After Transmigrating, I Joined a Dating Show with the Fake Heiress Actress - Chapter 11

Su Qingwan watched clearly as the white ball spun through the air, landed on the grass inside the goal, rolled a short distance, and came to a stop.

In that moment, she felt even happier than if she had won an award herself. She couldn’t help but smile and turn her head, meeting Bai Man’s gaze.

Bai Man had seen Su Qingwan smile before, but each previous time, her smile had carried a hint of restraint, as if it didn’t come from the heart. This time, however, Bai Man noticed a genuine warmth in Su Qingwan’s smile, her eyes sparkling like the stars they had seen that night.

Perhaps infected by the warmth, the corners of Bai Man’s lips involuntarily curved upward.

Su Qingwan froze, stunned. This was the first time Bai Man had smiled at her. It felt like a haughty Ragdoll cat suddenly meowing affectionately, filling her with unexpected joy.

Bai Man couldn’t read Su Qingwan’s thoughts, but through Su Qingwan’s strikingly expressive phoenix eyes, she saw the curve of her own lips. Her smile, along with her gaze, retreated.

In the waiting area, the guests were startled to their feet by her perfect shot.

From stopping the horse to swinging the mallet, the entire process had taken mere seconds.

Liu Heng’s jaw dropped slightly. “Was that even necessary? It’s making me think I could do it too.”

Song Jie rolled his eyes. “You said it yourself—it’s just an illusion.”

Wen Yi, usually reserved, took two steps forward. “Bai Man’s polo skills are impressive.”

Bai Man and Su Qingwan’s success boosted Director Xu’s confidence. He clapped enthusiastically and stood up, exclaiming, “Excellent!” But when he caught Yu Meng’s dark profile in his peripheral vision, the smile froze on his face. He cleared his throat and turned to address the contestants, “Next group, which team is up?”

Song Jie tugged on Liu Heng’s sleeve and stepped forward, “We’ll go.”

After dismounting, Bai Man and Su Qingwan headed straight toward the area where they had been resting.

As they approached, Su Qingwan suddenly changed direction and walked toward Yu Meng.

Bai Man wasn’t about to let Su Qingwan have a private moment with Yu Meng. She followed Su Qingwan closely until they stood before Yu Meng.

Before Su Qingwan could speak, Yu Meng rose from her chair, her eyes icy as she glared at Bai Man. “Are you trying to show off?”

Su Qingwan glanced back at Bai Man, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

Bai Man shot her a dismissive look and scoffed, “Hardly worth the effort.”

If not for the System’s mission, she wouldn’t have bothered competing with Yu Meng, nor would she have stayed on this show.

Why waste time on this when she could be securing more lucrative partnerships?

But Yu Meng took this as a provocation, her face flushing crimson. “What do you mean by that? Bai Man, don’t forget how you got on this show! Without the Bai Family, you’re nothing!”

Su Qingwan worried that these words would enrage Bai Man and provoke her into a humiliating outburst.

Unexpectedly, Bai Man simply chuckled, tilted her head, and readily admitted, “So you’re saying I got in because of money?” She nodded. “In that case, I’m your sugar daddy. If it weren’t for this ‘idiot’ here, your paycheck wouldn’t be nearly as high.”

Yu Meng gasped, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “You—”

“In this day and age, relying on your parents or family isn’t shameful,” Bai Man said, her voice low but clear. “But keeping those gifts requires more than just words.” Her words carried to the other guests, who had turned their attention to the scene, and even reached the viewers watching the live stream through the microphone.

Relying on your parents and acting like it’s something to be proud of?

I agree with her. Bai Man can rely on her family because she has that option. Unlike some people who wish they had someone to rely on but don’t.

This is really challenging my values. Bragging about throwing money around and relying on your parents?

Is the person above sick? Where did you see Bai Man bragging? I think she’s straightforward, much better than that girl who just screams whenever something happens.

Bai Man, get out! What right do you have to talk to my Mengmeng like that?

Bai Man, get kicked off the show! Does my Mengmeng even care about your stinky money?

Breaking news: Bai Man’s family business is in trouble. Her arrogance won’t last long.

Yu Meng was furious at Bai Man’s words, and the other guests and even the Director wore varied expressions.

Feeling the increasing number of eyes on her, Yu Meng’s face burned. She scoffed, “Your mouth is the only thing you’re good for.”

The unspoken implication was clear: You’re nothing but talk.

Seeing the tension between the two women growing thicker, Su Qingwan, caught in the middle, felt a surge of anxiety.

“Is that so? Then we’ll see,” Bai Man retorted, turning to leave. After only two steps, she doubled back, grabbed Su Qingwan’s hand, and pulled her away.

Su Qingwan gazed at Bai Man’s profile, opening her mouth several times but unable to speak.

Bai Man leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Liu Heng and Song Jie, who had already mounted their horses. Song Jie steadied the horse while Liu Heng prepared to strike the ball.

Liu Heng missed his first shot, failed to score on his second, and finally knocked the ball through the goal on his third attempt.

The moment the ball entered the goal, Liu Heng threw his arms up in triumph, letting out a victorious shout.

Bai Man withdrew her gaze, reached for the water on the small table, took a sip, and said to Su Qingwan, who kept glancing at her, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

Su Qingwan hesitated, took a deep breath, and asked tentatively, “You said you were exposing Yu Meng last time. Why? Is there some conflict between you two?”

Bai Man countered, “Can’t I just dislike her?”

Su Qingwan grew anxious. “She’s always been so kind.”

“Really?” Bai Man set down her water and met Su Qingwan’s gaze. “Do you truly know her? Like what happened just now?”

Su Qingwan’s mouth parted slightly. The explanation she was about to offer caught in her throat as she recalled Yu Meng’s attitude toward Liu Yue.

In Su Qingwan’s memory, Yu Meng had always been a tolerant and approachable figure, someone who offered help when she felt helpless.

Did she truly know Yu Meng? No, she didn’t.

Their interactions had been limited.

Just as this thought surfaced, another voice echoed in her mind: You don’t need to understand someone to admire them. You admire their character and insight.

Seeing Su Qingwan’s silence, Bai Man slowly shifted her gaze to the distance.

About half an hour later, all five pairs of guests had completed the challenge, except for Yu Meng and Liu Yue, who had given up midway.

What’s said is said, like spilled water that can’t be retrieved. Even if Director Xu secretly wanted to spare Yu Meng’s group from punishment, he couldn’t show favoritism in front of all the guests and countless online viewers.

Yu Meng forced herself to drink the juice, suppressing her discomfort, and declined Liu Yue’s cautiously offered candy. “Director Xu, do we have any other plans for this afternoon?”

Director Xu straightened his back, opened his mouth to speak, but seeing Yu Meng’s displeased expression, he shifted slightly. “Yesterday, the neighboring city called and invited us over for a few days. I thought about it carefully last night…” Noticing the intense gazes fixed on him, he cleared his throat and adjusted his posture again. “I’ve already arranged the transportation. We’ll depart right after lunch.”

Liu Heng let out a groan. “Director Xu, do you really have to do this?”

Director Xu avoided looking at the guests, speaking evasively. “I checked the weather forecast. The temperature there is mild for the next few days, not as scorching as here. You won’t get sunburned.”

Before he could finish, he had already slipped away.

He didn’t want to change the filming location on such short notice either, but the investors had spoken, and those of them who were just doing the legwork had no choice but to obey.

Now that Yu Meng and he had both left, the guests had no choice but to comply, however reluctantly. After all, they had signed contracts with the production team.

Knowing they had over an hour’s drive ahead, everyone ate a hurried lunch before returning to their rooms to pack.

Bai Man, having calculated the time, wheeled her suitcase downstairs. After a brief wait, the production team’s shuttle arrived.

The male guests helped the crew load everyone’s luggage into the trunk while the female guests boarded first.

Bai Man took the lead, settling into the last row by the window.

Su Qingwan, arriving slightly later, saw Bai Man already resting with her eyes closed by the window.

Before she could take a step, Yu Meng’s voice rang out, “Qingwan, I saved you a seat!”

Liu Yue, who had just boarded, overheard this. Remembering her failed attempts to apologize to Yu Meng, her voice dripped with bitterness as she remarked, “Best Actress Yu is so kind to Best Actress Su. I don’t know what those people online are thinking, claiming the two of you don’t get along.”

Yin Xiao, who had already taken her seat and couldn’t stand Liu Yue’s pretense, chimed in, “When I entered the industry two months ago, my manager told me never to trust rumors.”

Liu Yue immediately picked up on the sarcasm in Yin Xiao’s words. Her expression flickered, but she quickly regained her composure. “When I first entered the industry, I wasn’t as lucky as you, getting noticed by Best Actress Su right away.” She turned to Su Qingwan. “Best Actress Su, is your studio still hiring? Take a look at me—do you think I’d be a good fit?”

This remark sent shockwaves through the live stream.

So, Yin Xiao is Su Qingwan’s protégé? They’re both on this show because Su Qingwan wants to use it to promote Yin Xiao?

Ugh… With your attitude, my Wanwan would never approve.

I just want to know if Su Qingwan will agree to work with Yu Meng.

Liu Yue is so annoying! If she hadn’t interrupted, Wanwan would have sat with Yu Meng. They’re both talented and beautiful—they’d make such a perfect couple!

I think Su Qingwan and Bai Man would be a better match. A domineering queen versus a gentle, classical beauty—they’re so visually striking together!

Are you still dreaming? It’s been said that Su Qingwan and Bai Man don’t get along. Rumor has it they were switched at birth and only returned to their families at eighteen. The real issue is the vast wealth disparity between their families. If you were in their shoes, would you treat the person who lived your life for eighteen years with kindness?

But it’s not like Wanwan asked for that to happen.

In the car, Su Qingwan remained unfazed by Liu Yue’s public questioning. She exchanged a glance with Yin Xiao before calmly turning to Liu Yue. “In my opinion, the credibility of rumors depends on the person. For example, I’ve long heard that you’re the ‘know-it-all’ of this industry, with an encyclopedic grasp of its dynamics. With your endorsement, how could I possibly doubt it? Therefore, I consider it a great honor to have someone as capable as you join my studio.”

She neither confirmed nor denied that Yin Xiao was an artist in her studio, nor did she wish to continue arguing with Liu Yue on camera.

Liu Yue visibly relished the praise, a faint smile curving her lips. “It’s a pity, then, that I’m still bound by a multi-year contract.”

Anticipating this response, Su Qingwan smoothly replied, “That is indeed a pity.” With that, she withdrew her gaze and nodded to Yu Meng. “I’m feeling a bit carsick.”

Yu Meng immediately rose. “I’ll accompany you to the back of the car.”

Bai Man, who hadn’t been asleep, chuckled softly at this exchange.

The sound grated on Yu Meng’s nerves, and she frowned slightly. “Bai Man, what’s that supposed to mean?”

Bai Man lazily opened her eyes. “What do you think?”