Chapter 84
Not long after the Spring Festival ended, a bombshell dropped in the entertainment industry, and the male protagonist of the bombshell was an actor named Sun Ting.
Chen Zhiyi is a young film emperor, while Sun Ting is undoubtedly a top star in the television industry.
Sun Ting is three years older than Chen Zhiyi and entered the entertainment industry a year earlier. Over the years, he has become a popular TV drama male lead with one high-rated and popular TV drama after another.
During the Spring Festival, the opening dramas of three top provincial satellite TV stations were all historical dramas featuring him.
This major drama also plunged him into the center of public opinion, making his New Year very uncomfortable.
The reason is simple, but the process and the resulting outcome are complex and shocking.
In the drama, Sun Ting's official partner is the female lead, but it seems that the audience prefers his scenes with the second female lead. The second female lead and he are childhood sweethearts with a deep affection for each other, but they cannot escape the family feud. The second female lead is forced to marry someone she does not like, and from then on, the two are like strangers.
A fan who shipped him and the second female lead wrote a fanfiction about their real-life relationship on a fanfiction website. The story was quite explicit and used very suggestive language. This fan was somewhat well-known in the online literature community. He would often share his completed works on the website on Weibo. Because this particular story was free and not available for purchase, it allowed other fans who also shipped him and the second female lead to enjoy it.
This is nothing unusual; there are many fanfiction writers in the online literature community, so it's not surprising.
The problem is that Sun Ting actually liked a reposted article on Weibo.
This immediately angered the fans of the official couple. The drama hasn't even finished airing yet, what does it mean for the male lead to take the initiative to tear down the official couple?
As a result, fans of the official couple started writing negative reviews on literary websites, causing the original author's reputation to plummet. A five-star author dropped to two stars overnight, which is fatal for the author.
So the author went to Sun Ting's Weibo to ask him to issue a statement. Was it a slip of the hand?
As a result, Sun Ting did not respond at all, and it was even revealed that he had dated the second female lead in private. The two had been boyfriend and girlfriend for a long time, and it was even said that Sun Ting demanded that she be cast as the second female lead, squeezing out the originally cast actress.
This immediately caused a huge uproar, with netizens condemning him for pretending to be single when he clearly had a girlfriend, pairing up with the female leads in every drama to generate buzz, deceiving fans' feelings, and making money unethically.
As a result, a large number of fans and online trolls left messages on his Weibo, demanding that he issue a statement to publicly acknowledge his relationship with the second female lead, and some even demanded that he return the money that the CP fans had spent on support.
A responsible artist should stand up and explain everything at this time, but Sun Ting became a coward. Too many people in the entertainment industry use silence to solve problems, but silence does not mean avoidance. He actually turned off the comments on his Weibo account.
Unable to vent their frustrations, solo fans and various CP (couple) fans clashed with fans of the second female lead's CP. The fanfiction continued to face a barrage of negative reviews, boycotts, and reports, ultimately leading to its removal from online platforms and a three-year ban on the author—a devastating blow for someone who makes a living through writing. And that wasn't all; the massive number of reports eventually caused the website and servers to crash.
Because this fanfiction website was based overseas, it shut down its services to China after this incident, making all serialized and completed novels on the site unavailable. This retaliatory behavior also extended to other fanfiction platforms, resulting in the removal of numerous works and website shutdowns, causing significant damage.
Later, the situation escalated to the point where the fanfiction community and casual netizens boycotted all of Sun Ting's activities and works, demanding that he leave the community. Some radical fanfiction fans even posted bloody photos of wrist-cutting, threatening suicide.
The final result was that Sun Ting announced his retirement from the entertainment industry on Weibo at noon today.
A top star lost everything in an instant; the ending is truly heartbreaking.
However, some netizens still disagreed, believing that he had only himself to blame.
He clearly has a girlfriend, but he always pretends to be single to deceive fans into supporting him.
They create all sorts of on-screen couples, generate buzz, and have other actors act alongside them—they're really good at playing the contract couple game.
No wonder when a female co-star on a variety show was asked about her experience working with Sun Ting, she just smiled dismissively; it turns out she had seen through him long ago.
What's most despicable is that he used his connections to get resources for his girlfriend and replaced someone else's role. That's utterly despicable!
...
Lin Ting felt a chill run down her spine upon seeing these malicious comments, especially since every single one of them involved her and Chen Zhiyi.
If my relationship with Chen Zhiyi were ever exposed, would Chen Zhiyi become the next Sun Ting?
She wouldn't allow that to happen; she couldn't let his beloved career be ruined.
Losing her focus, Lin Ting spilled tea, scalding her skin. Her hand trembled, and the teacup in her hand fell to the ground, spilling hot water everywhere. Fortunately, there was no one else in the tea room at that moment.
Hearing the commotion, Song Xiaolei ran over. Seeing the water on the ground and the red mark on Lin Ting's hand, she knew what had happened. She immediately called for the cleaning staff to handle it and then ran back to the office to get some herbal ointment.
My gaze swept over Lin Ting's phone screen, and seeing her stunned expression, I knew why things had turned out this way.
Song Xiaolei held Lin Ting's wrist, which was burned, and said, "Let's go somewhere else."
The two walked to the entrance of the building next door. There were no security cameras in this place, and no one was around at the moment. They then locked the door from the inside.
Song Xiaolei applied the herbal ointment to the area where Lin Ting had been burned, and two blisters appeared in no time, showing just how hot the water had been.
The herbal balm felt cool, and Lin Ting felt more comfortable; the burning sensation on the back of her hand was also less.
Song Xiaolei lowered her voice, "Is Sun Ting's matter affecting you?"
"Yes." Lin Ting did not deny it, and the worry on her face was clearly visible.
Song Xiaolei comforted her, "The main reason for Sun Ting's situation is that he lacks responsibility. So what if he's in a relationship? If he's found out, he should just announce it and let the fans know instead of hiding it. It's obvious he doesn't want to admit it so he can continue to maintain his single image. After all, in this industry, admitting to a relationship will halve your commercial value. You can't have it all, so you just let things develop. Moreover, as a public figure, you should establish a positive image, speak out in a timely manner, actively guide the public, take responsibility as an idol, and manage your relationship with fans, as well as the relationship between fans and the public. To put it bluntly, the mistakes made by fans are ultimately paid for by the idol. But I don't think my brother-in-law is that kind of person. I've been following him since his debut. He doesn't create a persona or form CPs to generate hype. He disbanded his fan club not long after his debut and focused on his acting career. He also told his fans to focus their time and energy on themselves and live their own lives, instead of focusing too much on him. So you can't lump my brother-in-law and Sun Ting together. In terms of character, he's much more noble and responsible than Sun Ting."
"And your relationship, your brother-in-law has your heart and eyes only for you, he has already decided on you. Since you have decided to stick together, why not just go public sooner? At worst, you'll be ridiculed online for a while, but it will be over once the storm passes. There aren't that many bored people watching you every day."
Lin Ting pursed her lips and didn't say anything, thinking that Xiao Lei was oversimplifying things. The online world was too terrifying; anyone could spit on you and drown you.
Song Xiaolei understood her concerns: "Are you worried that the fans won't accept it, and that it will affect his career?"
Lin Ting nodded; this was her biggest worry.
Song Xiaolei didn't take it seriously. "If that's your logic, then celebrities shouldn't get married or have children. People have to face the corresponding issues at each stage of life. Many celebrities got married during their peak in the entertainment industry, and they're still active in the public eye now. In fact, married celebrities often have a more mature and reserved husband vibe that's more appealing. In this industry, you can rely on your looks when you're young, but when you get older, you still have to rely on your work and acting skills. As for acting skills, you don't need to worry about your brother-in-law. The title of 'Young Best Actor' isn't just for show."
“But these are just my own thoughts. Whether you go public or not, you still need to discuss it with your brother-in-law.” Song Xiaolei put her arm around Lin Ting’s shoulder. “But there’s one thing you must remember: you must trust your partner in a relationship. Trust is very important. If you don’t trust him, it means you don’t feel secure in the relationship, and that’s a fatal flaw.”
Lin Ting smiled. As expected of someone who had been through countless romantic encounters, she had a wealth of experience in love. However, Lin Ting agreed with what Xiao Lei said: if they had trusted Chen Zhiyi more five years ago, perhaps they wouldn't have been separated for five years.
Not long after returning to her office, Lin Ting received a message from Chen Zhiyi: "Don't associate Sun Ting's matter with us. We are who we are, and we will always be fine."
Lin Ting smiled slightly and said, "Okay!"
Only by keeping the other person in your heart can you consider her feelings at all times, and take care of her even when you are not by her side. Lin Ting felt very happy at this moment!
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Filming location for "Eternal Love Song".
Qin Fei came to visit the set. Chen Zhiyi felt like he hadn't seen her in a long time. In the past, Qin Fei would come to visit him every three days or so, and at most once every seven days. This was the first time since he joined the crew.
Chen Zhiyi was still a little upset. Qin Fei had been kind to him after all, and he hoped that they could part ways amicably when their contract ended. However, after many things were mixed in, he realized that they couldn't even be friends after they separated.
If he can't do it, he can't do it. His heart has long been filled with one person, and no one else's hair can get in.
It is also known that Qin Fei has signed another batch of outstanding new talents, and her proud career has never stopped.
When Qin Fei sat down next to Chen Zhiyi, she inadvertently glanced at him and saw that he was looking at Sun Ting's situation on Weibo.
"Now you know why I don't approve of your relationship, right? You ruined your career for love, Sun Ting is a prime example of what you should do."
Chen Zhiyi put away his phone, shrugged, and said nonchalantly, "I'm not afraid. I can always start over."
Qin Fei gritted her teeth and stopped the topic. She handed over a folder with the words "Road to the Sky Bridge" printed on the cover. "Take a look. This program should be suitable for Lin Ting. It's an opportunity for her to showcase her talents."
Chen Zhiyi took it and examined it carefully.
Qin Fei sat on the folding chair next to her and gave a brief introduction: "《The Road to the Skywalk》is a new fashion design reality show on Kuyou, with a total of 12 episodes. Each episode has a limited theme, requiring designers to design and create clothes based on the theme. Then, models walk the runway, and judges in the audience score the clothes. Those with high scores advance to the next episode, while those with low scores are eliminated. This program is jointly organized by three major mainstream magazines, Vega, ES, and DTS, the China Model Fashion Association, and Kuyou. Designers and models are tied together; if a designer makes it to the end, it means that her exclusive model will also make it to the end. The winner gets to have their own fashion show on the runway at China Fashion Week in June, which is something every fashionista dreams of."
Indeed, this is an opportunity for Lin Ting to showcase his design talent.
But as you and I both know, there are too many behind-the-scenes manipulations in these reality shows. Many are scripted, and people are eliminated according to the order arranged in the script. To put it bluntly, without capital injection, even if you design an unparalleled work, you will only receive the script of being sacrificed, and you won't even get to stand in front of the camera.
Chen Zhiyi paid special attention to the investors behind the scenes, but unfortunately, he was not familiar with any of them and could not help her as he had five years ago.
If you know it will end in failure, why bother doing it? Chen Zhiyi closed the folder and hesitated.
Qin Fei noticed his concerns. "The show's director, Wang Tong, is my college classmate. He'll let Lin hear about it for my sake, so he'll definitely be able to participate in the recording. Once you're in the recording studio, everything will depend on your own destiny. If you have the ability, you'll make it to the end. The hosts are Vega's editor-in-chief, Su Fei, and the fashion maverick, Zhao Yi. You know, one of them can't tolerate any nonsense, and the other is unconventional and hates social niceties. With the two of them co-hosting, do you think they can tolerate anyone doing something under their noses? You're overthinking it."
Chen Zhiyi turned to look at Qin Fei, not quite understanding why she was acting this way. A career-driven person, with interests at heart, wouldn't do something that was neither advantageous nor profitable.
Qin Fei lowered her eyes and smiled, "Why don't you believe me?"
"No, I just didn't expect you to help her?"
“I’m not helping her, I’m helping you, and it’s not really helping either. Like you said, it’s better to part amicably. I’m grateful that you were willing to abandon your principles to act in ‘Eternal Love Song.’ Since you have this opportunity, I’ll just return the favor to you. It’s just a matter of saying a few words, but it can put a perfect end to our contractual relationship, so why not?”
In the past, when the two discussed work arrangements, Chen Zhiyi was more of a recipient of acceptance; she was too assertive. But this time, Chen Zhiyi saw the softness and sincerity in her eyes.
Chen Zhiyi placed the folder on his lap, turned to the side, and extended his hand, "Thank you, Sister Fei."
They shook hands and made peace, and he wished her good luck as well.
M Group also learned about the "Road to the Sky" reality show through internal channels, and the senior management unanimously decided to let Lin Ting participate in the show.
A person's knowledge of a city, or a person's understanding of a brand, can be a marketing tactic.
Zhang Ying called Lin Ting to discuss this matter, thinking that she would be happy to take on the task, but she saw that Lin Ting looked troubled.
Zhang Ying: "Is there any concern? The president and the others have promised that all expenses for participating in the program will be covered by the company. You just need to focus on the competition."
Lin Ting said tactfully, "I don't have much experience in this kind of large-scale competition. If we get eliminated in the first round, it would be embarrassing for the company."
"You're being modest. You had the courage to participate in large-scale government-level competitions when you were still a college student. Now that you've been working for several years, you've accumulated a lot of practical experience. You'll definitely be more at ease than when you were in college, and you'll only do better."
Lin opened her mouth, as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.
Zhang Ying guessed her concerns and pointed it out directly, "Are you afraid of the camera, afraid of how the public looks at you?"
Lin Ting looked up, and their eyes met, the meaning of their gazes unspoken.
Zhang Ying joked, "We're all going to be wives of movie stars in the future. Walking the red carpet and doing interviews together is normal. This is a good opportunity to get used to it in advance."
Lin Ting blushed, a psychological barrier that would be difficult to overcome later on. Her childhood experiences made her prefer to stay in a corner and do her own thing quietly rather than shine in a crowd. Having all eyes on her made her feel exposed, and she knew that prolonged attention would lead to anxiety. The viral video from her last order event had already shown her the intensity of online discussion.
This is one of the reasons why she has always been unwilling for Chen Zhiyi to make their relationship public.
Zhang Ying put aside her jokes and spoke seriously about the matter. She greatly admired Lin Ting's talent. If the winter collection sold well, it might have relied heavily on marketing tactics, but the spring e-commerce collection, which she was in charge of for the first time, still sold exceptionally well. The "Twelve Zodiac Animals" series, in particular, sold out completely, with orders constantly being placed. Who doesn't like something that has a story but is also beautiful? This demonstrates her outstanding abilities.
Highly capable people should stand among the crowd and be admired and liked by everyone. Why should they learn from martial arts dramas and become "reclusive masters"?
No matter what you say, you shouldn't give up this opportunity.
Zhang Ying advised, "Regarding the issue of getting used to the camera, you can consult Chen Zhiyi; he'll definitely have a way to help you overcome it. Besides, as someone in the fashion industry, you should know how rare this opportunity is. Are you content to be a working designer for someone else your whole life? I think when you chose this profession, you also dreamed of starting your own fashion brand, right? When you watched the runway shows at Fashion Week, whether in the audience or on screen, you also fantasized about how wonderful it would be if all of those were your designs. Now this opportunity is right in front of you; you should seize it. You might regret participating in this program later, but you'll regret it even more if you don't participate."
"Go back and think about it carefully, and give me your final answer tomorrow."
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