Chapter 55: Chapter 55 - Fifty-Five: Persuasion

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“It says ‘as disclosed by Yun Liu.’ Did it mention how and in what form? Is there a video?” Yun Nan asked.

Xiao Gui shook his head no, and said indignantly, “What a dastardly trick!

Should someone—us, for example—try to counter this rumor, the other party— *cough* Yun Liu *cough*—will deny having done such a thing and push the blame onto the media for posting hearsay and quoting her out of context. If we sue the publisher, all they will do is give a perfunctory public apology; it won’t have much impact on the damage done. Although this post won’t do us any serious harm, it will tarnish your public image. How disgusting!”

After a moment’s thought, Yun Nan patted Xiao Gui’s shoulder and reassured him, “Don’t take it to heart. Screen capture and save all of these rumors and comments on the Internet. The ones pulling the strings will get antsy when we don’t respond. We’ll let the rumor build up steam and then clear my name during our press conference for the filming of ‘4-30 P.M.’ Clarifying this matter before the press like that will be far more effective than replying to the posts and comments online one by one. The most important thing now is to record and keep the evidence. We’ll show them we’re not doormats; they picked the fight, but vvél/be the ones to finish it.”

Xiao Gui clenched his fists and growled, “When I’ve collected all the evidence,

I’ll make those scumbags regret everything they did!”

The two of them trawled the Internet for negative comments and posts against Yun Nan and her studio that had appeared everywhere. Yun Nan knew that this was again Yun Liu’s doing; she must have spent quite a bit secretly hiring all these internet trolls. Yun Nan felt it wasn’t worth it to waste time and energy on people like Yun Liu.

Yun Nan checked the time and went to look for Shi Xiu. She was worried that Mika and her scriptwriters might really succeed in convincing Shi Xiu to become an actress; she didn’t know how she would explain it to the Shi family if their Young Miss suddenly decided on such a career path after their play date.

Yun Nan found Shi Xiu sporting a pair of reddened eyes. She glared at the trio for upsetting the girl—paying extra attention to their leader, Mika. Annie and Meida turned their heads away, and Mika ignored her as he leaned back in his chair and stared into space.

When they left the conference room, Yun Nan patted Shi Xiu’s shoulder and told her, “Mika is a casting director. It’s his job to find actors for his character roles, and he has a glib tongue, so don’t you believe a word out of his mouth. Shi Xiu, you’re welcome to learn Miss Ann’s craft here anytime you’re interested but don’t make hasty decisions and become an actor just because you’re touched! Besides, your relatives may support you if you wish to learn a craft, but it’s another thing if you want to become an actress.”

Shi Xiu didn’t respond and just walked ahead silently. Yun Nan quickly grabbed her hand and shook it. “Shi Xiu, what’s the matter?” she asked.

Shi Xiu looked up at her, and her eyes reddened further. “Yun Nan, I read your novel ‘4:30 P.M.’ It’s terrible what happened to Xiao Yao; I feel so bad for her.”

Yun Nan couldn’t believe this; in the end, Mika still got his hands on Shi Xiu. Empathizing with the character was the basic quality of an actor.

Shi Xiu softly sighed and commented, “I’ve always thought a story is just a story. Although stories are inspired by life, they’re also brought into creation by their authors’ imagination. I didn’t expect… When Mr. Mika shared his analysis and understanding of the characters in that story with me, my heart bleeds for them.”

“Yun Nan, can someone who isn’t formally trained act in a film?” Shi Xiu earnestly inquired. Yun Nan facepalmed and thought, ‘Mika is going to get it tomorrow!’

“Mr. Mika said that acting is a talent, and you don’t have to be professionally trained to be an actor. I want to give it a try,” Shi Xiu stated, her mind made up.

“Hey, hey, hold up one second!” Yun Nan quickly halted that train of thought. “Shi Xiu, you need to consider this carefully. You—you have to discuss this with your grandfather and your parents when you get home. You have to get their approval, or I won’t allow this. You need your family’s approval—and don’t forget your brothers, too.” Yun Nan hoped that bringing in her relatives would quash Shi Xiu’s idea of becoming an actress.

Shi Xiu didn’t say a word. She quietly got into her car and waved goodbye to

Yun Nan. Yun Nan sighed as she watched her drive away. She wondered if Shi Nian would fly into a rage if he found out about this. Her intuition told her that the Shi family wouldn’t be willing to let their only daughter take on an acting career.

Yun Nan looked at the time and hurriedly started her car. She had to go to the supermarket to buy groceries; dinner would be late if she didn’t head off now.

Yun Liu looked at the information Miss Ding gave her and nodded lightly.

“You can rest assured,” Miss Ding simpered. “We’re very discreet this time. We’ve spread the rumors separately, bit by bit. Her people can’t hold us responsible; they have no proof. Before long, everyone will believe the tale, and there’s nothing they can do against public opinion. Their reputation will be ruined before the movie even starts filming. Actually, it’s best to wait until they’ve finished filming before turning the public against them; then, they can’t even sell the copyright. The movie would be a flop! Hmph!” “Then what are you waiting for?” Yun Liu asked impassively.

“Yes, of course. I’ll get to it immediately,” Miss Ding hastily answered.

“Keep this from my brother,” Yun Liu said with a frown. “I don’t want him to know I’m the one behind this.”

“Isn’t Mr. Yun on our side?” Miss Ding asked, confused.

Yun Liu frowned. ‘ Who knew what was going on with that fool recently? she inwardly griped. She felt Yun Zhang’s attitude towards Yun Nan had changed slightly; he was beginning to speak up for her.. ‘Men are all unreliable, brothers

included!’