Chapter 201 – Journey to the West Has Appeared

Chapter 201 - Journey to the West Has Appeared

In this world's entertainment industry, there were only a few vague instances of over-hype that seemed to arise spontaneously from the masses. But upon closer inspection by Tang Fei, many of these coincidences bore the hallmarks of human manipulation. Someone had quietly employed tactics and succeeded, but it had not become a widespread phenomenon across the industry.

Therefore, such scenarios were not typically included in regular company surveillance and control measures.

Tang Fei was familiar with these myriad tricks and tactics. In her previous world, these hidden rules within the industry had suddenly come to light for reasons unknown.

Perhaps it was a shift in mindset. Before, there was still a sense of propriety, so underhanded methods were concealed. Later on, poverty was ridiculed while immorality was tolerated. Personal integrity no longer mattered as long as one could smear others to uplift themselves and ultimately make money. With this openness in thought and the first pioneers reaping tangible benefits, a precedent was set, and everyone gradually lowered their moral boundaries, pushing further and further until these practices became common knowledge.

In the current entertainment industry, it seemed that reputation still mattered, lacking the audacious and fantastical arrogance of someone who could manipulate openly without fear of repercussions.

Otherwise, Yao Hui's actions wouldn't have been condemned. There might have been numerous self-proclaimed ordinary individuals who would have stood in solidarity with Yao Hui's company, adopting a capitalist mindset.

Their perspectives had already been swayed, and they would justify Yao Hui's actions: "If the end justifies the means, and smearing, slander, and manipulation for profit are not illegal, then what's wrong with it? You were put on ice because you didn't obey; wouldn't it be fine if you did?"

"You owe your fame to the company, and it can just as easily take it away. What injustice is there? Without Yao Hui, who knows where you'd be."

"You didn't suffer any loss. They still paid you during those years of being shelved. You're just a money-draining liability anyway."

Faced with the scandal surrounding the Peony Award, they might say, "Oh, what place is completely free of corruption? Exchanging favors is only natural. Why give you an award if there's no benefit in it? Giving awards isn't charity work."

And such tactics of praise to undermine opponents were, surprisingly, seen as acceptable by many.

"You're either dead or alive, competitors. Nothing is overboard. If you can't retaliate against being praised to death, it's your own fault. You deserve it."

The law of the jungle, devoid of morality, survival of the fittest, where the market decides everything – these principles made everything seem ruthless, discarding even the pretense of righteousness.

Many people even believed that outright villains were stronger than hypocrites.

In reality, being a true villain or a hypocrite wasn't a matter of personal preference, but rather a symbol. The disregard for morality in society made hypocrites no longer the standard, and instead, people admired the true villains, seeing them as genuine in their nature. Hypocrites were, after all, true villains themselves, but they had to put on a facade of virtue due to societal expectations of morality.

Living in society, once their true villainous nature was exposed, they would suffer social death.

The loss of this moral constraint, even the encouragement to abandon morality, often resulted in villains thriving after being unleashed. This vicious cycle persisted, continuously affecting everyone.

Recalling the chaos in the entertainment industry of her previous world, where ordinary internet users could easily discuss insider secrets and scandals, Tang Fei frowned. These issues seemed inevitable everywhere. Though they were less prevalent here now, if such tactics continued to prove effective and their users kept succeeding, it was only a matter of time before it resembled the situation in her past world.

She chose Zhou Weichuan because Time Culture valued an artist's own capabilities and refrained from meddling in extraneous matters – a rarity in the entertainment industry, as scarce as pandas.

Suddenly, Tang Fei grasped the significance of Time Culture. If the company could minimize such frivolous expenses, focus on creating unique stars, and succeed, it would set a benchmark for others to see that taking a different path could lead to triumph too.

Perhaps, just like the small piece of land in Mercury City that inspired hope.

Zhou Weichuan didn't want Tang Fei to dwell on these distressing matters; he only wanted her to be a dedicated actress striving for her craft and a star committed to her own growth.

In about three days, Zhou Weichuan had uncovered everything.

He brought the information to give Tang Fei a report.

"It's the Zhao Group pulling the strings behind the scenes. Evidence is being gathered from various platforms. The company has already issued a clarification and is guiding public opinion. It's up to you whether or not to sue them, considering your relationship with He Zhuhua."

"What's the Zhao Group? I've never heard of it. Isn't it part of the entertainment industry? Why is it involving Sister Zhuhua?" Tang Fei pondered, unable to recall any dealings with this Zhao Group, nor could she see how it connected to He Zhuhua.

"Her sister, He Baoyi, currently holds control over the Zhao Group," Zhou Weichuan furrowed his brow. "He Zhuhua spoke up for you at the Peony Awards, and now her sister is doing this. I haven't found out the reason yet, and I'm unsure if her elder sister is involved in any way."

He Zhuhua hadn't just advocated for Tang Fei at the Peony Awards; she'd also gone out of her way to help on the program "Rural Goddess." Tang Fei was deeply grateful to He Zhuhua.

Can the two sisters really be separated?

Is it because He Zhuhua is being kind to her on the surface while plotting against her in secret, or is there another reason?

Since He Baoyi isn't in the entertainment industry, and the Zhao Group has no connection with it, could all this be for He Zhuhua's sake?

Tang Fei settled her thoughts. These were all distractions. It didn't matter who was targeting her; as long as someone was, they were her enemy. There was no need to ponder over the enemy's intentions.

If the enemy was using such tactics to create an impact, she had to break through them.

"I will definitely sue, regardless of who's involved. I won't tolerate this behavior. If they've succeeded before, they'll attempt it again. If they get away with profiting through underhanded means, not only I, but others will suffer in the future.

We must make those disrupting the industry ecosystem taste their own medicine.

Those who attack others for my sake, buying fake discussions and hype, silencing others' voices, might even turn around and blame Time Culture, damaging the reputation of the entire company.

As for Sister Zhuhua, I'll call her personally to confirm. If she truly intends to target me, there's no need for the Peony Award to intervene."

Zhou Weichuan nodded. "I'll follow your advice then. Relax, the timely handling of this situation has prevented any impact. Your sharp eyes have seen through it all."

Tang Fei lifted her head sharply upon hearing the phrase. "Fire-Eyed Golden Spirit? How do you know this term?"

"Our company has come across it in one of the applicants' works for the literary support fund established by Jin Yong. It's currently quite popular and being published online in a semi-colloquial style. The response is enthusiastic, and we might have discovered another intellectual property."

"Journey to the West?"

"You're reading it too? You're busy, yet you still have time for novels."

Tang Fei nodded. "I am. I really enjoy it, and I'd like to meet the author."

"Meet the author? Perfect, we were planning to organize a book signing event for him. When that happens, your presence at the event will certainly boost its profile."

Tang Fei remained silent, inwardly filled with anticipation and fear about the possible time traveler. She had no idea what kind of situation she would face.

Originally, her search was merely to find someone from her hometown. Now that there was a lead, Tang Fei felt a tinge of unknown fear. Still, she decided to go ahead with the meeting and would act accordingly once they met.