After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH9

Chapter 9

Right after the debut stage, the theme song recording was next.

The trainees had only three days to learn the song and dance routine for the theme song, and they would be assessed to select the center position (C-position).

However, this time, a new method was introduced to choose the center.

When Yin Hefeng approached Gu Xingshi, he looked serious and said, “President Gu, have you heard? It’s said that this time, the center for the theme song will be decided based on live stream popularity ratings…”

The live streaming feature was the secret weapon that allowed last season’s [Boy Group Training Camp] to stand out among various talent shows.

The show’s producers would set up a live room for each trainee, requiring them to stream at least once a week.

Trainees could sing, dance, or chat with fans in their live rooms.

The final rankings of the live stream popularity would determine the positioning for the theme song.

In other words, those with high popularity could stand in the front row or even the center, while those with low popularity would be pushed to the edges.

For trainees with an existing fan base or those from major companies, this was a good thing. But for smaller companies with limited promotion funds or independent trainees, it was a disadvantage.

Especially for Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin, who were practically unknown. They were at a clear disadvantage.

Yin Hefeng lowered his voice and said to Gu Xingshi, “President Gu, as far as I know, this proposal was made by Jiang Mo. You should plan ahead…”

This suggestion carried a lot of implications.

Gu Xingshi immediately frowned.

Last season, the live streaming feature was only introduced mid-season, after the trainees had gained some fan base and recognition. This year, however, it was introduced so early!

There was no doubt that Jiang Mo, that scoundrel, was targeting them.

After thanking Yin Hefeng for the information, Gu Xingshi quickly went to find Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin.

Both of them had already heard the news from Yuan Ye and looked troubled when they saw him.

Meng Yuansheng, in particular, blamed himself. “It’s all because of me that everyone has to face this situation…”

Gu Xingshi quickly comforted him, “This has nothing to do with you; it’s obviously Jiang Mo’s fault! You’re an innocent victim in this too!”

Even Cheng Xin, who wasn’t good with words, spoke up, “Yeah, no one’s going to punish an ex for someone else’s mistakes!”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

“Great job comforting him. Maybe don’t try next time.”

Although the live streams were individual, trainees could choose to combine their streams, though the final popularity score would be adjusted down accordingly.

The advantage was that high-popularity trainees could help lift lower-popularity ones, preventing them from falling to the back right away. But the downside was that it could affect the rankings of those with higher popularity.

For example, of the four trainees from Planet Century Entertainment, only Yuan Ye had a fanbase; the other three were nearly invisible. Yin Hefeng arranged for them to combine their live rooms, letting Yuan Ye boost them.

Meanwhile, Jinyou Entertainment’s trainees were each going solo, making it clear they were all aiming for the center position.

Of course, this didn’t affect Gu Xingshi’s team.

With Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin’s current popularity levels, whether they combined or went solo wouldn’t make a difference.

Gu Xingshi instructed the two to prepare for the evening’s stream, while he began researching ways to boost their popularity scores.

The live room popularity score depended on two factors: the number of viewers and the amount of time fans spent in the room.

This meant that not only did they need to attract viewers, but they also had to keep them engaged.

Not an easy task.

Just as Gu Xingshi was deep in thought, the system presented him with a new revelation.

His eyes lit up, “I’ve got an idea!”

*

Evening was the busiest time online.

Qiao Ruoyao and her roommate, having finished a hot pot meal, were walking back to their school while scrolling on their phones.

Her roommate glanced over and sighed, “Still boosting your idol’s stats, huh?”

Without looking up, Qiao Ruoyao replied, “Song-Song’s agency is useless; he never gets good resources. We’re all he’s got…”

Just then, another roommate raised her voice, “Ruoyao, your idol just made it to Weibo’s trending topics!”

“What?!”

Qiao Ruoyao froze, and soon saw her fan group buzzing with activity.

Without a second thought, she opened Weibo’s trending list.

At the top was #BreakingNews #SongYangNightOutWithYuanQingqing

Yuan Qingqing, a triple gold actress, was a childhood idol for many with her bold performances and iconic films. Over the years, she had successfully transitioned behind the scenes.

Song Yang was known as a second lead actor in the industry; his acting was average, and even after a decade, he remained on the verge of a breakthrough.

Their age difference and status were worlds apart, so the rumors naturally sparked a lot of speculation.

The account that posted this news was “GossipLover #6,” a well-known paparazzi.

Sure enough, the comments were already filled with heated debate.

“Song-Song was just having a meal with a senior, discussing a new project. Why are you twisting it?”

“Our guy wouldn’t look twice at that old lady. Stop dragging him down!”

“Haha, discussing a new movie? With Song Yang’s skills, without backdoor deals, he wouldn’t even get a chance!”

“Fans, be careful what you say. Sister Qing isn’t one to mess with. You call her an ‘old lady’ one more time, and your idol might have to bow to her!”

“No way Yuan Qingqing would actually go for that nobody. She’s amazing, and he’s not in her league!”

“Maybe she’s just playing around.”

“She’s got looks, talent, and skills. Even if it’s just fun, she’s still doing him a favor!”

“Why Song Yang?! This is jealousy on another level! Sister, don’t limit yourself to just guys!”

“Am I the only one who thinks they might really be dating? Age gap aside, they do look good together!”

“The gossip crowd is ready. Whether it’s love or a sugar daddy, I’m in for the drama.”

“Chill out, it’s just a blurry video for now. Let’s wait for more evidence.”

*

Qiao Ruoyao was fuming. “Nonsense! Song-Song isn’t like that! Someone must be trying to smear him!”

Just as the fans rallied to clear Song Yang’s name, Yuan Qingqing’s studio released a straightforward clarification, stating they were only discussing a project and were simply colleagues. Song Yang’s agency quickly retweeted the clarification.

Seeing the statement, Qiao Ruoyao finally relaxed.

She knew her idol had kept a clean image over the years, and the rumors had to be false.

However, she didn’t fully let her guard down.

From experience, she knew that in times like these, trolls would surface, spreading baseless dirt. Many stars’ reputations had been damaged this way.

As she patrolled the topic and main feed, she came across a tweet.

It was from a newly registered account called “Gossip System 10086.”

It only had one post:

[Shocking! Love triangle in the entertainment industry. Is it a twist of fate or a moral collapse? Click to uncover the love and hate entanglements between a popular male star, his ordinary girlfriend, and an award-winning actress!]

Qiao Ruoyao was infuriated.

Trolls would say anything these days!

Underneath, people were already asking what “ordinary girlfriend” meant.

This stemmed from rumors about Song Yang staying at a hotel, where paparazzi had spotted a pretty girl in his room, sparking speculation about a long-term girlfriend.

The post instantly triggered a wave of fan responses.

[For the last time! She’s just a hotel employee! Song-Song explained it already. If you don’t need your eyes, donate them!]

[These trolls are exhausting. If you need a trending topic, go with your dad’s memorial day!]

[@SongYangStudio, wake up! They’re dragging your guy through the mud! Time to sue! Stop letting them trample over him!”

Qiao Ruoyao quickly joined the crowd of fans.

Little Qiao Shakes: [Just a random picture and then making up the story? Where’s the evidence?????]

Unexpectedly, “Gossip System 10086” replied to her immediately and posted a photo of Song Yang.

In the picture, Song Yang is wearing a long trench coat, dragging a large black suitcase, smiling and waving at fans.

Qiao Ruoyao instantly recognized it as a photo taken by fans when Song Yang checked into that hotel.

She loved this look so much that she even made it her phone wallpaper.

Feeling baffled, she replied: [I get that my idol is handsome, but I’m still asking, where’s the evidence? If you don’t have it, just apologize and move on, will you?]

Gossip System 10086: [This ‘is’ the evidence!]

Little Qiao Shakes: [????]

Gossip System 10086: [The person is hiding in the suitcase, no?]

Qiao Ruoyao: [!!!]

A chill instantly ran down her spine, and she shivered instinctively.

Other users were equally spooked.

Comments:

[OMG OMG OMG!!!]

[Scared the life out of me!]

[It’s late at night, can we not have these creepy jokes?]

At this point, Yuan Qingqing’s fans also joined the discussion.

[What does this have to do with our sister Qing? She’s been working hard on her projects; don’t drag her into every scandal!]

[Taking our sister Qing away; we don’t want any part of this!]

[Friendly reminder to the poster: Sister Qing doesn’t tolerate nonsense easily, so get ready for a lawsuit!]

Surprisingly, Gossip System 10086 wasn’t fazed and calmly replied:

Gossip System 10086: [Who said it’s unrelated? Song Yang’s ‘ordinary girlfriend’ is actually Yuan Qingqing’s long-lost biological daughter!]

[WHAT?!?!]

[Are you crazy? Sister Qing’s never even been married; where would a daughter come from?]

[I don’t care if you insult Song Yang, but if you slander my queen, I won’t be polite!]

*

Meanwhile, on set…

“CUT! Great job!”

After finishing her scene, Yuan Qingqing returned to her car to have her makeup removed.

With her eyes closed, she listened as her assistant gave updates, “…The clarification post is already out. Song Yang’s team also mentioned he wants to treat you to a meal to apologize in person.”

“No need for dinner.” Yuan Qingqing’s expression remained unchanged. “Just tell Producer Long to replace him.”

“Yes.” The assistant hesitated for a moment. “Also, sister Qing…there’s something else…”

Yuan Qingqing opened her eyes.

Her features were striking, and over the years, her presence had only grown more formidable.

The assistant, feeling overwhelmed, quickly opened Weibo and handed the phone to her. “Please take a look at this.”

It was a small, unverified account called “Gossip System 10086,” but it had already shot up to the top of Weibo’s trending posts.

Yuan Qingqing frowned at the first post but continued reading, knowing her assistant wouldn’t waste her time with trivial rumors. As she read further, she froze, feeling a tidal wave of emotion within.

She did have a daughter, born in her early years in Hong Kong with her first love. After he passed away, she left Hong Kong to escape the memories.

Shortly after her move, her daughter was kidnapped.

For years, she had been searching, though this tragedy remained a deeply buried secret that only a few close people knew.

How could this account possibly know?

Yuan Qingqing stood abruptly, her gaze sharp as she looked at the people around her. “Who told?”

Her assistants and manager shook their heads.

In her heart, Yuan Qingqing knew that these loyal companions, who had been with her for years, wouldn’t betray her.

This news was so significant that if it proved false, she couldn’t imagine the devastation she’d feel.

Still, she immediately instructed her assistant to contact Song Yang, to find the girl mentioned in the post, and to investigate the owner of this account.

Even with just a sliver of hope, she didn’t want to miss this chance.

The assistant made several calls, but neither Song Yang nor his manager picked up.

She tried messaging the account, but there was no reply.

The assistant sighed. “The person is actively replying to others, so they’re online but probably have their messages disabled.”

Yuan Qingqing’s desire to find her daughter outweighed everything else, and she unhesitatingly left a public comment.

Yuan Qingqing V: [Is she okay?]

Fans: [????????]

They clicked on Yuan Qingqing’s account.

It was her official profile, not a parody or fan account.

Wait—what? Could this actually be true?

The internet erupted with excitement, and users flooded onto Weibo.

Everyone eagerly awaited more updates under Gossip System 10086, anticipating a groundbreaking reveal.

Then, they saw the account post a new message:

Gossip System 10086: [To find out what happens next, please click [Live Room]. Once the live room hits 1 million viewers, I’ll reveal the final truth!]

Fans: [?????]