Chapter 192: When the Awards are Unjust, Just Say Goodbye

Chapter 192: When the Awards are Unjust, Just Say Goodbye

Jiang Xiaoying has confirmed her role as Wang Yuyan and, following the expiration of her contract with her original agency this year without renewal, announced her intention to transition to Time Culture.

This incident had a significant impact within the industry. Jiang Xiaoying, with her own resources, was enough to ensure that a small talent agency, from top to bottom, would have its fill.

Time Culture is inherently a resource-oriented company. With this powerful collaboration, the artists they sign will be showered with endless opportunities.

With Tang Fei now joined by Jiang Xiaoying and Zhong Xue, the ensemble of female actresses is formidable in terms of both talent and presence.

Within the talent agency, Time Culture holds a reputable position.

Ever since the Time Culture brought Tang Fei to the forefront, setting a benchmark by completely avoiding negative press, not stepping on others, not marketing romantic relationships, and not selling a false persona, yet still achieving immense popularity, countless stars have been eager to follow in her footsteps.

The notion that success is solely predicated on the dogma promoted by other companies has been disproven as the only viable path.

Actresses place great value on this, hence a significant number of them tend to switch companies.

No male star has ventured to test the waters yet, while the female star who switched camps has already claimed all the beauties in "The Heaven's Dragon Eight Trigrams."

Even a minor character like Madam Ma was portrayed by a charming online actress with endless charisma.

With the variety of beauties in "The Heavenly Dragon Eight Parts," their allure alone should be enough to draw in viewers. When such a congregation of loveliness assembles, the male actors certainly cannot be lacking in charisma!

Who are Duan Yu, Xiao Feng, and Xu Zhu?

On the day of the official announcement of the cast, many expressed their disappointment. Compared to the female roles, the actors for the male characters were deemed lackluster. Surprisingly, Duan Yu’s role was given to Zhu Xiao, while both Xiao Feng and Xu Zhu were assigned to relatively unknown actors. Adding to the surprise, Zhu Xiao had even signed with Time Culture!

Don't tell me they've hired two lesser-known actors just to highlight Zhu Xiao's presence.

Time Cultural is aiming to propel its actors to fame through the adaptation of "The Heaven and Earth Eight Trigrams."

Among the officially announced cast members, there is also a striking newcomer who catches the eye with his handsome features, yet he sports a bald head! This immediately grabs attention. Surprisingly, the bald character is not playing Xu Zhu but is cast as Mu Rongfu.

Portrayed by: Xing Le as Mu Rongfu.

Xing Le's once silver hair has been completely shaved off, and his tattoos have all been concealed. In his bid to win over Duan Yu, he managed to secure a Mu Rongfu, which could also be considered an account given to He Baoyi. He closely follows Tang Fei, ready to support He Baoyi's actions at any time.

In the realm of entertainment, talent emerges in every generation, each taking their turn to shine for a year or two. Those actors who remain eternally green have ascended to the status of veteran thespians, while companies that sustain their success over time become dominant forces in their domain.

This year, Time Culture has been the most prominent player, with its buzz lasting from early spring right through to mid-year, never fading for a moment.

At present, Time Culture has begun to exhibit the aura of becoming a dominant power in its domain. Many are contemplating joining now to become one of its founding elders, hoping to earn the accolade of being a dragon's companion from the beginning.

It remains to be seen whether the grand undertaking that is "Dragon Saber," which involves all artists from Tianlong Culture except for Tang Fei, can live up to its anticipated impact.

Amidst the bustling of Time Culture, major events were unfolding in the entertainment industry: the Peony Awards, held every two years to honor excellence, were about to commence their selection process!

All television dramas under consideration for awards have initiated their nomination processes.

Tang Fei secured nominations for two leading female roles, thanks to her outstanding performances in both the "Happiness Hotel" and "Si Cuichuan" projects.

In the realm of award predictions, Tang Fei shines with unparalleled brilliance!

Having recently shed the label of illiteracy, Tang Fei's mainstream image is now one of remarkable health, enjoying ample popularity and a favorable public profile. The only thing missing to cement her prowess is an accolade that attests to her abilities.

Following Tang Fei's nomination, Time Culture was inundated with a barrage of visitors—persuasive agents—who came knocking to convince Tang Fei and Time Culture to invest hundreds of thousands in joining a certain association, pay millions to participate in select events, and endorse questionable products, all with the promise that these actions would secure her nomination and guarantee victory, specifically the Peony Award for Best Actress, one of the four major television accolades.

The opportunity is exceptional, casting for two roles and winning the award uncontested. If it were anyone else, we wouldn't even consider charging them. This award isn't something one can simply purchase. Asking you to invest in it is, in itself, an affirmation of your talent.

Zhou Weichuan, with professional courtesy, would politely dismiss these individuals. However, when they circumvented Zhou Weichuan and bothered Tang Fei, she was far less accommodating.

Tang Fei is deeply immersed in the "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" project, working tirelessly. When faced with people who insist on pestering her, she had to spare some time to deal with them. She directly activated her "Gatling gun" mode, blasting them away with a barrage of words: "Selling and buying awards, if that's the case, then this award has truly made a name for itself. The organizers must be desperate for money, relying on award ceremonies to make a profit, and it's people like you who undermine the fairness of these awards."

"Aren't you the one who casts lead roles in 'The Heaven Dragon Eight Parts' only for your own people? What's wrong with us awarding our own?"

"Is that so? You claim someone as your own not based on their talent or capability, but by how much they spend? In that case, why compete for acting awards when you could vie for a spot on the rich list? We operate as a company to make profits, and you award people for the same reason? It would be more honest to openly declare it, set fixed prices, and avoid masquerading as something you're not, deceiving the public."

"Tang Fei, do you believe I can deny you the chance to even be nominated?"

"I believe you! If you were to ask me for a nomination, it would be an insult to me, Gwene!"

Alright, Tang Fei's words didn't make a single ripple on the public stage; the media was uniformly silent. The general public isn't overly aware of the inner workings of awards, but within the industry, it caused a stormy upheaval.

Tang Fei dared to say this, too bold, a true valiant soul indeed.

No matter how great Zhou Weichuan's influence may be, the company would certainly not be able to contain the fallout from such a statement!

The Peony Award's web of intertwined interests spreads across the entire entertainment industry. Offend one party, and the rest will deny you any chance at recognition. Inside and out, it's the same circle of people. Tang Fei is likely to vanish from the radar of domestic awards altogether.

Regrettably, for the sake of profit, Tang Fei's drama will undoubtedly still air, but its reputation is unlikely to flourish; awards will remain out of reach, and the media will withhold their praise.

By the time Zhou Weichuan located Tang Fei, she wore an open expression: "Are you here to scold me?"

"I would rather not."

"Do you think I acted impulsively?"

"Well, there is something."

"I've already acted impulsively. What now?"

"Regret it?"

"No regrets. I speak my mind. If one has to barter for acting awards with interests, then I'd rather not. The quality of one's acting is validated by the audience, not by a beautifully crafted trophy bought for hundreds of thousands or millions."

Tang Fei, the awards are unjust, and many people suffer in silence, trapped within the confines of the rules, merely drifting along with the current. It's truly rare to see someone with the courage to refuse outright like this.

Yet, just because a custom or an unspoken rule is widely followed doesn't make it right. Though your action might seem impulsive, it is, in fact, the correct thing to do."

"My acting skills don't rely on such accolades. Why doesn't Time Culture simply establish our own internal awards? As long as the works and performances are exceptional, our in-house company awards can surpass those prestigious fourth and fifth-tier honors."

"I came to offer my support, fearing you might have second thoughts. It seems my concern was unnecessary."

"I must express my gratitude for your support."

"How should I thank you?" Zhou Weichuan leaned in, gently tapping his cheek.

To seek a kiss, so audaciously?

Zhou Weichuan, I never took you for the type, but since our relationship went public, you've become quite shameless. Tang Fei glanced around at her colleagues who were forcibly pretending not to notice.

"Hey, your acting is terrible. You may have turned your faces away, but your eyes are still giving it away. The contrast between the whites and blacks of your eyes is too peculiar. It's not convincing at all!"

Tang Fei's face flushed crimson. She then pressed her lips to her palm, leaving a delicate imprint, and gently slapped it onto Zhou Weichuan's cheek. "Hmph! Here's your gratitude, take it well!"

Zhou Weichuan firmly grasped Tang Fei's wrist, "Then I shall hold onto it and never let go."

Tang Fei protested, "The token of gratitude I mentioned was a kiss on the cheek, not a handhold. Let go, everyone's watching."

"A kiss on the hand, it includes the hand itself. Once obtained, it's mine to keep. I won't let go."

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Tang Fei, feeling awkward, was pulled away by Zhou Weichuan. No sooner had they stepped out of the office door than whistles echoed from within.