"...Well, let me tell you about this." Qiu Xuetong chuckled, "If she's being polite to you, it means she's interested. Calling you 'Grandpa Shang' is a sign of respect from a younger generation to an elder, but addressing you as 'Director Shang' is how actors refer to directors. Your play... the leading lady seems to have been decided."
"Really?" Old Master Shang's eyes lit up, then he became somewhat skeptical, "Qiu, are you pulling my leg?"
"Hey! You old coot!" Qiu Xuetong chuckled in exasperation, "At your age, you're still surfing the web like a pro. Anyway, believe it or not, I don't care!"
With that said, the call was abruptly cut off.
"Tsk." Old Master Shang grumbled, very displeased, "At your age, you're still so hot-tempered, like a firecracker..."
Of course, despite the complaints, Old Master Shang still had great trust in his old buddy. As soon as he hung up the phone, he immediately put on his reading glasses and replied to the message.
【No rush, it's already almost November now. Filming won't start until mid-December, so there's time.】
Peking University usually starts winter break in early January. We'll just shoot other people's scenes in the first half, so it won't delay things.
【Okay, sorry to bother you.】
...
The next day, accompanied by her parents, Ji Ruochu went to sign the contract.
Because she wasn't of legal age yet, the contract was signed under Ji Mochen's name.
Ling Chujin referred to this as the shining moment of an idol singer in the entertainment industry.
Three months later, news about #Shang Chuan's new drama filming# was being wildly circulated by various marketing accounts.
At the same time, the entry for #this year's most luxurious TV drama cast# also started trending.
【Old Shang? Wasn't he supposed to retire before?】
【It must be a big production. I wonder what the script is like to get such a heavyweight to come out of retirement.】
【Hmm... I heard it's a Mary Sue TV drama from twenty years ago.】
【???】
【Huh?】
...
Two days later, a picture of the crew filming on the street was leaked, titled: "Shocking! Useless girl turns out to be a big shot" starts filming, and the set is surprised by the presence of the Emperor and Empress of acting.
【??? Is this some ancient drama? I haven't seen it!】
【Help, just the name alone gives me rheumatism.】
【I looked it up, this seems to be the name of the original novel, they probably won't use this name for the TV series... right?】
【Old Shang, what are you doing? What are you doing with your lifetime reputation?!!】
【Um, well... I was just gossiping on the phone with my bestie, our voices got too loud, and then... my mom overheard, and she said she's going to stir things up in the online fan group, and I... feel helpless, why does my mom know about this novel? Can someone explain?】
This comment prompted laughter from netizens below, especially Ruo's Fans.
Perhaps because their idol hadn't released any new works in nearly three months, they could only rely on a few photos taken by alumni and various campus club activities popping up on hot searches from time to time.
This left these fans with nothing to do all day but engage in gossip on various marketing accounts.
Just watching from the sidelines isn't enough; occasionally, they even throw stones when others' idols are in trouble. As soon as someone's favorite idol's career hits a snag, this group of fans starts digging up more fans underneath.
"What about trying to cultivate an idol?"
Or maybe, "Seriously, why not nurture an idol? You're diligently working on your career, but what's the point? They'll stab you in the back as soon as you turn around."
And to wrap it up: "In my opinion, when it comes to idol chasing, it's better to start young. Look at our Baby Ruo Ruo, she's so busy every day with schoolwork and extracurricular activities, where does she find the time to get into all this drama?"
Their smug attitude makes several fans itch to retort, but they haven't mustered the courage yet.
"Why do you criticize them for not having anything better to do? Aren't you just bystanders, eating popcorn every day?"
Their response: "Oh, well, what can we do? Baby Ruo Ruo is doing so well. Her two recent movies are leading in both box office and reputation."
You mock them for their main idol not getting any roles.
Their comeback: "Exactly! That's the problem with Baby Ruo Ruo, she's too focused on studying. Not a hint of romance in sight, sigh, so idle."
This back-and-forth only intensifies the frustration of the fans whose idol's career is faltering, while Baby Ruo Ruo's fans are already full from feasting in the melon patch, ready to move on to the next scene.
Truly exasperating!
But what can they do? Baby Ruo Ruo is indeed impressive, with no scandals and no mischief, actively participating in various activities at Peking University.
Over time, the fan base of several social club accounts at Peking University began to rapidly grow. The fans are like shoppers browsing through Taobao, coming every day to harvest the latest photos.
Eventually, Baby Ruo Ruo's fans gained a conspicuous reputation for their fan circle.
You visit their fan club, and you might not get any response.
You join their support group, and you might not see anyone chat.
But as soon as there's a stir in the entertainment industry, without fail, their comments will be among the first.
And now, a group of netizens with "Ruo" in their names are going wild in the comments section, and because there's strength in numbers, three of them are among the top ten popcorn stalls, metaphorically speaking.
One says they asked their mom at home and found out that even though she can't remember names, as soon as she hears the protagonist's name and the name of the iconic building, she remembers.
Another wonders why Old Shang thinks there's still a market for Mary Sue dramas nowadays? Is he out of his mind?!
Then there's speculation about how the show will be received, its ratings, and whether the main characters will face a career downturn, and so on...
However, this cheerful moment didn't last long.
Half an hour later, Old Shang's social account posted a statement, and just like that, Baby Ruo Ruo's fans in the melon patch turned into the sprouting seedlings.
[Shang Chuan: Thank you for your attention, everyone. The TV series currently in production is indeed adapted from the book "Surprise! The Useless Girl is Actually a Big Shot," titled "Finding the Way."
The TV series is expected to premiere in the summer, so please stay tuned.]
The statement also mentioned several people, obviously the lead actors and important supporting roles in the show.
At that moment, Baby Ruo Ruo's fans who just found out their main idol would be starring in a Mary Sue drama exploded in anger, each and every one of them flooding to their idol's page, expressing their frustration and disappointment.
Of course, these are not the main focus. The main point is that among the numerous usernames, the one leading the pack has yet to be claimed by any fans.
[Strange, who is this actor with just the single name "Ruo"? Do they not have any fans?]
[Poor thing.]
[The first person Shang Dao tagged, must be the lead actor, right? A newcomer lead?]
