NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 33
Recently Kang Mucheng had been very busy.
Although Lv Xue's case had brought quite a bit of trouble to the book signing event, Jian Jing had cracked the case on the spot, turning the reporters into pillows for a nap, instantly heating up the topic.
No matter how hotly it was discussed online, the sales figures of "Demon Doctor" were steadily climbing, which was more real than anything. He freed up his hands and thoroughly investigated within the company, catching the internal mole who had leaked information to reporters. As expected, he had been bought over by another company. Regardless of the reason, he was immediately fired.
In addition, he had to keep an eye on the installation of the security system at Jian Jing's home.
Kang Mucheng had been worried that Jian Jing would ask questions, but although she was somewhat suspicious, she still trusted his judgement and agreed to his suggestion, silently relieving him - if she had asked, he really wouldn't have known how to respond.
For some reason, ever since he had saved her from suicide, he felt Jian Jing had changed.
Sensitive had become keen, overthinking had become meticulous and careful. She was still the same person, but her former weaknesses had become strengths.
Kang Mucheng had no way of knowing why she had changed this way. It was just that a baby learning to walk needed an adult's support, but a grown child would no longer hope to be led by the hand all the time.
It was the same for writers and agents.
When she was weak, he had to be firm. Now that she was becoming strong, he had to give her more freedom.
Kang Mucheng looked at the pile of documents on hand and pondered deeply for a long time before finally dialing the phone. "Jingjing, are you home? Good, I'm coming over to chat with you about something."
He went straight to her home in a familiar way and got right to the point. "I want to discuss the second half of this year's work with you."
Jian Jing was very surprised. "Isn't the second half for writing Demon Doctor 2?"
"Not about the writing schedule," Kang Mucheng threw the documents onto the coffee table and went to the kitchen to make coffee. "Jinwu has several activities in the second half of the year - book signing tours, cultural travel groups, lectures at universities. Do you have any that you're interested in?"
It was normal for a writer to just focus on writing, but most people didn't reject publicity activities either. Good wine was afraid of being too deep in the alley - making more connections within the industry would be very helpful for future development.
Jinwu Publishing didn't just publish books, they also regularly organized some activities within the industry.
The book signing tour was gathering a bunch of writers to hold signing events in multiple cities, helping promote each other and raise their presence. They could also take the chance to travel and gather. The cultural travel groups worked with some tourism departments to invite writers to travel according to featured routes and do some promotions.
The university lectures were even simpler - go to various colleges and universities to give talks, and take the chance to promote their new books and spread some cultural knowledge.
After reading the documents, Jian Jing asked, "What do you recommend?"
"Universities generally lean towards traditional writers, the other two are not bad, with room and board provided," Kang Mucheng gave an objective evaluation, but did not give a clear recommendation.
"Is there anything more fun?" Jian Jing was not very interested.
Kang Mucheng paused briefly, then said after a moment, "There's also one, Feiniao Entertainment's 'Haunted House Adventure'."
Jian Jing was full of questions. "What's that?"
"A reality show that invites celebrities to explore haunted houses around the country," Kang Mucheng replied. "They're about to start filming the second season soon, and they're missing a guest star. They invited you."
She was even more confused. "Why would a variety show invite me?"
"You have decent popularity recently, and match their show style," Kang Mucheng paused, then said frankly, "Feiniao invested in 'Demon Doctor', so it's a win-win for them."
Jian Jing understood, and couldn't help feeling tempted.
Exploring a haunted house did seem much more interesting than the other activities. However, filming a show with celebrities was bound to easily attract gossip - the entertainment world had very deep waters.
"What do you think?" She habitually sought his opinion.
"The other guests are celebrities. As a newcomer, you'll have to manage your expectations," Kang Mucheng had not brought this up earlier, revealing his own inclinations.
He felt that Jian Jing was not suited for such a high-profile show, standing in front of the camera with celebrities. The pressure would be much greater than when 'Demon Doctor' was launched. Jian Jing understood his meaning, but still looked hesitant.
"Do you want to go?" Kang Mucheng sat down beside her and patiently asked, "Jingjing, tell me your thoughts."
After a brief moment of hesitation, she nodded and admitted, "I want to go."
The popularity of variety shows was high. After participating, her fame would surely greatly increase. She didn't crave fame itself, but fame could help her draw more cards. Whether it was because of the high crime rate or the hidden danger of the Blood Rose, she had to improve her own strength.
And while solving cases did provide rewards, there were lives behind them. By comparison, becoming famous was undoubtedly more suitable.
Kang Mucheng didn't know her real motives. He confirmed repeatedly, "Are you clear on the consequences?"
"It's just one episode, right?" Jian Jing considered and said, "If it's not suitable, I just won't continue. "
Kang Mucheng was admittedly not optimistic, but the other activities could be done by others as well. This was an invitation extended to Jian Jing alone. If it succeeded, there would be tremendous benefits for both her and Jinwu.
He nodded. "Going is fine, but you have to do your best."
Jian Jing: "?"
"This is an adventure deduction show. It's understandable for celebrities to underperform, but if you underperform, your reputation will stink." Kang Mucheng emphasized, "Are you confident?"
She hesitated, not very confidently saying a very confident line: "It should...probably be fine?"
*
'Haunted House Adventure' was a reality show with 5 regular guests + 1 rotating guest. Every episode, the guests would be sent to a haunted house for an adventure. They had to find the various clues hidden in the haunted house and fulfill certain necessary conditions before they could leave.
One very famous episode from the first season was called 'True Record of a Haunted House'.
The story was about an old house from the Qing dynasty where all kinds of bizarre sounds and shadows frequently appeared, and several generations of owners had bizarrely died in the house. The guests had to search the old house for clues, piece together the truth of the deaths, find the resentful ghost that was making trouble, and finally follow the methods recorded in ancient texts to cross over the resentful ghost before completing the mission.
Just this alone was not too bad, but the problem was that the haunted house itself was indeed an old house from the Qing dynasty where some unexplainable strange events had truly occurred before.
A real haunted house.
However, the talk of ghosts was just for show. At the end of the story, the guests learned that the so-called ghost was actually a drowned infant girl from years past. Clearly the production team was using the guise of ghosts and gods to explore human nature.
Jian Jing specially went to watch this episode. The plot and story were quite interesting, but the most amusing part was still the guests themselves.
Watching them scream and jump around in fright was very stress-relieving.
Especially Jiang Baiyan.
Before watching the show, Jian Jing's impression of him was: an obedient, sweet, pretty, and gentle flower boy.
After watching the show: Hahahaha!
All the image built up in 'Hide and Seek Child' was gone.
She couldn't help messaging him to probe for more: [Is the haunted house really that scary?]
Jiang Baiyan replied quite quickly: [Super super scary!! The cameras make it look really bright, but it's actually pitch dark with barely any light at all. The flashlights they give us only have a tiny bit of red light, the scene is really super super scary!]
Jian Jing: [Deep in thought.jpg]
Jiang Baiyan: [Teacher has decided to come? Don't worry, I'll protect you!]
Jian Jing: "......"
She took a short animated clip of him freaking out and jumping in place, and sent it over.
[The other party has withdrawn a message]
Jiang Baiyan: [Begging Teacher Jian Jing to protect me instead!]
She: "Pfft."
In summary, it seemed like it would be pretty fun.
A week later, Feiniao Entertainment signed a one-episode contract with her and released a teaser on their official account.
Haunted House Adventure V:
This is a hotel nestled deep in the mountains. The milk-white wallpaper is dotted with mold, the red door is covered in scratches, how many secrets lie beneath the dirty carpet, where do the lingering souls come and go?
Haunted House Adventure Season 2, Episode 1 officially starts filming on August 10th!
@Cao Yu @Zheng Keyan @Jiang Baiyan @Han Bo @Cai Tonger, @Mystery Guest, get ready for the shock~~
---
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Jian Jing: "......" Who am I, where am I, what are they talking about??
*
On August 9th, Sunday, Jian Jing took a plane to the filming city a day in advance and checked into the hotel arranged by the production team.
At the entrance, she encountered three separate waves of fans.
One wave of Jiang Baiyan's fans, holding up signs; one wave of Zheng Keyan's fans, also holding up signs; one wave of Cai Tonger's fans, still holding up signs......The three camps were clearly separated. They had to call out in turns, neither side willing to lose.
Jian Jing sighed helplessly at the sight.
She had done a bit of homework about her co-stars on the plane and barely sorted out who was who.
Cao Yu, nicknamed Cao Military Advisor, veteran actor, 33 years old, married, average looks but dignified features, high EQ, known for loving his family and often posting pics of his wife and daughters.
Zheng Keyan, big star, popular actress, 30 years old, divorced, beautiful and generous, known as a strong woman, has starred in many TV shows and is very nationally recognized.
Han Bo, singer, 25 years old, unmarried, mixed-race, handsome and masculine, lively and outgoing, provides the atmosphere.
Cai Tonger, little flower, actress debuted from a girl group, 20 years old, very good-looking, known as a foodie and occasionally posts silly content.
Jiang Baiyan, currently popular + skilled actor, 19 years old, (the show team thought he was) a cool and steady little fresh meat, (but actually) unexpectedly timid.
In addition, this show has two major CPs (Couples). One is the water and fire CP, namely Han Bo and Jiang Baiyan. The other is the red and white CP, namely Cai Tonger and Jiang Baiyan.
In summary, Kang Mucheng gave her three warnings:
First, don't get too close to Cao Yu. Married male actors must keep their distance and respect their seniors. Don't argue with him.
Second, don't get too close to Han Bo and Jiang Baiyan. They have many fans. If a scandal comes out, you'll be scolded to death.
Third, don't get involved in the contradictions between Zheng Keyan and Cai Xiaohua. You can't afford to offend either.
Jian Jing was confused: "Then what can I do?"
"Fight ghosts with wit and courage."
"..."
That night, the Follow PD (following director) found Jian Jing and briefly explained the shooting process to her.
"There won't be any PDs following you after you enter the haunted house. Only the cameras will be shooting. Teacher Jian doesn't need to be nervous." The PD following Jian Jing was a young girl who patiently explained, "There are safe houses inside where you can eat and use the bathroom, but generally we'll keep shooting until the end without a break. We'll keep shooting all day today."
Jian Jing said, "I see. I have a question."
"Please ask, Teacher Jian."
"Is the haunted house we're going to tomorrow originally a hotel? Or is it a newly built haunted house?"
The PD said, "That's right, it was originally a hotel. Strange rumors had emerged about it before too. We did some renovations to the house, but some areas were kept in their original state. Everything is very realistic."