After Transmigrating into the Role of the Villain Forced to Pamper the Heroine of an Angsty Novel - Chapter 19

The dispute between Gu Ruolan and Xu Anying had actually taken place yesterday morning. To call it a “dispute” was a slight exaggeration, as everyone with enough seniority on set had immediately rushed over to mediate.

Yu Youqing hadn’t left the crew yet at that time, but since she had a routine of communicating with her other artists in the morning and Xiao Yan was there to accompany Gu, she hadn’t been in a rush to get to the scene. Gu Ruolan was famously independent and professionally capable; there was rarely much room for a manager to intervene on set. Yu Youqing had originally planned to just say goodbye before leaving.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan called, her voice frantic, saying Gu Ruolan had locked horns with Xu Anying on set and the atmosphere was terrible. She begged Yu to get there immediately. Yu Youqing thought she had misheard, but she rushed over anyway.

She didn’t see the actual standoff. By the time she reached the studio, Xu Anying was gone, and Gu Ruolan was sitting in a corner with a dark expression. Yu Youqing decided to stay an extra day; if this wasn’t handled properly, it would cause more conflicts down the line.

Xu Anying’s manager, Li Yu, also arrived upon hearing the news and gave Yu Youqing a call, roughly explaining Xu Anying’s perspective. It seemed the matter had passed, but the peace only lasted for half a day.

After lunch, Assistant Director Chen walked hesitantly toward Gu Ruolan and handed her a “new script.” Chen felt suffocated too; the Director didn’t want to step forward, so he had to play the villain.

“Ruolan, there have been some slight adjustments to the plot—a few scenes added. There aren’t many lines, so it shouldn’t be difficult for you.”

Gu Ruolan had already memorized the original script. She quickly flipped through the adjusted sections, and her expression became even worse than yesterday. It wasn’t difficult—because all the added scenes were “highlight moments” for Xu Anying.

In the drama, the girls go to a big city to study and live. The changes they undergo after the shock of new ideas, and the struggles they face when making final choices, are the highlights. That represented a collective. Now, with the script changed, it had become a “career history” of a rural female student starting a business from scratch.

The theme was still positive and fit the “strong female lead” trend, but it betrayed the original intent of the film. The efforts of the other girls were reduced to mere foils and contrasts, and the choices made by Xu Anying’s character became more pointed and guided.

With her extensive filming experience, how could Gu Ruolan not see the petty calculations behind these changes? This wasn’t what she wanted. She didn’t mind being a supporting player, but not in this way.

“I don’t agree to these changes.” Her attitude was crystal clear. She handed the revised script back to Assistant Director Chen.

Chen was embarrassed and troubled; the script in his hand had become a hot potato. Gu Ruolan took a breath, not taking her anger out on him. In a calm but firm tone, she explained: “Even if it’s just a few scenes, the direction of the entire story changes. Forget the theme; even the plot and pacing will be ruined.”

Chen sighed and nodded. “We’ve considered all of that, too. We can only try to adjust it in post-production.” He looked at her helplessly. “But there’s no way around it. The production budget is extremely tight, and that ‘Great Auntie’ (Xu Anying)…” He didn’t finish the sentence, only letting out a heavy sigh.

Gu Ruolan was disappointed, but she knew Chen couldn’t make the decisions; there was no need to make things hard for the messenger. However, since she had accepted this film, she had to be responsible for the character and herself.

Because she refused to accept the revised script, the filming progress slowed down. Although they hadn’t reached the modified sections yet, the actors’ moods were clearly affected. After a scene finished, the Director gave an extra half-hour break and had the staff bring out snacks and drinks to help everyone relax.

Xu Anying saw Gu Ruolan sitting there with a dark face and drifted over with a faint, ethereal smile. “I heard you don’t agree with the new script.”

Gu Ruolan looked up to see Xu Anying looking down at her with a smirk. Gu Ruolan looked away, staring at her thermos, her voice light: “The changes are unreasonable. Of course I don’t agree.”

Xu Anying wanted to snap back, but remembering her manager’s warning from last night, she restrained herself. “It’s just adding a few scenes. Even with the total count, I haven’t surpassed yours. You aren’t worried that I’m stealing your spotlight, are you?”

It was true that Xu Anying didn’t have more scenes than Gu Ruolan, but Gu’s role was split between her and Yu Yimeng. Xu Anying played her character from youth to old age alone, which felt different to the audience.

Gu Ruolan remained unmoved. She didn’t seem to want a direct confrontation, but her attitude didn’t soften at all, let alone show signs of backing down. “When I film, I don’t care about having many or few scenes.” She looked up again, meeting Xu Anying’s eyes. “But I care if the scenes are good.”

The implication was clear: those added scenes were “rat droppings” spoiling the pot.

Xu Anying’s face flushed red then turned pale. A retort was stuck in her throat, but because they were on set, she could only suppress it. Yesterday’s standoff had been a sudden outburst of temper, but her manager had lectured her all night about controlling her words and actions.

She took a deep breath and forced a classic fake smile. “Fine. Then let’s just keep filming and see.”

After she left, Gu Ruolan’s face grew even colder. The script likely wouldn’t be changed back; to a film crew, funding is like water to a desert traveler.

When Meng Qiuran arrived at the set, this was exactly what she saw.

She still had the contact info from her last visit, and seeing Xiao Yan by chance, she followed her in. Seeing Gu Ruolan talking to someone, she didn’t rush to interrupt, only realizing after the person left that it was Xu Anying. Today’s costume was slightly different from the photos, so Meng Qiuran had to identify her by her role: Gu Ruolan’s stumbling block.

Strangely enough, although the set wasn’t huge and many people were busy, Meng Qiuran spotted Gu Ruolan sitting in an inconspicuous area at first glance.

Gu was in makeup today, looking younger than her actual age—like a college student. Since the character was currently a girl who had just moved from the countryside to the bustling city and hadn’t fully adapted, her makeup and clothes were simple, even a bit “unfashionable.”

But Meng Qiuran didn’t find it ugly at all. The coarse floral shirt looked perfectly natural on Gu Ruolan. Looking closer, she noticed the outfit had a high level of authenticity; it seemed the production hadn’t considered the young Movie Queen’s image or figure at all. What a rural girl wore in that era was exactly what Gu Ruolan was wearing now.

There was zero emphasis on her graceful waist, and her exquisite face didn’t look as stunning under the rustic makeup, yet she instantly drew people into the character.

Xiao Yan hadn’t expected Xu Anying to provoke Sister Lan again during the short time she was away. She had been incredibly nervous, staring at them and ready to rush in between them if a fight broke out. Thankfully, nothing happened. She let out a huge sigh of relief before remembering Miss Meng was standing beside her.

This socialite, who always arrived without warning, was also a headache. Xiao Yan groaned inwardly. She was about to tell Meng Qiuran they should head over, but when she turned, she saw Miss Meng watching intently. Following her gaze, she saw Sister Lan slowly drinking from her thermos.

Xiao Yan had thought the last visit was strange, but today, the purpose seemed a bit clearer. Who spends their time squatting on a film set for a ‘collaboration’ and stares so intently at someone drinking water?

“Miss Meng,” Xiao Yan called softly. Once Meng Qiuran turned, she said, “Let’s go over. Sister Lan’s break is almost over.”

Meng Qiuran suddenly changed her mind. “Go ask her if it’s convenient to talk somewhere else.”

Xiao Yan was confused.

“I’m afraid there are too many people here. It might affect her.”

She’s the one who wanted to come here, and now she’s the one worried about ‘affecting’ her. This young lady is truly hard to serve, Xiao Yan complained in her head but complied, whispering to Gu Ruolan.

As expected, Gu Ruolan was very surprised, her gaze immediately shifting toward Meng Qiuran. Meng Qiuran was dressed even more low-key than last time, wearing dark khaki cotton casual pants and a dark green pullover hoodie. If you weren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t recognize her.

Seeing Gu Ruolan looking at her, Meng Qiuran raised her hand and gave a small wave—very mechanical and restrained, like a clock pendulum lacking oil.

Gu Ruolan hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over. “Are you here to see me?”

Meng Qiuran nodded. “Yes.”

“Is something the matter?”

Meng Qiuran looked around. There was no obvious attention, but many people were stealing glances. “There are quite a few people here. If you’re free, should we move somewhere else?”

“I’m filming the next scene soon.”

Meng Qiuran paused, not wanting to force her. Gu Ruolan looked at her face and saw her serious expression, as if she were waiting for something. Without asking, she knew Meng Qiuran was waiting for her to be free.

She didn’t have the energy to wonder why Meng Qiuran had come, but seeing her attitude, she wouldn’t be able to brush her off with a few words. “If you aren’t busy, you can wait until I finish today’s scenes, and we…”

Before she could finish, Meng Qiuran chimed in: “I’m not busy. I have plenty of time.”

Gu Ruolan said no more. She gave a solemn nod and went back to give Xiao Yan a few instructions—likely to look after Meng Qiuran.

The crew members didn’t recognize Miss Meng, but Xu Anying had sharp eyes. She recognized her the moment Gu Ruolan went to talk to her. Although Miss Meng was being low-key, her presence was never a quiet affair. Xu Anying was frustrated, unable to guess why Meng Qiuran had suddenly appeared. She secretly wondered if Gu Ruolan had complained to her.

But when did they get so close? At the dinner at Qidu Mansion, Miss Meng had been a troublemaker looking for entertainment, using Gu Ruolan as a target. One visit was a fluke; two visits were certainly not a coincidence.

Xu Anying couldn’t figure it out, and she kept losing her focus during filming, leading to several NGs. After trying several times, she simply couldn’t get it right, and the other staff members began to look annoyed.

The Director walked over, frowning at Xu Anying. “Anying, what are you thinking about? You’re completely distracted on camera.” Before she could answer, he turned to apologize to Gu Ruolan. “Sorry, Ruolan, I’ve made you retake this so many times.” He checked the time and then Xu Anying’s state, announcing gloomily: “Let’s wrap for today.”

“Anying, go back and rest. Get your state back as soon as possible.” He couldn’t be too harsh, but continuing like this was a waste of money.

Gu Ruolan didn’t say much; she wasn’t interested in kicking someone when they were down. But thinking about having to deal with Meng Qiuran, she felt a wave of exhaustion.