Chapter 26: The Frightened Little Green Tea Cousin

Zhou Wanming: “He really joined the cast?”

Li Hui: “Director Zhang actually picked Su Mu? How is that possible?”

Inside the office of Giant Elephant Media.

Li Hui and Zhou Wanming stared at Qian Jida in utter shock, as if they’d just heard news that would shake the entire country. They were dumbfounded.

Previously, Li Hui had meticulously planned to use Su Mu’s failed audition as a way to deal with Qian Jida. Although he didn’t know the final result, everyone in the company was well aware of Su Mu’s acting skills—the old costume dramas he’d done were notorious for his wooden performances, expressionless delivery, just standing around reciting lines.

With acting like that, any production with even a shred of ambition for quality wouldn’t use him, let alone a top-tier director like Zhang Huaimo.

Yet, to his astonishment, the first thing Qian Jida said upon his return was that Su Mu had already signed the contract and was getting ready to join the crew.

The words Li Hui had been preparing were instantly rendered useless.

Qian Jida remained expressionless. “Is it that surprising? Su Mu has always had the ability.”

Li Hui: “Qian Jida, are you making this up just to help Su Mu get a role? I know how high Director Zhang’s standards are—he’d really want Su Mu?”

Qian Jida sneered, “Sorry to disappoint you, but this time Director Zhang specifically requested Su Mu. Even the theme song will use Su Mu’s newly released single. Surprised?”

Li Hui: “…!?”

The office fell silent.

Even Zhou Wanming, the president of Giant Elephant, was struggling to believe it. Of course, it made little sense for him to disparage his own company’s artist. But as the head of the company, he knew better than anyone the methods Giant Elephant used to build stars.

He remembered exactly how Su Mu had been packaged in the first place. It was all based on his looks, building up popularity bit by bit through supporting roles in various TV dramas—a classic case of someone who’d switched careers halfway.

It wasn’t about talent or works, but rather the tricks of the fandom trade.

And now, out of the blue, he was being told that Su Mu had transformed into a serious actor, and even caught the eye of a big-name director?

It was all too sudden.

When did Su Mu become so skilled?

Li Hui’s expression shifted. He hadn’t expected that all his careful arguments would become useless in an instant. The cooked duck was about to fly away.

Li Xinjie was his most promising artist, mainly because his appearance was very similar to Su Mu’s. If he made it big, there was no doubt his career would enter an entirely new stage.

Among all the agents at Giant Elephant, those with strong rookies and established stars could walk with their heads held high. Li Hui thought it was finally his turn.

“No matter what, President Zhou already decided that the male lead in the company’s year-end costume drama would be switched to Li Xinjie, with Su Mu taking the second male lead. The second lead has plenty of screen time too, and if need be, we can even give Su Mu top billing.”

Qian Jida: “And who made you the decision-maker?”

Li Hui: “That’s President Zhou’s call.”

Zhou Wanming stood up helplessly. “Alright, enough arguing. Lao Qian, this is just a company resource adjustment. I told you about it before—hope you understand. I know it’s a rare opportunity for Su Mu to be chosen by Director Zhang, but the company’s newcomers also need attention. Besides, even if Su Mu landed a role in Director Zhang’s new drama, he’s not the lead—he’s playing a villain. Did you consider how that might affect him going forward?”

Li Hui jumped in, “Exactly. You’re an experienced agent. Playing a villain, you know what that could mean for an artist’s reputation, right? Even if Su Mu has some acting chops, it’s nearly impossible for a villain to get popular. He’ll just be a foil for someone else.”

Zhou Wanming and Li Hui echoed each other in perfect harmony.

Su Mu wasn’t in the office at the moment, but had he heard this, he would have been laughing inside.

If even playing a role like Gao Qiqiang couldn’t make you a star, then the problem lay with yourself.

He hoped, when the time came, that these two wouldn’t complain when they were proven wrong.

Qian Jida looked at them both. He and Su Mu had already guessed this would happen, so he wasn’t surprised.

He smiled. “Fine, if that’s how it is, then we don’t want the second lead either. Su Mu won’t play support to a rookie. If you want to use Su Mu’s popularity to boost Li Xinjie, keep dreaming, Li Hui.”

Li Hui snorted, “Qian Jida, you’re becoming less and less of a team player. If you want to take Su Mu to support another company’s production, fine, but why can’t he help boost our company’s rookie?”

Qian Jida said, “Sure, if the company is willing to pay Su Mu his current rate, then he’ll help you out. For anything over thirty episodes, starting price is fifty million. Will the company pay that?”

Zhou Wanming: “…”

Li Hui: “…”

Both fell silent.

Qian Jida shook his head. “Forget it. Our Su Mu hasn’t fallen so low as to scramble for crumbs. If you want it, take it.”

Li Hui: “Qian Jida, you—!”

Qian Jida: “What? If I were you, I’d start praying that no other costume dramas at year-end clash with yours. Because if Su Mu stars in one, your ratings will be left in the dust.”

“You—!”

Li Hui’s face turned red, nearly spitting blood.

Qian Jida shot him a disdainful glance and chuckled, “Want to spar with me? Try again in your next life!”

…

Outside the office.

In the break area.

Su Mu and Li Xinjie were both there, sipping coffee.

Usually, artists didn’t have to get involved in management meetings like this.

Truth be told, Li Xinjie’s appearance, style, and even his mannerisms were strikingly similar to Su Mu’s. This kind of mass-produced star-making was Giant Elephant’s specialty.

Li Xinjie took a sip of water and spoke shyly, “Brother Su Mu, um… I’m really sorry. I already told Li Hui that no matter how hard things get, we shouldn’t take your resources, but he wouldn’t listen. He even went directly to President Zhou. Who knew President Zhou really wanted to push me forward and gave me the role? I’m sorry, I really didn’t know.”

Well, wasn’t that a classic green tea act?

Su Mu put on a serious face, “It’s fine. I don’t blame you.”

Li Xinjie: “Brother Su Mu, maybe I should talk to President Zhou. Even if I have to wait another two years to play a lead, that’s fine. I don’t want to hold up your career. After all, you’re the face of Giant Elephant.”

Su Mu: “No need. Whoever President Zhou gives it to, that’s fine.”

Li Xinjie: “Brother Su Mu, but if it’s given to me, you won’t blame me, right? My agent Li Hui just wants what’s best for me.”

Su Mu: “I won’t.”

Li Xinjie: “But I’m still worried. If fans find out I took your role, it’ll definitely make the trending topics. Won’t they curse me?”

Just then, Qian Jida came out of the office.

Su Mu put down his cup and stood up, then patted Li Xinjie on the shoulder.

“It’s alright, Xinjie. Don’t worry so much. I haven’t said anything, and if people online want to curse, let them curse. Just treat it as if they’re shouting at a dog—it’s nothing to take to heart.”

Li Xinjie: “Okay, bro… huh? You…”

Su Mu’s expression suddenly turned cold.

Under strict control, he radiated the intimidating presence of a future kingpin like Gao Qiqiang.

Li Xinjie shuddered. His legs went weak and he almost couldn’t stand.

Su Mu looked down on him and spoke coolly, “You can lie to me, but don’t do it too often. If you want to criticize me, do it to my face. Newcomers should keep their heads down—at the kids’ table. When the adults give you something, you can eat. If you reach out on your own, be prepared for a slap. Understand?”

Li Xinjie: “!!!”

[Expression control proficiency +1]

[Line delivery proficiency +1]

[Emotional proficiency +1]

[Skill points +0.01… +0.01… +0.01…]