Dating Show Side Character, Getting Rich by Roasting People

CHAPTER 86: Please Remember Her Forever

　　As the year drew to a close, the entertainment industry entered one of its most important periods.

　　It was the season for grand award shows across all major platforms, the time to fight for headlines and trending searches.

　　It was also the moment for artists to flaunt their looks and aim for a photo that would go viral.

　　Even if someone hadn’t produced many notable works throughout the year or contributed any iconic moments, showing up at the year-end events with one or two standout outfits was enough to gain a wave of attention and keep them relevant for another year.

　　But Chu Ling had been away from these kinds of events for a very long time.

　　Years ago, the moment any so-called “scandal” surfaced, she either had terrible public perception or had offended too many people in the industry. She was essentially soft-banned by the top players. Since her debut, she had walked the red carpet only twice, and that was riding along with the crew of a drama. No one had ever invited her alone.

　　Now, however, everything was different.

　　No matter how many industry bigwigs she had offended, it could not compete with the fact that her popularity was at its peak. She was in the prime of her career.

　　And her mouth, fast and fearless as ever, made anyone think twice before trying to pressure her. If someone tried to block her from walking the red carpet this year, Chu Ling could simply reveal the incident, and the industry would face a minor tremor.

　　No one could force her out anymore.

　　After all, the last person who tried using capital to push her out was now fading fast from the scene.

　　The entertainment world had a little belief in superstition.

　　Chu Ling carried her own kind of “curse.” It was so uncanny that no one dared to touch her.

　　So when she heard from her Manager that she had a red carpet to attend next month, her first reaction was disbelief.

　　“They finally remembered me?”

　　Chu Ling had always thought that it was a waste for someone like her not to walk the red carpet.

　　Her face was naturally camera-ready, with a beauty that carried an intimidating presence. In everyday life, it could be overwhelming and hard to win people over, but on the red carpet, it was perfect.

　　It was a shame that for the past couple of years, no one had cared.

　　Truly, a bunch of blind fools.

　　Her Manager, Xu Jie, gave her a helpless look and reminded her, “You only got a bit popular this year.”

　　In previous years, it wasn’t just a matter of offending people. With her previous level of fame, it was normal that she didn’t get invites.

　　After all, Chu Ling was not a resource-heavy celebrity. Red carpet spots were limited, and the favored ones always went first.

　　“This time, if we borrow a haute couture outfit, I might need to coordinate a bit… Given our current situation, it could be difficult,” Xu Jie considered. “Ready-to-wear should be fine though—”

　　“No need to borrow anything.”

　　Chu Ling waved her hand suddenly. “I just remembered. Someone still owes me a dress.”

　　…

　　Ye Weiyang Studio.

　　“I knew this day would come, so I prepared it for you in advance.”

　　When Chu Ling brought the design sketches to Ye Weiyang, Ye Weiyang immediately invited her to the studio.

　　Chu Ling had thought it would just be to discuss some details, but Ye Weiyang surprised her by having her assistant bring out the finished gown and show it to Chu Ling right away.

　　Chu Ling only glanced at it, and she was instantly captivated.

　　“…It’s so beautiful.”

　　She reached out and touched the fabric, unable to hide her admiration. “It’s even more stunning than the sketches.”

　　The gown had even more intricate details on the skirt, heavy craftsmanship and exquisite finishing.

　　Ye Weiyang smiled gently and said, “When I was designing this dress, I actually tried to reference your previous red carpet styles… but I couldn’t find any good materials.”

　　The only red carpet footage of Chu Ling she could find was from the two times she walked with drama crews. Since she played supporting roles, her appearance had to be understated—at least more low-key than the lead actress.

　　Even though Chu Ling’s face was beautiful, the makeup and styling from those times weren’t helpful references, and they weren’t the most flattering for her anyway.

　　“So I made some adjustments based on what I thought would suit you best.”

　　Ye Weiyang asked, “Do you like it?”

　　Chu Ling understood her bittersweet past but felt no regrets. She smiled. “Of course. I never imagined that my first solo red carpet, with proper makeup and styling, would be in a gown designed by you. Isn’t that lucky?”

　　Ye Weiyang paused, then smiled in return. “The lucky one should be me.”

　　“Try it on and see if the size fits. If anything needs adjusting, we can fix it. Just a few days will be enough.”

　　When Chu Ling came out wearing the gown, Ye Weiyang couldn’t help but stare for a moment.

　　“It’s too beautiful.”

　　She almost said it instinctively, a little out of place for her professional composure.

　　Chu Ling’s features were already striking and lively, perfect for bright, grand colors. This golden fishtail dress was not only eye-catching but also perfectly fitted her figure. The over three-meter-long mermaid skirt trailed behind her without being bulky, more like a light golden wave, radiating layer upon layer as she walked.

　　The gown might overwhelm someone else, but on Chu Ling, it was just right. It was impossible to tell whether the dress complemented her or she complemented the dress.

　　As a designer, seeing her creation presented so perfectly was incredibly gratifying.

　　“You will absolutely be the most dazzling star at the event,” Ye Weiyang said.

　　Chu Ling felt the gown was perfect and didn’t even need any size adjustments.

　　“Thank you,” she said. “Maybe next time we can work together again.”

　　—

　　Finally, on the day of the red carpet, Chu Ling realized one problem.

　　The gown was gorgeous and grand enough for the occasion.

　　But—

　　She frowned. “The red carpet is outdoors? Walking in a gown in this weather is going to freeze me to death.”

　　“All red carpets are like this,” her Manager, Xu Jie, said. “How long has it been since you last walked a red carpet?”

　　Chu Ling blinked at her. “What do you think?”

　　She hadn’t done a single outdoor red carpet in winter.

　　Xu Jie fell silent.

　　She advised, “It’ll only be about twenty minutes at most. Just endure it.”

　　Chu Ling reached out, feeling the cold wind outside the car.

　　“No way.”

　　She decided immediately, “I need a coat.”

　　Her Manager, Xu Jie tried to persuade her again. “You’re walking the red carpet. Wearing a coat? What will people think? You’ve finally built up some reputation. Do you really want to get roasted again today?”

　　The mention of getting roasted made Chu Ling perk up even more.

　　Xu Jie sighed helplessly. “Do you have any sense of being an artist? Look outside. Which popular female star wears a coat? Do you think it will still look good?”

　　Chu Ling replied confidently, “With my face, I could wear a sack and still look good.”

　　Xu Jie was speechless. She could see there was no reasoning with her. “Then where am I supposed to find you a coat?”

　　Indeed, borrowing a coat on such short notice wasn’t easy.

Chu Ling’s eyes darted around. After a moment, she looked at her manager and said, “I think your coat will do just fine.”

　　Xu Jie blinked.

　　Chu Ling had a knack for talking herself into things.

　　In the end, she actually walked the red carpet wearing her Manager’s plain black coat.

　　As Chu Ling appeared, the live stream chat instantly lit up.

　　【Here she comes! Chu Ling is finally here!】

　　【LOL, she’s wearing a coat!】

　　【It’s freezing out there. Of course Chu Ling is going to protect herself first.】

　　【Everyone else is coming with their best photo-ready attitude. Chu Ling’s mindset is: showing up is already a gift, who cares what I wear.】

　　With the coat blocking the wind, Chu Ling walked much more confidently.

　　Unexpectedly, the plain black coat didn’t diminish her beauty at all. The contrast with her black-and-gold gown made her look even more striking.

　　When she paused for the red carpet photos, Chu Ling took off the coat and handed it to an assistant, giving the media three minutes to snap their shots.

　　These three minutes weren’t just for the media—they were for Ye Weiyang.

　　As a designer in the industry, Ye Weiyang also needed to build her reputation.

　　And Chu Ling was the perfect model.

　　Accepting this gift, Chu Ling had little to give in return, so helping promote her was a small way to repay her.

　　【Even those who hated Chu Jie had to admit that she truly had a beautiful face.】

　　【Her beauty is too commanding…】

　　【This outfit looks familiar. Wasn’t this the gown Ye Weiyang designed for her on that dating show? And she’s really wearing it!】

　　【So beautiful! Ye Weiyang’s design is amazing, and Chu Ling makes it look even better!】

　　【I didn't expect the latest after-sales service at Heartbeat Lab to be here…】

　　【Knowing that the female guests are actually close in real life makes me feel so warm, 5555】

　　After finishing the red carpet, Chu Ling entered the venue and took her seat.

　　Looking around, most of the nearby seats were occupied by second- and third-tier artists. She felt a little overwhelmed by how privileged she was to be here.

　　She hadn’t expected this day to come for her.

　　Her phone vibrated twice.

　　Chu Ling glanced at it and saw a message from Sheng Yi:【Are you cold?】

　　Chu Ling replied:【Others probably are, but I’m fine.】

　　Sheng Yi:【Is this event going to last long?】

　　Chu Ling:【It’s an end-of-year gala. Once the red carpet ends, they’ll probably go on for hours giving out meaningless “pork awards” no one cares about.】

　　Chu Ling:【My manager didn’t even mention it, just said I’d walk the red carpet. Do you think I could get any pork?】

　　Sheng Yi:【Do you want one?】

　　Chu Ling didn’t really care about those pointless awards. Fans might notice, but no one else would, and based on her understanding of her “fans,” they wouldn’t even promote it.

　　Chu Ling:【It doesn’t matter either way, but it’s okay to think about it.】

　　Chu Ling:【I kind of want an Oscar myself. Can I get one?】

　　Sheng Yi couldn't help but laugh. After thinking about it, he replied:【You'll win a more prestigious award one day.】

　　Really?

　　She, a variety-show star riding the wave of popularity, could actually have that day?

　　Chu Ling figured Sheng Yi was just trying to comfort her. She pursed her lips and put her phone away. Looking up, she noticed most of the other artists had almost finished walking the red carpet.

　　She vaguely remembered last year’s finale spot had been Qin Shuo.

　　Of course, he wouldn’t appear this year.

　　After his last major scandal, his public excuse had been that he was “in seclusion focusing on a new project and didn’t want to be disturbed.” In reality, he was just waiting for the public to forget the mess so he could make a comeback.

　　But the internet has a memory, and his plan backfired.

　　After months of waiting, he finally released a new project, only to get roasted online again. Who knows how long he’d have to “hide away” to get a second chance?

　　Chu Ling wanted nothing more than to throw another shovel of dirt on him and hope he never came back.

　　The award ceremony dragged on in a way that made her want to doze off.

　　Most of the artists sat up straight, constantly worried about being caught on camera and wanting to look perfect.

　　Chu Ling yawned and rested her chin on her hand. Her reputation meant that even if she fell asleep, the netizens would just shrug and say, “That’s Chu Ling for you.”

　　Just as she was drifting off, the organizers suddenly announced that she had won the “Artist of the Year for Hottest Buzz” award.

　　When her name was called, she almost didn’t react. It was only when a female artist nearby, someone she didn’t know well, poked her and gestured toward the stage that she realized.

　　Chu Ling blinked, slightly surprised.

　　But it was well-deserved.

　　She hadn’t left the hot search charts all year. Every variety show she appeared on became a hit. Almost every show she joined turned into one of the year’s most-watched programs.

　　She might not have had the largest fanbase in the entertainment industry, but in terms of buzz, she had a presence where even a casual comment could trend. No one else in the industry could match that.

　　Amidst the applause, Chu Ling walked onto the stage.

　　“Congratulations, Chu Ling.”

　　The presenter handed her the trophy.

　　Chu Ling accepted it and, as usual, was expected to give an acceptance speech.

　　She hadn’t prepared anything, so she had nothing ready to say.

　　Looking out at the sea of faces, she knew some of them liked her, and some probably secretly disliked her. They were all mixed together. Chu Ling didn’t need to sort them out, and she didn’t need to see them clearly.

　　She thought for a moment and then smiled brightly. “There’s something I’ve always kept in my heart,” she said.

　　“I want to say that the reason I’ve made it this far is because of my haters.”

　　“It’s your persistence, your refusal to let go, that’s given me everything. Without you, there wouldn’t be the Chu Ling you see today.”

　　Chu Ling’s smile was radiant. “From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank you.”

　　The audience erupted in astonishment.

　　Viewers in the live stream froze.

　　【Wait… she’s thanking her haters, not her fans?】

　　【Is she trying to provoke a reaction?】

　　【Chu Ling’s gone crazy, right? What is she saying? Is she implying the people who hurt her made her stronger?】

　　【This isn’t her usual style… is she being sarcastic? Like, “You who criticized me back then actually helped make me popular now”? If those haters hadn’t been so big back then, maybe my rise wouldn’t have been this dramatic?】

　　【What does she even mean, Chu Ling? Can someone explain?】

　　The system: “……”

　　Looking at her account, it was literally just what she said.

　　Chu Ling stepped away from the microphone, not intending to explain further.

　　The controversies surrounding her probably would never fully disappear.

　　Where there is love, there is also hate.

　　Love taken to the extreme might even turn sour.

　　And hate taken to the extreme might develop into a strange kind of respect.

　　Whether it’s love or hate, Chu Ling only needs people to remember her forever.

　　As long as someone remembers her, her account will never stop earning.

 

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