Chapter 40 Chapter 40

After his assistant's frantic persuasion, Ning Tianyou finally gave up on dealing with Gu Xing Shi.

After all, Wen's Group focused most of its energy on mobile phones and other businesses. Their resources in the entertainment industry might not be comparable to Xingmao Media. Going against Wen Yue would only result in petty acts of sabotage like this.

Besides, Wen Yue was a businessman and wouldn't risk his entire fortune to fight back.

But Gu Xing Shi was different.

What if he really had connections within the government? Wouldn't that be suicidal?! The authorities could easily make their lives miserable.

And which big company doesn't have some shady dealings? Once they're investigated, they might end up in jail.

Even though Ning Tianyou was arrogant, he wasn't stupid.

However, he couldn't swallow this anger. If he did nothing, Wen Yue would definitely retaliate even harder.

So, he decided to take drastic action. He poached the project director who had been collaborating with Sweet Orange Video, and even took the project with him.

This caught Sweet Orange Video completely off guard, and Ning Tianyou felt a sense of satisfaction.

Soon, this bad news reached Wen Yue's desk.

Wen Yue was utterly baffled: "Has Ning Tianyou gone crazy?"

He had interacted with Ning Tianyou many times. While his character wasn't great, he was generally pragmatic and wouldn't do anything that harmed himself for personal grudges.

But now, he couldn't understand Ning Tianyou's motives.

Tang Ling was also clueless. If Ning Tianyou was retaliating because of Wen's Group's collaboration with Ning Wen Zhuo, he wouldn't use such a stupid method. This only pushes Wen's Group closer to Ning Wen Zhuo.

Wen Yue frowned, increasingly confused.

But this didn't stop him from keeping a record of Ning Tianyou's actions and excluding him from future collaborations.

"The priority is the new project," Wen Yue tapped his fingers on the table. "Where's the proposal?"

Tang Ling presented the proposal from Sweet Orange Video's film department. Nobody anticipated this, so the proposal was poorly written.

After reviewing it, Wen Yue didn't relax his frown: "Is this how they deal with me?"

He recalled that Sweet Orange Video's variety shows had become increasingly successful in recent years, but their film department had been declining.

In his plan, the film department was a crucial component, and he couldn't let it continue to be neglected.

He tossed the proposal back to Tang Ling, coldly stating: "Tell Pang Zhongcheng that I'm giving him one last chance. If he fails, he can leave."

Pang Zhongcheng was another vice president of Sweet Orange Video, specifically responsible for the film department.

Tang Ling remained impassive: "Yes."

Wen Yue continued with his work.

Just as Tang Ling was about to leave, Wen Yue's pen paused: "Wait."

Tang Ling stopped: "Mr. Wen, is there anything else?"

Wen Yue casually said: "Regarding the matter I asked you to handle with Mr. Gu from Le Shi, how did it go?"

Tang Ling was startled.

Mr. Wen was always busy; he usually wouldn't care about such small matters. Why today…

But as a capable assistant, he quickly recovered his composure: "I arranged for Sweet Orange Video to invest fifty million in the projects Mr. Gu is involved in, after he signed a new artist."

Fifty million was a considerable sum, but compared to the "cloud silencing" incident, it's just barely enough as a thank you gift.

Wen Yue recalled Gu Xing Shi's clear and carefree smile and became curious.

Gu Xing Shi had a keen eye for idols. What about his judgment of actors? What kind of projects would he be involved in?

Tang Ling hesitated: "Mr. Gu's new artist is named Qin Wen, and he's not from a professional acting background."

Wen Yue: "Whether or not he's from a professional background isn't important. Many famous actors aren't professionally trained. He must have something special to attract Mr. Gu, right?"

Tang Ling: "Um… Apparently, Qin Wen disguised himself as over a dozen different people to get revenge for his sister, tricking a company's top management. Mr. Gu decided to sign him because of that."

Wen Yue: "…"

Though a bit far-fetched, it indirectly proves the guy's acting skills.

Wen Yue reluctantly convinced himself and asked: "What about the project? Show me the project proposal."

Tang Ling hesitated again: "Mr. Wen, it's the old proposal. I heard that the director made a lot of changes later. Should we…"

Wen Yue: "It's fine. I'll just take a quick look."

Tang Ling: "…"

I really tried my best.

He retrieved the proposal and handed it to Wen Yue with a sense of resignation.

Wen Yue opened it with interest, immediately shocked by the title, "Six Gates Secret Affairs," which had a strong "cheap movie" vibe.

Further down were various clichés and dull plot points; there were no highlights.

He rubbed his temples, comforting himself.

Gu Xing Shi is an agent, perhaps he doesn't understand the ins and outs of film production. Maybe he decided to participate because of the cast?

However, Tang Ling sighed inwardly after hearing his question: "The director is Gao Shen. It's his first time directing. He used to be a screenwriter."

Wen Yue: "?"

Tang Ling: "The male lead is Jiang Hanjing, who usually plays supporting roles. This is his first time as a lead. The female lead is Xia Ruoying, who has been in many idol dramas. This is her first time in a suspense drama."

Wen Yue: "???"

Tang Ling: "The original villain was Wu Tao, but during the script reading, he was found to have a gambling addiction, owing a lot of debt. He also tried to install cameras in the bathroom to secretly take photos of other actors and sell them on the black market. He was immediately taken to the police station."

Wen Yue: "????"

He momentarily doubted his hearing.

How is this cast sounding more and more like a low-budget movie?

He couldn't help but ask: "Did Gu Xing Shi owe the crew a huge favor that forced him to participate?"

"Not really," Tang Ling answered honestly. "It was Mr. Gu who took his artist to audition. The original investor pulled out due to superstition, and Mr. Gu was very indignant and kept speaking up for the crew."

Wen Yue: "…"

He fell silent.

Honestly, he didn't want to believe that the person who accurately understood him, whom he considered a confidant, had such terrible judgment.

But the facts were undeniable.

Wen Yue couldn't articulate his feelings and could only reassure himself one last time.

Good projects are snatched up by major film companies. Le Shi, being a small company, doesn't have many good options left.

This drama should still have some redeeming qualities… right?

Nevertheless, Wen Yue couldn't bring himself to look at the proposal again.

Tang Ling noticed Wen Yue's frown and felt apprehensive.

When Sun Hongfei sent him the investment plan, he was hesitant, but Sun Hongfei repeatedly stressed that Mr. Gu was very satisfied with this drama.

Since it was a thank you gift, it should be something the recipient likes. Besides, Tang Ling actually trusted Gu Xing Shi's judgment, but now, it seems he was too hasty.

He wasn't afraid of Wen Yue's blame, but he felt sorry for Gu Xing Shi.

Mr. Wen has high standards; it's rare to find someone who meets his expectations.

This thank-you gift was also a test of collaboration. If Gu Xing Shi could seize this opportunity, there would be more collaborations in the future, which would be a great thing for Le Shi.

Unfortunately…

Mr. Wen never gives second chances.

However, the next second, he heard Wen Yue say.

"Include this drama in next year's publicity plan. Evaluation… forget it, don't bother with the evaluation. Assign D-level resources."

Tang Ling was stunned.

Even though it's the lowest D-level resource, for such an obviously bad drama?!

Is this still Mr. Wen?!

Could it be an imposter!!

After Wen Yue finished speaking, he noticed Tang Ling's unusual reaction and looked up: "What? Is there a problem?"

Tang Ling immediately responded: "No problem, I'll take care of it right away."

Tang Ling was very efficient. After returning, he forwarded Wen Yue's instructions to Sun Hongfei.

Sun Hongfei was also stunned: "We're arranging publicity so early? It's not even finished filming yet!"

Only S-level dramas receive this treatment!

Tang Ling couldn't reveal the matter of the project director being poached and could only vaguely say: "Just do it. I'm busy, so don't bother me unless it's urgent."

He hung up the phone.

Sun Hongfei was completely confused. After receiving the document and browsing it, he saw the D-level publicity resources, becoming even more puzzled.

"Is this a mistake? Only D-level resources for Mr. Gu's drama?"

Sweet Orange Video had extensive publicity channels, and D-level resources were already pretty good, but Sun Hongfei thought that, given the relationship between Mr. Gu and Mr. Wen, at least B-level resources should be assigned.

Moreover, most of the filming was already completed; the footage High Director had sent was excellent.

The quality could even surpass many companies' S+ series; even A-level resources wouldn't be excessive.

He wanted to ask Tang Ling, but the line was busy.

Sun Hongfei hesitated but decided to report it as is.

It's fine even if it's a mistake; Mr. Wen could increase publicity resources with a single word later.

-

Jin Shiheng was arrested in Shanyang Film and Television City last time, and it took a day or two to be released before returning to Beijing in disgrace.

Sun Hongfei was the cause, yet he acted as if nothing happened.

This made Jin Shiheng even more resentful.

Jin Shiheng secretly decided that he would find Sun Hongfei's weakness, seize Mr. Gu's trust, and eventually replace him, kicking him out!

However, their work rarely overlapped, making it difficult for Jin Shiheng to deal with him.

Fortunately, Jin Shiheng was patient.

Sure enough, he soon found an opportunity.

Jin Shiheng looked at the publicity plan before him, his eyes gleaming.

It was just sent by Sun Hongfei.

But Jin Shiheng clearly remembered that their publicity department had never worked on this drama's publicity.

Sure enough, when he opened the document.

No evaluation!

No concrete publicity plan!

He almost got away with it!

Because it was labeled D-level resources, such resources are usually not thoroughly reviewed.

Sun Hongfei must have known this loophole and used it to slip it in secretly.

He found the drama's proposal from the database and was almost blinded.

He swore by his ten years of experience in the publicity department.

This is a super-terrible movie!!!

No wonder Sun Hongfei didn't dare to do an evaluation and could only use this method.

He really put in a lot of effort to please Mr. Gu!

Jin Shiheng wanted to report it directly.

His previous supervisor, Vice President Pang, was in charge of the film department. Pang seemed to be having trouble recently and was very stressed.

If he told Pang about this, it would be a merit.

But…

This would benefit Pang, but what would he gain?

Jin Shiheng hesitated.

But soon, he came up with a better plan.

He reprinted the publicity plan, changing the D to A, and then found a confidant to send it to Sun Hongfei during his busiest time, claiming the format was incorrect and needed a new signature.

"Incorrect format?" Sun Hongfei frowned.

He didn't think much of it and was about to sign, but he was cautious and flipped through it casually before stopping.

He immediately saw that the D-level resources had been changed to A-level.

His doubts immediately disappeared.

He thought, That's right! Assistant Manager Tang must have been too busy and made a mistake. Afraid of Mr. Gu finding out and getting angry with Mr. Wen, he used the excuse of an incorrect format to make me re-sign.

Oh well!

Assistant Manager Tang is overthinking it. How could I, Sun Hongfei, become an obstacle in the love story of Mr. Gu and Mr. Wen!

I'm the one who hopes they will have a happy ending!

Moreover, exposing a leader's mistakes is taboo!

Absolutely not allowed!

Thinking of this, Sun Hongfei didn't call Tang Ling and readily signed his name.

On the other side, Jin Shiheng paced anxiously in his office.

This move was risky; if Sun Hongfei noticed, it would be trouble.

However, he was gambling. Sun Hongfei used such tactics himself, fearing discovery and wouldn't dare to make a fuss. Even if discovered, it's only a small quarrel.

Is he afraid of quarreling with me?!

Then, the confidant came in with the document.

Jin Shiheng eagerly asked: "How is it? Did he sign?"

The confidant nodded: "He did."

Jin Shiheng took the document, saw Sun Hongfei's flamboyant signature, and his heart was relieved.

He hurriedly asked: "Did he act strangely when signing?"

Confidant: "No, he signed it very readily."

Jin Shiheng was completely at ease. He looked at Sun Hongfei's name, and a sinister light appeared in his eyes.

Sun Hongfei, Sun Hongfei!

You're doomed this time!!

-

Gu Xing Shi came to the filming set of "Six Gates Secret Affairs" with flowers.

Because of sufficient funds, Gao Shen invested heavily in the sets, makeup, and costumes, completely devoid of the cheapness of previous productions, instead filled with a historical sense of beauty.

Although in the story, the Six Gates organization mainly handles major cases in the martial arts world, Director Gao still hired etiquette teachers and historical consultants to fully restore the folk customs of the Ming Dynasty.

It can be said that the current "Six Gates Secret Affairs" is completely different from the original project proposal.

Today, they were filming Qin Wen's final scene.

Qin Wen played Yu Changyan, who was initially a gentle and elegant young master. He met the male lead Xiao Nanyuan (played by Jiang Hanjing) and the female lead Rong Yu (played by Xia Ruoying) due to a case, becoming friends.

In the early stages, Yu Changyan was simply a money-spending fool, secretly in love with Rong Yu but choosing to give up for his friend Xiao Nanyuan.

However, as the plot unfolds, Xiao Nanyuan and others discover that these cases are related to a secret organization attempting to overthrow the court.

Their investigation becomes increasingly alarming, but the organization is extremely mysterious and elusive, with limited traceable clues.

Finally, to lure them out, Xiao Nanyuan uses himself as bait, attempting to infiltrate their lair. However, at a critical moment, Yu Changyan suddenly appears and protects him, being captured instead.

Xiao Nanyuan is deeply remorseful, and Rong Yu almost breaks up with him because of this.

Ultimately, Xiao Nanyuan decides to rescue Yu Changyan himself.

However, when he overcomes numerous obstacles and finally finds Yu Changyan imprisoned, he is stabbed in the chest by Yu Changyan.

If Rong Yu hadn't arrived in time to save him, he would have died.

It turns out that Rong Yu, while reviewing previous case files, noticed something amiss and reinvestigated Yu Changyan, discovering the truth.

Yu Changyan's stab was deep, hitting a vital point, without any mercy for his friend.

Only because Xiao Nanyuan's heart was on the opposite side did he survive.

Later, Xiao Nanyuan and Rong Yu cooperate and have a final showdown with Yu Changyan.

Yu Changyan still wears his previous clothes, but his expression and aura have changed.

He has completely dropped his disguise and revealed his true nature as a powerful figure.

Such scenes are often poorly made.

Either the villain is stupid, or the villain still has some friendship for the protagonist, making it easy for them to be killed.

Viewers come with anticipation but leave with complaints.

However, Gao Shen's script is not like that.

There are many climaxes; both sides are cunning and resourceful, with the protagonists often facing danger.

Just reading the script is exciting.

In the end, Yu Changyan doesn't lose to the protagonist but to the court's suppression strategy. He is eventually surrounded and cornered.

Xiao Nanyuan and Rong Yu go to see him.

This villain, who committed countless crimes, concealed his identity, and killed friends and relatives, acts like a mentor.

Initially, he wanted to speak for the people, but his power was too weak. So he seized power and expanded his influence, gradually losing control and ending up like this.

But Yu Changyan also tells them that even if they investigate numerous cases, they only involve the lives of a few people. They can't touch the truly important cases.

If you want to speak for the people, you must climb to the top; with power, you can do what you want, otherwise you will always be an ant.

Yu Changyan always knows how to move people, but this time he's not running.

He cuts off his own head. His handsome face has a faint smile, as if asking the protagonists if they dare to follow his path, entering the vortex of power.

Every foreshadowing and metaphor from the beginning culminates here.

It's the most thrilling scene in the whole drama.

Yu Changyan uses his death to leave the audience with the biggest question.

This scene is simple but tests Qin Wen's acting skills the most.

The scene is quiet, with only the hum of the camera. The close-up shot focuses on Qin Wen.

Qin Wen finishes his lines, puts the sword to his neck, and cuts.

However, at the moment of blood splashing, Gu Xing Shi sees a victorious smile on his lips, as if he has already guessed their choice.

At that moment, Gu Xing Shi felt goosebumps.

Then, he heard Gao Shen shout: "CUT! Excellent!"

Qin Wen lay motionless until all the shots were completed before standing up.

Gu Xing Shi seemed to regain his senses and handed him the flowers: "Congratulations on finishing filming!"

Qin Wen looked into Gu Xing Shi's eyes and let out a sigh of relief.

At this moment, he finally felt a sense of returning to reality, as Yu Changyan's soul slowly withdrew from his body.

He took the flowers and smiled: "Thank you."

The rest of the scenes don't involve Qin Wen, and the head part is done with props and post-production effects.

After receiving the red envelopes and eating the completion cake, Gu Xing Shi took Qin Wen back to Beijing.

At the airport, Gu Xing Shi thought of that scene and was still excited.

The drama hasn't finished filming, but it's really good. He's just not sure about the publicity resources Sweet Orange Video will provide.

He heard Director Gao say that only big hits or company-produced dramas get good resources. For them, they usually get the leftovers.

But Director Gao was optimistic; he had confidence in the quality of the drama and believed that it would eventually gain popularity through word-of-mouth even if the publicity resources weren't good!

Gu Xing Shi initially considered asking Sun Hongfei for information.

However, publicity plans are confidential for every company. Since Sun Hongfei has already helped them so much, he shouldn't be bothered.

Gu Xing Shi sighed: [System! Why aren't you a wish-granting system? I could wish for the best publicity resources!]

System: [… ]

The system sneered, sarcastically saying: [I'm sorry, I'm just a useless bystander system!]

But the next second, Gu Xing Shi received a call from Gao Shen. Gao Shen's voice was excitedly altered: "Mr. Gu!!! I just found out, we got A-level publicity resources! My god!!! It's like a pie falling from the sky!! I can't believe it!! What kind of magic did you and Mr. Sun perform? Even this kind of impossible thing happened!!"

Gu Xing Shi: [… ]

System: [… ]

System: [Host, calm down! Withdraw those random wishes!!! I'm really just a useless bystander system, ah ah ah ah ah!!!]