Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

Having just passed one hurdle, Zhang Yang immediately faced a second challenge from a reporter: "Zhang Yang, you and Ms. Jing Tian seem to have a good personal relationship. You've come here today specifically to support her. How do you think Ms. Jing Tian will approach the role in 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu,' a character that might be different from her previous roles? What are your expectations for her acting?"

This question is even more insidious, directly pointing out the "personal relationship" and subtly labeling Jing Tian as a "resource-backed actor" and "acting skills questionable," while placing Zhang Yang in a position where he needs to evaluate his peers and is likely to offend people.

The reporter's question made Jing Tian's smile freeze slightly. She took a deep look at the logo on the reporter's microphone and decided that she would never accept interviews from media outlets with that logo again.

"Jing Tian and I are very good friends. As for acting skills!"

At this point, Zhang Yang smiled slightly, looked at Jing Tian, ​​and said with encouragement in his eyes: "As an actor, I believe everyone longs for breakthroughs and growth. Jing Tian is young and has unlimited potential. More importantly, I see her dedication and commitment to this film. The specific performance should be judged by the director. I look forward to seeing a different and surprising Jing Tian in the final cut."

He once again perfectly avoided the trap, positioning the relationship as "friends," directing the acting issue towards "potential" and "expectations," and returning the final judgment to the director, while taking a friendly stance of encouraging younger colleagues.

Another reporter eagerly asked, "Zhang Yang, have you considered directing or starring in a historical drama like 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu' in the future?"

This question was too easy, practically a freebie. Zhang Yang answered without even thinking: "If there's a script and a team that truly impresses me, I'm willing to consider any worthwhile endeavor."

After several rounds, Zhang Yang handled everything flawlessly, deflecting almost all the "difficulties" he encountered. His composure, wit, and powerful aura became the highlight of the press conference, even taking the lead in some ways.

After the press conference, there was naturally a cocktail party. Zhang Yang originally wanted to leave, but Jing Tian persuaded him to stay, and he ultimately did not leave.

The banquet following the press conference was held in the hotel's luxurious ballroom on the top floor. Crystal chandeliers reflected dazzling light, soothing jazz music flowed, and smartly dressed guests held champagne, chatting and laughing in small groups.

Compared to the formality of the press conference, the atmosphere here was more private and relaxed, but as a result, the undercurrents between people were more obvious.

As a special guest, Zhang Yang was naturally one of the focal points of the event. He had just shaken off several media personnel who came forward to congratulate him on the success of "My Love from the Star" when he was warmly pulled aside by Mr. Lu, the producer of "The Great Biography of Sun Tzu".

"Director Zhang, you're so talented for your age!"

Judging from his appearance, Mr. Lu was only around thirty years old, and he exuded a unique aura of a person in a position of power.

"My Love from the Star was a great success, bringing honor to Chinese dramas. We definitely want to collaborate again sometime!"

This Mr. Lu has a complex network of relationships, and it's a connection that needs to be maintained carefully. A deep friendship isn't necessary, but respect must be shown. So, Zhang Yang smiled modestly and clinked glasses with him: "Mr. Lu, you flatter me. It's the audience's kindness that makes 'The Great Biography of Sun Tzu' so popular. I wish it great success in ratings."

As the two exchanged pleasantries, a slender figure, holding a wine glass, opportunely joined the conversation.

"Uncle Lu, Zhang Yang, what are you chatting about so happily?"

Jing Tian changed into a light purple off-shoulder dress, looking less dignified and more charming than on stage. She stood naturally next to Zhang Yang, so close that you could almost smell her sweet perfume.

Mr. Lu, being as shrewd as he is, immediately laughed and said, "We were just praising Yang, Tiantian, you've really invited a true god to help us! You young people chat some more, I'll go take a look over there."

After saying that, he gave the two of them a meaningful look and then left under some pretext.

In an instant, only Zhang Yang and Jing Tian remained, and the atmosphere froze subtly.

Jing Tian looked up at Zhang Yang, her eyes sparkling with a hint of reproach and barely perceptible grievance: "Thank you for helping me out on stage just now. Those reporters' questions were so annoying."

Zhang Yang subtly took a half step back, creating a safe social distance, and said with a smile, "It was nothing. Your role this time is very challenging. If you perform with your heart, the audience will see it."

His words were official and polite, like a pot of lukewarm water that couldn't extinguish a flame, but also carried a clear sense of distance.

Jing Tian's lips curled down slightly, clearly dissatisfied with his reaction. Just as she was about to say something more, another voice joined in.

"Director Zhang, Ms. Jing Tian, ​​you seem to be having a very pleasant conversation?"

Sun Yue walked over unnoticed, wearing a sharp black suit skirt that contrasted sharply with Jing Tian's gentleness, exuding a powerful aura.

A bright smile graced her face as her gaze swept between Zhang Yang and Jing Tian, ​​a hint of understanding and amusement in her eyes.

Sun Yue, Zhang Yang knew her. "Wishing You Peace" was a huge hit around the turn of the millennium. However, when she performed as the finale with Lee Jung-hyun at the China-Korea fan meeting, her presence was slightly less impressive. But at that time, there really wasn't anyone in the Chinese entertainment industry who could rival her.

In the era of internet traffic, if you ask who among the older generation of singers in the music scene is the most famous, many people will say, "That's nobody."

However, no other artist has ever led an era like Zhou Jielun. Around the turn of the millennium, there were too many talented people in the music scene, such as Mao Amin, Tian Zhen, Wei Wei, Chen Lin, Chen Ming, He Jing, Xie Yuxin, Chen Hong, and so on. There were just too many amazing people.

Why is Na You Niao the most famous in the era of internet traffic? Because she has become a source of capital.

Sun Yue approached Zhang Yang not with the intention of developing a relationship beyond friendship, but simply out of admiration.

She watched Raccoon Voice's live stream and thought that Zhang Yang was the most promising of the new generation of singers, even more so than Zhou Jielun. After all, Zhang Yang's looks were also top-tier in the singer circle.

"Hello, Ms. Sun Yue."

Zhang Yang nodded to Sun Yue, his attitude noticeably more natural than when he spoke to Jing Tian.

When Jing Tian saw Sun Yue, his smile faded slightly, revealing a hint of barely perceptible disappointment: "Hello, Teacher Sun Yue."

Next, Zhang Yang and Sun Yue started talking about music. Although Jing Tian was also a singer, his professional knowledge was really lacking, so he could only listen to the two of them talk.

Sun Yue chatted with Zhang Yang for a while and then tactfully left.

The banquet was still lively, but some people's plans were disrupted and rearranged amidst the clinking of glasses.

After Sun Yue left, Jing Tian started chatting, and the two talked about the past, especially the fun stories from filming "The Heirs".

Zhang Yang answered absentmindedly, genuinely afraid that she might cause some trouble.

Looking at Zhang Yang beside her, Jing Tian's pretty face slowly flushed red. She stared at Zhang Yang intently, even the fine hairs on his face were clearly visible.

Zhang Yang was preoccupied with other things and didn't notice that Jing Tian's gaze was becoming increasingly intense.