ATBNLB 08

ATBNLB

Posted by Tommy Vercetti, Released on June 24, 2026

When her agent’s call came through, Chi Chuchu was completely dumbfounded.

She had merely gone to sit a midterm exam.

How had that somehow turned into an audition for Deep Palace Fate?!

Was this what people meant by backroom deals?

The power of capital at work?

Truthfully, when the original Chi Chuchu had decided to enroll in A University’s acting program, quite a few people in their social circle had been baffled.

On the surface, being an actor looked glamorous and enviable.

Behind the scenes, however, the entertainment industry was filled with far more filth than most people realized.

Given the status and background of the Chi family’s heiress, there was really no need for her to wade into those muddy waters.

Terrified that his precious daughter might suffer even the slightest grievance in show business, Chi Hongcheng had made arrangements long ago through an old friend. He signed her under Yi Jian Entertainment—the company owned by Jian Shi’s father.

Judging from the excitement practically spilling out of her agent’s voice over the phone, this unexpected “good news” had apparently been secured through Jian Shi pulling strings behind the scenes.

Chi Chuchu: “…Wow. My deepest thanks.”

Her tone was so flat that it bordered on sarcasm.

Hearing the lukewarm response, Zhao Qian, the agent on the other end of the line, immediately grew nervous.

Officially, she was the manager specially assigned by President Jian to handle Chi Chuchu’s career.

Unofficially?

She was basically a part-time babysitter for a wealthy heiress.

Most of Chi Chuchu’s previous projects had leaned toward artistic dramas and pure, elegant beauty roles. Deep Palace Fate, however, was a fluffy romance series—a complete departure from her usual image.

Was she unhappy because of that?

The more Zhao Qian thought about it, the more cautious she became.

“Chuchu, if you have any concerns, just tell me. The company will do its best to accommodate you.”

“It’s not really a concern.”

Chi Chuchu rubbed her forehead and let out a silent sigh.

“I’m free anyway. It’ll be good practice for me.”

During the evaluation earlier, she had genuinely felt how much she enjoyed acting.

If it wasn’t an issue with the original owner’s body, then the only explanation was that the missing memories she couldn’t recall were influencing her somehow.

Either way, it might be a valuable clue in recovering those lost memories.

Relieved by how readily she agreed, Zhao Qian finally relaxed.

Trying to encourage her further, she launched into an enthusiastic rundown of all the reasons Deep Palace Fate was destined to become a smash hit.

“Director Chen Zi’ang is practically a hit-making machine these days. He’s still young, but he’s already launched countless rising actresses to stardom.”

“And this time, he personally requested you for the female lead. Do you know how many people would kill for an opportunity like that?”

“And there’s more. That prodigy actress Yu Fan—the one who became famous at a young age—must’ve offended somebody important. She’s been getting targeted badly lately. I heard she’s practically run out of projects.”

“Director Chen’s family has connections, so he isn’t afraid of stepping on toes. He took pity on her talent and signed her onto the production.”

“With someone like Yu Fan involved, the ratings are practically guaranteed. She’s got incredible national recognition. Just relax, Chuchu!”

By this point, Zhao Qian sounded so fired up that it was as if Deep Palace Fate had already exploded into nationwide popularity.

Chi Chuchu nearly dropped her phone.

Completely oblivious to her artist’s reaction, Zhao Qian continued enthusiastically listing selling points.

As she spoke, her voice gradually took on a mysterious tone.

Clearly, she had saved the biggest surprise for last.

“The most important thing is that the male lead is none other than the hottest idol actor in the industry right now—Yan An.”

“He was cast ages ago. The moment his costume photos were released, the internet went wild. People are calling him the very definition of a historical-drama heartthrob now!”

Everything Zhao Qian said afterward faded into meaningless noise.

Chi Chuchu’s mind went completely blank.

Even her breathing stopped.

Refusing to believe what she had just heard, she asked in a trembling voice,

“…Who is he playing?”

“Yan An? The male lead, of course!”

Zhao Qian failed to notice anything strange and continued speaking cheerfully.

“And what kind of drama is Deep Palace Fate exactly?”

Chi Chuchu’s voice sounded increasingly fragile.

“Is it some tragic romance? Star-crossed lovers? A ‘you die, I die’ kind of story?”

“What are you talking about, Chuchu?”

Zhao Qian burst out laughing.

“Director Chen’s specialty has always been sweet romance dramas. Every single one of his hits has been a fluffy love story.”

“…”

Darkness washed over Chi Chuchu’s vision.

For the first time in her life, she felt as though fate had personally dug her grave.

On the other end, Zhao Qian was completely confused. When she didn’t hear a response, she kept asking what had happened.

After a long silence, Chi Chuchu finally ground out a reply through clenched teeth.

“You think I’m filming a sweet historical romance?”

“I’m about to star in a cultivation story where the husband kills his wife to attain enlightenment!”

The moment she finished speaking, she hung up.

Fine.

Very fine.

Jian Shi truly lived up to his reputation as the drinking buddy who had once encouraged the original owner to boldly proclaim she could win over An Lisheng.

One trick after another.

If deception were an Olympic sport, he’d take gold every time.

Unable to get through when she tried calling him back, Chi Chuchu returned to her apartment, fuming.

Before long, however, the system issued a new mission.

“Upon learning that his first love would be starring as the female lead of Deep Palace Fate, Ye Qishan immediately invested fifty million yuan into Director Chen Zi’ang’s new drama to pave the way for you.”

“The entire production team now knows that you entered the cast through investment backing and parachuted directly into the top-billed female lead position.”

“To maintain the host’s image as a pure and innocent green-tea beauty, you must pretend to distance yourself from Ye Qishan while secretly encouraging his pursuit. Through strategic advances and retreats, you will become the final straw that pushes the heroine toward awakening.”

Chi Chuchu nearly spat blood.

The final straw?

More like the final hydraulic jack!

Any time something went wrong, the system threw her straight under the bus.

Grinding her teeth, she suddenly let out a sinister laugh.

Fine.

Wasn’t the male lead obsessed with sweet, innocent green-tea girls?

Wasn’t she supposed to play hard to get and lure him in?

She refused.

Absolutely refused.

Time flew by, and before long filming for Deep Palace Fate officially began.

On the first day, Chi Chuchu arrived at the set with her agent and six newly hired assistants in tow.