Chapter 36 Chapter 36

Sun Hongfei was very satisfied after receiving Gao Shen's assurance.

It's so refreshing to talk to smart people.

To prevent unforeseen circumstances, he immediately found someone from the investment department. Because of Tang Ling's instructions, all procedures were expedited. Without any unexpected delays, the funds would reach Gao Shen's crew within a week.

Of course, most importantly, he had perfectly completed his mission.

On the surface, he not only got General Manager Gu what he needed most at the moment, but also didn't violate General Manager Wen's request by exposing the matter.

But in reality, while he sent someone to tell Mengyu Film and Television to withdraw, he also proactively called Director Gao to secure the role.

With General Manager Gu's intelligence, he would surely realize something was amiss.

Gao Shen didn't need to say anything; he would definitely discover that someone was helping him, and he would surely know that besides General Manager Wen, who else would help him so selflessly.

Furthermore, Sun Hongfei even added investment from Sweet Orange Video as a safeguard.

Even if General Manager Gu didn't immediately think of General Manager Wen, upon seeing Sweet Orange and sensing General Manager Wen's subtle affection, he would surely be moved!

It was a win-win-win situation.

Sun Hongfei thought he was a genius for coming up with this plan!

Thinking this, he hummed a tune and prepared to go to the break room to get himself a cup of coffee. However, as soon as he got there, he saw his nemesis, Jin Shiheng.

They joined the company at the same time, but they had always been at odds.

In the early days, Sun Hongfei only knew how to work diligently, completely lacking in interpersonal skills, while Jin Shiheng was the opposite – clever and opportunistic. Whenever there was an opportunity to impress the management, he would always be the first to step up.

Later, Jin Shiheng gained the management's recognition and quickly rose through the ranks. Compared to Sun Hongfei, who was just a small supervisor, he had already reached the position of deputy manager.

Jin Shiheng had long heard that Sweet Orange Video might establish a new department, and the manager of the new department would most likely be selected from among these deputy managers.

Who would want to remain suppressed when they could lead a new department?

Jin Shiheng used every means to eliminate his competitors one by one.

However, just as he was eagerly anticipating joining the new department, Sun Hongfei unexpectedly appeared, directly promoted three levels thanks to General Manager Wen's favor, and snatched the manager position of the new department.

Jin Shiheng was so angry that he almost spat blood.

He had put in so much effort, only to make things easier for someone else, and that person was Sun Hongfei, whom he despised – making it even more unbearable.

Seeing the smile on Sun Hongfei's face, Jin Shiheng felt resentment, but could only force a smile: "Manager Sun is truly in high spirits!"

Sun Hongfei had been robbed of credit several times by Jin Shiheng in the past due to his clumsiness, and he had always remembered it.

Now that he had finally achieved success, he naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity for revenge. He looked calm and composed: "Isn't it? So, heaven is still fair. You don't need to take any crooked paths, just have good judgment, work hard, and promotion will come naturally. Don't you think so, Deputy Manager Jin?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "Deputy".

Jin Shiheng was so angry that he almost ground his teeth, and said in a low voice: "Sun, don't get too cocky, it's uncertain whether you can keep this position."

After saying this, he turned and left.

But Sun Hongfei didn't take his threat to heart. He now felt he could laugh at anyone.

As long as he followed General Manager Gu, he didn't need to worry about anything.

Meanwhile, Gu Xing Shi, who was mentioned by Sun Hongfei, was asking Qin Wen about his audition experience.

Qin Wen honestly replied: "I think the director was very satisfied, but..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

But Gu Xing Shi also knew that the previous auditions were the same – the director was satisfied, but the role was given to someone else in the end.

This time, although Gu Xing Shi used some tactics to scare away the predetermined actor, he was still unsure.

He could only comfort Qin Wen: "It's alright, just consider it a learning experience. It was just a try, we still have several more auditions..."

Before he finished speaking, the casting director rushed out. Upon seeing them, his eyes lit up: "Great! Mr. Gu, you haven't left yet!"

Gu Xing Shi looked at him questioningly: "What's wrong? Is there any problem with Qin Wen's audition?"

“No, no, Xiao Qin performed very well,” the casting director said softly. “Please wait in the room next door, Director Gao wants to discuss something with you.”

This was unprecedented.

Gu Xing Shi and Qin Wen exchanged glances, both somewhat puzzled, but still agreed and followed the casting director to the room next door.

They didn't wait long before Gao Shen came in.

Gao Shen was tall and thin, wearing black-framed glasses, looking unremarkable.

As soon as he saw Gu Xing Shi, he enthusiastically greeted him: "Mr. Gu! I've heard so much about you."

Gu Xing Shi was taken aback by his enthusiasm, and his reaction was delayed.

Gao Shen didn't mind, continuing to praise: "Xiao Qin performed exceptionally well. Mr. Gu, you truly have excellent training methods. I'm also grateful that you trust us with such an important debut..."

Gao Shen kept in mind Sun Hongfei's request and didn't reveal General Manager Wen.

However, Gu Xing Shi gradually understood.

Gao Shen's sudden change in attitude was because he thought Gu Xing Shi had a powerful backer.

Oh my...

Were rumors spreading that fast?!

Gu Xing Shi was shocked.

He had originally worried about failure and prepared plans A, B, and C.

This time was also meant to test the waters, and he didn't expect to succeed.

Who knew he hadn't even exerted any effort yet!

Just a few details, not only scared away Mengyu Film and Television, but even impressed the director?!

And Director Gao was so confident, as if he knew who his backer was.

Wasn't this a bit excessive?? He didn't even know himself yet!!

Don't people in the entertainment industry have a special talent for overthinking things!

Gu Xing Shi felt his head was spinning from this unexpected success.

Yet he couldn't show any flaws, and could only adhere to the principle of saying less to make fewer mistakes, appearing extremely reserved.

Then...

Gao Shen became even more convinced.

Not long after Manager Sun finished speaking, Sweet Orange Video's investment department contacted him to discuss investment intentions.

This efficiency stunned Gao Shen, highlighting the other party's importance of Mr. Gu.

In the past, he had gone through great lengths to secure investment. Not to mention how difficult the process was, even after securing it, delays in subsequent payments or mid-way withdrawal of funds were common.

Now, he only had to give up a supporting male role.

Oh no.

It couldn't even be called giving up, since Qin Wen's acting skills were more than enough for this role.

Looking at it this way, he had completely gained an advantage!

This made Gao Shen, who was used to hardship, feel a little embarrassed. He cautiously asked Gu Xing Shi: "Mr. Gu, do you have any opinions on this role?"

Gu Xing Shi was stunned again.

Ah?

Was there such treatment?

Director Gao's imagined backer was a bit too far-fetched, wasn't it??

He cautiously asked back: "Can I suggest anything?"

Gao Shen: "Yes, yes, please."

Gu Xing Shi: "It's like this, regarding the character Yu Changyan, we think the setting is a bit too thin, could we trouble Director Gao to add a few more scenes to enrich the character?"

"Um..." Gao Shen nodded, waited for a while, didn't hear Gu Xing Shi speak again, and was immediately stunned, "That's... that's it? It's okay, Mr. Gu, you can feel free to speak up."

Gu Xing Shi: "..."

He felt he had been quite bold.

He was also a little apprehensive and quickly added: "Not too many, four or five scenes, or three or four would be fine. If it really doesn't work, it's okay, the priority is the overall story."

Gao Shen: TAT

My goodness!

What kind of amazing investor is this!!!

He couldn't help but recall those troublesome actors from the past.

Low status but demanding, the memories filled him with sadness.

If every actor with resources was like Qin Wen, he would only shout: "More, more!!"

"Mr. Gu!"

"Director Gao!"

Their hands clasped firmly together.

Both felt they had gained an advantage and were very satisfied.

"Happy cooperation!"

-

The filming was to start soon after the role was confirmed.

This was Qin Wen's first time participating in a filming ceremony. Gu Xing Shi was worried that he would be nervous, so he volunteered to accompany him.

They arrived at Shanyang Film and Television City and checked into the hotel booked by the crew.

Gu Xing Shi thought that the investment in this drama wasn't very high, so the accommodation wouldn't be very good. However, after arriving, he found that although the hotel wasn't top-notch, it was clean and tidy, and the crew had generously booked the entire hotel. Qin Wen, as the third male lead, was even assigned a good suite.

Not long after they put down their luggage, Gu Xing Shi received a call from Sun Hongfei.

"Mr. Gu, are you in Shanyang Film and Television City now?"

Gu Xing Shi was puzzled: "How did you know?"

Sun Hongfei secretly smiled, of course, because everything was under his control.

But on the surface, he pretended to have just learned: "Oh, Sweet Orange Video is also one of the investors in Director Gao's drama, invited to attend the filming ceremony. I also heard from Director Gao that Mr. Gu is here."

Gu Xing Shi didn't think much of it: "Oh, that's quite a coincidence."

Hiss—

No way, why is Mr. Gu's reaction so calm.

Sun Hongfei frowned, did he not make his hints clear enough?

So, he said again: "Actually, we didn't plan to invest in this drama, it was General Manager Wen who saw its potential and insisted on investing..."

That should be clear enough.

However, Gu Xing Shi's reaction was even calmer: "Oh, then your General Manager Wen has good eyesight."

Sun Hongfei: "???"

This was completely different from what he expected.

Why did Mr. Gu mention General Manager Wen as if he were a stranger?

Wrong!

Very wrong!

Could there be a problem with the investment that made Mr. Gu unhappy?

Sun Hongfei immediately stood up and went to the investment department, but after inquiring, he learned that the money had already been transferred and there were no issues.

Things were out of control, and Sun Hongfei was suddenly panicked.

He had worked so hard for General Manager Wen, and he couldn't mess things up!

He had originally planned to go on the day of the filming ceremony, but now he felt that he had to go immediately to find out what had happened.

So he hurriedly left the investment department, calling the administration to book a flight while arranging the department's internal affairs for the next few days.

He left in a hurry and didn't notice a figure flashing out from the room next door after he left.

Jin Shiheng was originally going to send a document to the investment department, but as soon as he came out, he saw Sun Hongfei coming here.

But as far as he knew, the department Sun Hongfei belonged to only recently worked with Xiao Ning, the CEO of Xingmao, on "Star Stage," and it shouldn't have anything to do with the investment department. What was he doing here?

Jin Shiheng was suspicious, so he hid in the small room next door without Sun Hongfei noticing.

But not long after, he hurried out again, making a phone call while walking, seemingly asking the administration to book a flight for him.

Seeing his grim expression, Jin Shiheng's first reaction was that something had gone wrong.

Immediately, he was overjoyed.

If he could find out what had happened to Sun Hongfei, wouldn't he be able to bring him down?

Without him in the way, wouldn't the external cooperation department be his?

Jin Shiheng became more and more excited. He returned to the investment department and inquired about what Sun Hongfei was doing.

The investment department had received instructions from Tang Ling and naturally wouldn't say a word.

However, the more they did this, the more Jin Shiheng felt that something was wrong.

After leaving the investment department, he found the administration and, after much effort, finally found out Sun Hongfei's destination.

——Shanyang Film and Television City.

Jin Shiheng was even more puzzled.

What was Sun Hongfei doing in the film and television city?

He suddenly had a hunch.

As long as he could find out Sun Hongfei's purpose, he might be able to find out how Sun Hongfei had moved General Manager Wen.

Therefore, he immediately took leave, then bought a ticket on the same flight as Sun Hongfei, intending to follow him to Shanyang Film and Television City to find out what was going on.

-

At this time, Gu Xing Shi was attending the script reading session with Qin Wen.

On the one hand, it was to familiarize themselves with the script, and on the other hand, it was to meet other actors in the same crew.

The male lead's actor was named Jiang Hanjing. He used to be a professional second male lead, and this was his first time as the male lead. His attitude was very humble.

The female lead's actor was named Xia Ruoying, a recently popular actress. She was cheerful, lively, and very dedicated. She had already memorized the script before even entering the crew.

They were about the same age as Qin Wen and quickly became familiar with each other.

Several main actors had already arrived, but the antagonist hadn't yet.

His name was Wu Tao. Years ago, he played a supporting role in a classic hit drama, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

However, after becoming famous, he began to slack off. His acting was poor, every role was the same, and he didn't manage his figure, becoming fat and greasy. But relying on the audience's filter for that role, he had always lived comfortably.

Director Gao knew his personality and sadly asked someone to call him.

As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the meeting room was pushed open, and a man with a sallow complexion and heavy dark circles under his eyes walked in.

He seemed completely unaware that he was late, and cheerfully greeted everyone, then sat down and started complaining: "Director Gao, this script reading session is too old-fashioned. Many crews don't do this anymore!"

Gao Shen said calmly: "I can't control other crews, but in my crew, you have to follow my rules."

Wu Tao's face stiffened slightly, then he chuckled: "Oh, I was just joking, Director Gao, don't be so serious!"

Gao Shen didn't pursue it, but continued to talk about the script.

However, Wu Tao was clearly distracted, his fingers constantly tapping on his phone, as if he was chatting with someone.

Gu Xing Shi subconsciously frowned.

From Wu Tao, he sensed a familiar, gossipy vibe.

Sure enough, the next second, the system popped up:【Host! We are truly of one mind! This is a big scoop!!】

Gu Xing Shi:【...】

System:【I know you're speechless, but don't be speechless yet, listen to me finish.】

【Do you know why Wu Tao came so late?】

Gu Xing Shi resigned himself to accepting the gossip:【I don't know, tell me.】

System:【Because Wu Tao was gambling in Macau last night, he lost so badly his eyes were red, and was barely dragged onto the plane by his agent. And he not only gambled but also owed a huge debt, and his creditors are now urging him!】

Gu Xing Shi looked at Wu Tao and indeed found that his brows were furrowed and fine beads of sweat appeared on his face.

The system continued:【To pay off his debts, he not only took this drama, but also didn't choose scripts carefully, taking any role as long as it pays. However, the pay is a mere drop in the bucket compared to his huge gambling debt, so he came up with a vicious scheme.】

【He plans to secretly take indecent photos of his co-actors and sell them on the black market. Jiang Hanjing and Xia Ruoying are the most popular actors he has access to, otherwise, why would he come to the script reading session honestly?】

Gu Xing Shi:【Shameless!!】

At this moment, Wu Tao suddenly stood up: "Director Gao, I want to go to the restroom."

Gao Shen was displeased by the interruption, but didn't think much of it and waved his hand, letting him go.

The system suddenly became excited:【Host!! Wu Tao's creditors are urging him again, he doesn't have much time, so he plans to go back and get a pinhole camera and install it in the restroom!!】

Gu Xing Shi's face darkened.

This kind of cancer must not be allowed to stay in the crew.

Thinking of this, he asked the system to keep an eye on Wu Tao, then stood up, walked to Director Gao, and whispered: "Director Gao, I have something to discuss with you, would it be convenient?"

Gao Shen had an excellent attitude towards Gu Xing Shi, the investor, and immediately said: "Convenient, convenient."

Gu Xing Shi pulled him aside, pretending to be worried: "I heard before that some obsessive fans would secretly sneak into their idols' hotels and install pinhole cameras in their rooms. I'm really a little worried..."

Gao Shen chuckled: "Mr. Gu, don't worry about that. I was afraid of this problem, so I booked the entire hotel. Besides our crew members, no one else can enter."

Wasn't he worried about his own people!

Gu Xing Shi didn't give up and continued: "That's what you say, but these fanatic fans are always aggressive, who knows what they'll do. Look, Xiao Jiang and Xiao Xia in our crew are so popular, what if there are one or two such fans among them, wouldn't that be troublesome?"

Gao Shen hesitated: "That's unlikely, I went to Xiao Jiang and their rooms yesterday and saw the assistant checking the whole room! They are so careful, there shouldn't be any problems."

This was exactly what Gu Xing Shi planned, he quickly said: "You're right, but what if they don't install them in the room, but in public facilities? Like the restroom? And even if it has nothing to do with Xiao Jiang and Xiao Xia, what if there are actors who stayed here before?"

"I think we should check now, it doesn't require many people or much time, and everyone will feel more at ease."

Although Gao Shen thought Gu Xing Shi was being overly cautious, he was still the investor, and such a harmless request could be fulfilled.

Moreover, Wu Tao hadn't come back yet, and the script reading couldn't continue.

So he agreed to Gu Xing Shi's request, asking the actors to rest for a while, and he took a few staff members and Gu Xing Shi to the restrooms on this floor.

The system was still diligently reporting Wu Tao's movements to Gu Xing Shi:【...He has finished installing in the men's restroom, seeing that no one discovered him, so he became bolder, and is now entering the women's restroom!】

【He has installed the camera in the first cubicle and is now entering the second cubicle!】

Gu Xing Shi heard this and immediately quickened his pace.

Gao Shen could only helplessly follow.

At the restroom door, Gao Shen subconsciously wanted to go to the men's restroom, but Gu Xing Shi quietly stopped him: "Director Gao, why don't we start with the women's restroom."

Gao Shen nodded and said to two female staff members: "You two go and take a look."

The two female staff members were holding pinhole detectors, which Gao Shen borrowed from Jiang Hanjing and the others.

After they went in, Gu Xing Shi and the others waited outside.

Soon, the "beep beep beep" sound of the pinhole detector came from inside.

Gao Shen: "!!!"

There really was one!!

He couldn't wait any longer and rushed into the restroom with his people.

The two female staff members' pinhole detectors were still beeping, and they were also scared pale. Seeing Gao Shen and others come in, they seemed to have gained confidence and tremblingly pointed to the middle cubicle: "Th...there's someone inside, we asked who it was, but no one answered, and it's beeping the loudest here!"

Gao Shen immediately sank his face, gesturing for the two to go out and call the police, while gesturing for the cameramen to block the entrance.

Then he raised his voice: "Who are you! Come out! Otherwise, we'll kick the door down!"

At this time, the sound of a toilet flushing suddenly came from the second cubicle.

No good!

He's trying to destroy the evidence!

Gao Shen and others immediately rushed forward to kick the door down.

And at this moment, the door was opened, and Wu Tao walked out nonchalantly.

Gao Shen looked at him incredulously: "How could it be you?! Why are you in the women's restroom!!"

Wu Tao pretended to be embarrassed: "I was in a hurry to go to the restroom earlier, and accidentally went to the wrong one." Then, he pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Director Gao, what's with this big commotion?"

Gao Shen coldly replied: "We found someone installed a pinhole camera here."

Wu Tao pretended to be shocked: "What! Who did this!! It's so shameless!" Then he cried out, "Director Gao, you wouldn't suspect me, would you?"

He seemed to be wronged, spreading his hands, "I'm innocent, you can search me and see if you can find any evidence!"

Everyone had just heard the sound of the flushing toilet.

How could he still have evidence on him!

Gao Shen asked a cameraman to climb into the first cubicle and take the camera with gloves: "Let's see, we can check the fingerprints."

Wu Tao acted fearless: "Okay! Go ahead and check!"

He had deliberately worn gloves just now and would never leave fingerprints.

Gao Shen obviously guessed this, his face extremely grim.

If Wu Tao refused to admit it and insisted that he went to the wrong restroom, without evidence, they couldn't do anything to him!

With Wu Tao's shameless nature, he might even accuse them!

At this moment, Gu Xing Shi walked out and said calmly: "Why only check the women's restroom, why don't we check the men's restroom next door as well."

He looked at Wu Tao and gave a harmless smile, "Maybe it's the first time doing this kind of thing, not skilled enough, and forgot to wear gloves."

"Don't you think so, Mr. Wu?"

Wu Tao's face changed instantly.