The formerly harmonious comment section was suddenly disrupted by an accusation of role stealing, which even brought up the always sensitive topic of financial backers. This instantly attracted the attention of netizens.
“Stealing a role? Is this real? Weren’t the two roles in Immortal Road left vacant for half a month because no suitable candidates were found?”
“What’s so surprising about competing for roles in the entertainment industry? As long as you have backing, you can bid for not just supporting roles but even the male lead!”
“Hey, enough with the conspiracy theories! Director Li is known for not fearing the powerful!”
“Not fearing the powerful? More like the temptation wasn’t big enough! How else to explain a newcomer leapfrogging over so many veteran actors to join the cast?”
“Now that you mention it, I’m starting to suspect the half-month-long vacancy was to make way for someone…”
…….
The argument in the comment section grew increasingly heated, drawing in fans of celebrities who had auditioned for the roles to vent their displeasure. The situation deteriorated until fans of Immortal Road could not bear to stay silent any longer and jumped in to shut them down:
“Can you all just stop? Those peddling conspiracy theories, do you live in sewers? If you don’t have shit to stir up, don’t come out!”
“I don’t know about Jing Li’s acting skills, but to the one saying this role was meant for Lin Xiao – excuse me, who are you referring to?”
“Lin Xiao? If you mean that Lin Xiao who was caught having an affair and dragged on Weibo, you can show yourself out, thanks.”
“A role meant for Lin Xiao? Don’t insult our Immortal Sect’s young master!”
…
But the fans’ retorts did not alleviate the situation. On the contrary, their mocking comments provoked even more heated quarreling. In no time, the comments under Director Li’s Weibo were an absolute mess, with countless people urging him to step in and say something.
The nonstop message alerts were hard to ignore. When Director Li finally checked them, he could not help laughing out loud out of anger at the outrageous comments. He decided to respond to the most popular skeptical comment: [The role of the young sect master has just been confirmed. The actor’s image and skills perfectly match my requirements. Besides, I don’t think an actor who risked himself to save others and insisted on finishing the photoshoot despite his injury could have any flaws in character.]
As soon as this reply, which was obviously speaking for Jing Li, was sent out, a frenzy started again.
“What does he mean by perfectly matching image and skills?”
“Willingness to risk one’s life to help strangers does reflect good character. I choose to trust Director Li!”
“Finishing the photoshoot with an injury, this newcomer really has impressive professionalism.”
“…Wait a minute, risked himself to save others? Didn’t I just see a crew rescue video? Could it be the one Director Li is talking about?”
“Don’t just mention it. Share the link!”
…
Intrigued by the video, people clamored for the person who brought it up to provide the link. He quickly obliged, pasting the video SmilingFace had posted earlier directly below.
Countless people clicked through and were stunned by the thrilling scene captured in the video. Anyone could sense the danger of the situation back then, and the white-clothed youth’s instant reaction to shield the other person admitted no hesitation.
Looking at the sand and gravel splashed when the branch smashed down and the bright blood instantly staining his torn back, all were moved by his selfless action.
Thanks to enthusiastic sharing and clicking by netizens, coupled with the Immortal Road crew’s hashtag, it did not take long for the rescue video to surge to the top searches, exposing it to even more people. Countless netizens began frantically commenting.
“Director Li’s eye for talent remains as sharp as ever!”
“This newcomer only just joined, right? And he already risked himself for strangers. What an impressive character!”
“The little brother in white looks so cool saving others, I’m totally crushing!”
“After seeing this, I’m actually really looking forward to this little brother’s works!”
…….
Many people were touched by Jing Li’s heroic deed of saving people, and their impression of him improved. But as always, there were still some people clinging to conspiracy theories, posting skepticism like “Good character doesn’t mean his acting will pass” and “Acting skills and personality shouldn’t be compared. We can’t even see his face to judge if he’s good-looking.”
But the positive, optimistic majority drowned out these shady comments before they could gain any traction.
Just as the discussion was heating up, Director Li updated his Weibo again.
Li Yi V: Sharing another tidbit about our young sect master. [Attached pic]
The photo showed a side profile shot against a dressing room backdrop. In the picture, a young man’s mouth tilted up in a faint smile, eyes closed as he was having his makeup done. The slightly backlit angle outlined his exquisite side profile – strong, shapely brows, proud nose, fair skin like fine white jade without blemish. Thick, curled lashes cast a stark, contrasting shadow below his eyes. Bathed in the warm lights, he looked like an immortal falling from the sky. People could not take their eyes away after just one glance.
It was the spitting image of the refined yet compelling young sect master of their dreams!
The fans and netizens instantly lost their minds!
“Ahhhh!!! My young master!!!”
“Oh my god! I can’t believe I’m seeing the living young sect master in my lifetime!”
“Why only the side profile? I want to see the front of the young sect master’s face!”
“Didn’t you say the photoshoot was done? Why haven’t the pics been released yet!!!!”
“Photoshoot pics! Photoshoot pics! Unedited is fine!”
…….
After taking a look at the uproar on the Internet, Director Li finally turned off his phone with satisfaction and once again devoted himself to the new shooting in a comfortable mood.
Netizens who could not get a response immediately swarmed the other party Jing Li’s Weibo. They all begged him to post a selfie to feast their eyes on.
It’s a pity that the party who had been crazily mentioned had already taken his assistant back to the room to rest after taking the makeup photos and videos. He was completely oblivious to the situation unfolding online.
After all the trouble just now, his back injury showed some signs of tearing again. Jing Li had no choice but to ask his assistant to redress it. Lying at an awkward angle on the sofa after, he snacked while studying his script, engrossed.
Just then, a knock sounded at his door.
The assistant went to open it and was mildly surprised. “Yes, how can I help you?”
“…I’m here to see Jing Li.” Wang Lele felt rather awkward.
He should have thanked Jing Li back at the set, but Jing Li was busy with treating his wound and photography after the rescue. Then they both had to rush off to film, so there was no time until wrapping up.
But in the face of a lifesaving debt, it all seemed too trivial. So, Wang Lele felt nervous and uneasy the entire way over.
“Who is it?” Jing Li looked up when he heard the voice and smiled politely at the visitor as he started to get up from the couch. “Please, come in.”
Hearing this, the assistant moved aside to let Wang Lele enter first.
“How are your injuries…” Wang Lele began to ask about his condition as he stepped inside but froze in shock when he glanced up and saw the scene.
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