“Why stop? He was the one who begged to cooperate with me on the Night Vision platform! The first season’s ratings were so high, wasn't it all thanks to me! What right do they have to abandon me after crossing the river?!”
Xia Yiran stopped her car and got out, holding her phone, shouting at Zhang Peng outside the villa complex.
“Yes, yes, yes, yes, I know you provided the buzz, and the platform knows it too, but… but they just won’t renew the contract with us, what can I do?”
Zhang Peng was also helpless and explained, “Courage is just a makeshift team; no one expected much from it before. Except for a few well-known guests who had contracts, the rest were just there to make a splash and join the fun! Who would have thought it would become so popular!”
“If you know it’s popular, you should find a way to help me get on it!”
“Didn’t I think about it? I’ve thought about it so much that my head is almost as bald as that old butcher Yi Xiao! But it’s no use. It’s the platform that refused to cooperate with you! All the variety shows we were in talks with have fallen through, the post-production for the new song has been suspended, and even brand endorsements have been canceled…”
Xia Yiran was completely stunned. “How… how could this happen?”
Zhang Peng sighed, “Yiran, we’ve reached this point, you should understand, right? Someone wants to target you, and they have enough power to blacklist you overnight!”
“Who is it? Who dares to offend our Xia family?!”
“Alas, who it is doesn't matter. What matters is that you should rest at home for a while. Once this storm passes, I’ll try to gauge the situation with those in charge.”
“No! I can’t rest!” Xia Yiran was a little panicked now. “Brother Zhang, you must help me! If I fall, it won’t do you any good, will it!”
“Don’t worry, Yiran, I’m your agent, and I definitely want you to be a superstar! But, but we really can’t afford to offend the person who ordered your ban!”
Xia Yiran’s expression suddenly darkened, and she gritted her teeth, slowly asking, “Is it… Xiao Yi?”
“Xia Wei Liang’s acting was mocked again, that was your family’s doing, wasn’t it? Alas, I warned you not to act rashly, not to act rashly, but you just wouldn’t listen! She’s not someone you can easily mess with now! Behind her… behind her is…” Zhang Peng’s response was quite vague, clearly indicating he knew the inside story but couldn’t reveal it unless he wanted to quit the industry.
“In short, let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll go communicate with those above. I’ll call you if there are any developments.”
The call ended just like that.
Xia Yiran stood blankly on the roadside, recalling what Xiao Yi had told her that night in Lianhua Village, and her whole body instantly turned cold, as if she were in an ice cave.
She clenched her phone, her lips turning pale from biting them. An artist’s career is short and precious; she couldn’t give up like this!
“Sis…”
A voice from behind suddenly startled her.
“Why are you here?”
Liu Yaozong approached cautiously with a fawning smile. “Sis, Dad and Mom miss you and sent me to check on you.”
Xia Yiran looked at him warily. “I’ve made it clear to them, don’t come to me whether there’s anything or not.”
“I told them too, but they wouldn’t listen!” Liu Yaozong smiled slyly and stepped closer. “Sis, do you have any money on you? Lend me some. My friends and I have found another project, I guarantee there’s money to be made! We just need the capital now. You’re a big star, this is just a tiny drop in the bucket for you!”
She knew this guy hadn’t changed; it was always about money!
Xia Yiran was already annoyed and about to send him away when she suddenly thought of something.
“You want money? Heh, my money isn’t that easy to get! I need you to do something for me first. Once it’s done…”
–
After signing the contract with Night Vision, the other party immediately posted on Weibo. As for the other guests, they would be officially announced later.
In essence, they wanted to leverage Xia Wei Liang’s popularity to retain viewers and build anticipation for the next episode.
Xia Wei Liang had previously participated in the “Idol Sports Meet,” also produced by the Night Vision platform. After its conclusion, she filmed a promotional video with the Film Emperor, collaborating with Director Huang and Brother Qiao. She would also be taking fan donations to mountainous areas for charity.
Thus, the two combined, and after confirming the schedule with the Film Emperor, the next episode’s filming was set for the following week. Because it was a positive energy program, Director Zhou specially granted a day off.
Soon, other guests were finalized for the show.
Given the show’s popularity, there were countless aspiring young idols and流量seeking connections to join. However, Director Huang remained steadfast in his decision to keep the original cast, with Xia Yiran being the only absence.
As for her replacement, it would be kept confidential for now, becoming the show’s sole suspense.
Currently, Xia Wei Liang’s activities were limited to live streams and endorsements for her brand partners, along with two regular variety show appearances.
Ji Huan had received many scripts, but without exception, they were all formulaic sweet dramas. Not to mention Xia Wei Liang, even Ji Huan couldn’t approve of them.
“Let’s keep it empty for now,” Ji Huan said. “Also, the company wants you to continue with variety shows. What are your thoughts?”
Xia Wei Liang: “I entered the entertainment industry because I loved acting and wanted to be an actress. It’s the same now.”
Ji Huan understood. “Don’t worry, I’ve rejected everything I could. However, there’s a survival show from our own company, and they’re interested in your popularity to have you as a judge.”
Xia Wei Liang blurted out, “Is it ‘Create Miracles’?”
Ji Huan was taken aback. “That… that was the tentative name decided in a meeting just yesterday. How did you know?”
“I…”
Xia Wei Liang almost let it slip and quickly covered up, “I just happened to overhear it when I called Old Du yesterday.”
Ji Huan nodded. “That’s right, it’s this show. The company has invested heavily, and they’re relying on it to turn things around in the second half of the year.”
Xia Wei Liang frowned. She remembered that this show was airing when she had her car accident.
At that time, they had invited controversial and buzzworthy guests. As a result, while they gained popularity, their reputation suffered. Not only was their professionalism questioned, but the personal qualities of the participating idols were also concerning. There were contestants involved in affairs, parents who were defaulters refusing to repay their debts, and academic fraud exposed…
It was truly like a year’s worth of drama unfolding on one show!
In the end, the authorities ordered an indefinite suspension of the broadcast, and those who had gained fame were also suspended from all activities.
In short, “Miracles” caused Meiyu Media to lose a massive amount of money.
As for whether they could turn things around, Xia Wei Liang wouldn’t see it.
However, mentioning “Miracles” sparked an idea in her mind.
“Sister Huan, you could actually establish a personal studio.”
Ji Huan looked at her and suddenly smiled. “You really dare to say that.” She didn’t treat Xia Wei Liang as an outsider and frankly said, “I do have that idea, but now is not the time.”
“That’s good~ No matter when, as long as you give the word, I promise I’ll be the first one to sign!”
“Really?”
Ji Huan pursed her lips and said unhurriedly, “Perhaps by then, someone will be vying to sign you too.”
“That’s true.” Xia Wei Liang didn’t have the overly modest nerves of some people. She said seriously, “Alas, wherever I go, I’m always being noticed. Being popular really tests one’s intelligence!”
Ji Huan smiled and said nothing, nor did she explain.
In short, as long as you’re happy, you can brag or act however you want.
“Sister Huan, the ‘Miracles’ project isn’t good. The selection show market is too saturated. Perhaps the next one to crash will be ‘Miracles’.”
Ji Huan said, “Yes, I’m not too optimistic about selection shows either. Being phased out is only a matter of time.”
Xia Wei Liang subtly reminded her, “One must always have a backup plan. What if… I’m just saying, what if this show happens to coincide with the authorities’ rectification…”
Ji Huan listened to her words and fell into thought.
She was an intelligent person. Xia Wei Liang didn’t say much, hinting at the point and stopping.
Meanwhile, she silently clasped her hands in prayer –
This isn’t considered revealing secrets of heaven, is it?
She hadn’t said anything!
“Alright, I understand,” Ji Huan said. “I’ll push back everything I can for you, and you can focus on studying acting. By the way, do you need me to arrange a teacher?”
“Oh, Su Yu Xi just contacted me. His scenes have also finished filming, so he can discuss with me when he has free time.”
“Su Yu Xi?” Ji Huan looked at her suspiciously, indulging in gossip for once. “You and him… nothing’s going on, right?”
Xia Wei Liang immediately waved her hands. “Sister Huan! You can’t say things like that!”
For some reason, she felt a prickle of unease. She hadn’t said anything, yet she had a feeling of being spied on…
And it was very strong!
Could it be… this is the legendary guilt?
No, impossible!
Guilt about what?
About whom?
Xiao Yi?
Hehehehehehehe…
Absolutely not!