After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH31

Chapter 31

The finale of [Boy Group Training Camp] had its hiccups, but it wrapped up successfully.

From the moment the finale aired, it practically lived on the trending list.

#Shen Yu Meng Yuansheng’s Rebel Arrangement

#Meng Yuansheng So Handsome

#Yuan Ye’s Killer Street Dance

#Meng Yuansheng Takes First Place

*

The hashtags cycled through continuously, with one even trending that read, “#Is It Reasonable for Gu Xingshi’s Agent to be This Handsome?,” which was both absurd and amusing.

Two and a half months of hard work had culminated in this moment.

It was, in every sense, a perfect result.

With that, the president of Sweet Orange Video waved his hand, directing everyone to head to the hotel for the victory celebration.

If anyone could be called the biggest winner of this competition, it had to be Gu Xingshi.

Meng Yuansheng’s success wasn’t surprising; he had been dazzling from the beginning and held onto first place the entire way.

Cheng Xin had a unique vibe, and his dancing was solid, but this season’s lineup was packed with talent. Just to give one example, Yuan Ye had raised the bar on the show’s dance standards to an almost unbeatable level.

Because of this, Cheng Xin’s popularity had waned in the latter half, bumping him down to third place.

But who could have predicted Wen Mingfeng’s spectacular fall from grace?

Word was that as soon as the competition ended, a fierce-looking man and his gang had waited outside the venue for him—that man happened to be the father of the fiancée Wen Mingfeng had cheated on. He was there to teach him a lesson.

Wen Mingfeng didn’t even attend the final ranking announcements; he’d snuck away under the escort of his assistant and others.

Barring some miracle, his career in the industry was effectively over.

And so, Gu Xingshi’s two artists swept up first and second place without a hitch.

Even Yin Hefeng, full of envy, remarked afterward that before the next competition, he’d have to pay his respects to President Gu.

In this regard, Sun Hongfei couldn’t have agreed more.

If Gu Xingshi was the biggest winner, Sun Hongfei had to be the runner-up.

Who would’ve thought that a low-level manager like him would be promoted to head of a department at Sweet Orange Video and even be in the running for vice president?

At the celebration banquet, Sun Hongfei was riding high, with all eyes on him.

His colleagues couldn’t resist prying into his promotion, asking him in various roundabout ways how it had come about.

Sun Hongfei, sober, played it safe and brushed off the questions with casual laughs and vague responses.

After all, he couldn’t reveal that President Gu was his “lucky charm” for career advancement!

He couldn’t help but glance over at Gu Xingshi.

At the moment, Gu Xingshi was multitasking, socializing while gossiping with the system.

System: [See that bald man over there?]

Gu Xingshi looked over to see a plain-looking, even unattractive, man. His shiny bald head did nothing to help his already low charisma.

System: [That’s the president of Dinghua Media. Don’t let his looks fool you—back in the day, he skillfully kept five or six wealthy patrons wrapped around his finger, supplying them with emotional support that kept them utterly devoted. Dinghua Media exists today thanks to his benefactors.]

Gu Xingshi responded with admiration, [True masters never complain about their environment!!]

The system continued, [However, his actual business skills are mediocre, so Dinghua Media has only had moderate success over the years. Now that he’s older and has grown accustomed to being pampered, he’s begun to seek emotional validation for himself. See that man standing behind him? That’s his assistant. Although he’s officially just an assistant, he’s actually the one calling the shots at Dinghua these days.]

Gu Xingshi watched the two closely and indeed noticed that they occasionally exchanged intimate gestures. The president of Dinghua Media seemed to follow his assistant’s lead.

Gu Xingshi gave a solemn nod. [As they say, ‘There’s always a taller mountain’!!]

The system kept going: [See that young guy drinking in the corner? Do you know how he became a millionaire at such a young age?]

Gu Xingshi glanced over and saw a young man dressed in designer clothes with striking features, though a gloomy air somewhat detracted from his image.

Gu Xingshi speculated, [Is he an entertainer? Or maybe a producer whose project was a smash hit? Or perhaps he’s connected to some big-shot with resources? Or maybe he made his fortune in stocks, mutual funds…?]

He rattled off all the possibilities he could think of, but the system shot them all down.

Finally, the system said, [He started his own business.]

Gu Xingshi, astonished, replied, [Business? He seems way too young for that!]

System: [Exactly! He was born into a family worth billions, but after starting his own company, he managed to turn himself into a mere millionaire at a young age!]

Gu Xingshi: “….”

He didn’t feel like talking to the system anymore.

At that moment, a familiar-looking young man approached. “Mr. Gu, hello.”

Gu Xingshi assumed he was another agent from another company. He prepared to shake hands, exchange some polite words, and leave.

But then the man introduced himself, “I’m Ning Wenzhuo, president of StarCat Idols and producer of [The Star Stage].”

Gu Xingshi’s eyes widened in surprise.

Ning little cat!!!

What was he doing here at the victory party?!

It was as if Ning Wenzhuo could read his thoughts. Smiling, he explained, “Our [Star Stage] will be partnering closely with Sweet Orange Video and [Boy Group Training Camp]. Later, during the second half of the celebration, President Yun from Sweet Orange and I will be announcing this officially.”

Gu Xingshi immediately understood.

Ning Wenzhuo had already mentioned to “Helper Hand” that the first episode of [Star Stage] would feature Meng Yuansheng’s debut group as special guests. No wonder Ning was here.

Ning Wenzhuo had been carefully watching Gu Xingshi’s reaction.

Of course, he was here for the collaboration, but above all, he wanted to meet “Helper Hand” in person.

During a past conversation with “Helper Hand,” they had let it slip that they’d be attending the [Boy Group Training Camp] celebration banquet.

Ning Wenzhuo had kept that detail close to his heart ever since.

Once he arrived, he started scrutinizing every guest, hoping to spot “Helper Hand.” And when his gaze finally landed on Gu Xingshi, and he overheard the talk about this President Gu, everything seemed to click.

To everyone else, President Gu’s success seemed like pure luck.

He hadn’t had to lift a finger, yet his artists performed spectacularly. Armed with a loyal hacker fanbase, they had managed to propel two trainees with little initial popularity to stardom.

Although there were occasional bumps in the road, any time someone tried to target Meng or Cheng, something would mysteriously backfire on the would-be adversary.

In short, people saw President Gu as a walking good-luck charm. No wonder the other agents wanted to seek his blessing.

But Ning Wenzhuo didn’t see it that way.

The more he listened, the more he felt that these uncanny moves seemed eerily familiar.

It was just like how Ning Tianyou had ended up in detention.

Could it be…?

His heart skipped a beat.

He could no longer hold back and stepped forward to introduce himself to Gu Xingshi.

He didn’t want to risk alienating “Helper” by being too obvious, so he casually compared every word Gu Xingshi said to their previous WeChat exchanges, practically reciting the messages by heart.

And the more they talked, the more certain he became.

Despite the difference between text and spoken words, there were familiar phrases and certain turns of speech that felt intimately recognizable.

Especially to someone as keenly perceptive as Ning Wenzhuo.

He became more and more convinced.

Gu Xingshi was “Helper.”

His gaze fixed on the young man before him.

Gu Xingshi was slightly shorter than him, with striking features that bridged the line between youthful and mature, his eyes lifted slightly in a clear, bright gaze.

Ning Wenzhuo swallowed instinctively.

His palms began to sweat—something that hadn’t even happened during his negotiations with President Yun.

Taking a small step forward, he steadied his pounding heart and asked, “Are you, by any chance…”

Sun Hongfei, watching from a distance, felt his heart jolt.

Since learning that Ning Wenzhuo would be attending the celebration banquet, Sun had been on guard.

After all, he hadn’t forgotten that this man was very likely a rival in love for President Wen.

As the only one who knew about the breathtaking romance between President Wen and President Gu, he felt a tremendous sense of responsibility.

So, the moment Ning Wenzhuo arrived, Sun Hongfei kept a watchful eye on him.

At first, Ning Wenzhuo behaved himself, but after only a few minutes, his true nature showed as he made a beeline for Gu Xingshi.

Sun Hongfei’s radar went off instantly.

Seeing Ning Wenzhuo’s eyes grow increasingly fervent, and noticing how he edged closer and closer to Gu Xingshi, Sun Hongfei ground his teeth. What a sly fox!

Ning Wenzhuo was not only trying to interfere but was doing so when it was clear that Gu Xingshi wasn’t even interested—he was the only one all fired up!

Seeing Ning Wenzhuo take another half-step forward, almost crossing the line of personal space, Sun Hongfei had no choice but to intervene.

Without hesitation, he stepped between them, holding a drink and effectively cutting off Ning Wenzhuo’s sentence.

Ignoring Ning Wenzhuo’s furious glare, he turned his attention to Gu Xingshi and struck up a conversation.

Unaware of the silent battle going on between them, Gu Xingshi casually began chatting with Sun Hongfei.

The two had gotten along well during [Boy Group Training Camp], and with Sun Hongfei’s recent appointment as the head of Sweet Orange Video’s External Partnerships, they were bound to work together more often. Gu Xingshi was also keen to solidify his rapport with him.

Ning Wenzhuo, stopped mid-sentence, was left speechless with frustration.

But since Gu Xingshi was enjoying the conversation, he couldn’t interrupt. He was left waiting for Sun Hongfei to leave so he could continue talking with Gu.

Sun Hongfei’s resolve only grew stronger.

As long as I’m here, there’s no way this fox gets a chance!

So Ning Wenzhuo waited…and waited… only to find that Sun Hongfei seemed to have planted roots by Gu Xingshi’s side, not budging an inch.

In the end, Sun Hongfei ran out of topics to chat about but still stubbornly refused to step aside.

Gu Xingshi finally asked, “Manager Sun, is there something specific you wanted to tell me?”

Sun Hongfei was nearly in tears.

Oh, if only he could say it aloud! But weren’t the two of you insistent on this hush-hush romance? He didn’t dare even hint at it, afraid that President Gu might be embarrassed and throw a fit with President Wen, which would, in turn, affect his career!

So he forced a laugh. “N-no… nothing at all. It’s just that I’m enjoying chatting with you so much, I don’t want to leave.”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

Your expression doesn’t exactly scream enjoyment, though.

But Sun Hongfei insisted he simply wanted to chat with Gu Xingshi, and when topics ran dry, he started sharing gossip from his department to fill the silence.

Suddenly, Gu’s interest was piqued.

Now that’s a conversation starter.

The system chimed in with a dry comment: [Host, am I not enough for you?]

Gu Xingshi laughed awkwardly: [Sometimes you need a little variety, okay? Like going from a feast to something simple, like rice porridge!]

System: […]

Sun Hongfei was surprised at how much Gu Xingshi enjoyed the juicy office gossip.

Who would have thought?

But at least he felt a bit more at ease now.

If nothing else, Sweet Orange Video had plenty of gossip to go around. He was just recounting a story about a department manager who, while watching adult content in his office with his sister-in-law, accidentally connected it to the conference room projector. And as luck would have it, the vice president happened to be holding a meeting there that day. It was said the VP’s face turned green with rage as he stormed into the manager’s office.

And now, suddenly, that familiar, steely expression of the vice president appeared right in front of Sun Hongfei.

Sun Hongfei: “!!!”

The VP looked at him coolly. “Sun Hongfei, is it? With talent like that, working in External Partnerships is beneath you.”

Sun’s legs went weak, and he almost dropped to his knees.

Thankfully, the VP let it slide—he was actually there to see Ning Wenzhuo.

The two walked off together.

Sun Hongfei collapsed onto the couch, utterly drained.

How was it that all those times Xiao Li and the others had gossiped in the break room, nothing happened, but the one time he did it, he got caught red-handed?

Gu Xingshi patted him sympathetically. “Better luck next time.”

Sun Hongfei could only stare at the blissfully unaware Gu Xingshi and swallow his frustration.

Waaahhh! Once again, Old Sun had risked it all for someone else’s love story!

*

The VP had called Ning Wenzhuo over to discuss the announcement of their new collaboration that evening.

But just as the two were preparing to make the announcement, the VP took a phone call, his expression shifting slightly.

Ning Wenzhuo asked curiously, “President Yun, is everything alright?”

“It’s fine,” Yun replied calmly. “It’s just that President Wen is coming over.”

“President Wen?!” Ning Wenzhuo was surprised.

Sure, [Boy Group Training Camp] had been a massive success, but this celebration hardly seemed important enough for Wen Yue to attend in person.

Even Sweet Orange Video had only sent Yun, the vice president, in his place. Wen Yue, as the big boss, would typically just hear a summary of the results—why would he bother coming himself?

Yun smiled. “No need to worry, President Ning. President Wen must see this partnership as extremely important to be coming here in person. He wants to show his commitment through direct action.”

“Is that so?” Ning Wenzhuo was still skeptical.

He’d met Wen Yue before, and although it had only been briefly, he’d sensed the man’s deeply ingrained sense of restraint and precision.

Wen Yue wasn’t the type to act on a whim, nor did he ever waste his time on unnecessary gestures.

Distracted, Ning Wenzhuo followed Yun to the entrance to greet him.

Soon enough, a luxury car pulled up, and Wen Yue’s assistant, Tang Ling, stepped out to open the back door.

Wen Yue emerged.

Standing at 193 cm, he exuded a powerful presence. In a sleek black suit with a subtly patterned tie, the look was simple, yet he carried it with an unparalleled air of sophistication.

His light-colored eyes were distant and cool, exuding the same kind of aristocratic aloofness as the top-tier cat’s eye stone cufflinks on his sleeves.

With a brief glance, he made everyone at the entrance tense up.

Without a single look to either side, he strode into the banquet hall. The crowd parted instinctively, as if even the scent of his cologne was too overwhelming, daring no one to come too close.

Wen Yue’s arrival sent waves of shock and delight through the crowd.

Tonight’s celebration was bustling with representatives from numerous talent agencies.

They’d all heard about Ning Wenzhuo’s upcoming collaboration with Sweet Orange Video to produce a music performance stage show. However, most hadn’t taken it too seriously at first.

It wasn’t the first attempt at a show like this, and previous ones had fizzled out due to various setbacks.

People called him “Little Ning,” everyone knew that the true power in the Ning family lay with his uncle, Ning Tianyou. Ning Tianyou would never let him achieve anything significant—support was out of the question, and he’d probably try to sabotage it if anything.

In short, most people remained skeptical.

But now, Wen Yue has arrived in person.

Even though he hadn’t said a word yet, his presence alone shifted the mood in the room. People were beginning to seriously consider the potential of the performance stage.

It was clear that after tonight, securing a spot on that stage would be a highly coveted opportunity.

A few people already regretted their previous dismissiveness. If they had known, they would’ve agreed to Ning Wenzhuo’s invitation right away. Now, if they tried to approach him, they might not even get a second chance, no matter how much they begged.

Sun Hongfei, standing some distance away, noticed the commotion near the entrance.

Seeing Gu Xingshi’s curiosity, he mustered the energy to say, “Wait here, President Gu. I’ll go find out what’s happening.”

When he returned, he was dumbfounded.

President Wen had come?!!

As someone from Sweet Orange Video and the head of External Partnerships—the department most closely tied to [Star Stage]—Sun Hongfei knew better than anyone that while this collaboration was important, it wasn’t significant enough to warrant President Wen’s personal attendance.

So why had President Wen come?

It was obvious! He was here for President Gu!!!

With a renewed sense of purpose, Sun Hongfei started to head over to Gu Xingshi but was immediately swarmed.

Company representatives and managers who had previously shown little interest suddenly crowded around him, calling him “President Sun” with the kind of warmth reserved for long-lost brothers.

Everyone knew that aside from Ning Wenzhuo, Sun Hongfei was also in charge of [Star Stage]. And while Ning Wenzhuo was technically an outsider, Sun was a trusted insider for President Wen, making him the obvious choice to befriend.

It was a nightmare for Sun Hongfei.

Despite being so close to President Gu, he felt worlds away, trapped behind a wall of people he couldn’t escape.

Even worse, he saw Ning Wenzhuo making his way back toward Gu Xingshi—relentless as a ghost that refused to rest!

And with President Wen here!!

Fueled by a sudden burst of energy, Sun Hongfei somehow managed to push his way through the crowd.

On the other side, Ning Wenzhuo had gathered his courage and was saying, “President Gu, are you by any chance…?”

But before he could finish, Sun Hongfei popped up again, interrupting him once more.

Unable to hold back, Ning Wenzhuo demanded, “Manager Sun, do you have an issue with me?”

Sun Hongfei, pretending innocence, replied, “Not at all!”

Ning Wenzhuo didn’t bother with subtlety. “Then why do you keep interrupting whenever I try to talk to President Gu?”

“Oh, really?” Sun Hongfei feigned surprise. “What a coincidence.”

Not wanting to waste time, Ning Wenzhuo turned to Gu Xingshi. “President Gu, could we have a word in private?”

Sun Hongfei panicked.

This fox has some nerve! Doesn’t he realize he’s risking his life here?! I’m saving you from yourself! If President Wen finds out, he’ll crush you like a bug!

He raised his voice urgently, “President Gu, President Wen is here in person!”

He emphasized ‘in person’ heavily.

Gu Xingshi looked puzzled. “So what? Do we have to applaud?”

He’d heard from the system that Wen Yue was a bit of an industry idol, but wasn’t that a bit excessive?

But to Sun Hongfei, Gu Xingshi’s dismissive tone could only mean one thing.

Oh no!

That didn’t sound respectful at all.

The love security guard in Sun Hongfei kicked into high gear, and he quickly offered a way out: “Well, it’s rare for President Wen to make an appearance. Why not go over and offer a toast?”

Gu Xingshi had no strong feelings about it, but seeing that Sun Hongfei was on the verge of a breakdown, he agreed.

Relieved, Sun Hongfei handed him a glass of champagne.

But just as the two were about to set off, Ning Wenzhuo tagged along. “I’ll join you in toasting President Wen.”

Sun Hongfei: “!!!”

He almost choked on the fury that threatened to spill over.

Just stay out of it already! Can’t you see you’re walking right into danger?

With no legitimate excuse to stop him, Sun Hongfei resigned himself to leading the two of them over to Wen Yue.

By now, the celebration had completely shifted focus.

Wen Yue’s area had become the center of attention, with almost everyone wanting a chance to exchange a few words with him, even if only to make themselves known.

A line of people waited to offer him drinks.

However, Wen Yue remained cold, not touching his glass of red wine even once.

Naturally, no one dared press him to drink, either.

His expression was indifferent, his finger tapping lightly against the rim of the glass.

Tang Ling, his assistant, knew from experience that this meant Wen was losing patience.

For Tang Ling, this whole situation was puzzling.

After finishing his meeting, President Wen was supposed to head back to rest, but instead, he’d suddenly decided to come to the [Boy Group Training Camp] celebration banquet.

Yet after arriving, he’d done nothing.

Tang Ling had been by Wen Yue’s side for seven or eight years and had witnessed firsthand how Wen Yue had systematically restructured the vast Wen Corporation, bringing it entirely under his control.

Every action Wen Yue took was purposeful; he always had everything planned out and under control.

Did he have some hidden agenda here that was beyond Tang Ling’s understanding?

Just then, Sun Hongfei led Gu Xingshi over.

The young man held his champagne glass, gazing at Wen Yue with open curiosity.

His puppy-like eyes held a hint of wonder, and his smile was unclouded, as clear as the champagne in his hand.

Wen Yue’s finger stilled on the glass.

He rose, the chandelier’s brilliant light casting delicate sparkles over him, highlighting the shadow at his feet like a cage.

With his pale eyes lowered, he looked down at the young man stepping unwittingly into that cage.

Gu Xingshi couldn’t help but think: Wow, he’s tall!

What kind of food must he have eaten to grow that tall?

Sun Hongfei was signaling frantically beside him, his eyes practically twitching with effort.

Gu Xingshi sighed inwardly but lifted his glass, offering a rather half-hearted toast. “President Wen, a pleasure to meet you.”

The room fell abruptly silent.

Many people smirked to themselves, ready to watch this young upstart embarrass himself.

Who was this clueless kid who didn’t even know the basic etiquette for toasting?

For someone as high-ranking as President Wen, the custom was to toast, then drink yourself; holding up your glass like that, expecting him to drink, was way out of line. Did this kid seriously think Wen Yue would actually drink to his toast?

But the next second, everyone was stunned.

Wen Yue raised his glass, tapped it gently against Gun Xingshi’s glass, and his rich, deep voice resonated like a cello: “A pleasure.”

Then he tipped back his glass, finishing the wine in one smooth motion.