Chapter 42 Chapter 42

Wen Yue didn't respond.

An awkward silence fell over the scene.

A CEO who was friendly with Ning Tianyou quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Alright, what's the point of talking about this?"

He patted Ning Tianyou on the shoulder and whispered, "Ning, why did you provoke him? Aren't you afraid of getting another cut?"

Ning Tianyou recalled the losses he'd suffered in the capital market, his heart aching, and reluctantly shut his mouth.

The CEO held his wine glass, trying to ease the tension: "Mr. Wen, Ning is drunk. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against him."

Wen Yue said calmly, "If I really wanted to hold it against him, Ning wouldn't be able to attend this banquet tonight."

Ning Tianyou's face instantly turned very ugly.

Wen Yue then chuckled lightly: "Ning, I was just joking. Don't mind it."

He raised his glass in a gesture.

Ning Tianyou had no choice but to accept this olive branch, gritting his teeth and downing the wine in his glass.

Wen Yue, though ruthless, was a man of his word.

His words implied he wouldn't pursue the matter further.

Although Ning Tianyou had lost face, he was relieved.

Previously, he had only heard how ruthless Wen Yue was in the capital market. This was his first encounter, and it was terrifying enough to give him nightmares.

However, after putting down his glass, Wen Yue asked, "But I do want to ask Ning, what did you mean by saying my house is full of treasures?"

Ning Tianyou was about to explode.

Damn you, Wen Yue!

Public humiliation wasn't enough, you had to humiliate me with your lover too!

He sneered, "Mr. Wen, why ask when you know the answer? I said my talent acquisition was so smooth, I guess it was to your advantage, right?"

The project director he poached had completely failed with his new project. Wen Yue must have known this beforehand, deliberately revealing weaknesses to let him take away the failing project, making room for his lover while simultaneously delivering a blow in the capital market.

He had thought his tactics were superior, but it turned out he had lost everything. He had unwittingly done all the work for others.

Wen Yue, however, had achieved three goals at once, making a huge profit. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so angry.

Wen Yue frowned slightly.

Judging by Ning Tianyou's words, it seemed he had misunderstood that Wen Yue had already had the "Six Doors Secret Affairs" project in his hands.

It was indeed a coincidence. Who could have predicted the sudden success of "Six Doors Secret Affairs"?

From Ning Tianyou's perspective, he probably thought Wen Yue wanted to get rid of that project director and, having a trump card, intentionally set him up. No wonder he was so angry.

However, Wen Yue knew the truth – it wasn't his doing.

Without Gu Xing Shi, he would have suffered huge losses. Gu Xing Shi had already helped him twice—first with the Yun Corporation incident, then with this. If he was a treasure, it wouldn't be wrong to say so.

But if these details were known to outsiders, they would swarm Gu Xing Shi like flies. He was too innocent to withstand these old foxes. He would be devoured completely.

Thinking of this, it was better to let them suspect it was his own scheme.

Therefore, Wen Yue didn't refute, saying generously, "Thank you for your cooperation, Ning."

Ning Tianyou's eyes widened.

How shameless!!!!

I never expected you to be this kind of person, Wen Yue!!!

The CEO was also stunned.

He had heard Ning Tianyou mention the rumors about Wen Yue and Gu Xing Shi, but knowing Wen Yue's personality, nobody believed he could be so lovesick.

Until now, seeing it with their own eyes.

No wonder the ancestors said that heroes are no match for beauty. It's a timeless saying.

Wen Yue had essentially admitted it in public, openly supporting his boyfriend.

This was also a warning to them: If they wanted to harm Gu Xing Shi, they should be careful. Otherwise, they would end up like Ning Tianyou.

The CEO's face turned red and white, before finally managing to utter a sentence: "Mr. Wen has excellent taste."

Wen Yue thought he was referring to "Six Doors Secret Affairs", so he nodded: "Thank you for the compliment."

The CEO: "..."

Young man!!

Be more reserved!!

Don't you know that showing off your love kills you fast!!!

-

Gu Xing Shi was completely unaware that his fictional backer had been openly acknowledged by the backer himself.

He was taking Qin Wen to see the final performance of Meng Yuan Sheng and Cheng Xin's limited group's tour.

Although it was a limited group, Xingyao Media was very dedicated to it.

Especially since they somehow heard that Gu Xing Shi, Meng Yuan Sheng and Cheng Xin's manager, was Mr. Wen's boyfriend, the operating team was even more cautious, fearing they might offend the CEO's lover.

Therefore, since the group debuted, every planning aspect had been meticulously done.

Gu Xing Shi was very satisfied with the concert design.

Big companies are different!

He was enjoying himself and was about to drag Qin Wen to join the fun, but when he turned his head, he saw Qin Wen muttering something and making small gestures.

He couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing?"

Qin Wen came to his senses, a little embarrassed: "I'm studying their movements on stage. If I have to play this kind of role in the future, I'll know how to act."

Gu Xing Shi: "…!"

This wasn't the first time he'd seen Qin Wen's dedication, but he had to admit, it still shocked him.

He had wanted Qin Wen to relax, to enjoy himself when he was out, not to always think about work.

But seeing Qin Wen's focused enjoyment, he swallowed his words. Perhaps this was Qin Wen's way of relaxing.

After the concert, they went backstage with the staff.

The backstage was chaotic. All the members were removing their makeup. The young boys were shouting and making plans to eat barbecue, and predictably, their manager scolded them.

Gu Xing Shi finally saw Yin He Feng again.

They hadn't seen each other for a long time since "Boy Group Training Camp" ended.

As soon as Yin He Feng saw Gu Xing Shi, his eyes lit up, and he swayed his even rounder body towards Gu Xing Shi: "Manager Gu, long time no see! Congratulations on gaining another great talent!"

Gu Xing Shi was surprised: "Even you know?"

"More than just me, probably the whole of China knows," Yin He Feng exaggerated. ""Six Doors Secret Affairs" is so popular now! You don't let him promote it, you don't know how hungry the fans are for Qin Wen!"

Gu Xing Shi: "...It's not that exaggerated."

Speaking of this, Gu Xing Shi was also a little helpless.

It wasn't that he didn't let Qin Wen promote himself; it's just that Qin Wen was stiff in front of the camera except when acting. Besides, he also thought that actors and idols were different, and it was better to maintain some mystery. Plus, Qin Wen himself didn't want to, so he didn't force him.

Yin He Feng quickly said, "Honestly, I'm not exaggerating!"

At this point, he sighed, "Manager Gu, I really admire you. People may not be able to make one out of ten actors famous, but you make every one of your actors famous. How do you do it?"

Gu Xing Shi spread his hands and said helplessly, "It has little to do with me. It's just that they are talented and hardworking."

Yin He Feng: "..."

If someone else said this, he would think they were showing off.

But seeing Gu Xing Shi say this with sincerity, he knew he was telling the truth.

…Even more upset.

Yin He Feng took a deep breath, deciding not to compare himself to this chosen one, and said earnestly, "Back to Qin Wen, although I haven't managed actors before, I know you can't keep him completely away from fans. Necessary promotions are still needed. After all, it's a traffic-driven society. Actors don't need to care about these, but as his manager, we still need to control it for him."

Yin He Feng's words were sincere, and Gu Xing Shi naturally took them to heart, saying seriously, "Thank you, Yin Ge."

Thinking of this, he suddenly paused.

Yin He Feng: "What's wrong? Is there something you want to tell me?"

Gu Xing Shi thought of the gossip the system had just told him and hesitated before saying, "Isn't there an idol company above your company?"

Yin He Feng nodded: "Yes, it opened a year later than our company, but their operation strategy has some problems. They can't make anyone famous. If it weren't for the capital backing them, they would have closed down long ago."

Gu Xing Shi: "Did they change their boss?"

"It seems so," Yin He Feng said, then wondered, "Is there any problem with this new boss?"

Gu Xing Shi hesitated again: "I heard… cough, he thinks their company is not doing well because of bad luck, so he hired a master to change their luck…"

Yin He Feng: "?"

Gu Xing Shi: "That master said their bad luck is because your company absorbed their luck, so he specifically set up a large array to turn their luck around."

Yin He Feng: "??"

Gu Xing Shi: "Oh, that master also bribed a cleaner to secretly pour boiling water on your company's money tree."

Yin He Feng: "?!?"

…

Yin He Feng angrily called his boss.

Gu Xing Shi wiped the sweat from his forehead. Honestly, he hadn't seen such simple and unpretentious business tactics in a long time.

He took Qin Wen to Meng Yuan Sheng and Cheng Xin's dressing room.

"Manager Gu!" Meng Yuan Sheng was the first to see him, and without caring that his makeup wasn't removed yet, rushed over and hugged him tightly.

Cheng Xin was not to be outdone, and the two of them squeezed Gu Xing Shi into a sandwich.

Gu Xing Shi was caught off guard and struggled to reach out a hand: "Qin Wen, save me!"

Qin Wen immediately rushed forward, and he didn't know how he did it, but he easily separated and pushed them away, rescuing Gu Xing Shi.

Gu Xing Shi rubbed his face.

It seemed that Meng and Cheng were really working hard for the concert. Their muscles were so hard that they squeezed his face.

Meng Yuan Sheng and Cheng Xin then noticed Qin Wen next to him.

Gu Xing Shi then remembered and quickly introduced them.

Meng Yuan Sheng smiled and extended his hand to Qin Wen: "We finally meet."

Qin Wen shook his hand, feeling emotional.

In the past, his parents always said, "Do good deeds and receive good rewards," which he once scoffed at, but now he realized that it was the good deeds he had done in the past that had turned into good rewards many years later, allowing him to meet Gu Xing Shi and change his life.

Just as the atmosphere was getting emotional, Cheng Xin suddenly said, "Why are you two looking at each other like I'm a piece of meat? I'm hungry."

Everyone: "..."

Gu Xing Shi had a black line on his head: "Cheng Xin, shut up."

Cheng Xin: "Oh."

The atmosphere had been completely ruined, and Gu Xing Shi could only helplessly take them to dinner.

The restaurant had been booked in advance. As soon as the four of them sat down, the waiter started serving dishes.

Meng Yuan Sheng and Cheng Xin had just finished the concert and were very hungry. They didn't even bother to greet each other and started eating.

They could rest for several days after this concert, so Gu Xing Shi didn't stop them and let them eat to their heart's content.

Halfway through the meal, some dishes still hadn't been served, so Gu Xing Shi went out to check.

Meng and Cheng were also half full, so they slowed down and started chatting with Qin Wen.

Although the two of them had been busy with the concert recently, "Six Doors Secret Affairs" had become a hit. No matter what software they opened, they could see its news, and Qin Wen, who played Yu Changyan, also became popular.

Others might envy Qin Wen for becoming famous with his first drama, but the two were used to it.

This is an artist personally selected by Manager Gu and personally taken to auditions. It's impossible for him not to be famous.

No one understands Manager Gu's mysterious methods better than them.

Qin Wen listened to them in amazement.

But on second thought, it seemed to be the case. He had participated in auditions before, but always failed, and the subsequent dramas were not popular. However, "Six Doors Secret Affairs", which Manager Gu accompanied him to, not only succeeded once, but every step was full of various coincidences. If it weren't for Manager Gu, what the drama would have become was unknown.

Manager Gu had worked so hard for him behind the scenes.

But in public, Manager Gu always humbly said that he hadn't done anything, and that it was their own efforts.

He thought he had already seen how good Manager Gu was, but now he discovered that what he thought he knew was less than one percent of Manager Gu's realm.

Qin Wen took a deep breath.

He really needs to work harder!!

Thinking of this, he suddenly felt worried.

Meng Yuan Sheng asked, "What's wrong?"

Qin Wen said with difficulty, "Our crew will participate in a reality show in a few days, and then there will be a celebration banquet and media interviews for exceeding 100 million views. I've never experienced such a situation before, and I'm a little worried."

"Hey, what's there to worry about?" Cheng Xin excitedly offered suggestions, "I'll tell you about my experience…"

"Shut up," Meng Yuan Sheng covered his mouth, as the person who usually cleaned up after Cheng Xin, he was exhausted and couldn't let him corrupt Qin Wen.

Cheng Xin reluctantly went back to eating.

Meng Yuan Sheng then said to Qin Wen, "Don't listen to Cheng Xin's nonsense, you're a newcomer now, you don't need to be perfect in everything, answer what you're sure of, and smile if you're not sure, okay?"

Qin Wen nodded thoughtfully.

At this time, Gu Xing Shi came in and casually asked, "What are you talking about?"

Meng Yuan Sheng said, "I'm teaching Qin Wen interview skills."

Meng Yuan Sheng was very skilled in dealing with media interviews, and he always had a sense of proportion.

With him teaching, Gu Xing Shi felt relieved.

-

A few days later, it was the day for "Six Doors Secret Affairs" to participate in the variety show.

Gu Xing Shi was a little worried about Qin Wen, so he simply went with him.

The variety show was filmed in Dong'an City and was an outdoor reality show.

Gu Xing Shi wasn't too worried about the reality show recording.

The chief director was a good friend of Yin He Feng's boss. Last time, Gu Xing Shi had provided timely information, helping them save the money tree, so he wouldn't mind returning the favor.

Although Qin Wen didn't deliberately do anything for variety show effect, he was a quick learner, and with his skills, he was very eye-catching in the game segment. And when he was teased, his serious rebuttal added a unique contrast and cuteness.

After recording the reality show, they immediately returned to Jing City to attend the celebration banquet.

Gu Xing Shi looked at Qin Wen, who was quietly sitting aside and reviewing his speech, and felt very worried.

Although Qin Wen had outsmarted those people from Tongfu Electronic Factory, it was because he had made all the preparations beforehand, which allowed him to be at ease.

But when facing the media, he was a pure newcomer. The media loved to bully newcomers, always asking tricky or insidious questions. Once an artist's answer was problematic, they would mercilessly seize on it.

Artists who haven't experienced this kind of situation easily panic and lose their composure, often ending up with a lifetime of black history.

Thinking of this, Gu Xing Shi became even more worried.

His little Qin had finally opened up a little, and he couldn't be scared back by the media.

He thought hard and felt that the biggest problem might be that Qin Wen didn't understand these media.

If that's the case, let him understand.

So Gu Xing Shi called Qin Wen over.

The two of them slipped to the side of the stage. The media were gradually entering.

Gu Xing Shi pointed to a logo in the corner: "This is a reporter from Apple Entertainment. They like to ask tricky questions to find breaking points, and… they have a little grudge against our company. They might deliberately make things difficult for you. But this company itself has problems; they often take money from other companies to smear their competitors…"

Qin Wen nodded.

Gu Xing Shi pointed to another group of people: "These are from Popular Film and Television. Although they're called that, they actually love to ask about people's privacy. Last time, they asked Fu Ya who she had the most fun kissing scenes with, and Fu Ya gave them a hard time…"

"And this is…"

Gu Xing Shi spoke until he was hoarse, and then asked Qin Wen, "Do you remember?"

Qin Wen: "I remember."

Gu Xing Shi felt relieved.

With this understanding, coupled with the interview skills taught by Meng Yuan Sheng, there shouldn't be any problems.

-

For such a popular drama, the media were eager to ask many questions.

And the one they were most interested in was Qin Wen.

Media who had interacted with the limited group knew that Manager Gu's first two artists, Cheng Xin, focused on answering vaguely, while Meng Yuan Sheng focused on being tight-lipped. Both of them were stumbling blocks for interviewers.

This time, Qin Wen was their junior brother.

They didn't know what his interview style was.

But there were rumors from the reality show recording that Qin Wen's personality was serious and even a little honest.

The media were instantly invigorated.

When all the cast and crew were in place, the celebration banquet officially began.

This celebration banquet was conducted as a live broadcast.

As soon as it went online, a large number of viewers poured in, and the barrage was overwhelming.

【Ahhhhh my Yu Jie!!!】

【Jiang Hanjing is so handsome!!】

【Changyan is my husband!!!】

Jiang Jianyue also specially opened a live broadcast to react with netizens.

"Xia Ruoying has a high ponytail today! This heroic style is so suitable for her, much better than the previous idol dramas."

"Jiang Hanjing looks much handsomer than before. Fame really makes people look better."

"This… is Yu Changyan? The little brother is quite handsome, but he looks a little shy! Is his personality so different from Yu Changyan? His acting is amazing."

The first half of the celebration banquet was relatively cheerful and peaceful, such as playing games, the actors recreating famous scenes from the drama, and speeches from all the cast and crew.

Jiang Jianyue had watched many such live broadcasts and knew that the media interviews in the latter half were the highlight. Compared to formal speeches, unexpected interviews were certainly more interesting.

Jiang Jianyue sighed and looked sympathetically at Qin Wen: "Qin Wen will be the most miserable today. He's a newcomer and plays a popular character. Based on my experience, the media won't let him off."

Just as Jiang Jianyue had predicted.

From the beginning of the group interview, after a symbolic questioning of the director and the male and female leads, all the fire was directed at Qin Wen.

"Qin Wen, hello, I'm a reporter from Popular Film and Television. I want to ask you how many girlfriends you've had before? Have you broken up now? You seem to have intimate scenes with Ruoying in the drama. Will your girlfriend be jealous?"

Gu Xing Shi couldn't help but frown. He knew it.

Qin Wen shook his head: "I haven't had any."

The reporter from Popular Film and Television, seeing his honest look, became even more excited: "Then will you fall in love with Ruoying because of the drama?"

Xia Ruoying next to him frowned slightly.

But Qin Wen calmly smiled: "Last time you asked questions like this, you were scolded by Fu Ya, right?"

The scene suddenly fell silent.

Xia Ruoying giggled, and then the scene erupted in laughter.

The reporter from Popular Film and Television's face turned pale, and he quickly withdrew his microphone, not daring to ask anymore.

【Hahahaha, well said!】

【At first, I thought the little brother was too shy, not like Yu Changyan, now he's got the vibe!】

【It's hilarious! Qin Wen's response is so fast! I love this kind of interview!】

The reporters present felt something was wrong. Qin Wen didn't seem as honest and easy to bully as the rumors said.

But there was still a brave soul who stepped forward.

"I'm a reporter from Apple Entertainment. Qin Wen, do you think the popularity of "Six Doors Secret Affairs" can last? As far as I know, "The Scheme of the World" will be broadcast next week. As a long-awaited costume intrigue drama, which do you think will perform better?"

This question was a huge trap.

No matter how Qin Wen answered, there would be problems. If he said "Six Doors Secret Affairs" was better, he would be considered arrogant and disrespectful to his seniors. If he said "The Scheme of the World" was better, it would be a slap in the face at the celebration banquet for "Six Doors Secret Affairs". Even if he said both were good, he would be considered to be comparing "Six Doors Secret Affairs" and "The Scheme of the World", and would be scolded for蹭热度 (蹭热度 - trying to gain popularity by associating with a trending topic) afterwards.

The director next to him couldn't help but look worriedly at Qin Wen.

But Qin Wen calmly smiled again.

The reporter from Apple Entertainment remembered what happened to the reporter from Popular Film and Television and was a little flustered: "What do you mean?"

Qin Wen: "Oh, mainly because I heard that your company likes to take money from other companies to smear their competitors, so when you asked this question, I was curious whose money you took."

The reporter from Apple Entertainment was stunned, feeling both guilty and angry, and stammered: "You… you're talking nonsense!"

Qin Wen didn't reply, but looked at all the media and smiled: "Who's next?"

All the media took a step back: "!!!"

Who dares to ask you anymore!

No!!

What kind of interview monsters are you from LeShi!!!