Accidentally Sold Myself (Rebirth) - Chapter 24

24: The Butterfly Effect

Seeing Gu Xi’s deep disappointment, Lan Qingxue stopped teasing her. “Although this one won’t do, your Xianxia novel, The Rise of the Supporting Female Character, is pretty good.”

A twist of fate! Gu Xi had thought she’d have to reveal her secret identity and beg Luo Ningshuang to pull some strings. Overjoyed, she said, “Really? Then, Sister, can you…?”

Lan Qingxue shook her head. “I could’ve signed you directly, but now that you’re married to Luo Ningshuang, you’ll need to discuss the copyright issues with her. Besides, it’d be better to sell this book to Luo Ningshuang. Her company is just starting out and could use some solid works.”

Well, it all came back to revealing her secret identity—she had no choice but to do it. Unless she waited three years, which was impossible.

Tears welled up in Gu Xi’s heart, but she nodded. “Got it. Let’s head to the school to scout talent, but keep it low-key.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

At B University’s Film Academy, a place that had produced many heavyweight actors, there were also some who lacked self-respect, though such actors usually ended up buried in obscurity.

The campus was filled with handsome men and beautiful women. For Gu Xi, she naturally ignored the guys and only had eyes for the girls—so many that she was practically dazzled.

Lan Qingxue noticed her starry-eyed look and secretly snapped a photo of Gu Xi’s infatuated expression, sending it to Luo Ningshuang with a mischievous grin. But she knew when to stop and gently reminded Gu Xi, “Stop staring. They’re not yours anyway. The performance studio is up ahead. I’ll handle the negotiations.”

Snapping out of it, Gu Xi nodded. After taking a few steps, her phone rang. It was Luo Ningshuang. Answering, she heard Luo Ningshuang ask, “So, how’s it going? Lots of good-looking guys and girls at the Film Academy?”

Gu Xi, puzzled by the random question, replied, “Plenty. It’s overwhelming.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Luo Ningshuang’s low, teasing voice came through, tickling Gu Xi’s ear. She pulled the phone slightly away.

“Better-looking than me?”

Glancing at Lan Qingxue, who seemed unfazed, Gu Xi smirked and said, “Of course. They’re young and vibrant, unlike you, an old auntie. Hanging up—boring.”

Lan Qingxue: “…” She didn’t expect Gu Xi to be so bold. Luo Ningshuang was the type to hold grudges.

“Let’s go!” After hanging up, Gu Xi pulled Lan Qingxue toward the classroom, standing at the door to observe carefully.

Two students were rehearsing a scene, but they seemed shy, making their performance stiff. Lan Qingxue asked uncertainly, “Are we really picking people from the school?”

Gu Xi nodded confidently. “Trust me!”

But after watching for a while, Gu Xi didn’t find who she was looking for. “They’re not here.”

“Should we check somewhere else?”

Ding! The Jinjiang System chimed: The target is approaching the Author Ji’s direction.

Gu Xi: You can find people too? Why didn’t you say so earlier?

Ding! Beta version. Can only search within a 100-meter radius of Author Ji.

“No need. He’s over there.” Gu Xi pointed at a man hurrying toward them.

Lan Qingxue followed her gaze. The guy was sunny and polite-looking, but he seemed to be running late. She wasn’t fond of people who weren’t punctual.

Though she didn’t understand why Gu Xi chose him without even seeing him perform, Lan Qingxue was just there to assist. She stepped forward and stopped him. “Hi, we’re from LS Agency. We’d like to talk. Do you have time?”

The man looked surprised and a bit embarrassed. “Uh, sorry, I have class. Could you wait a bit?”

Lan Qingxue, hoping to see his skills, nodded. “Sure, we’ll wait at the door.”

“Thank you so much!” He rushed into the classroom, apologizing to the teacher, who didn’t seem upset, as if expecting his tardiness.

The teacher clapped his hands. “Alright, next up, Guo Pingqian and Zhang Zhilan. Test your chemistry. Guo Pingqian plays a scholar, and Zhang Zhilan plays a woman sold to a wealthy man, now on the run. Improvise the details.”

The two nodded, took a deep breath, and began. Zhang Zhilan stumbled forward, looking panicked and glancing back with unease.

Guo Pingqian hurried to catch up, asking, “Miss, why are you traveling alone?”

Zhang Zhilan shook her head, sighing. “Sir, are you in a hurry? If you can’t keep me company to ease my sorrows, why bother asking?”

Guo Pingqian lowered his head slightly, a hint of chivalry in his tone. “Miss, if you have any troubles, please share them. If I can help, I won’t hesitate.”

…

Lan Qingxue nodded, impressed. She’d been skeptical of Gu Xi’s choice, but now she was curious about what other surprises Gu Xi had in store.

Turning to Gu Xi, she praised, “Not bad! You’ve got an eye for talent. Even when we interrupted him, he stayed polite. His acting’s a bit raw, but he captures the refined, courteous demeanor of a scholar perfectly.”

“Of course! Don’t you know who I am?” Gu Xi said smugly. After all, she had a cheat code—though it was a bit useless at times.

Ding! The Jinjiang System detects Author Ji insulting the system. To maintain its authority, the system will vanish for the day. Bye!

Gu Xi: “…” This system even throws tantrums?

“Sorry for keeping you waiting. This is my friend, Zhang Zhilan. Can we both come along?” Guo Pingqian asked, glancing helplessly at Zhang Zhilan.

Gu Xi frowned. She knew Zhang Zhilan from her past life—Guo Pingqian’s rumored girlfriend. They’d dated briefly but broke up before his debut. Later, rumors inexplicably spread.

“Fine, let’s talk at the café by the school gate.” Lan Qingxue agreed.

Since Lan Qingxue approved, Gu Xi couldn’t object, though she hoped they’d break up soon, like in her past life.

Ding! Reminder to Author Ji: Knowing the past means you must beware of the butterfly effect. At this point in the past life, these two had no exposure or agents.

Gu Xi: Didn’t you say you were disappearing? Going back on your word?

Ding! Author Ji, your IQ is questionable, and your EQ is worse. No wonder you got dumped in your past life. The system wishes you a lifetime of failing to find a wife.

Mentioning her ex-girlfriend infuriated Gu Xi. She mentally cursed: I don’t need a wife! And you can insult me, but don’t bring up my ex!

Ding! Ex-girlfriend, ex-girlfriend…

The mechanical repetition irritated Gu Xi. Watching the system flit around, she swatted at it.

“What’s wrong?” Lan Qingxue turned, pitying Luo Ningshuang for marrying such a handful.

“Nothing! Oh, we’re here, haha!” Gu Xi snapped out of it, ignored the system, gave an awkward laugh, and pulled Lan Qingxue into the café.

After sitting down, Lan Qingxue ordered coffee for everyone and got straight to the point. “We’re from LS Agency. We’d like to know if you’re interested in signing with us.”

Guo Pingqian, still in school, was stunned to be scouted so soon. Before he could speak, Zhang Zhilan cut in. “What are your terms? Can you guarantee Pingqian gets roles? How much commission do you take?”

Gu Xi frowned. The butterfly effect was real—this Zhang Zhilan was oddly unlikable. Was she jealous of her boyfriend’s opportunity?

Lan Qingxue glanced at Guo Pingqian, who looked apologetic but didn’t stop Zhang Zhilan from taking charge. She disapproved—there’s a time to indulge a girlfriend and a time not to.

“Why aren’t you answering? You’re not scammers, are you? How do we know you’re really from LS Agency?” Zhang Zhilan’s tone was sharp. Guo Pingqian tugged at her, only to get pinched hard in return.

Lan Qingxue stood up, addressing Guo Pingqian. “Sorry, we’re here to talk to you, not your friend. If you can’t make decisions, we have nothing to discuss. Let’s go, Gu Xi.”

“Hey, why are you leaving? See, they can’t even prove they’re from LS Agency. They’re definitely scammers. Good thing I’m here, or you’d be fooled!” Zhang Zhilan said, clinging to Guo Pingqian and acting coy.

“Yes, yes, you’re always right,” he replied.

The system relayed their conversation to Gu Xi until they were out of range, shaking its head. Guo Pingqian was too accommodating.

“Sister Qingxue, maybe we can talk to him later when Zhang Zhilan’s not around?” Gu Xi suggested, seeing Lan Qingxue’s displeasure.

Lan Qingxue sighed. “We’ll see. Let’s head back to the hotel. I don’t know how you pick people, but I trust your judgment. Just be more careful about character and personality next time.”

“Got it. I was careless this time. I’ll think it over carefully.” Gu Xi nodded. She’d chosen Guo Pingqian because he later became a popular star. But back then, while polite, he wasn’t as submissive as he was now. She should’ve waited until after his breakup, when he’d regained his confidence. She’d need to be more cautious with future picks.

Back at the hotel, Gu Xi’s phone rang again. Seeing it was Luo Ningshuang, she assumed it was more nonsense and hung up.

But it rang again. Lan Qingxue laughed. “Answer it. Ningshuang’s just worried about you.”

“Worried? You’re overthinking it, Sister. Listen to this.” Gu Xi put the call on speaker.

“You little jerk, country bumpkin, daring to hang up on me? When you get back, I’ll deal with you!” Every word dripped with Luo Ningshuang’s anger, yet her voice was eerily calm, like she was reading a script.

Gu Xi: “…” She glanced at Lan Qingxue. Sister, you hear what this nutcase is saying?

Lan Qingxue: “…” Don’t look at me. I have no idea.