After confirming the relationship, things did feel different.
That night, Gu Qingqiu felt that Xiao Yiming was exceptionally enthusiastic, so much so that she almost couldn't get out of bed to eat breakfast in the morning.
Fortunately, today's work is scheduled for the afternoon.
After officially confirming their relationship, Xiao Yiming arranged a personal assistant for Gu Qingqiu. Although Gu Qingqiu repeatedly declined, saying that she didn't have much work and that Sister Ling could help take care of her, Xiao Yiming was adamant.
Gu Qingqiu had no choice but to agree, but then she belatedly realized that Xiao Yiming's actions could be considered a form of "surveillance" against her.
After a period of promotion, "Heroic Figures" was successfully broadcast on satellite TV.
As expected, Gu Qingqiu's performance on set at the very beginning sparked heated discussions among viewers.
Gu Qingqiu's character is so evil that it makes people grit their teeth, and as expected, she was criticized and became a trending topic as soon as the show started airing.
However, professional skills are indeed the best tool to combat negative publicity, and quite a few bystanders expressed their rejection of the mindless attacks from the trolls.
"To be honest, this is the first time I've watched Gu Qingqiu in a TV series, and her acting is absolutely amazing!"
"The fact that you all hate Gu Qingqiu so much just proves that she acted very well, doesn't it?"
"Just saying, I think Gu Qingqiu's acting is much more natural than the female lead's..."
Gu Qingqiu's company had always left her to her own devices, but seeing this, they immediately bought trending searches to promote Gu Qingqiu's acting skills, which aroused dissatisfaction from the female lead, Bai Qiaoqiao.
They immediately bought several marketing accounts to publish a collection of early negative information about Gu Qingqiu.
Strangely, these marketing accounts deleted their smear campaigns within half an hour of being posted, sparking another wave of discussion.
"My God, these marketing accounts are usually so foul-mouthed, they criticize everyone in the entertainment industry, and they never delete their posts no matter how much their fans scold them. Why have they all changed their tune today?"
"Could Gu Qingqiu have hooked up with some big shot? I heard she used to like throwing herself at producers and investors."
"This is not simple, is it? I don't believe that unscrupulous marketing accounts have collectively returned to their conscience."
Gu Qingqiu naturally noticed the unusual public opinion. She didn't care about it at first, but it seemed that some people couldn't stand it anymore.
Gu Qingqiu sent a message to Xiao Yiming, "Did you handle those marketing accounts on Weibo?"
Xiao Yiming replied, "Mm."
Gu Qingqiu was both amused and exasperated. "No need. No one really believed what they said, no matter how harsh or exaggerated it was. Those who criticized me were just following the trend and saying a few random things. There's no deep-seated hatred between us."
Xiao Yiming said firmly, "I won't allow others to talk about you like that. They don't understand you, but I do."
Gu Qingqiu felt a warm current flow through her heart. "Okay, then thank you, Brother Ming."
Since confirming their relationship, Xiao Yiming has become exceptionally protective and possessive, and Gu Qingqiu enjoys this feeling of being cared for.
With the popularity of the TV series "Heroic Spirit", Gu Qingqiu's value and popularity have soared.
Gu Qingqiu originally thought that she had played an unlikable character and would be criticized by the audience. However, she did not expect that the audience's views had changed and they had begun to like the actors who brought the characters to life.
What followed was a constant stream of invitations.
Gu Qingqiu's agency boss was practically grinning from ear to ear. He increased Gu Qingqiu's asking price several times over and publicly declared that he would only accept roles that were for the female lead.
However, some leading ladies who could afford the price did come knocking, but they were all roles that were clearly just draining the audience's popularity and goodwill, offering little help to their careers other than making a quick buck.
Gu Qingqiu naturally didn't want to act, but her agency contract was in the company's hands, so she had to follow the company's arrangements. If she wanted to terminate the contract, she would have to bear a high termination fee.
Because of the stalemate with the company, Gu Qingqiu had almost no activities during the peak of audience discussion. However, she was happy to relax and spend more time with Xiao Yiming rather than engaging in promotional activities.
However, the company took drastic measures, and soon photos of Gu Qingqiu and Xiao Yiming embracing intimately in front of a luxury car were leaked. The major marketing accounts started to boil over again, and even if someone asked the marketing accounts to delete the Weibo posts, the heat would not subside.
To be honest, even Gu Qingqiu herself was startled when she saw the photos, and she carefully recalled which time she was careless and was photographed by paparazzi.
But after calming down, Gu Qingqiu quickly realized that these photos were actually stills from a drama, taken when Xiao Yiming was making a cameo appearance. However, such close-up and clear photos could not possibly have been taken by paparazzi.
Oh……
Gu Qingqiu immediately understood the trick. It was nothing more than her agency using this to blackmail her into giving in and forcing her to comply. Once she gave in and accepted the new drama, they would probably release a statement saying that this was leaked material.
And... the agency is also putting pressure on Gu Qingqiu. They know about Gu Qingqiu's current relationship with Xiao Yiming. Their message is that either Gu Qingqiu compromises and accepts a new role, or she has to pay a huge penalty for breach of contract. Anyway, Xiao Yiming has money.
Sister Ling, filled with worry, went to Gu Qingqiu and confirmed her suspicions.
Sister Ling felt guilty about this matter.
After all, Gu Qingqiu was one of the artists she was in charge of from the beginning, and it was she who reported Gu Qingqiu and Xiao Yiming's situation to the company. But after so many years of getting to know each other, Sister Ling had long regarded Gu Qingqiu as a younger sister. Compared to the company's interests, she cared more about Gu Qingqiu's thoughts and didn't want Gu Qingqiu to be in a difficult position or get hurt.
Gu Qingqiu sighed, "If the company insists that I take the role, then I will act in it. I will do my best to play the role well and be true to myself. But at the same time, I still need to trouble Sister Ling to help me find some outstanding roles."
In modern society, one still has to abide by the rules and regulations of this place. Gu Qingqiu couldn't afford the tens of millions in breach of contract fees, but she also didn't want to borrow the money from Xiao Yiming.
She always felt that once money got involved in their relationship, it would become impure, and she would naturally feel inferior to Xiao Yiming, which she didn't like.
Xiao Yiming was clearly aware of Gu Qingqiu's current situation, and he was somewhat unhappy because he hoped that Gu Qingqiu could rely on him more, or even be a little selfish and take advantage of him. If Gu Qingqiu asked, he would definitely lend her money.
But Gu Qingqiu didn't, and didn't even mention it to him.
Xiao Yiming knew that Gu Qingqiu had her own pride. Although he felt sorry for her, he appreciated her even more.
I felt a little sad, but I admired this strong and determined girl even more.
How blind and indecisive he must have been to actually believe that Gu Qingqiu was a pretty but unambitious female celebrity who liked to curry favor with the powerful and wealthy?
Fortunately, Gu Qingqiu's contract with the company is about to expire in less than a year. Xiao Yiming is determined that even if he has to invest his own money, he will create a perfect role for Gu Qingqiu. She deserves to shine.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
