Chapter 132: Do You Even Understand Idol Dramas? Do You Know How Formidable Your Opponent Is?

For two days straight, the local government officials and the archaeology team’s panel of professors took turns visiting the set to express their gratitude. Naturally, this process also involved investigations and inquiries. After all, it wasn't the first time someone had used a guise to pursue ulterior motives in such a location. Coupled with the fact that the film’s subject matter was relevant to their findings, it was hard not to draw connections.

Fortunately, the production team had received endorsements from the relevant departments before shooting began. Moreover, Su Mu and several other actors were sufficiently high-profile, so there were no major issues. Following the routine inquiries, the officials publicly expressed their thanks and even presented Su Mu with a ceremonial banner.

The entire crew was left stunned by this. They were just filming, and a few shovelfuls of dirt later, they had confirmed there was something real buried underneath? It was simply miraculous. The local exploration team had been searching for two months, only for Su Mu, an entertainment star, to be the one who made the discovery. Would you believe it? Most people probably wouldn't, but the problem was that it had happened right before their eyes.

They couldn't help but wonder: wasn't Su Mu just an actor? Was he actually the reincarnation of Hu Bayi? This incident left the actors on set thoroughly shaken. In the modern entertainment industry, it was trendy for stars to show off their "side hustles"—someone might have a high degree, another a prestigious family background, or someone might be a skilled chef or a race car driver. But tell me, have you ever seen a celebrity who could perform geomancy, locate dragon veins, and spot ancient tombs? And to uncover a centuries-old historical relic with just a random swipe of a shovel? Compared to this, the side hustles of other stars seemed weak and paled in comparison.

"I’m kneeling; Su Mu is a true master!"
"No wonder Director Xu Jiang paid him fifty million. He’s the living embodiment of Hu Bayi. If you can hire the original, paying a bit more is worth it!"
"With this kind of skill, that guy who charges twenty-five million really can't compete. No, forget him; even looking at the entire entertainment industry, this is absolutely explosive!"
"I need to apologize to Su Mu."
"So bold! An apology isn't enough? You should kneel and ask to be his apprentice!"
"Damn..."

The crew had been completely conquered by Su Mu’s display of tomb-locating prowess. Any lingering doubts about him had vanished. Many now looked at him with increasing reverence. It wasn't necessarily out of superstition, but often, people with such extraordinary abilities were viewed as hidden masters. In their eyes, Su Mu had become one such figure. After all, this was a man who could spot a century-old burial site at a glance. They had to be polite, even occasionally doting on him.

"Teacher Su Mu, here is some water for you."
"Teacher Su Mu, are you tired? Why not go rest in my tent?"
"Master Su, do you take apprentices? Do you think I have what it takes?"
"Master, could you take a look at me? I’ve been in the industry for seven or eight years; is there something wrong with the feng shui of my ancestral grave? Is that why my career hasn't taken off?"

Just as Su Mu finished his final shot and turned around, he was immediately swarmed by the crowd. Outside the circle, Little Tangerine looked smug. "Sigh, if only it could always be like this. With people helping to serve the boss, I could play a few more rounds of Honor of Kings."

Qian Jida flicked her on the forehead. "Keep dreaming. Do you want your salary docked again?"
Little Tangerine: "Uh... no."
Qian Jida: "If not, then go rescue your boss."

Little Tangerine sighed, bracing herself as she dove into the crowd to drag Su Mu out.
"Boss, you're too popular. They’re all asking you to look at their burial plots. How about we open an agency for that later?"
Su Mu wiped the desert sand from his face with a towel and rolled his eyes at her. "Go, go, go play your game. Why do you always have to bring up things that aren't meant to be mentioned?"
"Blech," Little Tangerine stuck out her tongue and ran off.

Ignoring her, Su Mu looked at Qian Jida. "That was the last scene. Once we're done, we can head back."
This was his final scene on location. The filming hadn't required many takes, but due to weather and changes in filming locations, it had dragged on for over ten days.

Qian Jida nodded. "I know. The tickets are already booked. But we need to keep an eye on the New Year’s box office after we return."
Su Mu: "It’s about to be released?"
Qian Jida nodded. "It should be released around February, during the New Year. We need to see how Lin Haoming’s box office performance turns out. Hopefully, it won't be too much of a breakthrough; that would make things easier for you later. It’s just..." Qian Jida stopped mid-sentence, looking worried.

Su Mu: "What is it?"
Qian Jida sighed. "It's just that you don't have any film offers for the New Year season yet. I suspect it's because of your fallout with Lin Haoming. Many people don't want to be caught in the middle, so they've simply stopped sending you invitations. If you really can't get any offers, that could be a bit troublesome."

Su Mu smiled. "Let’s look at Lin Haoming’s box office today first. Don't worry, Mr. Qian, it won't be a problem."
"But..." Qian Jida wanted to say more, but seeing the confidence in Su Mu’s eyes, he decided to trust him. "Alright, let's wait and see."

Su Mu wasn't worried about film offers. He already had scripts in his own hands. He just needed to see Lin Haoming’s performance this year before deciding on his own move.

...

In the director’s tent, Xu Jiang personally brought Su Mu a cup of hot water, his face beaming. The heavy stone in his heart had finally settled. He knew that some people on the crew had criticized his decision to spend so much to hire Su Mu. His partners and investors had questioned him repeatedly. Over time, one starts to lose confidence and fall into self-doubt. Xu Jiang had been on the verge of that, but Su Mu had pulled him out just in time. If Su Mu had any other skill, it might not have had the same effect, but the fact that he could locate tombs—how could you not be impressed?

He had truly discovered a tomb. Once the official news broke, and with a bit of promotion, the hype would be explosive. It was the first time in history a celebrity had personally discovered an ancient tomb. The public’s anticipation for the film would reach its peak. Just the detail that the grave-robbing drama contained real-life events was enough to spark massive discussion. Xu Jiang wanted to bow to Su Mu. It was a pity he didn't have the money; otherwise, he would have added to his paycheck.

"Su Mu, sit, sit!"
Su Mu took the cup. "Thank you, Director."
Xu Jiang smiled. "Look, don't be so formal with me. Since the last scene is done, you don't need to suffer here anymore. Go back and rest, and we'll see each other at the Beijing Film Base."
Su Mu: "Yes, that sounds good."
Xu Jiang: "I’ll have my assistant book your tickets."
Su Mu: "No need, my manager has already handled it."

Xu Jiang didn't insist. "Su Mu, to be honest, I am truly grateful that you took on this project. There are many things I can't say, but consider it an IOU from me. I heard about the trouble between you and Lin Haoming online. Although I might not be as famous as Dong Xuefei or Gu An, if you need any help with your future films, come to me. I don't have many talents, but I can help you direct or offer advice. Given the nature of people in this industry, I suspect it might be hard for you to get offers in the second half of the year. Fengjun Entertainment has deep roots. Even if you're popular, because of their influence, many production teams might avoid you."

Xu Jiang was being very sincere. If he didn't value Su Mu, he wouldn't have said all this.
Su Mu: "Don't worry, Director Xu, I have it handled."
Xu Jiang nodded. "Good. If you need anything, just ask."
Su Mu: "Actually, there is something I wanted to ask you."
Xu Jiang: "Go ahead."
Su Mu: "Director Xu, do you understand idol dramas?"
Xu Jiang: "..."

...

Beijing. Oulai Film Investment Building.
Wang Taiming looked at the two people in front of him with a warm smile. "Don't worry, Mr. Huang. Since you've asked, Oulai will certainly give 'Love Elegy' the highest number of screenings in the same period."
Huang Wenshan: "Thank you, Mr. Wang. By the way, let me introduce you. This is the artist from our company and the lead actor of the film, Lin Haoming."

Wang Taiming raised an eyebrow and looked at Lin Haoming. He was aware of the online drama between him and Su Mu.
"Hello. I’ve seen the controversy between you and that Su Mu online. I assume asking for my help is largely to compete with him?"
Huang Wenshan: "Does Mr. Wang know Su Mu?"
Wang Taiming shook his head. "I don't know him personally, but last year, his project clashed with a film we bought the rights to, so I paid some attention to him. But you are the protagonists this year."

Lin Haoming, dressed in a suit, smiled confidently. "Thank you, Mr. Wang. Teacher Dong’s script won't be bad. With Oulai’s help in increasing the screenings, I have great confidence."
*Isn't that a bit premature?* Wang Taiming thought to himself. It’s good for a young man to be confident, but you have to know who your opponent is. Look at who you’ve picked to fight. Forget you—even I couldn't beat him last year.

Wang Taiming feigned agreement. "I've heard that Haoming’s acting is excellent and his works are well-received. It seems you think you can beat Su Mu’s New Year film."
Lin Haoming smiled. "How should I put it? Su Mu is a decent actor, but he’s still a newcomer to the film industry."
Huang Wenshan chimed in. "Exactly. Movies should speak for themselves through content and quality. Chasing hype blindly is only temporary. Just like how he leaked a lot of info recently to grab attention—it was forgotten in a month or two and won't really help his work."

*Forgotten?* Wang Taiming chuckled internally. He had thought the same thing once. The result was that he knew nothing about the true extent of Su Mu’s hype. His stories were like a bottomless well—endless and explosive. It lasted all the way until *The War Hero* was released. Would you believe that? Oulai’s massive promotional team couldn't suppress his hype; it would pop up, disappear, and then pop up again. It was maddening. One could only imagine the shadow Su Mu cast over him now.

"Mr. Huang, Haoming," Wang Taiming suddenly said, his tone heavy with experience. He felt that, as someone who had been through it, he had to warn these ignorant newcomers about how terrifying that person was. "Actually, I think Su Mu... he..."
Huang Wenshan: "What?"
Lin Haoming: "Hmm?"
Wang Taiming: "He’s just not suited to be an opponent... really. If I were you, I’d try not to mess with him. And regarding this hype—it depends on whose it is. Some people’s hype is just... it’s quite absurd, really."
Huang Wenshan: "..."
Lin Haoming: "???"

The two were stunned, not expecting Wang Taiming to say this. They couldn't fully grasp the meaning. *Not suited to be an opponent... is he too weak? Or is there some other reason?*
Watching the two blank-faced men, Wang Taiming sighed. "I’ve said what I can. Think about it yourselves. But don't worry about the screenings; I will help you increase them."

...

Stepping out of the Oulai building, Lin Haoming and Huang Wenshan got into their car, still pondering Wang Taiming’s words.
Lin Haoming: "Mr. Huang, what did Old Wang mean? Saying Su Mu isn't suited to be an opponent—is he on Su Mu’s side? Or was he warning us about Su Mu’s background?"
Huang Wenshan shook his head. "Unlikely. If he were on Su Mu’s side, he wouldn't help us with the screenings. I think he just truly believes Su Mu is very capable."

Lin Haoming smiled. "I don't deny Su Mu has some talent, but it’s impossible for him to beat me this year. Even if he’s good at generating hype, how long can that last? I don't believe Mr. Wang’s talk about it being 'absurd.' It’s the New Year season, the peak viewing time, and it’s an adaptation of Teacher Dong’s work. Why would we fear losing the hype?"
Huang Wenshan nodded, agreeing with Lin Haoming. Both felt certain of victory. They pulled out their phones, intending to browse the web to pass the time on the road.

Half a minute later, the atmosphere in the car suddenly shifted. Their faces slowly turned complex as they stared fixedly at their screens. The internet was flooded with reposts of "The Black Material King’s" latest scoop:
[The Black Material King v: Deep Dive into Su Mu, Episode 6: Su Mu Discovers a Mysterious Tomb! (True Event)]

Weibo Trending:
1: [Censored]
2: Discoverer of the Desert Princess Tomb: Su Mu!
3: History Professor names and thanks Su Mu!
4: The prototype for Hu Bayi?
5: New Year blockbusters about to be released
6: Wu, Dong, and Gu: Three Directors Clash for the New Year
7: Looking forward to "Ghost Blowing the Lantern"!
12: "Love Elegy" Lin Haoming

The silence in the car was deafening. It was incredibly awkward. Both Huang Wenshan and Lin Haoming were silent, their phones nearly crushed in their grips. A second ago, they were saying Su Mu’s hype had passed and they couldn't be suppressed during the New Year season. The next second... their faces stung.

Lin Haoming remembered that he had been in the top five that morning. Now, he had been squeezed out of the top ten entirely, and the list was filled with Su Mu’s name.
After a long silence, Huang Wenshan spoke. "Haoming... just who is this Su Mu? He can read feng shui and find dragon veins... damn it, could he really be a master? Maybe we should just concede. If he finds out our birth dates, Fengjun might end up in ruin..."
Lin Haoming: "..."

...

Galaxy Airport. Everyone arrived safely.
Su Mu: "Everyone, look at me. Master Zhu, you don't need to; go get the car..."