Chapter 107: Whether We Can Reach New Heights Depends Entirely on You, My Brother!

The construction of the filming location was basically complete. On New Year's Day, Chen Anzhi took the crew back to Jing City to finalize preparations. There were still some actors to coordinate with, along with other promotional matters.

Originally, he had intended to let Su Mu return to Galaxy City for a few days of rest. However, Su Mu declined, citing the need to continue horseback riding at the ranch.

In truth, Su Mu had already done more than enough during this period. Even the usually strict Yuan Zheng hadn’t found a single fault to criticize in Su Mu’s performance. If word got out, it would surely surprise many within the industry, as Yuan Zheng typically scolds several young actors in every production.

This speaks volumes about the impact and impression Su Mu’s performance had on him. When faced with an actor with such a diligent and positive attitude, any veteran in the field, if not actively supporting, would at least offer encouragement and tolerance. Yuan Zheng’s temper is sharp, but it’s mostly directed at those who just stand around doing nothing or actors who somehow miraculously heal once in the hospital.

After the crew returned, New Year's Day arrived. Su Mu personally paid for a whole lamb to be slaughtered in a nearby county town. There was a local tent specialized in roasting lamb. Su Mu invited Qian Jida, Fan Xiaoju, and Master Zhu to spend their studio’s first New Year’s Day together there. Though simple, it was made joyful, especially since Su Mu’s year-end bonus was generous.

Xiaoju was so excited she almost changed her phone’s wallpaper from her idol younger brother to Su Mu but held back at the last moment. “No choice, the tender little brother is just too irresistible,” she exclaimed.

Su Mu sneered, “The lamb’s penis tastes better a little charred; too tender, and it’s hard to swallow.”

Xiaoju was speechless.

Elsewhere, Master Zhu, holding his six-figure bonus, was so moved he broke his usual silence to say earnestly, “Thank... thank you, boss! I, Zhu Youcai, will drive for you properly from now on! No more slacking off or dozing at the wheel.”

Su Mu was speechless.

Qian Jida was stunned.

Xiaoju was bewildered.

What the heck? Since when did Master Zhu ever doze off at the wheel? Surely not while driving on the road!

After New Year’s, Su Mu continued to hone his skills. With his equestrian abilities improving, he was already able to perform several sword techniques on horseback. He could even lean his body to one side of the horse at full gallop, barely managing to execute some difficult stunts.

In Su Mu’s conceptualization: if during battle he needed to pick up a weapon from the ground while riding, he would use this unconventional riding technique—leaning his entire body sideways, hooking onto the saddle with his limbs to avoid falling, then reaching down headfirst to retrieve the weapon before returning upright on the horse.

It looked flashy but was highly dangerous. He failed twice at first, but the benefit of practice was rapid learning, and he soon mastered the skill.

However, the greatest gain came from the times he fell. The moment he hit the ground, pain brought a new understanding. In the chaotic era of the Song Dynasty’s wars, what truly pained a hero like Xin Qiji was not bodily injury but the sorrow of a broken nation, the shattering of his idealized Song Dynasty, and the hardship faced by displaced citizens unable to find peace.

There was a scene in the script where Xin Qiji described his vision of the Song Dynasty as “so beautiful, like a record of the Tokyo Dream or a scroll of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival.” This was his dream. But reality was harsh—thinking of the slaughter at Sifang Gate and the devastated battlefields, he could only sigh.

At that moment, a sudden epiphany seemed to allow Su Mu to grasp more deeply the character’s emotions and inner world. Xin Qiji embodied the refined spirit of a scholar and the valor of a general who repelled the Jin invaders. Poetry met bloodshed; literary grace blended with martial prowess—this was his essence.

Otherwise, after the thunderous march of armored cavalry, how could there be a moment of quiet reflection amid the dim lamplight?

After several days, Su Mu had basically entered the state he desired. Once skill proficiency reaches a certain level, many insights naturally emerge.

He was gradually shaping himself into Xin Qiji.

…

Just after January, right before the Lunar New Year, Chen Anzhi’s official production account and the Kiwi Video official Weibo simultaneously posted the opening announcement for “Xin Qiji 1162.” Though merely a teaser, the cast list was revealed:

“Official Xin Qiji Production Weibo: Filming for Xin Qiji will officially begin in March! Director: Chen Anzhi / Starring: @SuMu / @Yuan Lang / @Deng Hua / @Yuan Shuang…”

“Kiwi Official: Wishing the internet film ‘Xin Qiji 1162’ a successful start to filming! Looking forward to its release by the end of the year!”

Following these official posts, Su Mu and several cast members shared statuses indicating they were ready to join the crew, signaling to the public that their new project was underway.

However, within just one day, contrasting opinions began flooding in online. The comments grew increasingly heated. Many were surprised that Su Mu wasn’t starring in a historical romance drama this year but had chosen an internet film instead. Although both were acting gigs, this decision disappointed many fans.

The discussion quickly escalated, with hashtags like #SuMuNotDoingHistoricalRomance trending. The topic drew widespread attention.

[Comment explosion:

“Su Mu is talented, but quitting TV dramas for an internet film is really brainless. It’s not about the choice but suitability. His acting is okay, but Xin Qiji is a fierce fighter—can he fight? Are they going to CGI the horse-riding scenes? If so, I’m out!

I never watch internet films—they’re always low-quality!

Su Mu isn’t short of drama offers; why pick this?

Xin Qiji’s a tough role; if he screws it up, it’ll hurt his reputation.

Yeah, he’s changed tracks; won’t be dominating screens next year.

Whatever they do, I only watch international blockbusters.

Next year’s ‘Warrior Shadows’ domestic release will crush these internet films. I’m definitely watching that.

Waiting to be crushed—historical dramas like Xin Qiji’s are niche anyway, no thanks!”]

The comments overwhelmed the internet. On one hand, there was distrust toward Su Mu’s first attempt at action scenes. On the other, many simply dismissed the domestic internet film market as inferior. The truth was, internet films in China were not mainstream investments and often of uneven quality. Foreign productions also competed for the market, further dampening confidence.

Yet this did not affect Chen Anzhi and his team. They had anticipated such reactions; without cultural ministry support, they might never have taken on this project. Su Mu’s fame only heightened the controversy. Unfortunately, the public hadn’t yet seen Su Mu’s relentless dedication. Those who had witnessed his horsemanship likely held different opinions.

Meanwhile, media outlets seized the opportunity to churn out headlines during the slow holiday season:

[Fish Media: Why did Su Mu insist on an internet film? Power of capital?]

[Tiger Poo: Su Mu’s background revealed—who could have guessed…]

[…]

Many sensational headlines garnered massive clicks. The most explosive was a public account article with tens of millions of likes:

[Black Material King V: Su Mu’s choice to shoot an internet film must have hidden reasons!

Is someone playing a big game?

Or has Su Mu encountered issues he can’t disclose to fans?

Important: Su Mu is currently not in Galaxy City but reportedly at the Gubei production base.

Black Material King will continue to follow and expose!

Stay tuned for the next installment!

Big news ahead!

Likes: 66.78 million

Comments: 9999+

Reposts: 1000+…]

…

In Jing City, inside a new media office building, the Black Material King gossip agency was unusually quiet. Well, it couldn’t be otherwise—there were only three people in the office.

Sun Liaojun, founder of Black Material King, glared at two listless young employees below and was furious. Under the pressure of short videos, their public account media barely made a living. This article was a rare hit, yet they had left a risky phrase in it.

“Didn’t I say to delete the last line? ‘In-depth follow-up reporting’—what are you doing? If we can’t deliver after the New Year, we might as well shut down!”

Sun Liaojun’s tone was sharp.

But the two post-2000s staff barely reacted. Only after he slammed the desk did one lazily say, “Boss Sun, we’re lucky to get a hit at all. Isn’t it better to grab some ad revenue? The risk won’t be remembered by netizens.”

“The last line is what made it viral. We make some money now, and if needed, we just switch to another account. Easy.”

Sun Liaojun was exasperated. He never imagined, once a rising star in entertainment gossip, he’d be bossed around by two youngsters like this. Unable to tolerate it any longer, he kicked them out to avoid brain hemorrhage.

Still, he felt reluctant looking at the Black Material King account—it was painstakingly built. They had started by breaking real scandals. Though their reputation wasn’t spotless, they adhered strictly to exposing only truthful dirt. That’s how they’d come this far.

After deep thought, Sun Liaojun’s eyes gleamed with determination. He would not let Black Material King die! Su Mu’s follow-up scandals? He knew this type of star well—built on looks and persona before transitioning gradually. In the entertainment industry’s cesspool, no one is flawless. Su Mu was too popular to have no cracks.

With that in mind, Sun Liaojun booked a flight to Gubei via Fei Zhu, silently praying for a big scoop.

“Su Mu, whether Black Material King thrives or falls depends on you!”

…

Su Mu’s situation drew widespread attention, including from old rivals who watched the drama unfold. Li Hui and Li Xinjie even accidentally liked an article, which fans noticed and scolded them for lacking grace. They had been badly beaten at last year’s awards and were now reveling in others’ misfortune.

Compared to them, the NNQT boy band was much quieter. Not because Zhang Hua’an wasn’t paying attention, but he had learned his lesson. He thought it best not to get involved or wish for anything untoward; otherwise, if the situation reversed, it would be deadly.

Last time, he was sure they’d win the dance competition, but ended up gulping six quick-acting heart pills on the way home, none of which worked. If not for captain Zhao Feng’s warning, he might have kept taking the medicine foolishly.

At the hospital, it turned out to be nerve pain in the ribs.

He was stunned.

In the car, Zhang Hua’an held his stomach and stared out the window, sighing, “Letting go of grudges really brings relief. I wonder if Qian Jida is feeling as comfortable as I am now.”

Zhao Feng said, “Boss Zhang, you’ve had diarrhea all day, how can you feel comfortable?”

Sun Han added, “Even if you’re weak from it, maybe you feel good?”

Li Hang pleaded, “Hey, can we not talk about this in the car? How about something more pleasant?”

Zhou Yang quipped, “Pleasant? Boss Zhang, you should use some toner.”

Zhang Hua’an’s eye twitched twice. After holding back for a moment, he couldn’t resist and pulled out that familiar little bottle from his jacket pocket. His movements were so practiced it was almost pitiful…

(End of chapter)