Chapter 2: Possessed?

The reason Liu Ruyan can be called the "Fairy of the Bright Moon" is naturally because she is incredibly beautiful—a cold, ethereal, and otherworldly kind of beauty.

In the drama *Legend of the Nine Heavens*, she is the undisputed number one beauty; even the female lead would be eclipsed in her presence.

*Legend of the Nine Heavens* is a television adaptation of a wildly popular novel of the same name. With a massive budget, high-end production, and a fan base accumulated over many years, it is safe to say that as long as the actors are talented and look the part, the show has a very high chance of becoming a massive hit!

Logically speaking, for a drama of this caliber, Jiang Xiaobai wouldn't even be considered for the second female lead, let alone the third or fourth.

In reality, there is a specific reason for this. The production team had originally signed an actress for the role, but unfortunately, not long after, she tripped while walking down the stairs and is currently recovering at home.

With the start date fast approaching, it became clear the original actress couldn't perform. The production team couldn't let one person delay the entire schedule, so they terminated her contract and began searching for a replacement.

However, finding a replacement was a headache. Time was tight, and the role of the second female lead was not only heavy on screen time but, most importantly, the character was written as a peerless beauty—which is never easy to cast!

Many fans of the original *Legend of the Nine Heavens* novel were highly anticipating the character of Liu Ruyan. Even though she turns villainous later in the story and does many terrible things that make people grit their teeth in hatred, who could stay mad at someone so beautiful?

The book describes her as a peerless beauty with skin like ice and bones like jade. Once news broke that the drama was starting production, everyone began speculating about who would play her. Some even started casting polls online, sparking a massive trend.

The female lead of the drama has a sweet and glamorous look. If they chose a mediocre-looking actress for the second lead, she would likely be overshadowed in terms of appearance, which would undoubtedly deviate from the original work.

The original owner of this body might have had various flaws—such as a bad temper, a sense of entitlement, and a lack of acting depth due to her refusal to lower her pride—but her most significant advantage was—

She was beautiful!

It was because of this that Dong Ran seized the opportunity. As soon as she learned they were recasting the second female lead, she pulled every string she had to get Jiang Xiaobai in front of the production team.

For any other role, the production team would have flatly rejected this "vase," but because the original owner’s looks and her cold, arrogant temperament were so similar to Liu Ruyan, they were intrigued. If they chose her, it would be a natural performance, and they wouldn't have to worry about her failing to act the part.

However, besides Jiang Xiaobai, they were also considering Zhao Shan.

Zhao Shan is a popular young actress who has been very hot in the last year or two. She is seductive and charming, her acting is decent, and she has far more resources at her disposal than Jiang Xiaobai.

Aside from beauty, Jiang Xiaobai couldn't compare to Zhao Shan in any other aspect. Dong Ran grew anxious and went directly to the investor, President Zhao, hoping he would put in a good word for Jiang Xiaobai.

After hearing her out, President Zhao just smiled and said he was hosting a cocktail party and that Jiang Xiaobai could come by and see him then.

However, after hearing Dong Ran relay the message, the original owner refused outright.

"Asking her to bow her head? Not in this lifetime."

At this moment, Jiang Xiaobai thought to herself.

In the original owner's eyes, she was perfect in every way, and it was those people who lacked the taste to see her worth. To ask her to "accompany them for drinks" just for a role? Heh, maybe in the next life.

She hoped that in the next life, she could always live as freely and unrestrainedly as she wished.

"Ding-ding—"

Just as Jiang Xiaobai was thinking this, the doorbell rang.

Jiang Xiaobai checked the time. It was four o'clock in the afternoon. At this hour, no one would come looking for her except for Dong Ran.

Setting aside the script she had been skimming, Jiang Xiaobai opened the door to find a woman in a professional suit wearing round-rimmed glasses.

She was in her thirties or forties, well-maintained, but her nasolabial folds were quite deep, giving her an unapproachable look. The moment she saw Jiang Xiaobai, she frowned, a flash of anger in her eyes—

"What time is it? Why aren't you dressed yet! Do you still want to go to the banquet today or not!"

Her roar was like a lion's, making Jiang Xiaobai's ears ache.

In truth, Dong Ran used to be decisive, but her temper was never bad, and she rarely lost her cool. However, because the original owner frequently disagreed with her, they ended up arguing more and more, leading Dong Ran to become increasingly impatient with her.

Jiang Xiaobai took a step back. "Ran-jie, come inside first."

Dong Ran was stunned. Jiang Xiaobai didn't snap back at her, which she found incredible.

But she didn't dwell on it. She followed her inside and continued, "Jiang Xiaobai, I'm telling you, you must go to the cocktail party today! President Zhao is very influential in the industry. Since he has invited you, you must show your face. Otherwise, if you offend him, forget about this second female lead role—you won't get any roles in the future..."

"Okay."

"Okay what? You... what did you say?"

Dong Ran’s eyes widened slightly.

Jiang Xiaobai smiled faintly and combed through her long hair with her hand. "I said okay, I'll go."

"...The sun must be rising in the west. You actually came to your senses!"

With a light huff, Dong Ran sat on the sofa, but she couldn't help but take a few extra looks at Jiang Xiaobai.

It was strange. It hadn't been long since they last met, yet her attitude had changed. The arrogance and defiance in her eyes were gone, and when she smiled just now, she actually seemed gentle and graceful.

It was like seeing a ghost.

"Ran-jie, I'm sorry. I was being stubborn before."

Jiang Xiaobai took a drink from the fridge and handed it to her, saying sincerely, "I know you put a lot of effort into this role, and you did it for my own good. That's why I'll go this time, and I'll do my best to win the role of Liu Ruyan."

Dong Ran was petrified.

She stared at Jiang Xiaobai without blinking. After a while, she even reached out and pinched Jiang Xiaobai’s elbow—

Jiang Xiaobai: "...Ran-jie, that hurts."

She frowned slightly, her voice soft and delicate.

"Are you possessed? Or are you trying to fool me so you can pull some other stunt?"

Dong Ran pulled her hand back, looking deeply troubled.

"Ran-jie, we've worked together for two or three years. Do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?"

Jiang Xiaobai sighed softly. "If you wanted to harm me or make me trade my body for resources, I’d probably be counting the money for you while you sold me. But you didn't. You’ve always protected me well. It was me... who failed your intentions time and time again. I’ve thought it over; I won't let you down again."

The original owner was simple-minded and hot-tempered. That she had managed to stay so naive after nearly three years in the industry was entirely thanks to Dong Ran.

Dong Ran had used her own strength to keep the original owner away from the filth of the industry, always trying her best to secure resources for her. But the original owner had been stubbornly resistant, unable to accept even the slightest need for patience, leading to constant arguments.

As the arguments increased, their relationship grew tense. They rarely had a kind word for each other, their attitudes were cold, and they had no private interaction outside of work.

The original owner only felt that Dong Ran was forcing her to do things she didn't like, never considering what the other woman was doing for her behind the scenes.

In the end, the girl had just been protected too well, viewed the entertainment industry too simply, and had never experienced any real tempering.