If Yu Zhou’s previous Weibo post was simply speaking up for Lu Ning, hitting back at the marketing account without naming names, his next post praising the bubble tea Zheng Qingze sent was clearly a jab at him.

【Ahhhh, Yu Zhou posted two Weibo updates in a row—what a rare sight!】

【Hahaha, Yu Zhou is being willful; he’s not lying to me!】

【What kind of chosen one is Lu Ning to make Yu Zhou speak up for him! This month, the only two Weibo posts from Yu Zhou are about him—I’m so jealous I could scream!!!】

【Lu Ning’s fan name is Lemon, and it’s literally making people turn into lemon spirits in real life!】

【Yu Zhou’s tone is surprisingly cute! 2333】

An entertainment industry god and a low-profile little star—Yu Zhou suddenly speaking up for Lu Ning was truly shocking to bystanders. However, to address the matter at hand, the direction of these smear campaigns was clearly manipulating the narrative to cyberbully Lu Ning. Fans of artists who had been stepping on Zheng Qingze were finally brave enough to voice their opinions.

【What a relief! This guy getting second place has pulled down so many people in both obvious and subtle ways; only Yu Zhou dares to speak up.】

【Lu Ning was clearly talking about the college entrance exam; what’s with this manipulation of concepts to purposely drag him down? Stop affecting the high school seniors!】

【Yu Zhou was the top in both the arts entrance exam and cultural subjects back in the day, but he didn’t go around flooding the media with press releases.】

【Even if he passes the arts exam, he hasn’t even been accepted anywhere yet. Is it really necessary to send bubble tea to the neighboring production team to brag about it? That’s a bit over the top, don’t you think?】

Once Yu Zhou spoke out, it was a significant blow to Zheng Qingze’s team. What was supposed to be a joyous celebration among fans turned into an excessive marketing disaster in front of the industry peers.

Fans were typically bullies to the weak and fearful of the strong, and they didn’t dare confront the willful Yu Zhou, whose fanbase was far larger. They could only turn their anger elsewhere.

The female lead of Night Talk, named Xue Ling, is a 24-year-old actress. At this moment, she and Yu Zhou both posted on Weibo, prompting Zheng Qingze’s fans to come looking for trouble with her.

【Drinking someone else’s bubble tea and then throwing shade? No conscience at all.】

【I knew she was no good ever since she spoke up for that scummy Tang Shiqi.】

【Standing up for Tang Shiqi, and now she’s supporting the failing student Lu Ning?】

【Zheng Qingze is second, while Lu Ning is dead last; if you can’t accept it, tough luck. Shade doesn’t help.】

【The evidence of Tang Shiqi clinging to Qingze for publicity last year is solid. Xue Ling, do you really dare to wash that up?】

【Tang Shiqi is now playing the second female lead in Night Talk. This post could very well be instigated by her.】

【With these two old women acting, Night Talk is definitely going to flop.】

【Qingze’s Love at First Sight has already gained traction before airing; what kind of unknown small production is Night Talk? I’ve never heard of it.】

【The male and female leads posting on Weibo at the same time—does the Night Talk crew want to cling to Qingze for publicity?】

There were also those trying to stir the pot against the Night Talk crew.

For example, the crew of Unmatched (which had previously slipped money to Yu Zhou’s manager, Wang Ran) had someone claiming to be an insider come out and post: 【I heard that the crew initially sent a casting invitation to Mr. Yu, but he turned it down. I thought he had better options, but it turned out to be for this show. Kind of regrettable…】

【Yu Zhou’s studio is really something else; I don’t know why they keep choosing such bizarre projects. Luckily, Yu Zhou is talented enough; otherwise, he would have been forgotten long ago.】

【To be honest, I think Yu Zhou made a poor choice this time; why lower himself to act in such a low-quality drama?】

【If it weren’t for this incident, the buzz around Night Talk wouldn’t even compare to that idol drama Love at First Sight! Just think about that.】

【Yu Zhou brings in traffic that can overshadow any production, okay? It’s just that the female lead and second female lead are dragging him down.】

When Yu Zhou chose this project, some fans were already dissatisfied during the official announcement. However, given Yu Zhou’s track record of never flopping, no one really voiced their concerns. Now that this wave of negativity has emerged, it has reignited the fans’ discontent.

Although the fan club and major supporters quickly tried to regain control of the situation, the Night Talk crew did appear rather plain, leading some to harbor doubts in their hearts.

After finishing a day of filming, Xue Ling opened Weibo to check the feedback. “Tsk, this is really disgusting,” she muttered. Not only did they ridicule her, Tang Shiqi, and Lu Ning, but they also mocked the Night Talk crew, all while being too cowardly to say anything directly to Yu Zhou.

Xue Ling positioned herself as an actress, not an idol. Despite having acted in many dramas, she only had a few million followers on Weibo. Even if some of Yu Zhou’s fans came over to support her, it was nothing compared to the vast number of fans of more popular stars.

She felt a surge of anger but felt powerless to change the situation. All she could do was call out to Yu Zhou, smilingly joking, “Mr. Yu, do you really think that little friend Lu Ning can get into Qingbei? I’m waiting for him to slap me in the face with his success!” At this point, she could only wait for the truth to reveal itself.

Yu Zhou tilted his chin up proudly and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to supervise him well.”

Yu Zhou felt like a proud father boasting about how incredible his child was. With friends and family concerned about his son’s academic performance, he knew he had to go home and ensure his son focused on studying.

Xue Ling raised an eyebrow. “Huh? Does that mean Lu Ning is like a junior in your family? Why do you need to supervise him?”

“Ahem, it seems I might have inadvertently dragged the crew into this. Mr. Yu, we’re counting on you to boost the ratings this time.”

Yu Zhou shook his head. “This has nothing to do with you.” Over the years, his headstrong behavior had attracted quite a few haters and rival fans, and if anyone was suffering from collateral damage, it was Xue Ling.

“But I’ve already discussed the script with Director Xu; the ratings still depend on the two of you,” she insisted.

Xue Ling was puzzled. “Wait, are we the leading ladies here? Does that mean you, a major movie star, are just an ornament?”

If she and Tang Shiqi wanted to drive the ratings, they would need to become popular, but could they ever outshine him?

However, recalling Yu Zhou’s knack for bringing good fortune, Xue Ling couldn’t help but respond with a wry smile, “Well then… I’ll take that as a good omen?”

…

Although the project Yu Zhou chose had undergone some changes, it couldn’t reverse the dire situation of Yu’s father’s company, which was still on the brink of bankruptcy.

Yu’s father was the actual controlling shareholder of Yu Zhou’s studio, while Yu Zhou only held a symbolic stake of just over ten percent. According to the original plot, Yu’s father would disregard Yu Zhou’s wishes and forcibly sell the studio to fill the financial gaps in his own company.

The secretary reported to Fu Yunshen about the current state of Yu Zhi Technology, a company that had been losing money for a long time and should have been eliminated by now. However, it had barely managed to survive due to the profits from Yu Zhou’s studio, but now it was at its breaking point.

Of course, the secretary didn’t believe Fu Yunshen was interested in this small, failing company. He continued, “Additionally, I’ve learned that President Yu is in contact with people from Tianchen. It seems he’s looking to sell the studio.”

Fu Yunshen gave a few brief instructions: “Have Huanyu set up a project team; we must acquire Yu Zhou’s studio. Also, send two people to make contact with the studio. Yu Zhou’s contract can be modified, and…”

The secretary lowered his head and took notes. The only thing of real value in the studio was Yu Zhou’s contract. Selling the studio meant effectively selling Yu Zhou, so modifying the contract was a reasonable course of action.

【That’s right, Fifth Master! When it comes to your adorable cat, you should definitely give him the best contract possible!】

Fu Yunshen continued calmly, “And please appoint Yu Zhou as the Deputy Manager of the Huanyu Project Department.”

The system: 【？？？ My Fifth Master, what kind of unconventional strategy is this?】

The secretary suddenly looked up, puzzled. “???” What on earth? Isn’t this the three-time Golden Rooster winner? Why is he suddenly crossing over into project management?

He had to confirm again, “Sir, you mean the Deputy Manager of the Project Department?”

Fu Yunshen nodded, his expression unchanged. “That’s right. Go handle it.”

The secretary stumbled out of the office, his mind in a whirl. Why was the world so surreal? First, the cat chose a film, and now an award-winning actor was becoming a manager? His boss was truly unconventional in utilizing talent.

The system had to admit: 【Fifth Master is amazing! Plot reversal value: 25%.】

In the original storyline, Yu Zhou had always developed his career in the entertainment industry. The impending bankruptcy of his studio and its eventual sale was a major setback for him. However, once he was under Fu Yunshen’s wing, Fu Yunshen spoiled his beloved cat, leading to a series of sweet and heart-wrenching romantic developments.

Fu Yunshen mused: 【Instead of just pampering him, why not let him try being the president of Huanyu? Let’s see how it goes.】

…

At this time, a piece of information surfaced online: 【I heard that Yu’s company is facing a crisis, and Yu Zhou is preparing to sell the studio. Recently, he has been in contact with Tianchen.】

Tianchen is the largest investor in the major production “The Unmatched World.” Yu Zhou had already declined an invitation to star in a Huanyu film, which had made them somewhat dissatisfied. This leak was precisely something they had secretly released.

Although Huanyu is backed by the Fu family, the entertainment industry is not their main area of business. Compared to Tianchen, other entertainment companies lack competitiveness, making Tianchen the most likely candidate to acquire Yu Zhou’s studio in the short term.

Tianchen recognized that Yu Zhi Technology was eager for cash and ready to sell the studio at a low price. They also aimed to damage Yu Zhou’s reputation through this method to drive down the price.

This leak made people exclaim: 【Everyone has a day when they fall from grace.】

【It seems that the once-glorious Yu Zhou, who swept the major awards, will no longer shine.】

【What rises must fall; I never thought there would come a day when Yu Zhou would sell his studio.】

All kinds of haters and rival fans seized the opportunity to mock him.

【Hahaha, so it turns out a father would sell his son for money!】

【Now that the studio is being sold to someone else, I wonder if our lofty Yu Zhou still dares to act like a diva?】

【When he turned down ‘The Unmatched World,’ did he ever think his studio would be sold to Tianchen? Isn’t this a real-life version of: ‘Back then, you ignored me; today, you can’t reach me?】

【Yu Zhou, your koi persona can’t even protect itself; ‘Night Talk’ is bound to flop!】

【Yu Zhou, when you enter Tianchen and see their top guy, remember to call him ‘bro,’ haha. Does Yu Zhou still remember how he used to act like a diva back then?】

Although Yu’s father insisted on selling the studio and had already torn ties with Yu Zhou, he still had a bit of conscience, allowing Yu Zhou to choose which company to sell to.

Faced with Tianchen’s extremely unpleasant tactics, Yu Zhou received an invitation from Huanyu.

To be honest, Yu Zhou did not expect Huanyu to be interested in acquiring his studio. Because of his secret crush on Fu Yunshen, he had some understanding of the Fu family. While the Fu family was powerful, they did not intend to develop deeply in the entertainment industry. What exactly did his agent want to do?

However, selling to Huanyu was certainly better than selling to Tianchen, so he decided to discuss it. Yu Zhou brought his studio team to Huanyu for the meeting.

At the negotiation table, the representatives from Huanyu offered Yu Zhou’s studio very favorable terms. The two sides could be said to be enjoying a pleasant conversation, but the way everyone from Huanyu looked at Yu Zhou seemed a bit strange.

As the negotiation entered a break, some people went to the restroom, while others refilled their coffee.

Yu Zhou remained seated at the negotiation table, fingers intertwined, seriously contemplating what those people’s gazes meant. It was as if they had something they couldn’t wait to say. Everything Huanyu offered should have conditions attached, right?

Yu Zhou’s manager, Wang Ran, has already been bribed by Tianchen. Before Yu Zhou made his decision, he kept trying to persuade him, and now he lowered his voice, still unwilling to give up: “Xiao Zhou, think it over again. The Fu family’s focus isn’t even on the entertainment industry; it’s clear that Tianchen is more beneficial for the future development of your studio.”

“Moreover, the conditions offered by Huanyu are so favorable that they are likely harboring ulterior motives. When someone shows excessive goodwill without reason, it’s either a trap or a theft…”

Suddenly, a representative from Huanyu appeared behind Wang Ran, holding a cup of coffee: “Mr. Yu, please rest assured that the Fu family will provide Huanyu with a certain resource allocation.”

Wang Ran was startled, while Yu Zhou cast him a cold glance: “You’re too noisy.” Yu Zhou, who was already under the spell of his first love filter for Fu Yunshen, was irritated by Wang Ran’s continuous criticism of Huanyu.

The negotiations continued, and the Huanyu side elaborated on the various resource allocations that would be made after acquiring Yu Zhou’s studio.

Finally, they reached the crux of the matter. A group of people looked at Yu Zhou with eager eyes, as if anticipating his reaction: “However, we have a request for Mr. Yu.”

Here it comes. Yu Zhou had known that this wouldn’t be so simple. Given his top-notch looks in the industry, he had encountered all sorts of unspoken rules in the past. No one had ever made him back down, but with the current situation of the studio…

Yu Zhou slightly furrowed his brows. Would Fu Yunshen’s people also put him in this kind of predicament?

However, he only heard the Huanyu representative say, “We would like to invite Mr. Yu to serve as the deputy manager of the project department at Huanyu.”

Yu Zhou: “???”

The people in the studio: “???”

Seeing the bewildered expressions on Yu Zhou’s side, the Huanyu representative thought to himself that when they received this task, they had been just as shocked. Now they could finally witness the real Yu Zhou’s stunned reaction.

He raised a professional smile and instructed his assistant to distribute the documents: “Mr. Yu, this is the career development plan we have tailored for you at CHO.”

Yu Zhou took the document, and this atmosphere made him feel like he wasn’t in the entertainment industry but rather participating in some corporate executive recruitment.

He flipped through the document and saw a path that started from deputy manager, progressing to manager, and finally… Huanyu’s president???

Was this a joke?

…

The news about Yu Zhou’s studio sale was constantly brewing online. In the face of both good-natured and malicious attention from various parties, neither the studio’s official Weibo nor Yu Zhou’s personal Weibo showed any signs of activity.

It wasn’t until half a month later that Huanyu Media’s official account posted a Weibo announcement: 【Congratulations to Yu Zhou for becoming a member of the Huanyu family! Effective immediately, Yu Zhou will serve as the deputy manager of the project department at Huanyu Media…】

Netizens: 【？？？】

【What kind of magical cross-industry collaboration is this?】

【I bought your studio not to make you film for me to earn money, but to have you become a manager? What’s going on in the minds of Huanyu’s higher-ups?】

【This just shows that even the entertainment company officially thinks Yu Zhou really knows how to pick films; it’s laughable and absurd.】

【Huanyu! You’re bringing back a three-gold actor to be a manager? What a waste!】

【I was wondering how Yu Zhou would move forward after reaching this level in the industry, and now I know—he’s going to Huanyu to become a manager.】

【

Hahahaha, now Yu Zhou can act like a big shot anytime he wants, because everyone in the industry will have to call him—Manager Yu.】

【xswl, your Yu Zhou is still your Yu Zhou; the entertainment industry’s golden koi does not deceive me.】

【Haters, the entertainment industry’s golden koi has been mocked by you for three years.

Did he flop?

No, he switched careers to become a manager.】