176: The 176th day of being popular
Yao Bianliang was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, "Of course. Why do you ask?"
The young woman seemed relieved and a bit embarrassed, "I saw those netizens demanding for you to be replaced, so I was a bit worried."
Yao Bianliang finally understood.
Yes, with the intense reactions from Luo Shuai's fans and his company buying fake accounts, outsiders naturally would worry that the crew, under pressure, might replace her, the female lead.
The nearby cinematographer scoffed, "Even if they want to change someone, it should be Luo Shuai they replace."
Another person sighed, agreeing, "Yeah, if only they could replace Luo Shuai."
Everyone instantly resonated once this topic was brought up, and the discussion became unstoppable.
While listening to their conversation, Yao Bianliang took a sip of mineral water, her lips slightly curling upward.
She cleared her throat and spoke slowly, "You don't need to worry. Luo Shuai should be replaced soon."
As soon as she said this, the staff members all looked over, their eyes shining with excitement and a hint of disbelief.
"Sister Liang, is this news... reliable?"
"Yes, of course," Yao Bianliang nodded, "After the incident, I've already discussed it with Mr. Mo and Director Hua. We all agree to replace the male lead."
A guy like Luo Shuai is a nuisance on the set, and Yao Bianliang certainly doesn't want to work with him.
If they indeed replace him, they can find a more suitable partner and ignite greater disgust from netizens toward him, killing two birds with one stone.
However, replacing an actor still depends on the investment party's decision. As the female lead, Yao Bianliang can't make the final call.
Fortunately, Mr. Mo's goals align with hers. After they discussed it, they quickly reached an agreement, and Director Hua also showed support.
So, everyone unanimously decided to replace Luo Shuai.
"The director is already in touch with new actors, and I believe they'll find a suitable male lead soon." Yao Bianliang felt quite relaxed.
In this day and age, there's no shortage of actors with poor acting skills. Besides, Luo Shuai might have a handsome appearance and popularity, but he's not the best choice.
Since this drama is heading towards a flop, it's better to find a three-no actor with poor acting skills, an unattractive appearance, and low popularity!
Yao Bianliang hoped that Mr. Mo would find the right actor.
She was looking forward to it.
Upon learning this news, the others also became quite excited.
Luo Shuai has been replaced, so these small characters can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
However, some people worried, "But, Sister Liang, what about Luo Shuai's side?"
"Yeah, Luo Shuai definitely won't take it lying down."
"I heard that Ansheng Entertainment has already started buying fake accounts and hiring marketing teams. They are determined to escalate the situation."
As the discussion continued, someone couldn't help but suggest, "How about we speak up to clear Sister Liang's name?"
However, as soon as the proposal was put forward, it was immediately met with opposition.
"We can't compete with Luo Shuai," another staff member sighed helplessly. "I posted something yesterday, but soon after, Luo Shuai's brainwashed fans and fake accounts flooded in. I realized it wasn't going well and had to delete the post."
Upon hearing this, the others quickly understood.
That's right, engaging in an online battle requires money. They, as ordinary people, don't even have a chance to speak up. They might end up getting attacked in the process.
Yao Bianliang's heart thumped as she listened, but she felt slightly relieved when the person said they deleted the post.
Thankfully, the problem is manageable.
"Thank you all for your concern," Yao Bianliang sighed and said seriously, "But you really don't need to speak up for me."
"Just rest assured and wait. I have my own plans for this matter."
Yao Bianliang tried to persuade them and finally calmed the staff members.
After everyone dispersed, she breathed a sigh of relief. She picked up the script and was about to review her lines when she noticed a figure not far away.
When the staff members surrounded her earlier, Yao Bianliang hadn't noticed the person. Now, as the crowd cleared, she realized a young extra was standing not far away, occasionally glancing in her direction but hesitating to approach.
"Huh? Isn't that the extra who was pushed down by Luo Shuai the other day?" Yao Bianliang recalled the incident and remembered.
That day, it was because of this extra using a bit too much force in the fight scene that all the commotion started.
If it weren't for Yao Bianliang stepping forward later and attracting most of the attention, given the situation that day, this extra would probably have been targeted and cyberbullied by Luo Shuai's brainwashed fans.
"What's wrong? Is there something you need?" Yao Bianliang waved at the extra and looked at him curiously.
The young boy hesitated for a moment before finally walking up to her.
"Teacher Yao... Thank you for what happened before," he said, pursing his lips and gazing at Yao Bianliang with a serious look in his dark eyes.
He is a student from the Film and Television Academy, with no powerful connections or networks. After graduation, he can only work as an extra on sets, barely making a living.
As someone in the entertainment industry, he has also seen rumors about Luo Shuai's behavior with his fans. The public might think it's just gossip, but as an insider, he knows that the truth is not far from those rumors.
Originally, he was supposed to use less force during the fight scene that day. However, when he thought about Luo Shuai's actions, he couldn't hold back and used a bit more strength.
When Luo Shuai pushed him away and scolded him loudly, he felt his heart sink. Without Yao Bianliang stepping in to help him, he would have probably faced immense public pressure.
Though his own public scrutiny was reduced after that incident, the internet was filled with criticism towards Yao Bianliang. He felt both grateful and deeply guilty.
Yao Bianliang wouldn't have faced all this backlash if it weren't for him.
However, Yao Bianliang patted his shoulder and calmly said, "No need to thank me. I didn't do it just to help you."
She was speaking the truth.
From her perspective, she had only done it to assert her own position. Helping this young extra was just a byproduct.
So, this young extra didn't need to feel any burden.
Yet, after hearing Yao Bianliang's words, the young boy was slightly startled, and a thoughtful glint appeared in his eyes.
Was it not to help him...
Could it be that Yao Teacher's actions were not a coincidence? She wasn't trying to help him but rather those girls who had been mistreated by Luo Shuai?
As he pondered this possibility, the boy's hand hidden in his sleeve clenched unconsciously, and his heart began to race.
Yes, with Teacher Yao causing such a stir, that incident naturally gained more attention.
Yesterday, in their group chat, he saw people suggesting that they should take advantage of this momentum to expose Luo Shuai's actions once again.
With Yao Teacher's help, it wouldn't be so easy for Luo Shuai's team to suppress the heat!
Thinking this way, a strong light sparkled in his eyes.
"I understand now Teacher Yao... Thank you!" He suddenly bowed deeply to Yao Bianliang and then turned around, quickly running towards the direction of the apartment building.
Yao Bianliang: "..."
Wait, what exactly did this kid understand?
Watching the boy's retreating figure, Yao Bianliang's eyes held a hint of confusion, unable to comprehend his meaning for a while.
I didn't even understand what I was trying to express, how did you suddenly get it!
— She often felt out of place with this world because she couldn't keep up with their way of thinking.
"Such a peculiar person," Yao Bianliang sighed helplessly in the end.
Well, it was just an inconsequential matter after all. Since she couldn't figure it out, there was no need to waste her thoughts dwelling on it.
With that thought in mind, she lowered her head, opened the script, and read it leisurely.
*****
Huodi Entertainment Studio.
Zhou Fei looked at the messages on the chat record worriedly, "Yao Jie said she has her own arrangements and told us not to worry about it, just go home as usual?"
Originally, after seeing the overwhelming storm of public opinion online, several people in charge of marketing and public relations were prepared to work overtime.
When an artist was involved in a scandal, marketing personnel often had to work overtime; it was routine, and they were used to it.
This afternoon, they had already ordered coffee, ordered takeout, and packed up their things, preparing for a long battle in the studio.
But unexpectedly, Yao Bianliang called and told them not to work overtime today.
Not only that, she even gave everyone a three-day paid holiday!
Everyone: "..."
They were all dumbfounded, what's going on?
With such a big scandal, instead of making them work overtime to come up with a plan, she gave them all a holiday?
What celebrity studio would do that? Wasn't she afraid she couldn't become popular?
Everyone packed up and prepared for the holiday, but there was no relaxation on their faces. Instead, they looked worried.
"By the way, after the holiday, the studio might just be closed," Xiaoyoung looked at the empty studio while packing up her things and couldn't help muttering.
Everyone turned their eyes to her with a furious expression.
"Don't jinx it!" Xiaoyin retorted in a low voice, "Our studio won't close."
"That's right! Since Yao Jie dared to arrange things like this, she must have other plans," another employee chimed in.
Xiaoyoung shrank her neck and immediately dared not say anything more.
"But Yao Jie told us not to care about the public opinion this time and not to act rashly..." Another person furrowed their brows, looking quite puzzled. "What is she planning then?"
They can't really be lying flat to become popular!
"Sister Liang herself definitely doesn't want to be attacked," Zhou Fei pondered, "so, she forbids us from taking action on our own, which means she must have a plan in place."
Who is Sister Liang?
She is a genius who strategizes behind the scenes and secures victory from a thousand miles away.
Previously, the Lu Group had launched a massive campaign, but what was the result? With a simple move, Sister Liang turned the tables. Not only did she resolve all crises, but she also used the enemy's funds for her own publicity.
Now, since Sister Liang is confidently giving them a holiday, she must have made comprehensive arrangements.
Zhou Fei recalled the insider information he knew during his time at Ansheng Entertainment, and a slight curve appeared on his lips, and his eyes gradually brightened.
"Perhaps, there is a way to change the current situation..." he said, "as long as we expose the evil deeds of Luo Shuai, everything can be resolved!"
"The evil deeds of Luo Shuai?"
The other employees looked puzzled, unable to comprehend what evil deeds Luo Shuai, a top-tier A-list celebrity, could possibly have.
The more Zhou Fei thought about it, the more he felt that this possibility was significant.
He exuded a bright light in his eyes, "Sister Liang always plans ahead before acting. Since she dares to confront Luo Shuai publicly, she must know about the things Luo Shuai has done in the past, and she probably already has evidence in her hands!"
Only in this way could it explain why Yao Bianliang suddenly took such actions.
Thinking about this, Zhou Fei's heart also grew excited. His idol was truly admirable.
Luo Shuai had met his match with Sister Liang this time; there was no way out for him.
"So, what do we need to do?" Xiaopang scratched his head, somewhat puzzled.
Zhou Fei said, "Since Sister Liang told us not to act on our own, we should follow her arrangements."
They were unclear about the specific situation, and if they acted rashly, it might disrupt Yao Bianliang's plan.
So, the best approach was to do nothing and enjoy their paid vacation with ease.
By the time they returned to their positions, Sister Liang might have already used her formidable methods to expose Luo Shuai's true face!
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