Phoenix A has Gone Viral Across the Entire Internet! - Chapter 28

Working in the industry, the greatest taboo is acting on mere rumors. The actor originally set to play Juqu, Jiang Yuanxing, was once called a “breath of fresh air” in the circle for her clean reputation. However, the reality proved her character to be questionable once those scandals exploded.

When it comes to collaboration, Yu Wanyu values her first impression above all else. She had hesitated during Jiang Yuanxing’s initial performance and only decided to let her try because there was truly no one else available to fill the spot. In contrast, the feeling Shen Nian gave her during their first meeting was entirely different. Almost from that moment, Yu Wanyu began filtering her thoughts. If an opportunity arose, she had to invite this person to star in one of her films.

She truly loved the natural aura emanating from Shen Nian. It was as if Shen Nian possessed years of professional experience and achievement, allowing a certain temperament to settle naturally—one that exuded a sense of casualness and composure. Regarding the audition performance just now, what Yu Wanyu appreciated most was the look in Juqu’s eyes during the parting scene with Yuan Luo’s group.

The State of Shang was powerful, so it naturally placed hidden agents within Ming Yuan. The truth about Yuan Luo’s identity had been completely exposed long before she even stepped foot in Shang. Both sides were well aware of this fact. Ming Yuan was undoubtedly making a massive gamble, betting that Juqu did not yet have plans for a full-scale invasion. The most insignificant pawn in this gamble was the life of the Third Princess, Yuan Luo.

From the beginning, Juqu was somewhat interested in Yuan Luo. A dignified princess treated with such calculated indifference would usually become resentful or fall into a state of despair upon realizing her helplessness. Yet, the result of their first meeting was the opposite of Juqu’s expectations. Yuan Luo was calm—so calm that one might mistakenly think she was the one intended to be the hostage all along. Because she had finally met someone interesting, Juqu watched the other’s retreating back with a faint, enigmatic smile after her initial testing was over.

If one were to speculate on the psychology of this young, arrogant tyrant at that moment, someone as wicked as her would likely think: This person might become my most interesting plaything in the near future.

Shen Nian’s final gaze perfectly captured that underlying sense of playfulness. In comparison, the performances of the others were mediocre; none of them had fully grasped the character. Yu Wanyu felt deeply that only Shen Nian had portrayed the exact feeling she desired. The role of the tyrant belonged to Shen Nian without question.

Having secured the audition in one go, Shen Nian felt much more confident stepping into Yuemo Entertainment again. At this hour, there were not many people waiting for the direct elevator—only a young girl with her arms full of documents. Shen Nian recognized her as one of the new assistants Pei Qiyi had recently hired. She remembered this person because every time the girl went to the elevator, she had to mentally prepare herself multiple times just to ensure she could calmly answer, “Alright, I will get right on it,” to whatever Zhuan-jie threw at her.

Seeing the girl so conflicted again, Shen Nian wickedly decided to do a good deed. This included quickly pressing the elevator button and swiping her access card before the other could react. With a ding, the doors closed slowly, and the two were whisked up to the twenty-fifth floor. Lin Yue wore a mournful expression the entire way, radiating an aura of resentment. Looking at the office right in front of her, she decided to be polite.

“Um, Miss Shen, why don’t you go in first?”

Shen Nian replied solemnly, “I am not in a hurry. Work matters are important. You go ahead.”

Lin Yue steeled herself and walked in, only to come back out less than four minutes later. Shen Nian observed her. Seeing her relaxed brow and light footsteps, she knew Pei Qiyi was currently in a good mood. Shen Nian raised an eyebrow, adjusted her appearance slightly, and strode inside.

Pei Qiyi looked up and saw her. “How did the audition go?”

Shen Nian answered honestly, “I got it. Director Yu wants me to play Juqu.”

Pei Qiyi twirled the pen in her hand, her tone relaxed. “Ah, that is fine. Regarding your acting skills, I will slowly look into future scripts for you. To maintain your popularity, you cannot fade from your fans’ sight. I have signed you up for a variety show. You must attend in a few days. No arguments!”

“Wait!” Pei Qiyi finally reacted, her tone turning uncertain. “What did you just say? Repeat that for me.”

Shen Nian raised an eyebrow. “I said the audition went well. Director Yu decided on the spot that I will play Juqu.”

Before she even had time to be happy, Pei Qiyi thought of a more urgent matter. She asked tentatively, “Um, did Director Yu say when filming begins?”

Shen Nian sat on the sofa and replied, “Director Yu is rigorous with her filming and is not in a rush to start. She wants us to study the script thoroughly first, so the official start date is set for half a month from now.”

Pei Qiyi let out a sigh of relief. “Good, good. The schedules do not clash. You can join the cast right after the break following the first episode of the variety show.”

She took a piece of paper and wrote down several rows of dates.

“After the first episode of the variety show, you join the film crew. I will talk to the head director of the show to delay the second episode’s filming to ensure you finish your scenes with Director Yu first. During the filming of the second episode, you can coordinate with the movie’s promotion. During the gap between the second and third episodes, I will see if I can strike while the iron is hot and get you another role to maximize your benefits.”

After listening to this massive list of work arrangements, Shen Nian’s face was a giant question mark. Even a donkey in a production brigade is not worked this hard! Although she had not been active for nearly half a year, she could not be expected to make up for it with six months of back-to-back work. Shen Nian felt it was absolutely necessary to protest.

“I am going to act in Director Yu’s movie! That is exhausting! Why are you still making me do a variety show?”

Pei Qiyi said seriously, “A dating show. A very deep dating show.”

A dating show? Zhuan-jie clearly knew she was dating Jiang Zhiwan right now! At this critical moment, Shen Nian decided to use that shield.

“No, I cannot participate in that kind of program. You know the reason. I can pay the breach of contract fee myself.”

Pei Qiyi capped her pen and looked at her with amusement. “Are you sure you do not want to go?”

Shen Nian did not flinch. “I am certain.”

“Oh,” Pei Qiyi said, glancing at the paper with the schedule. Her tone was casual. “If you do not want to go, then you do not have to. I suppose Zhiwan will just have to participate alone.”

Hearing the unexpected name, Shen Nian’s eyes widened. “Who did you say? Who is participating?”

“Zhiwan. This was a work arrangement set for her long ago. She is different from you; she is at a point where she needs to increase her exposure. And although this is a dating show, the focus is not actually on guests forming couples. I selected this resource carefully; its theme is truly profound. You can look at this.”

Pei Qiyi stood up and handed a prepared document to Shen Nian. Scanning the pages, Shen Nian read aloud, “Traditional food culture, understanding ethnic minorities, and promoting intangible cultural heritage?”

Pei Qiyi nodded. “They want to use the popularity of a dating show to subtly do something meaningful. They also plan to donate a portion of the show’s proceeds to a foundation to help children in impoverished mountainous areas go to school.”

Shen Nian closed the folder, looking thoughtful. Regardless of anything else, if those goals were actually implemented, this variety show was indeed worth attending. Beyond the inherent buzz of the genre, it would build a good reputation for the guests and achieve something tangible.

Pei Qiyi crossed her arms, her tone full of regret. “What a pity. I went to all this trouble to secure an extra slot, and you do not plan to go. I wonder who I should send to accompany Zhiwan? Someone from the same company would at least be able to look out for her. It would also be convenient to tie them together as a couple for publicity. Anyway, we on the inside know it is not real.”

Shen Nian began to backtrack. “I will go.”

Pei Qiyi intentionally waved her hand. “Oh, do not force yourself. I know you hate working back-to-back. If word gets back to Aunt Shen that I am overworking her precious darling, it would be bad.”

Shen Nian answered firmly, “I am not tired. I am going!”

Pei Qiyi pretended not to hear. “Maybe you can help me decide. How about Adin? She seems to have a good impression of Zhiwan. Or Gu Yibai; she is about to release a new song, so this is a good chance for promotion. The show can stir up some heat, maybe push a pure friendship duo.”

Shen Nian glanced at the door to ensure no one was coming in. Only then did she turn back and look piteously at Pei Qiyi.

“Please, cousin, let me go. I take back everything I said. Who said this show was bad? This show is fantastic!”

Pei Qiyi wanted to keep up her act, but she eventually lost the battle against her own laughter. She leaned back against the desk, laughing.

“Shen Nian, oh Shen Nian, you finally have a day like this! I thought you would never beg me. Now you remember that I am your cousin and not just some unlucky manager who cleans up your messes, huh?”

Shen Nian looked at the ceiling and then at the floor—anywhere but at her cousin. Once Pei Qiyi had laughed her fill, she said lightly, “I intended for you and Jiang Zhiwan to go from the start. Since you love her so much you cannot extricate yourself, just go. Film the first episode first.”

Pei Qiyi’s words were not without basis. During those three months when Shen Nian was loudly pursuing Jiang Zhiwan, her extravagant spending had been gossiped about by everyone in the family group chat.

Having finally confirmed the work schedule, Shen Nian walked out of the office. She had arrived full of confidence but left feeling utterly defeated. Sometimes she truly wished she were a little mouse so she could find a hole to crawl into. 432 chose that moment to add to the chaos, sighing gloomily.

“If you had known this would happen, why did you act like that in the beginning?”

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