Caught in Affairs with Superstar

"Yijiang Spring has finally been scheduled?"

Gu Huaichun heard the news about Yijiang Spring’s scheduling from his agent and was quite surprised.

This drama has had quite a tumultuous journey.

Last year end, it was supposed to air, but it got overtaken by Linjiang Immortal starring Su Yan and Xu Siyao.

After that, Yijiang Spring seemed to be plagued by bad luck, constantly suppressed by the TV station, never finding a slot for airing.

Especially since the second half of this year, Gu Huaichun’s reputation has been somewhat affected, and the TV station became even more reluctant to air it.

Now, Yuehai Network finally ran out of patience for this show and decided to forgo satellite TV broadcasting, opting for web streaming directly.

The agent said, "The higher-ups in the company are getting a bit annoyed. If this drama doesn’t air soon, who knows how long it’ll be shelved."

Gu Huaichun said, "This drama was completed ages ago. If it weren’t for aiming for satellite broadcasting, it would have aired long ago."

"Of course, airing on satellite TV is best. Although there isn’t much difference between satellite and web broadcasting nowadays, there’s this hierarchy in the circle, even award evaluations discriminate against web series." The agent said, "Everyone feels you’re still lacking a step because most of your works are web dramas, especially the popular ones. Everyone thinks you can’t hold up the ratings."

Gu Huaichun said, "Does ratings still matter now? Does anyone even pay attention to that?"

"TV stations are the traditional big shots after all." The agent said, "But you’ve had two consecutive dramas criticized by haters; this time we can’t let them run rampant. We must defend a bit. I need to apply for some marketing funds from the company. If this drama has a decent reputation, we should use this opportunity to change the audience’s perception of you."

Gu Huaichun responded with a nod.

"You’re going to shoot a movie with Zhou Yun tomorrow. Do you think your role has potential for awards?" the agent suddenly asked.

Gu Huaichun said, "I haven’t even seen the script yet. Xiao Yun also mentioned, there’s no script for this movie. Wen Bing will shoot as he desires. Whether it can win awards, we’ll see."

"Don’t say that. Wen Bing’s films have a decent chance for awards. Just look at Life and Two Tigers; they’re regulars at mainstream awards. If you get nominated for several Best Supporting Actor awards, it’s a good thing. It proves your acting skills are commendable." The agent said, "Now it’s just a bunch of haters mocking your acting skills––such a joke. Among the young generation of male actors, if your acting isn’t considered good, then whose is?"

Gu Huaichun said, "Let’s not talk about others. Even I find my performances in those shows unbearable to watch."

"How can you say that about yourself? The plot and character setup is that way. How else could you act?" The agent said, "In my opinion, it’s just those haters with too much time on their hands."

"Just avoid getting me roles similar to a domineering CEO."

"Nowadays, how many roles aren’t of that type? It’s what’s trendy, it’s what the audience likes to watch. Can I refuse? Although many say they don’t like domineering CEOs, truthfully, based on data and flow, there are plenty of viewers who love it. This is what big data shows."

Gu Huaichun sighed.

"Alright, don’t sigh. I’ll try to get you some roles that are different and refreshing, okay?"

"Yeah, don’t make it too homogeneous."

"I’ve been reading novels to see if there’s a suitable male lead for you. If there is, I’ll buy it and have the company develop it for you."

Gu Huaichun said, "Can’t you connect me with some projects that have better production crews?"

The agent said, "You know well enough those projects don’t come to us."

"Then we should actively reach out to them," Gu Huaichun said helplessly, "do you really want to see me stuck in the same place forever?"

The agent said nothing. After a moment, he finally spoke, "I’m trying to find opportunities for you, but there’s truly nothing suitable."

It’s always the same line.

Nothing suitable.

Gu Huaichun had grown accustomed to it.

He’s not really holding out hope even when he asked this time.

After all, the company sees him as mere traffic, a high-paid, high-commercial-value asset.

Gu Huaichun knows well, if he intends to change, it’ll be through his own efforts.

Yuehai definitely won’t help him transition.

This time, Wen Bing’s movie approached, and Yuehai agreed so readily. First, Wen Bing is a big-name director and collaborating with Zhou Yun. Yuehai is currently in a honeymoon phase with Zhou Yun, so surely they want to give him face. Secondly, this film only required Gu Huaichun for three days of shooting –– the same amount needed for a variety show guest spot. It doesn’t require much time, which wouldn’t delay Locust Village too much, which is another reason Yuehai agreed so promptly.