Chapter 16: Leaked Audition News

Chapter 16: Leaked Audition News

"Paths diverge, and minds don't align. The minor roles, popularity, and artist levels you value mean nothing to me," Zhou Weichuan set down his coffee cup, gazing seriously at Guan Yun's agent as he spoke with patience. "Everything has its price, but our prices don't resonate."

"What price are you talking about? Let's discuss after you've laid it out."

Zhou Weichuan looked at the somewhat arrogant man, realizing they had nothing further to discuss. His patience waned. "Fit is key. If the actor fits the role, then your price becomes relevant. Do you understand?"

He stood up, grasping his still-vibrating phone. "Goodbye then. We have nothing more to talk about."

"Mr. Zhou, Nine O'Clock Entertainment's transition into TV series is just the beginning. Eventually, we'll reach films. Have you considered the two most prestigious Chinese film awards, the Golden Chrysanthemum from Treasure Island and the Golden Deer from Fragrant Harbor? In the future, we can make swaps." The agent retrieved the envelope, chuckling. "Think about Yao Hui's influence. A union benefits both parties, while a separation—well, someone will suffer."

"Is this Shen Fan's idea?" Zhou Weichuan grew more attentive, knowing that Shen Fan was the one in control of Yao Hui.

"I can speak on behalf of Mr. Shen. Your father sees things clearer than you do," the agent said, crossing his legs and sipping his coffee leisurely.

Zhou Weichuan looked down at him. The seated agent met his gaze confidently, awaiting Zhou Weichuan's change of heart. Suddenly, Zhou Weichuan's expression darkened. "You threatened my father."

"How can that be called a threat, Mr. Zhou? This is a civilized matter, a friendly reminder. Yao Hui doesn't engage in underhanded tactics," the agent softly tapped the tabletop.

"Send Guan Yun home. There's no point in her staying on set. She won't be cast." Zhou Weichuan's face darkened slightly as he narrowed his eyes, pulling a pair of gold-rimmed reading glasses from his pocket and perching them on his nose.

His sharp gaze was softened by the lenses, and he gestured to his assistant standing afar. The assistant nodded and hurried off to settle the bill.

"I'll take care of this. Ignore those rumors about my father's influence. Maintain your professionalism. You're making me doubt Yao Hui's standards."

Seeing that Zhou Weichuan had already taken several steps away, showing no intention to continue the conversation, the agent suddenly called out, "I heard you've invited Tang Fei for an audition?"

"Who's Tang Fei? I don't interfere with production matters. The quality of the drama is in the hands of professionals – you won't understand." Adjusting his suit, Zhou Weichuan left the café alongside his assistant.

"Foolish! You'll regret it! I'll be waiting for you to beg me!" The agent roared in frustration, but his words echoed into silence. No sign of Zhou Weichuan returned to the café entrance, and his threats proved futile. He had ruined Guan Yun's chance at a role, something she'd never experienced before. His competence would now be questioned, and his career stained.

Well, if he couldn't have it easy, neither could they. Since Yao Hui had reservations about giving Tang Fei a chance at 9 o'clock, the agent decided to fan the flames, escalating the issue into public view. He made a series of calls, arranging for online trolls under Yao Hui's name to manipulate trending topics, influencer accounts, official accounts, media platforms, and forum moderators.

In his car, Zhou Weichuan unlocked his constantly buzzing phone to find dozens of messages from Kong Xian. They praised Tang Fei's immense potential, predicting rapid stardom, her suitability for grooming, her acting skills, and profitability.

Tang Fei?

Was it the name that his troubled agent had menacingly emphasized just now? This name seemed to have a strong presence today.

He searched online and found out that she was an early debutante with a heap of scandals under her belt, a fallen star. She looked attractive in still photographs, but when he clicked on her videos, Zhou Weichuan wanted to cover his eyes to erase the visuals from his mind; they were too painful to watch.

However, there was something about Tang Fei that piqued his interest: she didn't get along with Yao Hui.

And neither did he!

As for Kong Xian's assertion of her enormous potential and acting skills?

He replied on WeChat, "Tang Fei? Talented and insightful? Brother Kong, I haven't read much, don't lie to me."

"I saw it with my own eyes, I guarantee it. Snatch her up before anyone else notices. Her grasp of acting nuances is excellent, and she has a top-tier figure and face in the industry.

Her acting is somewhat raw, her style not fully formed, leaving room for improvement," Kong Xian shared his assessment.

"Interesting. Then I'll need to head to Jiangzhou." As Zhou Weichuan typed on his phone, he spoke to his assistant Zheng Haisheng, "Haisheng, book tickets to Jiangzhou."

Zheng Haisheng, sitting in the passenger seat, opened his laptop, "Boss, the earliest flight to Jiangzhou is in two hours. We need to head to the airport right away."

"Head back to the airport."

Kong Xian, curious, messaged him on WeChat, "What are you going to Jiangzhou for?"

"I'm checking out some investment opportunities," Zhou Weichuan replied with a smile, eager to find out how much the Tang Fei he knew had changed from the one he found online.

"I must have missed some gossip," Kong Xian admitted, unable to contribute to the conversation.

Next to him, Pan Boqiao, with half-closed eyes, was deep in thought. Looking at Kong Xian who kept texting, he commented, "Kong, focus on your job and give a fair evaluation."

Kong Xian promptly straightened up, putting his phone down. "Sorry, Mr. Pan. I was chatting with Zhou Weichuan, the young master of Jiudian Company, about Tang Fei and recommending talents. I got carried away."

"Is it the company that made the documentary about three thousand years of Chinese history?" Pan Boqiao found the name 'Jiudian' familiar, as the documentary 'Three Thousand Years of Chinese Descendants' had recently won the Feiyun Documentary Award.

"Yes, they produced it," Kong Xian confirmed.

During a break in the auditions, Wang Hongying chimed in.

"Uncle Pan, right after Tang Fei's audition, someone from Yao Hui called my assistant, implying their influence over Big Peach and the others, asking me to consider my casting decision carefully..."

Upon hearing the name, Pan Boqiao recalled Yao Hui – that company which facilitated connections between the entertainment industries of the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan after returning from overseas.

The Hong Kong and Taiwanese circles were once giants in the Chinese-speaking film and television world, mountains that weighed heavily upon their generation.

In their youth, they had pursued their passion for art without falling behind, but in commercial films, they had experienced widespread failure.

Now, with the commercial prowess of the Hong Kong and Taiwanese circles declining, they had grown and the three regions' business capabilities were currently on par.

They had fallen behind in this aspect, and now they were actively nurturing the next generation of directors and screenwriters to ensure a steady stream of talent and maintain the momentum of the mainland's entertainment industry.

"Let Peaches and Yao Hui come to me if they have any issues," Pan Boqiao patted Wang Hongying's shoulder. "Just focus on your filming."

"Won't need you for that. If they dare come to me, I'll scold them so hard they'll fly away." Wang Hongying lowered his head to score the next candidate and instructed someone to call the next one. "Yao Hui has been too arrogant these past few years, sticking his nose into everything."

On the train to Jiangzhou, the rumbling tracks and gentle swaying made people drowsy. In Tang Fei's carriage, out of over ten passengers, ten were asleep, and even those still awake were struggling to keep their eyes open.

Tang Fei, feeling slightly sleepy, swayed as she read the novel 'Psychic Frenzy.'

He Zhou nodded off, occasionally glancing at his phone. With each look, he couldn't believe what he saw, and after a second glance, he immediately snapped awake.

With his phone clenched in his trembling hand, he grabbed Tang Fei and said, "Cousin, someone posted about you attending the audition for Spirit Wave Frenzy on Weibo."

Tang Fei was still engrossed in reading her novel, oblivious to the world around her as she delved into her character. She casually waved it off. "If they posted it, then they posted it."

"He Zhou's Weibo account is being flooded with comments from your book fans!"

"My Weibo account? That's not mine," Tang Fei replied, rubbing her slightly strained eyes. "Even if they blow it up and continue to bash it, there's nothing I can do about it since it's He Zhou's account."

"The fans of Spirit Wave Frenzy have been posting sections of the original novel that describe Li Xiuyun, placing your negative news beside them, and making comparison images. In just an hour, it has been retweeted over 60,000 times! They're saying that your audition is an insult to the character and are signing a 'petition in blood' to demand that the production team kick you out." As He Zhou scrolled through the endless stream of comments, flipping through several pages without finding a single positive remark, he couldn't help but recall, "The last time something like this happened was five years ago."

Seeing beads of sweat rolling down He Zhou's forehead, it was clear that he was worried.

Tang Fei put away her own vulnerability and anger, smiling as she consoled him, "So, does that mean I'm trending again? It just proves that I have a strong fan base, right?" Handing him a tissue, she added, "You're sweating. Even in winter, wearing too many layers can make you hot."

He Zhou looked up at Tang Fei, relieved to see her genuine smile. His concern and frustration lessened, and he took the tissue to wipe his forehead while keeping an eye on his phone.

Curious, Tang Fei leaned over to sneak a peek, but He Zhou covered the screen. However, Tang Fei swiftly snatched it away. Scrolling through the comments, she saw that the most popular and heavily liked posts were all criticisms. Even the most civil and rational commenters were arguing that she wasn't suitable for the role. After browsing through thirty pages, she still hadn't found anyone defending her.

Feeling utterly alone and powerless, she didn't even have the funds to hire online trolls. Don't ask, for the answer would only reveal her miserable state.

Not only was her Weibo account flooded with insults, but two related topics were trending as well: "Tang Fei Has No Shame" at number 13, and "Psychic Tide Li Yunxiu" at number 17.

Faced with public disdain and endless vitriol, she couldn't possibly be in a good mood. However, as an older sister, she couldn't burden He Zhou with her worries or let him fret over her.

Drawing upon her best acting skills, Tang Fei forced a smile. "My trending rank is higher than that of Psychic Tide! This is genuine buzz! Remember to include it in my resume next time."

"Is that really the focus here?" He Zhou looked at his cousin, wondering if she had lost her mind from anger, causing her brain to malfunction.

"Tang Fei prodded his cheek. "Alright then, instead, let's think about who's behind this grand spectacle and what their intentions might be!"

Regrettably, she had too few Insight Cards at her disposal, so Tang Fei had to restrain her urge to use them.