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Filming for "The Story of Minglan" took five months and finally wrapped up at the end of the year.

The wrap party was held in the banquet hall of a five-star hotel in Hengdian, with twenty tables set up.

The entire crew of over two hundred people, from the director and lead actors to the stagehands and lighting crew, were all present.

By 6 p.m., the banquet hall was already bustling with activity.

The main creative team sat at the main table at the front, while other staff members were seated at separate tables according to their departments.

When Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun arrived, Hou Hongliang and Zhang Kaizhou were already there.

"President Su, President Chen, we've been waiting for you." Hou Hongliang stood up with a smile. "This is quite a grand affair today."

"You've worked hard for five months, it's time to celebrate." Su Ning sat down in the main seat.

Chen Xiaojun sat next to him, with Lin Yunxiao beside her...

She wore a burgundy dress today, with exquisite makeup and a proper smile.

The actors took their seats one after another.

Zhang Shishi wore a light purple dress, while Tian Xiwei wore a pink girly dress. The two sat together, chatting and laughing in hushed tones.

The banquet officially began at 6:30.

Hou Hongliang delivered the opening remarks: "Five months, one hundred and fifty days, we have completed the filming of 'The Story of Minglan'. Thank you to all the actors for their hard work, thank you to all the staff for their hard work, and a special thank you to President Su and President Chen—who not only played the lead roles but also provided the best filming conditions."

applause.

Zhang Kaizhou continued, "This is the smoothest film I've ever made. The actors were professional, the production was excellent, and the logistical support was top-notch. In particular, those three palace-style RVs allowed the actors to work in optimal condition. For this, I especially want to thank General Manager Su."

Another round of applause followed.

It was Suning's turn to speak.

He stood up, raised his glass, and said, "I only have three things to say. First, thank you to everyone for your hard work on this film. Second, I will continue to oversee post-production, with no budget limit, as long as the results are good. Third, everyone, please enjoy the food and drinks tonight; all expenses are on me."

"President Su is so generous!" someone shouted from below.

The entire audience raised their glasses, creating a lively atmosphere.

As the banquet began, dishes were served one after another: lobster, abalone, sea cucumber, grouper... all of which were of the hotel's highest standard.

Tian Xi whispered to Zhang Shishi, "I've filmed two or three dramas, and this is the first time I've attended such a lavish wrap party."

Zhang Shishi laughed: "The treatment is definitely different when filming with President Su."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more lively.

Hou Hongliang went from table to table toasting, and by the time he got to Su Ning's table, he was already a little tipsy: "President Su, to be honest, at first I was worried that your acting would interfere with the company, but now it seems that I was overthinking it. You act well and manage the company well, managing both without neglecting either."

"Mr. Hou, you flatter me." Su Ning clinked glasses with him. "We'll still need to rely on Shandong Film Studio for the editing and promotion later on."

"Don't worry, we will definitely do our best." Hou Hongliang downed his drink in one gulp. "I have a feeling this show will be a hit."

Zhang Kaizhou also came over to toast: "President Su, President Chen, it's been a pleasure working with you. Especially President Chen, your understanding of the character Minglan has given the crew a lot of inspiration."

Chen Xiaojun raised her glass: "It's all thanks to the director's excellent guidance."

"We complement each other." Zhang Kaizhou finished his drink. "I hope we can work together again in the future."

Lin Yunxiao also stood up to offer a toast, first to Hou Hongliang and Zhang Kaizhou, then to Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun.

When she looked at Su Ning, she spoke very politely, making it impossible to detect her true feelings: "Thank you, President Su, for giving me this opportunity. I really enjoyed playing the role of Zhu Manniang."

"It's because you acted well." Su Ning clinked glasses with her. "Let's work together again in the next project."

"Definitely." Lin Yun smiled naturally.

After toasting, as she returned to her seat, she gently touched Su Ning's hand under the table...

It was only for a moment, but both of them understood.

Halfway through the banquet, Hou Hongliang announced some good news: "I have some good news to share with everyone. We just received news from the TV station that 'The Story of Minglan' has been confirmed to air on Hunan TV during prime time, and it will be exclusively streamed on Tencent Video online."

The whole crowd cheered.

"So fast?" Chen Xiaojun exclaimed in surprise.

"The platform was very satisfied with the rough cut of the trailer," Hou Hongliang said. "It is expected to premiere next March."

"The time is very tight," Zhang Kaizhou said. "We need to speed things up in the later stages."

"Don't worry, I've arranged for three editing teams to work simultaneously," Hou Hongliang said. "I guarantee the film will be delivered on time."

This news brought the banquet atmosphere to a climax.

The actors began toasting each other and taking photos together.

Tian Xiwei dragged Zhang Shishi around taking pictures, and then mustered up her courage to take a group photo with Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun.

"President Su, President Chen, may I take a picture with you?" Her face was a little red, whether from drinking or nervousness, it was hard to tell.

"Of course." Chen Xiaojun smiled and pulled her to the middle.

After the photo was taken, Tian Xiwei said, "Mr. Chen, thank you for your guidance over the past five months. I have learned a lot."

"It's all thanks to your own hard work." Chen Xiaojun patted her shoulder. "Focus on acting in the future, and I'll look for you if there are suitable roles."

"Thank you, Mr. Chen!" Tian Xiwei's eyes lit up.

Zhang Shishi also came over: "President Su, President Chen, I also want to thank you. It's my good fortune to be able to play the role of Mo Lan."

"You acted very well," Su Ning said. "I'll look for you again if there's a chance to do some more fantastical dramas in the future."

"Thank you, Mr. Su!"

After the young actors finished their toasts, the staff started coming over.

The lighting team leader, the photography team leader, the costume team leader... they all came to express their gratitude.

"President Su, that RV is a lifesaver. Filming in the summer is much less of a hardship now."

"Mr. Chen, you are so dedicated to acting. We have learned a lot from you."

"I hope to be able to act with you guys again next time."

Suning and Chen Xiaojun responded one by one, without putting on any airs.

The banquet continued until 9 p.m., when the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Some people started singing, some started dancing, and the young people were having a blast.

Lin Yunxiao walked over with a wine glass in hand and sat down next to Su Ning: "Today's scene should be much more grand than your wrap party for 'Parents' Love' back then, right?"

“Times have changed,” Su Ning said. “Back then, conditions were limited.”

"Yes!" Lin Yunxiao exclaimed with equal emotion, "You're a business tycoon now?"

"What kind of film or television project do you want to make next?" Su Ning asked.

"I'd like to try a period drama set in the Republican era," Lin Yun said with a smile, "the kind where you wear a cheongsam. Would you vote for it?"

"Just choose a good script."

"Then I'll start looking." Lin Yun smiled and took a sip of his drink. "By the way, when will that car be ready?"

"Delivery next month."

"Thanks." Lin Yun smiled and put down his wine glass. "I'm going to say something to Xiaojun."

She walked over to Chen Xiaojun, and the two women chatted quietly, laughing occasionally, appearing to get along well.

Seeing this, Hou Hongliang said to Su Ning, "The two of them have a good relationship."

“They graduated from the same school and majored in the same field. If I hadn’t persuaded Chen Xiaojun to start a business, they would most likely still be colleagues in the theater troupe,” Su Ning said naturally.

"That's good." Hou Hongliang nodded. "If the actors have a good relationship, they'll be able to cooperate well during the promotional period."

"President Hou, if Shandong Film and Television has any good projects in the future, remember to give our eccentric actors more consideration."

"Haha, definitely! Guangguailuli has always been our best partner at Shandong Film & Television."

"Pleasant to work with."

"Pleasant to work with."

The banquet didn't end until after 10 p.m., everyone had such a great time.

Suning arranged buses to take all staff back to their accommodations.

The lead actors were each picked up by their own cars.

In the parking lot, Chen Xiaojun was a little drunk and leaned on Su Ning's shoulder.

"Five months, how fast time flies," she murmured.

"Are you tired?" Su Ning put his arm around her.

"It's tiring, but it's worth it," Chen Xiaojun said. "It's been a long time since I've been so immersed in filming, it feels great."

Lin Yunxiao's car arrived, and she came over to say goodbye: "Xiaojun, Su Ning, I'm leaving now."

"Be careful on the road," Chen Xiaojun said.

"Goodbye, Sister Yunxiao." Tian Xiwei and Zhang Shishi also came to say goodbye.

Watching Lin Yunxiao's car drive away, Chen Xiaojun suddenly said, "She looks really beautiful today."

“You are more beautiful,” Su Ning said.

"Come on," Chen Xiaojun laughed. "But to be honest, your acting over the past five months has been really good. Director Zhang even said that your scenes together are the highlight of the whole series."

"Then I must thank you for your generosity."

“I believe you,” Chen Xiaojun said earnestly. “Besides, Yunxiao is a sensible person; she knows her limits.”

"Yes! If I make a mistake, it's my fault."

"Hmph! You scumbag! I should have crushed you repeatedly back then."

"Oh dear! As expected of the most vicious woman, she actually tried to murder her own husband."

"Hmph! You scoundrel! I would be so happy if it weren't for you."

"Unfortunately, you still ended up in my hands."

The car arrived, and the two got in.

On the way, Chen Xiaojun asked, "What's the plan next?"

“You should take a break for a while,” Su Ning said. “I need to keep an eye on Tiangong Auto’s new project and Da Ning Capital’s year-end review.”

"What about the promotion of 'The Story of Minglan'?"

"The promotional period will be a month before the broadcast, and arrangements will be made then. It's highly unlikely that there will be any follow-up promotions."

"Okay." Chen Xiaojun leaned on his shoulder. "I want to sleep for a while first."

"Go to sleep."

The car drove through the night, and the streetlights of Hangzhou receded one by one.

The system contacted me again, and I wonder what the next world I'll travel to will be like.

……

In December 2016, "Ode to Joy" premiered simultaneously on Dragon TV and Zhejiang TV.

On the night of the premiere, in the conference room of the bizarre and wonderful film and television company, Suning, Chen Xiaojun, and several other executives watched the real-time data together.

"A 1.2% viewership rating and a 5.7% market share on the opening night." The marketing director stared at the screen. "This is a very good start."

Chen Xiaojun watched as Lin Yunxiao, who played Qu Xiaoxiao, appeared on TV...

Dressed in designer brands, quirky and clever, she brought the image of a rich girl to life.

"Yun Xiao acted so well! She perfectly embodies the character of Qu Xiaoxiao," she said sincerely.

Dr. Zhao, played by Su Ning, only appears at the end of the third episode. She meets Qu Xiaoxiao when she falls and pretends to be sick to go to the hospital.

In the video, Dr. Zhao is wearing a white coat and gold-rimmed glasses, exuding a cool and professional aura.

Qu Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up the moment she saw him, and she started acting all weak and coquettish.

In their first scene together, one was calm and restrained, while the other was enthusiastic and proactive, creating a strong chemistry between them.

“This scene…” Chen Xiaojun smiled, “The audience will definitely like it.”

Sure enough, after the fourth episode aired, social media exploded.

Top three trending topics on Weibo:

1. #Ode to Joy Qu Xiaoxiao Dr. Zhao#
2. #Lin Yunxiao's acting skills#
3. #Suning plays a doctor#
Real-time comments are scrolling by incredibly fast:

"Dr. Zhao is so handsome! The epitome of the abstinent type!"

"Qu Xiaoxiao is so good at flirting! I'm shipping this couple!"

"Suning's acting skills are still consistently excellent!"

"He and Lin Yunxiao are such a good match! Their eyes are locked! Is there really something going on between them?" The data director reported: "President Su, the topic of you and Teacher Lin as a couple has exceeded 50 million views within an hour of the broadcast. People on short video platforms have already edited your clips."

"As expected." Su Ning said calmly, "This couple in the script was already quite interesting."

Chen Xiaojun was scrolling through her phone when she saw a GIF...

When Dr. Zhao was examining Qu Xiaoxiao, the way Qu Xiaoxiao secretly glanced at him, that girlish expression of being both excited and pretending not to care, was perfectly portrayed by Lin Yunxiao.

“This GIF has been shared 30,000 times,” she said.

After its premiere, the final ratings settled at 1.8%, with a market share of 8.2%, ranking first in its time slot.

"A great start!" Hou Hongliang called soon after, after all, Shandong Film Group was also one of the investors. "President Su, these figures are much better than expected!"

"This is just the beginning," Su Ning said.

However, the wind direction began to change subtly the next day.

At 9 a.m., an entertainment influencer posted a long article titled: "A detailed account of the 'coincidences' between Suning and Lin Yunxiao—are they an on-screen couple or real-life feelings?"

This article quickly went viral, with over 100,000 reposts within three hours.

"President Su, should we handle this?" the public relations director asked.

"Let's take a look first," Su Ning said. "These kinds of rumors can help boost the show's popularity."

"But it may affect your personal reputation..."

"It's okay! I may never have another chance to act again, so it's good to be able to create some on-screen couple moments with the company's artists."

"Uh? Okay! I know what to do."

At noon, Chen Xiaojun also saw the article.

She called Su Ning directly: "Su Ning, did you see that scandal?"

"I saw it."

“It’s written in a very detailed and convincing way,” Chen Xiaojun said calmly, “but I know it’s fake.”

"Trust me so much?"

“I believe Yunxiao,” Chen Xiaojun said. “She’s a smart person; she wouldn’t do something like that.”

After hanging up the phone, Chen Xiaojun called Lin Yunxiao again.

"Yun Xiao, have you seen the news?"

"I just saw it." Lin Yun's voice was a little nervous. "Xiaojun, don't believe that nonsense. Su Ning and I are just boss and artist..."

“I know,” Chen Xiaojun interrupted her. “I wanted to ask you, do we need the company to issue a statement?”

Lin Yunxiao was stunned: "You...aren't angry?"

"Why should I be angry?" Chen Xiaojun laughed. "You acted well, that's why the audience ships you as a couple. It's a recognition of your acting skills."

"Xiaojun, thank you." Lin Yun smiled sincerely.

“However, during the upcoming promotional period, you two might need to avoid each other,” Chen Xiaojun said. “If you appear together too often, the rumors will only intensify.”

"I see."

However, it was too late to avoid suspicion.

In the afternoon, the cast and crew of "Ode to Joy" arranged a group interview with the main actors.

As the focus of the discussion, Suning and Lin Yunxiao were naturally surrounded by the media.

"President Su, this is your third collaboration with Teacher Lin. You must have a great working relationship, right?"

"Yes, we've collaborated twice already. We understand each other, which makes acting smoother," Su Ning replied formally.

"So what kind of person do you think Teacher Lin is?"

"A professional, dedicated, and excellent actor."

When it was Lin Yunxiao's turn, she asked, "Teacher Lin, do you feel awkward acting out romantic scenes with President Su?"

"No." Lin Yun smiled and said, "An actor's job is to create characters. In the play, we are Dr. Zhao and Qu Xiaoxiao, and in real life, we are colleagues and friends."

"So what do you think of the rumors circulating online about the two of you?"

“Nonsense,” Lin Yun said with a laugh. “I am good friends with President Su and President Chen. Moreover, I was introduced to Guangguailuli by President Chen. In addition, President Chen and I are old classmates. Such rumors are damaging to the relationship between the three of us.”

After the interview video was posted, the comment section became even more lively:

"Explanation is to cover!"

"Lin Yun's eyes flickered when he said 'good friends' with a smile!"

"Why do I feel like she's a little guilty?"

"I feel so sorry for Chen Xiaojun..."

"Beware of fire, theft, and your best friend!"

The more the rumors circulated, the hotter they became, directly boosting the ratings of "Ode to Joy"...

The second episode's ratings surged to 2.1%, breaking the 2% mark.

Hou Hongliang called again, this time with a complicated tone: "President Su, this scandal... is good for the drama, but for you personally..."

"It's alright! I know my limits. Although the methods are a bit unorthodox, Lin Yunxiao is indeed very popular," Su Ning said.

"It seems you value Lin Yunxiao highly?"

"Of course! The acting skills of professional opera actors surpass those of most entertainers."

That evening, when Su Ning returned home, Chen Xiaojun was watching a rerun of "Ode to Joy".

"You're back?" She asked without looking up. "The ratings went up again today."

"You read?"

"I watched it." Chen Xiaojun pointed to the TV. "This scene, where Qu Xiaoxiao pretends to be sick to see Dr. Zhao, was really well acted. She captured Yun Xiao's charmingly pretentious yet adorable personality perfectly."

"You seem to be enjoying it very much."

"Why not watch it?" Chen Xiaojun laughed. "The show is good! And to be honest, you two really have great chemistry; the audience can tell."

Su Ning sat down next to her: "You really don't mind?"

"What do you mind?" Chen Xiaojun finally looked at him. "Do you mind that you act well? Or do you mind that the audience enjoys watching you act?"

She paused, then said seriously, "Su Ning, we are husband and wife, and also business partners. I know you and Yun Xiao are just colleagues, and I know these rumors are for publicity. As long as you don't cross the line, I don't care."

"Thank you."

“However,” Chen Xiaojun changed the subject, “when ‘The Story of Minglan’ airs, the rumors about you and Sister Yunxiao will definitely be even more intense. Zhu Manniang and Gu Tingye’s relationship is much more complicated than that of Dr. Zhao and Qu Xiaoxiao.”

"What should I do?"

"Whatever," Chen Xiaojun shrugged. "Let the audience ship it if they want, as long as it doesn't affect our real lives. Besides..."

She smiled slyly: "When 'The Story of Minglan' airs, my on-screen couple with you will also appear. At that time, it will be a battle between the 'official wife' and the 'concubine,' and the topic will generate even more buzz."

Suning laughed: "You're using rumors as a publicity tool."

"Otherwise what?" Chen Xiaojun said, "That's how the entertainment industry is, a mix of truth and falsehood. The key is to know in your heart what is real and what is fake."

……

The next day, Suning held a meeting at the bizarre and eccentric company, which was quite unusual for him.

The public relations department came up with a solution: "President Su, we suggest handling this calmly. Neither deny nor admit it, let the rumors develop naturally, and the hype will naturally subside after the drama finishes airing."

“Okay.” Suning approved.

"But what about President Fan..."

"She's fine."

The plan was finalized, but the matter was not yet over.

Fan Lin actually had a lot of opinions about Suning, but she felt the same way as Chen Xiaojun: there was nothing she could do about Suning.

In addition, Suning is really busy right now, so Fan Lin doesn't have a chance to throw a tantrum in front of him.

In fact, Fan Lin is now really regretful. If she had known that Su Ning would rise so quickly, she would have gotten married to Su Ning long ago.

It's worth noting that she and Suning knew each other the longest, as they were both from Qingdao, Shandong. Their union was absolutely a match made in heaven.

Unfortunately, Fan Lin was only playing around at the time and didn't really want to get married to Su Ning.

……

In the afternoon, a paparazzi posted a candid photo...

This photo shows Su Ning and Lin Yunxiao talking next to a campervan during the filming of "The Story of Ming Lan".

The two are standing very close in the photo. Lin Yun is looking up at Su Ning with a smile on her face.

The caption reads: "Intimate photos from the film crew exposed, adding further evidence to the rumors?"

This photo is more impactful than the preceding text.

Chen Xiaojun also saw it, and this time she directly asked Su Ning, "When was this photo taken?"

“When we were filming ‘The Story of Minglan’,” Su Ning recalled, “that day we were discussing the script, and she asked me how to handle a certain scene of Man Niang.”

“I know.” Chen Xiaojun nodded. “I was there that day too, but the director called me away later.”

She handed the phone back to Su Ning: "But the angle of this photo is really good, it looks really real."

Do you want clarification?

"No need," Chen Xiaojun said. "The more I clarify, the more confused things will become. I'll just post a Weibo later."

"Hey! You're becoming more and more like a female demon."

"Hmph! I'm just cleaning up your mess."

Half an hour later, Chen Xiaojun updated her Weibo.

It's a group photo of the cast and crew of "The Story of Minglan"...

Su Ning, Chen Xiaojun, and Lin Yunxiao stood together, all dressed in costumes, smiling happily at the camera.

The caption reads: "The three main actors of 'The Story of Minglan' are entangled in love and hate on screen, but off screen they are the best partners and friends. Looking forward to its broadcast next year!"

The moment this Weibo post was published, the public opinion shifted immediately.

"The Queen has spoken!"

"The three of them really have a good relationship! They truly are old classmates."

Looking forward to "The Story of Minglan"!

"Chen Xiaojun is so magnanimous!"

Lin Yunxiao immediately reposted: "The best boss, the best sister @Chen Xiaojun, the best partner @Suning"

Suning also reposted: "Looking forward to 'The Story of Minglan'!"

The whole incident was resolved so easily by Chen Xiaojun.

That evening, Lin Yunxiao sent Chen Xiaojun a WeChat message: "Xiaojun, thank you."

Chen Xiaojun replied, "Don't mention it. Let's promote it well and boost the ratings."

After putting down her phone, Chen Xiaojun said to Su Ning, "See? This is the right way to handle rumors—no denial, no explanation, just let the facts speak for themselves."

“You’re starting to look more and more like a boss,” Su Ning said.

“I learned it all from you.” Chen Xiaojun leaned on his shoulder. “But seriously, next time you’re working with Yun Xiao, could you tell me in advance? So I can be mentally prepared.”

"After 'The Story of Minglan,' we will not be collaborating in the near future."

"why?"

"To avoid suspicion," Su Ning said. "A scandal is publicity once, trouble twice, and a scandal three times."

Chen Xiaojun nodded: "That's fine. Let's cool things down a bit."

"Furthermore, I may not be taking on any more acting roles."

"This……"

"Xiaojun, you know I'm really busy right now! I'm going on a business trip again in a couple of days, and I don't know when I'll be back."

"Sigh! If I had known, I wouldn't have given the role of Qu Xiaoxiao to Yun Xiao."

"Ode to Joy" continues to be a hit, consistently ranking first in its time slot in terms of viewership ratings.

The rumors surrounding Su Ning and Lin Yunxiao also rose and fell with the popularity of the drama, with some true and some false.

But those in the industry understand: this is the rule of the entertainment industry.

...(End of chapter)