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When the flames of history meet the screen of modern times, "Qin Liangyu" premiered on CCTV-8 during prime time, like a thunderclap, stirring up a long-awaited epic wave in the film and television industry.

This play captivated audiences with its rare rigor.

The meticulously researched Ming Dynasty military system, the armor and clothing meticulously replicated based on unearthed artifacts, the carefully restored Tusi city and battlefield layout, and even the troop deployments in each battle that conform to military strategies, all make "Qin Liangyu" stand out among many period dramas and have been praised by the media and audiences as "a TV series that can be viewed as a history textbook".

As the leading lady, Chen Xiaojun ushered in the most glorious moment of her acting career.

The character Qin Liangyu, played by her, possesses both the dignified demeanor of a chieftain's wife and the heroic spirit of a female warrior.

From a bright young girl newly married to a commander-in-chief who holds military power and conquers battlefields, she portrays the arc of growth and emotional layers in between with great skill.

Chen Xiaojun not only brought the loyal and patriotic female general in the history books to life, but also gave the character flesh and blood and soul, making her a three-dimensional, convincing and admirable legend.

Meanwhile, he played Qin Liangyu's husband...

Ma Qiancheng, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu, also gave the audience a huge surprise in his portrayal of Su Ning.

At this point, Suning shed its aura as a business tycoon and vividly portrayed Ma Qiancheng, a valiant, decisive, and righteous chieftain whose ambitions remained unfulfilled.

The emotional journey of Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun, who played Qin Liangyu, from their deep affection as husband and wife to fighting side by side, supporting each other and sharing the same beliefs, has moved countless people.

Especially when the plot progresses to the point where Ma Qiancheng is framed and dies unjustly in prison, and Qin Liangyu resolutely takes over her husband's last will and "takes over his duties," the trust and entrustment that transcends life and death moves the audience in front of the screen.

Viewers enthusiastically commented, "This is true love—a love between equals, a love that resonates with each other!"

"Chen Xiaojun's Qin Liangyu and Su Ning's Ma Qiancheng are a match made in heaven!"

In these two characters, Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun saw a profound emotional connection that transcended worldly conventions and was based on shared ideals and beliefs.

The storm stirred up by "Qin Liangyu" is far more intense and positive than that of "Ode to Joy".

With this drama, Chen Xiaojun firmly established her position among powerful actresses.

The deep love between the couple, portrayed on screen with Su Ning and filled with patriotism and a sense of regret, has become an unsurpassable classic in the hearts of the audience. It has also stirred up a more complex and profound emotion in her heart than that in "Ode to Joy".

……

When Suning received the news that "Qin Liangyu" had become a hit after its premiere on CCTV, he was reviewing documents in the lounge of the "Ode to Joy" set.

The assistant strode in, her voice brimming with excitement: "President Su, the ratings for 'Qin Liangyu' have broken 2! The number of views on online platforms has exceeded 100 million in three hours, and President Chen's portrayal of Qin Liangyu has topped the trending search list!"

Su Ning immediately put down the tablet in her hand, a hint of expected approval flashing in her eyes.

He took the data report from his assistant and quickly browsed the flood of positive reviews online…

In particular, there was unanimous praise for Chen Xiaojun's acting skills and character portrayal.

“Very good.” He smiled slightly and immediately gave instructions to the head of the publicity department who was waiting on the side, “Pass the word that the group’s publicity resources will be fully allocated to ‘Qin Liangyu’.”

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the bustling streets outside the film set, and clearly gave his instructions:

"First, launch a full-channel ground promotion. I want to see huge posters of Qin Liangyu on subway light boxes, airport jet bridges, and bus stop signs in major cities across the country within a week. We'll use the still of her wearing red mountain-patterned armor and holding a long spear; that look in her eyes is the most impactful."

"Second, the online buzz must be maintained. We need to contact our partner social media platforms, plan topics such as #TheLegendofQinLiangyu# and #TheOutfitsofFemaleGeneralsoftheMingDynasty#, and invite historians and military bloggers to provide in-depth analysis, so that we can fully emphasize the core label of 'research'."

“Third,” Su Ning suddenly turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he instructed, “Contact CCTV and express your willingness to increase investment in promotion. Tell them that all channels under the Tiangong Group can cooperate in promoting the series.”

The person in charge quickly took notes of the key points and couldn't help but exclaim, "President Su, President Chen's poster in red armor was indeed an excellent choice. The heroic spirit and domineering aura he exuded were simply awe-inspiring."

Su Ning nodded slightly, the image of Chen Xiaojun in military uniform appearing in her mind. Her tone was filled with undeniable affirmation: "Xiaojun's dedication to this role deserves this reward. What we need to do is let everyone see what truly worthy actors and works are."

He paused briefly before adding the most crucial point: "All promotional materials must highlight Chen Xiaojun's status as the core lead actress. I want everyone to think of Chen Xiaojun when they think of Qin Liangyu."

The order was swiftly carried out.

A few days later, when the image of Chen Xiaojun, dressed in fiery red armor and holding a long spear, appeared in prime advertising spaces in major cities, the visual impact of her goddess-like demeanor and heroic spirit indeed shocked all passersby.

Just as Suning had predicted, Chen Xiaojun became a household name across China thanks to her role as Qin Liangyu.

This time, she was no longer just a "bizarre" manager, but also a powerful actress who completely won over the market and the audience.

……

As night deepened, the corridor of the hotel where the "Ode to Joy" crew was staying was quiet.

Lin Yunxiao had just finished a night shoot and dragged his slightly tired body back to the hotel.

She was still thinking about her scene with Su Ning tomorrow and wanted to find an opportunity to go over her lines again. Before she knew it, she had walked to Su Ning's door.

Just as she was hesitating whether to knock, the door was opened from the inside.

Warm yellow light streamed out from inside the door, illuminating Liu Tao's slender figure.

Liu Tao plays Andy, a calm and intelligent career elite in the drama. But at this moment, she has shed the sharpness of her character and is wearing a comfortable casual outfit with a gentle smile on her face. She is turning around and talking to Su Ning in the room.

"Then it's settled, President Su. We'll handle the emotional aspects of tomorrow's scene as you suggested earlier," Liu Tao said in a gentle and polite voice.

"No problem! You've worked hard today, get some rest." Su Ning's voice came, calm as usual.

Lin Yunxiao subconsciously took a half step back, hiding himself in the shadows of the corridor.

Why would Sister Tao come out of President Su's room at this time?
A sudden tightness gripped her heart, and an inexplicable emotion quietly spread through her.

Liu Tao had obviously noticed the commotion outside the door. She turned her head and saw Lin Yun smile. A perfectly timed look of surprise flashed across her face, but she quickly regained the composure and gentleness of a veteran actress.

"Yunxiao? Just finished work?" she greeted with a smile, her tone natural.

"Ah...yes, Sister Tao." Lin Yunxiao quickly responded, feeling like a child caught doing something wrong. "I...I just happened to be passing by on my way back."

Hearing the conversation from inside the room, Su Ning also walked to the door.

He remained calm and composed, glancing at Lin Yunxiao and nodding slightly.

Liu Tao is a remarkable person; she has been in the industry for many years and is very perceptive.

Seeing Lin Yunxiao's somewhat unnatural expression, and recalling the rumors circulating in the crew about her and Su Ning recently, she immediately understood.

Liu Tao smiled and explained, "Don't misunderstand, Yunxiao. I just came to discuss with President Su the professional scene about medical consultation between Andy and Dr. Zhao tomorrow. President Su is a professional actor and an internationally renowned director. His understanding of the character's background and professional logic always gives me a lot of inspiration."

As she spoke, she stepped aside slightly to indicate that there was nothing unusual in the room, and that there was indeed an open script and two cups of tea on the coffee table.

Su Ning also spoke calmly, his tone as casual as if he were discussing a business contract: "The character setting of Andy, and the psychological state when seeking professional advice, requires a more complex layer. Liu Tao had some questions about the details just now, and we had a brief discussion about it."

Hearing their frank and natural explanations, Lin Yun's cheeks flushed slightly as she realized she had been overthinking things and felt a little embarrassed.

"I see... Sister Tao, you're so dedicated. Well... I won't disturb President Su and Sister Liu any longer, I'll go back to my room first." Lin Yunxiao practically fled.

Watching Lin Yunxiao's hurried departure, Liu Tao turned back and exchanged a knowing glance with Su Ning.

She sighed softly, with a hint of knowing teasing, and said in a low voice, "President Su, it seems that your 'Dr. Zhao' persona is quite convincing, both on and off screen."

Su Ning did not respond, but simply glanced at the empty corridor with a deep look before calmly closing the door.

"Sister Tao, since everyone is suspicious of our relationship, why don't you stay in my room tonight?"

"Oh? You're not afraid of gossip anymore?"

"If you, a woman, aren't afraid, then why should I be?" "Fine! I'm just afraid that there will be many more heartbroken women in this world."

……

After that unexpected encounter with Liu Tao in the hotel corridor that night, Lin Yunxiao's performance noticeably declined during the subsequent filming.

An invisible barrier exists between her and Su Ning, preventing her from fully immersing herself in the role of "Qu Xiaoxiao" as before.

Her performance became somewhat hesitant, especially in her scenes with Su Ning. The intimacy and boldness that were originally natural now seemed to be covered by a thin veil, always carrying a sense of deliberateness and restraint.

The director frowned several times behind the monitor. Although he didn't call "cut" directly, everyone on set could feel that the once smooth-flowing river of performance was now clogged.

The real crisis erupted during the pivotal "New Year's Hotel Room" incident.

According to the script, this is a key moment for Qu Xiaoxiao and Dr. Zhao's relationship to heat up. The two will spend New Year's Day together in a hotel room. From their playful banter in the morning and preparing surprises for each other to their tender embrace at night, there are a lot of intimate interactions and emotional details to be presented.

This scene required the actors to be extremely relaxed and to show the most private and natural side of the couple.

However, as soon as Lin Yunxiao stepped into the "hotel room" that the crew had carefully arranged, he felt a strange sense of tension.

When the director yelled "Action!" and she was required to naturally pounce on Su Ning, who was sitting on the sofa, or affectionately wrap her arms around his neck from behind, as she used to, her movements became stiff, her eyes flickered, and the "unbridled" demeanor that belonged to Qu Xiaoxiao vanished without a trace.

"Cut!" The director called for a halt to filming for the third time, his tone now clearly impatient. "Yun Xiao! Relax! You are Qu Xiaoxiao! You're facing Dr. Zhao, whom you like, not a business negotiating opponent! Where's your earlier enthusiasm?"

"I'm sorry, director." Lin Yunxiao apologized repeatedly, glancing subconsciously at Su Ning beside her.

Su Ning showed no impatience; he simply glanced at her calmly, his gaze deep and unsettling, which only made her more flustered.

He even offered a reassuring remark: "It's okay, take a breath."

But the more this happened, the greater the pressure became for Lin Yunxiao.

She kept telling herself to be professional and to get into character, but her body just wouldn't cooperate.

The image of Liu Tao walking out of Su Ning's room that night kept flashing through her mind, along with the mature and tacit atmosphere between them that she couldn't interfere with.

The subsequent filming was almost a nightmare.

During a simple act of handing her coffee, she nearly spilled it because her hands were shaking; when she was required to playfully lean close to Su Ning's ear to say her lines, her voice was so soft it sounded like a mosquito's hum, utterly unconvincing.

After more than ten takes, the atmosphere on set plummeted to freezing point.

Although the staff dared not say it outright, a sense of exhaustion and helplessness permeated the air.

Su Ning also showed signs of fatigue, which was rare for him. He rubbed his temples and walked to the side to rest quietly.

Lin Yunxiao stood alone and helpless in the center of the film set. The lights shone on her, but she only felt a chilling cold.

She looked at the source of her distraction not far away, her heart filled with disappointment in herself and a sense of powerlessness in the face of the situation.

What should have been a sweet and joyful "New Year" scene has now become the most difficult hurdle to overcome in her acting career.

……

As night fell, the crew was ultimately unable to complete the New Year's scene.

The director waved wearily, signaling that filming was over.

The entire set was shrouded in a low atmosphere. The staff quietly packed up the equipment, while Lin Yunxiao sat alone on a rest chair in the corner, her fingers tightly twisting the hem of her costume.

Just as she was about to return to the hotel alone, a black sedan silently stopped in front of her.

The car window rolled down, revealing Su Ning's calm profile.

"boarding."

Suning's voice carried an air of undeniable authority.

Lin Yunxiao hesitated for a moment, then opened the car door and got in.

The car drove away from the film studio and sped through Shanghai at night.

The two remained silent until Suning parked the car on a quiet riverside avenue.

A gentle breeze caressed my face, and the lights on the opposite bank twinkled in the night.

“You’re not in the right frame of mind today,” Su Ning suddenly said, breaking the silence.

Lin Yunxiao lowered her head: "I'm sorry, President Su, I..."

Before she could finish speaking, Su Ning suddenly leaned over.

Unlike the meticulously planned kisses in the play, this kiss came suddenly and forcefully, carrying an irresistible possessiveness.

Lin Yunxiao froze on the spot, her mind blank.

After a moment of struggle, she unconsciously relaxed and let herself be immersed in the sudden kiss.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Ning slowly released her.

Lin Yun stared at him blankly, the warmth of his touch still lingering on her lips.

Thinking about what Su Ning had just done to him, he was completely bewildered.

"This...we..." she stammered, the image of Chen Xiaojun flashing through her mind, "Xiaojun, she..."

Su Ning acted as if nothing had happened, took a bunch of keys from his pocket, and put them into her hand.

The key bore the logo of a top-tier luxury mansion, gleaming coldly in the night.

"President Su, what do you mean by this?" Lin Yun's voice trembled slightly as he laughed.

"I want to take responsibility for you." Su Ning's tone was as calm as if she were discussing a business deal.

"Hmph!" Lin Yun laughed as if he'd been burned, trying to fling away the key. "What do you take me for? Some kind of mistress you're keeping hidden away?"

Su Ning gently grasped her wrist, with just the right amount of force: "Don't misunderstand. My biggest flaw is that I'm a womanizer. You're not the first, and you won't be the last."

"Then you're not going to consider Xiaojun's feelings?" Lin Yunxiao couldn't help but question.

“She knows everything.” Su Ning’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. “She’s just pretending to be ignorant.”

"You..." Lin Yunxiao was speechless for a moment.

"Don't overthink it." Su Ning released his grip and restarted the car. "You're free to come and go as you please here; I won't force you."

Lin Yunxiao gripped the key tightly in her hand, the cold metal digging painfully into her palm.

She gazed at the rapidly receding night view outside the window, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

At that moment, she clearly realized that she was standing at a crossroads in her destiny, and every choice she made would completely change the trajectory of her life.

...(End of chapter)