Chapter 562: Si Fuqing’s Old Job, His Majesty’s Visit (1)
Chapter 562: Si Fuqing’s Old Job, His Majesty’s Visit (1)
Canceling a commission was no difficult task for him.
Of course, if it involved other families, he would not lift a finger for Gu Zhinan.
But for a mere drama crew? That was effortlessly within his capabilities.
“No problem,” Third Master LI said, smiling as he gently touched Gu Zhinan’s hand. “Zhinan, rest assured, with your daddy here, the Best Actress Award at this year’s National Drama Awards will certainly be yours.”
The National Drama Awards, in truth, were not particularly prestigious.
Not to mention, in these times, money could grease the wheels, and even the three premier awards were rife with backdoor dealings and shadows.
Gu Zhinan bit her lip, her complexion still pale, “But online…”
Her path was not that of an internet celebrity; her fans had been gradually accumulated.
Sixty percent of her fans were drama fans.
In terms of national popularity, she was far ahead of Si Fuqing.
After all, the television series that won her the Best TV Actress had the highest viewership of the year, and its online viewership had even surpassed ten billion.
But in terms of popularity, Si Fuqing was currently trending, with a young fanbase that Gu Zhinan simply could not compete with.
Especially since this time, the comparison was based on acting skill, and Gu Zhinan’s drama fans found themselves unable to defend her.
After watching Si Fuqing’s audition tape, Gu Zhinan felt somewhat unconvinced.
It wasn’t that she couldn’t play the part, but rather that there had been a misunderstanding in interpreting the character.
If Tang Haiqiu had written the character of Sui Yan with clearer traits, she would not have lost to a newcomer.
Gu Zhinan was confident she could perform better than Si Fuqing.
“What’s online?” Third Master LI lit a cigarette, appearing unconcerned. “I’ve seen plenty of this. It’s just for a few days. Isn’t your circle just about today you slander me, tomorrow I slander you?”
Sister Hua quickly interjected, “Third Master LI is right. Although Zhinan has had a tough time this round, her fans feel for her and are even more devoted.”
Abusing fans to solidify their loyalty was a common tactic in the entertainment industry.
Fans often viewed things through rose-tinted glasses, believing that Si Fuqing lacked respect for her seniors.
Quite a few of Gu Zhinan’s fans had become haters of Si Fuqing.
Gu Zhinan finally breathed a sigh of relief, her voice soft: “Thank you, Third Master.”
“You stay here today and keep Mr. LI company,” Sister Hua patted her shoulder. “I’ll handle the online situation. But you’re lucky today; that Lin something or other has drawn the fire away from you.”
Gu Zhinan nodded.
When Sister Hua left, she saw the butler mention that President LI was standing in front of a car.
LI Yanchen’s presence was so imposing that Sister Hua dared not linger and quickly left.
“President LI, about Si Fuqing that you asked me to investigate, here is her information,” the assistant handed over a document. “She’s friends with Shen Xi’s wife and has done a project proposal for the Lin family.”
“And previously, known as a young business prodigy, Zuo Xianyu has been stealing her work.”
The real estate project was competed by both the LI and Lin families, it was only won by the Lin family because of the perfect proposal.
LI Yanchen had reviewed the proposal and found it flawless.
After flipping through the thin two-page document, LI Yanchen commented,
“She is indeed pretty, no wonder she’s popular.”
The assistant couldn’t gauge his mood and hesitated to respond, instead changing the subject, “Miss Bai called a while ago to say dinner is ready, inviting you over.”
LI Yanchen came back to his senses and placed the document casually in the car, “Hmm, let’s go there.”
In An City, Northern State.
After Lin Wansu was expelled from the drama crew, other actors with ulterior motives became much more disciplined.
And Meng Xue, having no parts in the early stages and thus no standing or face to remain, left.
Tang Haiqiu ignored the online pleas for the crew to release a trailer or even just a few scenes.
Yet, it must be said, this was the smoothest shoot he had ever directed.
A shoot anticipated to take half a month was completed in just six days.
After today’s shooting, the crew was set to go to the canyon to film Sui Yan’s rebirth by fire in the demon cave.
It was also here that Sui Yan met the Demon Princess, sent down by the Demon Ruler for training.
A crucial scene.
“Not bad, you,” Tang Haiqiu rarely praised his old friend. “For your first time playing this type of role, you did quite well.”
MO Yishan, traditionally a film actor known for tough-guy roles, was taking on the ethereal role of a Celestial Ruler for the first time.
“Don’t praise me,” MO Yishan said, holding his forehead weakly. “I’m not that great; it was Teacher Si who helped me get into character..”