Chapter 72: Compared to Him, Are You Even Worthy? (Please Keep Reading!)

On the way back.

Qian Jida gave a brief account of their return to the company.

“In short, our goal is achieved. Once ‘Joy of Life’ finishes filming, we can start the formal procedures when we get back.”

Su Mu asked, “So Zhou Wanming didn’t put up a fight at all?”

Qian Jida replied, “No, he knew he was in the wrong about some things. He’s too shrewd for his own good, and he understands that if he can’t keep you, it’s better for both sides to part on good terms—who knows, maybe you’ll work together again in the future. Burning bridges only leads to mutual harm, and no one benefits from that. Besides, the company already made back its investment in you years ago. There’s nothing to be sentimental about.”

Su Mu said, “Alright, then we’ll wait until filming wraps and handle the paperwork.”

Qian Jida nodded, “Yes, but next, you need to think about your independent studio. Without the company behind you, we’ll be on our own from now on.”

Star studios are actually quite common in today’s entertainment industry.

Besides focusing on the work around a single star, it’s also a way for stars to operate independently after leaving a company.

Of course, there are always complicated reasons behind these decisions.

But Su Mu only cared about one thing.

Once the studio is established, all the money earned—however much—will be his.

“Mr. Qian, how much does it take to start a studio in the early stages?”

“Not much, really. After registration, it’s just about securing a workspace, some promotional and operational expenses, and hiring a few people. That’s about it. With the sixty million you have on hand, you’ll have more than enough to get started. The real focus is how to steadily build your career from here. So we need to start planning for the future now. Step one is to line up work for next year. Once the procedures with Giant Elephant are finished, you can sign contracts under your own studio’s name.”

“You mentioned before that a lot of production teams have sent offers?”

“Yes, with how you’ve dominated the screens this year, the offers are pouring in. But from experience, if you want a long-term career, you can’t just burn through your value and reputation blindly. Many popular stars, after going independent, lose the backing of big company capital and end up exhausting their reputations—then they sink without a trace. So when we choose roles, we’ve got to focus on reputation and quality. Don’t take just any project, and don’t grab every endorsement for quick cash. Keep your standards high, and your worth will only grow.”

Qian Jida’s advice made a lot of sense.

Su Mu agreed wholeheartedly.

After all, he’d always planned to move to the big screen.

He wanted to fight it out at the real box office battleground.

So whether it was starting a studio or carefully selecting projects to build up his reputation, it was all groundwork for entering the film industry in the future.

Once you start making junk, it’s easy to lose the audience’s trust and ruin your ticket sales.

So this was all just the beginning.

“Alright, Mr. Qian, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Let’s just get through this busy period first. One thing at a time. Also, even though you’re terminating the contract a year early, you still have to fulfill your endorsement obligations. The variety show Liu Qiangxi is sponsoring has apparently started production. When we get back to Galaxy City, I’ll find a coach for you to train with.”

“Okay.”

“That’s about it for the summary. Does anyone have any other questions?”

“Alright, everyone, let’s gather round. I’d like to say a few words about this.”

“…”

“!!!”

“If we’re talking about issues… I believe this is more important than anything else… Of course, if anyone thinks there are other important issues, those are definitely important too… As for the remaining smaller issues, we should pay attention to them as well… But I believe we can achieve even greater things together!”

[Speech Proficiency +1]
[Skill Point +0.01]

“Great!”

…

The days of filming passed one after another.

Meanwhile, with the seamless broadcast of “Cang Lan Jue,”

Su Mu continued to dominate the historical romance drama market.

With fame and prominence inevitably comes controversy and slander.

After all, not everyone in this world wants to see others succeed.

But this time, the number of female fans had clearly increased.

At first, online, Su Mu’s fans would spar with those from other “camps,”

Yet they remained rational, debating the strengths and weaknesses of the plot, the quality of content, and even acting skills to determine the winner.

At least those battles were fact-based.

But after “Cang Lan Jue” aired,

As the female fan population skyrocketed,

At some point, online “battles” no longer needed any rational analysis.

[Comments:
Su Mu is handsome! That’s the strongest reason!
I visited the set—you have no idea how hard he works! Have you ever seen him giving his all?
Could the paid posters for a certain “Four Leading Ladies” stop dragging my Su Mu into this? Thank you.

Ha, you say we’re being sensitive? Why don’t you talk about how “Fated Love Across Two Lifetimes” is absolute garbage?
Why not learn from Chen Yang of “Order of the Southern Heavens”? Look at him, he knows his show is lacking and told his fans not to go around boasting.
I don’t care, Su Mu is just hot! Do whatever you want!
When is Su Mu releasing a new song? If there’s a chart, my sisters and I will top it!
Su Mu is a living legend! The eternal god of historical romance! Ahhh~~!!]

…

Media Building, Capital City.

In the lounge, Chen Yang was having drinks with several other stars.

Since his return from Hengdian, he had become much more low-key and reserved.

Nearby, a discussion floated over:

“Have you heard? The judges for ‘Summit of China’ have started recommending works.”

“Yeah, it usually starts mid-year. By the way, Chen Yang, your ‘Order of the Southern Heavens’ is up for selection, right? I’m so envious—it’s good just to be nominated.”

Chen Yang’s face was blank; he didn’t want to speak.

If you’re doomed to lose, what good is a nomination?

“‘The Knockout’ will definitely be selected, then there’s ‘Nirvana in Fire.’ The rest will depend on the second half of the year.”

“Su Mu is killing it this year. I envy Ning Yuyan for getting to work with him on two dramas.”

“Who do you think will win the Golden Roc at this year’s ‘Summit of China’? I think Zhang Jianlin and Zhou Yi both have a shot.”

“Su Mu,” said Chen Yang.

“Huh? Chen Yang, are you out of it?”

“He’s your competitor. You really want it to be him?”

“Yeah, and even if Su Mu’s dominated the screens this year, the Golden Roc takes the overall system into account. He’s only just started making waves—surely he has to wait another year.”

“Haha, if that’s the case, I, Yang Hao, am no slouch. My ‘Desperate Love at Lonely Goose City’ had great ratings, didn’t it? If I get nominated, I’ll go head-to-head with Su Mu!”

Chen Yang glanced at Yang Hao, his eyes full of pity and silent sighs for the ignorant.

Compete with him?

Are you even qualified?

“This year, it can only be him. Yang Hao, take my advice—don’t see him as your rival, seriously.”

“…?”