Chapter 78: Filming by the Shores of Daming Lake

As more and more people flocked to see the goddess at the lakeside, calls for Yang Mengke to film a similar video grew louder. Yet, the subject herself, Yang Mengke, seemed untouched by the internet, showing not the slightest response.

Long Ling’er, looking at the messages on her phone, felt a stir of excitement—even though she wasn’t much of an online person herself. “Hey, Mengke, why don’t you film one too? I bet you’d get more likes than anyone! Don’t you think it’d be fun?”

For Long Ling’er, fun was paramount; if it was fun, it was worth doing. Fame or fortune meant little to her.

Yang Mengke shook her head. “Let’s not. I don’t want to be an internet celebrity.”

Long Ling’er was a bit disappointed by this reply.

As more videos were shot by the lakeside, knowledge of various lakes spread, and some scenic spots saw a business opportunity. They approached Su Bai directly, hoping he would sing "Goddess by the Lake" at their site to boost their popularity.

Su Bai considered the options before him: West Lake, Panyang Lake, Dongting Lake, Daming Lake. A popular internet joke sprang to his mind, and without hesitation, he chose Daming Lake.

The Daming Lake manager acted quickly, arriving in the metropolis that very day. After negotiations, Su Bai agreed to perform "Goddess by the Lake" live, with Daming Lake Scenic Area paying five million yuan as a promotional fee.

With such boldness from Daming Lake, Su Bai was determined not to disappoint. Since the internet clamored for Yang Mengke to film "Goddess by the Lake," why not grant them their wish?

Su Bai knew that internet trends were fleeting. He had to seize the moment while the song was still hot, ensuring people remembered both the song and the person in the video. Most importantly, they had to remember Daming Lake.

Having witnessed how this meme had gone viral before, Su Bai was confident that, if executed well, it would catch fire once more.

Upon receiving Su Bai’s call, Yang Mengke was the first to arrive in Spring City, accompanied by Long Ling’er. Their friendship had grown remarkably in this time, with signs of blossoming into true sisterhood.

During breaks in their training, Long Ling’er accompanied Yang Mengke as they explored every corner of Yanjing, sampling everything from roast duck to mung bean soup.

“Mengke, why did your brother send you here?” Long Ling’er grumbled. “It’s so hot—why not head to the beach instead?”

Yang Mengke was used to Long Ling’er’s manner of speaking, smiling as she replied, “Brother has his reasons for everything.”

Seeing Mengke’s lovestruck expression, Long Ling’er threw up her hands. “Alright, I surrender. You two are siblings—everyone knows it. But anyone else would think you’re a couple!”

Her words startled Yang Mengke. A couple? That couldn’t be right.

All her life, Yang Mengke had seen Su Bai as her brother. Though she’d been moved countless times by him, and despite knowing they shared no blood relation, for her, brother meant brother. From the moment she called him brother, they were siblings. She could sense Su Bai always treated her as a sister, never as Long Ling’er implied.

When Su Bai saw them, he greeted them with a smile. “Hi, Miss Ling’er! We meet again!”

Miss Ling’er? The title made Long Ling’er shudder. “What’s that supposed to mean? Just call me Long Ling’er or Miss Long—what’s ‘Miss Ling’er’? Disgusting!”

Su Bai was taken aback by her reaction, offering an awkward smile. “Then, ‘Little Sister Ling’er’?”

“Gross! We’re not close enough for that. Just call me by my name!” Long Ling’er snapped.

Su Bai looked at Yang Mengke in confusion, not knowing what he’d done to upset her. Yang Mengke shrugged, as if to say, “That’s just how she is.”

Considering the friendship Long Ling’er had shown Yang Mengke, Su Bai didn’t take offense.

“So, Mengke, I’ve accepted an ad shoot. We’ll film ‘Goddess by the Lake’ at Daming Lake, and I’d like you to be the video’s backdrop.”

Yang Mengke replied with a sweet smile, “Sure! When do we start?”

Su Bai beckoned to the photographer, who came over.

He explained to Yang Mengke, “Here’s what I have in mind: we’ll shoot five videos throughout the day—morning, noon, evening, and one at midday. The lighting changes at each time, so the effect will be different. According to Mr. Su, your account will post a video featuring you, while his account will post one featuring him. So, we’ll choose two from the five best takes. It might be a bit of work, so you should prepare for sun protection!”

Yang Mengke was surprised. “I need to post a video too?”

Su Bai nodded. “I want to create an image for you—someone untouched by the mundane world. You don’t have much free time, so you can post once a month, or even just a few times a year. But each release must be a masterpiece. When people think of a scene, you’re the first person who comes to mind. If you’re going to step out of the shadows, why not make it big?”

Yang Mengke smiled sweetly. “Anything’s fine.”

Long Ling’er’s eyes widened as she looked at the adorable Yang Mengke. “Please, Mengke, could you be any more lovestruck? Where’s all your wisdom when you’re with me? With Su Bai, it’s always ‘anything’s fine’. Can’t you show a little backbone?”

Yang Mengke and Su Bai exchanged knowing smiles, neither responding to Long Ling’er.

Yang Mengke took Long Ling’er’s arm. “Come on, let’s go film!”

Su Bai’s filming crew was highly professional, with years of experience. Their location scouting and candid shots were top-notch. Although they said each shoot would take only a segment of time, in reality, they filmed all afternoon without rest.

Now Su Bai realized that the astronomical fees actors earned weren’t so easily won, nor as casually negotiated as the internet claimed. The endless retakes alone were exhausting.