Chapter 112: A Shattered Dream of Stardom

Chapter 112: A Shattered Dream of Stardom

Tang Fei's embroidery competition was not her main focus, but her side interest was more impressive than her primary occupation, and everyone enjoyed it immensely, with the enthusiasm not diminishing at all.

Idleness was previously a playful tease, but with this new information, people genuinely criticize her for straying from her duties.

Following the news of Tang Fei's tantrum and withdrawal from the production, gossip enthusiasts in the entertainment industry eagerly emerged from their virtual hideouts on Weibo.

"Ever since Tang Fei signed with Time Culture, my source of joy has relied on their antics; they always manage to create a major headline."

"Here she comes, Tang Fei is arriving, bringing her heat once more to dominate the trending charts."

"Yesterday, you were engrossed in stitching across the world, and today, we're discussing an actor's ethics."

"Yes, my boyfriend educated me about traditional culture yesterday and the spirit of contract today."

The online forum was also abuzz with activity, with discussions about the embroidery still ongoing. Over at the Happiness Hotel, the buzz had yet to subside; it dominated the screen, wave after wave of attention flooding in.

There was an inexplicable enthusiasm among netizens for Tang Fei.

Someone simply couldn't tolerate seeing Tang Fei's name every day anymore!

[Entertainment Gossip][Celebrities] Is Tang Fei's propaganda army ever going to stop? Did they get a yearly package? I want to read other news! Can't you spare some space for those who don't want to see her? It's suffocating! [Replies: 3617] [Hot]

"Haha, poor OP, here's a pat on the back! As a major gossip consumer, I swear I'm not part of her PR team. I've been following Tang Fei because she consistently delivers juicy stories with credibility, full of twists and turns! So satisfying! Just like trusting a screenwriter or producer for a TV series, with Tang Fei, the drama is guaranteed to be sweet."

"OP, come join us in the gossip feast. You won't feel suffocated once you dive in. Don't treat it like news, imagine it as following an unpredictable drama with no known ending, and you'll get it!"

"Poor OP, but I can't help laughing. You can't resist the enthusiasm of those who love gossip; it's human nature."

"At one point, I disliked it too. Then, I learned to disconnect from the internet."

"Upstairs, disconnecting doesn't work. My mom discusses the latest with me every day! Ah! It's everywhere!"

...

OP: "Thanks everyone, OP has officially joined the gossip enthusiasts."

And there was a notorious poster who often exposed behind-the-scenes of film crews. This time, their exposé on Happiness Hotel even surprised themselves!

[Entertainment Gossip][Production News][High-Quality] Major revelation: the Happiness Hotel production team is a combo of hidden big shots! I think it's a loss for Tang Fei not to be part of it! Now I'm eagerly anticipating the series premiere! [Replies: 17998] [New] [Hot]

OP: Produced by Great Peach Film Industry (previous achievements omitted, we all know them).

Producer: Pan Boqiao (Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the official Flying Cloud Awards from 1982-2004; Best Actor at the prestigious Changjiang Award for quality, thrice winner of the most authoritative Golden Seal Award for acting. He served as a Changjiang Award judge from 2009-2014 and presenter at the Flying Cloud Awards. Since 2014, he has been the host of the New Director Support Program).

Director + Screenwriter: Wang Hongying (son of Vice-Chairman of the Director's Association, Wang Zhaoqing; graduated from the National Film Academy with a B.A. in Acting and an M.A. in Directing. Rumored to have polished the script for three years.)

Assistant Director: Kong Xian (Winner of Best New Director at the Flying Cloud Awards in 2010; known for the TV series "Qi Jia Jun")

Lead Actor: Zhou Zhao (portraying Lan Yi; First-Class Actor of the Changjiang Vanguard Drama Troupe, recipient of the Best Actor Golden Seal Award in 2007)

Jiang Xiaoying (portraying Lan Xiaomei; grandfather is Jiang Yuan, professor of the Directing Department at the National Film Academy; known for the TV series "Seaside Town")

Wu Qun (portraying Guo Jing; Second-Class Actor of the Capital Opera and Dance Troupe; known for the musical "Tumbling Waves")

Gong Xu (portraying Lu Zhihao; affiliated with the Changjiang Vanguard Drama Troupe; known for the film "The Twelfth Step")

...

The response to the post erupted instantly. Within a minute, there were over a hundred replies! It immediately grabbed the trending label upon posting.

"I must have been living under a rock, I don't recognize any of them, but they all seem incredibly talented."

"Jiang Xiaoying is unknown? She started as a child star! She debuted around the same time as Guan Yun. She's had quite a few projects in recent years, she just doesn't do much marketing."

"It's unbelievable that these big shots came together for a web drama! Can you believe it? They're not afraid of scaring the web drama away! It's still a young and inexperienced baby in the industry!"

"Tang Fei giving up on this drama shows her team lacks foresight."

"Maybe she knows her acting skills aren't up to par, and she's scared to share the screen with these veteran actors. Otherwise, she'd be crushed into dust in no time."

"She can't even handle idol dramas well, she sticks out like a sore thumb among them."

"Just a few days ago, people were praising Tang Fei like a blossoming flower, calling her a master embroiderer and an international sensation. Now, they're treating her like dirt. Netizens can be so fickle."

"She should quit acting and stick to embroidery. It's clear acting isn't for her. She has the looks but not the skills."

"At first, I felt sorry for this drama, thinking Tang Fei was too ruthless. But now, I feel sorry for Tang Fei instead. Others are offering her a golden treasure, yet she chooses to pick up stones."

"Sugar Thread silently floats by. I'll just say this: Tang Baby didn't refuse to act; she just took two days off."

"Other big names in the industry show up on time, but she's unprofessional, being two days late with no apology. Look, the production team isn't even acknowledging her. She must be boycotting the show."

...

In Yao Hui Tower, Shen Fan's office.

All recent news had validated his assumptions, and Shen Fan was basking in the glow of success, radiating confidence.

His company's new investment, "Embroidery Master," had smoothly cleared the registration process, and the opening ceremony was set for that afternoon. He planned to attend personally as a sign of its importance.

After numerous revisions, his speech now heavily criticized actors who neglected their duties, didn't take their work seriously, lacked professionalism, and were dishonest – allusions that subtly targeted Tang Fei and Time Culture.

"The CEO's eloquence is impressive, and this speech truly provokes reflection," praised the secretary, striking a chord with Shen Fan. He chuckled heartily, "Flattery will get you everywhere. I like it."

The secretary blushed, "As long as the CEO is pleased."

"Ha ha ha." Shen Fan took the secretary's hand, "You're charming in every way."

Online discussions were ablaze with excitement, and offline journalists, sensing the opportunity to gain traction, rushed faster than anyone else to cover the story.

After leaving Chen Ming's place, Tang Fei headed straight to the airport to fly back to the capital. Zhou Weichuan stayed behind in Hunan to oversee the follow-up recruitment efforts and the progress of the drama production.

Upon landing in the capital, Tang Fei was escorted by He Zhou through the VIP channel. However, the moment they emerged, they were still cornered by the reporters.

If not for Zheng Haisheng's timely arrival, with his towering presence and skilled intervention, Tang Fei might not have been able to leave the airport at all.

After consulting with Tang Fei, Zhou Weichuan analyzed and deduced Shen Fan's intentions and misunderstandings based on the script he had on file.

Intent on ensuring Shen Fan stumbled deep into this predicament, they agreed on a strategy of non-response.

Thus, as the reporters swarmed with questions, Tang Fei kept her lips sealed and pressed forward resolutely.

The journalists called out after her, "Tang Fei! Tang Fei! What's your take on the online rumors about you quitting Happiness Hotel?"

"Tang Fei, will you apologize for the issue regarding your credibility?"

"Tang Fei, could you elaborate on what particular drama made you forego your position at the Happiness Hotel?"

He Zhou and Tang Fei slipped into the chauffeured vehicle, evading the prying lenses of cameras, and the car swiftly pulled away.

Yet Zheng HaiSheng remained, adjusting his appearance to ensure a more photogenic smile, urging the journalist to capture him in a handsome light.

Confronted with the barrage of questions and flashing cameras from the journalists, Zheng Haisheng smiled with a professional charm that radiated the pinnacle of his career.

Only when all the questions had been raised and the tumultuous atmosphere subsided did Zheng Haisheng clear his throat.

Carrying a cluster of microphones, he waited until all the reporters had taken the photos they wanted before he said, humbly yet surprised, "Sorry, I'm just a bodyguard. I don't know anything about the questions you're asking. But you can look at me—am I qualified? Would I fit in the entertainment industry? Once I become famous, I'll definitely answer your questions."

"..."

The reporters felt as if they had been force-fed a mouthful of flies. If he was just a bodyguard, why was he pretending to be someone important? What a waste of their time!

They quickly dispersed, and the microphones in Zheng Haisheng's hands were taken away. He clung onto them tightly, insisting, "Interview me! I feel like I'll become popular. If I make headlines, I'm sure to gain fans. Don't go!"

"Are you insane?" The reporter tugged the microphone back forcefully. "You're delusional with the desire for fame."

Zheng Haisheng felt a deep sense of loss. "Ah, my dream of becoming a star has been shattered."

By then, Tang Fei's car was long gone, leaving no trace for the reporters to chase after.

Thus, the news articles took on a different tone.

"Tang Fei appears at the capital's airport; staff declines to comment, sparking suspicion of guilt."

"Tang Fei remains silent on the Happiness Hotel issue, raising fears of a boycott."

"Tang Fei refuses to respond, displaying arrogance."

"Time Culture and Nine O'Clock both remain silent. Why the silence from this popular artist and her team towards the media?"