Chapter 55 Chapter 55

While Gu Xing Shi and his team were busy preparing for the project, Ning Tianyou, who had been keeping a close eye on them, was getting restless.

“There’s still no news! What are you guys doing?!”

The assistant was also helpless: “Mr. Ning, it’s really not our fault. Sun Hongfei has kept the project under wraps, and no information has leaked out.”

Ning Tianyou frowned: “What about the screenwriter? Didn’t he reveal anything and get discovered?”

The assistant quickly shook his head: “Shouldn’t have. He said Sun Hongfei wasn’t satisfied with the script, so he’s keeping him in the hotel, making him revise it day and night! He said the guy’s about to throw up…”

Ning Tianyou: “…”

The assistant continued: “But he did pass on some important news.”

Ning Tianyou: “What is it?”

The assistant: “It’s said that Sun Hongfei specifically collaborated with Le Shi’s CEO, Gu… for this project…”

“Gu Xing Shi!!” Ning Tianyou stood up abruptly, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. “Are you sure there’s been no exposure?”

The assistant nodded affirmatively: “It should be fine, otherwise Sun Hongfei would have already turned against him; it wouldn’t be so quiet now.”

Although Ning Tianyou logically knew his subordinate was right, he still felt uneasy: “Gu Xing Shi is a bit shady; we can’t be careless.”

“No matter how much it costs, whether it’s bribing members of their team or infiltrating spies, we must find out!”

After searching for a long time, his subordinates finally found a suitable candidate.

His name was Jin Shiheng, and he was formerly the deputy manager of the publicity department at Sweet Orange Video.

There had been internal turmoil at Sweet Orange Video previously, and his immediate superior had gotten into trouble, causing him to be demoted. It was said that he harbored resentment towards Sun Hongfei, always claiming that his demotion was Sun Hongfei’s doing.

Sure enough, after they found Jin Shiheng, a little bribery got him to agree to pass on information for them.

Although Sun Hongfei kept the news tightly under wraps externally, many staff members in the crew were from Sweet Orange Video, and it wasn’t possible to completely conceal information internally.

Jin Shiheng had worked at Sweet Orange Video for many years, and even though he’d been demoted, his connections remained.

Through his relentless inquiries, he finally managed to gather some information.

However, the person who gave him the information wasn't from the core team, and the information was fragmented.

“It seems that the script is still not finalized, constantly undergoing revisions. Oh, right, I heard that CEO Gu and Manager Sun had a disagreement about the actors last time, and Manager Sun seemed to be scolded by CEO Gu, and looked gloomy for several days!”

Jin Shiheng wasn’t too concerned when he heard the first half, but when he heard the latter part, he suddenly perked up: “What disagreement? Tell me more!”

His friend helplessly replied: “I don’t know the specifics, it seems to be related to the lead actor and some veteran actors…”

Jin Shiheng pondered.

In recent years, the film and television industry has gotten used to using veteran actors for supporting roles to ensure quality and using fresh meat for the leading roles to guarantee traffic.

There's nothing wrong with this method for the production company, but it’s cruel to the fresh meat. Once the show airs, their acting skills will be judged, and they'll be compared to veteran actors by anti-fans, often resulting in a disastrous outcome.

If CEO Gu were simply an investor, he wouldn’t have gotten so angry. Unless…

This fresh meat is his own artist!!

Among Gu’s artists, Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin primarily focus on stage performances and are extremely popular, with busy schedules. They wouldn't give up the stage to become actors. As for Qin Wen, his acting skills are excellent. He had a back-and-forth exchange with veteran actors in "Six Doors Secret Affairs," so CEO Gu wouldn't worry about him.

That leaves only — Sheng Yueqing.

Thinking of this, he quickly asked: “Has Sheng Yueqing gone to the set?”

His friend was shocked: “How did you know?”

Jin Shiheng’s heart leaped with joy.

He guessed right!!!

This explains why CEO Gu would argue with Sun Hongfei!

Sun Hongfei must be thinking from the production company's perspective, but CEO Gu is a manager. He would certainly care more about his artist than the production company’s profits.

CEO Gu wants Sheng Yueqing to act and gain fans, but he's afraid that his acting skills are too poor, attracting mockery from anti-fans, resulting in a thankless effort. Therefore, he would rather sacrifice the production company’s interests and find actors with average acting skills to make Sheng Yueqing stand out.

Sun Hongfei didn’t consider this, and his flattery backfired, angering CEO Gu.

Thinking of this, Jin Shiheng almost laughed out loud.

His friend asked curiously: “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been asking about the crew all day.”

Afraid of being discovered, Jin Shiheng could only make an excuse: “Isn’t this a major project for our company? I think it’s an opportunity, and knowing more can’t hurt…”

“That’s the right attitude!” His friend patted his shoulder reassuringly. “Sun Hongfei is now riding high. He's no longer the meek supervisor he used to be. As the saying goes, one must bow one’s head under the eaves…”

Jin Shiheng felt nauseous, but to avoid exposure, he could only endure the humiliation and agree with his friend.

His friend suddenly remembered something: “Right, I heard that the crew will be recruiting more people later. Why don’t you apply? If the drama becomes a hit, you might be able to get your old position back based on your contribution!”

Jin Shiheng’s eyes lit up.

Join the crew?!

Not only would he get more information in exchange for money, but he could also get close to CEO Gu. If the drama flops, Sun Hongfei will definitely be held accountable, and CEO Gu will lose trust in him. At that time, I can take advantage of the situation and achieve two goals at once!

That night, Ning Tianyou received the news from Jin Shiheng.

“Still working on the script?”

Ning Tianyou compared this with the information he received from the screenwriter; it seemed that the screenwriter hadn’t been lying, his identity hadn't been exposed, and Gu Xing Shi didn't know that he was scheming against him.

He nodded in satisfaction, “Anything else?”

The assistant said: “CEO Gu wants Sheng Yueqing to play the lead role, but he doesn’t want the veteran actors’ acting skills to overshadow his own artist, so he had a fight with Sun Hongfei.”

Ning Tianyou showed a surprised expression: “Really?!”

Before he even made a move, they had an internal conflict. What great news!

“Good, good. This guy can find out these things; he does have some skills.” Ning Tianyou was in a good mood. “What else did he say?”

The assistant hesitated: “He said he might have a chance to infiltrate the crew, but he wants more money.”

Ning Tianyou's face fell.

But thinking that this time, he might be able to bring Wen Yue and Gu Xing Shi down together, he reluctantly said: “Okay, as long as he can provide enough substantial information, I can give him more money!”

After receiving the money, Jin Shiheng immediately took action, trying every means to infiltrate the crew.

Because he was sneaking in, he didn’t dare to get too close to the main crew, fearing that Sun Hongfei would discover him. However, after only wandering around for two rounds, he was pressed into service by the staff.

Before Jin Shiheng could refuse, he was directly dragged away to move things.

He moved things for over an hour, his waist aching. Finally, he saw a nanny car parked outside, and Gu Xing Shi walked in with others.

Although the other person was wearing a mask and had dyed his signature blue hair black, Jin Shiheng recognized him at a glance — Sheng Yueqing!!

If he wasn’t acting in the lead role, why would Sheng Yueqing dye his hair black? And he had checked Sheng Yueqing’s schedule; compared to his previous busy schedule, his recent schedule was much lighter, leaving only a few important activities; he must have cleared his schedule for filming!

It seems his guess was correct!

Jin Shiheng breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his waist didn’t hurt anymore, nor did his hands. He could carry things for another hour.

-

Gu Xing Shi led Sheng Yueqing inside, saying as they walked: “Although you’re playing a supporting role this time, it’s a great learning opportunity. Whether it’s Teacher Miao or the other senior actors, their acting skills are superb. Their scenes are full of tension and detail, which acting teachers can’t teach you. So, I’ve cut your less important schedule. For the next few months, just focus on learning on set…”

Sheng Yueqing was a little conflicted.

Recently, he experienced the feeling of being a star for the first time. He was no longer being insulted or framed.

Everyone greeted him with a smile. Although his schedule was tight, he felt happy for the first time.

Therefore, when Gu Xing Shi told him that he had cut many of his schedules and asked him to stay on set recently, he felt a little apprehensive and disappointed.

He thought he had been a little restless and arrogant recently, making CEO Gu unhappy.

Until he heard Gu Xing Shi's words, he suddenly realized.

He remembered that when he said he wanted to act, CEO Gu didn’t say anything, but he kept an eye out for suitable roles. Not to mention, this is a rare opportunity to watch Miao Yaming, Yuan Qingqing, and Fu Ya’s acting skills on the set!

Thinking of this, he felt both ashamed and grateful: “CEO Gu, don’t worry, I will definitely study hard!!”

Gu Xing Shi nodded with relief.

Sure enough, in the following period, Sheng Yueqing completely calmed down, arriving early and leaving late every day.

When he didn’t have any scenes, he would sit next to the director with a small stool and a notebook, recording his insights.

The director also appreciated this handsome and studious young man, and would often give him pointers when he was free.

As for Miao Yaming and others, they were even more willing to guide him.

After Miao Yaming came to the crew, he reunited with Yu Bao’er. This time, he didn’t repeat his past mistakes, bravely pursuing Yu Bao’er with subtle care.

Yu Bao’er was gradually moved by him. They played a couple in the drama, adding a touch of sweetness to their relationship.

Miao Yaming achieved success in both his career and love, and his mood was naturally good.

He was generous in guiding Sheng Yueqing.

Although Sheng Yueqing’s acting talent isn’t as good as Qin Wen’s, under the guidance of masters and immersed in the atmosphere of several big names’ acting skills clashing, his acting skills also improved unknowingly.

Several of his scenes were remarkable.

Jin Shiheng finally managed to shake off the staff and get close to the filming location. He saw Sheng Yueqing sitting next to the director, and the director was pointing at the monitor, talking to him. However, he was too far away to hear.

But just looking at the scene, he could guess that it must be because Sheng Yueqing’s acting as the lead was too bad, and the director could only correct him little by little.

In the following days, although he didn’t have another chance to get close, he also noticed that Sheng Yueqing arrived early and left late, and several times, he seemed to be deep in thought. It seems that his role is not light, and the progress is not smooth.

He felt relieved and sent the information he had gathered to Ning Tianyou.

Ning Tianyou had been waiting impatiently. However, after seeing the news, he immediately became happy.

“I thought Gu Xing Shi was so capable!” He sneered. “Trying to cultivate another Qin Wen, but alas, a rotten log can’t be carved into a Buddha.”

But this was good news for him.

If Sheng Yueqing's acting skills are too good, his brainless fans will blindly protect him, which will affect his future plans.

Thinking of this, he instructed his assistant: “Find some marketing accounts to release early spoilers, saying that Sheng Yueqing’s new drama has poor acting skills across the board, to lower the expectations first.”

Soon, some so-called “insider news” began to circulate online, saying that Sheng Yueqing’s recent activities had decreased because he was acting again, and the acting skills were poor across the board, just to make Sheng Yueqing’s acting skills seem not so bad.

After seeing this, netizens were dubious, and some immediately went to Gu Xing Shi's Weibo to ask.

Gu Xing Shi didn’t intend to hide it and directly admitted it. But he also explained that Sheng Yueqing was playing a supporting role, not the lead.

However, it still caused a stir among the public.

After all, Sheng Yueqing had acted before, and his acting skills weren't terrible, but they certainly weren’t good either.

And he became popular through photos, which made people even more worried.

【Ahhhhh, just walking the runway and taking pictures isn't enough? Why do all kinds of people want to squeeze into the acting industry?】

【Acting makes more money, and there will be brainless fans to protect him anyway.】

【I think we shouldn't say that yet. Wasn't "Six Doors Secret Affairs" also initially unpopular? I believe CEO Gu wouldn't produce garbage.】

【Isn't he playing a supporting role? It should be fine, didn't Qin Wen also start from a supporting role?】

【LOL, Qin Wen was a complete newcomer then, so of course he could only play a supporting role. But Sheng Yueqing now has this traffic, how could he lower himself to play a supporting role? And his schedule has been released; there are almost no activities for several months. If he wasn’t acting in the lead role, why is that? It’s impossible that he's learning on set, right?】

【I’m putting this out there; it’s definitely a terrible movie. If Douban's rating exceeds 4, I’ll call everyone here daddy!】

However, the next second, everyone saw Gu Xing Shi post a new Weibo, saying that the drama was filmed very well, and the lead actor’s acting skills were very exciting, hoping that everyone would support it.

This was pure provocation to those who questioned him.

Gu Xing Shi's Weibo instantly exploded, and the topic “Sheng Yueqing’s new drama” directly topped the hot searches, creating a wave of popularity.

Ning Tianyou was so angry that his blood pressure rose. He took two pills before calming down and then scolded Jin Shiheng. He couldn’t even distinguish between the lead and supporting roles and dared to ask for money.

Jin Shiheng was dumbfounded.

Impossible!

In his experience, since CEO Gu is the main force in this drama and Sheng Yueqing has high traffic, how could he give up the lead role to play a supporting role?

Therefore, in order to clarify this matter, he could only drag his aching body and infiltrate the crew again.

At this time, Gu Xing Shi was watching Sheng Yueqing act.

Sheng Yueqing’s character was named Shi Chen. He was cold and arrogant in the early stages, opposing the protagonist group. Once, he almost caused the protagonist’s death. However, later on, everyone discovered that he had been secretly helping them.

Shi Chen had long known that this so-called infinite flow world was fake, but his body had been implanted with a monitoring chip. Unless he died, he couldn’t escape. Therefore, he could only live in this world in a clear yet painful state.

Until the protagonist group’s arrival finally gave him hope to defeat this world.

Because of the monitoring chip, he couldn’t let outsiders discover that he was helping the protagonist group, lest it bring disaster to them. Therefore, he could only appear to be against them, but secretly did many things for them.

But everyone misunderstood and hurt him. Only when the crisis came, did he die to save the protagonist, finally letting them know his true identity.

And thus became the protagonist’s unforgettable white moonlight.

The part Sheng Yueqing was filming recently was Shi Chen’s past, tragic and depressing.

This was very emotionally draining. Every time he finished filming, Sheng Yueqing would be too tired to speak, and in order not to break the role, he didn’t even dare to talk to Gu Xing Shi, afraid that after talking, he wouldn't be able to find that tragic atmosphere.

Therefore, Jin Shiheng saw Sheng Yueqing walk out of the set coldly, without even speaking to Gu Xing Shi.

He was stunned. Did they have a fight?

Before he could figure it out, a staff member beside him said: “Why are you spacing out again?”

Jin Shiheng immediately came to his senses and continued to work hard.

Gu Xing Shi happened to be sending Sheng Yueqing to the car, and was about to return to the set when he saw Jin Shiheng “puffing and panting” in the distance, couldn’t help but sigh: “This person works really hard!”

The system immediately popped up: 【Host, this is a big melon!】

Gu Xing Shi listened to the system's words and looked at Jin Shiheng again: 【Well, such a good worker, being a spy is a waste.】

Jin Shiheng was moving things until he felt dizzy and was wiping his sweat when he suddenly saw someone squatting in front of him. After being startled, he discovered that it was Gu Xing Shi. He immediately stammered: “Gu… Gu… Gu… CEO Gu!!”

Gu Xing Shi curiously asked him: “Do you know me?”

Jin Shiheng immediately said with admiration: “I’m Jin Shiheng from the Sweet Orange Video publicity department. I’ve always admired you, so I took the initiative to apply for help. I hope you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind, why would I mind?” Gu Xing Shi smiled. “I happen to have something I want to ask you for help with!”

Jin Shiheng was overjoyed.

Although he had imagined many times how he would be appreciated by CEO Gu, and then rise through the ranks, get a promotion and raise, and reach the peak of his life!

However, after infiltrating, he found that the crew management was too strict. He couldn’t enter the set at all, and could only be a hard-working laborer on the outside.

But he didn't expect that even as a laborer, his hard work still attracted CEO Gu's attention.

He suppressed his excitement and quickly said: “It’s my honor to help you, just tell me what you need!”

“That’s great!”

Gu Xing Shi directly took him to the hardest and most tiring place in the crew.

Jin Shiheng looked at the amount of work and was stunned: “CEO Gu, the help you’re talking about… isn’t… isn’t this it?”

Gu Xing Shi nodded: “What? Can’t you do it?”

Seeing Gu Xing Shi’s slightly disappointed expression, Jin Shiheng immediately jolted: “I can!”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.” Gu Xing Shi clasped his hands together, looking sincere. “Don’t let me down.”

Jin Shiheng: “…”

Only those who endure hardship can succeed!

He finally climbed up to a big shot, he can’t miss this. He'll give it his all!!

By the time he finished all the work, it was evening, and he was tired and hungry, his steps unsteady.

At this time, Gu Xing Shi came over with a lunch box: “Hard work, your performance really surprised me.”

Jin Shiheng, who was half-dead from exhaustion, immediately cheered up: “Not hard work!”

Gu Xing Shi handed him the lunch box and said considerately: “Little Jin, it’s so late, and it’s inconvenient to go back. I’ve booked a room for you at the hotel. Stay here tonight.”

Hearing his words, Jin Shiheng felt that the day's hard work was rewarded.

Staying at the hotel, he would not only be close to CEO Gu, but it would also be easier to gather information, killing two birds with one stone!

So he quickly finished his meal and followed Gu Xing Shi to the hotel.

Just as Jin Shiheng was thinking about how to attract CEO Gu's attention, the door opposite suddenly opened, and a person with messy hair, pale skin like a zombie appeared at the door, his hands outstretched, and his mouth making unintelligible sounds.

Jin Shiheng was startled: “He… he… he… who is he?!”

Gu Xing Shi said calmly: “Oh, this is our screenwriter. He’s a little collapsed from revising the script every day, don’t mind him.”

The next second, Sun Hongfei came out of the room and dragged the screenwriter inside: “My friend, we've only revised it 30 times; it’s not finished yet…”

The screenwriter let out a mournful cry, but he couldn't break free. He was dragged back to the room inch by inch by Sun Hongfei.

Then, with a “bang,” the door was closed heavily.

Jin Shiheng subconsciously shivered.

But Gu Xing Shi had already opened the door: “Please come in.”

Jin Shiheng nervously followed Gu Xing Shi inside.

The hotel room was well-equipped, the air conditioning was comfortable, and there were fruits, snacks, and drinks on the table.

Gu Xing Shi sat on the sofa, smiling kindly at him: “Little Jin, you’re from the publicity department, right? You should be familiar with online marketing copy, right?”

Jin Shiheng hesitated and nodded.

“That’s great.” Gu Xing Shi turned on the computer on the table and turned it to Jin Shiheng. “Write.”

Jin Shiheng: “???”

Seeing him not moving, Gu Xing Shi frowned: “Such a simple thing, you wouldn’t not know how, huh, I was originally thinking of entrusting you with more important things. Since that's the case, then…”

“I will!” Jin Shiheng immediately stood up.

Under Gu Xing Shi’s approving gaze, Jin Shiheng buried his head and started typing “puffing and panting.”

He silently comforted himself, only those who endure hardship can succeed!

As long as CEO Gu sees his value, he will soon be able to climb up, get promoted and raise, and reach the peak of his life.

However, this burst of energy only lasted for an hour.

He was tired and sleepy, and a suspicion even arose in his mind: Why do I always feel like CEO Gu is PUAing me?

But at this moment, he heard Gu Xing Shi talking on the phone in the half-open bathroom. He seemed to be discussing matters about the crew with the director.

He immediately woke up and quickly recorded it and sent it to Ning Tianyou.

Gu Xing Shi finished the call and came out to see Jin Shiheng diligently writing marketing copy at the table.

Gu Xing Shi: “Little Jin, I’ll go first, I’ll leave this to you.”

Jin Shiheng’s typing speed instantly increased: “CEO Gu, rest assured, I will complete the task.”

Gu Xing Shi left the room contentedly and sighed to the system: 【I told you, such talents are a waste being spies, we need to make the most of their abilities.】

System: 【…】

Trembling.