After Becoming a Scumbag Alpha, the Green Tea Omega is Reborn - Chapter 19

“It’s simple, really. This movie is different from other films or TV dramas. Most readers of the original novel are very rigorous and have high standards. Only by achieving a high level of restoration can you meet the expectations in their hearts,” Tao Ran said.

Yu Li agreed: “It’s not just an average web drama; you can’t treat it like one.”

Their words left Sister Zhang silent for a long time. Perhaps her decade-plus in the industry had boxed her into a specific mindset; many things required thinking outside the original framework.

She suddenly began to understand why Yu Li was so insistent on promoting Tao Ran.

The daytime was entirely consumed by filming, leaving both of them exhausted. Yu Li still had to adjust her mental state to prepare for the evening’s variety show, Actors, Please Take the Stage. It was a lukewarm show—not quite a flop, but never a viral hit. Sister Zhang, however, claimed this episode only needed one “explosive point” to blow up.

She believed Yu Li was that explosive point.

The show invited two outstanding actors and two famous directors per episode. It was dedicated to giving rookie actors more screen time while allowing the guest actors and directors to score their performances.

While Yu Li’s acting wasn’t exactly at a level where she could teach masterclasses, she had filmed over a dozen dramas since university; having her guide young actors was still persuasive enough.

Before the recording, Sister Zhang called Yu Li with some instructions, mentioning with a grin that the show had arranged a “surprise” for her, and she should just follow her feelings and improvise.

After listening, Yu Li couldn’t help but ask, “Then could we…”

Sister Zhang interrupted her lazily, “Let Tao Ran participate too, right? I knew you’d say that. Don’t worry, the next episode will invite her as a guest.”

“Thank you, Sister Zhang.”

“Also, today is the first anniversary of the broadcast of your hit drama The Thing About Loving You. I’ve sent you the copy and pictures; post a Weibo later to mark the occasion.”

Yu Li barely had time to sit down at home after leaving the set before she was whisked away to the recording studio. Meanwhile, Tao Ran returned home, changed her clothes, touched up her makeup, and made a call to Sister Zhang.

“What’s up?”

“Sister Zhang, regarding tonight’s recording, I have a suggestion…” Tao Ran said, lightly applying lipstick in the mirror.

That evening, Yu Li arrived at the set of Actors, Please Take the Stage. Before the show started, she met the two famous directors. Coincidentally, one of them was Director Wang.

“Yu Li.” Director Wang nodded to her kindly.

So this was the surprise Sister Zhang mentioned. Being on a show with a familiar director was indeed a nice surprise. Yu Li smiled back at her.

Next to Director Wang was Director Huang, a renowned director known for being meticulous. He had not only produced films that won international awards but had also made many rookie actors famous. Yu Li gave him a slight smile, but he merely nodded and didn’t show much expression.

While Yu Li was in the restroom, Director Wang and Director Huang spoke in low tones.

“Why are you so cold toward Yu Li?” Director Wang asked.

Director Huang let out a soft huff. “Do I need to be warm toward an actor propped up by capital? I’ve seen her dramas and movies. She has a beautiful shell but lacks the exquisite acting to match it. For once, I agree with the netizens: this Yu Li might lower the standard of the film you’re shooting.”

Director Wang shook her head with a smile. “That’s just your prejudice against her.”

Director Huang shrugged and said no more.

The show had average popularity, but the production team had definitely spent a fortune, offering double the usual pay for a variety appearance. The program was live-streamed in its entirety and had no script, relying purely on the improvisation of the actors and the four judges on stage.

As the show began, the host introduced the directors. Director Wang and Director Huang appeared in sequence. The live audience’s reaction was average, and the online viewers watching across the country didn’t show much excitement; the bullet comments (danmu) were sparse.

【The two famous directors don’t seem like the talkative type.】

【Especially Director Huang; he’s strict and will scold anyone when he’s angry.】

【Who is the guest actor this time?】

【Don’t know, I didn’t recognize the ones in the last episode.】

Host: “Today, we’ve invited a very familiar face. Everyone, please give a round of applause for Teacher Yu Li!”

The moment Yu Li walked out in her suit trousers, a thunderous round of applause erupted from the audience, and the bullet comments instantly skyrocketed.

【Wife! It’s my wife!】

【Yu Li! The show actually got Yu Li!】

【Wife look at me, look at me!】

【The first guest is Yu Li, so will the second one be…】

【Be bold! Type the name ‘Tao Ran’ on the screen!】

Soon, the screen was flooded with the names of Tao Ran and Yu Li.

Being on a variety show for the first time, Yu Li was a bit nervous facing the cameras. She gave a small smile and took her seat in the guest area.

Director Huang muttered quietly, “Yu Li has such a big presence. If the next person isn’t a top star, the momentum will drop off easily.”

Director Huang was right. A variety show needs high-interest points to attract eyes, but it also needs the ability to retain viewership. Yu Li’s appearance pushed the heat up, but if the final guest was a minor celebrity, many viewers would leave in disappointment.

Thus, more and more people speculated that the next guest was Tao Ran.

The host said with a smile, “I’m sure everyone is excited to see who the next guest is! She is…”

A soft light hit the stage, and a woman in a short purple dress walked out. She had soul-stirring “fox eyes,” slightly curled blonde hair, and an air of pride in every movement.

Yu Li froze, her eyes widening.

“She is… Teacher Yin Shu!”

【Ahhh Shu-Shu!】

【Shu-Bao! My first wife and second wife are on a show together!】

The reaction was great, but a long string of question marks also appeared on the screen.

【Forgive my ignorance, but who is Yin Shu?】

【You don’t know Yin Shu? She was the ‘Lead 0’ (Omega) in last year’s hit drama ‘The Thing About Loving You’!】

【To be honest, I was always a ‘Yu-Shu’ shipper back then. I didn’t expect…】

Yin Shu walked gracefully to Yu Li’s side and gave her a coy smile. The camera followed Yin Shu to the guest seats.

“Yu Li, long time no see.”

Yu Li froze, blinking blankly. “Everything is well.”

【OMG, that look from Yin Shu makes me want to cry.】

【They look like ex-girlfriends reuniting after a long time, asking if the other is okay.】

【Yin Shu still loves Yu Li, right?】

【Stop, stop, stop. Can the comments stop writing fanfiction for them?】

【If you’re that good at making up dramas, go be an actor yourselves.】

【Yu Li is married.】

【Yeah, Yu Li is married, but Yin Shu is still single…】

After Yin Shu sat down, Yu Li rubbed her palms uneasily. It would have been fine if it were any other actress, but it had to be Yin Shu.

Yu Li suddenly remembered the “surprise” Sister Zhang mentioned. So this was it. Do you even want this kind of surprise?

Yin Shu and Yu Li were university alumni. Their drama The Thing About Loving You had been a massive hit during their senior year. To increase the hype, the company had arranged for them to “ship” as a couple, and they had been an on-screen pair for a while.

Perhaps because the original owner didn’t like the “fox-like” appearance of Yin Shu, she never made a move on her. In short, Yu Li and Yin Shu had no private relationship, but in the eyes of the public, they were solid “exes.”

It just so happened to be the one-year anniversary of the drama, and it just so happened they were on a show together. No wonder Sister Zhang said there was an “explosive point.”

But the problem was, she was a married woman now. Sitting next to her “ex,” wouldn’t netizens feel like they were eating sugar mixed with glass shards?

As it turned out, Yu Li’s concerns were just the beginning; the production team had more “tricks” waiting.

The first performance featured three rookie actors. They had to choose a scene from a play and perform it within ten minutes, after which the directors and guest actors would score them. After the performance, Yu Li and the other three judges would give their critiques in turn.

Yu Li sat up straight, preparing to face these actors with a serious attitude.

However, in the next second, the host’s loud voice echoed:

“The scene chosen by the three actors is from The Thing About Loving You. Let the show begin.”

What?? Yu Li couldn’t even control her shocked expression.

Could this be any more of a coincidence? The production team did this on purpose!

Yin Shu also raised an eyebrow in surprise.

【I was just thinking, today is the anniversary, surely they won’t pick ‘Loving You’? I didn’t expect them to actually do it!】

【The production team is so disgusting. Yu Li is married, why still milk the old CP?】

【If you want to watch, watch; if not, leave.】

【Shipping is a freedom!】

【Li-Ran fans are too overbearing.】

【I’m shipping Shu-Li! I’m shipping Shu-Li!】

Yu Li clasped her hands awkwardly. She just wanted this scene to end quickly; her toes were practically digging a “Barbie Dream Castle” into the floor.

But fate was not on her side. The scene the rookies chose was the climax: Yu Li realizing her deep love for Yin Shu, breaking up with the supporting female character, and running to Yin Shu to kiss passionately in the pouring rain.

To create a comparison, the big screen even played the original clip from the drama. The audience, both in person and online, grew misty-eyed.

It was so cringey. With Yin Shu sitting right there, Yu Li wished she could dig a hole and shove the production team into it.

The performance began. The three rookies used their skills to perfectly portray the emotional ups and downs of the two leads and the supporting character, climaxing in an intense kiss.

The host said on stage: “This vivid performance reminds me that last year, Teacher Yu Li and Teacher Yin Shu’s performance also deeply moved us.”

Yu Li: …Don’t cue me. A year-old PR scandal is suddenly attacking me.

The actors finished and bowed to the judges. The host then turned to the panel: “Please, Teachers, give us your critiques.”

Yin Shu suddenly spoke up. “Can we let Yu Li go first?”

Everyone froze.

Yin Shu propped her chin on her hand, looking at Yu Li with a smile.

“I really want to know how Yu Li evaluates the film we once starred in together.”

The bullet comments cheered.

【I’m so nervous!】

【Even though they’ve split, they still have feelings, right?】

【Yu Li’s expression looks like she’s reluctant to let go.】

【Are you guys crazy? Yu Li doesn’t have any expression at all.】

【The leads haven’t said anything; why are the Shu-fans getting so worked up?】

Everyone waited for Yu Li’s answer. Yu Li looked down, thought for a moment, took the microphone, and stood up.

“Personally, I think the three actors’ performance was very good. Vivid expressions, powerful eyes, and the movements were on point. The only flaw was that the emotional delivery was a bit weak. This scene would be better with more abundant emotion.”

Two of the actors on stage nodded attentively, but the third seemed unconvinced. She raised an eyebrow, widened her eyes, and spoke into her mic: “Teacher, where exactly did you feel our emotion wasn’t abundant?”

“The scene between Lead 1 and the supporting character could be better.”

“Is that so?” the rookie shrugged. “But I don’t feel like you played that scene very well, Teacher.”

This sentence successfully turned the tide of the bullet comments from “CP wars” to “defending the veteran.”

【Who is she?】

【Her name is Li Jiajia. She’s been acting for a year; good skills, but trash projects.】

【What nerve! A rookie dares to say that?】

【No matter how bad Yu Li is, she’s better than you, Li Jiajia!】

【Yu Li, shut her down! Teach her a lesson!】

But Yu Li just smiled calmly and said pleasantly, “Actually, I think so too.”

“I was quite young then, and there was a lot of room for improvement. Compared to that one-year-old drama, I feel my acting has improved much more in my currently prepared film, Flower Branch.”

Yu Li paused, looked at Yin Shu, and said word for word:

“Especially regarding emotion—I prefer Flower Branch.”

“And I prefer the person playing opposite me in Flower Branch even more.”