Chapter 112: The Fourth Salvo of Fanning the Flames—Hair Follicle Care: Wash, Cut, and Blow-Dry! (Extended Chapter)
At the filming site, applause rang out continuously. Chen Anzhi and Yuan Zheng exchanged a meaningful glance.
“Master Yuan, what do you think?” Chen Anzhi asked.
Yuan Zheng was somewhat moved internally but kept his expression restrained. He nodded and said, “The impressive part is that he executed the choreography I designed with remarkable precision—not a single move distorted. In our martial arts circle, not everyone can pull that off perfectly on the first try.”
Chen Anzhi responded, “He not only performs difficult moves but also balances his acting and consciously works with the camera. Such a performance that caters to all sides and remains flawless is truly exceptional.”
Yuan Zheng said, “Anzhi, Su Mu’s image is impeccable, and his qualities across the board are outstanding. Perhaps he really can reach that level someday…”
Chen Anzhi waved his hand dismissively. “It’s still early to say he’s there yet. If he keeps up this persistence, maybe he can. But back then, there were also actors as excellent as him who tried going abroad. Once out there, it’s a whole different world. The obstacles are many, and the challenges far greater than we imagine. The foreign environment is complicated. To climb over others and become an internationally recognized superstar… it’s like scaling the heavens.”
Yuan Zheng nodded without disagreeing. “You’re right, but we can’t give up. Our Chinese film industry desperately needs a representative actor now, especially a young one.”
Chen Anzhi nodded silently. The previous generation did have stars who went overseas—an era to be proud of. But times change, and someone has to take the baton. The current industry’s development is complicated to say the least. Yet, seeing Su Mu, there’s a glimmer of hope. Mainly because he’s young, hardworking, and talented, with plenty of time ahead to keep climbing.
Chen Anzhi said, “We won’t rush him. Let’s just see if he can carve his own path in the future.”
…
With Su Mu’s flawless performance in the first scene, the entire crew’s filming momentum surged forward. Unlike dramas that dissect everyday life in detail, a film compresses the whole life of a figure like Xin Qiji into about one and a half hours. Naturally, the pacing and story progression are much faster than a TV series.
Days flew by swiftly. Su Mu remained fully immersed in Xin Qiji’s character, completing nearly every scene with vibrant energy. Yet, he never stopped practicing daily to refine his skills. Whenever free, he diligently polished his swordsmanship and martial arts moves, aiming to reach proficiency level four in both by the end of filming.
His relentless dedication astonished the whole crew. There was no escaping the pressure brought by a workaholic prodigy.
…
Meanwhile, Sun Liaojun and two others filmed a lot of footage of Su Mu during these days. They understood well that behind-the-scenes clips wouldn’t be released, as they involved plot secrecy. Any spoilers would spark outrage from fans, even if Chen Anzhi’s legal team didn’t intervene.
Sun Liaojun was a professional—thirty years of digging up dirt taught him exactly what to say and what to keep silent.
Inside the car, a strong aroma of mixed noodles filled the air. Sun Liaojun finally enjoyed a meal topped with scallions, while Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang sifted through materials, preparing their fourth explosive report.
In recent months, an online trend had emerged: fans eagerly awaited every piece of dirt from the “Black Dirt Guy.” Su Mu’s fans flocked to his account, not to stir trouble, but because Su Mu had just started his own studio and hadn’t hired PR staff yet. So, routine releases like stills, street shots, and daily updates fell to a single person nicknamed Little Orange, who often couldn’t keep up. Su Mu’s social media activity had been sparse, leaving fans only Black Dirt Guy’s account to get news.
Suddenly, Black Dirt Guy’s page became the fanbase’s stronghold, and the comment section exploded:
“Black Dirt Guy! We’re Su Mu’s fan support club, here waiting for the latest updates on our brother! We have an army of millions—don’t be ungrateful! Hurry up and shoot! Shoot well! Shoot seriously! Make him look handsome!
If you want traffic, we’ll give it to you. If you want attention, we millions of Su Mu fans will give it to you! But if you leak bad stuff about our brother, expect to be torn apart!
Black Dirt Guy! Only one video of our brother on horseback? Can’t you post more? Hurry up and post some extras, or we’ll storm your Weibo account!
Wow, 666! Black Dirt Guy is surrounded by Su Mu fans!
Hang in there! And update faster!”
After reading the comments, Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang looked worried.
Xiao Li said, “Boss, Su Mu’s fans are really fierce.”
Xiao Zhang added, “Yeah, they bring a lot of attention, but if we mess up, we’ll get attacked.”
Sun Liaojun finished his meal, wiped his mouth, and remained cool and composed like a seasoned general. Lighting a cigarette, he inhaled deeply and said with satisfaction, “A double-edged sword—sharp as he is dangerous. But remember, high risk means high reward.
Su Mu’s fans are fierce, but that’s a good thing. If we dig up good material on Su Mu, they’ll back us up.
Now it’s all about fan economy; Su Mu’s fans are valuable, so we have to maintain good relations.
From now on, there’s one core and one strategy.”
Xiao Li asked, “What core?”
Xiao Zhang asked, “What strategy?”
Sun Liaojun smiled: “Flatter him!”
“???!!!”
Sun Liaojun explained, “Once we fully understand Su Mu and play along, who’s afraid we won’t have a foothold in entertainment gossip? By the way, you guys watched Su Mu’s recent scenes, right? How’s his acting?”
Xiao Li said excitedly, “Amazing! Really impressive!”
Xiao Zhang nodded: “Right, his fight scenes are spectacular, especially the horseback battle!”
Sun Liaojun said, “Exactly. Su Mu will keep getting hotter, maybe for a long time. So we just need to hold onto him and make some money, no problem, right?”
Xiao Li: “Makes sense!”
Xiao Zhang: “No problem!”
…
The next day, Black Dirt Guy’s fourth exposé was released rapidly.
“Black Dirt Guy V: Tracking Su Mu, Part Four! Heard he can dance, but turns out he’s even better at martial arts!”
The headline immediately drew a crowd. Just two days ago, Youku announced a teaser for “That’s Street Dance,” featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Su Mu dancing. Fans reignited their excitement upon seeing Su Mu’s street dance skills, and Black Dirt Guy’s new scoop added fuel to the fire.
Not only can he dance, but he knows martial arts? The topic shot straight to the top of the trending list:
Trending 1: Su Mu can dance?
Trending 2: Su Mu can fight!
Trending 3: Black Dirt Guy’s scoops are legit
Trending 4: Can’t wait for Xin Qiji!
Trending…
The buzz blew up overnight. No one imagined Su Mu was skilled in both street dance and martial arts. In the past, some might have suspected hype, since if he truly had such talents, he wouldn’t have needed the Elephant Company to spend money buying awards for years. But now there was video proof. The street dance show hadn’t even aired its first episode yet, and Black Dirt Guy was already hyping the martial arts angle.
…
At Youku’s video headquarters, Zhao Zhouming excitedly called over director Xu Yang, pointing at the video on his phone.
“Have you seen this?”
Xu Yang, obviously astonished, said, “Of course! So popular, how could I not? What is this?”
Zhao Zhouming smiled, “Check your phone’s trending list! Someone’s helping us boost the show!”
Xu Yang pretended to be nervous and glanced at his phone, then exclaimed, “My goodness! Su Mu can do martial arts? This fits perfectly with our dance show for a dream crossover!”
Zhao Zhouming clapped his hands and grinned proudly.
“See? That’s exactly what I thought when I saw Su Mu trending. Now with Black Dirt Guy’s martial arts scoop heating up, our dance show must capitalize on this hype.
Tell Youku’s operations team to seize this chance and promote Su Mu relentlessly! Make it positive. By the way, spend some money to keep Su Mu at the top of the trends for a few extra days!
Let the ‘martial’ in his martial arts echo the ‘dance’ in our street dance show. The ratings will explode!”
Xu Yang nodded, “Got it, Mr. Zhao. I’ll get on it right away.”
After Xu Yang left, Zhao Zhouming sat back in his boss chair, beaming. Even without Su Mu starring in films or TV dramas, they’d scored big in variety shows this year. The more he thought about it, the happier he felt. He slyly took out his phone and called Yu Hong.
“Hey, Old Yu.”
Yu Hong responded, “Mr. Zhao, what’s up?”
Zhao Zhouming said, “Nothing much. The film and TV side’s been a bit dry lately, so I was thinking of refreshing things on the variety show front, haha!”
Yu Hong was silent.
Zhao Zhouming continued, “By the way, I heard you’re also producing ‘You’re Dancing on the Street,’ right? Do it well. Street dance still has a strong market. Look at us — this time it’s going well.”
Yu Hong retorted, “Zhao Zhouming, enough. I know your game. Just because Su Mu brought you some heat? Did I make less money in TV last year? Or did you forget?”
Zhao Zhouming was speechless.
Yu Hong said, “No response? Fine, I’m hanging up.”
Zhao Zhouming muttered, “Stubborn.”
…
At Olae Film and Television Investment Building, inside an office, Wang Taiming was staring at his phone, his mood crumbling.
Wasn’t it agreed the hype from Black Dirt Guy’s scoop would cool down soon? Then Olae could promote its upcoming international film without distraction.
Why was it still going on?
Soon, the office door opened and several members of the operations team entered.
Wang Taiming looked at them. “What’s the situation?”
“Mr. Wang, not only Black Dirt Guy is involved, but Youku is pushing it too.”
“Youku is promoting him as well?”
“Yes. Youku has a street dance variety show where Su Mu is a guest mentor. Combined with Black Dirt Guy’s martial arts video, which ties in with the dance theme, Youku has ramped up promotion.”
Wang Taiming was stunned. He just wanted to promote his own film. At first, he thought Black Dirt Guy’s buzz would die down quickly. Now Su Mu’s heat was only growing. If they launched their promotion now, it might vanish without a trace. Because everyone’s attention was on the horseback scenes, not the war epic or foreign blockbuster.
Wang Taiming asked, “How long will this last?”
“At least two more months.”
Wang Taiming cursed under his breath, “Damn it… Fine, we’ll wait.”
…
At Tianxing Media, Zhang Hua’an came out of the boss’s office after a meeting, looking somewhat troubled.
In fact, the NNQT boy band’s management had declined over the past year. He was still confident they could rebound, but next year might bring major company changes. The entertainment industry was deep and complicated, far from easy.
In the car, Zhang Hua’an explained, “In short, that’s the situation. We have to work harder this year and fight for more resources and opportunities.”
Zhao Feng said, “Mr. Zhang, you’re right. We have to try harder! Learn from Brother Su Mu!”
Zhang Hua’an’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait a minute, learn what from him?”
Zhao Feng said, “Didn’t you see the trending lists? Brother Su Mu’s dominating the charts lately—from horseback sword training to martial arts and street dance. He’s amazing.”
Sun Han said, “Mr. Zhang, we get it. Don’t worry, we’ll work hard. We’ll each learn a niche skill. I’ll learn… makeup!”
Li Hang said, “I’ll learn hairdressing!”
Zhou Yang said, “I’ll learn hair quality and follicle care!”
Zhang Hua’an was speechless. Damn it! If only these four could pick a serious talent, maybe he wouldn’t need medication to survive. But now, he truly needed pills to endure their foolishness. It felt like he owed their entire ancestors a fortune in gold, and this life was repayment.
He poured eight heart pills into his mouth. “Listen carefully, none of you say another word about skincare!”
Zhao Feng asked, “What about collagen supplements?”
Zhang Hua’an froze.
…
At the filming location, Su Mu was unaware of the commotion outside. He was feeding Little Lightning with some fodder. The next scene was a major horseback stunt involving jumping through a ring of fire.
PS: Twelve thousand words done, continuing tomorrow!
Promote: Author Xiao Feigun’s “LOL: The Streamer’s Decline is Just a Retirement” is a new book focused on LOL, about to launch. Fans of LOL should check it out!
(End of chapter)