Chapter 27: Was I Joking?

Su Mu flawlessly portrayed Gao Qiqiang’s imposing presence, terrifying Li Xinjie outright.

To say nothing of his other qualities, that murderous, shadowed expression he wore at that moment was utterly convincing—chilling down to the marrow.

Li Xinjie couldn’t believe that was just acting.

He started to think that perhaps Su Mu was this kind of person all along. Not daring to make a sound, he hurried off to find Li Hui.

Meanwhile, Su Mu accompanied Qian Jida to the company’s legal department to address some contractual issues regarding Zhang Huaimou’s new drama.

Once all matters were properly settled, the two finally left the company.

On the other side, news of Su Mu’s stolen role spread through the company like wildfire, sparking widespread discussion.

“Su Mu’s end-of-year costume drama was snatched by Li Xinjie?”

“What’s surprising about that? It was bound to happen sooner or later. The company decides who to promote—artists can only obey.”

“Yet plenty of top stars leave to start their own companies, don’t they?”

“Ha, and how many ever reach that level? Without the company and capital backing you, how many actually thrive? Besides, Su Mu’s only been famous for two years—his connections are still lacking.”

“Did you hear? He auditioned for Zhang Huaimou’s project and apparently got the part, but it’s a villain role.”

“Pfft—ha! Talk about bad luck! Not only is it a supporting role, it’s a villain, clearly just there as a foil. Meanwhile, his resources at the company get stolen. At this rate, Su Mu’s career is likely to stall.”

“Might as well cash in while there’s still some popularity left.”

…

In the car on the way back home, Qian Jida still looked uneasy.

He couldn’t help but ask, watching Su Mu act as though nothing had happened, “Su Mu, you told me not to fight for it, so I really let it go. But what are you thinking? Are you sure you’re just giving it up? Even so, it seems a waste to let Li Xinjie benefit.”

Su Mu replied, “Didn’t I say before? Filming those brainless dramas is a waste of time. Even if I do another costume romance, it has to be one with real substance.”

Qian Jida sighed in exasperation. “Look, it’s March now. We’re set to join the crew at the end of April. I’d wager Director Zhang’s drama will take at least two to three months to shoot, right?”

Su Mu considered, “That sounds about right.”

A drama like “Frenzy” didn’t require many exterior shots; most scenes were indoors. Unless an actor caused delays or something unexpected happened, two to three months should be enough to wrap filming.

Qian Jida continued, “So, after shooting, it’ll be around July or August. The company’s costume drama was already scheduled, so I’d cleared your work calendar from July onwards. But now the role’s gone, and we’re not participating. That means you’ll be idle after July.”

Su Mu was unfazed. “Idle time isn’t so bad, is it?”

Qian Jida was exasperated. “Not bad? Are you serious? You’re wasting the prime of your youth! If you don’t keep working, how will you earn money? Don’t you realize your income is measured by time?”

Su Mu shot back, “Come on, I’m a legitimate artist. Who charges by the hour? Besides, do you know how many times I can go in an hour?”

In the front seat, Little Orange suddenly covered her ears. “Oh my god, Su Mu, what are you talking about… I’m not listening, I’m not listening!”

Qian Jida chided, “Su Mu, you’re a celebrity, at least watch your words. So… how many times in an hour?”

Little Orange, blushing, glared back. “Qian, how can you go along with his nonsense?”

Qian Jida rolled his eyes at her. “Give it a rest, Little Orange. These days, young women understand everything.”

Su Mu nodded, “Exactly. For all we know, she might have one bigger than mine.”

Little Orange: “!!!”

Qian Jida: “!!!”

[Speech proficiency +1]

[Skill point +0.01]

…

Su Mu lived in an upscale residential complex in Galaxy City, at Gubei No.1. It wasn’t purchased, though, but rented for over a million a year.

It wasn’t that Su Mu couldn’t afford to buy; over the past three years, he’d made a considerable sum—about sixty to seventy million in his account. If he wanted to buy, he could.

But the reality of an artist’s life was too unpredictable—today in Galaxy City, tomorrow perhaps in the capital. With variety shows and events, international travel was always possible. When all was said and done, he spent very few days at home each year.

For a celebrity like him, a house was simply a place to store things.

So, Su Mu simply opted to rent a place for now.

Back home, Su Mu and Qian Jida discussed the upcoming plans.

Most of a celebrity’s work needed to be scheduled well in advance. Just as Qian Jida had said in the car, getting Zhang Huaimou’s drama was a good thing, but after filming wrapped in July, Su Mu would have no projects lined up for the rest of the year.

Going without income wasn’t an option, not when he had billions in KPIs to meet.

“How much did you turn down? Is it too late to get some of it back?” Su Mu asked.

Qian Jida, holding his iPad, replied, “Three variety shows, a contract for an urban CEO drama, several guest appearances at events, and a fashion week invitation.”

“Can you recover any of them?” Su Mu pressed.

Qian Jida checked carefully, then shook his head. “No, I’m afraid not. The variety shows have already replaced their guests. The urban drama contract is likely gone too. Even if you attended the events or fashion week, the appearance fees would be minimal.”

These days, industry schedules were usually set six months to a year in advance. Once a window was missed, it was hard to reclaim.

“That’s why I said, giving up the company’s costume drama to Li Xinjie might have been overconfident. Even if the pay was less, it’d still be seven or eight million—better than event guest fees. Unless you…”

Su Mu smiled, “Unless a major production comes calling, right? Otherwise, there’s no way to seamlessly keep earning.”

Qian Jida nodded. “Exactly. As for new dramas this year, the first half is basically set. Who knows about the second half—it depends on luck. While you’re with the crew, I’ll do my best to find you something new. If you stand out in Director Zhang’s project, you might even get a shot at the big screen next year.”

The pinnacle of showbiz was, of course, the movies.

Every year, the box office battles burned with heat and intensity; that was the realm of the gods, the highest battlefield.

Outsiders coveted entry, while insiders could consider even a billion-yuan box office unimpressive.

Every actor dreamed of challenging that lofty box office throne.

Su Mu was no different—one ten-billion box office hit would be enough to fulfill his KPI.

But those who could truly make history were as rare as phoenix feathers.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Qian. If there really isn’t a new drama, I’ll just write my own script. It’s not a big deal. I’ll show Li Xinjie and Li Hui what a true costume drama looks like,” Su Mu said.

Qian Jida sighed. “Come on, Su Mu, this isn’t the time for jokes.”

“Am I joking?” Su Mu replied.

Qian Jida: “…”

Little Orange: “???”

…

After discussing work, Qian Jida and Fan Xiaoju went home.

The business trip had been exhausting, so they decided to rest for a few days.

The next phase would focus on preparation for joining the crew, and the month passed quickly.

Meanwhile, Su Mu took advantage of this time to complete his blind box challenge.

Within thirty days, he needed to maximize the proficiency of any skill to Level 3.