Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 135 Counter-Manipulation

Watching her two roommates bickering and joking around, Chen Xin couldn't help but smile, and she was also happy that Yang Yi had a future after graduation.

I sincerely wish you both a smooth and successful future in your acting careers.

Having finally resolved the issue that had been weighing on her mind, Yang Yi transformed into a devoted fan of Liu Shishi, unable to resist praising her: "Our Shishi is truly amazing! What can Lü Yi possibly compare to you!"

Where there are people, there is a social dynamic. Liu Shishi and Lü Yi were known as the "Two Pride of Beijing Dance Academy". Both of them happened to enter the entertainment industry, and their classmates would inevitably compare them to see who was doing better.

Chen Xin and Yang Yi had several arguments with the girls in Lü Yi's dormitory about this matter before.

When "My Own Swordsman" first aired on New Year's Day this year, Liu Shishi only made a guest appearance in three episodes. However, she was able to have a standout role in the opening drama of the year broadcast by CCTV, which can be considered as her first appearance. She was a step ahead of Lü Yiqiang, who had not yet had any works broadcast.

Unexpectedly, just a few days later, "The Little Fairy" became a hit, and Lü Yi was one of the lead actresses. The students at Beijing Dance Academy then began to believe that Lü Yi was developing better than Liu Shishi.

As fortunes change, Liu Shishi rose to become the leading lady of a 50 million yuan box office film after the release of "Nightclub" before the Lunar New Year. This time, she made a comeback and surpassed Lü Yi.

Neither of them had any works released after the New Year, and things remained calm for a while. However, Lu Yi's starring film "Fleet of Time" is set to be released next month, and recently there has been a resurgence of controversy. Lu Yi's roommates have started showing off in front of Chen Xin and Yang Yi again.

Fortunately, both of them were going to star in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". Liu Shishi's Mu Nianci was obviously better than Lü Yi's Cheng Yaojia. Overall, the two were about the same, and there was no significant difference between them.

However, in Yang Yi's view now, with Song Ci, a powerful figure behind the scenes, supporting Liu Shishi, her good roommate's future development in the entertainment industry is bound to be very strong.

Today, with just a small trial, he managed to arrange a supporting role to get himself into the industry. Does Lü Yi really have that kind of power?

Seeing the two girls' indignant expressions, Liu Shishi smiled and waved her hand, advising them, "It's just empty fame. We're all graduating soon, and we might never see each other again."

Let's be considerate of each other and cherish these last moments as classmates. Besides, Lü Yi is a very nice person; there's no competition between us.

She never thought about comparing herself to anyone. Even if she was temporarily outshone by Lü Yi, so what? Lü Yi was an artist of Tengda Culture, and she was the future boss's wife of Tengda Group, which meant she was practically one of their own.

Moreover, with Song Ci's support, she has a constant stream of high-quality resources, allowing her to look down on her peers with a superior attitude.

Unlike other female stars in the entertainment industry who compete and fight for roles, she feels that her perspective is improving thanks to Mr. Song's teachings and example.

Looking at Liu Shishi's composed demeanor, Chen Xin said admiringly, "Shishi, you are indeed very different from before after becoming an actress. You look more and more elegant now."

Those words just now gave me a unique feeling. How should I describe it? Well, unassuming, unassuming, and as serene as a chrysanthemum.

Yang Yi nodded in agreement, saying, "I don't have a problem with Lü Yi, I just can't stand her roommate's arrogant attitude."

"It's like they're the female leads in a TV drama. Shishi, your boyfriend is Song Ci, and we've even had dinner with Boss Song. Am I proud of that?"

Liu Shishi grinned at her roommate's praise: "It's pointless to borrow someone else's power. But you haven't told anyone about my relationship with Song Ci, have you?"

"Of course not!" Yang Yi pouted. She wasn't stupid. The Song Ci connection was an important network of connections. How could she tell others that?

"It's good that you didn't say anything!" Liu Shishi nodded slightly. Regarding her relationship with Mr. Song, she now takes a natural approach.

Those close to her are generally aware of their relationship, but she doesn't bother to publicize it to others who don't.

"Okay, that's enough. I need to read the script."

I originally wanted my roommate to give me some good advice on how to play Mu Nianci, but after a few words, we started rambling and went off-topic.

Liu Shishi wondered if she should consult an acting teacher. She had heard from Mr. Song that Tengda Culture had recently hired an acting teacher who was very good at training actors. She decided to ask him for advice another day.

The dormitory returned to calm. Liu Shishi picked up the script again, her eyes intently wandering between the lines, carefully studying each plot point, trying to empathize with and delve into Mu Nianci's inner world. As she turned to the next page, her expression suddenly changed.

When Mu Nianci was shown having an intimate kissing scene with Yang Kang, Liu Shishi immediately frowned, a hint of resistance and unease flashing in her eyes.

Suppressing her anxiety, she watched the entire scene several times carefully, and finally relented. In her opinion, this kissing scene could have been completely avoided.

Mu Nianci and Yang Kang had only known each other for a short time, and their feelings for each other could be conveyed through their eyes, tone of voice, and subtle movements. Adding a kissing scene would seem rather abrupt.

Without delay, without the slightest hesitation, I picked up my phone, went to the balcony, closed the glass sliding door, and dialed Cai Yinong's number.

"Hey, Shishi!"

"Sister K, I was just reading the script for 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes,' and there's a kissing scene between Mu Nianci and Yang Kang! I can't accept it. Could you talk to the production team and ask them to remove the kissing scene?" Liu Shishi got straight to the point, her tone firm and urgent.

After a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, Cai Yinong firmly refused: "Liu Shishi, do you know how big the investment in this drama is? Kissing scenes are necessary for the plot development and are also an important element to attract the audience. I will not arbitrarily change the script just because of your personal preferences."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's resistance grew even stronger, and she argued forcefully: "Sister K, I really don't want to film a kissing scene, and I think adding a kissing scene is completely unnecessary."

"Liu Shishi, don't be silly, this is work. You have to understand that as an actor, sometimes you have to make some sacrifices for the role."

This is not only a test of your professional competence, but also a lesson you must inevitably learn on your career path.” Cai Yinong’s attitude was firm, and his tone revealed an unquestionable resolve.

The atmosphere between the two grew tense. Liu Shishi exhaled, her voice clear, strong, and utterly earnest in response:
"Sister K, I will never act in kissing scenes. This is my bottom line. I won't now, and I won't in the future. If this kissing scene of Mu Nianci is not deleted, I will quit the 'Legend of the Condor Heroes' production team."

Cai Yi-nong felt a headache coming on. His eldest sister was gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, and stubborn. Sometimes she was really hard to communicate with. He could only soften his tone and try to reason with her:
"Shishi, how about this: we'll use camera tricks during filming, you don't need to actually kiss her. Your current status isn't high enough to demand script changes from the production team. Don't ruin your reputation or give up such a great opportunity for a little bit of impulsiveness." These words contained both warning and persuasion, but overall, it was a concession to Liu Shishi.

Helpless, Liu Shishi could only use her influence to pressure others: "Sister K, thank you for your kindness, but I will not accept the fake camera angle. After the TV series airs, the audience will see no difference between the fake camera angle and the real kiss."

If things really can't be coordinated, I'll give up the role in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," but I'm ready to play the female lead in Tengda Culture's "Orange Born in Huainan" later this year.

Cai Yinong's tone turned icy and menacing: "Liu Shishi, you're threatening me! Don't think you can do whatever you want just because you have some connections at Tengda. Remember, you're still an artist under Tangren Media, and I'm the president of Tangren Media. Believe me or not, I can blacklist and freeze your career."

Tensions were high, and Liu Shishi didn't want to ruin her relationship with Cai Yinong. She hesitated about whether to confront her directly, reveal her identity as Song Ci to subdue her, but after hesitating for a long time, she decided against it. She couldn't rely on her boyfriend for everything.

She sighed softly, "Sister K, I'm not afraid of you sidelining me. At worst, I'll terminate my contract with Tangren. I have Tengda Culture backing me, and Tengda is stronger than Tangren. You can't do anything about it. That's reality."

K-sister, "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" is a project produced by Tangren Media and Tengda Media. Deleting the kissing scenes isn't something you can just decide with a word. Why should we make things unpleasant over such a small matter?"

On the other end of the phone, Cai Yinong remained silent for a moment before gradually calming down. Now that Liu Shishi has just gained momentum, Tangren Media needs a leading lady who can shoulder the responsibility, has resources, and a background. It's really not worth falling out over such a small matter. He was just angry because of Liu Shishi's stubbornness.

A mix of emotions welled up inside her. After today's semi-confrontation, the leading lady was somewhat out of control. However, the situation was beyond her control, so she could only compromise and replied stiffly, "I will communicate with the production team."

Liu Shishi immediately breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Sister K!"

Just as Cai Yinong, who was far away in the East China Sea, was about to hang up the phone, a thought suddenly flashed into his mind. Recalling the last time he suggested that Liu Shishi create hype, she also strongly opposed it. A bold guess suddenly emerged: the young girl might be in love!

Because she was concerned about her boyfriend's feelings, she was very resistant to creating scandals and filming kissing scenes. Upon closer reflection, Liu Shishi was exactly the same as Sun Li when she fell in love. She had to ask her boyfriend about everything beforehand, and she was always worried about losing him and afraid that he would object.

Through the phone, Cai Yinong tentatively asked, "Shishi, are you in a relationship?" His tone was certain, with a touch of experience and directness.

Liu Shishi was initially shocked. Had Sister K found out about her relationship with Mr. Song? She then realized that the other party was probably just guessing.

The truth will out eventually. She knew that her relationship would be discovered sooner or later when her boyfriend visited her on set, so she frankly replied, "Yes."

Cai Yinong suddenly realized that it was true. Now all of Liu Shishi's actions made sense, and it was highly likely that the man was not in the entertainment industry.

He was about to tell Liu Shishi to break up with him, but then he remembered that the two of them had just argued, and he figured she wouldn't listen even if he told her.

However, I still couldn't help but offer some earnest advice: "Shishi, I know that girls your age are always full of longing for love. But as an artist, you must always keep a clear head."

A romantic relationship will only distract you and negatively impact your work performance. Moreover, once the relationship is exposed, it will cause immeasurable damage to your image and fan base.

Liu Shishi didn't care at all and was full of confidence: "Sister K, don't worry, I will handle my relationship and career well."

Cai Yinong knew that today was not a good day for a deep conversation. "Shishi, I hope you can seriously consider what I have to say and not let your feelings affect your career."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Shishi stood on the balcony. The moon was bright and the stars were few outside the window, with the occasional chirping of cicadas. She knew that as an artist, she would inevitably have responsibilities and pressures to bear, and she would try her best to find a balance between her career and love.

However, if one day her career and love become irreconcilable, she will not hesitate to give up her career. In her heart, nothing is more important than Song Dynasty poetry.

After ending the call, Cai Yinong paced back and forth in his living room, feeling extremely annoyed. How come Tangren Media recruited so many female artists, one after another, all of them were like this? They were so young, yet instead of focusing on their careers, they were all thinking about dating. They were all hopeless romantics.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He had to find a way to make Liu Shishi break up with her boyfriend. His eldest sister was young and naive, and had fallen deeply in love with someone else. As her boss, he couldn't let her go astray; he had to help her.

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. You need to understand the man's situation first in order to find the right solution. After thinking about a plan, Cai Yi-nong first called Liu Shi-shi's assistant.

How could her personal assistant not know when an artist is dating? There must be clues in their daily phone calls and whereabouts. How dare she not report to the company? One or two of them are trying to rebel!
"Good evening, Mr. Cai. What can I do for you?" A simple, honest voice came from the other end of the phone.

"You little rascal!" Cai Yinong cursed inwardly, the image of Jiang Yuanyuan's chubby, honest face flashing through his mind. Little did he expect that she would be two-faced and keep their relationship a secret from Liu Shishi.

"Jiang Yuanyuan, let me ask you, is Shishi in a relationship?"

Jiang Yuanyuan has been in Beiping recently. Since her mistress isn't on set, she doesn't have much to do. She usually stays at home posting and managing the forum for Miss Liu. She's living a very leisurely and carefree life.

Upon hearing Cai Yinong ask about her love life, she didn't know how to answer. Her eyes darted around, trying to figure out how to get out of it.

"Don't try to fool me, speak up!" Not hearing a reply, Cai Yi-nong hurriedly asked.

Jiang Yuanyuan decided to deal with it casually for now and ask her mistress how to handle it later: "They probably talked about it, but I'm not too sure about the specifics."

Cai Yi-nong frowned and asked with displeasure, "What could it mean?"

Jiang Yuanyuan pursed her lips and said perfunctorily, "Shishi often chats and talks on the phone with a man, it feels like they're dating, but I've never met him, so I'm not sure."

She actually knew that the young lady's boyfriend was Song Ci, the big boss of Tengda Group. When Liu Shishi took her to meet Song Ci on New Year's Day, she was stunned and exclaimed that the young lady was quite capable. She had won over the handsome and rich boss Song after only a few days of internship at the company.

Unfortunately, when she asked the mistress for the secret to winning over men, Liu Shishi just kept covering her mouth and giggling, refusing to teach her any tricks. How infuriating!
Cai Yi-nong asked doubtfully, "You really don't know?"

Jiang Yuanyuan was like a dead pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water; she wasn't afraid of Cai Yinong at all: "President Cai, I really didn't know anything about this."

(End of this chapter)