Su Buyu is a rising star in the entertainment industry, known for her exceptional talent and striking appearance. She gained significant popularity after competing in the reality show "I Want to Be an Actor," where she captivated audiences with her portrayal of a koi spirit. Her performance went viral, earning her half a million followers on social media and placing her at the top of the competition rankings. Alongside her professional success, rumors began to circulate about her family background. Speculation suggested she was the daughter of the prestigious Su family in Beicheng, a wealthy and influential clan. This narrative of a hidden heiress added to her allure, creating a persona that resonated with the public and elevated her status as a frontrunner in the contest.
However, the foundation of Su Buyu's public image began to crumble when new information emerged regarding the Su family. Su Nancai, the patriarch of the family, publicly announced that he had located his biological daughter, who had been missing for fourteen years. A grand banquet was held to welcome this returned heir, Su Shengsheng. This revelation cast doubt on Su Buyu's claimed lineage, as the Su family had previously stated they only had one daughter. The implication was that Su Buyu's identity as a wealthy heiress was fabricated, a perception that spread rapidly among the contestants and the public. For her competitors, this development presented an opportunity to undermine her standing, as her popularity had made her a target of envy and rivalry.
Amidst the gossip and tension backstage, Su Buyu maintained her composure and professionalism. When a fellow contestant, Nan Xingxing, hesitated due to the hostile atmosphere, Su Buyu approached her directly to request a prop. Despite the underlying animosity and the potential for sabotage, Su Buyu handled the situation with grace, accepting the help without engaging in the drama. This interaction highlighted her focus on her craft rather than the political maneuvering surrounding her. However, challenges persisted. Her makeup artists had called in sick, a move attributed to Su Shengsheng, the newly returned biological daughter. The production team, aware of the directives from above, delayed Su Buyu's makeup, intending to hinder her performance. The staff recognized the injustice but felt powerless to intervene against the family's influence.
The third round of the competition was broadcast live, eliminating any possibility of post-production editing that had previously favored Su Buyu. The live format exposed her to immediate scrutiny, with viewers initially criticizing her pale appearance and the poor quality of her makeup. Despite the hostile comments and the deliberate sabotage by the production team, Su Buyu remained unfazed. She understood that her time as the stand-in daughter was ending, and she had always known her place in the Su family was temporary. Her core identity remained that of Su Buyu, an individual who had built her career on her own merits rather than familial connections.
On stage, Su Buyu portrayed Princess Juning, a character who had suffered imprisonment and loss. The role mirrored her own precarious situation, allowing her to channel her emotions into her performance. Her scene partner, Fang Yiyang, attempted to disrupt the act by deviating from the script and skipping crucial exchanges, aiming to make her appear incompetent. However, Su Buyu adapted seamlessly. She maintained the dignity of her character, delivering a powerful monologue that asserted her royal status despite her fall from grace. In a decisive moment, she struck Fang Yiyang, changing the script to assert control over the scene. This improvisation demonstrated her quick wit and acting prowess, silencing her detractors and reaffirming her position as a formidable competitor in the industry.
