Mistakenly Married a Substitute Wife, Falling in Love with the Movie Queen - Chapter 46

The following afternoon, Shen Shuangjing received a call from her agent.

“You’re trending again,” Meng Manli sighed, her feelings toward her client’s “trending magnet” status a mix of joy and worry.

The joy stemmed from the increased exposure, which could expand Shen Shuangjing’s fame and attract new fans. The worry arose because her trending status wasn’t driven by her film or television work. Overly frequent appearances on trending searches could not only erode her public image but also provoke backlash from casual observers.

Meng Manli had navigated countless PR crises with effortless skill, but this time, she felt utterly helpless.

She decided to abandon PR efforts altogether. Since the matter involved that person, that person would handle it.

But she miscalculated.

As the other party involved in the trending search, Sang Baili had learned of the situation three hours earlier.

The moment the trending topic appeared, the PR department’s emergency call reached their President.

Despite having retired from the entertainment industry long ago, Sang Baili remained a legend, a former Best Actress with unparalleled national recognition.

Even though Sang Baili had been out of the public eye for a long time, over a million fans still checked in daily on her fan forum. Any news related to her would spark heated discussions.

Sang Baili brewed herself a cup of tea, its clear liquid emitting a delicate, fragrant steam. She leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed and casual.

After rubbing her fingertips together, she clicked on the trending video.

Someone had secretly recorded a clip of her dancing with Shen Shuangjing at the party.

The camera shook before focusing, peering through layers of people to lock onto the center of the dance floor.

The music was tender and melancholic, the warm yellow lighting hazy like melted honey.

Shen Shuangjing’s slender back was straight yet graceful. Her strong, lean arm encircled Sang Baili’s delicate waist, drawing her into her embrace. The cuff of her sleeve revealed a glimpse of her taut wristbone.

The video had been taken from a distance, so the resolution was poor, making it impossible to discern facial expressions or features. Yet even from Shen Shuangjing’s faintly visible, slender calves and fair complexion, her breathtaking beauty was undeniable.

The two figures overlapped in the frame, sometimes separating, sometimes entwining, their ambiguous silhouettes outlined in the soft, warm light.

Sang Baili’s eyes darkened slightly.

That night’s beauty felt like a decadent, lingering dream, like a vibrant palette of colors spilled across her monotonous, arid world.

Sang Baili tapped her slender fingers on the desk. “No need for PR yet.”

Special Assistant Sheng hesitated, then said, “But if netizens start digging into your relationship…”

Sang Baili interrupted calmly, “It’s just a dance video.”

Even if they dug, they’d only uncover that as an investor, she attended the cast party and shared a dance with the Third Female Lead, who was also invited.

She tapped the screen again, and the music flowed as the video automatically replayed from the beginning.

“Understood, President Sang,” Special Assistant Sheng said. “There’s a meeting scheduled next. Should we start now?”

Sang Baili glanced at her briefly but didn’t immediately rise. “Have each department print out their reports and submit them. Arrange the presentation order, and I’ll be there shortly.”

Sang Baili offered no response, allowing the fervor to build until the topic topped the Trending Search charts.

The online debate intensified, and fans couldn’t resist commenting under Shen Shuangjing’s Weibo posts, demanding to know the nature of their relationship.

Shen Shuangjing’s reply was airtight: “President Sang is an investor in the production.”

Though seemingly vague, netizens automatically filled in the blanks, assuming this explained how the two knew each other.

That evening, director Guo Yu posted a photo of himself with Sang Baili, captioned: “Honored to have Best Actress Sang join our cast and crew gathering! Post-production for Night of the Murder Chase is progressing at full speed. Please look forward to it!”

The official Weibo account for Night of the Murder Chase retweeted Guo Yu’s post and shared several behind-the-scenes clips.

Fans and netizens quickly realized this was likely a publicity stunt by the Night of the Murder Chase team.

A few days later, Shen Shuangjing began her first job of the new year: filming the variety show Work Within Work.

This episode continued the format of live broadcast combined with pre-recorded segments. The other two guest stars were familiar faces to Shen Shuangjing: Jiang Mei, the female lead of Night of the Murder Chase, and the second female lead.

The guests’ task for this episode was to work a full day at an amusement park while remaining unrecognized by the public.

There was no minimum work duration requirement, as the episode featured a special bonus: for every hour worked, guests would earn a Reward Coin. After the park closed at 8 PM, they could exchange these coins for ride tickets, with each coin granting access to any attraction.

As the recording signal went live, the live chat erupted with comments:

This is the episode I’ve been waiting for! My dream is to work at an amusement park when I grow up!

Are you a kid, upstairs? Let me tell you, don’t get your hopes up. All jobs are equally boring—just ways to make a living and put food on the table.

Is this episode a team-building event for the Night of the Murder Chase cast?

The group stood before the amusement park manager’s desk, where six job cards lay spread out: Ghost House Actor, Mascot Survey Distributor, Ring Toss Booth Operator, Roller Coaster Ticket Checker, Water Park Guide, and Main Gate Security.

“Rock-paper-scissors to decide the selection order?” Qinqin, a regular cast member, suggested.

Everyone agreed. The show’s second female lead immediately snatched a card from the table. “Roller Coaster Ticket Checker is mine. The rest of you can settle the rest with rock-paper-scissors.”

Qinqin frowned and yanked the card from her hand. “It’s unfair to take the job you want first. Everyone should have an equal chance.”

The second female lead chuckled, yanked the card back, and stuffed it into her chest pocket. “This world isn’t fair. First come, first served. Whoever grabs it first gets it.”

“You—”

“What about me? Besides, did the director say anything about fair competition?”

Behind the monitor, the director shook his head slightly. The production team never interfered with the cast’s actions.

The second female lead smirked triumphantly. “See? Every man for himself.”

Qinqin stomped her foot in frustration but decided not to argue further. “Fine, take it. We’ll settle the rest with rock-paper-scissors.”

When it was Shen Shuangjing’s turn to choose, only two jobs remained: Ghost House Actor and Mascot Survey Distributor.

Disliking the oppressive atmosphere of the haunted house, she chose the latter option.

Jiang Mei advised her to reconsider, kindly reminding her, “The mascot costume is quite heavy and will be physically demanding.”

“Thank you for the reminder,” Shen Shuangjing replied, her slender fingers pinching the card as she turned back with a smile. “My stamina is pretty good. Besides, it’s winter now, not as hot as summer, so it should be easier.”

With their roles assigned, the group set off for their designated work locations.

Following instructions, Shen Shuangjing collected a snow-white bunny mascot costume from the dressing room.

Before changing, her gaze swept across the camera.

Today’s stylist had given her wavy curls, which were braided into two pigtails adorned with blue, diamond-studded hairbands. Wisps of curled hair framed her ears, lending her a vibrant and playful charm that was dazzlingly radiant.

The camera captured her beauty up close, her face like flawless white jade, her perfectly sculpted features so stunning that fans and casual viewers alike felt their hearts tremble, showering her with fervent praise.

“Please wait for me at the door while I change,” Shen Shuangjing said.

The live chat erupted in protest.

What is there that a VIP member like me isn’t allowed to see?

Jingjing, don’t be so distant! I’ve been your fan for 365 days!

Shen Shuangjing ruthlessly shut the door on her fans and the filming crew.

The amusement park opened for business, and Shen Shuangjing, dressed in a fluffy bunny mascot costume, immediately drew the attention of many children. As she interacted with the kids, she also politely asked their parents to fill out survey questionnaires, and the task proceeded smoothly.

After submitting the completed questionnaires to the staff, the remaining work hours felt much lighter, requiring only interaction with park visitors.

But unexpected events always strike when you least expect them.

While Shen Shuangjing was posing for a photo with a female visitor, a cat mascot swaggered over.

The cat mascot held a toy sword and jabbed it at her.

Shen Shuangjing’s eyes flickered with confusion. “?”

What kind of skit is this? No one told me about it.

Seeing the bunny mascot didn’t react, the cat mascot grew bolder, repeatedly poking the bunny’s soft waist with the toy sword.

For some reason, Shen Shuangjing sensed a mocking glint in the cat’s smiling mask.

Shen Shuangjing: “……”

If you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you. But if you do, I’ll come for you.

She glanced around, picked up a tree branch, and flashed a mysterious smile.

Moments later, everyone passing by saw the bunny mascot chasing after the cat mascot, brandishing a tree branch.

The cat mascot sprinted forward with life-or-death urgency, its feet nearly sparking from the friction.

It flees, it pursues, and there’s no escape.

The cat mascot is no pushover, its escape maneuvers are so skilled it’s almost heartbreaking.

Help! I accidentally burst out laughing during my Marxist philosophy class, and the professor made me come to the front to laugh.

Support the Rabbit Cult’s world domination!

A few minutes later, Shen Shuangjing and the cat mascot were both apprehended by security and dragged before the amusement park manager.

Shen Shuangjing removed her mascot head first, her dark hair clinging to the side of her neck with a thin sheen of sweat. Her clear, almond-shaped eyes met the manager’s gaze as she explained, “The cat started it.”

She was innocent.

The cat mascot stared at her, frozen in place.

“What are you staring at?” the manager snapped.

The cat mascot slowly removed its head, revealing a flushed face. The girl, taking the initiative to apologize, said awkwardly, “I’m sorry, I mistook you for someone else!”

It turned out the girl had mistaken Shen Shuangjing for a friend who worked part-time at the amusement park. Their frequent playful teasing had led to this misunderstanding.

Since the incident wasn’t serious, the manager symbolically punished them by assigning each to distribute ten more survey questionnaires to burn off their excess energy.

By evening, Shen Shuangjing had gone unrecognized and successfully completed her mission. Excluding breaks for rest and meals, she had worked a total of six hours, earning her six Reward Coins.

After the amusement park closed at eight o’clock, the production team had rented it out for the night. As promised, the guests could exchange their Reward Coins for access to the rides.

Shen Shuangjing changed back into her own clothes and gathered at the designated carousel.

The host announced that a mysterious guest would be distributing the Reward Coins.

“Let’s guess who this mysterious benefactor might be!” the host exclaimed, trying to build excitement.

The guesses varied wildly. Qinqin, a regular cast member, cleverly asked, “Can we narrow it down?”

The host teased, “You all know them.”

After listening to the guesses for a while, the host smiled and turned to Shen Shuangjing. “What do you think, Shen Shuangjing? Who could it be?”

Under the soft, glowing lights of the amusement park, Shen Shuangjing’s skin seemed to shimmer like glazed porcelain.

“I’m guessing it’s our director,” she replied.

“Why do you think that?” the host pressed.

When she was called upon again, a fleeting sense of unease flashed through Shen Shuangjing’s mind, so quick she almost missed it. Could her guess have been right?

She reasoned, “Since all the flying guests today are from our Night of the Murder Chase crew, it’s likely the mysterious award presenter is also connected to our team. You mentioned that everyone knows this person, implying they have significant recognition and are a major figure. The most fitting candidate I can think of right now is our director.”

The host exclaimed in admiration, “You’re incredibly sharp!”

“So, is it the director?” Shen Shuangjing asked.

“You’re so close!” The host glanced toward the right rear of the carousel and began clapping, leading the audience. “Let’s welcome President Sang!”

Shen Shuangjing followed the host’s gaze and briefly met President Sang’s radiant, affectionate eyes.

Holding the microphone, the host mischievously asked, “So, Shuangjing, are you disappointed it’s not Director Guo Yu?”

Shen Shuangjing refused to fall into the trap, deftly sidestepping the host’s attempt to provoke her. “You asked us to guess who it would be, not who I wanted to see.”