Chapter 51: One Must Be Kind, But Also Have an Edge

[Weibo Trending Topics]
Hot #1: Su Mu’s role stolen?
Hot #2: Next year’s period dramas to see fierce competition!
Hot #3: What’s going on between Li Xinjie and Su Mu?
Hot #4: JDG, BLG take first and second place
Hot #5: Oil Depot Kiwi, new period drama!
Hot… NNQT boy band joins the cast of "The New Four Talents."
Hot… Super Topics…

After finishing his call with Qian Jida, Su Mu immediately opened Weibo and scanned the trending list.

He could already tell from Qian Jida’s tone on the phone that he was a bit exasperated. Only after seeing the trending topics did Su Mu understand: his name was once again flooding the screen. But this time, it had nothing to do with "Rising Tide"—it was pure gossip.

A tabloid reporter had broken the news that the role Su Mu was originally supposed to play in a new drama had been snatched away by Li Xinjie.

If this had happened a couple of years ago, even if there were 24 hours of rumors about a spat between Su Mu and Li Xinjie, it wouldn’t have attracted much attention. But now, Su Mu had gained significant popularity, and as an up-and-comer, Li Xinjie had also built a fanbase. With an incident like this, the fans online had exploded in the comment section.

[Comment Section:
Su fans:
Seriously, what’s up with this Li Xinjie?
Why does he think he can just take our Qiang-ge’s role?
Xie fans:
Can you keep it civil, please?
Are all Su Mu’s fans this toxic?
Is it our Xinjie’s fault if the role went to him?
Su fans:
Give me a break, didn’t you see the leaks? Your Li Xinjie used underhanded means to get the role. Otherwise, with Su Mu’s acting skills, why would the producers pick your Xinjie over him?
Xie fans:
Sure, sure, whatever you say.
Hmph, our Xinjie works hard; he’s the best fit for this show!
Su fans:
Don’t make me laugh—can he out-act Su Mu?
Can your Li Xinjie pull off a role like Gao Qiqiang?
Tell me, can he?
Xie fans:
If he didn’t get the part, just say so. Why be so salty?
Su fans: Us, salty? Haha, what a joke.
Xie fans: Then what’s your problem? It’s just a role!
Su fans: Only those without shame know!]

Online, the two fandoms were in all-out war. Su Mu’s fans, however, were greater in number, and the popularity of "Rising Tide" had only brought in more supporters.

So for now, his side held the advantage in the comments. Of course, Su Mu himself wasn’t particularly concerned with who won or lost these fan battles. What bothered him was how suspicious this trending topic felt.

The show his company was producing hadn’t even started its official publicity when he was replaced. There was no way the public could have known Li Xinjie had taken the role from him. That it suddenly blew up online out of nowhere today could only mean one thing: someone on the inside had leaked it deliberately, all to generate buzz for the new drama.

It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Su Mu only needed a moment’s thought to guess the general idea. It had to be Li Hui’s team stirring up the topic, paying for a few hot searches. On the surface, it looked like gossip about Su Mu and Li Xinjie, but in reality, it was a clever move to let everyone know Li Xinjie would star in a new drama next year—achieving the desired publicity.

…

Not long after, Qian Jida arrived in a flurry, grumbling as soon as he entered. Su Mu listened to him ramble while scrolling through Li Xinjie’s Weibo.

[Li Xinjie V: @Su Mu V, Sorry for the trouble about the role, Su Mu-ge. Decisions like this are made by the company; as actors, we have no say in the matter. I hope everyone remains rational.]

In truth, this incident was little more than a bit of online commotion—nothing that could truly harm Su Mu. But Li Hui and Li Xinjie’s move, dragging him into the mud with their two-faced tactics, was something Su Mu could not tolerate. And it wasn’t even the first time they’d pulled a stunt like this. He’d always turned a blind eye before, thinking it was hard enough for newcomers to make their way. But now, their green-tea antics were getting out of hand.

People ought to be kind, but they must also have an edge. If one warning isn’t enough to teach them a lesson, then Su Mu wasn’t about to play nice anymore.

Besides, he was about to join a film crew and would spend the next year or so completely cut off in Hengdian. Why not make one last big splash before going? Giving his fans a little something to look forward to couldn’t hurt.

Su Mu began composing a Weibo post and sent it out:

[Su Mu V: @Li Xinjie, No worries, little brother. If you want the attention, I’ll give it to you. The role means nothing to me. But since both your fans and you yourself claim you’re up to it, fine—let’s meet at the ‘Summit of Huaxia Awards’ next year. Let our work do the talking!]

There are many film and television awards in Huaxia, but when it comes to prestige and attention—especially for TV dramas—none surpass the Summit of Huaxia Awards. It’s akin to the Golden Eagle, Magnolia, Huabiao, Feitian, and Golden Horse Awards in Su Mu’s previous life.

For those in the industry, the Summit of Huaxia Awards was the ultimate battleground.

Once Su Mu posted this, the comments section erupted.

[Comments:

Whoa! Su Mu is hardcore! 666!
Let the work speak! That’s the spirit, Qiang-ge!
Not going to lie, I’m impressed! Su Mu is awesome!
This is how it should be! Say what you mean, no more passive-aggressive apologies—what’s the point?
Isn’t he supposed to be great? Let’s see who’s truly got what it takes at next year’s Summit! Hahaha!
I can’t help it, I’m becoming a Su Mu fan after this!
I love how direct and genuine he is!
Su Mu 666! The other side is bound to chicken out!]

Su Mu’s bold response immediately shifted the momentum, with public opinion swinging decisively to his side. The topic was sure to stay at the top of the trending list. Most people hadn’t expected Su Mu to be so direct—and without realizing it, everyone began to look forward to next year’s showdown.

Qian Jida gave him a thumbs-up from the side.
“Su Mu, well done! I’m not going to stop you this time. They deserve to be put in their place!”

…

Meanwhile, at the film and television base, Li Hui and Li Xinjie had already entered the set, preparing to officially start filming.

“Xinjie, just focus on your performance this time. The show doesn’t need to be a blockbuster—just build a solid reputation, and you’ll rise to the next level next year. You don’t have to worry about buzz, I’ve taken care of it. This move, leaking your situation with Su Mu, is top-tier publicity. Just wait and see—when your drama airs at the start of the year, it’ll be on fire,” Li Hui said smugly, certain that his plan was nothing short of brilliant. Not only could he aggravate Qian Jida and Su Mu, but he could also drum up publicity for Li Xinjie’s new drama.

But before he could bask in his own cleverness for long, Li Xinjie’s expression suddenly changed. His hand trembled as he held his phone. “Su Mu, he…”

“What’s wrong?” Li Hui took the phone, puzzled, and glanced at the screen.

The next second, his face twisted in dismay, worse than if he’d been crying. He looked up at Li Xinjie, who stared right back, both understanding each other without a word.

The Summit of Huaxia Awards?

What a joke—what does that have to do with us? Forget winning; just getting a nomination would be a miracle. Compete with us on that stage? It’s like throwing a stone at an egg, Su Mu—what kind of hero do you think you are?

Li Xinjie muttered, “Maybe…I should apologize again, ask him to take it back. We really can’t handle this one.”

Li Hui snapped, “Why be scared? Go for it! I just don’t believe the Summit of Huaxia Awards is so easy to win. Sure, we can’t get it, but Su Mu shouldn’t get his hopes up either.”

Li Xinjie: “…”

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