The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 492 Cultivating Character and Making Friends

Ms. Liu then immediately sent a selfie.

[Photo.jpg]

The background appears to be a hotel.

She was wearing a denim jacket over a black dress. Because she was taking a selfie with her face covered by her phone, and she didn't seem very relaxed while taking the picture, her arms were tense.

Of course, her face wasn't completely covered, which made the phone look very small. Her hair seemed unkempt, simply draped down, with slightly messy sideburns, giving her a travel-worn appearance.

For Hsu Hsing, who looks at dozens of selfies every day, this is truly the most boring and perfunctory one she has ever seen.

Xu Xing was very familiar with this starting stance, which made the question mark even bigger.

I just sent it directly.

【? 】

She always replies very quickly.

【? 】

Xu Xing didn't really want to reply.

However, she quickly posted another message.

【I am coming. 】

The language repeater has arrived.

【? 】

Xu Xing then added another question mark.

Liu: [Have you finished filming?]

Xu: [Hmm.]

Liu: [Come find me.]

Liu: [Or I can come to you.]

May:【?】

Liu: [Don't play dumb.]

Xu: [What do you want to do?]

Liu: [You can do whatever you want.]

Xu: [What do you want?]

Liu: [You.]

May:【?】

Liu: [Stop sending question marks!!!]

Xu: [Calm down.]

Liu: [I am very calm.]

Liu: [This is something I've always wanted to do but never dared to do before. Wasn't this the same thing you hinted at and flirted with me about last time?]

May:【?】

Liu: [Can you please stop using question marks?!]

Xu: [I never hinted at it, much less flirted with it.]

Liu: [Xu Xing, what are you pretending for? Everyone knows he's a total scumbag; he wants to sleep with any pretty woman!]

Liu: [Am I not pretty? ???]

Xu: [rolls eyes]

Xu: [I didn't, I didn't, don't talk nonsense.]

Liu: [...]

Liu: [Let's talk when we meet.]

Xu: [You look like a weird auntie.]

Liu: [...]

Liu: [Let's meet.]

Xu: [You're being too impulsive.]

Liu: [Xu Xing, what are you pretending for?!]

Xu: [Look at what you've posted! Don't you know this is embarrassing? Is this polite? You have absolutely no manners. Just because you need something doesn't mean I have to give it to you. Am I a gigolo? Am I the one pretending, or are you pretending?]

Xu: [So you think you're a beauty? Aren't I a super handsome guy too?]

Liu: [...]

Liu: [...]

Liu: [...]

Liu: [I'm sorry.]

Liu: [I haven't been in a good mood lately.]

Liu: [But can we meet first? Okay?]

Then, she sent the address directly.

So, Xu Xing finally met Ms. Liu at the hotel.

She had probably been crying; her eyes were red, and her hair was a bit messy. When she saw Xu Xing, she gave a bitter smile, making her look even more disheveled.

"I thought you weren't coming."

"..."

Xu Xing remained silent and did not speak.

Ms. Liu forced another awkward smile.

"I'm sorry, what I said on WeChat might have been a bit harsh. But, I was just a little confused... Should we go inside first?"

"Ah."

Xu Xing sighed and nodded.

Xu Xing strode from the entryway to the sofa, casually took off her thin coat and tossed it onto the sofa.

He then casually took off his short-sleeved T-shirt, revealing his muscular upper body. Xu Xingcai then turned around and looked at Ms. Liu, who seemed both surprised and embarrassed. He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

Xu Xing spoke before she started taking off her denim jacket.

"see it?"

"W-what..."

Ms. Liu stopped what she was doing, looking somewhat confused.

"My figure."

As Xu Xing spoke, she made a gesture of bringing her arms forward, making her abdominal muscles and shoulder and arm muscles look more defined.

"Excellent!"

Ms. Liu, who was already engrossed in the moment, couldn't take her eyes off the screen; her gaze was even slightly drooling, and she seemed to swallow.

"Absolutely perfect, exceptionally—"

"What about you?"

Xu Xing coldly interrupted her infatuated musings with a question.

Ms. Liu was caught off guard and remained stunned for several moments, still in a daze.

She never expected Xu Xing to ask such a question.

Xu Xing didn't wait for her to answer, but stepped forward and patted her arm that was restrained by the denim jacket.

"Look at yourself again? Even when I'm busiest, I never stop exercising every day and always maintain my figure. Besides being a professional artist, I also have the qualities of a runner."

"Running is an act of pursuing pure joy, not selfish enjoyment, much less charity. Both of us need to be in our best condition to run."

"Maintaining a good figure in daily life, doing a full-body treatment before the race, carefully matching clothes, having exquisite makeup, and meticulous hairstyling are all ways to show respect to fellow runners."

"I know you may feel very devastated and want to give up on yourself. There's nothing wrong with that mindset, and I sympathize with you, but it won't be my choice. I have plenty of options."

"You don't only have me as a choice; there are many, many people willing to accept you in this state. They think you are still naturally beautiful and charming. But what I see is only a woman who has given up on herself."

"Of course, you don't need to make things difficult for yourself just to come with me. Just let yourself go and enjoy life from now on. You'll be more relaxed and happy."

After Xu Xing finished speaking, she didn't look at Ms. Liu, who was filled with a mix of emotions including shame, anger, and sorrow, and whose eyes were also filled with tears.

I grabbed my T-shirt and put it back on, then put on my light jacket.

Xu Xing nodded slightly to Ms. Liu.

"I go first."

Before closing the door, the sobbing behind her grew louder, but Xu Xing didn't turn around.

Back at the villa, Wen Yongshan, the wife who had just arrived at the film set, dressed herself up carefully.

Red lips, long wavy hair, an elegant little black dress, black stockings, and high heels.

Actually, such a thin figure can't be called very good, but at least she looks very pretty in nice clothes, and she has the energy and spirit to keep herself going.

Xu Xing felt refreshed and happy as he enjoyed himself.

Enjoy it while being tortured.

"Didn't you say you wouldn't do that anymore?"

Xu Xing helped her brush her loose long hair aside and teased her.

"..."

Ms. Wen looked embarrassed and ashamed, but quickly changed her expression to a charming reproach.

The movement was completely unaffected.

After another round of meticulous treatment, she finally took the opportunity to raise her head slightly and speak in a somewhat hoarse voice.

I can't forget you~

Xu Xing smiled and nodded, stroking her face with the back of her fingers, and said regretfully.

"What a pity, I've seen your wedding photos, they're very beautiful."

"..."

Wen Yongshan felt even more embarrassed and ashamed. She wanted to look away, but she knew Xu Xing wouldn't like it.

And what Xu Xing likes, what she hints at...

Thankfully, the phone rang.

The bad thing is, it's her phone.

Xu Xing thoughtfully took the phone from her, glanced at the screen, and smiled even more contentedly.

"What a coincidence."

"..."

Ms. Wen was extremely embarrassed when she took the phone, but she eventually lowered her head and answered the call.

Xu Xingneng understands Cantonese. The phone call was to ask her how the filming went today after she arrived at the film set, how her hotel was, how the food was, and some other concerns.

It was clearly a check-up call.

They called while I was having dinner.

Ms. Wen ate very well. She ate even more heartily when the food became a little more difficult.

After the phone call ended, Ms. Wen went into a frenzy unlike anything she had ever experienced.

After returning to the villa and finishing their warm-up, the two began to chat.

Ms. Wen's performance was not entirely due to her saying that she couldn't forget it, or her gratitude to Xu Xing for giving her the opportunity to act in "Snow in the City".

More importantly, she wanted to know about "Childhood Games".

For Ms. Wen, this Netflix series written by Hsu Hsing is the key to whether she can make a breakthrough in her career.

However, this drama has been in production for over a year, and its release date is still nowhere in sight.

When "Signal" aired at the end of June, I thought "Childhood Games" would be released along with it, but it turns out it won't be released until next year.

Ms. Wen is not the only one who cares about "Childhood Games". The other main creators of the show, the Hong Kong film and television industry, and Xu Xing's fans and drama enthusiasts are all eagerly awaiting it.

As for the fans and drama enthusiasts, the main issue was that there were rumors that Tencent wanted to censor and submit the drama for review, and release it domestically at the same time, which delayed the online release. As a result, they criticized Tencent harshly.

For them, the tragedy of the final season of Game of Thrones is still fresh in their minds. The Netflix version is the most authentic. The Macau Grand Lisboa can help them see that the intrusion of Antarctica is simply outrageously despicable!
However, shortly after the rumors surfaced, a senior executive from Tencent Video denied them while attending a forum.

That's fine then, it's best if it's not.

In the port city, the initial resentment turned into growing doubt and suspicion.

Back then, Hui Hing and Cheng Rong partnered with Netflix, using the banner of revitalizing Hong Kong dramas, which attracted a large following in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, with many people rushing to watch for free.

As a result, including the web series "Detective Chinatown", Xu Xing has already aired three series on Netflix, but there has been no news about this Hong Kong drama "Childhood Games".

In fact, Netflix also acquired some Hong Kong dramas during this period, but their performance was mediocre, and no hit series emerged.

However, they did not think the show was bad, but rather that Netflix had not done a good job of promoting it.

Especially compared to Xu Xing's drama, which started its massive promotional campaign on Netflix a month before its premiere, it seems particularly pathetic.

Before the premiere of "Signal", Netflix launched a simultaneous online and offline campaign, with advertisements everywhere on social media and on the streets of many regions and countries in Southeast Asia.

Their Hong Kong dramas are only slightly better off than those that are just filling inventory.

Therefore, some conspiracy theories suggest that in order to plunder resources from the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Zheng Rong deliberately allowed Netflix to suppress "Childhood Games" while simultaneously sabotaging Hong Kong dramas.

—The main actors of "Childhood Games," including Wu Zhenyu and Wen Yongshan, have all signed their mainland agency contracts with Zheng Rong.

Korean dramas next door have already taken off with Netflix's support, and the industry is thriving.

Mainland dramas have a good number of viewers because many actors have appeared in Xu Xing's dramas, and idol dramas are very popular in Southeast Asia. The production level of top film and television companies is also very strong.

It's a Taiwanese drama about two people in the same boat, and it's even better than Hong Kong dramas in terms of viewership.

With the advent of the streaming era and the arrival of new opportunities, Netflix, which is spending heavily, has also jumped on the bandwagon, so why are Hong Kong dramas still half-dead?

That's really unreasonable!
After thinking it over, I still have to blame Xu Xing.

[Everyone knows that streaming platforms can push content to users, but Netflix has restricted the streaming of Hong Kong dramas at Xu Xing's request!]
Such remarks have a large following on forums in Hong Kong where there are differing stances.

However, Hong Kong dramas and the Hong Kong entertainment circle are too small, and those voices had no effect on Xu Xing at all.

People kept calling Xu Xing or Qu Zong, wanting to have dinner with Erika, whose projects were on Netflix.

Ms. Wen couldn't resist the urge and became more ambitious again.

"It will definitely be launched in the first quarter of next year, and it is very likely to be launched in January."

Xu Xing reassured her.

"Netflix has given the finished product a very positive review, and there will be a major promotional campaign. At the earliest, you should receive promotional assignments in November. By then, filming for 'Snowy Journey' will have wrapped up, and if my schedule allows, I'll attend the premiere press conference. Erika really hopes I can go."

"Oh, oh," Ms. Wen felt relieved. "So, how was my performance in the play?"

“I haven’t seen it yet, but Erika did say that you made a deep impression on her.”

Xu Xing smiled.

After seeing the finished product of "Childhood Games", Erika had considered inviting the actors who performed well in the film to star in a new Hong Kong drama project.

However, the performance of the Hong Kong dramas already airing on Netflix was not very good, which made her hesitate again. She felt that she should wait until "Childhood Games" was released before making a decision.

However, some of the actors in this drama have already reaped the benefits.

It's Xiao Shuiping Cai Na who says she misses Xu Xing so much she's going crazy.

In fact, Pimchanok's success can be attributed to her own abilities.

Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul is now considered Thailand's top Netflix star.

Although she only played a minor supporting role in the show "Childhood Games," the most important thing was that it gave her access to Netflix.

The Thai entertainment industry has a slow pace, and most celebrities are quite relaxed, typically filming only one drama a year. However, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul (Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul) films several dramas a year; while other actresses are on vacation, she's holding press conferences for her new dramas.

Her film "The Fallen Leaf" was acquired by Netflix early on Xu Xing's advice last year, and it has become a huge hit in Thailand this time as well. With the help of Netflix's promotion, its momentum is even stronger.

Netflix immediately cast her in two Thai dramas.

At the end of last year, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul secured a Versace endorsement deal, which is considered a step towards internationalization after she joined Netflix.

Last year, she topped the list of Thai female celebrities in a poll for the first time, so now Pimchanok can be considered Thailand's number one female celebrity.

Although its accumulation is still somewhat lacking, its momentum is astonishing, and it is currently enjoying unparalleled popularity.

However, Pimchanok still knows that the most crucial person is Xu Xing, and she herself could not have created the current situation.

Furthermore, because Hsu Hsing-tsang got Netflix to buy "The Fallen Leaf," she believes that this is the real reason why the show became a hit.

Therefore, Ms. Pimchanok has decided to fly to China in a few days and stay for a while.

Upon hearing Xu Xing's words, Wen Yongshan's eyes lit up, even though she had been feeling somewhat lazy.

If Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul (Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul) can thrive because of Xu Xing, then with such a huge market in China behind her, she's bound to become truly famous!

Although I'm already 32, it's the perfect age to strive and work hard!

Ms. Wen is really hard to judge.

Perhaps it's because of her ability to portray both a heroic and radiant, sexy and playful, or even a seemingly innocent and delicate character well; it's hard to fathom what she's really thinking.

Xu Xingyuan did whatever she wanted while pedaling, and she accepted it very well.

Suddenly I'm getting married and have to be a good wife.

Then they came back and pedaled to their hearts' content.

Moreover, since Chen Yuqi was also on set, when things got chaotic, Xu Xing jokingly suggested that they rehearse together to add to the fun. She readily agreed and didn't say no the next day either, and they actually managed to rehearse together successfully.

Wen Yongshan previously starred alongside Chen Yuqi in the TV series version of "The Message," which hasn't aired yet. Although this drama was a spy-romance genre, Wen Yongshan and another female lead, Xu Luji, sold well and the production was decent, receiving quite positive reviews.

Now that Chen Yu-chi and Wen Yong-shan are playing the roles, the lesbian community was overjoyed when the cast was first leaked.

Gu Xiaomeng and Li Lingyu from the original movie "The Message" were a popular lesbian couple, and now Chen Yuqi and Wen Yongshan are both ranked quite high in the lesbian community's heartthrob list, and are considered to have a strong lesbian vibe.

Xu Xing always likes everyone to start off in a serious manner, and when I watched their early interactions during this group rehearsal, they were indeed quite lesbian.

In addition, Chen Yuqi, who knew Hsu Hsing's preferences well, was willing to act in this direction, and Wen Yongshan understood this and actively cooperated, as well as their acting talent as actors.

It truly gave Xu Xing the best experience in straightening out the girl Tong.

It was a better experience than the other two couples.

The experience should be even better after the TV series "The Message" airs.

In addition, Xu Xing discovered that the two of them seemed to have a pretty good relationship to begin with.

It was probably Ms. Wen's deliberate attempt to curry favor, and Chen Yuqi's consistent belief in maintaining good relationships with all the women who had been involved with Xu Xing, so they hit it off immediately.

Xu Xing also learned from Ms. Wen that Chen Yuqi was one of the people Xu Xing trusted the most. She had worked as an assistant before and was now being kept by Xu Xing's side as a celebrity. Everyone could see how much Xu Xing "indulged" his current assistant.

Wen Yongshan even said that she had speculated whether Chen Yuqi had already given birth to Xu Xing's child.

As soon as the words were spoken, Xu Xing and Chen Yuqi were still smiling, but Wen Yongshan felt she had spoken out of turn and was extremely embarrassed. She immediately hugged Chen Yuqi to apologize with her actions.

This is because it's inappropriate to say this regardless of whether Hsu Hsing and Chen Yu-chi have children. If they don't, and it's highly likely they don't, it will only embarrass Chen Yu-chi.

So, Ms. Wen is quite thoughtful.

Xu Xing felt that when she said she wanted to get married and cut off the relationship, she was testing whether Xu Xing would try to keep her.

Xu Xing was incredibly decisive.

She was surprised.

But it was also because Xu Xing was decisive that she started over without any psychological burden and was more open.

He actually made a phone call in front of Chen Yuqi; no one has ever done that before.

Except for a few moments that require a slow and gentle rekindling of the relationship, playing in a group is always more enjoyable.

As for Ms. Liu, she sent a "Thank you" message on WeChat the next day.

Then left.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

When Ms. Bae Joo-hyun left Unit-01, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul had already arrived.

Therefore, before leaving, Xu Xing made her make a Thai friend.

Ms. Pei felt helpless, but she was still proactive in making friends.

This period of time has thoroughly tempered her.

Each different woman constantly refreshed her understanding of women.

In particular, Ms. Pei benefited greatly from the days when she received meticulous comfort and guidance from Mr. Fan, a senior figure in the Chinese education system.

She's a true veteran, not just in the scandal world, but a renowned star throughout Asia. I haven't seen any of her work, but I've seen a lot of her beautiful photos.

Compared to Xu Xing, Bae Joo-hyun's mindset was completely adjusted.

Ms. Fan also mentioned that she had recently come across a movie script that two people could act in together, a film with a same-sex theme. Xu Xing immediately decided to invest and go online!
...This is Xu Xing.

Like this senior Fan, entrusting everything to a man like him, a man who can solve all problems, must be the right choice!

Therefore, when Bae Joo-hyun left, she was sad and beautiful, but she also felt an unprecedented peace in her heart.

Although she was carrying a full load and had to be a little awkward when boarding the plane, Bae Joo-hyun's face behind her mask was still aloof, and her mentality was still that of "I, Niu Hulu Joo-hyun, am returning to the palace!"
During the daytime, she had nothing to do at the villa. Realizing that she was in a highly competitive environment, she kept watching this drama, which is said to be the best palace intrigue drama in China.

After a month of intensive training, Ms. Pei's performance left Pimchanok speechless, making her realize how inadequate she had been before.

It also made her enjoy kangaroo hugs while riding on airplanes.

She had flown before, but watching others fly, especially those with extremely suitable body types, made her realize things she hadn't noticed before.

Previously, Pimchanok only felt the joy of flying as if she was almost losing consciousness. Now she realizes that Xu Xing's movements are like works of art, not only a complete fusion of strength and weakness, but also many subtle details that are even more revealing to onlookers.

Like a natural-born actor pursuing composition and camera presence...

Xu Xing had given Pimchanok many pointers on camera presence with a camera. Pimchanok used to think that Xu Xing was trying to find something to use against her, but now she felt that Xu Xing was indeed pursuing aesthetics and art.

"Um... is it possible that I'm just naturally artistic?"

Faced with Ms. Pimchanok's earnest questioning, Xu Xing had no choice but to answer in this way.

However, Ms. Zhen, an artist who is becoming increasingly well-known, has confirmed this point many times. She has even complained that she painted Xu Xing's body too much, and that painting other parts of it felt somewhat unnatural.

Xu Xing also brought Ms. Zhen to personally verify Pimchanok's identity.

Ms. Zhen's stunning looks, figure, and charisma, along with her ever-amazing skill set, have left Pimchanok completely in awe.

She had no idea how many other treasures like Ms. Zhen Xu Xing had hidden away, and finally had to realize in her heart that she was probably just Xu Xing's little Thai maid.

Ms. Pimchanok took over from Ms. Bae Joo-hyun and began her journey to make new friends.

December went by quickly.

On October 9th, Taylor Swift officially released her second single, "Cardigan," which then debuted at number one on the 20th.

Just when everyone thought Blinding Lights' journey to the top had come to an end, the charts were revealed on October 27th, and Blinding Lights returned to the top spot for the second time!

The download settings were modified, but Blinding Lights was almost unaffected.

It seems that, just like the jokes everyone made when it was first released, it's going to be celebrated until Christmas.

(End of this chapter)