Huayu: Starting with Hextech

After New Year's Day, Hengdian returned to its usual hustle and bustle.

The crews of "The Myth" and "Storm Riders 2" have both resumed intensive filming.

The scandal sparked by the photos may seem to have subsided, but the undercurrents beneath the surface have never stopped surging.

Tang Yan's agent, Sister Xu, is a tough and assertive career woman.

She would never allow her artists to ruin their careers because of scandals.

After the forum post lost popularity, she immediately took action.

She quickly identified the extra who posted the ad through her connections in Hengdian.

A young man in his early twenties, working as an extra in various film crews, dreaming of becoming famous overnight, is surnamed Wang.

Instead of showing up in person, Sister Xu had Tang Yan's assistant, Xiao Wei, "invite" Xiao Wang to a teahouse near the film studio.

Following Sister Xu's instructions, Xiao Wei didn't speak harshly; instead, she first offered a cup of hot tea in a calm tone.

"Xiao Wang, right? Don't be nervous. I asked you to come over because I wanted to talk about that post on the forum a few days ago."

Xiao Wang was initially a little nervous, but seeing the other party's gentle attitude, he relaxed slightly, though his eyes darted around: "W-what post? I don't know..."

Xiao Wei smiled, took out her phone, and pulled up the post that had already sunk to the bottom:

"You took this photo, right? It's blurry, but the angle, time, and location match. Hengdian isn't that big; if you want to find out, you can always find it."

Xiao Wang's expression changed, but he remained silent.

"Our teacher Tang Yan is a very simple person; she just wants to focus on acting."

Xiao Wei continued, her tone still calm, but the weight of her words gradually increased.

"She respects everyone who works hard for their dreams in Hengdian, including you. However, taking photos of actors' private lives without their consent and posting them online to create false rumors is not only unethical, but also violates Hengdian World Studios' regulations on protecting the filming order and the privacy of actors."

If they take this seriously, and report it to the film studio management office or the film crew... you know the consequences.

Hengdian has strict regulations on acts such as taking photos without permission and leaking secrets. At best, such acts will result in being blacklisted and prohibited from entering the film and television city to take on jobs; at worst, they may involve legal liability.

For a young man who makes a living by playing minor roles, this is undoubtedly a fatal threat.

Xiao Wang's forehead began to sweat. He had only taken the photos on a whim, thinking he could ride the wave of popularity, but he never expected it would cause such a big problem.

"Of course, our teacher Tang Yan is kind-hearted and doesn't want to make a big deal out of it."

Xiao Wei abruptly changed the subject, took a rather thick envelope from her bag, and pushed it in front of Xiao Wang.

"Here's a small tip to thank you for promptly deleting the original post and preventing the situation from escalating further. Please completely delete the original image, as well as any related backups on your phone and computer. In the future, watch your camera and your mouth."

Looking at the envelope and then at Xiao Wei's eyes, Xiao Wang knew this was an ultimatum.

He swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he took the envelope, nodding repeatedly.

"I understand, I understand! I deleted the photos a long time ago! Really! I didn't even have a backup! I promise I'll never take or say anything recklessly again! Thank you, Teacher Tang Yan! Thank you!"

"Remember what you said." Xiao Wei glanced at him, then got up and left.

……

Having resolved the "external threat," Sister Xu began to deal with the "internal troubles."

She dialed Tang Yan's number again, this time with an even colder tone than before.

"Tang Yan, the extra who posted the photo has been dealt with, and the source of the photo has been cut off."

Sister Xu cut to the chase, "But this incident has served as a wake-up call for me. What exactly is going on between you and that Lin Xiao? I want to hear the truth."

Tang Yan's heart tightened, and she bit her lip: "Sister Xu, we really are just good friends, we get along quite well..."

"good friend?"

Sister Xu interrupted her, scoffing, "A good friend would make you sneak out in the middle of the night to see him? Would he rush to the set to support you when you're being criticized by the director or bullied by your fellow actors? Tang Yan, I'm not a three-year-old! You think I can't see through the flirtation between you two?"

Tang Yan was speechless, her cheeks burning.

"I don't care where you are now, and I don't care what you're thinking."

Sister Xu's tone was resolute: "I'm telling you now, immediately, give up on that idea! At least during the contract period, until you've truly established yourself in the front lines, you are absolutely not allowed to date, especially not with a newcomer like Lin Xiao who has no background, no connections, and an uncertain future!"

"Sister Xu, Lin Xiao has a lot of potential, he..."

"potential?"

Sister Xu's voice suddenly rose, "There are so many people with potential in the entertainment industry! How many of them will actually become famous? And how long will they remain famous?"

He doesn't even have a proper management company now. He relies entirely on Hu Ge's support and is fighting on his own. How far can he go?

What will you gain from being with him, besides hindering your career and attracting scandals?

Love? Can love put food on the table? Can it give you resources, awards, or a stable position?

Sister Xu's words were like icicles, each one piercing Tang Yan's heart, cruel and realistic.

"I've already had someone investigate Lin Xiao's background."

Sister Xu concluded by saying, "You'd better behave yourself until I find out. If I discover any further contact between you two that goes beyond ordinary friendship, don't blame me for being ruthless. The company's investment in you isn't for you to use for romance!"

After hanging up the phone, Tang Yan sat blankly on the edge of the bed, holding her phone, tears silently streaming down her face.

Although Sister Xu's words were harsh, much of them were true.

Neither she nor Lin Xiao currently have enough resources to withstand the pressures of reality.

She felt utterly useless, unable to protect their budding relationship and causing trouble for Lin Xiao.

Will Sister Xu's investigation of him affect him? Will he hate her because of it?

Guilt and unease overwhelmed her.

She couldn't resist and called Lin Xiao.

The moment the call connected and she heard Lin Xiao's voice, Tang Yan's pent-up grievances and guilt overwhelmed her once again:

"Lin Xiao... I'm sorry, it's all my fault. Sister Xu... she investigated you, and she told me... told me not to have anything to do with you anymore. Have I caused you so much trouble...?"

Hearing the tearful apology on the other end of the phone, Lin Xiao remained silent for a few seconds.

Sister Xu's actions were faster and more ruthless than he had anticipated.

A direct background investigation and an order to sever all ties are intended to nip any potential problems in the bud.

But he wasn't panicked; instead, he felt a calm sense of "I knew it."

"Tangtang, don't cry."

His voice was steady, with a calming power, "This isn't your fault. That's how the entertainment industry is; even the slightest thing is scrutinized under a magnifying glass. Your manager was just doing their job to protect you."

"But...that's what she said about you..." Tang Yan sobbed.

"What did they say about me? No background? No connections? Uncertain future?"

Lin Xiao chuckled softly, a laugh devoid of self-mockery, but rather tinged with a hint of arrogance. "What she said is true to some extent. I do indeed have nothing right now. But, Tangtang."

Lin Xiao's voice was calm and powerful, carrying an undeniable certainty, "There's nothing to apologize for, and nothing to be afraid of."

He paused, and each word entered Tang Yan's ears clearly and firmly:

"I'll take care of everything."

"What we need to do now is focus on the present, film well, and make ourselves stronger. Only when we are strong enough will we have the right to talk about the future and the ability to decide our own lives."

"So don't worry, and don't overthink it. Your most important thing right now is to do your job well. Leave the rest to me and to time."

His words, "I'll take care of everything," instantly calmed Tang Yan's panic and unease, giving her a sense of security.

"Yes!" Tang Yan nodded vigorously, her voice regaining its strength. "I understand! Lin Xiao, I'll listen to you!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiao's eyes turned cold.

He wasn't afraid of what Sister Xu's investigation might uncover; he had a clean record and a simple resume.

But this approach made him realize more clearly how passive he was in this circle without his own power and voice.

"To become stronger..."

He muttered to himself, gazing at the bustling night view of Hengdian outside the window, his gaze growing increasingly profound.