Superstar Assistant [GL] - Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Zhou Tiantian seized the moment, directing the company’s PR department to immediately ride the wave of popularity by pushing the hashtag #LiZiyuDarkFriedChicken# onto the trending search lists.

By now, major platforms were no longer strangers to Li Ziyu’s name, and the association between Li Ziyu and “dark cuisine” seemed perfectly natural.

Golden Arches was also more than happy to see this promotional effect. They immediately added fuel to the fire, causing the topic’s popularity to double once again.

Meanwhile, on the film set, Dong Minsi looked at the fried chicken in the takeout box—darkened by the black pepper—and looked up at Zhao Qing innocently. “This fried chicken looks uglier than the previous ones, but it smells so good.”

Zhao Qing nodded solemnly. “Mm. You can try one piece and take a photo for Weibo, but don’t eat too much. This kind of food is too high in calories and lacks nutrition; it’s not good for you.”

As a chef of high-end private cuisine, Zhao Qing naturally looked down on fast food. However, since Dong Minsi had to cooperate with Li Ziyu’s promotion, she had no choice but to buy a portion for her.

While Zhao Qing’s face remained expressionless, her heart was melting at the sight of Dong Minsi’s craving. She thought her so cute that she wanted to buy all the black pepper fried chicken in the world for her!

Dong Minsi picked up a piece of fried chicken and took two bites. When she turned to look at Li Ziyu, her innocent, gluttonous expression had softened, but her voice remained gentle. “Ziyu, let’s take a photo together so we can post it on Weibo later.”

Li Ziyu’s lip twitched slightly. Zhou Tiantian immediately pressed down on Li Ziyu’s hand, giving her a look: Sister Sisi is a bigger star than you, you can’t hit her!

Li Ziyu raised an eyebrow, picked up a piece of chicken, and took several photos with Dong Minsi. They both posted a “nine-grid” photo set on Weibo, with each of the nine photos being unique.

Instantly, their “CP fans” (shippers) were overjoyed, feeling that the romance between Dong Minsi and Li Ziyu was the perfect match for black pepper fried chicken!

Dong Minsi’s fans followed their idol’s lead and went out to buy the chicken as well.

This wave of promotion ensured that the new black pepper fried chicken became a massive hit across the country the moment it was launched. Many short-video platforms even started using the chicken as a “meme,” creating countless popular videos.

The black pepper fried chicken instantly became the new “internet celebrity” food.

Some people are simply born that way—everything they do attracts attention, and they carry their own “traffic” wherever they go. Li Ziyu had exactly that kind of constitution; once the spotlight found her, it was unstoppable.

As the drama neared the end of filming, Director Sun jokingly said to Li Ziyu, “I hope our drama can ride on your popularity as well.”

Dong Minsi said with a smile, “Director Sun, I think you can rest easy. Look at me—even I’ve been dragged onto the trending searches by her. I didn’t use to trend this often. Our show should be just fine.”

Li Ziyu threw cold water on them with a cool expression. “Don’t say that yet. If the drama doesn’t get any buzz later, you’ll just turn around and blame me for being a ‘flop’.”

Dong Minsi glanced at her and teased, “Then you’d definitely have to take the blame! Director Sun is paying you no less than what the fried chicken company paid. If we aren’t as hot as that chicken, you’ll have to go to Director Sun’s house and offer a formal apology!”

Director Sun laughed heartily. “No need for a formal apology. I’d be happy if you just agreed to do the next drama for free.”

A faint smile touched Li Ziyu’s eyes. “Director Sun, you’ve certainly done the math. However, my assistant probably wouldn’t agree to that.”

As soon as Li Ziyu mentioned Zhou Tiantian, Director Sun immediately said, “Ah, now that you mention it, I realize talking to you is useless. I should go talk to Little Zhou. We wrap up filming next month; I’ll have Little Zhou work her magic and keep us on the trending searches for a few days.”

Consequently, Zhou Tiantian received a request from the production’s promotion team to participate in the drama’s wrap-up publicity.

From the moment a star signs onto a drama, the two are inseparable. When the show airs, the actors often participate in various variety shows for free to promote it.

Zhou Tiantian didn’t decline. Xiao Wu, the production’s PR staffer, was even more enthusiastic toward Zhou Tiantian this time. Upon meeting, she immediately began praising her. “Tiantian, was your undergraduate major in marketing? Your marketing is just too good! Every time you make a move, Teacher Li ends up on the trending list.”

Zhou Tiantian smiled politely, feeling a bit humble under the praise. “Not really. It’s mostly because Ziyu’s fans are very supportive, and Ziyu herself is naturally buzz-worthy.”

Xiao Wu looked at her with a knowing expression. “Don’t be so modest. Teacher Li didn’t just debut yesterday.”

Zhou Tiantian stopped explaining. She knew that Luo Na managed several stars besides Li Ziyu, and because Li Ziyu was still in school, Luo Na hadn’t invested much effort into her. Furthermore, Li Ziyu’s previous assistant, Xiao Liu, clearly hadn’t been a dedicated worker.

In her eyes, Li Ziyu was a piece of uncut jade; she had simply lifted the jade high enough for everyone to see. It wasn’t entirely her own credit.

Afterward, Xiao Wu and Zhou Tiantian discussed how to handle the wrap-up promotion. After a while, Xiao Wu sighed, “Sigh, if only Ziyu had an official fan support club. That way, we could more actively guide the fans to coordinate with the promotion.”

Zhou Tiantian felt a spark of inspiration and made a mental note of this.

On the day The Legend of Yuannü wrapped, the crew not only held a press conference early in the day but also a small celebratory banquet.

Simultaneously, many fan-made videos and fanfics—some spontaneous, others quietly encouraged by the production team—were released or reached their finales at the same time.

This sent the “content-hungry” fans into a frenzy of excitement.

“Wow! The creators are amazing! They finished the updates! I’m so happy!”

“My god, what kind of angel is this creator? They made a video three times longer than usual today for the finale! Scattering flowers! So happy! Sending tips!”

“I’m so satisfied today. I’ve finished all my ‘must-reads,’ and they’re all so sweet! My heart is full!”

By evening, as the reality set in, the fans began to feel the “withdrawal” sadness.

“Wait, all the fanfics I was following are finished! How am I supposed to survive tomorrow? Or the day after? My life has no hope left!”

“I’m stunned. I happily finished all of Ziyu’s CP videos, and now all the creators say they finished early to celebrate the drama wrapping up. Does this mean there’s no more ‘food’ left to eat?!”

“I’m devastated! Will there be no more fanfics or fan-made videos starting tomorrow? I’m going to cry! Can we crowdfund to ask the director to start filming Season 2 immediately?”

At the wrap-up banquet, the hall was brilliantly lit. Everyone was in evening wear, holding champagne, and should have been chatting and socializing. However, at this moment, everyone was staring at their phones, scrolling through social platforms with satisfied smiles.

Director Sun’s eyes crinkled into slits as he laughed. “Aha, you young people are truly something. I’ve been filming dramas for so many years, and I’ve never seen one get this much heat before it’s even aired. Incredible.”

Xiao Wu was also very excited. She grabbed Zhou Tiantian and said, “This method was a total ten out of ten! Having all the videos and fanfics end at the same time made everyone explode. Today’s trending topics are all ours!”

Zhou Tiantian smiled modestly and shyly. “I just saw how much they were begging for updates and thought that finishing them all at once would definitely get the fans excited.”

Li Ziyu took the champagne glass (which was actually filled with plain water) from Zhou Tiantian’s hand and handed her a plate. “Aren’t you about due to be hungry?”

Because her belly was getting larger and her internal organs were being compressed, Zhou Tiantian couldn’t eat much per meal but got hungry quickly.

Watching Li Ziyu’s departing back, Xiao Wu couldn’t help but sigh. “Teacher Li is truly beautiful. I wish I had a figure like that. And she’s so warm—she treats you so well. You’re truly so lucky.”

Zhou Tiantian picked up a fork and ate a piece of fruit salad, smiling sweetly. “Yes, she really does treat me very well.”

Xiao Wu smiled at her again. “I think you’re great too. I worked on the promotion for Teacher Li’s last drama as well. Back then, it was another assistant. That assistant didn’t care for Teacher Li even one percent as much as you do. So, we all know why Teacher Li is so good to you—it’s because you are a wonderful person yourself.”

Xiao Wu added in a whisper, “You really are amazing.”

Zhou Tiantian blinked at Xiao Wu and then gave a crinkle-eyed smile. “Thank you.”

Xiao Wu reached out and hugged Zhou Tiantian, exclaiming, “Oh, Tiantian, I never told you, but you are just so cute!”

Zhou Tiantian blushed. “Not at all, don’t talk nonsense.”

Xiao Wu looked completely sincere, her face saying you have to believe me. “Really! I’m so jealous of your husband right now, being able to have a wife who is both cute and capable. Even though I’m a girl, if it were you, I’d be willing to marry you too!”

Zhou Tiantian didn’t expect Xiao Wu to say something like that and was momentarily at a loss for words.

Suddenly, the sound of a soft cough came from beside them. The sound was a bit cold, and Zhou Tiantian couldn’t help but shiver.

Xiao Wu also suddenly stiffened. She didn’t know why, but despite having a great time with Zhou Tiantian a moment ago, she suddenly felt uncomfortable all over. She awkwardly pulled herself away from Zhou Tiantian and smiled at Li Ziyu. “Hello, Teacher Li.”

Li Ziyu nodded, expressionless as always. “What were you just talking about?”

Xiao Wu laughed awkwardly. “Just… just praising how well Teacher Li treats Tiantian.”

“Then why would you want to marry Zhou Tiantian?” Li Ziyu gave her a “death stare.”

Xiao Wu felt her legs trembling. “Ha… haha… I… I just think Tiantian is cute and capable, I really like… her.” After saying it, Xiao Wu felt even colder. Was spring coming too late this year, or was the hotel’s air conditioning broken?!

Li Ziyu raised an eyebrow. “Then you’ll probably have to stick to unrequited love.”

Zhou Tiantian was caught between laughter and tears. She shyly pulled on Li Ziyu’s hand and said softly, “No, she’s just joking. We’re just good friends.”

Li Ziyu nodded. “Oh.”

Xiao Wu took the chance to slip away. “I think I have something to take care of. Tiantian, I’ll go find the director first. Let’s talk on WeChat later!”

Zhou Tiantian nodded, but before she could say goodbye, Xiao Wu had bolted.

Li Ziyu’s jealousy hadn’t dissipated yet. “Zhou Tiantian, you’re truly amazing. Four months on set and someone is already confessing to you. You’re much more charming than I am.”

Zhou Tiantian said quickly, “How could I be more charming than you?” Seeing Li Ziyu look at her, she thought fast and added, “They don’t confess to you only because you’re too famous. Everyone thinks you’re unattainable.”

Li Ziyu snorted coldly and glanced at her, finally letting the matter drop. However, Li Ziyu decided she had to keep a closer eye on her from now on. A girl who looked as obedient and soft as Zhou Tiantian was actually very popular—she had already sensed that back in high school.

After The Legend of Yuannü finished filming, it maintained a certain level of popularity. Many video creators on streaming sites said that since the crew wasn’t releasing behind-the-scenes footage, they had no material to edit new videos. This made fans even more expectant, hoping for an early air date.

Li Ziyu’s fame rose significantly because of this. Once the drama aired, her market value and industry status would undoubtedly rise again.

Many producers and merchants began to extend olive branches to her, knowing that once the show aired, she would have even more resources and be even more sought-after than she was now.

When Luo Na was discussing the general schedule for the coming year with her, Li Ziyu told Luo Na firmly, “Sister Luo, I hope you won’t arrange any dramas or movies for me for the next six months. I also hope the other commitments aren’t too many. I need half a year of free time.”

Not only Luo Na, but even Zhou Tiantian didn’t understand why Li Ziyu suddenly made this request.

However, when Li Ziyu looked at Zhou Tiantian, she suddenly understood. Their child was about to be born, so Li Ziyu wanted to be there with her. She was unwilling to have a heavy workload for those six months.

But Li Ziyu was currently in the peak of her rising career!