Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 1060: Chapter 614: Press Conference

”Sis, to be honest, I really don’t think ’Mother’ will be a hit. Zhang Hongyu is a Movie Queen with a big name, but think about it, how long has it been since she’s done any filming? In recent years, has there been any role that’s left a deep impression?”

”I don’t know what Song Chi was thinking, inviting Zhang Hongyu to play in this drama. It’s another family ethics drama. Look at the title, it doesn’t make you want to watch it. If you were the audience, would you be interested? Would you click to watch it?”

”Ah, fine, fine, I’ll go to this premiere if you insist. Who wouldn’t want to collect red envelopes? But writing a promotional article for them, how should I write that? Who would want to read it? Write about Song Chi’s first time as a boss and producer? Only Song Chi’s fans would be interested.”

”Audiences care about appearances. Even if you’re a big Celebrity, if you don’t act, who’s going to care about you?”

The young protégé’s complaints kept coming one after another.

Cao Ningning had had enough and slammed her hand on the table.

”You’re talking so much nonsense, like reciting a scripture! Are you going or not?”

Cao Ningning raised her eyebrows, and her young protégé dared not make a sound, but the impatience on his face was still obvious.

Seeing his expression annoyed Cao Ningning, ”You really are something, treating my kindness like donkey liver and lungs. Others want this opportunity but can’t get it. This isn’t Song Chi’s first time producing, but it’s the first show his company is promoting. Previously, he was involved in other people’s projects, but this one he’s done personally from the start. How can the feelings be the same? They’ve sent us an invitation, needing us to promote it. You say the show won’t be a hit, and it won’t? Even if it really isn’t, tell me, do you still want to receive an invitation from Song Chi in the future? Do you want interview opportunities for his future works? If his company takes off and he becomes a powerhouse, do you want to be a lapdog, to suck up then?”

The young protégé hesitated, unable to speak.

Cao Ningning’s words were like a torrent of beans.

”I’m telling you, if it weren’t for my mom getting discharged tomorrow, and I really can’t make it, it would be odd for me to give this opportunity to you, a brainless one!” she scolded, ”After working for several months, you haven’t learned any social skills, but you sure can chase fame and fortune. Why did I momentarily soften and agree to take you on as a protégé?”

The young protégé quickly put on a smiling face and admitted his mistake: ”Sister Ning, I was wrong. I know I was wrong. You’re magnanimous, don’t hold it against me. I’ll definitely get this done quickly, and I’ll write up the article well, absolutely ensuring proper promotion!”

Cao Ningning shot him a sidelong glance.

”Anyway, I’ve explained it to you clearly. Whether you actually listen or pretend to listen, I don’t care.” She stood up to get her bag, ”I’m leaving.”

The young protégé kept smiling, and only after Cao Ningning left did he put away his smile.

”Damn, great opportunity!”

...

The scene of the ’Mother’ premiere.

”Who will be here today?” The reporters discussed among themselves, exchanging news, resting their notebooks on their laps, ready to publish first drafts immediately and grab headlines.

Experienced reporters had already written their drafts before arriving, waiting to listen and edit on-site, allowing them to publish as soon as possible.

Sun Xi — Cao Ningning’s young protégé, true to his name with a cheerful face, entered the venue and quickly started mingling with others.

Before long, he was chatting with a group.

”I’ll tell you secretly, I don’t think this drama will be a hit. Zhang Hongyu hasn’t acted in ages. Today’s audience doesn’t know her. Apart from her, there’s no other big-name actor. It’s obvious this drama is a gift from Song Chi to bring her back. It’ll probably just be like that,” someone said.

Sun Xi immediately chimed in, ”Right? I think so too. When Zhang Hongyu re-emerged, many wrote about her, but the views and discussions didn’t meet expectations. Sure, she’s a great actress, a Movie Queen, no doubt, but this isn’t her era anymore.”

”What was Song Chi thinking, inviting her to act again? She stepped back because there weren’t many suitable roles for her back then.”

”Who knows, but you can’t really say she’s retired, just not that active.”

”I heard Song Chi has done several dramas with middle-aged lead roles after this. It’s unusual, but I think he’s being too optimistic, thinking his influence can boost viewership. Regardless of what others say, call it cliché or bad, the shows they criticize most harshly still make the most money. Which investor invests in shows for the reputation? Platforms want to make money too, and if they want to pursue art, someone has to pay for that art.”