Chapter 57: Ye Quan's True Crape Myrtle! A Stunning Comeback!

"Did she agree?"

"She agreed! He Xiuqiong is clearly panicking this time."

"Very good."

"Um, Prince~"

"Speak your mind if you have something to say."

"May I ask, what on earth is your method to turn this situation around?"

"Audacious! Is that something for you to ask?"

"Undergoing, Ah Xue knows her wrong."

To be honest, playing the game of Prince Six and Ah Xue with Yeh Chuan-chen is actually quite interesting.

Ma Xun sometimes even gets really into character.

Of course, getting down to business is what matters most right now.

After just two days of filming, the power struggle drama in *My Fair Princess* has turned out to be absolutely phenomenal.

Ma Xun, naturally, came to the scene to watch.

He didn't sit as an audience member; instead, he blended in among the staff.

The overall recording is quite good.

By the standards of 1997, it is truly impressive.

After all, our country currently doesn't have this type of show.

Moreover, the program itself carries the halo of a Chiung Yao drama.

Once broadcast, the ratings definitely won't be bad.

In that case, the advertising agency, meaning Bai Daqing's side, can be properly answered to.

It is now confirmed.

For each episode, we will at least cut out ten minutes of commercial inserts.

This... is indeed pushing it a bit hard.

It doesn't matter, though; that's just how things are these days.

And the crucial point is the rerun rights for the drama *My Fair Princess*!

Now, He Xiuqiong, the daughter-in-law, has already relented.

Ma Xun's original plan was just to secure the rerun rights once.

Now it has changed to twice... plus unexpected gains!

Clearly, this woman He Xiuqiong still panicked in the end.

It doesn't matter; I, Ma Xun, am here to save you.

How to turn the tables, how to defeat the Ping family...

Hehe... everything is under my control.

"Ah Xue, make it clear to He Xiuqiong. Tell her to keep her composure; the fourth episode will be the moment of our counterattack."

"Understood, Prince."

"Also, the task I assigned to you..."

"Ah Xue guarantees it will be completed."

"Good!"

With that, the two ended the call.

In fact, Ma Xun isn't just dealing with the Ping family; he also wants to edge Ruby Lin out.

The role of Ziwei can be given to anyone.

As for the big-eyed girl... Ma Xun truly has no way around her.

This woman is by no means simple. In fact, before acting in *My Fair Princess*, she had already starred in numerous film and television productions.

Many of those were works by renowned domestic directors, and the actors she collaborated with were top-tier.

For a young girl to work with so many big names—

Was there really nothing behind that?

Furthermore, Ma Xun knows a piece of gossip.

This piece of gossip runs extremely deep; ordinary people wouldn't dare speak of it.

So, forget it.

Ma Xun's wisest choice right now is to be on guard against this big-eyed girl.

It's best if everyone walks their separate paths.

Of course, Ma Xun has already tasted the profits of *My Fair Princess*.

He has no intention of spitting them out.

Just wait for the fourth day.

When the time comes, I will direct a grand comeback for you!

...

"That senior sister of yours, and that Li Tingyi, ugh~"

"Mom, it's nothing."

"Huh? My daughter, you've really grown up."

"Really?"

"If it were in the past, you'd probably be crying by now."

"Is that so?"

"Alright then, let's take this trip as a vacation."

"Yeah, let's just treat it as a vacation."

After two days of filming, Fan Bingbing has seen things clearly.

Little Swallow should go to that Li Tingyi.

Ziwei should go to her senior sister.

Either way, neither belongs to her.

Bingbing, who used to be so proud of her looks, can't exactly be said to have a completely cold heart now.

But it's pretty close.

Yet... it seems okay.

At least, just as Mom said, I didn't cry!

Bingbing thought about it, and it was indeed true.

If it were the old days, Bingbing definitely would have been crying her eyes out.

Actually, she isn't old; crying when upset is totally fine.

It's not shameful at all.

And now, not crying... Bingbing instantly thought of a reason.

Could it have something to do with that fellow Ma Xun?

That conversation the other day—that was realism in its truest form.

After experiencing that intensely realistic talk, Bingbing's stress-resistance capacity has grown stronger.

That's probably why.

Of course, Bingbing herself isn't entirely sure.

Regardless of everything, facing the impending failure this time,

she truly didn't cry.

This counts as growth, at least.

As for Ma Xun... huh?

Leaving the television station, she caught sight of Ma Xun.

It seemed Ma Xun saw her too.

Their gazes crossed briefly.

Then they parted ways again.

There was nothing to say.

Just like that, they each went their separate ways.

...

On the fourth day,

the selection for *My Fair Princess* and the "Xiangjiang Girls" reached its most crucial episode.

Once this recording ends, everything will be settled.

Before it began, Ma Xun concealed himself among the staff as usual.

To his surprise, he was discovered this time.

"Ha! Mr. Ma."

"Director Kang."

Kang Jianmin walked over with a smiling face to chat with Ma Xun.

The two quickly struck up a lively conversation.

"The girl, I've decided on her."

"Really?"

Kang Jianmin pulled out a photo like he was presenting a precious treasure.

It was Fan Fan, the heartthrob.

Aren't we just looking for a girl this time around?

In truth, the actresses participating in the auditions this time were mostly aiming for *My Fair Princess*.

As for the so-called "Xiangjiang Girls," most people had no interest in it.

After all, Chiung Yao dramas are the ones truly popular right now.

Kang Jianmin then brought up something else.

"The role of the son... take a look at these few..."

Did Ma Xun even need to think about it?

"He's good."

Liu Ye, obviously.

This guy got into the Central Academy of Drama purely based on his jump shot.

Though his grades were always at the bottom of the class, he still put a lot of heart into acting in films.

Kang Jianmin laughed heartily. "Great minds think alike."

Isn't this wonderful?

Now *The Mountains* has basically been finalized; the male lead is Teng Rujun, and the mother is played by Xu Qing.

Just put some aging makeup on her.

As for the second brother—

Let's just find a big yellow dog from the village entrance; let's skip the German Shepherds.

*The Mountains* is locked in, and filming will start in the summer.

Ma Xun gave a couple of reminders because he remembered something.

When the crew entered the mountains, they actually ran into highway robbers.

It was quite thrilling.

Truly, public security wasn't good at all in those years.

With those matters discussed, Kang Jianmin walked away happily.

Unexpectedly, Young Master Ping approached.

"Mr. Ma, isn't it better if you just peaceably stick to making movies?"

This young master Ping's tone was obviously sarcastic.

Ma Xun chuckled. "I'm the kind of person who does whatever makes money. And if anyone blocks my path, I take care of that person!"

Those words carried quite a bit of weight.

Young Master Ping was somewhat startled. "Hmph! What are you putting on an act for! You're bound to lose this time!"

His implication also included: He Xiuqiong is bound to lose!

Ma Xun naturally understood and gave the fellow a sideways glance. "The results aren't out yet; let's wait and see."

No results yet?

This show is pre-recorded, and barring any massive changes,

Young Master Ping would genuinely have won a round this time.

"You're just unwilling to accept defeat, hehe..."

The guy dropped that rather effeminate remark,

then quickly slipped away, not giving Ma Xun a chance to counter.

Damn it! Bad luck!

Ma Xun wasn't in a hurry, though; he'd find out soon enough.

At that moment, Sun Donghai walked over instead.

Ma Xun spoke first, "Done?"

"OK!"

Sun Donghai flashed a hand gesture.

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

And the audition show officially began.

...

He Xiuqiong was extremely anxious.

She was also keeping a close eye on the recording process.

Could there be a turning point?

Now that Little Swallow had been snatched away by the Ping family's people, that could mean...

Huh? What just happened?

At the recording site, a disturbance suddenly broke out.

Shortly after, various parties coordinated behind the scenes.

Then the host came out to read the script.

The host was Li Xiang.

She wasn't as plump back then yet, having just started working at Hunan TV.

However, rumor had it that this woman had serious connections; it was said that when she was in college, she bought a house in Beijing every single month.

Like a time traveler.

Of course, these were just legends, and nobody knew if they were true.

At that moment, she began speaking.

"Miss Li Tingyi is unable to participate in the recording due to personal reasons, and she formally announces her withdrawal from this audition..."

What?!

An uproar erupted across the entire recording set.

No one had expected this.

This Li Tingyi actually ran away at such a crucial juncture!

She was just this close to securing the female lead of Little Swallow!

The crucial point was that her identity as a "Dragon Girl" who debuted in *Justice Pao*

clearly placed her in Liu Lili's faction.

Yet she actually pulled a stunt like this.

Ma Xun looked over.

Liu Lili was dumbfounded!

Young Master Ping was stunned!

He Xiuqiong was startled!

Never in their wildest dreams did they expect such an earth-shattering plot twist!

As for the reason... Ma Xun and Sun Donghai exchanged glances.

Both of them smiled.

It was precisely what Ma Xun had arranged earlier: having Sun Donghai tell Charles Heung

to arrange a movie role for this Li Tingyi.

Even a fake one would do.

If there were any breach-of-contract penalties, I'll pay them.

In this era, making movies carried much more prestige than making television series.

Besides, since Li Tingyi was already a "Dragon Girl," she naturally hoped to develop further in the film direction.

Charles Heung hadn't fooled around either and was actually preparing to cast the girl in Jet Li's movie.

How perfect!

And with her withdrawal,

the role of Little Swallow was left vacant.

What to do?

At that very moment, Fan Bingbing even sparked a glimmer of hope.

Yet right then, the production team began deliberating once again.

Among them stood a cool, ethereal beauty.

Soon, the audition recording resumed.

And this time...

Bingbing was dumbfounded!

She saw a woman dressed in Qing dynasty attire, holding an oiled-paper umbrella, walking up onto the stage.

"Your Majesty, do you still remember Xia Yuhe by the Daming Lake?"

It was none other than Yeh Chuan-chen!

This outfit, alongside these lines...

She was the living embodiment of Xia Ziwei!

Bingbing understood in an instant.

She also knew she truly had no chance left.

As for the others...

Young Master Ping instantly slumped in utter dejection,

deeply realizing in his heart

that this time, he had lost completely!

Liu Lili's side was helpless as well.

With Li Tingyi running off, he had no one left in his hands.

Meanwhile, He Xiuqiong had Yeh Chuan-chen on her side.

At this moment, the happiest person of all was He Xiuqiong.

She had won!

And it was her good best friend who came out to save the day!

The daughter-in-law burst into fierce applause, cheering repeatedly.

She was beyond thrilled!

As for the true winner... naturally, it was Ma Xun!

Two sets of rerun rights secured!

Tens of millions!

Yeh Chuan-chen stepping in temporarily to play Xia Ziwei was precisely Ma Xun's prior arrangement!

And all of this...

"Brother, you arranged this, haven't you got some nerve—truly fucking awesome!"

Probably only this guy Sun Donghai could see through it.