Chen Tianming was silent for a moment, then burst out laughing, "You know, if you weren't an actress, you could be a debate champion."
Fang Miaomiao chuckled.
"I'll discuss your suggestion with Guo Yuan. If everyone agrees, we'll revise the ending."
"Thank you, Director Chen."
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's go eat," Chen Tianming said with a smile as he stood up and addressed Fang Miaomiao.
They walked side by side, completely unaware of someone lurking in the shadows, a camera in hand, capturing their retreating figures.
Back in the RV.
Yu Zhi, seeing Fang Miaomiao approaching, breathed a sigh of relief. "Sister Miaomiao, I was just about to come to the set to look for you."
"What's the rush? I was just chatting with Director Chen about the script, that's why I'm a bit late."
"Sister Miaomiao, let's go up and eat. I've already turned on the air conditioning, it's not hot inside at all."
"Thank you."
They got into the RV.
Yu Zhi, without missing a beat, handed Fang Miaomiao a wet wipe to dry the sweat from her forehead.
"Have you eaten?"
Because of filming, Yu Zhi had ordered a meal with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables.
"I've eaten, Sister Miaomiao. Don't worry about me."
Only then did Fang Miaomiao slowly start to eat.
Yu Zhi, meanwhile, sat obediently beside her, scrolling through her phone.
Zeng Nian: Is Miaomiao with you?
Yu Zhi glanced at Fang Miaomiao, who was quietly eating at the table, and replied, "Sister Miaomiao is eating in the RV now. Sister Nian, what's wrong?"
Zeng Nian: Were you with Miaomiao a few dozen minutes ago?
Yu Zhi frowned. "No, I went to get Sister Miaomiao's meal. Sister Miaomiao said when she came back that she was on set discussing the script with Director Chen."
Zeng Nian: Okay, I understand. Tell Miaomiao to sleep after eating and not to look at her phone.
Yu Zhi: I'll try my best.
Zeng Nian closed her phone and looked at the members of the publicity team. "Is the trending topic still up?"
The head of the publicity team nodded. "We asked. It's the same as Mr. Wen's trending topic before."
It was clear someone had paid to push them up the rankings. To bring them down, they would have to pay double the price.
Zeng Nian's brows furrowed. She knew signing Miaomiao would be challenging, but she hadn't expected the challenges to come so quickly. "You all keep an eye on everything happening online. Find some paid commenters to steer the discussion towards the script."
"Also, keep an eye on the most aggressive marketing accounts. Once their repost count reaches a significant level, collect that information."
The head of the publicity team adjusted his glasses. "Won't netizens say we're overreacting?"
After all, it was just a few photos, and they were taken in broad daylight. If the studio reacted too quickly, they might be accused of being guilty.
Sometimes, ignoring it was also a form of handling things. The internet has no memory, and people are just looking for a bit of fun.
"Miaomiao's image has finally improved. She can't afford any slip-ups, do you understand?"
"Why the rush?" a male voice came from behind.
Zeng Nian turned to look. "Are you Xin Xuanlai, Mr. Wen's assistant?"
Xin Xuanlai nodded. "Mr. Wen asked me to convey that this matter has implicated Madam. However, Mr. Wen's intention is not to interfere with this. Let it develop naturally."
"Why? I've already sent people to contact Director Chen. We'll be able to clear Miaomiao's name soon." Zeng Nian was a little confused. There was a lot of online slander accusing Miaomiao of an improper relationship with Director Chen. Coupled with yesterday's news of Wen Zhiyan's removal from his position, wouldn't this imply that Miaomiao was being implicated?
Miaomiao's reputation had finally started to improve. How could she allow this to…
Xin Xuanlai smiled. "Sister Nian, you should have confidence in Miaomiao."
Zeng Nian frowned.
"Sister Nian, you are too impatient," Xin Xuanlai said. "This is your strength, but it's also a fatal weakness. Mr. Wen told you about this a long time ago."
Zeng Nian remained silent.
"You need to learn to trust Madam. At the very least, you should trust Director Chen."
"I understand," Zeng Nian said, lowering her head. "I will correct my impatience and be a good agent for Miaomiao."
Xin Xuanlai paused. "Then thank you, Sister Nian. We need to trust Madam now. Madam's popularity is quite good, and people online aren't stupid. While some might believe these baseless rumors at first, it's uncertain later on."
Zeng Nian nodded. "I was thinking incorrectly. I apologize."
"I have other things to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
…
Fang Miaomiao was unaware of the new negative rumors spreading about her online. She woke up from her nap and then went to the set.
"Are you alright?" Chen Tianming looked at Fang Miaomiao apologetically. "Would you like me to give you a few days off?"
"What's wrong?"
"You haven't checked your phone?"
"No," Fang Miaomiao shook her head. "Xiao Zhi'er said my phone was out of battery and was charging at noon. Did something happen? Is it about me?"
"It's nothing," Chen Tianming waved his hand. "This matter isn't important. Focus on your acting. Today, you have scenes with Fei Qingqing. Tomorrow is a rest day, and then we'll be changing locations."
"Okay, I understand." Fang Miaomiao nodded and went to the makeup room.
In the makeup room.
Fang Yanhan and Fei Qingqing kept glancing at Fang Miaomiao.
"Is there something?"
Fang Yanhan smiled. "Miaomiao, I didn't realize you had such a good relationship with the director."
"Envious?"
The smile on Fang Yanhan's face faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered. "Forget it, it's better not to be envious of this kind of relationship."
"Then shut up."
"Fang Miaomiao, aren't you going too far?" Fei Qingqing stepped forward and said. "No one will tolerate you."
Fang Miaomiao: "..."
What's wrong with this Fei Qingqing? She's always stepping out to criticize her, as if she's done something shameful.
"Are you done with the makeup?"
"Yes, you can," the makeup artist nodded.
"Thank you."
"Fang Miaomiao, today I'll show you what real acting is. This profession is not something people like you can tarnish."
Fang Miaomiao's steps faltered. She glanced at Fei Qingqing without a word and walked out.
"Qingqing, you really don't need to speak up for me." Fang Yanhan said understandingly. "Miaomiao is a good person. You must have misunderstood her before."
"There's no misunderstanding. She's just arrogant and bossy, someone who only does things to please herself. I just want to tell her to face reality."
"Miaomiao is quite good."
"Stop defending her. I know what kind of person she is very clearly," Fei Qingqing said with a smile to Fang Yanhan. "I'm very grateful for your help. As for Fang Miaomiao's matter, let me handle it myself."
"Qingqing."
"Sister Huanyan, take your time with your makeup. I'll head to the set first."
By the time she reached the set, Fang Miaomiao was already chatting with Chen Tianming.
"Director Chen."
"Qingqing, you're here. How's your familiarity with the script?"
"It's going well." Fei Qingqing smiled. "Is the director discussing something with Fang Miaomiao?"