Chapter 743: Scandal Queen vs. The White Lotus Actor 14

In the original storyline, Tang Wan's career hadn't actually been ruined when Wan Jie smeared her.

The drama she'd starred in had performed quite well.

If she'd stayed in the entertainment industry at that time, she could have easily continued developing her career.

But Tang Wan had loved Wan Jie too much.

His betrayal had hit her harder than anyone could have imagined.

She'd completely lost herself.

She stopped caring about her work, her reputation, and even the fans who continued supporting her. Every day, she was drowning in heartbreak, until the Tang family eventually fell into crisis and she had no choice but to force herself back onto the set.

Unfortunately, by then, it was already too late.

The popularity of her drama had long since faded. The good scripts that once came looking for her were gone, and with the Bai family deliberately suppressing her, the only productions willing to approach her were questionable ones.

Her career had been pushed into a dead end.

Shang Baitong leaned back against the sofa, his eyes fixed on the television.

On the screen, Tang Wan was dressed in an elaborate palace costume.

She stood among a group of beautiful women waiting to be selected for the imperial court. The costume was gorgeous, but it couldn't overshadow her face. Her features were striking, almost made for the big screen.

Shang Baitong watched silently for a while.

Then he suddenly remembered the script he'd recently accepted.

There was a role...

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

The third female lead hadn't been finalized yet.

The character appeared to be a seductive and ruthless femme fatale on the surface. But beneath that?

She was actually a tragic woman.

A woman who had been trapped by love.

Her character had several layers, and if the actress could portray those emotions properly, the role could easily become one of the most memorable characters in the entire production.

Tang Wan might work.

Actually...

She was quite suitable.

Her appearance was especially advantageous for film. Her features were strong and distinctive, which meant she wouldn't necessarily suit every type of role, but for this character?

Perfect.

Shang Baitong reached for his phone.

The call connected after a few rings.

"Director Zhang."

"Mr. Shang?"

"I have someone I'd like to recommend for the third female lead."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

"Who?"

"Tang Wan."

Director Zhang was clearly surprised.

"Tang Wan?"

"Yes."

Shang Baitong glanced toward the television again.

"Her image suits the character very well."

Director Zhang thought about it for a moment before laughing.

"Since it's your recommendation, I trust your judgment."

"So?"

"I'll give her the role."

Shang Baitong's expression didn't change.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing. I should be thanking you for recommending someone."

The call ended.

Shang Baitong casually placed his phone back on the sofa.

That was it.

A phone call.

A role that could potentially change Tang Wan's career had been settled just like that.

He picked up the remote and continued watching television.

His expression remained completely calm.

Only occasionally did his eyes drift toward the kitchen.

Tang Wan was still busy inside.

---

Half an hour later, Tang Wan finally came out.

"Food's ready."

She carefully carried the dishes over and placed them on the table.

There were several dishes.

Unfortunately...

They didn't look particularly appetizing.

Tang Wan stood beside the table, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"I... don't really know how to cook."

She rubbed her fingers together awkwardly.

"This is already the best I can do."

She looked at him.

"So... don't expect too much."

Shang Baitong glanced at the dishes.

Then at her.

"It's fine."

He picked up his chopsticks.

Tang Wan visibly relaxed.

"Really?"

"Mm."

He calmly picked up a piece of food and put it into his mouth.

The moment he tasted it, his movements stopped.

Just for an instant.

The flavor was...

Terrible.

Tang Wan hadn't been exaggerating.

She really couldn't cook.

Shang Baitong silently swallowed.

His expression remained unchanged.

"How is it?" Tang Wan asked nervously.

"Acceptable."

"Really?"

"Mm."

He nodded seriously.

"Thank you for cooking."

Tang Wan immediately smiled in relief.

"There's no need to thank me! Just eat more."

She happily sat down and picked up her own chopsticks.

"Come on, try this one too."

She put some food into her mouth.

Her expression froze.

"..."

She chewed twice.

Her face slowly became complicated.

She remembered now.

This was exactly as terrible as she'd expected.

Tang Wan silently swallowed the food and looked across the table.

Shang Baitong was eating calmly.

He didn't look like he was suffering at all.

She hesitated.

"Shang Baitong."

"Mm?"

"Do you really think this tastes okay?"

"Yes."

He answered without hesitation.

Tang Wan stared at him.

He looked completely serious.

Not a trace of reluctance could be seen on his face.

She blinked.

"...Really?"

"Really."

Another solemn nod.

Tang Wan finally relaxed.

"Oh."

She lowered her head and continued eating.

But after a moment, she couldn't help glancing at him again.

Something wasn't right.

Her cooking was obviously awful.

Even she couldn't eat it without struggling.

So why did he look as though he'd just been served a perfectly normal meal?

Could it be...

Tang Wan quietly narrowed her eyes.

Was there something wrong with his sense of taste?

Across the table, Shang Baitong calmly picked up another bite.

His expression remained indifferent.

He had already accepted his fate.

Food made by the person he liked?

Even if it was difficult to swallow...

He still had to eat it.