Everyone Spends Money to Make Me Debut as Center (GL) - Chapter 1

【Congratulations! You have passed the final selection for “National Girls.” The program team officially extends this invitation to you…】

“Please arrive at the training camp at the designated time for collective residence training. We look forward to your outstanding performance.” Chi Rui recited the formal, bureaucratic invitation in a soft, light voice. Her pale lips curved upward into a lingering smile that brightened her face.

“Looking forward to it? Indeed, it’s something to look forward to.”

After carefully reading the invitation, Chi Rui tucked it back into the envelope and placed it in a compartment of her already-packed luggage.

Had it been the Chi Rui of a month ago, she never would have imagined being this close to her dream.

A month ago, she was just one of many trainees waiting for a debut opportunity. She practiced for over fourteen hours a day; between part-time jobs and volunteering at the orphanage, she averaged less than four hours of sleep.

Chi Rui didn’t fear hard work; she feared disappointment.

Day after day of persistence led to several appearances on the candidate list for the debut group, yet she was always cut when she was just one step away.

At this thought, a mocking smile touched her lips. How could an “ace trainee” who ranked first in the company’s comprehensive evaluations wait eight years without ever getting a chance to debut?

She raised her hand, pressing a warm palm against her cheek. What else could it be? With that ordinary face—a face that would disappear in a crowd—how could she survive in an entertainment industry where beauties were a dime a dozen?

Strength? Hah. There are plenty of talented people who have both skill and looks. Why would investors risk precious resources on someone like her?

But now, things were different.

Chi Rui stood up and walked to the mirror. She wiped away the condensation to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful face. It bore some resemblance to her old self but was far more exquisite.

Her slender fingertips traced from the eyebrows to the lips of the reflection. The slightly upturned corners of her eyes held an innate, alluring charm. With her plump lip lines and translucent skin, the girl in the mirror looked like a fresh peach newly ripened on a summer branch—a unique blend of youthful vitality and feminine allure.

In terms of bone structure, this was a classic Eastern beauty. With light makeup and loose hair, she would exude elegance. However, the original owner of this body had a “princess dream” since childhood; she loved dolls and puffy skirts. Over time, her aesthetic had drifted toward fairy tales, preferring pink tones and trapping herself in the “sweet girl” archetype.

Chi Rui couldn’t understand why the original owner, blessed with such advantages, would trample on her opportunities and throw away a smooth life for a scumbag.

“The life you didn’t want, I will cherish.”

When she first entered this world, Chi Rui was panicked. But she soon realized that everything here was identical to a novel she had read. She had remembered the plot because the protagonist shared her name but had a completely different fate.

In the book, Chi Rui was born with a silver spoon. As an only child, she was pampered by her elders and became a typical “princess-type” girl—fine in every way except for her temper.

Though willful at times, she wasn’t bad at heart. Without the subsequent events, she likely would have lived out a happy, carefree life.

The turning point was a movie starring the book’s protagonist, Bai Chang. The woman’s shocking acting and porcelain features left the original Chi Rui hopelessly obsessed.

It was a case of impulsive love at first sight. The original Chi Rui vowed to enter the entertainment industry just to stand by Bai Chang’s side.

Chi Rui’s father, Chi Chengxiong, doted on her and poured resources into her career. Even though she couldn’t sing or dance, aggressive marketing turned her into a viral “Sweet Song Queen.” That wasn’t enough; wherever Bai Chang went to film, Chi Rui would join the cast the next day. Under constant pressure and Chi Chengxiong’s calculated coercion, Chi Rui eventually got her wish: she married Bai Chang.

However, Chi Chengxiong never imagined that this “well-intentioned” act for his daughter would eventually destroy her.

Knowing the full plot, Chi Rui knew that Bai Chang always had a “White Moonlight” (a pure first love) named Wei Xike in her heart. No matter how much the original Chi Rui clung to her, she could never occupy a place in Bai Chang’s heart.

She remembered the book’s ending: after divorcing Bai Chang, Chi Rui’s personality changed drastically. Extreme rage led her to seek revenge, but she ended up losing her own life in a car accident she planned for Wei Xike. Bai Chang, meanwhile, briefly attended the funeral before locking those memories away and turning to the arms of her beloved White Moonlight.

A Happy Ending for the readers, but a cruel one for the current Chi Rui—she certainly couldn’t look forward to her own death.

Fortunately, she had transmigrated early enough. The tragedy hadn’t truly begun. Currently, Bai Chang and Chi Rui had been separated for a year and a half; only six months remained until the two-year mark required for a court-ordered divorce.

Great. Only six months left.

But this time, Chi Rui wouldn’t beg her to stay or stage any insane revenge. To be honest, she couldn’t wait to stay as far away from Bai Chang as possible.

While other girls were moved by the hard-won love between Bai Chang and her White Moonlight, Chi Rui avoided Bai Chang like the plague. Bai Chang was the original owner’s Pandora’s box; once opened, her life spiraled into misfortune.

Speaking of that plague…

Today was July 1st, the day of the family dinner. This would be their first meeting since Chi Rui transmigrated.

Bai Chang hadn’t told Chi Rui’s parents about the divorce, so she never missed the monthly family dinner—appearances had to be maintained, after all.

Chi Rui checked her watch. There were fifteen minutes left until dinner. Given Bai Chang’s habits, she should be arriving soon.

Knock, knock— a servant knocked on the door.

Chi Rui turned her head. “What is it?”

“Ms. Bai’s car has arrived at the gate.”

“Okay, I understand,” Chi Rui said calmly.

The servant lingered at the door, wondering if she had misheard. Had the young lady changed her nature? Usually, whenever she heard Ms. Bai was coming, she would rush downstairs to greet her with enough excitement to wake the neighbors.

But today?

After dismissing the servant, Chi Rui crouched down to pack methodically. The invitation included a list of camp rules; the list of prohibited items was long. Fortunately, she didn’t need much. A makeup bag, a few changes of clothes, and a light suitcase were more than enough.

Fifteen minutes later, she appeared punctually at the dining table. Her father, Chi Chengxiong, sat at the head. To his left was a now-occupied seat. The woman sat with perfect posture, her smooth, straight hair tucked behind her ears, with exquisite gemstone earrings hanging from her pale earlobes.

Bai Chang’s grandfather was European, so she had subtle mixed-race features. Her superior nose bridge and brow bone allowed her to maintain her beauty even under the harshest lighting.

Chi Rui had researched her before. In a group photo of A-list actresses at a TV gala, under terrible “death” lighting, she was the only one who looked exceptionally beautiful.

Hearing Chi Rui come downstairs, Bai Chang looked up, met her eyes, and gave a slight nod as a greeting.

Chi Rui met her gaze. The woman’s amber eyes, framed by soft brows, looked deep and mysterious, exuding an otherworldly aura. No wonder the original pampered princess fell in love at first sight.

Next to a beauty of this caliber, even Chi Rui’s exquisitely crafted face paled slightly.

Though Bai Chang was beautiful, Chi Rui found it hard to like her when she remembered the parts of the book describing how Bai Chang eventually treated the original Chi Rui.

Tang Haimei glanced at her daughter’s stoic face, feeling a bit strange. Ever since a high fever a month ago, Chi Rui seemed like a different person—mature and steady, even speaking politely to the servants.

While she was happy to see her daughter grow, she also worried if this sudden change was due to marital problems.

She hadn’t been happy about her daughter marrying this “actress” named Bai from the start, but she had given in because of her daughter’s persistence and her husband’s persuasion.

“Bai Chang, is your schedule still packed? Since you’ve started your own studio and become your own boss, you should delegate resources to the newcomers. That way, you’ll have time to come home and be with Rui Rui. Look at her, a grown woman still running back to her parents’ house every day—what does that look like?” Tang Haimei spoke up.

Bai Chang paused her chopsticks. She assumed Chi Rui had been complaining to her elders again. Clearly, Chi Rui hadn’t listened at all when she suggested a divorce.

However, the Chi family had been kind to her. Even if she felt frustrated, she didn’t show it. She answered vaguely, “I haven’t taken on any movies lately, just a variety show.”

“What variety show?” Tang Haimei frowned. “Aren’t those internet shows just for showboats and clout-chasers? Why are you joining in?”

Bai Chang patiently replied, “It’s a selection-style program. A friend asked me to be a mentor, and it was hard to refuse.”

Next to her, Chi Rui lowered her eyelashes to hide her expression.

“Friend”? In front of her mother-in-law, she could only refer to her beloved as a “friend.” That must feel quite stifling.

While others might not know, Chi Rui, who knew the plot, knew exactly what was going on. The director had initially invited Bai Chang, but she refused, citing a busy schedule. The program then turned to the rising star Ruan Yuequan, who was known for her “cool/detached” persona, to replace her.

Unlike the approachable Bai Chang on screen, Ruan Yuequan was outspoken in interviews. Though she offended many, her individual achievements were unique.

Everything was settled and ready for contract signing when Bai Chang suddenly changed her mind. The book didn’t explicitly state her motive, but Chi Rui could guess.

Coincidentally, the show had recently announced that this season’s vocal mentor would be Wei Xike. Connecting the dots, Bai Chang’s sudden change of heart was undoubtedly related to Wei Xike.

Thinking of this, Chi Rui almost wanted to feel her head to see if she was wearing a “green hat” (symbol of being cheated on).

“Well, if you’re doing a variety show, you shouldn’t be too busy. It shouldn’t be hard to find more time for Rui Rui.”

Bai Chang looked down, her tone flat. “The show is a residential program. All contestants live in the base for closed training. As a mentor, I have to be responsible for them. I’ll likely be living in a hotel arranged by the team for the next three or four months, so I won’t be able to come home often.”

“What kind of talk is that!” The long-silent Chi Chengxiong slammed the table and stood up. “What ‘bullshit’ program! Always ‘busy with work.’ Don’t think I don’t know the tricks of those survival shows. What ‘training,’ what ‘dreams’? In the end, it’s just pushing out candidates pre-selected by investors and big companies. Doing such a meaningless show devalues you. Turn it down!”

“Uncle…” Bai Chang was grateful, but she wasn’t without a temper. It was impossible to keep smiling after being belittled like that.

She put down her chopsticks and took a breath, intending to bring up the divorce with Chi Rui right then and there. To her surprise, Chi Rui, who had been eating quietly, suddenly spoke.

“Dad, that ‘bullshit’ program you mentioned… I signed up for it too.” The girl’s eyes were clear, and her tone was steady. If not for the explosive content of her words, one would think she was gently trying to mediate.

Chi Rui wasn’t helping Bai Chang. She just knew Chi Chengxiong’s personality. If he found out about the divorce, he would make a massive scene and force Bai Chang to stay.

She had no intention of being tied to this “plague” for the rest of her life.