After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH50

Chapter 50

Sheng Yueqing tugged at his jacket, feeling a bit nervous.

Since finding out two days ago that he was going to record this variety show, he had been eagerly anticipating it. Today, he even got up an hour earlier than usual to get his makeup done. When the car came to a stop, he opened the door himself and walked briskly toward the recording venue.

Bai Ran, a fansite manager for Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin, had just finished filming a video of the two entering. She was about to put down her camera to rest when she suddenly heard someone exclaim, “Wow! So handsome!”

She instinctively picked up her camera and snapped a photo before realizing, “Was that… Sheng Yueqing just now?”

She and several fans exchanged glances.

“Is Sheng Yueqing also participating in this variety show?”

“Seems like… a guest appearance?”

“Oh my god, is he really that handsome? In person, he’s ten times more attractive than in photos… no, a hundred times!!”

“He’s handsome, but I heard his character isn’t great?”

“I remember something about him hitting his teammates—seems like he has a bad temper…”

Bai Ran was reviewing the photos she had just taken. Hearing this, she said, “Hitting people isn’t right, but it might not have been his fault. Didn’t President Gu release an audio recording before, saying that Xiang Zhelin deliberately provoked him?”

Bai Ran hadn’t paid much attention to Sheng Yueqing before, but the last time he trended alongside Cheng Xin, he hadn’t done anything wrong yet was scolded by netizens, which made her feel a bit sympathetic toward him.

*

Entering the recording venue, Sheng Yueqing immediately spotted Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin.

He glanced around them but didn’t see Gu Xingshi, and couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed.

However, Meng Yuansheng noticed him.

Having heard from Cheng Xin about the previous incident, he empathized with Sheng Yueqing’s situation and took the initiative to greet him.

Sheng Yueqing instantly stiffened.

To an outsider, it seemed like Meng Yuansheng was enthusiastically greeting him, but he was responding coldly and indifferently.

However, Meng Yuansheng trusted Gu Xingshi’s judgment.

Anyone whom President Gu personally defended couldn’t be a bad person.

He carefully observed and quickly realized that Sheng Yueqing wasn’t being aloof; perhaps he was socially anxious and didn’t know how to interact with people.

Understanding the issue, Meng Yuansheng addressed it by bringing up President Gu to start the conversation.

Sheng Yueqing’s eyes lit up, and he indeed became more talkative.

With Cheng Xin chiming in with his nonsensical jokes, the atmosphere among them quickly became harmonious.

After this episode aired, many viewers changed their opinions about Sheng Yueqing.

Comments from Viewers:

[I feel like Sheng Yueqing is actually quite nice. I used to think he was aloof and didn’t like interacting with people, but now it seems he just doesn’t talk much.]

[Ahhh, I’m just like Sheng Yueqing—extremely socially anxious. I’m actually afraid of unfamiliar environments, but because I look cold, people always think I’m arrogant…]

[Hahaha, his temper is really good. With Brother Xin’s mouth, most people wouldn’t be able to chat with him for more than three minutes. Even baby Yuan (Meng Yuansheng) sometimes wants to hit him, but Sheng Yueqing seriously answers his silly questions. He seems a bit silly and cute.]

*

This was an unexpected joy for Sheng Yueqing.

However, he wasn’t particularly happy because, since then, he seldom had opportunities to appear on shows with Meng Yuansheng and the others, meaning he couldn’t see Gu Xingshi, which made him disappointed.

He was too embarrassed to ask Meng Yuansheng and the others directly. After much thought, he mustered the courage to create a small account and joined Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin’s fan group.

Once in the group, he didn’t speak but silently observed.

The group often shared Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin’s schedules, and sometimes fans who attended events would provide feedback, like mentioning they saw President Gu.

Each time this happened, Sheng Yueqing, who couldn’t attend, felt a deep regret.

As this was his primary source of information, he took great care of this small account.

Afraid of being removed for not speaking, he was exceptionally active whenever there was data to process, and he wasn’t stingy about purchasing endorsements or albums.

Even though he hadn’t joined Gu Xingshi’s company yet, he was already sensibly starting to earn money for President Gu.

Over time, fans became aware of a mysterious benefactor in the group—silent but generous—which even caught the attention of the group admin, who tried to pull him into the data team.

Sheng Yueqing: “…”

The group admin was extremely enthusiastic, and Sheng Yueqing found it hard to refuse. Under the admin’s persuasion, he somehow got pulled into the data team.

The admin took special care of the new benefactor, teaching him step by step how to process data.

Having never even managed his own data, Sheng Yueqing inexplicably learned a new skill.

The admin felt a great sense of achievement and grew increasingly satisfied with this student. After the lesson, they reluctantly started chatting with him.

Chat with Group Admin:

Admin: [Sweetie, what’s your favorite thing about our Brother Xin?]

After a long silence, Sheng Yueqing finally replied:

Sheng Yueqing: [His agent.]

Admin: [???]

*

After lurking in the group for some time, Sheng Yueqing became well-acquainted with Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin’s schedules and finally discerned a pattern of when Gu Xingshi would appear. With his efforts, he managed to get himself into one of their events.

On that day, he meticulously dressed up and arrived at the event venue with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As soon as he entered, his gaze landed on Gu Xingshi, and he became instantly excited.

He wanted to approach but felt hesitant.

It was Cheng Xin who noticed him first, waving at him from a distance.

Gu Xingshi’s gaze followed, and Sheng Yueqing quickly raised his hand to wave back.

Curious, Gu Xingshi asked Cheng Xin, “How did you two become so familiar?”

Cheng Xin replied, “Didn’t we participate in a show together last time? I found that we get along quite well!”

Gu Xingshi was even more surprised. “If he can get along with you, then he must be really kind!”

Cheng Xin: “?”

I feel like you’re mocking me, and I have evidence.

Initially thinking Cheng Xin was joking, Gu Xingshi then heard the system say: [Sheng Yueqing actually joined Cheng Xin’s fan group and is even part of the data team!]

Gu Xingshi: [???]

Wait, isn’t this a bit too much?

Does he like him that much?

By this time, Sheng Yueqing had composed himself and walked up to Gu Xingshi. “Hello, President Gu, I’m Sheng Yueqing. Do you remember me?”

Saying this took all the courage he had accumulated, and after speaking, he didn’t dare to look directly at Gu Xingshi.

Noticing that although Sheng Yueqing was facing him, his gaze seemed to drift, frequently glancing toward Cheng Xin, Gu Xingshi looked over and saw Cheng Xin pulling Meng Yuansheng aside to tell his corny jokes. He immediately elbowed him: “We have fans here; pay attention to your image!”

Cheng Xin was puzzled. Fans? Where?

Sheng Yueqing hadn’t expected that even such minor details wouldn’t escape Gu Xingshi’s attention. He truly always kept his artists in mind, making Sheng Yueqing even more envious.

Cheng Xin also noticed Sheng Yueqing approaching and casually draped an arm over his shoulder. “Xiao Qing, you’ve been doing well lately! Working really hard. I see that public opinion has improved a lot, and there are fewer people scolding you!”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

He clenched his fists.

Cheng Xin, you idiot!

Who greets someone by poking at their sore spots!!

The netizens are right; with that mouth of yours, someone’s going to shut you up sooner or later.

He shot Cheng Xin an angry glare, then stepped forward to shield him. Apologetically, he said to Sheng Yueqing, “Don’t mind his foul mouth. He just doesn’t know how to talk. I’ll teach him a lesson when we get back.”

Sheng Yueqing hurriedly waved his hands. “No… no, don’t scold him.”

He was actually worried about how to start a conversation with Gu Xingshi and talk about his recent progress. Cheng Xin had helped open that door for him; he was grateful.

Gu Xingshi: “…”

Not getting angry even after that—definitely a true fan.

Feeling even more kindly toward him, Gu Xingshi’s attitude softened.

Encouraged by this, Sheng Yueqing mustered the courage to say, “President Gu, actually, I’ve been working hard recently because I was inspired by someone…”

Gu Xingshi immediately responded, “I understand!”

Sheng Yueqing was stunned. “You… you know?”

Because I have a gossip-loving system, Gu Xingshi thought.

But outwardly, he replied thoughtfully, “Let’s just say it’s a hunch.”

Sheng Yueqing hadn’t expected his admiration for President Gu to be known. He felt both shy and excited. “There’s something I’d like to say; I wonder if that’s okay?”

Accustomed to his three artists being terrible in interviews, Gu Xingshi was pleasantly surprised to meet such a polite and considerate young man who even sought his agent’s permission before expressing his admiration.

His heart softened, and he nodded. “Go ahead.”

Opening his mouth, Sheng Yueqing found no words coming out.

After all, saying such things directly to the person himself was nerve-wracking.

He mentally psyched himself up, then closed his eyes and quickly blurted out, “I wanted to say thank you for standing up to protect me, thank you for speaking up for me on Weibo, thank you…”

Gu Xingshi hadn’t expected him to be so nervous, closing his eyes and just starting to speak, not realizing he was facing the person himself.

The kid is just too shy.

Worried that interrupting might cause his newfound courage to vanish, Gu Xingshi decided to pull Cheng Xin over. However, halfway through, he suddenly paused.

Someone who can speak well and has a gentle temperament?

“Isn’t your fan filter for Cheng Xin a bit too strong?”

He grabbed Cheng Xin’s hand but then let go.

“This kid already lacks self-awareness. If he gets praised like this by Sheng Yueqing, won’t he become even more arrogant?”

After Sheng Yueqing finished speaking, he cautiously opened his eyes.

He saw Gu Xingshi looking at him with a helpless yet gratified expression. “You don’t have to be so nervous. We’re all one family here; just say whatever you want.”

Sheng Yueqing was stunned.

“One family!”

Was it the meaning he thought it was?

A surge of intense joy almost overwhelmed his mind.

A flush of excitement spread from his ears to his cheeks.

He clenched his fists and said firmly, “President Gu, I understand. I will work hard and strive to terminate my contract as soon as possible!”

Gu Xingshi felt pleased when he heard the first part, but suddenly thought, “???”

Wait a minute, terminate the contract?

What is the termination???

Terminate the contract???

But after Sheng Yueqing finished speaking, he had already run off, full of fighting spirit.

Only Gu Xingshi was left, puzzled. Finally, he simply turned around and gave Cheng Xin a scolding. “It must be you talking nonsense again, leading people astray!”

Cheng Xin: “…??”

*

Since being encouraged by Gu Xingshi, Sheng Yueqing changed his previous lethargic and indifferent attitude. He began to work hard, actively engaging in his career. Watching the money in his little savings account grow, he was getting closer and closer to terminating his contract.

During this period, his public image was slowly improving, and public opinion was gradually turning in his favor.

His agent could hardly believe it.

In fact, in the past few years, he hadn’t paid much attention to Sheng Yueqing.

His reputation was bad, and his fans weren’t very loyal. If it weren’t for the negative publicity bringing in traffic, the company would have abandoned him long ago.

It seemed that Sheng Yueqing himself didn’t care much, as if he had really become a clock-punching corporate drone, just waiting to retire after his contract ended.

Therefore, the agent hadn’t expected that one day he would make such an effort.

He even gradually turned his reputation around.

The agent couldn’t help but start scheming.

Not long ago, because of the incident with Xiang Zhelin, the whole group was implicated, causing a huge uproar. Although they hadn’t been banned, due to audience boycotts, the group’s work was indefinitely suspended, and all members were sitting at home doing nothing.

Although the group’s popularity had declined in the past two years, they were still one of the more popular groups under his management. Suddenly having such an incident, the company suffered heavy losses.

As the agent, he also suffered a lot.

Trying to revive this group might be difficult, so the agent thought about not wasting these resources and promoting others instead.

If Sheng Yueqing could really turn his reputation around and, relying on his looks, perhaps he could become popular.

However, there was less than two years left on his contract with Sheng Yueqing, which was a problem. He didn’t want to put in the effort to make him popular, only to have someone else reap the benefits.

Thinking of this, he drafted a new contract and personally went to find Sheng Yueqing in his room.

Sheng Yueqing was recording today’s achievements in his diary. Seeing that his progress bar for terminating the contract had moved forward significantly, he couldn’t help but bounce twice. Then he heard someone knocking on the door.

He frowned slightly.

Because he didn’t like interacting with people, his room was the most remote one. Plus, due to his personality, generally no one would come to find him.

His first reaction was to pretend not to be at home, but then the agent’s voice came from outside: “Sheng Yueqing, I know you’re in there. Open the door.”

Sheng Yueqing frowned even more.

Usually, the agent let him do as he pleased. If there was anything, he would just notify him via WeChat. Why was he suddenly visiting today?

He had a vague feeling that it wasn’t anything good. Subconsciously, he put away his diary, then went to open the door, but didn’t let the agent in. He just stood at the doorway and asked, “What’s the matter?”

The agent was so annoyed by his attitude that his teeth itched, but thinking about the benefits he could bring, he suppressed his anger and put on an exaggerated smile. “Of course it’s good news. Let’s go inside and talk.”

Sheng Yueqing hesitated a bit, but the agent had already sidestepped and entered his room, unceremoniously sitting on the sofa. “Yueqing, you’ve been with the company for almost three years now.”

Sheng Yueqing: “Mm.”

The agent said emotionally, “I remember when, among all the trainees, I spotted you at first glance…”

Sheng Yueqing: “Oh.”

Facing such a blank, indifferent face, the agent couldn’t continue his act and simply got straight to the point.

Sheng Yueqing’s eyes widened. “Renew the contract?”

Although he wasn’t good at socializing, he wasn’t stupid.

Given how the company had treated him these years, with such treatment, they had the nerve to mention renewing the contract?

The agent: “…”

“I know the company hasn’t treated you very well these years, but it’s not our fault,” he said righteously. “The company wanted to promote you, but you have to be promotable. Since your debut, you’ve had a sullen face, can’t speak well, and don’t get along with your teammates. If it were another company, they would have shelved you long ago. I worked so hard to get you job opportunities…”

If it were when he just debuted, Sheng Yueqing might have been foolishly deceived by him.

But after more than three years of struggling in the entertainment industry, he had long seen what kind of person the agent was.

It’s just that he wasn’t good with words and couldn’t outargue the other.

The agent talked for a long time. Seeing that he wasn’t responding, he thought his words were working. Satisfied, he took out the contract. “Take a look at the contract. If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, I’ll help you negotiate…”

Unexpectedly, Sheng Yueqing didn’t even look at it. “I won’t sign.”

Agent: “What did you say?!”

Sheng Yueqing raised his voice a bit. “I said, I won’t sign it.”

Agent: “Are you crazy?”

Sheng Yueqing ignored him and just opened the door. “If there’s nothing else, please leave. I want to rest.”

The agent left in a huff.

But the more he thought about it, the more something seemed off.

He had managed Sheng Yueqing for three years. Although he hadn’t paid much attention to him, he still knew his personality.

If he was still like before, just planning to muddle through the next two years and then retire, he wouldn’t suddenly work so hard.

Something must have happened!

He suddenly remembered that some time ago, Sheng Yueqing had asked him about the penalty for terminating the contract.

Could it be that some company wanted to sign him and had convinced him, perhaps even offering to pay his penalty fee, so he chose not to renew?

The more the agent thought about it, the more he felt it was the case.

This won’t do!

After all, he knew very well what they had done over the years.

Those times they used him to step on others or to shield scandals—it’s just that Sheng Yueqing wouldn’t explain, and his early public image was poor, so they could succeed.

But if a company was willing to pay such a high penalty to sign him, they would definitely want a return on investment, and they wouldn’t let such big scandals hang over him.

If Sheng Yueqing cleared his name, then his artists would suffer backlash. They might end up like Xiang Zhelin’s group, being boycotted and disappearing in no time.

This can’t happen!!

Thinking of this scenario, the agent’s face turned ugly.

Sheng Yueqing.

Since you won’t renew the contract when asked nicely, don’t blame me for being ruthless.

*

The next day, the agency that managed Sheng Yueqing suddenly issued a statement.

In the statement, they said that one of their artists, Sheng, during his time in the group, was lazy at work, didn’t train properly, often had conflicts with his teammates, and two years ago played with the feelings of a trainee, causing the person to suffer from severe depression and eventually had to leave the group to recuperate.

Because the incident was too egregious, after investigating the truth, the company was unwilling to continue working with such a person, and to uphold social ethics and morals, decided to expose the matter.

As soon as this statement was released, it caused a public outcry.

Not long after, a former trainee from their company who hadn’t posted on Weibo for two years suddenly posted a long message.

Although the Weibo post didn’t mention any names, every sentence echoed the company’s statement.

[Wow! This is explosive!!]

[I remember this trainee! He looked quite delicate, was supposed to participate in a talent show but suddenly withdrew due to illness. At that time, I felt it was a pity. I didn’t expect the truth to be like this…]

[Which ‘certain artist’? Isn’t it talking about Sheng Yueqing! I originally thought fighting with teammates was bad enough; I didn’t expect he could stoop even lower!]

[@ShengYueqing, you’ve ruined someone’s life, and you have the nerve to act like nothing happened.]

[Is it really Sheng Yueqing? I feel like he doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Didn’t it prove last time that he was framed?]

[The company itself has come out to hammer him; could it be fake?]

[I used to think Xiang Zhelin was too harsh when he scolded him. Now that I think about it, scumbags like him deserve to be scolded!]

[Although Xiang Zhelin’s words were harsh at the time, maybe he was standing up for the trainee but was used by Sheng Yueqing. Thinking about it, it’s really chilling!]

[Wow! Chilling +1]

[Trash Sheng Yueqing, why don’t you just go die!!]

*

Originally, Sheng Yueqing was attending an event. After it ended, as he was getting into the car, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, “Go die!” Then a bottle of mineral water was thrown at him.

Water splashed all over him.

Shocked and unsettled, he returned to the car and opened his phone to find out what had happened.

He didn’t even know how he got back to his dorm room, wrapping himself tightly in his blanket.

But the abuse continued to permeate everywhere.

His hands and feet were cold as he clutched his phone, as if holding onto the last straw.

In fact, he had been very happy today.

Because by the end of this month, he would have saved enough for the penalty fee and could terminate his contract with the company.

He had planned that by then, he would go find President Gu. If he couldn’t become an artist, becoming a trainee would be fine.

Anyway, without a contract and with some savings to live on, he could get by.

But now, all his hopes were shattered.

He knew what the company said was false. He had hardly ever met that trainee. But just like the comments said, the company itself came out and said it; could it be fake?

Who would believe that his own company would frame him?

Thinking of this, Sheng Yueqing felt a chill in his heart.

He felt as if he had been dragged into despair.

With such a big stain, it was impossible to clear his name.

Whoever signed him would be scolded.

He didn’t want to harm Gu Xingshi.

Forget it.

Maybe he just wasn’t destined for this.

His hand loosened, and the phone fell.

But he was really unwilling.

Just a little bit more, and he could have touched the light.

But at the moment closest to the light, he was knocked into the abyss.

Sheng Yueqing lay there motionless, like a lifeless doll.

At this moment, the quiet room suddenly rang with a unique ringtone.

His body trembled slightly.

Of course, he knew whose ringtone this was.

After saving Gu Xingshi’s number, he had set his favorite song as the ringtone.

Before, he had hoped countless times that this ringtone would ring.

But at this moment, he was afraid of it ringing.

The ringtone rang once, but he didn’t answer.

But when it went silent, he regretted it. He quickly picked up the phone, trembling as he wanted to dial back, but didn’t dare.

Then, the ringtone rang again.

His finger moved faster than his brain and answered the call.

From the other end came Gu Xingshi’s gentle voice. Sheng Yueqing’s nose tingled, and tears instantly fell.

He wanted to say sorry to Gu Xingshi, wanted to explain that he wasn’t that kind of person, but he was choked with sobs and couldn’t speak.

He thought Gu Xingshi would blame him, and would be disappointed in him.

But then he heard Gu Xingshi say, word by word, “Sheng Yueqing, are you willing to sign with me?”