After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH85

Chapter 85

Since receiving Gu Xingshi’s call, Shen Hanyuan hadn’t slept a wink. The next morning, he still felt as though it might have all been a dream—until he saw Ji Sida’s dark circles nearly reaching his chin, barely concealing his excitement.

“Hehehe… LeShi! President Gu!” Ji couldn’t stop himself from giggling.

Shen Hanyuan: “…”

Alright, so it wasn’t just him imagining things.

Despite their excitement, Shen still had work to do, though both of them seemed somewhat distracted.

Today, Shen was scheduled for an outdoor variety show shoot.

As soon as he looked out the car window, he spotted a group of fans holding up photos of him and Guo Zhang together, many of which were edited to look like intimate shots.

Normally, he would feel an overwhelming sense of disgust upon seeing these.

But, perhaps due to the words Gu Xingshi had shared the day before, Shen found his mood surprisingly unaffected.

That is, until he arrived at the filming site and spotted someone who absolutely shouldn’t have been there. His face darkened.

Ji Sida’s eyes widened. “Guo Zhang?! Wasn’t he supposed to be off today?”

Shen frowned, instinctively preparing to leave.

However, Guo Zhang spotted him and walked over with a bright smile. “Xiao Yuan, long time no see!”

In reality, during their previous shoot together, the two hadn’t been close; they’d merely been colleagues.

After shooting wrapped, Shen had gone back to his hotel, while Guo Zhang hung out with the crew, drinking and socializing. They had hardly interacted outside of their scenes.

But after the drama aired, the CP inexplicably gained massive popularity, and Guo Zhang’s attitude completely changed.

He started approaching Shen, constantly finding reasons to be near him.

Sometimes, he would even initiate intimate gestures in front of fans.

As a straight man, Shen found this unbearable and rejected Guo Zhang outright.

He had thought he’d made himself very clear.

Yet, while Guo Zhang would agree to his face, he continued posting ambiguous messages on social media and wearing the same accessories as Shen in photos.

Because of these subtle moves, CP fans only grew more fervent.

And after Shen refused to fuel the CP rumors, Guo Zhang took to Weibo, posting vague, sorrowful messages that he’d promptly delete, sending CP fans into a frenzy. They flooded Shen’s posts with thousands of angry comments and immediately bought out the products Guo Zhang endorsed in a show of support.

Seeing how well this tactic worked, Guo Zhang clung even closer to Shen.

The colder Shen’s attitude, the more Guo Zhang leaned in, like a relentless leech.

Shen was exasperated, and his good mood from earlier had completely vanished.

This whole scene, meanwhile, was broadcasted on the live stream, sending the CP fans watching into a frenzy.

[Ahhh, Zhang Zhang loves him so much!!!]

[Guo posted this morning that he was really happy—must be because he’s seeing Xiao Yuan! He even wore their matching bracelet from the drama!]

[I know they have to keep a low profile in public, but love can’t be hidden! I’m fainting from the cuteness!]

[Shen, just give him a little response. Poor Zhang looks heartbroken…]

[My heart aches for Zhang Zhang—he’s so happy to see his love, but knows he has to keep his distance. Being pushed away must be so hard.]

[The one who loves more is always the one who gets hurt…]

Ji Sida, watching Guo Zhang’s antics, could barely hide his contempt.

Usually, his instinct would be to step in and separate the two of them.

But he knew from experience that doing so would only backfire, fueling CP fans’ fantasies and solidifying their belief that “the couple” was being torn apart by meddling hands.

Then, Ji recalled Gu Xingshi’s advice from the previous night.

Suddenly, he had an idea.

He walked over to where Guo Zhang and Shen were standing.

Seeing Ji approach, Guo Zhang wasn’t the least bit concerned. Ji Sida usually just asked him to leave, at which point he would flash a sorrowful look, giving CP fans ample material to imagine he was being “forced” away, making them pity him even more.

But to Guo Zhang’s surprise, Ji didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he leaned in close to Shen, whispering something in his ear.

Shen’s eyes widened in surprise.

Ji added a few more words, and Shen seemed to make up his mind, nodding firmly.

Then, Shen stood up and walked purposefully toward the other guests.

Guo Zhang looked on in shock. Shen had always been cautious in situations like these, afraid of accidentally starting a new CP rumor, and would rarely interact with others beyond what was necessary for filming tasks.

Today, Shen Hanyuan seemed like a different person altogether. One moment he was bringing water to one guest, the next he was handing tools to another, and he even offered a hand to a guest completing a task. After the tasks, he exchanged friendly smiles with his teammates.

Though everything he did was perfectly normal, on camera it created an atmosphere of soft, pink “romance bubbles” across the entire recording set.

Gradually, the live comments began to change.

[Is it just me, or do Shen Hanyuan and Brother Ye have amazing chemistry? This is their first collaboration, but they seem so in sync! That last shared smile… I kind of want to ship it…]

[Ahhh, am I the only one who’s into Shen Hanyuan with Little Brother Fang? I just discovered the appeal of a younger ‘wolfdog’ partner! They’re way too compatible!]

[OMG, I always thought Brother Tong was the comic relief, but when Shen Hanyuan asked him to sing, that doting, helpless expression—I just imagined a whole novel in my head!]

These comments soon overwhelmed Guo Zhang’s CP fans, who were left fuming.

They especially seethed when they saw Shen Hanyuan interacting with everyone on set—except Guo Zhang.

What’s more, since Shen was excellent at the tasks, the other guests scrambled to team up with him, leaving Guo Zhang out in the cold.

[Go for it, Guo Zhang! Make a move!]

[Why are you just standing there? Can’t you run a little faster? Don’t let another guy help him!]

[Useless! Can’t even catch up to his own ‘wife’!!]

Guo Zhang: “…?”

Seeing the barrage of disappointed comments, Guo’s expression darkened.

Meanwhile, Ji Sida was thrilled.

He’d long been fed up with Guo Zhang’s shameless pandering to fans with CP bait.

During a break, Ji told Shen about the comments he’d seen.

Shen Hanyuan was equally stunned.

Ji wore an expression of awe. “President Gu is brilliant! Just a bit of advice from him, and we’re already seeing these results. I can’t even imagine what would happen if he stepped in himself!”

Shen nodded vigorously.

Though he was still being shipped as “fanservice material,” at least now he wasn’t facing slander or lewd accusations.

Both of them grew even more eager to join LeShi.

Gu Xingshi, however, had no idea Ji Sida had already put his advice to the test. As soon as he decided to sign Shen Hanyuan, the entire Artist Management Department began taking action.

By that very day, they had initiated talks with Shen’s current company.

Lin Xiayu led the negotiations, and with her skill, Gu had no reason to worry.

Sure enough, by evening, Lin Xiayu sent back good news.

When Shen was called back to his company, he was slightly dazed. He assumed it was yet another meeting about Guo Zhang’s relentless attempts at CP baiting—he’d endured countless reprimands over such matters.

But as soon as he arrived, he was hit with an unexpected surprise.

LeShi had already arranged the contract buyout with his company. All it would take was his agreement, and he could seamlessly transition to LeShi.

To Shen, joining LeShi was worth any conditions.

Though Ji Sida felt the same, as a manager, he still had to exercise some basic caution to protect his artist’s interests.

Unfortunately, he was up against Lin Xiayu.

Ji had only known that LeShi’s artists were impressive, and he’d heard of Lin Xiayu’s reputation, but he hadn’t fully grasped her influence.

Only now, standing across from her, did he realize her true power.

In front of Lin Xiayu, he was practically transparent. Within a few exchanges, she had completely unraveled his defenses, leaving him with no room to maneuver.

Lin Xiayu was fierce in negotiation, yet the terms she offered were remarkably generous.

LeShi was not only willing to pay Shen’s contract buyout but also offered significantly better conditions than his original company.

After the negotiations concluded, both Shen and Ji were entirely convinced.

It wasn’t until they’d signed the contract that Ji Sida fully comprehended the situation, feeling a sense of awe and fear.

Is this the power of LeShi’s management team?!

Moreover, if Lin Xiayu was already this formidable, what kind of extraordinary figure must her superior, President Gu, be?

Compared to them, Ji Sida felt like a complete novice.

Suddenly, a sense of insecurity crept over him.

With his current abilities, he realized that if it weren’t for Shen Hanyuan, he’d probably never have had a chance to work with a company like LeShi. LeShi’s unique management structure even made him wonder if Shen might thrive even better without him.

Having worked together for years as both colleagues and friends, Shen Hanyuan quickly sensed Ji Sida’s unease and asked quietly, “What’s wrong?”

But Ji couldn’t bring himself to voice his doubts, especially seeing Shen’s genuine concern.

Noticing Ji’s hesitation, Lin Xiayu’s expression softened. “You’re overthinking this. Since President Gu personally requested to sign both of you, it means he values your abilities.”

She paused, a hint of pride evident in her tone. “LeShi is different from other companies. President Gu believes that there are no useless people in this world—only hidden talents in the wrong roles. Everyone has a place where they can shine and a unique strength. As for skills, those can always be developed. And if you ever struggle, we have a team here to support you. You’ll see when you settle into LeShi.”

Ji stared at her, taken aback.

He was at a loss to describe the shock he felt inside.

So this is LeShi?!

It shattered every preconception he’d held about the entertainment industry.

He could clearly sense the genuine respect and pride Lin Xiayu had for LeShi.

With a company like this, who wouldn’t feel the same way?

An inexplicable wave of gratitude and excitement rose in Ji’s heart.

Lin Xiayu smiled and extended her hand. “Welcome to LeShi.”

*

After a day or two spent tying up loose ends, Shen Hanyuan and Ji Sida were ready to officially start at LeShi.

But even on their first day, they were blown away.

The conference room was packed with several of LeShi’s top agents.

Ji had heard rumors of LeShi’s incredible management team, but he’d never fully investigated it, as Shen Hanyuan’s career hadn’t previously required that level of support.

However, after experiencing Lin Xiayu’s negotiation prowess firsthand, Ji had decided to do his homework, diving into profiles of his future colleagues.

And what he found was astonishing.

Each of LeShi’s agents seemed to have their own unique, specialized skills.

Lin Xiayu was renowned for her skills in securing resources and negotiating contracts, her abilities ranked among the best in the industry.

Then there was Zhou Chengyan, a PR mastermind whose accomplishments reverberated through the entertainment world. It was rumored that after he left Jingchuan Entertainment, nearly half of their artists faced a PR crisis.

And, of course, there was President Gu himself—a living legend in the industry.

Now, here were all these elite agents, gathered in one room.

When Ji Sida shook hands with them, his whole body trembled with awe, and his mind was filled with an inner voice screaming in disbelief.

Initially, he thought it was just a brief introduction and that everyone would go about their business afterward.

But after the introductions, Gu Xingshi spoke up. “How’s everyone’s preparation for Shen Hanyuan’s development plan?”

Shen Hanyuan: “!!”

Ji Sida: “!!”

They watched as Lin Xiayu stood up. “I’ll start. Based on Shen Hanyuan’s personality and image, I’ve prepared an acting development path tailored for him…”

Ji’s eyes practically sparkled with admiration as he listened.

The career roadmap was clearer than his own receding hairline!

When Lin finished, Zhou Chengyan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and added calmly, “Although the current public opinion around Shen isn’t ideal, it’s manageable. In fact, this presents an opportunity. I’ve drafted a PR strategy…”

*

By the time everyone finished, Ji Sida was in complete awe.

They had considered every possible aspect of Shen’s career.

He felt like a novice player who had just received an unbeatable strategy guide.

Finally, Gu Xingshi spoke up. “There’s actually a role that I think suits Shen Hanyuan.”

Everyone turned to him in anticipation.

After all, while plans were essential, securing a notable role was key for any actor’s success.

And in terms of delivering a hit, no one matched President Gu.

Even Shen’s heart raced with excitement and nerves.

What kind of role would President Gu assign him?

Gu Xingshi said, “Xie Sui’an from Fleeting Light.”

Everyone froze.

Fleeting Light was a novel series that had been serialized for over a decade. With a vast world and captivating characters, it had remained a bestseller since the release of its first volume.

But the author, Li Ge, was notoriously selective about adaptations, and for years, no one had secured the rights—until LeShi, in partnership with Sweet Orange Video, finally convinced her this year.

Among the novel’s many characters, Xie Sui’an was by far the most beloved. Despite being a supporting character with limited screen time, he was everyone’s “white moonlight,” an idealized figure.

As a result, since casting had begun, fans had been strongly opposed, insisting that no one could truly embody Xie Sui’an.

As one of the year’s most anticipated productions, every actor was clamoring for a role in Fleeting Light, especially that of Xie Sui’an.

Everyone knew how valuable this role was. To put it mildly, a strong portrayal of Xie Sui’an could set an actor’s career for life.

Shen Hanyuan’s heart pounded wildly. He could hardly believe such an opportunity would come his way.

Zhou Chengyan, deep in thought, remarked, “At first, I thought it might be too ambitious, but now that I think about it, no one else could capture Xie Sui’an’s aura quite like Shen.”

Gu nodded, turning to the still-stunned Shen. “While I believe you’re a good fit, this production isn’t a LeShi exclusive, so you’ll still need to pass the audition to secure the role.”

Shen nodded repeatedly, barely able to contain his excitement.

With everything in place, Gu Xingshi didn’t linger further and instructed the departments to move ahead with the plan, ending the meeting.

*

A few days later, a new tweet from LeShi’s official Weibo account sparked a frenzy in the CP fan super-topic.

[Hold on! Shen Hanyuan actually signed with LeShi?!!!]

[Oh my god!! Xing x Han CP is real!!!]

[I can’t believe it! Just days ago, we were suffering through the pain of unrequited love, and now we’re celebrating a sweet happy ending!]

[Xing x Han is true love!!!]

[I don’t care, I don’t care! Xing x Han is real! This is like Christmas for CP fans!]

[I thought I was shipping in a dead fandom, but suddenly it’s like we’re on top of the world—this is amazing!]

*

Inside the fan super-topic, it was a CP fan holiday.

Outside, however, Sun Hongfei was in a panic.

Initially, he’d held onto a sliver of hope, thinking maybe Xiao Li had gotten the news wrong.

But now, with Shen Hanyuan officially signed, he could no longer deceive himself.

To be honest, he hadn’t believed in this “random CP” at all.

After all, didn’t he know better than anyone who President Gu cared about?

But lately, he’d been lurking in the Xing x Han CP fandom, watching those videos, those photos, and—he had to admit—things started looking oddly plausible. He grew increasingly anxious.

He kept reassuring himself that signing an artist was just business for President Gu, nothing more.

But then, he heard the latest news: President Gu was taking Shen Hanyuan to audition for Xie Sui’an!

Everyone knew that this role was hotly anticipated!

Gu hadn’t even offered it to LeShi’s top talents like Sheng Yueqing. Instead, he’d brought in the newly signed Shen Hanyuan!

Sun Hongfei couldn’t stay calm anymore.

He decided it was necessary to tell President Wen about this.

During his usual work report, he tried bringing it up casually. “President Wen, did you know President Gu has a really popular CP lately?”

Wen Yue paused briefly. “I’ve heard of it.”

Sun Hongfei: “Huh?”

He was stunned. Given how busy President Wen was, he was surprised he’d kept up with the Xing x Han CP… Talk about dedication to love!

Since President Wen was aware, Sun felt more at ease and continued, “Well, the CP is trending online, but it’s mostly active within the super-topic. I’m pretty sure President Gu isn’t aware of it. From what I can see, this Xing x Han CP—”

Wen Yue suddenly interrupted him, “What Xing x Han CP?”

“Huh?” Sun was stunned again. “The… the one I just mentioned—the really popular CP involving President Gu?”

Didn’t President Wen just say he knew?

There were only two CPs involving President Gu.

One was this Xing x Han CP.

The other was the Wen x Gu CP, which was mainly followed by insiders who shipped them very discreetly. Could it be… was President Wen talking about that one?

Wen Yue’s hand tightened slightly around his pen, though his expression remained impassive. “Continue.”

Sun Hongfei, slightly confused but undeterred, continued dutifully, “The Xing x Han CP is between President Gu and an actor named Shen Hanyuan. From what I understand, President Gu didn’t know him before; it’s just that someone caught them in the same frame, and fans have been editing a lot of short videos, which led to it going viral…”

Wen Yue’s grip loosened, his voice calm. “It’s not worth worrying over.”

“That’s what I thought too,” Sun Hongfei admitted, frowning. “But then, President Gu actually signed him to the company…”

Wen’s hand tightened around his pen again, but he kept his tone composed. “It’s only a matter of signing a new artist.”

“But then President Gu personally took him to audition for Xie Sui’an—the most popular supporting role in Fleeting Light…”

Wen Yue’s knuckles whitened slightly. “Xingshi has always handled things professionally.”

Sun Hongfei quickly backtracked, “Oh, of course—I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I know President Gu is all business, never biased. I’m just a little worried…”

Wasn’t he just worried Wen would misunderstand President Gu?

But Wen remained calm and utterly unaffected by the rumors. With such steadfast trust in Gu, there was no chance of a misunderstanding.

“Well, that’s great! I actually wanted to mention that President Gu and Shen Hanyuan’s audition is happening today at the Film Hub.” Sun sighed in relief, “So, if there’s nothing else, President Wen, I’ll take my leave.”

Wen Yue gave a simple “Mm,” and Sun left the office in high spirits.

As soon as he was gone, the office fell silent.

Wen stared down at the documents on his desk, appearing deep in thought.

Tang Ling, observing from the side, noticed that Wen hadn’t turned a single page in his files since the conversation began.

As an efficient and attentive chief assistant, Tang gently prompted, “President Wen?”

Wen looked up, his voice steady. “What is it?”

Tang Ling explained, “About the afternoon itinerary. Originally, you were scheduled to inspect the new project in Haishi, but due to heavy rain there, would you like to reschedule?”

“Let’s reschedule for safety’s sake,” Wen replied, sounding indifferent. “Nothing else planned for this afternoon?”

Tang nodded. “You were initially scheduled to visit the Film Hub in three days to review the new digital engine model. Shall I move that to this afternoon?”

Wen Yue paused, then said, “…Yes.”

Tang Ling replied with a cheerful, “Understood ^_^.”