Taking the water cup handed over by Lu Zhenzhen, Jiang Lingxi looked at the glass straw inside, feeling somewhat unfamiliar as she drank water and began to quietly sort through the residual memories in her mind.
In her current body, she was known as a star, also known as an artist. From her understanding, in the Great Yin Dynasty, this profession was akin to that of a performer or dancer.
However, while other stars were now adored by millions, the original body was constantly embroiled in scandals and controversies.
Box office poison, a mere decoration in the entertainment industry, a vessel for possession... She estimated that even the original body wasn't aware of how many similar titles were associated with her.
Just a week ago, the original body took Lu Zhenzhen to participate in a variety show called "Let's Travel Together." During the program, the original host once again displayed erratic behavior, ignoring the program team's advice and insisting on picking a camellia flower blooming on the cliff. As a result, upon climbing up, she was so frightened by the height of the cliff that she misstepped and fell. She didn't manage to pluck the flower, but she ended up falling down.
If she hadn't been lucky enough to be caught by branches during the fall, she wouldn't have just sustained flesh wounds.
However, the body was fine, but the original host's spirit was not as resilient. She was scared out of her wits on the spot, and after a high fever, she passed away, thus granting Jiang Lingxi this opportunity.
Now that she had awakened in place of the original host, the first unresolved matter she faced was the hiatus of the "Let's Travel Together" production team due to the original host's accident.
"Huh, it's been a while. Why hasn't Tong Jie come back yet?"
Jiang Lingxi heard the assistant's whispered question and redirected her thoughts towards the door.
Having finished the glass of water, the door was pushed open just in time by someone who had been all smiles before leaving, but was now entering with a serious expression.
Lu Zhenzhen was caught off guard by the change in Tong Yue's expression.
Jiang Lingxi's gaze shifted from Tong Yue's face to the smartphone that was still lit up in her hand. "Did the production team call? Or was it the company?"
Tong Yue paused in her steps, looking somewhat surprised at her artist.
Jiang Lingxi felt like Tong Yue was probably thinking: How could you ask such a question?
Jiang Lingxi had considered continuing to live according to the original host's personality, but just thinking about it made her feel like she probably couldn't do it.
It was too exhausting. She had worked hard in her past life, so why force herself like this in this life?
Tong Yue ultimately swallowed back the question she wanted to ask and pulled up a chair to sit beside the bed. "Director Zhao from the production team called, saying that the production has been halted because of you, and the losses incurred during this period will have to be borne by you. Also, when you signed the contract earlier, there was a clause stating that if an artist experiences an accident due to personal reasons, the artist will be responsible."
Jiang Lingxi nodded lightly. "It's only fair."
Being willful always came at a price.
Tong Yue was momentarily taken aback by this unexpected response before continuing, "The company also knows about your current financial situation and fears that you won't be able to compensate for the losses. They've indicated that they can cover this amount for you, but with conditions."
"What conditions?" Jiang Lingxi asked.
"The company has invested in a survival-themed variety show that's currently very popular overseas and gaining interest domestically. However, due to the inherent risks of the program, not many artists are volunteering. The company wants you to participate."
However, Tong Yue also knew very well that with the physical condition of their artist, her participation would likely just be for show. Fortunately, there wouldn't be any life-threatening dangers, at most providing some contrast for the audience.
While Tong Yue was about to speak, Lu Zhenzhen was glared at by Tong Yue, who then closed her mouth, but when she looked back at her sister, her gaze was tinged with sympathy.
Jiang Lingxi naturally noticed this but had no knowledge of survival reality shows in the original host's memories. Moreover, what was more dangerous than fighting in the midst of a thousand horses and ten thousand soldiers? Therefore, she simply nodded. "Okay."
Tong Yue breathed a sigh of relief and stood up, originally intending to comfort her artist by lightly patting her shoulder, but she hesitated mid-air and withdrew her hand without a trace. "I'll go out and reply to the company. You rest well for now."
After all, these were the only two days she could rest during her recovery period!
As soon as Tong Yue left, Lu Zhenzhen pounced onto the bed, turning her head to look towards the door, then back again, seeming like she wanted to say something but was hesitant.
Seeing this, Jiang Lingxi couldn't help but smile. This girl was so much like the lively appearance of Qingyuan when she was first sent to her by the queen mother.
However, since she ascended to the throne and appointed Qingyuan as her steward, she suddenly became mature overnight.
"What do you want to say?" Jiang Lingxi asked.
Lu Zhenzhen leaned closer, almost burying half her body in Jiang Lingxi's arms, then whispered in a low voice, "Sister Xixi, I've seen survival reality shows from overseas. They're really tough to film. Your body is so delicate, I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it. Why did you agree so readily?"
"Delicate?" Jiang Lingxi raised an eyebrow. This was the first time she had ever heard someone describe her as delicate!
Back when she hadn't yet come of age, she found herself in turbulent times, following her father and brothers in battles across the land, which eventually led to the founding of the Great Yin Dynasty.
Later on, when imperial power stabilized, the crown prince, her legitimate older brother, passed away due to illness, and several half-brothers, driven by ambition for the crown prince position, even used her as a pawn.
Since the legitimate eldest could rightfully ascend to the Eastern Palace, why couldn't she, as the legitimate eldest princess with outstanding achievements?
This thought took root and grew into what she became—the empress who held sway over the four seas.
Never before had anyone labeled her as delicate!
It wasn't until she was assisted into the ward's bathroom and stood in front of the sink, looking at herself in the mirror, that she saw her current appearance.
The same face, but with an obviously unhealthy look. Hair not dark enough, a pointed chin due to weight loss, though her eyes seemed slightly larger against her pallid complexion.
While her face offered some comfort, looking further down at her skinny frame clad in a hospital gown, Jiang Lingxi couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened.