Abstract Art Award Winner

They couldn't accept the circulation of images of their idol losing his composure like this, and they couldn't accept the speculation that "the idol might have been rejected by Zhou Le, which caused him to break down."

As a result, some extreme fans began to turn their guns on Zhou Le, attempting to divert attention from one target to another.

Fanfan's Cinnamon Color: "Taking Fanfan away, what's wrong with kicking something when you're in a bad mood? Some people's fans shouldn't take this opportunity to put down one person and praise another!"

The chief female captain of the Fan family army said: "Zhou Le thinks he's so great? Just because he's popular now, he can bully his seniors? He's not even worthy to carry Fan Fan's shoes!"

Liu Yifei from the West: "Zhou Le must have said something nasty at the dinner table to make our Kris Wu so angry! What a scheming boy!"

Lazy Cat recalled: "Zhou Le's fans, get out! Trash! Trying to ride on Kris Wu's popularity!"

Various vulgarities and malicious speculations began to flood Zhou Le's Weibo page and related topics.

Although Zhou Le's fan base now far exceeds that of his opponent, and he quickly controlled the comments and fought back against the negative publicity, his fighting power is still much weaker. This kind of undeserved disaster is still disgusting.

In the midst of this chaos, Zhou Le received an unexpected phone call; the caller ID showed Lu Han.

"Hey, Brother Lu?" Zhou Le answered the phone, his tone as usual.

"Le, are you alright?" Lu Han's voice on the other end of the phone carried a hint of concern and doubt. "What's going on online? I saw they were arguing quite fiercely. Did you and him... have a falling out?"

Although Lu Han and Wu Yifan were former teammates, their relationship was actually just so-so.

Over the years, we've gone our separate ways and have had almost no contact, but seeing this kind of news, I still couldn't help but ask Zhou Le.

Zhou Le sighed, a little helplessly: "Brother Lu, I don't know. Yesterday, Wang Sicong organized a gathering, we had dinner together, chatted for a bit, and everything was fine when we parted. Who knew he would... do that? I'm still wondering about it."

He was basically telling the truth, but he omitted the crucial detail of how Wu Yifan's proposal for cooperation was politely declined by him.

There's no need to go into details about this.

"Oh, I see..." Lu Han breathed a sigh of relief. "I knew it. You don't seem like the type to start trouble. He's probably just being petty. It's alright as long as nothing's wrong. Don't take those random things online to heart. If you really need help, I can put in a word with him."

"Yeah, it's okay, let him be. Thanks, Brother Lu." Zhou Le felt a warmth in his heart; Lu Han was indeed a very kind person.

After all, if his fans and Kris Wu's fans were to start arguing head-on now, it would truly be an epic online battle.

Not long after Lu Han hung up the phone, another unfamiliar number called.

Zhou Le hesitated for a moment, but still accepted the answer.

"Mr. Zhou, hello, I apologize for bothering you." The voice on the other end of the phone was a slightly deep middle-aged man, polite but with a hint of shrewd calculation. "Have you seen the news about Mr. Wu Yifan online?"

Zhou Le frowned slightly, but answered calmly, "I saw it. So what?"

"Hehe, Mr. Wu seems to have run into a little trouble lately." The other party chuckled, saying meaningfully, "As far as we know, there seems to be a slight unpleasantness between him and you? I wonder if Mr. Zhou would be interested in... making this unpleasantness a little more interesting?"

A warning bell rang in Zhou Le's mind.

The implication in those words was too obvious. Someone was profiting from Wu Yifan's misfortune, targeting him and trying to recruit him, or at least testing the waters to see if he was willing to provide some ammunition or assistance.

Who did Wu Yifan offend?
The other party is so well-informed, they pounced at the slightest sign of trouble?

Zhou Le instantly recalled some of the comments Wang Sicong had made before the dinner.

It seems this bombshell is really about to burst.

But Zhou Le had no intention of getting involved in this mess. He immediately stated his position, his tone calm and distant: "Thank you for letting me know, but I'm not upset at all, it was just a normal meal."

My current focus is on my work and new projects. I just want to make money and have a stable job. I have no interest in or understanding of anything else.

His meaning was very clear.

If you want to mess with him, that's your business, don't drag me into it.

I will mind my own business, not help, but I will never obstruct or get involved.

As long as you don't mess with me, that's fine.

The other party was silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing the weight and truthfulness of his words, before smiling and saying, "I understand. Mr. Zhou is a smart man. Sorry to bother you. I wish you success in your career."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Le looked at his phone and shook his head.

This industry is never peaceful for a moment.

Especially this year, I don't know what's wrong.

Things have been turbulent since the beginning of the year.

As if to confirm his premonition, Wu Yifan himself called a few minutes later.

As soon as the call connected, Wu Yifan's voice came through, carrying a deliberately relaxed and familiar tone: "Brother Le, did I disturb you? Hey, I'm really sorry, you saw that video online, right? Damn it, what bad luck!"

Zhou Le raised an eyebrow: "Yeah, I saw it. It caused quite a stir."

"Ugh! Don't even mention it!" Wu Yifan said, sounding annoyed. "I had just gotten into the car that day when I noticed that some bastard had scratched my car door sometime during the day. It was a pretty long scratch, and I was so angry! I couldn't hold back... Who knew it would be photographed like that! And then they just made up some ridiculous interpretations! I'm not targeting you or the principal, I'm just really upset about the car!"

This explanation... sounds reasonable, but it also has a weak, futile attempt to cover up the truth.

Especially considering the fact that he was rejected at the dinner party, it seemed more like he was trying to save face and repair the relationship, afraid that Zhou Le would have a bad impression of him because of this. He couldn't stand it if Zhou Le took advantage of his misfortune.

Zhou Le knew exactly what was going on, but remained polite: "Oh, I see. Well, it's understandable that you're upset. It's just what happens online, all hearsay and rumors. It'll all blow over in a couple of days."

"I'm glad you understand, Brother Le!" Wu Yifan seemed relieved. "I was just afraid you'd misunderstand. Let's get together again sometime, have some fun, and don't bring the principal, haha!"

"We'll talk about it another time, but I think the principal is a very nice person," Zhou Le replied perfunctorily.

After ending the somewhat awkward phone call, Zhou Le rubbed his temples.

He had a strong feeling that this was not over.

Of course, Zhou Le also enjoys watching it.

After all, it's just a way of enjoying the spectacle; it's part of my personality.

Amidst this deafening clamor, Zhou Le packed his bags and flew to Shanghai, the initial filming location for the drama "You Are My Glory".

According to the plan, we will also go to Yixing, Dunhuang, Wenchang and other places.

Zhou Le didn't care about this.

Just treat it as a vacation.

The atmosphere at the hotel where the film crew was staying was completely different from the raging storm outside. It was orderly and filled with anticipation before filming began and busy preparations.

Not long after Zhou Le arrived, Dilraba sent him a WeChat message. Dilraba: "Teacher Zhou, have you arrived at the hotel yet? [Cute]"

Zhou Le: "I just checked in, and Teacher Reba is already checking up on me?"

Dilraba: "How could I dare? Are you worried that Teacher Zhou might have had a long journey and need someone to serve him tea and water? [smirking]"

Zhou Le: "Such attentive service? Shall we start with a neck and shoulder massage?"

Dilraba: "I'm here!"

The crew had nothing much to do for the past few days, and the actors were free to do whatever they wanted.

Moreover, not everyone has arrived yet.

So not long after, Dilraba arrived at Zhou Le's place and didn't come out until lunchtime.

Zhou Le ate quite a lot at noon.

Although filming requires controlling one's physique, it's only a minor issue and Zhou Le can easily get back in shape with practice.

All I can say is that hot peppers are indeed delicious and appetizing.

In the following days, the production team found a teacher to give them preliminary training.

There are two aspects in total. One aspect is gaming, where the program team invited an e-sports player to give lectures and instruction.

On the other hand, there's aerospace, but this mainly involves some common-sense issues.

In the morning, they will have a script reading and a makeup test.

In addition to Zhou Le and Dilraba Dilmurat, the main cast also includes two talented actors, Pan Yuemin and Hu Ke.

Pan Yuemin, as always, was easygoing and low-key. He shook hands with Zhou Le very politely: "Teacher Zhou Le, I have long admired your name. It was a pleasure working with you this time. I still have a lot to learn from you."

"Teacher Pan, you're too modest. Calling me 'teacher' is too much of a compliment. Just call me Xiao Zhou." Zhou Le quickly returned the greeting with a respectful attitude. "In fact, I should be the one learning from you. You're my idol."

Hu Ke, on the other hand, has a typical Northern personality—cheerful and generous. He smiled as soon as he saw Zhou Le: "Oh, Zhou Le! I've finally met you in person! My husband Sha praised you a lot when he got back, saying that you were the quickest-witted one on the show, and you made him and Honglei run around in circles!"
She even said she absolutely had to go on a variety show with me sometime, and if we were to team up, it had to be with me.

Zhou Le laughed too: "Sister Ke, don't listen to Teacher Sha Yi's nonsense. That was just for the sake of the show. He was just being lenient with me."

"He'll let you win? Give me a break!" Hu Ke waved her hand, her tone teasing her husband. "His brain is only good for making cold dishes. He said that trying to outsmart you is a dead end!"

Everyone was amused.

During casual conversation, their respective billing order was actually revealed.

Logically speaking, with seniors like Pan Yuemin and Hu Ke around, they should be given opportunities to perform for the seniors.

However, the producers and investors made it clear: Zhou Le must be the lead actor.

The reason is simple: the market decides everything.

Zhou Le's starring role in "Love and Redemption" last year was a phenomenal hit, and it can be called the king of dramas of the year. Its terrifying viewership appeal and online popularity have long been proven.

But it's obvious that someone else would not have achieved such results.

Only Zhou Le came.

"You Are My Glory" is a typical urban idol drama, and gaming elements are Zhou Le's "absolute comfort zone." His achievements and influence in the gaming field are comparable to Faker playing the male lead in an e-sports drama in South Korea, with an invincible aura and persuasive power.

With this setup, having him take the lead and drive the show's popularity is the safest and most profitable choice.

Pan Yuemin and Hu Ke had no objection to this. Actors of their caliber value the script and the role itself more, and they have no qualms about supporting younger actors. Of course, even if they did, there was nothing they could do, as Zhou Le's position was unshakeable. Moreover, it was produced by Tencent, the game was also from Tencent, and Zhou Le belonged to Tencent as well.

Therefore, the atmosphere on set was very harmonious.

Qingye: "Did you see that! My brother has already spoken! It's fake! It's all fake! What are Zhou Le's fans still doing jumping around like that?"

One by one, ten: "Zhou Le, get out here and apologize! Did you buy negative trending topics to harm our Kris Wu?"

Peach: "Disgusting! You opportunistic scoundrel! I hope you collapse into the earth's core!"

Zhou Le looked at these comments and felt completely baffled.

He didn't say or do anything, so why did he become the target?
Is this undeserved disaster really never going to end?

Moreover, do they really not know the consequences of doing this?

Back then, when things started to get a bit heated, even Kris had to explain himself to himself.

He didn't even bother to respond on Weibo, feeling that it was impossible to communicate with such a group of people caught up in collective fanaticism.

Moreover, he knows that even if he doesn't speak up, his fans will still take action.

They were inexplicably insulted for several days, and now that the other party's image has collapsed into ruins, these "fans in the ruins" still dare to come out and cause trouble?
Zhou Le's fans were instantly ignited with fighting spirit, launching a fierce and accurate counterattack:
Big Orange Who Loves Fish: "This is hilarious! The person in question can't even protect themselves, and the fans are still going around attacking people?"

From the silence: "Going to jail? He said it himself! We'll wait and see!"

Empty Sky: "You begged for a hammer and got one? Don't be upset when you actually end up in there yourself..."

Wu's Brand: "We suggest fans save their energy, as there may be queues for prison visits."

In an instant, I fell in love with you: "You still have time to cause trouble for Brother Le? Why don't you worry more about how many wives your dad has found for you!"

The fans' comments were scathing and precise, leaving the opposing fans speechless and furious with incoherent rants.

Just as this farce was escalating, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

Wu Yifan's official Weibo account posted another new post.

This time, instead of defending himself, he used an extremely stern tone to "restrain" his fans:
"I would like to solemnly declare once again: any accounts that use my name to incite conflict, hurl insults, or launch malicious attacks on other artists' Weibo accounts are not my fans!"
I have commissioned lawyers to collect evidence against several of the most aggressive and egregious accounts, and have formally filed lawsuits against them!

The internet is not a lawless place, please be mindful of your actions! My fans, please remain calm and kind, and do not be exploited by those with ulterior motives!

Below the Weibo post, several law firm acceptance documents and several Weibo IDs were also posted, but upon closer inspection, they were basically the same few die-hard fans who were the ones who criticized Zhou Le the most.

This move completely stunned everyone.

Zhou Le stared at the Weibo post for a few seconds, then suddenly realized what it meant.

This isn't about controlling fans; it's clearly a desperate attempt to cut ties and protect oneself! (End of Chapter)