Chapter 79: Lower the Grade of Those Four Worth Only Half a Million

As October approached, the autumn rain had been falling for several days, bringing a coolness to the air. In the past month, Su Mu had focused on only two things. One was diligently increasing his skill proficiency. The other was working with Qian Jida to prepare next year’s projects in advance. By the end of the year, he would basically be able to terminate his contract with Giant Elephant, and then, after registering, his studio would be ready to open. So if he could start shooting a new drama in advance for next year, that would be ideal.

In the living room, Su Mu moved with practiced ease, performing the slide step. Though he seemed to be walking forward, he glided smoothly in the opposite direction and spun in place with remarkable fluidity.

[Popping proficiency +1]
[Skill point +0.01]

Qian Jida watched Su Mu with delight. He had been worried about Su Mu joining the variety show, especially since they had accepted five million from Liu Qiangxi. But witnessing Su Mu’s current level, he suddenly felt as if the money was too little. If only he had known, he should have asked for another two million.

"Su Mu, the ancient romance drama market may continue to thrive this year. If we want stability next year, why not pick two more ancient romance dramas to shoot?" Qian Jida suggested.

Su Mu stopped, sat on the sofa, and took a sip of water. "The key isn’t the genre," he replied.

"What is it, then?" Qian Jida asked.

"Pay, of course," Su Mu said.

Qian Jida was speechless.

Su Mu continued, "We pick the ones that pay more first. If none of them offer much, then we look at the quality of the script and production team."

"Have you contacted Director Zhang?" Qian Jida asked.

"I sent him a message. He said he might take a year off next year, so he’s not preparing any new projects for now," Su Mu answered.

Qian Jida nodded, "In that case, we’ll have to keep an eye on the other major producers. Around the Peak of Huaxia awards ceremony, there should be news about upcoming projects."

During this period, Qian Jida had also taken the initiative to meet with several production teams, all planning new dramas for next year. Only after those meetings did he realize that choosing scripts, directors, and even production companies was a technical craft. The world of film and television is a complex assembly; whether it’s investors or technical crews, any imbalance can affect a drama’s prospects and presentation.

Payment aside, just looking at the setups and cast of those teams compared to those Su Mu had previously worked with, the difference was vast. It was clear that even if these new dramas were made, they would hardly reach his expectations.

Su Mu’s reputation, built through four dramas, was hard-won. It was only the first step; he still hadn’t firmly established himself in the industry. At times like these, caution was all the more necessary. He couldn’t afford to squander audience goodwill over a poorly received drama.

He wanted to make money, certainly, but as a manager, he needed to maintain calm and reason. Money is important, but quality must keep pace.

…

The next day, the official account of "That’s Street Dance" announced the guest lineup.

[We sincerely thank our sponsors for this season of That’s Street Dance, and welcome @Su Mu/@NNQT boy group/@Zhang Junyu/@Tang Jiahao, forming the mentor panel! The dancers are ready, and filming will soon commence! Stay tuned to Oil Depot Video!]

At first, no one paid much attention to the news—after all, the show hadn’t started yet. But when Su Mu’s name appeared on the list, the online trending topics exploded. Su Mu had just dominated the ancient romance drama scene this year; his popularity was already sky-high. Now, suddenly, he was joining a street dance variety show, which brought everyone a huge surprise. After all, this seemed a little out of place for someone known as an actor.

Trending Topic 1: Forced CP Pairings
Trending Topic 2: Ah Hua at the Moon Sky Concert...
Trending Topic 3: Su Mu Street Dance?
Trending Topic 4: That’s Street Dance invites Su Mu!
Trending Topic 5: Su Mu is an actor, right?
Trending Topic 6: Super Topic #Can Su Mu do street dance?
Trending Topics...

In just half a day, the heat soared to the top. Soon, hot comments began to flood the internet.

[Comments:
Wow, is Su Mu preparing a surprise or a shock? He’s actually joining That’s Street Dance! I’m excited but worried—can he dance?
To be fair, as someone from the street dance community, I also watch Su Mu’s dramas. He’s a good actor, but crossing industries isn’t easy. Why join a variety show that isn’t his specialty?
He’s the spokesperson for the sponsor, so of course he’s participating. Why are you all so sure Su Mu can’t street dance? He was a trainee at Giant Elephant!
Sorry, we’re not trying to disparage him, but he’s an actor, not a dancer! This show was created to promote Huaxia’s street dance. The other guests are at least semi-professional, even if not authorities. Can he really dance? Learning on the spot isn’t enough.
I really like Su Mu’s shows, but this time I feel it might be awkward. Hopefully he won’t end up doing square dancing.]

Online opinions quickly split into two camps. One blindly supported Su Mu as fans, the other consisted of street dance enthusiasts analyzing his participation rationally. Many knew that someone who can’t dance joining this show would be terribly embarrassing, since all the contestants were big names in the domestic street dance scene, and even foreign experts would be invited as judges. On such a professional stage, a total amateur would surely become a tragedy. Did the production team throw away their dignity just to chase popularity?

Or perhaps they didn’t care about street dance at all, focusing solely on profit and money?

Most didn’t flood Su Mu’s own social media, but instead overwhelmed the official account of "That’s Street Dance."

…

At this moment, in the Oil Depot Video headquarters, inside a meeting room, the variety show department was holding a meeting. The big screen showed trending topics and comments from an hour ago.

"Director Xu, the public opinion is quite strong. Should we negotiate with the sponsor again?" one staff member asked.

Xu Yang, seated at the front, wore a stern expression and didn’t immediately answer. Just days ago, he had been thrilled to invite the entire NNQT group for only two hundred grand, saving a huge chunk of the budget. But before he could enjoy that, the announcement of the mentor lineup was met with universal criticism online—something he hadn’t expected.

Of course, the issue wasn’t Su Mu himself, but that the production team didn’t seem to care, only chasing money, ignoring the future of street dance. After all, how could a non-expert be a mentor? But Su Mu was specifically requested by the sponsor. Replacing him would mean losing their financial backer.

He was torn.

Just as he was at a loss, someone suddenly walked in from outside. Everyone in the meeting room stood up.

"Director Zhao."

It was Zhao Zhouming, director of Oil Depot Video.

Xu Yang stood to greet him, puzzled. Normally, a variety show wouldn’t warrant a personal visit from the director.

Zhao Zhouming looked at Xu Yang. "I hear you invited Su Mu for this show?"

Xu Yang nodded, still dazed. "Yes."

Zhao Zhouming’s eyes lit up. "Good! Make sure you treat him well. Inform me when he arrives."

"???"

"!!!"

Everyone in the room was stunned. No one expected Su Mu to have such clout.

Xu Yang breathed a sigh of relief. If that was the case, what was there to worry about? With Director Zhao’s personal instructions, Su Mu’s background might be formidable. Not only could he not be replaced, they’d have to make sure he was comfortable during filming.

"Director Zhao, you can rest assured!" Xu Yang replied, seemingly enlightened. He then picked up his phone and sent a message to his assistant.

[Xiao Li, go to the hotel and downgrade the suite budget for the four NNQT members, then switch Su Mu’s suite to the presidential suite. That’s it.]