Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 271: Chapter 233: Rise: 69

”Capable of winning awards.” Zhou Lan, after watching the clip, earnestly said to Zhou Yun, ”You acted really well in this drama.”

Zhou Yun shook her head, saying, ”Not really.”

But Zhou Lan affirmed in a very determined tone, ”This drama is directed by Cong Lan, respected in the circle. Once it airs, with you and Li Ci, the attention will definitely not be lacking. Since it’s well filmed and the reputation will be good, your nomination is almost guaranteed. As long as luck isn’t too bad, it can definitely make a push.”

The character Zhou Yun plays, Zhang Hua, is sensitive and sharp, yet kind-hearted and staunchly just. In every scene, she fully expanded the character’s range, never missing an opportunity to enhance her performance, and always delivering her best at each moment.

Masterful in details.

Cong Lan always stresses the importance of quality acting in the details, which fully leverages Zhou Yun’s strengths.

”Dingfengbo” official Weibo released a batch of stills.

One for each character.

Zhou Yun’s photo shows her negotiating with the chief editor to release a piece of news, her face radiating a fierce anger, her eyes flashing with determination and obstinacy.

This instant captured in the photo grabs one’s attention irresistibly.

The photos were posted online and received high praise.

He Yong is already starting to generate buzz for ”Dingfengbo.”

Zhou Yun suddenly received a call from Wen Bing, saying, ”Zhou Yun, I’m about to direct a film, the action movie I mentioned before. There’s a female boss character, and I’ve tailored it to fit you a bit. Do you want to take it?”

Reflecting on her conversation with Wen Bing after finishing ”Life” where she told him to always reserve a role for her in his future projects, Zhou Yun hadn’t actually expected him to really keep a role for her.

Zhou Yun handed it over to Zhou Lan to communicate with the production company.

Zhou Lan was reluctant as it was just a supporting role with only three scenes, but she couldn’t let go of the movie since the male lead was Liang Yuanpu.

Calling Liang Yuanpu one of the top actors in Chinese-language films is no exaggeration; no other male actor has won more awards than him.

”Director Wen really should have increased your part since you’ve worked together before,” Zhou Lan complained.

Zhou Yun smiled and responded, ”This is fundamentally a man’s play.”

Zhou Lan argued, ”But this female supporting role has far too few scenes, it’s practically just a cameo.”

”But these scenes are quite brilliant, a casino boss, sexy and cool, helping Liang Yuanpu, who plays the secret agent, escape from a crisis. Though it’s a small part, it’s a beautiful and positive one,” Zhou Yun said. ”Wen Bing specifically modified it for me, it was originally a male role.”

Zhou Lan responded, ”Getting to act alongside Liang Yuanpu really makes it worth it.”

”Sister Lan, don’t set your sights too high. If it weren’t for Director Wen, when would I get the chance to be part of such a big production?”

”You’re underestimating yourself. Currently, you’re at the top of the list for female roles in big-budget productions.”

”Those are all awful movies,” Zhou Yun retorted. ”How many big productions are there with Liang Yuanpu as the male lead?”

Zhou Lan: ”Then just take the role.”

”When does filming commence?” Zhou Yun asked.

Zhou Lan stated, ”It starts this coming March. I’m not sure when you’ll be joining the crew; you have so few scenes, it’ll probably only take a few days to wrap up.”

”Let’s reserve the schedule for now.”

”I’m still not sure when Xue Qin’s ’Falling Leaves’ is shooting, even though the contract is signed. There hasn’t been any movement,” Zhou Lan mentioned.

Zhou Yun: ”We’ll wait for their arrangement.”

After discussing a while, Zhou Lan hurried off.

Zhou Yun continued filming with the production team.

In early July, last year’s big drama ”Spring Cold,” starring Wei Ru Xue, premiered and ignited tremendous popularity and discussion.

Produced by Chengqian Film and Television, this drama achieved expected ratings and reputation.

The only regret was Wei Ruxue was no longer a signed artist with Chengqian.

In an interview, Wei Ruxue appeared triumphant and said, ”Although my contract with Chengqian has expired and I didn’t renew, I believe my connection with President He and Chengqian won’t end here. If there are good opportunities in the future, we’ll still cooperate.”

Seeing this interview made He Yong furious enough to smash his phone onto the table.

If not for Wei Ruxue’s non-renewal, he wouldn’t have faced the prior difficulties, nor ignited dissatisfaction from headquarters, cultivating thoughts of replacing him.

”Spring Cold” became increasingly popular, with high talking points.

Wei Ruxue became the most popular celebrity in July.

Various news about her emerged.

Provoking reporters directly asked, ”Sister Xue, you were previously the top actress at Chengqian Entertainment, and now that you’ve left, Zhou Yun became the top actress. Could you share your thoughts on Zhou Yun?”

Wei Ruxue tactfully answered, ”Xiao Yun is a very diligent young person, with a promising future.”

Dissatisfied with her response, reporters pressed: ”Sister Xue, how do you view people’s earlier criticism of Zhou Yun choosing bad roles?”

Wei Ruxue paused before answering, ”Actually, every actor should cherish their feathers and cautiously select their roles, not just chasing numbers or popularity. Currently, many young actors aren’t careful enough, and this is an attitude that needs to change. Otherwise, even with great talent and popularity, they will eventually be eliminated. I’m not pointing at Xiao Yun specifically, just speaking out about a general issue in the industry.”

This interview understandably exploded online.

No one believed her final statement.

Everyone believed Wei Ruxue’s words were criticizing Zhou Yun’s lax role selection.

Zhou Yun’s fans naturally retorted.

Beyond arguing, some also insulted Wei Ruxue.

Her educated fans responded, ”Our Sister Xue, as a senior, is kindly advising some young celebrities to cherish their opportunities. Is there anything wrong with that? Just look at the infamous ’Eighth Heartbeat’—who can stand such a terribly made drama? If you’re going to praise her, at least be discerning.”

”Eighth Heartbeat,” known as a poor production, is recognized by everyone for being substandard. Even Zhou Yun’s fans couldn’t dishonestly claim it was well-made. Its initial popularity was mainly due to the chemistry between Gu Huaichun and Zhou Yun that was marketed well, attracting fans and spiking the show’s popularity.

Zhou Lan had no choice but to personally intervene and manage public opinion.

At the same time, she secretly wished ill will on Wei Ruxue in her heart.