Chapter 460: Chapter 363: Nothing to Do with Her
"Directors as easygoing as Wen Bing are indeed rare," Zhou Lan commented, "You’ve been pretty lucky to have worked with both Kang Xin and Wen Bing, who are both good-natured. But actually, it has to do with your current popularity too. Do you still remember your first acting job? That role with just a few scenes? Back then, you were a nobody, and you got chewed out by the director till you were drenched in metaphorical dog’s blood."
Zhou Yun nodded pensively.
"But even though I’m so popular now, Xue Qin doesn’t seem to treat me any better. I always get the feeling she’s hostile towards me; I’m not imagining things, am I?"
Zhou Lan replied, "I think that’s just how she is; not much for smooth-talk, and her face instantly reveals whatever she’s thinking. That’s not too bad, actually."
Zhou Yun: "I don’t think so; I can already foresee myself being tormented by her on set."
"Isn’t that what you’ve always said? As long as the film turns out well, any amount of suffering is bearable," joked Zhou Lan.
"Sorry, I’ve realized that it’s easy to make bold declarations, but following through is quite difficult. I’m not so consistent in my words and actions," Zhou Yun said with a bitter smile.
"Ah well, if she really does go overboard, I’m still here," reassured Zhou Lan. "Based on my experience, those who speak unpleasant truths upfront tend to make for a smoother collaboration later. It’s worse to deal with people who are agreeable at first, only to deceive you and cause problems later on. That feels like inadvertently swallowing a fly."
Zhou Yun started to laugh.
"Focus on doing a good job with this movie. With Shi Luoqi involved, there’s a high chance it will make it to the big three film festivals," said Zhou Lan, "Aim to win Best Actress in a leading role in the main competition this time."
"Sister Lan, you’ve started to paint pie in the sky again," said Zhou Yun, somewhat speechlessly.
Zhou Lan lifted her chin and declared, "I’m painting these pies with confidence now."
Zhou Yun held her forehead in exasperation.
"This afternoon’s Blink event, Wei Ruxue and Lew Qingqing will also be attending," Zhou Lan reminded Zhou Yun, "Don’t get into conflicts with them, okay?"
"Why would I get into conflicts with them?" Zhou Yun shrugged. "I can control my temper."
"I’ve noticed that you’ve been losing control recently," Zhou Lan said with concern.
Zhou Yun immediately retorted, "That’s not true!"
Zhou Lan: "I’m just giving you a heads-up. No need for you to pick fights with them since your main battlefield will definitely be in films, which isn’t their race track."
"Don’t say that; it’s not like I’m abandoning TV dramas," Zhou Yun mumbled with a pout.
"In any case, just focus on acting well in your projects, and avoid direct conflicts with others. Leave any scene-making to me; you need to maintain a good public image," Zhou Lan advised. "Given your current trajectory, as long as you don’t cause trouble, things will only get better, that’s for certain."
"Why are you painting pies again?"
"I’m serious," Zhou Lan insisted, "You don’t have to worry about changing roles. You know what I mean? The film industry is far more lenient about an actress’s age than television is. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do TV dramas, but you have to admit, in the current market, TV dramas offer actresses very limited roles. However, in films, you have the opportunity to play a wider variety of roles and have more space for performance."
"You do have a point there," Zhou Yun nodded in agreement. "But don’t go trying to mold me into some artist image, Sister Lan. I’m no artist."
Zhou Lan rolled her eyes.
"What makes you think I’d ever consider you an artist?"
"Just by the enthusiasm you showed when offering me empty promises."
Zhou Lan: "..."
Zhou Yun had not yet officially announced her role as the spokesperson for Blink. At the Blink event that afternoon, she attended as an invited guest.
Originally, she just planned to walk the red carpet, take photos, participate in the event, make an appearance, and then be done with it.
Who would have known that as soon as she entered the venue, before she even had a chance to find her seat, she heard Wei Ru Xue talking with others.
"Why should I fight for the grand finale? It’s just a regular event. What’s the matter, do you think Zhou Yun walking behind me puts her in a higher status than me?"
Zhou Yun turned her head to look.
Wei Ru Xue was looking at Lew Qingqing with disdain, arms folded across her chest, appearing as if there was some displeasure between the two.
However, Lew Qingqing simply smiled wryly and said, "Sister Xue, why are you always hung up on status? You’re making it sound like a class struggle."
Wei Ru Xue was taken aback by Lew Qingqing’s retort and didn’t speak for a while.
She caught a glimpse of Zhou Yun out of the corner of her eye and suddenly smiled again, saying, "Why do you have to block my way and make snide remarks to annoy me? Waiting for the Movie Queen so you can wag your tail for her, eh?"
Wei Ru Xue turned to Zhou Yun, adopting a posture as if speaking seriously, "Zhou Yun, look at that, it’s different once you’ve gotten the title of Movie Queen. Someone immediately stands up for you."
Zhou Yun slightly furrowed her brow and said, "Why would Sister Xue say that? I haven’t been offended, have I? How come someone is taking offense on my behalf?"
Wei Ru Xue jutted her chin toward Lew Qingqing and said, "Why don’t you ask her? In a sarcastic tone, she said you’re the highlight of the day. You’re the biggest star. So tell me, since when has our circle stopped respecting their seniors?"
Hearing this, Zhou Yun realized what was going on. It was probably something Lew Qingqing said that pricked Wei Ru Xue’s fragile ego, which is why Wei Ru Xue was posturing here.
Wei Ru Xue was arrogant and hot-tempered, Zhou Yun knew this from when Wei Ru Xue was still with Chengqian Entertainment.
Zhou Yun thought: Ah, the unrestful entertainment circle.
"Uh, I didn’t quite catch all that." Zhou Yun had an innocent look on her face, "However, my agent repeatedly emphasized before I came here that I must not stir up trouble, so I’ll be on my way. Sister Xue, Sister Qingqing, have a good chat."
Zhou Yun adopted an "I’m not involved in anything" attitude and quickly made her exit without another word.
She’d have to be foolish to get herself tangled up and become a target in their sparring.
The venue was crowded and noisy, as soon as Zhou Yun took her seat, she immediately started greeting others, laughing and joking, putting on a full display of social pleasantries.
As for what was happening between Wei Ru Xue and Lew Qingqing, Zhou Yun couldn’t have cared less.
However, although that’s what she thought, deep down she felt a bit disappointed when she saw Wei Ru Xue and Lew Qingqing come over unscathed.
It turns out in Zhou Yun’s chest lived a heart that enjoyed watching exciting events unfold—as long as they were of no concern to her.
"You sure ran fast." Wei Ru Xue’s seat was beside her and the moment she sat down, she made a sarcastic remark with a sneer.
Zhou Yun turned a deaf ear, smiling and waving to a camera that was filming her, greeting the lens with a bright and radiant smile.