Director Zhang was furious watching the escalating online condemnation. He had always kept his productions under tight wraps, only starting promotions after filming wrapped, ensuring the quality. This had been his unwavering practice for decades. Now, with filming barely underway, such a barrage of negative news hit him, and how could he not be angry?
"Who leaked the news! Are the confidentiality agreements a joke?"
Affected by the negative publicity, the crew had to halt production. Every additional day meant mounting losses. Furthermore, the reputation of the production was tarnished, and even if filming concluded successfully, the broadcast would likely yield poor results. Director Zhang grew more incensed as he pondered.
He summoned his assistant, his face grim, and ordered, "Go find out who leaked the news!" He couldn't focus on anything else until this matter was resolved.
The assistant hesitated and then said, "Actually, I've heard some whispers about this."
Director Zhang looked up. "What did they say?"
"It seems to have originated from Tang Xiaoying's inappropriate remarks," the assistant replied, rubbing his hands and choosing his words carefully. "She auditioned for a role too, acting like she was guaranteed it. Later... when you decided to cast a newcomer, she was bound to be resentful."
Director Zhang scoffed. "Audition, audition. How else am I to know who to cast? Does she think that just because she's an award-winning actress, everyone has to defer to her? In my films, I cast whoever I want. Is it her place to dictate?"
This was Director Zhang's temperament. Once he made up his mind, he rarely wavered. While an actor was just one of many crucial factors in a film's success, they were undeniably vital.
"I like casting newcomers, so what? At least newcomers have spirit and are willing to listen!" Director Zhang's anger flared. "When she was a newcomer herself, wasn't her acting also mediocre? Oh, now she has some fame and she's getting cocky! Her unchanging acting style, who cares about it!"
"Director Zhang, please calm down," the assistant said, seeing his darkening complexion, and tried to placate him. "Your wife specifically asked you to avoid getting angry."
"Do you think I want to get angry? It's these people who are so self-important and out of touch!" Director Zhang cursed.
After venting, he gradually calmed down. "Go, contact Tang Xiaoying's agency and ask them what they mean. Are they saying they don't want to work with me anymore!"
"This... isn't that a bit excessive?" The assistant showed his difficulty.
"What, did you take some benefits from them?" Director Zhang's eyebrows shot up.
The assistant quickly waved his hands. "You're wrongly accusing me!"
"Then do as I say. If I don't show them a little fire, they'll never know the immensity of heaven and earth!" Director Zhang's standing in the industry had been unshakeable for decades. He was usually easygoing, but that didn't mean he had no temper.
Having dealt with that issue, Director Zhang gathered all the crew members for a pep talk. "Everyone, don't pay attention to the gossip outside. Just focus on finishing this film, and I'll treat everyone to a meal after wrap-up."
With Director Zhang's assurance, the actors felt considerably more at ease. Especially Han Yutong, the newcomer, who bore the brunt of the pressure. She had cried several times in the past two days reading comments on Weibo. Tang Xiaoying's rabid fans, in their zeal to defend their idol, had descended upon her social media accounts, spewing the most vile insults. As a young girl just starting out, she couldn't possibly handle it. Moreover, she hadn't yet signed with an agency and had no one to speak up for her, forcing her to bear it all alone.
It was Su He who felt pity for the young girl and arranged for someone from her company to act as a temporary assistant. Of course, Su He had ulterior motives; she wanted to sign this pretty young thing. Although her studio focused on creative work, it didn't preclude her from signing artists.
After spending a few days on Director Zhang's set, Su He suddenly developed an interest in filmmaking. She had once fantasized about turning her future renowned works into film and television dramas, casting her favorite actors. Now, she had taken the first step. In the future, her output would surely increase, and the likelihood of film adaptation would greatly improve. However, the cost of filmmaking was prohibitively high, often running into tens or even hundreds of millions. If she could cultivate her own actors, the costs would be significantly reduced. With this thought, Su He contemplated expanding her studio.
Han Yutong was a newcomer she had high hopes for, so she paid her extra attention. To outsiders, however, this action seemed to solidify the notion that she was using her influence to place people in the production. But Su He was not someone to easily compromise because of a few online comments. The more vicious they were, the more she felt it was a good thing. Because she was waiting for the day she could prove them wrong.
Su Lin also suffered from online abuse. He debuted as a singer and had previously stated his commitment to songwriting, turning down numerous acting opportunities, which had offended many. However, his fans were supportive, believing this was the proper attitude for an artist – focusing on music, not just making money. Therefore, the backlash was most severe on this point.
"Said so many good things about focusing on creation, and now you're eating your words?"
"How high and mighty you were before, unwilling to stoop to acting. I didn't expect you to be so quickly swayed by money!"
"The music market isn't booming now, so of course, acting pays more! Who would turn down money?"
"Even a musical prodigy bows to reality, tsk tsk..."
Su Lin's agent was so infuriated by these comments that her lungs felt like they would explode. "Are their eyes glued with shit? We explicitly said he was helping his sister, and wouldn't take a penny!"
"Money, money, money. Where do you see Su Lin making money? He's the one spending it!"
Su Lin, lying on the sofa reading a script, rubbed his temples at his agent's nagging. "Sister, can I just focus on memorizing my lines?"
The agent stopped and turned back in surprise. "You're not angry at all?"
"I've already noted down the most aggressive anti-fans. Remember to send them lawyer's letters later," Su Lin said. He wouldn't get angry at brainless people; he'd just sue them.
Seeing his composure, the agent relaxed slightly. "Don't go online for a while. And don't make any statements, understand?" She remembered the last incident and was afraid he would act impulsively. She had almost lost all her hair cleaning up his mess.
Su Lin nodded perfunctorily and then lowered his head to continue memorizing his lines. It wasn't that he was being picky, but Su He's writing was so saccharine!
Fans followed their idols. Su Lin was so calm, and his fans were the same. Over the years, what kind of storms hadn't they weathered? They had faced far greater challenges! When Su Lin quietly filmed, they didn't bother him but showed their support through their actions. As the star filmed, his fans grandly sent food trucks, treating the entire crew to afternoon tea.
"Are these from Su Lin's fans? This is too extravagant!" The assistant director, upon learning it was Su Lin footing the bill, beamed. Honestly, filming in isolation daily with boxed lunches had made everyone weary.
Su Lin glanced at the large posters on the trucks, seemingly unfazed. "Everyone has worked hard these past few days." He implicitly acknowledged it.
"Truly the fans of a top-tier star!"
"This looks delicious. Thank you, Teacher Su!"