Chapter 28

After sending Fu Baiqing home and watching him get out of the car, Fang Yuhua suddenly spoke up, “Actually, you were trending tonight. It wasn’t bought, but it was deliberately suppressed.”

Yan Shiqiu had been resting with his eyes closed, but opened them upon hearing this. “Who? Ye Peiyuan?”

“One of them should be him, and there’s also Su Yu.” Fang Yuhua asked. “Do you have a conflict with Su Yu?”

Yan Shiqiu was puzzled for a moment, then suddenly remembered that night’s dinner gathering and understood. “He likes Ji Yunnian.”

He explained the situation concisely.

Having been an agent for seven or eight years, Fang Yuhua had seen all kinds of people. He’d encountered more than one person like Su Yu. It was nothing more than jealousy and envy.

“I understand.” He nodded.

Hugging his laptop and continuing to work, he suddenly made a sound of surprise and said to Yan Shiqiu, “Your previously suppressed trending topic is back up.”

Yan Shiqiu: “?”

He leaned over to look at the computer screen and found it was true.

Yan Shiqiu Head Tilt Kill # .

The topic ranked ninth, just above Su Yu’s.

“Seems like someone spent money for you.” Fang Yuhua said with certainty.

Yan Shiqiu sat back properly. “Wasn’t it you?”

Fang Yuhua kept his eyes on the screen, his fingers flying across the keyboard. “When I discovered someone was deliberately suppressing your trending topics, I did spend money, but every time there was a little splash, it got pushed down. Su Yu was willing to spend big, and that other party was also wealthy, so they directly bought trending spots for all topics except yours. I couldn’t compete with them.”

Yan Shiqiu: “…”

Why bother? It was just a trending topic. It wouldn’t make him skyrocket to fame anyway.

“You’re not blaming me?” After finishing his reply, Fang Yuhua turned to look at him.

“?” Yan Shiqiu was confused for a second, then understood. “What’s there to blame? The budget is limited. In a real money fight, how can working people compete with big bosses? Besides, the opponent is Ye Peiyuan, and he really doesn’t lack money.”

Fang Yuhua said, “Thanks for understanding.”

Yan Shiqiu smiled slightly.

“By the way, can you find out who bought the trending topic for me?” He asked.

“No, but it definitely wasn’t ordinary fans.” Fang Yuhua did some quick mental calculations, considered carefully, then explained in detail: “60,000. That’s the price for trending spots 8-10 tonight. But because Su Yu and Ye Peiyuan were deliberately suppressing you, spending once wouldn’t get you up there. I spent 300,000 and failed to get you trending. Not only did they succeed, they kept you firmly above Su Yu’s topic. When Su Yu moved up one spot, you moved up one spot too. So conservatively estimated, it was around 1 million, probably more.”

Yan Shiqiu couldn’t help but sigh, “They really make money.”

“They do make money, but we still have to let them earn it.” Fang Yuhua looked at him. “So, do you have anyone in mind? There shouldn’t be many people who could spend a million on you in one go, right?”

Yan Shiqiu didn’t answer.

Indeed, there weren’t many who were both this wealthy and this generous with money.

Wen Chen was one.

Ji Yunnian was one.

Wen Chen rarely dealt with the entertainment industry, and his work was very busy, so working late and overtime was common. He probably wouldn’t have time to notice that his trending topics were being deliberately suppressed.

That left only Ji Yunnian.

But why would Ji Yunnian spend a million to get him trending for no reason? As a good deed for the day?

“If you don’t want to say, I won’t force you.” Fang Yuhua changed the subject, his expression becoming serious. “If you’re in a relationship, you need to tell me.”

Yan Shiqiu kept a straight face. “…No, you’re overthinking it.”

Fang Yuhua stared at him for a while, then returned his gaze to the computer. “Just reminding you. Remember that.”

Yan Shiqiu hummed in acknowledgment.

—

After the press conference, the entire cast flew to the film studio the next day.

On the third day, “Rivers and Mountains in Turmoil” officially began filming.

On the first day of shooting, Chen Hangsheng didn’t make things too difficult for everyone. The scenes being filmed weren’t hard. In fact, they were quite easy for most people.

The only thing to overcome was the hot weather.

Especially for Group A’s outdoor scenes. The film studio had been experiencing continuous high temperatures these past few days, with highs reaching forty degrees Celsius. The period costumes were thick and heavy, so just standing still could make one break out in a sweat.

Yan Shiqiu wasn’t assigned to Group A. He and Ji Yunnian were filming all indoor scenes today, with two scenes together in the afternoon.

The scene they were about to film was a solo scene for Ji Yunnian.

In the story, An Mo finally found important evidence of the corruption case, but discovered the case involved too many people. His subordinate advised him not to investigate further, that what they had was enough to report. If he continued investigating, his life might be in danger.

An Mo dismissed his subordinate, locked himself in his study, and fell into deep thought. Finally, he resolved to risk his life to uncover the truth.

This scene had no dialogue throughout. Ji Yunnian could only use body language, expressions, and eye contact to convey emotions, a real test of acting skills.

Yan Shiqiu sat nearby, leisurely swinging his feet, holding a small fan to cool his face, his gaze fixed on Ji Yunnian.

He had already watched all the TV dramas and movies Ji Yunnian had appeared in over the years. Ji Yunnian’s acting was indeed excellent. Often a single look could draw people into the dramatic atmosphere, making emotions flow completely with his performance.

This made him very much look forward to seeing it live.

Two minutes later, they were ready for official filming.

With the slate clap and Chen Hangsheng’s “Action”, Ji Yunnian quickly entered character.

In front of the camera, he had become An Mo.

Watching intently, Yan Shiqiu gradually sat up straight, no longer using his small fan. He stared fixedly at Ji Yunnian, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

The set was chaotic, with power outlets and cables on the floor and cameras and crew members nearby who could all affect the viewing experience and be distracting. However, Ji Yunnian’s acting was enough to make the audience ignore all external distractions and focus solely on him.

Yan Shiqiu couldn’t contain himself any longer. He stood up and quickly walked over to Chen Hangsheng’s side, watching Ji Yunnian through the monitor.

The current shot was a close-up of his hands, slowly caressing the official seal on the desk. From gentle to forceful, his knuckles turning white.

Then the camera gradually pulled back, revealing Ji Yunnian’s face and full body.

When portraying emotions, Ji Yunnian’s performance didn’t rely on simple, templated expressions like “frowning” or “pursing lips.”

In the frame, the corners of his mouth were slightly downturned, his brow furrowed, standing motionless in front of the desk, looking up with deep contemplation at the four characters “Question Your Conscience” hanging on the wall.

He gazed for a long time, then suddenly strode to sit behind the desk, taking a stack of case files from beside him and opening them one by one.

The opened files scattered across the floor, and his expression shifted from confusion, hesitation, and uncertainty to determination, resolve, and recklessness.

…

The entire scene used a single continuous long take with deep focus, lasting a full eight minutes. During filming, everyone unconsciously held their breath.

It wasn’t until Chen Hangsheng called “Cut” and filming ended that everyone snapped back to reality.

All were shocked by this exceptional performance.

“How was it?” Chen Hangsheng suddenly asked Yan Shiqiu.

Yan Shiqiu slowly exhaled. “Very impressive.”

Chen Hangsheng turned around. “You have a scene with him this afternoon. Are you confident? Will you be nervous?”

Yan Shiqiu smiled. Sunlight reflected in his eyes, making them remarkably bright, filled with anticipation, joy, and excitement, but no worry or nervousness.

He licked his lips, lifted his chin slightly, his smile full of confidence. “I can’t wait.”

He could feel his blood boiling and burning throughout his body.

That was the exhilaration and excitement of meeting a worthy opponent.

—

This scene didn’t need a retake. One take was perfect.

After Chen Hangsheng announced this, Ji Yunnian hummed in acknowledgment and walked to a nearby rest chair.

His assistant immediately handed him a towel and water, then held a small fan to cool him down. His agent also held a fan, helping to fan him.

After drinking water and wiping sweat, Ji Yunnian took the small fan from his assistant and walked toward Chen Hangsheng.

He stopped behind Chen Hangsheng. “Can I see that last segment?”

Chen Hangsheng made room for him and was about to stand up to let him sit. Ji Yunnian waved his hand. “No need, I’ll stand.”

Yan Shiqiu also came over again, planning to watch it once more.

Catching sight of him in his peripheral vision, Ji Yunnian turned his head. Yan Shiqiu happened to look at him too, and their eyes met.

The next second, Yan Shiqiu smiled.

His eyes curved into crescents, and combined with his ethereal makeup, he looked both sweet and beautiful.

Ji Yunnian unconsciously curled his fingertips.

“Let’s watch together.” Yan Shiqiu said.

Ji Yunnian looked away. “Mm.”

After watching, finding no problems, Ji Yunnian told Chen Hangsheng and turned to leave.

Yan Shiqiu followed him.

“Need something?” Ji Yunnian stopped and turned to ask him.

“Should we rehearse our scene?” Yan Shiqiu said.

Their first scene together was in the afternoon, still over two hours away, but he couldn’t wait!

Ji Yunnian glanced at him and didn’t refuse.

“You go ahead first, I’ll get a stool.” Yan Shiqiu ran off happily.

Getting a small stool, he sat down next to Ji Yunnian’s rest chair. The stool was too small, making him scrunch up pitifully. From behind, it looked like he was being scolded by Ji Yunnian.

Chen Hangsheng even made a special detour, thinking something had happened between them.

Ji Yunnian: “…”

“Go change to a chair.” He kicked Yan Shiqiu’s small stool with a stern face.

Yan Shiqiu touched his nose and obediently went to get a bench.

“Which scene are we rehearsing?” Ji Yunnian took a sip of his iced coffee and picked up the script beside him.

Yan Shiqiu blinked and smiled brightly. “Can we rehearse them all?”

Ji Yunnian said, “I only have half an hour. Each scene only once.”

Yan Shiqiu looked radiant. “That’s enough.”

Ji Yunnian raised an eyebrow. “So confident?”

“Want to try?” Yan Shiqiu straightened his back and looked directly at him.

Ji Yunnian nodded. “Let’s start with the argument scene.”

Dialogue was also a way to showcase acting skills. Good dialogue delivery could give audiences a strong sense of immersion. Sometimes it could even save a performance dragged down by poor expressions and body language.

At first, Ji Yunnian had the intention of guiding Yan Shiqiu. However, as soon as Yan Shiqiu opened his mouth, instantly, only the words “compete with Yan Shiqiu” remained in his mind.

He rarely felt such a competitive urge.

The two went back and forth, using dialogue to compete in acting. Their agents and assistants nearby were stunned, standing there dumbfounded.

Their rehearsal also attracted Chen Hangsheng.

He watched for a while with his chin propped up, then quickly called the cameraman over to film this moment, because it was exceptionally brilliant.

When the last word fell, Yan Shiqiu stopped speaking. His chest rose and fell, his breathing slightly labored, as if he had just finished filming an actual argument scene.

“Clap, clap, clap—”

Applause rang out as Chen Hangsheng praised, “That state was excellent.”

Hearing this, Yan Shiqiu turned around to find quite a crowd had gathered. Everyone looking at him showed amazement and disbelief in their eyes.

His lips curved slowly into a smile.

Then he turned his gaze back to Ji Yunnian.

“How was it?”

Ji Yunnian could still feel his heart beating rapidly. He had been completely immersed just now. It felt wonderful.

“I really enjoyed it.” He told Yan Shiqiu.