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Chapter 539: Going on the Trending Search Again, A Slap in the Face Warning (2)

Calvin and Xia Zuo were internationally renowned directors, top names in the action sci-fi genre.

Their movies always premiered at the same time, competing fiercely with each other to the death.

“Archenemies tend to come together for such occasions,” Gu Wenzhu replied helplessly. “Next year, they’ll be competing again to see who’s the top in action sci-fi films.”

Si Fuqing fell silent, finding the situation all too similar to that of T18 and Zero.

“If there’s anything else, contact me,” Gu Wenzhu added. “I’ve been quite idle lately, with nothing to do. If you don’t put me to work, I’ll feel restless.”

“Of course,” Si Fuqing responded emotionlessly, “since I’ve drawn seven design sketches for you.”

“What can I say? You’re the Right Hand of God,” Gu Wenzhu said leisurely. “The capable are burdened with more work.”

Si Fuqing remained silent once more, then slowly added, “Teacher, please stop referring to me by that cringe-worthy title.”

She felt embarrassed by it.

After the call ended, Si Fuqing casually added a couple more strokes to the rice paper, “Sister Sang, I’ve finished the drawing.”

Sang Yanqing walked over and upon seeing the drawing on the table, she spoke softly, “Didn’t I tell you to just doodle something?”

Si Fuqing glanced at her, “That’s exactly what I did.”

Sang Yanqing was left wondering if their definitions of “doodle” were perhaps a bit different.

Si Fuqing added, “I really slacked off on this. If my teacher saw it, he’d beat me up.”

“Fine,” Sang Yanqing sighed, feeling exhausted, “I’ll submit your work. You go have dinner with them.”

Si Fuqing gestured an OK sign.

Meanwhile, Great Xia TV announced the filming plan for “The Birth of an Employee” online, to much anticipation from netizens.

After all, the six episodes of “Survival 66 Days” amounted to only 24 hours of content, which was hardly enough for the audience.

[I’m on my knees, please produce more high-quality variety shows akin to “Survival 66 Days.l]

[Can other networks take note, no need to hire famous ones, hire the capable ones.]

[Indeed, it was Xu Jianian’s appearance that initially drew me to “Survival 66 Days.” His looks truly captivated me, and among the young actors, few could match his charm in historical costumes. However, within the variety show setting, he seemed to lack memorable moments and punchlines.

Moreover, standing beside Si Fuqing, the divine beauty, Xu Jianian’s presence nearly faded from my memory, leading to my disappointment.]

[I pondered how Xu Jianian ascended to popularity. Was it merely based on his looks?]

[With Si Fuqing’s stunning appearance, how could anyone else’s looks be considered an advantage in the entertainment industry?]

Unanticipated by Xu Jianian’s team, “Survival 66 Days” not only failed to boost his popularity but also led to a decline in his follower count.

Many netizens began to question the substance behind his status as a top celebrity.

Xu Jianian’s agent was notably irate, “Look at this, she’s barely started in the industry and is already trying to undermine you. Sang Yanqing is indeed no easy opponent.”

He refused to believe these were solely the opinions of the public.

It must have been Sang Yanqing who hired internet trolls to boost Si Fuqings profile at Xu Jianian’s expense.

Xu Jianian sighed, “I indeed didn’t perform well. I’m not suited for variety shows. I should just focus on acting.”

“Focus on your work. I won’t let her tarnish your reputation so easily,” his agent retorted with a sneer, determined to retaliate. “If she wants to go to trending again, then I’ll help her.”

With a decisive gesture, the agent mobilized marketing accounts and paid trolls to highlight a clip where Si Fuqing offered to introduce Yuan Heping to new resources, sharing it on social media.

Soon, the hashtag “Si Fuqing Offers Yuan Heping Resources” trended online.

[Has Si Fuqing become delusional, offering Yuan Heping, an actor with numerous accolades, resources?]

[Yuan Heping has already won all three major awards. What could Si Fuqing possibly offer him?]

[The claim is so bold, it’s beyond belief.]

[This must be a casual remark, nothing serious. I could say the same.]

As the discussion heated up, Yuan Heping himself posted on social media.

[@YuanHepingV: My ‘girl’ has already provided me with the resources, which arrived today. She wasn’t lying. Also, regardless of what resources my ‘girl’ has offered, I’m very pleased. Stop spreading rumors; we have a good relationship.] Yuan Heping’s statement quelled the speculative frenzy.

[Indeed, offering resources is a gesture of goodwill; why view it with such materialistic skepticism?]

[How coincidental that the resources arrived today? I’m skeptical.] [This trend must be a self-promotion by Si Fuqing. What a strategy…]

At that moment, Yuan Heping was dining with the director of “Seeking the Lost” at his home.

Shaking his head, he remarked, “Alas, I’m indeed getting old. The online debates can be quite bothersome.”

Had it not been to clarify things for Si Fuqing, he wouldn’t have bothered with social media.

“Miss Si has really put her heart into it,” the director joked. “Brother Yuan, she went out of her way to secure these film resources for you. You must take the role seriously.”

The entertainment industry is rife with individuals who prioritize personal gain over relationships.

The director had seen numerous friendships fall apart over resources.

“Of course, of course, ” Yuan Heping responded warmly. “No junior has ever offered me resources before. I’m certainly going to accept.”

“Her acting skills are commendable,” the director said, lighting a cigarette. “If only the movie’s release could help the LI family find their child.”

Choosing the holiday season for the movie’s release was strategic, aiming to capitalize on the higher cinema footfall.

“I didn’t steer you wrong, did I?” Yuan Heping was in high spirits. “I have high hopes for her. She’s bound to gain international fame.” The two continued their conversation over drinks.

Outside the villa, a car parked behind some bushes.

“Do you think we’ll really catch a headline story?” a paparazzo inquired, peering out. “I bet Yuan Heping is just clearing the air for Si Fuqing on social media. There’s probably no real ‘resource’ that arrived today.”

“Who knows, let’s wait and see,” the paparazzo leader replied, cigarette in mouth. “If we don’t catch anything, we can just report what Si Fuqing said as fake. ”

Admiring his boss’s acumen, the junior paparazzo agreed.

The trio waited in the car until the sun began to set, nearly dozing off before being startled awake.

“Hurry, someone is knocking on Yuan Heping’s door,” the paparazzo leader excitedly aimed his camera. “Let’s see who he’s meeting. Is it the person Si Fuqing introduced?”

The juniors quickly grabbed their binoculars and cameras. “A tree’s in the way; it’s hard to see clearly. But judging by the hair color, could it be a foreigner?”

“Let’s get out and find a better spot,” the leader suggested, exiting the car first.

“Follow me, and don’t get caught.”

As a top idol in the industry, Si Fuqing was closely watched by the media.

Yet, despite their efforts, they had failed to capture any personal details about her, which was quite odd.

Although they might not catch Si Fuqing in action this time, securing footage of her introducing resources to Yuan Heping could still fulfill their quota.

Yuan Heping, aware that a director introduced by Si Fuqing was visiting that afternoon, promptly went to the door upon hearing the knock.

Following him, the director expressed his curiosity about who Si Fuqing had recommended.

“Enough with the curiosity. I know you want to see,” Yuan Heping chided playfully. “I didn’t ask you to leave.”

The director scratched his head in embarrassment.

As Yuan Heping opened the door, he was greeted by two Westerners, standing side by side..