FLME Ch37

After the voice acting ended, the guests still needed to film a few additional shots as supplementary material.

For example, shots of the hero team and the princess drinking wine in the courtyard; close-ups of each person before their death; and some unspoken regrets, imagined visions.

The final scene was of them strolling through the forest, morning light filtering through the branches and leaves. Their faces were radiant with smiles, as if they were about to embark on a journey. A black dragon hides in the clouds, appearing intermittently.

Tong Li finished reviewing the entire script and was quite distraught.

“The princess, in order to use her blood to kill the soul of the demon king… used the great magician’s staff to wound herself. The wound couldn’t heal in the frozen time, and in the end, she bled to death… Oh heavens, scriptwriters, you have no heart.”

Fan Xiangyang watched with interest, “This is the style of our battle royale show, it’s all about the torment, specifically to trick the audience into shedding tears.”

After recording, everyone discussed having a meal together and found a private restaurant with high confidentiality. After the food was served, Yu Wen buried his head in eating. It was rare for him to find a feast where every dish suited his taste. He noted the name of the restaurant in his small notebook, thinking that he would come back to eat here the next time he visited this city.

After a satisfying meal, they chatted for a while. Yi Ming frequently cast glances at Yu Wen, somewhat evasive, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

During a break while Yu Wen was eating, he accidentally met her gaze and tilted his head in confusion.

Yi Ming didn’t know what to interpret from this action but inexplicably gained some courage and said, “Xiao Yu, I saw on the trending searches before. You know, there’s a lot of gossip in the entertainment industry… Can you tell me about it?”

Yu Wen: “…”

After a moment of silence, Tong Li burst out laughing, “Hahaha I knew it, human nature is to gossip!”

Yi Ming secretly followed his Weibo with a small account. When she saw that he was a regular, she was excited for a long time, secretly determined to build a good relationship with the gossip king and exclusively enjoy firsthand information about the entertainment industry!

As a result, she didn’t get to meet Yu Wen alone in the first episode!

How frustrating.

Fan Xiangyang cleared his throat and said seriously, “Yi Ming, we live in this circle. How can we enjoy watching our own people’s excitement? As artists, we should be united… How about we create a group chat? I’m not interested in listening but to prevent any issues.”

…The truth is revealed.

When it came to this, Jian Heng became spirited. He had previously agreed with Yu Wen to share gossip as soon as possible. Yu Wen rarely initiated the conversation, but he would answer whenever asked. Over time, Jian Heng had accumulated a lot of little-known secrets that he couldn’t share with others, which was practically torture for him!

Yi Ming quickly created the group chat, and Jian Heng enthusiastically raised his hand, joining the group immediately: “Me me me! I know how to pry information out of Teacher Yu!”

Yi Ming: “Great! You’re appointed as the Grand Guardian of Gossip Group!”

Jian Heng: “I promise to complete the task!”

Even Daniel Li, who usually seemed a bit aloof, was excited and took out his phone under the atmosphere. Yu Wen, the person involved, watched everything, looking like an outsider.

…Isn’t anyone going to care about his well-being?

—

After dinner, everyone went back to the hotel, only to realize that they were all staying at the same hotel, just different floors.

Yi Ming looked at the luxurious hotel sign and said with emotion, “The production team is really scheming.”

Back in the room, the newly created group chat named “Gossip Group” was still buzzing with new messages. Although Yu Wen said he wasn’t following gossip recently, everyone was chatting enthusiastically.

Yi Ming: [Really? Is it true? The drama of the crew tearing each other apart, wow so exciting!]

Jian Heng: [Guaranteed true! I finally pried it out of Xiao Yu. He was at the “Fenghua” crew at the time, and the third and fourth male leads had some grudge. They started arguing in front of the director!]

Tong Li: [Tell us more, I want to hear…]

Fan Xiangyang: [Isn’t Director Gao known for not tolerating such things? How could he let them stay in the crew?]

Jian Heng: [What can be done? The fourth male lead was someone the investors pushed in…]

Yi Ming: [So juicy! More, please!]

Yu Wen observed for a while and, seeing their excitement, decided not to interrupt. He took out clothes from his suitcase to wash up.

When he finished washing up and came out, the topic in the group had evolved through a hundred eighty iterations into: [Xiao Yu, why aren’t you famous yet?！！！]

Yu Wen: [?]

Yi Ming: [You need to be famous! You need to be top-tier! Then you can go to various annual mega-productions, award ceremonies, press conferences, red carpets… These places are where the most gossip happens! It’s a waste of your potential to hide as a small artist!]

Yu Wen thought for a moment and sincerely said: [I feel like I’m already quite famous.]

Yi Ming: [Not enough! Not enough! You need to be ultra-top-tier! Who can give us Xiao Yu a script that will make him explode in fame ah ah ah ah!]

Tong Li started giving bad advice: [Xiao Yu, go to the training camp.]

Yu Wen: [……]

He thought for a while and changed the group name to “Xiao Yu’s Spicy Teachers.”

Tong Li: [What? Am I old and can’t keep up with the younger generation’s thinking? What does this mean?]

Fan Xiangyang: [You’re old? What am I then? Smiling.jpg]

Li Daniel: [Spicy? I don’t like it. I’d rather be clear broth.]

Jian Heng: [Teacher Li, cumin flavor is also quite good. Thumbs up.jpg]

Yu Wen: [Because I want to learn line skills from all the teachers! The voice acting today was amazing. I want to learn!]

Yu Wen: [The first step to Xiao Yu’s big fame is to improve his skills!]

Yu Wen: [Little cat rush rush rush.jpg]

The group fell silent for a while. After a long time, Jian Heng said: [Xiao Yu, if you want to kick me out of the group, just say it. Sad.jpg]

His line skills were on par with Yu Wen’s, and his pronunciation wasn’t even as standard as Yu Wen’s. He didn’t deserve to be in this “Xiao Yu’s Spicy Teachers” group.

Fan Xiangyang: [Hahaha, it’s a simple thing. If you have any questions, just ask directly in the group. I’ll recommend a few teachers’ classes for you later. If the company has resources in this area, I’ll have them send you to learn. Also, there are a few books…]

Tong Li: [Basic skills are something I might not be able to teach well because they are already ingrained in me, and I’ve forgotten the principles. If you need, I can ask teachers I know from my alma mater to give you an auditing slot. Attend classes regularly. If you encounter any bottlenecks, just post them in the group. With so many seniors here, we can definitely help you.]

Yu Wen was overjoyed: [I’m honored to have you as my teachers!]

Tong Li: [No need for formalities.]

Yu Wen used emojis to greet everyone one by one. Everyone was very enthusiastic and felt honored by the greetings from the Gossip King.

Jian Heng wasn’t in a hurry to leave the group. Seeing that the atmosphere was right, he took the opportunity to say: [Masters, please accept the bow from your second disciple!]

What a great learning opportunity; it’s a waste not to take advantage of it.

Tong Li: [You’re appointed as the Second Disciple of the Spicy Teacher Group!]

Jian Heng: [Thank you, Master!]

Yi Ming had been silent for a long time, not saying anything during the apprenticeship segment. Yu Wen thought she might have gone to sleep. But at 10 PM, he received a message from Yi Ming.

[Xiao Yu, I have a chance for a screen test in my next project. It’s a script by Oscar-nominated director Miao Yifei, with a big investment and a major IP. From my perspective on the script, it’s going to be a hit. The villain hasn’t been cast yet, and there’s a spot for the third male lead. Do you want to give it a try?]

Yu Wen read this message repeatedly, very surprised: [Sister, my current status doesn’t seem to match up with Director Miao’s project…]

Yi Ming: [How can it not match?! I just mentioned you to Director Miao, and he immediately agreed to let you audition. It shows he has a very good impression of you, and he’s followed your Weibo! He even replied to your fans! Rounded off, he likes you! Rounded off, you’re almost guaranteed to pass the audition!]

Yu Wen: [Sister, you’re a genius at rounding things off!]

Yu Wen immediately realized that this senior had been silent for a while because she was arranging an acting opportunity for him. He had been in the industry for quite some time and had met all kinds of people, but he was fortunate to have never encountered anyone with bad intentions. However, this was his first time meeting someone like Yi Ming, who not only talked big but also took action immediately.

A recommendation from a top-tier star is usually exchanged for resources.

He felt a surge of indescribable gratitude and pressed the voice message button, preparing to thank her in person, “Sister, you…”

Before he could finish, Yi Ming’s message popped up.

[Get famous! Become a sensation! Walk the red carpet! Go to the Star Avenue! There’s so much gossip on the red carpet every year! I always hear others talk about it, but this year I want to be the one spreading the gossip! I’ll be the Gossip Ambassador!]

Yu Wen: “……”

Fine.

If others report me as a Qiong Yao, I’ll return the favor with gossip fields.

Stick with me, and there will be gossip!

Yu Wen: [Sister, the biggest benefactor in the entertainment industry! Xiao Yu acknowledges it! I will not disappoint your expectations and will strive to become a sensation before the end of the year! Aim for the universe!]

Yi Ming: [Hahahahaha Xiao Yu, I’m not a benefactor… With your looks, personality, and skills… becoming famous is just a matter of time. I’m just doing a favor before you become famous. Also, Xiao Yu, I don’t know if your company has analyzed this, but your eyes are exceptionally clear, which is one of your advantages with the audience. It’s your strength and weakness. The audience likes you like this, but directors don’t. They prefer actors with a desire to perform.]

After a two-minute pause, Yi Ming continued: [But from the first episode of the battle royale, I saw the ambition in your performance. Anyway, you don’t need to worry now. Any role could become your comfort zone. Feel free to choose and pick. The world of performance has just begun to open its doors to you.]

Yu Wen sat by the bed, quietly thinking about these words. He then took a screenshot and forwarded it to Xie Jiamao.

The boss replied with six words: [I’ve smoked myself to death.]

The first episode recording was delayed in Lin City for about ten days, but it ended earlier than expected. The director had originally estimated it would take half a month.

He didn’t hesitate to praise, “All the teachers’ on-site reactions were exceptional. Really, on behalf of all the battle royale teams, I am grateful to have you this season.”

Saying this, he even slightly bowed.

Yu Wen and Jian Heng were at the bottom tier of this season’s guest rankings and couldn’t handle such grand gestures. The former made a lunge, and the latter made a slide tackle.

Jian Heng knelt on the ground, hugging the director’s slightly bending waist; Yu Wen stood on the left, holding the director’s chest and back, and straightened him up.

Jian Heng: “Your Majesty, please don’t!”

Yu Wen: “Your Majesty, your health is paramount!”

Yi Ming almost laughed herself unconscious. The director was being pulled left and right by them and couldn’t move at all. With a wry smile, he said, “You can let me go now.”

Yu Wen: “Yes, I shall withdraw.”

Jian Heng: “This withdrawal will last a lifetime—”

The director’s eyes darkened.

“Please, just stop using the internet café…”

By the time they flew back from Lin City, it was already late at night.

The waiting hall at 3 AM wasn’t very crowded. Yu Wen dragged his suitcase out of the security check and saw Xie Heyu waiting in the waiting area from afar.

Teacher Xie stood beside the seat with one hand in his pocket, very noticeable.

Perhaps he had caught up on some sleep on the plane. At this time, Yu Wen was quite energetic and sprinted over with full vigor—

“Teacher Xie!”

He didn’t stop the suitcase in time. Xie Heyu deftly took the suitcase from him and hooked his index finger on the hood of his sweatshirt.

The suitcase spun around the two of them and settled steadily on the right side.

Xie Heyu: “Walk slower, don’t bump into anyone.”

Yu Wen retrieved his hat and waved his hand with a smile, “I see the path clearly, I won’t bump into anyone.”

The business car was parked outside the waiting hall. Yu Wen got into the car and started scrolling through his phone, flipping between the messages from Xie Jiamao and Yi Ming.

Yi Ming: [Conflicting schedules? No way, Director Miao’s project is still in the casting phase, and filming officially starts in six months. By then, the battle royale will be done. However, this role is very complex—a young master from a prestigious family in Shanghai, a quiet and introverted person at home, but a pure yet debauched lunatic privately… This duality is hard to act out. Director Miao hasn’t cast the role yet, so you can imagine how strict he is. You should have your company make arrangements quickly and study the script carefully.]

Xie Jiamao: [Chu Han and Xi Su are also company artists. The neighborhood you live in is close to the company, but the security isn’t strict enough. I’ve found a villa for the three of you. I’ll send you the address, and you can move in tomorrow.]

Yu Wen searched the address sent by the boss and was stunned.

Xie Heyu: “What’s wrong?”

Yu Wen showed him the search engine results with a troubled face, “The boss rented a villa in the top wealthy district of S City for us… Is the company going bankrupt? Before going bankrupt, they’re letting us enjoy ourselves…”

“……” Xie Heyu fell silent for a moment and corrected him, “It’s not rented; it’s Xie Jiamao’s own place.”

“But the internet says this wealthy district is full of billionaires…” Yu Wen pondered for a second, then looked serious, “Could it be that the boss has been pretending to be a simpleton and has actually built his side business into a Fortune 500 company?!”

“…… You overestimate Xie Jiamao.” Xie Heyu tapped the steering wheel with his knuckles and said thoughtfully, “You can ask him yourself. He might just have forgotten to tell you…”

Yu Wen thought he couldn’t ask that. The boss kept a low profile, surely for a reason! Perhaps he had offended someone in the past and had been hiding for years, struggling to avoid retaliation, so he had to start anew… As a considerate employee, if the boss doesn’t want to talk about it, he shouldn’t ask a single word!

Yeah! High EQ Xiao Yu!

After chatting with Xie Jiamao about his thoughts on the variety show and his tiny, tiny future plans, the boss was so amazed by his growth that he praised him as a genius!

Xie Jiamao: [I always said you were a piece of rough jade… Thank God, thank God, thank Buddha, thank them for sending you to me… Don’t worry! The boss will not let you down! Even if it means selling myself! I’ll get you good scripts!]

Yu Wen was a bit shy from the praise and was a bit horrified by the last sentence, [Boss… that’s unnecessary.]

This is going to shorten his life!

The next noon, Xie Jiamao said he arranged for someone to help him move. When Yu Wen went downstairs, he saw—yes, it was still Teacher Xie.

But this time, there were two more people.

Xiao Zhou was a young girl with a round face, a lifestyle assistant carefully selected by Xie Jiamao from the talent market. She was meticulous and methodical, though not very talkative.

Xiao Zhong was another assistant and part-time chauffeur—yes! The generous boss provided him with two high-end business cars, one of which was a motorhome! Next time he goes to the film set, he’ll have his own restroom!

Yu Wen’s heart swelled with praise, but unfortunately, the boss wasn’t there to share it with.

After they introduced themselves, Yu Wen turned to Xie Heyu and smiled, “I’m very satisfied with these two new colleagues, but I think I might have misheard… Could you repeat what you are?”

“Your manager.” Xie Heyu remained unflustered, steady as an old dog.

Yu Wen: “…… You’re the manager, then what is Xie Jiamao?”

Xie Heyu: “He’s the manager of Chu Han and Xi Su.”

Yu Wen gasped.

“So this is the reason you cleared your schedule for the second half of the year?”

I thought you were just here to help, but now you’re almost on the company’s payroll!

Xie Heyu paused for a moment and said, “No, Xie Jiamao forced me into this.”

Yu Wen looked as expected!

That makes sense!

He held back and endured, but eventually, taking advantage of the boss not being there, he boldly said, “That’s too much!”