How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 96 A Flaw in Private Morality, Yet Failing to Uphold Principles [10,000-word Update, Please Subscribe]

Ren Quan called a halt to the performance, leaving Miao Miao to change her clothes and talk to him later.

Wang Yao waited outside with Ren Quan for a while and saw many familiar faces. It seemed that this place was indeed a gathering of acquaintances.

I also saw Wang Xiaofei, one of the Four Young Masters of Beijing. He seemed to be quite drunk, and he was behaving inappropriately when talking to Ren Quan. Interestingly, the person accompanying him was not his girlfriend Zhang Yuqi, but An Yixuan.

Moreover, judging from their physical contact, their relationship is indeed quite special.

Ren Quan finally managed to get rid of Wang Xiaofei, then frowned and said, "This kid's drinking behavior is terrible. He's usually fine, but when he drinks too much, it's like he's possessed by something."

"What's going on between him and An Yixuan?" Wang Yao asked.

“Siblings, it seems our families have some connection, but I think we might be even closer.” Ren Quan raised an eyebrow.

"Does Zhang Yuqi know?" Wang Yao narrowed his eyes.

“They’re childhood sweethearts, so what if she finds out? Besides, I’ve always felt that Wang Xiaofei hasn’t won her over yet, or maybe he’s just using her as a shield,” Ren Quan whispered.

"Complex." Wang Yao smiled and shook his head.

After chatting for a while, a minivan stopped at the door. Cheng Long, dressed in a cotton-padded coat, got out of the car with two other people and headed straight for Ren Quan.

"Sorry, sorry, the event just ended and I got stuck in traffic for a bit." Cheng Long was still very polite.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. We're just hanging out here too. This is my business partner, Wang Yao," Ren Quan said in greeting.

"Young man, you are a man of great talent. It's a pleasure to meet you." Cheng Long shook hands with Wang Yao warmly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cheng. I'm a fan of yours," Wang Yao said in greeting.

The group returned to Ren Quan's private room and took their seats. Wang Yao glanced at the other two, who were both young people. One of them was his son, Cheng Zuming, and the other was probably his agent or assistant.

"Brother Ren's movie-watching website is doing quite well; it's been making waves lately," Cheng Long said after a brief chat.

"Brother, are you here to interrogate me? I'm terrified," Ren Quan said with a forced smile.

"No, this matter obviously has nothing to do with you. Someone else is trying to get me. I'm visiting you because I want to find out some things. You know, I have many friends in this industry, but even more enemies. There are so many people who want me dead," Cheng Long said with a wave of his hand and a smile.

"Brother, that's a bit of an exaggeration. The entire film industry considers you a leader, though those outside the industry might not be aware of that, as you may not be aware of it."

"There are people from all walks of life on the internet, but they're mainly in it for traffic, just like the paparazzi media of the early days. They make a living from this. It's a new industry, so it's not necessarily targeting you," Ren Quan said, shaking his head.

“Brother Ren’s guess is not without reason. New media and old media are both media, and they all make money by stepping on us,” Cheng Long sighed.

"Brother Cheng, you have no clue?" Ren Quan poured him a cup of tea.

"The industry is basically just people like Wang Jing and Zhen Zitan, or some old-timers," Cheng Long shook his head.

"The most despicable one is Yang Lan, who actually dragged her mistress out to create hype," Cheng Zuming said indignantly.

"Shut up." Cheng Long glared at him.

Why do you speak without thinking?

"So, what does Big Brother want me to do?" Ren Quan asked with a smile.

"Of course I'm checking to see if you've heard anything. After all, you should be able to find out who posted it," Cheng Long said with a smile.

“Then you might be disappointed, brother. It’s very difficult to find someone on the internet, especially since our platform has some external forces involved. It’s not just you; we’ve also investigated the posts about Wang Jing and Zeng Ziwei.” Ren Quan shook his head with a wry smile.

"Oh, I see." Cheng Long nodded.

"Does Brother Quan have any way to delete the post?" Cheng Zuming suggested.

This father and son really do have their own opinions.

“Deleting it is pointless. The matter has already escalated. Look at the old Sina Weibo trending topics; it's been there for a whole day. It's very popular.” Ren Quan shook his head.

Yesterday, when Sina Weibo was unblocked, it immediately pushed the news about Jackie Chan and his daughter to the top of the trending topics, seemingly trying to use this topic to recover the traffic lost in the previous days.

"The internet is really too difficult to deal with. In the past, even the biggest news could be handled as long as you made arrangements with the media," Cheng Long sighed.

"Yes, information dissemination is different now than in our time. In the past, we had to pay to buy newspapers, but now they're all free, and we can even comment and interact. Times have changed," Ren Quan remarked.

"Then let these villains continue to run rampant. Is there no one who can do anything about it?" Cheng Zuming was somewhat annoyed.

A villain? Who is the villain?

Wang Yao glanced at him and thought that this kid was indeed not very bright; no wonder he got tricked so badly.

"Sure enough, people have to pay for the mistakes they made when they were young. But I've already admitted my mistake once. Do I have to admit it again when I'm old?" Jackie Chan shook his head with a self-deprecating laugh. "Actually, I don't care, but it has affected so many brothers and sisters in the crew. I have to resolve this matter properly for their sake."

"Brother, you are kind and righteous," Ren Quan flattered. "However, this matter is not easy to handle. What did your PR team say?"

“Some offered to hold an apology meeting, others wanted me to acknowledge Xiaolongnu (Little Dragon Girl), and still others suggested I expose Wu Qili’s scheme against me back then, but I wasn’t satisfied with any of them,” Cheng Long shook his head.

Judging from the online opinions, it's probably useless to stand up straight and accept criticism, and it's even more impossible for Cheng Zuming to agree to it.

“Indeed, it doesn’t sound like it will have much effect.” Ren Quan glanced at Wang Yao, who hadn’t said a word, without making a sound.

Cheng Long also noticed this detail, and put on a smile, "I've been so busy complaining that I haven't asked Brother Wang what he does for a living?"

"I'll temporarily help Brother Quan out on the movie-watching website," Wang Yao said, waving his hand.

“Brother, if there’s any other PR solution that will satisfy you, it’s most likely me.” Ren Quan started setting up a ladder.

"Oh?" Cheng Long raised an eyebrow slightly. "If Brother Wang is willing to help, I will definitely reward you handsomely."

Cheng Zuming looked at Wang Yao with some suspicion.

Does this pretty boy have that much ability?
“Don’t listen to Quan’s nonsense. I’m really just an assistant. But it’s really hard to change public opinion about this matter because it involves multiple negative impacts such as marital infidelity, illegitimate children, and abandonment.” Wang Yao frowned.

“Brother Wang, it seems you have a plan in mind. Why don’t you speak it aloud?” Cheng Long was a shrewd man.

“Actually, my brother is quite innocent too. If it weren’t for Chen Weiting’s incident, this matter might not have generated such a big public reaction,” Wang Yao said.

“Yes, if he had stood up and responded back then, my dad wouldn’t have been implicated later.” Cheng Zuming’s eyes lit up as he grasped the key point.

"Brother Wang, do you mean I should bring Chen Weiting out to help me divert attention?" Cheng Long frowned.

"Of course not, his matter is too minor to attract much attention." Wang Yao shook his head. "Actually, we can break down the points of public opinion and look at them separately: infidelity, illegitimate children, and child support."

Whether or not you cheated is debatable, as it's a fact, and you've already apologized and your wife has forgiven you. The criticism you receive is actually split, since many people can accept this situation. Basically, all you need to do is show some attitude.

The second point of contention is the issue of the illegitimate child and child support. I don't understand why you were unwilling to pay child support and acknowledge this child back then, but this issue can easily be distorted into a serious problem, and it is the most important and core issue that needs to be properly resolved.

Cheng Long listened attentively, and after Wang Yao's explanation, he seemed to have some ideas. "What does Brother Wang mean?"

"No matter what method you use, it will sacrifice some of your public image, because there's no perfect solution to this situation. If you proactively solve it, you might have to give up most of your female audience in the future, but you can retain your male audience and movie fans."
"Passive cooling-off is not necessarily an option. The public might forget about it in a few months. After all, there's so much news every day, no one will keep harping on it forever. But it will also lose some supporters. Ultimately, it depends on how you choose to respond." Wang Yao threw the question back at him.

"Of course we should take the initiative to solve it. Otherwise, every time our movie is released, these unscrupulous media outlets will dig it up again. How will we survive?" Cheng Zuming said hurriedly.

Cheng Long was still a little hesitant, but after hearing his son's words, he nodded and said, "What Zu Ming said makes some sense. If we take the initiative to resolve this, what can Brother Wang do?"

"He may have flaws in personal morality, but he will not yield in matters of principle." Wang Yao smiled slightly and uttered four words.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Long's body trembled.

Damn it?

In this situation, is it possible to achieve these eight words?

What's the difference between that and coming back from the dead?!

The others also looked at this unknown young man with some surprise.

Is it genuinely impressive or just empty boasting?

"If Brother Wang can really do it, I, Cheng Long, will remember your kindness. I may not be good with women, but I have an excellent reputation for my brothers." Cheng Long said solemnly, almost as if he were swearing an oath by pointing to a lamp.

“Ah Yao, this is a serious matter. It not only concerns Brother Cheng Long’s reputation, but also the group of brothers who rely on him for their livelihood,” Ren Quan said, frowning as he tried to persuade him.

It seemed to be a reminder to Wang Yao not to make any wild remarks.

In reality, it was a reminder to Jackie Chan: "Don't even think about getting something for nothing, bro."

Jackie Chan immediately understood and smiled, "The Karate Kid will be released in June. We haven't decided on a domestic distribution and promotion company yet. I think Kanpian.com can be our preferred partner."

"The Karate Kid" is an international project that Jackie Chan collaborated on with Hollywood, and it's very lucrative.

"Brother, you misunderstand. I was just afraid that if I didn't handle it well, it would affect you instead," Ren Quan said with a smile.

“It’s alright. Besides, Brother Wang and I hit it off immediately. I’m a believer in fate, and I don’t think Brother Wang would harm me,” Cheng Long said seriously.

Ren Quan's lips twitched. "Brother Quan, just consider it helping to come up with an idea. After all, it's up to your team to decide what to do," Wang Yao added, trying to salvage the situation.

“Good brother, speak up.” Cheng Long laughed heartily.

"Apologize normally for the affair, express your attitude, and then focus on the illegitimate child and child support. Not acknowledging the illegitimate child and not paying child support is not because you are cold-hearted, but to protect the rights of all legal wives in the world."

Why should the legal wife share the risks of bankruptcy and debt with her husband, while the third party bears no risk and enjoys the same rights as the legal wife? If she gets custody today, will she get inheritance rights tomorrow?

When you cheated on your wife, the other woman was aware of it, right? And you didn't force her, did you? It was an affair that happened because you both loved each other, so you should both take responsibility. As a husband, you feel guilty towards your wife and son, but as a mistress, you have a clear conscience.

If Xiaolongnu is granted custody and inheritance rights as a result, wouldn't that be a second harm to the legal wife and their children born in wedlock?

You may not be able to control your lower body, but you can control your mind.

As a public figure, it is already shameful to occupy public resources for private reasons, but if you compromise on this, you will harm all wives in the world. Therefore, even if you bear the infamy of being utterly immoral, you will never compromise on this matter.

If illegitimate children and legitimate children enjoy the same rights, it encourages men to cheat in marriage, because it is very easy for men to cheat as long as they can hide it, but the cost for women to cheat in marriage is too high because they have to carry a child for ten months, and it is impossible to hide it.

This is absolutely unfair to women.

You need to set an example for all cheaters and third parties in the world: if you cheat in the name of love, then don't talk about material things.
It is unreasonable to talk about rights without talking about obligations, which is tantamount to moral blackmail.

The more assertive you are in your face-to-face confrontation with Wu Qili, the more rational the public opinion will be, as long as you draw conclusions from your own experience.

And if you are willing to set an example for future generations, even if it means bearing the blame, you will try your best to make up for the mistakes you made in your youth. Most men will think you are a role model, and most women will think you are responsible.

When faced with a greater sense of responsibility, personal commitments seem insignificant.

Besides, who doesn't love their own flesh and blood? But you'd rather endure the pain of separation than make the same mistake again. Wang Yao finished speaking clearly and logically.

Cheng Long was so excited he almost jumped up.

Yeah.

That's it.

He doesn't acknowledge Xiaolongnu himself in order to protect the rights of the legal wife!

Even if you bear the blame, you cannot let your own actions affect the values ​​of the entire society.

A true master!

Moreover, this directly transformed the act of abandoning one's family into sacrificing one's own for the greater good, instantly adding a tragic element.

They actually elevated the 'responsibility and commitment' that the public values ​​most to such a high level.

Mistakes made in youth, if handled well, might even become a model of reformed prodigal sons!

Cheng Long, nicknamed "Brother Wang," couldn't hide his smile.

"Everything should be in harmony with yin and yang. This is a strategy of openness. Under the greater good, no matter how much Ms. Wu appeals for justice, she will be nailed to the position of knowingly being a mistress, and the affair will be exposed on its own."

"But the issue of the illegitimate daughter remains unresolved, because the child is innocent," Wang Yao said meaningfully.

Cheng Long's smile froze. To be honest, he was unwilling to acknowledge this child in his earlier years because he felt that Wu Qili was after his family's wealth. However, as he got older, even though they had never met, he would occasionally think of this blood relative and even arranged for someone to take care of her.

The statement "The child is innocent" was indeed quite damaging to him.

“Regardless of the circumstances, the existence of this child is an objective fact. Chinese tradition values ​​family reunions, so you may not acknowledge this child, but Cheng Zuming must acknowledge him.” Wang Yao turned his gaze to Cheng Zuming.

"Huh? I'm recognizing her as my daughter?" Cheng Zuming's mind hadn't quite processed it yet.

"?" Cheng Long looked puzzled. "What the hell are you trying to do?!"
"Huh?" Wang Yao was also stunned.

This kid probably hasn't started practicing yet. Is he just naturally not very bright?
"Oh, oh, oh, you want me to take her home?" Cheng Zuming quickly waved his hand to explain.

“Yes, don’t involve the next generation in your parents’ affairs. No matter what, she’s still your blood sister. By stepping forward and showing your willingness to take on the responsibilities of an older brother, you’ll create a very likable image for yourself, and even become a role model for a good older brother.” Wang Yao smiled and turned to look at Cheng Long.
"Actually, if your wife were willing to come forward and claim Xiaolongnu, it would be a happy reunion that everyone would love to see."

"This..." Cheng Long looked troubled.

It's not that he can't command, but he just doesn't want to.

“Let A-Ming come; it will be good for his career development,” Cheng Long said in a deep voice.

"As long as they don't treat me like family, I can still afford to pay child support." Cheng Zuming didn't seem to care too much.

"This is my plan. I hope you'll forgive my poor attempt, Brother Cheng Long," Wang Yao said, cupping his hands in greeting.

“Brother Wang, I’m a rough man, but I admire cultured people the most. I’ve taken your proposal. I’ll give you a satisfactory answer once we’ve discussed it.” Cheng Long solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Wang Yao.

To be honest, this public opinion won't have a huge impact on him, but if it's not resolved, or if it's not resolved well, it will give all his enemies leverage against him.

Therefore, if Wang Yao's plan is implemented well, it will undoubtedly solve his biggest worry.

After expressing his gratitude, Cheng Long left with his men.

Ren Quan and Wang Yao saw them off and then returned to the private room.

"Holy crap, what were you thinking? How could you come up with such a bizarre solution?" Ren Quan exclaimed excitedly.

He felt that Cheng Long's situation was an unsolvable dead end, and the best solution was to let it go.

But to everyone's surprise, Wang Yao actually had a solution.

But then he thought about it.

Ugh?
It seems that Cheng Long's predicament was orchestrated by Wang Yao.

Could it be?

Ren Quan suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

“Just break down the primary and secondary contradictions clearly, and then solve them one by one, huh? Why are you looking at me like that?” Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Hey bro, you're not going to update my post series, are you?" Ren Quan chuckled.

Ren Quan suddenly realized that Wang Yao's posts were no different from a death list for disgraced celebrities.
"That's possible," Wang Yao joked.

"Alright, alright, if I get into trouble too, I'll drag you down with me." Ren Quan pretended to be fierce, then called out to Miao Miao, who had been obediently waiting below the stage, "Miao Miao, come up here."

After receiving Ren Quan's message, Miao Miao changed her clothes and returned to the stage below the VIP box to wait for them to finish, watching Cheng Long and the others discuss the process with them.

I witnessed firsthand how that handsome boy went from being nobody to becoming the core of the discussion, and how even a big shot like Jackie Chan would pat him on the shoulder and fawn over him.

This immediately made her realize who the main character was tonight. Full of trepidation, she walked up to the booth and greeted him with a somewhat stiff smile, "Brother Quan."

"Sit down, this is my brother Wang Yao. He wants to visit the Beijing Dance Academy in a couple of days, could you please show him the way?" Ren Quan said with a smile, pointing at Wang Yao.

"Ah? Oh, hello Mr. Wang, my name is Miao Miao, I graduated from Beijing Dance Academy in 05." Miao Miao quickly bowed and greeted him.

So he was leading the way.
Miao Miao breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt inexplicably disappointed.

"Miss Miao, you can just call me Wang Yao. Let's exchange contact information. You should be in Beijing recently, right?" Wang Yao exchanged information with her.

"Yes, I usually stay in the dance troupe's dormitory, but our school usually starts around the 20th," Miao Miao nodded.

"Which song and dance troupe?" Wang Yao didn't know much about her.

What impressed me most was the gossip about being egged on to dance by Feng Xiaogang in the "Youth" revelations.

“A song and dance troupe,” Miao Miao announced.

Wang Yao's hand trembled, and his attitude suddenly became much more serious. "A dance troupe is great. Why are you thinking of coming out to find a job?"

"Well, my back injury is quite severe, and the pressure in the dance troupe is immense, so I'm thinking of taking advantage of my youth to see if I can transition into the entertainment industry." Miao Miao pursed her lips, somewhat shyly.

“That’s true. Dance artists work the hardest. When your school starts, please contact me.” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"Okay." Miao Miao nodded and sensibly left first.

"You have something to do tomorrow?" Ren Quan asked as Wang Yao politely let Miao Miao leave without even shaking her hand.

"Yes, I had Huang Shengyi contact the production company. I have a copyright I want to collaborate on," Wang Yao replied.

"Huh? You want to invest in a TV series? Why didn't you contact me?" Ren Quan was taken aback.

"Sell the script; whether we invest or not is another matter." Wang Yao waved his hand.

"Shall we have dinner together tonight? I've already invited Sister Jinhua." Ren Quan had booked the time in advance.

　My sleep schedule has been a bit irregular lately, so I'll try to update before the afternoon.

　　Thank you to the following users for their monthly ticket support: Da Yuanshi Tianzun, 181 Meng, Qiqi Gongzhu, Bu Ke Gu Ming Xianyu Wang, Wei Yiye, Wukong Wuneng Wujing, An Jiao Wen Pangzi, Houzhihoujue!, Scottish Milk Cow, Xunshan Nengshou Xiaozuanfeng, Shi Xingya, znxnicy, GD Xiaole, guo1, Li Yimu, Xia Yu Hou, Guanshan Du Ruo, Jiang Bao, Xiao Xiao Zhu Fen, Wu Meng Zhonghua, Ning Youchu, Zeng Zai La Han Guo Shangfeng, Shuyou 20170830224740944, and Shuyou 20170923221448405. Many thanks!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)