The producer, evidently aware of the situation, sank into the sofa and said, "That bastard needs to be taught a lesson. I’ll contact the boss right now. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure they know who the real boss is here!"
The producer’s voice was gentle, without a hint of anger. But such calmness was even more intimidating! It’s like comparing a barking dog to a silent snake—you’d fear the snake more, wouldn’t you?
Director Xu Zheng took a deep breath and said, "I’ve long known the industry’s atmosphere is rotten, but I never expected it to be this bad! A minor celebrity dares to threaten me! If this isn’t resolved properly, how can I continue in this circle?"
The producer nodded, "Don’t worry, we won’t let you be bullied, and neither will the boss. He knows all about this and is very pleased with the new talent you picked. Initially, we used Huang Yi to appease *Eastern Media*, but they’ve crossed the line. It’s not our fault anymore."
Xu Zheng sighed, "What should I do?"
The producer smiled, "You don’t need to do anything right now. Just focus on your filming and maybe train the newcomer a bit. The boss is considering bringing him into our company."
Thinking of Qi Lin, Xu Zheng couldn’t help but smile. "I initially thought that kid was just good-looking, but he’s genuinely talented! He remembers any action sequence I teach him! If he joins our company, he’s bound to become a star."
The director then sighed, "I just hope this kid doesn’t get tainted by the dirty waters of the entertainment industry."
The producer, however, didn’t pay much attention to this. He stood up, patted Xu Zheng’s shoulder, and said, "Just focus on your work. That kid is probably experiencing this for the first time. Comfort him tomorrow and show him our goodwill."
Xu Zheng nodded, indicating he knew what to do. Seeing this, the producer smiled and left the director’s room. However, the moment he stepped out, his face turned grim.
He went straight back to his room, opened his laptop, and started looking into Qi Lin’s background. They wouldn’t use someone without understanding their history. In just an afternoon, producer Wang Xi had gathered most of Qi Lin’s information.
Looking at the numerous accolades, Wang Xi sneered.
Calling him a nobody? Prepare to be blinded by the truth!
Wang Xi started editing a post, and it didn’t take long before he had a complete write-up. After checking it over with pictures, he posted it on the now chaotic official Weibo account of "Falling City."
#You call this a nobody?#
The post featured Qi Lin’s information and some photos from his competitions.
Qi Lin, National-Level Athlete! National University All-Around Champion! All-Around Champion in the National Games Wushu Routine Competition! National Wushu Championships Gunshu Champion! Swordsmanship Runner-Up! Equestrian Runner-Up! National Youth Championships Champion!
Each honor was verifiable and accompanied by photos of Qi Lin at the time. Though he looked a bit green back then and wasn’t great at dressing up, he still had a clean, resolute look, if not exactly stunning.
Under these pictures, Wang Xi added a line:
"This is a talent who has brought glory to the country! Nepotism? We're lucky to have him guest star!"
"As for Huang Yi, I advise you to behave! Don’t make me reveal what you did on set!"
Wang Xi's last line was ruthless, the kind that sparks curiosity, especially about a controversial artist like Huang Yi. He had plenty of fans, but just as many haters!
The haters began speculating about what Huang Yi might have done on set and posted their guesses online, raising the buzz around both Huang Yi and "Falling City."
Naturally, Huang Yi wasn’t going to sit still. He also posted on Weibo, firmly denying any wrongdoing on set and playing the victim. His innocent act worked wonders on his die-hard fans, quickly rallying them to continue attacking the "Falling City" crew.
They couldn’t attack Qi Lin’s background anymore, so they focused on other points, like claiming an amateur couldn’t act.
At this point, director Xu Zheng and *Tangshi Media*’s CEO Han Wanli simultaneously posted on Weibo, showing their support for Qi Lin!
First was director Xu Zheng, who showered Qi Lin with praise on Weibo, though his compliments seemed like veiled criticisms of someone else:
"Qi Lin is the most responsible young actor I’ve ever seen. He never acts like a diva, never keeps the whole crew waiting, and certainly never just says '123456!'"
"Unlike some people who take a hundred times Qi Lin’s pay but are utterly repulsive."
"Now, I think it’s not just your acting that’s problematic, but your character too!"
Then came *Tangshi Media*’s CEO Han Wanli. Though he had few followers, those who did were all industry heavyweights!
"Qi Lin is a great young man, capable and able to save the day. Really good. I sincerely hope he goes far in this industry."
With just one sentence, he set the paparazzi buzzing! People in the industry speculated whether *Tangshi Media* would clash with *Eastern Media* over this.
Netizens also went wild. The number of people attacking Qi Lin grew, but so did his supporters! Many were former haters of Huang Yi. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend!
This was indeed a blessing in disguise for Qi Lin!
...
Early the next morning, Qi Weiguo drove his beloved minivan to take Qi Lin to the set. Qi Lin had a habit of morning exercises, so getting up early was no problem. He still looked energetic when they arrived at the set.
But he noticed the crew’s looks were a bit strange, with hints of sympathy or admiration?
Qi Lin couldn’t figure it out and even wondered if he had something stuck in his teeth.
He only found out when the effeminate makeup artist started doing his makeup.
"Qi Lin, you used to study martial arts! With so many honors, why turn to acting?"
Qi Lin felt awkward. He couldn’t exactly say it was for money.
So, he said seriously, "For the sake of art!"
"Qi Lin, don’t listen to those online trolls. They’re just jealous. You’re perfect for this role!"
Qi Lin replied, "What?"
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