Shi Yi

Chapter 1403 Popularity Breeds Trouble

"She's the protagonist of this drama?"

As soon as Wei Yumeng arrived on set, she overheard whispers from those around her.

Indeed, after visiting the other party's set, she had agreed to film.

This wasn't just for herself, but even more so for the children.

"Miss Wei, look, this is the film set we've already constructed. We've selected the best prop masters and set designers, and we aim to recreate the scenes in the story in the best possible state."

The director seemed very pleased with their costumes, makeup, and props, his face full of confidence.

Wei Yumeng had to admit that just looking at these elements, she could feel the effort the other party had put in.

Regardless of whether the final product was good or bad, the process itself was certainly worthy of respect.

But these alone were not enough for her to agree to join the filming.

"Oh, and look here, we've built a small scene specifically for the children. This height is just right for their performances."

"Wait, children?" Wei Yumeng blinked slightly. She hadn't heard that the children had anything to do with this.

The director looked a little embarrassed, finally remembering, "My apologies, Madam. I seem to have forgotten to explain. We actually have an intention to collaborate with the two children as well and have already sent applications to their agents. I believe we'll have a response soon."

Wei Yumeng's attitude began to waver.

If it were just for her participation, she was clearly unwilling.

But if the children were to join, that would be a different matter.

Assuming the children truly joined this film, they would be involved in long hours of shooting and work. How could she not worry?

However, if she were also a part of this film, she could stay by the children's side in another capacity.

The director, seeing Wei Yumeng's hesitation, quickly said, "Madam, I understand your concerns. So, as long as you agree, we can arrange the children's shooting dates to coincide with yours, allowing you to spend more time with them."

Ultimately, Wei Yumeng agreed, but it was for the children.

Her thoughts returned to the present, and the discontented remarks continued.

"She looks decent, but is it a bit too much for her to play the lead role right from the start?"

"If you ask me, she got this role through Young Master Zhan's connections. Otherwise, who would let her act?"

"I think so too. After all, given her status, is there anything she can't do if Young Master Zhan wishes it?"

"You saying that makes me feel a bit sorry for Young Master Zhan. Isn't he being used like a tool by this woman?"

Wei Yumeng had already prepared herself for such comments. She knew how unusual her situation was.

But the remarks about Zhan Mohan still made her uncomfortable.

She could only tell herself silently not to get into any conflicts here.

As long as the other party didn't do anything too excessive, she was willing to restrain her emotions as much as possible.

However, the world seemed determined to go against her.

"You are Wei Yumeng, aren't you? You don't look like much."

Now, instead of whispering behind her back, someone directly came to provoke her.

Wei Yumeng looked at the person. She seemed to have seen her before. Was her name Yang Liyun?

A staff member quickly stepped forward, "Miss Yang, this Mrs. Zhan is the protagonist personally selected by our director and producer. We hope you can show some respect."

"I respect her?" The other party sneered. "That's a huge joke. She inexplicably snatched the female lead role from me, and you expect me to respect her?"

Hearing this, Wei Yumeng understood why this person was targeting her.

For actors who were already arrogant, it was natural to be resentful if someone else took their role.

Especially if it was someone who looked as ordinary as her.

"It's alright, I don't mind," Wei Yumeng said to the staff member. "She's a bit emotional, and I can understand. I think she'll be fine after she's vented."

Wei Yumeng genuinely did not want to cause a scene here.

But the other party didn't see it that way. "Oh, look at you. The way you speak makes it sound like I'm being unreasonable, while you're playing the good person. I wonder if it's because you're good at pretending that you got this lead role, and even became the young madam of the Zhan Corporation."

Wei Yumeng's face began to turn grim, yet the other party continued.

"Judging by your expression, did I hit the nail on the head? Oh dear, poor Young Master Zhan, to have a wife like you?"

But as soon as she finished speaking, a voice came from the other side.

"I'm pitiful? What makes you say that?"

Wei Yumeng also blinked slightly. She had no idea Zhan Mohan would be here today.

She saw Zhan Mohan walking over with the director. The director was smiling broadly, clearly happy about something.

"Mohan, why are you here?" Wei Yumeng asked.

Zhan Mohan looked at her gently, "I just heard it was your first day on set, so I wanted to come and see, and also to check the filming environment for the children."

As he spoke, his tone suddenly shifted, becoming icy. "However, it seems that while the environment is decent, it can't control the manners of some people."

Hearing this, the director looked embarrassed and glanced at Yang Liyun.

"What is going on with you? Didn't I tell you before not to cause trouble on set?"

Yang Liyun looked defiant. "How can this be considered me causing trouble? It's clearly all your fault. You promised me the female lead role, and then you went and found her! You expect a top-tier actress like me to be a supporting character for her? I'm just not convinced!"

Wei Yumeng took a deep breath. If it weren't for the children, she wouldn't have wanted to participate in the filming in the first place. If this was truly the root of all the problems, then withdrawing wouldn't be an issue.

"Director, I think it would be best if I offered this lead role to her."

But as soon as she finished speaking, Zhan Mohan interjected, "Yumeng, I believe the female lead role in this movie is yours and yours alone."

Wei Yumeng blinked, not quite understanding what Zhan Mohan was trying to do.

She saw him glance at the director, who then sighed and said to Yang Liyun, "I'm sorry, Miss Yang, but I'm afraid we have to completely terminate the filming contract with you."

Yang Liyun still couldn't believe it. "Do you know what you're saying? The popularity this movie has garnered so far is all thanks to me. Without me, this movie is nothing but trash!"

Her almost ferocious expression was astonishing. No one would have imagined that an actress admired by the public could be so disrespectful of her own career.