Because of the gap caused by the delayed recording schedule, Zhou Lan wasted no time in arranging two live promotional events for Zhou Yun, both featuring reputable brands. With Zhou Yun’s current popularity, the pay was also good.
During one of the live events, Zhou Yun could see real-time comments. Many people were posting "Zhou Yun is riding on Song Chi’s popularity to make money, how shrewd," all phrased exactly the same, which made it look like the work of paid trolls.
Zhou Yun pretended not to see them, but she was somewhat bothered by it. Everyone in the world hopes to be perfect without criticism, but who can truly claim they have been completely clean on their journey? Zhou Yun could only console herself by thinking that she had never actively done wrong and Song Chi didn’t mind. Within these limits, leveraging popularity was just that. By consoling herself this way, she still felt embarrassed; convincing oneself is ultimately the hardest.
Sometimes, she envied those who were thick-skinned as city walls, never caring about the trouble they caused others. Zhou Yun really wished she could have a bit of that ability; she had seriously considered it.
After finishing the live broadcast, Zhou Lan handed Zhou Yun a water bottle, quietly asking, "You didn’t seem very enthusiastic just now? What’s the matter? Tired?"
Zhou Yun didn’t expect Zhou Lan to notice and chuckled lightly, shaking her head before saying, "Live streaming really drains my spirit, I can’t keep my emotions high all the time. Those hosts are incredible, they can go on for hours as if they are on steroids."
Zhou Lan remarked, "Well, they are professionals."
It was already ten o’clock at night when Zhou Yun headed straight home by car.
"I’ll pick you up at eight in the morning," Zhou Lan said to Zhou Yun downstairs.
"Huh?" Zhou Yun looked puzzled.
"Did you forget? We have a meeting with Liu Pinran from Yuehai Network tomorrow morning," Zhou Lan explained. "Yuehai Network is planning to create a short drama series, around 8 to 12 episodes, and we’re looking to secure one of those projects."
Then, Zhou Yun remembered.
Zhou Lan had been finding suitable film and TV projects for her, having contacted many, including Yuehai Network.
As web series markets began thriving, traditional TV stations’ markets were gradually being encroached upon, and Yuehai Network’s web series projects became highly sought after by many celebrities.
For someone like Zhou Yun, who was a newcomer with popularity but no experience or past works, the best she could get was the role of a female lead in a web series.
Unless a miracle occurred, like a renowned director noticing her and choosing her for a film role. Film projects were more open to newcomers playing lead roles, more common than in traditional TV dramas, which were rare.
Zhou Yun asked, "Why meet in the morning? Can’t I sleep in?"
Zhou Lan replied, "Liu Pinran has a flight to Beijing at noon, we can only meet in the morning, and more importantly, he’s very interested in you."
"Alright then," Zhou Yun responded, "It’s not for a historical drama, is it?"
"Short series rarely do historical themes, it’s not profitable, usually modern, suspense, comedy are preferred," Zhou Lan inquired, "Which genre would you like to try?"
Zhou Yun replied, "I’d like to try them all."
Not formally trained in acting, Zhou Yun had only dabbled in acting, playing minor roles previously, none of which were good, but the process of acting brought a sense of novelty to her.
There were also a few times when Zhou Yun completely immersed herself into the character, experiencing a profound mixture of laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, which felt quite amazing.
Zhou Lan suggested, "Actually, we should consider finding a teacher for you first, to give you some lessons."