The Black Lotus Became a Sensation on a Talent Show

My other novel, A Lone Isle Welcomes the One Who Returns, is about to start. If you're interested, feel free to add it to your collection!

[Black-hearted heroine defying fate * aloof, celibate top-tier star]

Satisfying fate-defying story + sweet entertainment-industry romance

Yu Yuan, an actress who's barely made it onto the scene, has run into trouble lately.

The TV dramas she's recently appeared in have all become huge hits one after another.

But the roles she plays are all vicious female antagonists,

the kind people can't help cursing to suffer for all eternity.

As a result, she's been trending for all the wrong reasons lately.

Some antis have even cornered her in person,

throwing eggs at her in public and sending her creepy toys.

The company manager is even worse.

Because she refuses to accept the so-called "unspoken rules,"

they simply pack her off to a talent show,

saying outright that they're sending her to face an even bigger online hate campaign.

But how could that possibly defeat Yu Yuan, who's determined to stay strong for her whole life?

Before the start of Everyone Pick,

everyone says she's a talentless singer and dancer who's only there to piggyback on the hype.

Then she hits one incredible high note at her first performance and stuns the whole audience.

Viewer 1: "Is this really the Yu Yuan I know? Has she been possessed by a gorgeous songstress or something?"

Her fans worry that her vicious nature means she'll bully the younger girls in the group.

But after the show airs, she's the peacemaker when the team argues,

and a warm, all-around big sister in the eyes of the girls.

Viewer 2: "My precious girl is so warm, thoughtful, and capable. Mom sincerely apologizes for not knowing better before. Let's drink to this and stay together forever."

Now the antis and paid trolls can't stand it.

They try to use online abuse to force her to quit the show.

Yu Yuan transforms into "Yu the Clapback Queen,"

and goes head-to-head with the haters in the livestream.

Viewer 3: "Is she my internet mouthpiece or what? All you celebrities, come and see! This is how you clap back at haters!"

Yu Yuan: "??? Am I not your wicked temptress anymore?"

Fans: "Babe, you're our darling little treasure, adored by everyone and blooming like a flower! Give us another chance to fall in love with you."

A certain top-tier idol, Zhou Yanran, chimes in too: "Me too."

Everyone: "??? Top-tier heartthrob, please stop right there."

Yu Yuan: "Thanks, but I just want to focus on my career."

P.S.

The talent-show portion is based on the format of various domestic talent shows, but all specific details are made up.

It's just for fun, so please don't connect it to real life.

The characters aren't based on real people. Hope you enjoy reading, mwah!

Up next: A Lone Isle Welcomes the One Who Returns

Blurb:

[The heroine starts out as a people-pleaser, then awakens and becomes someone who fights back]

[Marriage first, love later from the heroine's perspective; a long-planned pursuit from the hero's perspective]

[The hero is a supportive, guiding partner]

Cheng Siyuan has a secret.

She likes Song Boye, her older sister's suitor.

Knowing this crush can never see the light of day,

she has already decided

to bury it in her heart for the rest of her life.

But then the Cheng family suddenly faces a crisis.

To stabilize the company's finances,

her parents hastily arrange an alliance marriage.

And the groom is none other than Song Boye.

On the day the marriage is discussed,

she's standing outside the door

when she unexpectedly hears the man's cold voice.

Song Boye's tone is full of rejection,

every word cutting and final.

"I will never marry Cheng Siyuan."

A bucket of cold water is poured over her,

snuffing out every trace of her humble affection.

She freezes in place,

embarrassed and helpless,

with nowhere to turn.

Just as she stands there at a loss,

Shen Qingye happens to appear.

He's the most untouchable man in Beiling City.

His methods are ruthless and his actions decisive,

yet he has a face capable of beguiling the world.

People are captivated by his looks,

yet fear his power.

With nowhere else to turn,

Cheng Siyuan gathers her courage and grabs him,

asking him to help her put on an act

and get her out of this mess.

She thinks they have no connection at all,

and that he'll coldly refuse.

But the next second, Shen Qingye grabs her wrist,

his grip so firm she can't pull free.

He takes her by the hand and pushes straight through the door.

"Sorry we're late."

"Siyuan and I have been together for a long time."

"My father will come to your home to formally propose soon."

Cheng Siyuan is completely stunned.

Wait...

She only wanted him to help her get through an awkward situation.

She never meant to turn the act into reality!

But everything starts going in a direction she can't control.

They sign a prenuptial agreement,

register their marriage,

and agree to a three-year marriage of convenience,

after which they'll automatically divorce.

Cheng Siyuan starts counting down the days.

But as she counts,

things start to go wrong.

How did they end up counting down in bed?

Bonus scene:

One day, Shen Qingye accidentally catches sight of his wife's phone screen.

There's a glaring line of text on it:

[Countdown to divorce: 631 days]

The tenderness in the man's eyes vanishes in an instant,

and the air around him turns icy.

That night, he wraps an arm around her waist,

holding her firmly in his embrace

as they lose themselves in each other.

He asks her again and again,

"Still want a divorce?"

"If you don't give the right answer, we'll do it one more time."

The young woman's eyes turn red at the corners, her breathing ragged.

In a soft voice, she says,

"No divorce."

I was once a lone island. Only after meeting you did I finally find my way back to shore. I am alone no longer, and can depend on you through every mountain and sea.

Theme: Defy the current and live toward the light.