Just then, a waiter brought over coffee. Hearing Xu Linshen’s question, a cold and mocking smile gradually appeared on Chu An’s lips. “What do I mean? Mr. Xu, you should understand quite well.”
“Li Yue’s marketing tactics… It’s obvious he’s using me, Zhong Yu, as a springboard for his boy, Le Huo. Don’t tell me you can’t see that, Mr. Xu?”
Buying a hot search and then using marketing accounts to control the narrative is clearly an attempt to tightly associate Le Huo’s name with mine. This is a common publicity strategy in the entertainment industry.
Looking back at the last endorsement incident, on the surface, it was Le Huo who was being mocked. In reality, they used my popularity to give him a boost in visibility. Both Le Huo and I have numerous aspects that can be exploited, from our backgrounds to our screen images, and now this collaboration in the TV series “Thunderstruck.” This tactic’s most direct effect is gradually creating a misconception in the public’s mind, giving the illusion that our levels of fame are on par.
However, the fact remains that even if my acting skills are mocked, my influence in the entertainment industry is still among the top ranks. I also have two well-received and high-rated TV dramas on major networks. In contrast, before “Thunderstruck” Le Huo had only appeared in two lesser-known web series. So, the distinction between our levels of fame can be compared to that of A-list and B-list actors.
And it’s clear that Li Yue, as Le Huo’s manager, wants Le Huo to catch some of the wind from his senior, Zhong Yu.
Xu Linshen gazed at Zhong Yu, observing the expression of disdain and mockery on his face, the slight tilt of his head, and his cool, unfeeling gaze fixed upon him.
Familiar expression, familiar gaze…
Xu Linshen had always understood Zhong Yu’s personality. He had a strong sense of territory and possessiveness, disliking people meddling with his belongings. During their time together, he often threw tantrums over such matters. This temper had also never subsided during his appearances on various reality shows and variety programs, leaving the public with an unfavorable impression of his difficult and fiery personality.
“Well, so what?” Xu Linshen spoke nonchalantly, his fingers intertwined and resting on his knees, cryptically continuing, “Zhong Yu, it’s not your first day in this industry. Have you become overly naive?”
Looking at Zhong Yu’s tightly furrowed brows, Xu Linshen chuckled softly, “Indeed, in the past, no one dared to exploit their artists like Li Yue is doing with you. But now, when there’s a ready-made shortcut to take, why would they opt for the longer route? Even if it’s not Le Huo now, it would be someone else. So, you’ve come to me…”
Xu Linshen’s gaze remained intrigued as he slowly revealed a mildly mocking smile, “What is it? Have you come to your senses now? Do you want to ask me to continue backing you up and paving the way for you?”
The meaning behind his words was self-evident—no one dared to provoke you, Zhong Yu, not for any other reason, but because I, Xu Linshen, stood behind you as your support. Now, you have no connection with me. Even if you become more famous, so what? It’s still a piece of fat that everyone wants to take a bite of.
And what does it mean for you to come find me now?
With these words spoken, Xu Linshen didn’t miss the fleeting look of astonishment on Zhong Yu’s face. That expression was akin to a naive and innocent child asking an adult for candy, only to be unexpectedly slapped with a resounding slap across the face. In an instant, the prideful and aloof demeanor vanished.
Xu Linshen’s breath hitched, and a spasm of pain shot through his heart. He had never let Zhong Yu understand the dark side of the entertainment industry, and sometimes he even wondered if his discreet protection had made Zhong Yu turn into this seemingly innocent yet immensely cruel personality. He had always been unapologetic about his likes and dislikes. Faced with his disabled legs, the indifference and aversion in Zhong Yu’s eyes, the pain of which felt like steel needles piercing into his bone marrow, was a haunting memory.
He never concealed his feelings. Regarding his own disabled legs, the coldness and disgust in those eyes—every time he thought about it, he felt an agonizing pain akin to steel needles piercing his bone marrow.
For a while, Chu Yan’s body stiffened, and he stared at Xu Linshen without saying a word for quite some time.
Xu Linshen’s gaze was complex as he looked at him, yet there was not an iota of vindictive satisfaction in his heart. Instead, a paralyzing sense of suffocation spread, accompanied by a clear and profound pain. This pain kept his mind sharp, preventing it from being overwhelmed by chaotic and blind emotions.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, and the air fell into an unspoken standoff.
Xu Linshen frowned as he observed Zhong Yu, who seemed lost in thought. He couldn’t discern what was on Zhong Yu’s mind. “If that’s all there is for celebrity Zhong Yu, maybe it’s best to leave it here for today.”
After Xu Linshen uttered these words, Zhong Yu shifted his gaze back to him. His expression seemed to indicate that he had thought of something. He coldly chuckled, his tone tinged with mockery, “Mr. Xu is right, I am indeed naive and foolish…”
His voice carried a pale and distant quality, with a slight tremor in the trailing tone, as if he were forcefully suppressing some indiscernible emotion.
Xu Linshen gazed steadily at Zhong Yu, but he saw him push back his chair and stand up. Looking down on him from a higher vantage point, Zhong Yu cast a complex glance his way. Then, without a trace of nostalgia, he strode away with determined steps.
Xu Linshen stared at his receding figure for a while before slowly lowering his eyes. He pressed his palms against his knees. In the past, no matter what he had done for Zhong Yu, the latter had never taken it to heart.
However, what saddened him was that even now, despite the intense hatred Zhong Yu felt towards him, he had never once regretted it.
Because he couldn’t imagine what kind of blow it would be for someone as proud as Zhong Yu to lose his legs and never be able to stand again. Perhaps that’s why Zhong Yu could always walk away without any attachment, while he could never make him experience the pain of being rejected by the person he loved, even just once.
—
The Xu residence.
A black sports car smoothly entered through the ornate iron gate at a moderate speed. The driver got out first and retrieved a folding electronic wheelchair from the trunk. He then opened the back door.
The car was designed with handles convenient for disabled individuals. Xu Linshen exerted effort, using the handles to assist himself as he somewhat laboriously settled into the wheelchair.
Ye Jingyun sat in the car, watching for a while, his gaze subtly shifting. Then he opened his car door and, holding a cake in his hand, emerged from the vehicle.
He handed the cake to a servant by his side and then walked behind Xu Linshen. But before he could grasp the wheelchair’s handlebars on the back, Xu Linshen spoke to halt him, “I can manage on my own.”
Ye Jingyun nodded obediently and withdrew his hand.
The luxurious and dignified European-style villa architecture stood elegantly. From the balcony, the view of the garden stretched before one’s eyes. The central fountain in the garden emitted a crystalline gleam under the sunlight. The enormous broad-leaved trees by the windows shielded the sunlight and heat, leaving behind a cool expanse of greenery.
“Mr. Ye, the young master is looking for you in the study for a moment.”
Upon hearing his title, Ye Jingyun instinctively clenched his hand and then quickly released it, turning his head to smile, “Alright, I understand.”
The butler led Ye Jingyun to the study’s entrance, then bowed slightly before leaving.
Ye Jingyun gazed at the elaborate wood patterns on the door and twisted the doorknob, entering the room.
Enormous wooden bookshelves lined both sides of the room, reaching down to the floor. When Xu Linshen heard the sound, he raised his eyes and looked towards the entrance, where Ye Jingyun stood.
“Big brother, is there something you need from me?”
Upon hearing the way Ye Jingyun addressed him, Xu Linshen’s eyebrows slightly furrowed. He closed the documents on the table and spoke, seemingly calm, “I heard from Father that you have thoughts about joining the company?”
Though his words seemed utterly composed, they inexplicably carried an intense icy chill, and Ye Jingyun’s back involuntarily tensed.
“Well…” Ye Jingyun’s throat bobbed up and down, but before he could reply, a sudden ringtone abruptly interrupted them.
Perhaps due to the room’s profound silence, Ye Jingyun acutely caught the faint words “Zhong Yu” from the receiver’s soft voice.
Although he didn’t know what the other party said, within an instant, Ye Jingyun sensed Xu Linshen’s hand holding the phone tremble heavily.
In a somewhat uncharacteristic manner, Xu Linshen hung up one call and swiftly dialed another. His voice, struggling to remain composed, spoke with a cold detachment, “Book me a flight ticket to C City.”
—
The shooting process on set was incredibly intense. Director Zhao’s team was truly remarkable, living up to their reputation for high efficiency and quality. However, even with such dedication, it was still a month and a half before the filming concluded.
After that incident, Xu Linshen didn’t make another appearance on set, and Le Huo had been behaving quite obediently, giving no grounds or excuses for Chu Yan’s attempts to provoke him.
Yet, just before the end of the filming, a minor mishap occurred. In the final episode, Chu Yan played the role of the second young master of the Su family. The last scene involved an explosion, but due to a technical problem, the blast wave caused him to be thrown several meters away during the filming.
The incident was immediately picked up by the gossip channels. One particularly influential entertainment gossip account, “Entertainment Pioneer,” released the news about Zhong Yu’s injury during the filming of “Thunderstruck.”
The comments section was filled with Zhong Yu’s fans expressing their concern. Many were heartbroken, and some even prayed, creating a somber atmosphere.
Thankfully, an hour later, Zhong Yu’s manager and his studio both reposted the news, assuring everyone that Zhong Yu was not in life-threatening danger. He had suffered a compound fracture of his lower leg and some minor burns on his body. He had already been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Amidst the fans’ relief, there was also a lot of sentiment about Zhong Yu’s bad luck. In less than half a year, there was a studio fire incident, followed by an on-set injury from the explosion scene.
Despite the unfortunate events, some fans couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing. They joked about not being superstitious, but they couldn’t ignore the fact that Zhong Yu had experienced a studio fire during the filming of “A Wisp of Smoke” and now an on-set injury during “Thunderstruck.” They even advised him to reconsider his acting career, suggesting that with his good looks, he didn’t need to take on such risky roles.
Of course, not all the comments were light-hearted. Some users criticized the negativity and ill-will of certain individuals. They argued that accidents happen, and there was no need to turn such incidents into malicious fodder.
Assistant Cheng Yang arranged the gifts sent by the fans and then heard Zhong Yu, lying on the hospital bed and scrolling through Weibo, say, “Could you wash an apple for me?”
After staring at him for a moment, looking like nothing had happened, Cheng Yang sighed silently, opened a fruit basket, took out an apple, and headed to the restroom to wash it.
That day, Fang Dingyao rushed over from City B to handle things, but she could only sigh heavily as she looked at Zhong Yu’s leg.
Unaware of the situation, Chu Yan believed that he might be facing amputation, but Fang Dingyao’s concern was centered around his work.
Over the past few months, Le Huo’s rapid rise to fame has been unimaginable. He had gained a massive amount of exposure and endorsements; even if he were as average as a pig, he could have gained popularity, let alone the fact that Le Huo possessed both good looks and emotional intelligence. It was practically impossible for him not to become popular.
Moreover, the filming of “Thunderstruck” had concluded, and it was scheduled to air during the summer season. When it aired, Le Huo, as the male lead, was expected to soar to new heights.
Previously, people jokingly referred to Zhong Yu as the “Crown Prince” of Starlight Entertainment, but looking at the current situation, it was estimated that it wouldn’t be long before Le Huo outshone Zhong Yu and became the leading figure at Starlight Entertainment.
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