The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul

"Allow me to remind you, in the medical field, the standards used to measure a person's worth aren't about grades, but more about how many studies they've done and the professional titles they've achieved."

Shen Yan felt a bit down, because honestly, how can you argue with the fact that medical school alone takes five years just for an undergraduate degree? If a medical student doesn't pursue a master's degree and train for two or three more years, they probably can't even get through the hospital department doors.

"Posting grades is merely a temporary fix, without other achievements to support it, it's easy for netizens to overturn it."

When it comes to debunking rumors, one must strike with precision so that the opponent can't recover, which is a crucial principle in the entertainment industry when fighting a war of public opinion.

"Better discuss this with Sister Luo and the boss."

Luo Lin naturally saw the overwhelming news and the negative messages mixed in on the internet. Surprisingly, she wasn't as flustered as expected. Instead, she calmed down, listening to Shen Yan with a composure unlike her usual self.

"Turns out she was right, the fox's tail has finally been exposed."

"...What?!"

Sister Luo, what exactly are you talking about? Are you sure you're reporting the same thing to me? Why does it feel like I don't quite get the drift?

Shen Yan felt that the gap between him and the boss was more than just vast.

"Nothing. For now, don't respond to this matter. Make sure to calm the fans down and avoid any trouble."

"Rest assured, Sister Luo, although the administrators make a fuss at times, they're the calmest group during these moments, and I guarantee they won't take any drastic actions."

Shen Yan's assurances were quite effective. In fact, all the Support Club groups were eerily quiet. Not a single person emerged to discuss the truth about this matter, and Tang Shu's Weibo was as silent as a chicken, with not a single message from the usual active commenters.

Of course, not many people on the internet noticed this point. After all, the gossip must be consumed promptly, and they're probably all analyzing whether Tang Shu's personal abilities match her impressive family background now.

"Of course they don't match. No matter how many awards she wins in the entertainment circle, it's not enough to surpass the Tang family's contributions to Eastern Country. I believe everyone should deeply feel this."

In the Vast Entertainment lounge, Feng Yan was polishing her manicured nails while discussing the matter with her manager.

"For those of us mingling in this circle, who doesn't know the twists and turns within? We just look glamorous on the surface."

Standing at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, Feng Yan understood this all too well, her face full of sarcasm, her eyes brimming with mockery.

The manager was silent for a moment, then nodded tacitly in agreement.

"I understand. But why did you decide to make a move now? I recall that you never really considered Tang Shu as a threat... Sure, she's young and talented, but even with her strong background, it would take her years to reach your current level."

The manager was genuinely puzzled about this.

When they first returned to the country, they noticed Tang Shu. Firstly, because this young girl was indeed charming enough to attract attention, and secondly because she had an inextricable connection with Luo Lin.

This inevitably led Feng Yan to pay attention to her for a while.

However, this attention didn't last long, as Feng Yan soon got involved in filming a drama, until the "Cloud Gate Wind and Cloud" production team announced its formation.

"What are you thinking? I don't think now is a good time to act against Tang Shu."

What was she thinking?

Feng Yan paused in her nail grooming, her eyes turning sharp.

"She's too outstanding, even more so than I imagined."

The filming of "Cloud Gate Wind and Cloud" took over three months, and there weren't many scenes where the leads clashed directly, which meant she never faced Tang Shu directly. Many scenes were shot at different times.

But who was Feng Yan? Her acting skills were already top-notch, and just from a few scenes, she could see Tang Shu's understanding and grasp of her character.

At least she's certain of this: Tang Shu turned down the female lead role to choose this second lead because the character was more challenging for her.

Especially after having a few conversations with Tang Shu, Feng Yan realized, despite being a decade older than her, she couldn't gain any upper hand. Only then did she realize that Tang Shu wasn't just a high-potential, pretty-faced junior but rather a formidable young talent who could leave her behind.

"But none of this matters anymore,"

Feng Yan said, "Tang Shu has no chance to turn the tables, forever."

This was a deadlock.

At least to Feng Yan, and even to most netizens, it was an unsolvable problem. No matter how excellent Tang Shu was, she couldn't surpass the legacy of the Tang family. Even though nowadays everyone is equal, and artists can earn money that others can't even touch despite trying hard, in terms of social status, they still can't compare to certain professions.

Even if Tang Shu reached the top of the entertainment circle, she still couldn't surpass the influence of the Tang family on everyone.

The manager was silent for a moment, privately sighing in his heart.

Killing with a borrowed knife, this round of public opinion seemed not to impact Tang Shu much, but it completely negated her efforts. When people mentioned her, they would instinctively think of this.

What, you're saying even though Tang Shu is from the Tang family, she has the right to choose her own profession?

Of course, she does, and she certainly made that choice, but so what, she still can't surpass her ancestors, right?

***

As predicted by Feng Yan, who thought Tang Shu couldn't turn the tables, Tang Shu was currently out shopping with her boyfriend.

"This is the place; Tiantian ordered fabric here before."

"Are you sure about making four outfits? Isn't that too much trouble?"

"It's not. Actually, it won't take long. I don't have any classes now, nor any TV dramas to shoot, so I'm quite free."

As for why they were visiting a fabric store, we have to go back a few days. Mother Lin Yunlan was quickly persuaded by another lady, and after a few encounters, they set up a dinner date for both families.

Of course, Father Tang must be informed.

He snorted for quite a while, grudgingly agreeing, with the condition stated in a rather proud manner.

"I'm a wild man living on a mountainside day and night; I don't have decent clothes. My daughter must make something proper for me."

This was a request Tang Shu would definitely agree to—not because she's rushing to get engaged, but simply because it was a request from her dear father. Upon hearing this, Ms. Lin was utterly displeased.

What, her daughter could actually make clothes? Handmade?

Of course, she must have one!

When Ms. Lin called her dear friend and future in-law to chat, she unintentionally boasted. Upon hearing this astonishing news, Ms. Xie was thoroughly shocked.

What, the future daughter-in-law could actually make clothes, by hand? Wait a minute... no wonder her son has two particularly cherished outfits, cherished to the point of washing them himself!

Case, closed!