Fan Qing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He didn’t deny it.
The assistant director inhaled sharply.
He really guessed it right?
But…
He couldn’t help but look at Fan Qing a few more times.
“Has Jian Feiyang’s agent agreed?”
Fan Qing raised an eyebrow.
Now it was the assistant director’s turn to be surprised.
What did that mean?
Did this guy… know something?
Crap.
The assistant director immediately realized he’d spoken too freely.
But…
“If Jian Feiyang’s agent doesn’t agree, then even if I push it, and the director approves, you still can’t sign the contract, right?”
He knew all the twists and turns of the industry.
“Also, what can you offer in exchange? There are plenty of people vying for this spot.”
Fan Qing leaned close to the assistant director and whispered a few words.
The assistant director’s eyes visibly gleamed with greed. After a while, he grit his teeth.
“Deal. But just one chance—whether he actually gets the spot, I don’t guarantee.”
Fan Qing: “Don’t worry. As long as Jian Feiyang gets to meet the director, you’ll get what I promised.”
“Alright.”
After sending off the assistant director, Fan Qing’s face still showed no trace of satisfaction.
There was one thing that lingered in his mind.
“Rare to see you care about the variety show side, huh? And even recommend someone?”
Ma Gong leaned against the balcony door, dragging on a cigarette, surprised.
“Don’t give me that line. Let me be clear first: I’m just repaying a favor I owe someone. Just get him in front of the director; whether he succeeds is your business, not mine.”
He exhaled a smoke ring, narrowing his eyes.
“Really, I call the shots?”
“The pearls aren’t this real. I know how much you value your show. Use him if you can; if not, don’t worry about me. I just owe a favor—getting him in is enough.”
Ma Gong flicked the cigarette.
“Fine. In that case, I’ll give him a chance on your account. Have him come over; I’m warning you upfront—if he can’t cut it, he’s out immediately.”
“Done. I’ll treat you to a meal later.”
Just as Fan Qing finished his night run, he received the message.
Coincidentally, it was right after Jian Feiyang’s scenes wrapped, making timing perfect.
Thinking it over, he quickly opened his phone, launched Weibo, and navigated a forum he knew well.
Forum Post:
“Li Tao, after GJH left, who will take his place?”
“I’ll put it here first. Everyone knows GJH’s position—decorative face and body, half a comedian. Due to an accident, he’s temporarily out. Who in the industry could step up? Li Tao post, fans, please don’t enter.”
“1L: Are you serious? Posting this now just to stir trouble? First of all, GJH’s position as a decorative face, and a comedian? Really? That Botox face?”
“2L: First-floor, read carefully. The OP already said it’s Li Tao. Honestly, my friends and I combed through all eligible young actors recently, and there’s no perfect fit yet (if your circle hasn’t truly cooled, none are suitable).”
“3L: Not sure—GJH is temporarily out or permanently? He’s dumb, just has a face, but every time he messes up challenges, I can’t stop laughing.”
“44L: So, anyone to suggest? I’ll be blunt—since GJH is only temporarily out, replacing him completely isn’t feasible. At most, find someone suitable to temporarily fill in. To maintain ratings and reputation, the director won’t randomly pick a newbie. The only feasible choice: JY.”
“56L: ?? 44L serious? JY? Doing variety? He’d never dare. He just did promo for the Jian family. Do you know his current status? Can he even afford this show???”
“89L: Chill, OP said fans don’t enter. JY debuted only two years ago, hasn’t won awards, no top-tier brand deals. Promo for Jian family? That’s laughable.”
“101L: Quiet everyone, don’t argue—this is just a Li Tao post, fans please leave. But JY is indeed a possible candidate; I don’t know his exact worth, haven’t hired him before, but judging by schedule and positioning, he’s likely. There could be others more suitable, let’s continue analyzing.”
“115L: No need to analyze, it’s just a mediocre variety show. As if JY wants to join. Also, how exactly did GJH get injured? No statement yet. Such a risky show—whoever goes is an idiot!”
“Idiot?”
Fan Qing chuckled at that. Well, that’s really awkward for you all—your brother Jing Yuan actually needs this opportunity right now.
“Did the fans smear me? What’s going on?”
Jing Yuan’s face remained calm, but he knew his agent was still an important piece on the board. Taking a deep breath, he restored his usual gentle smile.
“It was a younger, die-hard fan,” the agent explained, glancing at the screen.
“Previously, I thought that if Nie Luo missed out, you could get the male lead in Mountains and Rivers, so I slightly cleared your schedule.”
Jing Yuan’s smile faltered slightly at that comment, but the agent continued, clearly irritated.
“You didn’t get that role, fine. But now, I thought—let’s teach this fan a lesson. I casually mentioned in the group that your schedule had been cleared for this role. This fan saw it and… well, she really wasn’t thinking. At such a good opportunity, she didn’t secure it for you and even pushed it elsewhere. Truly…”
He mouthed the two words.
“Idiot.”
Jing Yuan frowned a little but didn’t lose his composure.
“Is there a way to clear my name? Or maybe make it seem like she’s a Guan Junhao fan trying to stir trouble?”
The agent glanced at him.
Jing Yuan’s face stayed calm, betraying nothing of the cunning behind his words.
Yet it was precisely this calmness that made him worth cultivating.
The agent shook his head.
“Hard, time’s tight. Tomorrow is the director’s selection day.”
“Understood,” Jing Yuan replied lightly.
The agent looked at him.
“Don’t be discouraged. That fan wasn’t completely wrong—your promotion for the Jian family did elevate your status, so temporarily stepping in for a variety show might seem like a drop in status. But here’s the plan: Nie Luo wouldn’t accept a dating variety show anyway. I’ll negotiate with the show and find a chance for you to step in.”
A dating variety show?
Only a top-tier show could afford someone of Nie Luo’s level—likely If I Had Tomorrow with You.
Jing Yuan’s eyes brightened, but a shadow crossed them.
How come his agent didn’t inform him immediately of such an opportunity? Could it be he was still thinking of Nie Luo?
He maintained a calm, grateful smile.
“Thanks, bro! If I get on Tomorrow, I’ll do my best and won’t let your efforts go to waste!”
Indeed, Jing Yuan understood the situation well.
The agent felt a surge of satisfaction, nodding.
“Then you can watch the show and prepare yourself.”
“I understand, bro,” Jing Yuan replied.
Just as he was about to leave, he hesitated.
The agent noticed.
“What is it?”
Jing Yuan thought for a moment.
“About that fan…”
He didn’t finish, but the agent already understood.
He tapped the desk.
“Even though you probably won’t join the show, that fan’s behavior was dumb enough to tarnish your image. We’ll handle it—make her step in again, then publicly announce your appearance on Tomorrow, clearing your name and boosting goodwill.”
Jing Yuan nodded and let out a slight sigh.
“I didn’t want to retaliate, but Guan Junhao and I are contemporaries. His accident makes me sympathize, yet the fan didn’t understand and spoke recklessly. Consider it an apology to Guan Junhao.”
The agent’s eyes flickered at the mention of “contemporaries.” Indeed, it could also be spun as a promotional point.
Soon, a new voice appeared on the forum.
A post subtly suggested that the fan from the previous Li Tao thread looked like a die-hard anti-fan, hinting it was likely Guan Junhao’s fan trying to intervene.
Unaware readers bought into it, flooding the thread.
The fan, initially defending herself as Jing Yuan’s supporter, suddenly switched stance, admitting she was Guan Junhao’s fan, fiercely claiming only her idol deserved the spot, disapproving any replacement.
This caused Guan Junhao’s forum reputation to plummet, while Jing Yuan, inadvertently cleared, gained attention due to his rising profile.
Fan Qing, having obtained the information he wanted, left the forum.
He continued his daily training routine with Jian Feiyang.
The day to meet Director Ma approached, and Jian Feiyang’s scenes finally wrapped.
Under Fan Qing’s guidance, he looked slimmer, his physique tighter and more toned.
The director felt a quiet sense of satisfaction as he handed over the wrap-up bonus.
“You’ve got a ways to go in terms of acting, but you’re genuine. For those final scenes, I didn’t make you do much on your own, but you were sensible and reduced the work yourself—that actually fit the character. Not bad at all.”
It was the first time Jian Feiyang had ever heard “not bad” from this director.
He wanted to argue a little.
“Actually, it’s—”
“Actually, our Jian Feiyang really enjoys acting. What he did was what any actor should do. Director, if you praise him like this, he might start showing off in front of me, his assistant.”
Fan Qing lightly placed a hand on Jian Feiyang’s shoulder, and Jian Feiyang immediately clammed up as if someone had cut off his microphone.
The director nodded approvingly.
“True enough. An actor should behave that way.”
He glanced at Jian Feiyang, and a thought about an old friend’s potential role lingered on his tongue—but he swallowed it back.
The kid was genuine, but talent just wasn’t his strong suit. Best not to drag his friend’s project into this.
Their cheerful interaction, however, had the effect of silencing the gossipers on set. Those who had been whispering exchanged bewildered looks and quietly went back to their own tasks.
Fan Qing noticed this from the corner of his eye. He never did unnecessary things; some people didn’t need his personal intervention. Just like how he himself had been handled before.
But then, thinking of Nie Luo’s face, his breathing quickened slightly. He had to go faster. Only by accelerating could he hope to see Nie Luo again.
Next time, it wouldn’t be so easy for him to be “handled.”