I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Shu Zi turned her head and glanced at him:

"Hmm, look at this one: 'Shu Zi definitely got the role because of her family.'"

"Holy crap!"

She punched the blanket:

"When I auditioned, Director Fei didn't even know who I was, okay? My resume didn't even mention who my dad was."

Gu Yan chuckled softly: "So, what do you plan to do?"

Shu Zi was silent for a few seconds, then sighed:

"To be honest, I'm not afraid of being criticized, I'm used to it anyway. I'm just a little worried about the production team. It's only been officially announced and there's already such a big fuss. Director Fei must be having a headache too."

"Moreover, Qu Xuan was dragged into this as soon as she returned to China, which is not good for her either."

She paused, then sighed, "Sigh, I should have discussed the public relations plan with Sister Wen last night."

After she finished speaking, she tossed her locked phone onto the bedside table, turned to face Gu Yan, and her tone returned to its usual lightheartedness:

"But never mind, let's wait for Director Fei to clarify. He's not the kind of director who's swayed by public opinion, he'll definitely come out and say something."

Looking at her calm demeanor, Gu Yan's eyes lit up with a smile: "You're not angry?"

What's the point of getting angry?

Shu Zi shrugged:

"I can't climb up the internet cable and shut them up. Besides, let them say what they want; it's not like I'm going to lose anything."

She paused, then added:

"However, if they use really offensive language, I'll still get angry and confront them directly. Just because I'm easygoing doesn't mean I don't have a temper!"

Gu Yan reached out and pinched her cheek: "Do you need my help?"

Shu Zi shook her head: "No need for now. Let Director Fei release the professional clarification first, and I'll handle the rest myself."

Gu Yan looked at her and smiled slightly. "Okay."

*

Sure enough, not long after Shu Zi finished lunch, Director Fei posted a video on Weibo with only one sentence in the caption:

"That's why I chose her; the rest is up to her work."

The video is a clip of Shu Zi's audition that day.

In the video, Shu Zi didn't have a single line or exaggerated movement. She relied entirely on micro-expressions and body language to perfectly convey the phrase "forgive yourself."

The video, which was less than three minutes long, caused an uproar in the comments section.

[I got goosebumps.]

Holy crap, this acting is terrible!!! Where are those who called her a "nobody star" before? Come out and show yourselves! This is what you call nobody star???

I take back what I said this morning; he truly deserves it! I was even joining in the chorus of people calling him a "resource-backed" actor before, and now my face is swollen like a pig's head.

[This isn't just a "resource-backed" celebrity; this person is genuinely talented. If every "resource-backed" celebrity had this level of skill, I'd be willing to be fed shit by capital every day.]

[The eldest daughter of the Shu family has amazing genes and talent; I'm impressed. She's rich and works so hard—how are we ordinary people supposed to survive?!]

Director Fei is truly confident in posting this video; if I were in her shoes, I would also choose her. If anyone still criticizes her, they are simply nitpicking.

But some die-hard Sour Chickens are still putting up a stubborn resistance:

[Haha, no matter how well she acts, she's still just the eldest daughter of the Shu family. Without that background, would Director Fei have given her a chance to audition for this scene?]

[Director Fei posted the video because of pressure from capital. Do you think he'd dare post Qu Xuan's audition clips for comparison?]

[A group of people were just bought off like that? The entertainment industry is a murky place; what can one video prove?]

But soon after, Qu Xuan reposted Director Fei's Weibo post, with the caption:

"I had already seen Shu Zi's audition footage, and to be honest, I was silent for a long time after watching it. My first thought was: if she were to play this role, I would be completely convinced."

Director Fei's judgment was correct; she is indeed more suitable than me. I hope everyone will stop making wild guesses.

@Shuzizi, looking forward to collaborating, see you on set.

Qu Xuan's repost is tantamount to personally endorsing "Shu Zi's first place is well-deserved".

The wind direction shifted to one side instantly.

[Qu Xuan's magnanimity moved me to tears. I'm totally shipping the two female leads in a harmonious relationship. This is the attitude a true actor should have, unlike some irrational fans who are just tearing each other apart.]

[The Qingyi actresses who returned from overseas are truly different; they exude grandeur. Qu Xuan's move perfectly elevates the overall style.]

[Those who said Shu Zi was a substitute, are you embarrassed now? Qu Xuan herself has confirmed it, what else is there to say?]

[The eldest daughter of the Shu family: I earned my position through merit, come at me if you dare! Now no one can argue with me anymore.]

This drama is already a hit before it even airs, making it one of the most anticipated dramas of the year. With such harmonious relationships between the two female leads, the quality of the drama is sure to be excellent.

[Exactly, the two of them are getting along well, but netizens are already tearing each other apart.]

Following this, Shu Zi reposted Director Fei and Qu Xuan's Weibo posts, adding the following text:

"Thank you Director Fei for giving me this role, and thank you Sister Qu for your recognition~ (heart emoji) (heart emoji)"

As for billing order, what truly motivates an actor is a good script, a good role, and good co-stars. The order of these titles should give way to the role itself.

Qu Jie and I are really putting our hearts into this show. Once it airs, everyone can just sit back and watch. (Shakes hands) (Clenches fists)

This Weibo post went viral, sending Shuzi's fans and casual observers into a frenzy.

[Shiyin-sy]: Zizi's response was brilliant!!! This is what an actor should say! Isn't this a million times better than those who fight over billing order all day long?

[Black Sesame Filling for White Rice Balls]: "The order of names should give way to the roles." That's such a beautiful statement; I suggest all actors in the Chinese entertainment industry copy it.

[Laughed]: Those who used to criticize others for being "resourced stars" are now getting a textbook-level response from Zizi. Doesn't their face hurt?

【.Xin Yuanyuan】: The eldest daughter of the Shu family isn't just a freeloader; I admire her emotional intelligence. She's rich and powerful, yet she speaks so eloquently—how are others supposed to live?

[My Nemesis is My Got It]: Qu Xuan + Shu Zi, two female leads who get along well and are both capable, I suggest promoting them now, I can't wait!

[I've already screenshotted and saved this response. I'll use this image whenever someone argues about billing order; this is the attitude an actor should have.]

No, Shu Zi is really something else. She's a great actress, comes from a good family, and has high emotional intelligence. What opportunity did God close for her?

[I hereby declare that from today onwards I am a fan of Shuzi. She is talented, has a good background, and is still so humble. She is a rare breed in the Chinese entertainment industry.]

Those who blindly followed the crowd and criticized them before should now line up to apologize. They genuinely have talent; they weren't promoted by connections.

Shu Zi lay on the sofa, legs crossed, scrolling through her phone. Seeing the comments section transform from a barrage of criticism to a massive "I was wrong" moment, she laughed out loud with delight.

She held her phone up to Gu Yan and waved it:

"Look at this post, 'Those who previously criticized her for being a 'resource-backed' celebrity have now received a textbook-perfect response from Zizi.' This netizen really understands me. Thumbs up!"

Gu Yan glanced down at it, then smiled and asked, "Happy now?"

Shu Zi put her phone on the coffee table and stretched out a big yawn:

"I've been quite happy, but Qu Xuan is really a kind person. I'll have to treat her to a meal later."

She leaned into Gu Yan's arms, closed her eyes, and a smile still lingered on her lips:

"Alright, let's put this behind us. For the next two weeks, I need to go into seclusion to prepare for battle."