"They're gone."
She glanced indifferently at Shen Yue, a woman with a beautiful appearance and a clean and pure demeanor, and gave her a polite and humble smile, with a hint of shyness.
"It seems you quite like Shen Yue."
After getting into the car, Lingyan finally couldn't help but speak, mentioning Shen Yue for the second time.
"Hmm, Yue is very easy to get along with, everyone in the crew likes her."
Unable to grasp the hidden meaning in Ling Yan's words, Gu Zhong dragged the entire crew into the conversation, which was both laughable and pathetic.
"...Some people have a knack for making others like them easily. You guys...don't get too close after filming is over."
Even though Ling Yan had thoroughly investigated Shen Yue and knew that this young girl didn't seem like a deep-thinking person, she still felt something was off and took precautions in advance.
"...Excessive marketing has a negative impact on this film."
As if afraid that Gu Zhong would misunderstand her as being too controlling, she pondered for a moment and then came up with a less convincing reason.
"good."
Gu Zhong paused for a moment while scrolling through his phone, and responded softly, though his tone betrayed a hint of disappointment.
"I'm referring to appearances on variety shows. If they're careful in private, like going out shopping together, I don't object."
Ultimately, unable to bear restricting her, Lingyan turned her head to look at the street scene outside the black glass window and awkwardly changed her words.
You can't let jealousy prevent you from making friends.
What difference is there between doing this and imprisoning an eagle in a cage?
"Sister Yan, what are you worried about?"
Unexpectedly, Gu Zhong leaned close to her ear and asked in a very serious, soft voice.
Her heart skipped a beat, as if her little secret had been seen through. Ling Yan turned her face back, staring intently into Gu Zhong's eyes, but saw only earnest curiosity in them.
I can't say whether I feel more disappointed or relieved.
"Gu Xiaozhong, it's because you're too easily fooled."
That was her answer.
"Sister Yan, you can't let that incident make you so paranoid!"
She curled back into her seat, expressing her discontent.
"...Rebuttal invalid."
The result, of course, was a merciless crackdown.
Unlike the quiet filming of "Chasing the Light," the marketing of "The Astrologer" was quite high-profile.
Riding on the coattails of Qu Xiaoran's Golden Crown Best Actress award and the popularity brought by Ge Tan, the "Mountain God" who suddenly became active again after disappearing for a period of time, this film has been the focus of attention and full of public expectations.
Seemingly still not satisfied with the excitement, Ge Tan took advantage of the momentum and officially announced his relationship with Liu Wanjun.
When Ling Yan first heard the news, she almost thought he had gone mad, since he only had the title of Best Newcomer and had not yet shown much ability or strength.
As for Liu Wanjun, regardless of her family background and even if her acting skills aren't considered particularly good, she has become a top-tier celebrity in the industry in recent years thanks to her previous experience.
Unlike the previous announcement of their relationship after they were evenly matched, which was met with widespread blessings from the internet, now Ge Tan is only being ridiculed for being a clingy guy. This has not only offended Liu Wanjun's fans, but the benefits brought by Ge Tan's pure and innocent "mountain god" image will also disappear completely, which is extremely damaging to his popularity.
This move is quite perplexing, but undeniably, "The Astrologer" has once again become a hot topic of discussion.
It even overshadowed Qian Jiu's new film "Chasing the Light" being selected for the International Golden Film Awards.
After all, the melon right in front of you is much more appealing than an uncertain award-winning film.
Ling Yan never cared about disturbances that didn't involve Gu Zhong. Her priority was to find new scripts to fill the little guy's boring free time—this was definitely not revenge for her being so busy that she was constantly on the go while Gu Zhong could leisurely relax.
During the painful days when Gu Zhong was forced to choose scripts, time passed day by day, and the Golden Film Awards selection began on the other side of the ocean.
Due to cultural and linguistic differences, apart from film enthusiasts, few people in China paid attention, and everything remained calm.
When the afternoon news headlines were dominated by a series of headlines such as "Genius director's new film wins Golden Film Award, the youngest Golden Film Award winner in Chinese film history," most people were still confused.
"Gu Zhong? Peach Blossom Fairy?"
"Ah, that newcomer from the sugar daddy scandal a few months ago?"
"The actress who supposedly stole Qu Xiaoran's role and withdrew from filming 'The Astrologer' due to public pressure?"
Due to the long period of silence, this is the only impression most people have of Gu Zhong.
Not long after, the online trolls who had been targeting Gu Zhong in the early days reappeared. This time, they continued to promote the "capital theory" and even asserted that his ability to star in such an award-winning film was the result of capital manipulation.
The theory that completely negates the mutual enhancement between films and actors is utterly unreasonable. Some people, even when presented with an opportunity, cannot seize it.
From the moment the news broke, Ling Yan personally took charge, no longer ignoring the discordant voices that emerged online. Instead, she had her own online trolls engage in a heated debate with them. The buzz surrounding Gu Zhong and "Chasing the Light" skyrocketed.
However, most people did not believe those slanderous words. After all, she is the youngest Golden Globe winner in the history of Chinese film. Domestic awards still have capital involved, so many people believe that it was a case of behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Domestic capital has little reach in the international market, so gaining recognition is a testament to genuine strength.
People always admire the strong, especially when they are still at the starting line and another person is about to reach the finish line. The huge gap is like a chasm, and most people will not be tactless enough to criticize this.
Moreover, Gu Zhong can be considered to have brought glory to the country. Unfortunately, due to restrictions on the subject matter of films released in China, this movie, which won the Golden Horse Award for Best Film, is destined to never be shown to audiences in China.
Unsatisfied onlookers set up ladders and forwarded the post online, asking for the resources, which further fueled the hype.
Gu Zhong no longer received low-class variety show and advertising offers; a series of high-end fashion resources came her way, and famous directors extended olive branches to her.
Even the rumors circulating online that Gu Zhong used his capital to snatch the role of Qu Xiaoran in "The Astrologer" naturally fell apart on their own.
As for the actress who was rumored to have had her scene stolen, her studio, contrary to its usual aloof attitude, shamelessly released a belated statement, acknowledging the production team's previous clarification, which can be considered as clearing Gu Zhong of the long-standing stigma of stealing scenes from Qu Xiaoran's fans.
Even if they gain recognition now, the roles they missed are gone forever.
On the other hand, Qu Xiaoran also benefited from Gu Zhong's popularity, giving "The Astrologer," which had been struggling after filming wrapped, a new wave of attention.
While the entire internet was celebrating, a flood of photos of Gu Zhong and Ge Tan holding hands instantly dominated headlines once again.
There's even the photo of Ge Tan forcing Gu Zhong at the Xintan Restaurant last time. The person who took the photo was extremely skilled, making it look like Ge Tan was holding Gu Zhong in his arms, gazing at him tenderly.
The two, who had no connection whatsoever, were once again bound together.
Because Ge Tan had previously announced his relationship with Liu Wanjun, he suffered a considerable backlash, but the biggest attack was still directed at Gu Zhong.
The notion that "mistresses rise to power" is rampant.
This is yet another instance of Gu Zhong being morally questioned following rumors of him being kept by a sugar daddy.
In response, Lingyan could only release the timeline of Gu Zhong's relationship and breakup with Ge Tan, and issue a righteous and stern press release; there was nothing else she could do.
Who could have predicted that the Xintan incident could be used as a pretext? It's because she was too complacent that she can't find any other favorable evidence now.
"Investigate! You must find out who's behind this!"
"I'm not raising you guys to freeload. Suppress the online sentiment!"
After making numerous phone calls, Ling Yan could no longer suppress her anger and almost turned into a roaring emperor.
"Sister Yan, there's really no need for that..."
Reluctantly looking up from the script, Gu Zhong was clearly unconcerned about the online uproar.
As a newly crowned Best Actress, she has the right to be arrogant. Even if she has a flawed personal character, as long as she has the talent, she can keep a low profile in the future and it won't ruin her acting career.
"Cherish your reputation, start from the smallest things."
Lingyan glared at her fiercely.
Although it was mostly her own selfish desire, she didn't want such a pure person to be tainted by something that didn't belong to her.
"Mr. Ling, we've found it!"
The last phone call finally brought some useful information.
--------------------
Author's Note:
Ah, I suddenly realize I've been a bit lax. Women, you're slowing down my sword-drawing speed! (It's all Arknights' fault!)
Chapter 40 Agent and Movie Queen (Part 12)
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Chenxi, hearing that name again, Lingyan had to take it seriously. What grudge could a large company possibly have against a small-time actor? An individual's meager strength couldn't possibly hinder the company's overall development.
The only explanation is that someone of high rank and power in Chenxi is targeting Gu Zhong unilaterally. She should investigate the reason thoroughly, but for now—
"I heard that Chenxi is currently in talks with a special effects studio in the US?"
"Yes, Mr. Ling."
"Does Starlight have a project team for special effects production?"
"Indeed—but at the time the idea was to select talent from within China to form our own industry chain."
"Now, immediately, intercept them."
"President Ling, this..."
"Of course, it's not about taking over the entire studio and poaching the core personnel to come here for guidance."
"I won't offend others unless they offend me." Until we find out who's behind this, we'll have to trouble the entire Chenxi company to take the blame. This is just the first shot in the war behind the scenes.
A few days later, the online trolls created a new headline, which caught Lingyan somewhat off guard.
"Rising starlet's lesbian relationship exposed!"
"Recently, a passerby spotted a female celebrity surnamed Gu traveling together with her girlfriend in G Port. Their intimate behavior suggests that they may have developed feelings for each other while filming a drama."
In today's entertainment industry, men and women gain a huge following and become wildly popular by making LGBTQ+ videos, but once they become truly famous, no one wants to get involved in that area.
CP fans happily enjoy the sweet moments, but rarely involve reality, since it is still taboo in China today. Openly discussing it could lead to censorship.
However, these were not things Ling Yan was considering. Her question was: when did Gu Zhong and Shen Yue become so close?
"Explain."
Ling Yan threw a colorful gossip magazine in front of Gu Zhong and stood in front of her, looking down at her coldly.