Top Chinese celebrity: Debuted from Running Man

Chapter 418: Poor reception to its premiere? (10,000 words)
……

……

The scene of the announcement for "Fighter of the Destiny".

The spotlights flashed wildly, illuminating the entire press conference hall as if it were daytime.

The place was bustling with noise. Reporters crowded in front of the stage like a tide, raising their cameras and vying for the best positions. The noise was almost enough to lift the roof off.

In contrast to the scholarly and composed atmosphere of the "Nirvana in Fire" press conference, the media attention received by "Fighter of the Destiny" was...

Judging from the crowded scene, where there was almost nowhere to step, it was in no way inferior to the former, which had the prestigious Gu Qing brand.

Judging solely from the sheer popularity of online traffic, although Gu Qing, Lu Han, and others are often referred to as the "Four Top Celebrities,"

However, thanks to her achievements in multiple hit dramas and the support of numerous popular songs, Gu Qing is so highly regarded that no one can question her status even if she is singled out and placed at a higher level.

however,
However, "Fighter of the Destiny" is a "favorite son" created by multiple capital giants.

The power behind them is far greater than that of "Zhengwu Sunshine," which has just emerged with a few excellent works and is still in its growth stage.

It received the full support of the entire entertainment industry system and the media's eagerness to follow it.

Tencent, one of the three major internet giants, has personally invested heavily in this S+ level key project.

From its inception, *Fighter of the Destiny* enjoyed top-tier resource allocation. Its staggering production costs alone were enough to leave its competitors speechless.

Despite its massive budget, *Nirvana in Fire* cost just over 100 million yuan to produce, which was considered a huge investment for television dramas at the time. But what about *Fighter of the Destiny*?

The production cost reached an astonishing 400 million RMB!
One "Fighter of the Destiny" could theoretically be adapted into four "Nirvana in Fire" series!
This huge funding gap is directly reflected in every aspect.

The star power of the cast alone speaks volumes.

The male lead, Lu Han, is a top star with millions of fans and a huge amount of buzz.

After collaborating with Gu Qing in "Legend of Nine Tails Fox", the female lead, Gulnazar, saw her popularity soar and has firmly established herself as a near-top-tier actress, enjoying great success.

The supporting cast includes Wu Qian, Zeng Shunxi, and Gao Hanyu, all of whom were promising newcomers at the time. In addition, members of the popular girl group SNH48 also joined the cast, aiming to attract a more diverse fan base.

Even the special guest list is star-studded:

Chen Shu, Yao Di, Dr. Zhai, Zeng Zhiwei...

They were either middle-aged actors whose acting skills were widely recognized, veteran actors with extensive experience, or celebrities who were quite popular at the time.

This lineup is clearly designed to appeal to audiences of all ages; it's ambitious.

On the other hand, regarding "Nirvana in Fire",
Besides Gu Qing and Liu Tao, who are well-known actors to the public...

The other actors have limited recognition among young audiences, and in terms of cast comparison, they have already fallen behind.

It's no wonder that the entire "Fighter of the Destiny" production team, from investors to producers and even some of the main creators, were filled with an optimistic feeling that "the advantage is in our hands."

center stage,

Lu Han sat in the main seat, looking at the densely packed cameras below the stage like a forest and the constantly flashing, blinding white lights, listening to the voices calling his name one after another.

He was in an unprecedentedly joyful mood, and his face blossomed into his signature bright smile, which had a touch of childlike innocence and adorable charm.

This smile won him the affection of countless "mommy fans" and "older sister fans".

He already knew, of course, that he would be running into Gu Qing again.

Unlike the previous film, which was released at different times and focused more on a "relay" of public opinion comparisons, this one is different.

This time, it's a real head-on confrontation!

It's a close-quarters battle between companies broadcasting at the same time, competing for the same audience, and vying for real-time ratings!
In Lu Han's view, he had the substantial capital and vast distribution channels of internet giant Tencent in his left hand, and Huangguo TV, the "national television station" with the broadest audience base, in his right.
In addition, the novel *Fighter of the Destiny* is a top-tier male-oriented IP with a massive fanbase...

We have the right timing, the right location, and the right people—we have everything under control!

What does Gu Qing have to offer to compete with me?!
"Damn it, I've finally found a chance to vent my anger!"

A voice was screaming in Lu Han's heart.

He was never as innocent and obedient as he appeared on the surface; his rebellious and competitive nature was ingrained in his very being.

He has been frequently compared to Gu Qing by the media and the public, and he has indeed been slightly inferior in terms of his work achievements and reputation. He has been ridiculed a lot, and this resentment has been building up in his heart for a long time.

However,

In the public eye, he must maintain the carefully crafted "cute," "well-behaved," and "youthful" persona that the company has cultivated.

Unable to express their true emotions, they can only deeply hide their displeasure.

"Director, what is your opinion on Lu Han's performance in 'Fighter of the Destiny'?" the reporter asked the director.

The director picked up the microphone, beaming: "Hmm... Xiao Lu is a very talented and gifted actress."

He had a very positive and hardworking attitude during filming, and he had his own understanding and thoughts about the character. I admire him very much.

"Wu Qian and Zeng Shunxi, as actors who had many scenes with Lu Han, did he leave a particularly deep impression on you during filming?"

The reporter then turned their attention to the young actors.

Wu Qian quickly took the microphone, her face beaming with smiles: "Yes, yes! Teacher Lu Han is such a kind person!"
He was incredibly approachable, often treating us to milk tea and snacks, and taking care of us like an older brother on set.

Zeng Shunxi quickly added, his tone brimming with just the right amount of admiration: "Yes, yes, Brother Lu is extremely serious about reading scripts. You can often see him alone there pondering the lines and studying the performance."

Sometimes, after a scene was finished filming, he would proactively come to us for a debriefing, discussing how to improve the performance. I truly admire his dedication!

The media's questions were clearly biased, almost all of them looking for and creating material for subsequent marketing press releases.

Especially after the broadcast of "Big Show in the Capital" in which Gu Qing participated the day before yesterday.

The generous praise from veteran actors such as Liu Yijun and Liu Mintao for Gu Qing during the program, along with the enthusiastic response from the fans at the scene, created an excellent publicity effect.

Seeing this, Lu Han's team was naturally not to be outdone and immediately decided to "learn from the West" and use all resources to create a harmonious atmosphere at the press conference that "the whole crew loves Lu Han" and "Lu Han's acting skills and dedication are recognized".

then,

Almost every actor who went on stage, regardless of their status, offered Lu Han a variety of praises, whether genuine or insincere.
They practically praised her into being a universally loved "pure white lotus flower."

Listening to the endless praise and enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention, Lu Han's smile grew even brighter, and the sense of elation in his heart became more and more obvious.

Ironically, right in this "peaceful" place,
A reporter, perhaps seeking a headline or acting under orders, bluntly posed an inappropriate question:

"Lu Han, I would like to ask you, are you confident in the ratings of 'Fighter of the Destiny'?"
In particular, are you confident you can beat "Nirvana in Fire," which stars Gu Qing and airs at the same time? Do you feel pressure facing an opponent like Gu Qing?

This question was like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing the harmonious atmosphere on stage.

The air seemed to freeze, and the expressions on the faces of the performers on stage became subtle and complex.
Some lowered their heads and pretended to tidy up the microphone cord, while others picked up their water glasses to hide their embarrassment, but their eyes all glanced at Lu Han.

The bright smile on Lu Han's face faded visibly. He raised his eyes and stared at the reporter who had asked the question.
He remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly suppressing his emotions.

Then, he slowly picked up the microphone, his tone calm, yet carrying a subtle hint of coldness:

"I believe that the most important thing for an actor is to focus on himself, play his role well, and live up to the efforts of the audience and everyone in the crew."

I neither like nor am I good at engaging in pointless comparisons with others. Being myself is more important than anything else.

I understand. Lu Han was subtly implying that Gu Qing liked to be competitive and engage in cutthroat competition!
Many reporters at the scene immediately understood and began to devise headlines.

The reporter who asked the question was secretly delighted; he had gotten Lu Han on board.
He didn't forget the other highly controversial female protagonist and immediately turned his guns on her:

"Nazha, you've worked with two top male idols, Gu Qing and Lu Han. Which of them did you find more enjoyable and happier to work with?"

"what……?"

Naza was caught off guard by this unexpected "life-or-death question." Her deep, exotic eyes widened in surprise, and her delicate, three-dimensional face was filled with panic and helplessness.

She has a somewhat straightforward personality and sometimes a slow reaction, which is why she is jokingly called "dull," but she is definitely not stupid!

She wouldn't dare to be so suicidal as to answer a question that was clearly provocative and would offend one side's fans no matter how she answered it.
"Everyone...everyone is quite happy."

Naza forced a slightly stiff smile and gave the safest, yet most insincere, standard answer.

Even setting aside Gu Qing's influence, she simply couldn't bring herself to like the "male lead" beside her.

Ever since the casting for "Fighter of the Destiny" was announced, she has been relentlessly attacked and insulted by Lu Han's group of fiercely loyal "Reed Sisters".

Various forms of personal attacks, malicious photoshopping, defamation, and rumor-mongering have emerged one after another.

What frustrated and hurt her the most was that the other party's fans were spreading comments like "the female lead's looks were overshadowed by the male lead" and "Nazha looked like a maid next to Lu Han."

For a female celebrity known for her beauty and who makes a living based on her looks, such denigration and comparison of her appearance is undoubtedly the most direct and vicious attack.

Not to mention,

Since her debut, Nazha has had a poor public image and reputation in the entertainment industry.
Back then, she and Sister Zhao were "honored" together by an unofficial "Most Hated Female Celebrity in Chinese Entertainment" award.

Furthermore, her collaboration with Gu Qing made her a member of the "enemy camp" in the eyes of the "Reed Sisters," leading to even more intense disdain and attacks.

It can be said,
From the start of filming to the release date announcement of "Fighter of the Destiny", the online insults and negative public opinion against her have never stopped.

Naza's current situation is, in some ways, similar to Jing Tian in "Love O2O," who was also criticized by fans and called a "resource-backed actress," making them "sisters in misfortune."

The reporter clearly wasn't going to let her off the hook so easily, and quickly pressed on, trying to dig out more juicy gossip: "Nazha, do you hope to have the opportunity to work with Gu Qing again in the future?"

"I can't wait!"

Naza blurted it out almost without thinking.

However, as soon as the words left his mouth,

Seeing the instant light in the reporters' eyes and their rapid note-taking,

Naza's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself, "I'm doomed!"

She cautiously glanced to her side out of the corner of her eye—

The director's face darkened.

Lu Han, though he managed to maintain a faint smile, the coldness and displeasure in his eyes were almost tangible.

The press conference ended in this subtle and awkward atmosphere.

as predicted,

The next day, various entertainment media outlets and marketing accounts began to take things out of context and make a big fuss about them:

Lu Han subtly criticizes a certain top celebrity for being competitive, saying he disdains competing with them!

Nazha admits she'd rather work with Gu Qing, sparking rumors of discord with Lu Han's co-stars?

Did the press conference for "Fighter of the Destiny" turn into a chaotic scene? Why are the male and female leads seemingly incompatible but actually estranged?

For a time,

The online feud between fans has escalated again, with the air thick with tension.

The "Reed Sisters" launched a barrage of attacks on Nazha, accusing her of being "disloyal," "turning her back on others," and "brainless and lacking emotional intelligence," dragging down their idol, Lu Han.

The Gu family members fought back fiercely, mocking Lu Han for being "wishful thinking" and "overestimating himself," saying, "Want to surpass my brother? Maybe in your next life!"

And what about Nazha's fans?
Naza, fly free! Venus won't follow.

The moment the battle between the top celebrities broke out, the fans had already fled, fearing they would be caught in this terrible media storm and become cannon fodder.

……

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, at 8 PM, the premiere day for "Nirvana in Fire" and "Fighter of the Destiny" finally arrived.

……

"Make way! The snack army is coming!"

Jing Tian took the lead, carrying a huge bag of snacks stuffed full, and struggled to climb into the RV.

Behind them, Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye followed, each carrying several bags of potato chips, jelly, and drinks, laughing and joking with excited smiles on their faces, a stark contrast to their listless demeanor during the day's filming.

"Erxi, Yiran, you two go upstairs and find a place to sit!"

Jing Tian gave the instructions, while she stood at the car door, turning her head to look at the distance—Gu Qing was still talking to Director Lin Yu.

She immediately raised her voice and shouted, "Xiao Nai! Your show is about to start, stop chatting! Get in the car!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yufen smiled and patted Gu Qing's arm, her eyes filled with a hint of teasing and admonition: "Go on, go on, enjoy your time watching the show."

But take it easy, you have filming early tomorrow morning, don't stay out too late.

"Director, don't worry, I'm not that crazy."

"Of course I know you're not that crazy,"

Lin Yufen raised an eyebrow and glanced meaningfully at the three jubilant Jing Tian, ​​"I'm afraid they'll go crazy, which is why I asked you, the only 'sane one,' to take it easy and control the situation."

Gu Qing: "..." He was speechless.

After saying goodbye to the director, Gu Qing boarded the RV.

Upon entering, a faint, elegant, and sophisticated perfume scent lingers in the air.

The interior space is much more spacious than it appears from the outside, with a soft, thick, off-white long-pile carpet on the floor that makes no sound when you step on it.

The interior is luxuriously decorated, featuring light-colored leather seats, natural wood trim, and an elegant mini-bar.

It even has a mini built-in refrigerator, and all the amenities are there, making it practically a mobile luxury apartment.

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye, who boarded the car first, kept exclaiming "Wow!" Their beautiful eyes looked around curiously, sparkling with amazement and envy.

"Senior Weiwei, your RV is just too... too luxurious!" Zhang Jingyi covered her mouth, incredulous.

"This is practically a five-star hotel suite on wheels!"

Zhou Ye exclaimed sincerely, "When I make money in the future, I want to buy a motorhome like this!"

"It's alright, it makes me feel better when I'm tired from running around for gigs."

Jing Tian waved her hand casually, "Sit down, everyone sit down, don't be shy, I'll turn on the TV."

The interior layout of the RV has been carefully designed.

The television is embedded in the partition behind the driver's seat; it is a rather large high-definition LCD screen.

In the middle of the carriage is a fixed round table, and on both sides are genuine leather sofa booths arranged by the windows, each side can comfortably seat three people.

more importantly,
The two booths are placed back to back, allowing both to comfortably face the TV screen, a very thoughtful design.

Jing Tian pointed at Gu Qing, gesturing for him to sit in the booth opposite her, then began adjusting the TV signal: "Xiao Nai, which channel is it?"

“You can watch both the Eastern and Capital channels; the signals are synchronized. Just watch whichever one is clearer,” Gu Qing replied as she sat down in the soft booth.

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye consciously sat in the empty seats opposite Gu Qing.

I changed the channel, and the advertisement was still playing on the screen.

Jing Tian didn't sit down immediately. Instead, she walked to the car door and turned off the main light inside the RV with a "click".

The car interior instantly darkened, with only the soft glow of the television screen reflecting on their faces, creating an eerie atmosphere through the interplay of light and shadow.

"What are you doing?"

Gu Qing was taken aback by the sudden darkness. "Watching TV with the lights off is bad for your eyes and makes them tired easily."

"Oh, you don't understand!"

In the dim light, Jing Tian walked to the empty seat next to Gu Qing and sat down very close to him. She said confidently, "Turning off the main lights and leaving only the screen light creates the atmosphere for watching a movie!"

As she spoke, she began to tear open the large gift bag of snacks she had brought.

"I won't eat it, you guys eat it."

Gu Qing looked at the potato chips being fed to her and pushed them away. "I was promoting something outside a few days ago, and the food was too good. I just had a gluttonous meal, so I need to control myself."

"Alright, then we'll eliminate them for you!"

Jing Tian didn't force her. She withdrew her hand, took out a potato chip, and bit into it with a crisp "crunch".

Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Ye each grabbed their favorite snacks, and the three girls quickly started munching away.

"Hey! Look at Weibo!"

While munching on potato chips and scrolling through her phone, Jing Tian suddenly nudged Gu Qing with her elbow excitedly, "You have such amazing connections! Your new drama is airing, and almost half of the entertainment industry has come out of their way to share and promote it for you! That's incredible!"

She counted on her fingers: "Deng Chao, Chen He, Yang Mi, Liu Shishi... Wow, even Liu Tianxian, who rarely helps others with publicity, posted on Weibo!"

How come you're so popular with girls?

There was a hint of discouragement in her tone that she herself was unaware of.

Zhou Ye exclaimed in amazement, "Liu Tianxian and Senior Gu Qing...wow, one has the looks of a goddess, and the other has the looks of a top-tier god! If they could collaborate on a period drama, the visuals would be so stunning! I would definitely be the first to binge-watch it!"

“Yiran…”

Zhang Jingyi's expression changed slightly. Under the table, she quietly nudged Zhou Ye's leg with her knee and whispered a reminder.

She keenly noticed that when Zhou Ye mentioned "Liu Tianxian," Jing Tian, ​​the senior student next to her, paused for a moment while chewing potato chips.
Although no one spoke, the atmosphere clearly became subtle.

My senior sister Zhou Ye sometimes speaks without considering the occasion, and her emotional intelligence needs improvement.

"Uh... of course,"

Zhou Ye also realized what was happening and quickly tried to make amends, saying, "Senior, you and Senior Sister Weiwei are a perfect match in terms of looks. You would be so sweet in an idol drama!"

"Liu Tianxian is so beautiful, she's ethereal and otherworldly, I can't compare to her."

Jing Tian lowered her head, picked up a potato chip and forcefully broke it in half, her tone carrying a hint of sourness she herself was unaware of. Then she glanced at Gu Qing and said, "Right, Master? Don't you think so too?"

Gu Qing was watching a TV commercial and said without turning his head, "Just enjoy your potato chips."

I've only met her a few times; we're just colleagues, not even friends.

Whether she's pretty or not, what does it have to do with me? I don't care about that.

"You're such a straight man. Usually, male celebrities would be all smiles when they see Liu Yifei, but you seem to find it disgusting."

"I'm just taking it easy."

"Yes, yes, you are the best."

Jing Tian grabbed a handful of potato chips and stuffed them into her mouth, chewing them vigorously.

"Here it comes! It's starting!"

Zhang Jingyi suddenly said excitedly.

Finally, at exactly 8 p.m., the commercials ended and the TV screen went black.

Subsequently,

The unique ink-wash style opening sequence of "Nirvana in Fire" slowly appears.

The vigorous brushstrokes and misty ink depict mountains, palaces, and figures, accompanied by deep and grand background music, creating a profound sense of history and a tragic atmosphere.

"Huh? Master, this opening theme song... isn't sung by you?"

When Mao Amin's majestic and powerful voice rang out, Jing Tian tilted her head in surprise, leaned on Gu Qing's shoulder, and asked, "Didn't you write any songs for this drama?"

"Hmm, it wasn't written."

Gu Qing's gaze remained fixed on the opening credits, and he casually explained, "Maybe the production team thought that my songwriting was too expensive and the budget wasn't enough, so they didn't ask me to write a song."

"Tch, that's so stingy!"

Jing Tian immediately stood up for him, blinking her big eyes, her original intention unchanged: "Master, I don't mind your high price! Write for me, name your price! Write a few more!"

"Shh—watch the show first, then we'll talk."

Gu Qing made a shushing gesture.

Seeing his focused expression as he immersed himself in his work, Jing Tian subconsciously shut up, not daring to disturb him any further.

On the television screen,
As the mournful music began, accompanied by the clanging of swords and the neighing of horses, the first episode of "Nirvana in Fire" officially began in a heavy and somber atmosphere.

At the beginning of the scene,

It was a highly impactful battlefield scene. The night was as dark as ink, flames soared into the sky, and countless Crimson Flame Army soldiers fought valiantly in the sudden attack. One by one, figures fell amidst the flashing swords and the blood staining the scorched earth.

The close-up shot focuses on a tattered military flag embroidered with the character "林" (Lin), first soaked in enemy blood, then ignited by flying sparks.
Burning fiercely against a backdrop of mournful music, it symbolizes the tragic demise of a legendary tale of loyalty and bravery.

The scene suddenly changed,
On the edge of the chaotic battlefield, a young general, clad in silver armor and covered in blood, fought his way back under the desperate protection of his personal guards, until he was finally forced to the edge of a cliff.

He glanced back at his comrades fighting behind him and the towering flames, his eyes filled with grief, indignation, and determination. Then he leaped into the abyss of the misty cliff.

"Lin Shu—!!"

A heart-wrenching cry, filled with endless pain and despair, seemed to pierce through the screen and strike the viewer's heart.

This cry brought a suspenseful end to this tragic opening.

The scene changes, and the lighting becomes softer yet oppressive.

In an elegantly furnished yet somewhat lonely attic, a thin, frail figure with long, disheveled hair suddenly awoke from his bed.

The camera only showed his back, his slightly hunched back and violently heaving shoulders, all of which exuded an indescribable sense of morbid fragility, as if he could be blown away by a gust of wind at any moment.

The close-up shot slowly panned down.

It landed in his tightly clenched palm.

A corner of an antique-style silver bracelet with smooth, worn edges was visible, clearly engraved with the character "林" (Lin).

This echoes the burning military flag at the beginning, silently yet powerfully suggesting the root of the nightmare.

A cool morning breeze blew in from the window, ruffling his disheveled long hair and finally revealing the profile of his face.

Pale to the point of being almost bloodless, with a clear yet fragile jawline.

He slowly turned his head and looked out the window at the seemingly tranquil river and distant mountains.

Those pupils trembled slightly, filled with crimson blood vessels, intertwined with the lingering terror of nightmares, the deep-seated pain, and a chilling hatred that seemed to freeze the very soul.

Who is he?
Is it Lin Shu, the young commander of the Chiyan Army?
Do not!
As the smoke cleared and the bones were buried, the era that belonged to Lin Shu was destroyed along with the great fire in Meiling.

The one who survived is now merely a frail, ailing man burdened with the blood debt of 70,000 loyal souls, forced to hide in the martial world as the "Leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance"...

Mei Changsu, the brilliant strategist of Jiangzuo!

……

"No, no, my eyes are getting dizzy, how can the perspective be changing so fast?"

Jing Tian rubbed her eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the rapid scene transitions. She was so caught up in the information that she didn't even want to eat her potato chips anymore.

"There's so much information, I don't understand it at all."

Zhang Jingyi echoed softly, her brows furrowing slightly, "War, jumping off a cliff, nightmares, and that bracelet... Is there any connection between them?"

"Master, can you help us sort this out?"

Jing Tian simply put down the bag of potato chips and turned to her "encyclopedia" for help, "This beginning is too condensed! I feel like I'll fall behind if I miss even a second of it."

"Great God?"

She called out, but received no response.

Turning her head slightly, she saw Gu Qing staring intently at the screen, her eyes focused and her lips tightly pressed together.

"Xiao Nai!"

Jing Tian couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch his thigh.

Gu Qing's body trembled slightly, and she came back to her senses in a daze, turning her head to look at Jing Tian with some confusion: "What's wrong?"

His voice still carried a trace of lingering melancholy.

"We didn't understand just now,"

Jing Tian pointed at the TV and repeated, "Give us some spoilers of the plot. The scenes are changing too fast; we can't keep up at all."

Gu Qing explained succinctly: "It's the story of a man named Lin Shu who jumped off a cliff but didn't die, and then used the alias Mei Changsu."

Jing Tian and the other two: "..."

What's the difference between saying something and not saying anything at all?
"You'll find out as you read on; spoilers would ruin the fun."

Gu Qing did not reveal any plot details.

"Ok."

The three had no choice but to give up.

After laying the heavy groundwork of deep-seated hatred and identity mystery in the opening minutes, the plot slows down slightly.

A pure white homing pigeon flapped its wings, soaring across the azure sky and flying over the picturesque river.

The camera follows the carrier pigeon to a pavilion overlooking the water. Lin Chen, the young master of Langya Pavilion, played by Jin Dong, then makes his appearance.

He was dressed in a simple, elegant robe, leaning casually against the railing. He seemed nonchalant, but his eyes revealed a clear understanding of the ways of the world.

"Master, the Northern Yan has recently appointed the Sixth Prince as Crown Prince!" the subordinate reported respectfully.

"He's already the crown prince?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen didn't seem particularly surprised. Instead, a knowing smile played on his lips as he murmured, "He really did it..."

however,
In contrast to this cryptic and thought-provoking conversation, Jing Tian, ​​Zhang Jingyi, and Zhou Ye's focus completely strayed from the topic.

"My God, this hairstyle...it makes me look so old! It's so ugly!"

Jing Tian, ​​biting her straw, stared at Jin Dong's messy hairstyle on the screen and bluntly complained.

"This look is really not good. Can he really be called 'Young Master'? He looks more like 'Master's father'."

Zhou Ye also muttered to himself.

“It’s a bit jarring. I’ve read the original novel, and Lin Chen is actually quite handsome,” Zhang Jingyi added.

"Erxi, you've actually read the original novel?"

When did you watch it?

"..."

Listening to the three girls beside me relentlessly criticizing the makeup products.

Gu Qing's reaction was quite subtle.

He instinctively wanted to say something in defense of Jin Dong, since the filming conditions were harsh and the makeup and hair were bound to be less than satisfactory.

But looking at the image on the screen that was indeed somewhat different from "carefree and unrestrained," and then thinking about Jin Dong's private behavior, a feeling of both laughter and tears welled up again.

He had just been drawn into the deep and tragic atmosphere of the storyline, but these "sharp" comments abruptly pulled him back to reality.

This feeling of being immersed in something and then instantly pulled away left him with a sense of disorientation, almost like a split personality.

He rubbed his throbbing temples helplessly, feeling a slight headache coming on.

now,

Gu Qingqing deeply understands why so many actors are unwilling or afraid to watch the works they have acted in.

When you truly invest your heart and soul into creating a character, it's easy to get confused when you look back at it.

There are only two things actors fear most:
One is that I can't get into the role.

One thing is that I can't get out of character.

……

After this slightly lighthearted interlude, the scene shifts again to the power center of the Liang Dynasty—the Jinling Imperial Palace.

Inside the magnificent palace, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified, yet undercurrents were stirring.

"Your Majesty, a messenger has just arrived with the latest report from Prince Yu's inspection tour of Jiangzuo!" The eunuch's high-pitched and loud voice echoed in the hall.

On the dragon throne,
The aging Emperor Liang may seem senile, but he is actually shrewdly maintaining the balance.

Meanwhile, in the audience, the Empress, as Prince Yu's adoptive mother, immediately beamed with undisguised joy.

She turned to Emperor Liang and spoke, her tone full of praise and encouragement for her adopted son: "This time, Jinghuan inspected Jiangzuo on behalf of Your Majesty, pacified the people, and rectified the administration. He has done his best and made great contributions."

"Of all the princes, perhaps only Prince Yu is capable enough to share His Majesty's burdens and is so competent."

The bias and exaltation in these words are quite obvious.

Hearing this,

The Crown Prince's birth mother, Consort Yue, immediately reacted as if a cat's tail had been stepped on. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she retorted sharply, "What does Your Majesty mean by that? You can't say that!"
Does His Highness the Crown Prince's presence in the capital, assisting His Majesty in handling state affairs and managing countless matters daily, not count as sharing His Majesty's burdens?
His Highness Prince Yu works hard outside, and His Highness the Crown Prince also toils in court!

The two women, who held the highest positions in the imperial harem, began a silent but intense confrontation in the court, each concerned for their son's future. The sharp wit and tension in their words could be felt even through the screen.

"Haha, oh no, the classic battle for the throne is about to begin!"

Upon seeing this, Jing Tian immediately perked up, as if she had found a familiar territory.

“I guarantee that one of the brothers, the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, will have to die, otherwise this charade can’t continue,” Zhang Jingyi excitedly predicted.

"Generally speaking, in these kinds of dramas, the crown prince, who is also the heir apparent, is actually in the most danger, often paving the way for the real protagonist or the more favored prince. I vote for Prince Yu; I feel he's more like the mastermind behind it all!"

Zhou Ye added to the analysis.

Why did the previous version of "Nirvana in Fire" attract a large number of female viewers?
That is the reason.

The intricate royal relationships, the struggle for the throne among the princes, the close-knit power struggles in the court and the harem, and the vivid and well-developed personalities of each character are all featured.
It perfectly tapped into female viewers' interest in complex interpersonal relationships, emotional conflicts, and intellectual contests.

After this setup of palace intrigue, the plot moves forward rapidly.

The Crown Prince soon learned in the Eastern Palace of Emperor Liang's new round of generous rewards for Prince Yu, especially the honor of "Seven-Bead Prince" that symbolized unparalleled favor.

He slammed his teacup heavily on the table in frustration, his face contorted with resentment and bitterness: "I have been the Crown Prince for six years!"

They worked diligently and cautiously, as if walking on thin ice! And now, out of nowhere, a 'Seven-Bead Prince' has appeared!
"Father's slap was truly resounding!!"

After venting his anger, the Crown Prince's eyes turned sinister. He lowered his voice and asked his confidant, "The people sent to Prince Yu's side have been lying in wait for so long, haven't they sent back any useful information yet?"

The trusted subordinate bowed his head and cautiously reported, "Your Highness, we have not received a reply yet. We do not know... we do not know the result."

As soon as his subordinate finished speaking, the scene switched smoothly again.

Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan, who had only been known by name but never seen in person, finally made his official appearance.

He appeared in an elegantly furnished study, exuding a dignified and noble air, his every gesture carrying the majesty and bearing of a prince. He was receiving envoys from the Great Liang Dynasty who had just returned from a mission to the Northern Yan.

"Your Highness,"

The envoy bowed and reported, "The outcome of the Northern Yan's selection of an heir has surprised everyone."

Among all the princes, only the sixth prince had no maternal family background and was the weakest, making him extremely vulnerable.

But no one expected that in the end, he would surpass his elder brothers to seize the position of Crown Prince and be officially named the heir apparent!

"Prince?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan, suddenly contracted his pupils, revealing a fleeting, burning desire for power deep within his eyes.

He feigned composure, picked up his teacup, gently stirred the floating leaves with the lid, and asked in a steady voice, "Oh? The sixth prince of Northern Yan... how exactly did he do it? Who was the mastermind behind him?"

The envoy raised his head,
With a mysterious and awe-inspiring expression, he answered word by word: "Langya Pavilion! According to a secret report, the Sixth Prince went to Langya Pavilion at the most crucial moment in the struggle for the throne and obtained a brilliant plan!"

"Is that the Langya Pavilion, which claims to be omniscient, all-knowing, and in control of all news in the world?!"

Prince Yu abruptly slammed down his teacup and stood up abruptly. He could no longer maintain his composure, and his breathing involuntarily became heavy.
His eyes were fixed intently on the envoy, and he pressed him in a deep voice, his tone filled with barely suppressed urgency: "Speak quickly! What exactly is written in that brocade pouch?!"

How could the sixth prince of Northern Yan, with no background and the weakest among them, defy fate and enter the Eastern Palace with just a secret pouch from Langya Pavilion?!

If... if this were true...

If he, Xiao Jinghuan, the most favored prince of the Great Liang Emperor, a prince with seven jewels enjoying immense imperial favor, could also learn of the methods contained in this brocade pouch and receive the full support of the Langya Pavilion…

So, that supreme throne, so close yet so far, that unparalleled power to rule the world...
Why couldn't he... fight with all his might and ultimately seize the treasure?

The allure of the throne grew wildly in his heart.

Under the expectant and ardent gaze of Prince Yu, the envoy bowed slightly and spoke clearly and slowly:

"The brocade pouch contained only one sentence—"

"Jiang Zuo Mei Lang, a genius of unparalleled talent, to obtain him... is to obtain the world!"

The moment the words left his mouth, the screen went black.

Episode 1, over!
……

……

(End of this chapter)