I'm a web novelist, and you want me to work in the entertainment industry?

The director's temporary office was on the other side of the villa's courtyard.

Wang Zheng sat in a chair with a laptop in front of him.

On the small folding table next to it was a half-eaten boxed lunch.

"Director Wang, is there something you need from me?" Cheng Che asked.

He really didn't know why Wang Zheng was looking for him at this hour.

Could it be that we're going to discuss the contract for a follow-up program with him?

"See for yourself." Wang Zheng glanced up at him and pointed the laptop screen at him.

Cheng Che didn't stand on ceremony. He pulled up a chair, sat down, and looked at the computer screen, which displayed a new trending topic on Weibo.

#Cheng Che, a non-celebrity guest on "Wandering Diary," is suspected of having a scandal#

"?" Cheng Che raised an eyebrow.

The house collapsed... Was it me?

He clicked on the topic with interest, and several neatly arranged Weibo posts came into view, all published around 8 PM tonight.

"Cheng Che, a non-celebrity guest on the reality show 'Wandering Diary,' has been accused of being a 'scumbag' during his university years, having wronged many people's feelings?"

"Is it possible that 'Fireworks Fade Easily' was not Cheng Che's original work, but rather a piece he purchased from a ghostwriter at a high price, with the production team cooperating with him to create hype?"

"A classmate of Cheng Che allegedly revealed: This person was arrogant and looked down on many people during his school days, so it's normal that he doesn't know Shen Han - after all, he looks down on everyone."

"So calculating! Did the non-celebrity guest only appear on the show to piggyback on the fame of a popular female star?"

There was even a piece of information about Cheng Che's "Zero" identity—

"Online novel author 'Zero' is suspected of plagiarism; has the image of a top online novelist collapsed? Is the youngest black gold writer just a show?"

The comment section has been completely overrun:

"I knew it! How could an ordinary person suddenly become a trending topic? It's all a result of capital manipulation."

"His college classmates have all come out to expose him, which shows what kind of character Cheng Che has. 'Fireworks Fade Easily' is indeed a very good song, but I didn't expect it to be bought."

"Was that trending topic about mango pomelo sago a few days ago also a publicity stunt? Was the person in question and the website putting on a show together? Disgusting."

"Cheng Che, get out of 'Wandering Diary'! Stay away from Xiao Tian! This scheming guy is being way too obvious in trying to ride on my Xiao Tian's coattails!"

Occasionally a few comments appeared in support of Cheng Che, but they were quickly drowned out by new insults.

These people used highly consistent language—every single one carried the hashtags "Cheng Che" and "house collapse," and the number of likes at the top of the comment section was unusually concentrated, as if an invisible hand was at work.

"What are your thoughts?" Wang Zheng asked, feeling that it was about time.

Having worked in the entertainment industry for many years, he knew that this kind of post full of "suspected" posts was obviously deliberately orchestrated by someone.

He was already used to it.

However, this would probably be a significant blow to Cheng Che, an "ordinary person".

Upon hearing Wang Zheng's words, Cheng Che remained silent for a long time before finally raising his head to look at him.

"This is really..." He shook his head, sighed, and his face was ashen.

Wang Zheng was already prepared to comfort Cheng Che.

"This is so much fun!" Cheng Che's eyes lit up.

"?"

Wang Zheng's words of comfort stuck in his throat.

He was dumbfounded.

Am I hallucinating?

This is so...fun!

What kind of thunderous reaction is that?

When a normal person encounters this kind of thing, shouldn't they feel sad, upset, withdrawn, frustrated, and seek comfort?

He stared at Cheng Che, trying to find a trace of forced composure on his face, but he was disappointed—he couldn't see even a trace of grief or indignation in those eyes.

Instead, all they felt was excitement?

what?

"Is this all you're going to do?" Wang Zheng persisted.

You should at least show some sadness!

Otherwise, how would my subsequent words of comfort come in handy?

How can the prepared countermeasures be effectively implemented?

How can I make you so grateful that you'd willingly board my ship and smoothly sign the contracts for the next nine installments?

"Could it be that my performance was still too poor?" Cheng Che asked seriously.

"...?"

"I know what you mean, but I've always had a good attitude." Cheng Che stopped joking. "Besides, I've been criticized a lot for writing online novels, so I think my ability to withstand pressure is pretty good."

This is true; as a time traveler, he felt that his mindset had already transcended.

Once, a reader who tipped him 1,000 yuan left a comment criticizing him.

The insults were so harsh and offensive that the editor suggested he delete the comments.

Cheng Che waved his hand and said no need, then left a pinned comment in the book review section: "Feel free to criticize me if you pay for a reward. I'll give you VIP comment slots and I will never delete your comments. In fact, if you give a lot of rewards, I'll even give you a like!"

So much so that a reader later made a sharp comment: "Your Grandpa Zero, even if he was killed, his heart could still beat for two more days after it was dug out."

"That's true." Wang Zheng felt relieved.

After filming the show for the past few days, Cheng Che, as an ordinary person, has developed a heart that seems strangely large to him.

"This whole thing must have been orchestrated by someone behind the scenes," he continued. "Have you offended anyone? I mean, anyone in our circle."

"Everyone I've ever known in the entertainment industry is on this show," Cheng Che said, shrugging innocently.

"..."

Wang Zheng remained silent for a long time, then looked up and asked, "Did you have any grudge against Shen Han back in college?"

Of the other five guests, including Yan Lei, four got along well with Cheng Che.

Only Shen Han was secretly targeting him.

"I don't know him," Cheng Che said. "I didn't know him at all in college."

"Then why is he targeting you?" Wang Zheng really couldn't understand it.

"Is it possible that it's because they're jealous of my looks and talent?" Cheng Che asked seriously.

Wang Zheng instinctively wanted to refute, but then he saw his assistant nod and say seriously, "I think what Teacher Cheng Che said is very likely."

"...?"

Wang Zheng stared at his assistant with a look of utter disbelief.

Cheng Che looked at his assistant with a gratified expression.

"Ahem." The assistant blushed slightly under her gaze, coughed lightly, and changed the subject, "Well, let's discuss how to deal with the negative rumors first."

"That makes sense." Wang Zheng and Cheng Che nodded.

"What are your thoughts?" Wang Zheng asked. "If it's within my power, I can offer you some assistance."

Firstly, if this matter is not handled properly, it will also affect the reputation of the program.

Secondly, he wasn't just a mindless follower of netizens; he knew the rumors were false, that Cheng Che was genuinely talented, and that he was willing to befriend him.

Thirdly, he was hoping to sign Cheng Che for the next nine episodes so that he could continue to create entertaining content for him!

Therefore, from his perspective, he hoped that Cheng Che could resolve this matter peacefully.

"A little bit." Cheng Che touched his chin.

"I'll post a Weibo update when I get back."