Chapter 107: A Lesson, Part 1

In truth, while the outcome was surprising, it was hardly unexpected. Many stars in the industry, when unexpectedly losing what seemed like a guaranteed role, often put on a seemingly genuine display of distress online to appease their fans.

What caught everyone off guard was how blunt Han Sen was—he made no effort to conceal his feelings and left no room for his team to manage the situation.

Han Sen posted on social media: "It truly is a sign of the times, the world’s morals declining and people’s hearts turning cold. A role I was almost certain to get ended up being snatched away. If the other party had a bigger name or better acting skills, I would have accepted it—after all, casting the best is standard practice, and I’ve seen plenty of that in the industry. But to be outdone by a rookie? I find that baffling. I’ve been acting for over a decade and yet I’m no match for a green newcomer? Well, I’ve seen it all now."

This bitter, complaining tone made everyone in the production of "Shining Stars" deeply uncomfortable.

Song Wan sat beside Zhou Qi, covering her mouth with slight unease.

Gao Xiang noticed and quickly handed her a bottle of water. "Are you feeling unwell again?" She looked at Song Wan with concern. "Why don’t we head home and rest for a day?"

Song Wan shook her head. "It’s fine. When he’s not around, I can control my emotions."

She took the water and drank it down, her complexion improving noticeably.

The rest of the crew was eager to finalize the main cast, so it wouldn’t do any good to insist Song Wan rest when she was determined to stay—it would only delay the production.

Zhou Qi glanced back and gave Song Wan a small smile.

Others who noticed them also began to view Song Wan more favorably. Initially, they had thought she was just a talented rookie with a bad temper who might throw tantrums. The staff had been on edge, but now they could relax.

She was good-tempered, aware of the bigger picture, and seemed easy to work with.

Even if she were difficult, she wouldn’t arbitrarily lose her temper with the staff.

No one would refuse to work with a leading actress like her.

Zhou Qi quickly shifted his gaze to his phone, his eyes locking onto a single image attached to a Weibo post.

The image was straightforward—it clearly revealed which production Han Sen was referring to.

The cover of "Shining Stars."

Due to budget constraints, the "Shining Stars" production had not done any publicity. Only a handful of insiders knew the book was being adapted for television.

And Han Sen had not only blown the news wide open but had also thrown a heavy accusation at the "Shining Stars" drama team.

Zhou Qi chuckled coldly, not bothering to look at the others further. He immediately dialed Qin Fei's number.

In full view of everyone, Zhou Qi showed no mercy.

"Qin Fei, it seems you think life’s too easy these days and want me to add fuel to the fire for you."

The icy glare in Zhou Qi’s eyes could chill a person to the bone, but was he truly angry? Not quite.

Because of Song Wan’s words, he had already anticipated Han Sen’s actions. He hadn’t expected Han Sen to be so foolish as to post such a revealing Weibo update—it was easy to clarify, but it would also stir up a lot of trouble.

Qin Fei was just recovering from the shock of losing a promising newcomer to the rival camp and was caught off guard by Zhou Qi’s barrage of threats. He dared not lose his temper with Zhou Qi, so he swallowed his anger and forced out a small smile.

"Director Zhou, who exactly has upset you?"

"Heh, isn’t it that pretty boy you shoved into the production? What now, pretending to be crazy and denying everything?"

Qin Fei was confused. "What has Han Sen done now?"

Suddenly, he remembered he had wanted to ask how Han Sen had offended Zhou Qi so badly that Zhou Qi was willing to burn bridges and kick him out, but then Li Yu’s incident happened, and he had no energy to ask further.

Right. He realized he hadn’t even hung up the call.

Qin Fei’s expression darkened abruptly, like a predatory demon sizing up its prey.

"Check Weibo yourself!"

Zhou Qi didn’t know what Qin Fei was thinking. Judging from his tone, Qin Fei seemed genuinely clueless, so Zhou Qi impatiently hung up without a second thought.

He spared Qin Fei no courtesy.

Neither Qin Fei nor Zhou Qi took the matter too seriously. Favoring some and disparaging others was standard fare in the industry. Qin Fei was well aware that his previous attempts to pressure Zhou Qi on behalf of the company had only made things worse.

Now, Qin Fei resented Li Yu, the newcomer he had personally discovered, even more.

As for Han Sen?

Qin Fei forced down his anger and opened Weibo, only to be infuriated by Han Sen’s utterly thoughtless posts to the point of losing all composure.

"Han Sen, did I dig up your ancestors’ graves in a past life?"

At this moment, Qin Fei had no energy left to think about Li Yu. His entire focus was consumed by Han Sen’s reckless behavior.

He grabbed his keys and phone, intending to confront Han Sen immediately, but then he calmed down.

Since being suppressed by Jin Youqian, his methods were limited, and his resources had dwindled significantly. Without enough leverage, Han Sen no longer heeded his instructions.

Only one person could still marginally control Han Sen now...

After some thought, Qin Fei turned and headed downstairs, driving off in another direction.

—

Zhou Qi looked around at the other crew members before finally settling his gaze on Gao Xiang.

"Gao Xiang, do you have any solutions?"

As the top agent in Jiuzhou, Gao Xiang naturally had countless ways to handle such situations.

But...

"Director Zhou, what outcome are you hoping to achieve?" Gao Xiang asked cautiously.

The solution was straightforward. Whether or not the so-called rookie was Zhou Qi’s type, there would at least be audition footage. By releasing that and the casting criteria for the production, the truth would be clear.

Even if the newcomer was just a lucky pick...

Regardless of whether they were ultimately cast, as long as their acting was solid, this would be a chance for them to gain some fame.

Zhou Qi raised an eyebrow, his gaze turning slightly cold. "If they’re from Mingcheng Pictures, I don’t want anything to do with them."

What had happened had left him thoroughly disgusted.

Gao Xiang’s eyes flickered as she immediately understood Zhou Qi’s intention—he didn’t want the newcomer to benefit.

She considered for a moment, then looked up at Zhou Qi. "But are you sure that newcomer won’t seize this chance to attract attention from netizens?"

Nowadays, stars no longer cared about their reputation—good or bad. As long as they became popular, they could always redeem themselves later. Given that, why wouldn’t they use every possible means to get noticed?

Especially in recent years, several celebrities had built their careers on internet backlash, and after becoming top-tier stars, this trend had only accelerated.

Song Wan also looked at Zhou Qi, her eyes shadowed. "That newcomer’s agent is Qin Fei."

Qin Fei was hardly a man of principles.

Since Han Sen was destined to gain nothing from this, Qin Fei would naturally ensure the newcomer’s vested interests.

He might even be scheming to sneak the newcomer into the production again.

With this revelation, Zhou Qi’s face darkened instantly.

Such a guess was far from impossible when it came to Qin Fei.

"I have a plan that can give you the result you want, and at the same time teach Han Sen a lesson," Gao Xiang said with a half-smile that sent a chill down the spine.

Zhou Qi immediately leaned closer to her. "What is it?"

His tone was urgent, as if he were pleading for a lifeline.

"Find another actor for the second male lead. Film some ‘audition footage.’ It doesn’t matter if he’s better than the newcomer, but he must be better than Han Sen and more handsome."

Song Wan’s eyes widened, her gaze at Gao Xiang filled with excitement.

"Cut the root out!"

Gao Xiang smiled without speaking, but her confident expression was enough to convince anyone.

The newcomer would at least meet the production’s casting criteria.

Their acting would convince the vast number of book fans and casual viewers.

Their looks would stir Han Sen’s fans to defect.

After all, Han Sen had managed to cling to his second- or third-tier status all these years because of his looks.

If someone was younger, more handsome, and acted better, why wait to jump ship?

Fans have standards, you see. Without genuine talent or dazzling beauty, how could Han Sen have so many loyal followers? Stir the pot a little, and defections would be inevitable.

Zhou Qi laughed heartily. "Pushing the newcomer forward by stepping all over Han Sen’s face—Gao Xiang, you truly are the top agent!"

He patted Song Wan’s shoulder. "Tsk, Jin really treats you well!"

Such talent had been specifically recruited to be Song Wan’s exclusive agent.