After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH36

Chapter 36

After securing Gao Shen’s commitment, Sun Hongfei was very pleased.

Talking to smart people made things so much easier.

To avoid any delays, he immediately reached out to the investment department, and with Tang Ling’s directive, all the procedures went through smoothly. Barring any issues, the funds would be available to Gao Shen’s production team within a week.

Of course, the most important part was that he had flawlessly completed his task.

On the surface, he had given President Gu exactly what he needed without breaking President Wen’s requirement for discretion.

In reality, he’d subtly nudged the people at Mengyu Entertainment to withdraw, while also proactively calling Director Gao to finalize the role.

With President Gu’s sharp instincts, he was sure to sense something was off.

Without needing Gao Shen to say anything, he would likely realize that someone was quietly helping him, and he’d certainly know it was President Wen doing so selflessly.

Just in case, Sun Hongfei had even arranged for additional investment from Tiancheng Video.

Even if President Gu didn’t immediately think of President Wen, the involvement of Tiancheng would surely convey President Wen’s subtle care, touching him deeply.

A three-fold success.

Sun Hongfei felt like a genius for coming up with this plan!

Humming a tune, he headed to the break room to get himself a coffee, only to find his arch-rival, Jin Shiheng, standing there.

They had joined the company at the same time, but had never gotten along.

In the early days, Sun Hongfei had focused solely on his work, clueless about office politics, while Jin Shiheng was the opposite—cunning and opportunistic, always the first to jump at any chance to impress leadership.

As a result, Jin Shiheng quickly gained favor and climbed the ranks. While Sun Hongfei remained a junior supervisor, Jin was promoted to assistant manager.

Recently, there were rumors that Tiancheng Video might establish a new department, with the manager role likely going to one of the assistant managers.

Everyone wanted the chance to lead the new department, rather than staying in a subordinate role.

Jin Shiheng had used every tactic to eliminate his competition.

But just as he was looking forward to his new role, Sun Hongfei swooped in, promoted three levels at once thanks to President Wen’s favor, and snatched the manager position for the new department right out from under him.

Jin Shiheng was so furious, he almost spat blood.

All his efforts had ended up paving the way for someone else, and that someone was Sun Hongfei, whom he despised.

Seeing the smug look on Sun Hongfei’s face, Jin Shiheng seethed with resentment, though he forced a sarcastic smile and said, “Manager Sun, you really do look great when you’re riding high.”

Remembering how Jin Shiheng had stolen credit from him multiple times in the past due to his poor communication skills, Sun Hongfei seized the chance to finally retaliate, replying with an air of calm, “Of course. You know, the heavens are fair. There’s no need for shortcuts—just good judgment and diligent work, and promotions will come naturally. Don’t you agree, Assistant Manager Jin?”

He deliberately emphasized the word “assistant.”

Jin Shiheng gritted his teeth, practically biting his molars in anger, and lowered his voice. “Sun, don’t get too comfortable. Let’s see if you can even hold onto that position.”

With that, he turned and stormed out.

Sun Hongfei, unfazed by the threat, thought to himself, With President Gu at my side, I can calmly watch this mad dog bark.

As long as he remained loyal to President Gu, there was nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, the newly emboldened Gu Xingshi was asking Qin Wen about his experience during the audition.

Qin Wen replied honestly, “I think the director seemed quite satisfied, but…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but Gu Xingshi understood. In previous auditions, the director had been pleased, yet the roles still went to others in the end.

This time, although Gu Xingshi had used a bit of strategy to scare off the pre-selected actor, he still wasn’t entirely confident.

He could only try to comfort Qin Wen. “It’s alright; think of it as a learning experience. This was just to test the waters. We still have several more auditions…”

Before he could finish, the casting director came rushing out, eyes lighting up when he saw them. “Thank goodness! You’re still here, President Gu!”

Gu Xingshi looked at him with some confusion. “What’s going on? Was there an issue with Qin Wen’s audition?”

“No, no, Qin did very well,” the casting director whispered. “Could you please wait in the next room for a moment? Director Gao has something he’d like to discuss with you.”

This was unprecedented.

Gu Xingshi exchanged a puzzled glance with Qin Wen, but they agreed and followed the casting director into the adjacent room.

They didn’t wait long before Gao Shen entered.

Tall and thin, with black-rimmed glasses, Gao Shen had an unassuming appearance.

As soon as he saw Gu Xingshi, he approached enthusiastically. “President Gu! I’ve heard so much about you.”

Startled by Gao Shen’s warmth, Gu Xingshi took a moment to react.

Unbothered, Gao Shen continued his praise, “Qin performed exceptionally well. President Gu, you’ve trained him brilliantly, and we’re grateful you’ve entrusted us with his debut…”

Gao Shen carefully followed Sun Hongfei’s instructions, not hinting at the mysterious backer.

But as Gu Xingshi listened, he started to catch on.

Gao Shen’s change in attitude seemed to suggest he believed there was some powerful figure backing him.

Wait, what…?

Rumors spread this quickly?

Gu Xingshi was stunned.

He’d initially worried that the plan might not work and had prepared multiple backup strategies. This was supposed to be a test run—he hadn’t even expected success.

Who would’ve thought he hadn’t even needed to go full throttle?

Just a few subtle hints had not only scared off the competition from Mengyu Entertainment but had also intimidated the director?

And Director Gao seemed so confident, as if he knew exactly who was backing him.

Isn’t this a bit too much? Even ‘he’ didn’t know who his supposed “backer” was!

People in the entertainment industry… do they have some special talent for imagining things like this?

Gu Xingshi felt completely dazed by the windfall that had just landed in his lap.

And yet, he couldn’t afford to let any cracks show, so he adhered to the principle of “less is more,” maintaining an especially reserved demeanor.

And then…

Gao Shen became even more convinced.

After the call from Manager Sun, Tiancheng Video’s investment department had quickly reached out to discuss funding. The speed of this response left Gao Shen baffled and highlighted just how much they valued President Gu.

He remembered the lengths he had gone through in the past, pleading for investments—how arduous it had been, with funds often delayed or even withdrawn halfway through.

Now, all he’d given up was the third male lead position.

Or rather, he hadn’t really given up anything, because Qin Wen’s acting more than suited the role.

It was clear that he’d gotten a great deal!

Gao Shen, who was accustomed to hardships, even felt a bit guilty, so he cautiously asked Gu Xingshi, “President Gu, do you have any suggestions for this character?”

Gu Xingshi was taken aback.

Huh?

There was such a thing as this kind of treatment?

Was Director Gao’s imagination about his “backer” getting a bit out of hand?

Equally cautious, he asked, “Can I really suggest anything?”

“Of course, go ahead,” Gao Shen replied eagerly.

“Well,” Gu Xingshi began, “we feel that Yu Changyan’s character is a bit too one-dimensional. Would it be possible to give him a few more scenes to flesh out the role?”

Gao Shen nodded thoughtfully and, after a moment of silence from Gu Xingshi, looked surprised. “Is that… is that all? Really, President Gu, feel free to ask for more.”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

He thought he was already being bold.

Feeling slightly uncertain, he quickly added, “Not too many, maybe four or five scenes, or even three or four. If it’s too much trouble, that’s fine—whatever works best for the overall story.”

What a dream sponsor!

He couldn’t help but recall all the difficult actors he’d been forced to accommodate in the past. They weren’t even major stars, yet they made endless demands—a painful memory.

If every well-connected actor were as easy going as Qin Wen, he’d be shouting, “More, more!”

“President Gu!”

“Director Gao!”

The two shook hands firmly, both feeling they’d struck a fantastic deal.

“A pleasure to work with you!”

*

Shortly after securing the role, filming was scheduled to begin.

This was Qin Wen’s first time participating in an opening ceremony, and, worried he might be nervous, Gu Xingshi accompanied him.

They arrived at the Sanyang Film Studio and checked into the hotel the production had arranged.

Expecting modest accommodations given the drama’s limited budget, Gu Xingshi was pleasantly surprised. While not luxurious, the hotel was clean and tidy, and the production had booked the entire place, giving Qin Wen a decent suite as the third male lead.

They’d barely settled in when Gu Xingshi received a call from Sun Hongfei.

“President Gu, are you at Sanyang Film Studio right now?”

Gu Xingshi, puzzled, asked, “How do you know that?”

Sun Hongfei smirked to himself. Of course, he knew—it was all part of his meticulous plan.

Outwardly, he feigned surprise. “Ah, it turns out Tiancheng Video is also an investor in Director Gao’s drama. I was invited to attend the opening ceremony, and Director Gao mentioned that you’d be there as well.”

Not thinking much of it, Gu Xingshi replied, “Oh, what a coincidence.”

Wait—

Why did President Gu sound so indifferent?

Sun Hongfei frowned. Could it be that his hints weren’t obvious enough?

So, he added, “Actually, we hadn’t planned on investing in this drama initially. It was President Wen who saw its potential and strongly advocated for the investment…”

Surely that was clear enough now.

However, Gu Xingshi’s response was even more indifferent: “Oh, your President Wen has a good eye.”

Sun Hongfei: “???”

This was nothing like he’d imagined.

Why did President Gu talk about President Wen as if he were just a stranger?

Something felt very wrong!

Could it be that there was a problem with the investment, and that was why President Gu seemed displeased?

Immediately concerned, Sun Hongfei headed to the investment department to check. After making inquiries, he learned that the money had already been transferred smoothly, with no issues whatsoever.

Realizing things were spiraling out of his control, Sun Hongfei started to panic.

He’d gone to great lengths to work on behalf of President Wen—he couldn’t mess this up now!

Initially, he’d planned to go to the opening ceremony in a few days, but now he felt he had to go immediately to figure out what was happening.

He left the investment department in a rush, making a call to the administrative office to book a flight, while also arranging for someone to handle his department’s affairs over the next few days.

In his hurry, he didn’t notice the figure that slipped out of a nearby room after he left.

Jin Shiheng had originally come to the investment department to deliver some documents, but he had spotted Sun Hongfei entering.

From what he knew, Sun Hongfei’s external partnerships department was currently only working on [Star Stage] with young master Ning from Xingmao, which had nothing to do with the investment department. So what was he doing here?

Suspicious, Jin Shiheng hid in a nearby room to observe.

Not long after, Sun Hongfei rushed out again, making a call about booking a flight.

Seeing the troubled look on Sun Hongfei’s face, Jin Shiheng’s first thought was that something had gone wrong.

His heart leapt with excitement.

If he could figure out what had happened to Sun Hongfei, he might be able to bring him down!

With Sun Hongfei out of the way, the external partnerships department would practically fall into his lap.

Growing more excited, Jin Shiheng went back to the investment department to inquire about what Sun Hongfei had been doing there.

The investment department, under strict instructions from Tang Ling, refused to say a word.

But the more secretive they were, the more convinced Jin Shiheng became that something was amiss.

After leaving the investment department, he went to the administrative office and, after some effort, managed to find out Sun Hongfei’s destination.

*

[Sanyang Film Studio.]

Jin Shiheng was even more puzzled.

What was Sun Hongfei doing at the film studio?

He suddenly had a hunch.

If he could figure out Sun Hongfei’s purpose, he might also discover how Sun Hongfei had managed to win over President Wen.

Without delay, he went back to request leave, then bought a ticket on the same flight as Sun Hongfei, planning to follow him to Sanyang Film Studio and uncover the truth.

*

Meanwhile, Gu Xingshi and Qin Wen were attending a script reading session in preparation for the start of filming.

This session allowed the cast to become familiar with the script and get to know each other.

The lead actor, Jiang Hanqing, was known for his supporting roles and was playing a male lead for the first time, bringing a humble attitude to the session.

The lead actress, Xia Ruoying, was a rising star—bright, cheerful, and very dedicated. She had already memorized the script before joining the cast.

Since they were all about the same age as Qin Wen, they quickly became acquainted.

All the main cast members had arrived, except for the actor playing the antagonist.

His name was Wu Tao. He had once played a memorable supporting role in a popular classic show, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

However, after gaining fame, he became lazy, and his acting skills declined. Regardless of the role, he delivered the same performance. He also neglected his fitness, growing overweight and greasy, but still thrived on the audience’s nostalgia for his old character.

Director Gao, familiar with Wu Tao’s personality, sighed and asked someone to call him.

Just as he finished speaking, the meeting room door swung open, and a man with sallow skin and dark circles under his eyes walked in.

He seemed oblivious to the fact that he was late, greeted everyone with a playful grin, and then slouched into a seat, complaining, “Director Gao, isn’t this script reading a bit old-fashioned? Lots of productions don’t do this anymore!”

Gao Shen replied coolly, “I can’t speak for other productions, but in mine, we follow my rules.”

Wu Tao’s face stiffened slightly before he laughed it off. “Come on, I was just joking, Director Gao. No need to be so serious!”

Gao Shen didn’t pursue the matter further and continued discussing the script.

But Wu Tao seemed distracted, his fingers constantly tapping away on his phone, as if he were texting someone.

Gu Xingshi frowned instinctively.

He sensed a familiar whiff of drama coming from Wu Tao.

Sure enough, the system suddenly chimed in: [Host! You and I are truly in sync! This is a huge scandal!]

Gu Xingshi: […]

System: [I know you’re skeptical, but hear me out.]

[Do you know why Wu Tao was so late?]

Gu Xingshi, resigning himself to the inevitable gossip, replied: [No idea, go ahead.]

System: [Wu Tao was gambling in Macau last night, lost so much that his eyes were red, and his agent barely managed to drag him onto a flight. Not only is he addicted to gambling, but he also owes a massive debt. His creditors are hounding him.]

Looking at Wu Tao, Gu Xingshi noticed that his forehead was indeed furrowed and glistening with sweat.

The system continued: [To repay his debt, he’s been taking on as many acting gigs as he can, accepting anything as long as it pays. However, his acting fees barely scratch the surface of his massive gambling debts, so he’s come up with an even more despicable plan.]

[He plans to secretly take compromising photos of his co-stars and sell them on the black market. He’s particularly targeting Jiang Hanqing and Xia Ruoying, the most popular actors he’s currently working with. That’s the only reason he even bothered coming to this script reading.]

Gu Xingshi: [Shameless!!]

Just then, Wu Tao suddenly stood up and announced, “Director Gao, I need to go to the restroom.”

Gao Shen was displeased at being interrupted but didn’t think much of it and simply waved Wu Tao off.

The system immediately grew excited: [Host!! Wu Tao’s creditors are pressuring him again. He doesn’t have much time left, so he’s planning to retrieve a hidden camera and install it in the restroom!]

Gu Xingshi’s expression darkened.

Someone this toxic couldn’t be allowed to stay in the production.

With that in mind, he asked the system to keep monitoring Wu Tao. Then he stood up and quietly approached Director Gao. “Director Gao, I have something I’d like to discuss with you, if it’s convenient.”

Gao Shen, who regarded Gu Xingshi as a valued sponsor, responded immediately, “Of course, no problem at all.”

Gu Xingshi led him aside and, feigning concern, said, “I’ve heard rumors about obsessive fans sneaking into celebrities’ hotels and installing hidden cameras in their rooms. I’m a bit worried…”

Gao Shen chuckled, “President Gu, don’t worry. I was concerned about that myself, so I booked the entire hotel. Only our crew has access—no outsiders can get in.”

But it’s not outsiders we’re worried about!

Undeterred, Gu Xingshi continued, “True, but those fanatic fans are quite aggressive. Who knows what lengths they’ll go to? Look at Jiang and Xia—they’re both very popular. If one of these types managed to sneak in, it could cause a lot of trouble.”

Gao Shen hesitated, “I don’t think it’s likely. Yesterday, I went to check on Jiang’s room, and I saw his assistant thoroughly inspecting everything. They’re being very cautious, so I doubt there’s any issue.”

This played right into Gu Xingshi’s plan, so he quickly added, “You’re right. But what if they didn’t put cameras in the rooms, but in public facilities—like the restrooms? Even if it’s unrelated to Jiang and Xia, what about previous guests who stayed here?”

“I think it would be best to conduct a quick inspection. It wouldn’t take much time or disrupt things, and it would put everyone’s mind at ease.”

Though Gao Shen thought Gu Xingshi was being overly cautious, he didn’t mind humoring such a minor request from a sponsor.

Besides, with Wu Tao gone for so long, the script reading session couldn’t proceed anyway.

So, he agreed to Gu Xingshi’s suggestion, giving the actors a break while he, a few staff members, and Gu Xingshi headed to check the restrooms on that floor.

Meanwhile, the system was diligently updating Gu Xingshi on Wu Tao’s actions: [He just finished installing a camera in the men’s restroom. He’s growing bolder, thinking he’s safe, and is now in the women’s restroom!]

[He’s already installed the camera in the first stall and is now moving into the second stall!]

Hearing this, Gu Xingshi immediately quickened his pace.

Gao Shen could only follow along, though he was a bit bewildered.

When they reached the restroom entrance, Gao Shen instinctively headed towards the men’s side, but Gu Xingshi quietly stopped him. “Director Gao, how about we start with the women’s restroom?”

Gao Shen nodded and directed two female staff members, “Go in and check.”

The two women, equipped with hidden camera detectors borrowed from Jiang Hanqing’s team, entered the restroom.

A few moments later, the beeping of the detector echoed from inside.

Gao Shen’s eyes widened in shock. There really is one!

Unable to wait any longer, he rushed inside with the others.

The two female staff members, pale with fear, were clutching the beeping detectors. When they saw Gao Shen and the others enter, they pointed shakily toward the middle stall. “S-someone’s in there. We asked who it was, but no one responded. And the detector’s going off the most in that stall!”

Gao Shen’s expression turned grim. He gestured for the women to call the police, while signaling the cameramen who had come along to block the exit.

He then raised his voice, “Whoever’s in there, come out! Or we’ll break down the door!”

Just then, the sound of a toilet flushing came from the second stall.

Not good! He’s trying to destroy evidence!

Without hesitation, Gao Shen and the others moved forward, preparing to kick down the door.

At that moment, the stall door swung open, and Wu Tao walked out as if nothing had happened.

Gao Shen stared at him in disbelief. “Why are you here?! And why are you in the women’s restroom?!”

Wu Tao feigned embarrassment. “I was in a rush and accidentally went into the wrong restroom.” Then, with a look of innocent confusion, he asked, “Director Gao, what’s with the big commotion?”

Gao Shen replied icily, “We found someone installing a hidden camera in here.”

Wu Tao put on an exaggeratedly shocked expression. “What?! Who would do such a thing?! That’s disgusting!” Then, playing the victim, he added, “Director Gao, you don’t suspect me, do you?”

Acting as if deeply wronged, he spread his arms. “I’m completely innocent. Feel free to search me if you think I have anything suspicious on me!”

Everyone present had heard the toilet flush. There was no way he’d still have evidence on him!

Gao Shen instructed one of the crew members to climb into the first stall and, wearing gloves, retrieve the camera. “If it comes to it, we can check the fingerprints.”

Wu Tao, looking confident, replied, “Go ahead! Check all you want!”

He had been careful to wear gloves earlier, ensuring no fingerprints would be left behind.

Gao Shen, realizing this, looked visibly frustrated.

Without any solid evidence, Wu Tao could simply claim he’d entered the wrong restroom by mistake. Given his brazen nature, he might even turn the situation against them.

At that moment, Gu Xingshi stepped forward, calm and collected, and said, “Why stop at the women’s restroom? Let’s check the men’s room as well.”

He looked at Wu Tao with an innocent smile. “You know, if it’s someone’s first time doing something like this, they might forget to wear gloves in the beginning. Isn’t that right, Mr. Wu?”

Wu Tao’s face instantly changed color.