Chapter 179 Sorry [VIP]

Chapter Summary: A long mouth is for speaking clearly.

Every time news about Mu Zhi's next movie is revealed, it sparks heated discussions.

Logically speaking, after collaborating with renowned directors Wan Zhou, Hong Yan, and Tang Yan, which famous director in the film industry would Mu Zhi collaborate with on her next film?

Netizens are used to this and there's nothing surprising about it anymore.

Furthermore, according to marketing accounts, Mu Zhi's new drama, co-starring with renowned director Wan Zhou, is scheduled to begin filming in early June. Generally, an actor's next project is decided well in advance. Therefore, when Mu Zhi was approached for this new drama and signed a letter of intent, "Escape from the Game" had not yet been released or achieved any results.

So even if Mu Zhi is still playing the second lead in her new drama, there's nothing to mock.

Those netizens who used to mock Mu Zhi have been proven wrong too many times. Now, their first thought about Mu Zhi's new drama is: if Mu Zhi can agree to take the role, then the script must be very good.

If Mu Zhi is the lead actress in this new film, it's normal, and no one will question her ability to carry the box office.

But what shocked netizens was that Mu Zhi was collaborating with renowned director Wan Zhou again, as the lead actress! Further investigation into the filing information for Mu Zhi's new film, "Doomsday Virus," revealed an even more significant discovery: according to fan circles, this is undoubtedly a female-centric film?

It's still a post-apocalyptic disaster story told from the female lead's perspective, and the filing clearly states three words: Big Production.

Among the trending topics, the top comments from netizens in the comment section are:

"Holy crap, I'm totally blown away! I'm kneeling before Mu Zhi, this movie resource is insane!"

"Mu Zhi has always been a pioneer, a true trailblazer. She's made a name for herself in the film industry; Mu Zhi is amazing!"

"This is truly top-tier film funding. What's even more astonishing is that this funding was secured before the release of Mu Zhi's new film. It seems the industry really has high hopes for her."

"Mu Zhi + renowned director Wan Zhou + sci-fi disaster film, if it's well-made, it has the potential to be the top-grossing film in China!! I'm really looking forward to this movie, hurry up and film it!"

"Ahhhh, I'm a Mu Zhi fan! Someone pinch me! Is this movie deal real? Slurp, slurp, this looks so good, my mouth is watering!"

"Last year, Chi Yue used Mu Zhi to create hype and comparisons, but now it's a joke. Mu Zhi stopped associating with her contemporaries a long time ago. She's going to steal the male actors' jobs. She's the first actress in the film industry to carry a big-budget commercial film. This woman is truly amazing."

Some netizens also questioned:

"Does the industry really have such high hopes for Mu Zhi, or is Director Wan Zhou trying to promote her? Although Mu Zhi is currently riding high, I still have to say something: with the support of the IP, it's hard to say whether Mu Zhi will have any box office appeal in the film industry."

It's impossible for the industry to let a single actress carry a big-budget film that's aiming for billions at the box office. Mu Zhi can't handle that."

"Wait and see +1. The main actors haven't been announced yet, right? I bet there'll definitely be a male lead or a co-star with Mu Zhi. Looking at the film's filing information, they're portraying a female hero. That can't be right, can it? Is there a market for that? Will audiences buy into it?"

"Can anyone explain why director Wan Zhou is promoting Mu Zhi so much? Mu Zhi had more screen time than Tai Feng in 'Countdown,' and now she's got this huge movie role coming up. Does she have a sugar daddy or sugar mommy behind her?"

Then, some netizens discovered that the primary producer of "Doomsday Virus" was Lanxing Media.

More dissenting voices have emerged:

"Oh wow, case solved! It turns out it was a 'big-budget' production that our own company was heavily investing in."

"So Wan Zhou was just doing his job for the money. This is his first time making a sci-fi disaster film, and Lanxing Media is the primary production company. Plus, this project is too big, so... emmm, this pie isn't so appealing anymore."

"Let me put it this way: even with Wan Zhou involved, Mu Zhi can't carry a big-budget commercial film. This movie is unlikely to be of high quality. This box office darling is going to turn into box office poison, and Mu Zhi will have to go back to making period dramas."

"Lanxing Media is really over-promoting Mu Zhi, investing hundreds of millions in her productions. Do they really have that much confidence in her?"

......

Mu Zhi's fans: ? ? ? This is infuriating.

Seeing the massive online discussion, coupled with Mu Zhi's appearance on the cover of a top-tier magazine last month and her responses to reporters' questions in a written interview:

"Now that actresses from the same period are all gathered in Hengcheng, each with a leading role in a female-centric drama, would you also consider taking on a leading role in a web series or TV drama?"

The idol's response: "Why can't it be a female-led movie? (Just kidding) I hope there will be more female-led scripts in the film industry."

So it's highly likely that Mu Zhi will be collaborating with a renowned director again in her next project.

Every time fans are happily anticipating a great project, some netizens jump in to pour cold water on it and act disgusting. What's wrong with a show produced by the company? Did they eat your rice?

Big-budget films are made, of course, for the purpose of making money.

Every drama starring the idol is profitable, so of course the company has high hopes for Muzhi!

As fans, they naturally have high hopes for Muzhi and will fully support her.

Minmin rolled her eyes in anger after reading some of the comments online.

"It hasn't even started filming yet, and every time someone says it's going to fail, these people are so annoying."

Mu Zhi smiled nonchalantly, knowing that Minmin now viewed her through a fan's lens. Fans naturally appreciate and support their idols' work, thinking that such a great subject matter, collaboration with a renowned director, and another leading role make them overjoyed.

In the eyes of some netizens, they look at the issue from various angles. Some of their statements are actually not wrong, while others are clearly malicious attacks, so they should just ignore them.

Mu Zhi is not afraid of having her resources trampled on.

She is not a god, she is a human being. Director Wan Zhou may have the aura of a great director, but she is just like any other director.

Before filming begins and before the film is released to be tested by the audience, no matter how confident you are in your work, you still don't know what the final result will be.

This requires the entire production team to work together to create, and this applies to every single work.

Mu Zhi knows that to reach her current position, she needs to maintain a calm and humble mind, as well as a strong heart, to filter out the noise and focus on the present, the work at hand, and to make the film well.

Throughout her journey, what she's best at is slapping people in the face.

She was confident that this time would be the same.

Late May.

Before joining the cast of her new film, Mu Zhi came to do voice acting for the movie "Claws".

Upon meeting, the usually stern and unsmiling director Hong Yan gave Mu Zhi a thumbs up.

"Zhizhi, I heard you're going to be working with Director Wan again in your next film. The subject matter of the new film is very good. Keep up the good work."

Director Hong Yan's gaze towards Mu Zhi changed.

To be honest, Hong Yan has collaborated with Mu Zhi twice and greatly admires her.

I also agree with the industry's evaluation of Mu Zhi: she is a good actress, dedicated, and popular. Her personal works have a good reputation. Working with such an excellent actress as Mu Zhi is very reassuring and worry-free.

However, he was still somewhat chauvinistic and thought that Mu Zhi, a relatively popular young actress in the film industry in the last two years, would be a good choice to play the female lead in his film.

I never thought of making a play and having Mu Zhi play the absolute lead role.

Now, Hong Yan sensed that the actress Mu Zhi was extraordinary; the film industry would be transformed because of her, becoming a fresh and creative force.

His understanding of actresses is rather narrow.

Mu Zhi was unaware of Director Hong Yan's feelings. She greeted him as usual and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Then came Tai Feng.

Last year, Mu Zhi was bitten on the hand by a spider while filming in Country Z and was hospitalized for observation for a day. Tai Feng somehow found out about this and sent Mu Zhi a message to check on her.

It was the afternoon of the next day when Mu Zhi received Tai Feng's message. She had been discharged from the hospital and was waiting on set at the time. She replied that she was fine and had already started filming.

On the third day after she returned to China.

Mu Zhi received another message from Tai Feng, inviting her to dinner.

At that time, Mu Zhi had already confirmed her feelings for He Zhiyue, so she politely declined.

Now that we've met, a subtle awkwardness hangs in the air.

Mu Zhi took the initiative to greet her: "Teacher Tai, it's been a long time."

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Tai Fengchao nodded slightly to Mu Zhi and walked away with his team.

Actually, this wasn't their first reunion after filming wrapped. At a grand event before the Lunar New Year, Tai Feng saw Mu Zhi again, separated by about ten seats and other artists searching for their seats.

But Mu Zhi didn't see him.

That day, after the voice-over was completed.

Tai Feng walked out of the dubbing room somewhat dejectedly, having once again experienced the "death separation" of the male and female leads, leaving a void in his heart.

He wasn't just saying goodbye to a character, but also to a relationship that ended without a trace.

The movie "Claws" is tentatively scheduled for release during the summer vacation, at the end of July.

Mu Zhi wanted to discuss the schedule for the promotional tour with the director, so she offered to treat everyone to a meal. She explained that she would be busy filming on set and wouldn't be able to take many days off, so the director and Tai Feng would have to work hard on the tour.

I feel particularly apologetic towards Tai Feng.

The group arrived at the restaurant.

During the dinner, Mu Zhi went to the restroom from the private room.

I ran into Tai Feng in the corridor.

Mu Zhi could tell that Tai Feng seemed to have something to say to her, and was trying to figure out how to start the conversation.

She said proactively, "Teacher Tai, I'm sorry, last time it was 'Countdown' and this time it's 'Claws'. I've run into you filming on set while I'm doing promotional tours. I'll have to trouble you then."

All things considered, Tai Feng only spent a few more days on the roadshow for "Countdown" than Mu Zhi.

Tai Feng: "I'm the male lead, so I have more screen time and more topics to talk about. It's only right that I do more promotional tours in more cities. You don't need to feel sorry."

Mu Zhi nodded: "Thank you."

After waiting for a while, seeing that Tai Feng still showed no sign of speaking.

She walked towards the private room, and after taking only a few steps, she heard Tai Feng's voice behind her.

"Teacher Mu, your previous answer was that you were busy with your career and didn't have time to consider anything else."

"I can wait for you."

Mu Zhi paused, turning to look at Tai Feng in surprise, only to find him with a serious expression and a determined gaze.

She hadn't actually considered looking for someone in the industry, or rather, she didn't want to look for actors. For this reason, Mu Zhi always regarded Tai Feng as a colleague she worked with, nothing more.

Although the two collaborated on two films, they had very little contact in private.

Her memory of Tai Feng was vague.

Mu Zhi is also an insider in the industry and knows that celebrities are generally very guarded.

An artist of Tai Feng's stature is always the one being fawned over by others.

Mu Zhi thought that after she politely declined the dinner invitation before the New Year, Tai Feng should have let it go.

Who knew... This time, we need to make things clear completely, so as to put an end to Tai Feng's thoughts and not waste time on her.

Mu Zhi confessed, "I'm sorry, I already have someone I like." To avoid Tai Feng misunderstanding that she was deceiving him by saying she was busy with her career while actually dating someone else, which would negatively impact his impression of her and affect their cooperation during the movie promotion.

A long beak means you have to speak clearly.

Mu Zhi explained, "However, we're not together yet." She then added, seemingly afraid that Tai Feng might misunderstand and think there was still a chance.

She added, "But I'm sorry."

When Tai Feng heard Mu Zhi say that she already had someone she liked, he realized that he had no chance. He found it a little funny when he heard Mu Zhi add patches to her story.

Tai Feng sighed inwardly, then smiled gently at Mu Zhi: "I understand, Teacher Mu. I wish you happiness."

Tai Feng's good manners in letting go made Mu Zhi feel relieved. "Thank you."

The little incident between her and Tai Feng was thus completely put to rest.

On June 6th, the disaster film "Doomsday Virus" began filming at the Qingdao Film and Television Industrial Park.

This day is also Mu Zhi's birthday.

On the day filming began, the official Weibo account posted a concept poster for the movie, which listed the production companies, with Lanxing Media listed as the first.

The cast has not been officially announced. Mu Zhi plays the female lead, while the male lead is Bian Wu, an artist from Lanxing Media. The villain is played by big-name actor Liu Jiaxu, and several other big-name artists have also been invited to join the cast. As a big-budget production, the cast is naturally super luxurious.

This is the first drama produced by Lanxing Media. Due to the subject matter, the filming period will take several months, plus the time for post-production, making the "battle line" even longer. Therefore, there is no need to rush to promote it; keeping a low profile is the right thing to do.

Ji Binghe also came to the scene. With an executive president overseeing things, she was able to reduce her workload and wasn't as busy.

The movie that started filming today is a major project mainly invested in by the company, and it's also Mu Zhi's birthday. Ji Binghe has already informed the crew that the whole crew will have a dinner together after work. Firstly, to celebrate the auspicious start of filming and to strengthen relationships between different departments within the crew; secondly, to celebrate Mu Zhi's birthday.

He Zhiyue also came to Qingdao.

He did not attend the opening ceremony; he only arrived at the film crew in the afternoon.

He Zhiyue, as the initiator of the film project, ostensibly came to check on the first day of filming for this major project. He treated the crew to dinner that evening, and also took the opportunity to celebrate Mu Zhi's birthday with everyone.

Ji Binghe knew He Zhiyue's ulterior motives, so she specially chose to fly over on the day filming started, using official business as a pretext for personal reasons, most likely to celebrate Mu Zhi's birthday.

It was perfectly legitimate for He Zhiyue and the entire crew to celebrate Mu Zhi's birthday together, and there was nothing wrong with that, so Ji Binghe just let it go.

The opening ceremony has concluded.

Mu Zhi arrived at the scene after getting ready for her role. Her new character is a doctor at a medical research institute. Her hair was neatly tied into a low ponytail at the back of her head. She wore a white lab coat over a white shirt, black trousers, and flat shoes.

This character is somewhat similar to the female translator she played in the previous film, but her temperament is completely different. The female PhD appears more intelligent, calm, and decisive.

There will also be a small prop to help shape the character: glasses. When Mu Zhi wears the glasses, she will look closer to the character.

After the "end of the world" arrives, the characters will disguise themselves to avoid being recognized, and will have other looks, so they will be quite different from the previous characters.

On the first day of filming, the scenes were set indoors in a “laboratory”.

After Mu Zhi arrived at the scene and greeted the other actors, she walked over to Director Wan Zhou, where He Zhiyue was also present.

"Teacher Mu."

"President He."

Standing behind her, Minmin watched He Zhiyue and Mu Zhi greet each other in a serious but unfamiliar manner, and found it inexplicably funny.

She struggled to suppress her laughter, afraid of being seen, so she quietly turned her back to "release" her emotions.

Turning her head, Minmin noticed a guest actor standing not far away, staring intently in their direction.

Noticing Minmin's gaze, the person immediately pretended nothing was wrong, turned their head to the side, and walked away.

Minmin nudged her assistant Xiaoling's arm, gesturing for Xiaoling to look at the extra: "That guy was acting weird, like he was staring at Sister Zhizhi."

Assistant Xiaoling: "Could it be that she's a fan of Sister Muzhi?"

Fans? That's possible, Minmin thought: Maybe I'm being too sensitive?

Director Wan Zhou, Mu Zhi, and He Zhiyue were talking when they were suddenly called away by the assistant director, and the two or three staff members who were standing around them immediately dispersed.

Only Mu Zhi and He Zhiyue were left staring at each other, and the atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.

The two spoke at the same time.

"I'll wait for Director Wan here."

"I'm going to wait over there."

After saying that, they each found it somewhat amusing.

Mu Zhi stopped smiling and turned to walk towards the actors' rest area. A female actress wearing the same white coat passed by and suddenly twisted her ankle, almost falling towards Mu Zhi.

Seeing this, Ah Hu, the bodyguard standing nearby, quickly grabbed the actress's arm to prevent her from falling onto Mu Zhi.

"Be careful." He Zhiyue, who was closest to Mu Zhi, reacted quickly and reached out to pull Mu Zhi's arm back a few steps.

He noticed that the actress who was about to fall was holding a thermos, and worried that the lid wasn't screwed on properly and hot water might spill out.

Seeing that the bodyguard had caught the actress in time and that Mu Zhi was unharmed, He Zhiyue immediately let go of her hand.

Mu Zhi said to He Zhiyue, "Thank you."

He Zhiyue: "You're welcome."

The actress first knelt down to check if her foot was injured, then thanked the bodyguard, and finally apologized to Mu Zhi, "Ms. Mu, I'm sorry, are you alright?"

It was just a false alarm. Mu Zhi reminded the other person to walk slowly on set and be more careful.

Minmin, who was standing to the side, had an indescribable feeling. She thought of something and immediately turned her head to look in the direction of the extra who had been staring at Muzhi. She saw that the person had just put down his phone.

Minmin frowned and walked over, asking the extra what he had just been filming.

"No, I didn't take any pictures. I was just checking the time." To show that he hadn't taken any pictures of Mu Zhi, the extra proactively pulled up the photo album for Minmin to see.

No, there isn't one. The most recent photo I took was yesterday.

Minmin glanced at the extra with suspicion, said "Excuse me," and left.

She thought she would ask the assistant director later if this person was a special extra, and whether extras were allowed to bring their phones onto the set.

I always felt that this person was acting a bit suspiciously.

As soon as Minmin left, the extra smiled to himself and turned off his phone.

He was one step ahead; he clicked "take a picture" in the chat box, and the photo he took had already been sent.

Liu Rui was extremely displeased when she saw the news of Mu Zhi's new drama starting filming on the trending search list.

Although there are doubts online about whether Mu Zhi can handle big-budget commercial films, "Doomsday Virus" is a very good resource for actresses.

Even if there's a risk of failure, I'd still want to act in it.

Liu Rui felt both jealous and resentful towards Mu Zhi; if it weren't for Mu Zhi, this should have been her resource.

Angrily, Liu Rui logged off Weibo, and then received a new message on WeChat.

She clicked on the link and saw that someone from the film crew had sent her a close-up picture of He Zhiyue and Mu Zhi together. He Zhiyue was holding Mu Zhi's arm with concern in his eyes, and Mu Zhi was looking back at him. The two were looking at each other.

The two made physical contact, blurring the view of the other people around them, creating an ambiguous atmosphere.

Liu Rui coldly raised the corners of her mouth. Lanxing Media had taken a great risk by producing this drama, and she knew that part of the reason the company wanted to keep Mu Zhi and renew her contract with the company was because of this.

And, He Zhiyue did it all to win a smile from the beauty?

In recent years, He Zhiyue has had no scandals and seems like a work machine. In public, he is gentlemanly, gentle, and abstinent. No one expected that he and Mu Zhi had been secretly having an affair all along.

Liu Rui felt that she had misplaced her sincerity and was very unwilling to lose to Mu Zhi.

What she found particularly unbelievable was that He Zhiyue, who was dazzling and radiant in her eyes and had a lofty image in her heart, was actually so humble that Mu Zhi didn't want to go public with their relationship, and He Zhiyue was willing to have a secret relationship with her and be the man behind Mu Zhi.

The two were previously photographed together, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship, but they both denied it, deceiving everyone.

The more Liu Rui imagined it, the angrier she became. She concluded that the two of them had been together for a long time and were treating everyone else like fools.

In addition, another discovery made some time ago—He Zhiyue's wastefulness and doting on Mu Zhi—made her grit her teeth in anger.

Very good!

This time, Liu Rui wanted to see how Mu Zhi would deny her relationship with He Zhiyue again.

At the same time, we need to let the public, and Mu Zhi's fans, see clearly Mu Zhi's hypocritical face as a woman who deceives everyone.

[Author's Note]

The next chapter will be fun! (doge)