"Before the first scandal involving Song Chi and me, we didn’t know each other at all. It was because of that scandal that we got to know each other and afterwards became friends. We’d meet up privately for gatherings, but Song Chi and I are definitely not in a romantic relationship, so the scandal really is just a rumor."
Zhou Yun showed a helpless smile to Huang Liping and Liang Tian, saying, "However, now it seems like no one really believes that."
Huang Liping uttered a sound of agreement and asked, "Then I want to ask a second question."
"Do you and Song Chi have the potential to become lovers?" Huang Liping’s eyes stared very seriously at Zhou Yun, as if she was scrutinizing her.
Zhou Yun thought to herself, this question is really tricky, hard to answer.
"Does this question relate to recording the show?" she asked.
Huang Liping said, "The show will also be edited. We need to understand your true attitudes to decide on the editing direction."
"Then my answer is, he and I are just friends, and I believe he would say the same."
The ’he’ she referred to, of course, was Song Chi.
"Alright then." Huang Liping sensed Zhou Yun’s reluctance towards her question and did not continue to pry. "Nowadays, a lot of shows are just about making people laugh, creating effects that make the audience feel happy. I’m not saying that kind of show is bad, but now they’re all the same, uniform, so Liang Tian and I want to do something different. This follow-up documentary is actually like displaying a version of life. Of course, this version of life has to belong to a celebrity to attract people to watch, that’s an unchangeable reality. However, if we can show a bit more of real life inside, that’s also the meaning behind why I want to do this program."
Zhou Yun nodded, "President Huang, actually I have a doubt that I never got an answer to, and today I can finally ask you in person."
"The name of our show is ’After the Scandal’. I think many people, upon seeing this title, will focus on the scandal between Song Chi and me. What they want to see in the show is probably some story between us, but if that was really the case, Song Chi and I would not have accepted this show. What I wanted to say is, wouldn’t the audience feel deceived?"
Huang Liping nodded, "This is also something I’m considering. I have an idea."
"I plan to record a pilot episode first to clearly explain the theme of the show to the audience. When we promote the program, we will also avoid leading with your scandal," Huang Liping asserted. "In short, we will definitely not use false advertising to promote your scandal as a gimmick."
Zhou Yun thought to herself this might not necessarily reduce the first impression that the name ’After the Scandal’ gives to everyone.
Isn’t the reason why this program invited her and Song Chi because of their scandal?
But since Huang Liping was willing to do such prep work in advance, Zhou Yun felt slightly more at ease. What she feared the most was producers using the guise of filming daily life as an excuse to intentionally edit the program later on and add fuel to the scandal involving her and Song Chi.
After meeting with Huang Liping and Liang Tian, Zhou Yun busied herself with the second meeting with the producers of ’Eighth Heartbeat’.
This time, the male lead Gu Huaichun was also present.
Zhou Yun was there to test makeup and styling.
The two individuals were of similar age, so addressing each other was a small issue.
Upon meeting, Zhou Yun smiled, shook hands with Gu Huaichun, and said, "Hello, I’m Zhou Yun, you can just call me Xiao Yun."
Right now she was especially afraid that Gu Huaichun would directly call her Sister Xiao Yun or Teacher Zhou.
She didn’t know when it became a trend in the entertainment industry to call someone ’Teacher’ at the drop of a hat. As soon as you meet a senior and you don’t know what to say, you just call them ’Teacher’.
Zhou Yun couldn’t bear such a "crown".
This drama was centered around Zhou Yun in its preparations and filming. From her absolute protagonist status in the script story to her fame, and even in terms of experience, Zhou Yun was Gu Huaichun’s senior. Logically speaking, Gu Huaichun, from any aspect, should be more courteous to Zhou Yun, at least with normal pleasantries.
But Gu Huaichun exhibited an air of arrogance and exclusion, from his somewhat condescending gaze to the way his hand seemed to recoil as if Zhou Yun’s hand was dirty just under one second after their handshake, as well as the undeniable haughtiness in his demeanor.
Zhou Yun thought it was her own misconception, but she was certain it wasn’t.
After the exchanges, Zhou Yun proceeded to try on the clothes.
Zhou Yun met an old acquaintance, Zheng Xiaowen.
"Surprised or not surprised?" As soon as Zhou Yun stepped into the dressing room, she saw Zheng Xiaowen with her arms open wide, showing a ’Surprise’ expression and enthusiastically embracing her.
"Sister Xiaowen, did you really manage to get the sponsorship for the costumes of this drama?" Zhou Yun asked excitedly.
Zheng Xiaowen kissed Zhou Yun on the cheek and then released her, saying, "Of course, that’s certain. You are now my promotional banner. But I didn’t plan to sponsor the entire drama, just you alone."
Zhou Lan said, "Xiaowen has managed to secure all your costumes in the drama this time."
"And placed an advertisement too," Zheng Xiaowen said. "I now have a lot of faith in the appeal of our Xiao Yun."
Zheng Xiaowen’s smile was very warm.
This made Zhou Yun curious about just how impressive the sales figures for VX had been in the past two months.
Zhou Lan said, "Also, VX is currently in communication with us, wanting to invite you as their brand ambassador."
"Actually, with our relationship, the role of spokesperson should have been arranged for you," Zheng Xiaowen explained. "But as you know, the VX brand has just entered the domestic market, and there are a lot of considerations, so for now, we can only invite you to be a promotional ambassador. Wait for another two years, and certainly, we will give you the spokesperson role that belongs to you."
"I’m just a newcomer, how could I quickly become a spokesperson? VX is not an average brand; I understand. Sister Xiaowen, you’ve already been very supportive, and I remember it in my heart."
"It’s refreshing to talk to you, come on, look at this, I’ve picked these clothes for you," Zheng Xiaowen pulling Zhou Yun by the hand towards the clothes rack, said, "These are the clothes that I have decided on according to the script’s scenes and the character’s status. Take a look, feel free to voice any opinions directly."
Zhou Yun’s fitting took over an hour.
A photo had to be taken for each outfit.
During that time, Huang Zhong and Lu Yuan both made a visit, routinely showering her with praise.
After trying on the clothes, at noon, Huang Zhong made a reservation for them to have lunch together.
As the main financier, Zheng Xiaowen was naturally also invited.
Interestingly, Zhou Yun was intended to sit with Zheng Xiaowen, but suddenly, Huang Zhong invited Zhou Yun to sit next to him and placed Gu Huaichun next to Zheng Xiaowen.