As "Reunion" continued its box office success, discussions about the film flooded Weibo and social media feeds.
While the performances of the veteran actors were, as expected, satisfying, it was Xia Weiliang's scenes that truly astonished audiences.
Previously, one might have argued she lacked acting skills, but beauty was undeniable. Now, while her beauty remained, one could no longer question her acting prowess.
Ultimately, Director Zhou was a skilled mentor to his actors!
This sentiment was immediately met with dissenting opinions. Had Xia Weiliang's time spent sitting on that little stool been in vain? Had her constant observation of the monitor with a thermos, much like Director Zhou's, been for nothing? Had the moments she was guided and instructed by Director Zhou with a small stick, leading her to take notes, been pointless?!
If these efforts were invisible, on what grounds could one accuse her of merely capitalizing on a strong production team?
After personally watching the film, Xia Weiliang became more confident and open-minded.
In this world, there would always be people who liked her and people who didn't. She wasn't a piece of currency, so why expect universal adoration?
Furthermore, if she had shortcomings, she would address them. Once improved, she would continue to progress.
The Yi Shen cultists!
Regarding her saving the child in the mall, she genuinely didn't dwell on it. Wasn't this something every citizen would do?
Therefore, she declined all media interviews.
Don't ask, the answer is: it’s what she should have done!
As a result, this action once again garnered affirmation from official media, leading to another frenzy among her fans, who even boldly declared: "Xia Weiliang, please join the Party!!"
Upon seeing this trending topic, Xia Weiliang was thoroughly intimidated.
"No, my awareness isn't high enough yet. What I've done isn't sufficient. I must continue to strive!"
Her video had gone viral; it was impossible to ignore.
During a break between scenes, Xi En saw the video from the mall.
If it had been before, he would have immediately dismissed it as another publicity stunt. But now…
Anyone who had watched the complete video knew that the serendipity involved couldn't be manufactured for promotion. Coupled with the parents' firm stance against netizens, such a claim felt far too far-fetched.
Moreover, various online "masters" had scrutinized the footage frame by frame, ultimately concluding that the "Niang Niang" was truly brave!
"Hey, Brother En, are you also watching Niang Niang save the child?"
A mid-career actor from the same crew approached, seeing the video, and commented: "Before, I didn't have a very good impression of this Xia Weiliang. She's the daughter of a wealthy family and entered the industry with her own capital. She lacked acting skills but still competed for jobs, making it hard to like her."
Xi En listened without comment.
"But later, this girl encountered too many troubles, and they were all so dramatic. If something like a mistaken identity could happen to her, then perhaps rebirth or transmigration are also possible, right?"
The other person found it amusing, and after a good laugh, continued, "Actually, this girl is really quite good. I ran into her backstage not long ago, and she actually asked for a photo with me. Heh... she's at the peak of her popularity!"
Xi En glanced at him. "But she appreciates talent."
The mid-career actor gave a wry smile, said nothing, and patted Xi En's shoulder.
Before leaving, he added, "I don't know about other things, but this girl Xia Weiliang's character isn't bad, and her acting has indeed improved. Oh, right, you're also something of her mentor. You must have contributed to this, haven't you?"
He said it jokingly and then left.
However, Xi En couldn't bring himself to smile.
He had taken on the task of teaching Xia Weiliang acting. "Reunion" had already wrapped filming, so any achievements she made during this period had nothing to do with him.
No wonder she was unwilling to formally apprentice herself; she must have had doubts about him!
This displeased Xi En and ignited a strong competitive spirit within him.
After some thought, he picked up his phone and called their Director Liu.
Upon receiving notification that she was to continue studying acting with Xi En, Xia Weiliang was taken aback. "Uh, isn't Teacher Xi very busy recently? He's already started filming, so where would he find the time to teach me acting?"
Director Du responded on the phone, "Don't worry about this. They said they see you as a raw gem they want to polish."
"..."
Do the top actors in the drama circle praise people like this?!
"What, you're not happy? Let me tell you, even though you have a film emperor by your side and Yi Shen's acting is indeed good, you need to master both the big screen and small screen! Filming movies has good reputation and prestige, but... it doesn't earn as much as filming dramas!"
He then lowered his voice and continued vaguely, "The leading and rising actresses of today are all vying for viewer attention, so you can't afford to slack off! Moreover, the company's plan for you is to develop in the drama circle first. After all, you have such good public appeal now, and the older generation also likes you. You can't waste this kind of popularity!"
Director Du's words were practical. To maintain a career cycle, preserve mystery, and reduce participation in variety shows and public exposure, a movie's salary, however high, took a longer time to yield returns. She still owed Brother Yuan two million yuan! Plus, she had to support Zhao Cheng, Little Jinzi, and Little Lan, who always seemed to be asleep…
Thinking about it this way, she felt Director Du's point was valid. More skills never hurt, and mastering both film and television was essential!
"Alright, Little Du, please make the arrangements. I will continue studying acting with Teacher Xi!" Su Dan Novel Network.
"Okay, no problem!"
As if remembering something, Director Du added a reminder: "That... just mention it to the Film Emperor, inform him, alright?"
"There's no need, our acting careers don't overlap."
Xia Weiliang said this verbally, but in her heart, she had already made up her mind.
Why wouldn't she mention it?
Could she *not* mention it?
Would it be acceptable if she didn't?
If Xiao Yi found out, wouldn't he personally come to tie her up and force her into teaching?
After hanging up, she pondered it from all angles and decided to get ahead of the situation.
Thus, she called Xiao Yi.
First, she inquired about the progress of the Liu Yaozong case. Upon learning it was still under investigation, she then discussed topics related to "Reunion" and subsequently touched upon future promotional activities…
"You called me, what's actually on your mind?"
Xiao Yi asked.
"No... nothing..."
"Hmm?"
"There's just this one, minuscule, insignificant little matter."
She said with a smile, "I might be continuing my acting studies with Teacher Xi."
She added with strong self-preservation instincts, "Of course, if you don't agree, I'll find a way to persuade you!"
She wasn't a love-struck fool; naturally, she knew which path and development were best for her at the moment.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Xiao Yi actually nodded. "You may."
"Ah?" She thought she misheard. Hadn't he always found her somewhat displeasing?
Xiao Yi understood her thoughts and chuckled. "His acting is good, and your focus moving forward isn't solely on the film industry. You need to develop in multiple directions; the drama circle cannot be abandoned. Furthermore, his acting is indeed quite good."