After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH96

Chapter 96

After Qin Wen won the Best Actor award, it was as if a domino effect swept through LeShi Entertainment.

First, Sheng Yueqing’s new drama became a hit. Playing the lead role, he delivered a mesmerizing performance that critics hailed as “master-level,” and his insightful analysis of the character during interviews won over many fans. The former “pretty boy” was now earning his place as a legitimate actor.

Soon after, Meng Yuansheng’s latest single took the top spot as “Song of the Year,” earning him the award for Best Male Singer. Since the boy group disbanded, this was his second consecutive win—a major milestone.

Meanwhile, Cheng Xin won the “All-Rounder Artist” award and quickly revealed a talent for variety shows. He was now a regular on two popular shows.

But the biggest sensation of all was LeShi’s “little junior” Ruan Xiyin. Her new album dominated the music charts, and her “Save Money” app had become a viral hit, ranking first in app downloads and even breaking into international markets. Ruan Xiyin, once dismissed and overlooked by her own family, had not only avoided returning to her birth family but had now established herself as the head of her own empire.

Through his early investment in Ruan Xiyin’s business, Gu Xingshi had himself unintentionally achieved financial freedom.

Though the other artists at LeShi hadn’t reached quite these levels of success, each had exceeded expectations in their respective fields.

Amusingly, in every award speech or interview, each one of them would invariably say, “Thank you, President Gu.”

At first, netizens would respond enthusiastically, but as the acknowledgments became more frequent, they grew a little weary of it.

From initial reactions like, [Ahhh, so excited!!!] they soon shifted to, [Alright, let’s see who’s thanking President Gu today!]

The phrase “Thank you, President Gu” eventually became a meme.

[Ten summons, ten rares! Thank you, President Gu!!]

[Passed my thesis defense! First try on the exam! Thank you, President Gu!!]

[Uhh… managed to snag the last braised pork chop at the cafeteria. Thanks, President Gu?]

Of course, there were always a few haters in the mix.

[Thank him? Really? Let’s stop idolizing capitalist bosses, okay?]

[Exactly! You’d think he was some kind of saint!]

But loyal fans would immediately clap back.

[Eyeroll emoji. Can’t even enjoy a meme without a buzzkill hater showing up! And by the way, if I could join LeShi, I’d jump at the chance!]

[My sister joined LeShi recently, and her benefits and perks have me turning green with envy!]

[Calling President Gu a saint isn’t far off, honestly. My brother Qin was once just an ordinary guy who hadn’t even studied acting, and he’d been wronged so badly that he ended up in jail. President Gu spent so much time and money getting him a lawyer and then helped him get back on his feet in the industry.]

[When good scripts weren’t coming their way, he even went through the trouble of signing writers and directors just to tailor projects for him. And back then, who would’ve thought he’d become a three-time Best Actor winner? President Gu is a living saint!]

[And don’t forget Xiao Qing! I was a fan of his looks from way back, and he was blacklisted across the internet, on the verge of quitting, until President Gu signed him and exposed the shady practices of his former agency to clear his name…]

[Same with our little Ruan! She’s said in interviews that during her lowest moments, it was President Gu who stepped up to support her. Every step she’s taken, he’s been there as her foundation.]

[Think about the ‘Save Money’ app, too! So many people just chalk it up to President Gu’s luck, but think about it—how many people would back an artist’s first business venture with such a huge sum, no questions asked?]

[And it’s not just his own artists, either! My girl Bubu (Bu Qianwei) was cast in The Ghostly Gate thanks to his sharp eye, transforming her from a box office curse to a box office legend.]

[President Gu is so incredibly talented! I watched the behind-the-scenes footage, and I was dying with laughter, especially seeing Director Pei nearly having a heart attack.]

[And don’t even get me started…]

As the comments continued, the thread essentially transformed into a live fan declaration for Gu Xingshi, effectively drowning out any negative remarks from detractors. The surge of positive responses completely eclipsed the trolls, and LeShi itself had entered a high-growth phase, now with its own grand office building.

On moving day, numerous media outlets arrived for interviews and live broadcasts.

The first to arrive were LeShi’s artists.

[Ahhh it’s Xiao Qing!!]

[Seeing brother Qin in person! So tall and handsome! Brother Sheng’s skin is so fair and perfect!! I thought I’d only see them together at the company’s New Year gala (lol), but here we are!]

[Haha brother Cheng’s killing me, why is his vibe so different? Everyone else has a single partner with them, and he’s brought an entire entourage!]

[I’ve heard brother Cheng’s popular at LeShi, but I didn’t realize it was ‘this’ true! [Shocked]]

[ Little Ruan and Bu-bu together!! Two beauties! Is that their manager behind them? Why are LeShi’s managers all so good-looking?]

[Little Xi! Mom begs you, please be quiet! Be a sweet, silent handsome boy—don’t learn from brother Cheng!]

[Director Pei and Director Feng!!! Ahh, my crossover dreams are coming true!!]

Barely catching their breath, the livestream audience saw another car arrive, and Yan Zhiheng stepped out.

While he no longer pursued absolute perfection in appearance, years of habit made him effortlessly graceful and flawless before the camera, his aura undiminished.

[It’s him! The ultimate idol!!]

[He’s unreal!!]

[Can you believe this man is forty? He’s going to be the end of me!]

Yan Zhiheng glanced up at LeShi’s new sign, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia. He had watched LeShi rise from a small company to fame, retired at its peak, and now, upon returning, he saw it rise anew—a testament to resilience. His feelings were undoubtedly complex.

With Yan Zhiheng’s arrival, other artists made their appearances without causing as much excitement—until Liang Wenjun arrived with Fu Ya and a few others.

[Haha, sister Ya went to the salon just for this event!]

[ Brother Xu’s here too! Imagine a brother Xu and sister Qin film!]

[Aaaah! Sister Qing! And her daughter’s with her too!]

[Xiao Ying seems so much happier these days! Thank goodness for our legendary insider, #10086; without their intervention, she’d still be suffering under that scumbag Song Yang!]

[ Brother Miao and sister Yu are here too! Congratulations on the wedding!!!]

[They look so happy! I thought they’d be on their honeymoon right now!]

[Apparently, since President Gu was their matchmaker, they came here just for him!]

*

[At this point, half the industry’s here, right?]

[Be more confident! Drop the ‘half’!]

[And here comes the other half of the industry… I just spotted President Ning from Xingmao Media!]

[Even the Lan siblings are here…!]

[Next up: the Boss marching in, lol!]

[Is this the sheer pull of President Gu?]

[Or maybe it’s #10086’s influence?]

[Do you think #10086 will actually make an appearance today?]

As the chat buzzed with speculation, another car pulled up to LeShi’s front entrance, but this time, two bodyguards stepped out first.

They opened the door for a striking woman who commanded an overwhelming presence.

[She’s stunning! That aura—everyone else pales in comparison!]

[Who is she? Another company CEO?]

[Wait… hang on, this face looks kind of familiar??]

[Confirmed, I saw her on the national news last night.]

[Zhuang Yuanzhao!!!!]

[Back from looking her up, and wow—kneeling. I’m in shock that someone of her stature would attend this event!]

[This practically confirms that President Gu has government ties!]

[Wait, but where’s President Wen?]

[Yeah, where’s my Wen x Gu power couple moment?]

[Just saw a photo posted by brother Cheng inside; looks like President Wen arrived early and is already greeting guests with President Gu!]

Inside the banquet hall of LeShi’s new building, Wen Yue accompanied Gu Xingshi as they navigated the crowd together.

Since officially getting together, the two had been busy with work and often spent more time apart than together. Yet, the time apart seemed to deepen their bond, giving them a feeling of fresh anticipation each time they reunited.

For this important occasion, Wen Yue had cleared his schedule entirely to be there for Gu Xingshi.

Everyone present could clearly see his intentions.

But Wen Yue knew today was a milestone for Gu Xingshi, a moment where he was meant to shine. Though Wen Yue usually commanded attention whenever he was in a room, today he kept an unusually low profile, letting the spotlight remain solely on Gu Xingshi.

Watching Gu Xingshi glow in the crowd, Wen Yue thought, He is the rarest of treasures. His own collection of precious gems paled in comparison.

As the banquet came to an end, Wen Yue stayed by Gu Xingshi’s side, helping him bid farewell to the last guests.

When the lively hall finally fell quiet, Gu Xingshi’s tense shoulders began to relax. But as he looked around at the empty space, now devoid of the earlier bustle, a fleeting sense of loneliness crept in.

Just then, a warm hand clasped his.

Turning, Gu Xingshi found Wen Yue gazing at him, the usual coolness in his eyes softened by a quiet tenderness.

In an instant, the loneliness in Gu Xingshi’s heart faded away.

I’m not alone, he thought.

Even as the excitement of the evening faded, Wen Yue remained by his side, steady and unwavering.

Gu Xingshi opened his hand, instinctively threading his fingers through Wen Yue’s in a familiar, interlocking hold.

Wen Yue’s voice was a soft murmur, “Would you like to see the rooftop?”

He had mentioned something about a “surprise” waiting for him at the top floor earlier, but Gu Xingshi hadn’t given it much thought. Now, intrigued, he nodded.

Together, they took the elevator to the rooftop.

But when Wen Yue pushed open the door, Gu Xingshi froze, taking in the scene before him.

The rooftop had been transformed into a breathtaking display. Morning dew roses and delicate baby’s breath covered every surface, filling the space with a dreamlike quality.

Wen Yue guided him to the center of the room, then dropped to one knee and pulled a small ring box from his pocket.

Opening it, he revealed a flawless diamond ring that sparkled like starlight.

“This diamond has a name…” Wen Yue began, his voice rich with emotion as he spoke in Italian.

Then he translated softly, “It means, ‘I belong to you, as does all that shines.’”

Gu Xingshi’s gaze locked onto him, wide-eyed and still.

Wen Yue’s eyes held his, sincere and unwavering. “Xingshi, will you be my partner?”

In that instant, Gu Xingshi’s heart settled, the last pieces of uncertainty falling into place.

He nodded, his voice a whisper, “I will.”

Wen Yue’s hands were steady but faintly trembling as he slipped the ring onto Gu Xingshi’s finger.

In the distance, fireworks burst into the night sky.

Under the shimmering cascade, Gu Xingshi rose on his toes and pressed his lips to Wen Yue’s in a gentle kiss.

Like a wandering star, he had finally found his place in the universe.

[End of Main Story]