Chapter 877 Ruin Your Reputation (10,000-word update!)
After the show finished recording, He Shize had just returned to his lounge when a friend he knew well pushed open the door and came in.
"What happened to you just now? Why did you suddenly say something so sarcastic and ambiguous? Aren't you afraid of getting scolded?"
"Why should I be afraid of being scolded?" He Shize rolled his eyes. "He dares to ruin my reputation, and I'm going to swallow my anger?"
"How did he ruin your reputation?"
“Shi Jin asked me to write a play before, but unfortunately, Shi Jin wanted to cast Jiang Jun in it. After the script was submitted, the message that came back was that he was not satisfied with the script. At first, it was fine, but after two days, people started spreading rumors that the later parts of my script were written by someone else.”
My friend was speechless for a moment.
He Shizhe: "I don't know what happened, but as the script was being discussed, it turned into a script that Lu Yanhe said was no good. We couldn't find any A-list actors willing to act in it, so Shi Jin's side put the trouble on me and even refused to pay me the final payment."
"this--"
"Isn't Lu Yanhe ruining my livelihood? What makes him think that someone else wrote the script for me?" He Shi was furious.
The friend hesitated for a moment and remained silent. It was common knowledge in the industry that He Shize now had a studio and had recruited many students.
In fact, it's very common for screenwriters to collaborate with students on scripts; this is a frequent occurrence in the industry. Furthermore, it's common practice to conceal the names of collaborators in order to sell the script for a higher price.
Essentially, isn't this also a form of ghostwriting?
In the end, the friend could only say tactfully, "If what you said were actually broadcast on the show, it would probably cause a lot of controversy, and you would also attract a lot of criticism. I suggest you talk to the production team and ask them to delete the part you said."
He Shize sneered.
“What am I afraid of? I don’t make a living based on my looks. Let them criticize me,” He Shi said. “I’m not an entertainer.”
However, a friend reminded him: "Your script was previously accused by Lu Yanhe of being ghostwritten, which made it impossible for you to find any top-tier actors willing to act in it. If you really have a public conflict with Lu Yanhe, do you think the platform will have concerns? Will the actors have concerns?"
He Shize fell silent for a moment.
He hesitated.
But in front of his friends, he didn't want to appear as if he was afraid of Lu Yanhe's power.
He said, "I didn't specifically name Lu Yanhe. If he still claims responsibility, is it his problem or mine?"
My friend sighed.
He knew He Shizhe's temperament well.
He wanted to say something more, but when the words reached his lips, he was speechless.
After his friend left, He Shizhe sat alone in his lounge, lost in thought for a long time, until he was awakened by a series of knocks on the door.
"Teacher, shall we go back now?" It was his student who came.
I guess she waited outside for a long time, but he didn't come out, so she came to ask.
He Shizhe said, "I have something to do. Go outside and wait for me."
"good."
After the students left, He Shize went outside and found the program's director.
"Director, I have something I'd like to talk to you about."
"Teacher He, please speak." The director was still quite polite to him.
Seeing this, He Shize mustered up some courage and said, "I said something during the recording of the show just now, and now that I think about it, I feel it was too sharp. It wouldn't be good to broadcast it. Do you think we could cut it out in post-production?"
The director chuckled and said, "It's no big deal. I know which segment you're referring to. Don't worry, this is a program that focuses on expressing viewpoints and doesn't like to provoke conflict. We'll edit it in later."
Hearing this, He Shize breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "That's good."
"Teacher He, if there's nothing else, I'll go and get back to work. There's a ton of stuff to do after the show is finished."
"Okay, go ahead and get busy, I won't hold you back."
The director nodded and left.
The assistant hurriedly followed, not forgetting to nod to He Shizhe as a greeting.
After leaving, the assistant whispered, "Director, did you really cut it? That part would have been such a hit if it had aired."
The director glanced at him. "Which ear did you hear me say I was going to cut it? And how do you know which scene he was referring to?"
The assistant was taken aback.
—I know which part you're referring to.
We will edit it later.
Oh!
The assistant realized what was happening.
"You're the best director ever," the assistant said, giving a thumbs up. "I have so much to learn."
-
He Shize felt relieved and walked out of the recording venue, where he saw Liu Yuhuai waiting for him at the door.
"Yu Huai, let's go back." He Shize said with a beaming smile.
Seeing this, Liu Yuhuai smiled and asked, "Did the recording of today's program go smoothly, teacher?"
"Smoothly." He Shi nodded. "Thank you for your hard work today, picking me up and dropping me off."
Liu Yuhuai quickly replied, "Of course."
“I’ve read the script outline you gave me before. It’s well-written and shows great improvement. However, it’s still quite far from meeting the platform’s review requirements.” He Shi got into the car and said to Liu Yuhuai, “Your character writing is still a bit lacking. It’s rather stereotypical and lacks contrast. Precisely because the characters lack contrast, the plot also seems a bit flat.”
Liu Yuhuai was taken aback, then nodded.
"yes."
“However, your current level is a remarkable improvement compared to when you first came to learn from me,” He Shi nodded and praised. “At this rate, you’ll soon be able to write screenplays independently.”
Liu Yuhuai: "Thank you for your guidance."
“Look, last time I gave you a chance to learn, the script of ‘Eagle on the Earth’ had a section written by you, right?” He Shi said. “Although I revised and polished many parts in the middle, as soon as I showed it to others, they could tell and even questioned whether I had hired a ghostwriter.”
Liu Yuhuai looked ashamed and said, "I'm sorry, teacher, I've embarrassed you."
He Shizhe: "It's not a big deal. I was just thinking that after the show aired, if the response was good, I would officially tell people in the industry that the script was a collaboration between you and me. That way, you would have a representative work, which would make it easier for you to contact platforms later. But now it's not possible. The show might not even be filmed."
Liu Yuhuai's face showed even more shame.
"I'm sorry, teacher."
"It's alright, take your time," He Shi said with concern. "Everyone needs time to grow."
Liu Yuhuai nodded in agreement and started driving.
He escorted He Shizhe home and then offered to help him upstairs.
"You don't need to see me upstairs, you should go home early."
Liu Yuhuai watched He Shize get out of the car, walk away, and then go upstairs.
His gaze gradually turned somber.
-
"Mr. Chen, there's something I need to talk to you about."
Chen Ziyan asked with a smile, "Director Guo, is there any news?"
"We're recording a program today, and we have a guest, screenwriter He Shizhe. Do you know him?" Director Guo asked.
"Yes, I know him. What's wrong?" Chen Ziyan immediately became more alert upon hearing the name.
"During the recording today, he said some sarcastic things that were directed at Lu Yanhe. Although he didn't name names, everyone knows who he was talking about."
"What did he say?"
“The output is high. Under normal circumstances, a screenwriter can't write that much so quickly, unless they use a ghostwriter.” Director Guo sighed. “When I heard that, my head was spinning. But the producers and the others are all here today, and they all say that if this scene is released, it will definitely be a hit. I can't very well suggest cutting it. After thinking it over, I decided to call you in advance to let you know. Whether you can get things done with the higher-ups and have this scene removed, or whatever you do, it's better than going into battle unprepared. Don't you think so?”
"Understood, Director Guo. I appreciate your kindness. Could you please give me a copy of the recording of what he said? I'd like to hear what happened so I can be prepared later."
"Okay, I'll have someone bring it to you later."
"Okay." Chen Ziyan smiled. "Let's have dinner together sometime. Don't always call me when you're working."
"Okay, okay."
The two exchanged a few pleasantries and then hung up the phone.
Chen Ziyan frowned slightly.
He Shi is responsible.
What's gotten into him again?
-
When Lu Yanhe returned to Yuming, he had already finished reading all the scripts that Chen Yin had given him.
Chen Yin continues to follow the "N+1" principle this time. N refers to the subject matter that has box office potential, while 1 refers to a "supported work" like "Childhood is an Adventure in a Summer Night," which is difficult to find a comparable work among blockbuster films.
We always need to shoot something different.
In fact, "Childhood is an Adventure in a Summer Night" achieved a box office of over 60 million yuan in June due to its well-chosen release date and effective marketing. This is quite remarkable for a film with no well-known actors.
This is also thanks to Chen Yin's approach.
With box office performance exceeding expectations and positive reviews on Children's Day, the company made a decisive move: without waiting for box office revenue, it immediately allocated additional publicity funds to increase promotional efforts and attract more viewers to the cinema.
Ultimately, the film's promotional costs far exceeded its production costs—but these promotional costs were based on box office performance, not on a mindless, uninformed spending spree from the outset.
These scripts are almost all written by new screenwriters, except for the one with the number "1," which comes from a veteran screenwriter who has already created several works.
Most of these film scripts come from screenwriters signed and trained by the company. Linghe accepts scripts from both inside and outside the company, including through pitches. However, the company's contracted screenwriters, because they receive salaries and participate in many actual production processes, have a more composed and mature grasp of the scripts than new screenwriters from outside the company.
Chen Yin has already purchased all of these scripts under the company's name. Even if the company doesn't ultimately produce them into films, or if Lu Yanhe deems them unsuitable for the company to handle, they will be sold to other film companies for production.
Chen Yin's approach has a fundamental reason: to enrich the company's script library. Just like many film and television companies nowadays want to store "IP" (intellectual property), Linghe has an extremely high project development rate, largely because they don't have a sufficient script library to choose from for development.
Just like with his previous self-produced films, Chen Yin didn't expect Lu Yanhe to approve them all at once, agreeing to start filming. He had originally thought that Lu Yanhe would at least reject one or two.
The scripts that Lu Yanhe saw this time were all rated 8 points or higher.
It was indeed a script selected through a pitch competition, and both its creativity and pacing made it filmable.
On his way back to Ziyuan Bridge from the airport, Lu Yanhe called Chen Yin and asked, "If we make all these movies, will we be able to keep up with the cash flow?"
Chen Yin said, "We currently have ample cash flow."
For a film and television company, cash flow is crucial. If cash flow is blocked, it can cause huge losses, and the production team may even have to disband on the spot.
However, Linghe doesn't have this problem. Its operating model is relatively simple, without many complexities. The fixed annual revenue from "Home Alone" alone is enough to support the entire company. Not to mention, to date, none of Linghe's film and television productions have incurred losses.
"If these movies are filmed at the same time, how much production cost do you expect?" Lu Yanhe asked.
Chen Yin said, "If the payment is made in one lump sum, it would be roughly 150 million yuan. However, film production is usually paid in several stages. I don't plan to let them start filming at the same time. If they start filming at the same time, it would be too much of a burden for the company. If problems arise at the same time, it would be difficult to resolve them properly."
150 million. The scripts sent this time are indeed more difficult to film than stories like "Summer Night Villa Horror" and "The Corpse," which are basically filmed in a single scene. The coordination and filming difficulties involved mean that the filming budget will be higher.
Five scripts, with an average production cost of 30 million per project.
Lu Yanhe flipped through the five projects again and asked, "Which script requires the most filming budget?"
"Weather Forecast," Chen Yin said. "This movie will have many scenes that require post-production special effects. Roughly estimated, the production cost of this movie will reach 80 million."
Lu Yanhe thought to himself, "Just as I expected."
Chen Yin immediately added, "However, apart from this script, the costs of the other scripts can still be controlled within the range of around 20 million. The reason I included the 'Weather Forecast' project is twofold: firstly, we currently have sufficient cash flow to produce this film; secondly, Linghe's current film productions do not include fantasy films that require extensive post-production special effects, so I think it's worth a try."
Lu Yanhe said, "The script for 'Weather Forecast' is indeed quite good, but what kind of film are you aiming to make? Do you have any comparable works?"
Chen Yin said, "In China, there are no comparable works. There are actually very few fantasy films set in modern urban backgrounds in China."
Lu Yanhe: "Yes, that's also something I'm worried about. In China, we haven't built up a large audience for this type of film. Even if it's well-made, it's still a question whether anyone will be willing to watch it."
Chen Yin was silent for a moment, then asked, "So... we're not doing it anymore?"
“No, I like this script. I even see the potential to develop a series in it,” Lu Yanhe said frankly. “However, the production cost of 80 million yuan, not including the subsequent marketing and distribution, will put a lot of pressure on it to break even. Even if it doesn’t lose money, if the return on investment isn’t high, it could still fail. My suggestion is to see if we can communicate with the screenwriter to discuss making some changes to the script, which scenes can be modified so that the crew can complete the filming with just practical effects. If ‘Weather Forecast’ does well at the box office and the audience feedback is good, we can increase the budget on that basis, which will reduce the risk a lot. How about this, have them make the budget sheet for ‘Weather Forecast’ first, and then we can see how to proceed together. Is this script an original script? Is this screenwriter signed by our company? It’s really imaginative.”
Chen Yin said, "No, this was a submission our company received. We were very surprised after reading the script and immediately contacted her. Her name is Shi Hui."
“I was very pressed for time when I came back this time, otherwise I really wanted to see her,” Lu Yanhe said. “Or could you ask her for me? See if she’s in Yuming. If we could find some time to meet, even just for a cup of coffee would be great.”
Chen Yin said, "Okay, then I'll contact her."
-
After a short rest, Lu Yanhe had to head off to the rehearsal.
He made it to the final rehearsal.
After the rehearsal, Wang Biao told him that Chen Yin had brought Shi Hui over and asked if he was free later.
Lu Yanhe glanced at the time and saw that it was already past 2 p.m., with less than six hours left before the official recording.
Lu Yanhe said, "Why don't you book a tea restaurant nearby for me? I haven't had lunch yet, so we can eat and drink with them."
Wang Biao agreed.
-
Her husband came with Shi Hui.
"Because it was getting late, he was worried about my safety coming out alone—"
Shi Hui explained with a smile, "Actually, he was worried that I would encounter a scammer. When I told him that I wanted to meet him, he was always worried that I would be scammed."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe smiled and shook hands with Shi Hui's husband as well, "Hello, now that you've met me in person, you should know that I'm not a fraud, right?"
Shi Hui's husband smiled and shook hands with him.
"I'm sorry, because I'm very busy when I came back this time, I can only chat with you while we eat." After Lu Yanhe sat down, he said, "I just finished reading the script of 'Weather Forecast' and I was pleasantly surprised, so I can't wait to meet the author."
Shi Hui smiled somewhat awkwardly, "Thank you."
“But I originally thought this script was written by a male screenwriter,” Lu Yanhe said with a smile. “Because the script’s logic and style have a lot of male perspectives, I didn’t expect it to be written by a woman. That’s really amazing.”
Writing from a gender perspective is very difficult.
Writing style can be changed, word choice and sentence structure can be adjusted, but what is unconsciously revealed between the lines cannot be changed.
Shi Hui seemed a little nervous, perhaps because of her introverted personality and inability to interact with people with ease.
"Then, will Linghe turn this script into a movie?" Shi Hui asked.
Lu Yanhe nodded and said, "We do have such plans. However, based on the current content of the script, we roughly estimate that many parts will require post-production special effects. And there is no successful precedent for a fantasy story set in a modern city in China. This means that the film may need to cultivate an audience first. Therefore, we hope that you can make some revisions to the script. In fact, it is clear that you have a very large world view setting for this story."
Shi Hui glanced at her husband.
Her husband smiled at her, seemingly to comfort her, and even reached out to hold her hand.
Shi Hui then said, "Yes."
She became a little nervous again, "Is this not a good thing?"
Lu Yanhe: "If it's made into a movie and does well, we would certainly like to turn it into a series. But that's a matter for later. Teacher Shi, we definitely need to make the first one a success before we can have the rest."
Shi Hui nodded, "Yes, I understand."
“Can we delete or adjust some details in the script that only present the world view but do not affect the main plot? Or can we make adjustments to make them suitable for live-action shooting?” Lu Yanhe said. “If we were to present this script 100% in film, the production cost would exceed our initial expectations, which would put a lot of pressure on us.”
Shi Hui's husband suddenly said, "Of course we can revise the script, but my wife has other jobs and can't come to the set to revise it."
Chen Yin nodded, "I understand that. Teacher Shi can finish her script revisions at home."
Lu Yanhe asked, "What kind of work does Teacher Shi usually do?"
Shi Hui said, "I usually work at a local TV station as a director."
Lu Yanhe was somewhat surprised and asked, "Beijing-Taiwan?"
“It’s not a Beijing-Taiwan channel, it’s just a small local channel, the kind that can only be found locally,” Shi Hui said.
Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.
He turned to look at Shi Hui's husband.
Where is Mr. Liu?
Shi Hui's husband touched his nose and said, "I, I guess you could call myself a freelance writer. I run my own media platform and sometimes take on freelance work. I've written copy, novels, screenplays... I've done it all."
Lu Yanhe looked surprised.
"So versatile."
Shi Hui's husband waved his hand, looking embarrassed, "What do you mean by 'all-rounder'? He just hasn't accomplished anything worthwhile."
Shi Hui turned to look at her husband and shook her head. "No, you are excellent and talented. You will definitely be noticed."
Shi Hui's husband held her hand—
Lu Yanhe then realized that their hands had never separated since they clasped hands.
Are they really that loving?
"Teacher Shi, have you considered signing a screenwriting contract with Linghe?" Chen Yin suddenly asked with a smile. "Our company has signed many screenwriters, and they are paid regularly. The various projects, both company-wide and external, provide everyone with enough opportunities to write."
Shi Hui shook her head and said, "I'm not considering it for now. I'm not a professional screenwriter. I just write for fun. I didn't expect to get accepted for my submission."
Chen Yin nodded.
Lu Yanhe asked with a smile, "Did you write any other scripts besides 'Weather Forecast' back then?"
Shi Hui said, "Uh... I've written a few, but I'm not very satisfied with them, so I've never shown them."
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"By the way, Mr. Liu, you just mentioned that you sometimes take on writing jobs outside of work, and you've written screenplays, right?"
Shi Hui's husband looked into Lu Yanhe's eyes and nodded, "Yes."
He picked up the water glass with his other hand and took a sip.
"But these are all jobs done by ghostwriters, so it's hard to say."
“Understood, I understand.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “What I mean is, if you have a script, Mr. Liu, you can send it to us to take a look. Linghe always prioritizes content. As long as you have a good script, we will take it.”
Shi Hui's husband smiled, seemingly very interested, and said, "Next time I have a good idea, I'll definitely contact you first. I can't let those people who make me a ghostwriter get away with it again."
Lu Yanhe agreed.
-
This meeting went very smoothly.
Chen Yin could also tell that Lu Yanhe genuinely appreciated the script for "Weather Forecast".
After seeing the two off, Chen Yin said, "I will continue to keep in touch with Shi Hui and try to sign her to our company."
“No.” Lu Yanhe suddenly shook his head. “President Chen, you should first investigate what Mr. Liu, Shi Hui’s husband, does.”
"Huh?" Chen Yin was taken aback. "Is there a problem?"
"I suspect that the script was not written by Shi Hui, but by her husband."
"Huh?" Chen Yin looked surprised. "Why is that?"
Shi Hui said that she is not a professional screenwriter, but just writes for fun in her spare time. Look at the script of "Weather Forecast". Do you think it can be written by a screenwriter who just writes for fun in his spare time? Every scene is very close to the actual filming. No one who has actually been on set can write something like this.
"When we suggested revising the script, her husband suddenly interrupted, saying that she usually has to work and doesn't have time to come to the set to revise the script."
Is there a problem with this?
"The problem is that I didn't think it was necessary for him to interrupt on this issue. Shi Hui answered all the other questions, but when it came to this very normal question, Shi Hui's husband suddenly interrupted her without waiting for her to say a word. I found that strange at the time."
“Maybe he thinks Shi Hui is too embarrassed to refuse us. What if we suggest that Shi Hui join the crew to revise the script?” Chen Yin said.
“I think it’s more likely that they didn’t coordinate their statements, which is why Shi Hui’s husband suddenly answered, to prevent Shi Hui from agreeing immediately and then actually joining the production team to revise the script. That would mean real-time revisions, and the real test would be taken,” Lu Yanhe said. “Of course, this is just my guess; I just feel that something is amiss.”
"If that's the case, why do it?" Chen Yin asked, puzzled. "Writing a screenplay isn't something shameful."
“That’s why I asked you to investigate what Mr. Liu does. Didn’t he say that he sometimes works as a ghostwriter?” Lu Yanhe said. “Perhaps he has some reason why, even though he wrote the script himself, he can only credit it under his wife’s name.”
Chen Yin nodded immediately.
"I understand, I'll go investigate right away."
-
"Honey, did I give myself away just now?"
As soon as she left, Shi Hui asked nervously.
Liu Yuhuai frowned deeply.
"I think Lu Yanhe seems to have sensed something."
"What should we do?" Shi Hui immediately became anxious. "Won't this affect the filming of this script? It's so hard for you to be seen and recognized. Sigh, it's all my fault, I was too nervous!"
Tears fell down in a flash.
Upon seeing this, Liu Yuhuai quickly reached out and wiped it off for her.
“It’s okay, you did a great job.” He quickly reassured her. “Besides, even if it’s discovered, it’s fine. You wrote the script. I just helped you revise and polish it. Nobody has any proof that you didn’t write it.”
Shi Hui said aggrievedly, "If I had known, you wouldn't have become He Shize's student. You are so talented, but he has always exploited you and prevented you from getting ahead. Now, Ling He has finally taken a liking to your script and wants to make it into a movie, but he can't credit you because of that."
Liu Yuhuai shook his head.
“Let’s not talk about that,” Liu Yuhuai said. “If this script can really be made into a movie by Linghe, you can sell scripts under your name and collaborate with others in the future, it’s the same.”
Shi Hui asked, "If this script can really be made into a movie by Linghe, can't you leave He Shizhe's place and let the script appear in the opening credits with your name on it?"
Liu Yuhuai shook his head. "This is a big taboo in the industry. Since I have already acknowledged He Shize as my teacher, unless I leave his studio first, once people find out, it will be seen as having two jobs at once. Not only will He Shize be unhappy, but Linghe will also not want to work with a screenwriter who has such troubles. Therefore, 'Weather Forecast' is your screenwriting work. No matter what happens in the future, this work is yours, understand?"
Shi Hui nodded.
"From now on, will you use my name?" Shi Hui asked.
Liu Yuhuai said, "If 'Weather Forecast' can be successfully made into a movie and released, and the response is good, at least you can be credited as the screenwriter yourself, and you won't have to contact film and television companies through He Shizhe anymore. At that time, I will consider leaving He Shizhe."
Shi Hui: "It's definitely possible! Look, even Lu Yanhe praised your script and wanted to meet you in person."
Seeing her excited and happy expression, Liu Yuhuai couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, I just wanted to give it a try at first, I didn't expect to be chosen," Liu Yuhuai said.
Shi Hui said, "Linghe spent 800,000 yuan to buy our script. With this 800,000 yuan, if we work hard to save money for another two years, we can buy a house!"
As she said this, her eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight.
Liu Yuhuai said, "This 800,000 is nothing. If the movie can really be released, Linghe Company is really a conscientious company in the industry. They even give a new screenwriter 1% of the global box office revenue."
Shi Hui asked, "Are there many of these?"
Liu Yuhuai said, "Based on the revenue of films produced by Linghe, if 'Weather Forecast' can gross 100 million yuan at the global box office, then we can get a dividend of 1 million yuan. Do you think that's a lot?"
"100 million!" Shi Hui's eyes widened. "Isn't that difficult?"
“It might be difficult for other companies, but it’s nothing for Linghe.” Liu Yuhuai felt a surge of excitement.
Shi Hui sighed, "I wish Linghe could sign a contract with you."
Liu Yuhuai patted her head and said, "This is already beyond our expectations. It's okay, let's take it one step at a time."
-
The gala lasted a total of ninety minutes.
But after the party, Lu Yanhe still had a lot of social work to do and couldn't leave immediately.
He was busy until 10 o'clock before he could finally leave.
Chen Siqi came forward and took his arm.
"You're quite the celebrity now," she joked. "You get surrounded by people wherever you go."
"Stop teasing me. Do you think I enjoy being surrounded by people?"
Despite being "big and burly," Lu Yanhe pressed his head against Chen Siqi's shoulder, like a bear that had finally made it home after a long winter journey, snuggling against her in a familiar and warm place.
Unfortunately, there were people filming nearby, and the scene was captured on camera.
Chen Siqi said with a smile, "There are people filming next to us."
Lu Yanhe: "Let them film it."
Chen Siqi: "Okay, let them film then."
She smiled and patted Lu Yanhe's head.
-
Chen Pinhe witnessed this scene just as he was about to leave.
They were far apart and there were many people, but inexplicably, amidst all the gaps, there was no obstruction between his location and theirs, and they could clearly see this scene.
His gaze instantly darkened.
Zhang Yuezhen greeted him with a smile, hugged Chen Pinhe's arm, called him "husband," and said, "You were so handsome when you spoke on stage tonight."
Chen Pinhe looked at Zhang Yuezhen with some confusion.
She had been rather cold and distant towards him recently, and even didn't accompany him to the Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Why has she suddenly become so warm towards him again?
In any case, this is a good thing.
Just as Chen Pinhe was about to say a few heartfelt words to Zhang Yuezhen to ease the tension of their relationship these past few days, he saw Zhang Yuezhen's smiling face and said, "But, honey, I've heard several people say that Lu Yanhe looks a bit like you. Do you two look alike?"
Zhang Yuezhen frowned, her face full of innocent confusion.
Chen Pinhe's heart sank completely.
He looked at Zhang Yuezhen and instantly understood. Zhang Yuezhen knew.
But when did she find out?
Was it because she found out about this that she suddenly distanced herself from him and became distant?
Four hours.
Lu Yanhe only slept for four hours before he had to catch an early morning flight the next day to fly back to the United States.
He was being very gentle, but Chen Siqi was still woken up by him.
"Are you leaving?"
"Okay." Lu Yanhe said softly, "Don't get up. I'll get dressed and leave right away."
Chen Siqi still sat up and opened her arms.
Lu Yanhe smiled, hugged her, and kissed her on the lips.
"I'll come visit you on New Year's Day," Chen Siqi said. "How about it?"
"I'll come back for New Year's Day. Most people in the US are on holiday, and the public relations activities will be coming to an end," Lu Yanhe said.
Upon hearing this, Chen Siqi said, "Wouldn't that be even better? People in China can't find you, and no one abroad is looking for you. It's perfect for a vacation."
Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. Why don't you come over? Should we find a vacation cabin and isolate ourselves from the world for a few days?"
"I'd rather not isolate ourselves from the world," Chen Siqi said. "If something happens to either of us and we can't get in touch, it'll be a complete mess."
Lu Yanhe nodded, "That's true."
Chen Siqi: "However, it would be nice for us to find a vacation cottage, just the two of us."
Lu Yanhe: "Dong Ge would definitely not agree to just the two of us staying there. He would definitely demand that security be arranged around the area. He kept saying that America is too dangerous, and the richer and more famous you are, the more dangerous it is. If he stays in a hotel with me, not only will he have to stay in the outer room, but there will also be someone on duty at the door 24 hours a day."
“Dong-ge is right,” Chen Siqi said. “Even now when I go to the United States, I have to bring bodyguards with me.”
"Did you encounter any danger?" Lu Yanhe asked anxiously immediately.
“Not yet, but I keep seeing similar news,” Chen Siqi said. “Plus, because of you, I’ve become known to many people, so I have to do this.”
Lu Yanhe: "Don't think it's too much trouble. The security situation abroad is really not as good as in China. At most, you're afraid of being recognized by fans and being chased around. But abroad, there are people who actually chase you with guns."
Chen Siqi: "Yes, Hua Ruzhen has told me several times that I should tell her whenever I go to any place in Europe or America, and she will help me make arrangements with the locals so that some people won't be blind to my abilities. Maybe people like me who used to go abroad to do business alone or with only an assistant are the easiest to be targeted."
"Better safe than sorry," Lu Yanhe said. "Brother Dong is already here, so I'll go down first."
"Okay." Chen Siqi nodded. "Be careful on the road, and text me when you arrive."
Yes, it will.
Lu Yanhe then got up.
-
Three hours later.
The morning sun had just risen into the sky, shining down on the earth.
Suddenly, dozens of marketing accounts on the internet released a series of photos, including a video with relatively blurry pixels.
It was exactly the scene when Meng Li went to find Li Zhibai.
— Li Zhibai allegedly subjected Meng Li to "cold violence" after the Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
Former partners have now become bitter enemies.
—The first thing to do after getting ashore is to slay the one you love! Li Zhibai is now a top star that Meng Li can no longer reach.
...
Lin Suyang was awakened by a series of ringing phone calls. Upon hearing the devastating news, with his hair still disheveled, he immediately opened his laptop and convened an emergency meeting with the entire team.
Everyone was confused.
On this cold winter morning—
For people in the entertainment industry, it's like three or four in the morning—the time when they're deep in sleep.
Which media outlet is so unethical as to release this information so early in the morning?!
Lin Suyang and the group checked all the photos and videos exposed online and confirmed that there was not a single action that could prove that Li Zhibai was "coldly abusing" Meng Li. He simply ignored her and did not communicate with her at all.
Lin Suyang decisively decided on a public relations strategy, arranging for an online army to release press releases titled "Meng Li's Madness Spreads Far and Wide, Li Zhibai Retreats to Protect Himself," launching a counterattack with magic—
You're calling me a "passive-aggressive" person?
Then I will expose your "tainted" past.
Especially the story of Meng Li leaving the show after only recording the first episode of the first season of "The Days of Youth".
Mengli has a long history and its reputation is truly widespread.
With this background information, Li Zhibai's actions can be explained.
He just didn't want to get entangled with the smear.
Subsequently, after this counterattack in public opinion lasted for two hours, preventing the public opinion from being one-sided, Lin Suyang then arranged for online trolls to release Li Zhibai's past "achievements" of arguing, insulting, and clashing with others.
If someone who never hides their temper really wanted to "violently" confront Meng Li, would they really resort to "passive violence"? Compared to Li Zhibai's past actions, Li Zhibai in these photos and videos is exceptionally gentlemanly.
Such a topic, for a moment, seemed quite reasonable and left people speechless.
Lin Suyang led his team in an emergency four-hour operation, developing plans, pushing out articles, contacting various media outlets, and arranging online trolls. Step by step, amidst the chaos, they achieved an initial victory.
It was only at this moment that Lin Suyang suddenly remembered and asked: Has anyone contacted Li Zhibai?
No one answered in the group.
Lin Suyang: Is he still sleeping?
Li Zhibai's assistant, Yan Sui, said: "I just saw Yan Liang open the door at Ziyuan Bridge and say that Brother Bai is still sleeping."
Lin Suyang: "..."
He thought to himself speechlessly: He was born with the life of a young master.
Yan Sui then asked: Should I wake Brother Bai now?
Lin Suyang: Let him sleep. He'll just curse Mengli when he wakes up.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the group wholeheartedly agreed.
Yan Sui: But who arranged these photos and videos? Was it Meng Li?
Lin Suyang: We haven't found out yet, but it's okay, we'll find out eventually. These days, nothing stays hidden forever.
-
"Aa ...
Mengli, barefoot, stepped onto the carpet and screamed.
Wu Zhouyou was startled awake from his sleep and sat up in a panic. He then saw his girlfriend screaming loudly for some reason, as if she had been stimulated by something.
"Encapsulation?"
Meng Li raised her head and said angrily, "Wu Zhouyou, it's fine if you don't cast me in the movie version of 'The Gold Rush,' but if you cast Li Zhibai, we're breaking up!"
(End of this chapter)
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