Chapter 49 Fishing in Troubled Waters
On the phone screen, the ad video posted by MG's official Weibo account saw its view count jump to 5,000 in just five minutes, and the number is still increasing every second.
Considering the recent explosive popularity of the "Chao Mu CP" (a popular on-screen couple), Tan Xi was not surprised by this level of attention.
Just as she was about to press play, a notification suddenly popped up at the top of the screen:
[Your special follower, Fang Yucheng, has updated his status.]
Tan Xi paused in his movements.
After a moment's hesitation, she exited the video and clicked on that familiar profile picture.
——
Fang Yucheng
Just now from IXK** client
The recent exposure of Ms. Sun, my agent of many years, has sparked much discussion. This makes me feel that it's time to speak out and share some of my true thoughts.
In this industry, I've seen talented newcomers deliberately marginalized, and innocent people smeared by fabricated rumors.
When competition no longer revolves around works and abilities, and when certain methods repeatedly cross the generally accepted bottom line, I cannot convince myself that all of this is "right" or "necessary".
In some past situations, I may have had differing opinions, but I was unable to change anything. Even expressing disagreement could have led to more unpredictable consequences.
I firmly believe that a work should speak for itself through its quality, and a reputation should be built on character. This industry may have its complex rules for survival, but there should always be someone who tries to uphold the most basic fairness and goodwill.
I have never condoned or participated in any behavior such as maliciously suppressing competitors, manipulating public opinion, or using illegitimate means to gain benefits.
Based on this philosophy, I decided not to renew my brokerage contract with the company after it expired.
This was not an easy decision. But in order to uphold my principles, I had to take this step at this time.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me along the way; you gave me the courage to make this choice.
In the future, I will continue to move forward with my purest love for music and performance.
I will repay your trust with even better works.
The road ahead may be full of unknowns and challenges, but I believe that as long as I stay true to my original aspirations and have people who love me and support my fans, there will always be a brighter future that belongs to us.
——
The light from the screen reflected on Tan Xi's face, creating an uneven, flickering effect.
In the past, upon seeing such a statement, she would have believed every word Fang Yucheng said without hesitation, and might even have immediately joined the ranks of those controlling public opinion and fighting against the negative publicity.
But now, seeing the messages "Support my brother's decision" popping up in the fan group, she had a different thought.
Does he really... have absolutely no idea what his agent has done?
The thought startled even herself.
Before Tan Xi could figure out why she was so certain of her doubt, her phone vibrated again.
[Trending topics related to Fang Yucheng that you may have missed today]:
#Leaked recording of conversation between Fang Yucheng and his agent#
Below the entry is a video posted by an account claiming to be a business charter driver.
The entire video was shot from the perspective of a dashcam. The license plates of passing vehicles were blurred in the footage, and the sound was a bit muffled, but subtitles were carefully added.
Sun: "I've already made arrangements. In the next few days, I'll spread the word to those two (Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu) and find a few paparazzi to stake out the filming location."
Sun: "As long as some workplace bullying is 'accidentally' captured on camera, and some people are found to stir up trouble, saying that he builds his persona on the show by stepping on you and that his character is questionable in private, once the public opinion ferments, they won't have a chance to be involved in this kind of thing anymore."
Sun: "If someone does something shady in the dressing room and causes an allergic reaction or a bad condition, the brand will naturally consider replacing them."
Fang: "That's not appropriate; it would affect the advertising shoot schedule. Although we didn't collaborate this time, in the future..."
Sun: "Fang Yucheng! This won't do, that won't do, do you think you're not going to listen now that you're famous?"
Sun: "In this circle, who didn't rise to the top this way? Let me tell you, without me actively seizing resources and mediating for you, you would never have achieved what you have today. And now you're ordering me around?"
Sun: "You originally wanted to participate in 'I'm Going' but the company disagreed. If it weren't for our years of cooperation, I would have pulled some strings. Otherwise, how could those people be worthy of appearing on the same show as you?"
Sun: "The key is that you still clung to her so desperately, which lowered your own standards and ended up getting yourself into trouble. Now look what's happened, even your and Meng Shuning's CP fans are running out of steam. Without those loyal and wealthy solo fans supporting you, how long do you think you can stay popular based on your looks?"
...
Everything seemed to prove that her suspicions were unfounded.
Her brother remains upright and proactive, arguing with his agent with reason, remaining the most sincere and genuine person amidst the filth of the industry.
Tan Xi stared at the now-black screen, her brows furrowed slightly.
Before she could even catch her breath, her roommate's voice came rushing over.
"You weren't watching the MG ad?!"
My roommate peeked out, waving his phone screen: "No way, I absolutely can't allow anyone to miss out on this masterpiece! Come on, let's all look at it together!"
Tan Xi, feeling conflicted: "..."
Before she could reply, her roommate moved a stool over and started playing MG commercials in front of her.
The video begins with a figure climbing upwards through the snow.
Her silver-gray hair, hidden beneath a black cotton hat, contrasted beautifully with the glistening white snow.
Ling Zhao.
In a world where visibility was obscured by ice and snow, almost by a twist of fate, his gaze met another's the moment he turned around.
The snow scene is beautiful! Where was it taken?
The way they looked at each other during the morning and evening felt so fateful.
[This is so sweet, I'm eating candy like crazy.jpg]
The visuals flow with the music, from the streets and alleys to the window of a coffee shop, from the dimness of a movie theater to a stroll under the streetlights.
With each "chance encounter," the two grew closer, their shoulders lightly touching, their eyes meeting for longer and longer periods before quickly parting. A tacit understanding and a flutter of excitement, unspoken yet palpable, silently spread through the air.
Just as the video was getting into a lighthearted mood, at a certain point, the number of comments suddenly exploded:
【Warning: High-energy content ahead! This is not a drill! Let me emphasize again, this is not a drill!】
[For those of you who are at work, please watch this during your break. If you really can't resist, you can find a place to sit on the toilet.]
[Thanks for reminding me. I just finished watching it in the bathroom, and the person next to me thought I was watching the World Cup.]
【Hehehe morning and evening Hehehe morning and evening/drooling/drooling】
【Ah ...
...
That scene of him carefully smelling the fragrance still makes me blush and my heart race even when I watch it again through the screen.
Not to mention the embrace, which, though not a deep kiss, was far more thrilling than a deep kiss from me.
"Hehehehe."
Even after the video ended, my roommate was still resting her chin on her hand, staring at the screen with a blissful, indulgent smile: "Hehe, Chaomu, hehehe."
Tan Xi, who was engrossed in the advertisement, couldn't help but glance at her: "Tone it down, your smile is so lewd."
"I'd love to!"
My roommate rolled her eyes confidently: "I'm not going to argue with you right now, there's more behind-the-scenes stuff to come."
Immediately afterwards, the next video began playing:
"Card, passed."
As the director's voice rang out: "The way you buried your face in someone's hair just now, tell me—was it the perfume or the shampoo?"
"..."
Ling Zhao remained expressionless: "Perfume."
Mu Jiu: "Perfume, that's how it's written in the script."
[That's shyness, right! Right!]
[These behind-the-scenes clips are even more interesting than the main feature; MG really knows what they're doing.]
[As expected of Chaomu, their thought processes are exactly the same /laughing and crying]
...
Tan Xi nudged her roommate, and just as she was about to get up to get some water, a comment pinned by the author suddenly caught her eye:
//Why did the Morning and Evening Couple appear at MG headquarters? Link → [MG Official Livestream] I was really shocked after watching the commercials and behind-the-scenes footage, is there really such a drama series?!
——
Inside the official MG livestream room, the host smiled and gestured to the camera: "First, please have both of you say hello to our fans!"
The barrage of comments flashed enthusiastically across the projected screen.
Under the spotlight, Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu were sitting side by side on a beige fabric sofa.
Ling Zhao wore a soft, light gray cashmere sweater, the neckline loosely bunched up at her collarbone, and the sleeves casually rolled up to her forearms.
Her silver-gray hair was not styled, with a few stray strands falling across her forehead, but her eyes still exuded indifference.
Mu Jiu was wearing a blue cardigan over a simple white cotton dress, looking much gentler than usual.
Upon hearing the host's words, she turned to the camera, a gentle smile spreading across her lips: "Hello everyone, I am actress Mu Jiu."
Ling Zhao nodded slightly: "Hello everyone, I am singer Ling Zhao."
"The two teachers have recently seen a surge in popularity due to their roles in 'Our Past',"
The host flipped open the cue card, saying, "Many fans have been urging us to release the finished product since the official announcement of our endorsement. Today, our 'Pine Trees and White Dew' series is finally launched together with the advertisement."
She turned her gaze to the two: "The first encounter between the male and female protagonists in the film perfectly embodies the fragrance of 'white dew melting in the snow and ice'."
"I'd also like to ask you two teachers, if you had to use a fragrance to describe your first impression of each other, what would you choose?"
Mu Jiu still wore a perfectly timed smile, subconsciously recalling the events.
First impression...
Sad Frog.
No, that's not right, it's the aroma, you need to describe the aroma...
A lush green... sad frog...
Because of the time constraint, her mind was momentarily filled with some unknown green image.
After struggling for a few seconds, seeing that the host's expression was also about to break down,
Finally, Mu Jiu pursed his lips slightly and said seriously, "Avocado."
Upon receiving the answer, the host aptly expressed surprise: "That's a very special description. Could you explain why?"
Mu Jiu: "The aroma of green avocado is very full, like a sun-dried lawn, giving people a feeling of health and vitality."
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