CHAPTER 466: 188 WHEREVER LIFE TAKES US, WE MEET.

Cai Ling and Cui Jie, longtime members of Director Huang’s team, were well aware that the initial cast for "The Carefree Wanderer" was set to feature Xiao Yue, an actress lauded for her solid skills and stunning looks but who had never achieved true fame—a hidden gem of sorts.

At the beginning, Director Huang wanted to scout a fresh face from the Film Academy to mold gradually, as the heroine of the story was a martial arts practitioner, requiring extensive action scenes. A newcomer could dedicate herself to long-term, intensive training after joining the production.

Once the open-call information was released, Director Huang’s team received Xiao Yue’s recommendation letter. She came across as quite sincere, and Director Huang agreed to let her audition. Her acting skills were impressive, her appearance striking, and her resume extensive; she had been in the industry for many years and possessed considerable experience with martial arts choreography. The only caveat was her slightly advanced age.

Undeterred, Xiao Yue repeatedly honed her craft, eventually managing to offset the slight age gap with sheer acting prowess. This pleasantly surprised Director Huang, as the actress’s determined attitude mirrored the traits of the character she was meant to portray.

After overcoming countless obstacles, Xiao Yue’s persistence finally paid off, and the role was hers.

Unfortunately, before she could celebrate, trouble brewed on the investor’s side. They complained about Xiao Yue being "too old" and pushed for a newcomer, Sun Qianqian. Calling her a "newcomer" seemed generous—she had come from the influencer circle and had starred in several low-budget web dramas whose aesthetics were downright cringeworthy at a glance.

Naturally, Director Huang refused to agree. But the investors adamantly insisted on promoting Sun Qianqian and threatened to pull their funding if he didn’t comply.

Despite being a high-standing director with creative authority, even someone like Director Huang was forced to bow to financial pressure. Resigned to compromising, he rationalized that Sun Qianqian at least had good looks and youth on her side. With proper coaching, perhaps she could salvage the role.

When Sun Qianqian first joined the team, she acted obedient and sweet, frequently buying milk tea for everyone. However, her abysmal acting skills quickly landed her on the receiving end of Director Huang’s scolding. Unable to keep up the pretense, her true colors were soon on full display.

Her diva behavior no longer raised eyebrows—she was an outright tyrant. Whenever things didn’t go her way, her assistant would lash out and reduce staff members to tears, while Sun Qianqian herself pretended to reprimand the assistant with a few token words. When a production assistant dared to speak up against her, they were fired overnight, with not even the director being able to intervene.

After that incident, everyone learned one thing: Sun Qianqian was not to be crossed.

The result of indulging her was her behavior worsening by the day.

For instance, when dissatisfied with her makeup, she demanded that Cai Ling be on call 24/7, ready to touch her up at a moment’s notice.

Similarly, supporting actresses were forbidden from having makeup that outshined hers; if they did, they were guaranteed to pay the price.

The examples were endless and infuriating.

Cui Jie brought in several new actors whose looks and presence were striking. Among them, the two actresses in costume appeared far more natural and embodied the grace of historical figures better than Sun Qianqian, the supposed leading lady.

With Sun Qianqian’s temperament, there was no way she could tolerate such a situation.

Sure enough, she caught wind of it and came storming over.

Everyone silently worried for the poor newcomers.

Out stepped a black-clad girl from behind Gao Yuyue. "Can’t we talk this out calmly?"

Her voice was cold and crisp, like pearls falling onto a jade plate—so beautiful it felt otherworldly.

Sun Qianqian’s eyes widened like saucers. "Who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk to me like that?"

The girl chuckled lightly. "Director Huang is someone I deeply respect. Unfortunately, his judgment seems to be regressing—just look at the kind of actress he cast as the leading lady."

The entire room collectively gasped.

They had assumed the black-clad girl, with her reserved demeanor, was timid and conflict-averse. Who would’ve thought she’d have this much nerve?

Did she not understand the consequences of provoking Sun Qianqian? Truly, ignorance is fearless.

What a shame—it was clear she was doomed to suffer.

Sun Qianqian’s head felt like it was about to explode. Her face was dark with rage. "Repeat what you just said to me!"

The girl stood quietly, her posture relaxed. But there was a commanding air about her that kept everyone at a distance, awe-struck and unnerved.

"So young, yet already hard of hearing—what a pity."

"Pfft," Zhao Bingbing couldn’t hold it in and was the first to burst into laughter.

After ruling the set unchecked for so long, Sun Qianqian had grown used to everyone tiptoeing around her. This was the first time anyone had dared insult her to her face. The girl’s casual, dismissive attitude was maddening, pushing Sun Qianqian to the brink of collapse. She was beyond furious, her lungs practically on the verge of bursting.

"You... you!" Ignoring her image, Sun Qianqian lunged forward, intent on grabbing Shen You’an’s hair.

If words couldn’t win, then she’d resort to action. She would stop at nothing today; if she didn’t tear that mouth apart, she’d be unworthy of her surname.

"Careful...," Gao Yuyue and Yan Lu shouted simultaneously, their voices tinged with urgency.

Gu Bichen and Liu Runxi also showed visible concern in their expressions.

But Sun Qianqian’s attempt didn’t succeed—her outstretched arm was effortlessly caught by the other party.