"You really have the nerve to say that," Zhou Lan still prattled on incessantly. "Next time before you post on Weibo, think it through carefully, okay?"
Zhou Yun complained like a little girl: "You’re so annoying."
Zhou Yun: "Okay, okay."
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Yun suddenly thought that what happened tonight really didn’t seem like something she would do. Why would she throw such a childish tantrum?
Even before deciding to become an artist, she had warned herself that from now on, she must curb emotional fluctuations, be cautious with public statements, and think thrice before acting.
Being truly oneself is not feasible.
She went to wash her face and brush her teeth, and then her phone rang again.
It was Zhou Lan calling once more.
"Sister Lan, did you not feel satisfied scolding me once, so now you’re calling to scold me again?"
Zhou Lan said, "Song Chi has retweeted your Weibo post, asking you when will you, ’petty woman,’ fulfill your promise to invite him to your house for a meal? Congratulations, you’ve managed to trend on the hot search list three times today."
Zhou Lan: "The colleagues at our company are probably cursing you with voodoo dolls right now because they have to work overtime until midnight because of you."
Zhou Yun: "Has Song Chi lost his mind?"
Zhou Lan hummed lightly and said: "The ’petty woman’ label is stuck on you for good now."
Zhou Yun: "...Sister Lan, you’re still mocking me at this time?"
"There’s nothing else to do. I’m reminding you, don’t have any more interactions with Song Chi. This incident ends here," Zhou Lan finished speaking, then suddenly chuckled as if she thought of something, "Luo Yuhu must be hopping mad right now."
"Why are you happy about him freaking out?" Zhou Yun asked, puzzled.
"I don’t like him. His annoyance is my pleasure," Zhou Lan stated.
"Sister Lan, could you send a red packet to our colleagues who handle online public sentiments, on my behalf? I’ll transfer the money to you later."
She thought it was only right that Zhou Yun did this.
After grooming herself, Zhou Yun returned to her room and lay down in bed.
She initially wanted to check the buzz online, but then thought better of it, charged her phone, turned off the light, and fell straight to sleep.
She had been eager to sleep since she drank earlier.
Zhou Yun’s recent chain of events caused quite a bit of trouble for the company, but it also brought in a hefty profit.
The entertainment industry always "rides the wind," supporting whoever is hot.
Zhou Yun’s consecutive top trending status, with the momentum to continue, made her the prime choice for most partnerships.
This was a reflection of the era of internet data.
For many projects, such as low-budget web dramas, web movies, variety shows, promotion events, and more, Zhou Yun simply didn’t have the capacity to take them all on. In reality, managing to take on even a tenth of them would already be pushing it.
How could He Yong let such opportunities slip by?
Currently, Chengqian Entertainment has a relatively few number-one artists, but there are many rookies and some who have debuted for years with little fame in the third tier.
Riding on this momentum, Chengqian Entertainment managed to sign a new batch, and revenues finally began to pick up as the first half of the year was coming to a close.
Staff at lower levels might not be clear about the situation, but the executives understood what was happening.
He Yong had another talk with Wei Ru Xue about contract renewal, but her stance remained unclear, refusing to give a definitive answer.
He Yong was actually aware that Wei Ru Xue wanted to start her own agency, which could lead to higher earnings.
Still, despite Zhou Yun’s recent windfall, she earned just a fraction of what Wei Ru Xue made.
He Yong was irritable and anxious about the upcoming scenarios.
If Wei Ru Xue really didn’t renew the contract, Chengqian Entertainment would face the loss of half its territory.
They must promote a few newcomers quickly to keep up appearances; relying solely on Zhou Yun was definitely not enough.
Ning Yao and He Suqing’s departure at the beginning of the year had already caused dissatisfaction at the headquarters, so He Yong didn’t want to see things get worse.
He also made every effort to keep Wei Ru Xue.
He Yong opened the company’s artist database and looked through one profile after another.
"Xu Siyao..." He Yong’s gaze lingered on Xu Siyao’s photo.
In terms of personal attributes, Xu Siyao was far from matching Wei Ru Xue and Zhou Yun.
When He Yong signed Zhou Yun, he intended to mold her into another Wei Ru Xue, but instead, she was suppressed by Wei Ru Xue herself.
But now, it wasn’t the era of the big screen anymore. In an era where TV dramas and web dramas could make celebrities, Xu Siyao’s shortcomings weren’t so prominent.
He remembered that Xu Siyao was about to join Zhou Yun to start filming "Eighth Heartbeat," and an idea gradually formed in his mind.
"Are you suggesting that Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao promote a sisterly bond through marketing?"
When Zhou Lan received this proposal from the marketing department, her first reaction was whether the marketing department had gone mad.
How dare they assume that Zhou Yun would agree?
Promoting a sisterly bond with Xu Siyao was merely trying to let Xu Siyao ride on Zhou Yun’s coattails to fame, wasn’t it?
"Zhou Yun and Xu Siyao barely know each other; they’ve only met once. A marketing sisterhood doesn’t have any persuasive power, so forget it."
But the marketing department person said: "Sister Lan, this is also beneficial to Zhou Yun. She’s about to start shooting a new drama soon, and when Zhou Yun doesn’t have any exposure, these activities could help maintain her popularity."
"No need," Zhou Lan’s attitude was firm.
After refusing the company’s proposal, Zhou Lan immediately alerted Zhou Yun and earnestly warned, "No matter who from the company approaches you, don’t you give in."
"Last time He Yong wanted me to take care of Xu Siyao while shooting ’Eighth Heartbeat,’" Zhou Yun said.
"He’s dreaming. Normally, he treats you as if you’re picked up from the streets, and now that you’re popular, he expects you to feed others too? What nonsense is that!"
Zhou Yun gave it some serious thought.
"Sister Lan, have you considered managing another artist?"
"Me? All my energy is focused on you alone, how could I possibly manage another artist? If I took on another artist, how would the resources be distributed? You’re some big celebrity, with a secure position already?" Zhou Lan shook her head, "Forget it."
"If you don’t have the energy to manage another artist, then do you think there are other agents or artists in the company that could be persuaded?"
"Persuaded? What are you planning to do?"
"Both of us are too weak by ourselves. If we are bound to keep matching wits and strengths with He Yong, why not have a few more cards in our hands?"
"Currently in the company, He Yong has sole control over the artist segment. He would notice any of our moves."
"Have you analyzed that the company is currently lacking in continuity, and once Wei Ru Xue doesn’t renew her contract, He Yong would need to quickly promote successors? At that time, there will be turmoil within the company, and surely there will be opportunities."