The news of "Spirit Fox Chronicle" faking its box office spread across the internet like wildfire.
While relevant authorities were still investigating, the leaked information suggested it was primarily fans engaging in indirect ticket-buying, rather than large-scale manipulation by the production. In fact, such practices were quite common within the industry. Fans wanting to support their idols, while avoiding outright ticket scalping, would ask friends to buy tickets and then transfer the money back. Among fans, this was known as "treating" someone – essentially, treating a friend to watch a movie.
Normally, official bodies would turn a blind eye to such activities.
After all, it was difficult to condemn this method. As long as it didn't involve one person buying tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of tickets, leading to "ghost screenings" where tickets were sold but no audience showed up, or the more egregious practice known in the industry as "brick moving" – collaborating with cinemas to issue tickets for movie B when the audience wanted movie A – the authorities wouldn't intervene.
However, the official investigation signaled something unusual to many industry insiders.
"Is this a warning shot to overseas capital?"
"Sort of. Many overseas entertainment companies are still on the fence. If Cas Entertainment is allowed to enter the domestic entertainment scene so smoothly, other companies will likely follow without hesitation."
"Isn't it good to have so many big companies entering the domestic market, leading to a blooming of talent?"
"You don't understand. Culture is also a form of warfare. Otherwise, why would the authorities ban effeminate males?"
"The government has been promoting traditional culture these past few years, preparing for this battle. A nation without cultural confidence is a pathetic one."
"Exactly. Otherwise, why would South Korea claim our traditional culture? They know that besides military might, these are the sources of national confidence."
The matter of "Spirit Fox Chronicle" was still awaiting official confirmation.
The entire entertainment industry's attention was focused on it.
However, Lin Yanzhi felt incredibly frustrated.
These were all unforeseen events. He had initially felt that with the support of Cas Entertainment, everything would go smoothly. He hadn't expected to be pinned down and beaten before even starting.
He scrolled through the news online, a frown creasing his brow.
When he saw Zhang Qingyun post ten consecutive Weibo messages, smugly mocking him, Lin Yanzhi could no longer hold back.
But in this critical moment, it wasn't opportune for him to step forward. After some thought, a faint smile played on his lips.
"Get me the group number for Zhang Qingyun's fan group!"
He said to his agent.
Not long after, his agent sent him a group number.
This was Zhang Qingyun's fan group, which now had only a few hundred members.
【Yan Zhi You Li has applied to join the group chat.】
【9527 has applied to join the group chat.】
"Huh? Someone's joining the group?"
Since he had lost followers, Zhang Qingyun hadn't seen anyone join the group for a long time. Now, two people were applying. Could it be that his previous fans regretted their actions?
There were still over six hundred people in the group, his most loyal fans, who had been comforting, supporting, and anticipating his comeback.
Reading their words of encouragement filled Zhang Qingyun with renewed determination. He planned to find connections to join a theater troupe to hone his acting skills, taking a steady step-by-step approach.
With this thought, he clicked to accept the applications.
"Believe me, when I reappear, you will be proud of me!"
Zhang Qingyun posted a message in the group.
"We definitely will be! We look forward to your evolutionary journey!"
"Keep it up, we're all waiting for you!"
"We won't chant the slogan anymore, it's been ruined by haters. But we fans are very happy that you've decided to hone your acting skills. We anticipate your magnificent transformation!"
Seeing the overwhelming support in the group.
A surge of passion rushed to his head.
Just then.
The newly added member, 9527, suddenly posted a message: "Selling movies, two yuan each. Add WeChat 9527, 4K Blu-ray!"
Zhang Qingyun immediately exploded.
He thought it was a fan, but it turned out to be a damned scalper!
However, Zhang Qingyun had no experience managing groups and didn't know how to kick people out.
As he was about to ask the group members, the user "Yan Zhi You Li" suddenly sent him a private message.
"Brother Qingyun, quickly kick him out, or the group might get banned."
Zhang Qingyun panicked. This group was his last hope and solace. If it were banned, he might break down. He immediately asked "Yan Zhi You Li," "How do I kick someone out?"
The other party very professionally sent him screenshots with explanations.
After some maneuvering, the movie seller was finally kicked out.
"Thank you, brother." Zhang Qingyun said gratefully.
He had initially thought of Lin Yanzhi's Weibo username "Yan Zhi You Li" when he saw the ID "Yan Zhi You Li." But then he dismissed the idea. After all, it was an idiom, and using it as an ID was quite clever. If it were truly Lin Yanzhi, he wouldn't be foolish enough to use a similar name to join his fan group. Besides, Lin Yanzhi would likely be furious right now and wouldn't be so bored as to join his fan group.
"It's nothing. Actually, I'm a girl! And I'm a loyal fan of yours. I'm so happy to see you getting back up. Keep it up!" The other party also sent a playful emoji.
In the past, Zhang Qingyun would have paid no attention to such fans, but now he cherished them dearly.
Perhaps because "Yan Zhi You Li" had helped him just now, he felt favorably towards this person.
They chatted for a long time.
He found that the other person understood him perfectly, clearly a die-hard fan. The resonance on a soul level opened him up, and they talked for over an hour. During this time, Zhang Qingyun poured out his troubles, and "Yan Zhi You Li" constantly comforted him.
"Brother Qingyun, let's chat again next time. I need to go take a shower."
"Okay, rest early."
Zhang Qingyun sent the other party a goodbye sticker.
Just as he was about to exit the chat interface, he suddenly noticed another message: "By the way, Brother, since you're usually busy, if you don't see messages in the group, the group might be banned if someone violates the rules. So, if you have time, it would be best to find a moderator."
Zhang Qingyun found this suggestion very reasonable.
Previously, the group's moderators were from the company. When the company handed the group over to him, the moderators naturally left the group.
"Do you have a lot of time?" he asked again.
"Brother, do you want me to help manage it? I have plenty of time, although I'm afraid I won't manage the group well." The other party sent a cute emoji.
"It's fine, it doesn't require much management. Just kick people out if they post violating messages."
"Okay... okay, I will definitely help Brother guard this group!"
"Thank you. It's wonderful to have you all. I will work hard!"
Then.
Under the prompt from "Yan Zhi You Li," Zhang Qingyun granted them administrator privileges.
After a few more pleasantries, he exited the group chat.
Late into the night.
Zhang Qingyun received a reply from the theater troupe.
They confirmed that they could accept him and instructed him to report for duty the next day.
The burden that had been weighing on his heart finally lifted.
It was well-known in the industry that acting in stage plays was the ultimate test of acting skills, and live performances offered no room for retakes, providing immense benefits for honing one's craft.
Therefore, it was the best method for many actors to refine their acting.
Zhang Qingyun's decision to abandon his top-tier status and start anew at a theater troupe was a testament to his considerable resolve.
He believed that upon waking up tomorrow, it would surely be a beautiful, sunny day!