Chapter 57 Public Opinion Pressure

In the eyes of those in the industry, this live stream was a standard pre-show promotion for the character. However, this is usually a strategy used when victory is assured; otherwise, it would be a high-risk attempt to attract attention.

When Ling Wei saw the live stream, the air pressure around her instantly dropped eight degrees.

Simply increasing her own leverage isn't her style; she knows all too well what the next move in this series of moves will be.

She immediately contacted Li Man: "Manman, could you please help me look something up? I need it quickly."

Sure enough, a few days later, Su Yuqing posted another Weibo post filled with the aroma of tea:

It's already a kind of fate that I encountered "The Legend of Xiao Yue," and I'm well aware that I still have many shortcomings. Regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for everything, and I will continue to work hard~ [heart]

The words are filled with the frustration of "I have tried my best, but things did not go as planned".

Immediately afterwards, the so-called "insider" jumped in with a revelation, implying that "a newcomer who became popular through a short drama" was vying for the role.

The clues were gradually led to Xiang Wanxing, and photos of Ling Wei accompanying Xiang Wanxing outside the casting venue that day were exposed.

Public opinion, guided by online trolls, began its offensive, starting with marketing accounts: "Shocking! The female lead of the hit short drama only has a high school diploma!"

This was precisely Su Yuqing's strategy: to draw her opponent into the arena where she had the greatest advantage—her professional background and family connections.

As she expected, the attacks against Xiang Wanxing focused on her background and qualifications:

[What does a high school graduate know about history? What does he know about Xiao Yue?]

[The entertainment industry really has no barriers to entry anymore; anyone can play historical figures now? Susie at least graduated from Peking University with formal training, but what about the other one?]

[Having only gained some recognition through a short drama, they dare to snatch up resources from serious dramas? Don't they have any self-awareness?]

As for Ling Wei, public opinion is even more complex.

First, people were shocked by her resemblance to Su Yuqing. Then, an "insider" revealed that Ling Wei had also intended to participate in the film and dug up her university experience on the official website.

[I'm speechless. I just thought this director had talent, but then he jumped right into the cast. Is he trying to steal resources because he thinks Susie looks like her?]

[She switched to directing halfway through her acting studies, and now she wants to come back to acting? With such wavering resolve, what good work can she possibly produce?]

The good reputation that "Double Mirror" has accumulated has now become evidence of "neglecting its proper business" and "inflated ambition".

Negative public opinion, taking advantage of information asymmetry, is coming on strong.

When her colleagues at the station saw the news, they couldn't help but ask Ling Wei about the situation. Zhang Tao inquired with concern, and Ling Wei simply explained that she had accompanied Xiang Wanxing to her job interview.

She knew that if she clarified things in detail now, the next wave of attacks would immediately turn into "using her position as a director to seek personal gain for the actors," leaving plenty of room for them to make a fuss.

Su Yuqing's goal was not to kill them outright, but to keep them embroiled in negative publicity during the clarification period, making it impossible for them to recover. Once she successfully secured the role, the damage would be done.

It must be said that Su Yuqing's tactic of applying public pressure was indeed effective, instantly increasing her leverage with the production company. However, in her eagerness to succeed, she overlooked the most crucial figure: the chief director, Chen Jing.

Admittedly, Chen Jing wanted to replace her, leaving no room for negotiation between them, but this was ultimately an internal dispute behind closed doors.

By bringing the matter to the forefront and openly displaying her dissatisfaction and methods, she has essentially pushed the director to the opposite side.

Moreover, judging from that brief meeting last time, Ling Wei was unsure whether Chen Jing would respond to a soft approach, but she definitely wouldn't respond to a hard approach.

Sure enough, a short while later, an unknown number called Ling Wei's phone.

Ling Wei looked at the screen, a smile curving her lips, and answered the call, saying, "Director Chen."

On the other end of the phone, Chen Jing first swore, her tone laced with anger: "...They couldn't withstand the pressure and insisted on protecting her. I'm sorry I couldn't help you, and I've dragged you into this mess."

Ling Wei replied "It's okay" while scrolling through the complex information on the computer screen.

On the other end of the phone, Chen Jing was still criticizing without reservation: "That Su Yuqing, her acting is so contrived. The character analysis she gave during the audition was not the Xiao Yue I wanted at all. I don't know which online book account she copied, but she spoke as if it were the truth during the live broadcast..."

Ling Wei ignored the rant as background noise, but her gaze suddenly fixed on a certain spot on the screen.

She moved the mouse, slowly zooming in on the inconspicuous image, while mentally calling out to the system: "System, verify this immediately!"

After receiving the system's affirmative reply, a glint flashed in her eyes, and a confident smile slowly curved her lips.

“Director Chen,” she interrupted his anger, “I might have a way to turn the situation around.”

Then, somewhat apologetically, he continued, "It's just... during this initial period, I'm afraid you'll have to take the blame along with me. Are you willing to accept that?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Chen Jing's resolute reply:

"Fine. I'd rather be criticized than have my work criticized."

Upon hearing this, Ling Wei's smile blossomed completely, and she replied firmly:

"I'm relieved to hear that."

========

Lu's Headquarters Building, President's Office Area.

The afternoon work atmosphere was originally orderly, until a tall figure wearing a black baseball cap and mask, completely covered up, walked straight into the president's office with a low-pressure aura and without looking to the side.

The people in the secretariat all turned to look, and some whispered in surprise:

"My God, that guy looks really fierce, why didn't anyone stop him?"

"Hey! He went straight into President Lu's office!"

The whispers were interrupted by a muffled thud from inside the office door, like the sound of a fist hitting flesh.

The outside world fell silent instantly.

The assistants in the office couldn't contain their burning gossip, but then Chief Secretary Xia calmly stepped out and gently closed the door.

He adjusted his glasses and calmly swept his gaze across the crowd: "Working hours, focus."

Everyone thought to themselves: As expected of Assistant Xia, she remains calm even when Mount Tai collapses before her. No wonder Chairman Lu sent her to assist Young Master Lu.

However, the next second, the usually composed Assistant Xia suddenly leaned like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, her ears almost touching the heavy door panel.

Everyone: "..."

Well, in the end, human nature prevailed over professional ethics.

Inside the office.

Lu Yan rubbed his lips with his fingertip, where he felt a stinging sensation.

His eyes were cold as he stared at his furious younger brother: "You'd better have a legitimate reason."

Lu Zhao ripped off his mask and hat, revealing a face that was still dazzling even in his rage.

The two brothers, one dressed in a suit and tie, calm and composed like an iceberg, the other dressed casually, sharp and aggressive like a raging fire, their completely different auras clashed fiercely in the air.

"There's a limit to how much you can help, isn't there?"

Lu Zhao almost gritted his teeth as he questioned, "Aren't you going too far by spoiling Su Yuqing like this?"

Compared to three years ago, the positions seem to have reversed, and he is now the one who is questioning and accusing others.

Lu Yan frowned: "I don't know what you're talking about."

“Heh,” Lu Zhao smirked, “You’ve forgotten that our busy CEO Lu doesn’t use Weibo anymore.”

As he spoke, he threw his phone directly onto the desk in front of Lu Yan. The screen displayed vulgar and offensive language directed at Ling Wei and Xiang Wanxing.