Edit: Change Star Entertainment to Xingyao for consistency
As soon as this question came out, the reporters around them also turned their attention to him. They followed suit like sharks smelling blood and thrust their microphones in front of Jing Li. The cameras also kept flashing at his face, eagerly waiting for his response.
Jing Li leaned back slightly to avoid the microphones that almost poked his face. His face still had a polite smile. He tilted his head slightly and looked at the reporter who asked the question. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and said, “Of course, I was thinking with my head. Aren’t you?”
“You’re quite capable then.” Jing Li looked at him with admiration and said, “In that emergency situation, I actually didn’t have time to think about anything. I’m amazed you could even consider whether to risk your life to save others just to gain attention for yourself.”
Jing Li’s face was full of seriousness as if he was really expressing his admiration from his heart.
But it was precisely because of this that the sarcastic implications behind his words became even more pronounced.
In that kind of urgent situation, someone who truly wanted to save others would have no time to think about anything else. If someone really did that, it would signify that deep down, they were not entirely willing to do so, which would be sufficient to demonstrate the person’s selfish and self-serving character.
And how could a selfish and self-serving person have the right to stand on the moral high ground and question others like this?
Moreover, would someone who hesitated even to save a life truly risk their life for fame?
Reporter: “……”
The reporter was completely caught off guard that his own question had rebounded back onto himself. He was instantly filled with frustration and embarrassment.
No one would willingly admit their own shortcomings in public, even if they had truly considered such thoughts in their heart. They would never want to reveal it and attract others’ strange looks.
The previously excited crowd also quieted down for a moment, inexplicably feeling implicated even though the other party did not target anyone specifically.
However, the other party’s attitude in speaking was so serious and natural that they didn’t even have a chance to have an attack.
This instantly made them realize that although this person before them was just a newcomer, he was a tougher nut to crack than those old foxes. They all felt a little uneasy for a moment, and even the looks they gave the reporter who had asked the question took on traces of dissatisfaction.
Reporters were always the most sensitive to language and emotions. Naturally, the one who had spoken would notice the change in attitude around him.
Feeling that he could not back down and still somewhat unwilling, after a moment of silence, he decided to continue asking, “I heard that when you auditioned for the crew, you had an unpleasant encounter with another actor, who was also rumored to have meddled in your relationship. Regarding the implications that you relied on your background to deliberately get close to and take the opportunity to humiliate him, how do you explain this?”
This question was even more pointed than the previous one, clearly giving off the feeling that he was asking with malicious intent.
But for newcomers like Jing Li, entertainment reporters had always been unscrupulous. They completely disregarded others’ feelings, relentlessly pursuing and battering any scent of newsworthy information, never stopping until they obtained the answers they wanted.
So, the crowd of reporters regained their spirits once more, continuing to watch Jing Li eagerly with shining eyes. And to make up for their previous embarrassment, the speed at which they pressed their camera shutters took on a hint of madness.
“I don’t know where you heard all this, but since you brought it up, I assume you must have seen the videos of my audition?” Jing Li squinted at him, a touch of arrogance on his face. “I won this role fair and square with my skills. I think this is beyond doubt.”
But being questioned like this repeatedly clearly offended Jing Li. Although his good upbringing prevented him from saying anything too inflammatory, the smile faded from his face as he stated flatly, “As for the other issues you mentioned, they are purely fabricated. Why would I deliberately target someone whose skills are inferior to mine?”
“As a reporter, I believe it is best to pursue the truth in all matters.”
This was practically accusing the other of conjuring up falsehoods out of thin air, which for a reporter making a living in this profession, amounted to an insult.
That reporter instantly turned red with anger, about to retort indignantly, when the other preempted him. “Today is the promotional press conference for Immortal Road. I won’t distract from the main event, and I also hope everyone will focus more on our promotional content itself. Please give us your support, thank you all.”
This was his way of saying he didn’t want to answer any more irrelevant questions.
The reporter felt even more stifled in his chest, but it only stirred up his rebellious emotions.
But before he could continue his attack, the host on stage suddenly called for a stop, beginning the final statements and summary of today’s promotional event.
Seeing this, Jing Li politely smiled at the reporters in front of him and walked over.
The reporter reacted instinctively, chasing after him a few steps. But unexpectedly, his foot was suddenly tripped by something, and his whole body lunged forward.
In his panic, he instinctively grabbed out blindly around him, trying to hold onto something to steady himself.
But there was nothing but people all around. Moreover, with everyone crowded so close together, several people were pulled off balance by his sudden lurch and also crashed towards the ground.
It all happened in an instant, too fast for anyone around to react. They only saw several people falling to the ground simultaneously. One person was holding filming equipment, and the sudden grab made him lose his balance. The equipment went flying straight towards the people behind.
Those around instinctively tried to dodge, but the cramped space clearly could not provide adequate room. In their panic, even more people started shoving and struggling while those with more strength pushed others crashing down as well.
The scene descended into chaos in an instant, filled with panicked screams from the front and commotion spreading to the back as people desperately tried squeezing forward to see what was happening.
The sudden surge of force from behind pressed the people already struggling to move at the front even more off balance. Screaming in terror, they were pushed forward layer by layer, directly trampling those who had already fallen.
A serious stampede accident seemed imminent.
Jing Li, who had walked forward just a few steps, looked back when he heard the commotion. His expression changed drastically as he hurriedly called the security guards over to maintain order. Looking left and right, he also ran up on stage and took the microphone from the host’s hand, shouting loudly, “Everyone in the back, stop moving! Someone here has fallen, for everyone’s safety, please remain where you are and follow the security personnel’s instructions to move back in an orderly manner.”
Jing Li’s voice instantly resonated through the entire hall. The people who had been surging forward frenziedly hesitated and stopped upon hearing this, though some still showed no intention of listening and kept rushing forward.
The other people on stage had already stood up when the accident occurred. Seeing Jing Li’s actions now, Fu Yan, who was closest, also hurried over and leaned in close to the microphone, stating deeply, “I am Fu Yan. Please remain calm, everyone, and do not continue moving forward. Follow the security personnel’s instructions to move back in an orderly manner, to prevent a more serious stampede.”
As the male lead of the entire crew and a currently red-hot Best Actor, Fu Yan’s name still carried a lot of clout. More than half the people present were his fans. Hearing him speak now, the Yan fans instantly obediently stood still and began helping to maintain order around them, following their idol’s words.
The other actors and Director Li on stage also came forward one after another, joining the chorus calling for order.
With their repeated announcements over the microphone, the chaos finally died down as everyone at the scene stopped the commotion, barely managing to get the situation under control.
Seeing this, Jing Li hurried back to the site of the accident and helped the security personnel pull up all those who had fallen to the ground. As he pulled up the last person, seeing the other covered in dust and with several scrapes on his face and arms, he couldn’t help asking with concern, “Are you alright?”
The person he pulled up looked up at the voice, and it turned out to be the reporter who had questioned him earlier.
The reporter was also surprised it was him who had saved him. He stared blankly for a moment before swiftly lowering his eyes and murmuring, “I’m fine, just some scratches.”
After a pause, he suddenly looked up and said, biting his lip, “Sorry about earlier.”
He didn’t specify what he was apologizing for, but they both understood it was for the deliberate targeting from before.
Jing Li looked at him without speaking.
He was not generous enough to casually accept the other’s apology after being targeted.
Although he knew everyone had their own difficulties due to their positions, this person’s attitude earlier clearly lacked basic respect for others. Jing Li, not retorting with harsh words, already demonstrated his good upbringing.
The reporter also probably knew he had gone too far before and was not dissatisfied at receiving no response. On the contrary, he was embarrassed by the other’s silent gaze, flushing red to his ears.
He was a newcomer who had just started this year. Because he was often oppressed by the veterans in his studio, he had always wanted to make some achievements.
This promotional event today was a rare opportunity he had painstakingly fought for to appear alone for the first time. So, he had gone all out, hoping to dig up some explosive news.
Before coming, he had especially done a simple review of the entire crew and its members, fully confident that he would definitely make an impressive first shot. But he had clearly underestimated the cunning of these entertainment industry veterans. Seeing the promotional event about to end, Jing Li was his last chance.
Before speaking, he had also learned about the online speculation regarding Jing Li’s background, but with the kinds of personas in the entertainment industry nowadays, what wasn’t there? Anyone with a little family asset could claim to be a rich second generation. So, he didn’t take it too seriously, either.
Moreover, even if he was a rich second generation, once in this circle, he was still a newcomer. If he wanted to make it big, it would be impossible to provoke reporters and tarnish himself at a time like this.
So, when he asked the questions, he was able to be so unscrupulous.
But he didn’t expect that the person he had just questioned and doubted would turn around and save his life.
In recent years, news of deaths due to stampedes were commonplace. Aside from the reporters today, there were also tens of thousands of fans at the scene. If not for Jing Li’s quick reaction, one could imagine the consequences of what would have followed.
Just thinking about it made him feel terrified in retrospect.
When a bystander sees someone else in danger being saved, most people would only feel moved and sigh or even doubt the savior’s motives. But when something like this happens to them, in that panicked and helpless moment, they can truly appreciate how valuable it is to have someone pull them up then.
And because of this, while he now admired Jing Li’s brave and decisive actions even more, he also felt all the more ashamed of his own malice from before.
Just as he was about to say something more, several people suddenly rushed over. The one in front went right up to Jing Li, looking anxious as he said, “Er Shao, you’re not injured, right? Scared me to death. How could something like this happen so suddenly.”
“I’m fine, this was just an accident,” Jing Li reassured him lightly. Then he added, “Go ask the organizers and Director Li if they need any help over there, and assist them as much as possible with the aftermath.”
“Alright. The Jing Group subsidiary isn’t far from here, I’ll contact them right away as well as the organizers.” The assistant nodded and then said, “Oh right, Da Shao happened to hear the commotion when he called just now. He’s probably worried sick. You should give him a call yourself to let him know you’re okay.”
Seeing Jing Li nod in acquiescence, the assistant finally led his team over to Director Li.
The reporter listened to the entire exchange between them, stunned speechless.
Jing…Jing Group?
It couldn’t be that Jing Group he was thinking of, could it?
The only one he could think of in the city with that name did seem to be just that one company, and its headquarters were indeed around here.
The reporter stared wide-eyed in shock, looking utterly incredulous.
Jing Li, surname Jing!
And an older brother too…!
Furthermore, recalling how that person had spoken to Jing Li with obvious deference without seeming fake, the reporter finally realized belatedly that the identity of the person before him was probably not as simple as he had assumed.
He had actually offended the other without knowing the immensity of heaven and earth!
How dare he?!
In an instant, the slight guilt and shame in his heart all transformed into fear of the unknown. His face pale, he looked at Jing Li before him but couldn’t utter another word.
His mind was filled with the resigned despair of ‘I’m definitely finished now, he’ll get back at me for sure’.
Yet Jing Li paid him no mind at all, simply continuing to help others after speaking, leaving him standing there in a daze.
In truth, though, Jing Li had not recalled this person at all.
Although the other’s words had annoyed him, after all, nothing outrageous had happened, so he wouldn’t hold it against the reporter.
Moreover, the current situation left him no time to dwell on it either. Due to the sudden stampede accident, many were injured. With the chaotic and busy scene, as invited members of this promotional event, they still had to be responsible for crowd control and calming the emotions of the injured. If needed, they would also have to cooperate with the police for statements. There was simply no time to spare for anything else.
By the time he had finished dealing with everything and returned home, Jing Li was exhausted and collapsed boneless onto the sofa.
But that still wasn’t the end of it. Right after the promotional work ended, he had to hurry to the variety show they had scheduled, with shooting starting the day after tomorrow. So early next morning he dragged himself up again and rushed to the filming location non-stop.
On the way, his agent Wang-jie gave him a simple introduction to the details of the upcoming shoot:
“The filming this time is at the home base of Dolphin TV in R City. The show is called ‘The Big Winner’, a variety show focused mainly on games.”
“Ah, I know that show. It was trending on Weibo not long ago.” Hearing the title, the assistant couldn’t help chiming in, “I remember this show seems quite popular with the current youth demographic.”
“It is indeed very hot right now.” The agent nodded in agreement. “So, crews with some popularity usually like going on ‘The Big Winner’ for promotions. Many online even see appearing on this show as a tag for whether a celebrity has made it big, so the competition is fierce.”
“And, due to the nature of the show, they tend to invite members from different crews to participate together. So aside from the Immortal Road team this time, there is also another crew called Xianxia Romance. It’s also an immortal-themed costume drama. The show will likely have them mixed together in teams to play games or display talents.”
“But the leads of the other crew are also currently the most popular Best Actor and Actress with great reputations, so even if teamed up, there shouldn’t be big issues.”
Sister Wang paused here and tapped the red name she had circled on the documents, frowning as she said, “You just need to watch out for someone called Qian Jianan. He’s the Young Master of Xingyao and likes stirring up trouble and stepping on others. Anyway, we should steer clear of him as much as possible.”
Hearing this, Jing Li nodded and asked some other relevant matters to note. Afterward, seeing there was still time, he closed his eyes to rest and adjust his state.
By the time he opened his eyes again, they had arrived at their destination. Jing Li’s group went first to the hotel booked by the crew to rest and wait for the others.
They had just put their luggage down at the hotel when voices were heard from the corridor outside. A moment later, a figure walked in from outside.
“Jing Li!” The person called out to Jing Li, who had his back to the door. His voice brimmed with unconcealed delight.
Hearing the voice, Jing Li turned and couldn’t help laughing too. “Lele? You sure got here quick.”
“Of course, it’s a rare chance to meet up with you.” Wang Lele smiled as he walked over, lightly punching Jing Li’s shoulder and teasing, “I thought I could go find you to hang out after wrapping up filming. I didn’t expect to go straight into the next project after finishing. If not for this show, who knows when we’d get to meet up again.”
“How’s the new crew?” Jing Li smiled and led him to sit on the sofa, handing him a bottle of water.
“It’s not bad. Most of them are easy to get along with.” Wang Lele accepted the water, twisted it open, and took a sip, then added, “My scenes aren’t many anyway, so it’ll wrap up quickly.”
“Most of them are easy to get along with?” Jing Li clearly picked up on the implication and frowned as he asked, “Is someone giving you trouble?”
The disciples of Tianling Sect looked out for each other. Even if he didn’t know Wang Lele before, now that they were friends, he would not tolerate anyone bullying him.
Wang Lele paused, not expecting him to be so perceptive. He glanced at Jing Li and quickly said, “Tt’s nothing…”
Seeing Jing Li’s unrelenting stare, Wang Lele instantly caved. “Don’t be so sensitive. It’s a crew, some friction is unavoidable and normal.”
But Jing Li remained unmoved.
“…It’s Xingyao’s people,” Wang Lele reluctantly explained. “You know Xingyao’s style, relying on underhanded means to push their artists into fame, and the artists who come out are all the same. Just ignore them.”
“Oh right, one of them is on this show too. Watch yourself later.” As he suddenly recalled something, he leaned in and whispered to Jing Li, “You probably know already, that Qian Jianan is Xingyao’s Young Master. Rumor is he’s no saint either, don’t get affected by him.”
This was the second time he had heard Xingyao and Qian Jianan’s names after arriving. Jing Li couldn’t help raising his brows, instead growing curious about just how rotten this person had to be for people to fear and avoid him so much.
“I’m telling you seriously! Don’t take it lightly.” Seeing Jing Li spacing out at this time, Wang Lele urged again, “You know Wen Ting and Xiao Lin, right? They are male and female leads of Xianxia Romance. They are currently the hottest Best Actor and Actress. Just because Xingyao wants to push their own son, they even got oppressed to serve as stepping stones for Qian Jianan. We should avoid trouble if we can!”
Unfortunately for some people, no matter how many backers an entertainment circle Prince may have, if his acting skills are too poor, not even the greatest push will succeed. Much less one with average looks and a nasty attitude.
But Wang Lele didn’t voice these thoughts. Despite looking out for his friend, he wasn’t one to gossip about others behind their backs.
“I’m telling you, got it?” Wang Lele elbowed him again. Faced with his pestering, Jing Li could only helplessly acquiesce. “I got it, Le-jie!”
Heh! This guy.
Wang Lele was exasperated into laughter and stretched out his magic claw to tickle him. Jing Li reacted swiftly and dodged to the side, then struck back first, and the two descended into playful tussling.
After fooling around for a bit, the other members of the crew also arrived one by one. The two went out to greet everyone and then discussed going to the hotel restaurant to have something to eat.
Just as they stepped out into the corridor, they suddenly saw a large group approaching from the front.
Wang Lele instantly nudged Jing Li beside him and whispered, “Damn, why is Qian Jianan here too.”
Hearing this, Jing Li reflexively glanced over. He saw a dense crowd of people but couldn’t recognize who was who.
Then he heard Wang Lele add, “See that one in yellow in the middle? That’s him.”
Following his voice, Jing Li did see a young man in yellow at the center of the crowd.
But before he could look closely, he saw the middle-aged man beside Yellow suddenly lean in and say something to him. Yellow then directly looked over at Jing Li.
The moment their eyes met, Yellow instantly raised a brow and beamed brilliantly at him, then led his entourage straight towards them.
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