Chapter 141. Becoming a Celebrity? The Fought-Over-by-Big-Shots Kind (17)
After two days of rest, Shen Wan and Fu Qingman entered the production set, officially beginning filming. This drama had a substantial investment, boasting a powerful cast lineup, and the director was meticulous about every detail.
From the first day on set, even for capable actors like Shen Wan and Fu Qingman, no shot was carelessly executed.
While their performances were excellent, not everyone could express emotions and movements as precisely as they did.
The director’s demands weighed heavily on the other actors. It wasn’t uncommon for a single shot to require dozens of takes.
Fu Qingman’s prowess was expected; as a top actress with rich experience, her consistent perfection was well-known. However, Shen Wan, a newcomer, matching that level of perfection left many on set feeling conflicted.
Most channeled this tension into their work, focusing on their performances. After all, it was their job, and failing to perform well would incur the director’s wrath, not Shen Wan or Fu Qingman.
Yet, a small faction, whether out of jealousy or other motives, leveraged their backing to repeatedly fail takes. The director’s hands were tied; while he could easily dismiss minor actors, those with investor support were untouchable. He could only reprimand them, unable to remove them from the production.
On this day, a particular shot had been attempted nearly a hundred times, still failing to satisfy the director. Typically, he’d allow actors to cool off, reflect, and communicate before rescheduling the shot.
But this scene was different. It was an outdoor shoot, impossible to postpone without significant time and cost implications. Moreover, this segment was crucial to the plot, frustrating the director who desperately wanted to recast the role.
He regretted making this scene so pivotal, not anticipating the actress’s incompetence. It was too late to change now; any alterations would be time-consuming and potentially detrimental to the story’s coherence.
“Cut! Jiatong, Wan Wan, come here.”
The director had to call a halt, summoning both actresses. Seeing sweat on Shen Wan’s brow, he felt guilty.
Leng Jiatong maintained an innocent facade, but the director saw through her deliberate sabotage of Shen Wan. Observing Shen Wan’s uncomplaining diligence only increased his favor towards her.
This newcomer was hardworking, skilled, and even-tempered – a director’s dream. He resolved to consider her first for suitable roles in the future. Leng Jiatong’s behavior hadn’t even ruffled her; her temperament was truly admirable.
“Director, Wan Wan, I’m so sorry. These movements are just too challenging for me,” Leng Jiatong whimpered pitifully. “Please give me a little more time. I promise I’ll get it right next time. Wan Wan, I’m really sorry. If you’re too exhausted, maybe we should use your stunt double for now?”
The director nearly exploded at this suggestion.
What nonsense about Shen Wan being unable to continue and needing a stunt double? Was there any double who could outperform Shen Wan?
It was infuriating.
If not for her backer, he’d have replaced this actress long ago. But half the film’s funding came from her supporter. Removing Leng Jiatong would not only jeopardize the funding but also offend a powerful figure.
Don’t assume they wouldn’t retaliate over a mere woman. This investment was significant to him but trivial to such tycoons. Removing Leng Jiatong would be a direct insult – how could they not take offense?
Usually, with his reputation, securing funding wasn’t an issue. But if deliberately suppressed, who would dare invest in him? Between businessmen and directors, directors were the vulnerable party.
“You’ve already done this shot eighty-eight times.” Fu Qingman couldn’t stand by any longer. Such incidents weren’t uncommon in the industry.
Early in her career, she’d faced similar situations. But her challenger’s backing wasn’t as strong, so they didn’t dare torment her for long – maybe twenty-odd takes at most. Leng Jiatong was crossing a line, dragging Shen Wan through this ordeal.
Seeing Shen Wan drenched in sweat deeply unsettled her. She knew speaking up against Leng Jiatong would invite negative commentary. Even though her family wasn’t ordinary, many families outranked the Fu clan.
Leng Jiatong’s backer didn’t fear the Fu family. Currently, Leng Jiatong was his prized possession, at the height of his favor.
But seeing Shen Wan’s state, Fu Qingman couldn’t hold back. If necessary, she’d invest in the production herself. She had more than enough money, and if she ran short, asking her parents for help wasn’t shameful.
After all, the initial investment for this major production was one billion yuan.
Her personal assets certainly exceeded that. However, nominal assets differed from liquid funds; converting them quickly could lead to losses.
Yet, for some reason, seeing Shen Wan mistreated was unbearable. Having made her decision, she abandoned caution and confronted Leng Jiatong directly.
“Since entering the industry, I’ve seen similar shots take forty or fifty takes. But eighty-eight? That’s unprecedented,” Fu Qingman said with a cold smile. “You’ve been in this field for a while now, and the director gave you the script ages ago. Your movements are simple, not professional martial arts. You just need to roll a few times when Shen Wan attacks, dodge twice, and express the right emotions and dialogue. It’s not complicated.”
“If you can’t manage something so basic, I seriously doubt your suitability for this profession.”
Everyone on set stared at Fu Qingman. The top actress seemed off today. They knew Leng Jiatong was causing trouble, but she wasn’t targeting Fu Qingman directly. Even if Fu Qingman was close to Shen Wan, was it necessary to confront Leng Jiatong over this?
Everyone knew Leng Jiatong’s meteoric rise from obscurity to top-tier celebrity in just a year wasn’t without powerful backing. Her sudden access to premium resources was telling.
The crowd thought Fu Qingman had lost her mind, deeming her actions unworthy.
“Actress Fu, I understand…” Leng Jiatong froze momentarily before adopting a pitiful expression. “I’m sorry. Please give me one more chance. This time, I promise to do well and not hold everyone back. I know you’re a top actress with high standards. I aspire to be like you, able to nail everything in one take.”
“But I’m still learning. I can only strive to gradually catch up to you, Actress Fu. You’ve always been my role model, and I accept your criticism.”
The onlookers shook their heads. They’d always said Leng Jiatong wasn’t simple. See? Now Fu Qingman had stepped in, stirring up trouble. If rumors started spreading, Fu Qingman’s carefully cultivated reputation might be ruined.
Fu Qingman was furious. She’d always known the industry harbored shameless individuals but hadn’t expected to encounter one so directly.
She coldly eyed Leng Jiatong, her aristocratic temper rising. Just as she was about to speak, Shen Wan pulled her back.
“Hey, why are you wailing? Crying so loudly without shedding a tear, who are you trying to fool? Acting all wronged as if someone’s bullying you.” Shen Wan didn’t fear Leng Jiatong. She’d tolerated repeating the action eighty-eight times only to find a legitimate opportunity to oust her from the production with a show of force. Did Leng Jiatong really think she was easy to bully?
Look how upset her wife had become for her sake.
This Leng Jiatong truly needed to be expelled from the production.
“You pitiful thing. Did my Qingman hit or scold you? Today’s newcomers are strange indeed. Lacking skill, terrible acting, failing at a scene after eighty-eight takes, as stupid as a pig, and we can’t even call you dumb? You’re truly, utterly stupid. I’ll say it: you’re stupid beyond belief. One person holding up the entire crew, and you brush it off saying you’re still learning? As dumb as you are, I doubt you can learn anything.”
Shen Wan wore a disdainful expression, snorting, “If you’re still learning, why not master your craft before acting? Did you think Director Chen’s set was a junkyard? After eighty-eight takes opposite you, I’ve concluded you’re not cut out for acting. If you truly love this profession, go back to school and study properly.”
Shen Wan pulled Fu Qingman to Director Chen’s side. “Director, why not replace her? We haven’t shot much with her anyway. You can either reshoot or cut those scenes.”
Director Chen finally snapped out of his daze, his face troubled. Glancing at Leng Jiatong’s liver-red face, he realized Shen Wan had thoroughly offended her. Though inwardly pleased, he worried about Shen Wan’s predicament.
Leng Jiatong’s backer was truly formidable.
With her temperament, Leng Jiatong would surely embellish the story to her patron, targeting Shen Wan.
Sensing the odd gazes around her, Leng Jiatong shot Shen Wan a hateful glare. Her temper flaring, she approached Director Chen. “Director, I’m not feeling well today. I really can’t continue. I’ll head back now; please shoot other scenes first.”
This wasn’t about feeling unwell; she’d been angered by Shen Wan and was rushing back to sic her sugar daddy on Shen Wan, while also warning the director.
Director Chen sighed, nodding reluctantly. He looked at Shen Wan, about to speak, but she beat him to it. “Director, let’s talk inside.”
As Fu Qingman moved to leave, Shen Wan grabbed her. “Where are you going? Come inside too.”
Everyone assumed Shen Wan, aware she’d offended Leng Jiatong, was preparing for the worst.
No one expected Shen Wan to pull out a card, pushing it towards the incredulous director with a bright smile. “I really love this role. If they truly withdraw funding, this card should cover the rest of the production. Any losses from the delay can be deducted from it too.”
Director Chen was stunned.
So was Fu Qingman, though less so than the director. Still, she was taken aback by Shen Wan’s extravagance. This wasn’t investing in a film; it was playing with money.
Director Chen stared at the card, doubting Shen Wan had sufficient funds. “This production’s initial investment was one billion yuan. They covered over half of that.”
So, your contribution likely isn’t enough.
Shen Wan’s smile remained radiant, her tone nonchalant. “Is that so?” Just as the director expected her to express regret, she continued, “That’s fine then. There’s 600 million yuan here. Should be enough to keep the production going, right? If it’s not enough later, just ask me. I don’t have much, just lots of money.”
600 million?
What did she say??
And what’s this about having nothing but money? Where did this tycoon come from?
“The PIN is three sixes, three ones.”
“Director, don’t worry. I really love this role. I’ll fund this production even if I have to throw money at it. Just focus on directing. If you don’t believe me, go check the card. If that’s not enough, we’ll transfer the account to your name another day.”
Long after Shen Wan had left with Fu Qingman, the director still trembled, touching the card and muttering, “Offering 600 million yuan just like that. What kind of fairy actress have I found? Great acting, great temperament, great looks, and incredibly wealthy. Saying to ask her for more if it’s not enough, like it’s adding rice at a cafeteria?”
“That’s 600 million yuan. It would take a long time to earn that,” Fu Qingman whispered, glancing at Shen Wan sipping juice. “Even I only earn 100-200 million a year, not counting expenses.”
“It’s not that much. This amount is fine for me. After all, filming should be enjoyable. Usually, I wouldn’t resort to this, but Leng Jiatong really lacks skill. I think keeping her in the production would seriously flaw the film, making it imperfect.”
“Most importantly, Leng Jiatong tried to frame you. Qingman, stay out of such matters in the future. I have my ways of dealing with them.”
Fu Qingman felt conflicted, murmuring, “I just couldn’t stand her deliberately tormenting you. I’m not one to swallow my anger. How could I just watch?”
“I feel the same. I really can’t tolerate incompetent clowns prancing about. She’s truly unsuited for acting.”
Director Chen emerged from the tent to find Shen Wan and Fu Qingman sitting on small stools by the entrance, chatting. Hearing Shen Wan say 600 million wasn’t much and that filming should be enjoyable, he felt he’d encountered a true oddity in the acting world.
He coughed lightly. “I noticed an extra earlier who seemed quite talented. Why don’t I have her do a couple of scenes with you?” He addressed Shen Wan. “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll keep looking.”
With funding secured, he no longer cared about Leng Jiatong and her patron.
Mainly, Shen Wan’s extravagance made him suspect she had significant backing. He no longer feared Leng Jiatong’s supporter.
After all, if the sky fell, this petite tycoon would hold it up. He just needed to focus on directing.
An hour later, everyone on set was bewildered. The director had actually replaced Leng Jiatong with an extra.
Undeniably, this extra’s acting was quite good, passing the scene in just three takes. It was far smoother than Leng Jiatong’s ordeal.
The next day, Director Chen received a call from Leng Jiatong’s backer.
Chen’s attitude was firm. He stated Leng Jiatong’s poor acting had hindered the entire production’s progress, offering a perfunctory apology. Everyone could tell he didn’t care at all.
The other party grew angry, threatening to withdraw funding and cease any further investment.
Director Chen: “Is that so, Mr. Li? It’s truly regrettable. Leng Jiatong was indeed lacking. Since you’re in such a difficult position, I won’t trouble you further. I’ll handle the investment issue myself.”
Handle it?
What was there to handle? Didn’t the tycoon Shen Wan give him 600 million? Just pick up the camera and get to work.
So after hanging up, Director Chen shouted to the crew: “Let’s get to work!”
Everyone looked oddly at Shen Wan, their gazes different now.
Could Shen Wan’s backer be even more formidable than Leng Jiatong’s?
A few days passed like this. Suddenly, rumors spread online about Shen Wan cozying up to a sugar daddy, even including photos of Shen Wan drunk with this alleged patron.
Shen Wan and Fu Qingman’s expressions turned strange upon seeing the photos. “This seems to be me.”
“I’m certain it is you. It’s not just from when you met Pan Yue at the dinner table, but also from when we went to the bar to find him later. It seems someone’s been watching you, trying to catch you out.”
By now, the internet had exploded with claims that Shen Wan’s sugar daddy was Pan Yue.
Seeing this news, Pan Yue scratched his head frustratedly, muttering, “If only it were true. But she’s not; she’s my big sister now.”
After some thought, he called Shen Wan. “Boss, someone’s slandering our pure brotherly relationship. I’m really troubled. Should we make it real and blind these dogs with the truth?”
“I see you as a brother, yet you harbor such filthy thoughts.”
Fu Qingman chimed in, “Such a person doesn’t deserve to be your brother.”
“Little bro, want to pull off something big?” Shen Wan’s eyes curved in a smile. “Someone’s targeting me and slandering you. Aren’t you angry?”
Pan Yue pondered, “Boss, do you know who’s behind this?”
Shen Wan had long known the culprit. The instigator wasn’t Leng Jiatong, though she had bought bots to smear Shen Wan online.
The photographer was naturally someone hired by Jing Ming. That man was the most petty and vicious in the plot.
She’d accepted Pan Yue as her subordinate because he was too pitiful in the story. She needed a minion, and Pan Yue fit perfectly. Supporting a minion to become a boss seemed like a good idea.
“Follow my instructions, and I guarantee that in the future, when people mention you, it won’t be as the playboy Young Master Pan, but as Pan, the business tycoon who rules the commercial world.”
Pan Yue felt tempted but skeptical.
“Listen, this is what we’ll do…” Shen Wan began outlining her plan, her eyes gleaming with mischief and determination.
As she spoke, Pan Yue’s eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and excitement growing on his face. The plan was audacious, risky, but potentially game-changing.
“Boss, are you sure about this? It sounds… incredible,” Pan Yue said, his voice a mixture of awe and hesitation.
Shen Wan’s smile widened. “Trust me, little bro. By the time we’re done, those who tried to smear us will be eating their words. And you? You’ll be the talk of the business world for all the right reasons.”
Fu Qingman listened intently, her eyebrows rising higher with each detail of the plan. She couldn’t help but admire Shen Wan’s strategic mind. This wasn’t just about clearing their names; it was about reshaping Pan Yue’s entire image and future.
“Alright, I’m in,” Pan Yue finally declared, his voice firm with newfound resolve. “Tell me what I need to do, Boss.”
As Shen Wan continued explaining the finer points of her strategy, a new energy filled the room. It was clear that this was more than just damage control – it was the beginning of something much bigger.
The entertainment world had no idea what was coming. A storm was brewing, and at its center stood Shen Wan, ready to turn the tables on those who thought they could manipulate her. The game was about to change, and she was holding all the cards.