Transmigrating Into A Sadistic Novel And Becoming A Master Of Painting Rosy Pictures - Chapter 51

“Stupid with money?” Jiang Jiaotao asked hesitantly.

Bian Yingning: “?”

“Wrong!” Bian Yingning gritted her teeth, almost slamming the table. “Actually, I’m a scrooge. Do you know how much this bowl of spicy offal costs?”

People eating skewers around them: “????”

It was the first time they’d seen someone so proudly claim to be a “scrooge.”

“…” Jiang Jiaotao looked at the large bowl in the middle of the table, “Twenty or thirty?”

“Wrong again!”

“…”

“This bowl of spicy offal originally costs 32.5 yuan. Do you know how much I paid?” Bian Yingning leaned in conspiratorially, whispering as if sharing a top-secret.

“…How much?”

“Thirty-two yuan!” Bian Yingning proudly raised her chin, brimming with confidence.

“Cough…” Jiang Jiaotao wasn’t drinking, but she choked on her own saliva.

“Cough cough…So?”

“So?” Bian Yingning was stunned, then lamented, “Don’t you understand?!”

Jiang Jiaotao was even more stunned. What was I supposed to understand?

“I haggled the price down from 32.5 yuan to 32 yuan, proving I’m extremely frugal.

Yet, you thought I was stupid with money. What does that mean? It means you haven’t figured me out!

What does that mean? It means your method of judging someone’s wealth by investigating their background doesn’t work!”

Jiang Jiaotao slowly took a sip of her drink, only one thought crossing her mind.

A sow wearing a bra, one after another.

(T/N: is likely a humorous and slightly absurd image used to describe a repetitive or nonsensical situation. )

“It means your method of judging someone’s wealth by investigating their background doesn’t work. What does that mean?” Bian Yingning’s serious and cautious attitude was as if she were discussing an important topic.

It meant I shouldn’t have come to this dinner.

Even if I ate instant noodles at home, at least it would be peaceful and enjoyable, unlike now.

Even Russian nesting dolls aren’t as layered as you.

In conclusion, Bian Yingning reached an important conclusion.

“—It means your idea of not wanting to work hard and finding a sugar daddy won’t work.” Without waiting for Jiang Jiaotao’s response, Bian Yingning solemnly stated her point.

Jiang Jiaotao was completely bewildered, “Then I should…?”

Bian Yingning took a large gulp of iced tea, “Listen to me, you absolutely can’t rely on others. You can only succeed by relying on yourself.”

“…” She might as well have said nothing.

Jiang Jiaotao was unenthusiastic, “If you wanted to tell me all this, you shouldn’t have.”

Instead of being discouraged, Bian Yingning pushed aside the spicy offal and grabbed Jiang Jiaotao’s hand, which was still holding the beer can.

Jiang Jiaotao glanced down at their intertwined hands.

Bian Yingning said slowly and heavily, “Do you know why I, despite being so frugal, spent so much money to learn from you?”

“Why?” Jiang Jiaotao also wanted to know.

“Because the first time I saw you dance on stage, I liked you, I liked your dance, and I liked you…

I really wanted to make a friend, so I could have a sister here.”

[Host’s Painting Rosy Picture skill +10]

System: “…” These words sound familiar.

Bian Yingning’s last words touched Jiang Jiaotao’s heart. For so many years, she had been alone, believing she didn’t need friends.

But… the hand holding hers was so warm, bringing a softness and peace she didn’t have.

“We weren’t meant to meet,” Bian Yingning looked gently into Jiang Jiaotao’s eyes, “It’s all thanks to my money.”

Bian Yingning waited for Jiang Jiaotao’s reply, but the owner brought over two plates of their ordered skewers, saying, “Excuse me.”

“…”

Bian Yingning reluctantly withdrew her hand, and both sat upright.

When no one was around, they could talk about anything, but with an outsider present, everything changed.

Both drank and looked to their right, avoiding each other’s gaze.

The owner put down the skewers and left.

The small table fell silent again.

“If it’s only for that, you didn’t have to waste your money just to get to know me,” Jiang Jiaotao said softly after a long silence.

“Actually, it’s not just that. I really think you dance beautifully, and I want to learn too.”

“Mm…”

The atmosphere became awkward.

Bian Yingning secretly glanced at Jiang Jiaotao and asked the system, Did I overdo it?

“No, host, it’s great, keep going!”

Bian Yingning pushed the skewers, “Let’s eat, or it’ll get cold.”

For the rest of the time, they ate in silence, occasionally exchanging inconsequential words.

After the meal, Bian Yingning wanted to take Jiang Jiaotao home, but Jiang Jiaotao waved her hand, “I only drank two cans of beer, it’s like drinking water, no need.”

Bian Yingning: “…” Sister is so cool.

Watching Jiang Jiaotao get into her car, Bian Yingning stood by the roadside for a while.

A principle she had held for almost 30 years was changed one day, even if her actions were wrong, she shouldn’t have been driven to death.

What was it like to become the person she least wanted to be?

…

Since Hua Jiangrong lost the Sparkling Goddess Award, her resources began to decline.

Outsiders might not know, but she did. Her resources were inferior to Mu Mu’s.

To maintain her top position, she needed a hit drama to compete for next year’s award.

Only by winning the Sparkling Goddess Award could she truly solidify her position.

Recently, the famous director, Director Lei, was rumored to have a big IP adaptation. The script was excellent and had built-in traffic, promising to be another masterpiece.

Hua Jiangrong was tempted, but before she could send someone to inquire, he sent her an invitation to dinner at Suowei Hotel.

Her agent guessed he wanted Hua Jiangrong to star in his new drama and excitedly dressed her up without thinking much.

Arriving at the private room, she found not only Director Lei but also a familiar producer.

Hua Jiangrong subtly composed herself.

Her agent was a little naive. Seeing the obese, lecherous producer, her face changed.

She knew his intentions towards his artist, and he had harassed and hinted at her many times before.

“Oh, Hua Jiangrong is here, please come in.” Director Lei was unusually enthusiastic tonight. A bouquet of white flowers, of an unknown variety, sat on the table, their faint fragrance filling the room.

Hua Jiangrong and her agent exchanged glances, knowing this was a trap.

After a brief exchange, Director Lei and the producer started urging them to drink.

Hua Jiangrong clinked glasses with them, her lips touching the wine but not drinking.

“Jiangrong, I’ve always been optimistic about you. I invited you here to talk about our collaboration. I have a drama, have you heard of it…?”

Director Lei introduced the script. Besides their enthusiasm, there were no other unusual actions.

But Hua Jiangrong remained cautious.

“Of course, I would hear about Director Lei’s drama, who wouldn’t want a small role in your drama? I’m no exception.”

“Hahahaha,” Director Lei laughed, “We want to invite you to play the second female lead.”

“Second female lead?” Hua Jiangrong repeated the words.

“Yes, it might seem less prestigious than the lead, but the role is quite important, and it’s a likable character.”

Hua Jiangrong nodded, then casually asked, “What about the first female lead?”

“The first female lead is still undecided, we’ll see,” the producer said, his fiery gaze fixed on Hua Jiangrong.

A smart person would understand immediately.

Do I want this role? Hua Jiangrong asked herself.

The answer was yes.

But the producer would ultimately be in charge of the drama.

Would I agree?

No.

Spending half a year working with someone she found repulsive wouldn’t make her happy, even if she won an award.

So Hua Jiangrong stood up, “I’m sorry, Director Lei, Producer Chen, my schedule is full, I won’t take up your time.”

Hua Jiangrong and her agent tried to leave, but she found her agent had collapsed in her chair.

“Manager Tang? Manager?” Hua Jiangrong frowned, shaking her agent… but her agent’s eyes were closed, and she got no response.

“You…” Hua Jiangrong thought of the wine, she glared at them, “What did you do?”

Director Lei looked complicated, while Producer Chen’s expression was one of triumphant villainy.

“Hua Jiangrong, aren’t you usually so high and mighty? Why are you so helpless now?” the producer laughed, leaning closer.

Hua Jiangrong retreated, trying to reach the door, but found it locked.

She glared at Director Lei, “Director Lei, we’ve collaborated many times, I’ve always respected you, I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person.”

…

After filming Director Lei entering the hotel, a fully equipped paparazzi hiding in the bushes was about to leave when someone pressed down on his shoulder.

His heart trembled. Looking to the side, a large hand was on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a fierce-looking strong man.

“You…” Before the paparazzi could speak, a hand chop landed, and the paparazzi fainted.

The tall bodyguard carried him to a luxury car parked on the street corner.

The bodyguard respectfully handed the camera to Bian Yingning, who was playing with her nails in the back seat.

Bian Yingning took it and looked at the photos.

“Not bad.”