Top Dupe CH 038 The Actor’s Way

But those two actors didn't understand Cheng Fei's intentions, thinking he was there to speak up for his company's juniors. Given Cheng Fei's personality, he might even go after Luo Yu, which they would love to see.

"We... we heard it from Li Shengyu."

"Li Shengyu?" Cheng Fei searched his memory, "Oh, the actor from Yuanjing Films who plays the economic crime investigator under me?"

"Yes, that's him!"

"Are you sure? This guy has a straightforward temper. If he had issues with Luo Yu, he'd probably go to the director." Cheng Fei doubted, glancing sharply at the two actors, intimidating them into silence. "Speak the truth, or else..."

They couldn't fathom what Cheng Fei might do if they lied.

"Well... it wasn't directly from Li Shengyu. Before shooting began... 18MIX invited Li Shengyu and us to sing karaoke. They mentioned Luo Yu snatching He Mu's roles, which upset Li Shengyu. So later... when the crew discussed Luo Yu, Li Shengyu complained a bit."

Cheng Fei frowned, "What's 18MIX?"

"It's...," the actor looked at Cheng Fei, surprised he didn't know about the popular boy band, "a recent hit boy band from Dijun Media. Last week, He Mu and 18MIX held a concert together that trended online."

"Oh, from Dijun Media... got it," Cheng Fei sneered. "Next time, remember: believe what you see, not what you hear. I've acted in several scenes with Luo Yu and never felt his role was already pre-decided. You've never even exchanged lines with him, so why spread rumors?"

The two actors were stunned.

Wasn't it said that Cheng Fei also disliked Luo Yu? Wasn't he supposed to stand up for his company’s juniors? Why was he defending Luo Yu now?

They dared not speak further.

Luo Yu knocked on the door and entered, finding a seat.

The makeup room became so quiet it felt like even breathing was a crime.

Cheng Fei spoke up, "Xiao Luo, when's your scene?"

"Ten o'clock."

"I should be after you then," Cheng Fei told his makeup artist, "Xiao Jun, do Luo Yu's makeup first. The crew's makeup artists are busy now."

"Got it." Xiao Jun, without hesitation, pushed his makeup case to Luo Yu, "Brother Luo, I'll start with you."

Cheng Fei, reviewing his script, added, "You need to be ready for your scene with Teacher Yang Chen. You shouldn't make him wait."

"Thanks for the reminder, Brother Cheng."

Yang Chen was a seasoned actor and the oldest in the crew. In order to convince him to come to their crew, the director personally arranged for his transportation before and after filming.

The two actors gossiping about Luo Yu felt so awkward they could dig holes in the floor. They exchanged glances and quickly left the makeup room.

Inside, Cheng Fei continued, "Li Shengyu is from Yuanjing Films. They have strong post-production and collaborate with our Xinghan Films. They also have ties with Dijun Media."

"I know. Li Shengyu likely participated in Dijun Media's reality show. He Mu, who was a judge, rated him highly. It’s said online that Li Shengyu and He Mu are quite close. Based on what those two said, he was emotionally manipulated by 18MIX at the karaoke and used as a pawn."

Luo Yu had learned over the years that He Mu leveraged capital to promote himself, often sharing traffic with newcomers. When Li Shengyu was still a newcomer he was “favored” by He Mu, and was easily influenced. He Mu could brainwash him effortlessly.

Cheng Fei snorted, "He really picked a good friend."

"I'll talk to Li Shengyu after today's shoot," Luo Yu preferred straightforward solutions.

"You? Talk to him? A heated person won't listen to reason."

"If it were just about me, it wouldn't matter. But he mentioned Director Lin. I can't tolerate that," Luo Yu replied.

"Director Lin isn't just your mentor, but mine too, and Director Xu Han's senior. These blabbermouths need a lesson!"

Luo Yu frowned, "People who consider anyone who says a few kind words to them a brother—haven't I made that mistake too?"

"We need a high-profile resolution to give He Mu and Dijun Media a warning," Cheng Fei said coldly.

Luo Yu, worried, asked, “Brother Cheng, how do you plan to teach him a lesson? No fighting, right?"

Cheng Fei, exasperated, replied, "I never fight outside of scenes! I win with reason!"

Xiao Jun, while doing Luo Yu's makeup, nodded, "Yeah, our Brother Cheng always outtalks others!"

"...I'll discuss it with Director Xu. If possible, let's resolve it the actors’ way."

"The actors' way?" Cheng Fei asked curiously.

What way is that?

At five that afternoon, Director Xu Han summoned all cast and staff for a meeting on the building's top floor.

Everyone curiously arrived at the meeting place, which was the top floor of this building.

Early that morning, Xu Han, upon hearing the gossip about Lin Yue and Luo Yu, who had been mingling in the industry for many years, had a bad feeling and immediately reported the rumor to the company executives.

However, the executives initially did not take the matter seriously.

First, although Lin Yue and Xu Han were both directors of the same company, they were not directing the same drama. There was no need for Xu Han to be too serious about it. If it seriously affected the atmosphere of the crew, the actors spreading the rumors could easily be replaced.

Second, when "Counterattack" aired, they could use its quality to shut down those who spread the rumors.

But Li Qian became alert, as this gossip followed the same pattern that Dijun Media had used to destroy his cousin.

—First, they would release a little bit of gossip for people to enjoy, with no one taking it seriously at this stage.

When the spread increased, they would start making large-scale baseless accusations, posting various ambiguous photos and chat records online. The issue would then explode overnight. By the time a lawyer's letter was sent out and the lawsuit won, the reputation damage had already been done.

"I believe that the target of this rumor is not a small supporting cast member like Luo Yu, nor simply Director Lin. The target is the customized drama for Channel C and the entire Xinghan Films. 'Counterattack' cannot afford any blemishes. Spreading rumors of an improper relationship between Lin Yue and Luo Yu implies moral failings, which can easily escalate. Article titles like 'Tearing Down Lin Yue’s Hypocritical Mask' could incite a public outcry. By then, 'Counterattack' would surely need to be rectified, severely damaging Lin Yue’s reputation."

The current chairman of Xinghan also realized, "And Director Xu Han was mentored by Lin Yue, with Luo Yu also acting in 'Storm'. If public opinion is pushed, 'Storm' will also be boycotted. Ou Juntao is aiming for two birds with one stone; very clever."

"Then replacing Luo Yu would end the topic, wouldn’t it?"

Li Qian helplessly said, "Replacing Luo Yu would only confirm the suspicion that he got the role through inappropriate means, giving Ou Juntao more room to exploit."

"Send out a lawyer's letter to clarify?"

Li Qian laughed, "Which actor targeted by Dijun Media hasn’t sent a lawyer's letter? Currently, there’s no online discussion about this gossip. Are we supposed to help our opponents promote the rumor?"

"Then what should we do?"

"Create a hotspot, outpace Ou Juntao, establish a good public image, and label ourselves positively before Ou Juntao can act. After all, 'Storm' is a serious drama that requires audience patience. It’s not as straightforward and relatable as other emotional or life dramas, even with a cast full of skilled actors; it may not attract much interest."

"How to block it? What kind of hotspot?"

"Invite respected industry professionals to evaluate the casting. Do something new, like borrowing from reality shows with an acting showdown. We should also copy Ou Juntao and create some buzz—one move with multiple benefits. Promote 'Counterattack,' increase attention for 'Storm,' vindicate Lin Yue, and entertain the audience to make them willingly spread the word for us."

This surprise showdown was designed to preempt Ou Juntao, giving him no time to amplify the rumor.

At this moment, Xu Han, looking very authoritative, stood on a wooden box holding a megaphone.

Not far away, there were three tables with three highly respected veteran actors from the entertainment industry: Yang Chen, Zhu Jun, and Yan Mingrui.

In front of each teacher were pens, paper, and their tea cups or thermos flasks.

Everyone was curious about the purpose of this meeting. Why were there three veteran artists besides the director?

Xu Han spoke into the megaphone, "Today, we’ve invited three teachers for fairness and justice. Let me introduce them first: Mr. Yang Chen, an honorary professor of our Film Academy, a first-class actor, former head of the B City Drama Troupe, and last year’s recipient of the Qilin Lifetime Achievement Award!"

Mr. Yang Chen stood up to greet everyone, and the set erupted in applause.

"Ms. Zhu Jun, a first-class actress, eight-time nominee for the Qilin Best Actress Award, and three-time winner! Her portrayal of the mother in the film 'Children' won her the Best Actress at the C City Film Festival!"

Ms. Zhu Jun stood up amid applause. Her gentle and elegant demeanor, dressed in an ink-style long dress, captivated everyone's attention.

Cheng Fei, puzzled, whispered to Luo Yu, "Why did Director Xu invite these distinguished teachers? It’s not to give us actors a lesson, right? Wait... You said you wanted to resolve this through the actors’ way, could it be..."

Luo Yu put his finger to his lips and softly said, "Shh."

Cheng Fei let out a breath, pressing his temples, "I'm going crazy, I'm really going crazy..."

Luo Yu laughed and said, "Brother Cheng, you can't go crazy now. You're the leading man today."

"Me? The leading man? You and Director Xu better not mess this up!"

Xu Han's voice echoed through the loudspeaker again, "This is Teacher Yan Mingrui, a first-class actor, honorary head of the S City Drama Troupe, guest professor at the Drama Academy, four-time nominee for the Qilin Award for Best Actor, and two-time winner!"

Yan Mingrui stood up, nodding to everyone present, and was met with thunderous applause.

Xu Han continued, "These three teachers, although they have participated in dramas and films produced by Xinghan Pictures, they haven't signed any economic contracts with our company and have also collaborated with other peers like Honghe Films, Yuanjing Media, and Xiajiang Culture."

Xu Han turned to look at the three teachers, who nodded in agreement with what he said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if anyone has any doubts about the professionalism and impartiality of these three teachers, please speak up now! If you lose the competition and then complain about unfair judging, it will be embarrassing and undignified."

Xu Han's words left the actors exchanging puzzled glances, unsure of what the director was up to.

"The countdown starts now: thirty seconds! Anyone with objections, please raise your hand!"

The actors began whispering among themselves.

"These three teachers are like the North Stars of the industry."

"If you doubt their professionalism and impartiality, you might as well not work in this industry."

The two actors who had gossiped about Luo Yu in the makeup room earlier seemed to sense something, lowering their heads and quietly retreating, afraid of being noticed by the director.

"Time's up! Since no one voiced any objections, please keep any opinions to yourselves from now on!" Xu Han said.

The actors were stunned into silence.

"I've heard that some cast members believe Xinghan Picture's casting process is rigged and unfair! Such thoughts undermine the unity of the team and have a negative impact!"

"With the three teachers here to judge and score, I, Xu Han, respect their professional opinions. I hope my team has cohesion, not suspicion and jealousy. This sudden competition is your chance to prove your abilities with your skills! Now, the rules of the competition!"

Xu Han handed the loudspeaker to the assistant director, jumped down from the crate, pulled over a chair, and sat in the audience area, taking a swig of Coke.

The actors' murmuring grew louder.

"I think this competition is mainly because of Luo Yu's role as Huo Haoyan!"

"Yeah, it's rumored that his role was pre-decided because Director Lin Yue recommended him! There's even gossip about an inappropriate relationship between them!"

"What? Gossip about Director Lin? No wonder Director Xu is so angry!"

The assistant director stepped onto the crate, cleared his throat, and the scene quieted down.

"This competition will be a two-way match! Let's take our cast member, Cheng Fei, as an example. If Cheng Fei thinks Luo Yu is unfit for the role of Huo Haoyan, he can challenge Luo Yu. Cheng Fei can select a scene from Luo Yu's script where he plays Huo Haoyan, and both will perform as Huo Haoyan, to be scored and evaluated by the three judges. But since Luo Yu is more familiar with Huo Haoyan's lines, there will be another competition."

Everyone perked up their ears to listen.

"Luo Yu can select a scene from Cheng Fei's script where he plays Ling Jin, and both will perform as Ling Jin, to be scored and evaluated by the three judges. The total score from both competitions will determine the winner."

The actors began to discuss in hushed tones.

"Oh my god, that's really tough! You have to play both your own role and the other's?"

"Can anyone do that? In such a short time, you can't even memorize the lines."

The assistant director continued, "Listen up—whoever wins can ask for an additional five minutes of screen time, which will be retained in the final cut. It’s like customizing a five-minute highlight for your character."

This sounded interesting, as "highlight moments" weren't just random five-minute lines.

"And the loser will have a segment of their script cut, approximately ten minutes long, reducing their screen time. They also have to post weekly reflections on Weibo about their learning experience on set, such as improvements in their acting skills and which co-stars they admire."

These words were practically the same as saying, "Reflect daily on why you shouldn't spread rumors on set."

"Any questions?"

"Why does the winner get five minutes while the loser loses ten?" one actor asked.

"If the punishment isn't doubled, some people might not take the competition seriously, thinking losing isn't a big deal. Cutting ten minutes from the script might end up as a five-minute reduction in the final edit," the assistant director explained.

"How long should the learning reflections be?" another young actor asked loudly.

"Not less than a few hundred words, enough to gain some followers."

Everyone laughed.

The assistant director enthusiastically announced, "Now, let the challenges begin!"

At his words, the actors started murmuring again, but no one dared to be the first to take the plunge.

Everyone knew that challenging was equivalent to questioning the fairness of the casting process. What if the director remembered it or you ended up on Xinghan Pictures’ blacklist?

Almost ten minutes passed, and still, no one initiated a challenge.

Standing in the crowd, Li Shengyu frowned. Before joining the crew, he had shared several meals and karaoke sessions with He Mu to ease his mood, and only then did Li Shengyu understand that even a popular star like He Mu could feel powerless at times.