Chapter 108: Survival, Part 2

Since a solution had been found, the production team naturally did not allow Han Sen to recklessly stir up trouble online without consequence. They simply ignored him for a reason.

Yet, as the deadline approached, everyone began to hesitate—

The solution was indeed a good one. Not only could it fulfill all of Zhou Qi’s demands, but it could also allow everyone to vent their frustrations, clear the production team’s tarnished reputation, and at the same time boost the team’s presence before filming officially began.

However, how easy was it to find a handsome, talented, and young newcomer?

If such a newcomer existed, which company wouldn’t be scrambling to sign him?

Even if there were one or two overlooked talents, it was unlikely they would be snatched up by a sudden inspiration to bring them into this particular production...

Zhou Qi cautiously glanced at Gao Xiang, then lowered his head and sighed deeply, “Sigh...”

Gao Xiang was so unsettled by his hesitant gaze that goosebumps prickled all over her, and she muttered with a hint of frustration, “If I’m daring enough to propose this plan, naturally I have the best candidate in mind.”

Zhou Qi immediately stood up and darted over to Gao Xiang, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Who?”

Gao Xiang pushed him away disdainfully before pulling out her phone and making a call.

“Hello, is this Guo Kai? There’s a role here if you’re interested, come quickly. It’s at Mindu Film City; I’ll have someone meet you at the entrance.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, maybe your only chance. Come or not, it’s up to you!”

After saying this, she hung up abruptly.

The entire call lasted less than a minute, and the person was found.

Song Wan blinked, “Sister Gao, who is that?”

She had never heard of an actor named Guo Kai in Gao Xiang’s circle.

Recalling how Guo Kai had been described before, Song Wan felt an inexplicable pressure.

Gao Xiang gave Song Wan a half-smile and teased, “What, are you afraid I’ll forget the old faces now that I have a new one?”

Song Wan rolled her eyes. “I’m not worried about that. I’m just wondering, if there really is such a great resource, why don’t you just sign him under your company? Are you thinking of going solo?”

Gao Xiang was momentarily stunned, then playfully tapped Song Wan’s head. “What nonsense are you talking about? I just joined the company, and you’re already digging a hole for me?”

She had been about to tease her for acting like a boss lady so soon after joining, but quickly realized the setting was inappropriate. She sighed and shifted the topic back to the newcomer. “Guo Kai is a second-generation heir. He has a natural talent for acting and is surprisingly hardworking. But you know how it is in their circles—acting isn’t considered a respectable profession.”

Whether they were officials’ children or wealthy heirs, none looked highly upon actors.

“His family has made it clear that if anyone dares to cast him, they’ll make sure the entire production can’t shoot. Even if they do, the drama or movie won’t get aired.”

Song Wan raised an eyebrow. “Looks like Sister Gao is determined to get him.”

Gao Xiang didn’t deny it. “This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Before, I could only watch Guo Kai with envy because of his background and had to let it go. But now there’s a chance. If I don’t sign him under my name, I’d feel guilty myself.”

Gao Xiang looked pleased, her eyes filled with desire for Guo Kai.

Such a gem, if not held by her, would only benefit someone else.

Song Wan smiled softly.

Was it truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance? Or perhaps the only chance?

Though Jin Youqian invested in many films and dramas, he was equally generous with money. The only demand he made in exchange for his money was quality assurance.

With sufficient funding, directors naturally pursued perfection. Why would they care about a rookie?

Moreover, with Guo Kai’s family’s warning, even with Jin Youqian’s golden reputation, no one would dare offend another powerful family.

Only Jin Youqian’s investment, coupled with another investor who was also a second-generation heir, and Zhou Qi, a director with an unspeakable background, made it possible for Gao Xiang to consider Guo Kai.

Otherwise, no matter how promising Guo Kai’s future might be, Gao Xiang wouldn’t even mention his name.

Song Wan, on the other hand, worried about the other two. After all, even among second-generation heirs, there were hierarchies.

Who could compete with someone like Jin Youqian?

Zhou Qi’s eyes flickered as he immediately knew who Gao Xiang was referring to. He looked at her with amusement. “I’m not afraid of the Guo family.”

Gao Xiang tossed her hair and smiled, warm as the first sunlight of winter. “Neither is the production company.”

As Song Wan’s agent, Gao Xiang had naturally investigated the investors after agreeing to take the role. Without knowing who they were, how could she feel at ease? How could she reassure the person who checked in on Song Wan every day?

Song Wan nodded, relieved.

Only Jin Youqian—no one ever doubted his fearlessness.

In fact, he was the greatest guarantee for the production team, the strongest financial backbone, and the confidence behind all the crew members who knew nothing of the undercurrents.

To many, Jin Youqian, the richest man in Jiuzhou, was like a golden pass, meaning they could shoot the entire drama without worrying about unexpected troubles.

—

The online controversy continued to escalate because the “Starlight” production team refused to respond, and no so-called newcomer came forward to admit involvement. This only fanned the flames, and the fire grew bigger, almost reaching a point where everyone was attacking the newcomer and the “Starlight” team.

The fiercest uproar came from the drama’s book fans and Han Sen’s own fans, to the point it seemed they might tear the sky apart.

Under these circumstances, even though Li Yu felt envious of the online heat, his new agent kept him tightly restrained, forbidding him from stepping forward.

They were currently on the way to the “Starlight” production set.

“Brother Zhao, isn’t this the best time for me to appear?” Li Yu asked in confusion.

Zhao Ken was scrolling through the online buzz, his eyes full of sarcasm. “You only see the online heat. Do you see the raging fire hidden beneath the blossoming flowers?”

Li Yu paused, shaking his head. “There’s no raging fire...”

His expression was tinged with frustration, fully exposed to Zhao Ken’s sharp gaze.

He sighed. This newcomer had good acting skills but lacked patience, and showed the same ruthless determination as Qin Fei to achieve his goals by any means.

He doubted whether snatching Li Yu—a newcomer who didn’t meet his usual standards—just to spite Qin Fei was a wise decision.

But regretting it now was pointless. He could only slowly train him.

Zhao Ken’s eyes were calm. “Has the ‘Starlight’ production team spoken at all?”

Li Yu thought for a moment. “No.”

“Have you told anyone outside about your audition?”

Li Yu shook his head without hesitation. He was just a newcomer; even if he wanted to tell others, he had no channels, and no one cared.

“Besides you, Qin Fei, and me, does anyone else know you passed the audition?”

“The company…”

“The company, like us, won’t be believed because we’re the ‘parties involved.’”

Li Yu hesitated, then shook his head helplessly.

“Besides our company, does anyone know that you were replaced by Han Sen and didn’t voluntarily give up the role?”

Li Yu froze. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t say.

“Now, the last question.” Zhao Ken turned to look Li Yu in the eyes seriously. “All these facts I asked about are true, but can you provide evidence to prove them? Videos, audio recordings, contracts…”

Li Yu was so scolded that his mind went blank. When he spoke again, his voice trembled with a hint of tears, “I can’t…”

He hadn’t signed a contract before being replaced, and recording devices were confiscated as soon as he entered the audition room to prevent leaks.

So, asking for evidence? There was really no possibility.

Zhao Ken’s gaze hardened. “Listen carefully: the first rule of survival in the entertainment industry is, if you don’t have evidence, unless you’re sure the other side can’t produce any either—even fake ‘evidence’—then no matter how true what you say is, keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, you’ll only bring trouble upon yourself!”

Li Yu looked into Zhao Ken’s sharp eyes, stunned, and could only nod repeatedly.