Chapter 108: What on Earth Is Wrong with This Person? Their Mind Has Completely Collapsed! (Lengthy Chapter!)

Gubei filming location, hotel.

Su Mu and Qian Jida were among the first to learn about the heated online discussions.

But Su Mu naturally paid them no mind.

To him, as long as it didn’t interfere with making money, these were trivial matters.

Having secured seventy million yuan, bearing some public opinion pressure was only to be expected.

The most important thing was to portray the role well. If he truly botched the performance and the critics’ words came true, that would be a devastating financial blow.

What surprised him was that Yuan Zheng actually couldn’t bear the negative online comments and took the initiative to speak out for him.

[Yuan Zheng V: I understand many have doubts about this online film about Xin Qiji, but I want to say that an actor as talented as Su Mu is worth the wait! If you genuinely like his work, give him some time. Trust me, this will undoubtedly be the best portrayal of Xin Qiji you’ve ever seen. Su Mu’s dedication is beyond your understanding.]

Yuan Zheng’s influence didn’t stem from his number of fans.

No matter how high his standing in the industry, that alone wasn’t enough to attract followers.

But many insiders, upon seeing Yuan Zheng’s Weibo post, began to understand something.

There were few whom Director Yuan would so vocally support and praise.

If Su Mu didn’t truly impress him, someone with Yuan Zheng’s character wouldn’t publicly back him like that.

This Su Mu definitely had something special.

...

[Martial arts move +1]

[Skill point +0.01...]

Su Mu was inside his room, practicing martial arts moves.

At first glance, his limbs stretched gracefully, exuding the aura of a trained martial artist.

But in truth, he was not pursuing raw power, but fluidity and elegance in movement.

It was what one might call flashy but ineffective gestures in name only.

Now, his proficiency had reached level 3.

Combined with the flexibility attribute gained from dancing before, his progress accelerated rapidly.

Nearby,

Qian Jida watched Su Mu’s continuous kicks with some admiration.

It had been several years since they met; he recalled how nervous Su Mu was even shooting a cover photo back then.

Now, Su Mu had reached the point of running his own studio.

Xiao Juzi was recording on her phone and suddenly said:

“Mr. Qian, now that Su Mu is so impressive, why don’t we get him to star in a theatrical kung fu movie after this drama wraps? He could become a top kung fu star overnight!”

Qian Jida smiled: “It’s not that easy. Currently, high box office action films rely heavily on the main actor’s pull.

Those actors represent not just reputation, but also guaranteed box office returns. Otherwise, investors wouldn’t risk putting in more capital without proven market success.

Su Mu is certainly promising now, but we mustn’t act recklessly. Unless there’s a good script and a solid production team, it’s worth a try—but we must be mentally prepared.”

Xiao Juzi asked, “Mr. Qian, does making movies earn more money?”

Qian Jida replied, “Not necessarily. But in entertainment, anyone who really takes off tends to do so through the big screen.

Ultimately, to make big money, you have to bet on yourself. Acting fees are fixed, but box office earnings have no ceiling.”

Xiao Juzi listened with wide eyes: “So if we invest in him ourselves, and Su Mu really becomes a hundred-billion-yuan box office king, how big would my year-end bonus be!”

Qian Jida was speechless: “You’re dreaming. Stop daydreaming and let’s go get lunch with Master Zhu.”

After sending Xiao Juzi off, Qian Jida turned to Su Mu:

“These past days’ trending topics have revealed a lot.

I thought next year’s online films would only compete with the other two video giants, but it’s clearly more complicated.

It made no sense that you’d face such backlash just for choosing to play Xin Qiji.

With your reputation from four dramas last year and the fans you gained, this kind of negative backfire isn’t normal.

So someone must be manipulating things, hiring internet trolls and media accounts to stir up trouble.”

Su Mu asked, “Could it be Zhou Wanming and Li Hui? Or maybe your rivals?”

Qian Jida shook his head: “Zhou Wanming wouldn’t do anything stupid that harms him, nor would he let Li Hui do so.

As for Zhang Hua’an, he’s a bit foolish but always acts openly. He wouldn’t engage in such underhanded tactics.”

Su Mu: “Then who do you think it is...?”

Qian Jida: “Besides the three major online platforms' films, there are a few movies scheduled for domestic theatrical release.”

Su Mu was puzzled: “Isn’t that a different market? Would theatrical films be afraid of online releases? Besides, I’m not the only one premiering at the same time; there’s also Oil Depot Penguin over there.”

Qian Jida nodded: “But you have the most buzz. You had a crazy run last year with four dramas.

So those stirring trouble by targeting you are actually boosting themselves indirectly.

Many comments now say things like ‘only watch theatrical, ignore online films’—that’s their agenda.”

Hearing Qian Jida’s words, Su Mu roughly guessed what was going on.

This kind of thing was common in the industry.

Either someone rides on others’ popularity to boost themselves, or scandals are manufactured to cover up other scandals.

In any case, it was hard for ordinary people to see through the schemes.

Su Mu didn’t bother thinking too much.

In the end, quality wins in film and television.

Audiences don’t care who you are; if it’s good, it’s good. If the acting is poor, no one will buy it.

Su Mu put on his clothes and slung a long sword on his back.

“Let them talk. When the work airs, everything will be clear. Whoever feels bad about it will know why.”

Qian Jida was taken aback: “Where are you going?”

Su Mu: “To the stables. I’m going to practice some new moves this afternoon.”

Qian Jida: “...”

...

January had just passed.

February was approaching with the New Year celebrations.

Last year, Su Mu spent the holiday on set in Hengdian; being alone didn’t matter much.

This year, however, Qian Jida, Xiao Juzi, and Master Zhu would spend the New Year with him, which might be livelier.

Still, most of his energy was devoted to honing his skills.

He continued riding horses at full speed daily.

Then swordplay and martial arts practice.

At this pace, by the time Chen Anzhi and Yuan Zheng returned with the crew after the New Year, his horseback riding would have reached level 4 master.

His sword techniques and martial arts moves would approach level 3 perfection.

In such a condition,

fulfilling all the requirements of the role of Xin Qiji would be no problem.

...

6 a.m.

A sleek black car drove from Gubei Airport toward a remote filming base.

At that moment,

Sun Liaojun sat in the passenger seat.

He looked at the desolate landscape outside, feeling uneasy.

To be frank, coming all the way from Jing City was a big decision.

If he couldn’t dig up some useful dirt on Su Mu, then Black Material Jun—the once-rising gossip star—would truly fade away.

He was definitely unwilling to accept that fate.

So Sun Liaojun came fully armed, prepared everything he could.

Drones, cameras, binoculars, jungle survival gear, and more.

In short, he would not rest until he had uncovered every secret about Su Mu.

“Boss, it’s just an online film. Why come all the way to such a place to shoot? Aren’t there enough film bases in the country?”

“I feel like Su Mu’s level is too high to suffer in such a place. Boss, could we have come to the wrong location? What if we don’t even get to see Su Mu? That’d be pointless.”

Two complaining voices came from behind.

Indeed, for the success of this operation, Sun Liaojun had brought along two employees.

Sun Liaojun: “Shut up. This is internal info, it can’t be fake. You’re here to work, not sightsee. Keep your focus. If you see Su Mu, watch him closely! If next issue has no dirt on him, you’re all fired next month.”

“Boss, can’t we at least get a bonus this month?”

Sun Liaojun: “Bonus? Do I look like someone who gives bonuses? Just knowing you’re here is me contributing to society...”

Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves passed by their side.

They turned to look, stunned.

Wow, a real-life hero, huh?

Riding a horse on the road was one thing, but the rider was carrying a sword on his back.

You’d think he’d time-traveled.

After the rider passed,

laughter broke out inside the car.

“Pfft, haha, this guy’s hilarious. Riding a horse in freezing cold weather—is that the local custom?”

Sun Liaojun smiled helplessly: “Might be someone from the crew. Judging by the direction, seems like the Chen Anzhi filming base.”

“Boss... did you get a good look at that guy’s face earlier?”

Sun Liaojun shook his head, puzzled: “No, why?”

“He... I feel like that rider looked a bit like Su Mu.”

“Ah?”

Sun Liaojun was stunned too.

He looked again toward the figure disappearing ahead, then laughed:

“Ha, you young ones can imagine anything. Su Mu, a big star, riding a horse on the road? Do you think that’s believable? Unless he’s crazy.”

“...”

...

A few minutes later.

Sun Liaojun: “Xiao Li, step on it! Hurry up, damn it, hit the gas!”

Xiao Li: “Boss, there are sheep on the road. I can’t go fast or I’ll kill one—it’s expensive.”

Sun Liaojun: “I’ll pay if one dies! Now chase!”

Xiao Li had no choice but to comply.

He pressed the accelerator, honked wildly, scattering the sheep, then continued the chase.

Half an hour later,

the car arrived at the filming base.

From a distance, the constructed scenes were visible inside.

And the rider had just stopped within.

But when his profile appeared,

the car fell utterly silent.

Sun Liaojun: “???”

Xiao Li: “!!!”

Xiao Zhang: “!!!”

Sun Liaojun’s expression was strange.

He still couldn’t believe the man galloping on horseback to the set was Su Mu.

Wasn’t this a bit too unbelievable?

After a while,

Sun Liaojun: “Did you see him?”

Xiao Li: “Yes.”

Sun Liaojun: “Is that him?”

Xiao Zhang: “Yes.”

Sun Liaojun: “Riding a horse? Su Mu on horseback on the road? Wait... what is he doing?”

Just as Sun Liaojun and the others were still doubting their sanity,

Su Mu in the distance began drawing his sword and practicing.

But if it were just normal sword practice, that would be one thing.

Su Mu was practicing swordplay on horseback.

The horse circled inside an empty field.

Though not fast, Su Mu’s agile maneuvers atop the horse were still very dangerous.

Watching was nerve-wracking.

Sun Liaojun was amazed, hardly able to believe it.

This was Su Mu?

Click!

The two with him quickly took photos.

Xiao Li: “Isn’t it said online that Su Mu only did idol dramas and can’t fight? But riding horseback and practicing swordplay isn’t for just anyone. And he looks pretty cool doing it! Look at this shot—someone seeing this might really think he’s a time-traveling martial hero!”

Xiao Zhang: “Tell you what, if we release this, it’ll definitely blow up! Exclusive photos of Su Mu practicing swordplay on horseback—so fresh! Boss, what do you say? Shall we release it as material? At least the next issue won’t be empty.”

Sun Liaojun frowned, thought for a moment, then shook his head with determination.

Though he had come all this way to dig up dirt on Su Mu,

this was not the kind of material he wanted.

Posting photos of sword practice on horseback?

Was he, a man who made his fortune on real dirt, really going to praise an actor’s impressive sword riding skills?

This was simply not his style.

Sun Liaojun: “No, that’s not what we’re here for. Keep watching! I don’t believe Su Mu won’t slip up at all!

He’s a young man full of passion, and this place isn’t well connected. Think about it—how could nothing else happen in such a safe spot?”

Xiao Li’s eyes lit up: “I get it! Maybe he met some actress from the circle!”

Xiao Zhang: “I get it too. Or maybe he did something shameful, like public urination, or traffic violations while riding! If we catch that, we’ve hit the jackpot!”

Sun Liaojun: “Xiao Zhang, give your camera to Xiao Li.”

Xiao Zhang: “Why?”

Sun Liaojun: “No reason. You focus on reporting the surroundings.”

Xiao Zhang: “But I still want to catch him urinating in public...”

Sun Liaojun: “Shut up, keep watching!”

There would be a breakthrough!

...

So it went on.

The New Year passed.

He staked out until the fifth day of the lunar new year.

But there was no result.

Disheveled, bloodshot eyes, utterly exhausted.

No dumplings eaten, no Spring Festival Gala watched, no dirt found!

None!

At one point,

Sun Liaojun felt his heart break.

He even wondered if the three of them were trapped in some kind of sci-fi loop.

Every day was the same.

Wake up in the morning, see Su Mu galloping on horseback to the filming site.

In the morning, watch him practice swordplay, then martial arts moves.

In the afternoon, watch him ride again, then sword practice and martial moves.

At night, ride back on horseback.

The next day, repeat.

Every day was like this.

No changes.

And beyond that, there was nothing else.

Yes.

Nothing!

Sun Liaojun’s mind was close to collapse.

Even if Su Mu wasn’t involved in any romantic scandals, couldn’t he at least have some other dirt?

Public urination would do!

The year had passed, and he was still grinding away!

Is there no mercy?

Xiao Li: “Boss, the official account has over ten thousand messages urging for new content. What should we do?”

Xiao Zhang: “He already said, if he doesn’t release it soon, people will really unfollow.”

Sun Liaojun was exasperated.

He knew the situation well.

But the problem was, they had no material to release.

“Boss, why don’t we just release those sneaky photos of Su Mu riding a horse? At least to cover one issue.”

“Yeah, even if it’s not dirt, it’s first-hand material! It’ll keep morale up. Then we can keep watching for more.”

After a long pause,

Sun Liaojun gritted his teeth: “Fine... release it!”

PS: Yesterday, Master Zhu’s name was changed to Zhu Youcai. Someone reminded me the previous name might be risky, so it’s been changed.

There will be another update later.

Tomorrow, I should resume a thousand updates and start repaying debts.

These days, monthly votes +2, average subscriptions have reached five thousand +3 +25 (owe 30 updates... starting...)

(The End of this chapter)