{"id":805,"date":"2025-10-09T19:51:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sakuratranslation.com\/?p=805"},"modified":"2025-10-23T20:14:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T20:14:21","slug":"public-entertainment-circle-16","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/www.velvetink.xyz\/fr\/chapter\/public-entertainment-circle-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Public [Entertainment Circle] 16"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

**Chapter 16: Role Play**

In the top-floor presidential suite, Qin Mang stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. From her vantage point, she overlooked nearly half of Qingcheng. Though the city wasn\u2019t large, it housed the biggest film production base in the country.

This five-star hotel marked the dividing line: on one side stood clusters of ancient-style buildings that felt like stepping back into a traditional, timeworn era; on the other, towering skyscrapers with neon lights crisscrossing the sky, a jarring contrast especially stark at night\u2014like a strange, fantastical dreamscape.

\u201cHeh, without Zhou Yuan Studio\u2019s marketing team backing her, that woman\u2019s fans are panicking and trying to drag you down by claiming you copied her debut,\u201d Meng Ting said, typing away on the laptop beside the coffee table.

\u201cOK.\u201d

\u201cI\u2019ve already posted a screenshot of the timestamp from your debut video.\u201d

The reflection on the glass showed the lit-up screen displaying a post from Meng Ting\u2019s account:

**\\[Breaking News… Huge Drama Alert!]**

The so-called \u201chuge drama\u201d was, of course, how Shen Wanyin had been leeching off Qin Mang\u2019s debut all along\u2014and even had the nerve to play the victim.

Qin Mang replied with a slow and lazy hum.

She didn\u2019t need to check Weibo to know the storm was already brewing.

A faint chill flickered in her eyes.

Shen Wanyin had set her up last time. Qin Mang had long been waiting for the perfect moment to strike back.

She was not one to forgive or forget.

Only by exposing someone\u2019s deepest fears\u2014the secrets they worked hardest to hide\u2014could you deliver a truly devastating blow.

The air conditioning was on low. Qin Mang picked up a shawl and draped it over her delicate shoulders, bare under a thin spaghetti-strap dress. She nestled into the sofa and tapped her phone, opening her gallery.

Then she lazily said, \u201cYou\u2019ve got three minutes to do a good deed. Give Director Zhou a heads-up. If the script needs changing, change it. If the second female lead\u2019s scenes need to be cut, cut them. I think promoting the third female lead sounds about right.\u201d

Qi Rong was much easier on the eyes, after all.

Meng Ting went quiet for a few seconds: \u201c…\u201d

\u201cThat\u2019s what you call a good deed?\u201d

Qin Mang didn\u2019t answer and switched screens.

Suddenly, the sound of wooden fish echoed in the room.

Accompanied by her cheerful voice: \u201cCollect 1,000 merit points, and you earn one chance to be a little\u2026 irrational.\u201d

At first, Meng Ting didn\u2019t get what she meant.

Until three minutes later.

The company\u2019s PR department blew up his phone. \u201cAhhh! You need to stop Qin Mang right now!\u201d

Meng Ting: \u201c!\u201d

He knew it\u2014nothing good ever came from her chanting and hitting those wooden fish!

Last time she did it a thousand times, she tried to feed someone to sharks in public on a yacht.

Qin Mang’s red lips curled upward. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019m good at attacking the body\u2026\u201d

\u201cAnd even better at attacking the heart.\u201d

So\u2014

**Qin Mang V:** *\u201cI don\u2019t enjoy playing ugly.\u201d*
*Photo.jpg \u00d79*

A nine-photo collage, all privately taken by Wu Yuxi during vacations over the years.

**Wu Yuxi instantly reposted:**
*”Our little lion has been beautiful since she was a child. When it comes to looks, she\u2019s always been copied, never surpassed.”*
*Photos \u00d718*

Last time when Qin Mang was being viciously attacked online, Wu Yuxi had been watching the Northern Lights in Iceland and couldn\u2019t step in. She\u2019d been holding in her anger ever since.

Now she let it all out\u2014and felt amazing.

Their little lion was not only beautiful, but strong. In the entertainment world, she had every reason to stand proud!

Copy her?

What a joke!

A total of 27 private photos of Qin Mang. A feast for beauty lovers.

Flawless from every angle.

Breathtakingly gorgeous.

Netizens finally came to their senses\u2014

Right.

Since ancient times, it\u2019s always been the unattractive ones copying the beautiful.

We\u2019ve heard of Dongshi imitating Xishi, but never Xishi imitating Dongshi.

With Qin Mang\u2019s natural beauty\u2014clear in every unedited high-definition photo\u2014and her acting talent that outshone Shen Wanyin in the same frame, how had she been overshadowed these past two years?

Soon, people began digging.

Starting from the video timestamp Meng Ting posted, they uncovered a trail of suspicious details.

Turns out Shen Wanyin drastically changed her style less than 24 hours after Qin Mang\u2019s debut video dropped. From a sweet, innocent girl-next-door look, she suddenly shifted to a bold and glamorous “top-tier beauty” vibe. Even her early makeup and outfit styling were blatant copies of Qin Mang\u2019s signature red gauze lion dance look.

The deeper they dug, the more shocking it got.

Even Zhou Yuan Studio, who signed Shen Wanyin, got dragged into it.

After all, from boss to artist, their entire brand relied on riding the coattails of others through heavy marketing\u2014a tactic bound to backfire once exposed.

Meng Ting finally exhaled in relief.

\u201cMiss Qin\u2026 could you please not make things this thrilling every time?\u201d

\u201cAs long as it works.\u201d

As if she\u2019d already predicted how public opinion would turn, Qin Mang casually waved her hand. The rich royal purple jade bangles on her slender wrist clinked softly, emitting a crisp and pleasant sound.

Her gaze flicked to the top Weibo comment under her post:
**\u201cIt\u2019s easy to copy the skin, but hard to copy the soul.\u201d**

The sarcasm was razor sharp.

—

In the hotel suite next door, separated by just one wall\u2014

No lights were on. The room was dim and gloomy.

On the carpet lay a cracked tablet, still displaying the Weibo page.

All the hateful words that had once pierced Qin Mang…

Now boomeranged back with greater force\u2014stabbing right into Shen Wanyin.

She sat curled up in the corner, pale-faced, recalling what Wei Qin had said before leaving.

It felt like grasping at a lifeline.

\u201c…Wei-jie, about what you said last time\u2014I agree.\u201d

Laughter came from the other end. \u201cWanyin, this will be the best decision you\u2019ve ever made.\u201d

Just in time\u2014right before Zhou Yuan Studio planned to cut ties with her.

After hanging up, Wei Qin and Zhou Yuan exchanged a knowing smile.

Now that they had the backing of President Zhou from Feiyun Entertainment…

Zhou Yuan said meaningfully, \u201cIn this industry, without a sponsor, the path forward is almost impossible.\u201d

—

**#RealVsFakeGlamGoddess** shot to the top of the trending list.

It was a three-way war: Qin Mang fans posting stunning pics, Shen Wanyin fans flooding retouched glam shots, and random gossip-loving bystanders joining the chaos.

Usually, in such beauty showdowns, the less attractive side gets awkward.

Compared side by side, top to bottom, left to right\u2014Qin Mang\u2019s looks were simply in a league of their own.

No comparison.

Ironically, this messy fan-driven confrontation ended up benefiting Qin Mang.

More and more people began to believe Shen Wanyin had stepped on a newcomer (Qin Mang) to climb her way up\u2014leeching resources, stealing her spotlight, and leaving Qin Mang struggling in mediocrity for two years.

Qin Mang\u2019s journey now looked like a classic underdog comeback story.

She gained a fresh wave of sympathy and support.

As for Shen Wanyin\u2014once adored as a goddess and sweetheart\u2014she instantly became a pariah.

Everyone began speculating how her PR team would respond.

Then, at 3 AM\u2014

A bombshell dropped: Shen Wanyin announced an indefinite retreat from the entertainment industry due to \u201chealth reasons.\u201d

It diverted all attention in an instant.

Netizens were stunned.

They\u2019d barely started enjoying the gossip when the main character bowed out.

It was like punching a pillow\u2014dissatisfying.

Meng Ting saw the post and frantically called Qin Mang dozens of times.

\u201cAaaaah! The more I think about it, the more confused I get. Why would she quit the industry? What if it\u2019s a tactical retreat?\u201d

Woken up in the middle of the night, Qin Mang opened her drowsy eyes slightly, then let them drift closed again.

Her tone was lazy and indifferent:
\u201cWho cares if it\u2019s real or fake? Just make the fake real.\u201d

Real or not\u2014what difference did it make?

From that day on, Shen Wanyin quickly finished filming a few scenes and left the production team.

Ever since she left, the overall progress sped up significantly.

Soon enough, Qin Mang\u2019s shortcomings in acting began to show.

The director had originally hoped Qin Mang would win an award for this role, but\u2026 the further into filming they got, the more despair he felt.

It wasn\u2019t that Qin Mang lacked acting skills.

It was just that the latter half of the drama contained many delicate scenes with emotional tension, entangled gazes, and layered interactions that all needed to be portrayed accurately.

The male lead chosen for the drama was Jiang Hengyan, a well-known, award-winning actor recognized for his skills. He had good looks, an impressive resume, and excellent chemistry with actresses of his age group. As a warlord and a qipao beauty pairing, they should\u2019ve had instant CP (couple pairing) appeal. And yet, when he and Qin Mang stood together, it felt like a big sister and her loyal little follower.

It was strange.

The main issue was the way Qin Mang looked at him\u2014completely lacking the bashfulness of a young girl experiencing her first love.

Their very first partner scene took several days just to get through.

At first, the director thought it might be because they weren\u2019t familiar with each other, so he skipped the emotional scenes and had them film other parts first, hoping the chemistry would build over time.

But\u2026

The result was obvious.

\u201cFirst love, first love! Is that how you look at a lover? Or are you looking at a little sidekick?! Qin Mang, have you never been in love before?!\u201d Director Zhou lost his temper again and shouted into the megaphone, livid.

Qin Mang\u2019s fair and delicate face was full of innocent confusion. She actually thought about it seriously, then shook her head honestly: \u201c\u2026No.\u201d

Director Zhou nearly passed out. He blurted out, \u201cBut aren\u2019t you with He\u2014\u201d

The entire crew\u2019s eyes lit up instantly, all turning to the director.

Dozens of eyes screamed: *There\u2019s gossip! We want the tea!*

He abruptly cut himself off.

Director Zhou went silent for a few seconds, wiped his face, and gave a cold chuckle. \u201cHeh\u2026\u201d

\u201cI don\u2019t believe it.\u201d

Meng Ting, afraid their precious young lady would blow her cover, quickly stepped in to smooth things over. \u201cDirector, our Mangmang has always been focused on her career. She really hasn\u2019t had time for romance. How about giving her some time to practice a bit more?\u201d

Director Zhou also realized that if Qin Mang kept filming like this, it would lead to a vicious cycle. After a brief pause, he asked, \u201cWill half a month be enough?\u201d

\u201cShe\u2019s a fast learner\u2014half a month is definitely enough!\u201d

\u201cJust give us two weeks, and she\u2019ll come back a whole new person.\u201d

Meng Ting held Qin Mang\u2019s hand and made her thank the director.

In the nanny van after leaving the set:

Qin Mang: \u201c\u2026\u201d

She looked gloomily at Meng Ting. \u201cWho told you to decide for me?\u201d

Half a month?

Learn how to fall in love?

Learn what it\u2019s like to have a crush?

She hadn\u2019t figured that out in 22 years.

Meng Ting, for once, took on the posture of a true manager. \u201cWhat are you looking at? You want to stay on set and keep wasting film over and over again? Wasting your husband\u2019s money is the same as wasting your own!\u201d

He finished earnestly, \u201cI\u2019m doing this for your own good.\u201d

Of course, besides helping her improve her acting, Meng Ting also arranged for her to shoot the September magazine cover during this break.

Back when Qin Mang was getting dragged online, most brands quickly distanced themselves\u2014except for *EG* magazine, which stayed firm.

No wonder they\u2019re a top international brand.

While blacklisting all the backstabbing brands, Meng Ting added, \u201cIf you were single, you could explore more options. But now, you only have one.\u201d

\u201cHave your husband help you rehearse.\u201d

Next to them, Ah Tong hugged the costumes they had brought back from the set and chimed in dreamily, \u201cPresident He would look perfect in a warlord outfit! The aura of a mysterious, noble general\u2014he could totally pull it off.\u201d

She rested her chin on her hand and whispered, \u201cAnd I think the reason you and Mr. Jiang have no CP chemistry is because his aura just isn\u2019t strong enough.\u201d

\u201cBut if President He wore that outfit, you\u2019d definitely get into character!\u201d

\u201cI have CP chemistry with He Lingzhi?\u201d

\u201cAren\u2019t we the least-likely couple on that CP forum?\u201d

Qin Mang still remembered that post and casually grumbled.

She took a sip of iced water, her long lashes drooping as she slumped in the leather seat, gazing listlessly at the willow trees rushing by outside the window.

Truthfully, she was feeling defeated.

She had clearly worked hard to improve her acting, but when it came to scenes with a partner, it was like something just didn\u2019t click.

For other scenes, she just needed a glance at the script to know exactly how to perform, slipping into character instantly.

But with her pride, there was no way she\u2019d tell Meng Ting and the others.

These past few nights, she\u2019d stayed up until the early hours studying scenes, watching countless movies, and re-reading her mother\u2019s acting notes over and over.

But no matter how rich her theoretical knowledge was, once the cameras started rolling, her mind went blank.

She never knew what expression or look she should have.

And besides\u2026

Would He Lingzhi really help her rehearse?

Qin Mang thought of how he usually responded and said flatly, \u201cI can\u2019t afford President He.\u201d

Meng Ting hesitated a moment. \u201cHow about you swallow your pride and ask him nicely?\u201d

Qin Mang glanced over with an intense, smoldering look.

Meng Ting avoided her gaze, pretending not to notice, and cleared his throat. \u201cHey, everyone has their burdens. Chasing your dreams isn\u2019t easy. Just think of this as the final boss on your path to becoming Best Actress. Once you beat it, you win!\u201d

\u201cEven the pilgrimage to the west required 81 tribulations. You\u2019re barely on the second one.\u201d

Finally, he played his trump card: \u201cUnless you\u2019re afraid you\u2019ll really fall for President He and be unable to stop?\u201d

\u201c\u2026Ha?\u201d

\u201cI\u2019m more afraid he\u2019ll fall for *me* and be unable to stop!\u201d

Qin Mang really fell for the bait.

Meng Ting was overjoyed, but kept a straight face. \u201cThen let\u2019s wait and see.\u201d

He added solemnly, \u201cPresident He is an ascetic and disciplined glacier. If he melts for you, you\u2019d better tell me in advance so I can stock up on supplies.\u201d

\u201cBecause\u2014\u201d

Ah Tong added, \u201cIf the glacier melts, the apocalypse begins.\u201d

Qin Mang listened to their banter and let out a soft snort of laughter.

They really had awakened her competitive spirit.

A melting glacier?

She *wanted* to see if the end of the world would come.

The young woman who had been stuck in an emotional rut due to her partner scenes now had a new goal\u2014and renewed energy.

She was already mapping out a detailed plan in her mind.

That night, He Lingzhi returned to the lakeside estate.

And saw someone he hadn\u2019t seen in a while.

Under the dim, dreamy lights\u2014

A woman in a sheer silk qipao stood gracefully at the doorway, like a forest siren sent to lure men in and steal their hearts. If one succumbed to her beauty, it would be a fall from which there was no return.

He Lingzhi wore a conservative and aristocratic suit, buttoned up meticulously, a pair of fine-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He looked elegant, but distant and untouchable.

At that moment, he looked over against the light\u2014

His gaze swept over the military-green uniform draped on Qin Mang\u2019s pale arm, clearly a man\u2019s outfit, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Like a volcano lurking beneath a glacier.

Hiding an unknown danger.

The next moment\u2014

Qin Mang\u2019s slender arm had already wrapped around his.

Her red lips parted slightly as she used her teeth to undo the top button of his tightly fastened shirt, occasionally brushing against his Adam\u2019s apple.

Her sultry voice stretched out:

\u201cPresident He\\~\u201d

\u201cRoleplay\\~\u201d

\u201cWanna play?\u201d

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