After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH52

Chapter 52

Being forced into terminating the contract, President Huang of Far Ocean Entertainment felt deeply unsettled.

The agent cautiously said, “President Huang, actually, having Sheng Yueqing signed away isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, he doesn’t hold much value now…”

“Shut up!” President Huang snapped angrily. “I haven’t even settled scores with you over earlier matters! You can’t even handle your basic duties! An artist under your management gets poached by another company, and you’re clueless about it. The company might as well raise a pig instead of you!”

The agent was scolded so harshly that he didn’t dare to retort.

After President Huang finished venting, the agent said, “Actually, President Huang, this matter isn’t that serious. With all the black marks on Sheng Yueqing, it’s not easy to clear his name. With his current reputation, it’s nearly impossible to monetize him. So what if President Gu signed him? He just took in a worthless person… He can’t really be doing charity, can he?”

President Huang frowned. “What if he really is doing charity?”

The agent replied, “Isn’t that even better? As long as Sheng Yueqing remains active on screen, people will remember how he suppressed his teammates. We don’t have to do anything; he’ll continuously feed us benefits. Isn’t that a good thing?”

President Huang pondered this but then hesitated. “But Gu Xingshi definitely wouldn’t want to see that happen. That mysterious #10086 behind him is quite formidable, and I’ve also heard that he has an unusual relationship with someone from the Wen family…”

The agent immediately leaned in and whispered a few words into his ear, causing President Huang’s eyes to light up. “That’s a great idea!”

With his approval, the agent promptly hired internet trolls to spread rumors online about an illicit relationship between Sheng Yueqing and Gu Xingshi.

In his view, even if Gu Xingshi wanted to clear up the negative publicity surrounding Sheng Yueqing, it wouldn’t be something achieved overnight. By then, these rumors would have fermented.

So what if #10086 came out to clarify?

It’s inherently difficult to prove that one hasn’t done something, and everyone knows that #10086 is closely associated with Gu Xingshi; their stance is naturally biased.

Once the rumors spread, it would be impossible for Gu Xingshi to defend himself.

By then, they could continue to latch onto Sheng Yueqing. The more popular he becomes, the more benefits they would extract.

However, before he could relish this thought, he discovered that Gu Xingshi had actually invited Adam to shoot a photoshoot for Sheng Yueqing.

Even though he had managed Sheng Yueqing for several years and thought he was immune to his looks, the agent was still amazed by the photos.

But then he saw the comments below.

[His beauty has me completely captivated!]

[As a die-hard face fan, I’m lying flat at the bottom of this pit. If anyone tells my treasure to get out of the entertainment industry again, I’ll bite them to death!]

[I feel like that announcement might be questionable. Not to judge by appearance, but the difference in looks between them is quite significant, right? With just a beckon, plenty of people would come to him. Does he really need to deceive and play with a trainee?]

The agent never expected that just a set of photos could reverse public opinion.

Realizing this might disrupt their plan, his expression turned sinister. He immediately increased the deployment of internet trolls, even spreading rumors within the industry.

However, it wasn’t long before he saw a familiar and dreaded name appear on the trending topics—#10086.

He clicked on the Weibo post, and his vision darkened.

[Far Ocean Entertainment: A Company Skilled in Raising Evil Spirits.]

[Want to get rich overnight? Want instant fame? Learn from Far Ocean Entertainment’s CEO on how to raise evil spirits!

[For just 998 yuan, take home a harmful spirit!!]

[Raise one, and with a single glance, your rival artist’s career collapses, and they end up in jail!!]

[Raise two, and with a mere touch, your competitor’s company goes bankrupt and shuts down!!]

[Raise three…

[Far Ocean Entertainment: The true poison of the entertainment industry!!!]

The comments exploded instantly.

[Whoa!! Is this for real?! Is there really such a malicious company?!]

[I just remembered, wasn’t that huge scandal involving a top star’s downfall after collaborating with an artist from Far Ocean Entertainment?]

[Ahhh, my fave had a bit of a similar style to one of Far Ocean’s artists. After attending an event together, things started going downhill—first, their role got snatched, then they got injured on set. At the time, fans even joked about whether they had offended something and suggested visiting a temple. I didn’t expect it to be true!]

[Answering anonymously: My previous company competed with Far Ocean for a project. Not long after we won, we went bankrupt. Our company was doing quite well, and then suddenly collapsed. One moment, my colleagues and I were discussing what prizes we wanted at the annual party; the next, we were notified to take severance and leave. We were all stunned…]

[Wow! That description matches XX perfectly. To the commenter above, let’s confirm with a code word: ‘White House.’ After this happened, everyone in our industry was shocked. It was so sudden and without reason—it just collapsed.]

[I think I know which company you’re talking about. Such a pity…]

[I’ve been sensitive to these things since I was young. Previously, our company was supposed to collaborate with Far Ocean. When we went for a meeting—no exaggeration—I felt extremely uncomfortable as soon as I entered. I couldn’t even finish the meeting and had to take leave to go to the hospital. Fortunately, due to some issues, the collaboration didn’t happen; otherwise, our company might have been in danger…]

[This is giving me goosebumps. My back feels cold. Aren’t the people at this company afraid of retribution?]

[Oh no, I passed by this company on my way to work two days ago!! Please, where should I go to cleanse myself?]

*

Many companies that had cooperated or competed with Far Ocean Entertainment broke out in a cold sweat.

President Li: “I was wondering why our company has been so unlucky lately! Turns out it’s that old bastard’s doing!!”

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he immediately ordered, “Cancel all collaborations with Far Ocean and never work with them again!”

President Zhang: “A fortune-teller said I was plagued by petty people; turns out it was him! No wonder I’ve been fooling around for so many years without issues, but as soon as I collaborated with him, my wife found out…”

“Quick, throw away all the stuff that disaster star gave us before. Isn’t there another company bidding for that project? Let’s choose them. Even if their terms are a bit worse, safety comes first!”

President X: “Our company got reported last time; it must have been because of him! We need to retaliate!”

President Y: “Ever since he came to our company last time, our cleaning lady who worked here for twenty years resigned!!!”

When President Huang saw the online comments, he was both furious and panicked.

He panicked because he had indeed been involved in occult practices, but it was a secret known only to a couple of close confidants.

How did this #10086 find out?

He was furious because the situation was escalating, and many unrelated incidents were being pinned on him.

“What?! President Li canceled all collaborations! Go explain to him… What! We’ve been blocked?!”

“Damn it! That Zhang got caught cheating, and what does that have to do with me!!”

“Are these people crazy?! They’re dumping all sorts of crap on me!”

“What? We’ve been reported?? Reported by whom?!”

In just a short hour, President Huang felt like he’d experienced a catastrophic fall.

Previously negotiated collaborations were being canceled one after another. Competitor companies kicked them while they were down, saying, “We never engage in such immoral practices as raising evil spirits,” and snatched their clients. They were also being reported from head to toe.

The entire company was in chaos.

President Huang was overwhelmed, finally understanding what it truly meant to be indefensible.

He suddenly felt a tinge of regret.

He finally grasped how terrifying Gu Xingshi truly was. He should never have crossed him in the first place!

Just then, a comment appeared below the post:

[Do you think this company drains its own people too? I remember before Sheng Yueqing’s debut, he was the most anticipated rookie in the industry. But as soon as he debuted, scandal after scandal followed. It’s like his luck was sucked dry…]

Before long, this comment rose to the top, with a reply from #10086 underneath:

[Sheng Yueqing: the unluckiest sacrificial lamb in history.]

Netizens were instantly abuzz, and soon amateur sleuths were piecing together the clues.

[Insider here. He was clearly isolated by his teammates, but the news twisted it to make him look like the bully. He was the one attacked, but somehow the story spun it so he was the aggressor…]

[I dug up some early footage from before his debut. He used to be so vibrant, such a lively kid. But as the years went by, the light in his eyes just disappeared… sigh.]

[I’m a sucker for Sheng Yueqing’s looks, but every time I feel like becoming his fan, something terrible happens. Now that I think about it, the whole thing’s just creepy.]

[I went over his entire list of scandals, and, my word—almost every leak came from his own company! But other artists seem to think highly of him. Suspicious, huh?]

[I was always wondering why Far Ocean Entertainment kept airing their own artist’s dirty laundry. Turns out they’re just habitual bloodsuckers. No wonder Sheng Yueqing wanted out!]

[Poor baby, my beautiful angel… he’s been through so much. Heartbreaking.]

*

Far Ocean Entertainment was completely stunned.

This was the most hardcore way to clear a name they’d ever seen.

So Sheng Yueqing had too many scandals to prove his innocence? Fine, then don’t even try to prove it.

Instead, expose the shady company that smeared him. Let them be the ones who have to prove their innocence.

Until Far Ocean Entertainment clears its name, any scandal involving Sheng Yueqing will be automatically assumed to be part of their exploitation.

This move was an absolute masterstroke.

Watching the online comments unfold, Sheng Yueqing was completely floored.

He had believed that Gu Xingshi could help him clear his name, but he never imagined it would happen so fast!

It had been less than twelve hours since he signed the contract, right?

From the moment Gu Xingshi called him, he’d felt like he was in a dream.

Having been in the industry himself, Sheng Yueqing knew just how difficult it was to accomplish even one of these things.

And yet, Gu Xingshi not only accomplished it, but he did it with such ease.

Who knew what it had taken for him to make this happen?

A mixture of admiration and heartache swelled within him, and by the time he arrived at the company the next day, these feelings had reached their peak.

Standing in the small, run-down office with its dated decor, he felt a shock he couldn’t quite put into words.

He thought of how Gu had hired him a top-notch lawyer, rented a costly photography studio, and even brought in Adam for the shoot—money that could have been spent on the company itself or Gu Xingshi’s personal comfort, yet he’d chosen to help Sheng instead, even at his own expense.

Gu Xingshi, misinterpreting Sheng Yueqing’s expression, cleared his throat and tried to explain, “Actually, our company isn’t poor, you know.”

He gestured to some of the valuable equipment in the room, grateful he hadn’t sold them off back when he didn’t know their worth. With a touch of pride, he added, “See this sound mixer? Top-notch, easily worth a million, and these speakers here—market’s discontinued them. Their value…”

But the more he talked, the more Sheng Yueqing’s heart ached.

Even a trashy company like Far Ocean Entertainment took up a whole floor! Their clueless CEOs lived in mansions, drove luxury cars, and threw money around without a second thought.

But here was President Gu, dedicating himself entirely to their growth, investing every penny into their development, while he himself lived in such a small, cramped room.

It was utterly unfair!

Originally, Gu Xingshi and Sheng Yueqing had agreed to a career focus on the fashion industry, with occasional acting roles in TV dramas to build up his skills gradually.

But Sheng Yueqing had changed his mind.

Sure, that path was comfortable for him, but how much less money would that mean for President Gu?

A boss as good as Gu Xingshi was so rare in the entertainment industry!

How lucky he was to join LeShi Entertainment!

Was he really going to coast along, taking it easy under Gu Xingshi’s protection?

Was he going to just stand by, allowing Gu Xingshi to someday be the only CEO forced to stand quietly in the corner at industry events?

The thought pained him, making it hard to breathe.

No way!

As President Gu’s biggest fan, he would never allow that to happen!

Whatever other CEOs had, Gu Xingshi should have too!

Whatever other CEOs didn’t have, Gu Xingshi would get that too!!

Sheng Yueqing’s heart burned with a fierce determination. “President Gu!”

Gu Xingshi was startled by the intense fire in his eyes. “Wh-what’s up?”

Sheng Yueqing said, “I think my schedule’s too light. I can take on more work—acting classes, singing and dance lessons… You know what they say: the more skills, the better! You never know when it’ll come in handy…”

Gu Xingshi: “???”

Wait a minute. Why are you suddenly sounding just like your senior artists? What happened?

Take it easy!!

Your boss here isn’t trying to conquer the entertainment world!

I just want to make a little money, retire early, and enjoy a quiet life!

But Sheng Yueqing had already mapped out his own path, throwing himself into action.

Gu Xingshi couldn’t help but cover his face: Is everyone here going to end up with drive and ambition, leaving only me as the lazy one?

*

In the days that followed, Sheng Yueqing threw himself into a rigorous work schedule, worrying Gu Xingshi so much that his daily task had become forcing Sheng Yueqing to rest.

Yet every time he suggested a break, Sheng Yueqing would look at him with an expression he couldn’t decipher.

Gu Xingshi asked the system anxiously, [System, has something happened with little Qing recently?]

System: [Nope.]

Gu Xingshi: [Don’t you think his eyes have been a little strange when he looks at me?]

System: [Seems normal to me. Just classic behavior from a mom-fan.]

Gu Xingshi: [A what fan?!!]

Then one day, Gu Xingshi returned to the company, only to find the entire office newly decorated. For a moment, he thought he’d walked into the wrong building.

When he asked around, he found out it was Sheng Yueqing’s doing.

Gu Xingshi suddenly understood.

So, the office was so shabby that even their own artist couldn’t stand it anymore.

Originally, Gu Xingshi had planned to tough it out for a year, then sell the company and return to a life of financial freedom. He hadn’t put much effort into the furniture and décor, using whatever was available—like a chair with a broken leg that he’d patched up to keep using.

But now, more than a year had passed, and his goal had changed.

Since he’d signed these few artists, he felt it was his duty to take responsibility for them.

Now that they had all gained some recognition in the entertainment industry, the company’s rundown environment was no longer fitting for them.

Gu Xingshi took a look at the company’s finances.

Surprisingly, though they didn’t have many artists, each was a gem, generating significant revenue. With the company’s minimal expenses, the account balance was actually quite healthy.

At the very least, they could easily afford to rent an office floor.

With this in mind, Gu Xingshi reached out to a real estate agent. After he shared his requirements, the agent immediately sent over several options for office spaces.

From the descriptions alone, they all seemed promising, so Gu Xingshi decided to check them out in person.

However, as soon as he stepped into the first building, the system spoke up: [Host, this place won’t do. Do you remember the company you humiliated before? They’re in this very building—just one floor above the one you’re looking at! And the boss there practices Sanda martial arts!]

Gu Xingshi’s step hesitated, and he casually told the agent, “Let’s check another one.”

The agent smiled but couldn’t help asking, “Mr. Gu, is there something in particular that didn’t meet your expectations?”

Gu Xingshi replied, “…It just feels dangerous.”

Agent: “???”

At the second building, Gu Xingshi took a thorough look around and found it quite suitable.

This location had previously been rented by a film production company, so everything was new, which would save on renovation costs.

Just as he was about to inquire about the price, the system interrupted again: [Big news, big news! Do you know why the previous tenant left?]

Gu Xingshi: [Why?]

System: [They were the producers of that recently canceled S-rated project. The project got canned because the actor playing the second male lead had, well, ‘networked’ his way up—from the producer to the writer, and even the lighting tech! His role was bloated to co-lead status, and he was planning to sleep with the PR rep to outshine the first male lead in the press. But when the truth came out, the producer, writer, and director all started brawling, which tanked the whole project.]

Gu Xingshi: “…”

Swallowing his question about the price, he quietly said, “Let’s look at another one.”

The agent’s smile was barely holding. “Mr. Gu, what’s the issue this time?”

Gu Xingshi: “…It just doesn’t feel lucky.”

Agent: “???”

After a whole morning of office tours, he hadn’t settled on a single one.

Gu Xingshi was resigned; it seemed that every option had some kind of scandal attached, making it impossible to feel good about any of them.

While he was stewing in frustration, his phone rang—it was Sun Hongfei.

Ever since taking on the assignment from Wen Yue, Sun had poured his heart into his new project. Finally making progress, he then heard rumors implying something between Gu Xingshi and his newly signed artist.

Immediately recognizing the handiwork of hired trolls, Sun scoured his contacts and soon discovered the rumors traced back to Far Ocean Entertainment.

Far Ocean Entertainment—vicious as always!

Did they think this “love bodyguard” couldn’t still wield his knife?

Without hesitation, he gave them a covert shove, adding to Far Ocean Entertainment’s already precarious situation.

But, though getting even was satisfying, his main concern remained with Gu Xingshi and Wen Yue.

Both of them were busy people, with few chances to meet as it was; if troublemakers were now trying to stir the pot, wasn’t that a bit too dangerous?

So, having a project wasn’t enough—he needed a plan too.

That was when Sun Hongfei overheard Gu Xingshi grumbling about wanting to move the company but not finding a suitable office space.

A lightbulb went off for Sun.

The newly completed Phase 2 of the Tiancheng Tower next door had just opened, with several floors available for lease, although the news hadn’t been publicly announced yet.

Sun only knew about it due to his good connections within the company.

Obviously, President Gu had to have heard about it from President Wen himself.

Mentioning this now was a clear signal!

So, Sun eagerly invited Gu Xingshi over and showed him around the best floor, personally guiding him through the space.

The moment Gu Xingshi stepped inside, his eyes lit up.

This was easily the best office he’d seen all day. The décor, location—it was perfect. Though he figured it wouldn’t come cheap, Little President Gu now had the funds to splurge a bit.

Thinking of this, he quickly turned to the system: [System, there’s no dirt on this building, right?]

System: […Yes.]

Though the system’s slight pause seemed suspicious, Gu Xingshi figured it wouldn’t steer him wrong and tossed his doubts aside, eagerly asking about the rent.

The leasing manager was about to speak when Sun tugged on his sleeve.

Earlier, Sun had pulled the manager aside, insisting he offer Gu Xingshi the most favorable rate.

The leasing manager had heard some rumors and was curious but skeptical.

However, given Sun’s meteoric rise over the past year, especially with his growing standing with President Wen, the manager felt compelled to make a gesture of goodwill.

In the end, he decided to extend a generous discount, just as Sun had suggested.

Gu Xingshi was stunned.

The price was far lower than he’d expected.

Seeing Gu’s surprise, Sun realized he might have been a bit too obvious and quickly covered, “It’s just that President Wen has always taught us to treat talent with respect and courtesy. Money is a small matter.”

With one line, Sun managed to sidestep his own involvement while subtly flattering President Gu.

He couldn’t help but feel proud of his quick thinking.

Gu Xingshi nodded, “…President Wen is truly someone who thinks big.”

After signing the lease, Sun saw Gu Xingshi out. But just as they were leaving, they ran into Wen Yue, who was leading a group of people inside.

Wen didn’t expect to see Gu Xingshi here, and his steps faltered briefly.

But the people behind him had already spotted Gu Xingshi.

“President Gu, what a coincidence!”

“Are you here for a tour as well?”

The group consisted of notable production companies and studios, not as resource-rich as the larger corporations, but renowned in their respective niches. Together, they covered nearly every facet of television and film production.

Wen Yue was well aware that, despite his wealth, he was relatively new to the entertainment industry and lacked the foundational background of his peers.

So, he’d decided to take an alternative approach—bringing these industry veterans together and transforming the area into Beijing’s central hub for film and television production.

However, each of them had their own concerns, and negotiations had reached a standstill.

Gu Xingshi, unaware of the awkward deadlock, answered without hesitation, “I’ve already toured the place and signed the lease.”

Everyone: “!!!”

Wen Yue couldn’t help but glance at Gu Xingshi.

One person finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “President Gu, why did you choose to rent here?”

Gu Xingshi paused briefly. “It’s safe… and lucky.”

Everyone: “!!!”

At that, the whole group was stunned. They all knew that the mysterious #10086 who backed Gu Xingshi was rumored to be a high-ranking figure in the government.

Hearing Gu say that made it sound like an official endorsement!

Immediately, one person stepped forward, “President Wen, maybe we should have another talk about moving our studio here…”

Soon after, the others, as if suddenly inspired, began clamoring to sign their own leases.

The leasing manager looked on, dumbfounded.

Only Sun Hongfei watched with a satisfied expression, as if everything had gone precisely according to plan. He knew there had to be a reason behind President Gu’s choice to lease here today. Ah, his loyalty to President Wen ran deep indeed!