Guess What? The Entire Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m Dead - Chapter 7

After the guests left, Lin Chenghuan spent more time alone with her assistant and began chatting casually with Li Xiaoyi.

“What do you usually handle at Sister Fang’s company?” Lin Chenghuan leaned lazily against the sofa as she asked.

“Odd jobs: helping organize documents, writing promotional copy, editing videos, that sort of thing.”

“Hmm, it sounds like a desk job, much more relaxed than running around Hengdian.”

“Yes, but that summer I spent working with you, Sister Huan, was truly joyful. I’ve always cherished the memory.” Li Xiaoyi chuckled.

“You can still feel nostalgic even in such scorching heat? No wonder you’re an energetic college student.”

“Well, I got to be by my idol’s side and even received a signed photo from you!” Li Xiaoyi’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Lin Chenghuan understood completely, fans often get exhilarated when meeting their favorite celebrities. That’s why Li Xiaoyi was, without a doubt, the most considerate assistant she had ever encountered.

After lunch, Lin Chenghuan returned to her room to rest and took the opportunity to call Fang Yuan to discuss the assistant situation.

“Sister Fang, Xiaoyi is an employee of Zhuo Yi, but since she’s working as my assistant, I should be the one paying her. However, if I bring her into my studio, wouldn’t that be poaching from you? So… I’ll transfer the payment to Zhuo Yi regularly.”

“No need, it’s not a large amount. I was the one who arranged for her to take care of you in the first place. If you pay me, wouldn’t that seem like a forced transaction? Besides, you’re already providing her with food and accommodation, and she’ll still help with Zhuo Yi’s tasks. I’ll continue covering her salary,” Fang Yuan replied.

“Alright, thank you, Sister Fang… Then, after some time, let her return to the company. I’m not filming right now, so there’s really not much for her to do here.”

“Sure, we can arrange that later. If the two of you get along well, poaching her wouldn’t be an issue.”

“Sounds good. I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.”

After hanging up, Lin Chenghuan went online to search for information about “Joy Before the Monarch.” The production team hadn’t even finalized the cast yet, and filming was likely months away. Even if she went for an audition, she still had plenty of time to rest.

Although the original novel of this drama had some recognition, it wasn’t a massive hit. Moreover, adaptations of popular novels could still flop. These days, harem dramas weren’t as trendy as they used to be. While this genre had produced several classic blockbusters, many others had failed to make a splash.

Some productions had even been mocked for their bizarre themes and illogical plots, to the point where certain directors and actors were hesitant to take on such roles.

However, Lin Chenghuan had read most of the original novel for “Joy Before the Monarch” and found the plot and characterizations solid. Even if it didn’t become a hit, it was unlikely to be ridiculed or harm an actor’s career.

If some artists were unwilling to take on harem dramas, that would only reduce the competition. After browsing online, Lin Chenghuan found the original novel and started reading it.

She didn’t usually read novels, but this one was quite engaging. Once she started, she found it thoroughly enjoyable, far more interesting than reading scripts. As the author had described, the “monarch” in the title wasn’t just a ruler but symbolized that special someone, a kindred spirit who brought joy to everyone in their presence.

After two hours of reading, Lin Chenghuan had already identified which role suited her. However, it was a highly appealing character, and she expected many actors would be vying for it.

In the days that followed, Lin Chenghuan had an assistant to manage her daily routine, freeing her from worries about meals, outings, and other trivial matters. Life indeed felt more leisurely and comfortable than usual.

Moreover, since most entertainment agencies and celebrities were based in Beijing, Nanjing felt like a tranquil paradise. Back in Beijing, she was constantly busy with social engagements, even with an assistant, she’d have dinner gatherings every few days and karaoke sessions every week.

Thus, the peaceful life in Nanjing was truly something to cherish. She hoped there would be a way to balance both worlds in the future.

By June, the weather grew increasingly hot, and Lin Chenghuan chose to stay indoors, completely unwilling to step outside.

During this time, she maintained contact with Lu Zhiwei, who often initiated conversations. Having known each other for years in a professional hierarchy, chatting casually as friends now felt surprisingly fresh and amusing.

Whenever Lu Zhiwei appeared at a film set or a drama’s opening ceremony, she would often trend on social media. Lin Chenghuan, recalling past entertainment gossip, would tease her about it.

“How come you didn’t get surrounded and have to hide inside a Pikachu costume this time?”

“There aren’t that many Pikachu costumes to go around. If you like them, I’ll prepare a few for you. Next time, you can try squeezing into one yourself,” Lu Zhiwei replied.

Lin Chenghuan laughed and agreed before continuing to browse entertainment news online. Gradually, updates about her faded, and the internet once again became a stage for other active celebrities.

While idly scrolling through Weibo, a message popped up in a group chat. The group consisted of several talented individuals from related fields, but as they got along exceptionally well, it felt more like a circle of friends than a professional network.

[Little Huanhuan, have you rested enough? Want to join my variety show for some fun?] asked Liang Xin, host of the widely popular, family-friendly program Happy Night Theater.

[Thanks, Juju! But I’ll pass for now. I don’t have any new projects to promote lately, so it’d just be a waste of your precious guest slot,] Lin Chenghuan replied.

[Ah, you… such a shame,] Liang Xin sighed regretfully.

[When is Goddess Huanhuan returning to acting? The protagonist in my new script idea would suit you perfectly, but at my writing speed, it’ll probably take two or three years to finish,] chimed in Changye Manman, a well-known author and screenwriter.

Lin Chenghuan: [Let’s see how things go. If the opportunity arises, I might make a comeback. If I’m still relevant in two or three years, I’d love to play a role from your script, Manman.]

Liang Xin: [Manman’s writing speed has slowed down so much lately. Do all writers with ‘man’ in their pen names eventually turn into snails?]

[That makes sense! Heartbreaking. Maybe I should change my name to Aye from now on.]

[Pfft, hahaha.]

[By the way, why hasn’t your show had any Werewolf game segments lately? I’d love to see all those celebrities playing Werewolf together!] Changye Manman suddenly remembered the variety show and asked.

[Please, have mercy! We’re all sick of playing Werewolf. There are plenty of shows dedicated to that game, you can watch those instead,] Liang Xin replied with evident distress.

[Watching strangers play isn’t as fun. It’s only entertaining when it’s you guys, with everyone being so witty and full of laughs.]

[Well, that’s true. We’ll arrange it next time, then.]

[Wow, that’s awesome!] Changye Manman exclaimed excitedly.

[Those hosts are way too sharp. Playing mind games with them has become a nightmare for me,] added Yu Qingqing, a popular singer who had just joined the conversation.

Thus, the “Gathering of Stars” group chat buzzed with activity as several people began chatting idly about everything under the sun. Although the others weren’t actors, their respective circles had overlapping areas, and through casual conversation, they could still pick up plenty of gossip.

Moreover, precisely because their fields were different and there were no underlying competitive relationships, some topics could be discussed more freely. After the chat, Lin Chenghuan felt deeply moved, even two years after stepping back from the spotlight, she still had friends who remembered her. It truly made life feel worthwhile.

By July, the weather in Jiangnan had grown even more stifling. Combined with the humidity, the world felt like a giant steamer. Lin Chenghuan stayed cooped up at home all day, making it impossible for paparazzi and obsessive fans to catch a glimpse of her. As a result, strange rumors began circulating online once again.

Although the marketing accounts that had previously spread news of Lin Chenghuan’s death had apologized, they never clarified that the hospital photos were fake. Many people dug up the fact that she had indeed been hospitalized for a period back then.

After responding once, Lin Chenghuan disappeared from the public eye again, sparking widespread speculation. Eventually, the consensus was that she must have been suffering from a terminal illness like leukemia or bone marrow cancer, which explained her rare appearances and even the apparent lack of energy in her video.

Lin Chenghuan: “…Thanks, I’m just lazy.”

Fang Yuan: “Count yourself lucky. Last time, so-and-so went to the hospital in the middle of the night for a tetanus shot, and netizens spread rumors that they had contracted HIV.”

Lin Chenghuan was utterly speechless. Fortunately, her private life appeared impeccably clean, she had always been seen as a pure, innocent white lotus. Still, given the situation, if she didn’t reappear in the next couple of months, she might well find herself rumored to have passed away again…

If she came forward to clarify, it would be seen as a publicity stunt. If she didn’t, the rumors would only grow stranger. Since she’d be accused of hype either way, she might as well just make a comeback by acting.

So, should she go independent or sign with an agency? While being independent offered more freedom, handling scripts, maintaining connections, and managing public opinion all on her own would be exhausting.

Most importantly, Fang Yuan had been her mentor and had always waited for her return. Working under her now seemed like the most fitting choice.

With her mind made up, Lin Chenghuan couldn’t resist sending a message to Lu Zhiwei before taking action.

“Sister Wei, I might be joining another company soon. But I’ll always remember that it was Xia Yao who made me who I am.”

“Mm, may your star shine brightly. Honestly, not being your boss really is the best choice,” Lu Zhiwei replied quickly.

“So, after weighing the options last time, you were still afraid I’d come back and overshadow you?”

“Yes. Anyway, even when we were in the same company, we rarely saw each other.”

Lin Chenghuan paused for a moment, silently acknowledging the truth of that. Normally, she was either filming in Hengdian or other random locations, staying at home, or on vacation, she rarely went to the company.

Most matters could be handled by her assistant or agent making a trip to the office. Even if she did go, it wasn’t guaranteed she’d run into Lu Zhiwei.

Still, when they were in the same company, their online communication had been frequent. Lately, though, they’d been chatting often too, and not just about work.

No wonder Lu Zhiwei thought it was best not to be in the same company, without the boss-employee dynamic, things were undoubtedly more comfortable. If back at Xia Yao she had realized her boss might have feelings for her, she would have been terrified, convinced she was about to be taken advantage of.

Lin Chenghuan thought with amusement, then chatted with Lu Zhiwei for a while longer before considering when to approach Fang Yuan. If possible, it would be best to affiliate her studio under Zhuo Yi’s name, that way, she’d have more freedom.

By doing so, Zhuo Yi wouldn’t have to worry too much about her, and she could take on roles through her own connections. She might even be able to continue living in Nanjing. However, the commission for an affiliated studio would be much lower than if she joined Zhuo Yi directly, she wasn’t sure if Fang Yuan would agree.

Come to think of it, if she still lived in Nanjing, she’d have even fewer chances to see Lu Zhiwei. She wondered if Lu Zhiwei would regret not trying harder to persuade her to stay…