Yuk Chu was quick to respond, calling Zhou Yun back that very evening.
"My agent says it’s someone from your company who spread the news. He heard it from someone named Liu Zitong."
Liu Zitong isn’t with Chengqian Entertainment; he’s with Chengqian Film and Television, and also a producer under Yin Zishi.
Surprised, Zhou Yun also found it rather inexplicable.
Spring Cold wasn’t a project under Yin Zishi, nor did it have anything to do with Liu Zitong. Why would Liu Zitong tell others that both she and Song Chi would be in the cast?
While puzzled, Zhou Lan suddenly entered with a dark expression.
"Sister Lan? What’s wrong?"
"Luo Yuhu just called me, warning us that if we continue to bother Song Chi, he’ll teach us a lesson."
Zhou Yun was speechless. "The nerve!"
Zhou Lan said, "Some marketing accounts have started releasing news online, claiming that you and Song Chi are joining the cast of Spring Cold."
Zhou Yun felt a twitch between her brows, a bad premonition rising in her heart.
"Now Song Chi’s fans are slamming his studio and his company’s official Weibo for their inaction, and they’re also attacking you on your Weibo, claiming you overstep your boundaries by continuously approaching Song Chi with the backing of capital behind you, using him for hype."
Zhou Lan’s expression darkened even more after relayning this.
"The reality is, all this was somewhat expected, but looking at the current state of Weibo, there’s a very alarming trend. I’m worried that once the company issues a statement clarifying that neither you nor Song Chi are part of Spring Cold, it could turn public opinion entirely against you. It might even spin the narrative to make it seem like these fabrications and self-promotions are solely your doing."
A sharp glint crossed Zhou Yun’s eyes.
"What’s the company’s stance on this?"
Zhou Lan said, "The company believes that while these comments are unsavory, they do keep everyone’s attention on Spring Cold, which benefits the movie and helps maintain your popularity. The company suggests that we ignore them."
Zhou Yun’s gaze grew colder.
"So the company plans to do nothing about these detractors attacking me?"
Zhou Lan fell silent.
Zhou Yun: "I get it. Those attackers are also adding to my popularity. Notoriety is still fame, after all. To the company, the more famous I am, the more money I make, right?"
Zhou Lan: "Xiao Yun..."
"I understand." Zhou Yun gestured with a halt sign, signaling that Zhou Lan needn’t continue. "I’m going to rest now."
Zhou Lan seemed to want to say more.
Zhou Yun said, "By the way, Sister Lan, have you selected any scripts for me like you said you would?"
Zhou Lan, startled by the sudden question, replied, "I haven’t had a chance yet, as we’ve been so busy with other work lately. Are you in such a rush to start filming?"
Zhou Yun chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Sister Lan, if I don’t take advantage of now to film more, given the company’s attitude towards me, what chance do I have to further my career?"
Zhou Lan was silent again.
"Whether it’s ads, endorsements, livestreaming, or variety shows, I know they make money fast and in abundance, unlike filming, which takes months and pays less. But, Sister Lan, see how much money I’ve made for the company. Have they placed more importance on me?"
"Between me and Wei Ru Xue, the company will naturally choose Wei Ru Xue. Among my peers who debuted in the same period, the company will also naturally opt for others. Because to them, as long as I’m not more valuable than Wei Ru Xue, and as long as Wei Ru Xue doesn’t want me to rise above her, they won’t choose me. Sister Lan, you know, for an artist, diligence can’t make up for mediocrity. Diligence can only lead to more opportunities. It can’t increase my value. Diligence will always just wear me down. And what I’m most afraid of now is wearing myself out. Sister Lan, do you think my current level of popularity is enough for us to squander much longer?"
These truths, Zhou Lan actually understood.
But when faced with immediate gain, the tangible wealth at hand was real.
Zhou Lan couldn’t possibly forsake such significant benefits for a distant, uncertain place on the honor roll.
The company’s attitude towards Zhou Yun did change. Bodyguards were arranged, assistants provided, drivers too. With Zhou Yun making money so fast, how could the company ignore her as if she was merely a newcomer? It’s just that what Zhou Yun wanted now, the company did not wish to give.
A good role was something even Wei Ru Xue had to fight hard to secure.
How could Zhou Yun, who only gained attention because of the rumors with Song Chi, be worthy of the company’s significant investment?
Not to mention Wei Ru Xue’s suppression.
These reasons were too pragmatic, a mere comparison of interests.
"Xiao Yun, let’s not be hasty. Let’s take it slowly, alright?"
Zhou Yun started to laugh softly. After a while, she said, "Alright then."
An ancient saying goes, "Those who know me, worry for me; those who don’t, question my dreams."
No matter how close, it’s just a relationship between an artist and an agent.
Zhou Yun suddenly realized, she should never have held onto such unrealistic expectations from the start.