The bearded man stated resolutely, "No, besides her, no one can portray the role of Tianshan Tonglao well. I didn't know her before, but she has given me a great surprise today. I don't believe the rumors outside; I only trust what my own eyes see."
Seeing his persistence, Li Lihong could only agree, "This drama of ours has taken a very long time to film and the investment is not small. Although Jiang Ling's reputation is not very good, signing her to act will surely draw a lot of criticism. However, for the promotion of a new drama, what is most needed is buzz. Controversy leads to discussion, and discussion leads to buzz. We can completely use this point for promotion, saving on publicity costs and ensuring viewership. Isn't it killing two birds with one stone?"
The major investors listened to this analysis and nodded in agreement.
Investing in this drama, Tian Long, was all about making money. Being criticized was not a big deal.
As long as they could make money, they didn't care whether the actor's reputation was good or bad, or whether they could act.
"That makes sense. Jiang Ling's reputation is indeed tarnished, but her popularity is still there. As long as we leverage this controversy for effective promotion, the viewership ratings for this drama will surely soar."
"Alright, it's settled then. Director Zhang, please hurry up with the progress. The scenes for Qiao Feng and Duan Yu are almost finished, we just need to complete the part about Xuzhu's serendipitous encounter with the Carefree Sect."
The bearded man nodded in response, "Yes, I will speed things up!"
...
Jiang Ling found a hotel near Hengdian to stay for a night.
The next morning, Jiang Ling arrived at the film set half an hour early.
Many actors participating in the filming of Tian Long, as well as numerous extras, also rushed over to see what was happening upon hearing that Jiang Ling was coming to film the scenes for Tianshan Tonglao.
When Jiang Ling appeared, everyone around her widened their eyes.
"My goodness, it's really Jiang Ling."
"Holy crap, someone as proud as her, how could she have fallen to this extent, playing a supporting role?"
"Even if young master Shen issued a statement breaking up with her, with the money she earned before, plus a ten million breakup fee, as long as she doesn't squander it, she can live comfortably without worry for the rest of her life."
"Who knows? This woman is extremely arrogant. Everything she eats, uses, and wears is always the best. It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury to frugality. The money she earned before is probably all spent. How long can a ten million breakup fee last?"
Among the crowd, there was an actress named Yang Rui, a second-tier celebrity who had previously been outmaneuvered by Jiang Ling for a role and held a grudge against her.
Yang Rui immediately sneered, "Oh! Isn't this Jiang Ling? The once arrogant top-tier celebrity, how is it that she has fallen to playing a supporting role now? Why isn't your wealthy young master Shen taking care of you?"
As soon as these words were spoken, many people burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, that young master Shen already has someone in his heart, and he's currently sweetly involved with An Qiuyan. How could he possibly have time to bother with this cowardly ex-girlfriend?"
"So that's how it is. I thought, between a current girlfriend and an ex-girlfriend, the current one is ultimately more important. Moreover, that Miss An, she has both looks and temperament, and she's willing to risk her life for young master Shen. If I were young master Shen, I wouldn't give up a precious gem to go for this empty-headed pretty vase!"
"I heard that Jiang Ling's salary for every drama is tens of millions at minimum. Now that she's playing Tianshan Tonglao, how much did the director offer you? Ten million? Five million? One million? Five hundred thousand? Two hundred thousand? Or are you just earning money for boxed meals like us extras?"