to the point. “Jiang Ning, I watched the first episode. What on earth is going on between you and Bai Zehan? Do you still want a future in this industry? Didn’t you see Gao Tiange’s expression?!”

Feng Tianchi was a top agent at Chaoyang Pictures, representing both Jiang Ning and Gao Tiange. In terms of status, Gao Tiange was an award-winning actress, while Jiang Ning was just a minor celebrity, barely clinging to fame. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment. She barely remembered the details of the first live broadcast, only that she had been trying to curry favor with Bai Zehan.

“Sister Tianchi, please help me out with some PR.”

She had just glanced at the trending topics on Weibo—her name was glaringly on the list. No need to guess; another wave of anti-fans had pushed her up there.

Feng Tianchi, on the other end, clearly had no intention of cleaning up this mess. “PR? Is there any point when you’re this unpopular? Jiang Ning, if you hadn’t provoked Bai Zehan, your reputation wouldn’t have sunk so low! This is my final warning—Bai Zehan is not someone you can afford to cross!”

“Did you see what people are saying about you on Weibo? That you’re always seducing men! That you don’t know how to behave just because you’re a bit attractive!”

Jiang Ning snorted coldly. “First, I have no interest in Bai Zehan. Second, if my reputation is this dismal, your precious award-winning actress has played no small part.”

She toyed idly with the faucet. After all these years, did Feng Tianchi really not know why her career had tanked? The money Gao Tiange spent hiring trolls to smear her was more than Jiang Ning’s annual income.

Jiang Ning had once thought Gao Tiange disliked her because of a wardrobe clash years ago, but in reality, it was because she’d stolen the award-winning actress’s boyfriend.

“Nonsense! Have you looked in the mirror lately? For tomorrow’s second live broadcast, either stay away from Bai Zehan or quit the show!” Feng Tianchi was growing anxious.

She knew full well about Gao Tiange’s underhanded tactics over the years, but there were priorities.

Jiang Ning scoffed, her slender, fair fingers tapping the mirror. “Don’t worry about me. Mind your award-winner. And tell Gao Tiange—everything she’s done to me, it’s time I repaid her in kind.”

Feng Tianchi was furious. “Jiang Ning, I’m talking to you seriously. You’d better listen, or get out!”

In the presidential suite, Gao Tiange glanced impatiently at Feng Tianchi, who was muttering into her phone. “Sister Feng, who are you on the phone with? Come help me with my dress.”

Feng Tianchi hurriedly covered the receiver and awkwardly looked at Gao Tiange. “Tiange, just a moment—it’s a call from the company.”

Hearing Gao Tiange’s voice on the line, Jiang Ning’s eyes brimmed with mockery and resentment.

“Then let’s terminate the contract.”

Feng Tianchi was stunned. “Jiang Ning, termination comes with a huge penalty fee.”

“I’ll pay.”

“Where will you get the money…”

Jiang Ning hung up.

She shed her soiled clothes and turned on the shower. Steam curled around her body, giving her a sense of peace she had never known in her previous life.

She stepped out of the bathroom, barefoot, hair loose and softly brown, draped in a loose white bathrobe. Her face, warmed by the steam, was delicate and alluring, her features etched with a seductive charm.

Lying on the bed, she scrolled through her phone out of boredom. Though she worked in the industry, it was a small circle—who would associate with a scandal-ridden actress?

She opened her banking app to check her balance. “Zero? I could’ve sworn I had a few thousand left!”

Since breaking ties with the Jiang family and becoming an actress, her life had been a constant struggle, steeped in bitterness. She was as wretched as they came.

How was she supposed to pay a penalty of several million?

Jiang Ning opened her WeChat contacts, quickly scrolling through. “An Lan… found you.”

These days, An Lan was a little-known agent with no clients but plenty of connections and a knack for finding even mediocre gigs. An Lan had tried to recruit her several times, but back then, how could she give up Feng Tianchi’s resources for An Lan’s struggling agency?

No one could’ve predicted that this so-called failed agent would eventually become the most powerful in the capital, managing generations of award-winning actors and actresses.

Now, Jiang Ning had been reborn and was determined to change her fate, choosing the path best for her. Once she reached the top, she would make those who hurt her regret ever crossing her.

Jiang Ning: “An Lan, are you there? I want to terminate my contract.”

She was a bit nervous, unsure how An Lan would respond.

An Lan: “Terminating is a good idea! I’ve always believed in you. If you’d joined me at the start of your career, you’d be an award-winner by now.”

Jiang Ning smiled. “Shall we work together?”

An Lan replied instantly: “Absolutely. But if you terminate now, there’s a huge penalty fee?”

An Lan: “How much do you need? I’ll cover it.”

Jiang Ning’s heart, once frozen, melted completely. She hadn’t expected An Lan to be so generous.

An Lan: “I believe you can earn ten million in six months. Stick with me and you’ll live the good life!”

Jiang Ning was moved. “Alright, An Lan. Thank you.”

She had never imagined that someone she barely knew would treat her with such sincerity.

An Lan: “Enough with the gratitude! I watched your variety show—staying on it will only hurt your prospects. Quit that lousy program before your career sinks further.”

Jiang Ning: “Sink? We’ll see who really sinks.”

Freed from Feng Tianchi’s control, Jiang Ning felt a newfound peace. With An Lan’s support, her future in the entertainment industry suddenly seemed much brighter.

She tossed her phone aside, a smile on her lips, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the second episode began airing live.

“Xiao Ning, are you up?” The assistant director, Chen Liang, knocked urgently on her door.

After a rare, restful sleep, Jiang Ning was reluctant to get out of bed. “Yes, I’m up.”

The door opened slowly. Chen Liang glanced at her casual sportswear, then at the camera across from the bed.

“Xiao Ning, please turn your camera on. The second live broadcast is starting.”

Jiang Ning’s eyes darkened; she pressed her lips together and switched on the camera. The production team immediately switched the live feed to her room.

The viewer count, previously modest, soared instantly.

“Finally, episode two! Jiang Ning’s back!”

“Are there really fans dumb enough to like Jiang Ning?”

“Let’s watch rationally.”

“Xiao Ning, get ready, we’re heading to the deserted island.” The assistant director had to wake the other guests and didn’t linger.

“Deserted island? Survival challenge?”

“The best setup for romance! I love it!”

Jiang Ning dragged her suitcase in front of the camera, casually starting to pack.

“Why is she bringing a medical kit? No clothes?”

“Is Jiang Ning afraid anti-fans will beat her up on the island?”

“Jiang Ning, stop seducing our best actor!”

“Doesn’t anyone think Jiang Ning’s figure is great? Even in sportswear!”

“She wouldn’t attract big shots if she didn’t have a good figure, right?”

For actresses, refinement was second nature. Yet Jiang Ning only packed one change of sportswear—it was clear she was taking this survival challenge seriously.

After packing, she hurried to catch the production’s arranged flight.

On the plane, Jiang Ning hoisted her suitcase.

“Let me help you.”

Before she could refuse, Bai Zehan grabbed her luggage and stowed it in the overhead compartment.

Jiang Ning smiled faintly.

A chill ran down Bai Zehan’s spine.

With a swift, forceful move, she stomped on his foot.

“Heh, Jiang Ning, would you mind taking your foot off?”

Jiang Ning’s expression remained calm, but the pressure of her foot increased. Her clear eyes flickered toward the woman watching her with predatory intent.

“Good morning, Senior Gao.” In front of the camera, Jiang Ning was the picture of politeness.

Gao Tiange was momentarily startled, then gave a radiant smile. “Good morning to you.”

The faint smile on Jiang Ning’s lips lasted only a few seconds before turning icy. “Thank you, Teacher Bai.”

As the pain in his foot subsided, Bai Zehan shot her a resentful look as she turned away.

The comment feed erupted—

“Is the best actor interested in Jiang Ning?”

“The best actor and the award-winning actress are the real couple!”

“Ugh, I can’t stand Jiang Ning!”

“Does Jiang Ning have zero emotional intelligence? She’s so expressionless!”